Seat belt law signs into effect amid political clash
Governor Thompson signed the mandatory seat belt bill despite near even opposition in the General Assembly and public protests. The measure aims to save lives while potentially delaying airbags, with critics arguing it masks broader auto-safety aims and timelines. The piece decries political theater and urges firm enforcement plus a strong fine.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thompson
General Assembly
Illinois
Transportation
Elizabeth Dole
Detroit
U.S
Dole
New Jersey
Letters oppose seat belt law in Gov. Thompson bid
The Rev George E Roberts argues seat belts should be optional not required. He cites fears and past accidents where belts allegedly harmed victims and warns the governor should not press legislation that could criminalize cautious citizens. He appeals for personal choice and affordable belts for those with limited transit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinoisan
Gov. Thompson
Unemployment Solutions Called for By Chester Letter
A letter from A Elaine Cleiman of Chester argues for unemployment relief through policy changes. She cites church, political figures, and Pope John XXIII advocating family-focused work hours, incentives for shorter weeks, and broader hiring by unions and private sectors to reduce layoffs. She urges less self interest and more collective action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Falwell
John XXIII
Jesus Christ
Elaine Cleiman Chester
Congress weighs regulating genetic engineering risks
Congress debates how to regulate genetic engineering as promises of cures and cleaner production collide with environmental fears. Key figures like Sen. Durenberger and Rep. Dingell push for safeguards amidst regulatory disputes, lawsuits, and EPA reclassification plans that could slow innovation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elizabeth Wehr
Congressional Quarterly
Congress
Washington
Dave Durenberger
R-Minn
John D. Dingell
D-Mich
Dingell
Durenberger
National Institutes of Health
NIH
Supreme Court
Monsanto
E.I. du Pont de Nemours Co
Robert A. Swanson
Genentech Inc
California
Good Housekeeping
Jeremy Rifkin
Stephen E. Lawton
Washington, D.C
Genentech
Reagan Administration
Albert Gore Jr
D-Tenn
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
Rifkin
Ronald Reagan
America
Frances E. Sharples
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Also Mentioned on This Page
Geneva
Leslie H. Gelb
New York Times
Switzerland
Moscow
George P. Shultz
Andrei A. Gromyko
Shultz
Gromyko
Robert C. McFarlane
Reagan
Konstantin A. Chernenko
United States
Europe
Shult
White House
George E. Roberts
Cambria
The
D. Douglas Roth
Southern Illinois
Paul Simon
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