Nation could split states into 16 new units under Brunn plan
Geographer Stanley D. Brunn of Michigan State proposes consolidating the 48 states into 16 regions to reflect economic, social, and political commonalities. He suggests new names such as Pacifica, North Plains, South Plains, Yankee, Empire, and Tropicana, noting practical obstacles and that the idea is mainly to spark discussion about regional identities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Stanley D. Brunn
Michigan State University
Brunn
Rocky
Angelina
North Plains
Central Plains
South Plains
Industry
New South
Gulf Coast
Yankee
Empire
Mid-Atlantic
Carolina
Tropicana
Dr. Brunn
Should Seatbelt Use Be Made Mandatory
Congressional Quarterly surveys the belt debate as homage to highway safety. It notes potential lives saved and injuries reduced if belts were compulsory, cites Puerto Rico and Brooklyn Ohio as real examples, and tracks state proposals in California Wisconsin Ohio and New Jersey plus federal incentives and a House conference.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Puerto Rico
Brooklyn
Ohio
California
Wisconsin
New Jersey
Department of Transportation
House
Senate
Seat belt rules debated amid safety studies
Congressional Quarterly notes that mandatory belts may be unnecessary if drivers buckled up yet only about a third of Americans do so and just one in twenty uses the belt. Ignition interlocks for 1974 cars may push adoption, but many vehicles lack the system. Studies show seat belts reduce deaths and injuries, saving billions in costs and grieving families.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ashington
Department of Transportation
Congress
United States
People urge Cedar Rapids Bever Park Zoo reforms
A reader protests the Bever Park Zoo in Cedar Rapids for cruel conditions and dangerous neglect. Bears and monkeys suffer from fires broken glass and thrown drugs as calls grow for year round humane facilities and funding from revenue sharing money.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bever Park Zoo
Parks Department
Nue
Cedar Rapids
Recreation Department
Cherry Hill
Gazette editorials invite public opinions under rules
The Gazette editorial page welcomes readers letters limited to 400 words and one per writer every 30 days. Submissions may be condensed or edited to preserve meaning, not published anonymously, and should include the writer's telephone number for authentication alongside name address and a readable signature.
AMA resists new medical schools to curb physician supply
A reader claims the AMA blocks new medical schools to keep meat and egg prices high. The note suggests the group lobbies for a low cholesterol diet to curb illnesses, arguing fewer doctors would be trained and food stay affordable for the public. The letter adds a conspiratorial quip about a "little bug" ensuring the plan succeeds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
AMA
Opinion: Good End Bad Means on Seatbelt Use
The Gazette argues against coercive seatbelt laws and for personal responsibility in safety. It contends voluntary education suffices, since belt use benefits individuals most, and government coercion risks eroding freedom while failing to prevent injuries in multi vehicle crashes. It warns officials seek to pad statistics rather than protect liberty.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S
U. S
Debate on seat belt mandates and personal freedom
The piece argues that highway deaths are tragic but emphasizes personal choice in wearing seat belts. It questions belt safety, potential injuries in crashes, enforcement feasibility, and constitutional limits on government power to compel individuals to use safety devices, invoking personal responsibility over restraint laws.
Nixon Defends Executive Privilege Against Ervin Tapes
The Nixon administration rejects releasing taped presidential calls to the Ervin committee and special prosecutor, arguing executive privilege. The piece notes calls since 1971 include Nixon and Dean, and suggests private meetings with the Watergate panel could bolster public trust. It warns the privilege stance may undermine Nixon’s own ability to exercise executive powers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ervin Committee
Special Prosecutor
Nixon
John Dean
Also Mentioned on This Page
She Gedur Rapids
Suzette
Current
National Observer
Towa
Texas
Iowa
North Heartland
South Heartland
Louis Harris
Harris Survey
Decatur
Ill
Chicago Tribune
New York News Syndicate
Louis
Harris
Congressional Quarterly
the People's Forum
the Gazette
Eral
Richard Kleindienst
Executive Branch
Watergate Committee
Ervin
Newspaper Enterprise Association
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