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

by George H. W. Bush

  I have no bitterness in my heart about the “invective and abuse” that you pointed out came my way. I can’t say it didn’t hurt, but now it’s different. Barbara is way out ahead of me. She is writing away and even though she dropped a $3.00 jar of [Ragu] sauce and splattered it all across our tiny kitchenette she is proving once again to be a fine cook. It’s far better than microwaving it. I am the dish man. I rinse the plates and put them in the washer. Almost simultaneously I load our coffee machine, and then we walk the dogs. And along the way we count our blessings.

  We have much to be grateful for. And every once in awhile someone says something very pleasant and nice and reassuring; and it all seems like the whole journey was worth every single minute of it. Thank you for “getting it”—for understanding.

  My respects, sir, and many thanks. Now back to walking “Ranger.”

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  February 24, 1993

  Mr. Robert C. Macauley3

  AmeriCares

  New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

  Dear Bob:

  I talked to Barbara about your wonderful letter of February 10. Right now, she is up to her eyeballs writing a book. In fact, every morning, before 5:30, she is sitting next to me in bed, her little computer on her lap, hammering away.

  She did express a real interest in AmeriCares. You said you would be glad to fly down to Houston for a few hours to describe your thoughts more fully. That would be fine with us. We will be in Kennebunkport starting the first week in May. Maybe that would be more convenient.

  In any event, it might be worthwhile if you and she did have a good talk, and I would sit in and kibitz. We both have great respect for all you have done and, of course, we want to help in any way we can.

  You are nice to equate Barbara’s concerns with those of the late Audrey Hepburn, a respected friend. I don’t know if you know this, but just before she died, we presented her the Medal of Freedom—a well deserved recognition of her fantastic service.

  Warm regards.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  [Barbara did become ambassador at large for AmeriCares, and both of us have accompanied them on a number of relief missions, including to Bosnia, Guatemala, and Honduras.]

  May 13, 1993

  (Kennebunkport)

  Dear Fred [Zeder],

  I am thrilled you are willing to serve on our Presidential Library Board. We are going to have a fine Library up at A&M.

  We’ll be in touch later on; but, for now, many thanks.

  Sincerely,

  George

  “paws up”? OK, but I really miss the guy!4

  By this time war had exploded in the Balkans and Milosevic’s army was pounding Bosnia. My friend Sadruddin Khan sent me a “letter to the editor” he had written, critical of the West for sitting on its hands.

  August 3, 1993

  Dear Sadri,

  I have read and re-read your July 28 FAX and it attachments. You are clearly right about the horror. I am unclear about the answer, however. . . .

  I clearly remember a Colin Powell briefing, Sadri. He and the other chiefs told me that it would take 250,000 American troops, and then they could guarantee nothing other than keeping the supply lines open; and, that even with those huge number of forces, they could not guarantee limited loss of American life.

  Let’s hope the negotiations end the killing.

  You are a most sincere compassionate friend; and I send this letter along not to argue but, once again, to point out the fact that there is no clear and easy call and at the same time to thank you for sending me your fine op-ed piece.

  On a quieter and more pleasant subject, Bar and I set out on our first ever Mediterranean cruise next week. We start in Rabat and end up near Palma, spending 8 days or so on a friend’s boat. We are excited to put it mildly. . . .

  Warm regards and please keep sending me your views on these critical questions. I feel somewhat cut off, and your ideas are most welcome.

  Love to Katie.

  Most sincerely,

  George

  January 6 1994

  For:

  Barbara Pierce

  From:

  GHWB

  Will you marry me? Oops, I forgot, you did that 49 years ago today! I was very happy on that day in 1945, but I am even happier today. You have given me joy that few men know. You have made our boys into men by bawling them out and then, right away, by loving them. You have helped Doro be the sweetest greatest daughter in the whole wide world. I have climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even that can not hold a candle to being Barbara’s husband. Mum used to tell me: “Now, George, don’t walk ahead”. Little did she know I was only trying to keep up—keep up with Barbara Pierce from Onondaga Street in Rye New York. I love you!

  I saw my friend and former press secretary Sheila Tate during a visit to Washington, and she told me she thought I needed to get involved in a cause or a project.

  February 27, 1994

  Dear Sheila,

  . . . Sheila, I need more time, more quiet time, more grandchild time, more time to forget and to remember. I have had lots of suggestions for things “big and important”; but, oddly, I don’t have myself cast as a big and important person. I want to be a tiny point of light, hopefully a bright point of light, but I don’t crave sitting at the head table; nor do I burn with desire to see that history is kind to us.

  I’ll figure it out but time is the key. In the meanwhile, having neglected my personal finances for many years, I am giving speeches. I’ll do this for maybe 11/2 more years. Then if something should happen to me—say when I am even more forgetful and Millie fails to return me to our house when we are out walking, then Bar will be in fair financial shape for her future. Once that’s done maybe I’ll do more forums, more chairing of meetings with “used-to-be” people, make more pronouncements on the Sahil or on fundamentalism or on ozone—who knows.

  For now though—family, friends, be quiet, stay out of and away from the press, especially the talk shows—and oh yes count my many blessings for friends. That’s where you fit in.

  Con afecto,

  GB

  March 22, 1995

  Burton J. Lee, III, M.D.

  Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

  Dear Burt,

  I have no objection to your taking up the fight on the Gulf War syndrome,5 but I must tell you that I find it difficult to believe that anyone in the Pentagon would want to cover up something of this nature. Why in God’s name would a military officer not want to go to bat for his troops?

  After the “60 Minutes” show, I talked to John Deutch,6 who was on the program. He told me in considerable detail what they had done to find out if there was any use of chemicals during Desert Storm. They were unable to find anything in spite of the drama of the “60 Minutes” program.

  If there is some cover-up, which I strongly doubt, I would, of course, love to see the matter disposed of. I am disinclined to be put in a public position that shows me convinced that the military are not telling the truth. What you do is your business, though, Burt; and if you have some evidence on these matters, I’d love to take a look at it.

  Good luck on all of this.

  All’s well for the Bushes, and I hope things are going well for you there at

  INTRACEL.

  Warm best wishes,

  George

  April 16, 1995

  Jean:7

  It’s Easter, and I am doing case work; for I answered the phone here in the office.

  A Mr. Jesse Kirk, unemployed welder, called in. He wanted Barbara for he has a reading problem.

  When queried, I told him “It is I”.

  He then told me his problem. A good welder, he cannot find work because his of his dyslexia and bad reading over all.

  He is in construction and makes, sometimes, $15 per hour. Because of his reading failure he can’t get work now.

  He hates welfare. He doesn’t
want a hand out.

  I gave him the usual disclaimer “out of office, unemployed myself, call the Congressman”

  Can someone call him Jesse Kirk 341 8105.

  Maybe BPB knows of an adult reading program. Just any call back might encourage the guy. Even if we said “We’ve checked, and have no suggestions”.

  Can we help Jesse?

  GB

  [We called Jesse back and put him in touch with the Houston Read Commission.] I wrote this after receiving an offensive fund-raising form letter from the National Rifle Association.

  May 3, 1995

  Mr. Thomas L. Washington, President

  National Rifle Association

  Fairfax, Virginia 22036

  Dear Mr. Washington,

  I was outraged when, even in the wake of the Oklahoma City tragedy,8 Mr. Wayne La Pierre, Executive Vice President of NRA, defended his attack on federal agents as “jack-booted thugs.” To attack Secret Service Agents or ATF9 people or any government law enforcement people as “wearing Nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper uniforms” wanting to “attack law abiding citizens” is a vicious slander on good people.

