SEPTEMBER 30, 1971

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Death of Mugging Victim. Impact: The tragic passing of Patsy Colicchio highlighted the pressing issues of urban crime, prompting a wave of community activism that would, decades later, inspire a popular documentary series on crime and redemption. Fact: In the end, every tragic story teaches us a lesson, but it’s unfortunate that it often takes a tragedy to provoke actual change.
• Headline: Bhutto Demands Democracy Over Military Rule. Impact: Benazir Bhutto's bold stance against military rule set off a chain reaction of political upheaval in Pakistan that eventually led to the rise of a new generation of political leaders who would either dramatically change the country or just create a sequel to the same old chaos. Fact: It's funny how asking for democracy can sometimes lead to more of the same. Almost as if history has a sense of humor!.
• Headline: Washington: For the Record. Impact: The appointment of Flemming to the Advisory Committee on International Education and Cultural Affairs led to a series of international misunderstandings that could only be resolved by a series of awkward dinners and a lot of confused diplomats. Fact: Nothing says 'importance' like an advisory committee that most people have never heard of. Maybe they should have called it the 'Committee of Really Important People No One Knows.'.
• Headline: Notes on People. Impact: Nixon's warm reception of African leaders created a ripple effect that led to an unexpected alliance between African nations and the U.S., resulting in the emergence of a new genre of music: Afro-American Funk, which would dominate the charts in the 70s. Fact: Ah yes, the power of a handshake can sometimes outweigh the power of policy. If only we could solve all international issues with a good dance-off.
• Headline: 1,200 Colleagues at Rites for Housing Patrolman. Impact: The large turnout for Patrolman Pelo's funeral sparked a nationwide movement to honor fallen officers, leading to the establishment of annual memorials that now have their own parades and merchandise. Who knew grief could become a lucrative industry?. Fact: It turns out that being a hero can be a full-time job, even posthumously. Just think of the overtime!.
• Headline: Pnompenh Restaurant Bombed. Impact: The bombing incident in Pnompenh shocked the nation and eventually led to increased international scrutiny of the Cambodian government, opening the door for foreign intervention and a series of geopolitical chess games that would leave everyone confused. Fact: Who knew that a single bomb could alter the course of history? If only we could just send a strongly worded letter instead!.
• Headline: Canada and Iceland to Vote Against U.S. Plan on China. Impact: This vote against the U.S. plan was the first domino to fall in a series of international disputes that would eventually lead to the creation of the 'Global Coffee Break Coalition', where countries gather to sip lattes and complain about each other. Fact: Because nothing says 'we're serious about international relations' like a group of nations gathering for coffee and small talk. Should I bring the scones?.