The Specials

Win VIP tickets

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

Skip Navigation

From The Times
December 10, 2002

A million greetings to y'all from your President

From Roland Watson in Washington
WHEN White House officials surveyed the full scale of President Bush’s Christmas card list, they offered a silent prayer to the self-adhesive stamp. He sent one million cards — the largest seasonal postbag ever sent from the White House.

The cards have been turning up in mail boxes across the country, a “thank you” to the thousands of Republican volunteers who helped Mr Bush to rewrite history in last month’s congressional elections, along with the traditional round of domestic and overseas political leaders. Postage alone — each envelope bears a 37 cents stamp — has cost $370,000 (£235,000).

But the date aside, there is little to suggest the card has anything to do with Christmas. It features an oil painting of a 1938 Steinway grand piano in the grand foyer of the White House, devoid of anything seasonal. Mr Bush’s greeting inside refers to the “holiday season” and the new year. It also quotes Psalm 100: “For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting.”

Print
Email
Bookmark and Share

Also in World News

Also in News

Swat Valley refugees

A local resident of Sultanwas in Buner, Pakistan, Abdul Rab stands by a fallen minaret of local mosque destroyed during fierce fighting between Pakistani security forces and militants

Thousands of Pakistanis return to Swat Valley

Slide Show

Comment    

Anthony Brenton
 

A simple way to promote democracy is to set up an international group that only truly democratic states can belong to  

More...
Tony Brenton

British troops

British troops of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guard in transport to a forward operating base in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The Times out on patrol with British soldiers in Afghanistan

Slide Show

Pictures of the Day

Indian troops parade for Bastille Day celebrations on the Champs Elysees on in Paris.

A selection of the best pictures from around the world

Slide Show

Comment Central

TV screens show the commemoration service for late pop star Michael Jackson in a store in Frankfurt, central Germany

Why TV makes you less, not more, violent

in depth

Orange jumpsuit

World Agenda

Times experts explain the issues behind the headlines

Most Read

Skip Most Read

Today

MOST COMMENTED

Skip Editor's Pick

Today

MOST CURIOUS

Skip Most Curious

Today

Focus Zone

Angel of the north

Northern Lights:

Win a luxury weekend to Newcastle and its neighbour Gateshead, find out more here

BT

Business Solutions:

Risk, resilience and embracing new technology

accenture

Need to Know:

Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast

Cisco

Business Wisdom:

Discover the power of collective thinking. Submit a solution and be in with a chance to win a Media Hub Home Entertainment System

Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs:

The inside track on current trends in the charity, not for profit and social enterprise sectors

ba business travel clouds

Business Travel:

Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip

rowing boats

Great British Summer :

Make the most of the summer and enter our fabulous photographic competition, you could win a £5000 holiday

Corsica

Corsica Travel:

Corsica is an island of beauty and contrast, an ideal holiday destination

More Reports

More reports:

Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more

previous next
The Singapore skyline pictured at night

Business city guides

Overseas contacts and local business information

Money symbol on computer key

Find an IFA

Find a local independent financial advisor

Financial Brochures

The Times Health Club

Time to get fit?

Track your fitness goals together with other members

Free credit report

Online credit history with CreditExpert from Experian

Sudoku

Online Sudoku with daily prizes

Popular Searches on Times Online

books | chess | crossword | fashion | football | formula 1 | Michael Jackson | need to know | obituaries | recipes | redundancy calculator | rich list | savings | science | sudoku | swine flu | twitter | university guide | wine | travel deals

Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles

Classifieds 

Cars

Skip Cars of the Week

Car leasing


The clever way to lease a new car is with Car leasing made simple™

New Audi A5 Coupe from £399.99 inc VAT

2009
per month on 36-month
Personal Contract Hire (PCH)

Jobs

Skip Jobs of the Week
Economist

£23,093 - £56,211
The Office for National Statistics
Newport, South Wales

Finance & Corporate Services Manager

£60,000
The Environment Agency
Bristol

Programme Manager

Up to £90K
Boots
Midlands

Sales Professionals

OTE £85k
Credit Protection Association
Nationwide Opportunities

Properties

Rushmore Condo's

Luxury Condo's in Manhattan with NYC views

Diadem Homes

The best new homes in Wimbledon?

Holidays

Skip Travel of the Week

Virgin Atlantic 2009 Cruise Deals

Fabulous Cruise And Cruise & Stay Offers Including Virgin Atlantic Flights Prices Start From Only £699pp!


Amazing Cruise Deals With Virgin Holidays Cruises

Last Minute Cruise And Cruise & Stay Offers. Med From £499pp, Caribbean From £699pp!


5 * Moscow break from £499 pp inc flights

5 star quality at a 3 star price.


Canada for Less.. fly from £129 one way inc taxes

8 fabulous Canadian cities ...you won’t find cheaper


Place your advert now