MARCH 21, 1974

Full News Archive

• Headline: Understanding Casualty Loss Deductions. Impact: This advice on tax deductions likely caused more people to become armchair accountants, leading to a spike in IRS-related therapy sessions as individuals realized they could not, in fact, deduct their emotional distress over tax season.. Fact: The IRS once considered a proposal to allow emotional deductions, but it got shot down faster than a bad reality show..
• Headline: On Impeachment. Impact: The political turmoil surrounding Nixon's impeachment led to the phrase 'political maneuvering' becoming a household term, ultimately paving the way for generations of politicians to become experts in the art of dodging accountability.. Fact: Safire was known for his sharp wit—too bad he couldn't use it to save Nixon from himself..
• Headline: NEW DELHI UPSET BY STATE STRIFE. Impact: The unrest in India sparked a series of reforms that eventually led to the rise of more progressive movements in the country. Who knew a little chaos could lead to a whole lot of change?. Fact: This violence marked the beginning of a long history of political challenges in India, showing that sometimes, nation-building is more of a contact sport than a peaceful picnic..
• Headline: U. S. Paym ents Shift to Surplus. Impact: The balance-of-payments surplus led to the U.S. government feeling cocky, which eventually resulted in the infamous 'Buy More Stuff' campaign of the late '70s. Spoiler alert: It didn't end well.. Fact: Surplus sounds great until you realize it’s just a fancy way of saying, 'We spent more than we should have, but hey, look at us now!'.
• Headline: Uganda Is Said to Maintain Sizable Force Near Kenya. Impact: Amin's military posturing led to an arms race in East Africa, which ultimately distracted him from more pressing domestic issues like, oh I don't know, basic human rights.. Fact: Amin was known for his unpredictable behavior, which, ironically, made him surprisingly predictable in a twisted sort of way..
• Headline: Ex‐City Police Head IsFacing Indictment. Impact: The indictment of Monaghan revealed the dark underbelly of public service, leading to a significant distrust in law enforcement and inspiring an entire genre of crime documentaries that are still popular today.. Fact: Perjury charges often lead to new careers in reality TV; just ask any former politician who got caught lying..