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Common Ground, Part 6

Description: Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Lynch says that the irresponsibility of the Boston School Committee led to the busing crisis. She adds that the city's elected officials failed to protect the Consitutional rights of the city's minority population. Lynch says that the court must intervene when public officials neglect their duty. Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools) addresses the meeting. Marshall talks about the challenges faced by urban schools with poor students. Marshall notes that many critics believe that integration by race and social class is necessary for successful schools. He adds that the majority of students in the Boston Public Schools are poor and non-white. Marshall says that some schools in Boston are very successful. He notes that strong leadership, high educational standards and parental involvement are factors in the success of these schools. He adds that the current administration is committed to educating all students. Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) addresses the audience. Stith says that Boston is a better city for having dealt with racial issues during the busing crisis. Stith reminds the audience that class mobility is possible in our society, while race is still a fundamental problem. Stith says that it is important for teachers to love the students they teach in school, regardless of race. Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe) addresses the meeting. Winship predicts that Lukas's book will win a Pulitzer Prize. He compliments Lukas on the novel, and gives him some criticism. Winship says that he has no regrets about the way in which The Boston Globe covered the busing crisis. Winship says that the Boston Public Schools have improved as a result of school desegregation. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Lynch, Marshall, Stith, and Winship. Tape 6 of 8
1:00:00: Visual: Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Lynch is on a panel with Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former Editor, The Boston Globe). Lynch talks about the irresponsibility of Boston's elected officials, which led to the busing crisis. Lynch says that the Boston School Committee refused to file a school desegregation plans with the federal court in 1974; that the School Committee preferred to do nothing, and then blame someone else for the result. Lynch notes that elected public officials need to uphold the law; that they need to uphold the Constitutional rights of minorities. Lynch talks about the necessity of court intervention when elected officials neglect their duty. The audience applauds. Shots of the audience; of individual audience members. Eric Van Loon (attorney for the plaintiffs, Morgan v. Hennigan) is in the audience. 1:02:01: Visual: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) introduces Kim Marshall. Marshall says that Lukas's book is extraordinary; that he has enjoyed reading it. Marshall notes that the Massachusetts Racial Imbalance Law defined a school as imbalanced if the student population was more than 50% African American; that the law did not define an all-white school as imbalanced. Marshall notes that research by Kenneth Clark (social scientist) led the US Supreme Court to rule that all-black schools were "inherently inferior." Marshall notes that the Coleman Report on school desegregation stated that the integration of social class was necessary to "quality education." Marshall quotes Christopher Jencks (author) as saying that schools cannot be improved until poverty is eradicated. Marshall says that the Boston Public Schools now have a majority students who are poor and non-white. Marshall quotes many critics as saying that the Boston Public Schools will not improve until the white and African American middle classes return. Marshall talks about the challenges faced by urban schools with poor students. Shots of audience members. Marshall says that some schools in poor urban areas are succeeding; that these schools share some characteristics: good principals, high standards for all of the students, clear curriculum standards, diagnostic testing, state-of-the-art teaching methods, a safe climate, and an active program which reaches out to parents. Marshall says that Boston schools can be improved using the above model; that Dr. Robert Spillane (former Superintendent of Boston Public Schools) began implementing this model four years ago. Marshall says that Spillane would never have been hired if school desegregation had not taken place. Marshall notes that many of Boston schools are improving under the leadership of new principals. Marshall adds that the school administration and staff does believe that all children can learn. Marshall pledges his support to Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent of Schools). The audience applauds. 1:08:55: V: Nolan introduces Reverend Stith. Nolan reports that Stith was recruited by Jesse Jackson (African American leader) to head his new organization, PUSH (People United to Save Humanity); that Stith refused the job because he did not want to leave Boston. Shots of individual audience members. Stith says that there are heroes and villains who emerge in an epic story like Common Ground; that many heroes could have had their own chapters in the book. Stith says that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) needs to be applauded as a hero; that Garrity forced the city of Boston to deal with the issue of race. Stith says that Boston's leaders avoided dealing with the issues of race before the busing crisis; that Boston is now a better place for having dealt with race issues through the busing crisis. Stith says that he recognizes the importance of class issues in our society. Stith reminds the audience that class mobility is possible in our society. Stith says that race is the "fundamental problem" facing our society. Stith points out that Common Ground tells the story of three families. Stith says that he would like to return to the point that Elvira Pixie Palladino made about love. Stith talks about the need for teachers to love the students that they teach. Stith says that the students need love in order to learn and thrive; that the love of teachers for their students must be colorblind. The audience applauds. 