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Memos – Office of Public Liaison [1981-1983 (Dole, Elizabeth)] (2)
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Memos – Office of Public Liaison [1981-1983 (Dole, Elizabeth)] (2)
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Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
James Cicconi's Memorandums
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WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: CICCONI, JAMES: Files
Archivist: ggc/rfw
[office of Public LiAiSON Memos 1981 1983 (Dole, Elizabern)]
File Folder: OPL Memos of Memos- office of Public Liail Date: 2/2/99
box9112 Box 5
[1981-1983 CDole, Elizabeth)]
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. AND TYPE
1. Memo
Elizabeth Dole to Edwin Meese, James Baker, et al
6/17/82
P5, P6/F6
Re: Hispanic outreach, 1p
B6
2. Memo
Dole to James Baker, Edwin Meese, et al, Re: 50
6/17/82
P5, P6/F6 86
States Project, 1p
3. Memo
Dole to Richard Darman Re: SOTU Draft, 2p
1/20/82
PS open
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statue [(b)(3) of the FOIA].
[(a)(4) of the PRA].
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors, or
[(b)(4) of the FOIA].
between such advisors [(a)(5) of the PRA].
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6) of
FOIA].
the PRA].
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes ((b)(7) of
the FOIA].
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions
[(b)(8) of the FOIA].
F-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of
the FOIA].
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: CICCONI, JAMES: Files
Archivist: ggc/rfw
File Folder: OPL Memos [2 of 2]
Date: 2/2/99
box 9112
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. AND TYPE
1. Memo
Elizabeth Dole to Edwin Meese, James Baker, et al
6/17/82
P5, P6/F6
Re: Hispanic outreach, 1p
2. Memo
Dole to James Baker, Edwin Meese, et al, Re: 50
6/17/82
P5, P6/F6
States Project, 1p
3. Memo
Dole to Richard Darman Re: SOTU Draft, 2p
1/20/82
P5
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statue [(b)(3) of the FOIA].
[(a)(4) of the PRA].
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors, or
[(b)(4) of the FOIA].
between such advisors [(a)(5) of the PRA].
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6) of
FOIA].
the PRA].
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of
the FOIA].
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions
[(b)(8) of the FOIA].
F-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of
the FOIA].
OPL
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES W. CICCONI
FROM:
MORTON C. BLACKWELL
SUBJECT:
Compaints Regarding Peace Corps
Because your office was copied by Gary Curran of American
Life Lobby in his exchange with Loret Ruppe, Mrs. Ruppe has
asked that I send you copies of the exchange of correspon-
dence between Mr. Curran and her office.
Enclosure
Peace Corps
Washington, D.C. 20525
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Morton Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President
FROM:
Lore sum1er Ruppe
Director
DATE:
July 27, 1982
RE:
Curran Correspondence
In the wake of our meeting with conservative group represen-
tatives, attached is a letter from Gary Curran of the
American Life Lobby, setting forth numerous fallacious asser-
tions and asking eleven questions involving sensitive and
substantial issues.
Attached is the reply from John Nicholson, my new Communica-
tions Director.
Also attached is a second letter from Curran, complaining of
delay. Nicholson spoke with Curran by telephone, discussed
the delay, but Curran insisted he was going to send a letter
of complaint anyway.
Curran sent copies of his complaint letter to Baker, Meese
and Clark. I am sending copies of this memorandum and
attachments to those offices. Could you make sure, please,
that our responses catch up with Mr. Curran's submittal in
those offices? Thanks.
CC: Edwin Meese III
James A. Baker III
William P. Clark
AMERICAN LIFE LOBBY INC.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 490, STAFFORD. VA 22554
OFFICES: ROUTE #6. BOX 162-F. STAFFORD. VA 22554
(703) 659-4171
METRO DC 690-2049
GOVERNMENT LIAISON OFFICE: 6B LIBRARY COURT SE (CAPITOL HILL) WASHINGTON DC 20003 (202) 546-5550
TELEGRAM
July 27, 1982
Mrs. Loret Miller Ruppe
Director
Peace Corps
S06 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington. D. C. 20525
The July 33. 1032 letter. which has vet 10 be colivered and Which
I personally picked up it your office last night. is totally unacceptable.
You invited Me 10 the meeting on June : in your office to Case
the Peace Corps. You asked me to put my questions (which you did not
answer at the meeting) in writing.
Do me the favor of a personal reply.
Better yet I request THE appointment to Decrease these questions is
detail in person.
Sincerely,
Gary L. Curran
American Life Lobby
6 Library Court S.E.
Washington, D. C. 20003
A.L.L.
"
for God, for Life, for the Family, for the Nation"
AMERICAN LIFE LOBDY INC.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS MAILING ADDRESS P.O. BOX 490. STAFFORD. VA 22554
OFFICES ROUTE #6 BOX 162 F STAFFORD VA 22554
(703) 659-4171
METRO DC 690-2049
GOVERNMENT LIAISON OFFICE 68 LIBRARY COURT SE (CAPITOL HILL) WASHINGTON, DC 20003 (202; 546-5550
June 24, 1982 -
Mrs. Loret Miller Ruppe
Director
Peace Corps
806 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20525
Dear Mrs. Ruppe:
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the operation of the
Peace Corps in the Reagan Administration.
Unfortunately from the presentations made yesterday I can dis-
cern no major change in the recruitment, training or policy of the
Peace Corps from the way it operated under the direction of 60's ra-
dical Sam Brown. I would welcome information to the contrary.
Towards the end of the meeting I asked you several questions.
You asked me to put them in writing, so here they are:
1. Of the 67 United Nations Volunteers (UNV) how many work
for UN agencies whose head is a Soviet or other Communist
country citizen?
2. Is the cost of these volunteers reflected in the U.S. contribu-
tions to these UN agencies?
3. How many UNV's work for UN health or population control
agencies?
4. How many UNV's are involved in planning for or actually dis-
tributing the injectable abortifacient birth control drug Depo -
Provera which is banned from sale in the U.S. by the FDA?
How many other Peace Corps volunteers dispense Depo Pro-
vera?
5. How do you justify Peace Corps involvement in this activity
in light of the Young Amendment that bans use of Peace Corps
funds for abortion?
6. What is the Peace Corps policy, if any, concerning dispensing
to third world citizens drugs banned in the United States?
7. What is the Peace Corps policy, if any, concerning whether
it is proper for volunteers to counsel that abortion is an ac-
ceptable method of birth control?
-1-
A.L.L.
for God, for Life, for the Family, for the Nation"
-2-
8. You indicated that notwithstanding the Young Amendment (ban-
ning Peace Corps dollars from being used for abortion) the
Peace Corps pays for transportation and other ancillary costs
so that the volunteer can obtain an abortion on her own. Why
is it legal to aid and abet obtaining an abortion when paying
for the abortion is a violation of the Young Amendment? Ex-
actly what is the justification for paying such transportation
and other costs?
9. You mentioned that the Justice Department was looking into
this question exactly who at Justice are you consulting?
10. There are approximately 77 full-time and temporary Peace Corps
recruiters how many were volunteers or trainees or employed
as recruiters during Sam Brown's tenure? Without a change
in recruiters how can you hope to get "new, more representative"
volunteers?
11. Country directors are hired and fired in your sole discretion.
How many are hold overs from the Sam Brown regime? Of
those you have hired how many have identifiable Reagan-
Bush credentials? Why don't the others have these credentials?
How do you expect to get a change in policy if the "hands on"
managers of your agency, the country directors, are not Rea-
gan people?
Also you said that as a measure of your system for monitoring for
political statements or actions contrary to this government's policy you
would tell us how many volunteers and/or employees you have repri-
manded or dismissed for such transgressions.
I look forward to an expeditious reply to these questions.
Sincerely,
Ang Lumon Gary Curran
Legislative Consultant
GLC/sm
AMERICAN LIFE LOBBY INC.
NATIONAL HEADOUARTERS: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 490, STAFFORD. VA 22554
OFFICES: ROUTE #6. BOX 162-F. STAFFORD, VA 22554
(703) 659-4171
METRO DC 690-2049
GOVERNMENT LIAISON OFFICE 6B LIBRARY COURT SE (CAPITOL HILL) WASHINGTON DC 20003
(202) 546-5550
July 23, 1982
Mrs. Loret Miller Ruppe
hand delivered
Director
Peace Corps
806 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
12th Floor
Washington, D. C. 20525
Dear Mrs. Ruppe:
This will follow up my letter of June 24, 1982 to which I have not
received an acknowledgement nor a response for a whole month.
On June 22, 1982, at your invitation, I attended a meeting so that
you could explain how the Peace Corps has changed since the tenure of
60's radical Sam Brown served as director.
I stress that I did not ask for the meeting, it was your initiative.
Why has it taken you more than a month to answer questions that you
did not answer in person and which you specifically asked me to put
in writing?
Sam Brown probably answered his mail quicker than the present ad-
ministration has answered me.
When can I expect a reply? Please telephone me at 546-5550 I will
be glad to pick up your reply in person.
Sincerely,
Legislative Consultant
CC: Judge Clark
Ed Meese III
James A. Baker III
GLC/sm
A.L.L.
"
for God, for Life, for the Family, for the Nation"
Peace Corps
Washington, D.C. 20525
July 23, 1982,
Mr. Gary Curran
Legislative Consultant
American Life Lobby
6 Library Court, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Dear Mr. Curran:
Your letter of June 24 put into writing some of the questions
raised at the White House meeting the previous day, initiated
by Director Ruppe through the office of Morton Blackwell.
