They All Scream for Ice Cream in D.C.
For Sweeney, the Old Dues Pay Off
When the Service Employees International Union split from the AFL-CIO last week, some wondered how John Sweeney , who ran SEIU before taking over the AFL-CIO, could still run for president of the umbrella group without being a member of an eligible union. Turns out he had a backup union card from the Office & Professional Employees International Union. The story: Back in the 1960s, he was in the ladies' garment union, and through mergers he rose to become an exec. And union executives are represented by OPEIU. Sweeney renewed his dues in January. Incidentally, the garment workers union eventually became part of UNITE, which boycotted last week's AFL-CIO election of Sweeney.
Injured, but Still Able to Serve
Army Surgeon General Kevin Kiley has escorted President Bush around Walter Reed Army Medical Center many times, giving injured soldiers, some missing limbs, a little face time with the commander in chief. Once, Kiley says, a soldier begged to remain in the Army. "He can stay in the Army, right?" Bush asked. "I said, 'Yes sir, I believe he can,' " Kiley recalled. Actually, that wasn't the case until recently. The rules were that soldiers who lost limbs in battle had to go. Now Kiley says the rules have changed, and soldiers can stay in. Still, given a choice of staying or taking generous retirement and disability benefits, only 12 of the thousands eligible have re-upped.
A Performer and A Devoted Fan, Too
Secretary of State Condi Rice isn't just a policy wonk who vegges out to Monday Night Football . Pals say the accomplished pianist also likes to hang out at the Kennedy Center's music hall. They say she often tries to "wrangle tickets."
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With Suzi Parker and Julian E. Barnes
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