Diary Entry - 10/16/1984
Key Facts
President Reagan receives an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree by Brother David Delahanty, President of Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois.
President Reagan signs controversial legislation giving lumber companies in the western states the ability to buy timber at post-Carter inflation prices.
Desmond Tutu, black Anglican Archbishop in South Africa, wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for racial equality.
Off again this time to Ill.—Will Co. & Du Page Co. First stop was at another one of those tech. training institutes. The pvt. sector, the state & our Admin. are in partnership. They are training high school age youngsters & adults for all kinds of work & placing 85% in real jobs.
Second stop was at Bolingbrook High School 1700 students. I spoke & then took several Q’s. They asked good ones which allowed me to refute Mondales charges re Social Security, Arms limitations & Environment. It was a stimulating affair. Last stop was at Du Page College—a pol. rally & again an overwhelming crowd very much on our side. Gov. Jim Thompson & Sen. C. Percy were on hand. It was a good day. Back in Wash. had to resolve an issue whether to sign or veto a bill letting western states lumber co’s. off the hook for contracts made to buy Timber from the govt. at prices based on the Carter inflation rates. They were going broke with prices down. I signed. I believe it was best for the ec. recovery & also that govt. had to share the blame for letting the ec. get out of hand as it did in 1979 & 80.
