South Bend, September 1, 1974
The Atlantic Vanquished
The jet-plane has vanquished the Atlantic as a centuries-old barrier between Europe and North America. If one departs from the Charles de Gaulle Airport and then after several hours lands at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, one does not have the feeling anymore of having crossed an ocean, but of simply having passed a flight distance. However, although the geographical distance between America and Europe has shrunk to a few hours in the air, the outer and inner differences remain nonetheless standing. On the contrary, they may clash with each other all the more.
Nothing is more striking coming to Europe than the wealth of culture and the well kept beautiful landscape. But in contrast to this, there are the lethargy and crooked poverty, which is nesting in the alleys of the old cities as well as in the widespread tenement housing districts. This reverse side of European life frequently has a shocking effect on the visitor from America. The other way round, the European visitor coming to New York is at first surprised by the bustling activity and the modern lifestyle. On the other hand, he will soon become weary of the uniformity and feel disgusted by the dirt in the streets he just steps over. He will soon miss that he cannot move around afoot anymore. And he will at first be consternated by the amount of waste he sees at every turn.
South Bend, September 4, 1974
Exchange of Ambassadors
Between the United States and the DDR (German Democratic Republic or East Germany) treaties have been signed today in the State Department to establish mutual diplomatic relations. Without much ado and in a marked matter of fact attitude, the DDR has been recognized by the United States as a sovereign state. Thereby, hopes for reunification have been removed to a distant future. Apparently, the German partition has implicitly been accepted within the framework of détente. The enormous tragedy, which remains hidden behind the German destiny, is not being fully grasped abroad. Americans of German descent are now confronted with the dilemma whether they feel affiliated with the BRD (West Germany) or the DDR (East Germany).
South Bend, September 8, 1974
The Pardon
President Ford granted a general pardon that protects Richard Nixon from prosecution in the Watergate affair. The storm of indignation, which the pardon has unleashed, shows how much Watergate is still on people’s minds. The embitterment about it sits deep. It will certainly make itself felt in the upcoming congressional elections and possibly also influence the presidential election in 1976.
South Bend, [Middle of September], 1974
What the World Expects from America
More than ever before, the expectations of a major part of the world are concentrating on the United States. America should make peace in the Middle East, negotiate between Arabs and Israelis, and at the same time mediate between Greeks and Turks in the Cyprus crisis. The United States should maintain the nuclear shield to protect the entire Free World - Europe as well as Japan - against the East Bloc and China. But it should also import Volkswagen and Toyotas, although its own auto makers have a surplus of cars stockpiled. It should persuade OPEC to not further increase the price of crude oil; furthermore, to bring its trade deficit in order and fight inflation. The developing countries expect that America delivers food and at the same time stabilizes their bankrupt national budgets. Even the East Bloc countries expect from America technical assistance and long-term loans at low interest rates. How will America be able to afford all this? It sees itself more and more placed in the position of a wealthy uncle, who for some time now cannot deliver all that is expected from him.
South Bend, September 24, 1974
The Rockefeller Hearings
President Ford has recommended Nelson A. Rockefeller for the office of vice president. The hearings before the Senate Rules Committee to confirm his candidacy puts the personality of Rockefeller or “Rocky,” as people like to call him, in the limelight. Nelson Rockefeller proves to be a skilled politician who is guided by his convictions. He does not falter against the pointed questioning. He is known as a liberal from the conservative camp. He demonstrates his patriotism by referring to the Founding Fathers and quoting directly from the Federalist Papers. As the hearings are going, nothing should stand in the way that he will be confirmed as U.S. Vice President.
South Bend, September 29, 1974
A Union of the Fatherlands
The high expectations of the 1950s for a soon to come European union have rather given way to disappointment. Increasingly, the idea that Europe is coming together as a union of the fatherlands is having its way. This would be a compromise between a federal union and the national special interests of member states. It may well be the most comfortable solution, which in the end, however, would remain ineffective.