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Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. form
[Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (1 page)
01/00/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Staff Secretary
Todd Stern
OA/Box Number: 7693
FOLDER TITLE:
Chron Files January 1-6, 1996 [1]
2019-0774-S
rs3301
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(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
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
S-pls. =
send cash to
Elena
w/mg Kagan note.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
DATE: )- Y
TO:
E learn
FROM: Staff Secretary
54%
Document No. 145761
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1-4
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
1-5
SUBJECT:
PRODUCT LIABILITY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
McCURRY
PANETTA
McGINTY
McLARTY
NASH
ICKES
QUINN
BOWLES
RASCO
RIVLIN
SOSNIK
BAER
STEPHANOPOULOS
CURRY
STIGLITZ
EMANUEL
STREETT
GIBBONS
TYSON
GRIFFIN
WALLEY
HALE
WILLIAMS
HERMAN
HIGGINS
KLAIN
LAKE
LINDSEY
REMARKS:
Please advise if you have any
RESPONSE:
comment.
Staff Secretary
Ext. 6-2702
January 4, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
96 JAN 4 P 2 : 32
FROM: Bruce R. Lindsey
RE: Products Liability Reform
As you may know, products liability reform legislation is
currently in conference. As with securities litigation reform,
you are again caught between a good friend and supporter in
Senator Rockefeller, who is the main sponsor of the legislation,
and a number of Democratic constituencies -- labor, consumer
groups, trial lawyers -- who are strongly opposed. Unlike
securities litigation reform, most Democrats in Congress oppose
the legislation. In the House, a broader tort reform bill passed
265 to 161; and in the Senate, the Rockefeller/Gorton bill passed
61 to 37.
Substantively, we have a greater philosophical disagreement
with products liability reform -- federalism; but fewer specific
disagreements. The Senate bill would:
-- Limit punitive damages in products liability cases to
two times compensatory damages, or $250,000, whichever is
greater, but allow judges to increase the award in certain
egregious cases. In the case of small businesses with fewer than
25 employees and individual defendants with a net worth of less
than $500,000, punitive damages would be limited to the lesser of
twice compensatory damages or $250,000.
-- Eliminate joint and several liability for noneconomic
damages, i.e., pain and suffering.
-- Make retailers and wholesalers liable only if they were
themselves negligent.
-- Require that compensatory damages be reduced by the
amount a defendant receives from collateral sources, such as
insurance or workers' compensation.
-- Establish a statute of repose that would prohibit suits
involving products that were 20 years old.
-- Establish a statute of limitations that would require
plaintiffs to file suits within two years after discovering they
were harmed.
OMB's April 25, 1995 Statement of Administration Policy
indicated that we opposed an arbitrary ceiling on the amount of
punitive damages that may be awarded in a products liability
lawsuit and the abolishment of joint-and-several liability for
noneconomic damages. Senators Rockefeller and Gorton, working
with John Schmidt and Frank Hunger, attempted to address the
"cap" issue by allowing the judge to increase a punitive damage
award in some cases. The bill that passed the Senate, however,
would allow a defendant who is unhappy with the judge's additur
to obtain a new trial on the punitive damages issue. Senator
Rockefeller has promised to "correct" this in conference. In
addition, Senator Rockefeller has indicated a willingness to
reduce the statute of repose from 20 to 17 years and to extend
the limitation on punitive damages to certain charitable
organization. No Senator offered an amendment to change the
joint and several provision and Senator Rockefeller has not
indicated a willingness to delete the limitation on joint and
several liability in conference.
In their discussions with Senators Rockefeller and Gorton,
John and Frank have made it clear that they are not speaking for
the Administration. Nevertheless, Senator Rockefeller believes
--- based in part on a conversation with you -- that if his bill
emerges from conference, you will sign it. He has also stated
publicly that he would expect you to veto any bill that went
beyond his. As with securities litigation reform, if the Senate
bill is substantially adopted by the conference, the House, as
the price for going along, will probably be allowed to write the
Statement of Managers, thereby putting a troublesome "spin" on
ambiguous provisions, such as the judicial additur provision.
After passage of the Senate bill, the White House issued the
following statement:
The Senate-passed product liability bill is a clear
improvement on the extreme legal reform measures passed by
the House. Unfortunately, the legislation in its present
form does not go far enough toward balancing the interests
of consumers with those of manufacturers and sellers.
The Senate approach on punitive damages is an improvement on
an absolute cap, but it still has flaws. Moreover, the
Administration has consistently made clear its opposition to
the provision that would make it harder for injured
consumers to recover their full damages in cases involving
more than one culpable defendant.
President Clinton supports balanced legal reform and will
work with a House-Senate conference to address these and
other concerns.
Our "official" statements to date have not emphasized the
issue of federalism, although you have expressed this concern in
the past. For example, you told the ABA in 1992: "As a general
matter, I believe that legal reform should be enacted in the
laboratories of the states, rather than at the federal level."
You expressed similar thoughts to the newspaper editors in Dallas
in April, 1995. Pam Leopakis, the President of ATLA, reports
that during a conversation with her and Senator Kennedy at a
Kennedy fundraiser in April, 1995, you ridiculed House
Republicans on the federalism issue, saying "I get it, we should
devolve everything to the states, no unfunded mandates, block
grant everything, etc., but we should take over the civil justice
systems of the states." When Senator Kennedy called tort reform
"outrageous," you supposedly said "I'm with you." Our statements
have said that the Administration would support "the enactment of
limited, but meaningful, product liability reform at the Federal
level,' as long as it "fairly balance[s] the interests of
consumers with those of manufacturers and sellers" and
"respect[s] the important role of the States in our federal
system."
The basic argument in favor of federal products liability
legislation is that it will promote uniformity, and thus
predictability. John Schmidt has been quoted in the Wall Street
Journal as saying that product liability "is the one area where
there is a real case for federal action," and in the New York
Times as saying "We need some [federal] standards in this field.
After all, these products are sold in a national market.' While
it is true that certain provisions of the bills -- the statutes
of limitations and repose, exclusion of joint and several
liability for non-economic damages, the cap on punitive damages -
- will provide some degree of uniformity in products liability
cases, most lawsuits will remain in state courts, with state
court procedural and evidentiary rules and state court judges
interpreting the statute. Thus, in a broader sense, the
legislation will not achieve its stated goal of uniformity, while
nevertheless sacrificing state preeminence in this area of the
common law. Opponents of the legislation also point out that the
uniformity is "one-way uniformity." Thus, (1) the legislation
"caps" punitive damages, but does not make punitive damages
available in states that do not have them nor does it preempt
states that provide for lower caps; (2) the bill's statute of
repose preempts only those states that do not have a statute of
repose or that provide for longer periods; and (3) the bill
mandates to the states federal "comparative negligence" whereby
awards are reduced by a percentage equal to the plaintiff's own
fault, unless a state has a "contributory negligence" standard
whereby all damages are barred by any plaintiff fault.
It is unclear how long the conference will take or whether
the differences in the Senate and House approaches can be
resolved. In order to avoid a repeat of the criticism for last
minute decision-making we received after you vetoed the
securities litigation reform bill, we should decide sooner rather
than later what our position is. If possible, we should make our
objections broad-based, rather than overly technical, and we
should make certain that our position is well understood by our
friends, including Senator Rockefeller.
At your convenience, we should probably meet to discuss.
out-
CC: Tyson
Spealing George
Leon
Hanold
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
From: RBR Boy
96 JAN 5 P1:34
Date: January 4, 1996
RE: Corporate responsibility
As share prices soar while median wages continue to stagnate and
pink slips proliferate, the issue of corporate responsibility to employees
and communities looms larger. However the budget negotiations end,
the federal government will likely have a more modest role
safeguarding the economic security of Americans in coming years --
precisely at a time when the majority of our people are having difficulty
battling the headwinds of technological change and global competition.
I agree with D.M. that your economic message should be upbeat:
You should emphasize that the first part of our economic strategy to
create 8 million new jobs and to get control over the federal budget
deficit - has succeeded. But I think it also important to talk about the
challenge ahead, the second phase of the strategy, for which the
groundwork has been laid: lifting median wages and benefits. This
second phase includes education and training, the EITC and a
minimum wage increase, of course. But it has another component:
Ensuring that employees and communities win when corporations win.
The presumed purpose of balancing the federal budget by
shrinking government is to give the private sector more capital to
invest, thus widening opportunities and raising earnings for all
Americans. But as we are witnessing (eg, AT&T's recent decision
permanently lay off 40,000), there is no guarantee that corporations
will use the extra money in this way. Maximizing shareholder returns
may require investing the extra dollars in production abroad, or in
labor-saving equipment intended to reduce wages and cut jobs, or in
mergers, acquisitions and divestitures that result in mass layoffs.
You can talk about corporate social responsibility without
attacking business, but rather acknowledging that under the current
system businesses often have no other choice but to sacrifice employees
and communities to the goal of maximizing shareholder returns. The
solution is to create economic incentives for corporations to be more
accountable to these other stakeholders -- perhaps by eliminating the
corporate income tax for companies that achieve a certain standard of
performance. I'm attaching a recent essay which you might find helpful
in thinking about this.
The Responsible Corporation
Robert B. Reich
If the government is to do less, then the private sector will have to
do more. But AT&T's stunning announcement on the first business day
of 1996 that it would permanently lay off tens of thousands of
employees raises profound questions about the private sector's capacity
to take on more responsibility.
I do not mean to pick on AT&T. It is but one in a long line of
companies that have delivered large numbers of pink slips during the
past few years, despite record profits. Wall Street's initially positive
response suggests that AT&T may have done exactly the right thing by
its shareholders.
But this is precisely the issue. Do corporations have
responsibilities that extend beyond their shareholders?
It has become politically fashionable to argue that movie
companies and television networks (and their advertisers) should avoid
lewdness or violence, even though these dubious products generate
large audiences and fat profits. But what about a corporation's
responsibility to its employees and its communities? The sudden loss of
a paycheck can be more damaging to family values than a titillating
screen performance.
Corporate executives claim, with some justification, that they
simply have no choice. Investors are demanding that companies become
ever leaner and ever meaner. If employees' wages and benefits can't be
justified on the bottom line, they have to go. If an entire community
loses its economic base because the company can do it more efficiently
elsewhere, then so be it.
Four decades ago, CEOs sang to a different tune. "The job of
management," proclaimed Frank Abrams, chairman of Standard Oil of
New Jersey in a 1951 address that was typical of the era, "is to maintain
an equitable and working balance among the claims of the various
directly interested groups stockholders, employees, customers, and
the public at large." That same year, Fortune Magazine solemnly
lectured its executive readers on their duty to be "industrial statesmen"
who worked for the good of their employees and communities as well
1
as their shareholders.
What changed? Competition. In the intervening years, American
industry was transformed from comfortable and stable oligopolies to
dynamic niche markets. Airlines, telephone companies, utilities,
common carriers, and Wall Street itself were deregulated. Global
competitors threatened the very survival of American manufacturers.
Information technologies flattened hierarchies and radically shortened
the time and space between suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and
customers. Entry barriers dropped, allowing even small companies to
grab market share from big ones.
Because of all of this, investors have faced an ever-wider array of
choices of where to put their money, and at ever-greater velocity.
Electronic capitalism has replaced the gentlemanly investment system
which had given "industrial statesmen" the discretion to balance the
interests of shareholders against those of employees and communities.
Now, any chief executive who hesitates even a moment before doing
everything possible to maximize returns to shareholders risks trouble.
Ironically, this transformation of the corporation into the sole
agent of the shareholder has been accompanied by a growing skepticism
about the capacity of government to protect the rest of society.
Regardless of how the current budget negotiations are settled, it is safe
to conclude that the federal government will in the future have a more
modest role in safeguarding the economic security of Americans. States
and localities may have more leeway, but far fewer resources. And
because they will be competing with other states and locales to attract
companies to locate within them, they will be reluctant to impose
higher taxes or any other extra burdens.
AT&T workers who receive pink slips are fortunate that the firm
is giving lump-sum severance payments based on years of service, along
with extra health benefits. That's more than most companies are
providing their newly laid-off employees. But these former AT&T
employees, like other newly laid-off workers, will likely have less access
than did workers several years ago to publicly-financed retraining, job-
search assistance, extended unemployment insurance, health care, Food
Stamps, and other props to help them get back on their feet. There will
be less public funding to support these activities.
The ostensible purpose of eliminating the federal budget deficit is
to give the private sector more capital with which to invest, resulting in
higher living standards for all Americans. But as we are witnessing,
2
there is no guarantee that corporations will use the extra resources in
this way. The sole goal of maximizing shareholder returns may dictate
that the extra funds be invested in production abroad, or in labor-
saving machinery designed to reduce wages and cut jobs, or in mergers,
acquisitions, and divestitures all resulting in mass layoffs.
How, then, to get the private sector to take more responsibility for
their employees and communities? Exhortation will have, at best,
modest effect. The most eloquent of moral appeals will be no match for
the dispassionate edict of the market. Nor should we seek a return to
the era of the industrial statesmanship. Even were it possible to turn
the clock backward and enlarge upon the CEO's former discretion about
how to balance the interests of shareholders against employees and
communities, it is far from clear that society should vest such power in
unelected officials.
There is another way. The corporation is, after all, a creation of
law. Corporations do not exist in nature. The corporate form of
business carries with it special advantages: Investors are not personally
liable for damages or bankruptcy, a corporation has the same right of
free speech as does an individual and can sue just as an individual
does, but can live forever. There are disadvantages as well:
Corporations must pay taxes on their incomes, as do the investors who
receive dividends, resulting in double taxation.
If we want corporations to take more responsibility, we will have
to alter this mix of advantages and disadvantages so that they have an
incentive to do so. If we wish profitable companies to keep more
employees on their payrolls or place them in new jobs offering similar
wages and benefits, upgrade the skills of their employees, share more of
the profits with them, remain in their communities, or do other such
"socially responsible" things, we have to condition these actions on the
receipt of certain corporate benefits. Perhaps the benefits of
incorporation should be reserved only for companies that demonstrate
such "responsibility." Alternatively (and more likely in these parched
political times), perhaps corporate income taxes should be reduced or
eliminated entirely for companies that are "responsible" in these ways.
As corporations have focused ever more intensely on maximizing
shareholder returns and ever less on improving the standard of living
of their workers, it should not be surprising that the stockmarket has
soared while pink slips have proliferated and the paychecks of most
employees have gone nowhere.
3
Do not blame corporations and their top executives. They are
behaving exactly as they are organized to behave. Should we wish them
to put greater emphasis on the interests of their workers and
communities, society must organize them to do so. In this era of
smaller government, such steps seem warranted.
4
To
- Door SKIND
- CC LaRRy HAAS
( FOR the
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
DATE: 1-5
TO: whe (Riulm)
FROM: Staff Secretary
Leon asks that
you Res poud on
behalf of
President.
Tray
12/29/95
11:24
202 273 4877
VA OSEC
002/002
VETERAN THE
THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON
STATEMENT
DEC 2 9 1995
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing on behalf of my 236,000 employees, to urge that, at the
very earliest possible moment, you propose emergency legislation to allow for
federal employees to be paid in spite of the lack of regular appropriations or a
full continuing resolution. This will allow all employees to receive full pay
until a resolution is reached in this crisis.
I have 202,000 employees at work across this great nation in Veterans
Affairs Medical Centers, Regional Benefits offices and National Cemeteries. In
spite of their commitment to providing care and services to veterans in this
most difficult and uncertain time, they will be paid less than one-half of their
normal take-home pay on January 2, and will receive no pay on their next pay
day unless there is some action by January 8.
I have received countless messages and anecdotes from these loyal VA
caregivers asking me, "Who will pay our mortgage buy food, clothes and
medicine for our children?" "Christmas was a little slim this year," they say.
"How am I going to pay my bills?"
I must tell you I am deeply concerned about these members of our VA
family and their colleagues in other federal agencies. I am proud of them for
coming to work, but I am concerned that while they are busy caring for
veterans, we need to worry about them and their families. Like many other
Americans, they live from paycheck to paycheck, and cannot afford to be
short-changed especially at the beginning of the month when many bills
come due.
For these very heartfelt reasons, please consider proposing emergency
legislation that would assure that they are paid. Nine months ago, we were all
appalled when federal employees were attacked in Oklahoma City. We cannot
now stand by and watch as they are used by the Congressional majority as
pawns in the budget negotiations.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
President
Respectfully,
Thisublicans Rekward Mr. blicansposition will put iN against the a very if they it.
Jesse
out
Jesse Brown
Putting Veterans First
those penlts of you who and to here 41( ex 4v4 Press bun the ona
Fookinen
pay
T.STERN
2
KiH-, Hrssins Okwlthis
3 Didn't gave response fran LARR
An Open Letter to Federal Employees
HAAS
Du want to
Welcome back
Although the
I signed today is
neither a satisfactory nor a complete resolution to the current
budget dispute, we have succeeded in returning all of you to work
with full retroactive pay.
you have hand, been thaugh forces to no camry trult of on your in very own, difficult you
corcumstances some vt you metion m
thalough, more of you munpard, all of bon
doubtless
And If there is any positive outcome to the pain and hardship you have
the
undergone for the past three weeks, it is that your fellow
highty sett by e4.
Americans have been painfully reminded of the importance of your
time
made
aware
work.
The inconvenience and pain of this shutdown spread from coast to
E
IS
coast. Veterans benefits curtailed. Services to small
the
"vere"
6
businesses have been interrupted. Important environmental
others
protections have been shut down, including Superfund cleanup and
"have
been"
programs to combat air and water pollution. FBI training of state
and local law enforcement officers was stopped.
96 JAN
The list of curtailed or limited services goes on and on. FHA
mortgages and housing vouchers were halted. State rehabilitat
services for those with physical and mental disabilities have
started to shut down. Travellers found National Park Service
facilities closed, National Forests restricted, great museums
padlocked, and passports unavailable.
[must Scanbs against new cas.)
SKY,
A ripple effect extended the economic hardship beyond the federal
work force to millions of other Americans who provide services to
or receive them from you hardships that, sadly, will not disappear
with the stroke of a pen.
Let us be clear: there was absolutely no excuse for this shutdown.
We and Republicans in Congress have differing views on how to
balance the budget, and that's why we are engaged in negotiations.
But there was no justification for this government to be closed
while negotiations were progress. And there is no justification
for Congress' failure to fully fund all government services.
Once again, many of the men and women who make up our federal
government were held hostage, with your paychecks delayed and your
security threatened during the holiday season. You were put
unfairly in the middle of a battle you did not seek.
But -- whether you were furloughed or excepted by your
commitment and your sacrifice, you continued to serve our nation as
loyally as ever during this crisis.
As you return to work still under the shadow of
/
we salute you for your dedication, and we thank you.
[They're not wll
(Isn't this to all fed'l KOXKERS
even those in funded agencies?
Rethaning)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
1/5/96
DATE:
LARRY HAAS
TO:
FROM: Staff Secretary
weef
of you who and to here 416 ex you prestered bun in the ona
Fookinen
5
T.STERN
2
those
KiHy Hrsgins Okwlthis
of
3 Didn't gave response franhier
An Open Letter to Federal Employees
HAAS
Du want to
Welcome back Although the
I signed today is
neither a satisfactory nor a complete resolution to the current
budget dispute, we have succeeded in returning all of you to work
with full retroactive pay.
you have Through no trult of your own.you
have been forced to carry on in very difficult
corcumstances -- some vt you m
And If there is any positive outcome to the pain and hardship you have
thalough, more of you munpard, all of for to donbtless metion
highty sett by
e4.
undergone for the past three weeks, it is that your fellow
Americans have been painfully reminded of the importance of your
time
made
aware
work.
The inconvenience and pain of this shutdown spread from coast to
E
IS
coast. Veterans benefits curtailed. Services to small
the
"vere"
businesses have been interrupted. Important environmental
6
There
protections have been shut down, including Superfund cleanup and
"have
been"
programs to combat air and water pollution. FBI training of state
and local law enforcement officers was stopped.
96 JAN
The list of curtailed or limited services goes on and on. FHA
mortgages and housing vouchers were halted. State rehabilit
services for those with physical and mental disabilities have
started to shut down. Travellers found National Park Service
facilities closed, National Forests restricted, great museums
padlocked, and passports unavailable.
[must SCRNS against new CQS. SKY,
A ripple effect extended the economic hardship beyond the federal
work force to millions of other Americans who provide services to
or receive them from you hardships that, sadly, will not disappear
with the stroke of a pen.
Let us be clear: there was absolutely no excuse for this shutdown.
We and Republicans in Congress have differing views on how to
balance the budget, and that's why we are engaged in negotiations.
But there was no justification for this government to be closed
while negotiations were progress. And there is no justification
for Congress' failure to fully fund all government services.
Once again, many of the men and women who make up our federal
government were held hostage, with your paychecks delayed and your
security threatened during the holiday season. You were put
unfairly in the middle of a battle you did not seek.
But -- whether you were furloughed or excepted - by your
commitment and your sacrifice, you continued to serve our nation as
loyally as ever during this crisis.
As you return to work, still under the shadow of
,
we salute you for your dedication, and we thank you.
[They 'Re not wll
(Isn't this to all fed'l workers
even those in funded agencies?
Rethaning)
BNow
caum
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
(BoB NASh)
December 6, 1995
Ms. Lencola Sullivan
Apartment 17B
792 Columbus Avenue
New York, New York 10025
Dear Lencola:
Thanks so much for writing. I appreciate your perspective on
American race relations.
I agree that there is much work still to be done in order to
break down racial barriers and become one nation again. I
am working every day to heighten public awareness and promote
inclusion, and I am dedicated to ending discrimination and to
protecting the civil rights of every citizen in our society.
I firmly believe that by working together, we can make America
a better place. I've passed along a copy of your letter to
Alexis Herman, my Director of Public Liaison, and I've told
her that you're willing to help. Thanks again for getting
in touch. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
True
& tallers to Bor have
and w assures mu his
in contact with your
working new fr an exportunity
Huggy year Conu
are Adr us when you cour
Brin
Scies
October 30, 1995
swald
WEX
litt
BMC
President Bill Clinton
White House, West Wing
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
THALK USA THE 19 of my we
Dear Bill,
How are things going? It was so nice having the opportunity to speak to you a few
your
months ago. I know your schedule is extremely busy but hope that we are able to stay
in touch more often.
In light of recent developments in the O.J. Simpson case and the recent Million Man
March, the issue of race is forefront in most American's lives. I think now is the time
we should all work together on bridging the gap of disharmony and help negotiate peace
here at home, much like you did in the Middle East.
I took my own informal poll during the Simpson trial and people were divided strictly
along racial lines. The majority of Whites thought he did it and should spend the rest of
his life in jail while Blacks felt there was reasonable doubt.
Personally, I applaud the men who took part in the March who vowed to commit their
time and energy in facing the challenges of the African-American community. To
recognize the necessity of charting a course to be more responsible to their families and
communities is a very important step. Most importantly, however, are the plans to carry
this dream forward.
If I can be of assistance in getting the word out on what steps the administration is taking
regarding the issues of race, let me know. As a professional speaker, I have some ideas
and would like to discuss them with you.
Sincerely,
Lencola
Lencola Sullivan
L. Sullivan
Rabobank Nederland
New York Branch
245 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10167-0062
U.S.A.
President Bill Clinton
White House, West Wing
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Rabobank
orginiporskind to
1-5-96
Potus wants
J
to do congratulatory
letters forthe
1-5-96
Winners!
d
OFFICE OF THE
The Rhodes Scholarship Trust milly list work your it
POMONA
COLLEGE
AMERICAN SECRETARY
333 COLLEGE WAY
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
CLAREMONT. CALIFORNIA 91711-6305
hill
TELEPHONE 909/621-8138
1/5/96
December 9, 1995
TELECOMER 009/621-9609
abife fee it
fel me
American Rhodes Scholars-elect for 1996
any
(subject to ratification by the Rhodes Trustees after
acceptance by one of the colleges of Oxford University)
