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1975/07/02 - Senior Staff Meeting
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1975/07/02 - Senior Staff Meeting
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James M. Cannon Files (Ford Administration)
James Cannon's Meetings Files
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American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
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The original documents are located in Box 47, folder "1975/07/02 - Senior Staff Meeting" of
the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 47 of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
WHITE HOUSE SENIOR STAFF MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1975
8:00 a.m.
R.S- - Heavy, Roosevelt stut Room m the
Senate 7/17
Houmin - Bill / righty
1:45
Goery Ashley Brown
The congrament
Phodes - wants Towiron
good redin - so let's
Dawd Mathews 7/ 10TH or 1/TH
TO Begin' Hears
n- value 107H
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
August / - Congun vern again
A List- - Mush ut , tews . of high
prienty
Wox
Re
mutua
Mullips
Nep poticy Corentle
FORD & LIBRARI
Josh month
HM,
8
Mooting
1 GERALD ven GERAED R. FORD
U
June
Dear Mr. Grele:
Thanks for your recent letter of June 16, 1975.
I appreciate your idea of possibly incorporating the
town meetings as a part of the Bicentennial sound and
film archive to be housed in the Library of Congress.
And, I believe it merits consideration by others here
on the staff charged with the Bicentennial.
With thanks and best regards,
Sincerely
James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
Mr. Ronald J. Grele
Project Consultant
Bicentennial Archive Project
SPEECH COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION
Statler Hilton Hotel
New York, New York 10001
FORD is GENALD
university or Wisconsin
Evanston, IL CUZU!
PATRICK KENNICOTT
National Office:
STATLER HILTON HOTEL
SPEECH COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION
NEW YORK, N. Y, 10001
FOUNDED 1914
(212) PE 6-6625
June 16, 1975
Mr. James M. Cannon
Senior Domestic Adviser
White House
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Cannon:
I read with interest the article in today's Times on the planned town
meetings across the nation.
As the enclosed "overview" notes, the Speech Communication Association is in
the process of establishing a Bicentennial sound and film archive to be housed
in the Library of Congress. If there are plans to either film or record the
suggested town meetings such a record would be a fine addition to such an
archive. If there are no such plans as of now, may I suggest that you or your
staff consider such a proposal with the aim of eventually collecting and
depositing such materials in one central location.
If the town meetings are held, they could provide a unique record of the life
and concerns of the American people in the Bicentennial year. I do hope it is
a record that can be preserved.
Thank you for your kindness and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ronald Grele
Ronald J. Grele
Project Consultant
Bicentennial Archive Project
RJG/rjc
enclosure
GERALD FORD
President
First Vice-President
Second Vice-President
National Office
Publishers of:
HERMAN COHEN
LLOYD F. BITZER
WALLACE A. BACON
Executive Secretary
The Quarterly Journal of Speech:
Department of Speech
Department of
Department of Interpretation
WILLIAM WORK
School Sneech
Soeech Menographs Ta
OVERVIEW
A Non-Print Bicentennial Archive
Properly conceived and properly organized, the records of the American Bicentennial celebration will
become a significant and profound collection of materials reflecting the historical consciousness of the nation.
The bicentennial year calls upon us to assess where we are as a nation, urges us to reflect on how we became what
we are, and challenges us to consider where we may go in the future. We are asked, in effect, to articulate our
vision of our own culture and history. This articulation, if systematically collected, organized, and made
accessible, will constitute an important record of our society in a unique period of our history.
While many efforts are underway to preserve the written record of the Bicentennial, no major attempt has been
organized to collect such non-print materials as audio and video tapes and films that are produced as part of the
celebration. The Speech Communication Association (SCA), drawing upon its own heritage and membership interests,
has applied to the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA) for funds to establish and organize just
such an archive. To date, two planning grants have been received by the SCA, and the project is now moving toward
implementation. Further, ARBA has secured approval for an allocation of $140,000 to be available after July 1, 1975,
if an equal sum can be raised from the private sector. While SCA proposes to contribute substantially to the support
of the project from its own resources, a minimum of an additional $75,000 is needed.
