|
December 19, 1969 |
Index |
|||||||
|
December 19, 1969 |
Index |
|||||||
As the year is coming to an end, it seems an appropriate time to look back and review the noteworthy events and trends of the past year.Space
Probably the 'biggest event of-the year and indeed the decade was the landing of man on the moon. On JuIv 20 Astronaut Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon and said- -This is one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind," the quote of the year. With the help of fellow astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collies, equipment was set up and excellent pictures world watched it all on TV. and marveled at the accomplishment. A similar, yet not as
novel mission was launched in November with astronauts Pete-Conrad, Alan Bean arid Richard Gordon.
New Administration
President Nixon was sworn into office in January and has now completed almost one full year of his term. His persistent appeal to the silent majority has caused mixed reactions soul resulted in what is felt by some to be a polarization of the people. Vice-president Agnew has become a somewhat controversial figure as he has stepped out of the customary silent role of the vice president to a highly vocal one.
President Nixon announced and put in effect a plan for gradual withdrawal of all ground and combat forces. Meanwhile in
Paris the peace-talks remained at a standstill.
Vietnam
The military has come under increasing fire and criticism. The Green Beret case in which a group of soldiers shot a South Vietnamese "spy" was brought to the.public.eye. An inquiry was made and charges were subsequently dropped.
The recent incident of alleged massacre of -South Vietnamese civilians by Americans have raised many questions and caused much dismay over the-war -and the military. Growing numbers have shown their disapproval and their desire for immediate withdrawal of all troops.,
Youth
A sizable majority of those protesting the war are college students. On October 15 a moratorium on business as usual was held across the nation: On November 15 a massive march was held in Washington with estimates of over 500,000 participants. Nixon claimed he "would not be at all affected" but the orderliness and sheer numbers were quite impressive. Moratorium plans on the local level are continuing for December and ensuing months.
Meanwhile on the college campuses. unrest manifested itself throughout the year. At Harvard, Fordham university, '\11T and others, students took over buildings in attempts to persuade or force the administration to change their stand on some issue. The most common complaint: the students did not have enough say in the affairs of the college
Woodstock was the site of a rock music festival, only one of many :during the year. 300,000 people -gathered on a New York farm to listen to the music of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Country Joe and the Fish, and several other singers and groups popular on the music scene.
Politics
On the political scene, the Supreme Court made an important decision when it rejected an appeal for a delay in the desegregation of schools in the South. The court ruled, that fifteen years of "all deliberate speed" was sufficient.
Speaking of rejection, the Senate rejected the appointment of Judge Clement Haynsworth to the Supreme Court by a vote of 55 to 45, thus dealing a direct blow to President Nixon.
Nixon overstepped Congress and signed an executive order for a draft lottery system to be initiated. Names and dates were placed. in bowls to determine the order of the draft calls. Sept. 14 being the first day drawn.
Sports
In the sports world Broadway Joe Namath led the AFL New York Jets to an upset victory over the NFL Baltimore Colts in the Super Bowl. The Boston Celtics, headed by Bill Russell, came through once again to win the NBA championship. The underdog Mets surprised everyone by winning the World Series. Washington coaching received a broost by the addition of Vince Lombardi and Ted Williams to the Redskins and the Senators respectfully.
