Alternate History 🇺🇸 November 2, 1976: President Nelson Rockefeller wins election to full 4-year term and the aftermath

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 5: INAUGURATION DAY: ROCKY'S SECOND INAUGURATION AS THE 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Thursday, January 20, 1977
US Capitol Rotunda, Washington, DC.

President Nelson Rockefeller and First Lady Happy Rockefeller during the 21 Cannon Salute on Inauguration Day inside the US Capitol Rotunda.
​

Due to the severe harsh winter weather, the originally-planned outdoor inauguration ceremony was moved out of the East Front of the US Capitol and moved indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda. Millions of Americans watching this historic inauguration ceremony on television at home and throughout the world (including those stationed in US military bases); all members of Congress were in attendance as well as some of the US State Governors such as California Governor Jerry Brown (D), US Virgin Islands Governor Cyril King (D/ICM), Puerto Rico Governor Carlos Romero Barcelo (PNP), Virginia Governor Mills Godwin (R), Arizona Governor Raul H. Castro (D), Illinois Governor James R. "Big Jim" Thompson (R), Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D), Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards (D), etc., were in attendance. Also attending the festivities: Los Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley (D), New York City Mayor Abraham Beame (D), New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu (D).

Musical performances included the Human Jukebox from Southern University and A&M College of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who sung the National Anthem "Star-Spangled Banner"; Pearl Bailey performed "God Bless America"; United States Marine Band performed "America, the Beautiful". Additionally, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was performed by selected voices from Virginia Union University, Howard University, University of Utah, University of Washington, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.

US House Speaker Tip O'Neill (D-MA) swore in Vice President Linwood Holton at 11:55 AM EST as the 42nd Vice President of the United States, as Holton's wife, Jinks was holding the Holton family Bible:
"I, Abner Linwood Holton, Jr., do solemnly swear
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I will take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God."

"Hail Columbia" is performed by the United States Marine Band as Holton smiles and kisses his wife, Jinks, then hugs his four children.

After a musical performance by the University of Utah, President Rockefeller walked up to the podium with his wife, Happy (who held the Rockefeller family Bible), raised his right hand to repeating the Presidential Oath of Office, which was administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Burger:
"I, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, do solemnly swear
that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God."

Once Chief Justice Burger said "Congratulations for the second time Mr. President. Good luck to you in the next four years" as Rockefeller shook his hand, then kissed his wife Happy as the crowd let out a big round of applause as the United States Marine Band performed "Hail to the Chief" while the 21 Cannon Salute was fired very loudly outside on the West Front Grounds of the US Capitol. The Cannons were still firing as the music stopped, which dragged on for awhile even while President Rockefeller smiled once he walked up to the podium to deliver his second inaugural address:

President Rockefeller: "Chief Justice Burger, Vice President Holton, Speaker O'Neill, Leader Byrd, Leaders Rhodes and Baker, members of the House and the Senate, members of the Cabinet, Members of the United States Supreme Court, and the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, reverend clergy and my fellow Americans: Once again, thank you very much, as we come together as one America: one nation under God, in celebrating our democracy and freedom. The American people sent elected leaders in all branches of government here to do the people's business, having been given a renewed mandate in continuing their humble service to America and its citizens, who entrusted us to leading this great nation of ours. Personally, it's a great, amazing and dignified to continue serving as your President. And I want everyone to be assured, that I plan on continuing being the President for all Americans.

On September 5, 1975, the Presidency fell upon my shoulders during traumatic circumstances, I spoke of the challenges facing us ranging from domestic, economic, and foreign policy. Last year during the 1976 State of the Union Address, I reported on the achievements of this administration in less than a short time because the groundwork that we laid for our nation's success to continue prospering for future generations of Americans, including the hardworking efforts of maintaining peace through strength, as well as tough, but fair diplomacy on the international stage. I should note that under this administration, we've worked aggressive in boosting our national defense, sending a message to our adversaries that the United States will not be pushed around or take threats of war lightly. We will respond with strong, aggressive force if necessary!

The Bicentennial celebrating our nation's 200 birthday is over, I want to acknowledge that we've come through a long way over the years. It is very important that we leave our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren with an America as a beacon of hope, democracy, and leading the world in the name of world peace. In regard to today's modified ceremonies, I want to apologize to thousands of Americans, who dearly wanted to attend the inauguration festivities today. Sadly, the severe weather over the past week didn't permit the outdoor ceremonies from taking place, but I want this second inaugural message to the American people being one of hope, reflection and opportunity, because it truly reflects my deepest convictions, there is nothing wrong with the United States, that courage, dedication and love cannot conquer.

Going forward in these four years, having been given such an overwhelming mandate last November, I am humbled by your support including earning your sacred trust of continuing to lead this country as we're closing out the 1970s and venturing into a new decade the 1980s. We've got lots of work left to do because with another four years next and who knows maybe, another four more years afterwards (crowd laughs loudly), I am confident that we can finish the work by then and hand off the duties of public service to the next generation of Americans who aren't even born yet.