1:14:49: V: Nolan introduces Thomas Winship. Shots of Paul Parks (former State Secretary of Education); of other audience members. Nolan notes that a chapter of Lukas's book is devoted to Winship. Nolan talks about Winship's courage and commitment to the city of Boston, and his stewardship of The Boston Globe. Winship jokes that he likes Nolan's descriptions of him better than Lukas's descriptions of him. The audience laughs. Winship predicts that Lukas' book will win the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction. Winship tells Lukas that he enjoyed the book immensely. Winship says that he disagrees with Lukas on a few minor points. Winship says that Lukas did not give enough coverage to John Kerrigan (former member, Boston School Committee). Winship says that Kerrigan was a key figure in the struggle against the court order, "post-Louise Day Hicks." Winship calls Kerrigan the "MVP of the street team." Winship says that he wishes Lukas had covered reactions to busing all over the city; that Lukas' coverage was focused on three neighborhoods. Winship says that he did not like the court-ordered busing plan; that Garrity had no choice in ordering busing as a remedy. Winship says that he has no big regrets about the way his newspaper chose to cover the busing crisis. Winship says that The Boston Globe should have tried to influence the court against the pairing of South Boston and Roxbury in the first phase of school desegregation. Winship says that the pairing of the two neighborhoods was a "dirty trick"; that the pairing placed an "unfair burden" on both neighborhoods. Winship admits that the student population in Boston schools has declined, but he adds that the schools have improved since the busing crisis. Winship notes that test scores are on the rise; that more students are attending college; that schools and athletic teams are integrated.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Ten O'Clock News broadcast

Description: Christopher Lydon and Gail Harris host a Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Lydon reports on a budget ceremony held by Ronald Reagan (US President) and on skepticism about the budget by some Republicans and Democrats. The report includes footage of Reagan signing the budget. The lights go out during this report, and Lydon continues to read the news. Harris reports that Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) is critical of Reagan's budget. Harris' report is accompanied by footage of Dukakis talking about the budget at a press conference. Hope Kelly reports on preparations by the Boston School Committee and Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) for the next day's hearing in the courtroom of Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Kelly notes that Garrity will decide whether the court should withdraw from its supervisory role over the Boston Public Schools. Kelly's report includes footage from interviews with Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools), Tom Kiley (pollster), Abigail Browne (Boston School Committee) and Shirley Owens Hicks (President, Boston School Committee). Harris reports on the case of five MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) police officers who have filed reverse discrimination complaints against the MDC. Harris and Lydon read international news headlines. John Thorne reports from Yorkshire, England on the return to work by some striking Yorkshire coal miners. Christy George reports that Gary Hart gave a speech about "new patriotism" at Faneuil Hall in Boston today. George analyzes efforts by the Democratic Party to prepare for the 1988 presidential elections. George's report includes footage of Democratic politicians, including Paul Tsongas (former US Senator), Paul Kirk (Chairman, Democratic National Committee), US Senators John Glenn and Edward Kennedy, and former presidential candidates George McGovern and Walter Mondale. Lydon interviews in-studio guests Roger Brinner (President, Data Resources, Inc.) and Hendrik Hertzberg (former edditor, The New Republic) about Reagan's budget and the federal budget deficit. Brinner talks about defense spending and Reagan's opposition to tax increases. Hertzberg analyzes how Reagan's philosophy on government has come to dominate the political agenda. This tape includes a portion of a Ten O'Clock News story from November 26, 1984 featuring Tina Packer (Director, Boston Shakespeare Company) and three actors from the Boston Shakespeare Company. This tape also includes a portion of a Ten O'Clock News broadcast from November 6, 1984. Christopher Lydon talks to in-studio guests Anthony Lewis (New York Times), Ellen Goodman (Boston Globe), Martin Kilson (Harvard University) and Barry Kaplovitz (consultant) about Walter Mondale's performance in the second debate against Ronald Reagan in 1984
1:00:00: Christopher Lydon and Gail Harris introduce the evening newscast. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. 1:00:53: Lydon reports that Tip O'Neill (Speaker, US House of Representatives) boycotted the budget ceremony held by Ronald Reagan (US President) at the White House; that Mark Hatfield (US Senator) and other Republicans are skeptical of the budget. Lydon reports that Senate Republicans have criticized Reagan's failure to rein in the deficit. Lydon reports that the budget includes comments which reflect Reagan's view that everything in the budget except for defense and social security is a "cuttable special interest program." Lydon notes that the budget gains credibility by cutting programs which benefit Reagan's constituents. Visual: The lights go out in the studio. Lydon continues reading the news story in the dark. Lydon reports that Barney Frank (US Representative) made a sarcastic comment about his constituents' tax money being spent on an airport in Grenada instead of government services. V: The studio lights come on again. Lydon continues to read the news story. Lydon quotes an official in the Reagan administration as saying that Reagan is trying to end the government's role as "a support system for the middle class." V: The lights in the studio go out again. Lydon pauses. The tape cuts to footage of Reagan signing the budget. Footage of Reagan talking about a budget freeze. Reagan says that Amtrak should be cut from the budget because it could be run more efficiently in the private sector. Reagan says that the defense budget must be strengthened. Lydon makes a joke about the lights going out in the studio. 