All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings

by George H. W. Bush

Again, thank you for your diligent efforts. It’s nice to know you were there when we needed your support. I look forward to working with you in the future.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  March 28, 1989

  Mrs. Sarah Brady11

  Washington, D. C. 20005

  Dear Sarah,

  Thanks so much for filling me in on your future plans regarding the prevention of gun violence in America. I respect your dedication and hard work in this area. I know the difficult road you, Jim, and your family have had to travel, and your courage has been truly inspiring.

  I can certainly understand your feelings about assault weapons. Our problem has been that, while fully automatic AK47s are banned in this country, semiautomatic ones present another whole set of issues. As you know, I asked Bill Bennett12 to take a look at this matter to see how we might resolve it. At his suggestion, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has decided to ban temporarily the importation of more than 110,000 semiautomatic rifles, pending a ruling on whether such guns are suited to sporting purposes.

  Although my commitment to the rights of sportsmen and others who own guns legitimately remains firm, I’m eager to do anything within reason to keep these weapons out of the hands of criminals.

  Barbara and I enjoyed having you both at the residence the night of Millie’s big event. We remember you in our prayers with the hope that each day brings you happiness and success. May God bless and keep you. Our warm regards to you and Jim.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  One of the most difficult issues I dealt with as President was abortion. It is personal, it is divisive, and unfortunately, the debate is often ugly. George Pfau, a good friend from Yale days, wrote and asked me to meet with Planned Parenthood.

  March 29, 1989

  Mr. George Harold Pfau, Jr.

  San Francisco, California 94111

  Dear George:

  I have received your letter of March 21 and I have read the telegram initiated by Planned Parenthood and signed by some of my closest friends and strong supporters.

  If there was an issue in the campaign that was clear, it was the abortion question. As you know, my opponent strongly supported the “choice” position, and I strongly supported the “life” position. I am not “imposing” my views, because, you see, I clearly stated them in running for office, and I am not about to change.

  I strongly support family planning and have always favored disseminating information on birth control. I do not favor advocating abortion in any way, shape, or form.

  Planned Parenthood, to my regret, has chosen to be in the forefront of the pro-choice or pro-abortion position. The lines are so clear that I do not see that any useful purpose could come from the meeting. I will say Mr. Hamilton of Planned Parenthood did a wonderful job of identifying close friends of mine. They all remain close friends, though we do differ on the abortion question.

  I will continue to welcome your views on this important subject, but the meeting Mr. Hamilton seeks is not possible at this time.

  I will welcome any suggestion you care to send on how we might do a better job of education on family planning, but my mind is made up on the abortion question.

  Thanks, old friend.

  Sincerely,

  George

  March 30th

  . . . The days are long and full. Today, Thursday, we had a budget meeting up in the office with a handful of our top people—Darman13 conducting a good briefing. His message: we can get by this year and perhaps get a deal with no revenue increase, but after that, we’re going to have to raise revenues—there’s no way to get around it given the sharp cut in the Gramm-Rudman.14 I tell him that I can’t raise taxes this go round, and it will be very hard in the future, but I want to see the options, and I’m not going to be held up by campaign rhetoric15 . . . If the facts change, I hope I’m smart enough to change, too. If we can get by this first one, then I’ll take a hard look; but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let the muscle be cut from our defenses. It really would be great to make a deal on social security, taxes, spending cuts and strength for defense. . . .

  On December 21, 1988, terrorists had blown up Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 on board and 11 people on the ground. We had received thousands of letters from the families and the general public wanting us to do more to bring the perpetrators to justice. One widow especially wrote me a bitter letter, accusing me of not caring. After I met with some of the families, I wrote her back:

  April 3, 1989

  Mrs. Wendy Giebler

  Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604

  Dear Wendy,

  Now that we have met and now that I have seen your letter of March 18th let me try to reply.

  First, I truly understood your frustration and the agony that comes from feeling no one cares. I hope today’s visit will help change things; so that others will not be needlessly hurt—will not have insensitivity by government add to their hurt.

  On a more personal side I really ached for you in your loss. You see long ago we lost a child. She was almost four and we watched her fight a losing battle to leukemia. True, I had Barbara, but maybe there is some common ground. At least I want to understand. I remember crying ‘til my body literally ached—

  . . . Now can I give you a word from the heart of this 64 year old husband. Time and faith heal. Be strong. Have faith in God for he does work in mysterious ways. Someday the happy memories of your loving husband will crowd out the grief and that terrible agony of his loss.

  Maybe it’s of a little comfort to know that your letter (I’ve still seen only the 3-18 one) and your visit might help spare others some of the hurt that’s been yours. I’ll try hard to do my part. When a sparrow falls, or a hostage is held, or a beautiful girl from Hasbrouck Heights loses part of her soul and has her heart broken, we must care.

  Most sincerely,

  George Bush

  P. S. Please let me know now or in the months ahead how you’re doing. Just write Walker16 on the envelope corner—the zip 20500.

  [Ten years later, in April 1999, Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi finally turned over the two suspects in the bombing. At this writing, trial is pending in the Netherlands.]

  April 18th

  . . . When we came back from the building trades meeting, the puppies were in a pen in the front yard, and there were lines of people inside by the family theater waiting to go on a tour. I walked in and took a little girl in the front of the line, and said, “You’re going to come out and see the puppies, and then come back and report to everybody in the line.” Out she came, and the next thing I knew, her mother was there with her two brothers and a sister. The kids leaned down and played with the puppies, and the mother couldn’t believe it. They were a family from Maine. They went back in when I had to go back to the Oval Office, and I asked them to report on the puppies. We also had the puppies in a pen on the first floor of the main State Floor of the White House. I told the building trade people that they could see the puppies, and we planned to have them outdoors but a terrible storm came along, so there they were—in a pen right near where the Marine band plays—and the labor guys loved it. Millie didn’t seem too nervous. She came in dripping wet, and I think a lot of the guys were saying, “You know, this reminds me of our house: wet dog, puppies, etc.”

  . . . Interesting meeting with Burt Lee17 on the succession of the Presidency. It is not easy. We’re trying to get the procedures down so if something happens to me in some kind of accident, the doctor—seeing that I’m incapacitated—will get a hold of John Sununu who will immediately contact Quayle. On the more difficult case, when I go gaga, or get some horrible degenerating disease, we’ll work on some procedures for that, too. It is no fun talking about it, and nobody likes to discuss it, but I said, “Now we’ve got to be very frank.” I had fun, as we discussed this. Barbara was in the Oval Office with Susan Porter Rose,18 Sununu, Burt Lee, and Dan Quayle. I started twitching, and the
n acted like a flasher as they were talking about abnormality. Susan Porter Rose, who I like very much, seemed a little uncomfortable with the flashing shot. It wasn’t a real one, but just the thought of it. In any event, one has to prepare for even the worse contingencies, even though nobody likes talking about those things. . . .

  April 24th

  . . . I get home at night very tired. I try to work in my office, as much as I did in the V. P. office, but at times, I’m overwhelmed with the reading, and yet, it’s essential I keep up. I’m still plugging away on finishing Teddy Roosevelt’s memoirs, which I’ve enjoyed immensely, but it takes forever, because when I get into bed at 10:00 p.m. to read, I fall sound asleep. Camp David is good, but I end up with a lot of work up here.

  For example, on Saturday, the 22nd, we had the economists up there . . . a very fascinating discussion. I listened carefully to see how these supply-siders would go on taxes, and the bold positioners wanted me to handle entitlements, revenues, and spending freezes all on one bold sweep. . . . I think some of these [proposals] could mean a one term Presidency, but it’s that important for the country. But I listened to the discussions and learned. . . .

  On April 19th an explosion in the USS Iowa’s gun turret killed forty-seven sailors while the ship was participating in naval exercises near Puerto Rico. Barbara and I flew down to the Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia, to attend memorial services. I dictated to my diary:

  April 26th

  . . . I kept rehearsing and reading my speech aloud. I did pray for strength, because I cry too easily, so I read it over and over again. I tried not to personalize it when I gave it. I tried not to focus on a grieving parent or a grieving spouse; I tried to comfort individually in the speech; but then I got to the end, I choked and had to stop. I then turned, and in somewhat of a fumbling fashion away from the podium, I shook hands with one of the chaplains, and went back to my seat. But going through three lines to see relatives, it was easier than I thought, though tough. I put my arm around some of them, and Barbara was magnificent at this. The tough ones were when they said, “Here’s a picture of my son,” or “Look at this picture of my husband”—fine looking young men, oh so young kids living their lives in service. It was extraordinarily moving . . .

  April 26, 1989

  Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, USN

  Chief of Naval Operations

  Washington, D. C. 20350-2000

  Dear Carl:

  Since leaving Norfolk on Monday, I have been thinking a lot about the Iowa, about her lost crewmen, their families, and about the Navy.

  I am writing to you with the express desire that you convey the following thoughts to all involved in Monday’s Memorial.

  First, the Chaplains—thank you all for your loving attention to the concerns of the families, and to the concerns of the surviving crewmen.

  Second, to all involved in notifying the next of kin, my thanks to you for the caring way in which you handled the most difficult assignment.

  Third, my thanks to all at Norfolk involved in Monday’s fitting tribute to those 47 who gave their lives.

  And fourth, will you please express my high regards to Captain Moosally, and to the officers and men of U.S.S. Iowa. It hurts to lose a shipmate—it hurts a lot. But even as you showed your concern about your lost shipmates, you have held your heads high and conveyed to the nation a wonderful pride in the Navy, and a pride in serving this country of ours. You have my gratitude and respect.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  May 1, 1989

  Reverend Robert M. Howes19

  Kennebunkport, Maine 04046

  Dear Bob,

  I have a special request.

  Would it be possible to have an early service on Sunday May 21. We will have the President of France at Walkers Point and we must leave the Point at 9:45 on Sunday to go to Boston.20

  Though the French President would not attend church there will be many many people up there. I was thinking of a special service at 8 or 8:15 to finish before your regular 9 AM service starts? A 30 minute prayer and hymn service perhaps.

  I know this is a horrible imposition on you, but I am trying hard not to miss Sunday service as President.

  Warm regards,

  George

  May 1st

  The puppies are about to fly the nest. Yesterday when we got back from New York, we had them out on the lawn rolling and playing just like old times in Texas with no cameras and no people, but then there were people outside of the White House fence yelling, “Barbara, George—bring the puppies over.” Marvin had three friends there who were playing fantastic tennis; and then we went to the horseshoe pit, Don [Rhodes] and I, and Marvin and his friend whipped us each round. Barbara was in the swimming pool. First she had to flush out two ducks—a Mallard hen and a Mallard drake—and then when she was swimming, a rat got in there somehow and was swimming along the edge of the pool. She jumped out in horror, and we had to get the damn thing, drown it, and it was terrible. . . .

  Several ugly, gossipy articles appeared during the first few months of my presidency saying there was a rift between President Reagan and me. Nothing could be further from the truth. I wrote my friend and mentor this note:

  May 9, 1989

  Dear Ron—

  I got your message . . . many thanks—There is much mischief in the air. . . . The main thing is let’s us vow not to let it come between us.

  There was a horrible George Will piece recently which said I called Carter but not you upon my return from Japan. Marlin read Will the phone logs,21 but no retraction from the little _____. Anyhow I am determined that none of these mischief makers will diminish a friendship that is so important to me.

  Sincerely,

  George

  Joke: Beautiful girl with fantastic figure toweling off after a bath. Knock on the door—She: “Who’s there?” He: “Blind man”! “Oh well,” she says, “Come on in.” He: “My you have a beautiful body—where do you want me to put the blinds?”

  A meeting of the NATO nations at the end of May in Brussels was my first major test in foreign policy. There was major disagreement within the alliance on where to go on arms control negotiations. I will spare you the details, but we went to Brussels uncertain that we could get everyone to sign on to our plan, which I felt called Gorbachev’s bluff on arms control. While the heads of state tried to eat dinner, our emissaries were arguing behind closed doors. I dictated to my diary:

  . . . The Chiefs of State Dinner was a little tense. Margaret Thatcher kept telling me not to negotiate . . . “We must not give on this, and you’re not going to give, are you?” she asked me plaintively over and over again. Why does she have any doubt that we feel this way on this issue? . . .

  During the dinner, Manfred Woerner22 kept reporting that they’re making some progress, so when I got home—Barbara didn’t get in until 11:30 p.m.—I was chomping around at the bit because I didn’t know if the foreign ministers, then meeting, were going to get a deal . . . and if they were going to get a deal, whether it would be one that Margaret Thatcher could buy. About midnight, Jim Baker called with a formulation.23 . . . I wasn’t sure if Margaret would buy this, but Jim predicted she would. I asked him to check with Brent Scowcroft24 and he did. He called back and said that Brent was for it, and I said, “Well, let’s go forward with it and be enthusiastic and hope they sell it to the Brits.” I’ve got to admit, ex post facto, that I didn’t think Margaret would go along—that she would rather stand alone—but the next morning, Jim told me that they were on board. When we got to the Hall, Margaret waved very enthusiastically. She did not want to be separated from the United States, and her own people were telling her that the language was okay.

  The agreement was announced, and there was almost a euphoric atmosphere . . . The press, who had been cynical and skeptical, were just wondering how we pulled it off without their knowing about it. How could we have made the deal without having it leaked?

  June 2, 1989
<
br />   enroute to K’port

  Dear Brent—

  . . . As we fly home I’m looking over my shoulder, not just to NATO and the US key role there; but back further to Jan 20th.

  You told me what we needed to do. I agreed. Then you did it. And a few arrows did come our way. But I have never questioned your advice. Oh, I might disagree when you take a cheap shot at Domingo’s25 coffee—but on other important matters like missiles and Nato and Kohl and Margaret you’ve steadily showed me the way.

  After the euphoria of this trip wears off—and it will as the Monday morning quarterbacks start second guessing the plays—I will remember the sound advice you have given me. . . .

  Thanks for your key role. Thanks for being at my side. Thanks for being my trusted friend. Get some rest now—a lot of battles lie ahead.

  Most sincerely,

  George

  June 2, 1989

  Dear Jim—

  As I fly home I just want to tell you, my close and trusted friend, how grateful I am for your absolutely key role in what transpired on this trip. That midnight phone call which followed your hours of painful negotiation was the key; and, once again your advice was sound.

  There is something very reassuring to me (comforting—if that’s not too wimpish) to have you running our Foreign Policy—

  Neil Mallon gave us a little welcome mat many years ago. “What would we do without friends?” it said. I don’t believe I could do this job without trusted close friends nearby. That’s you. I’m glad; grateful too.

  George

  June 15th

  On Thursday morning, I had a long phone call from Helmut Kohl—very personal, very friendly—and a debriefing on Gorbachev. “Gorbachev has respect for you intellectually; Gorbachev wants better relations; and Raisa said wonderful things about Barbara.” Kohl made clear that Gorbachev could not split him away from the West, and away from the United States. Gorbachev said he doesn’t want to do this, so, all in all, he was upbeat.