by Mark Silva
The greening of the O'Bama White House is complete.
Down to the fountains.
They are flowing green on the North and South Lawns today, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, at the request of First Lady Michelle Obama.
On a day in which the president is accepting a bowl of shamrocks from the leader of Ireland, a day on which the president has appointed Pittsburgh Steelers owner Daniel Rooney as ambassador to Ireland, the first lady suggested some fountain dye as an added touch.
The Chicagoan drew her inspiration from her home town, which of course dyes the Chicago River green on this festive day.
"It's a little piece of home for our new home," said Katie McCormick Lelyveld, spokeswoman for the first lady, and another Chicagoan.
This marks the first time the White House fountains have been dyed, the spokeswoman says, with plans to keep it that way until the dye runs dry.
(AP photo of North Lawn fountain by Ron Edmonds)
Comments
I can't wait to see what Barry does for Ramadon.
Posted by: BDD | March 17, 2009 12:22 PM
Ah, yes, there are Chicagoans in the White House! Break out the green beer and Shamrock Shake martinis!
Posted by: Holly | March 17, 2009 12:28 PM
This is another indication of an immature and unprofessional presidency. Please Stop It!
Posted by: Lois | March 17, 2009 12:47 PM
So much for the Obama's being concerned about the environment! Do they really think the green dye is ok?!
Just another example of how career politicians end up talking out of both sides of their mouth to get elected...
Posted by: Mary Jo | March 17, 2009 12:49 PM
"I can't wait to see what Barry does for Ramadon.
Posted by: BDD | March 17, 2009 12:22 PM"
BDD, what is "Ramadon?" I know what Ramadan is, is this "Ramadon" new?
An ignorant comment from an ignorant person...If you're going to post ridiculous statements, at least give the facade that you know what you're talking about.
Posted by: SFK | March 17, 2009 12:57 PM
Wow, all the crabby people in my home town. When is winter going to end? Go Obamas
Posted by: Chi Nana | March 17, 2009 12:57 PM
Hey BDD, it's spelled "Ramadan," you ignoramus! Still smarting about the fact that your guy lost, huh?
Posted by: Marty | March 17, 2009 1:03 PM
Necessary cost?
Posted by: kins | March 17, 2009 1:05 PM
Atta way, Michelle.
You're making all the Irish in Chicago very proud.
Posted by: Stacey | March 17, 2009 1:12 PM
I hope everybody remembers St. Joseph's day on Thursday!
Posted by: Bob Kastigar | March 17, 2009 1:25 PM
Another example of how refreshing the Obamas are!
Posted by: kim | March 17, 2009 1:31 PM
Really Mary Jo, the environmental impact of green dye on the White House fountains somehow undermines President Obama's credibility? Because the potential poisoning of White House birds with green food coloring might cause the collapse of the global ecosystem.
Let's save our efforts for actual issues-based concerns, shall we?
Posted by: Kevin | March 17, 2009 1:36 PM
Why not, they're running the place like Cook County anyway.
Posted by: vla | March 17, 2009 1:37 PM
ho hum all you grouches. you know the saying - "all work and no play...". not like it's taking time from the president's day. everyone needs a smile.
Posted by: bh | March 17, 2009 1:44 PM
How tasteless.
Posted by: TCrawford | March 17, 2009 1:45 PM
Are they going to dye it puke green with a hint of blood red to celebrate the night of/ day after this quasi-holiday?
What a complete waste.
Posted by: Geno | March 17, 2009 1:54 PM
For heaven's sake! It's VEGETABLE dye! Probably cost $5 tops. Won't hurt a thing. Frankly, I think a green fountain was a 'fun' idea and sure to please every Irishman.
Posted by: Pooch | March 17, 2009 1:55 PM
I am not surprised that the party that gave us Sarah Palin and George W. would not know how to spell "Ramadan".
