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323154394
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A New World Order 1990-1991 [OA 8487] [2]
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323154394
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A New World Order 1990-1991 [OA 8487] [2]
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13845-007
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Alphabetical Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
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S
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Alpha File, 1987-1991
OA/ID Number:
13845
Folder ID Number:
13845-007
Folder Title:
A New World Order, 1990-1991 [2]
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G
26
23
3
2
Mar. 27 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
vague ference
Remarks to State Department
served there, to do your duty, and you did
Employees
so.
March 27, 1991
You worked closely with our allies, this
Department did-an extraordinary coali-
The President. Thank you all very much
tion. I really believe that when history
for that warm reception. I really wanted to
writes the final chapter on all of this, this
come over here and I really wanted to say
coalition of-some might say disparate coali-
thank you, and I wanted to address our for-
tion-is going to be one of the highlights of
eign policy professionals and all those who
what happened in Desert Shield and Desert
support them. You are, indeed, the men
Storm.
and women on the front lines of American
Indeed, I think all of your work inspired
interests, both in war and in peace. And
the American people. And you brought new
this recent situation was no exception.
respect, frankly-and deserved respect, in
Dwight Eisenhower once marveled at
my view-to men and women for whom
freedom's power to assemble "lightness
diplomacy is not merely a profession but it's
against the dark." Well, I think that all of
a mission.
you showed that rather eloquently in this
Gulf situation, indeed, in our victory in the
During all of this, I recall several impor-
Persian Gulf. You acted for right against
tant meetings at the White House where I
wrong. I don't know how each and every
drew on the experience of, among others,
person here was motivated, but for me,
Assistant Secretary Kelly, Ambassador Gla-
very early on it became a clear choice of
spie; met also with the-[applause]-I think
good versus evil, of right versus wrong. And
that's appropriate. And also the returning
when that happens it makes it easier to
officers from Embassy Kuwait and Embas-
make some of the decisions.
sy-he's back there. [Laughter] Ambassador
You spoke here, various officers, for digni-
Howell and Mr. Wilson later on, and so
ty against oppression. And I salute you-I
many others that just did a wonderful job.
salute you on behalf of every American and
That mission, your mission, of course,
all the freedom-loving peoples of the world.
deals with the entire world, not only the
We do stand for the peaceful resolution of
Middle East. It's a mission you carried out
conflicts, and no one tried harder to resolve
even as war raged in the Persian Gulf. We
the Gulf conflict peacefully than our Secre-
forget that at a time all of this was going on,
tary of State Jim Baker, and then the entire
just by way of example, there were some
State Department.
very harrowing problems still remaining, I
You know, from August 1990 to January
might add, in Liberia. And you look at
15th of 1991-166 days-you conducted
other trouble spots in the world and things
nonstop discussions in the hopes of revers-
were going on, and those officers and those
ing aggression, in the hopes of this peaceful
supporters of the missions there get very
settlement. Secretary of State Baker had
little credit for that.
more than 200 meetings with foreign digni-
But you kept the foreign policy moving
taries; 10 diplomatic missions; 6 congres-
forward. You put out the fires, and you did
sional appearances. I.O. and Tom Pickering,
a great job, even though not as much in the
operating up in New York, helped put into
focus as those Embassies in Kuwait and
effect 12 United Nations resolutions. And
Baghdad.
over 103,000 miles traveled on the Secre-
So, you're dealing with the entire world.
tary's part, to talk with members of the
It went on; all that important work went on
U.N., the Arab League, and the European
even as war raged in the Persian Gulf. And
Community.
then you, along with the finest soldiers and
Every American staff, every consulate,
sailors and airmen and marines and coast-
every bureau and every department here
guardsmen that any nation has ever known,
and abroad facilitated these missions. The
helped light the lamp of liberty. Now, I'd
American people will always remember the
like to see us use that, and I know many
courage of Embassy Baghdad and Embassy
here are already actively involved in this, in
Kuwait. You were called upon, those that
illuminating a new world order
372
Dibectis
J.S.
indicative
to
anwo
Gulf
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Apr. 24
Tn
m moral guidance
Remarks Following Discussions With
President Gouled Aptidon. Mr. Presi-
ience and forgive-
President Hassan Gouled Aptidon of
dent, it is a great pleasure for me to be
rehend the truth
Djibouti and an Exchange With
here in this wonderful country at your kind
n to declare: "No
Reporters
invitation. I have very much enjoyed the
a godly mother."
April 24, 1991
opportunity to meet with you in an atmos-
strength, mothers
phere of genuine friendship and mutual un-
ives of their chil-
President Bush. There comes a time
derstanding.
er bonds of family
when nations must decide whether to allow
I wish to commend you, Mr. President,
SO strengthen our
aggression to go unchallenged. And the de-
for your strong leadership during the recent
Thus, on this occa-
cision is never easy for any country, large or
Gulf crisis which culminated in the libera-
all those women
small. But today I want to thank one small
tion of Kuwait and the restoration of its
birth or through
nation which took up a very large challenge
legitimate government. As a small country,
mothers.
in the Persian Gulf war-the Republic of
the Republic of Djibouti has an interest in
and on every day
Djibouti.
the recognition and maintenance of the ter-
through word and
Tiny in size, lacking in resources, and vul-
ritorial integrity of other nations around the
thers and our ap-
nerable to retaliation, Djibouti saw Saddam
world.
y have given us.
Hussein's aggression as an intolerable prece-
dent for small nations everywhere. And so
We discussed a wide range of issues of
heartfelt senti-
Djibouti joined the chorus of condemnation,
common concerns, Mr. President, including
the miles, or
ve cannot say too
voting with the Arab League and the
matters related to our bilateral relationship,
United Nations. It joined the coalition of
Djibouti's strategic importance in general,
everything."
forces against Saddam Hussein. By opening
and its vital role in the Gulf crisis in par-
of the contribu-
to their families
its airfields, its seaports, its territorial waters
ticular.
to allies, Djibouti aided allied forces to lib-
The plight of the destitute peoples of the
ngress, by a joint
erate Kuwait quickly and efficiently.
Horn of Africa deserve urgent international
8, 1914 (38 Stat.
President Gouled, your personal support
action to alleviate the misery and endless
econd Sunday in
was invaluable. Djibouti's response to the
suffering as a result of the prolonged civil
r's Day" and re-
Gulf crisis, however, came as no surprise to
strife and ethnic conflicts. The misfortunes
call for its appro-
us. Djibouti has long been a model of stabil-
in the neighboring countries have had a ca-
ity and moderation in a region which is no
lamitous impact on the political, social, and
rge Bush, Presi-
stranger to violence and extremism. This
economic survival of Djibouti. However, we
of America, do
deep and abiding desire for peace and will-
shall persevere in our strenuous mission of
ay, May 12, 1991,
ingness to act with others to resist aggres-
reconciliation and stability.
Day. I urge all
sion are the chief characteristics of what I
Mr. President, I call on the United States
love and respect
call the new world order. It is the responsi-
Government to take a leading role in seek-
day; to reflect
bility imposed by our successes. It refers to
therhood to our
ing an end to the armed conflicts in the
new ways of working with nations like
to ask for God's
Horn of Africa, which have resulted in the
yours to deter aggression, and to achieve
direct Federal
deaths of tens of thousands and unnecessar-
stability, to achieve prosperity, and above
of the United
ily threatened the lives of tens of millions of
all, to achieve peace.
dings, and I en-
impoverished people.
Together, we look forward to the day
play the flag at
We found ourselves in agreement on the
when the nations of the world, large and
itable places on
small, cooperate peacefully to settle dis-
goals for post-Gulf peace and security. The
aftermath of the Gulf war provides a
putes and to deter aggression.
ve hereunto set
We are glad to have the opportunity to
unique opportunity to adopt constructive
day of April, in
express our hopes directly to President
policies that will guarantee peace and secu-
en hundred and
Gouled, and we anticipate many long years
rity in the region in the Middle East and
pendence of the
ahead in our relationship.
that will ensure the legitimate rights of the
he two hundred
I want to thank you again, Your Excellen-
Palestinian people.
cy, for the warm welcome which Djibouti
President Bush and I also had the oppor-
has always extended to our Navy, and your
tunity to review important elements of our
e Federal Regis-
support of the United States soldiers, sailors,
bilateral relationship. We have discussed
airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen was
ideas designed to assist Djibouti in meeting
released by the
indeed essential to our coalition success. We
its development needs which improve the
ry on April 24.
thank you, and we wish you well.
living standards for Djibouti's population.
497
AVON/F225/40c
Dear
Dear President Johnson
President
Johnson
Illintrated PHABIER { : :
Selected by BILL ADLER
SCHULZ
selected by BILL ADLER
compiler of the best-selling THE KENNEDY WIT
5
illustrated by Charles M. Schulz
creator of the best-selling PEANUTS books
DEAR PRESIDENT JOHNSON
contains genuine letters from America's
boys and girls. Filled with the wacky
wisdom and warmth which is the special
property of children, the letters offer
the President some candid (if sometimes
confusing) advice and questions on
politics, taxes, swimming in the raw
and generally on how the country
should be run. Originally written on
ruled school paper, Mom's best
stationery, or even the backs of candy
wrappers, the letters are filled with
sunshine and will give you a very
happy and wonderful glow.
DEAR PRESIDENT JOHNSON
was compiled by Bill Adler, whose
THE KENNEDY WIT zoomed to the top
of the nation's best-seller lists.
DEAR PRESIDENT JOHNSON
is illustrated by Charles M. Schulz,
the creator of the beloved PEANUTS
and best-sellers like HAPPINESS
IS A WARM PUPPY.
These letters were selected in the mailroom of
the White House during the winter of 1964.
They were chosen from the thousands sent
each week to President Lyndon B. Johnson from
DEaR PRESiDEnT
American children.
I am most grateful to the efficient White
JOHnson,
House staff for their cooperation.
Bill Adler
New York City
If THERE was a woman
PRESIDENT WOULD HER
HUSBAND BE CALLED
"THE FiRst Man"?
BEST WISHES,
MELLissa F.
AVON BOOKS
A division of
InDianapoLIS,
The Hearst Corporation
959 Eighth Avenue
Indiana
New York, N. Y. 10019
Text copyright © 1964 by Bill Adler.
Illustrations copyright © 1964 by Charles M. Schulz.
Published by arrangement with William Morrow and Company,
New York.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 64-21735.
All rights reserved.
First Avon Printing June, 1965
Printed in the U.S.A.
Dear President Johnson,
I am a Cub Scout in Indianapolis. Our
finances are very low. We have 37 cents in our
treasury. We need an American Flag to salute.
We have been making our pledge to an old rug
and pretending it was a flag at our den meetings.
Could you send us one?
Yours,
Jimmy A.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Washington, D.C.
The White House
Dear President Johnson,
ONE, TWO, THREE, LOUNGE!
I, a future voter of this country, would like
ONE, TWO, THREE, LOUNGE!
to state my opinion on physical fitness in America.
I feel that you should set an example for the
people of America. Whenever you are shown on
TV, you are relaxing or taking it easy. This does
not make me get up and jump. I see the leader
of this country lounging around and
C
I want to lounge.
Sincerely,
Jack N.
Seattle, Washington
Dear President Johnson,
White House
att: Mr. President
Dear Pres. Johnsons
Here is how you can win the election,
2V bill. that you cut the White House you say
my mother and I heard on
1. Promise a lot for everybody
who the only person in the
not my mother said, " well, light I'm
2. Kiss all the babies
is turns off the lights." world she
3. Be nice to dogs
Our always house turning off the lights.
is always dark.
4. Don't say too much that will
get you in trouble
your friend,
Good Luck,
Sarah G.
Los Angeles, California
Peoria, Illinois
Sally S.
Dear President Johnson,
diplomats to other countries along with the
time. Why not have children act as foreign
I have been wondering about this for a long
done older diplomats. I think kids would get
older diplomats do arguing.
over a game of checkers than the present more
Yours truly,
Brian M.
Trenton, New Jersey
Lyndon B. Johnson
Washington
Deer Sur,
How kum I gott a
Dear Mr. President,
zeero in speling?
Our teacher, Miss Lang, gave the whole class
a zero in spelling because a few boys were
talking. She said "I don't care if you tell the
President of the United States." So we are.
Sidney C.
St. Augustine, Florida
Washington, D.C.
Office of the President
Dear President Johnson
Dear mr President,
l read in the Cleveland
Last I would roundup. like to be there for ranch. the
I want to visit your LBJ
Plain Dealer that you go
swimming without clothes
on I fyou want to know
Your pal
John H.
my opinion, I don 't approve
Paterson, New Jersey
of the matter I think you
better start wearing a bathing
suit.
yours truly,
ann B.
Cleveland, Ohio
OH, NO!
Dear President Johnson,
NOT
Do you know Huntley and Brinkley? You are
AGAIN!
always on their show.
So long,
Robert G.
Cincinnati, Ohio
The White House
Washington, D.C.
SORRY THESE Two PLACES
Dear President Johnson,
ARE RESERVED !
Our school is having Public Schools week.
I would like to invite you and Mrs. Johnson
to our school. If you can come / would like for
you and Mrs. Johnson to eat with me in the
lunch room. We eat at 12:15. My Mother will put
extra sandwiches in the lunch box for you and
Mrs. Johnson. I hope you like tuna fish.
Debra S.
San Francisco, California
Dear President Johnson of THE USA,
Dear President Johnson
I decided today to go to the local Democratic
How can I get federal a aid ?
Iam 11. Iwill be 12 next week.
club to obtain some pictures of you. I was
trying to combat the activities of a boy in
my class who was handing out republican li-
terature. Upon reaching the club, I found
that in a short span of time, it changed into
a Republican club. Republicans seem to be cl-
osing in on all sides. I can't find Democratic
Agirl from Chicago.
headquarters anywhere.
Respectfu lly,
Marsha R.
To.n H.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LIKE ME!
Dear President Johnson,
I CAN'T
LIKE ME!
hypnotize people.
hypnotism instructor to teach me how to
I would very truly like you to send me a
LIKE ME!
STAND
YOU!
like because her there is this girl named Jennifer letter and is 1
The only reason I'm sending this
so will like me.
she very much. / want to hypnotize her
C
Yours truly,
Dan B.
San Francisco
Dear Mr. President Johnson,
You visit probably don't remember
1 wish window. I was the girl in that
your car and you were kind enough to up open
your your to Florida, a red Ford pulled me but next on to
and Mrs. to apologize for seeming so rude car.
President Johnson. It's very hard to talk to you
there of the United States. 1 what to the is
to say? That is why I said nothing. mean,
Love,
Harriet P.
Miami, Florida
1
DeaRMR PResiDent,
mr. LB. Johnson
WHAT is YOUR HOBBY?
Washington, D.C.
Dear D President,
Mine is Buying Monster
I am a 12 year old boy and
live on the Grand Forks air of Jorce Base
Comic BOOKS.
in north Dakota I have been sick
with colds ever since we have been
here. 2 wish we could he stationed
Love, Len W.
somewhere warmer. my daddy says
we may be here 4 years. I ihink
Boise, Idaho
& would like Florida I have had
8 good colds already charles H.
Gand Forks, north Datota
1
PROSPERITY
IN '86!
To the President of the USA,
in 1986. Please put my name on the waiting Wyoming list.
/ would like to be the Senator from
(1986, THAT IS)
Respectfully,
Mervin K.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Dear Mr. President,
If thing. you would stop run and thru look your at your papers except for too one much.
Your You speeches are excellent
Practice ahead of time, you would be speeches a better speaker.
makes perfect.
Arnold J.
Lansing, Michigan
ADVICE FORTS
5¢
PRESIDENT LYNDONJOHNSON
WHITE HOUSE
Resident's White House
DEAR MR. DRESIDENT
Vashington
I READ INA MAGAZINE
Dear President,
THAT YOU DRANK CAFFEIN
My name is Beth. I live
ORANGE JUICE, IS IT TRUE?
FREE COFFEE AND LOW CALORIE
in Boston. I have two brothers.
no sisters. no dog. no cat.
F.AT TO ME.
WHY ? You DONT LOOK
One turtle. I am in the fourth
grade and I'm I not married.
YOUR FRIEND,
PAUL H.
Bye,
CARSON CITY,
Beth R.
NEVADA
Dear Mr. President Johnson,
HOW
You never saw me and you probably never
IMPORTANT
will. / wish / was in your shoes even if they
CAN YOU
wouldn't fit because then I would be more
important than my brother.
GET ?
Daniel S.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dear Mr. President,
VOTE
I was elected by 12 kids out of 26. The other
I am like you. / am President of our class.
FOR
petitors I threw snowballs at me on the way home. com-
ME
thought that being a President was all
Can rosy. But it's not. How can you please everyone?
you help me?
?
A President,
Thomas P.
Albany, New York
P.S. I will help you with your problems if I can
President L.B. Johnson
Washington, DC
Dear President Johnson,
I have one question.
Dear President Johnson,
to ask. Our country broke away from Engladoox
England because of high taxes we had to pay.
But now we are worse off. The State of Indi-
My Father is a school teacher in
ana collects more taxes from the people than
Palo alto. My cousin drives a bus. my brother.
any othere state. With all the taxes they
ollect , Indiana should be richer than the
is a college student. my uncle wa doctor.
United States. Help the people of Indiana
before they don't have any money left.
my Mother is just a housewife.
Your pal,
Ellen 8
JoeH.
Indianampolis, Indiana
EVEN FOR
CHRISTMAS!
President Lyndon Johnson
Washington
Dear President,
If I could shake your hand, I wouldn't ask
for another thing for the rest of my life.
Your friend,
Stewart M.
Hartford, Connecticut
SIGH!
Dear President,
I am starting a hair collection. May 1
have some of your hair. I'won't be disappointed if
you need all your hair and you can't give me
some. But please try hard.
Love,
Jane T.
Denver, Colorado
Dear President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President,
Lyndon Johnson,
My friendsx and I are forming a club
in your honor. We call it the. LBJ Young
Democratic club. We would like to have
Please send your
a western hat or pins if you have any
to spare . And anything else to help
show that we are for you. The hat size of
my friend Jeffrey is 7 - Larry is 8 -
picture. I want to hang
Richard is 7 2 - Andy is 71, Nicky is
6-2 - mine is 74. The color hat we like
is white.
you in school.
THANK YOU,
Springfield. Truly, Larry Z.
MARTiN k Ann Arbor,
mossachusetts
Michigan
EVEN CUTE
LITTLE GIRLS?
Dear LBJ,
We are for you but against girls.
The Tiger Club
James R., President
Edwin B., Vice President
Alan C., Secretary
Ted J., Treasurer
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dear mr. Johnson,
Mr. President
Iny name is Bobby. I am nine
Washington, D.C.
years old. I am a cul scout. We
have a H pocket scout salute
Dear President Johnson,
but we con only do a 3 pocket
salute because we can only do
Is everybody in Texas tall like
4 if the President of the United States
You? Everybody in Vermant is short
is at the meeting.
like my father.
If you are around our town
sometime I would like you to visit
Goodbye,
our cub scout meeting in our basement
Andrea W.
It's 6:30 on a Monday night
Sincerely,
Burlington, Vermon
Bobby T.
Dear Mr. President,
Do me a favor please. Sign my report card.
My Father won't.
Your friend,
Harold M.
LBJ
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dear President of the United States,
My name is Gretchen. I am 7 years old.
I want a horse. Is there a law against having a
horse in our garage?
THIS
CAR IN
Love,
Gretchen K.
HERE HAS
Topeka, Kansas
COLD HUB
CAPS!
mr. Lyndon Johnson,
The President
White House
Washington, DC
Dear President Johnson,
Dear mr. president,
Our school year book has an ad section. We
Our class is writing
would like you to buy an ad for the United States
to their favorite people.
Government. The prices are $36 for a full page.
is $24, t is $12. 1/8 is $8. I hope the United
most of the kids picked
States Goverbment can afford a full page or at
least a half.
the Beatles but Ipicked
you.
Love
Thank you,
Helaine g.
Earl P.
Fall River, Massachusetts
Twin Falls, Idaho
"STANLEY." NOT
'STANLIEGH"
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Send to my house the number of boys in the
country named Stanley.
My name is Stanley
Buffalo, New York
Dear President Johnson,
Our weekly reader had your
To MrLyndonJohnson
picture with a Hereford Bull.
in The White House,
We wonder what other animals you
What does a President do
have on your ranch. What is your
For Pun and Jokes ?
favorite breed of cats ? We like
Your friend.
like Siamese best We have
DOUG P.
Charlotte, North Carolina
mo bulls.
two cats in our house but
Your friend,
Lynn n.
Boston, massachusetts
Lyndon Johnson
Washington
Dear Mr. President,
I hope we never have a lady President.
My reason is girls talk all the time. I know you
ME VOTE FOR
I
feel the same way but you can't say so because
CAN
DO
you don't want to get the women mad at
you in an election.
ANYTHING YOU Do!! CAN
Your friend,
Jeffrey W.
Seattle, Washington
President Lyndon B. Johnson
The White House
Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I'm the girl you kissed in Houston. 1 am
deeply bonored to be kissed by the President of
the U.S.A. I will remember it forever and ever.
Love,
Jeanine B.
Houston, Texas
P.S. Everybody knows you kissed me.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON,
Dear Mr. Johnson,
WASHINGTON
I have a problem against parents. For example.
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT.
parents tell us we are noisy and then a few days
later they are laughing and yelling at night
WON'T you Go to OUR
and we can't sleep. If we tell them that they
CHURCHSOMetiMe.Ou CHURCH sometime. OUR
are doing wrong we get in trouble again.
CHURCH NeeDS THE
My two sisters and three cousins and I agreed
PUBLICITY. We ARE
to call theis to your attention. Does a Presi-
dent help children out?
LUTHERANS.
Lown D,
THANK YOU,
Schenectady. New York
BATON ROUGE, LOUiSIANA
RITA B.
P.S. MAKE IT 25$
The President
AND ILL BE THE RICHEST
The White House
IN THE WORLD.
Dear Johnson,
All I need is 18 cents to be the richest in
my class. Please.
Your pal,
Robert D.
Lansing, Michigan
Dear Mr. President Johnson,
I would like to know some real secrets.
I won't tell anybody. Not even my best
friend Harvey.
A loyal citizen,
Vincent J.
