Bolton faces Senate confirmation hearing for UN appointment News
Bolton faces Senate confirmation hearing for UN appointment

[JURIST] John R. Bolton [official profile], the State Department official who is President Bush's nominee for US Ambassador to the United Nations, faces questioning Monday before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee [official website] before a confirmation vote that is currently expected Thursday. Bolton, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security [official website], has a reputation as a blunt speaker and has often been accused of lacking tact and the necessary skills for effective diplomacy. His critical comments about the UN system have made him the target of recent criticism, although supporters argue he could help the cause of UN reform already embraced by the UN leadership. Republicans currently control the Foreign Relations Committee 10 – 8, and Bolton's nomination is expected to be approved along party lines. Nomination hearings begin at 9:30 AM EST. Watch live coverage of the hearings direct from the Committee, and review the notice of hearing. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.