February 27, 1974 - Reginald Jones, General Electric chairman, was the keynote speaker at the OIC conference. Jones announced a program to increase education among minority populations in order to increase the amount of engineers.
February 27, 1974 - Public hearings to determine if the Pig's Eye coal terminal would cause environmental damage. The storage terminal would be used to store coal for transport.
February 27, 1974 - One year after Wounded Knee Occupation, MPR’s Kevin McKiernan presents audio excerpts that provide a powerful aural experience from inside the South Dakota village during the Wounded Knee Occupation on the day of Buddy Lamont’s death. A journalistic rarity of this impactful moment.
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 - Mott, North Dakota proposal to build a coal gasification plant in western North Dakota. Interview with a man who opposes, Ron Swindler, Plainsmen Association president. Opposed because values environment and way of life. Population would increase by 300,000 to 500,000. Farmers, ranchers and businessmen need help now and can't find people, plant development is excuse to import a large popoulation. Don't want to see urban area, likes to see neighbor across a field, not next to him. American Natural Gas Company should hold off building until get more answers about if the land can be reclaimed. North Dakota already has over 7,000 acres of strip mining, reclaim those first. Underground water problems with shallow wells, underlying coal important to aquifer makeup. Generating plants being moved to North Dakota, why can't coal be shipped to existing generators. Cheaper to strip land, coal companies shutting down more expensive deep mines. Deep coal is better quality coal. Companies move factories because pollution movement from uban areas. Need to educate people, watch coal company activities.
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 - Gas crisis leads to speculation as to how rationing will be implemented. Unknown speaker: In Feb. majority of dealers were 87 percent of 1972 levels, this cuts it another 15 percent. We'll see some problems this month unless something changes. Stations operating fewer hours, will get into lineups. If public will wait until they need half a tank that should eliminate some problems. Out East lineups caused by gassing up when only need 90 cents or dollar of gas. Might get into even odd rationing, coupons would create more problems. MN may see rationing in May, when farmers get into fields, and people do more driving. Stations may open 8 hours a day, or split shifts. Reduction in MN allocation, gas sent to East coast since more hardship area. Gas prices increasing, average a bit over 50 cents a gallon.