Providence, Rhode Island
Hi MR. PRESidENt,
Dear President Johnson
You NEED A SECRETARY FOR
You are probably wondering who I am? My name
CHiLDREN iN ThE CABINET
is Betsy. I sent your name to the Peter Lewis
LIKE THE SECRETARY OF
Store which sells Big and Tall man clothing. You will
ÁGRICULTURE BECAUSE CHILDREN
no doubt receive a catalogue from this store. I
was wondering if you would place an order for
HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE
anything in the catalogue. I would receive a gift
FARMERS DO.
for getting them a new customer. They have good
clothes and chaep prices. Thank you.
THANKS,
MARCÍA T.
Betsy
New York City
LAS VE GAS, NEVADA
AMEN
Dear Mr. President,
I have seen you on TV a few times and 1
like the way you preach.
Janet T.
Denver, Colorado
The President
Washington
Dear Mr. Johnson,
The little boys and girls my age don't say
much about most things but now we are.
We do not think mailmen should shoot funny
little guns at our dogs. Many times our dogs are
blamed for things they don't do. Help the
U.S.
poor dogs, Mr. President.
MAIL
Your friend,
Carole L.
Sacramento, California
President Johnson President Johnson
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Johnson,
Dear mr. President,
ive, the boys of the Junior Marines decided to
write to you about our Junior Marine Corps.
We know that a Marine is strong so we started
a gym in our basement. We have two nine pound
Peease write and tell me everything
weights, one 27 pound weight, and one 18 lb.
about your whole life. d need its for
weight. Each person takes five minute shifts.
Exkt In five days we have become a lot stronger.
school. & can't be more than 100 words
When we finish in the basement we trot around the
block once or twice. WS NEVER GET TIRED BECAUSE WE
ARE MARINES.
counting the title and by Lyndon Johnson
James S.
Best wishes,
Dover, Delaware
marly W.
Bridgeport,
Connecticut
Dear President Johnson,
ANOTHER
If you were a little girl nine years old and
DAY SHOT!
-
you wanted to do something extra for your country
what would you do? I only have a few
afternoons off to help and I have to be home
by five for my tub.
Love,
Beth T.
Stamford, Connecticut
Dear President,
I am coming to Washington, D. C. on my
WHOUSE of
c
vacation. I would like to know if my dog, Rex,
can come to the White House. He has never been
to the White House. He will not bite and
he is not dirty. If it is okay can I come with him?
Your pal,
Leonard J.
Springfield, Massachusetts
White House
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Dear President Johnson,
We are a 4th grade class in Chicago.
Dear mr. president,
We are measuring distances around the tops of
our desks.
my sister is running for President
We use our hand span as the unit of meas-
uremnt. Since the Pres dent is the most
of the HoffmAn ScHool. We Are tryinG
important person in our country, we decided
we would use your hand mpk as our unit.
We will call it 8 "Johnson" and measure
the PAtriotic ApproAcH. Is THAT WHAT
our desks in "Johnsons".
you use? We Are worried. Will it work?
We know you are a busy man, but could you
send us your hand span size?
Sincerely,
Your friends: Barry A, David R., Stefan
Leslie m.
C., Dean L., Y Jack Y.
Roslyn, new York
SUDDENLY
Dear Mr. President Johnson,
I HAVE THE
FEELING IT
Call me on the telephone. Here is my
number, 311-555-2368. Don't call between 5 and 7
ISN'T GOING
because that's when my sister is on the phone
TO RING
with her goofy friends.
Bye,
Richard S.
St. Louis, Missouri
WHAT IF SHE
Mr. Johnson
White House
CAN'T REMEMBER
EITHER ?
Dear Mr. President,
I am starting a collection of famous
marriage proposals. I need to have when you
proposed to Mrs. Johnson and what you said.
It doesn't have to be the exact words.
A loyal fan,
Eleanor K.
Bangor, Maine
P.S. If you forgot, ask Lady Bird.
Mr. President Johnson
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The White House
Dear President Johnson,
Dear mr. President
I am one of your sincere followers, and I am
facing the long road of life for I am now a
teenager. I've got a distant dream to be a
lawyer and that is the reason I am writing
We are three brothers and
to you.
I wish you would send me one of your Texas
four sisters and my mother
hats and then every time I am discouraged by
the hard work I'll have your "helping hat"
says thats enough.
to give me courage when I need it most.
So long.
Thank you,
Portsmouth.
Janinerginia P.
Edwin P.
Abilene, Texas
Dear President Lyndon Johnson,
my nameis Bobby allen.
my mother's maiden name was Johnson
my uncle cheched back the records and
found that you were my mother's sixth
Dear Mr. President,
cousin and that makes you my seventh
1 am eleven years old. My name is Mike.
cousin. my problem is the kids in
Can you send me a Boy Scout cooking kit and ten
school don't believe me Could you help
sleeping bags so my scout pack can go camping.
me out since & am your seventh
We are sleeping out in Jeffrey's backyard.
cousin for real.
Thank you,
your seventh cousin,
Mike T.
Bobby allen
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Houston. Texas
Dear President Johnson,
l know that you are busy these
days I have an dea for your council
on physical fitness My idea is that if
you had a Mr & Mrs. youth fitness program,
they would have physical games.
Dear LBJ,
Would you grow a mustache for Timmy,
Annabel and my classmates?
Bud G.
Your pal,
San Dego, California
Roger L.
Charleston, South Carolina
Dear President, Johnson,
My friend, Freddy, said
that Mickey MaNtle makes
more money than the President. It
isN't right. He Just has
to hit home runs and you
have to watch Khruschev
and Castro
Victor S.
Salem.
Oregon
877
.2
A52
1982
ids'
President
Reagan
Compiled by Bill Adler
Illustrated by Sandy Huffaker
Foreword by Willard Scott
"Kids' Letters to Presidents" books
compiled by Bill Adler:
KIDS'
Kids' Letters to President Kennedy
LETTERS
Dear President Johnson
Kids' Letters to President Carter
TO
PRESIDENT
REAGAN
Compiled and Edited by
BILL ADLER
Illustrations by SANDY HUFFAKER
Foreword by WILLARD SCOTT
M. EVANS AND COMPANY, INC.
NEW YORK
11.8
K52
Editor's Note
1987
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
This book is about a love affair-between
Main entry under title:
young Americans and President Ronald Reagan.
Kid's letters to President Reagan.
From all over the country, youngsters have
1. Reagan, Ronald. 2. Children-Anecdotes,
been writing to the President expressing their
facetiae, satire, etc. I. Adler, Bill,
thoughts, dreams, hopes, ideas, complaints-but
II. Huffaker, Sandy.
E877.2.K52 973.927'092'4 81-19472
most of all their affection.
Obviously, without the young letter writers
this book would not be possible, but we are also
ISBN 0-87131-370-7
AACR2
grateful to President Reagan. In capturing the
fancy of Americans young and old, it is really he
Copyright © 1982 by Bill Adler
who has made this book possible.
Illustrations © 1982 by Sandy Huffaker
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without the written
permission of the publisher.
M. Evans and Company, Inc.
216 East 49 Street
New York, New York 10017
Design by Ronald F. Shey
Manufactured in the United States of America
987654321
5
Acknowledgments
Foreword
We are most grateful to the many parents,
grandparents, teachers, friends, and children who
I love these letters!
that we could share them with you.
have sent us these letters to President Reagan so
Where else but in America could you find kids
of all ages writing to the President to express their
The letters are as they were written-only the
dreams, aspirations, affection, and even a, com-
names have been changed to protect the innocent,
plaint or two? Somewhere among these letter writ-
and not so innocent.
ers you may even find a future president or a sec-
retary of state or a supreme court justice.
I never did write a letter to a president when
I was a kid, but then again, Calvin Coolidge wasn't
the sort of president who inspired letters.
Willard Scott
Of the Today Show
6
7
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Did Mrs. Reagan know you were going to be
Please send me a list of all the good things
President when she married you?
you have done so far as President.
Did you promise her you would be President
Please send me the list right away because I
SO she would say yes?
have to write a story about you as President and I
Karen S.
don't want to leave anything out.
Age 9
Your friend,
San Diego
Laurence R.
Age 10
Harrisburg
Dear Mr. President,
I want to give you a kiss.
Love,
Dear Mr. President,
Susie S.
I love you.
Age 7
I am 8.
Shaker Heights
Someday I want to be your First Lady.
P.S. I want to kiss Mrs. Reagan and your horse,
Kathy S.
too.
Age 8
Los Angeles
Dear Pres Reagan,
I saw you on the news on Channel 2, 4 and 7.
I hope you don't get tired running from
Hi President!
Channel 2 to Channel 4 to Channel 7.
I love you the best after my father.
Your citizen,
Love and kisses,
Patty T.
Natalie R.
Age 10
Age 8
Montauk
Buffalo
10
11
Dear President Reagan,
Please help with inflation.
My allowance can't buy anything anymore.
Your citizen,
Thomas J.
Age 12
St. Louis
Dear Mr. President,
I would like to shake your hand.
I never shaked the hand of a President
before.
Love,
Alison E.
Age 8
Pawtucket
Dear Pres Reagan,
Do you have to be the smartest person in the
U.S.A. to be President?
Hi Mr. President!
I have read a lot in the history books about a
I think you're cute.
lot of Presidents and I'm not so sure.
I hope it is okay to call a President cute.
Your friend,
Love,
George P.
Natalie B.
Age 9
Age 10
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
12
13
Dear Mr. Pres,
Does a President have an expense account?
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Who signs your expense account?
I think you should send a woman into space.
My father has an expense account and he
Like my sister.
cheats all the time.
Love,
Haywood J.
Yours truly,
Charles H.
Age 8
Norfolk
Age 11
Milwaukee
P.S. My father doesn't know I wrote this letter.
Dear President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
I drew a picture of you.
I would like to send you a birthday card but I
I hope you like the picture.
don't know when it is.
I am a good American but not a terrific artist.
Send me the day of your birthday and I will
Your friend,
send you a 25 cents birthday card.
Pauline S.
Gabriel H.
Age 10
Age 9
Santa Clara
Philadelphia
Dear President Reagan,
Do we have a lot of friends in the world or
Dear President Reagan,
mostly enemies?
I hope you have a dog in the White House.
Every President should have a dog in the
Your citizen,
White House even if he doesn't really want one.
James L.
Vicky M.
Age 8
Age 9
Palm Springs
Dallas
14
15
Dear President Reagan,
I would like to be like you when I grow up.
Love,
Eric L.
Age 8
Ashland
P.S. My mother hopes I will change my mind.
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
Is the U.S.A. broke?
Thank you for the information.
Lawrence M.
Age 9
Rockville Centre
Dear Mr. Pres,
I'm glad you are President instead of Jimmy
Dear Pres Reagan,
Carter because I like jelly beans better than
Is it safe to live in the White House?
peanuts.
It isn't so safe to live in my house.
Your pal,
Your friend,
Ray V.
Katie W.
Age 9
Age 9
Albany
Cambridge
16
17
Dear President Reagan,
Dear Mr. President,
I like your smile.
I believe you should ban all the bombs.
Do you have your own teeth?
If there is an atomic war, nothing will be left
Love,
and the whole world will be very sorry because
Stacey R.
only ants and fish will be left.
Age 8
A friend,
Tacoma
Molly D.
Age 8
Newark
Dear Pres Reagan,
I'm glad the baseball strike is over.
Dear President,
Now America is a great country again.
My mother and father believe in equal rights
for women but not for kids.
A loyal American,
Neil C.
Your friend,
Age 9
Justine H.
Waukegan
Age 10
Seattle
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
Dear Pres Reagan,
Did your mother know you were going to be
I hope we have a woman President someday.
President when you were 10 years old?
Your friend,
I am 10 years old and my mother doesn't
Hamilton J.
think I will be President.
Age 8
She doesn't think I will be good for much.
Hartford
Harvey S.
P.S. My father says that will be the end of the
Age 10
U.S.A.
New Rochelle
18
19
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Can kids go on strike?
The food in our lunchroom is terrible.
Dana L.
Age 10
Atlanta
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Please write me a letter even if you have
nothing to say.
Pauline H.
Age 12
Detroit
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mr. Reagan,
I don't think people should be allowed to
What happens to a President when he
drive their car unless they use their seat belt.
becomes an ex-President?
You should make it a law even if you don't
I think you should find out because someday
have to drive your own car and you have the
you will be an ex.
Secret Service to keep you safe without a seat belt.
Love,
Your citizen,
Stacey H.
Ila H.
Age 10
Age 10
Newark
Skokie
20
21
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Reagan:
I hope Mrs. Reagan is the first woman
You are the first President I ever wrote to.
President of the United States.
I hope you write back because if you don't
You should try and help Mrs. Reagan to be
the first woman President of the U.S. even if it
I'll never write to a President again.
means you have to find another job.
Your friend,
Barbara R.
Respectfully,
Age 8
Tracy J.
New Haven
Age 9
Wyndham
Dear President Reagan:
Dear Mr. President Reagan:
I heard your speech on TV.
Could you please tell me if it is good or bad
I liked it a lot because you didn't use big
for the country that you are President?
words.
Thank you.
Your fan,
Donald W.
Jason H.
Age 7
Age 8
Brooklyn
Las Vegas
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. President Ronald Reagan:
I think you are the handsomest President
I would like a picture of you when you were
a kid.
except for JFK and General Grant.
Here is a picture of me when I was a kid.
Yours truly,
Love,
Arnold H.
Virginia R.
Age 9
Age 11
Tulsa
Philadelphia
22
23
Dear President Reagan,
I would like to work at the White House after
school.
I could do jobs for you and Mrs. Reagan that
the F.B.I. won't do for you.
Your American,
Lloyd P.
Age 10
Baltimore
Dear Mr. President,
Are you a war President or a peace
President?
Respectfully,
Amanda S.
Age 10
Terre Haute
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President,
Are you the first President that ate jelly
Is it hard to be Pres of the U.S.A.?
beans?
Would it be easier to be a dictator?
I never read that George Washington liked
An American,
jelly beans.
Lorna S.
Harvey M.
Age 10
Age 9
Madison
Cambridge
24
25
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
Do women have more rights than other
You have the Secret Service and the F.B.I. to
people?
protect you.
Me and my friend will be women when we
All I have is my dog, Kelly.
grow up.
And Kelly is afraid of cats.
Sincerely,
Love,
Nancy T.
Wallace R.
Age 8
Age 8
Kansas City
Charleston
Dear President,
Dear Mr. Pres,
What do you like better?
I read in the paper that you may stop the
To be President of the United States or Gov of
student loan program.
California?
I hope you don't do that.
I need a student loan to go to college so I can
Your friend,
be a doctor someday.
Frank S.
Jocelyn L.
Age 9
Wheeling
Age 10
Jenkintown
P.S. I won't charge you when I am a doctor.
Dear President Reagan,
I like your movies a lot and I'm not even a
Dear Pres,
Republican.
I love you and the Pope the best.
Sally F.
Olga R.
Age 9
Age 8
Fresno
Boston
26
27
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mr. Reagan,
Could you please send me the names of some
Were there ever any other Presidents in your
cheap colleges?
family?
I can't pay to go to the other kind.
Love,
Raphael C.
Erica B.
Age 12
Age 9
Carson City
New Hope
Dear President Reagan,
There is too much air pollution.
We have too much air pollution because
there are too many autos.
We should stop the cars and have everybody
ride bikes or roller skates.
Peter W.
Age 9
San Bernardino
Dear Mr. President,
Please do something about the cost of food.
My mom can only buy Twinkies once a
month.
Love,
Alexandra M.
Age 10
Tulane
DWIGHT D.
REAGAN
28
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Dear Pres Reagan,
I am going to be President of the U.S.A.
I hope you don't take too much money from
My girlfriend, Alyce, is going to be Vice-
the arts.
President.
If there isn't enough money for the arts my
Gregg W.
church may never be able to do the Nativity next
Age 9
Christmas.
Love,
Alexandria
Paul W.
Age 11
Hasbrouck Heights
Dear Mr. President,
I would like to be President because the
President gets to travel a lot for free and I can't
Dear President Reagan,
even go to Philadelphia by bus.
I think someday you will be called the jelly
Love,
bean President.
Love,
Jeanine W.
William H.
Age 11
Trenton
Age 10
Bronx
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President Reagan,
I hope my teacher Miss Smith is teacher of
How many bathrooms are there in the White
the year.
House?
Could you please help Miss Smith to be
There are two bathrooms in my house and
teacher of the year?
we are 5 kids and my mother, my father, my
Miss Smith is a great teacher even when she
Aunt Sara, my Uncle Jeff and the cats.
is in a bad mood.
Yours truly,
Best wishes,
Teddy H.
Joanna F.
Age 9
Age 10
Minneapolis
Salt Lake City
30
31
Dear Pres Reagan,
Do you play golf?
I've never seen any pictures of you playing
golf.
Are you the first President that doesn't play
golf?
Sincerely,
Dana F.
Age 10
Albuquerque
Dear Mr. President,
I'm sorry you couldn't go to Prince Charles's
wedding.
I promise to invite you to my wedding
someday.
Love,
Mindy H.
Age 9
Fargo
P.S. Mrs. Reagan can come too.
Dear Pres Reagan,
Could you please help my father with his
taxes?
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
After he pays his taxes he doesn't have
I go to church every Sunday.
enough money left even to feed the canary.
I pray for America and my little league
Love,
baseball team.
Patricia R.
Theodore C.
Age 8
Age 9
Birmingham
Oklahoma City
33
32
Dear President,
Dear President Reagan,
I am 8.
My father is a good American but sometimes
Please don't have any war because I want to
he doesn't have enough money to pay his taxes.
be 10 someday.
Please don't get mad at my father.
Love,
He is a veteran.
Patricia Z.
Your pal,
Age 8
Sanford B.
Wallingford
Age 9
Wausau
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. Pres,
Are you a male chauvinist?
What will you do when you are ex-President
My big sister wants to know.
Reagan?
Your pal,
Will you be an actor again?
Ellen C.
Maybe now you will win an Academy
Age 10
Award because you have had a lot of practice as
President.
Santa Fe
Your friend,
Serena C.
Age 9
San Francisco
Dear Mr. President,
I hope a woman is President of the U.S.A.
The reason I think a woman should be
Dear Pres Reagan,
President of the U.S.A. is they can't do much
Does the government tell the truth?
worse.
My brother isn't so sure.
Your friend,
Your American,
Paula G.
Desmond K.
Age 10
Age 8
Princeton
Taos
34
35
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Reagan,
I think before we send another man to the
I hope you don't build the neutron bomb.
moon we should fix the subways in New York.
I think we should get rid of all bombs.
Yours truly,
Even the water bombs my Uncle Steve likes
David J.
to make for fun.
Age 9
Your citizen,
Manhattan
David R.
Age 8
Bellevue
Dear Mr. President,
How much rent do you pay in the White
House?
We pay $315 a month.
Do you have a nice landlord at the White
House?
Our landlord hates everybody.
Sincerely,
Deidre D.
Age 9
Chicago
Dear Pres Reagan,
Do you ever get mad?
My father says you never get mad except at
the Channel 2 news.
Your friend,
Annie W.
Age 10
Philadelphia
36
37
Dear President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
Hello.
Did we win World War II or did the
I am Stevie.
Japanese?
I am 6.
I would like a true answer.
My mommy wrote this letter for me.
Herbert C.
I want to be Pres.
Age 9
But I can't be Pres yet because I'm not
Miami
allowed to cross the street by myself yet.
Love,
Stevie R.
Age 6
Orlando
Dear Mr. President,
What is your favorite city in the U.S.A.?
What city were you born in?
Dear Mr. President,
What city do you hate the most?
I am glad you are the President but I don't
Who is the greatest American besides you?
Please write me back.
know why.
William Z.
Georgia B.
Age 8
Age 8
Wheeling
Houston
Dear Mr. President,
You are the most popular person in the
Dear President Reagan,
Bronx after Reggie Jackson.
Someday I would like to visit the White
If he doesn't hit 300 this year you will be the
House but I want to go to Disneyland first.
most popular.
Love,
Ronald N.
Norman K.
Age 10
Age 9
Bronx
Buffalo
38
39
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
What time do you get up in the morning?
I guess a President can sleep as late as he
wants.
My mother makes me get up at 7:00 A.M.
Your friend,
Mark L.
Age 9
THENEWS.RU
Chevy Chase
ECONONY sixes nuve
MIDDLE
EAST
Dear Mr. President,
SOVIETS.
cr w
I hope you live forever and my father said
you already have.
3
Christopher W.
Age 8
Trenton
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mr. President,
I like your smile.
Please come to Grand Rapids when you
Are you always happy even when you read
aren't too busy with Russians and the baseball
the newspaper?
strike.
Love,
Carole W.
Caryn H.
Age 9
Age 9
Grand Rapids
Raleigh
40
41
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I think you should make a law against
I think we should do more for the American
dentists.
Indian.
Please do it before Tuesday.
The Indians were the first people in America
That's when I have to go to Dr. Pearl again.
and if we didn't have the Indians America would
Lynn T.
be just a place where there were only buffaloes.
Age 9
Thank you for helping the Indians.
Fort Benning
Andrew M.
Age 10
Joplin
Dear Mr. President,
I am against marijuana but if people want to
Dear Pres Reagan,
smoke you should let them do it.
Someday the U.S.A. will run out of water.
America is a free country even for people
We should stop wasting water or soon all we
who smoke marijuana or drink beer.
will have to drink is Coke and 7-Up.
Your friend,
Your citizen,
Felicia J.
Beth J.
Age 10
Age 11
Englewood
Miami
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
I saw a picture of you on a horse.
Why do we have to pay taxes?
Do you think the horse knows you are a
Could you please send me a postcard and tell
President?
me why?
A citizen,
Your friend,
Scott H.
Katherine R.
Age 8
Age 8
Weston
Middletown
42
43
Dear Mr. Pres,
Dear Mr. President,
How long have you and Mrs. Reagan been
My birthday is July 21.
married?
Please make it a national holiday.
My mother and father have been married for
Your friend,
22 years.
Lewis B.
Your citizen,
Age 10
Ellen H.
New York
Age 9
Albany
P.S. My father isn't a President but my mother
still loves him.
Dear Mr. President,
Are you for or against the people?
Respectfully,
Katie H.
Age 9
Canton
Dear Mr. President,
I am glad my mother and father voted for
you.
My grandmother didn't vote for you because
the last President she voted for was President
Truman.
Your friend,
Bruce W.
Age 10
Raleigh
44
45
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
Dear Mr. President,
Do you like to jog?
Did you spank your kids?
I like to jog.
I hope not.
Jogging is very good for you.
Because if the Pres of the U.S.A. didn't spank
You should jog when you are not on TV or
his kids then my father won't spank me.
working at the White House.
Love,
Love,
Ellis M.
George K.
Age 8
Age 9
Little Rock
Clearwater
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
The honest citizens need more policemen.
Is it harder to be an actor in Hollywood or an
We don't have enough policemen in Buffalo.
actor as President?
There are more crooks than cops.
John R.
Your citizen,
Age 9
Jesse G.
Oakland
Age 10
Buffalo
Dear Mr. Pres:
My mom looks like Mrs. Reagan.
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
You should meet my mom sometime.
I would like a picture of your horse.
She is very nice.
I already have enough pictures of Presidents.
My mom is the First Lady in our house.
Faith K.
Gordon P.
Age 10
Age 8
Bloomington
Winnetka
46
47
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Reagan,
Everybody likes you.
Are Americans too fat?
Even the Democrats.
Please help the fat Americans like my Uncle
Love,
Michael.
Terry A.
Love,
Age 8
Vicky G.
Farmingdale
Age 9
Anderson
Dear Mr. President,
Do you believe in heaven?
I hope you do because when you go to
heaven then you can see all the other Presidents
who went to heaven except the Presidents who
didn't.
Love,
Linda K.
Age 7
Hollywood
Dear Mr. President,
Will you run for President again?
I hope Mrs. Reagan lets you do it.
Love,
Amy B.
Age 8
Baltimore
48
49
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President Reagan,
My mother and father like you very much.
How much vacation does a President get?
Their name is Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.
My father is a fireman and he gets 2 weeks
They are good citizens and pay their taxes
vacation.
and never break the law.
But I guess a President gets more vacation
You should invite them to the White House
because a fireman works hard and puts out fires
sometime when you want to meet average
but a President has to be ready all the time even
Americans.
when he is sleeping.
Sincerely,
An American,
Sylvia C.
Lloyd T.
Age 10
Age 9
Milwaukee
Boston
Dear Mr. President,
What is your favorite TV program?
I would like to know so I can watch the same
Dear Pres Reagan,
TV program as the President of the U.S.A.
I live in Washington, D.C. like you and I
Your friend,
deliver newspapers.
Brooke A.
I would like to deliver newspapers to the
Age 9
White House.
Minneapolis
I am very nice and I can get there every
morning before you and Mrs. Reagan have your
Dear Mr. President,
orange juice.
Are you a good father?
Your friend,
I guess the President has to be a good father
Allen H.
because if the President isn't a good father then
Age 9
nobody else will be a good father.
Washington
Thank you for being a good father.
Love,
Terence H.
Age 8
50
Jacksonville
51
Dear Sir,
I read you have your own theater in the
White House.
Now I know why you wanted to be
President.
Mitchell C.
Age 10
New York
Dear President Reagan,
I'm glad a lot of people voted for you.
Please don't be mad at the people who didn't
vote for you.
Love,
Veronica H.
Age 9
Chicago
Dear Pres Reagan,
I am happy there will be a woman on the
Supreme Court.
But I don't think she should have to wear a
Dear President,
black robe.
How would you look with a mustache?
Maybe she could wear a robe that is a pretty
I drawed a picture of you with a mustache.
color.
I hope Mrs. Reagan likes it.
Love,
Love,
Helaine L.
Marianne T.
Age 11
Age 8
Boston
Valdosta
52
53
Dear Mr. Pres,
Dear Mr. President,
How much do you weigh?
I watch the news on TV every night so I can
Do you weigh more or less than Abraham
Lincoln?
see you and Dan Rather.
A friend,
Michael G.
Tanya J.
Age 9
Age 10
Dayton
Portland
Dear Mr. President,
Why did they paint the White House white?
Couldn't they get any other paint?
Could you please have somebody important
answer?
Thank you,
Elizabeth Y.
Age 9
Lexington
Dear Pres Reagan,
Could you please get my father a good job?
All the companies he works for always go
out of business and the government never goes
out of business.
Randall P.
Age 9
Brooklyn
54
55
Dear President,
Dear Mr. Reagan,
What is the safest city in the United States?
Who was your favorite actress when you
I think maybe we should move.
were an actor?
Your citizen,
Was she as good an actress as Mrs. Reagan?
Amy C.
Love,
Age 9
Diane P.
Los Angeles
Age 9
Palo Alto
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mister President,
You wear nice clothes.
I hope you have time to read my letter.
I think you dress better than Pres Carter or
I know a President is very busy so maybe
Pres Herbert Hoover.
Mrs. Reagan could read my letter for you.
Your citizen,
Love,
Scott A.
Ralph L.
Age 10
Age 8
Des Moines
Gainesville
Dear Mr. President,
I'm glad you don't smoke.
Dear President,
I would never want to have a President who
If you need a good Secret Service agent you
smokes.
should get Clint Eastwood.
Your friend,
Stacy W.
Kate Y.
Age 9
Age 10
Cheyenne
Brooklyn
P.S. I hope you don't drink or eat chocolate.
56
57
Dear Pres Reagan,
I saw one of your movies on TV last night.
I liked the picture a lot except they didn't call
you Mr. President.
Love,
Jane P.
Age 9
Joplin
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
If you weren't President of the United States,
I wish it could be Prince Charles.
Sincerely yours,
Vicky B.
Age 8
Nutley
Dear President Reagan,
Mrs. Reagan is too beautiful just to be a First
Dear Pres Reagan,
Lady.
I like you on TV a lot even when you are on
You should let her be in the movies like Bo
TV instead of the good programs.
Derek.
Respectfully,
Love,
Julian D.
Tracey G.
Age 9
Age 10
Norwich
Las Vegas
58
59
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Pres,
I think you are the best President since
I live in Oklahoma City.
Jimmy Carter.
Could you please come to Oklahoma City?
A loyal citizen,
There are very nice people in Oklahoma City.
Jenny H.
Even the Democrats.
Age 11
A friend,
Muncie
Donna C.
Age 8
Oklahoma City
Dear President,
We would like you to come to our house for
dinner.
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Could you please come on Friday night?
I think you should get a medal.
That's the night mom always makes fried
Your pal,
chicken.
Mike G.
Yours,
Age 8
Marjorie C.
Poughkeepsie
Age 9
P.S. If the U.S. won't give you a medal, my Cub
Lincoln
Scout troop will give you one.
Dear President Reagan,
I've seen you on TV a lot since you became
Dear Mr. President,
President.
What does a President do when he isn't on
You are a great actor.
television?
Best wishes,
Thank you,
Coleen W.
Donald S.
Age 9
Age 10
Bridgeport
Anderson
60
61
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
I think you should make a law that nobody
can smoke cigarettes.
Please start with my mother.
Sandra H.
Age 10
Atlantic City
Dear Mr. Pres,
I believe you are the most popular President
since Napoleon.
Love,
Melissa R.
Age 9
Milwaukee
Dear Mr. President,
I would like to be in the President's cabinet.
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I would like to be Secretary of State or
I read that your son Ron is a ballet dancer.
Secretary of Defense or any other jobs where you
I want to be a ballet dancer when I grow up
need help right away.
or maybe a football player.
Your citizen,
Your friend,
Bobby D.
Peter F.
Age 10
Age 10
Salt Lake City
Redondo Beach
62
63
Dear Mr. Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
Do you wear your cowboy boots in the White
House?
I would like to fly the President's plane to Los
Angeles because I want to visit my grandmother
I think you should wear your cowboy boots
and I don't have any money for an airplane ticket.
in the White House because some people like
cowboys better than Presidents.
Your friend,
Sandy M.
Love,
Age 10
Jay K.
New York
Age 8
Utica
Dear President,
I would like to see you in the Rose Garden at
Dear Pres Reagan,
the White House but I'm allergic.
I would like to go into the army someday if I
Love,
can be a general.
William J.
Please take my name.
Age 8
Yours truly,
Phoenix
Frederick P.
Age 10
Wilmington
Dear Mr. President,
My school orchestra would like to come and
play for you and Mrs. Reagan at the White House.
Dear Mr. Pres,
I hope we can come soon.
Do you know Brooke Shields?
Sincerely yours,
Love,
Abby B.
Agatha R.
Age 12
Age 9
Boston
Gainesville
P.S. We don't play too loud.
64
65
Dear President Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
Please send me a letter and a picture.
My mother and father are divorced.
Love,
My mother is a Democrat and my father is a
Norman M.
Republican.
Age 9
Maybe that's why they are divorced.
Fort Meyers
Your citizen,
P.S. It won't cost you any money because a
Bruce L.
President doesn't have to pay for his own stamp.
Age 9
Hawthorne
Dear President Reagan,
Please send me some of your jelly beans.
I never had a President's jelly beans before.
Love,
Jennifer K.
Age 9
Hartford
Dear Mr. President,
You should get Superman to work for the
U.S.A.
If we had Superman we wouldn't have to
worry about anybody.
Your citizen,
Aaron P.
Age 8
Cleveland
66
67
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I think a lot of people were surprised when
I am going to be a Republican when I grow
you became President, especially Jimmy Carter.
up.
Your friend,
Right now I'm only a Boy Scout.
David Y.
Your friend,
Age 10
Albert W.
Portland
Age 9
Staten Island
Dear President Reagan,
We have a lot of trouble in our family.
My mother doesn't feel so good and my
Dear Pres Reagan,
father just lost his job and my grandfather is in
Who was your favorite President when you
the hospital.
were a child?
Everything else is okay except the dog hates
I would like to know even if it was Calvin
the cat.
Coolidge.
Your citizen,
Jerome L.
Ray G.
Age 11
Age 9
Minneapolis
Abilene
Dear President,
Dear Mr. Pres,
You and Teddy Roosevelt are the best
If you have a draft for the army, please take
cowboy Presidents.
my big brother first.
A student,
Your friend,
Paul H.
Lloyd G.
Age 11
Age 7
Kansas City
Brookline
68
69
Dear Pres Reagan,
What size sweater do you wear?
My mother is making you a surprise.
Love,
Barbara R.
Age 10
New York
Dear Sir,
My girlfriend is Barbara.
I am going to marry Barbara someday but
first I want to make a million dollars.
Then I will marry Barbara when I am 18.
Your citizen,
Roy M.
Age 9
Bethesda
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I would like to be Pres of the U.S.A. for a day.
Thank you,
Dear President,
Charles C.
Do Russians go to heaven?
Age 9
Grace K.
Newton
Age 8
P.S. If a day is too much 5 seconds is okay.
Tuscaloosa
70
71
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mister President,
Does Mrs. Reagan know any White House
I would like a souvenir from the White
secrets?
House.
My father tells my mother everything.
Anything would be okay except the desk.
Your pal,
Robin G.
Emanuel J.
Age 9
Age 9
Green Bay
Syracuse
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Dear President,
I would like to be your best friend.
I think George Washington would have liked
I never had a best friend who was a
you.
President before.
Daniel R.
Thank you.
Age 9
Cara M.
Honolulu
Age 8
Wilton
Dear Pres Reagan,
I would like to bring my puppy to the White
Dear Mr. President,
House.
Do you need a good cook in the White House?
You don't have to worry. He is paper trained.
My mother is a great cook.
Love,
Love,
Leslie H.
Sandra R.