District I
New England
Schoiar-elect
Institution
Massachusetts
Priya Aiyar
Harvard University
5417 Barrett Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Jeremy Dauber
Harvard University
1105 Massachusetts Avenue, 5A
Cambridge, MA 02138
Vermont
Tracey Jones
Norwich University
R.D. 2, Box 440
Genesee, PA 16923
Tobias Ayer
Massachusetts Institute
87 Robinson Parkway
of Technology
Burlington, VT 05401
District II
Middle Atlantic
Delaware
Jennifer Oliva
U.S. Military Academy
RDI, Box 326
Millsboro, DE 19966
Pennsylvania
Samantha Salvia
Old Dominion University
3004 Appledale Road
Norristown, PA 19403
West Virginia
David Bonfili
Harvard University
864 Vandalia Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Carolyn Conner
West Virginia University
General Delivery
Valley Fork, WV 25283
- 2 -
District III
Southeast
Georgia
Robert Matthew Sutherland
University of Georgia
7765 Landowne Drive
Atlanta. GA 30350
North Carolina
Adam Russell
Duke University
617 S. Carolina Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
Tennessee
Laura Nell Hodo
Brandeis University
702 Forest Park Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027
Virginia
Mark Patrick Embree
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
7 Giles Place
and State University
Springfield. VA 22150
District IV
Great Lakes
Illinois
Mark Wu
Harvard University
6257 North Hamlin Avenue
Chicago, IL 60659
Indiana
Kristen Fountain
Princeton University
5920 Stafford Road
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Michigan
Dayne Walling
Michigan State University
1210 Kensington Avenue
Flint, MI 48503
Ohio
Ahmad Atwan
Harvard University
3119 Morley Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
District V
Middle West
Iowa
Ramin Toloui
Harvard University
2327 East Court Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
Minnesota
Abigail Noble
Macalester College
1522 South Park Drive
New Haven, IN 46774
Missouri
Eric Greitens
Duke University
13320 Windbrooke Lane
St. Louis, MO 63146
South Dakota
Ben R. Sharp
University of Chicago
445 South 3rd
Hot Springs, SD 57747
-3- - -
District VI
Gulf
Alabama
Letitia M. Campbell
Davidson College
6676 Hounds Run N.
Mobile, AL 36608
Louisiana
Philip C. Skelding
Columbia University
3701 Vincennes Place
New Orleans, LA 70125
Mississippi
Alice Chen
Harvard University
254 Saint Andrews
Jackson, MS 39211
Texas
Ana L. Unruh
Trinity University
622 Bradshaw Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
District VII
Southwest
Arizona
Michelle Gavin
Georgetown University
815 E. Colter #175
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Nevada
Malaika Marie Williams
Whittier College
3585 West Cougar
Las Vegas, NV 89139
California
Juan De Lara
Pitzer College
50250 S. Kenmore
Coachella, CA 92236
Alvan Ikoku
Stanford University
P.O. Box 24C20
Los Angeles, CA 90024
District VIII
Northwest
Alaska
Rachel Eyre Hall
Stanford University
6721 Samuel Court
Anchorage, AK 99516
Barnaby Marsh
Cornell University
1801 Shade Tree Circle
Anchorage, AK 99502
Montana
Jennifer DeVoe
Montana State University
2211 Gold
also Harvard Medical School
Helena, MT 59601
Oregon
Angelina Marguerite Foster
Stanford University
2723 S.E. Main
Portland, OR 97214
EC
(POTOS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OND
January 4, 1996
Mr. Herbert G. Brown
President
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201-3698
Dear Herb:
I enjoyed our meeting December 22, and I was
happy to learn more about the Rotary Club's
PolioPlus program. Your accomplishments are
very impressive. I applaud your efforts and
hope that you reach your goals.
You have my best wishes.
Sincerely,
1/5/96
Biu Clunter
NSC:
This is all the
information we have on
the attached.
Staff Secretary's Ofc.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
Dr. John Sever
11901 Ledgerock Court
Potomac, Maryland 20854
Dear John:
I hope you enjoyed your visit to the White House
on December 22. I was pleased to learn of the
success of the Rotary Club's PolioPlus program,
and I send my best wishes for a bright new year.
Sincerely,
This Cuiten
756
TO:
Jim Dorskind
FROM:
Danny Wexler xier Dr
SUBJECT:
Letters
Internal ASAP LA
DATE:
December 27, 1995
N
Jim:
On the Friday before Christmas, I set up a photo op with the International President of
Rotary International, Herbert Brown and a local Doctor who is on their PolioPlus committee.
They spent a couple of minutes in the Oval, mostly talking about the Rotary PolioPlus
program. After the meeting, the President asked me to make sure letters were sent to both
prem for their support. The President also said to make sure he signs the letters
personally.
I have attached a draft of each. Please make sure I get a copy of what goes out.
Call me if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Dan
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
The Honorable Harris Wofford
407 Old Gulph Road
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Dear Harris:
Hillary and I were deeply saddened at the news
of Clare's death, and we extend our heartfelt
sympathy. I'm so grateful that I had the chance
to talk with her last night.
Clare was a wonderful woman and a true partner
in all your endeavors. Our hearts go out to you
at this difficult time, and we hope that the
loving support of your family and friends will
bring you comfort in the days ahead.
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Bin Curoou
Eli seque will hand carry
01/05/1996 09:38 RAP&J
16239222 P.01
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
ROTHGERBER, APPEL, POWERS & JOHNSON
1-5-96
SUITE 3000
IRA C. ROTHGEPGER (878-1956)
ONE TABOR CENTER
OFFICES IN
WALTER M. APPEL (1879-1961)
SALT LAKE CITY. UTAM
1200 SEVENTEENTH STREET
IRA c. ROTHGERBEP. JR. (19/3-1993)
CHEYENNE. WYOMING
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5839
COLORADO SPRINGS. COLORADO
TELEPHONE (303) 623-9000
FAX (303) 623-9222
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
To:
Nancy Hernreich
202 456-6703
Fax No.
From:
Jim Lyons
208
User No.
Re:
Attached press
Client No. 99999-999
Date:
January 5, 1996
REMARKS:
This should brighten His weekend. Talmey-Drake is an experienced
and reliable pollster.
Hope all is well.
JML
WE ARE TRANSMITTING
3
PAGES (INCLUDING THIS COVER PAGE). IF
TRANSMISSION IS NOT COMPLETE, PLEASE CALL (303) 623-9000, EXT. 321.
The information contained in this facsimile message and/or the document transmitted is attorney-client privileged work product or
otherwise confidential and intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
examination. use, dissemination. distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
communication in error. please immediately notify us by telephone and return the original to us at the above address via the U.S. Postal
Service. Thank you.
1/5/96
FRIDAY
THE DENVER POST
Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire
25c
May vary outside metro Denver
01/05/1996 09:39 RAP&J
Clinton's fortunes improve
Poll shows he'd win in Colorado
Poll results
If the election for president were held today, would
you vote for Republican Bob Dole, Democrat Bill
Clinton or Ross Perot, running as an Independent?
By Fred Brown
AHEAD: Attorney General
Clinton's vote-getting ability is
Denver Post Political Editor
Gale Norton leads Rep. Wayne
about where it was in 1992's presi-
President Clinton is enjoying
Allard in GOP Senate bid/12A
dential voting in Colorado.
something of a comeback in Colora-
In November 1992, Clinton got 40
do and would win here if the voting
party organizing efforts Clinton
percent of Colorado's votes, then-
were held now, according to a new
still would win but by a smaller
President Bush got 36 percent and
poll by Talmey-Drake Research k
margin. In a two-way race, the poll
Perot making his first bid for the
Strategy of Boulder.
shows Clinton getting 46 percent of
office got 23 percent. It was the
The survey, completed Dec. 29
the vote to 39 percent for Dole.
first time a Democrat had won the
and released yesterday, shows that
"These are not great numbers for
state's eight electoral votes since
in Colorado, the president would de-
an incumbent president, but they
Lyndon Johnson in 1964.
feat Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, the like-
Natalie Meyer, Colorado chair-
Clinton
Dole
Perot
are better than they were a year
ly Republican nominee, in a three-
ago," said Paul Talmey, president
woman for the Dole campaign, said
way race with independent Ross
of the opinion-research firm.
the figures show Clinton is still very
40%
30%
17%
5%
Perot. Clinton would get 40 percent,
A year ago, Clinton's approval
vulnerable.
Dole 30 percent and Perot 17 per-
rating among Colorado voters was a
"When you have an incumbent
cent.
dreary 33 percent. Sixty percent
under 50 percent, he's in trouble,"
16239222 P.02
If Perot were not a candidate
said they disapproved of the job be
and so far be isn't, despite his third-
was doing.
Please see POLL on 12A Source: Talmey-Drake Research (margin of error: 4.3 percentage points)
The Denver Post
GOP
seeks
Clinton's Colo. fortunes improved
POLL from Page 1A
19 percent hadn't made up their
minds, and 3 percent named other
she said. "In a two-party contest, con-
candidates.
sidering that Clinton is the incum-
"There's a moral in those num-
bent, 46-39 symbolizes the beginning
bers," said Mike Beatty, state Demo-
of 8 win for Dole."
cratic chairman. "Exttemism is not
The poll suggests that Clinton
in vogue in 1996."
would do even better in a race
Colorado's presidential primary is
against Texas Sen. Phil Gramm.
on March $. Eight other states also
In a hypothetical three-way race,
hold primaries that day
Clinton would get 42 percent, Gramm
Dole has emerged as the most mod-
27 percent and Perot 19 percent.
erate of the Republican candidates,
Without Perot in the race, it would be
whereas Gramm continues to call
Clinton 49 percent and Gramm 34
himself "the only true conservative"
percent.
in the race.
Talmey-Drake also asked those
Talmey said the federal budget im-
identifying themselves as Republi-
passe is also helping Clinton. "The fight
cans - 185 of the 525 total respon-
he's having with Congress is helping to
dents in the poll - their presidential-
define him and give him the appear-
nominee preference.
ance of standing for something."
Dole emerges as the clear favorite,
But if the budget battle goes much
named by 45 percent. Gramm and
longer, Clinton could be as unpopular
conservative commentator Pat Bu-
as the Republican majority in Con-
chanan were next at only 9 percent,
gress, Talmey said. "At the time of
followed by publishing heir Steve
this survey, he was Mr. Clean in
Forbes with 8 percent, former Ten-
terms of the budget issues, but as it
nessee Gov. Lamar Alexander at 4
drags out, he'll get dragged down
percent, and Indiana Sen. Richard
with it."
Lugar and former ambassador Alan
The poll's margin of error is 4.3
Keyes with 2 percent each. Another
percentage points.
R RESIDENT HAS CEEM
THE WHITE HOUSE
1-5-96
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
RECOMMENDED TELEPHONE CALL
TO:
Jack Sheinkman
DATE:
January 5, 1996
RECOMMENDED BY:
Harold Ickes HD
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND:
Jack Sheinkman is President of Americans for
Democratic Action ("ADA"). ADA is holding its
national board meeting 5-7 January at the
Washington Court Hotel in Washington DC. On
Saturday 6 January, ADA will discuss and vote
on endorsing you for re-election. The purpose of
the call is to thank Mr. Sheinkman for his support
and that you certainly hope for the endorsement
of the ADA.
CONTACT PERSON AND
Jack Sheinkman
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
202-785-5980 (ADA headquarters)
geat fall
1-211 from OUAl
Send to Dorskind for Agency
LIASON to handle
yes - NO
origing
S.
D.
How can we
respond-
tell him we
have forwards
to apprepriate
office 2)
B
Ref. Jan. 2.96
President Bill Clinton
Secretary OF Labor
President OF The U.S.A.
1600 Penn. Ave. The white House
Washing ton D.C. 20500
Dear sir;
Enclosed you will find a Copy of theletter I Sent to Secretary
Robert -Reich on OCt.6,95. almost 3. Months have past and
not one respond from Mr. Reich. Ihave since Sent Seven Copies
(at different dates) to Secretary Reich; no type respond.
I have called his office about eight times; S till no type action.
Would you be as Kind as to contact Secretary Reich (Wake him
up) let him Know asa Tax paver; I Wouldhope to get his
assistance.
thank you;
Sincerely;
Melvin H. Shaver JI-
201 Robinson Dr.
Goldsboro N-C-27530
919.751.2947
Ref.
U.S. Department OF labor
Oct. " 1995
Frances Perkins Bld.
Thetfard Plaperty MgMf
Third and institution Ave N.W.
76/0 Falls of The Neuselfd.
Washing tax D.C. 20210
suite 290 P.O.Box 97188
Ralsigh N.C. 27624
Mr. Robert B. Reich,
(919.)846. 8944
I did. Contact your offise an the outlined Complaint. however I was
ask to submitt the matter in writting. [ besame employeed by the
above firm Jun 5, 1995. During MY interview T clearly outlined I
Was a U.S. ARMY Retiree (2/11/2) and a disable Vet.
AS weeks and Months went by I began to learn the aperation; As I
was Lired as G Maintenance Tech. MY jab Was to maintain and
KP Keep 60 Apartments, This included all minarand Majar repairs
done en the buildings. The property site Was Jefferson Sault 735
Apartments 1100 N. Jefferson St. Galdsboro N.C-27530 (919) 795 7505
Several time's I have had to Call the above Colp. office for
advise or order Supplies. There has been times I could not
reach Mrs. Salley Edwards, MY Regional Director 562 is next
in my chain after the property Manager. There was some
matters Come UP at the property that I needed resolved. N
could not reach Mrs Edwards; so T contacted The Thetford
President, charlatte Charlatte Was Very under standing and
assured MR she Would have the Matter looked into.
On Aug. 24, 95, The above firm had a company party in Raleigh
and all employee's were invited, did not 90 as I stated on
the property and performed needed work.
The last few weeks Mrs. Salley Edwards has really 1st
Me know about why I was:" not at the party.
Office of Presidential Correspondence
REQUEST FOR CLEARANCE - COMMENTS
96 JAN 5. P3:58
To:
Todd Stern
Date Due:
Type of Response:
Language Approval
Draft
Other
1-8
Subject:
Olympics MESSAGE
Requested By/Addressed To:
Sports 1 Lustrated (Publishming the PRogram)
Background:
Todd-
we did this manage for the crympics Program.
JONET ABRANS HAS already approved the
larguage. What Ao Son think? Thanks! lorn
Signature:
Date:
LORI Areams
115
Presidential Messages
Old Executive Office Building
Room 91
(202) 456-7487 Fax (202) 456-2806
Your Recommendation/Comments:
ORL but not
31 Jannary Date
1-5.96
Signature:
Date:
March 1994
January 5, 1996
It gives me great pleasure to join all Americans in extending
warm greetings to the athletes, dignitaries, and spectators who have
gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Games of the XXVI Olympiad.
One hundred years ago, outstanding athletes met in Greece to
engage in the challenge of competition at the first modern Olympic
Games. Today, as we stand on the threshold of the twenty-first
century, nations from around our world have come together once again
to continue the Olympic tradition of athletic excellence. And once
again, we will be privileged to witness the determination,
discipline, sacrifice, and skill that have made these competing
Olympians world-class athletes.
The people of the world have seen momentous changes during the
past century, yet our reverence for the Olympic spirit remains the
same. We still seek peace and understanding among all nations by
participating in friendly competition, by encouraging the ideals of
sportsmanship and fair play, and by enthusiastically demonstrating
our appreciation for the effort and achievements of young people from
different cultures and distant lands.
