February 27, 1974 - MPR’s Gary Eichten reports on caucus results in relation to abortion rights debate.
February 27, 1974 - Senators argue the advantages and disadvantages of the bill. Republicans feel that the bill is in the best interest of society. Democrates think that the bill will be a disadvantage for the poor.
February 27, 1974 - Leonard Garment speaks about the presidential work of the next few years, efforts to reduce arms developments, relationships with the Soviet Union, scarcity of energy resources with the problems of the possible impeachment are issues that future generations will be able to judge the Nixon administration on.
February 27, 1974 - Building a library, exempting Minnesota from daylight savings, childcare costs paid by state for state employees are some of the agenda items.
February 28, 1974 - Education bills. Rep. Mike Sieben: "Students need input into education, into primary governing board of the institution, the university. Students have meaningful things to say about education, students need a voice indeterminng what education should be." Willard Munger energy bill would allow energy commisioner to set out guidelines for effciency in energy consumption. Appliance energy labelling defeated. Bill to ban obscene porno movies in drive-in theaters died in committe because no time left to discuss it. Pastor Willy Watts, Pine River,: in rural MN children too young to be admitted see movies from the side of the highways. "Not fair to our society to take warped ideas of sex and present it in the open for everyone to see. Every freedom has a responsiblity, and you as legislators are going to acceept the responsibility of the freedom of youth and do something about movies we can watch on outdoor screen." Rep. Glen Sherwood will bring bill back next year.
February 28, 1974 - In court this afternoon: Gary Thomas' testimony. Thomas is the OEO lawyer from Pine Ridge. Arguments were made over his testimony from last Feb. 27. Thomas' testimony was ruled admissible. Thomas described what he saw and heard at Wounded Knee, which included: Weapons, indian head dresses, and gunfire. On Feb 28 1973 Thomas said he'd been told he had 10 to 12 hrs to leave reservation or he'd be killed. Outside court, attorney Mark Lane says Thomas that had witnessed an assault on Russell Means by two goons in a parking lot, is their strongest evidence.
February 28, 1974 - Leonard Garment, Special Assistant to the President, gives his perspective on the Indian problem. In 1970 Indian reform legislation sent to Congress which hasen't been acted on. Some exceptions including Menominee restoration. Contracting powers for tribes and councils stuck in legislative committees.
February 28, 1974 - Leonard Garment, special assistant to the President, at press conference says is going back to his original government post. Finished one year as President Nixon's top man on Watergate. Talks about his White House service and Watergate as time of frustration. Says Nixon won't be impeached. Garment: Watergate has affected the social climate, this is a serious problem, the president reconizes the difficultes it has created, and problems encountered carrying out programs.
February 28, 1974 - A memorial for original Wounded Knee Massacre and recent standoff a year ago was held. A speech was given by Gladys Bissinet. Invocations were in the Lakota language, with a tribute to Frank Clearwater and Buddy Lamont. A Pow wow was held. Many attending had been in original occupation, and cars had bumper stickers with: 'Survivors: Wounded Knee, 1973'. Speeches from reservations leaders were also given. Gladys Bissinett: "Today is a big day for the Oglala. They have tried to keep us down like our ancestors when they unarmed them and mowed them down like they were animals. We stood up a year ago today on our own reservation. We know lives haven't been laid down in vain. We have stood up for each and every Indian in the U.S." Supplemental police were on hand but weren't needed, as it was quiet and peaceful vigil.
March 1, 1974 - Tax finance bill to allow dollar checkoff on taxes for campaign financincing. Contrast to other campaign donations. Steve Keith opposes bill: spending limits and public funding symbiotic, reduce money pressure on candidates. Purpose of bill to take pressure off so candidate to be more responsive to constituents rather than big campaign financers and special interests. Senate bill for board to set milk prices, illegal to sell below this price. Sen. Waggener bite: any time cost is down in manufacturing will be down to consumer. Consumer will know who is getting any additional money. Sherry Chenoweth Director of Consumer Services: milk prices will go up as result of this bill. Prices would be determined by ag co-ops. Small diary farmers vs. large ag groups. Unfair dairy practices.