The original project planning committee, the members of which represented a wide range of interests and expertise
has determined that the Library of Congress has the most suitable resources for housing the Archive. Preliminary
discussions with staff members there suggest the high probability that the Archive will become a part of the
permanent collection of the Library of Congress.
The planning committee also decided that the themes and topics of the American Issues Forum (attached), a project
of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will provide a useful organizing taxonomy for the Archive. While the
project will rely heavily upon voluntary contributions, the collection will also include a limited number of
solicited and commissioned items of special importance or interest.
Guidelines on recording quality, legal rights and restrictions, and cataloging will be generated and distributed
by the project staff. These guidelines will be as flexible as possible, consistent with Library of Congress
practices and preferences. The Archive will provide a repository for both commercially produced sight and sound
recordings and for more spontaneous recordings of the Bicentennial observance. Together, the materials collected
should provide a balanced, pluralistic reflection of the nation's self-image in the two hundredth year of its founding
During this final planning period, we are seeking to establish a broad base of interest and support. Your
suggestions are needed; we welcome your inquiries. If you know of projects or programs, recordings of
which should be housed in the Archive, please let us know. If you- or an organization with which you are
affiliated-- would like to play an active role in the project, we will welcome learning of such interest.
Many thanks.
FORD
William Work
Ronald J. Grele
Project Director & Executive Secretary
Project Consultant
Speech Communication Association
(May-June, 1975)
Statler Hilton Hotel
New York, N.Y. 10001
(Note: After August 1, 1975, SCA headquarters will be at: 5205 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041)
VI. The sixth month: February 8 through March 6, 1976
American Issues Forum Calendar of Topics
"The Business of America. "
February B:
1. Private Enterprine In the Marketplace
February 15:
2. Empire Building: Cornering the Mark
The first month: August 31 through September 27, 1975
February 22:
3. Subsidizing and Regulating:
Controlling the Economy
"A Nation of Nations"
February 29:
4. Selling the Consumer
August 31:
1. The Founding Peoples
September 7:
2. Two Centuries of Immigrants
VII. The seventh month: March 7 through April 3, 1976
September 14:
3. Out of Many, One
September 21:
4. We Pledge Allegiance
America in the World
March 7:
1. The American "Dream" Among
L. The second month: September 28 through October 25, 1975
Nations
March 14:
2. The Economic Dimension
The Land of Plenty
March 21:
3. A Power in the World
September 28:
1. A Shrinking Frontier?
March 28:
4. A Nation Among Nations
October 5:
2. The Sprawling City
October 12:
3. Use and Abuse in the Land of Plenty
VIII. The eighth month: April 4 through May 1, 1976
October 19:
4. Who Owns the Land
Growing Up in America
I. The third month: October 26 through November 22, 1975
April 4:
1. The Ametican Family
"Certain Unalienable Rights"
April 11:
2. Education for Work and Life
April 18:
3. "In God We Trust"
October 26:
1. Freedom of Speech, Assembly and
April 25:
4. A Sense of Belonging
Religion
November 2:
2, Freedom of the Press
IX. The ninth month: May 2 through May 29, 1976
November 9:
3. Freedom from Search and Seizure
November 16:
4. Equal Protection Under the Law
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
May 2:
1. The Rugged Individualist
IV. The fourth month: November 23 through December 20, 1975
May 9:
2. The Dream of Success
May 16:
3. The Pursuit of Pleasure
"A More Perfect Union"; The American Government
May 23:
4. The Fruits of Wisdom
November 23:
1. "In Congress Assembled
A Representative Legislature
November 30:
2. A President: An Elected Executive
December 7:
3. "The Government": The Growth of
Bureaucracy
December 14:
4. "By Consent of the States..."
R.FORD LIBRARY
V. The fifth month: January 11 through February 7, 1976
023320
Working in America
January 11:
1. The American Work Ethic
January 18:
2. Organization of the Labor Force
January 25:
3. The Welfare State: Providing a
Livelihood
February 1:
4. Enjoying the Fruits of Labor
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
upm
Governor Rhodes wants two seats on AF 1 from Cincinnati
to Cleveland, himself and Dave Thomas
2
Wants to know xwhat we are going to do about the shale
gas. I told him Frank Zarb is work ing on his five goint plan
he left with the President.