1:03:00: Harris reports that Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) and other state Democratic leaders were angry about Reagan's cuts in the federal revenue sharing program; that Chet Atkins (US Representative) said that some of the budget cuts made sense. V: Footage of Dukakis at a press conference at the Massachusetts State House. Dukakis says that Reagan's budget is a "travesty." Dukakis talks about the budget crises faced by many states in 1983. Dukakis says that many states had to raise taxes or slash programs to make up the differences in their budgets as a result of their budget crises. Dukakis accuses the federal government of trying to "saddle" the states with the burden of the federal deficit. Harris reports that Reagan's budget would leave 40,000 Massachusetts students ineligible for the federal student loan program next year. 1:04:42: Lydon reports that Arthur Garrity, Jr. (federal judge) will soon hold his last hearing on the Boston school desegregation case (Morgan v. Hennigan). Lydon introduces a report by Hope Kelly. Kelly reports that ten years have passed since Garrity issued a court order forcing the Boston Public School System to desegregate. V: Shots of a Boston School Committee meeting. Footage from 1974, of police patrolling the sidewalk in front of South Boston High School as school buses pull up in front of the school. Shots of buses traveling on G Street toward the school; of police officers in front of South Boston High School. Footage of African American students exiting buses in front of South Boston High School. Kelly reports that Garrity will hold a hearing tomorrow to decide whether the court should withdraw from its supervisory role over the Boston Public Schools. Kelly reports that the Boston School Committee met today to discuss its presentation at the next day's hearing. V: Shots of school committee members and members of the audience at the school committee meeting. Footage of Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) calling the meeting to order. Shots of a white teacher teaching to students in a classroom; of white and African American students in a classroom; of an African American teacher teaching to a classroom of students. Kelly reports that the School Committee is working to meet Garrity's goals on school closings; that the School Committee will present evidence supporting their new school assignment proposal. Kelly notes that the new school assignment proposal emphasizes voluntary school desegregation. V: Shot of the cover of a report titled, "A Study of Attitudes Among Parents of Elementary School Children in Boston." Footage of Tom Kiley (pollster) saying that parents seem to be concerned with educational issues instead of busing. Footage of Spillane saying that he hopes Garrity will withdraw completely from the schools. Footage of Abigail Browne (Boston School Committee) saying that she hopes the judge will not leave the 400 court orders in place when he withdraws. Footage of Shirley Owen Hicks (President, Boston School Committee) expressing her hopes that Garrity's final court orders will allow the schools to continue their progress in providing equal access to education for all students. Shots of students exiting South Boston High School. Lydon reports that Garrity will hear testimony from all parties involved in the case; that Garrity is expected to issue his final court order by the end of the month. 1:07:19: Harris reports that the US Justice Department filed a brief on behalf of five white MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) police officers who have filed complaints against the MDC. The white officers complain that an African American officer was promoted to captain despite the fact that they had higher promotion test scores. Harris notes that the Justice Department brief urged the case to be heard on its merit; that the US District Court in Boston had refused to hear the case; that the Justice Department brief makes reference to a Supreme Court decision from last year, regarding job security of white and African American firefighters in Memphis, Tennessee. 1:07:50: Lydon reports on the weather. WGBH promotions for The Ten O'Clock News and for Nova: In the Land of the Polar Bears. 1:09:13: Lydon and Harris read the international news headlines. Lydon reports that Peruvian authorities are blaming Shining Path guerillas for an attempt to thwart Pope John Paul's arrival in Lima, Peru; that Pope John Paul arrived safely despite efforts by the guerillas to cut off electrical power to the city and the airport. Harris reports on the assassination of an Israeli soldier in the West Bank town of Ramallah. Harris reports that Shimon Peres (leader of Israel) will be under pressure to control the situation in the West Bank: that Peres had been planning to appoint four Palestinian mayors in the West Bank to replace Israeli military administrators. Lydon reports on the trial of 640 defendents in Naples, Italy. Lydon reports that the defendents are accused of belonging to the local mafia. V: Footage of Italian judges entering a courtroom. 1:11:17: Harris reports on the return to work by 2200 striking coal miners in Great Britain. John Thorne reports from Yorkshire, England, on the return to work by some Yorkshire coal miners. Thorne reports that police protection was given to buses transporting working miners. V: Footage of a police officers trying to control a crowd. Shots of buses transporting miners; of striking miners walking on a street at night. Footage of striking miners jeering at working miners. Tony Baker reports from northeastern England. Baker reports that a record number of miners returned to work in northeast England today. V: Shots of striking miners gathered in front of a building; of buses transporting working miners. Footage of buses carrying working miners passing by police and striking miners gathered on the sides of a road. Baker says that almost 7,000 miners are working in the region; that almost 50% of the workers have returned to work at collieries in the county of Northumberland. Baker reports that union leaders are trying to reestablish talks with the coal board. V: Footage of a union leader entering a building. Harris reports that the union is committed to saving the jobs of miners; that talks broke down last week between the union and the coal board; that the strike will be over if 30,000 more miners return to work. 1:13:17: Lydon reads more headlines. Lydon reports that the Manville Corporation put itself into Chapter 11 bankruptcy three years ago after facing multi-million dollar lawsuits claiming damages against its asbestos products; that the corporation's insurers will be held responsible for $112 million in damage claims. 1:13:41: Report on the winning lottery numbers for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. 