The Olympic Games remind us vividly that families and
communities everywhere share the same hopes and dreams for their
children -- a peaceful future, where all are treated equally and
with dignity; a society where courage, determination, and the effort
to excel are both recognized and rewarded. By celebrating these
Centennial Olympic Games together in Atlanta, we come closer to the
day when such hopes and dreams become a reality.
Best wishes to our international visitors for a wonderful stay
in the United States, and best wishes to competitors and spectators
alike for an exciting and fulfilling Olympic experience.
BC/DIA/MAH/emu
(Corres. #2588984)
(1.olympics.msg)
(Event: 7/96)
CC: Presidential Messages, 91 OEOB
SENT TO:
Mr. Larry Keigh
Editorial Projects Director
1996 Olympics
Sports Illustrated
Time and Life Building
Rockefeller Center
New York, New York 10020
DO NOT MAIL -- RETURN TO CARMEN FOWLER, 91 OEOB, FOR DISPATCH
Gon
1/4/96
todd,
I have not copied Lake yet.
Do you think POTUS wants letter held until
he discusses with Tony
OR
is it OK to copy Lake and send out the
letter?
S
1yer
magness cleared
As
The
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 3, 1996
The Honorable George McGovern
President
Middle East Policy Council
Suite 512
1730 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-4505
Dear George:
I appreciated hearing of your visit to Lebanon and your encouraging
assessment of the reconstruction taking place there.
I understand the concerns you express regarding the ban on travel
of American citizens to Lebanon. This issue is under continuing
review, and we will consider modifying the ban as soon the security
situation -- specifically the continuing threat to American
citizens -- permits.
The United States remains committed to Lebanon's full independence,
sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We look forward to the day
when Lebanon, at peace and free of all foreign forces, resumes its
rightful place in the region.
I am encouraged by the recent discussions we have had with Prime
Minister Peres and President Asad. I believe a genuine opportunity
now exists to achieve a just and comprehensive peace between Israel
and all its neighbors, including Lebanon. Such an enduring peace
will help make possible a better, more prosperous future for
Lebanon and all of its citizens.
I wish you all the best in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Biu
Middle East Policy Council
George McGovern
President
December 1, 1995
President Bill Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC
Mr. President:
I have just returned from Lebanon, where I met with government leaders, parliamentarians, the
head of the armed forces, and business executives, as well as with U.S. embassy officials. I saw
the glorious ancient ruins of Baalbek and Byblos and the equally ambitious model for the new
Beirut. I addressed the social science faculty at the American University of Beirut, where I had
spoken before the student body back in 1975, just before the war began. The city is scarred but
still beautiful.
After careful thought, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for the U.S. travel ban to be
revised. Although my party of three was given special attention and driven about by
professionals, I was able to observe the life of the capital as well as the countryside. There is no
apparent danger from civil strife, and Beirut is bustling with activity. It would seem that
Americans should now be allowed to decide for themselves whether to travel there, after being
advised of the risks. Certainly these risks are not as grave as those in Algeria or Bosnia, where
Americans are free to travel.
It is true that the United States has taken more casualties than it should have in Lebanon over the
past 15 years, but a new era was born at Oslo. The Syria-Israel agreement is coming, albeit
slowly. And the new order in the region will be built on an economic rather than an ideological
base. American business interests need the chance to get into the economically promising
environment of the new Levant.
If you wish, I would welcome the opportunity to brief you in more detail on my trip. I am at your
disposal.
Sincerely,
Dr
George McGovern
1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 512, Washington, D.C. 20036-4505
Tel: (202) 296-6767
Fax: (202) 296-5791
1/4 Tysen Ruce
No Capies made get.
Copies to Tyson
But only the
(Reich
Tyson
etal PANettA - who else ?
memos
George i time Sp.; Rahm
Don Baer; Michael Waltman
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1.4.96
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
96JAN 3 3 A8:47
January 2, 1995
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
LAURA TYSON Lawa Tym
RE:
REICH MEMO ON PENSIONS
I agree wholeheartedly with Bob's view that pension security should be a key issue
for 1996 and that you should get more credit for what your Administration has already
accomplished in this area. I believe this issue deserves a place in the State of the Union
As I mentioned in an earlier memo to you, as part of your 1996 emphasis on pension
security, you might also consider creating a Blue-Ribbon private-sector advisory
commission on pension security and social security reforms. You will recall that Eli Broad
has strongly recommended such an approach in earlier communications with you.
M
leon toal
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 7, 1995
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
LAURA TYSON D.
RE:
YOUR LETTER TO ELI BROAD ON RETIREMENT SAVINGS
Like you, I was very impressed by Mr. Broad's clear and compelling presentation on
our nation's retirement savings challenge at the Pacific Rim Economic Conference. I think
his idea of an independent bipartisan commission to develop a national retirement savings
plan is a promising one. The State of the Union speech might provide a good opportunity for
announcing the formation of such a commission. In the meantime, the NEC will examine
several proposals to increase savings, including those recommended by Mr. Broad, in its
review of tax reform alternatives which should be completed this fall. If you would like any
more information before you send your letter to Mr. Broad, please let me know.
Per Instination this
Todd
ATTachment was
MEMORANDUM FOR
Not forwarded to
From:
Robert B. R
incus. It had
95 DEC 19 P4: 15
Date:
December 18
Been previously
forward to Pores
Subject:
Pensions
in December
Sewaper
Pension security should be one of your major themes. It ranks up there with
Social Security and Medicare as a concern of working people. In the past three years
the administration has accomplished a great deal to make pensions far more secure.
Overview
Approximately half of all working Americans in the private sector have
pensions. More than 22 million are in 401(k) tax-deferred plans, in which they
contribute from their own paychecks (about 3/4 of these workers have some part of
their contribution matched by their employer). There are about 40 million
participants and beneficiaries in private "defined benefit" plans, in which employers
promise a specified pension when they reach retirement age. 401 (k)s are growing
quickly; defined benefit plans, provided mostly by large corporations, are declining
as the proportion of employment in large firms shrinks.
Security of defined benefit plans
The problem here is that some companies fail to put aside enough money in
their plans to fully fund their pension obligations when they come due. When you
came to office, the problem of underfunding was growing dramatically. In 1987,
underfunding amounted to $27 billion. By the end of 1993, it was $71 billion. The
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, which takes over the responsibility from
underfunded plans, was going deeper into debt (I chair the PBGC). We didn't have a
Savings and Loan situation on our hands, but it was heading in that direction.
The Pension Reform Act of 1994. Your Pension Reform Act changed all that.