Let's us all pledge together in all fifty states as well as the Territories, that we're all in this together as one large, big happy family. In these four years beyond America's 200th birthday, I strongly believe that we can bring a bright beacons of light and hope for everyone in the entire world. Because this is what we owe to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the future generations of Americans to come after us.

Thank you very much for listening. God Bless all of you and most of all, God Bless the United States of America!"

(Rounds of applause from the crowd inside the US Capitol as Rocky and his wife, Happy kiss and hug).

Following the Inauguration, the traditional Inaugural luncheon for the Rockefeller's and Holton's took place inside Statutory Hall. Coverage of the inauguration was provided by CBS News, NBC News and ABC News. The ceremony was televised throughout the United States and parts of the world. Following the Inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Inaugural Committee, the Rockefeller's got back into the Presidential limousine and drove to the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland: where President and First Lady Rockefeller, Vice President and Second Lady Holton attended the alternative indoor event at the Capitol Centre, where the parade's expected participants including 9,000 students were given an amazing opportunity to perform for the President. Other participants of the indoor Inaugural Parade: Southern University and A&M College's Human Jukebox, Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm, University of Texas Longhorn Band, Louisiana State University Tiger Band, Grambling State University Marching Band, Virginia Union University, University of Illinois Illini Marching Band, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US Military Academy Marching Band, US Air Force Academy Band, etc.,

Later in the evening, the Rockefeller's and Holton's attended five Inaugural Balls at the following venues: the Kennedy Center, Pension Building, American History Museum, Sheraton Hotel and Cramton Auditorium on the campus of Howard University.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*Friday, January 21, 1977:

The day after President Rockefeller's inauguration, many countless headlines from the country wondered about the one-liner of Rockefeller potentially sticking around the White House for another four years.

Headlines from January 21, 1977:
*"Will Rocky seek a second full term in 1980?"
*"Who's brave enough to challenge President Rockefeller after his 1976 landslide victory in four years?"
*"With Rocky in the White House, talk begins on Vice President Holton as heir apparent in 1984"
*"Where do the Democrats go from here?"
*"Rocky's Presidency being noted as consequential"

With a massive financial warchest advantage and strong approval ratings, it is hinted that the President is leaning towards seeking a second full four-year term in 1980 which sources think the President wants a 50 State landslide victory in three years.

Polling suggest that Rockefeller will be difficult to beat considering his landslide victory against Alabama Governor George Wallace (D) in the 1976 Presidential election, Democrats could be pressured to find someone, who'll take one for the team like a good soldier.

CRAZED PERONISTSAS LAUNCH ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON ARGENTINE REPUBLIC PRESIDENT JORGE VIDELA

*Another assassination attempt against Argentine Republic President Lieutenant General Jorge Rafael Videla happened again. This time during a press conference inside the Army Headquarters where Videla was addressing 100,000 troops of the Field Regiment of the Argentine Republic Army.

Reports suggest a group of crazed Peronistsas are responsible for the attempt. Some political analysts theorize it likely won't be the last attempt on Videla's life.

TOWER CONFIRMED AS US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

*Tuesday, February 1, 1977:

Despite a slight delay in confirmation hearings, United States Senator John Tower (R-TX) was confirmed by the full US Senate to serve as the next US Secretary of Defense in a vote of 63-37.

Tower was sworn into office by Vice President Holton at the Pentagon. He succeeds former US Defense Secretary William P. Clements, Jr., who stepped down on January 20th moving back to Dallas, Texas.

TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE MARK W. WHITE, JR., APPOINTED AS UNITED STATES SENATOR

*Hours after Tower submitted his resignation from the United States Senate upon being confirmed as US Defense Secretary, Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D) confirmed during a press conference in the Reception Room of the Governor's office of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, that he was appointing Texas Secretary of State Mark W. White as the Lone Star State's junior United States Senator.

White addressed reporters thanking Governor Briscoe for giving him this opportunity to continue serving the people of Texas in the United States Senate.

The Houston Chronicle reported Briscoe has scheduled the special election for June 14th with a runoff election set for July 12th.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 5 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Headlines of the Cabinet nominees getting confirmed by the full US Senate ​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

NEW CABINET NOMINEES APPROVED BY THE US SENATE

*Tuesday, February 1, 1977: On the first day of February and after six weeks of confirmation hearings, the United States Senate approved all new cabinet nominees that President Rockefeller nominated back in December:

*John Tower: confirmed as US Secretary of Defense: 63 Aye; 36 Nay
*Edward W. Brooke, III: confirmed as US Attorney General: 83 Aye; 16 Nay
*David Rockefeller: confirmed as US Secretary of the Treasury: 75 Aye; 23 Nay
*Patricia Roberts Harris: confirmed as US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: 91 Aye; 5 Nay
*Cecil Andrus: confirmed as US Secretary of the Interior: 92 Nay; 7 Nay (confirmed on January 23rd)
*Daniel J. Evans: confirmed as US Ambassador to the United Nations: 86 Nay; 13 Nay
*Kika De La Garza: confirmed as US Secretary of Agriculture: 80 Aye; 16 Nay
*James Schlesinger: confirmed as US Secretary of Energy: 67 Aye; 29 Nay

The Rockefeller Administration as of February 1, 1977
President: Nelson Rockefeller (R-NY St)
Vice President: Linwood Holton (R-VA)
Secretary of State: Malcolm Wilson (R-NY St)
Attorney General: Edward Brooke (R-MA)
Secretary of Defense: John Tower (R-TX)
Secretary of the Treasury: David Rockefeller (R-NY St)
Secretary of Commerce: Elliot Richardson (R-MA)
Secretary of the Interior: Cecil Andrus (D-ID)
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Patricia Roberts Harris (D-DC)
Secretary of Energy: James Schlesinger (R-VA)
Secretary of Labor: William Usery, Jr., (R-GA)
Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: Joseph Califano, Jr., (D-DC)
Secretary of Transportation: William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr., (R-PA)
Secretary of Agriculture: Kika De La Garza (D-TX)
Director of the Office of Management and Budget: James Thomas Lynn (R-OH)
US Trade Representative: Frederick B. Dent (R-SC)
US Ambassador to the United Nations: Daniel J. Evans (R-WA)
Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation: Clarence M. Kelley (R-MO)
Director of Central Intelligence: George HW Bush (R-TX)
National Security Adviser: Brent Scowcroft (R-VA)
White House Chief of Staff: Ann C. Whitman (R-NY St)

GALLUP POLLING SURVEY: FEBRUARY 1, 1977
Approval Rating for President Rockefeller
Approve: 75%
Disapprove: 20%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1977 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

President Rockefeller delivers his second State of the Union Address before Joint Session of Congress.

*Thursday, February 17, 1977: Despite being very late than usual State of the Union Addresses in Presidential history, President Nelson Rockefeller delivered his second State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress. He still would be speaking before a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-controlled Senate. Upon arriving at the podium, he didn't waste any time in outlining his agenda for the coming years and months: Among the first calls of his speech was enacting legislation in extending the 1975 Middle-Class Tax Cut to continue the economic growth. "And this is very quite significant because we can get further by considering an elimination of the federal income tax for people making less than $20,000 per year," the President said which took some members by surprise, considering their assumptions of his zero-based budgeting times as New York State's Governor for 14 years. In spite of saying this remark about the federal income tax, both sides of the aisle rose up to give the President a round of applause. Then, he turned his attention on the successful passage of the 1975 Patient Protection Act, which he buoyed as one of the most successful bipartisan pieces of legislation of his administration and he singled out United States Senators Jacob Javits (R-NY St) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) on their hardworking efforts of getting this legislation over the finish line.

In the second half of his address, the President focused on foreign affairs. He strongly reaffirmed his staunch support of the Good Neighbor Policy, which some considered a continuation of the Good Neighbor Policy initiatives of then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt. "I am glad to reporting to you tonight that a comprehensive agreement is being reached between the United States and the Federative Republic of Brazil when it comes to cooperation of the USBRZ Economic Free Trade Agreement of 1977, which must be approved by the Senate this year. No excuses. Let's get this done right now!" He also touched on the Asian Pacific, where he announced plans to visit India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Singapore later this summer.

THE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE

California Governor Jerry Brown (D) delivering the Democratic Party Response speech from Sacramento, California following President Rockefeller's second State of the Union Address.

*Following President Rockefeller's second State of the Union Address, California Governor Jerry Brown (D) delivered the Democratic Party Response speech.

Brown, 38, who ran unsuccessfully for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination losing to eventual nominee Alabama Governor George Wallace (D), is considered as one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party and was eventually chosen by party leaders. In his speech, Brown strongly attacked the Rockefeller administration's budget cuts on domestic programs such as the Great Society, initiatives championed by the Johnson administration. He also criticized the administration for shifting majority of the anti-poverty initiatives by sending them to the states without federal funding. "As a former governor for 14 consecutive years himself, President Rockefeller should know better," Brown remarked. Additionally, he also took strong aim at the administration's tax policy: urging tax increases for those with upper incomes in order to balancing the federal budget. "Let's be honest," the first-term California Governor said, "the federal budget won't ever be balanced unless we make tough, difficult decisions. And that means having real, meaningful savings as well as additional revenues from those who can afford it. Despite the economic growth, I strongly urge you to be realistic on this situation as we're still battling inflation, Mr. President. Based on your overwhelming mandate from last November, you have the freedom to tackle the necessary areas in getting the federal budget balanced."

Crediting the Rockefeller administration's foreign policy for their conduct approaches to foreign policy. "I'll give credit on where credit is due", Brown noted and praised the administration for the Good Neighbor Policy in Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. He also praised the administration's efforts regarding the Panama Canal Negotiations with the Panamanian government. "We all know and the administration knows, that the true opponents regarding the Panama Canal Negotiations sit on the conservative Republican side of the aisle, not our own side of the political aisle. The Democrats have always been there as a reliable force in Congress, where the Republican votes have been lacking."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

One night in the Argentine Republic
10:17 PM ARGST, Friday, February 18, 1977
Somewhere in the secluded outskirts in the Argentine Republic
(******* The following installment will be quite erotic. Viewer discretion advised)
​

(Part I): "It was all quiet in town. Nice and sleepy on what I called the quiet place in the outskirts of San Vicente, Argentine Republic.

On the evening of February 18th, I had been wondering as Magarita and six other women were taking me. "Excuse me Mags, but where are you taking me?" Magarita replied "Shhh. It's a secret. We'll have some fun". Considering that all of us were obviously lesbians and proud of this because we felt free at night whenever everyone was asleep and in bed at home.

Noticing some large trees outside Magarita's sprawled out ranch. We got inside, I said to her "Kind of thirsty. You've got some refreshments for us or something?" Magarita gave us some tasty wine which was good. We had been partying at her main house since 5:00 PM.

Fast forward to three hours later, Magarita told us about a secret underground bunker inside her ranch. She, Genesis, myself and Yasmin walked quietly into the backside of one of the rooms, where we walked inside the double-door room leading to what looked like a super large private secret underground tunnel; Magarita locked the doors behind her tightly using triple locks.

I was amazed at how these underground windowless tunnels were built, "How did you built these tunnels?" Magarita happily explained to us that it was done just a few years ago just in case an ugly international war broke out (Magarita was a construction worker who built large tombs, nuclear bunkers, etc) . I was like "Nuclear holocaust? Bay of Pigs all over again?" She said "Something like that. Now let me walk you beautiful ladies down further". After changing into something "more comfortable" (we had on blue robes and slippers which I thought was quite odd). I asked Magarita "Why are we're wearing only blue robes?" Magarita aughed, replying "It's a secret surprise for our little secret adventure".

We continued walking for awhile, then noticed a large green train: we got inside as the train took us in a long ride, which lasted like hours before finally arriving at 10:17 PM ARGST.

Getting out of the train, I noticed Yasmin feeling a little dizzy saying "I don't feel too well. I need to sit down" before falling in Genesis' arms. She carried an unconscious Yasmin into another underground room, which was large. After coming back to our designated spot, Magarita smiled and told us "We're here. Now it's time to show our undying devotion and loyalty by giving all of our all for her."

That quote stopped me in my tracks when I got annoyed and snapped at Magarita "You're scaring me. What do you mean undying devotion and loyalty to her? And which woman are you talking about?" Once again, Magarita replied "You're so jumpy and nervous. Have another drink to calm you down".

And stupidly, I took the drink and said "Thanks. Need something to calm me down" when I felt something strong with an aggressive sense of adrenalin rush coming inside me. Feeling dizzy and on the verge of fainting, I vomited on Magarita's robe before fainting.

While I was being carried into another large private room, I heard another female with a Polish accent greeting Magarita with a kiss "Hey baby. What's going on?" Magarita explained to the mysterious Polish Argentinian woman about something that I couldn't comprehend, which was the last thing I remembered before falling asleep."

Juanita Estevez
Spring 1977
Somewhere in the outskirts of San Vicente, Argentine Republic

COMING UP OVER THE WEEKEND: Part II of One Night in the Argentine Republic

 

[Sergeant Foley]

******The following installment will be quite erotic. Viewrer discretion advised.

Personal PoV's: Juanita's Secret Diary
8:47 PM IST, Monday, February 21, 1977
Somewhere in the outskirts of Karaikudi, India

Genesis thoroughly penetrating a "special project"
​

"It had been less than three days since I collapsed on the late evening hours of February 18th. I had been in a deep sleep for what felt like days.

The time was 8:47 PM IST and it was a Monday night because I slowly woke up by yawning in a large bed "Must've been sleepy. But why I do hear water outside?" I walked over to the window and realized I was in a different country. It was quiet and peaceful, but at the same time, I was slowly becoming curious on why I took that damn drink from that smirking Magarita.

Slowly getting out of the bed, I began walking quietly down the hallway and began hearing fans blowing downstairs. "What's that weird noise?" I thought to myself as I continued walking because of my curiosity on what was going on.

As I kept walking, my heart was pounding inside; the blood adrenalin rush was more aggressively causing me to shake badly and I couldn't stop sweating profusely.

The noise kept distracting me as I tried to ignore it, but I decided to check it out because I wanted to know where I was and why did I feel something injecting the back of my neck.

It was getting closer to 9:00 PM IST and I quietly snuck into one of those secret underground bunkers without any windows. As I snuck my left eye on one of the peepholes, I heard something groaning or moaning.....

More curious about what the weird noises, I decided to open the door quietly and the horror of what I had seen before my own eyes: Genesis (who was a hermaphrodite woman) was sweating, naked and barefoot, thoroughly penetrating a naked woman and not just any naked woman.....but Genesis was penetrating the naked embalmed mummified body of the late Argentine Republic First Lady Eva Duarte de Peron on a large bed as Genesis was moaning loudly.

I was horrified by what I just saw and quietly closed the door. Shaking and nervous, I ran out of there, all the way toward the bathroom and vomited badly.

Before I had a chance to escape, a mysterious Polish-Argentinian woman grabbed me from behind and injected me with some concoction in the left side of my neck.

That mysterious Polish-Argentinian woman carried me into a secret "examination room" while she was talking me in her native Polish "you look so beautiful sweetie" before she placed me on a steel slab and removed my clothes, leaving me naked and barefoot.

Then I heard Genesis walking inside and she gave me an intimidating threat "You're NOT gonna open your mouth about what you saw over there. Now hold your breath as I apply some plaster on you".

I woke up and asked "Where's Gabriella? Why haven't I seen her?" Genesis sighed and said "Killing Gabriella was the most difficult thing that Magarita had to do because she was nosing around and planning on exposing our plans to the authorities." I soon cried while Genesis lifted my head up and gave me some water, "drink slowly baby".

For what lasted hours, Genesis placed an all-white plaster all over my body and left the room. By 3:00 AM IST, February 22nd, she returned and carefully removed the plaster off of me and applied some makeup on it. I just laid on the steel slab, shaking, scared and nervous because I thought Genesis and that mysterious Polish-Argentinian woman were going to kill me.

She made me promise that I keep what I witnessed a secret for the rest of my life. I promised her that I would; then I learned that Genesis, that mysterious Polish-Argentinian woman and Magarita had placed a latex human wax mask skin suit on Gabriella's naked skinless body to masquerade as Evita by placing her in the casket and using one of those secret gadgets to lift the casket into the hidden trapdoor of the tomb back in San Vicente, Argentine Republic; while they secretly flew Evita's body out of the country, eventually arriving in Southern India on the evening hours of February 19th.

I didn't know how long they planned on keeping Evita's embalmed body in India. Accurately predicted they wouldn't fly back to the Argentine Republic until democracy returned to my beloved country.

My family still assumed I was studying abroad or doing Women's Gymnastics because of my athletic skills in the sport, so nobody seemed to be worried about what was happening. Genesis had lots of that so-called "special secret medicine treatments" inside her secret lab which she used every morning and every night. "

Juanita Estevez
February 1977
Somewhere in the outskirts of Karaikudi, India

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*February 23, 1977: Oscar Romero, an outspoken opponent of violence, becomes the archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador.

*February 28, 1977: Queen Elizabeth II opens the Parliament of New Zealand.

*March 8, 1977: The Australian Parliament is opened by Elizabeth II in her capacity as Queen of Australia.

*March 19, 1977: Indian parliamentary elections are held. Congress Party gets routed by the opposition Janata Alliance.

*March 29, 1977: Argentine Republic President Lieutenant General Jorge Rafael Videla commemorates the first anniversary of the National Reorganization Process since taking power in a bloodless military coup d'etat on March 24, 1976.

*March 31, 1977: FBI agents raided the office of California Lieutenant Governor Mervyn Dymally (D) in Sacramento on accusations of campaign finance violations, wire fraud and bribery.

Dymally calls the allegations nothing more but a political witch hunt. There's growing pressure from some California Democrats on Dymally to abandon his reelection campaign in 1978.

*April 4-5, 1977: Violent severe tornado outbreaks strike Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. The most strongest catastrophic F5 tornado hit the Northern Birmingham, Alabama suburbs which resulted in 200 injuries and 24 deaths.

The tornado outbreaks also resulted in the crash of Southern Airways Flight 242 killing 72 and 22 injured.

*March 28-April 29, 1977: The Atlanta sanitation strike of 1977 explodes. In response, Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson (D) fires over 900+ workers on April 1st and aggressively breaks the labor unions. Jackson was supported by conservative white business interests and suburban voters.

*April 7-10, 1977: Tom Watson of the United States, defeats fellow American Jack Nikalus to win the 1977 Masters Tournament: 276 (-12) to 278 (-10).

*April 17, 1977: Belgian Prime Minister Leo Tindeman's Christian Social Party gains eight seats in parliamentary elections.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@WolfBear @Buba @The Immortal Watch Dog @almostinsane @Carrot of Truth @Circle of Willis @Zyobot @stevep @TheRomanSlayer @49ersfootball @Captain X @Airedale260 @Zacharguy @The Whispering Monk

Coming up this week: Entertainment Headlines from 1976.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER CONFIRMS HE'LL SEEK REELECTION TO SECOND FULL FOUR-YEAR TERM IN 1980

*April 24, 1977: While being interviewed by the Seattle Times while visiting Seattle, Washington, President Nelson Rockefeller discussed his administration's accomplishments and major key initiatives on domestic policy, economic policy, foreign policy, etc.,

He also confirmed the rumors declaring he'll be seeking reelection to a second full four-year term in 1980, which would make him the second longest-serving US President with 9 1/2 years by January 20, 1985. Polling surveys have the President leading between 35-55 percentage points in head-to-head matchups against potential Democratic challengers.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES (1976)

Clint Eastwood (Inspector Harry Callahan) and Inspector Tyne Daly (Inspector Kate Moore) in the 1976 American action thriller film 'The Enforcer', the third film in the Dirty Harry Film Series.

