South Bend, January 11, 1981
Examination of Conscience of the Nation
The long hearings of General Alexander Haig before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are in many ways an examination of conscience of the nation. It is about Alexander Haig’s confirmation as U.S. Secretary of State by the Senate. Asked directly whether he would consider using nuclear force, Haig replied that American military power is only credible as a deterrent if the use of nuclear weapons has to be taken seriously into account. American history, he explained, offers enough examples that liberty had to be fought for and lives had to be sacrificed. After Haig’s testimony, there can be no doubt that as U.S. Secretary of State he would if necessary recommend to the new Administration the use of nuclear force.
[General Alexander M. Haig, Jr., was Supreme Commander of U.S. and Allied Forces in Europe, 1974-79.]
Sunday, January 18, 1981
Free At Last
After 442 days in captivity, it’s becoming more and more certain that the 52 American hostages in Tehran will be freed. The news reports from Washington, Tehran, and Algiers follow in rapid succession. Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher led, from the American side, the negotiations, which have now resulted in freeing the hostages. The irony of the situation has it that President Carter has brought the hostage crisis to an end without bloodshed, just a few hours before his term in office will end.
January 20, 1981
Ronald Reagan Sworn In as President
As the Constitution provides, Ronald Reagan was sworn in today at 12 noon as 40th President of the United States by Chief Justice Warren Burger. The ceremony took place, as it is customary, on the westside balustrade of the Capitol in open air despite the winter cold. Therewith, the new Republican era has begun in Washington. In his inaugural address, Reagan announced that he will reduce the bureaucracy of the federal government, strengthen States rights, and revive the economy by private initiative and reducing taxes.
[Ronald W. Reagan was born 1911 in Tampico, Illinois; he graduated from Eureka College in 1932. Reagan’s conservative world view and distinct love of freedom were formed in the American Middle West. By profession radio commentator, film actor, and politician, Reagan was Governor of California, 1967-74 and U.S. President, 1981-89.]
P.S.
Half an hour after President Reagan had been sworn in, the news was broadcast that the Algerian airplane with the 52 hostages on board had departed Tehran and left Iranian air space. The freed hostages will be flown via Athens to Algiers. There, they will be taken over by an American military aircraft and flown to Frankfurt. In the American hospital in Wiesbaden, they will receive a medical check-up and be prepared for the flight home to the United States. Overwhelming was the sight when the 52 freed hostages came out of the airplane in Algiers shortly after midnight local time, about 8 p.m. EST, and walked down the boarding ramp. Free at last! - was the thought that not only moved the families and relatives of the hostages, but also millions of people around the world. Gradually, one can feel the relief that this horrible drama has come to an end.
January 27, 1981
The Homecoming
Rarely has an event moved America so much as the homecoming of the former hostages. It was not only the heart-wrenching scenes of families who had suffered the most being united again and the abhorrence of acts of maltreatment now coming to light, but also becoming aware how much personal freedom can be disregarded and made a mockery of what shook up people to the core. It touched a sensitive nerve of America’s consciousness. The flood of “yellow ribbons” is gradually receding. They were bound around trees and placed on doorways throughout the country, expressing the hope that those missing would come home again.