  Al Whicher, who served on my USSS detail when I was Vice President and President, was killed in Oklahoma City. He was no Nazi. He was a kind man, a loving parent, a man dedicated to serving his country—and serve it well he did.

  In 1993, I attended the wake for ATF agent Steve Willis, another dedicated officer who did his duty. I can assure you that this honorable man, killed by weird cultists,10 was no Nazi.

  John Magaw, who used to head the USSS and now heads ATF, is one of the most principled, decent men I have ever known. He would be the last to condone the kind of illegal behavior your ugly letter charges. The same is true for the FBI’s able Director Louis Freeh. I appointed Mr. Freeh to the Federal Bench. His integrity and honor are beyond question.

  Both John Magaw and Judge Freeh were in office when I was President. They both now serve in the current administration. They both have badges. Neither of them would ever give the government’s “go ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law abiding citizens.” (Your words)

  I am a gun owner and an avid hunter. Over the years I have agreed with most of NRA’s objectives, particularly your educational and training efforts, and your fundamental stance in favor of owning guns.

  However, your broadside against Federal agents deeply offends my own sense of decency and honor; and it offends my concept of service to country. It indirectly slanders a wide array of government law enforcement officials, who are out there, day and night, laying their lives on the line for all of us.

  You have not repudiated Mr. La Pierre’s unwarranted attack. Therefore, I resign as a Life member of NRA, said resignation to be effective upon your receipt of this letter. Please remove my name from your membership list.

  Sincerely,

  George Bush

  September 25, 1995

  Mr. & Mrs. Charles Antone

  Chesterfield, VA 23832

  Dear Chuck and Connie,

  Our caring son, Marvin, called today, broken hearted. He told me of your sadness, of the loss of your young son, of the terrible blow to you and to your many friends.

  I know that at this, the moment of your anguish, there is little that words can do to console. I’ll bet it does help a little, however, to know that you have so many loving friends who really care.

  Long ago Barbara and I lost a tiny four year old to Leukemia. Of course we felt she was the most beautiful, wonderful little girl that God had ever put on this earth. We kept saying “Why? Why our Robin? Why our gentle child of smiles and innocence?”

  Lots of people tried to help us find the answer. One woman wrote us and said, misquoting scripture, “Let the little children suffer so they can come unto me.” Maybe she had it right, though.

  I expect you are now saying “Why?”

  Well I can’t, even now, pretend to know the real answer; but let me tell you something that might help a little bit.

  Only a few months after Robin died, the grief and the awful aching hurt began to disappear, to give way to only happy memories of our blessed child. Oh we’d shed a tear when we’d think of something she’d said or done; but the hurt that had literally racked our bodies literally went away—gone, vanished, replaced by happy thoughts.

  Now, 40 years later, Robin brings us only happiness and joy—no sadness. She’s never left us. The ugly bruises, trade marks of dread Leukemia, are gone now. We can’t see them at all.

  I’ll bet your son, Chase, was the best kid ever. I hope your hurt goes away soon. I hope you will live the rest of your lives with only happy memories of that wonderful son who is now safely tucked in, God’s loving arms around him.

  Barbara and I send our most sincere condolences. And all of us in the Bush family send our love.

  Respectfully,

  George Bush

  also known as Marvin’s Dad

  September 27, 1995

  The Honorable Ronald Reagan

  Los Angeles, California 90024

  Dear Ron,

  . . . Barbara and I are very happy in our private lives. She still keeps up her interest in literacy and she loves being on the Board of Trustees of The Mayo Clinic. I am busy with our Library which will be up at Texas A&M. I am on the Board of our great M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and I am still doing a lot of foreign travel.

  On October 8-9 my Presidential Library, along with Brent Scowcroft’s “Forum”,11 is sponsoring a meeting where old friends will be talking about the End of the Cold War; and, in the process, we will be talking fondly of you. The old friends are Thatcher, Mulroney, Gorbachev, and Mitterrand. I know that Ronald Reagan will properly get lots of credit for his key role in the End of the Cold War—you deserve that and much more.