1:14:01: Harris introduces a report by Christy George on a visit to Boston by Gary Hart (US Senator). George reports that the Democratic Party is already thinking about the presidential election in 1988. V: Footage of an audience gathered at Faneuil Hall for Hart's speech; of the audience applauding for Hart as he enters. Footage of Paul Tsongas (former US Senator) introducing Hart as the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988. George reports that Hart's speech was clearly inspired by John F. Kennedy (former US President); that Hart spoke about a "new patriotism." V: Footage of Hart giving his speech; of Massachusetts Democratic Party leaders seated on stage behind him. Hart speaks to the audience about patriotism and values which define a great nation. Hart stresses the importance of a sense of community among US citizens. George reports that Hart's message about community is aimed at young, affluent, independent voters; that these voters supported Hart in the 1984 primary elections; that these voters voted for Reagan in the final election of 1984. V: Shots of affluent businessmen in downtown Boston; of a bearded man riding a bicycle. George says that Hart wants to bring affluent voters back to the Democratic Party. V: Footage of Hart speaking about "new patriotism." Shots of Hart among the crowd at Faneuil Hall. George reports that many presidential hopefuls have made stops at Fanueil Hall. V: Shots of John Glenn (US Senator) at Faneuil Hall in January, 1984; of George McGovern (former candidate for US presidency) at Faneuil Hall in March, 1984; of Walter Mondale (former candidate for US Presidency) giving a speech at Faneuil Hall in October, 1982; of Edward Kennedy (US Senator) at Faneuil Hall in November, 1979. George reports that Kennedy made a trip to South Africa last month. V: Footage of Kennedy exiting a helicopter in South Africa. George notes that there is speculation about Kennedy's plans for 1988; that Paul Kirk (Chairman, Democratic National Committee) is a former aide to Kennedy. V: Shots of Kirk giving a speech; of Kennedy. Footage of Hart saying that he has no political motive in coming to Massachusetts; that Kennedy, Tsongas, and John Kerry (US Senator) are all friends of his. Shots of Hart during the 1984 presidential campaign; of Mondale giving a speech during the 1984 presidential campaign. George reports that Democratic Party leaders have changed their strategy since the 1984 election. V: Footage of Tsongas saying that the Democratic Party "pandered" to interest groups in the 1984 election. Shots of Kirk and Hart at Faneuil Hall. George reports that Democratic leaders want to broaden the party's base of support; that party intellectuals are expected to help redefine a strategy. George notes that Hart's "think tank" is based in Boston. V: Shot of a sign advertising Hart's speech. George stands at Faneuil Hall. George reports that Hart's speech is part of an effort by the Democratic Party to redefine itself for the 1988 elections. 1:19:37: Stock report: the Dow Jones average is listed at 1290.08; the volume of the New York Exchange is listed at 113,720,000. WGBH promotion for Frontline: The Lifer and the Lady. 1:20:49: Lydon introduces in-studio guests Roger Brinner (President, Data Resources, Inc.) and Hendrik Hertzberg (former editor, The New Republic). Lydon asks Brinner about Reagan's budget. Brinner says that the federal deficit is $200 billion. Brinner talks about the burden of interest payments on such a large deficit. Brinner says that lenders to the federal government are setting terms which are greater than the rate of inflation. Brinner talks about a stalemate in the budget process. Brinner says that Reagan has decided that taxes cannot be raised; that Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) has said that the defense budget cannot be cut; that Congressional Democrats will not touch the Social Security funds; that there is no clear way to make budget cuts. Lydon asks Hertzberg about the role of Congressional Democrats in this year's budget. Hertzberg says that Congressional Democrats cannot support a tax hike; that they must support some budget cuts. Hertzberg says that most of the Congressional debate about the budget has been among Republicans; that some Republicans want to freeze all spending and others want to freeze all spending except for defense. Hertzberg says that Reagan's philosphies on government spending have come to dominate US political culture. Hertzberg says that Congressional Democrats will come out against an increase in defense spending. Lydon asks why Weinberger has been so successful in getting funds for the defense spending. Brinner says that it is difficult for politicians to oppose spending for national security. Brinner notes that it is difficult for Democrats to propose a tax hike; that support for a tax hike will hurt their chances for reelection; that the economy shows the benefits of a tax hike two years after its imposition. Hertzberger says that Tip O'Neill (Speaker of the US House of Representatives) and Congressional Democrats are not supporters of some of the economic development programs which will be cut from the budget. Lydon asks if Americans would support the budget if it cut all areas equally, including defense. Hertzberger says that Americans would like to solve the deficit problem without raising taxes; that many citizens are indifferent to the programs which will be cut. Lydon asks about Reagan's philosophy that most government programs are expendable. Hertzberger says that Democrats must challenge Reagan's basic philosophy; that the deficit problems stem from a "huge tax give-away to the rich." Lydon thanks the guests. 1:27:41: Sports report: scores from the Beanpot Hockey Tournament; NBA scores. Lydon reads the wrong page of his script. Harris closes the newscast. End credits roll. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. Logo for WGBX TV (Channel 44) is displayed. 1:28:55: V: Tape cuts in at end of a Ten O'Clock News broadcast on November 26, 1984. Portion of a Ten O'Clock News story featuring Tina Packer (Artistic Director, Boston Shakespeare Company) and three actors. Lydon and Harris close the evening newscast for November 26, 1984. 1:30:28: V: Tape cuts in at end of a Ten O'Clock News broadcast on November 6, 1984. Christopher Lydon talks to in-studio guests Anthony Lewis (New York Times), Ellen Goodman (The Boston Globe), Martin Kilson (Harvard University) and Barry Kaplovitz (consultant) about Walter Mondale's performance in the second debate against Ronald Reagan in 1984. Stock report: the Dow Jones average is shown as 1244.15; the volume of the New York Exchange is shown as 101,250,000. Lydon announces that Ray Shamie (candidate for US Senate) has conceded. Lydon and Harris close the evening newscast on November 6, 1984. End credits roll.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/04/1985

TOCN show tape

Description: Gail Harris and Meg Vaillancourt host a Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Harris reads the headlines. Eileen Jones reports that Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has announced to the Boston School Committee that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget. Jones notes that school administrators and staff will be affected by the cuts. Jones adds that the Boston School Committee has voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the school bus drivers' union, with the goal of signing a contract before the beginning of school. Jones' report includes footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) and footage of Wilson and school committee members at a school committee meeting. Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted for violating state election laws. The report includes footage of Romero speaking to the media. Vaillancourt reports on opposition by the Boston Police Detectives Union to a decision by Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) to reassign thirty detectives to street patrol duty. Vaillancourt's report includes footage from interviews with Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) and Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union). James Robbins reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (South African anti-apartheid leader) was detained by South African security forces after giving a speech at Capetown University. Robbins notes that Boesak had planned to lead a march on Pollsmoor Prison the next day. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman for the US State Department) at a press conference. Tug Yourgrau interviews Janet Levine (South African journalist) about Nelson Mandela (jailed ANC leader). Levine talks about Mandela's arrest, his leadership, his opposition to apartheid and his wife, Winnie Mandela. The interview is accompanied by still photographs and footage of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Vaillancourt reports on an army coup in Nigeria. Her report is accompanied by footage of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) delivering a speech. Harris reports that British Airways has grounded several jets due to possible engine problems. Her report is accompanied by footage of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon has canceled the production of an airgun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because it did not work properly. Her report is accompanied by shots of military weaponry and footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Harris reports on a decline in the US poverty rate and on a fine imposed on Crocker National Bank in San Francisco for a failure to report currency transactions. Vaillancourt reports on the racketeering trial of Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss). The report is accompanied by court drawings of the trial. Harris reports on the ground-breaking ceremony for Roxbury Community College. The report includes footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at the ceremony. Harris interviews in-studio guest Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) about the college. Wolfman talks about the new campus and the need to provide education and training to urban populations. Wolfman talks about a divide between the educated and uneducated populations in Massachusetts
1:00:06: Meg Vaillancourt introduces The Ten O'Clock News. 1:02:11: WGBH promotion for the evening newscast. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. Gail Harris introduces the show. Harris talks about an upcoming story about the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College. 1:03:20: Meg Vaillancourt reads the headlines. Vaillancourt reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) has been placed under house arrest by the South African government. Vaillancourt reports that Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) has canceled a new air defense gun because the weapon is not worth the cost of development. 1:03:38: Harris reads the headlines. Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years; that the auto insurance industry in Massachusetts wants to increase rates next year by at least 12%. Harris reports that the Boston School Committee has been forced to cut its budget by $1 million; that the Committee has cut two dozen administrative jobs; that the Committee has not cut any teaching jobs. Harris introduces a report by Eileen Jones. 1:04:06: Eileen Jones reports that tenured teachers and programs were spared by the Boston School Committee; that administrators and staff were subject to budget cuts by the committee. Visual: Shot of a white female teacher in a classroom with elementary school students. Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) announced that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget; that that school administrators and staff will be hit hard by the cuts. V: Shots of Wilson, and School Committee members Kevin McCluskey and John Nucci at a Boston School Committee meeting; of a cameraman at the meeting; of the members of the School Committee at the front of the School Committee chambers. Jones reports that the jobs of thirteen administrators and seven members of the technical support staff will be eliminated. Jones reports that administration will be cut by 20% on the School Site Management Project; that the jobs of two members of the support staff for the School Site Management Project will be cut; that consultants will be eliminated from the School Site Management Project. V: On-screen text details the specific budget cuts. Jones reports that the mayor and the Boston City Council have forced the school budget cuts; that the Boston School Department will receive $5 to $7 million dollars less than they asked for in their initial budget. V: Shots of audience members at a School Committee meeting; of an audience member taking notes; of a stenographer's hands as she transcribes the meeting; of School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant at the meeting; of Wilson at the meeting; of the members of the media at the meeting. Jones reports that Wilson and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) made an agreement; that Wilson has agreed to eliminate $1.2 million from the budget; that Flynn has agreed to ask for $2.5 million in additional money for the schools. V: Shots of Shirley Owens Hicks (Boston School Committee); of Joseph Casper (Boston School Committee). Footage of John Grady (Boston School Committee) speaking at the meeting. Grady says that Flynn may not fight hard for additional money for the schools; that the City Council may not grant additional money. Grady says that Flynn should not determine the school budget. Footage of Wilson speaking at the meeting. Wilson says that he and Flynn made an agreement; that they will both do their best to stand by the agreement. Jones reports that the School Committee must also sign a contract with their bus drivers; that the contract needs to be signed before school begins in eight days. V: Shots of yellow school buses lined up on a street. Footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) speaking at a meeting. Barrett says that Wilson needs to appoint an overseer to negotiations with the bus company. Footage of Casper speaking at a meeting. Casper says that someone needs to take the lead on this issue. Casper says that Wilson should appoint a top official in the School Department to oversee contract negotiations with National Bus Service, Transcom, the Bus Drivers Union, and the Boston School Department. Casper says that an agreement must be reached before school starts. Jones reports that the School Committee voted in favor of cutting $1.2 million from the budget; that the Committee voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the bus drivers. V: Shot of School Committee members at a meeting. Jones stands in front of the Boston School Committee headquarters. Jones reports that some administrators and staff may be bumped down to teaching positions instead of losing their jobs; that previsionary teachers will lose their jobs instead. Jones reports that the bus drivers are pleased to have a school official involved in negotiations; that the bus drivers want the school official to be able to give immediate approval of an agreement. 1:07:19: Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted on four counts of violating state election laws; that Romero has been accused of perjury and filing false nomination papers; that Romero will appear in Suffolk Superior Court on Thursday. V: Footage of Romero speaking to the media. Romero says that she did not ask for a birth certificate or drivers license when asking voters to sign her nomination papers; that her volunteers only ask people if they are registered voters. She says that she filed the papers properly. Harris says that Romero could be sentenced to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine if found guilty of filing false nomination papers; that Romero could be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000 fine if found guilty of perjury. Harris notes that Romero's name will remain on the ballot in September. 1:08:18: Vaillancourt reports that Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) has recently decided to reassign city detectives to neighborhood patrol work; that members of the Boston Police Detectives Union have called the decision unfair and illegal. V: Shots of members of the Boston Police Detectives Union outside of their headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that the members of the union oppose the reassignment of thirty detectives. V: Footage of Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed outside of the union headquarters. Muse says that the union will ask the State Labor Relations Commission to rule on the issue. Muse says that the city has violated the state's collective bargaining law by refusing to meet and confer with the union before transferring the detectives. Vaillancourt reports that 30 plainclothes investigators have been assigned to uniformed patrol duty. V: Shots of detective union members entering their headquarters; of a uniformed police officer walking down a street. Footage of Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed. Mahoney says that the union was not consulted before the detectives were transferred. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfer is an unfair labor practice. V: Shot of union members outside of union headquarters. Footage of Mahoney saying that morale has never been worse. Vaillancourt reports that Roache transferred the detectives in order to increase police visibility and to decrease crime. V: Shot of Roache standing at a podium. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfers will have the opposite effect. V: Footage of Muse being interviewed. Muse says that visibility does not reduce crime; that successful investigations deter crime. Muse says that patrolling officers cannot deter crime. Shots of union members outside of union headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that Roache says that he is willing to discuss the issue. Vaillancourt reports that the State Labor Relations Board is expected to rule on the case within a few days. 1:10:23: Winning lottery numbers for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are displayed. 1:10:39: Harris reports that the South African government announced that it will suspend trade in krugerrands for a month; that the South African government is trying to stop the flight of capital from the country. Harris notes that the value of one krugerrand has decreased to thirty-five cents; that one krugerrand was valued at one dollar a three years ago. Harris reports that a march to Pollsmoor Prison is planned for tomorrow by apartheid opponents in South Africa. Harris notes that Nelson Mandela (black South African leader) has been held at the prison for over twenty years. Harris notes that Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) will not lead the march as planned. Harris reports that Boesak was detained by South African Security Forces after giving a speech today. 1:11:30: James Robbins reports that Boesak was arrested after giving a speech to students at the University of Capetown. V: Shots of students outside of a building at the University of Capetown; of a sign advertising a mass meeting with Boesak as speaker. Shot of a banner reading, "Stop the call-up." Shot of Boesak walking on a campus. Robbins reports that Boesak is involved in an effort to mobilize 20,000 people; that Boesak had planned to lead the people in a march on Pollsmoor prison tomorrow. Robbins notes that the march is a plea for the release of Mandela. V: Footage of Boesak addressing an audience. Boesak talks about his vision for the future. Shot of Boesak leaving a mass meeting. Robbins reports that Boesak's car was stopped at a roadblock after leaving the university. Robbins notes that Boesak had time to tell a companion that he had been arrested under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act. V: Shots of Boesak walking with members of the media. Shot of Boesak speaking to another man as he walks. Robbins notes that the act allows for indefinite detention without trial; that Boesak's wife does not know where he is being held. V: Shot of Dorothy Boesak (wife of Allan Boesak). Robbins reports that South African police raided another university where Boesak was due to speak; that twenty-one students were arrested. Robbins notes that these arrests are an attempt to thwart the march on Pollsmoor Prison. V: Shots of a group of black South Africans watching police activity in the distance; of a broken door at a university; of a student attempting to repair a broken door. Robbins reports that P.W. Botha (South African President) has warned that his government has greater powers in reserve. V: Shot of a military vehicle. Shot of Botha exiting a vehicle. Footage of Botha at a press conference. Botha says that the South African government has not yet used all of the forces at its disposal to fight opponents. Botha says that he will take further steps if necessary. Robbins notes that the marchers had planned to assemble at the Athlone Stadium; that the government has closed all access routes to the stadium. V: Shots of armed South African Security Force members; of the exterior of the Athlone Stadium. 