UPDATE ~ Confirmation hearings begin for Bush UN nominee News
UPDATE ~ Confirmation hearings begin for Bush UN nominee

[JURIST] John Bolton [official profile], President Bush's nominee for US ambassador to the UN, appeared Monday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee [official website]. Senate Democrats largely oppose Bolton, who has been criticized for his statements on the irrelevance of the United Nations. In his opening statement Monday, Bolton pledged to work to both strengthen and reform the UN in light of recent scandals. Bolton also dismissed questions about allegations involving the improper reassignment of a State Department analyst. The hearing was interrupted briefly when three protesters holding signs shouted "No on Bolton," and other slogans. Reuters has more. Read Monday's statement from commitee chairman Senator Richard Lugar [official website].

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.