  I don’t know how you feel, but I must say I do not miss politics at all; however, Barbara and I are, of course, very proud of our two sons who got into the Political arena last Fall. George is doing well as Governor of Texas; and Jeb, who ran so well in Florida though losing,12 will probably run again in 1998. I hope so.

  I seldom get to the Los Angeles area, but if I do come back I hope it will be OK if I drop by. You see I miss our lunches very much, and I miss you a lot.

  Love to Nancy and the rest of the family.

  Sincerely,

  George

  [I have visited my old friend a number of times during the last few years. Despite the fact he is suffering from Alzheimer’s he still has his same wonderful sense of humor.]

  Ann Devroy was a tough, tenacious reporter for the Washington Post. When I was President, she gave me heartburn many mornings when I opened the Post to find another infuriating Devroy piece. But when I found out she had cancer, I didn’t hesitate to write her this note.

  July 26, 1996

  Dear Ann,

  . . . I feel a little funny writing this. Many on our team back in my employment days felt very close to you. I think of [Pete] Teeley and Jim Baker, I think of Margaret Tutwiler13—so many more. They used to hear me rant against some of your articles—mainly rant against those who fed you, those who leaked. They knew I hated the inside stories, and you were the best at those.

  But they’d say “Ann is a good reporter, the best—tough, honest, penetrating but fair. She does her home work.”

  I admit I was hard to convince. You know that, for there was a tension; perhaps an inevitable tension, that clouded things between us—never a visceral dislike, but a tension. I was the out of touch President, the wimp; you were the beltway insider who thrived on who’s up, who’s down—who will be fired, who will win.

  But now I am out of it, happy in my very private life, away from the arena; and you are on leave fighting a battle that far transcends the battles of the political wars.

  Strangely, wonderfully, I feel close to you now. I want you to win this battle. I want that same toughness that angered me and frustrated me to a fare-thee-well at times to see you through your fight
.

  I want you to walk out of [M.D.] Anderson, victorious—having won the battle of your life. Because of the courage they tell me you are showing them out there every single day, you will do just that.

  Fifty years ago there once was a strange little guy in my life. His name was Morris Greenberg, the greens keeper at Yale’s magnificent baseball field. He was my friend. He hated it when I struck out. He hated it worse when a sports writer would knock me down. He knew when I was in the dumps. Others laughed at this funny little man who wore heavy overcoats when it was warm, whose accent was so thick that a lot of guys didn’t even know what he was saying.

  Once we lost a tough game. Morris knew I was hurting. He slipped a note under the door of our tiny apartment. It said “Don’t ever give up. Fight hard. I’m wit ‘ya!”

  I’m “wit ‘ya”, Ann, and I know you’ll win this one.

  Affectionately

  George Bush

  [She died October 23, 1997.]

  September 10, 1996

  Dear Griffin,14

  My, but you have an unusual name for a dog. At least it seems unusual to me, but today there are a lot of different, even strange, names around. How about if they had named you “Ng”—that’s a real name. “Here, Ng, here boy, here Ng”. It wouldn’t have worked.

  I knew a guy named U Thant. Suppose they had named you for him. “Here, U, Here U”, Sam would have called out—and all the kids in the neighborhood would think that you didn’t even have a name.

  Anyway, Griffin is a nice name. The Griffins that I know about have the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Is that the way you look? What about your long tail?

  Griffin, I don’t mean to tease you about your name. I was a skinny guy most of my life but until the day he died my Dad Called me ‘Fats”. How would you like that?

  I hear that you are a great puppy. I had a puppy once named Ranger. He made me very happy. He made me laugh a lot. He was a very fast dog and he could run like the wind through the woods at Camp David. Everyone at the White House loved Ranger. He was so fast he could catch squirrels when they were running their fastest. He never did catch a rabbit, but he tried hard to do that.