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

by George H. W. Bush

  I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease—just like Bar had in 1989—except mine affected the sinus rhythm of my heart. Once they figured out what was wrong, they got me on the right medicine and sent me home, and I have felt great ever since.

  May 7, 1991

  Dear Ray [Siller],

  You are the first to receive a computer-letter from me. It is Tuesday a.m. and I am back at work on the regular schedule (7:20 a.m.).

  Thanks for the jokes which were on my desk when I walked into my office. All is well here. I am feeling fine after a good night’s sleep—not quite ready for the 10K but getting there.

  Since having my LITTLE problem I have met many fibrulators, a fine group generally, all with different ways of staying normal and free to give advice.

  It was great hearing from you. Barbara Bush sends love as do I.

  Sincerely,

  George

  BRENT entries:

  May 8, 1991

  A fine challenge by John Sununu.

  His recovery was very good, not too much embarrassment. After returning from Bethesda with me, we had our regular 8 am meeting. At about 8:16 am, JS dropped off into a very sound sleep, but admittedly one of short duration. John dropped off a little in the Cabinet room with some Fast Track18 legislators—a very modest challenge, however.

  Yesterday a visiting Italian made a move on the couch in the Oval Office, but his sleep was not worthy of even recording his name.

  May 9, 1991

  A fantastic challenge by Ed Derwinski:19

  very firm eye closure and a remarkable recovery gambit. Ed with eyes tightly closed used the seldom used nod technique. He nodded vigorously whenever in his slumber he heard the end of a sentence. This nomination was seconded by Larry Eagleburger who gave me a note just as I was recording Ed’s performance on my note pad.

  Demarest20 also challenged, but regrettably he was behind me so I didn’t get to see him. Thus, I have to accept Brady’s21 word. He said it was star quality.

  About this time an old rumor surfaced claiming that Ronald Reagan had secretly worked out a deal with Iran in the fall of 1980 for the release of the hostages, but after the election. Now they were saying that I was the one who flew to Paris to conduct the negotiations. I was disappointed to read that a former hostage, Moorhead Kennedy, was calling for an investigation.

  May 9, 1991

  Mr. Moorhead Kennedy

  Moorhead Kennedy Institute

  New York, NY 10038

  Dear Mr. Kennedy:

  I read with distress your comments reported in the attached clip . . .

  I can categorically assure you that I never was in Paris as claimed by the rumormongers. I can also categorically assure you that I have no information direct or indirect of any contact with Iranians relating to this hostage question.

  I am disappointed that you would feel I might have been a participant in a scheme to keep any American held hostage. I emphatically deny any such complicity.

  One of the sad things about public life is you have to suffer attacks on your character, on your honor.

  I can readily understand your concern when allegations are made like those made by Mr. Sick.22 A proposition so fundamentally immoral would certainly concern anyone. Please accept my word that I know nothing about anyone else’s involvement in such an insidious plot, and I know for a fact that I had no contact such as those being alleged by Mr. Sick.

  I wish you all the best and I hope this has laid to rest some of your understandable concerns.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived for a wonderful, stress-free state visit on May 14. Following are several notes I wrote after the state dinner.

  May 16, 1991

  Honorable Leonore Annenberg23

  Randor, Pennsylvania 19088

  Dear Table 8:

  It was a pleasure having you at the Queen’s State Dinner. Taken as a whole, your table behaved fairly well. All the silver was accounted for!

  But then, horrors! I received a note from Table 8 begging for the chocolate wheels off the dessert cart. Appalling!

  I tried to be sure that Her Majesty did not see me reading this appeal you sent me. Down, Table 8, down!

  Next time, though you all seemed united, it is better you sit apart.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  May 17, 1991

  Ms. Andrea Mitchell24

  Washington, D.C. 20016

  Dear Andrea,

  It was the ‘excitement’ of the Queen’s evening; it was my “heart:, it was the “medicine”, it was that I’m “almost 67”, it was that you ‘looked great’; alas it was that I screwed up.

  A thousand sorries.

  Here’s a peace offering!25

  Am I forgiven?

  Con Afecto

  George Bush

  BRENT entry:

  Following the Queen’s State dinner, Jessye Norman, a fantastic singer with a great voice [sang] . . . She was superb.

  The next morning, May 15th, Brent and John Sununu jointly announced that I had made a serious challenge to the Scowcroft Award. Aware of my innocence, I discussed this important matter with Bar who confirmed I was never out of it. Eyes open at all times . . . Brent’s witness was Doro, but when she was contacted, Doro defended her father against this ludicrous charge. Though this entry is now part of the SCOWCROFT FILE, it really is so fallacious a charge that it shouldn’t have been brought up.

  Her Majesty mounted a minor challenge on the way back from the Orioles game on May 16th,26 but it was night, she was jet lagged and it was about 4 am in London—no entry here.

  May 31, 1991

  Dear Michael;27

  I just finished a very good lunch with your able representative Mr. Primakov.28

  I want you to have this first message that I have ever sent to a foreign leader on my new computer.

  Good Luck and Warmest Personal Regards,

  George Bush

  BRENT entries:

  May 31, 1991

  At a private lunch with Primakov and the interpreter in my private dining room, Scowcroft himself showed promise. After a chocolate chip cookie—make that 2—his eyes began to glaze over. It can not be fairly said that he slept, but Primakov noted the challenge and smiled at me. I knew he knew.

  But that’s not all. At a follow up meeting with our delegation that went to the Soviet Union, Brent mounted a serious challenge. A sterling performance, but regrettably not a winner. It’s 2 p.m. in the Cabinet Room—about 12 people there. Brent is three down from me (maybe 2).

  He drops off.

  He recovers nicely, nodding vigorously in assent when his seatmate to his left made a telling point.

  Several times the eyes were totally closed—several earned points here. Several recoveries were carried off with aplomb.

  It was only near the end of the meeting (2:48pm) that he leaned forward, his head then moving onto his arm, the elbow of which was on the table.

  Zoellick29 speaks again. Scowcroft [makes] yet another great recovery and nods vigorously as Zoellick spoke of some complicated facet of the [agricultural] credit situation.

  At 2:51 pm, the head was all the way down, elbow gone, now, head 41/2 inches from table—criticism: The eyes were not tightly closed.

  On June 3, I was scheduled to address the National Federation of Independent Businesses. I wanted to include in my remarks a statement about my efforts to get a civil rights bill passed that did not mandate quotas. I sent these notes to Dave Demarest, to include in the speech:

  June 1, 1991

  I have been accused by liberal democrats of ‘playing politics’ with this issue. Frankly it’s the other way around. We have a good record on Civil Rights and fair play.

  My opponents are not even willing to consider my civil rights bill. They keep changing theirs to attract votes. Their obvious move to shift this to a ‘women’s issue’ was pure politics.

  Our Bill would prope
rly protect women’s rights.

  The BELTWAY GROUPS AND THEIR SPOKESMEN want to force me to either accept a Quota bill or to veto their Bill. The fact is we have tried to compromise but not to accept quotas. At one point last year Senator Kennedy agreed to language that could have brought us all together. He went back to the Groups and they said “No”. They want a political win.

  I want a fair strong anti discrimination Bill that will guarantee workers rights, women’s rights but will not result in Quotas and that won’t be a bonanza to avaricious lawyers.

  Whatever happens to the Bill I will continue to work for racial harmony and fair play.

  GB

  June 1, 1991

  SECRET

  His Excellency Haffez al-Assad

  President of the Syrian Arab Republic

  Damascus

  Dear Mr. President:

  I am writing you . . . to share my thoughts about the Arab-Israeli peace process. Secretary Baker has reported to me on his many hours of conversation in Damascus. I have heard too from both President Mubarak and King Hussein about their recent meetings with you. I continue to believe that there is a real chance for making progress toward a comprehensive peace in the region. I believe just as firmly that it is in your interest as well as ours to seize that opportunity.

  In this regard, I think we have reached a critical juncture in our efforts to put together a peace conference to make negotiations possible. We have tried to structure this process so the needs of all parties are taken into account in a fair and reasonable way. . . .

  We intend our engagement throughout the negotiations to be significant. We and the Soviet Union will be a driving force behind the negotiations, taking on a special responsibility for making them succeed and cajoling and pressing the parties forward.

  I want to make clear that we will be doing so on the only basis possible for a comprehensive peace: Territory for peace applied to all fronts, including the Golan Heights. We will not change this fundamental policy position of ours; nor will we change our non-recognition of Israel’s purported “Annexation” of the Golan Heights.30 While Secretary Baker tells me he made these points to you, we both feel they deserve added emphasis and greater consideration by you.

  In this regard to increase the probability of a successful outcome on the Golan, I have even been willing to make the offer of a United States Security guarantee of the border that Israel and Syria mutually agree upon. This would go beyond the assurances that the co-sponsors would give (as you requested) that the parties would carry out their agreements. This security guarantee—which is unprecedented and far-reaching—will affect the negotiations and their outcome far more than any symbols relating to the UN or a conference. My decision in favor of such a security guarantee was not an easy one to make. But I did so because I believe it offers the best chance for a peaceful resolution of the problems between Syria and Israel.

  At this point, while I am not yet certain, I do believe that Israel is prepared to say “yes” to a conference based on the terms and modalities I have described. It is difficult for me to see how your interest could be served by saying “No” to this process.

  The fact is we want Syria to participate because we seek a comprehensive peace. At the same time, we cannot agree that a process not proceed even if you choose not to come. Our bilateral relationship is dependent on many things; but as with other states in the region a critical part of that relationship depends on Syria’s position on peace.

  Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain personally committed to the principles I enunciated in my March 6 address to the U.S. Congress. Similarly, I cannot over-emphasize that the successful prosecution of the war in the Gulf has created new opportunities for progress in the peace process. These new opportunities may not come again and they ought to be seized.

