Shoddy in defense spending risks national security
Waste and fraud threaten U S defense as congressional action boosts a massive arms package. The piece argues weapons often fail to work, costs soar, and bidding is noncompetitive with favored contractors, urging overhaul of Pentagon procurement before public funds are wasted.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harper's Monthly
America
Congress
Chicago Tribune
Pentagon
Reagan Administration
Defense Department
United States
Begin shifts US toward Saudi influence in Middle East
The Reagan administration relies increasingly on Saudi diplomacy and money to shape policy in the Middle East, despite no formal memorandum or NSC discussions. Officials note a high level of support for Saudi efforts, potential strains with Israel, and the Saudis’ leverage through finance and arms—while recognizing risks to the region’s stability and to U.S. theory of peace. President Reagan privately told Jewish leaders that Saudi Arabia is the key to extending peace beyond Israel and Egypt, asserting that peace requires their confidence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Leslie H. Gelb
New York Times
Washington
Saudi Arabia
Reagan
Middle East
National Security Council
Israel
Fahd
Riyadh
Pakistan
Sudan
Syria
Palestine Liberation Organization
Lebanon
United States
Tration
Beirut
Golan Heights
Begin
Sinai
United Nations
Southwest Asia
White House
Egypt
Pathless lives and paths in modern fate
The essay cites Pascal on Cleopatra and Mark Anthony to frame Gail Sheehy's Pathfinders idea. It argues crises shape happiness, yet most people lack control and face life’s unpredictability without a definite path, noting history links destinies to distant loves.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pascal
Cleopatra
Cleo
Mark Anthony
Roman Empire
Family Weekly
Gail Sheehy
Pathfinders
Ms. Sheehy
Ms. Sheey
Auto makers resist Clean Air Act limits amid pollution concerns
The American auto industry rejects reality by opposing stricter emission rules and seeking to weaken the 1970 Clean Air Act. Congress recessed without amending it, blocking a proposal to double carbon monoxide limits. Japanese firms advance cleaner designs as US public backs tighter standards. Lower interest rates and a rebounding economy loom, but consumers demand clean, energy efficient cars.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Washington
Four Laws for a High School Bond Plan
A reader argues against an $8 to $9 million bond for a new East campus high school. He cites four laws 20/20 hindsight false economy bricks and mortar and Truman's law to claim projected savings are unreliable and that building a new school won't automatically improve education. The letter urges clear public answers before a vote and questions central campus disposition.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern I Linoisan
Board of Education
District 165
Truman
Clarify stance on Carbondale CCHS consolidation questions
A reader objects to being labeled as opposing the Carbondale Community High School consolidation. The letter clarifies that they asked questions about economic drivers, student outcomes, growth limits, campus disposal, and funding, urging joint local action to set community priorities and improve Carbondale’s viability and educational quality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinoisan
Carbondale Community
Carbondale
CCHS
Cchs Ae
The rich get richer while the poor have children
Robert Wesson argues against the view that rapid population growth is harmless. He cites food limits, land distribution failures, and rising costs in Haiti, Burundi, Mexico, and the Third World, warning that sheer numbers strain housing, schools, and infrastructure, risking upheaval and authoritarian drift.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert Wesson
Hoover Institution
Suri Alam
Belgium
Singapore
Also Mentioned on This Page
Southern Illinois
U.S. Defense
U.S
Carter
Comet
Menachem Begin Ofsrael
Haiti
Burundi
Mexico
Latin America
Africa
Asia
Canada
Australia
Marxist-Leninists
Third World
Lima
Himalayas
Brazil
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