This section contains links to government information about social and political themes are illustrated in The Center of Everything. These publications were either published or discussed in the 1980s.
Social and life consequence of pregancy "out of wedlock" is a central theme Evelyn's life and was also reflected in the concerns of the United States Congress.
The Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families (1983-1993) was "authorized to conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of problems of children, youth and families, including but not limited to income maintenance, health (including medical and child development health), nutrition, education, welfare, employment and recreation."
Each year the committee issued a Report on the activities in the ... Congress of the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, House of Representatives.
Evelyn's grandmother Eileen smokes outside when she visits because Tina doesn't allow smoking in her house. Smoking has been a major public health concerns repeated subject of the United States Surgeon General reports since 1964.
Evelyn noted the airing of the movie the Day After which depicted a nuclear holocaus. During the 1980s the international community was in major discussion on how to acheive nuclear disarmament.
Public Law 101-336 was passed July 26, 1990 "To establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability."
In the mid 1980s before the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, the National Commission on Space was established and charged with task to "formulate an agenda for the United States civilian space program; and identify long range goals, opportunities, and policy options for civilian space activity for the next twenty years."