I apologize for the delay in responding to your request, but
I intentionally asked Loret's permission for me to develop
the replies as a "learning experience" (I joined the Peace
Corps just weeks before your letter was received.) As we
discussed by telephone, when you said you intended to write
a letter of protest about the delay anyway, the issues you
raised were sensitive and significant. Consequently, if the
information in this letter is to be used other than for your
own personal background, I ask that my replies be printed in
their entirety so as to avoid misunderstandings which may
arise if material is lifted out of context.
Here are our views on the topics you address:
A. Peace Corps relations with United Nations
Volunteers. To the best of our knowledge, no Communist citizen
is heading any United Nations agency involving United Nations
Volunteers (UNVs). The costs of U.S. -supplied volunteers are
shared jointly by Peace Corps and the host country. Of the
56 (currently) U.N. Volunteers supplied by Peace Corps, one
volunteer is a health-related rural water and sanitation
project specialist in Liberia, a second is a pharmacist
trainer in Lesotho, and the third works on administrative
matters for the U.N. Fund for Population Activities post in
Turkey.
B. Peace Corps policies re abortions, abortificants,
and family planning. Peace Corps does not consider abortion
to be a birth control method, so Volunteers neither educate
others, nor receive information from Peace Corps, about
abortificants or abortions. That includes use of Depo Provera
Mr. Gary Curran
July 23, 1982
Page 2
as an abortificant. As a practical matter, Volunteers operate
primarily in rustic rural areas and handle few medicines other
than aspirin, deworming medicine, chloroquine (anti-malarial
prophylaxis) and other common substances. Peace Corps is
required to pay travel and per diem for Volunteers who require
"elective (necessary but not emergency) surgery of any con-
sequence" including abortions. The Office of Legal Counsel,
U.S. Department of Justice, has verified this requirement
pursuant to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act [42 USCp 2000 e(k)],
so long as Peace Corps continues to pay travel and per diem
for comparable medical conditions.
C. Peace Corps' use of civil servants as recruiters.
Less than two-thirds of the present recruiting force were
associated with Peace Corps (or ACTION) during Sam Brown's
tenure; primarily as Volunteers during that time. Congress
requires by law to give preferential hiring treatment to
returned Volunteers. Few others express interest in the part-
time, low-pay, non-career-directed employment opportunity as
Peace Corps recruiters.
D. Peace Corps personnel policy regarding Country
Directors. Country Directors serve 30-month contracts. Since
the beginning of the Director's term, May 28, 1981, seventeen
Directors have been appointed, and five selected but not yet
fully appointed. All final candidates must receive medical
and security clearances in addition to clearances from White
House Presidential Personnel. Of the twenty-two, ten have
Reagan-Bush credentials, nine were previously employed
(e.g., Federal government) in positions which precluded
campaign activities, and three are non-political. All are
committed to the Reagan Administration's policies.
You assert you can "discern no major change in the recruitment,
training or policy" since the Sam Brown days. To make major
changes would require legislative sanction. Except for minor
technical changes, there have been no policy changes enacted
by Congress since the first act in 1961. We are still re-
quired by law to pursue the initial three goals, to help
others by effort of American volunteers, to help others under-
stand Americans by example, and to help Americans understand
others' cultures.
Under the Director's leadership, we have reinstituted training
about the Communist menace. We have deliberately sought out
the older-Americans, in recruiting. We have reoriented our
projects toward economic development and entrepreneurial
training in marketing, distribution, accounting and management
skills. We are seeking direct corporate involvement in Peace
Mr. Gary Curran
July 23, 1982
Page 3
Corps activities. And we have undertaken internal management
procedures to achieve even greater operating economies and
protection against waste, fraud and abuse. We have not
publicized these activities, consistent with Peace Corps'
belief that actions speak louder than words. Perhaps we should
be educating Americans better about the Peace Corps, so en-
closed is an article by the Director for use in one of your
publications. We would appreciate receipt of a copy of your
publication reprinting her article.
I apologize again for the delay in this reply, but you asked
thought-provoking. questions that have required some time to
determine the answers.
I look forward to keeping open our dialogue. I urge you to
seek support from your members for considering the potential
of becoming Peace Corps Volunteers. It's a proven micro-
economic way to help make stable the economies of developing
countries by fighting poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy --
traditionally the breeding grounds for the menace of Communism.
Sincerely,
John B. Nicholson
Director of Communications
Enclosure
"Why a Conservative Reaganite
should support the Peace Corps"
By Loret Miller Ruppe
What's the best, most proven deterrent against Communist in-
trusion into developing countries around the globe?
Americans in action. Not words. Deeds. "Helping
people help themselves."
And what organization has placed more everyday
Americans into those developing nations -- to help stabilize
their economies, day by day, spreading awareness of the
American way of life by being and doing instead of orating
about it?
The Peace Corps.
And it has been done at a most economical cost --
thanks to American's willingness to volunteer. Ordinarily, a
corporation figures on at least $150,000 to have a company
representative in a foreign land. And the cost for an AID
or State Department diplomat is high. Peace Corps' $105 million
budget supports approximately 5,000 Volunteers abroad.
Sen. Barry Goldwater's original concepts for the
Peace Corps have not changed much over the past twenty-one
years, but some new thrusts are taking place, under President
Reagan's direction. Less than a year ago, in his Philadelphia
speech on our Nation's willingness "to offer our hand in
friendship as a partner in prosperity" to the developing
nations, the President recalled the old proverb:
Page 2
"Give a hungry man a fish and he'll be hungry
tomorrow; teach him to fish and he'll never
be hungry again."
That's what the Peace Corps Volunteers are now being
trained to do -- they teach, they show by example, they get
involved side-by-side with the people of the developing nations.
Twenty-one years ago, there was less concern about
what the Volunteers were supposed to do. It was a time of
heady idealism with little regard for what the host countries
wanted. Eventually, host countries began demanding more
specialized skills. Today, we are shifting the emphasis to
business skills. Our hosts have come to realize that develop-
ment and economic freedom go hand in hand. They are asking
for Volunteers who can help provide business know-how. Business
skills can make economic freedom a reality, so they seek to
develop a climate where free enterprise can flourish -- their
own free enterprise.
President Reagan stated it succinctly, from an
ideological viewpoint: "This isn't a question of East versus
West, or the U.S. versus the Soviet Union. It's a question of
freedom versus compulsion, of what works versus what doesn't
work, of sense versus nonsense." Peace Corps Volunteers come
from a system that works, and they want others to recognize
that fact by doing it, not talking about it.
The contrast in these developing nations, of East
versus West, is remarkable. The Russians send thousands of
propogandists, and without fail, they act out the folly of
themselves by jostling to be first in line to buy American
Page 3
appliances. Or the Soviet technologists come to town, not to
serve people but to tinker with military machinery purchased
to satisfy the ego of the prevailing politician.
Your Peace Corps Volunteers come to a host country
quietly. They are trained to speak the language, to learn
about the local taboo's and culture, and to work side-by-side
with the everyday people whose focus is often just survival.
Peace Corps is purposeful about isolating Volunteers from the
diplomatic set, the U.S. intelligence operatives, and the
governmentalists Volunteers are trained not to get involved
in politics. They are there to help people, to educate for
self-sufficiency, to teach business and agricultural methods.
Some of these Peace Corps principles we've learned
from experience, and others reflect President Reagan's new
directions. Here are some of the Reagan initiatives:
First, we are stressing in-country economic develop-
ment projects leading toward self-sufficiency. Most of these
are agricultural in nature because of need. Some involve AID-
sponsored activities. This interagency coordination is cost
effective and provides grass roots assistance. All have the
common focus of developing businesses.
Second, also for the first time in any significant
way, we are trying to weave the Peace Corps into the fabric
of the major U.S. companies' personnel policies. Hiring the
returned Volunteer, pre-retirement counselling to suggest a
Peace Corps assignment, or revising the company's "public
service sabbatical" program to include Peace Corps are but some
of the ideas being pursued.
Page 4
Third, we are deliberately encouraging senior
Americans to join the Peace Corps. Our 300-plus of the approxi-
mately 5,000 Volunteers today "experienced in life" are
consistently received very well. There's no limit on age
(a 74-year-old just finished her second tour), and health
requirements are flexible (though strict) depending on assign-
ments. Without doubt, senior Americans know best how our
free enterprise system of capitalism works the most good for
the most people. (They are our most fervent missionaries of
the American Way. )
Fourth, we are increasingly depending on private
sector groups to make use of our Volunteers, so as to minimize
our administrative oversight. For example, when the Salavation
Army, or CARE, or Save the Children has a foreign project, we
supply Volunteers and they provide project management, a
mutually beneficial partnership.
Eventually, we hope, the stereotyped "long haired
Peace Corps Volunteer" image that tends to cripple the
President's new programs will stop being exploited by those
who have no interest in the reality of a changed Peace Corps.
While the new reality might not be as glamorous, today's
Peace Corps is serious about being effective in stabilizing
economies of developing nations. Peace Corps works. I
welcome your help to keep it working better, under President
Reagan's new initiatives.
John Houston
Executive Director
July 23, 1982
The Honorable Loretta Ruppe
Director of the Peace Corps
1806 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, DC 20525
Dear Mrs. Ruppe:
Pursuant to our meeting, several comments are warranted.
First of all, I appreciate your taking the time necessary
to meet with myself as part of a larger group to discuss
the Peace Corps.
Second, notwithstanding any- statements made by you or
your staff, I apologize for any comments which I may have
made in response to those statements. I believe, however,
that in a frank discussion such as this was supposed to be,
half truths and mis-statements of fact by you and your
staff were equally out of line. While the tape will show
that there were two intemperate remarks in over a two hour
span, this meeting was over all a healthy and constructive
exchange of views. While conflicting opinions may distress
you, I and all the other representatives that I spoke with
afterwards, feel that our visit brought a breath of fresh
air to the Peace Corps.
