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LAWMAKERS NUCLEAR FREEZE April 1, 1982 continued
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DUKE/WERTHEIMER-discussion of the debate-political motives mixed with genuine concern about NUCLEAR WEAPONS proliferation. All issues of WAR are potentially explosive. DUKE intro report on REAGAN'S efforts to increase spending for CIVIL DEFENSE to promote the idea of "WINNABLE NUCLEAR WAR".
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COKIE ROBERTS standing in corridor with "FALLOUT SHELTER" sign on wall. REAGAN wants 100 percent increase for CIVIL DEFENSE budget for 1983. Notes the controversial statements of REAGAN'S hired gun on CIVIL DEFENSE, T.K. JONES, that people can survive NUCLEAR WAR by HIDING IN HOLES.
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Shot of Sen. PAUL TSONGAS (D-MA) in Senate hearing, asks survivors of HIROSHIMA on witness panel if they believe that people could survive by hiding in holes. One woman seems totally dumbfounded by the question, says she doesn't know "this Mr. Jones". TSONGAS says that he wants all Americans to become familiar with T.K. JONES and his ridiculous and dangerous ideas. Shot of T.K. JONES entering hearing, walks stiffly and wears a LONG BLACK OVERCOAT. Shot of JONES at witness table. JONES denies making certain statements. Shot of Sen. CHARLES PERCY, irritated at JONES' past refusal to appear before the Senate. ROBERTS v.o.-Senators want to know if T.K. JONES really told the L.A. TIMES that Americans could survive NUCLEAR WAR by digging holes in the ground and covering them with dirt.
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PERCY reads the quote: "EVERYBODY'S GOING TO MAKE IT IF THERE ARE ENOUGH SHOVELS TO GO AROUND". JONES denies the statement; PERCY presses him on other statements to the effect that the U.S. could recover from NUCLEAR WAR if it had a Soviet-Style Civil Defense. JONES denies the statements. ROBERTS v.o.-Committee is alarmed by a potentially cavalier attitude toward NUCLEAR WAR on the part of REAGAN ADMINISTRATION.
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Shot of DEFENSE DEPARTMENT Spokesman RICHARD PERLE testifies that the D.O.D. does not believe that NUCLEAR WAR is winnable. Shot of JONES under further questioning. Sen. PAUL TSONGAS says that JONES has in fact said that the U.S. could recover to its full GNP within 12 years after nuclear war. Shot of JONES, replies that that's an approximate guess. TSONGAS jokes bitterly that given REAGAN'S current economic policy, the U.S. might not hit full G.N.P. in 12 years even without NUCLEAR WAR.
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PERCY says that he's astounded by the show of support, even on the wealthy North Shore of Chicago, for the NUCLEAR FREEZE MOVEMENT, and that Politicians had better keep the public's fear of NUCLEAR WAR in mind.
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ROBERTS-Congress not likely to support CIVIL DEFENSE spending that's based on the idea of "WINNABLE WAR", or even survivable war.
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WERTHEIMER-Intro report on recent EL SALVADOR ELECTIONS, described by REAGAN as "great endorsement of Democracy". However, REAGAN'S "moderate" candidate did not win, making it likely that the far-right ARENAS party of Roberto D'Aubisson will take control, and CONGRESS is less likely to support further aid. Sen. NANCY KASSEBAUM (R-KS) was an observer for the ELECTIONS.
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Shot of KASSEBAUM in office, interviewed by WERTHEIMER. KASSEBAUM says that she's not sure if Congress should now withdraw aid since a far-right government has taken power, must wait and see the ARENAS programs, but says that Congress has pledged not to aid a government that does not obey LAND REFORM and HUMAN RIGHTS policies. KASSEBAUM says that the Senate is not likely to move for PEACE NEGOTIATIONS in EL SALVADOR, it's not clear what would be negotiated. KASSEBAUM says Congress is mindful of the public's opposition to U.S. involvement in EL SALVADOR, her mail is 15 to 1 against it, will have to think carefully before voting any new aid. KASSEBAUM says she was struck by the long lines of people all waiting "patiently" in line to vote, expresses very patronizing summary of SALVADOREANS "not understanding the political ramifications" but being happy to vote.
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DUKE-Rep. ROBERT WALKER (R-PA) emerged as the winner in the BUDGET DEBATE contest of finding the most glaring example of GOVERNMENT WASTE.
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Shot of WALKER in well of House, says that Federal Funds are used to fund NATIONAL CONDOM WEEK, rails against the idea of using Federal funds to advertise this to the public, describes the activities with scorn.
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DUKE in studio-points out that PLANNED PARENTHOOD spokesman said the event was intended at MEN to fight V.D. and unplanned pregnancy, and cost a total of $1,000. Signs off. Closing Credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID.