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JGR/Endorsements by the President (2 of 4)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: JGR/Endorsements by the President
(2 of 4)
Box: 19
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request that Mrs. Reagan Appear on
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue Cover
Jim Rosebush denied a request from Simplicity Sewing that
Mrs. Reagan appear on the cover of their catalogue. In
exchange for her appearance, Simplicity would donate $10,000
to a charity designated by Mrs. Reagan, and permit her to
include a brief message inside the catalogue. Rosebush
denied the request on the ground that "the First Lady is
prohibited from endorsing community [sic - presumably should
be commercial] enterprises."
Simplicity's lobbyist has asked for reconsideration, noting
that the catalogue reaches over 9 million middle-American
women, that Mesdames Ford and Carter appeared on similar
publications, and that this proposal "can in no way be
compared to a previous incident involving alleged
improprieties utilizing the First Lady's appearance on a
Japanese Women's Magazine cover." Two Congressmen from
districts containing Simplicity operations, Mark Siljander
(R-Mich.) and Bill Green (R-N.Y.), have also written
Rosebush, asking that he permit Simplicity to respond to his
concerns. Rosebush has asked you if he was wrong to deny
the request.
I think Rosebush's denial was correct, assuming he meant to
object to having the First Lady appearing to endorse a
"commercial" and not "community" enterprise. As a general
policy, we do not approve the use of a photograph or
likeness of the First Lady in any manner that suggests or
could be construed as endorsement of a commercial product or
enterprise. In this case, her appearance on the Simplicity
catalogue cover could easily be construed as an endorsement
of Simplicity.
It is unclear from the incoming whether Rosebush wants
simply a vote of confidence or responses to Simplicity's
lobbyist and the Congressmen. I hesitate to respond
-2-
directly since Rosebush handled this matter himself in the
first instance. I have drafted a memorandum to him noting
that we agree with his decision and offering to respond to
his correspondents if he wishes.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES S. ROSEBUSH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request that Mrs. Reagan Appear on
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue Cover
We agree entirely with your decision not to approve the
request to have the First Lady appear on the cover of the
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue. As you know the White House
adheres to a policy of not approving the use of a photograph
or likeness of the President or First Lady in any manner
that suggests or could be construed as endorsement of a
commercial enterprise. Mrs. Reagan's appearance on the
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue could easily be construed as an
endorsement of the products advertised therein. (We assume
that in your letter to Mr. Chwat you meant to say "commercial
enterprises" rather than "community enterprises. ")
If you would like us to respond directly to Mr. Chwat and
Congressmen Siljander and Green, we would be happy to do so.
FFF: JGR:aw 5/23/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES S. ROSEBUSH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request that Mrs. Reagan Appear on
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue Cover
We agree entirely with your decision not to approve the
request to have the First Lady appear on the cover of the
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue. As you know the White House
adheres to a policy of not approving the use of a photograph
or likeness of the President or First Lady in any manner
that suggests or could be construed as endorsement of a
commercial enterprise. Mrs. Reagan's appearance on the
Simplicity Sewing Catalogue could easily be construed as an
endorsement of the products advertised therein. (We assume
that in your letter to Mr. Chwat you meant to say "commercial
enterprises" rather than "community enterprises. ")
If you would like us to respond directly to Mr. Chwat and
Congressmen Siljander and Green, we would be happy to do so.
FFF: JGR:aw 5/23/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
ID # 137677 CU
WHITE HOUSE
PR01412
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o . OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
John R.
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
Name of
Correspondent: / Jim / Rosebush /mark. D. Siljander
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
weigend
(B)
(C)
Subject: Request by Robert Simplicity Sewing books that
MRs. Reagan appear on cover of Simplicity
Sewing books.
Simplicity Pattern Company, Inc.)
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CU Holland
ORIGINATOR 83,05,10
/
/
Referral Note:
CUAT18
D
05,10
583,05,20
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
I . Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S For Signature
F * Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 9, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED FIELDING
FROM
JIM ROSEBUSH
SUBJECT
SIMPLICITY PATTERN Jam BOOK PHOTO
Never before have I seen such intense lobbying on an
issue like this. I turned down a request that Mrs.
Reagan appear on the cover of several Simplicity Sewing
books on the basis that it would be a very specific
endorsement of a commerical enterprise.
Was I wrong?
MARK D. SILJANDER
DISTRICT OFFICES:
4TH DISTRICT. MICHIGAN
815 MAIN STREET
SUITE 3A
COMMITTEE:
ST. JOSEPH. MICHIGAN 49085
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
(616) 982-0722
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
15788 WEST MICHIGAN AVENUE
137 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
THREE RIVERS. MICHIGAN 49093
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3761
Congress of the United States
(618) 279-7125
800-272-3413
ROBIN M. LUKETINA
GENERAL COUNSEL/CHIEF OF STAFF
house of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
137
May 5, 1983
James Rosebush
Deputy Assistant to the President
and Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Rosebush:
One of our constituents, Simplicity Pattern Company, Inc.
,
which has its major manufacturing facility in my District, has
submitted a proposal to your office to have a photograph of
First Lady Nancy Reagan appear on several of its publications,
including its Counter Catalog, which is distributed free
throughout the nation.
As a Member of the Michigan delegation, I recall the fact
that a photograph of former First Lady Betty Ford appeared on
the cover of the McCall's Counter Catalog during former President
Gerald Ford's term of office, and that appearance was widely
acclaimed by women and consumers across the United States. I
understand that your office declined Simplicity's offer due to
a feeling that it would be an endorsement of a "community
enterprise". However, given the former First Lady Betty Ford
precedent, please give reconsideration to the request, and perhaps
allow Simplicity to address your specific questions and concerns.