Age 9
Age 8
Wilkes-Barre
Sausalito
P.S. I hope Mrs. Reagan won't get mad about my
letter:
72
73
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President,
I would like to live in Washington, D.C. but
I hope they give you a monument in
only if I can be President.
Washington like Lincoln and Jefferson.
Your citizen,
An American,
Alison H.
Charles G.
Age 8
Age 10
Scranton
Portland
P.S. You will have to wait.
Dear Mr. Pres,
Could you please help my father with his
parking ticket.
He forgot he was parked in the wrong place.
Thank you.
Love,
Loren R.
Age 8
Cincinnati
P.S. He didn't mean it.
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan:
I have a question.
Did you want to be President because you
never got an Academy Award?
Love,
Cynthia P.
Age 10
Cincinnati
74
75
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Dear Sir,
I thank God every day that you are Pres of
I am sending you a picture of my sister.
the U.S.A.
My sister is very pretty and she would like to
Sherry L.
find a boyfriend.
Age 8
I am sending the picture to you because
Shaker Heights
maybe you know a boyfriend for my sister
because the President knows everybody.
Thank you,
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
George B.
Do you have any bad habits?
Age 8
My mother said I shouldn't write and ask a
Newark
President if he has any bad habits.
But everybody has bad habits except dead
people.
Dear Pres Reagan,
Your friend,
I think Barbara Walters should be Secretary
Edwin F.
of State.
Age 9
Gloria S.
Nashville
Age 10
Teaneck
Dear Mr. President,
I would like you to come to New York and
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
march in the St. Patrick's Day parade.
I would like to study in school how to be
You don't have to be Irish to march in the St.
President of the U.S.A.
Patrick's Day parade.
Could you please tell me what to study?
You just have to like parades.
My best subject is art.
Your citizen,
Your friend,
Sean J.
Eric W.
Age 9
Age 9
New York
Wilmette
76
77
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Pres Reagan,
Do you and Mrs. Reagan fight?
I want to be famous and rich when I grow
My mother and father fight all the time and
up.
my father is only a bus driver.
Should I be President of the U.S.A. or like
Yours truly,
John Travolta?
Seth C.
Thank you.
Age 10
Roger K.
Boston
Age 10
Tampa
Hi Mr. President!
I hope you make a law so people can't buy
guns.
If there weren't so many guns not so many
people would get killed.
Thank you,
Alex C.
Age 9
Baltimore
P.S. The F.B.I. can carry guns.
Dear Pres Reagan,
I am a loyal American.
Please take my name.
Your citizen,
Richard H.
Age 10
Chicago
78
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
How do you like Washington?
I saw a picture of you and Mrs. Reagan
How does Mrs. Reagan like Washington?
wearing jeans on your ranch.
Do you miss your ranch?
Do you ever wear jeans at the White House?
Do you like horses better than Congress?
Your friend,
Your fan,
Robert K.
Perry W.
Age 10
Age 9
Boston
Cleveland
P.S. I think jeans are okay at the White House.
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Have you ever been to New Rochelle?
Dear Pres Reagan,
Please come to New Rochelle.
Do you think the end of the world will ever
Then you will go into the history books as
come?
the first President to visit New Rochelle.
Will you be President then?
Love,
Your citizen,
Christopher C.
Lester K.
Age 9
Age 10
New Rochelle
Altoona
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
Dear President,
My class voted you the best American
Did you really play football for Notre Dame?
President of 1981.
I saw you do it on the late show.
Sincerely,
Yours truly,
Elizabeth H.
Valerie H.
Age 9
Age 9
Detroit
Hollywood
80
81
Dear Pres Reagan,
I would like to come and take your picture at
the White House.
I have an instant camera so I can take your
picture quick and you won't even have to waste
any time from the big deals in Washington.
Thank you.
Franklin G.
Age 9
Middlebury
Dear President Reagan,
Do you watch the Johnny Carson show?
He says some funny things about you and
Mrs. Reagan.
Love,
Sheila B.
Age 8
La Jolla
KITTY
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear Pres Reagan and Mrs. Reagan:
What does Mrs. Reagan do all day?
I don't think you will like living in
My mother isn't the First Lady so she doesn't
Washington as much as California.
do much except take care of us 7 kids and the 3
There are no movie stars in Washington.
dogs and the 5 cats.
Your friend,
Love,
Laurie G.
Hilda W.
Age 8
Age 8
Atlanta
St. Louis
82
83
Dear President Reagan:
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I hope you do something for women when
What is your favorite sport?
you are President.
Is it tennis?
I am only a kid but someday I will be a
Is it baseball?
woman, too.
Is it football?
Your citizen,
Is it basketball?
Amy L.
Is it soccer?
Age 9
Is it golf?
Los Angeles
Is it swimming?
My favorite sport is all of them.
Your pal,
Dear President Ronald Reagan:
Parker A.
I would like to visit you in the White House
Age 10
someday when you aren't too busy with the rest
Westport
of the country.
Yours truly,
Bobby W.
Dear Sir:
Age 8
Why does the U.S. Mail take so long?
San Francisco
I think we should bring back the pony
express.
Roberto D.
Dear Mr. President Reagan:
Age 9
I saw a picture of Mrs. Reagan on a horse.
Chester
I don't think the First Lady should ride on a
horse.
Hi Mr. Prez,
I think she should ride in a big car instead.
You are the most famous person in the U.S.A.
A citizen,
except for Dan Rather.
Stephanie H.
Cindy J.
Age 8
Age 10
Detroit
Hartford
84
85
Dear President Reagan,
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
I would like to read the story of your life if it
What do you like best about being President?
isn't too boring.
The thing I would like best about being
Your fan,
President is the push-button phone on the
Aaron R.
President's desk.
Age 10
Love,
Seattle
Holly M.
Age 9
Cincinnati
Dear Pres Reagan,
I read in the newspaper that you used to be a
Democrat.
Why did you become a Republican?
My father has always been a loyal American
except when he voted for Eisenhower, Nixon and
you.
A citizen,
Samantha R.
Age 11
San Antonio
Dear Mr. President,
THE
Who is the boss of the U.S.A.?
STORY
You or Mrs. Reagan?
Love,
Elaine J.
Age 9
Evanston
86
87
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres,
Please send me your picture.
I guess because you are President you know
Love,
everybody.
Laura J.
Do you know Miss Piggy and the Muppets?
Age 9
Love,
San Diego
Ann D.
P.S. I will send you my picture when the dentist
Age 8
takes the braces off my teeth.
Nashville
Dear Pres,
What is your favorite food?
I am doing a report for school on important
facts about important people.
Peggy F.
Age 10
Chicago
Dear Mr. President Ronald Reagan,
I hope you will read my letter even if you are
busy.
You should read what the people have to say
even the kids.
Love,
Jay H.
© 1982 HENSON ASSOCIATES, INC.
Age 9
Grand Rapids
88
89
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President Ronald Reagan:
Does Mrs. Reagan call you Ronnie or Mr.
I would like to be your pen pal.
President?
Your friend,
Your citizen,
Martin H.
Aaron P.
Age 10
Age 11
Dallas
Seattle
P.S. Please send me $3.00 for postage stamps.
Dear Mister President,
Dear President Reagan:
I hope we never have a war.
I hope you have fun when you are President.
Grownups should be like kids.
I don't think Pres Carter had as much fun as
Kids never have a real war.
when he was a peanut farmer.
Love,
Your friend,
Marie C.
Aaron H.
Age 10
Age 10
Corpus Christi
Memphis
Dear President Reagan:
Dear Pres Reagan:
Why did you want to be President?
How did you win the election?
I would rather be an actor.
I have run for President of my class 3 times
Actors make more money than Presidents.
and I haven't won yet.
Your citizen,
Sincerely yours,
Wally B.
Carl H.
Age 11
Age 10
Houston
Seattle
90
91
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan:
Dear Pres Reagan:
I hope you will be President in 1990.
Which President was the best actor besides
I will be 18 then and I can vote for you.
you?
Stephanie L.
Love,
Age 8
Debbie K.
Chicago
Age 9
New York
Dear Mr. President,
How come you don't have any gray hair?
My father is 40 and he is already bald and
gray.
Your friend,
Cheryl H.
Age 10
Newark
Dear President Reagan:
My mother and father voted for you even
though they saw all your old pictures.
Yours truly,
Bruce G.
Age 9
Seattle
92
93
Dear President Ronald Reagan:
Dear President Reagan:
I think Mrs. Reagan is very pretty.
Please write and tell me what the President
Was she a movie star like you or was she just
does all day and I will write you back and tell you
another woman?
what I do all day.
Sincerely,
Yours truly,
Denise K.
Martin G.
Age 8
Age 9
San Diego
Atlanta
Dear President Reagan:
I hope you like to live in the White House.
Dear President Reagan:
I live in a white house too but sometimes the
Are you the first President to ride a horse
roof leaks.
since George Washington?
Your friend,
Love,
Arthur L.
Victoria J.
Age 9
Age 9
Cincinnati
Miami
Dear President Reagan:
Did you want to be President when you were
Dear Mr. Reagan:
a kid?
My best friend Arthur says that the reason
I am 10 and I still don't know what I want to
you got elected President was because you really
be.
knew John Wayne.
Your friend,
I thought you would want this information.
Bruce W.
A citizen,
Age 10
Michael B.
Chicago
Age 9
P.S. Maybe I will know when I'm 11.
Pittsburgh
94
95
Dear President Reagan:
Dear Pres Reagan,
I want to be President of the U.S.A.
I would like your fingerprints.
Please send me a letter so I will know how to
Dexter H.
do it.
Age 9
Thank you,
Knoxville
William H.
Age 10
St. Louis
P.S. I will be a good President.
Dear President Reagan:
I think the whole U.S.A. loves you a lot.
So do I.
Your citizen,
Karen J.
Age 8
Miami
Dear President Reagan:
I would like to ride in the President's
airplane.
Thank you very much.
I would like to ride from my house to school.
Gloria G.
Age 8
St. Louis
96
97
Dear Pres Reagan:
Dear President Reagan:
I hope Mrs. Reagan likes it in the White
House.
Were you good in spelling in school?
I'm not good in spelling but I would like to be
My mother would like to live in the White
House if she didn't have to make all the beds.
President someday if you don't have to be a good
speller.
A loyal citizen,
Yours truly,
Paula J.
Andy H.
Age 8
Age 8
San Francisco
St. Louis
Dear President Reagan:
Dear Mr. President,
How old are you?
My mother says you are as old as my
I would like to be a Secret Service agent
grandfather but my grandfather is bald and he
when I grow up.
can't walk so fast.
Right now the only one I protect is my little
brother Martin.
Yours truly,
Bobby M.
A loyal American,
Michael A.
Age 8
Houston
Age 13
Sausalito
Dear Pres. Reagan:
Dear Prez,
Is Mrs. Reagan a good cook?
I like you.
The First Lady should be the best cook in the
You are a great Prez.
U.S.A.
Please send me $10 from the U.S. bank.
Your friend,
Love,
Lois G.
Debbie C.
Age 9
Age 8
Birmingham
Canton
98
99
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President Reagan:
I would like to visit Camp David someday.
I think you should help ex-president Carter.
I have never been to camp.
Maybe now he could become an actor.
I live in the city.
Yours truly,
Your friend,
Robert H.
Darlene H.
Age 9
Age 8
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Dear Mr. President,
I would like to come to the White House and
tell you a joke.