M
When do we want Ohio Republicans to endorse the President?
FORD : LIBRARY 07/830
ORIGINAL DRAFT/FORT McHENRY/JOMarsh/6-26-75
We meet here at twilight's last gleaming.
The casement walls and silent cannon of Fort McHenry bear
quiet testimony to a nation's travail on another night in another
age.
Francis Scott Key enshrined forever those events in 1814.
The patroitism and national pride surrounding our flag, our
country and their defense that night are our heritage in song
and verse. The Star Spangled Banner is an expression of love
of country.
We must not become so sophisticated, or SO blase, that we
ignore these simple but eloquent lessons from our past. We need
to remind ourselves that America really is "the land of the free and
the home of the brave. 11
-2-
The hallmark of our first century was the establishment of
our government. In the face of great odds, 13 disparate colonies
were to become a fledging nation. Its future was insecure. In
the first 100 years, the Western Movement accelerated -- vast
territories were acquired, states joined the Union, Constitutional
issues were raised. Wars were fought, none more devastating
than the one that turned American against American. Yet from
that terrible holocaust, it was resolved this Nation would not
exist half slave - half free. The NACAD Union was preserved.
By our Centennial in 1876, the American Republic had been
established. Of this, there was no doubt, either at home or
abroad.
Our Second Century has been marked by the growth of American
-3-
industrial and economic power. The pioneer spirit which carried
us west, turned to new frontiers.
Railroads spanned the continent and became a web of steel,
linking city to city, region to region, town to town.
The automobile and Henry Ford's assembly line changed for-
ever transportation and the manufacturing process.
The Wrights mastered powered flight at Kitty Hawk. The age
of flight was born. "The Eagle Has Landed" is a symbolic cry
that describes the leadership of this Nation in a thousand endeavors
that have benefited mankind.
The telegram, the telephone, radio, television - all are
part of the communications revolution of our Second Century.
Science, medicine, agricultural production, marketing,
these have been just a few of the modern frontiers since 1876.
-4-
The Third Century, I believe, will be one that challenges
individualism. Man today finds himself in a modern world, confronted
by mass. Dwarfed by bigness, loney in a sea of people the anthill
existence must not be the price of a modern age.
Government's grown too large and bureaucratic, pit the individual
against a frustrating statism. In America our sovereign is the citizen.
Governments exist to serve people. The state is the creatureof the
populace. These are fundamental propositions to remember as we
observe the Bicentennial.
Today in the 199th year of our Independence, we stand at
the threshold of a great American Experience.
Let us make the coming year a great year on America's
agenda of achievement.
As we move to the Bicentennial of American Independence,
-5-
let us think of where we will be and what we can achieve by the
next July 4th -- by the next decade -- by the 200th Anniversary
of our Constitution -- and by the Year 2000.
By these yardsticks, let us measure our progress on the course
we set for ourselves and out Nation.
Let us resolve that this shall be an era of hope rather than
despair. Let us resolve that it shall be an era of achievement
rather than of apathy. Let us resolve that it shall be a time of
promise rather than of regret.
The countdown to Independence 200 has begun. For each of us,
each day from today should be a step forward to Achievement-USA.
The Bicentennial Year for each of us should be a year of
self-examination and individual accomplishment. Quality and
-6-
permanence should be the hallmarks of everything we do. Let us
pursue programs that shall enhance the quality of our lifes.
To form a more perfect union, we need to learn more of
our country and its people. Americans need to understand other
Americans and appreciate the diversity of our land. Boundaries
of regionalism and urbanization must give way to an understanding
of one nation and one people.
In the coming year, we must be certain the Bicentennial is
a nationwide event. The American Revolution and its legacy
belong to each of the states and our far flung territories.
The ideas that were forged and fought for in the 13 colonies
crossed the Appalachias, they followed the Conestoga wagons and
rode with the Pony Express. They crossed the Mississippi and
Missouri, spanned the plains and the deserts. They belong as
- -7-
much to the West Coast as they do to the East. Wherever the
American flag went, also went the concepts of this great Republic.