1:13:10: Vaillancourt reports that Ronald Reagan called the South African government "reformist" earlier this week. Vaillancourt notes that Reagan says that the South African government has eliminated segregation in hotels and restaurants. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. V: Footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman, US State Department) speaking at a press conference. Redman says that the US State Department has formally protested the arrest of Boesak; that the detention of Boesak and others will exacerbate the current situation in South Africa. 1:13:40: Harris reports that Mandela is the head of the African National Congress (ANC); that the ANC is the largest black national organization. Harris notes that Mandela has been in jail since 1964; that Mandela is still present in the minds of black and white South Africans. 1:14:04: Janet Levine (South African journalist and opposition politician) is interviewed by Tug Yourgrau. Levine says that Mandela was jailed in 1964 for being the leader of the ANC; that Mandela has been waiting in prison for the unrest which is enveloping South Africa at the present. Yourgrau asks Levine about Mandela's past. V: Shots of a black and white photo of Mandela as a young man; of a young Nelson Mandela speaking into a microphone. Levine says that Mandela was a practicing lawyer in Johannesburg; that Mandela was a lieutenant of Chief Albert Luthuli (Nobel Peace Prize winner). Levine says that Mandela is an articulate, charismatic man. Levine says that Mandela was arrested in a white suburb of Johannesburg called Rivonia; that Mandela was put on trial for treason. V: Black and white footage from the South African Embassy. The footage shows South Africans gathered outside of a government building. Levine says that Mandela conducted his own defense; that he gave a stirring speech. Levine says that Mandela's speech marks the point when the ANC turned from nonviolence to violence. Levine says that Mandela said in the speech that passive resistance and nonviolent struggle was no longer an option. V: Shot of a newspaper articles with a photo of Mandela. The headline reads, "Mandela's Defence." Black and white footage from South African Essay. Shots of a crowd gathered in South Africa. Shots of members of the South African Security Forces. Shot of an African-American man standing at the front of a crowd. The man makes gestures with his hands. Yourgrau asks how Mandela is seen by different groups in South Africa. Levine says that Mandela represents "black terror" to the Afrikaaners. Levine says that black South Africans across the political spectrum see Mandela as their greatest leader. V: Shot of a black and white photo of black South Africans demonstrating for Mandela's release. Yourgrau remarks that Mandela recently said that he would prefer communism to apartheid; that Mandela recently said that he will not renounce violence as a means to fight against apartheid. Yourgrau says that these comments could undermine Mandela's support in the US. Levine says that apartheid is linked with capitalism in the minds of many black South Africans. Levine says that it is absurd for the South African government to make nonviolence a condition of Mandela's release. Levine says that the South African government has created the violent atmosphere within the country. Yourgrau asks about Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) and the "Mandela legend." Levine says that the "Mandela legend" is strong in South Africa. Levine says that Winnie Mandela is strikingly beautiful; that she is committed to Nelson Mandela and to the ANC. Levine says that there is a mystique surrounding the Mandela family. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Nelson and Winnie Mandela on their wedding day. Black and white footage of Winnie Mandela speaking. Color footage of Winnie Mandela giving an interview. Levine says that Zinzi Mandela (daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela) is a leader of the anti-apartheid movement; that people stop Zinzi Mandela on the street to talk to her about her father. Yourgrau comments that Winnie Mandela has said that it may be too late to negotiate the release of Nelson Mandela. Levine says that the tide has turned in favor of black South Africans; that the government must now negotiate with Nelson Mandela about the future of the country. 1:17:58: Vaillancourt reads the international headlines. Vaillancourt reports that there was an army coup in Nigeria today; that the government of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) was overthrown by army officers. Vaillancourt notes that Buhari was accused of abusing power and failing to revive the economy. V: Shots of soldiers on a street in Nigeria; of Buhari making a speech. Shots of Nigerians at a street market. Vaillancourt reports that Nigeria has now had six coups since declaring independence from Great Britain in 1960. Vaillancourt notes that the US State Department says that there is no indication of danger to Americans in Nigeria. 1:18:22: Stock report: the Dow Jones is listed at 1322.47 and the volume is listed at 82,140,000. 1:19:49: Harris reports that British aviation officials have ordered the grounding of several jets due to possible engine problems; that the jets have engines similar to the one which blew up in Manchester, England, last week. Harris notes that the explosion killed 54 people. Harris reports that British Airways found extensive cracking in the precautionary checks of the engines of the grounded jets. V: Shots of firefighters surrounding the remains of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Harris reports that planes owned by four other airlines are being investigated; that some have been ordered to fly back to Great Britain with no passengers on board. V: Shot of a jet airliner in the sky. Harris reports that the Jose Napoleon Duarte (El Salvadoran president) says that arrests have been made for the murders of four marines and two American businessmen in June; that three guerillas have been arrested and a fourth is dead. Harris notes that the six Americans were killed in a cafe massacre in San Salvador; that a rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack. 1:20:34: Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon canceled an air gun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because the weapon did not work properly. Vaillancourt reports that the weapon is called "The Sergeant York System;" that the weapon has been in production since 1981; that the weapon has cost the army $1.8 billion dollars. Vaillancourt reports that the targeting mechanism is inaccurate; that the gun mistakenly aimed at the exhaust fan of a latrine during a test. V: Shots of military weapons. Shot of a targeting system on a military weapon. Shot of a helicopter caught in the crosshairs of a weapon. Vaillancourt reports that the army had hoped to acquire 618 Sergeant York guns at a cost of $3 billion. V: Footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Weinberger says that the army needs air defense capability; that the army had invested time and money in the weapon. Weinberger says that the weapon will not perform as needed; that he has canceled the weapon. 1:21:41: Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years. Harris says that Ronald Reagan (US President) credits a low inflation rate and an economic recovery for the decline. Harris notes that the US Conference of Mayors says that the poverty rate remains high. Harris reports that the Crocker National Bank of San Francisco has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine for a failure to report currency transactions. Harris notes that the Bank of Boston paid $500,000 for the same transgression earlier this year. Harris reports that the violations were uncovered during a routine audit of Crocker National Bank; that the bank did not intentionally launder money. Harris notes that $4 billion in unreported funds may have come from drug transactions. 1:22:38: Vaillancourt reports that Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss) and his three brothers are on trial for racketeering; that government attorneys asked permission to present testimony from an FBI expert on the Mafia. Vaillancourt reports that defense attorneys objected to the testimony. Vaillancourt notes that defense attorneys say that there can be no expert on an organization which does not exist. Vaillancourt reports that David Nelson (federal judge) allowed the testimony; that Nelson will not allow the jury to hear testimony until the expert is questioned by attorneys in order to test his knowledge. Vaillancourt reports that today's trial session was cut short; that one juror complained of family problems. Vaillancourt notes that another juror was dismissed and replaced by an alternate. V: Shots of court room drawings of the Angiulo trial by Betty Wiberg (artist). 1:23:31: Vaillancourt reports on the weather. 1:24:41: Harris reports that there was a large crowd at the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College today. Harris reports that Roxbury Community College was established in 1973; that money for the construction of a campus has been elusive. V: Shots of people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony at Roxbury Community College. Shots of architectural drawings of the new campus. Harris reports that the Southwest Corridor of Roxbury will house a four-building college; that the construction of the campus will cost $40 million; that the project is expected to be completed by the fall of 1987. Harris reports that 1500 students are expected to enroll. V: Footage of the groundbreaking ceremony. Shots of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) seated next to one another in the audience. Shot of Mel King (community leader) in the audience. Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) addressing the audience at the ceremony. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College now has a permanent home. Bolling says that a home for the school was needed; that the students at the college will need homes in Roxbury. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College will no longer be a "dream deferred." Shots of the audience; of Shirley Owens Hicks (State Representative) in the audience. Bolling says that he wants to make sure that Roxbury residents can afford to continue living in Roxbury. A banner with the seal of Roxbury Community College hangs from the podium where Bolling speaks. 1:26:12: Harris introduces Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) as the in-studio guest. Harris notes that Wolfman was appointed in 1983; that the college is presently located on Huntington Avenue. Harris asks Wolfman if the new campus is the deliverance on a promise made fifteen years ago. Harris asks if the new campus is really needed. Wolfman says that people began pushing for a campus for Roxbury Community College twenty years ago. Wolfman notes that funds for a campus were approved by the State legislature in 1980. Wolfman says that there were groundbreakings with no commitment of funds in the 1970s. Wolfman says that the funds have been allocated and the contractor selected for this site. Wolfman says that construction is ready to begin. Wolfman says that the idea of open admission in higher education is a new one in Massachusetts; that there are a lot of private colleges in Massachusetts. Wolfman says that open-admission community colleges have a longer history in California and New York City. Harris asks why it took so long for Roxbury Community College to find a permanent home. Harris asks if politics or racism played a role. Wolfman says that both politics and racism played into the issue. Wolfman says that there is a lack of recognition of the need to provide higher education to the urban population. Wolfman says that there are a lot of poor people in Boston; that poor people need education and training in order to enter the mainstream workforce. Wolfman says that one out of every four adults in Boston is illiterate. Wolfman says that the needs of these people need to be addressed through illiteracy programs, GED programs and college-level programs. Wolfman says that Bostonians like to think of themselves as highly educated. Wolfman says that the population is split between highly educated people and uneducated people. Wolfman says that this split is economically and socially dangerous. Harris notes that some community colleges are having a hard time attracting students; that Bunker Hill Community College is running television advertisements. Wolfman says that Roxbury Community College has not had trouble filling seats at its Huntington Avenue location; that the college is stable and easily accessible. Wolfman says that poor people are reluctant to take out student loans. Wolfman notes that funding for higher education has moved from grants to loans. Wolfman says that the debt incurred by students is a problem for many. Harris closes the interview. 1:30:53: Report on baseball scores. The Red Sox beat Cleveland, 6 - 2. 1:31:10: Vaillancourt and Harris close the newscast. End credits roll. 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Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/27/1985