You will like my joke.
It will make you laugh.
Your friend,
Tony W.
Age 9
Scranton
P.S. I never made a President laugh before.
Dear Pres Reagan,
Does the President have a boss?
Is it God?
Love,
Angela R.
Age 8
New York
100
101
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President,
Do you say your prayers every night?
I saw Mrs. Reagan on TV.
I hope SO.
I liked her dress.
Love,
Did you pay for her dress or did you get the
Mary Ellen G.
money from Fort Knox?
Age 10
Your citizen,
Dallas
Valerie M.
Age 9
Stowe
Dear President Reagan,
How old are you?
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
My mother says you are not supposed to ask
Is spanking kids against the law?
a lady or a President how old. they are.
Me and my brother would like to know.
Your friend,
Alexander and
William P.
Michael R.
Age 9
Age 8
Atlanta
Rochester
P.S. I am 9.
Dear President,
We took a poll in our school and you came in
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
second.
I think you are doing a good job but I don't
Your friend,
know much because I'm just a kid.
Vicky M.
Jason K.
Age 9
Age 10
Needham
Providence
P.S. Robert Redford came in first.
102
103
Dear Mr. President,
How much does a President make?
I think a President should make a lot of
money even if he gets everything for free.
Love,
Cara R.
Age 10
San Francisco
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
I don't think women should be drafted like
men.
Women are strong but they don't like blood.
A loyal citizen,
Debra W.
Age 12
Houston
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Reagan:
I think you are very handsome.
I saw a picture of you in a cowboy hat.
Where will you put your horse when you
Love,
live in the White House?
Mary H.
Your citizen,
Age 11
Jennifer L.
Bridgton
Age 8
P.S. Pres Carter was nice looking but you look
Boston
better.
105
104
Dear President Reagan,
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
Will Senator Kennedy ever be President?
How come you are so thin?
Please write and tell me.
Are you on a jelly bean diet?
Thank you,
Love,
Ralph M.
Julia R.
Age 10
Age 8
Boston
Fort Worth
P.S. I won't tell Senator Kennedy.
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
I would like to know if Congress is for or
I'll bet Mrs. Reagan likes the White House a
against the President.
lot because she doesn't even have to throw out
Love,
the garbage.
Stephanie B.
Eileen J.
Age 9
Age 10
Dayton
Greensboro
Dear President Reagan,
Dear Mr. President,
I think you are very brave.
I have written you 22 letters.
Even when you were shot, you didn't cry.
I can't write any more.
My sister cries if she gets a splinter in her
Please answer quick.
finger.
I have no more stamps.
Your friend,
Herbert C.
Carl J.
Age 9
Age 10
Terre Haute
New Haven
106
107
Dear President,
Dear Pres Reagan:
I would like to fly on Air Force One.
Please write to me and tell me what the Vice
So far I have only been on a Greyhound bus.
President does.
Love,
My teacher says not much.
Deena A.
Your friend,
Age 11
Jerry L.
Cleveland
Age 9
New York
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Is Russia stronger than America?
Please write if you know the answer.
Love,
Rita M.
Age 9
Philadelphia
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
Is it hard to be a President?
I would like to be sure before I become
President in 2012.
Your citizen,
Larry K.
Age 10
Peoria
108
109
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Reagan,
Would you rather be Prince than President?
Please cut my father's taxes as soon as
If you were, Mrs. Reagan could be Princess
possible so he can give me a raise in my
Nancy.
allowance.
Your friend,
Thank you,
Darlene H.
Andy M.
Age 10
Age 9
Miami
Durango
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
Dear President Reagan,
We, the students of Grade 6, would like to
I like your speeches a lot except the speeches
invite you and Mrs. Reagan to our Halloween
I don't understand which is most of them.
party.
A loyal American,
The students of
Richard D.
Grade 6
Age 9
Altoona
Laguna Beach
P.S. If you can't come, please send the Vice-
President or the ex-President Jimmy Carter.
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Dear Mr. President,
Please get rid of the fruit flies in California.
Do you go to church every Sunday?
Your friend,
I hope you do because the Pres of the United
Mickey H.
States should be good friends with God.
Age 10
A loyal American,
Los Angeles
Julie K.
P.S. Maybe you could send them to Alaska where
Age 10
they will die from the cold.
Akron
111
110
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Reagan:
I hope you will do something to help the
I heard about you from Walter Cronkite.
poor Americans in the U.S.A. even if you aren't
Your citizen,
one of them.
Allison H.
Thank you,
Age 9
Alexander K.
Nashville
Age 12
Detroit
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
This is letter #5 that I have written to you
and so far I still haven't been invited to the White
House yet.
Love,
Leora G.
Age 12
Reno
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
I would like to keep my money at Fort Knox.
I don't think banks are too safe.
Yours truly,
James K.
Age 10
Harrisburg
112
113
Dear Pres Reagan,
Dear President Reagan,
I'm happy you aren't in the hospital
I think Mrs. Reagan looked beautiful at the
anymore.
wedding of Prince Charles.
I prayed for you and so did my father even
I'm sorry you didn't have the money to go,
though he is a Democrat.
too.
Your citizen,
Your citizen,
Paula G.
Laurie A.
Age 9
Age 11
Brooklyn
Birmingham
Dear Pres Reagan,
I don't think they should have a draft for the
Dear Pres Reagan,
army.
I like you a lot.
If you want to join the army it should be up
I named my cat after you.
to you like when you join the Boy Scouts.
Love,
A citizen,
Sara G.
Larry G.
Age 8
Stamford
Age 10
Albuquerque
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Reagan,
I baked you a cake.
Thank you for putting a woman on the
It is a chocolate cake with ice cream.
Supreme Court.
I would like to come to the White House and
Maybe someday a woman will be manager of
give you the cake soon before the ice cream melts.
the New York Yankees.
Sincerely,
Love,
Ellen R.
Mary H.
Age 9
Age 9
New York
New York
115
114
Dear Mr. President,
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
I am happy you didn't get hurt too much
I would like to have my birthday party at the
when you were shot.
White House.
The Secret Service men are very good.
There will be 15 kids and we won't mess up.
I wish I could have a Secret Service man at
That is why I'm not inviting Freddy.
my school.
Your friend,
There is one big kid who always socks me a
Renee G.
lot.
Harvey J.
Age 9
Washington
Age 8
Phoenix
Hi Mr. President,
This is Robbie.
I am 8.
I am going to be Pres of the U.S.A.
I'll write you when I'm ready.
Love,
Robbie W.
Age 8
Seattle
Dear Pres Reagan,
808
I think you are the best President we ever
had except for George Washington.
of
Love,
Susan R.
Age 10
or
Oakland
P.S. Don't feel bad. Nobody can be better than the
father of our country.
116
Dear President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
I think we should have a Be Kind to Animals
I saw a picture of you on a horse.
Is your horse the first horse of the U.S.A.?
Week all over the U.S.A.
Love,
Nobody does anything for animals and there
Wendy M.
are more of them than there are of us.
Age 9
Your citizen,
New York
Ruthellen Y.
Age 9
Richmond
Dear Mr. President Reagan,
Thank you very much for helping to end the
baseball strike.
Now could you please help the Chicago
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
Someday your birthday will be a national
White Sox win the pennant?
Yours truly,
holiday like Washington, Lincoln and Halloween.
Your friend,
Roger W.
Age 10
Sharon G.
Chicago
Age 8
Topeka
Dear President,
Is the food at the White House any good?
The reason I ask is because you look thin and
Dear Mr. President,
I thought maybe you weren't eating enough.
I am glad you cut the budget.
Love,
My mother just did the same thing.
Jane R.
Jennifer K.
Age 8
Age 10
New Haven
Denver
119
118
Dear President Reagan,
Dear President,
Did you know President Lincoln?
I like the way you talk.
My best friend Butch said you did.
For a President you are a good talker.
Yours,
Your citizen,
Davey H.
Mark H.
Age 8
Age 9
Albany
Sarasota
Dear President Reagan,
How many rooms are there in the White
House?
I would like to see all the rooms in the White
House except the kitchen.
Your friend,
Richard E.
Age 10
Biloxi
Dear Mr. President:
I read that your favorite food is jelly beans.
I like jelly beans, too, but my mother won't
let me eat them for breakfast.
Nicholas H.
Age 8
Stamford
121
120
Dear President Ronald Reagan,
Dear Pres Ronald Reagan,
What does a President do when he isn't
How are you?
I am fine.
President?
Does he do the same things real people do?
What's new with the country?
Love,
Love,
Leslie L.
Victoria R.
Age 10
Age 9
Manhasset
Hartford
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Pres Reagan,
How many phones do you have in the White
Do you and Mrs. Reagan sleep in Lincoln's
House?
bedroom?
We have three phones in our house and my
It must be a very old bed.
sister uses them all.
Love,
Your citizen,
Judith B.
Charles C.
Age 9
Age 10
Reading
Wilmington
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. President,
I'm glad they took good care of you in the
I like your clothes.
hospital.
You dress very nicely.
My granddad was in the hospital last month
and they took good care of him but the bill they
Who buys your clothes?
gave him almost made him sick all over again.
Mrs. Reagan or the F.B.I.?
Love,
Sincerely,
Laurie G.
Raphael H.
Age 10
Age 9
Gainesville
Boise
123
122
Dear President,
Dear President Reagan,
I heard on TV that your nickname was
What is your middle name?
My teacher said your middle name is Wilson.
"Dutch."
I don't have a nickname but my cat does.
That is a nice middle name.
Robbie L.
I don't even have a middle name.
Age 7
Sherry K.
Brentwood
Age 9
Cleveland
Dear Mr. President,
My grandmother is in a nursing home.
She needs help.
Please help my grandmother.
Her name is grandmother.
Love,
Betsy H.
Age 8
Wheeling
Dear Mr. Pres Reagan,
How old do you have to be to be Pres of the
U.S.A.?
I am 10 and I would like to know how long I
REAGAN
have to wait.
Steve R.
Age 10
Tenafly
125
124
Dear President Reagan,
Dear Pres Reagan,
I think you are a great President if you don't
I would like to sleep at 1600 Pennsylvania
think about it too much.
Avenue some night and you can sleep at 420 Main
Your fan,
Street some night.
Leila F.
Your friend,
Age 11
Paul C.
Syracuse
Age 9
Middletown
Dear Mr. President,
Please call me on the telephone.
I never had a President call me before.
Dear Pres Reagan,
Your citizen,
Me and my best friend, Alex, would like to
Andrew R.
sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the White
Age 10
House.
Chicago
We know all the verses.
Dennis P.
P.S. You can call me collect.
Age 9
Detroit
Dear President Reagan,
You are very lucky to have Mrs. Reagan as
First Lady.
Dear Mr. Pres,
She is very smart like Mrs. Johnson and Mrs.
I hope you don't build any more nuclear
Ford and Mrs. Carter.
power plants.
The First Ladies sometimes are smarter than
They are dangerous.
the Presidents.
It is better to go without electric lights than to
Love,
blow up the world.
Phyllis K.
Stacey H.
Age 9
Age 10
Baltimore
Philadelphia
127
126
Dear Mr. President,
I think one of the reasons you got elected
President is because all of the actors voted for
you.
Yours truly,
Melissa K.
Age 10
Atlanta
Dear President,
Someday they will put your picture on a
stamp and you will be worth 20 cents.
I like you,
Daphne S.