American Clipper ships took the story to the far corners of the
earth. American jet liners carry it everyday across the skies
of distant lands. Indeed, this event does not belong just to
Americans.
The appreciation of our past is essential to understanding the
present and charting a course for the future. Every American
can enrich the quality of the Bicentennial by looking at the past.
The saga of our Country is an inspiring one. It has been told not
only by historians, but in poetry, prose and song. Let us read
again the writings of our great poets and authors who recount
the life and times of these last 200 years. The Buckskin Tales, the
world of Washington Irving, Bret Harte's story of the American
- -8-
West, Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and the immortal Tom
Sawyer of Mark Twain - these are only a small part of a rich
literary heritage we share and can enjoy.
It is my hope that at every school where the American flag
flies, there shall be in the coming year a concentrated effort in
the classroom to study, discuss and portray these 200 years of the
American Experience.
There are thousands of communities located in all the states
engaged in some form of Bicentennial project. These projects
cover a broad range -- from civic improvements to pageants. I
would make the following appeal to every American at this time.
First, make inquiry to see whether your community, or county,
does have a Bicentennial program.
- -9-
Second, if it does, seek to participate.
Third, if it does not, take steps now to start one. If you need
information, direct your inquiry to me at the White House.
I would urge that every community seek to make its program
as meaningful as possible to as many as possible. It should stress
the American Experience including the history, culture, achievements
and values we associate with out way of life.
The best criteria is a program which when viewed in a year,
a decade, a century hence continues to have meaning to the
community and is identified with the event that inspired it.
The Year 200 - a quarter of a century hence - is not simply
the end of a century, it is the close of an age. The end of one
millennium, the beginning of a new.
- -10-
It marks a 1000 years of human history that began in the
depths of the Dark Ages. The American Revolution is the
greatest progression in Western Man's march to freedom and the
opportunity for individual achievement. The Declaration of
Independence is a benchmark along man's road as he has sought
to pursue happiness.
Although those few years from Concord Bridge to Yorktown
are hardly the wink of an eye when we view the total age, they
are of profound influence. The shot fired at Concord Bridge has
been heard around the world.
The Young Republic is today a great and strong nation. It does
reflect the values of its Declaration, its Constitution, its Bill of
-11-
Rights. It has influenced the destiny of millions beyond our
shores. It still remains the greatest hope for mankind.
I am convinced when historians view the sweep of a thousand
years of history, they will view this nation's experience and
conclude that from Revolution there came a Renaissance, in human
freedom and individual opportunity. This Renaissance shall be
called American.
Let us begin now to commemorate in a way that shall endure
to our posterity this legacy with its blessings of Liberty for all.
DRAFT/FORT McHENRY/JOMarsh/6-26-75
EDITED DRAFT
We meet here at twilight's last gleaming.
The casement walls and silent cannon of Fort McHenry bear
quiet testimony to a nation's travail on another night in another
age.
Francis Scott Key enshrined forever those events in 1814.
The patroitism and national pride surrounding our flag, our
country and their defense that night are our heritage in song
and verse. The Star Spangled Banner is an expression of love
of country.
We must not become so sophisticated, or so blase, that we
ignore these simple but eloquent lessons from our past. We need
to remind ourselves that America really is "the land of the free and
the home of the brave. 11
-2-
The hallmark of our first century was the establishment of
our government.
By our Centennial in 1876, the American Republic had been
established. Of this, there was no doubt, either at home or abroad.
Our Second Century has been marked by the growth of American
industrial and economic power. The pioneer spirit which carried
us west, turned to new frontiers.
The Third Century, I believe, will be one that challenges
individualism.
Today in the 199th year of our Independence, we stand at
the threshold of a great American Experience.
Let us make the coming year a great year on America's agenda of
achievement.
As we move to the Bicentennial of American Independence,
-3-1
let us think of where we will be and what we can achieve by the
next July 4th -- by the next decade -- by the 200th Anniversary
of our Constitution -- and by the Year 2000.
By these yardsticks, let us measure our progress on the course
we set for ourselves and out Nation.
Let us resolve that this shall be an era of hope rather than
despair. Let us resolve that it shall be an era of achievement
rather than of apathy. Let us resolve that it shall be a time of
promise rather than of regret.
The countdown to Independence 200 has begun. For each of us,
each day from today should be a step forward to Achievement-USA.
The Bicentennial Year for each of us should be a year of
self-examination and individual accomplishment. Quality and
-4- -
permanence should be the hallmarks of everything we do. Let us
pursue programs that shall enhance the quality of our lifes.
To form a more perfect union, we need to learn more of
our country and its people. Americans need to understand other
Americans and appreciate the diversity of our land. Boundaries
of regionalism and urbanization must give way to an understanding
of one nation and one people.
In the coming year, we must be certain the Bicentennial is
a nationwide event. The American Revolution and its legacy
belong to each of the states and our far flung territories.
The ideas that were forged and fought for in the 13 colonies
crossed the Appalachias, they followed the Conestoga wagons and
rode with the Pony Express. They crossed the Mississippi and
Missouri, spanned the plains and the deserts. They belong as
-5-
much to the West Coast as they do to the East. Wherever the
American flag went, also went the concepts of this great Republic.
American Clipper ships took the story to the far corners of the
earth. American jet liners carry it everyday across the skies
of distant lands. Indeed, this event does not belong just to
7
Americans.
The appreciation of our past is essential to understanding the
present and charting a course for the future. Every American
can enrich the quality of the Bicentennial by looking at the past.
The saga of our Country is an inspiring one. It has been told not
only by historians, but in poetry, prose and song. Let us read
again the writings of our great poets and authors who recount
the life and times of these last 200 years. The Buckskin Tales, the
world of Washington Irving, Bret Harte's story of the American
-6-
West, Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and the immortal Tom
Sawyer of Mark Twain - these are only a small part of a rich
literary heritage we share and can enjoy.
It is my hope that at every school where the American flag
flies, there shall be in the coming year a concentrated effort in
the classroom to study, discuss and portray these 200 years of the
American Experience. In even hour, did um A.
There are thousands of communities located in all the states
engaged in some form of Bicentennial project. These projects
cover a broad range -- from civic improvements to pageants. I
would make the following appeal to every American at this time.
First, make inquiry to see whether your community, or county,
does have a Bicentennial program.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-7-
Second, if it does, seek I to participate.
Third, if it does not, take steps now to start one. If you need
WRITE
information, direct your inquiry to me at the White House.
and
I would urge that every community seek to make its program
as meaningful as possible to as many as possible. It should stress
the American Experience including the history, culture, achievements
and values we associate with out way of life.
The best criteria is a program which when viewed in a year,
a decade, a century hence continues to have meaning to the
community and is identified with the event that inspired it.
The Year 200 - a quarter of a century hence - is not simply
the end of a century, it is the close of an age. The end of one
millennium, the beginning of a new.
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
2000
In it 7" - w wh mm 2000
-8-
It marks a 1000 years of human history that began in the
Thorn an The you
depths of the Dark Ages. The American Revolution is the
greatest progression in Western Man's march to freedom and the
opportunity for individual achievement. The Declaration of
Independence is a benchmark along man's road as he has sought
to pursue happiness.
Although those few years from Concord Bridge to Yorktown
are hardly the wink of an eye when we view the total age, they
are of profound influence. The shot fired at Concord Bridge has
been heard around the world. and it member too stri
The Young Republic is today a great and strong nation. It does
reflect the values of its Declaration, its Constitution, its Bill of
FORD : QERALD LIBRARY
- -9-
Rights. It has influenced the destiny of millions beyond our
shores. It still remains the greatest hope for mankind.
I am convinced when historians view the sweep of a thousand
years of history, they will view this nation's experience and
conclude that from Revolution there came a Renaissance. in human
freedom and individual opportunity. This Renaissance shall be
called American.
Let us begin now to commemorate in a way that shall endure
to our posterity this legacy with its blessings of Liberty for all.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 1, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CANNON
FROM:
DICK CHENEY D
Jim, we need a status report on the problem of coyote control
by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The issue has come up again, and we'd like a report on exactly
where the matter stands.
cc: Jim Connor
Repation To Thursday 6/26
Direased Proviered por That web
being staffed
22
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD