All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings
Page 38
7 Mar 85
FM THE VICE PRESIDENT ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO
TO: THE PRESIDENT
Until you hold in your arms a one year old baby weighing 5 pounds or a seven year old kid weighing 14 pounds it is hard to really feel the ravages of the famine.
Our food is helping a lot. The private sector is doing an excellent job.
I leave Sudan with mixed emotions. We have done a lot, there is so much left to do.
The Sudanese leadership in Khartoum and in the rural areas are truly grateful for our help.
Our food aid has literally made the difference as to whether a kid lives or dies. That is impressive. As Lee Greenwood put it: “God Bless the USA!” On to Niger. Warm regards.
George
While in Geneva, we received word that Chernenko had died, the third Soviet leader to do so in less than three years. Once again, I flew to Moscow to attend a funeral and to meet the new Soviet leadership.
March 13, 1985
For the President:
I have had about 8 hours to think about our 1 hour and 25 minute meeting with Gorbachev. . . .
Gorbachev will package the Soviet line for Western consumption much more effectively than any (I repeat any) of his predecessors. He has a disarming smile, warm eyes, and an engaging way of making an unpleasant point and then bouncing back to establish real communication with his interlocutors.
He can be very firm. Example: When I raised the human rights question with specificity, he interrupted my presentation to come back with the same rhetorical excess we have heard before. Quote: “Within the borders of the US you don’t respect human rights” or “you brutally suppress their rights.” But along with this the following, “We will be prepared to think it over” and “Let’s appoint rapporteurs and discuss it.” The gist being as follows—“don’t lecture us on human rights, don’t attack socialism but let’s each take our case to discussion!”
. . . George Shultz made a superb presentation at the very end of our meeting in which he told Gorbachev that you wanted to be personally engaged etc. He did it with great sincerity and warmth and even though it went through translation, I had the feeling Gorbachev responded with the same kind of man to man sincerity—
. . . In his conclusion, though, he came back to human rights but in a way that made his summation positive. The following is almost an exact quote. “It is a good thing we have spoken not in diplomatic but political language. Leave aside, in brackets, human rights, the subject matter was important. If what I heard from the V.P. and Secretary of State quoting the President reflects wanting a ‘normal road’ and if all this reflects a ‘serious side’ we cannot but welcome this!!”
. . . I didn’t get the feeling he had to prove how tough he is.
He seemed self confident turning to [Foreign Minister] Gromyko and chatting from time to time but not being worried that Gromyko might differ or not afraid to show lack of total knowledge in front of Gromyko.
This Gucci Comrade brings the General Secretariat a quantum leap forward in overall appearance. His tailor does not rival Deaver’s1 man at Adler’s but he beats the hell out of the Penney’s basement look that some of his predecessors projected.
He has a large very prominent birth mark across his balding head, but because of his attractive manner of presentation it is not something you notice all the time.
I feel he will want to meet you. He will handle his end well—so well I’d predict that it will help him at home and show the West a much more reasonable face. Having said that the big question will be—will this “new look man” merely be a more effective spokesman for tired, failed policies or will he have enough self assurance and foresight to “start anew”—a term he himself used in expressing hope for U.S.-Soviet relations.
I don’t know the answer to this question but I strongly urge that we try to find out.
I personally would like to see you set up a true back channel totally apart from the wide array of experts upon whom we must depend, but the channel should have a tiny handful of key players whom Gorbachev knew were truly your personal confidants and in whom he would gradually get confidence as he saw there were no leaks.
If one of these key players had to go public in a rhetorical way, Gorbachev should be told as in the early days of our Chinese relationship when one side or the other publicly attacked: “These are empty cannons of rhetoric”.
All normal channels would remain open, but this would be something very special that you could use, in confidence, to establish a truly personal rapport with this new and different leader.
One has got to be optimistic that Gorbachev will be better to work with, a more permanent addition to the scene and hopefully one who truly will “start anew”; but, after 8 hours of contemplation, there is also the possibility that his attractive personality will be used to divide us from our allies and to attract more support for old views and themes. I can just see some of our M.C.’s2 eating out of his hand in wishful anticipation of achieving détente but giving away too much in the process as we try to figure out who this man really is. It will be an interesting trip but as the monkey said when he was shot into outer space “It beats the hell out of the cancer research lab.”
Warm regards,
George
4-4-85
Dear Noelle,
I got a wonderful invitation from you to come to Gulliver for Grandparent’s day on April 21; but I can’t make it and I am very sad about that.
You see if I could come I would, but I have to work. Please tell your classmates that if I didn’t have to go to the White House, I would come to Gulliver.
Do you think they will understand?
Last week Ganny and I went to Maine. It is still cold there, but everything looks ready for you, for “P”3 and for Jebbie. When can you come up there?
I love you very much. A lot of grandfathers don’t have a granddaughter that sends them valentines and invitations. I do, though, and I am lucky.
Much Love,
Gampy,
One of the perks of being Vice President is you sometimes get to throw the ball out on opening day of baseball. In 1985, I did the honors for the New York Mets. I wrote my friend and one of the owners:
4-27-85
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Doubleday
Doubleday and Company, Inc.
New York, NY 10167
Opening day
Dear Nelson & Sandy,
Somewhere down there Gary Carter4 is putting liniment on his hand, but up here there is joy on Air Force II.
It has nothing to do with my ‘fast’ ball that, thank heavens, did not go into the dirt; Rather it has to do with friendship. Who but you two would have given over the big opening to jillions of agents, tons of politicians, a South American President cum entourage,5 Lionel Hampton and us.
The only thing missing was the dog act and the 3 aristocrats; but come to think of it there were a couple of narc dogs . . .
Bushes all have that Walter Mitty streak—but mine really knows no bounds today. Striding through the dug-outs “Hi Whitey [Herzog]”, “Yeah, Dave [Johnson],6 it’s your year”; “Daryl [Strawberry], you’re looking A-OK”; or “Ed [Mayor Koch] you old bastard why don’t you fill the pot-holes, ha, ha, ha” or “Mr. President, isn’t this a great way to conduct diplomacy?” Then to the mound—all the way—my shoe on the Mets real toe plate—The fans not booing, the sun breaking out—then Gary giving me a break—10 feet worth, then the release—the catch—the thrill of having thrown out the first pitch.
Thanks for welcoming us so warmly and giving me a thrill that will rank right up there with seeing Joan Williams naked when I was 8;7 coming back from the war alive; and looking at half grown Sam LeBlond the day after he was born.
Being V.P. is great. Being a friend with Nelson and Sandy is what life’s about.
Love
George
6-19-85
Dear “P”,
. . . I understand you are at baseball camp. May all your swi
ngs turn into line drives, and may all your pitches be over the plate; and if you get a bad bounce in life, shake it off and grab the next one.
I love you, you little wiener, and I can’t wait to see you Noelle and Jebby in Maine. I just can’t wait.
Love,
Gampy
September 3, 1985
Mr. Jim Hataway
Pepe’s Barber Shop
Miami, Florida 33156
Dear Jim:
My son, Jeb, passed along your outstanding petition about those Americans still being held in Lebanon.8
We are leaving no stone unturned to gain their freedom, and we will not knuckle under to the demands of the terrorists. To do that would be to jeopardize the lives of many Americans living abroad.
We will continue to work for the release of the “Beirut 7”.
Please thank all your co-petitioners. Your support and understanding mean a great deal to President Reagan and me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
In October we traveled to Asia. My visit to the Philippines was my first since I flew over Manila Bay in 1944, and it was impossible not to look back. I dictated to my diary:
October 12, 1985
. . . My mind races back to forty-one years ago when we covered the landings here in Saipan. I can’t see the exact spot, but I’m high on this hill and you can just picture the carriers, the battleships, the destroyers and all the landing craft laying off-shore shelling the high ground which is off to my left not very far from here. It all comes back . . . as I came across in my torpedo bomber, we had total control of the skies, and I kept thanking my lucky stars that I wasn’t involved in slogging through the dense jungle which now surrounds us. The beauty of the place, the flowers and the kindness of the people were all obscured then by total war.
. . . I remember a little incident where we were all sent out to attack Palau. I remember seeing a small boat, going right down, right next to the water, and strafing it, and actually seeing someone jump over. Our instructions were to wipe out all shipping, but this was a fairly small boat, and last night, as I was enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the people here, some from Palau, I wondered to myself, I wonder if I might have killed this guy’s dad, or one of his family. . . .
Oct. 20, ’85
The Honorable Geraldine Ferraro
Forest Hills Gardens, New York 11375
Dear Geraldine,
We got back at 1:30 AM today from China—and here at home was your signed book. How thoughtful of you.
I’ll read it with avid interest. . . .
George
Neil wrote me a letter, upset about a negative magazine article. That is one of the toughest things about public life—helping your family deal with the inevitable nasty articles that will be written. It was about this time when George Will wrote his famous column calling me Reagan’s “lapdog” because of my loyalty to the President.
3-25-86
Whit9—
I got the article from the Economist—more pack journalism, more piling on; in spite of George Will which attracted the pack like a gorilla in heat, things look pretty good. It is way early, but the figures look good and the vibes outside the belt way are encouraging.
None of this matters though, compared to the joy that Pierce10 brings to our lives.
We can’t wait to see the lad. If he’s as loving as his Ma, and as kind and as thoughtful and as decent as his Dad, then life will be great for him and he will give only happiness to his parents and his friends.
That’s all that really matters, Whit—not politics—not public life but family, kids and now grand-kids.
Love to Sharon.
Love to Pierce.
Devotedly
Dad
The presiding bishop of my own church, for whom I had great respect, wrote me a letter objecting to the administration’s support of the contra “freedom fighters” in Nicaragua, as opposed to the communist-supported Sandinistas, who were in power.
April 3, 1986
The Most Reverend Edmond L. Browning
The Episcopal Church Center
New York, New York 10017
Dear Bishop Browning:
. . . The Freedom Fighters have always made it clear that they will lay down their arms when genuine democracy is permitted again in Nicaragua, as the Sandinistas promised nearly six years ago. The United States Government has supported the struggle of the Freedom Fighters as we support efforts to establish democracy elsewhere. . . .
We have asked the Sandinistas to stop exporting subversion to their neighbors; that they reduce their bloated military apparatus to restore regional military balance; that they sever their military ties to Cuba and the Soviet bloc; that they begin to honor their promises to the Organization of American States to establish a democratic, pluralistic political system; and, that they begin a genuine dialogue covering the entire political spectrum in Nicaragua. . . .
Someday I would like so discuss this with you. I am totally convinced that the moral ground is on our side. I respect the Diocesan views but I disagree profoundly. I hope my Episcopalian credentials are not diminished because I disagree with my Bishop on this.
I hope Democracy will come to Nicaragua with all that means—free elections, free press and yes a free church.
I hate to differ with you on this key question but my view is not simply official it is profoundly personal, stemming largely from what my Episcopal faith has taught me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
None of this mattered much a few weeks later when Marvin fell seriously ill and underwent a colostomy. He became so weak at one point that his mother and I feared for his life. The entire family was overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out a helping hand to Marvin.
May 21, 1986
Mr. Arthur Richman11
New York Mets
New York, NY
Dear Arthur:
There is no way that Barbara and I, or any of Marvin’s brothers or his sister, can possibly thank you enough for caring about Marv and for your friendship.
About ten days ago Marvin literally was at death’s door. He was in great pain, and all of us who love him so very much were scared. And then along you came with your thoughtfulness and your words of cheer. I honestly believe, Arthur, that your kindness and love for Marvin played a major part in bringing him through.
It’s like he was in a tough slump—0 for 6 and hurting. And then came those phone calls. They got him mentally ready for the ordeal of a most serious operation and a painful recovery. All your caring was symbolized by that wonderful picture you sent Marv. Please thank all those involved in that and in the phone calls.12
Arthur, being Vice President means a lot to me, but it is zero—zilch—compared to family. Marvin is doing fine now, physically and mentally. He’s hitting about .485, better than my friend Gary [Carter]; and his ERA threatens Gooden’s. He’ll make it, because when he was down a good friend named Arthur Richman lifted him up. With lasting thanks,
Sincerely,
George Bush
June 3, 1986
Dr. Peter Petrucci
Washington, D. C. 20016
Dear Dr. Petrucci—
A lot of time has gone by since you took our boy Marv from serious worrisome illness and put him back in the sunshine. He went to work yesterday.
Thanks so very much for all you did for our son surgically—it was great; but it was a lot more. Marvin was down and you really showed him the way—His mental outlook, I think, is A-1.
Thanks from a very grateful Dad,
George Bush
In August I took a trip to the Middle East where I had interesting discussions with the leadership there. Here are excerpts from my memo back to President Reagan:
August 3, 1986
I am writing this as I leave Luxor on my way to visit the Sinai Peace Keeping Force. We have sent back lots of cables and phone calls: but before meeting Mubarak later today, I wanted to sh
are a few observations on Israel and Jordan.
I am convinced that [Shimon] Peres really wants peace. He has grown enormously during his time as Prime Minister.
Though I touched on Pollard,13 we both agreed the fundamental relationship was too strong to be diminished by these events. I did tell him there was no “vendetta” against Israel but that we had to follow our laws. . . .
Peres asked that I tell Mubarak they are seriously ready to cooperate on “tourism, high tech, and energy”.
I had several contacts with a much more cheerful, outgoing Vice Premier Shamir. In a lovely pleasant private chat he made some interesting comments.
On Pollard—“Let’s put an end to this, past is past”. He hopes the fall-out will be over—“no duration”. “Let me assure you we respect your laws and will cooperate.” . . .
Shamir said that he has “no doubt Hussein wants peace with us”. “If we can’t solve the peace problem, let’s solve others”, citing water, communications, Dead Sea . . .
In Jordan we were received with great warmth. I had a lot of private time with King Hussein . . . though Crown Prince Hassan did not go to Aquaba with the rest, he did brief us on the economic situation and on a grand plan to computerize Jerusalem’s multi-faceted history. (Oh yes, Prince Hassan suggested a 6:00 p.m. tennis game. He is a little guy in height but he weighs a ton as a tennis partner.) . . .
Hussein spent a lot of time telling me about the Iran/Iraq war, even urging me to meet with Saddam Hussein of Iraq, stating that I would find him much more reasonable than his reputation. Hussein clearly is deeply concerned about an Iran victory—an enormous worry to all the GCC14 states and to Jordan, Egypt etc. . . .
All in all the visits with all the principals have been long, upbeat and fruitful. A visit with a general rather than specific purpose can be helpful. I know the Israeli and Jordanian leaders feel this way. . . .
Though I can’t point to any specific actions to prove it, I do feel the climate is better now for peace between Jordan and Israel. . . .