*December 22, 1976: 'The Enforcer' starring Clint Eastwood as the flamboyant police inspector Harry Callahan of the San Francisco Police Department, debuts in theaters. Critics viewed the film as a major commercial success, with $8,851,288 in its first week, which film critics and analysts viewed as an all-time record out of any the Clint Eastwood films. In the United States and Canada, it grossed $46,236,000, which made it the ninth-highest grossing film of 1976. Among those in the cast included the following: Tyne Daly (Inspector Kate Moore), Harry Guardino (Lieutenant Al Bressler), John Mitchum (Inspector Frank DiGiorgio), Bradford Dillman (Captain Jerome McKay), Al Popwell (Ed "Big Ed" Mustapha), John Crawford (The Mayor of San Francisco) among countless others.

Filming took place in the San Francisco Bay area, which occurred during the other Dirty Harry films.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

US SECRETARY OF STATE MALCOLM WILSON ANNOUNCING NEW MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS

US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson addressing the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce.

*April 28, 1977: With conservative Democrats and conservative Republicans forming a bloc in killing the Rockefeller administration's Panama Canal Treaty back in the Fall of 1975, US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson decided to open up a major chapter of diplomacy in the Rockefeller administration. President Rockefeller's top diplomat spent the past few months preparing for direct talks between Egypt and Israel, one of the most difficult and unresolved foreign policy challenges that had bedeviled previous US presidential administrations in the past, a conflict that had been escalating in an obvious unstable region.

During televised congressional hearings and a press conference, Secretary Wilson announced new negotiation efforts between the two rival countries under US leadership. According to Wilson, both sides agreed to this dialogue format and a potential treaty, which will be negotiated. Wilson is likely to be taking a strong leadership role in the Middle East Peace Process. President Rockefeller is expected to travel to the Middle East sometime either later this month or early next week in launching the first direct talks between the Egyptian government and Israeli government.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*May 1, 1977: During a huge rally organized by the Confederation of Progressive Labor Unions, the rally was shattered by violence when rooftop snipers opened fire into the crowd of over 100,000 gathered at the Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey. 30 people died from the violent attack and 200 others were injured.

*May 6, 1977: The US Labor Department announced that unemployment dropped to 7% during April: the lowest-figure in nearly two and one-half years.

*May 13, 1977: US President Nelson Rockefeller signed a bill authorizing works projects worth $4 billion. He also signed a $20 billion appropriations bill to finance the bill and other public service employment programs that were expected to provide more than one million jobs, mainly for construction workers and young people.

*May 17, 1977: In Israel's parliamentary elections, the Likud Party wins 43 seats in the Israeli Knesset. Menachem Begin is elected as the 6th Prime Minister of Israel, who took office on June 21st.

*May 19, 1977: The Kenyan government issued an immediate ban on big-game hunting in an effort to preserving the country's diminishing wildlife.

*May 20-31, 1977: US Defense Secretary John Tower visits US military personnel stationed in Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Japan and the Philippines. He also meets with Taiwanese National Defense Minister Kao Kuei-yuan, Taiwanese Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, and Taiwanese President Yen Chia-kan; Tower also spoke to US-Taiwan Defense Command's US military personnel troops. On May 22nd, Tower addressed the Legislative Yuan highlighting the importance of the US/Taiwanese diplomatic ties.

On May 23rd-25th: Defense Secretary Tower visits the Republic of Korea, where he meets with ROK National Defense Minister Seo Jong-chul, ROK Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah and ROK President Park Chung-hee. He also addressed the US Special Operations Command Korea, Eighth United States Army at Camp Humphreys, United States Naval Forces Korea, US Air Forces Korea at Osan Air Base.

May 25th-28th: Tower meets with US military personnel and Japanese military personnel at Yokota Air Base. He also addressed the military troops during a luncheon and met personally with each of the soldiers; Tower meets with Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda at the Kantei (Residence of the Japanese Prime Minister).

*May 28th-31st: Tower attends a Courtesy Call with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos at Malacanang Palace. He also meets with Philippine National Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Army General Romeo Espino; Tower also addressed US and Philippine military troops during a special banquet at Camp Aguinaldo.

*May 23, 1977: President Rockefeller signs into law a tax bill that would reduce the federal income taxes by $34.20 billion over the next 28 months.

