Fountains at the White House dyed green

As you would figure, some on the right are all a froth over "pollution" and/or inappropriate celebration in "these dire economic times". Bah.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is going green for St. Patrick's Day.

The water in the fountains on the north and south lawns of the White House has been dyed green to mark the national holiday of Ireland.

First Lady Michelle Obama came up with the idea for the festive touch, said spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. She was inspired by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in her hometown of Chicago, where the city marks the holiday by dyeing the river green.

"It's a little piece of home for our new home," said Lelyveld, who is also from Chicago.

Lelyveld said it's the first time the water in the White House fountains has been dyed. The green hue will stay until the dye runs outs.

Added-

Happy St Patricks Day!

I love Ireland, but I love Dublin more.

A numerical look at things Irish-American-related

• 36.5 million: Number of U.S. residents claiming Irish ancestry in 2007
• Over 4 million: Population of Ireland
• $56,966: Median income for households headed by an Irish-American in 2007, over $6,000 higher than for all households
• $26.2 billion: Value of U.S. imports from Ireland between January and October of 2008
• $7.4 billion: Value of U.S. exports to Ireland during that same time period