Age 8
Lake Tahoe
Dear Mr. Reagan,
I would like to shake your hand.
Jane L.
Age 7
Gary
P.S. If you are too busy I would like to shake the
hand of the Vice-President.
128
ALL AMERICA LOVES
KIDS' LETTERS TO PRESIDENT REAGAN
"The best humor of life, perhaps, is that which is unintended. Children
provide a good portion of it, with their combined sweetness and
ignorance. These letters are prime examples."
STEVE ALLEN
"Kids' Letters to President Reagan fulfills an adult fantasy. Without
the discretion of age, wouldn't you just love to say to the President of
the United States whatever was on your mind? The kids' letters are
a riot."
DICK CLARK
"Bright, funny and sometimes so poignant that you'll cry for your own
lost innocence even while you are laughing."
BESS MYERSON
"I am happy to see in this new book that fresh, delightful, and surpris-
ing humor of today's kids is just as funny and unsettling as ever. I
would love to be at the White House when the President and First
Lady open this marvelous book!" ART LINKLETTER
"I thoroughly enjoyed Bill Adler's Kids' Letters to President Reagan.
A team of ten writers couldn't duplicate the succinct words of those
kids and the artwork is great." ED McMAHON
"Uniquely American. It is certainly uniquely delightful."
HUGH DOWNS
"Children are painfully honest, sensitive, and concerned about life as
you can tell from Kids' Letters to President Reagan."
DR. LEE SALK
"This captivating collection of letters coming as it does 'out of the
mouths of babes' is filled with unvarnished humor. It presents
of pace in reading-and a welcome one."
LEON JAWORSKI
"How wonderful that kids in America can write the Presiden
expectation that he may actually see the letters-and me
occasionally in a Press Conference! And even more wonderl
those young letter writers could some day occupy the Wh
himself, and be responding to letters from other young Amer
PAT BOONE
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
0000475928A
Cover Design by Honi Werner- Cover Illustration by Sandy
$6.95 ISBN 0-87131-370-7
Ref.
E176
H3
WHRC
TREASURY
OF
PRESIDENTIAL
QUOTATIONS
Compiled and edited by
CAROLINE THOMAS HARNSBERGER
FOLLETT PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO
1964
242 PRESIDENCY, THE
29. As President, I have no eyes but constitutional eyes; I cannot
see you.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
To a South Carolina commission, ca. 1861; Lincoln Treasury,
p. 55
30. I do not intend to be overawed or controlled by real or pre-
tended friends, nor do I mean to be bullied or driven from my
purpose by my enemies.
ANDREW JOHNSON
Speech in Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, 1866; Document, p. 5
31. It was my fortune or misfortune to be called to the Chief
Magistracy without any prior political training. Under the circum-
stances it is but reasonable to suppose that errors of judgment must
have occurred.
ULYSSES S. GRANT
Message to Congress, December, 1876; Messages and Papers,
p. 400
32. I recommend an amendment to the Constitution prescribing
a term of six years for the Presidential office and forbidding a re-
election.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Inaugural Address, Mar. 4, 1877
33. I am not liked as a President, by politicians in office, in the
press or in Congress. But I am content to abide the judgment-the
sober second thought-of the people.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Diary, Mar. 1, 1878; Diary and Letters, III, 462
34. Nobody ever left the Presidency with less regret, less dis-
appointment, fewer heartburnings, or more general content with
the result of his term (in his own heart, I mean) than I do.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
To Guy M. Bryan, Jan. 1, 1881; Ibid., V, 632
35. No more public life for me! I will retain the place of the one
man who having reached the Presidency would not seek or accept
a second term.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
To Hon. W. H. Smith, Apr. 3, 1888; Ibid., IV, 382
36. Presidents in the past have always been better than their ad-
versaries have predicted.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Diary, July 26, 1888; Ibid., p. 400
37. Only a few Presidents have had the felicity to see their party
stronger at the close of their terms than it was at the beginning.
Only a few have left their country more prosperous than they
found it. Results determine. The tree is known by its fruit.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Diary, Dec. 10, 1891; Ibid., p. 38
PRESIDENCY, THE 241
at the office of President of the
21. The Presidency is a distinction far more glorious than the
fter by any individual, but that
crown of any hereditary monarch in Christendom; but yet it is a
id with their own free will, ac-
crown of thorns.
he man whom they believed
JAMES BUCHANAN
ities.
To Nahum Capen, June 26, 1852; Life, II, 42
VILLIAM HENRY HARRISON
:, Fort Meigs, 1840; Quarterly,
22. I have no other object of earthly ambition than to leave my
January, 1908, p. 197
country in a peaceful and prosperous condition, and to live in
the affections and respect of my countrymen.
republic to limit the service of
JAMES BUCHANAN
intrusted the management of
Special Message to Congress, Feb. 2, 1858; Messages, p. 191
of her laws, and the command
so short as to prevent his for-
23. I am
heartily tired of my position as president. I shall
leave it
agent not the principal; the
with much greater satisfaction than when entering on
the duties of the office.
VILLIAM HENRY HARRISON
JAMES BUCHANAN
ugural Address, Mar. 4, 1841
To Sarah Polk, Sept. 19, 1859; Works, X, 332
cy ought ever to rèmain in the
24. I have had a hard time of it during my administration, but,
upon a careful review of all my conduct, I should not change it in
JAMES K. POLK
a single important measure if this were now in my power.
1848; Diary (Quaife), III, 350
JAMES BUCHANAN
Letter in the Philadelphia Times, Sept. 21, 1861; Messages,
titution from infraction is the
p. 303
President's power is negative
enact no law.
25. I am very grateful for the renewed confidence which has been
JAMES K. POLK
accorded to me both by the convention and by the National
gress, Dec. 5, 1848; Messages
League.
The part I am entitled to appropriate as a compliment
and Papers, IV, 2512
is only that part which I may lay hold of as being [their] opinion
that I am not entirely unworthy to be entrusted with the place
sident to yield his sanction to
which I have occupied for the last three years. But I do not allow
would be a violation of the
myself to suppose
that I am either the greatest or best man in
and flagrant; and if successful
America, but rather they have concluded that it is not best to swap
of the executive department,
horses while crossing the river
e instrument of a majority of
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Reply to National Union League, June 9, 1864; Complete
JAMES K. POLK
Works, X, 122
ecember, 1848; Chips, p. 208
26. What is the Presidency worth to me if I have no country?
am now free from all public
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
le that the Presidency is "no
Washington, D.C., 1864; War Years, III, 282
a happier man in my retire-
four years I have filled the
27. I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if
trymen.
at the end, when I come to lay down the reins of power, I have lost
JAMES K. POLK
every friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that
1849; Diary (Quaife), IV, 373
friend shall be down inside of me.
the President imposes deli-
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
make honesty, capacity, and
Reply to Missouri Committee of Seventy, 1864, Life (Tar-
) the disposal of office, and
bell), II, 175
es shall be deemed sufficient
28. Only events and not a man's exertions in his own behalf, can
make a President.
ZACHARY TAYLOR
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
gural Address, Mar. 5, 1849
Ca. 1859; Circuit, P. 153
PRIVILEGES 253
ian, nor the
11. We shall be the more American if we but remain true to the
n the smiles
principles in which we have been bred. They are not the principles
of a province or of a single continent. We have known and boasted
J ADAMS
all along that they were the principles of a liberated mankind.
ks, III, 315
WOODROW WILSON
/ from hon-
Second Inaugural Address, Mar. 4, 1917
ission.
FFERSON
12. We should try to guide ourselves by general principles and
ks, IV, 426
not get lost in particulars.
CALVIN COOLIDGE
insequences
Autobiography, p. 100
FFERSON
13. The great principles of life do not change; they are perma-
s, XIII, 387
nent and well known. Men are not ignorant of what justice re-
quires. No power can ever be brought into existence which will
relieve of obligations. The sole opportunity for progress lies in
CHANAN
their faithful discharge.
Life, II, 45
CALVIN COOLIDGE.
Address at Fredericksburg, Va., July 6, 1922; Citizenship,
p. 117
LINCOLN
865; Com-
14. The basic principles laid down in the Ten Commandments
rks, XI, 92
and the Sermon on the Mount are as applicable today as when
they were declared, but they require a host of subsidiary clauses.
3 can never
The ten ways to evil in the time of Moses have increased to ten
thousand now.
OHNSON
HERBERT HOOVER
ips, p. 286
Address, May 7, 1924; Memoirs, II, 170
iples.
KINLEY
15. To stand upon the ramparts and die for our principles is
", Ia., 1901
heroic, but to sally forth to battle and win for our principles is
something more than heroic.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
VELAND
Speech at Houston, Tex., June, 1928
in, II, 321
16. A people that values its privileges above its principles soon
that I am
loses both.
les of the
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
th reason,
First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1953
hose who
when they
See also Democracy 9, Errors 15, Freedom 5, Greatness 8, Hon-
esty 2, Jews 5, Liberty 33, Neutrality 7, Opinion 6, Patriotism 8,
) TAFT
People (The) 17, Politics 16, Preparedness 6, Public Office 21,
Addresses,
Reforms 3, Revolutions 1, Right 2, Russia 3, 4, States' Rights 17,
p. 83
Success 8, 9, Tolerance 3, Union 14, Unity 2, Virtue 4, Voters 2,
War 32, 44, 46
be uncon-
tible with
Privileges 1. Great responsibility must go hand in hand with great privi-
indispen-
leges.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
'ILSON
To King Edward VII, Feb. 12, 1908; Works (Mem. Ed.),
e, IV, 55
XXIV, 318
252 PRINCIPLES
Principles 1. My fixed principle never to be the tool of any man, nor the
partisan of any nation, would forever exclude me from the smiles
and favors of courts.
JOHN ADAMS
Diary, Nov. 18, 1782; Works, III, 315
2. Every honest man will suppose honest acts to flow from hon-
est principles, and the rogues may rail without intermission.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
To Benjamin Rush, Dec. 20, 1801; Works, IV, 426
3. My principle is to do whatever is right, and leave consequences
to Him who has the disposal of them.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
To James Martin, Sept. 20, 1813; Writings, XIII, 387
4. My principles are convictions.
JAMES BUCHANAN
Speech at Greensburg, Pa., Oct. 7, 1852; Life, II, 45
5. Important principles may and must be flexible.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Last public address, Washington, D.C., Apr. 11, 1865; Com-
plete Works, XI, 92
6. In the support and practice of correct principles we can never
reach wrong results.
ANDREW JOHNSON
Speech at Nashville, Tenn., 1864; Chips, p. 286
7. Our differences are policies, our agreements principles.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY
Speech at Des Moines, Ia., 1901
8. Men and times change-but principles-never.
GROVER CLEVELAND
1904; Man and Statesman, II, 321
9. I have gotten over being frightened by being told that I am
forgetting the principles of the fathers. The principles of the
fathers are maintained by those who maintain them with reason,
and according to the fitness of the thing, and not by those who
are constantly shaking them before the mass of voters when they
have no application.
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT
In Washington, D.C., May 8, 1909; Presidential Addresses,
p. 83
10. Principles lie back of our action. America would be uncon-
ceivable without them. These principles are not incompatible with
great material prosperity. On the contrary
they are indispen-
sable to it.
WOODROW WILSON
Address in New York, N.Y., Dec. 6, 1911; Life, IV, 55