Posted by: Darryl | March 17, 2009 2:01 PM
It is about time we brought a little down home in the White House. How can dyeing the fountain be environmentally toxic or in bad taste. All I read is from a brunch of whining children who are so spoiled with the status quo and must rebuke any attempt at freshness and originality. You poor things. I hope your miserable existence can survive the breath of new air
Posted by: Steve | March 17, 2009 2:16 PM
Today everyone is a little bit
Irish, except, of course, for the gays and the Italians
Posted by: Kent O'Brockman live on Main Street | March 17, 2009 2:20 PM
"Hey BDD, it's spelled "Ramadan," you ignoramus! Still smarting about the fact that your guy lost, huh?"
Please stop! You just might hurt my feelings.
Posted by: BDD | March 17, 2009 2:29 PM
The fountains are running green, having been dyed with the shredded $s Obama & 62 members of the Senate just stole from the U.S. taxpayers.
ba-bump-bump.
Posted by: O-Bummer | March 17, 2009 2:32 PM
Just amazing that anyone could make a negative comment about such a fluff piece action and piece of news. The dye has no environmental impact, so one idiot is completely off base. I'm surprised someone hasn't asked how much a couple no-toxic dye packs cost the federal government. Idiocy runs rampant...news at 11:00!
Posted by: Aaron | March 17, 2009 2:34 PM
Necessary cost?...get real...how about the iraq war I'm sure that was a "necessary cost"
Posted by: Gibler | March 17, 2009 2:40 PM
How cute. More "change" for us all to believe in.
Posted by: Les | March 17, 2009 2:40 PM
If the chicago rivers Green. The fountain at the white
house should be too.
Posted by: steven | March 17, 2009 2:49 PM
As president of the Irish American Club of Washington, DC it makes me very proud to have a touch of green added to OUR white house. After all, March is Irish Heritage month, all month long! I wish the Obamas had been able to attend the great parade in DC this past weekend!
Posted by: Diane Lynch Chaney | March 17, 2009 3:00 PM
I am not surprised that the party that gave us Richard Daley, Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris, Jesse Jackson (pick one), Luis Gutierrez,tax cheats Daschle and Geithner...
would want to dye the fountains the color of money.
Posted by: Larry | March 17, 2009 3:09 PM
I'm sure Bin O'Laden is enjoying some corned beef and cabbage, relishing in his 7 years of freedom under George Bush.
Posted by: Just Walking | March 17, 2009 3:16 PM
As an Irish-American I am very pleased and touched by the First Family's gesture.
Posted by: kelly | March 17, 2009 3:22 PM
Can't any of you just enjoy the holiday and be happy? Must you always ruin all the good in the world by trashing a symbolic gesture? I'm sure you wouldn't mind if he was honoring your heritage, but when it is ours, you scream. I for one like it..
Posted by: Sean Jones | March 17, 2009 3:24 PM
It's just a bit of fun. And in these days, with this economy, we need some chuckles.
Posted by: lynn2mary | March 17, 2009 3:31 PM
Does everything have to be so serious all of the time? Congrats to the White House staff for bringing in some fun new stuff.
Posted by: teresa | March 17, 2009 3:39 PM
Cheap and cheerful (as Rachel Ray might say!) Michelle Obama is WONDERFUL!
Posted by: Kate | March 17, 2009 3:42 PM
The Beverly Hillbillies come to the white house.
Posted by: Jack | March 17, 2009 3:47 PM
I am not an Obama supporter in any stretch of the imagination, but.....
I say this is a pretty cool thing for Michelle O to do. Not only does it pay respect to the citizens of Irish decent, but brings a touch of appreciation for what St Patrick's day is about.
Maybe a new tradition has been started? has my vote.
Posted by: Geno | March 17, 2009 4:03 PM
What a bunch of fuddy duddies some of you are! So ya have a hard time with the showin' o' the green, do ya? Well I love it and it surely does freshen up the atmosphere to have a light touch during some very difficult times with regard to "green stuff"( as in money).
Poor taste you say? Get real! Poor taste is killing babies and women in the name of a war which never needed waging and poor taste includes torturing people. Actually that is bad taste- really bad- one which leaves a serious after taste as they say. A taste of dust and ashes in the mouths of those who have had to see it and feel it and hear about it for 6 years.
