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From Gerry H. Lockner to Haldeman RE: state of affairs in the U.S. 4 pgs. [Subject: White House Staff] [Letter], 8/31/1972
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From Gerry H. Lockner to Haldeman RE: state of affairs in the U.S. 4 pgs. [Subject: White House Staff] [Letter], 8/31/1972
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
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6
8
8/31/1972
White House Staff
Letter
From Gerry H. Lockner to Haldeman RE:
state of affairs in the U.S. 4 pgs.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Page 1 of 1
August 31, 1972
4120 S. W. 102 Avenue
Beaverton, Oregon 97005
Mr. H. R. Haldeman
Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Bob:
I have not written you since you went to Washington,
but have watched your progress and must say you have gone
a long way. We originally met in your office while you
were with the Los Angeles office of the J. Walter Thompson
Company through our beloved departed friend and your co-
worker Frances Scully. She and I originally met when I
was working for Judge Harlan Palmer of the Hollywood Citizen-
News. I was in your office a number of times, went out
socially with Frances, and accompanied her as a guest at
the Dodger Stadium where the J. Walter Thompson Company had
a box for the season. You were also present on this occasion.
While with the Citizen-News, Judge Palmer started a
campaign against ticket fixing in Los Angeles. I carried
the ball and my work was recognized in Sacramento. At the
request of Governor Merriam, I joined his staff and organized
a state wide traffic safety program. I learned to know many
good Republicans such as Holmes Tuttle, Henry Salvatori,
Goodwin Knight, Cy Rubel, Harvey Firestone, Henry Clock,
Ronald Reagan, Bob Finch, Gladys O'Donnell, etc., etc.
Since those days, many changes have taken place in the party.
The reason I am writing you at this time is because I
am very concerned about the affairs of our country. What
worries me most is the complacency of some of our older
citizens. They gradually feel their lifetime savings
slipping away through inflation. They are not happy with
President Nixon and don't want any part of Senator McGovern.
Mr. H. R. Haldeman
August 31, 1972
Page Two
A general attitude seems to prevail, "I just won't vote
for either", not realizing that this could put McGovern in
the White House. Whenever I run into this problem, I
straighten out the fallacy in a hurry and usually save the
vote for President Nixon.
Much stress is being put on the young vote and not
enough on the retired. The latter can be a very potent
factor in winning the election for President Nixon, but it
lacks much needed organizing effort. These are the people
most of whom have worked hard to make this country great
and know the answer to success. These same people do not
want McGovernism and have the time and are willing to get
out and work if given the opportunity. They do not want
a totalitarian form of government. I am sure none of these
people were among the 800 arrested at the Miami Convention.
Today we have three age groups. The first is the
18 to 30, the second 30 to 60, and the third over 60. Many
of the first especially 18 to 25 are dependent on the second
and third for finances. A big percentage of these can't
stand on their own and don't know the meaning of earning
their own way. Thank goodness the majority is alright,
but the minority is the cause of much unrest.
People claim that the youth of today is smarter than
previous generations. I don't agree. The youth may be
smarter academically, but not from a practical standpoint.
Take yourself as an example, you were 23 when you started
with the J. Walter Thompson Company; and I was only 17 when
I went with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. I got my
education the hard way after I started to work. We were
not the exception to the rule. Opportunities always have
been available for those desirous of forging ahead.
The second group's thinking today is the result of too
much John Deweyism and Progressive Education. Some of these
parents are contributing financial chaos to the younger group.
They are just as confused as their children and try to
appease their guilt with money instead of love and affection.
When money ceases to mean anything to the child, he or she
leaves home and in many cases goes the ways of the hippies,
dope, etc. Bobby Kennedy's son is a typical case in point.
Mr. H. R. Haldeman
August 31, 1972
Page Three
The third group is the forgotton one. They through
experience know a lot of the answers, but are being shelved
and looked upon as a bunch of old foggies. Yet this group
had the tenacity to pull us out of the 1929 depression and
can be depended on at this time to bring us out of the
present dilemma. We must instill confidence in these
people to carry the ball for President Nixon as they know
the price of freedom. They have the will, the know how,
experience, and desire to meet the challenges if given
the opportunity. Instead many of the first and second group
consider them excess baggage. In Sweden, the senior
citizens are respected - a good example for us to follow.
Today among a small portion of the first group, we
have a gang of killers, rioters, perverts, and revolutionists
who are furnishing the fuel for the McGovern campaign
and should Senator McGovern be elected; heaven forbid, they
would be in front with Ramsey Clark to run the government.
I have just one plea with you, Bob, let's not become too
complacent. Let not a stone go unturned to keep President
Nixon in the White House. We can help by giving more
recognition not only to the senior citizens, but also all
age brackets who believe in this democracy.
I have always been interested in honest Constitutional
government. I worked for Dick Nixon's campaign when he
ran for Congress against Jerry Voorhis, again for the Senate
against the Pink Lady, Helen Gahagen Douglas. Likewise,
for the Governorship of California against Pat Brown and
the last campaign of 1968.
I probably don't agree with many of President Nixon's
policies, but this is no time to find fault. We all must
be united and have him reelected. Thank God for him that
we still have a free nation and where we can express our
views as I have taken the liberty to do in this letter.
Constructive criticism builds for a stronger nation.
Destructive criticism tears down, brings about anarchy,
treason, and violence and could result in a reign of
totalitarianism. As a former Marine, my fighting blood
is boiling for a sure win and continuation in office of
President Nixon. We must have a day of victory on November 7.
Mr. H. R. Haldeman
August 31, 1972
Page Four
I am presently here in Oregon, but expect to return to
California before too long. I am still a registered voter
there. After living in our state for many years, I miss
my many friends.
With kindest personal regards to you and President Nixon.
GengMackner Most cordially,
Gerry H. Lockner
GHL:db