"When we asked her (Mrs. Ruppe) about
8 (C), she expressed ignorance and when
prompted by an aide, she said plans
had been started some eleven months
into the Reagan administration."
Evans and Novak
The Washington Post
January 1, 1982
Specifically, you stated in response to my quotation from
the Evans and Novak column about your ongoing violation of
the law that requires you to train all peace corps volunteers
in the nature, danger, and "menace" of communism, that the
newspaper interviewer confused you by referring to this
section of the law as 8 (C). The information in the column
itself belies this statement. It states that when you con-
tinued to feign ignorance to your interviewer, one of your
staff interceded to say that you were looking into it.
Committee of One Hundred to Defund the Left 499 South Capitol Street Suite 101 Washington, D.C. 20003
Page Two
Moreover, the same column confirms that prior to this,
Tom Pauken, Director of Action, had repeatedly requested
that you comply with this provision of law.
It seems as of our meeting we have evidence of three
different explanations of your policy in this matter. But
what was even more disturbing was your statement that
obeying this provision of law "could set off a firestorm. "
You repeatedly evidenced doubts that this law could or
should be obeyed by you. Since you seem to be of more
than two minds on this subject, perhaps we should conclude
that until further notice, neither you, nor the Peace Corps
will obey this law.
Moreover, the best effort you had made up to date was a
tepid video tape which suggests that communism is an alter-
vative to freedom and Western Civilization. The narrator
states in your tape that after all, if Lenin were alive today
he would just be another GS. 17. While this is a very
telling statement about the state of mind of the Peace Corps
bureaucrats, it hardly lives up to the mandate of the law to
educate Peace Corps volunteers as to the threat of communism.
Following up on your "firestorm" analysis, I asked you who
in Reagan's constituency would set off a firestorm because of
a frank, factual, straightforward discussion of communism.
You declined to identify any Reagan arsonists who would be
offended. However, you did say that we had to be under-
standing of the kind of people who would care to serve under
the adverse conditions of the Peace Corps.
This seems to represent an apology for what everyone at the
meeting became convinced of. That is that the Peace Corps
is led by people who either sympathize with the Carterites
already in the Peace Corps, or do not understand with whom
they are dealing. If a frank discussion of communism would
offend any federal employee, then their boss ought to have
little hesitancy in bidding them farewell to federal employ.
If the Peace Corps is run from top to bottom with anti-
Reagan, pro-Carter people, as your "firestorm" statement
indicates, this would demand the wholesale re-organization
of the Peace Corps to return it to the mainstream of
America. If a straightforward, factual presentation of the
state of communism offends you or any of your employees,
then the Reagan administration should look elsewhere for the
management of the Peace Corps.
Pursuant to this, I asked your Associate Director, Nadine
Plaster, if Peace Corps Volunteers were ever instructed in
the history of the United States, its cultures, its institu-
tions, its native religions, its essential qualities.
Receiving a mumbled "yes" from her, I asked whether Peace
Corps volunteers were ever supposed to relate anything about
America of a positive nature, to people they lived among. I
was told "no", that was not the function of the Peace Corps.
Page Three
Yet, we are to believe your statement that the Peace Corps
volunteers are ambassadors to the third world from America
and are winning us friends abroad. What kind of friend-
ship is based on a self-imposed black out of news about
reality?
At the same time that nothing substantive about the U.S.
is allowed to pass the lips of Peace Corps volunteers,
how is that information which is critical of the U.S.
handed out by the Peace Corps as its own information such
as "Volunteers and Neo-colonialism - An Inquiry into the
Role of Volunteers in the Third World 11 by Glyn Roberts?
It would seem in the twisted values of the Peace Corps
bureaucracy that what America stands for is bad, and what
appears to be chicly opposed to America is good. Moreover,
in this publication, Peace Corps volunteers are advised to
mobilize native populations for political purposes. That
would seem to be another illegal activity which you are
acquiesing in.
Could you please explain how political activism against the
established host governments is what the taxpayer's money is
supposed to be spent for, while accurate information about
the U.S. is somehow verboten. Your attitude on this reminds
one of the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, where historical
events are made to disappear when they no longer serve the
political purposes of those in power. Goebbels, the propa-
gandist of the Third Rheich was at least loyal to his own
patron.
Lastly, I asked how Plaster determined if someone would
really represent the U.S. government or not. She assured
us that interviewers took care of that, I then asked, "Well
how do you know if someone is a communist or would like to
overthrow our government?" Plaster stated that the question-
naire asked that information and in addition you screened
people carefully.
In point of fact, the questionnaire contains no such question,
or even alludes to it.
I asked how many people had been rejected for objectional
politics. I was told there were some. What are their names,
dates of dismissal, and stated grounds of dismissal?
In point of fact, the vast majority of the interviewers are
holdovers from the Carter Administration. Your application
itself is a holdover from the Carter Administration. You
would seem to leave very little credibility in Republican
circles anywhere that you had done much of anything to change
the leftward slide of this agency. Indeed, your statement
to Evans and Novak that the only thing you could think of
Page Four
doing to improve the Peace Corps was to increase the
"minority" volunteers, reveals that you perceive nothing
objectionable in continuing your present staffing and
policies.
I will appreciate seeing your documented response to
these questions.
Sincerely yours,
John charles Houston
Charles Houston
Executive Director
/cc: Morton Blackwell
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 1, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR EDWIN MEESE
JAMES BAKER
MICHAEL DEAVER
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
50 States Project: Transition Plan
I have been considering various alternatives to assure the orderly
transition of the 50 States Project from the Office of Intergovern-
mental Affairs to the Office of Public Liaison, based on the follow-
ing considerations:
*
The need to have a visible demonstration of White House interest
in the 50 States Project in advance of the June 30 ERA ratification
deadline.
*
The unlikelihood of being able to announce the new Project Director
in OPL by June 30.
The anticipation that, while media interest in the Project has
been fairly limited, it is expected to intensify between now and
June 30.
Taking these factors into consideration, I am proposing the following
plan of action for your approval.
1. Continue to have Judy Van Rest serve as interim Project
Coordinator during the month of June. She is currently answering
all outside inquiries and is compiling a state-by-state progress
report which will be complete within about two weeks.
2. Immediately send letters of invitation to the fifty state
project directors to a June 28 White House meeting to review their
sostan
progress to date. The relatively long lead time will enable the
President to demonstrate his continued interest in the Project and
give the White House a chance to defer official comment on the
future of the Project until June 28.
3. Announce the transfer of the 50 States Project to the Office
of Public Liaison during the June 28 meeting. It would be most
desirable for the new Director to be announced at this meeting and
formally introduced to the group. If an annoucement is not possible,
I will make a statement accepting the Project and will announce that
a new Director will be selected in the near future.
Review m Plane w/ MKD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
JC-Mont This
June 1, 1982
Clear Schululing w/ MKD
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES A. BAKER, III
EAD
amita
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
energy alot- eremoun
SUBJECT:
Women's Strategy Action Item Summary
1. Develop a report of positive accomplishments for women during
the first 18 months of the Reagan Administration.
Task Dave Gergen with the compilation of this document.
Target completion date is June 11.
Task OPL to work with the RNC to distribute the report to
organizations and individuals across the country in advance of
the June 30 ERA ratification deadline.
2. Assure the aggressive implementation of the 50 States Project.
Task Rich Williamson (Judy Van Rest) to complete the state-by-
state progress report. Target completion date is June 11.
Immediately send letters inviting the 50 State Project Directors
to a meeting with the President on June 28 to review the
progress of the project. Target completion date: June 3
Formally announce the transition of the 50 States Project from
IGA to OPL during the June 28 meeting. Announce the new
Project Director, if possible. Target completion date: June 28
If OPL Project Director is not announced on June 28, identify
and announce this position at the earliest possible date.
Target date: July 15.
3. Assure the implementation of Executive Order 12336, creating the
Task Force on Legal Equity for Women.
*
Complete the Justice Department's first quarterly report and
transmit it to the Cabinet Council on Legal Policy.
Target completion date: June 4.
*
Complete the review of the report by the Cabinet Council Working
Group. Target completion date: June 11
Full Cabinet Council review of working group recommendations, with
sign-off by the President. Target completion date: June 25
First Formal meeting of the Task Force on Legal Equity for Women
to begin implementation of changes in identified sex-biased regu-
lations, practices and policies. Target completion date: June 29
Development of a long-range action plan by the Justice Department
which assures appropriate staffing for the completion of the re-
search process, and an orderly schedule for the quarterly reporting
of remaining departments and agencies. Target completion date:
June 25
4. Identify an appropriate forum for a Presidential speech on women in
advance of the ERA ratification deadline.
Identify several alternative forums. Target completion date:
June 7
Select the forum. Target completion date: June 10
Deliver the speech. Target completion date: June 23-29
5. Identify a cadre of respected and visible women from across the
country who will make statements of support for the President's
programs to attain legal equity for women.
OPL to assign a staff person to recruit prominent women spokesmen.
Target completion date: June 4
OPL to complete the search. Target completion date: June 18
Dave Gergen to coordinate media activities of the identified
women spokesmen during period from June 25-July 30.
6. Identify an informal foreign affairs/national defense task force
of respected and visible women who will speak out on the war and
peace issue on behalf of the President.
Task OPL to recruit key people for this area in conjunction with
the search program already underway to identify other spokeswomen
for the domestic issue counterpart. Due: June 4, 1982
OPL to complete the search. Due: June 18, 1982
Dave Gergen and Mort Allin to coordinate media activities. Due:
June 25-December 31, 1982
7. Conduct an intensive issue briefing for key women appointees to serve
as surrogates on women's issuess.
*.
Target date for OPD issue packet completion: June 18 (See Strategy, Pg 7
*
Target date for briefing: June 22
Ed
8. Conduct a formal review of the President's campaign commitments
to identify those which can be honored between now and 1984.
Nape
*
Assign OPD to research the President's campaign commitments
to women and report on those which require Administration
action. Target completion date: June 21
*
Prepare implementation plans for the commitments. Target
completion date: August 30
9. Intensify recruitment effort of top level women - Cabiner
10. Commission a private poll to determine the public's sentiment Gueral?
Judger adminal
concerning the failure of the ERA ratification effort.
*
Target date:
ASAP
11. Implement a series of regional meetings to take the President's
programs and accomplishments for women to the grassroots.
*
No target dates have been developed yet, pending approval of
this initiative.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR EDWIN MEESE III
JAMES A. BAKER, III
MICHAEL DEAVER
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
Women's Strategy: Anticipating the ERA Defeat
Much has been written in recent months about the erosion of
support for the President and the trend away from Republicanism
among women. The media has picked up on what is now commonly
referred to as the "gender gap" and speculates often about its
causes and long-range political implications.
This negative trend away from the President is, in itself,
sufficient reason for concern. The importance of this trend is
intensified in view of the approaching June 30 deadline for the
ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which is generally
predicted to fail. When it does, emotions will run high in
those women's organizations which have devoted years of effort
and millions of dollars in the ratification effort.
The major activist organizations, such as the National Organiza-
tion of Women, the National Women's Political Caucus and the
League of Women Voters will not take the ERA defeat lightly.
The President must be prepared for a rash of negative press,
including scapegoating, finger-pointing and threats of retali-
ation at the polls in November and in 1984. These organizations
control vast resources of people, financial contributions and
media attention. The demise of the ERA is likely to spark a
full-throttle campaign to blame the President and label him an
enemy of women. The gender gap publicity will certainly play
into the hands of those who will attempt to draw a cause-and-
effect relationship between the failure of ERA, the effect of
budget cuts on the poor and needy, and the trend of female
defection from the President and the Republican Party.
June 30 is only 30 days from now. Unless the President goes
immediately on the offensive, he will be forced to react to
an exclusively negative feminist attack. To avoid this problem,
- 2 -
a positive counter-offensive strategy has been developed to blunt
the impact of the ERA defeat and to get the President on record
several times during June, stating his positive accomplishments
and programs underway which effectively accomplish the ERA objec-
tives.
The three major objectives of this strategy are:
1. Demonstrate to American women that President Reagan
takes them seriously; he is not cavalier about their
interests nor their political impact at the polls.
2. Show women that the Reagan Administration has a
credible record of accomplishments benefitting women
after 18 months in office, including a track record
of keeping specific campaign promises to women.
3. Demonstrate in every way possible that Ronald Reagan
is a President who cares; he cares about women, about
the needy and about the elderly.
I.
DEVELOP A REPORT OF THE POSITIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THIS
ADMINISTRATION FOR WOMEN DURING ITS FIRST 18 MONTHS
Part of the reason that many American women are unfamiliar with
the positive accomplishments of the Reagan Administration on
their behalf is that there is no readily accessible resource
document which effectively presents this information. Feminist
organizations routinely publish long articles criticizing what
they view as the Administration's deficiencies -- the criticisms
are extremely well known, but the positive accomplishments are
not.
It is proposed that the White House Communications Office
quickly compile a summary of the positive accomplishments of
interest to women which can be widely distributed to organiza-
tions and individuals across the country. Some of the areas
which should be addressed are:
Economic: Marriage tax relief, estate and widow's tax
relief; IRA provisions for women; positive effects of
lowered inflation; and others.
Budget:
The rationale for cuts in spending and the long-
range benefits; a summary of the extensive services for the
elderly and the needy provided by the government in spite
of cuts.
- 3 -
Appointments: A listing of major women appointees.
Legal Equity: Descriptions of the functions and progress
of the Task Force on Legal Equity for Women and the 50
States Project.
Nuclear Arms Limitation: A summary of the President's
plans for peace and arms control.
While this report will obviously not satisfy all women, it will,
at a minimum, provide positive information on a number of fronts
that most women probably are not aware of today.
ACTION:
1. Task Dave Gergen's Office with the compilation of this docu-
ment. It must be complete by June 11 in order to be effectively
distributed nationwide in advance of the June 30 deadline.
2. Task OPL to work with the RNC to distribute the report to
individuals and organizations across the country before June 30.
Distribution of the report will continue on a large scale
through the summer, after which time it must be updated for use
as a campaign document for Republican candidates.
II. ASSURE THE AGGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 50 STATES PROJECT
In response to those critics who opposed his position on the ERA,
Ronald Reagan promised to appoint a Special Assistant to monitor
the inequities in state laws. This promise was kept, and the
"50 States Project", as it is now known, is underway. In 1981,
the President contacted every governor and requested a represen-
tative to be appointed to review and change those state laws
which discriminate on the basis of sex. These state representa-
tives met with the President in October 1981 and were urged by
the President to conduct this program for change. Since the
October meeting, a portion of the states have formally reported
their current status and future plans.
The 50 States Project holds significant symbolic and substantive
importance to the President's ultimate success in winning women
voters. The project was not intended to constitute an "ERA
alternative", per se, but it has since been interpreted as such
by the media and women's organizational leaders. It does reflect
the President's belief that discriminatory laws can and should be
corrected at the state level rather than by an amendment to the
Constitution.
- 4 -
If the ERA fails on June 30, the first thing that women's leaders
will do is point to the 50 States Project to determine whether or
not it is working and search for areas of vulnerability. It is,
therefore, essential that the project be presented in the best
possible light.
In late March, the Director of the 50 States Project left the
White House, and the responsibility for the project has not yet
been permanently reassigned. Well in advance of June 30, the
project must have a new Director in place, and demonstrate an
aggressive action plan to increase the visibility and promote
the accomplishments of the states.
ACTION:
1. Officially designate a Special Assistant to the
President to serve as Director of the 50 States Project
or, at a minimum, announce the transfer of responsibility.
2. Convene a meeting of the 50 state directors of the
project in the White House as soon as possible after the
President's return from Europe. Progress reports will
be delivered by the most advanced states, and the
President will deliver a message of support for the
objectives of this project. Depending on the accomplish-
ments of various states, the President can call selected
governors to credit them for their successes, or to urge
them to take action on the project.
These events must all occur in advance of the June 30 ERA
ratification deadline. After that date, the President will
appear to be acting in response to criticism rather than
out of his own sincere commitment to the project.
III. ASSURE THE AGGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 12336,
WHICH CREATES THE TASK FORCE ON LEGAL EQUITY FOR WOMEN
In many respects, the Task Force on Legal Equity for Women is
the complement of the 50 States Project. What the 50 States
Project does at the state level, the Task Force does at the
Federal level. The two projects, together, constitute what
can be considered the Reagan Administration's comprehensive
alternative to the ERA.
The President could suffer a major embarrassment if he cannot
point to some positive action and accomplishments of the Task
Force on Legal Equity for Women by June 30. The Task Force
was announced by the President on December 21, 1981, but has
yet to meet and does not have a proposed agenda. It is waiting
for the Justice Department to complete the review of laws and
regulations which will serve as the eventual Task Force agenda.
There is much to be done in a very short period of time to get
this project on target before June 30.
- 5 -
ACTION:
1. Complete the Justice Department's first quarterly
report and transmit it to the Cabinet Council on Legal
Policy. Due: June 4, 1982.
2. Complete the review of the report by the Cabinet Council
on Legal Policy Working Group. Due: June 11, 1982.
3. Full Cabinet Council review of working group recommenda-
tions, with sign-off by the President. Due: June 25, 1982
4. First formal meeting of the Task Force on Legal Equity
for Women to begin implementation of changes in identified
regulations and policies. Due: June 28, 1982.
5. Development of a long-range action plan by the Justice
Department which assures appropriate staffing for the comple-
tion of the research process and an orderly schedule for the
review and reporting, on a quarterly basis, of remaining
departments and agencies. Due: June 28, 1982.
IV. DELIVER A MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH TO WOMEN THE WEEK PRECEDING
THE JUNE 30 ERA RATIFICATION DEADLINE
During the first 18 months of his Administration, President
Reagan has addressed few, if any, national women's organizations.
He has, therefore, not had the occasion to make a major speech
directed specifically at women and their concerns in the same
manner that he has addressed those of Blacks, labor, small
business and other groups. In the absence of such a targetted
message, it has been easy for the President's opponents to
control the issue agenda and put him on the defensive by
criticizing the fairness and compassion of his budget and
foreign policy programs.
The ERA ratification deadline provides the President with a
timely opportunity to go on the offensive in a sincere, statesman-
like manner. By pointing out that his programs for legal equity
are compatible with the goals of the ERA, he can invite the
support of American women on behalf of these objectives.
Finally, such a speech would serve as a much-needed "State of
the Union" for women. A message delivered on a positive, high
plane would be very beneficial, tying together the substantial
accomplishments of his Administration to date, and his goals
for the future of America's women, and the ideological frame-
work through which those goals can be accomplished.
- 6 -
V. IDENTIFY A CADRE OF RESPECTED AND VISIBLE WOMEN FROM ACROSS THE
COUNTRY WHO WILL MAKE STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FOR THE PRESIDENT'S
PROGRAMS TO ATTAIN LEGAL EQUITY FOR WOMEN
On June 30, the press will undoubtedly showcase the defeat of
the ERA amendment and run long stories chronicalizing its
history. In the midst of the eulogies, it would be useful to
have positive spokeswomen making speeches, statements and
conducting press interviews in support of the President's
activities for women.
The women we will be seeking to identify are not those who
oppose the ERA and who have been working to defeat it. Those
women, such as Phyllis Schlafly, will undoubtedly be contacted
without our assistance. Our objective will be to identify women
who do support the ERA, and who may indeed start working again
once a new amendment is proposed. The message that we would
like to communicate via these women is that the President's
programs are consistent with the ERA goals -- only the methodology
is different. Thus, the President is implementing today what the
ERA will only accomplish (if it is passed) in seven more years.
OPL will identify 5-10 major figures in each of the following
occupations -- sports, films, TV, literature, broadcasting,
politics, etc., who will be willing to make a statement, give a
speech or go to TV or radio talk shows. This identification
effort will require a personal appeal from the White House and
the expenditure of a full-time staff person with travel expenses
between now and June 30.
ACTION:
1. OPL to assign a staff person to identify prominent
women spokesmen.
Due: June 4, 1982.
2. OPL to complete the search.
Due: June 18, 1982.
3. Dave Gergen to coordinate the media activities of
the identified celebrity spokeswomen. Due: June 25-
July 30.
VI. IDENTIFY AN INFORMAL FOREIGN AFFAIRS/NATIONAL DEFENSE TASK FORCE
OF RESPECTED AND VISIBLE WOMEN WHO WILL SPEAK OUT ON THE WAR AND
PEACE ISSUE ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT
Just as with the aforementioned group addressing essentially
domestic issues of concern to women, it is important to have
a group who will speak out on behalf of the President in the
national defense area. In addition to speeches before appropri-
ate forums, it is envisioned that this effort would also include
op-ed pieces, interviews for print and film, letters to the
editor, etc. Potential recruits might be Ambassador Kirkpatrick,
Anne Armstrong, General Jean Holm, General Hoisington, etc.
This group could gain easy access to media as a result of the
heightened focus on this area caused by the President's European
tour and the START talks beginning on June 29.
- 7 -
ACTION:
1. Task OPL to recruit key people for this area in
conjunction with the search program already underway
to identify other spokeswomen for the domestic issue
counterpart.
Due: June 4, 1982.
2. OPL to complete the search.
Due: June 18, 1982.
3. Dave Gergen and Mort Allin to coordinate media
activities.
Due: June 25 - December 31, 1982.
VII. CONDUCT AN INTENSIVE ISSUE BRIEFING FOR KEY WOMEN APPOINTEES
WHO SERVE AS SURROGATES
The majority of the Reagan women appointees have not been
effective Administration spokesmen. Most have not been
actively travelling and speaking on behalf of the President;
those who do, tend to stay within the boundaries of their
official program areas.
Various women appointees have confessed that they do not feel
comfortable discussing women's issues because they are either
not familiar with the President's positions, or they do not
have enough background on the subject areas.
An in-depth briefing will be scheduled for mid-June to make the
women appointees more aware of the pending problems associated
with the ERA defeat, and to arm them with the information they
need to be more effective spokesmen for the President. At the
briefing, they will be asked to accept grassroots speeches and
media appearances during the month of July as part of our ERA
counter-offensive.
Prior to the Briefing, it will be imperative that OPD compile
an issue packet outlining the Administration's position on
all major issues of concern to women, i.e., Title IX, affirma-
tive action, etc. A document along the lines of the one
prepared by Ed Harper for the Blacks would be excellent.
ACTION:
1. Task OPD to complete issue packet for women's issues
Target Date:
June 18.
2. Target Date for briefing;
June 22.
VIII. CONDUCT A FORMAL REVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT'S CAMPAIGN COMMITMENTS
TO IDENTIFY THOSE WHICH CAN BE HONORED BETWEEN NOW AND 1984
There are approximately 34 campaign commitments which specifically
address women. Many of these promises have already been implemen-
ted, and several others are in the process of implementation.
- 8 -
A complete review of each campaign commitment should be conducted
by the White House Office of Policy Development to identify those
which can be implemented and to develop an action plan to complete
the implementation. Some pledges may not be possible to honor
considering current economic and political conditions, but it
would be important to report to women that the vast majority of
the President's campaign pledges were honored. A major element
of the 1984 campaign is likely to center around the President as
a man who keeps his commitments, and this process will dovetail
with that objective.
ACTION:
1. Assign OPD to research the President's campaign
commitments to women and report on those which require
Administration action.
Due: June 21, 1982.
2. Prepare an implementation plan for the remaining
campaign promises.
Due: August 30, 1982.
IX. INTENSIFY RECRUITING EFFORTS TO TOP LEVEL WOMEN
We need to be ever mindful of trying to gain greater involvement
of women in key policy roles within the Administration. In
addition to a Cabinet position, it's also very important to
focus on U.S. judgeships, career military appointments to flag
rank, and Level II and Level III positions. A few key appoint-
ments can go a long way toward eliminating the caveat "lacking
quality" when the media refers to our women appointees.
X. COMMISSION A PRIVATE POLL TO DETERMINE PUBLIC SENTIMENT CONCERNING
THE FAILURE OF THE ERA RATIFICATION EFFORT
To measure sentiment and awareness components, suggest a poll
be conducted to specifically identify the breadth and intensity
surrounding the issue. Questions may be along the lines of the
following:
On June 30, the process of ratifying the ERA Amendment to the
Constitution will end without the approval of the necessary
38 states -- which would you prefer?
1. Accept the fact that ERA is not necessary, because the
rights of women are adequately protected by existing
laws and government processes; or
2. Introduce amendment again and beginning the same process
of Congressional approval and ratification by states
to see if outcome would change over next couple of years?
- 9 -
XI. IMPLEMENT A SERIES OF REGIONAL MEETINGS TO TAKE THE PRESIDENT'S
PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN TO THE GRASSROOTS
It is essential that a program be initiated to reach the women
at the grassroots who are the most likely Presidential supporters,
but who are not receiving positive information about the President's
programs on behalf of women. We cannot rely on the Washington-
based organizations to carry a positive message, since most are
opposed to the President's goals and programs and will be commited
to a negative campaign after the expected defeat of the ERA.
Local meetings can be very effective in reaching large numbers
of women and provide them with positive information that they
would not be likely to receive through the network news or
other means. The local meetings can be organized to coincide
with states and cities with targetted Republican races between
now and November. The formats can be flexible, depending on the
strength of one or more of the following groups, which could
serve as hosts and undertake the majority of the advance prepara-
tion:
1. RNC state and/or country chairmen;
2. The 50 States Project Coordinator for the state;
3. GOP elected women (state senators and representative,
mayors, etc.) ;
4. Leadership of supportive women's organizations.
In general, the local meetings can be planned around a major
speaking invitation for a White House staff person or a key
woman appointee. The local meetings would be non-partisan in
nature, intended to be informational, with a period for
questions and answers. The meetings would be planned to
incorporate as many media opportunities as possible, including
print, radio and local television.
- 10 -
XII. DEVELOP A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO INCREASE THE ELECTABILITY
OF STATE AND LOCAL REPUBLICAN WOMEN
A very important complement to our program of briefing Admini-
stration women appointees on key general programs and specific
women's issues is a similar program targeted at Republican
women who have been elected to state legislatures, statewide
offices and principal city and county positions, as well as
those Republican women candidates for Congressional offices.
Since most filing dates for 1982 have passed, our effort
would be primarily focused at providing our current candidates
with a better understanding of the Administration's positions.
Our secondary purpose would be to send a signal to all
potential women Republican candidates for 1984 that this
Administraton is committed to the active promotion of women
in politics. This could pay excellent dividends, as the RNC
begins its candidate recruitment efforts in 1983.
Day-long sessions at the White House would equip these women
with extensive materials in order to allow them to complement
their own local knowledge with a detailed grasp and under-
standing of the major initiatives and positions of the Admini-
stration. During the session, a system would be instituted
which would enable the attendee to receive updated Administra-
tion material as we move toward the election date.
The day would conclude with a reception at which the President
and Mrs. Reagan would drop-by for a visit and brief remarks.
While time consuming, a receiving line would provide for an
individual photo with the President and Mrs. Reagan, a real
boost in the local campaign effort.
With 371 Republican women state legislators and approximately
100 other key locally elected Republican women, two day-long
sessions would be required. If it is decided to expand to
include Republican women candidates for the equivalent
office, as well as Congressional seats, several more sessions
would be needed. Regional forums might also be held, with
involvement by the President or Vice President on an
occasional basis, travel permitting.
The details of this proposal would have to be worked out
with both Rich Williamson and Ed Rollins in order to ensure
that the political balance of their operations were not upset
by too extensive an effort here.
It is understood that the RNC is planning an extensive campaign
school briefing for all Republican women Congressional candi-
dates from June 18th to June 23rd. It would be excellent if,
during that period of time, a photo of each with the President
could be arranged. Administration advocacy pieces should be
assembled and provided the attendees.
- 11 -
XIII.
UTILIZATION OF CABINET WIVES AS SPOKESMEN FOR PSI
AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
Cabinet wives play a very important role as both an
adjunct to their husband as well as a prominent role
model for the Administration. We may wish to approach
them as a group and ask their views as to whether they
might like to participate in a series of briefings on
Administration-wide policy positions, including the
President's wish to advance the Private Sector
Initiative concept.
Armed with the information, their own individual involve-
ment on behalf of various projects of personal interest
might be expanded to include additional events which
would broaden exposure of the Administration's views.
RONALD W. REAGAN LIBRARY
THIS FORM MARKS THE FILE LOCATION OF ITEM NUMBER
I
LISTED ON THE
WITHDRAWAL SHEET AT THE FRONT OF THIS FOLDER.
RONALD W. REAGAN LIBRARY
THIS FORM MARKS THE FILE LOCATION OF ITEM NUMBER
2
LISTED ON THE
WITHDRAWAL SHEET AT THE FRONT OF THIS FOLDER.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Media Liaison
June 18, 1982
Contact: (202) 456-7896
President Reagan today announced the appointment of Thelma Duggin
as Special Assistant to the President and Director of the 50 States
Project. Ms. Duggin will combine her service in the White House
Office of Public Liaison under the direction of Elizabeth Hanford
Dole, Assistant to the President for Public Liaison.
The 50 States Project fulfills President Reagan's 1980 campaign
promise that, if elected, he would designate a Special Assistant
in the White House to liaison with the 50 Governors in an effort
to identify and correct state laws which discriminate against women.
The groundwork for the program was begun in May 1931 with a Presi-
dential letter to the Governors seeking their assistance in identi-
fying and correcting discriminatory state laws. In October 1981,
the Governors representatives met at the White House to exchange
information and promote cooperation between the states. In her
capacity as Director of the Project, Ms. Duggin will work to
complete the project in all 50 states.
Since April of 1981, Ms. Duggin has been serving as Deputy Special
Assistant in the Office of Public Liaison. Her responsibilities
include outreach to the Black community and youth organizations.
Before joining the White House staff, she served as a field
coordinator with Wright McNeill and Associates which directed the
Black Community Involvement Program for the Republican National
Committee.
During the general campaign, Ms. Duggin volunteered at the National
Headquarters in the national Black voters programs as a liaison
from the Republican National Committee. Additionally, she served
as Director of Personnel for the CSA transition. Between 1973 and
1977, Ms. Duggin, having completed the management training program,
was a senior merchandise manager with the J. C. Penney Company in
Columbus, Georgia.
In Columbus, Georgia, Ms. Duggin was a member of the Mayor's
Community Relations Commission and served on the Board of Governors
for the Georgia Health System Agency. In addition she held various
offices within her local Republican party. After graduating from
Heart of Mary High School in Mobile, Alabama, Ms. Duggin received
an academic scholarship to Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin,
where she received her degree in education in 1971.
From 1971 to 1973, Ms. Duggin worked with the Catholic School
Systems in Mobile, Alabama as a teacher at Holy Family Elementary
School. She is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta national sorority.
CATHERINE MAY BEDELL
514 SANDPIPER
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260
(714) 568-2118
Catherine May Bedell was born in Yakima, Washington. She
received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a five-year education
degree from the University of Washington, Seattle in 1936.
Before entering a political career, Mrs. Bedell was a teacher,
radio broadcaster and a legislative news commentator.
She served as a member of the Washington State Legislature for
six years and was elected to the United States Congress in 1958,
where she served for 12 years.
In Congress, Mrs. Bedell was a member of the House Committee on
Agriculture, the District of Columbia Committee, and the Joint
Committee on Atomic Energy. She also served on the National
Commission on Food Marketing, and was appointed to the House
Select Committee on Standards and Conduct. Specialized work in
Congress included: agriculture, water and land conservation,
consumer education, and selected areas of special education.
Her participation in international trade meetings and activities
included: The Interparliamentary Union Meeting in Ottawa,
Canada and Majorca, Spain; serving as U.S. representative at the
1968 Trade Fair in Tokyo, Japan; attending the U.S. Agriculture
Attache's Meeting in Bonn, West Germany in 1969; and attending
the Food and Agricultural Organization Conference in 1969 in
Rome, Italy. As a member of Congress Mrs. Bedell went to
Vietnam on an investigational tour in 1968.
In December 1970, Mrs. Bedell was a Presidential appointee to
the Board of Incorporators of Amtrak and served on the Board of
Directors of that corporation until June of 1971.
Mrs. Bedell was appointed to the U.S. Tariff Commission by
President Nixon in 1971, and she was sworn in as Chairman on
July 12, 1971 -- the first woman to hold that position. Mrs. Bedell
was reappointed to the Commission in 1974 for a six year period
on January 3, 1975. The Trade Act of 1974 changed the agency's
name to the U.S. International Trade Commission and extended her
time in office to June of 1984. Her term as chairman expired in
June of 1975. Then in December 1979, President Carter appointed
Mrs. Bedell to serve as Chairman until June 16, 1980. In November
of 1981, Mrs. Bedell resigned her commissioner's position and
moved to Palm Desert, California.
In 1976 Mrs. Bedell served as Chairman of Executive Women in
Government, an organization of women who serve in policy making
positions in the Federal government.
She also represented the U.S. International Trade Commission on
the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise and the
Interdepartmental Task Force on Women.
-2-
Mrs. Bedell presently serves as a member of the Advisory Board
of the Republican Women's Federation and the Advisory Council of
the National Federation of Republican Women.
Mrs. Catherine Bedell is married to Donald W. Bedell, a manage-
ment consultant. She has two children, a son James C. May, who
resides with his wife Bonnie in Alexandria, Virginia; and a
daughter, Melinda May Sullivan who resides with her husband
Thomas in Alameda, California.
form memos
Note: This has the concur-
rence of OPD and the
MEMORANDUM
JAB
political shops.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE:
June 18, 1982
Action iN YOUR JABURT HEITMAN TO is
TO:
Elizabeth Dole
VIA:
Red Cavane Diana Lozano
Tell feelins here
FROM:
Wendy Borcherdt
NB.
NO Go,
moT
SUBJECT:
Meeting of Women on June 30th
$112.00
As Requested by Betty Heitman
The low profile regarding ERA must be maintained through
DONE
the June 30th deadline - and even into July. I feel that
the Administration must not address the defeat of the ERA
legal process in any manner publicly.
This meeting will be totally confrontational, for emotions
will run high on both sides of the issue. It certainly
will be a "no win" situation for the President, for if he
gives any indication of approval to one side or the other
he immediately will alienate the other side.
The issue of the ERA has been out in the states with the
process and it must remain there. We will not be address-
ing the issue on a national level - even when the amendment
is re-introduced.
Finally, many of the women's groups suggested by Betty
Heitman are totally opposed to the entire agenda of this
Administration: the budget cuts, the tax cuts, our Defense
policies, our foreign policy, voluntary prayer in the schools,
the balanced budget amendment, tuition tax credits, etc.
At least seventy percent of the women's organizations suggested
by Betty Heitman are not only upset over the ERA position of
this Administration, but would use the meeting to unload
their distress, their dissatisfaction, and their disapproval
of what we are trying to do.
CONCLUSION: I am totally opposed to having any meeting
here at the White House with these groups with the
President. No positive result can occur no matter what
the format or agenda.
JABL HEITMPN
[add Consen. Women's angs.
Tier 1
6/16
B. Hitman can funnish ]
NATIONAL WOMEN'S POLITICAL CAUCUS
Kathy Wilson, National CKair
1411 K Street, NW Suite 1110
Washington, DC 20005
347-4456
strey reheclate request
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Dorothy Ridings, President
1730 M Street, NW
on June RR 30th mut with
Washington, DC 20036
296-1770
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
Mary Purcell, President
2401 Virginia Ave, NW
WDC 20037
785-7700
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN"S CLUBS INC.
Phyllis Harrison, President
2021 Massachusetts Ave., NW
WDC 20036
293-1100
No-
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN
ABUSIVE
Ellie Smeal, President
To RR
425 13th Street, NW
WDC 20004
347-2279
WOMEN"S EQUITY ACTION LEAGUE
Mary Gray, President
805 15th Street, NW
WDC 20005
638-1961
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
Shirley Leviton, President
1346 Connecticut Ave., NW
WDC 20036
296-2588
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN
Dorothy Height, President
1819 H Street, NW
Suite 900
WDC 20006
223-8055
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PUERTO RICAN WOMEN
Maria Van Hoy, President
39 Stillman Street
Boston, MA 02113
617/279-0100
COALITION OF LABOR UNION WOMEN
Joyce Miller, President
15 Union Square
New York, NY 10021
2 2/242-0700
Tier 2
FEDERALLY EMPLOYED WOMEN
Marylouise Uhlig, President
1010 Vermont Ave., NW #821
WDC 20005
638-4404
GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA
Mary Jane Sprague, President
205 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212/940-7500
YOUNG WOMEN"S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Jewell Freeman Graham, President
600 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212/753-4700
MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMEN"S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (MANA)
Raydean Acevedo, President
c/o Westinghouse DataScore Systems
1801 K Street, NW
WDC 20006
833-5288
GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN"S CLUBS
Marijoe Shide, President
1734 N Street, NW
WDC 20036
347-3168
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA
Jane Freeman, President
830 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212/940-7500
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMISSIONS FOR WOMEN
Mary Burke Nicholas, President
c/o Office of the Governor
1350 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
212/977-2737
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CUBAN-AMERICAN WOMEN OF THE USA
Anna Maria Perera, President
3900 Connecticut Ave., NW #202-G
WDC 20008
254-9497
FEDERATION OF ORGANIZATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN
Jeannette Wedel, President
2000 P Street, NW #403
WDC 20036
466-3547
RURAL AMERICAN WOMEN
Jane Threatt, President
1522 K Street, NW #700
WDC 20005
785-4700
CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON WOMEN"S ISSUES
Representative Patricia Schroeder, Co-Chair
1431 Rayburn HOB
U.S. House of Representatives
WDC 20515
225-4431
Tier 2, cont.
