America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond

[CountDVB]

1982- For Equal Rights

​

1982 was becoming a first sign for the Udall Administrations work thus far and he was doing quite favorably to say the least. The economy was recovery and the stimulus package of giving people money for necessities did quite well, proving the concept for further testing down the line for something akin to a minimum income. Additionally, the final works were coming over his healthcare plan and a piece of legislation that would be applied first before it: The Vocational Education Finance Reform Act or VEFRA, a piece of legislature that would see see increased government investment in vocational schools and reforms on matters such as payment. The act was designed to ensure the longetivity of the American workforce by creating large subsidies and compensations for those attending and graduating vocational school as part of a means to ensure that there would be a healthy number of blue collar workers. The arrangement was the result of collaborating with prominent union leaders and analysts since the Solidarity Day march, seeing it as an opportuity to encourage and support young people in going into blue collar jobs. Additionally, the act would expand the variety of vocations supported; while potential for classes on basic coding were put into future consideration, one field that was given priority consideration was those related in the medical department. Some have speculated this was part of President Udall's greater plan for universal healthcare by growing the number of available qualified members of the medical field and make it easier. Additionall,y, it was announced VEFRA would be followed by two more pieces of legislature: one was a plan to examine and overhaul vocational education, as it was felt it was a neglected part of the education system thus far. The other was less known, but it was rumored that it would make postsecondary university heavily subsidized or possibly even free for people pursuing a career in various medical fields. However, despite their successes, in the hustle and bustle, a date had passed near the end of summer that would gather a firestorm of attention.

The ratification deadline for the Equal Rights Amendment.

The Equal Rights Amendment would end up just failing to pass, just 2 states short of the 38 states needed to pass for it to become an amendment. Initially seemed like destined to pass, female conservatives such as Phyllis Schlafly would mobilize support against it and would be aided by the Reagan administration though in doing so, widening the gaps within the Republican party. However, this just led to the Democrats growing further together in support of it and fighting against it. However, discussions of the amendment fell to the side as the economic troubles became the dominant discussion point among American voters and politicians. While the amendment was given an extension for the ratification dateline by Reagan as a way to avoid confronting the question, the economic troubles and other events proved to be enough of a distraction for the deadline to pass. [1]

However, rather than disenheart people... it would regalvanze it. In fact, beyond providing a fresh shot of energy, the time that had past provided something equally valuable: perspective. Looking back at the amendment proposal with fresh eyes meant being able to rethink certain matters on it, such as sufficient coverage on certain details and how far it would go in doing so. One point of observation was looking at the history of the amendment and who supported it. Women considered of the working class actually were opposed to the amendment in its initial format. They pointed out that women employed in certain jobs needed special protections concerning working conditions, employment hours and other stipulations. In fact, this point became even more clear given how just a year prior, the Solidarity March occurred, reminding the voters the importance and the power of the working class, which included women. With this in mind, many women from various backgrounds, With new vigor along with the support of the Udall Administration and a massive hold, Congress went back into analyzing the Equal Rights Amendment in its writing along with potential challenges to show what needs to be changed.

Beyond just reviving interest for the Equal Rights Amendment, this became one of the major factors in a brand new wave of feminism that would be established in the early 1980s, alongside with the HIV epidemic and other factors. First-wave feminism, starting in the early 20th century, focused mainly on suffrage and overturning legal obstacles to gender equality such as voting rights and property rights. Afterwards, starting in the early 1960s, second-wave feminism would broaden its issues to include discussions on sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights, de facto inequalities, and official legal inequalities, namely the economic factors. However, the movement would end in the late 1970s due to the escalating divisions around sexuality and sexual activity. Arguments over the stances on pornography, prostitution, and transgender women along with the growing conflicts that minority women were once again being marginalized from discussions would cause the movement's momentum to decline, especially under the Reagan administration and the economic poblems [2]

However, with the presence of the Udall Administration's reformative stance, there presented a unique opportunity... one to mvoe beyond the problems of the 1960s and 1970s and do more... do better. The past 20 years taught them alot and there was now the rise of a new breed of fighters, those who grew up in the Dismal Dozen, fresh and hungry for change and a better future. The beginning... of the third-wave.


[1]: Information taken from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment
[2]: Information taken from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-wave_feminism

 

[CountDVB]

Autumn 1982: Recovery & Reform in Midterms

John Zachary DeLorean (picture source in link) [1982]​

As autumn came in 1982, the people were abuzz with elections over for the midterms and with support for a modernized Equal Rights Amendment, gubernational elections were becoming more important to be examined. While the Democrats would see greater gains, the Republicans would see themselves in the beginning of an ideological civil war over the direction of the party. The neoconservatives associated with Reagan and others were fighting fiercely against the renewed liberal Republicans, led by prominent leaders like John B. Anderson and Charles Mathias, seeing it as the main way to regain the trust of their voters, especially as there was a growing sentiment of change that would be happening. However, the fight for the House and Senate was not as dramatic, if mainly because it followed the expected patterns of the Democrats maintaining their super hold or even increasing it, riding on the growing successes of the Udall Administration. The hope was clearly to gain support for the Amendment or rather its successor, with big chances looking in Udall and Askew's home states as they grow more and more support of them. This was especially the case with the economy recovering more and more, with the hopes of it being completed by next year or so.

At the same time, various events continue to occur around the world. Weeks prior to the establishment of the first International Day of Peace proclaimed by the United Nations, the Udall Administration finalized an agreement of munitions and arms support over to the new Iranian government in their war against Iraq. It was done as a show of good faith and trust, with the hope of the Americans and Iranian nations to repair relationships and move forward to a better tomorrow, especially with further dates on visitations and potential treaties. At the same time, the Americans would indeed place their economic sanctions on Chile, the clock now ticking on how long before the regime ends up falling. American foreign policy was now focused on defense and the past showed that it was going to be more selective on how to back others down and perhaps forcing them to deal with their own affairs in differing matters.

Meanwhile, concerns over Latin America's own debt issues, starting with Mexico, have begun causing some further concerns and for talks on the area. As such, the Udall administration would begin meeting with many others to discuss the matters over with the IMF to figure out the solution needed for Latin America's debts as Mexico was very nearly ready to default and thus a discussion had to be held on the matter. On a ligther note though, the Udall Administration would manage to arrange a deal with Torrijos over the rebuilding of the Panama Canal, financing and ownership, with Panama getting control of the canal by 2000. The Torrijos-Udall treaty went with relatively little issue, outside of the complaints of certain hardcore conservatives though those who did inviting criticism of themselves regarding the incident years prior and how that led to an economic depression that they were managing to just get out of, thanks to the Udall administration. The only noteworthy detail was on Torrijos barely avoiding a fatal accident involving a plane, something which was lightly discussed on if anyone within Panama had the aims to assassinate Torrijos, though rumors circulated that might have been Manuel Noriega, a prominent member in the military. This also led to questions on the future of Panama's leadership. Another major news was on former KGB head Yuri Andropov becoming the newgeneral secretary of the Soviet Communist Party's Central Committee after the death of Leonid I. Brezhnev days prior. As such, it was believed a meeting would soon be held between Andropov and Udall.

However, perhaps the strangest was on how US car designer John DeLorean would be arrested for selling cocaine to undercover FBI agent, though he would be found not guilty on the grounds of entrapment years later. It was the latest in a series of thoughts on how to handle the automobile market, especially with the prices of gases having taking a large toll and how the major companies were still struggling with fuel efficiency. [1] Compounding this was on a report on Climate Change back from 1979 that would be brought to President Udall's attention during them looking back at the Regaan administration. The discussion and presentation was done in good nature, to show the challenges the nation would need to face and how they owe it to future generations to ensure a healthy world for all. Unbeknowist to them at the time, 1982 would also be where scientists under the pay of the Exxon oil company reinforcing the dangers of a changing climate caused by human influence. However, as some scientists struggled with what to do with their findings, especially in the face of Exxon's decisions, the Udall adminsitration would include something interesting and what they thought was minor during some reforms: the elimination of the so-called "chicken tax", a relic from Lyndon B Johnson's time. While it was originally on potato starch, dextrin, and brandy, all of those had been removed except for the 25% tariff over on light trucks, which remained [2]. he Udall Administration decided to get rid of it as part of some reforms, seeing it as no longer needed since it was not the 1960s anymore and unknowingly getting several balls rolling.


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[1]- Informaton on various factoids from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982
[2]- Information on this odd bit of history here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax

Who wants to guess on what's coming...?

 

[CountDVB]

Any questions, suggestions or notes thus far?

 

[dianaswordofsappho]

Any questions, suggestions or notes thus far?

Just know I am loving this so far

 

[CountDVB]

1982 Overview
​

1982 would be the first test of approval regarding President Udall and unsurprisingly, he would do quite well. His actions with providing relief through the economic stimulus was very warmly received along with his efforts in diplomacy and at home in dealing with the Solidarity Day March back in the last fall. The creation of VEFRA would become a welcome boon for the working class as they saw it as a chance to make their appeal over to the young people, a move that would become beneficial to both parties in the long-term, both in keeping the old guard and the unions in active work and for the young people, full of fire, hope and a desire for change, seeing the power of working together and of organized protest. It was this spirit of change and optimism that would start making itself evident over this year for the 1980s. It also would begin defining some of the elements of the era, namely a modernization in governance and regulation over corporations, especially after the hamfisted attempts of deregulation over during the Reagan Administration in the late 1970s. New laws were being examined on how to handle matters with the rising financial industry and to ensure that there would not be further recessions or other issues. One example of this was how the United States would order the break up of the AT&T monopoly back in January.

In fact, the incident that would show the stance of the Udall Administration would actually be in foreign affairs, the Latin American debt crisis. The debt crisis began when the international capital markets became aware that Latin America would not be able to pay back its loans, starting with Mexico in August. However, with the recession, all of that crashed and burned when Mexico declared sovereign default and most commercial banks reduced significantly or halted new lending to Latin America. Due to the loans being short-term, a crisis ensued when their refinancing was refused. Billions of dollars of loans that previously would have been refinanced, were now due immediately. With fears that the debt crisis in Latin America may cause further economic problems, as such the Americans went in alongside the International Monetary Fund to discuss the matter and to deal with it. While some in the IMF pushed for the nations to implement austerity measures, cut spending and put free market reforms, not everyone was on board with this plan due to the memories of the Reagan administration. in fact, the United States under Udall surprised everyone by being against the notion. To them, it would be repeating the problems that happened under Reagan with his austerity attempts and would discourage investment, making it more unlikely Latin America could repay their debts. [1] The Americans' influence was enough to kowtow the IMF and have them push away from this and ultimately, it was decided that the route taken would be debt relief with the vast amounts of debt and inflation, without forcing the nations to implement austerity measures or so on, along with some debt renegotiation. The details would remain debated and some nations in more hot water than others, most notably Chile who was speculated may not get debt relief due to the presence of the Pinochet admistration, which has led to worsening conditions over for Pinochet's administration... Beyond that though, world events still came about, such as the election of a socialist government in Spain spelled the formal end of Franco's Spain and them joining NATO.

Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extraterrestrial captivates and charms audiences while other films would also succeed though some getting lost in the cracks and becoming cult classics over time when they were rediscovered such as Ridley Scott's Electric Men, an adaptation of Philip K DIck's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (i). Other breakout hits would be Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, surprise audiences and fans while Rocky III would prove to be the last film in a fitting trilogy for the Italian Stallion. Gandhi would also prove to be quite a hit in exploring the life of the man himself and his life along with reflecting on Pakistan and Jinnah, a film that would take on a different feeling down the line. Disney itself would begin making a comeback with the rather fascinating and existential film in TRON, with some noting how it was the first film to have some influence from Jim Henson since his ascension in the company. The popular personal computer, the Commodore 64 goes on sale and begins the rise of the era of the computer as would be seen on TIME Magazine's "Man of the Year" being the computer [2]. Television would slowly begin reflecting the changes of the era with its broadcasting Micheal Jackson's Thriller album released late last year. And earlier that year, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's Ebony and Ivory hit would become more successful than either expected due to the beginnings of other cultural trends at the time. More of these sort of songs and music videos would be shown over on MTV, the new hot channel rising in popularity among young people, in a generation that would become known as the Brightbangers.

However, it would also see some of the future challenges the nation would need to face. A string of crimes including with kidnapped children has caused parents to become increasingly concerned and work with a larger sense of community, a trend that was built upon from the last few years of strife caused by the economic trouble from the Panama Canal getting blown up and disrupting the global trade networks for them and worsen the economic situation along with the 1979 Oil crisis. While the economy was recovering, new issues were coming out; the HIV / AIDS phenomenon was getting attention and pushing more attention onto a marginalized community though at the same time, the Udall Administration's dedication into helping out deal with it provided some optimism there. Additionally, this would end up crossing over with the rising third wave of feminism in order to truly propel it, especially since this year would see such discrimination be illegal starting in Wisconsin and something that would get the Udall adminstration's attention as Congress began pushing into research on HIV / AIDS and in going to handle it. At the same time, other fascinating news has begun springing up. With Conrail becoming more profitable with the rails, the idea began floating around on the US government buying out the remaining railroads and folding them over into Conrail as it would provide further income for the government, but also allow them to expand more on potential ideas and considerations for infrastructure such as potentially electrifying the lines. As such, the government began going about by expanding Conrail, becoming a sign of what was to come. Overall, strong showings for Udall was giving promise over for what was to come in the future.



[1]- Informaton sourced from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_American_debt_crisis
[2]- Information sourced from here: https://www.whenitwascool.com/1982-guide-to-when-it-was-cool-pop-culture

(i)- TTL's version of Blade Runner.

 

[Kennedy Forever]

Udall is certainly going strong at this point. I'm curious which Republicans will throw their hat into the primary

 

[CountDVB]

Udall is certainly going strong at this point. I'm curious which Republicans will throw their hat into the primary

Which ones indeed! If really any

Any questions or things thus far? Pop culture is still something I'm trying to balance, but the early 1980s is kinda where matters begin changing.

 

[CountDVB]

Also, timeline will slow down in updates since I finally found work! Feel free to give suggestions, critique or ask questions. I appreciate the help and input

 

[CountDVB]

Also, should I rename the title or keep it as is?

Beginnings of 1983 should come soon and sorry for how rough it all is, still finding my footing and how to execute certain parts and in what order

 

[Kennedy Forever]

I'd keep the title as is. No worries take your time

 

[CountDVB]

Winter 1983- Network Online

Protagonist Hawkeye smilig as he sees B.J.'s "note" [M*A*S*H Season 11 Episode 16] (Image: Wikipedia)
​

1983 would serve as a year of strong finales and strong beginnings at the same time. By the beginning of the year, ARPANET's to TCP/IP is officially completed, thus marking the true birth of the Internet as it would be reflected back upon by historians. Just days later, Wheel of Fortune would begin with tis syndicated version, with hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White. And the world's first all-sky infrared survey would be done by IRAS, launched by Vandenberg AFB. As such, there was an unsurprisingly acceleration in optimism for the United States as well in a number of parts in the world. [1] The Iran-Iraq War would be in its last few years as Iran was now pushing Iraq further and further back with American logistical assistance and equipment. It would seem like Iran would win the war against Saddam's regime. Thanks to the Udall Administration, many Latin American nations would not be forced by the IMF to implement potentially harmful austerity measures and would lead to large-scale debt relief along with plans for debt repayment on the remainer and on new loans to finish various infrastructure projects along with modernization attempts. This would lead to a rather nice surge in popularity for Udall over in Latin America, especially with his charm and wit. Even Cuba was a potential candidate for something along these lines of debt relief as a result of the greater detente going on, a growing sign of improving relations.

However, the fears this relief would not reach Chile because of the Pinochet administration was leading to massive unrest with the prediction of a potential uprising becoming more likely within the year. Additonally, other cases involving convictions and tyranny were noted in the beginning of the year Infamous Nazi Klaus Barbie would be officially charged with war crimes while in Lahore, Pakistan, ove 100 women would protest against military dictator Zia-ul-Haq's proposed Law of Evidence. The women would be tear-gassed, baton-charged and thrown into lock-up, much to the horror of the world. Despite this though, they were successful in repealing the law. [1] Additionally, it drew further condemnation into the situation in Pakistan and symbolized an acceleration in the decline of American-Pakistan relationship, the Udall Administration being pressured to withdraw further support from the nation throughout the years, leading to massive geopolitical rammifications down the line as Pakistan would find itself becoming more and more politically isolated and the turmoil caused with it, India and their neighbors was leading to stress down the line

Culturally, one of the biggest events of the time and perhaps symbolizing the end of an era was the release of the series finale of the popular show M*A*S*H. It would set the record for most watched television episode and reaching a total audience estimated at 125 million. The horrors of the Korean War and serving as a parallel to the troubles of the Vietnam War was a generational hallmark for many Baby-Boomers and many Brightbangers would also come to watch the show in a growing resurgence of popularity due to the dialogue and the timeless statement of it. It also served as another marking point as days prior to the release of the finale, another hallmark of medicine would be put into place.

Udall's masterpiece years in the making, revolutionizing Medicare and Medicaid... the birth of the United State's single-payer universal healthcare system.


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[1]- Information gathered from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983

 

[CountDVB]

Mo Healthcare For Ud All [1983]

National Bureau of Healthcare logo [Made with this]
​

Often times, the personal politics of people, especially politicians, are driven by their personal experiences. For Morris King Udall, healthcare was a very big and personal issue for him. In 1928, at the tender age of six, he would lose his right eye to a friend's pocket knife while the two were attempting to cut some string. He would lose that eye because his family lacked the money to get him prompt adequate treatment. In fact, he would describe his early rural/small-town life in the desert as harsh and primitive, in a town where "everybody worked." Noting they had "no tractors," he added, "we had horses and plows." As a result of the loss of his eye, Udall wore a glass eye for the rest of his life. Unsurprisingly, this would shape his politics, specifcially in the desire to ensure that every American would be able have prompt access to adequate and competant healthcare, regardless of their financial status or their location. [1]

He was not the only politician fighting hard for such a system, with others such as "Lion of the Senate" Ted Kennedy, also fighting for a universal healthcare system for the United States, building upon the success of Medicare and Medicaid along with many others. In fact, given how other nations had similar programs, it made sense they would want to try and join up with them, taking inspirations from their fellow nations. Of course, various factors opposed them, such as the Republican Party having their own ideals and beliefs regarding public vs private healthcare systems. It seemed like it would be unfeasible despite the efforts those like Lyndon B. Johnson and with the rise of Nixonian and Reaganite policies. However, with the results being heavily unfavorable, it provided a golden opportunity. And with Mo Udall ascending to the presidency and both House and Senate stacked with Democrats, it was the time to shine.

And thus came the American Healthcare for All Act.

Crafting the system took plenty of time and was a meticulous and thorough effort, with the Udall administration even asking for input from various other nations on their healthcare system, most notably the British and their NHS. At the same time, they examined the downsides and shortcomings of those systems, especially the troubles of the NHS due to the Tories. One of the hurdles was the extension of coverage. While some were content with just general medical coverage, others wanted further such as dental, vision and pharmaceutical. Udall himself is one of them and pushed heavily for that total coverage. He rejected the notion of dental coverage being seperate due to the outdated notion of teeth being "luxury bones" along with noting the importance of proper eyewear and of course on afforadable medication. WIth intense public pressure and prominent sway, virtually every Democrat fell into line and supported with the proposals, with the Republicans unable to stop it and even the growing liberal half giving their support of it. However, this also came with additional hurdles they needed to deal with.

One reason for the years in crafting was examining every angle. The number of doctors, nurses, specialists and other people important in the healthcare industry. The standards and research used in the creation of medicinal drugs. Availability in rural areas. Political rammifications. All of these were considered for the institution of the Americans' new healthcare system, taking in Medicare and Medicaid with the others, under one umbrella known as the National Bureau of Healthcare or the NBH. The NBH is a universal single-payer healthcare system , funded through general taxation along with other means for the providence of quality and prompt healthcare for the American people. Starting in 1983, Americans would receive their NBH ID Cards to present to their doctors, hospitals or other health insitutitons for the care they would be needing and they would be taken care of without fearing of high costs.

Even with the thorough work done, plenty more was needed. More and more young people were encouraged to go into the various health fields, to where the Udall administration woudl begin crafting a piece of legislation making college tuition-free for those keeping their grades up and in the field of health and medicine, including psychology (and later sociology). This also was noted for nurses and caretakers through vocational school programs. Despite this though, this would be considered an amazing success and a revolutionary milestone. Many people could now see the doctor for the first time and get thorough check-ups. Workers could now exit unsatisfying jobs or leave abusive management and feel safe and comfortable that they and their families would still be covered in terms of healthcare. This would be especially prominent for minorities, who would be able to utilize the system more and more.

Additionally, this created various economic opportunities. It would become much more affordable for people to become doctors and medical specialists as students work to maintain good grades to remain in what was called the Affordable Medical Study Tuition or AMST Program across all public universities and some private unviersities as well. There was also a growing need to address logisitics to ensure people were recieving their care and to manage the growing data and information needed within the government and out for such a program. Of course, certain organizations weren't happy, as there were reforms with HMOs from Nixon's earlier work that had to be dealt with. Other systems included ways of reporting discrimination or problems, something that was put in by Vice President Reubin Askew and who's work in this would have become more involved in the HIV / AIDS epidemic. Unions meanwhile were initially divided on the issue as some saw it as a loss of power, but others saw it as an opportunity to grow their own strength. Others noted that rather than making work unions more obsolete, it forced them to reorient themselves and get with the times, often with new and younger leaders, especially as the rising socio-economic changes and cultural reforms would give them the change to endear themselves to the next generation to maintain their prominence.

Another curveball was that the legislation and lingering questions over certain... more controverisal choices would send shockwaves. Birth control was included into the NBH program to the surprise of many and would begin conflicts. The flux of those with HIV & AIDS would also bring further political questions along with that of abortions and providence there, with some of the defeated GOP trying to find ways around this. However, the establishment of the NBH and these questions, along with the HIV / AIDS movement and the debacle of the Equal Rights Amendment would become the primary pillars that would fuel the rise and prominence of third-wave feminism as well as push onto the mainstream that of the rights of SATMIN people starting in the mid-1980s and going beyond.

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[1]- Information and quote from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_Udall

 

[CountDVB]

Any questions, comments or whatnot on this?

 

[theflyingmongoose]

The health care system seems great, although I assume there will be some growing pains as demand goes up.

 

[CountDVB]

The health care system seems great, although I assume there will be some growing pains as demand goes up.

Hence why months prior, plans were put in place to grow the number of people within the medical and healthcare fields, through special programs in vocational schools (which itself has become very affordable and be touted as an alternate to tradituonal university alot more compared to OTL) and the program to make tuition for med students pretty much free.

It's a big investment, but well, a worthwhile one, especially with what more is coming over time.

 

[theflyingmongoose]

Hence why months prior, plans were put in place to grow the number of people within the medical and healthcare fields, through special programs in vocational schools (which itself has become very affordable and be touted as an alternate to tradituonal university alot more compared to OTL) and the program to make tuition for med students pretty much free.

It's a big investment, but well, a worthwhile one, especially with what more is coming over time.

Yeah, the Democrats might be able to use the success of that to expand the program to mostly free college, or at least for non-humanities fields.

 

[peeter]

Im very curious on how the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq war goes. I wonder if Iran like OTL invades Iraq to take iraqi oil fields and topple Saddam , I’d imagine that Iran would demand some kind of compensation from Iraq for damages done from the invasion. At least if I was Iran I’d use the threat of invading Iraq & taking their oil fields as a way to extort the superpowers and the gulf states in giving me a shit ton of aid to rebuild the country basically getting their own Marshall plan

 

[CountDVB]

Spring 1983- Channels and Challengers

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock (on The Disney Channel) logo [Wikipedia]
​

Over in spring, IBM would release the IBM PC XT, further symbolizing that the age of personal computers and the coming of the Internet had arrived, even if it would take several years for it to pick up. It was the dawn of a new age and that same sentiment was carried over with many new introductions. With the Udall Administration presenting the American Healthcare For All Act, the American population were now enrolled into the NBH, allowing them to get proper healthcare, with some able to get proper visual aid and dentalcare especially. Combined this with the oncoming federal subsidizing for the university education of those entering the medical field, many more students were now becoming open to going into the field of medicine or healthcare in some form or fashion. Another American accomplishment that would be pushed in would be the launching of the Space Shuttle Challenger over on its maiden voyage: STS-6. [1]

Across the sea, conflict in the Middle East was slowly beginning to die down. After years of battle and conflict, Lebanon, and Israel would sign an agreement on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, overseen by the United States. Ever since 1975, the Lebanese Civil War had been ongoing, a result of how the Cold War would cause large disruptions and divisions within Lebanon. This has been associated with the polarization that preceded the 1958 political crisis. Namely, that the Christian Maronites sided with the West while leftist and pan-Arab groups sided with Soviet-aligned Arab countries. Additionally, foriegn powers would become involved for one reason or another. In Israel's case, they would become involved over the Abu Nidal Organization, a splinter group of Fatah, attempted to assassinate Israeli ambassador Shlomo Argov in London. Israel carried out a retaliatory aerial attack on PLO and PFLP targets in West Beirut that led to over 100 casualties. and in turn, the PLO responded by launching a counterattack from Lebanon with rockets and artillery, which constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire. [2] However, as the war kept raging and politics shifted, it would send shockwaves in the region. The new Iranian administration refused to get involved in the affairs and the change in US foreign policy would see Israel slowly see less support for non-defensive reasons. However, tensions between Syria and Israel remained due to various issues such as the Golan Heights and also the question over Palestine though Israel would find a growing relationship with Jordan and figue out how to avoid further conflict in the future, especially with the Iran-Iraq War happening next door.

Pop culture would see a couple of highlights around the time. Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders would be quite a smash hit and serve as a fascinating reflection point on the feeling of the 1950s and early 1960s and how the decades have gone by. The film would also help launch the careers of many up-and-coming talent. Something Wicked This Way Comes meanwhile would be another hit for the film industry there. [3] On television though, Disney would make its big break there with the launch of The Disney Channel, helping to launch the phenomenon of channel broadcasting. One of the first big hits on the show would present itself with Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock, as part of an international production and utilizing Disney's reach. Many would see this as the slow but steady start of a return to form to Disney, a phenomenon that would become associated moreover with Henson's work over with Disney. In other Disney news, it was speculated that a new CEO for Disney would be chosen, none other than an old associate of Henson's, Micheal Eisner...


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[1]-Info taken from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983
[2]-Informaiton and sentences taken and quoted from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Civil_War
[3]-Info taken from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_in_film

Yup, Eisner is coming into Disney a bit sooner and gonna help Henson with a plan that's been in the works... Please feel free to ask questions about certain topics or trends of the time in case I miss them or if ya'll wanna know

 

[CountDVB]

Yeah, the Democrats might be able to use the success of that to expand the program to mostly free college, or at least for non-humanities fields.

Not unreasonable on affordability or at least more subsidized. I'm reminded a bit on Zell Miller form Georgia. Thanks to him, was able to go to university without too much trouble. Especially since Sallie Mae is very unlikely to be privatized.

 

[TGW]

It's all very interesting so far, I'm enjoying it a lot. Any chance of explaining the layout of the senate? Any particular races that changed as a result of Udall? I have to assume that McGovern would have been given something of a boost at the very least, though whether that would have kept him in the senate or not is entirely uncertain.