Israel's damning inquiry into Sabra and Chatilla massacre
A three man Israeli commission found officials failed to restrain the Phalangists and to act once murders began. It urged resignations including Defense Minister Ariel Sharon. the cabinet accepted the recommendations and Sharon resigned under political pressure. The report underscores accountability in a devastating crisis and offers a glimmer of democratic response amid tragedy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Beirut
Israel
Sabra
Chatilla
Begin
Tel Aviv
Supreme Court
Bashir Gemayel
Ariel Sharon
Sharon
Death record match exposes Social Security benefit leaks
A computer scan compared 6.7 million death records from VA NYC and 11 states including Iowa against Social Security files. It found 6 700 cases where one file showed death while the other showed alive and about 1500 checks went to the deceased, some cashed by relatives. Officials expect hundreds of millions more to be uncovered as more states finish cross checks. Prosecution and policy change, such as charging against cashed checks rather than issued, are urged to recover funds and deter abuse.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Veterans Administration
New York City
Iowa
Cooper Evans
Seats for Salons At Iowa Legislature Tickets Stir Controversy
Lawmakers can buy hard to get tickets to University of Iowa basketball games. Critics say 2500 donation guarantees seats and non contributors are shut out. Legislatures allocated about 140 million to U of I this year making average contributions near 1 million per lawmaker.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
University of Iowa
U of I
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids Budget Fight for Library Materials
In early March Cedar Rapids City Council will vote on the 1983 84 budget with a small book allocation for the Public Library. Per capita spending ranks Cedar Rapids last among Iowa’s eight largest public libraries and the collection is only 57 percent of the core ALA list. The author urges funding for materials to avoid an empty shell in a new library.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
American Library Association
Miracle of modern surgery praised in Gazette note
A reader thanks Doctors Meffert Strong Orcutt Payvandi and Schuchmann for a successful aortic valve replacement performed with family prayers and skilled care at St. Luke's. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare covered costs, and the writer credits the nursing staff and friends for support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
David M. Elderkin
Meffert and
Strong
Orcutt, Payvandi
Schuchmann
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Medicare
St. Luke's
Enforced handicap parking fines anger disabled caller
A disabled reader from Cedar Rapids describes a December 10 handicap parking ticket at Westdale Mall. She fought the $15 fine plus $6 costs, faced repeated court delays, and ultimately was told to pay or appear in court, voicing frustration at harassment of the elderly, the poor and handicapped.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Westdale Mall
Evolution theory confusion over horse ancestors debated
A reader critiques a Gazette piece on horse evolution, noting reliance on contested facts. The letter cites eohippus references and quotes from Wadington Rostand and others, arguing that evolution remains a theory not proven fact and should be presented cautiously to the public.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Science Newsletter
T.S. Westell
Durham University
British Association For the Advancement of Science
Edinburg
Letter defending Judge Harstad over tenant dispute
A reader defends Judge Harstad against criticism in the Feb letter about a tenant rent issue. The writer argues the judge understands the law, blames landlords for tenant problems, and urges readers not to judge until they have worn his moccasins and sat on his bench.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harstad
Iowa tax revolt against bureaucrats and bloated government
A political letter argues Iowa must cut government size and taxes, targeting bureaucrats in the D L Kimball era. It denounces higher taxes as growth of state bureaucracy and urges action to repeal withholding tax, shrink education agencies, and push for legislative reform. It asserts private money drives jobs and warns against national government overreach.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Department of Social Services
Rome
General Assembly
Eastern Iowa readers invited to share thoughts
Four periodic observations from thoughtful Eastern Iowans invite self expression. Topics are unlimited and views are their own. The column encourages community voices and personal reflections without editorial filtering.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Joe Hiadky III
the Gazette
Ome
oKal We
Evolution Theory
Gazette
C.H. Wadington
Edinburg University
Orion Book of Evolution
Jean Rostand
D.L. Kimball
Lowa
Longfellow
Iown
H.L. Mencken
Lincoln
Smokey
Edmund Burke
Fayette
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