Representative Margaret Heckler, Co-Chair
2312 Rayburn HOB
U.S. House of Representatives
WDC 20515
225-4335
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN"S CLUBS
Mary Singletary, President
1806 New Hampshire Ave., NW
WDC 20009
483-4880
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
Mary Meismer, President
1312 Massachusetts Ave, NW
WDC 20005
638-6050
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
please file all
under
April 5, 1982
OPL Thank memos
MEMORANDUM FOR EDWIN MEESE III
JAMES A. BAKER, III
MICHAEL DEAVER
A
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
Partners With People
THE PRESIDENT AND PEOPLE
To answer unfounded claims of a number of pundits that the
President does not care about the consequences of his policies
on people, I suggest we focus on the constraints of encumbency
on Ronald Reagan and consider an additional approach aimed at
increasing the opportunities for interaction between the Presi-
dent and average citizens in an "average" environment.
If we look at the past 15 months and use relative comparisons
rather than absolutes, the level of Presidential involvement with
people is significantly lower than before, which can subconsciously
reinforce claims he doesn't care. For as long as the President has
actively pursued public office, he has always been portrayed as a
populist and, while powerful in staged television appearances, his
campaigns have always been marked by a great deal of interaction
on a personal basis. The focus of his appeal and his approach has
rested on a "we" versus "them" -- "we" being the people and "them"
being faceless government. In order to score his smashing legisla-
tive victories and midwife the Reagan revolution, the President has
been forced to spend an inordinate amount of his time in Washing-
ton, D.C., the least populist town in America. In short, a man
whose very strength and appeal has flowed from a grassroots populist
heritage has been forced to abdicate his base. Have we succumbed
to the age-old trap that a President must be omnipresent in Wash-
ington if he is to govern effectively?
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Simply bringing a greater number of citizens into the Oval Office/
White House complex and/or adding a few more "color events" to the
Presidential travel schedule is not enough. A strategic plan,
2
whose objective is to return the President to his populist roots,
is needed. For example, it's easier for the President to visit
with disadvantaged young workers in the White House, but the impact
of his concern on the individuals is significantly less than were
he to make an actual on-site visit.
I propose we initiate a program whose sole design is to move the
President among people on a much more regular basis in the months
and years ahead. Rather than rely on more traditional fixed forums
(joint-sessions, fundraisers or conventions) for public appearances,
I suggest we create a mechanism which will provide us with size-
able "ad hoc" audiences under secure conditions. Audiences can be
configured to enable the President to provide both a formal address
or the more informal question and answer format. This concept can
be packaged to ensure successful introduction into any medium or
large-sized city, although its effectiveness is greater in environ-
ments where a Presidential visit is unique. In other words, cities
like Memphis, Jacksonville, San Antonio or Spokane might be chosen
over New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Philadelphia. Additionally,
this proposed concept will enable us to obtain an audience which
reflects the demographics of the area.
While not totally new, the concept reflects a more comprehensive
variation on the basic thrust of Ford's White House Conferences
and Carter's Town Hall Meetings.
PARTNERS WITH PEOPLE
The concept theme Partners With People contains the essence of the
Ronald Reagan message and serves as an "umbrella" for a number of
the Administration's current initiatives: New Federalism, Enterprise
Zones, Private Sector Initiatives, etc. The objective of the program
is to increase the interaction between President Reagan and people
to help each gain increased insight without the filtration effects
of the media, large organizational structures or impersonal communi-
cation.
The core of this program involves President Reagan out of Washington,
D.C. The President and his key policymakers (Cabinet/Agency heads
and White House Staff), who have the greatest impact on the specific
community interests, participate in a day-long session, which would
be tailored to suit the needs of the community. While the Partners
With People program would encompass an entire day, Presidential
participation would involve only one appearance before the assembled
audience, leaving the remainder of the day for travel and, more
importantly, the opportunity for Presidential involvement on a one-
for-one basis with key elements of the community. For example, were
a Partners With People conference held in Kansas, in addition to his
audience address, the President might choose to visit and lunch with
a working farm family, as well as visit a PSI demonstration project
or a small business firm employing the disadvantaged. This latter
3
group of events will enable the President to visually demonstrate
his empathy with and interest in people in an environment in which
the community can readily identify.
Complementing the travel portion of the program would be a Partners
With People in-town program for Washington, D.C. Looking to my pro-
jected OPL meetings for 1982, it is anticipated that they would be
geared a great deal more towards grassroots participation, since
the leadership components were serviced in 1981. Grassroots people
would be brought to the White House for a series of meetings and
briefings to include some time with the President. They would be
invited by community, including press, and receive a "Day with
the Administration" treatment.
A better understanding of the overall Partners With People concept
may be gained by an overview of a typical conference conducted out-
side Washington as follows:
The Planning Stage
Convenience of an Air Force One landing site is the only criteria
governing site selection. The choice of a city can be made on pure
geographics, on an issue concern or on a political rationale as a
result of the flexibility of the format. It should also be noted
that, although a host city is selected, the impact and the reach
of the program should be no less than statewide or regional.
Once a city is selected, a meeting is to be held in Washington with
a member of the Office of Public Liaison and representatives of
key national organizations who have local chapters in the host city.
This meeting develops national headquarters encouragement for local
chapter participation in the Host Committee, the ad hoc sponsorship
group in the community that will stage and fund the event. This
meeting occurs between four to six weeks prior to the visit date.
Shortly following this meeting, an Office of Public Liaison staff
member would visit the selected city and work with the community
leaders to develop the bipartisan Host Committee. The committee
would consist of as many leadership organizations in the community
as practical, i.e., Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, union locals,
Jaycees, Lions Club, Soroptomist. The benefit to the community
and involved organizations is obvious -- increased national exposure
and added civic enthusiasm. In return for their willingness to
underwrite the actual on-site costs of the visit, the Host Committee
member organizations would receive the full allocation of tickets
for the daily sessions.
Under this approach, the White House is removed from the actual
process of deciding which citizens will attend and which will not.
The Host Committee shoulders that decision through the allocation
of its tickets. It must be remembered that this will not guarantee
4
a 100% supportive audience, rather a cross section of the member-
ship profiles from the organizations that comprise the Host Committee.
By concentrating travel into areas where Presidential visits are
uncommon, the supportive and respectful component of the audience
is increased markedly.
This approach also provides a much broader base of public participa-
tion than by having just one local host; it provides grassroots
flavor while maintaining a measure more control than a first-come,
first-served general public basis.
A broader-based audience could be invited to the luncheon by expand-
ing the seats for the meal and providing additional ticket sales to
the general public.
Following the establishment of the Host Committee and a detailing
of their areas of issue interest, White House requests are then
forwarded to appropriate Cabinet/Agency heads and Administration
issue specialists, citing appropriate time of participation and
format (speech with questions and answers, panel, working breakfast,
reception, etc.).
The Pre-Event Stage
In the three weeks immediately preceding the event, several tele-
phone interviews are arranged between Administration spokesmen and
local radio and newspaper journalists. This information flow enables
us to begin to articulate Administration policy, particularly from
those areas which may not be specifically represented at the
Partners With People conference. It also helps create a greater
local awareness and puts additional focus on the upcoming event.
Approximately one week prior to the conference, an Administration
official would visit the area and provide an in-depth interview for
the local newspaper's Sunday edition immediately preceding the visit.
Other local anchormen interviews, talk show call-ins, cable tele-
vision appearances and the like can be scheduled.
I would make myself available on the local scene, as appropriate,
to assist in the final stages of implementation for the visit.
Event Format (Sample)
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Editorial Board Breakfast with key Administration
participants.
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
A.M. General Session to include speech by Adminis-
tration participants, each to be followed by an
audience question and answer portion.
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon to include expanded audience, if possible,
and keynoted by senior Administration representa-
tive in attendance (not an A.M. participant).
5
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
P.M. General Session to include panel discussion
by Administration participants, and possibly others
on topical issues of local interest. Also to in-
clude audience question and answer portion.
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Host Committee Reception and Local Press Avail-
ability.
NOTE: The President could speak at virtually anytime during the
morning or afternoon session. This, coupled with local "color"
event or two, would require approximately a half-day of the
President's time, exclusive of Air Force One flying time.
Additionally, the same format could be utilized with the Vice
President instead of the President. This would enable us to
have a broader reach for the Partners With People program, as
well as appeal to some of the smaller, more inaccessible cities
which could be reached with the DC-9 and not Air Force One.
Post-Event Impact
This saturation exposure will ensure coverage for at least 48 hours
following the event and is particularly true for newspaper coverage,
which will gradually display follow-up stories and local citizen's
involvement and recollections even beyond 48 hours.
A detailed follow-up plan for the President and all participants
is key. Prompt thank you's, gift acknowledgements, and issue follow-
up garner good additional exposure as well as help provide an even
more favorable after-glow of an Administration that cares about the
little person in our society.
As important as the actual participation is a responsiveness to the
concerns of the community. It will be very important to ensure that
the policy input obtained from each conference is channeled to the
proper Administration office for appropriate action and consideration.
A transcript of the entire conference will be very helpful in recap-
turing specifics of issue discussions.
IMPLEMENTATION
If this plan were to be implemented, it should be done as soon as
possible in order to put the maximum time distance between the
announcement and the fall elections. This will help soften any
partisan criticism that this is an electioneering ploy, although
we should recognize that it might be difficult to justify this
approach during the time period between Labor Day and the election.
To be successful, the program will require a great deal of inter-
governmental cooperation and, therefore, would need to be a priority
issue for the Administration. To do less, risks falling short and
6
inviting criticism that this is a gimmick and not a meaningful
effort to help people better understand the issue alternatives
faced by the Federal Government and themselves.
I consider a program of this general nature to be critical to the
success of the President's initiatives and would welcome the
opportunity to pursue the matter further with you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 8, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD DARMAN
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
SOTU As Per Staffing Memorandum 044142CS
I am suggesting a broad theme which I believe could serve as a
preamble to the President's SOTU message. The theme attempts to
illustrate the principles at the heart of the President's value
system and to share these philosophical principles with the public.