Posted by: Goldilocks | March 17, 2009 4:19 PM
Damn, just thing of the complaining and whining of some people when Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas comes. I am more concern about fare increase and reduce services on CTA/RTA.
Posted by: George | March 17, 2009 4:28 PM
Wait a minute.. I have nothing against Irish People. .but ..they’re people from 160 –some ting Countries in the US. Will theirs heritage be celebrated in “White House”? Nooooooo.!!!! This is all about Chicago mafia CEO Mayor Daley “heritage”.
Posted by: TAD | March 17, 2009 4:30 PM
Are they going to allow people to relieve themselves and be passed out in and around the fountain to give it the full St. Patrick's day in Chicago effect?
Posted by: Vinny | March 17, 2009 4:31 PM
"I'm sure Bin O'Laden is enjoying some corned beef and cabbage, relishing in his 7 years of freedom under George Bush. "
Add on the years Clinton gave him when he let him go free.
Posted by: Dale | March 17, 2009 4:59 PM
Ya got to be mighty petty to be whining about this. Really.
Posted by: Flo | March 17, 2009 5:02 PM
The Beverly Hillbillies come to the white house.
Posted by: Jack | March 17, 2009 3:47 PM
I think you are a bit confused, the Beverly Hillibillies just left the White House and moved back to Texas with all the other hicks.
Posted by: Jed C. | March 17, 2009 5:04 PM
I'm serious, have you had a martini made with a Shamrock Shake? It's delicious!
Lighten up, people! Jaysis. This is no different than putting out pumpkins on Halloween, which, by the way, is a tradition that DOES have its roots in Irish culture.
Posted by: Holly | March 17, 2009 5:13 PM
Why is this crap in the Trib? Oh yea, that's right, they don't print anything negative about "dear leader". The phony AIG outrage was almost beleivable. I wonder if he'll try that schtik on Leno.
Posted by: MTM | March 17, 2009 5:19 PM
To SFK: Facade = Front portico, facia, front elevation, front wall, front (n) pretense. I don't think he was pretending to know what he was talking about and neither are you, duh!
Posted by: Ruth | March 17, 2009 5:19 PM
Whooooeeeeeeeeeee, who knew so many miserables were out there filled with the green...envy that is. Vinny and Geno, chill, you can pig out on lasagna on Thursday. Top o the mornin to the rest of ye.
Posted by: boomer | March 17, 2009 6:09 PM
Love Obama the peaceful Chicagoan.
He is for fairness to all ethnic groups.
No I am an Arab, not Irish.
Posted by: reza santorini | March 17, 2009 6:31 PM
Geee... where were all the complainers when shrub was having Easter Egg hunts in the Rose Garden? More hypocrisy from the whining losers from the land of WIngnuttia.
Posted by: I heart Schadenfreude | March 17, 2009 6:49 PM
Really, in these times, people could use some cheering up. This made me smile, and probably made other people smile too. The dye is safe and vegetable-based. There's nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Alice | March 17, 2009 8:54 PM
GO O'BAMA-I love the new administration!!
Rock on, Barack!
Posted by: Maureen | March 18, 2009 12:20 AM
Keep on, keeping on, President O' Bama. You and our first lady, your good wife, Michelle, are a vast improvement over the previous occupiers of our White House. Thank God, they returned to that dust bowl, Texas, safely !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, America | March 18, 2009 12:41 PM
man oh man what a bunch of miserable, hate - filled people. I can't believe that someone is actually bored enough to talk crap about dyeing a fountain for a short bit. yeah, thats all it was. I am Irish and when I heard of this a huge smile came about!! I can't see how this would make anyone mad?? you know what they say though, misery loves company so why don't all you nay sayers exchange numbers & have the most grand pity party ever! The rest of us are going to worry about important things and smile when we think of Michelle's sweet gesture! GET A LIFE PEOPLE!!
Posted by: alize ray | March 18, 2009 4:50 PM