Transcribe
Translate
University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970
""Iowa '70: Riot, Rhetoric, Responsibility?"" Page 14
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
10 Dear Misinformed Public, With headlines of a fire in the Old Armory Temporary, National Guard Troops outside the city, and the announcement of President Boyd that the students may go home even though the University is not closed, it would seem that Iowa City was a hot place to be this Sunday, Mother's Day, 1970. However, a walk through the city in the late morning revealed nothing more unusual than the deserted Red Cross tent and no one more threatening than a few homeward bound church-goers. The word right now in the only active place in town, the Union Activities Center, is confusion. " . . . going out of my mind." The place is full of madly dashing people and a never-ending stream of students trying to find out what they should do from the legal advisors on the scene. In the background is the hum of the mimeo machines and paper cutters turning out a steady supply of handouts to the tune of "Who's writing this stuff anyway?' Reports of the last few days have concerned this frantic activity and the frequent rallies. It is, however, hard to see the total picture. The initial troubles were supposedly caused by the deaths at Kent State and the announcement of the President concerning Cambodia. Are these the real causes? What is the motivating force behind the thoughts and actions today? Iowa City experienced trouble before both the Kent State incident and Mr. Nixon's speech. The week imediately preceeding this was one of disturbance and excitement. It almost led to this week naturally. The violence of a week ago has not been repeated. Rallies have drawn a large number of obsevers. Groups involved have thus been larger, but also harder to control for one violent or destructive purpose. Actions have been by the few and to the surprise of many. Now the major question for each individual student seems to be which of the options will give him the best deal. Legal advisors admit that the choices give an "advantage to a certain type of student." The concern of most is getting out of finals. What happened to Cambodia? In this "wild" almost party atmosphere there is still time for a backrub in the corner of the Activities Center. But is there time for a thought in the insane activity? "My mother just does not understand why?" But do we? Eva Gail Rodes
Saving...
prev
next
10 Dear Misinformed Public, With headlines of a fire in the Old Armory Temporary, National Guard Troops outside the city, and the announcement of President Boyd that the students may go home even though the University is not closed, it would seem that Iowa City was a hot place to be this Sunday, Mother's Day, 1970. However, a walk through the city in the late morning revealed nothing more unusual than the deserted Red Cross tent and no one more threatening than a few homeward bound church-goers. The word right now in the only active place in town, the Union Activities Center, is confusion. " . . . going out of my mind." The place is full of madly dashing people and a never-ending stream of students trying to find out what they should do from the legal advisors on the scene. In the background is the hum of the mimeo machines and paper cutters turning out a steady supply of handouts to the tune of "Who's writing this stuff anyway?' Reports of the last few days have concerned this frantic activity and the frequent rallies. It is, however, hard to see the total picture. The initial troubles were supposedly caused by the deaths at Kent State and the announcement of the President concerning Cambodia. Are these the real causes? What is the motivating force behind the thoughts and actions today? Iowa City experienced trouble before both the Kent State incident and Mr. Nixon's speech. The week imediately preceeding this was one of disturbance and excitement. It almost led to this week naturally. The violence of a week ago has not been repeated. Rallies have drawn a large number of obsevers. Groups involved have thus been larger, but also harder to control for one violent or destructive purpose. Actions have been by the few and to the surprise of many. Now the major question for each individual student seems to be which of the options will give him the best deal. Legal advisors admit that the choices give an "advantage to a certain type of student." The concern of most is getting out of finals. What happened to Cambodia? In this "wild" almost party atmosphere there is still time for a backrub in the corner of the Activities Center. But is there time for a thought in the insane activity? "My mother just does not understand why?" But do we? Eva Gail Rodes
Campus Culture
sidebar
