WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he’s changing the name of the tallest mountain in North America from Mount McKinley to Denali.
He’s giving the mountain its traditional Alaska Native name on the eve of a historic presidential visit to Alaska.
Denali is an Athabascan word meaning “the high one.” The name has long been a sore spot for Alaskans, who have informally called the 20,320-foot mountain Denali for years.
The mountain was named after former President William McKinley. There have been several efforts by Alaska politicians change it to Denali. But politicians from McKinley’s home state of Ohio have opposed changing the name.
Obama is citing the Interior Department’s authority to change the name.
Obama departs Monday for a three-day visit to Alaska aimed at focusing attention on climate change.
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Faux Outrage in 3…2…1…
Because the baggers KNOW Denali is a village in Kenya.
Let them rename the highest spot in Ohio for McKinley. Campbell Hill, at 1550 feet, is actually within the city of Bellefontaine. Next year, I’m going to attempt the summit without oxygen. In winter.
Palin’s gonna blow a gasket.
If the President is doing this just to piss off the right, I’m OK with it.
A fine, meaningful gesture, appreciated by any one who climbed it or even saw it in person–and of course, Native Americans.
And soon, the list of objects named for Democrats that the swamp wants to rename.