Vine star Skunksack

Events in 2001 and 20-6

Events in US in the birth year of Skunksack

• In final days of presidency, Bill Clinton issues controversial pardons, including one for Marc Rich, billionaire fugitive financier (Jan. 20).
• George W. Bush is sworn in as 43rd president (Jan. 20).
• U.S. submarine Greeneville sinks Japanese fishing boat, killing 9 (Feb. 9).
• FBI agent Robert Hanssen is charged with spying for Russia for 15 years (Feb. 20).
• Race riots in Cincinnati continue for several days following a shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer (April 7 et seq.).
• Four are declared guilty in 1998 terrorist bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (May 29). Background: U.S. Embassy Bombings.
• Balance of the Senate shifts after Jim Jeffords of Vermont changes his party affiliation from Republican to Independent. The move strips Republicans of control of the Senate and gives Democrats the narrowest of majorities (50-49-1) (June 5).
• Bush signs new tax-cut law, the largest in 20 years (June 7). Background: Economic Downturn and a Tax Cut.
• Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh executed (June 11).
• Budget surplus dwindles. The Congressional Budget Office attributes this rapid change in the nation's fortunes to the slowing economy and the Bush tax cut (Aug. 22). Background: Economic Downturn and a Tax Cut.
• Terrorists attack United States. Hijackers ram jetliners into twin towers of New York City's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashes 80 mi outside of Pittsburgh (Sept. 11). Toll of dead and injured in thousands. Within days, Islamic militant Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist network are identified as the parties behind the attacks.
• Anthrax scare rivets nation, as anthrax-laced letters are sent to various media and government officials. Several postal workers die after handling the letters (throughout October).

Birthday Skunksack (20-6) in history

• Day 20-6 year 1756: British soldiers were forced into Fort William, Calcutta, measuring just 4.5m x 5.5m. It is known as "Calcutta's Black Hole."
• Day 20-6 year 1782: The Great Seal of the United States was adopted.
• Day 20-6 year 1819: The 320-ton Savannah became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
• Day 20-6 year 1837: Queen Victoria ascended the British throne.
• Day 20-6 year 1863: West Virginia became the 35th state in the United States.
• Day 20-6 year 1893: Lizzie Borden, accused of murdering her parents, was found innocent by a jury in New Bedford, Mass.
• Day 20-6 year 1967: Muhammad Ali was convicted of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted.