Longwalling Good If Done Responsibly in Illinois
Franklin County residents face gradual subsidence as Old Ben Coal Co. proceeds with longwall mining under the Phillips property near Lesser. Circuit Judge Loren P. Lewis ruled the couple cannot stop the operation, which officials say will drop land three to five feet soon. Old Ben has often repaired any building damage, arguing longwalling preserves energy resources and reduces workforce needs, while opponents warn of environmental and structural risks in a subsidence-prone region.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jack
Stacie Phillips
Phillips
Longwall
Old Ben Coal Co
Benton
Loren P. Lewis
Old Ben
Phillips’ House
Lesser
Phillipses
Southern Illinois
Franklin County
America
Gateways to Cable Censorship and Parental Power
A Southern Illinois columnist argues against state censorship of cable content. He outlines three gates: parental choice to have TV, pay cable access, and parental authority to enforce rules. He warns censorship for religious reasons conflicts with freedom of expression and urges legislators to respect diverse viewpoints.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinois
Charles Goforth
R-Tamaroa
HBO
Cinemax
Showtime
Reagan's plan aims to transform the income tax system
President Reagan argues for wholesale tax reform to shrink government and promote growth. Critics say the plan risks higher taxes for states, mixed effects on savings and industry, and may stall Congress. The proposal includes a cap on interest deductions and favors small business while limiting state local tax deductions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Times
Washington
Ronald Reagan
Jimmy Carter
John F. Kennedy
Reagan
Congress
White House
New York
Trees are a gift from Mildred Williams in Springfield
Eliane K. Dawson Christopher recalls Mrs. Mildred Williams of Springfield who plants tree seedlings in her backyard to transplant in state parks and forests for future generations. The story echoes the Talmud teaching that one plants for those who come after, proving there is hope while such selfless acts continue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinoisan
Southern Ilinoisan
Mildred Williams
Springfield
Williams
Mrs. Williams
Eliane K. Dawson
Christopher
I am an alcoholic recovering from a life of drinking
A reflective confession recounts early drinking at age 12, numerous wrecks and incarcerations, and years in hospitals and prisons. The author credits Alcoholics Anonymous and other treatment centers with aiding recovery and urges readers to seek help, comparing alcoholism to cancer in its gradual harm.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinoisan
USA
Alcoholics Anonymous
Better jail than seat belts law sparks reader protest
A dissatisfied writer from Perry County urges repeal of Missouri’s mandatory seat belt statute. The letter claims legislators favor repeal moves, except Senator Dunn who did not reply, while Governor Thompson opposes repeal. The writer warns fines may fund a new jail and calls taxpayers to refuse payment and to contact lawmakers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinois
Thompson
Ralph Dunn
Charles Goforth
Bruce Richmond
Dunn
Perry
Sounds of Silence Are Sweetest in Public Spaces
A reader praises Brenda Sprague’s music feature in the Southern Illinois editorials. The letter argues music in public places is intrusive and should be confined to personal space, noting retailers often misjudge shopper comfort and suggesting Penney’s catalog section as a quieter example.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinois
Brenda Sprague
Inter
Taxpayers weigh 1986 military budget growth debate
New York columnist Tom Wicker analyzes the 1986 defense request, noting that inflation-adjusted appropriations rose to 95.7 percent of request from 1981 to 1985. He warns that weapon programs expand costs faster than inflation, and urges tightened budget caps to curb costly, underperforming systems while preserving military effectiveness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Wicker
New York Times
New York
Cuba
Philippines
Europe
Liberia
Pacific
Korea
Vietnam
Lebanon
Grenada
Center For Defense Information
Washington
Congress
Reagan
Navy
Pentagon
CDI
General Accounting Office
Armed Services and Appropriations Committees
Also Mentioned on This Page
By James T. Kilborn
Roger E. Brinner
Data Resources Inc
Franklin Roosevelt
Treasury
James A. Baker
Richard G. Darman
Penney’s
Brenda
Soviet Union
U.S
Sock
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