Sincerely yours,
Mark D. Siljander
Member of Congress
CHWAT/WEIGEND ASSOCIATES
CONGRESSIONAL & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
226 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE. N.E.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002
202/547-7100
May 6, 1983
James Rosebush, Deputy Assistant
to the President & Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Rosebush:
We appreciate your prompt consideration of the proposal
from Simplicity Pattern Company, Inc., and your reply letter
to us dated April 26, 1983. From the tone of your letter,
we have the impression that you would give more favorable
consideration to this proposal if it was not a community
enterprise. We would appreciate another discussion with
you regarding the extent of the White House community enter-
prise ruling, and modification of the Simplicity proposal
to eliminate any prohibited aspects.
The Simplicity proposal would allow the First Lady to
write a short "personal" message or "open letter" to millions
of women who sew. The Simplicity publications have a com-
bined circulation of 9.65 million, which is significantly
larger than the domestic circulation of Time Magazine (4.47
million), Newsweek (2.95 million) or the Wall Street Journal
(1.93 million). Moreover, the Simplicity publications are
directed to a single important constituency, namely women
from "middle-America". It is an ideal way to reach this
constituency and it would be clearly structured SO as to
not be any type of product endorsement. As you know, both
former First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalyn Carter have
appeared on similar publications.
Finally, we would not be adversed to merely utilizing
one of the First Lady's standard portrait photographs for
this purpose. Simplicity is making this project as a part
of National Sewing Month. Enclosed is President Reagan's
proclamation of last year regarding National Sewing Month,
and this year legislation is pending before both the Senate
and House to make National Sewing Month an annual occurrence.
We hope to discuss this proposal with you as soon as
possible.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Weigend
REW:clw
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF
A PROPOSAL TO FIRST LADY NANCY REAGAN BY
THE SIMPLICITY PATTERN CO.
NOT A "COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE"
The appearance of the First Lady on the cover of the
Simplicity Catalog is not a "community enterprise", nor a
commercial enterprise, but rather a request to have Nancy
Reagan detail in the Catalog (inside cover) the type of
charity she wants the donation of $10,000 to go towards.
It is a photo of the First Lady on the cover of the Catalog
that women across the country will recognize and support
an American industry in economic trouble.
CATALOG IS DISTRIBUTED FREE TO CONSUMERS
The Catalog is distributed free to over 15,000 retail
stores and seen by over 9 million women/consumers around
the country. These 9 million consumers do not pay for the
Catalog and this circulation is one of the largest in the
Country, some of the others being:
THE APPEARANCE CAN BE FEATURED AS A NEWS STORY
The First Lady's appearance can be tied to a news story
relating to the charity receiving the $10,000 gift or an
item of the First Ladies choice. This news story can run on
the cover of the Simplicity Magazine and Catalog, and is simi-
lar to Nancy Reagan's recent appearances on the cover of
People's Magazine and various other women's publications. A
feature news story, interview, or statement by the First Lady
can also be arranged to expand on the All-American Catalog
there.
DONATION TO CHARITY, A PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
If the First Lady chooses to donate to a drug awareness
campaign or other charity, perhaps a major nationwide public
relations campaign can be undertaken around this donation and
the course for which it is given by Simplicity. A message by
the First Lady to the 9 million consumers on this donation
would be supported by the company.
(2)
A PHOTOGRAPH IN LIEU OF A SEPARATE PHOTO SESSION
If a short photo session with the First Lady is unaccep-
table to the White House under any circumstances, the company
would ask for a photograph of the First Lady in lieu of the
five photo sessions. A stock White House photograph, similar
to the hundreds submitted each and everyday for media and
publicity purposes can be utilized by Simplicity for their
All-American Catalog theme.
THERE IS NO APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY
This photograph session can in no way be compared to a
previous incident involving alleged improprieties utilizing
the First Lady's appearance on a Japanese Women's Magazine
cover. There are no third parties in the White House
benefiting from the picture taking; it is a non commercial
enterprise for an American company; U.S. consumers would be
the targeted constituency and all around it can assist the
White House in 1984.
STATE THE UNITED
I
BO
ASEA
STATES
National Sewing Month
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Tens of millions of Americans sew at home. Their efforts demonstrate the
industry. the skill and the self-reliance which are so characteristic of this
Nation.
In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our economy the Congress
has, by Senate Joint Resolution 205, designated September, 1982, as National
Sewing Month.
NOW, THEREFORE. I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of
America. do hereby proclaim September, 1982, as National Sewing Month. I
call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropri-
ate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of
September. in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
seventh.
Ronald Reagon
MARK D SILJANDER
DISTRI CT OFFICES.
MOHGA
COMMITTEE
5T JOCEPH MICHIGAN 49061
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
15788 WEST MICHIGAN AVENUE
137 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUNDWS
THRIS PIVERS MICHISAN 48083
WASHINGTON :: 2019
1202 271
Congress of the United States
800-272-3413
ROBIN M LUKETINA
GENERAL COUNSEL/CHIEF OF STAFF
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
May 5, 1983
James Rosebush
Depty Assistant to the President
and Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Rosebush:
One of our constituents, Simplicity Pattern Company, Inc
which has its major manufacturing facility in my District, has
submitted a proposal to your office to have a photograph of
First Lady Nancy Reagan appear on several of its publications,
including its Counter Catalog, which is distributed free
throughout the nation.
As a Member of the Michigan delegation, I recall the fact
that a photograph of former First Lady Betty Ford appeared on
the cover of the McCall's Counter Catalog during former President
Gerald Ford's term of office, and that appearance was widely
acclaimed by women and consumers across the United States. I
understand that your office declined Simplicity's offer due to
a feeling that it would be an endorsement of a "community enterprise".
However, given the former First Lady Betty Ford precident, please
give reconsideration to the request, and perhaps allow Simplicity
to address your specific questions and concerns.
Sincerely yours,
Mark D. Siljander
Member of Congress
MDS/aeg
WASHINGTON OFFICE
1111 1. GREEN
1110 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE DUIL
1910 Discount. Hew York
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2430
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Congress of the United States
NEW YORK OFFICE:
SUBCOMMITTEED
GRAND CENTRAL POST OFFICE DUILD
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
110 EAST 45TH STREET
HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
House of Representatives
NEW York, NEW YORK 10017
(212) 020-4460
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, D.C. 20515
May 5, 1983
James Rosebush, Deputy Assistant
to the President and Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Rosebush:
I understand that on April 26, 1983, your office declined
the offer of Simplicity Pattern Company, Inc., located in my
Congressional District, to have First Lady Nancy Reagan appear
on the cover of three Simplicity publications.
I have reviewed the Simplicity proposal and understand that
it would allow the First Lady to give a personal message to over
9.6 million women who read these publications, and therefore,
it is an opportunity which I feel merits scrious consideration.
I would greatly appreciate your affording representatives of
Simplicity the opportunity to respond to whatever reservations
you may have concerning the proposal.
IL is my hope that you will reconsider this. Thank you For
your valuable time and attention.
Bill Then
Bill Green
Member of Congress
BG/ds
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1983
Dear Mr. Chwat:
Thank you for forwarding copies of your
Simplicity Publications.
After careful consideration I regret to
inform you that we must decline your invitation
to have Mrs. Reagan featured on the covers.
While it is hard to pass up your offer of
$10,000 for the Drug Abuse Program, the First
Lady is prohibited from endorsing community
enterprises, and this ruling obviously extends
to Simplicity Publications.
Thank you again for writing to me regarding
this opportunity.
Sincerely,
JSRnebush
Deputy Assistant to the
President
Mr. John S. Chwat
CHWAT/WEIGEND ASSOCIATES
226 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, D. C. 20002
CC: Virginia Knauer
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1983
Dear Mr. Chwat:
Thank you for forwarding copies of your
Simplicity Publications.
After careful consideration I regret to
inform you that we must decline your invitation
to have Mrs. Reagan featured on the covers.
While it is hard to pass up your offer of
$10,000 for the Drug Abuse Program, the First
Lady is prohibited from endorsing community
enterprises, and this ruling obviously extends
to Simplicity Publications.
Thank you again for writing to me regarding
this opportunity.
Sincerely,
JSRnebash
Deputy Assistant to the
President
Mr. John S. Chwat
CHWAT/WEIGEND ASSOCIATES
226 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, D. C. 20002
CC: Virginia Knauer
Memoto Si
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
ore
SUBJECT:
Ward L. Quaal Request for
Meeting with the President
Ward L. Quaal, apparently a personal friend of Mr. Deaver's,
met with the President on March 16 but, as he advised Deaver
in a letter two months later, did not have an opportunity to
discuss with the President the importance of the study of
American history. Quaal had hoped to brief the President on
a twelve-part television series on American history developed
by Walter Schwimmer. Quaal asks to bring Schwimmer in for a
meeting with the President to discuss the project.
The series seems to be simply a commercial television
production, and accordingly the President should not become
involved in it. The President could of course meet with
Schwimmer and Quaal to hear about their project, but frankly
I see little reason for such a meeting. The only reason
would be for Schwimmer and Quaal to obtain a Presidential
endorsement which would be inappropriate.
Our response to Deaver concerning this matter does not
exhibit the promptness for which our office is justly renown
because the item as it arrived from Deaver's office was
attached to other incoming material and, like the sister
city of Machu Picchu, has only recently been unearthed.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Letter to Mike Deaver Regarding Meeting With
the President and Walter Schwimmer to Discuss
a Series on History of the United States
Your office has asked for our views on the request from Ward
L. Quaal for a meeting with the President. The purpose of
the meeting would be for Mr. Quaal and Walter Schwimmer to
discuss with the President Schwimmer's proposed twelve-part
television series on the history of the United States.
Since Mr. Schwimmer's project is a commercial television
production, it would not, as a general matter, be appropriate
for the President to endorse the project or become involved
with it in any way. This being the case, I see little
purpose to be served by the meeting proposed by Mr. Quaal.
FFF:JGR:aw 7/13/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Letter to Mike Deaver Regarding Meeting With
the President and Walter Schwimmer to Discuss
a Series on History of the United States
Your office has asked for our views on the request from Ward
L. Quaal for a meeting with the President. The purpose of
the meeting would be for Mr. Quaal and Walter Schwimmer to
discuss with the President Schwimmer's proposed twelve-part
television series on the history of the United States.
Since Mr. Schwimmer's project is a commercial television
production, it would not, as a general matter, be appropriate
for the President to endorse the project or become involved
with it in any way. This being the case, I see little
purpose to be served by the meeting proposed by Mr. Quaal.
FFF:JGR:aw 7/13/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
ID #
152924
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
PR007
o OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
I INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Ward L. Quaal
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Letter to mike Deaver regarding
meeting w/the President and Walter
Schurmmer to discuss a series
on Historif of the United States
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CU Holland
WE
ORIGINATOR
83,07,06
/
/
CUAT18
Referral Note:
D
83/07/010 WE
583,07,75
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
Referral Note:
/ /
/
/
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
1 - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B - Non-Special Referral
S. Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
2F
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Fielding:
MKD would like your input on
the attached.
Thanks.
7/1 - attached to other
MKD request
re: Werner Gundlach
DONNA L. BLUME
The Ward L. Quaal Company
401 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 3140
152924a
Ward L. Quaal
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Bich
Telephone
President
312/644-6066
May 18, 1983
The Honorable Michael Deaver
this with 77
Deputy Chief of Staff
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear Mike:
Because of your thoughtful arrangements, I had the pleasure of a fine meeting
with the President on March 16th.
There were several key matters to discuss and one was urgent; namely, Radio
Marti. Our meeting was cut a bit "short" because a group of Congressmen,
visiting with the President on the budget, overstayed their timeframe. Even
though I had waited more than half an hour beyond my appointed time with
our great mutual friend, I did not want to add to the difficulty of his
demanding schedule, so I greatly shortened the time allotted to me.
When I was with the President on March 16th, Mike, we had not received the
report on the mediocrity of education in our beloved nation. However, I knew
of the report that was coming forth and I felt that the presentation that was
going to be made to the President by the bipartisan Federal commission would
underscore, in many ways, the tragedy of the inadequate educational effort in
our land.
As one truly proud to be an American and SO mighty grateful that Ronald Reagan
is our President in these critical times, I wanted to talk with him when at
The White House about the manner in which the educational process ignores,
almost totally, the history of our blessed land. Mike, it is a tragedy that
the young folks of today do not learn more in school about how we got here,
what we have become and what we mean to the world. We have here the greatest
nation on the face of the globe and each and every day even those who are our
"enemies" or who at least speak ill of us, view with envy our achievements and
above all else, the true freedom of those who have the good fortune to be
citizens of our nation.
Los Angeles, California 213/277-9399: 7141493-3316
The Honorable Michael Deaver
May 18, 1983
Page 2
When with the President, I had hoped to have the time to address myself to
an historical project conceived by the great Walter Schwimmer, the man, in
my opinion, who has the finest record of radio and television production of
any man in the history of our profession. Mike, Walter has come forth with
a twelve-part series on the "History of the United States". The plans are
truly tremendous, truly outstanding and offer us a way to present this
twelve-part series on television and then make tapes, as well as a written
record, available to every school in the United States.
The series, as proposed, takes the people of America through the difficult
early days to the present. The air presentation of this series will do more,
by far, than anything done to date to truly tell the people of America what
this nation is all about and why we stand as the beacon of freedom for all the
world to see. Mike, this series would help so very much to fill the void that
exists today in this important area of educating our young people. Con-
currently, it will be a reminder to those of us who are older how fortunate
we are to be Americans and to have a little role in this very special land
of ours.
Walter and I are not seeking one dollar of taxpayer support. This series, when
aired, will be presented by American advertisers for the people of America!
Mike, I am so excited about the potential for this great presentation, in
twelve showings, that I would like just a little bit of time, even ten minutes,
for Walter Schwimmer and me to meet with our great President and discuss this
briefly with him. As our great President, and, indeed, the finest Chief
Executive that this nation has had in modern history and as one who truly loves
this country, we would like to tell him, briefly, about what we have in mind.
By the way, Mike, he knows that I wanted to discuss this on March 16th but
there just was not the time.
Please be assured, Mike, that Walter and I will come to Washington at any time,
even on short notice, so that we can tell President Reagan the plans to date
and how we intend to implement them.
Warmest personal regards and thank you so much, Mike, for this and many other
courtesies and considerations.
Very sincerely,
word
Ward L. Quaal
WLQ:eal
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 9, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
ODR
SUBJECT:
"Honorary Citizenship Certificate"
From Kennesaw, Georgia
I could not discern from your jottings exactly what changes
you wanted made in this letter, so I simply tried another
version. I consider it important to disassociate the
President from the Kennesaw ordinance, which requires every
homeowner to own and maintain a firearm, particularly since
the honorary citizenship award asserts that the President
supports the ordinance.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 16, 1983
Dear Chief Ruble:
Thank you for your letter of March 22, 1983 to the President.
Along with that letter you transmitted a certificate stating
that the President concurs with the ordinance passed by
Kennesaw, Georgia concerning firearms, and making the
President an honorary citizen of Kennesaw. You also re-
quested a photograph of the President. In response to your
request, I am happy to enclose an autographed portrait of
the President.
While we are grateful for your loyal support of the President,
as evidenced by the grant of honorary citizenship, I must
advise you that it would not be appropriate for the President
to express a view, either pro or con, on the specific local
ordinance passed by Kennesaw. I trust you will understand
that this is in no way a reflection on you or the citizens
of Kennesaw.
Again, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Qrig. of signed by FFF
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Robert L. Ruble
Chief of Police
City of Kennesaw Police Department
2844 South Main Street
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Enclosure
FFF:JGR:ph 8/15/83
CC: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 9, 1983
Dear Chief Ruble:
Thank you for your letter of March 22, 1983 to the President.
Along with that letter you transmitted a certificate stating
that the President concurs with the ordinance passed by
Kennesaw, Georgia concerning firearms, and making the
President an honorary citizen of Kennesaw. You also re-
quested a photograph of the President. In response to your
request, I am happy to enclose an autographed portrait of
the President.
While we are grateful for your loyal support of the President,
as evidenced by the grant of honorary citizenship, I must
advise you that it would not be appropriate under the
circumstances for the President to express a view, either
pro or con, on the specific local ordinance passed by
Kennesaw. Accordingly, the President should not be repre-
sented as concurring in the Kennesaw firearms ordinance. I
trust you will understand that this is in no way a reflec-
tion on you or the citizens of Kennesaw.
Again, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Robert L. Ruble
Chief of Police
City of Kennesaw Police Department
2844 South Main Street
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Enclosure
FFF: JGR:aw 8/9/83
CC: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chror
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
"Honorary Citizenship Certificate"
From Kennesaw, Georgia
Robert L. Ruble, Chief of Police of Kennesaw, Georgia, has
sent the President a certificate stating that the President
concurs with the Kennesaw firearms ordinance and accordingly
has been made an honorary citizen of Kennesaw. You may
recall that the ordinance in question requires every head of
a household in Kennesaw to own and maintain a firearm in
his home. Chief Ruble states that this has reduced crime.
The chief describes himself as a loyal supporter, encloses a
photograph of himself exercising his rights under the Second
Amendment, and requests an autographed photograph of the
President.
Our response to Ruble must disavow the assertion that the
President supports the Kennesaw ordinance, and instruct
Ruble not to make any representations on that score. I
think the best way to do this would be to thank Ruble for
the honorary citizenship but note that the President
generally avoids becomming involved in local questions. I
see no objection to sending Ruble a non-personalized auto-
graphed photograph of the President.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1983
Dear Chief Ruble:
Thank you for your letter of March 22, 1983 to the President.
Along with that letter you transmitted a certificate stating
that the President concurs with the ordinance passed by
Kennesaw, Georgia concerning firearms, and making the
President an honorary citizen of Kennesaw.
While we are grateful for your loyal support of the President,
as evidenced by the grant of honorary citizenship, I must
advise you that the President generally avoids becomming
involved in particular questions of local law. This policy
is based not only on the excessive demands becomming familiar
with specific local ordinances and issues across the country
would place on the President, but also on the dictates of
our system of federalism. Accordingly, the President should
not be represented as concurring in the Kennesaw firearms
ordinance. I trust you will understand that this is based
on our general policy of not taking official positions on
local questions and is in no way a reflection on you or the
citizens of Kennesaw.
In response to your request, I am happy to enclose an
autographed portrait of the President.
Again, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Robert L. Ruble
Chief of Police
City of Kennesaw Police Department
2844 South Main Street
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Enclosure
FFF: JGR:aw 5/6/83
CC: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chror
ID #.
138665 CU
WHITE HOUSE
PP009
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o . OUTGOING
H - INTERNAL
I . INCOMING
Roberts
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Robert L. Ruble
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: "Honorary Citizenship Certificate" from
kennesaw Georgia
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CNHOIL CN
ORIGINATOR 83,04.27
/
/
Referral Note:
WATIB
2 83,04127
5 83,05,06 S
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/ /
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
I
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A . Appropriate Action
I . Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C . Comment/Recommendation
R - Direct Reply w/Copy
B - - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S For Signature
F - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
Robert L. Ruble
Chief of Police
NATIONAL
City of Kennesaw
KENNESAW
of
CHIEFS
POLICE
Police Department
POLICE
OF
GA.
03-22-83
Ronald Reagan
13865cu
President of the United States
3600 Pennsylvania Ave.
washington, D.C. 20020
Dear President Reagan,
It gives me great pleasure to bestow upon you this "Honorary Citizen-
ship Certificate" from the City of Kennesaw, Georgia, because of your pro-
gun stand on firearm legislation.
I am further enclosing a copy of the photo, that made headlines around
the world.
It might interest you to know, that our stand and our law requiring every
head of household to own and maintain a firearm in their home resulted in a
74% decrease in crimes against persons in our Community. The anti-gun city
of Morton Grove, Ill. revealed a 4% decrease in crime. As a chief of Police
my main function is to reduce crime so that our citizens may walk the streets
without fear. I feel, that I have helped in some small way to make not only
my city, but our Country a safer place to live.
I am one of your loyal supporters and hope that you will continue to do
the fine job that you are now doing.
I would appreciate a photo of you, Mr. President, which will be framed
and hung in a place of honor in my office.
Sincerely and with respect,
RobertS Ruble
Robert L. Ruble
chief of Police
CELL VERAL* 2
Honorary
Kennesaw
xxxx
****
Citizen
the
corgia
APRIL 12.1862
of
(EIG SHANTY
U.S.A.
// This is to certify that PRESIDENT, RONALD REAGAN concurs with the new
Ordinance passed by the town of Kennesaw based on Article I
of the Amendments of the Constitution, that the right of the
people to bear arms shall not be infringed PRESIDENT, RONALD REAGAN is
hereby granted Honorary Citizenship to Kennesaw, Georgia.
Number: 0382
Signed: Chief of Police Robert of Ruble
Date: MARCH 22, 1983
City Mayor Council Jerry Wonhan
Darvin R. Purdy
PROCEEDS from HONORARY Citizenship CERTIFICATES WILL GO TO: FIRE ARM SAFETY
Gaman Stephmson Coker Malons
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
You will recall that after determining that the proceeds
from Joey Adams' forthcoming book on humor would go to the
Actors Youth Fund, we advised Kathleen Osborne that our
office would have no objection to the President writing a
brief foreword to the book, pursuant to Mr. Adams' request
and the President's expressed desire to comply with that
request. Since I had contacted him in the course of
reaching the foregoing conclusion, Adams sent a draft of the
book to me and indicated that he wanted me to be his only
point of contact in connection with the project. I
recommend sending the book to Osborne for either routing to
the speechwriters or special messages or the President's own
drafting of a brief message.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
On August 18, I advised you that our office had no objection
to the President complying with Joey Adams' request that he
write a brief foreward to Adams' forthcoming book on humor,
the proceeds of which are to go to the Actors Youth Fund.
Adams has now sent our office a draft of the book to
facilitate preparation of the foreword. I am sending the
draft to you so that it may be routed as appropriate to
whomever will be working on this project. As I indicated in
my earlier memorandum, our office should review a draft of
the proposed foreword.
Attachment
FFF: JGR:aea 9/7/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
On August 18, I advised you that our office had no objection
to the President complying with Joey Adams' request that he
write a brief foreward to Adams' forthcoming book on humor,
the proceeds of which are to go to the Actors Youth Fund.
Adams has now sent our office a draft of the book to
facilitate preparation of the foreword. I am sending the
draft to you so that it may be routed as appropriate to
whomever will be working on this project. As I indicated in
my earlier memorandum, our office should review a draft of
the proposed foreword.
Attachment
FFF: JGR:aea 9/7/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1983
FOR:
FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
232
SUBJECT:
Request from Joey Adams that the
President Write Foreword to His New Book
You will recall that Joey Adams, President of The Actors
Youth Fund and a close friend of the President's, wrote the
President to ask him to write a foreword to Laugh Yourself
Well, a new book on the uses of humor being written by
Adams. We advised Kathy Osborne that the President should
not become involved in such a commercial venture, and
prepared a letter to Adams to that effect. Osborne replied
that the President would like to make an exception if Adams
were doing the book for the benefit of The Actors Youth
Fund. There were no indications from Adams' correspondence
that this was the case, but, at your request, I placed a
call to him. He was out of the country and only returned my
call today.
I told Adams that as a matter of policy the President
avoided involvement in commercial ventures, and Adams stated
that all the money would go to The Actors Youth Fund. While
we typically avoid endorsing charitable projects as well as
commercial ventures, the problems are less severe and
exceptions have been made. In light of the President's
expressed desire to write the foreword, and Mr. Adams'
assertion that proceeds from the book will go for charitable
purposes, I see no objection to an exception in this case.
A proposed memorandum to Osborne is attached for your review
and signature.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request that President Write Foreword
You will recall that Joey Adams, President of The Actors
Youth Fund, asked the President to write a foreword to his
new book on the uses of humor. We advised that it would be
inappropriate for the President to do so, in light of the
White House policy of avoiding involvement in commercial
ventures. The President thereupon inquired if Adams were
doing the book for the benefit of The Actors Youth Fund.
Mr. Adams has been out of the country, and only recently has
been able to return our calls. He has now indicated that
all of the proceeds of the book will in fact go to The
Actors Youth Fund. Accordingly, we have no objection to the
President writing a brief foreword to Mr. Adams' book,
should he desire to do SO. Our office, however, should
review a draft of the proposed foreword.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request that President Write Foreword
You will recall that Joey Adams, President of The Actors
Youth Fund, asked the President to write a foreword to his
new book on the uses of humor. We advised that it would be
inappropriate for the President to do 50, in light of the
White House policy of avoiding involvement in commercial
ventures. The President thereupon inquired if Adams were
doing the book for the benefit of The Actors Youth Fund.
Mr. Adams has been out of the country, and only recently has
been able to return our calls. He has now indicated that
all of the proceeds of the book will in fact go to The
Actors Youth Fund. Accordingly, WE have no objection to the
President writing a brief foreword to Mr. Adams' book,
should he desire to do SO. Our office, however, should
review a draft of the proposed foreword.
FFF:JGR:ph 8/18/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subject
Chron.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
??
On June 24, Joey Adams asked the President to write a
foreword to Adams' forthcoming book on humor. On July 12,
we advised Kathy Osborne that such a foreword would
contravene our policy of avoiding Presidential involvement
in commercial enterprises, and submitted a draft letter to
that effect to be sent to Adams. On July 21, Osborne
replied that the President would like to make an exception
to the policy if the proceeds were going to Adams'
charitable organization, The Actors Youth Fund. I contacted
Adams, who stated that all the proceeds would go to the
Fund. On August 18, we so advised Osborne, and noted that
we had no objection to the President authoring a foreword
should he desire to do SO. (N.B. - This is in fact an
exception to the policy noted above, rather than outside its
luby
scope, since the fact that the proceeds are going to a
charity does not alter the commercial nature of the book
itself, which will be publicly marketed.) Adams sent us a
draft of the book, which we sent on to Osborne on
September 7. Osborne forwarded it to Charley Shepherd for
drafting of a foreword.
After reading the "book," Shepherd advised Osborne that in
his view the President should not write a foreword.
Shepherd cited several objectionable jokes and described the
book as "sleazy, tacky and tawdry.' Osborne now asks for
your thoughts, noting she "tends to agree" with Shepherd.
The book is really not as advertised by Adams, but rather a
collection of often tasteless Henny Youngman - Don Rickles -
Rodney Dangerfield one-liners. I agree that it would be
inadvisable for the President to author a foreword to this
work. The problem is that Adams, who, by the President's
own account, has known the President "for many, many years,"
now fully expects a foreword, because he has agreed to
donate all proceeds to The Actors Youth Fund. I have taken
a stab at a very difficult letter, and a memorandum to
Osborne.
+ did a good job,
Attachments
Pls see suggetted deeps in
9/14
does at the will it
we
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
children be this no
see
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
same ratter tasteles.
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
We have reviewed the copy of the book submitted by Joey
Adams, and agree with Charley Shepherd that it would be
inappropriate for the President to write a foreword for this
particular book. Adams advised us that the book would be
one on the uses of humor; in fact, it appears to be little
more than a collection of one-liners ) If you approve, I
will send the attached draft A of you then it will be a public
with the Pendit, 9 will disaus in with him a Miter
CC Dearn.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
Dear Mr. Adams:
Some time ago you requested that the President write a brief
foreword to a book you were writing on the uses of humor.
We routinely decline such requests, however meritorious, on
the basis of established White House policy of avoiding any
involvement by the President in commercial endeavors. You
advised our office, however, that all the proceeds of the
book were to be donated to The Actors Youth Fund, and sent a
draft of the book for our consideration.
The fact that the proceeds of the book will inure to the
benefit of a worthy charity does not in itself alter the
nature of the project as a commercial endeavor, since the
book will still be marketed and sold. While rare exceptions
are made, as a matter of policy we generally avoid
Presidential endorsement of or association with specific
charitable efforts. Since the President receives countless
requests to support specific charities, and obviously cannot
accept them all, fairness dictates that he generally adhere
to a policy of declining such requests
& wish & bad a good "claim line
to grawpelly advise you of
In light of your long association with the President, and item, Gt all
the laudable work of your charity, we carefully reviewed can say
is
your book to determine if there were some basis on which we
could grant your request. I am sorry to have to advise you
that we cannot do so. Please understand that our inability
to approve a foreword by the President is in no way an
adverse reflection on you or The Actors Youth Fund.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Joey Adams
The Actors Youth Fund
160 West 46th Street
Room 402-A
New York, NY 10036
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
We have reviewed the copy of the book submitted by Joey
Adams, and agree with Charley Shepherd that it would be
inappropriate for the President to write a foreword for this
particular book. Adams advised us that the book would be
one on the uses of humor; in fact, it appears to be little
more than a collection of one-liners, some rather tasteless.
If you approve, I will send the attached draft, which does
not really address the problem we see, but turns it off. If
you think it will be a problem with the President, I will
disucss it with him or Mike.
CC: Michael K. Deaver
Attachment
FFF:JGR:aea 9/16/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1983
Dear Mr. Adams:
Some time ago you requested that the President write a brief
foreword to a book you were writing on the uses of humor.
We routinely decline such requests, however meritorious, on
the basis of established White House policy of avoiding any
involvement by the President in commercial endeavors. You
advised our office, however, that all the proceeds of the
book were to be donated to The Actors Youth Fund, and sent a
draft of the book for our consideration.
The fact that the proceeds of the book will inure to the
benefit of a worthy charity does not in itself alter the
nature of the project as a commercial endeavor, since the
book will still be marketed and sold. While rare exceptions
are made, as a matter of policy we generally avoid
Presidential endorsement of or association with specific
charitable efforts. Since the President receives countless
requests to support specific charities, and obviously cannot
accept them all, fairness dictates that he generally adhere
to a policy of declining such requests.
In light of your long association with the President, and
the laudable work of your charity, we carefully reviewed
your book to determine if there were some basis on which we
could grant your request. I am sorry to have to advise you
that we cannot do SO. I wish I had a good "closing line" to
gracefully advise you of this, but all I can say is please
understand that our inability to approve a foreword by the
President is in no way an adverse reflection on you or The
Actors Youth Fund.
Sincerely,
Orig. signed by FFF
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Joey Adams
The Actors Youth Fund
160 West 46th Street
Room 402-A
New York, NY 10036
FFF: JGR:aea 9/16/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
We have reviewed the copy of the book submitted by Joey
Adams, and agree with Charley Shepherd that it would be
inappropriate for the President to write a foreword for this
particular book. Adams advised us that the book would be
one on the uses of humor; in fact, it appears to be little
more than a collection of one-liners, some rather tasteless.
If you approve, I will send the attached draft, which does
not really address the problem we see, but turns it off. If
you think it will be a problem with the President, I will
disucss it with him or Mike.
CC: Michael K. Deaver
Attachment
FFF: JGR:aea 9/16/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1983
Dear Mr. Adams:
Some time ago you requested that the President write a brief
foreword to a book you were writing on the uses of humor.
We routinely decline such requests, however meritorious, on
the basis of established White House policy of avoiding any
involvement by the President in commercial endeavors. You
advised our office, however, that all the proceeds of the
book were to be donated to The Actors Youth Fund, and sent a
draft of the book for our consideration.
The fact that the proceeds of the book will inure to the
benefit of a worthy charity does not in itself alter the
nature of the project as a commercial endeavor, since the
book will still be marketed and sold. While rare exceptions
are made, as a matter of policy we generally avoid
Presidential endorsement of or association with specific
charitable efforts. Since the President receives countless
requests to support specific charities, and obviously cannot
accept them all, fairness dictates that he generally adhere
to a policy of declining such requests.
In light of your long association with the President, and
the laudable work of your charity, we carefully reviewed
your book to determine if there were some basis on which we
could grant your request. I am sorry to have to advise you
that we cannot do SO. I wish I had a good "closing line" to
gracefully advise you of this, but all I can say is please
understand that our inability to approve a foreword by the
President is in no way an adverse reflection on you or The
Actors Youth Fund.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Joey Adams
The Actors Youth Fund
160 West 46th Street
Room 402-A
New York, NY 10036
FFF:JGR:aea 9/16/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chror
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
On June 24, Joey Adams asked the President to write a
foreword to Adams' forthcoming book on humor. On July 12,
we advised Kathy Osborne that such a foreword would
contravene our policy of avoiding Presidential involvement
in commercial enterprises, and submitted a draft letter to
that effect to be sent to Adams. On July 21, Osborne
replied that the President would like to make an exception
to the policy if the proceeds were going to Adams'
charitable organization, The Actors Youth Fund. I contacted
Adams, who stated that all the proceeds would go to the
Fund. On August 18, we so advised Osborne, and noted that
we had no objection to the President authoring a foreword
should he desire to do SO. (N.B. - This is in fact an
exception to the policy noted above, rather than outside its
scope, since the fact that the proceeds are going to a
charity does not alter the commercial nature of the book
itself, which will be publicly marketed.) Adams sent us a
draft of the book, which we sent on to Osborne on
September 7. Osborne forwarded it to Charley Shepherd for
drafting of a foreword.
After reading the "book," Shepherd advised Osborne that in
his view the President should not write a foreword.
Shepherd cited several objectionable jokes and described the
book as "sleazy, tacky and tawdry. Osborne now asks for
your thoughts, noting she "tends to agree" with Shepherd.
The book is really not as advertised by Adams, but rather a
collection of often tasteless Henny Youngman - Don Rickles -
Rodney Dangerfield one-liners. I agree that it would be
inadvisable for the President to author a foreword to this
work. The problem is that Adams, who, by the President's
own account, has known the President "for many, many years,"
now fully expects a foreword, because he has agreed to
donate all proceeds to The Actors Youth Fund. I have taken
a stab at a very difficult letter, and a memorandum to
Osborne.
Attachments
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHLEEN OSBORNE
PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Joey Adams Foreword
We have reviewed the copy of the book submitted by Joey
Adams, and agree with Charley Shepherd that it would be
inappropriate for the President to write a foreword for this
particular book. Adams advised us that the book would be
one on the uses of humor; in fact, it appears to be little
more than a collection of one-liners. If you approve, I
will send the attached draft.
Attachment
FFF: JGR:aea 9/14/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1983
Dear Mr. Adams:
Some time ago you requested that the President write a brief
foreword to a book you were writing on the uses of humor.
We routinely decline such requests, however meritorious, on
the basis of established White House policy of avoiding any
involvement by the President in commercial endeavors. You
advised our office, however, that all the proceeds of the
book were to be donated to The Actors Youth Fund, and sent a
draft of the book for our consideration.
The fact that the proceeds of the book will inure to the
benefit of a worthy charity does not in itself alter the
nature of the project as a commercial endeavor, since the
book will still be marketed and sold. While rare exceptions
are made, as a matter of policy we generally avoid
Presidential endorsement of or association with specific
charitable efforts. Since the President receives countless
requests to support specific charities, and obviously cannot
accept them all, fairness dictates that he generally adhere
to a policy of declining such requests.
In light of your long association with the President, and
the laudable work of your charity, we carefully reviewed
your book to determine if there were some basis on which we
could grant your request. I am sorry to have to advise you
that we cannot do so. Please understand that our inability
to approve a foreword by the President is in no way an
adverse reflection on you or The Actors Youth Fund.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Joey Adams
The Actors Youth Fund
160 West 46th Street
Room 402-A
New York, NY 10036
FFF: JGR:aea 9/14/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj./Chron
149840
WHITE HOUSE
0 . OUTGOING
H . INTERNAL
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET John
I * INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Charley Shepherd
MI Mail Report
Subject: ConcuRRewith Fielding that President Should not
by Charley Shepherk
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
write foreward For book by Joey adams to benefit
the actois youth Fund (memo to Kathy Osborne)
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
WHOII
ORIGINATOR 83/09/13
/
/
Referral Note:
CUATIB
D 83/09/13
continuing corresp.
583,09,23
Referral Note:
/
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/
/
Referral Note:
/
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Referral Note:
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Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C . Comment/Recommendation
R. Direct Reply w/Copy
B . Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S For Signature
F - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments: Sep 7 83 FFF memo to Kathleen
Osborne attached
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
Kathy Osborne
FROM:
Charley Shepherd
DATE:
September 12, 1983
RE:
Request that President Write Foreward
I read the book which Joey Adams has written to benefit the Actors Youth Fund in
preparation for writing a foreward for the President. After reading this material,
I strongly recommend that we let Fred Fielding's July 12, 1983 rejection stand.
Anne Higgins concurs.
Despite the non-commercial purpose of this book, I don't believe that the President
should be associated with it for the following reasons:
The book has an overall ambience of sleazy, tacky and tawdry.
Many worthy projects requesting the President's assistance in
fund-raising activities are turned down. (I believe that Counsel's
Office did a memo on this at one time.)
On page 9, the following "definition" appears. I find it totally
objectionable and I interpret it as a completely derogatory remark,
containing no humor whatsoever:
"CONSERVATIVE: He's not really a conservative -- the word is
retarded.
I don't think that is funny. I don't believe the President would
think that is funny. I also don't think that the conservatives
who helped to elect the President would think that is funny.
Also, there is something very wrong with a so-called "joke" which
uses the word "retarded." Retardation is a tragic medical problem
which affects tens of thousands of American families. They might
not think it is funny, either.
On pages 46 and 47, there are two "jokes" which I have marked with
pencil checks. They are not only derogatory to the President but also
to Mrs. Reagan. They are very snotty "jokes."
I understand the President's wish to help this charity however, the Joey Adams book
seems to be a very unsavory vehicle. Also, if the President does this, it will
put him in a very bad position when we have to turn down other requests for very
worthy causes. Surely, there may be another way to help this group -- perhaps a
Presidential message for a benefit performance.