  As you can see, I think it is very important that Syria participate. . . . such a position on your part would, in my view, open historic possibilities for bringing peace to a part of the world that has too often known war. I hope the Middle East and indeed the world, can count on your leadership and your commitment to peace.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  BRENT entry:

  June 4, 1991

  . . . At Cabinet meeting today, Lamar Alexander31 mounted a good challenge. John Sununu reported Lamar was out of it for some nine minutes. This has not been authenticated though the Committee is looking into this for more details.

  At same Cabinet meeting, Lynn Martin32 made a challenge. Again, we are lacking detail—leave this file open.

  Almost the minute you become President you are pestered to put into writing your funeral arrangements. I wrote this note to Patty Presock to add to my funeral file:

  June 10, 1991

  Patty:

  Re: My Burial instructions

  Addenda:

  I want the song “Last full Measure of Devotion” sung by a good male soloist at any church or memorial service.

  Gravestone—the plain stones we see at Arlington. I would like my navy number on it on the back of it. I believe it is 0173464 (ask Don Rhodes)

  Also on the stone in addition to what I already requested:

  “He loved Barbara very much”

  gb

  June 16th

  We went to Blue Heaven33 for the name dropping party to end all name dropping parties. A lot of the liberal actors were there and actresses. Goldie Hawn, my dinner partner, was cute, full of fun and very nice to sit next to. Johnny Carson, who has had me on his joke list for a long time, was very friendly. . . . Clint Eastwood was at our table, and Sally Field was charming. Bar said she is very liberal, but she couldn’t have been more pleasant—She’s Goldie’s great friend. Barbara was over there with Warren Beatty and Richard Dreyfuss who was wearing a button that said, “How about a Domestic Desert Storm” . . .

  June 18, 1991

  Ms. Goldie Hawn

  Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

  Dear Goldie,

  Am I enchanted? You bet. Thanks for giving me such a relaxed good time at dinner.

  When Jane Weintraub told me where I was sitting, I was a little worried only because sometimes I’m not too hot of a dinner partner. (I didn’t ask you to dance—on that one, look at it this way—you’ve still got 2 good feet)

  Anyway you were a fantastic dinner partner. You made me feel welcome and totally at ease. I didn’t even have to unveil my 12-point plan for dealing with Gorbachev. Thanks for being so darn nice!! Good Luck—

  George Bush

  June 27th

  I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. and started reading the papers, I must confess that I, again, said, “Well, is it worth it?”

  The only good news is that Zachary Taylor was not poisoned. They dug the poor old guy up and found out there wasn’t any poison in his system—arsenic that is—and that he has good teeth. I wonder whether they’ll be digging me up 150 years from now analyzing my fibrillation or thyroid problem. Who cares. . . .

  July 1st

  We had a nice letter from Chevy Chase—four pages—in which he said he learned something from sitting next to Barbara. He will always be a liberal Democrat; he’ll always be on the liberal cause; but he’s learned in essence that being nice people, people who are good and kind and who have decent values, can more than offset one’s position on issues. He said, “Even if I do get out for the “Dems” in ’92, it wouldn’t hurt me a bit to know you were still there.”

  July 1, 1991

  Mr. Chevy Chase

  Beverly Hills, California 90212

  Dear Chevy,

  After I sent you a note on that wonderful briefcase that you and Dan [Aykroyd] gave me, in comes your kind letter of June 17. I was deeply moved and touched by it, and Barbara had a tear in her eyes.

  I hate the issues that divide, and I hope you and I will always be able to see the other guy’s point of view. The fact that you understand that there are values that transcend issues shows both Barbara and me a l
ot about the Chevy Chase whose name we are now freely “dropping” (even though he is a damned Democrat!)

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  July 2nd

  The Clarence Thomas announcement went well.34 . . . It was a hot sunny day, and I took Clarence back into our bedroom and talked to him briefly. I told him that I did not want to talk about issues; told him he must call ‘em as he sees ’em—as an umpire would; and asked him if he was ready for the bruising fight that laid ahead. We had a nice pleasant chat. I told him that I’d called him the night before, and stopped short of a full commitment just because I wanted to be sure he felt ready for the bench itself. He said that all was fine. . . .

  Yugoslavia is poised on the brink of civil war . . . This is one where I’ve told our top people, “We don’t want to put a dog in this fight.”35 It’s not one that we have to mastermind . . . This concept that we have to work out every problem, everywhere in the world, is crazy. I think the American people understand it. I don’t want to look isolationistic; I don’t want to turn my back on the desires of many ethnic Americans that come from that part of the world; but I don’t think that we can be looked to for solving every problem every place in the world. . . .

  July 7th

  I am so spoiled by attention. Everywhere you go somebody wants to do something for you—hand you the glass of water, give you the dry tee-shirt, reach out and help in some way or another—the clothes, the service at the White House, the stewards wherever they may be—there’s always somebody there and they all want to help and they all do a fantastic job.

  And yet I’ve got to admit that sometimes I crave the quiet. We can get some of that at Camp David and once in a while in our house in Kennebunkport, particularly when the stewards leave, we can do it like it used to be—cooking our own Sunday supper, fixing coffee early in the morning or whatever. . . .