I suspect that some of the "mainstreet Americans who have
expressed confusion and disenchantment with our actions over
the past months have this concern, as much as anything, because
they do not fully understand the President's philosophical
framework for decision-making and why he is charting his current
path.
By starting at the lowest common philosophical denominator, the
President can shape the path on which he is travelling and force
people to judge his progress against a yardstick of his own making.
Additionally, such an approach will enable listeners to experience
the depth of his feelings for the freedom of the individual and
the importance of community: family, neighborhood, school, church,
etc.
THE THEME
Ronald Reagan understands better than any other political leader
that America is great because of (1) individual activities and
enterprise, and (2) a strong sense of community.
I propose that the President point out that the health of America
is based on a balance of these twin values, and that supply side
economics and the entire Economic Recovery Plan are basically
attempts to encourage individual economic enterprise. Similarly,
the President's support for private sector initiatives, revived
federalism, and other Administration social programs is part
of an attempt to foster a sense of community and the limitless
beneficial activities it can engender.
It can be shown that these principles -- individual enterprise
and community - are the essence of the American political tradi-
tion and, at the same time, are the core of the Reagan programs.
The President could strongly state that in foreign policy he is
implementing a revived defense program which will ensure that
- 2 -
America is never again held hostage. Domestically, the President
can underscore his commitment to work with the Congress to
assure that never again will American citizens be held hostage
to a bureaucratic, centralized government which preempts wealth,
resources and incentives. The President's record, of accomplish-
ments and vision for the future of America will flow well from
such a base.
THE SUB-THEMES
With the aforementioned structure for underpinnings, the Presi-
dent could then weave sub-themes throughout the address:
Keeping Promises
A Man of His Word
The President could point out that most of our economic and
social difficulties are the result of American government having
strayed from our traditions and first principles. The President
could point out that he has promised, and is delivering, a new
beginning, based on the old and tried principles of the Founding
Fathers.
The President could, of course, then turn to many specific
programs (i.e., budget, tax and regulatory relief), all of which
are designed to create incentives for individual and community-
oriented activities. The President can show his constancy and
his excellent record in keeping his campaign promises.
"I was not sent here to warm a seat in the Oval Office.
"A year ago, I promised a new beginning. With your help
and support, we have made good on much of that promise.
But a beginning is exactly that - the first of many steps
away from what has not worked, toward what can work if we
give it a chance. The economic problems we face have
rolled downhill with gathering force for half a century.
We have halted them in their tracks - but the path uphill
will be steep. I offer no panaceas, no painless, patented
formulas for wiping out inflation and unemployment. There
are no easy answers. But there are answers.
"Most of all, I will not accept the cynical premise that
what candidates offer, officeholders somehow find incon-
venient. A wise British statesman said that 'History
is apt to judge harshly those who sacrifice tomorrow for
today.' With your help, with the support of the American
people and the sustenance of Almighty God, we will live up
to our promise as well as our promises.
"Like every generation of Americans, we acknowledge the
problems, and we perceive the potential for better things.
Already, some of that potential is being realized. Tonight,
I can honestly state that we have turned a corner."
- 3 -
A Caring President
A Compassionate Administration
The President can show through this sub-theme that he is encourag-
ing individual and community activities through a number of social
programs, including immigration policy, voting rights, the main-
tenance of the integrity of the social security system, the
creation of the "50-States Project" and "Task Force on Legal
Equity for Women "and others. Of course, the most obvious examples
of the President's dedication to these twin concepts would be
private sector initiatives which directly fosters both, and the
President's revived federalism programs which are designed to
encourage both.
Throughout the speech, we should highlight the President's com-
passion and emphasize his realization that there are SO many
under-utilized human resources, especially the elderly, the
disabled, women and others who are able and willing to work.
Frankly, there are some constituencies that he must address in
his speech, including women, the elderly, blacks, labor and
small business, all of which have major concerns about the Presi-
dent's interest in their welfare. The type of example the Presi-
dent utilized regarding the hospitalized youngster conveys his
compassion and concern far more effectively than any amount of
rhetoric. The President could show that his is not an Admin-
istration run by and for the rich and powerful by showing his
policy of openness and outreach to all citizens.
"I want to speak to nine million Americans auto workers
standing in an unemployment line instead of an assembly
line, ambitious black men and women with no outlet for
their ambitions, teenagers condemned to street corners
because America's economy has yet to stretch to accommo-
date your desire to get ahead.
"I share your frustration, and, yes, your anger. More
than that, I am committed with all my strength to a
program that will force outward the walls that now
constrict our economy, that will staunch the flow of
capital away from the marketplace and return it once more
to grease the engine of a free economy."
A Man of Peace
Finally, the President must stress the peace initiative, which
will go to the concerns of many of these groups. The theme of
"Reagan the Peacemaker" complements the domestic theme of the
compassionate President.
"Tonight America is more secure in her freedom. Our defenses
are at last being bolstered, and our armed forces are receiving
their rightful due. But our strongest weapons have never been
our missiles or our aircraft carriers. Our most powerful
weapons are our ideas. Our most potent export is liberty:
liberty to worship as one sees fit, liberty to realize one's
dreams, liberty to be all that God intended."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 10, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES A. BAKER, III
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
FY 1983 Budget Process Observations
It is the responsibility of OPL to provide private sector constit-
uent views, develop consensus, and build coalitions in support of
the President. It is obvious to all that most constituencies
cannot be served programmatically by the government to the extent
they have been in the past. In the transition, those earlier given
the most help will tend to be most disappointed. In the FY 1983
budget process, as the debate over dollars progresses, it is also
most important that we tackle the intangibles -- symbols that
demonstrate that the President cares. Who said that the amount
of dollars was the only determinant of the level of caring?
Constituents are going to complain just as loudly if cut 35% rather
than 25%. Of course, the lower level of dollars makes a difference,
but also important is an understanding that the ultimate goal
is to improve individual quality of life. It's not the people
who have fallen from favor; rather the ineffective programs and
bloated bureaucracy. As we lower systems and programs, we need
to raise people -- and point to more efficient ways of helping
them!
In plotting a business or private sector strategy, two tracks
are followed once a strategic plan has been agreed upon. One
track is the "number crunch" effort or budgetary process. On
this track the dollars and cents are squeezed and traded to,
first, set milestones for guiding the process and, secondly, to
be adjusted to reflect strengths and weaknesses in implementing
the strategic plan.
The second track is the tactical planning track. This effort
monitors progress and provides anticipatory guidance for adjust-
ments to short term variations from the strategic plan. In
this Administration, I think one of the key strategic goals we
must have is to show the President's compassion, since we need
to raise people (provide recognition) as we lower programs.
- 2 -
Our goal for the next three years and beyond should be to spend
a great deal of time monitoring that second tract. I believe
all of us will admit we can improve on our first year.
While I'm somewhat reticent to suggest additional meetings, I
feel we need a tactical planning group -- not so much to argue
programs, but to determine how we can more readily demonstrate
that the President cares and that his efforts are directed
toward helping, not hurting, people.
The upcoming State of the Union address provides us with an
excellent focal point to begin a coordinated, not an ad hoc,
effort on this second track. We can develop themes and then
ensure that our budgetary process, as well as our tactical
process, reflects what the President wants to stress.
With the budgetary constraints of the coming year, I see the
aforementioned as essential unless we are willing to settle
for an increased polarization of constituencies.
I hope the budget process will result in 1982 and 1983 being
years which emphasize people as well as numbers.
P.S. 12/11/81 7:00 p.m.
Recent business coalition feedback recommends that the President
be sure to take more from business in the next round of budget
cuts! Additionally, and most important, in their view, is that
the President show compassion and lots of it. The rich guys
theme is killing us at the grassroots in the face of such high
unemployment. Bryce Harlow summed up the community's view when
he said, "If the President doesn't give us good doses of compas-
sion for the wage earner and unemployed, he might find he's
digging up rocks instead of gold."
CC: E. Meese
M. Deaver
D. Gergen
BCC: R. Darman
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 20, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD DARMAN
FROM:
ELIZABETH H. DOLE
SUBJECT:
SOTU Draft
One of the President's strongest leadership traits is his
vision and his ability to inspire others. The draft lacks
the highest levels of vision and inspiration exhibited in the
best of the President's earlier speeches.
On balance, the draft does not do justice to what I know to
be the President's real commitment to people as well as to
principles and concepts. It needs to be stressed that it is
not the people who have fallen from favor, rather the ineffec-
tiveness of programs and a bloated bureaucracy. As we lower
federal systems and programs, we need to raise people - and
point to more efficient ways of helping them.
In stressing people, the compassion theme should be introduced
wherever possible. The following is an example of a greater
weight being given to the concerns of the less fortunate:
"I want to speak to auto workers standing in an
unemployment line instead of an assembly line,
ambitious black men and women with no outlet for
their ambitions, teenagers condemned to street
corners because America's economy has yet to stretch
to accommodate your desire to get ahead.
"I share your frustration, your confusion and, yes,
your anger. More than that, I am committed with all
my strength to a program that will force outward the
walls that now constrict our economy, that will staunch
the flow of capital away from the marketplace and return
it once more to grease the engine of a free economy."
Note: Raising the unemployment issue may unnecessarily
highlight this difficult aspect.
The President should include a strong statement on his commit-
ment to keeping promises, for example:
- "Most of all, I will not accept the cynical premise that
what candidates offer, officeholders somehow find incon-
venient. We have made many promises; we have kept many
promises. We will make the journey together, remembering
the words of a wise British statesman who said that