Time Magazine Contents Page July 4, 1988
12
COVER: The nation' s worst drought in 50 years raises fears about the future
The latest dry spell is devastating for farmers just recovering from a decade of low prices and high interest rates. Hugh Sidey looks at one North Dakota farmer' s fight to save his parched land. -- There is more to the water shortage in the West than lack of rain. Wasteful agriculture could slow the region' s growth. -- Is the earth growing warmer? See NATION.
28
WORLD: Japan' s push for superpower rank spells finis for the American century
The world' s No. 1 creditor nation goes from strength to strength, while the U. S. shows signs of decline. How Washington and Tokyo handle their emerging partnership will affect the rest of the globe. -- In the wake of a military coup, the future looks bleak for Haitian democracy. -- Why Mexican politics will never be the same again. -- A dangerous missile race in the Middle East.
48
DESIGN: Do everyday objects defeat you? An expert says blame the designers
Donald A. Norman is a noted psychologist, yet like many people he switches on the wrong lights, scalds himself in the shower and stands dumb before the mysteries of VCRs. The culprits, he says, are designers who fail to provide visual cues to the operation of a host of gadgets that influence the quality of life. A look at some things that don' t work and some that do, and why.
43
Law
It' s a new world for the Old Boys. The Supreme Court says some private men' s clubs can be compelled to admit women as members.
44
Religion
Under pressure from prolife members, liberal Protestant churches are subtly shifting away from embracing the right to abortion.
54
Economy & Business
Millions of women are starting their own companies, but they still face discrimination in commercial credit and federal procurement.
60
Space
More than two years after the Challenger disaster, NASA prepares for the planned launch of the shuttle Discovery with an eye on safety.
66
Cinema
Eddie Murphy, king of the box office, plays an African prince who goes to Queens in the genial, shambling comedy Coming to America.
69
Medicine
Beset by patients who cannot pay and doctors who fear malpractice suits, special emergency trauma centers are on the critical list.
70
Books
From sagas to satires, from mysteries to short stories, a hamper of summer reading for the beach, backyard and porch.
72
Essay
Tawana Brawley is a child being preyed upon by adults, and not the ones she accused before retreating into silence.
6 Letters
9 American Scene
50 Education
53 Health & Fitness
53 Milestones
61 Show Business
62 Video
65 People
68 Sport
Cover: Photograph by Richard Misrach