*May 24, 1977: Facing political blowback from inside his own party, Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D) announced his plans for reelection in 1978. Despite his unpopularity from liberals, progressives and others inside the Texas Democratic Party, Briscoe expressed confidence that "experienced leadership during tough times" would carry the day. He also scoffed at speculation that potential primary challengers such as former Texas Governor Preston Smith (D) and Texas State Attorney General John Hill (D) appear likely to declare respective candidacies soon.

*May 25, 1977: US Ambassador to the United Nations Daniel J. Evans visited South Africa at the invitation of Harry Oppenheimer, a leading South African businessman and supporter of racial reforms. Evans called on the South African government to transition to true democracy and demanded an end to the Apartheid system once and for all.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 5 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
July 16, 1977: Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago makes history as the first black woman to win the Miss Universe Pageant

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*June 5, 1977: A big government scandal explodes, which involved alleged ROK influence peddling inside the United States which had been a target of three federal probes during the years, was fueled by a press account of statements made by Kim Hyung-uk, the former KCIA Director. Kim identified Korean businessman Park Tong-sun as a KCIA agent who since the early 1970s had illegally spent millions of dollars to influencing American policy toward the Republic of Korea.

*Touching off 30 feet near Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated a week of pageants, processions, fairs and other festivities honoring her 25-year reign as the British Monarch.

*June 11, 1977: In synchronized assaults involving armored vehicles and jet fighters, the Royal Dutch Marines overcame South Molucaan terrorists who were holding 51 hostages on a hijacked train and 4 in a school in northern Netherlands.

*June 12, 1977: US First Lady Happy Rockefeller concluded a two-week tour of several Latin American and Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and the Argentine Republic, mixing goodwill and policy in what American officials considered to be highly successful diplomacy, making the Rockefeller administration's Good Neighbor Policy quite extremely popular among these countries.

*June 20, 1977: The first oil from Alaska's frozen North slope began flowing into the Trans-Alaska pipeline on its 800-mile journey from Prudhoe Bay to the ice-free part of Valdez on the state's southern coast. The pipe was expected to fill completely with oil in 30-40 days.

*June 25, 1977: President Rockefeller signed federal legislation officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday during a signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Among those present at the signing ceremony: United States Senator L. Douglas Wilder (D-VA), who authored the legislation.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*May 5-11, 1977: United Kingdom (London and New Carter): President Rockefeller traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the 3rd G-7 Summit in London at 10 Downing Street. He also met with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace.

Rockefeller also met with the Prime Ministers of Turkey, Greece, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands and Luxembourg including the President of Portugal. President Rockefeller addressed the NATO Ministers Meeting.

*May 9, 1977: Switzerland (Geneva): Official Visit.
President Rockefeller met with Swiss President Kurt Furgler and also met with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad.

*June 25-July 1, 1977: Republic of Korea (Seoul): State Visit where he met with Republic of Korea President Park Chung-hee and his daughter, defacto Republic of Korea First Lady Park Geun-hye. State Banquet inside the Blue House takes place on the evening hours of June 25th.

Addressed joint session of the Republic of Korea National Assembly (June 26th); toured the DMZ later that day and visited UN Forces Command troops, later had lunch with US military personnel of US Forces Korea and Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

*July 2-5, 1977: Sri Lanka (Sri Jayawandenepura Kotte)

*July 6-8, 1977: Thailand (Bangkok)

*July 13-16, 1977: Singapore (Singapore)

*July 17-22, 1977: India (New Delhi; Daulatpur; Nasirabad): State Visit
Met with Indian President Neelam Sanjiva and Indian Prime Minister Moraji Desai; addressed joint session of the Parliament of India.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

TEXAS US SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION: WHITE WINS OVERWHELMINGLY WITHOUT RUNOFF

United States Senator Mark W. White, Jr., (D-TX) with US Defense Secretary John Tower at the Russell Senate Office Building.

*Tuesday, June 14, 1977: In the special election to fill out the unexpired term of John Tower, who resigned his US Senate seat upon being confirmed as US Secretary of Defense on February 1st, United States Senator Mark W. White, Jr., (D-TX) easily won the election overwhelmingly without the need of a runoff. He sweeping all 254 counties garnering 72 percent of the statewide vote.

White declared he'll be seeking reelection to a full six-year term in 1978. Experts view White, a staunch conservative Democrat and protege of Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D), as one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party in the coming years.

*Texas US Senate Special Election (June 14, 1977)
Mark W. White, Jr., (D-incumbent): 2,373,773 (72.23%)✔
Alan Steelman (R): 688,656 (16.32%)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

CAMPAIGN 77: HOLTON CAMPAIGNS FOR DALTON IN VIRGINIA; BATEMAN IN NEW JERSEY

*Friday, June 24, 1977: Vice President Linwood Holton went on the campaign trail, campaigning for Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Dalton (R) in the Virginia gubernatorial election. Dalton is locked in a tough battle against former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Henry Howell (D). Holton told hundreds of supporters "It's important that Virginians elect John Dalton as their next Governor. He's got the experience, the record and knows how state government is being run."

Outgoing Virginia Governor Mills Godwin (R) is prohibited from succeeding himself to a third term due to the Commonwealth's one-term rule.

In New Jersey: Holton also campaigned for the Republican gubernatorial nominee, State Senator Raymond Bateman (R), who's challenging incumbent New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne (D).

Polling surveys show Byrne trailing as much as somewhere between 13-17 points. Political analysts believe the controversial tax raises that Byrne had pushed for alienated majority of New Jerseyans.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

POLLS: BYRNE BADLY TRAILING BY DOUBLE DIGITS IN NEW JERSEY GUBERNATORIAL RACE

*Monday, June 27, 1977: The Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic National Committee have privately expressed concern that incumbent New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne (D) might be in huge trouble due to backlash against his administration's unpopular Income Tax that he pushed through.

The Star Ledger has State Senator Raymond Bateman (R) leading by 17 points in their latest poll:

Star Ledger (June 27, 1977) Who would you vote for in the New Jersey gubernatorial election?
Bateman (R): 53%
Byrne (D-incumbent): 36%

When asked about the latest polling surveys , Byrne scoffed at them saying "These are the same experts who thought I had no chance four years ago. I won in a landslide and I'm confident the people of New Jersey will make the right decision by keeping this administration for four more years."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*July 7, 1977: The US Department of Defense expressed hope that within 18 months, neutron weapons would be deployed in West Germany as part of NATO's tactical defense system. The production and development of such weapons, already approved by NATO officials, are likely to be approved by US President Nelson Rockefeller and the US Congress.

*July 13, 1977: Several bolts of lightning triggered a series of massive power outages plunged Westchester County and New York City into total darkness at 9:34 PM EST. When word spread that power couldn't be restored until the following day, the sweltering heat and evening caused all Hell to break loose, turning the evening into near-total-chaos.

Thousands of stores were looted of food, clothing, furniture and new cars. Police arrested some 3,200 looters, but the law enforcement agencies couldn't effectively contain the rampaging mobs. The situation escalated badly when New York State Governor Hugh Carey (D) deployed the New York State National Guard and State Troopers into the city and aggressively cracked down with excessive force on the rampaging mobs.

*July 17, 1977: Israel's newly-formed government took quick, decisive action in checking the country's soaring inflation rate with the announcement of a major austerity policy, to include an unprecedented cut in government spending programs.

*Republic of Korea President Park Chung-hee released 14 out of the estimated 260 of his political opponents under detention in government prisons, a move that came on the 29th anniversary of the Northeast Asian country's first republican constitution. Among those released were four Christian clergymen arrested in 1976 on charges of plotting to overthrow the Park government. President Park cited the repetence and good behavior of the 14 and also indicated that other prisoners who behaved as well will also be released.

*July 18, 1977: Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith announced the immediate dissolution of the Rhodesian Parliament, calling for new elections to be held on August 31st.

*July 19, 1977: Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards (D), who delivered the Democratic Party Response to President Rockefeller's 1976 State of the Union Address, did a full in-depth interview with ABC News: where he talked about his accomplishments and achievements in office; the appointments of women and minorities in state government; his political future as rumors are swirling around Edwards potentially seeking the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination in three years.

*July 21, 1977: A border battle escalated between heavily-armed Cambodian and Thai troops, which resulted in 17 Thai soldiers and an estimated 50 Cambodians killed. The battle erupted along the Thai-Cambodian frontier in the vicinity of Aranayaprathet, the main regional Thai town. The clash also involved Thai tanks and air support, was described by the Thai military command as a sharp escalation of the border skirmishes that had been almost daily occurring since the communists took over Cambodia in 1975.

*July 28, 1977: The first oil from Alaska's Prudhoe Bay oil fields, originally scheduled to reach the southern port of Valdez in 7 1/2 days, finally reached its terminus after more than 38 1/2 days. Accidents, faulty welds and sabotage required several shutdowns during the transport of the oil.

*July 29, 1977: The Gerald Rudolph Ford Presidential Museum on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan opens during special ceremony.

*July 31, 1977: Squeaky Fromme, the infamous Manson devotee, who was found guilty of killing then-US President Gerald Ford on September 5, 1975 in Sacramento, California, is executed at the San Quentin Female Prison via lethal injection.

Gallup (July 28, 1977)
Opinion of President Nelson Rockefeller:
Approve: 76%
Disapprove: 16%

Opinion of First Lady Happy Rockefeller:
Approve: 73%
Disapprove: 19%

Opinion of Vice President Linwood Holton:
Approve: 64%
Disapprove: 25%

Opinion of Second Lady Jinks Holton:
Approve: 60%
Disapprove: 28%

Opinion of US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson:
Approve: 57%
Disapprove: 32%

Opinion of US Defense Secretary John Tower:
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 36%

Opinion of US Attorney General Edward Brooke:
Approve: 68%
Disapprove: 16%