The law now requires that underfunded plans get on track toward full funding. We
also put the spotlight of publicity on underfunded plans. Both of these initiatives,
coupled with higher interest rates, turned the tide. The latest data show that
underfunding has dropped to $31 billion.
1
The Republican's current attack. Before 1990, companies with overfunded
plans (i.e., more than enough money to pay pension obligations at the time)
routinely used the surplus for their own purposes (typically for leveraged buyouts).
This practice also threatened the integrity of the plans, because an overfunded plan
at one point in time could become underfunded at a later point in time (if asset
valuations and interest rates change). In 1990, Congress closed that barn door by
imposing a high excise tax on the use of any such surplus.
Now, the Republican budget plan seeks to reopen that barn door. By the
Republicans' own estimate, corporations would remove from their plans about
$15-18 billion over the next 5 years. You are opposing this.
Security of 401 (k) plans
Over 22 million working people save through 401(k) pension plans (up from
around 7 million just ten years ago). There are now more than 150,000 such plans,
with more than $600 billion in assets.
Enforcement crack-down. The vast majority of 401 (k) plans are secure.
During the last year, however, the Department of Labor has received a number of
complaints from employees about employers who allegedly have failed to deposit in
the plans employee 401(k) contributions withheld from paychecks. An unusually
high percentage of such complaints have resulted in civil and criminal actions. The
Department has opened over 400 cases and recovered more than $3.5 million for
2,800 workers to date. Some cases have been turned over to federal and state
prosecutors; several employers have been found guilty and await sentencing.
As a result of the Department's enforcement actions, the issue has received
significant coverage in recent weeks, including all network morning and evening
news programs, as well as all major print media (see attached sample clips). We
have emphasized the importance of employee awareness, while also assuring
employees that the vast majority of 401(k) plans are secure.
Additional steps to secure 401(k)s
In addition to our enforcement and public-awareness efforts, we are pursuing
three other means of safeguarding 401(k) pensions:
1. Tightening the rules on speedy deposits. Last week (December 11), we
announced that you had asked me to propose to reduce the maximum amount of
time that employers can hold their employees' 401 (k) savings before depositing the
money into an employee benefit plan. Under current regulations, employers must
2
deposit as soon as possible but no later than 90 days from the date of withholding.
We have had a number of reports of employers routinely holding the contributions
for the full 90 days, treating them as a kind of permanent tax-free loan fund. The
proposed rule would require that employers deposit employee 401 (k) contributions
on the same schedule that payroll taxes must be forwarded to the Internal Revenue
Service. After a comment period, we expect a new rule to be in place within 90 days.
2. Requiring accountants to report fraud. Last July, the Administration sent to
Congress the "ERISA Enforcement Improvement Act," which would, among other
things, require accountants to report immediately to the Labor Department any
evidence of serious plan fraud. On December 7, 1995, you wrote to congressional
leaders urging swift approval. We expect Senators Jeffords and Simon to introduce
the legislation this week. There is considerable bi-partisan support.
3. Amnesty. Finally, we're discussing with Treasury and Justice a possible
"amnesty" period during which employers could restore delinquent 401 (k) deposits
without penalty. This is on track for announcement between Christmas and New
Year. The timing of this announcement could be affected by the government
shutdown.
Your visibility on pension security
You have had some visibility on various of these pension security issues, but
the overall story has not been told. The administration should get more credit. You
might consider a place in the State of the Union, or a separate free-standing speech.
Pension security fits nicely within an overall theme emphasizing the
importance of ensuring that all Americans enjoy the fruits of their hard work--
coupling opportunity and responsibility, linking American work with the American
dream.
3
cc: nancy Hemrich
"
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
Gerald F. Posner
Posner, Posner and Posner
712 Penobscot Building
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Dear Jerry:
Thanks for your letter of December 20 and for
your insights and observations on the many
challenges we're facing. I especially
appreciated what you said about our involvement
in Bosnia. It's clearly the right and
responsible thing to do, and I believe it's
already made the difference between war and
peace.
Though Hillary and I would love to join you in
celebrating Eva's 50th birthday, our schedules
here prevent our getting away. Please give her
our best wishes on this grand occasion.
Finally, we wanted you to know we've been
keeping you in our thoughts and prayers since
your mother's death. We hope the holidays
weren't too difficult without her.
Sincerely,
POSNER, POSNER AND POSNER
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW
712 PENOBSCOT BUILDING
DETROIT. MICHIGAN 48226
(313) 965-7784
SAMUEL POSNER
ELIZABETH F. POSNER
GERALD F. POSNER
December 20, 1995
ROBERT L. FIX
President Bill Clinton
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President and Mrs. Clinton:
Thank you for the letter of condolence you sent me last
month. It brought a tear to my eye. It's going to be a
long time before the initial shock and emotion subsides.
Last month, around the time of the first budget crisis, I
spoke to Bob Raymar on the same day he was going to visit
the White House and gave him my Michigan observations to
relate to you. Now that we are in Round 2, I am giving you
my Michigan input for whatever it is worth.
I am still getting a surprisingly uniform response. Demo-
crats, people I didn't know or suspect were Democrats, inde-
pendents and moderate to normal Republicans alike all want
you to stand firm and not to give in and compromise. The
strongest feelings come, not surprisingly, on Medicare. It
is not only the more elderly people who have these feelings,
but those approaching older age or even middle age, or people
who have parents getting older, or even people who are
younger but have paid into the Medicare system for years.
The Republicans have succeeded in branding the word "entitle-
ments" with the same negative connotation as the "L" word,
but I think that people feel that there is a qualitative
difference between all the various programs branded together
with the same "derogatory" term. In certain cases, particu-
larly Social Security and Medicare, I believe that the people
feel that they really are entitled to certain benefits
because they have paid for them, year after year, decade
after decade, out of their paychecks, and they differentiate
those programs from other social welfare programs.
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, there is, out of that uniform
response, a broad range of what is important to any given
individual. I have had a number of people speak to me about
environmental concerns, of how the Republican program would
gut the necessary programs and cause environmental disaster,
Page 2
and yet to others it is the police programs or education
programs with which they are most concerned. Across the
board, they do not want you to give in and applaud your
efforts. You have done and are continuing to do a great
P.R. job with the political ads you have been running. They
are excellent, and they are effective.
It's got to be pleasant and fulfilling for a change for you
to be able to take a firm stand on that in which you and I so
strongly believe and know is right and to have your ratings
jump in the polls as a result. You haven't often had that
luxury.
Bosnia is another story. There can be no question but that
you did the right thing even though it does not enjoy wide-
spread public support. I despise the term ethnic cleansing.
We do not need a euphemism for genocide and slaughter.
Hitler merely engaged in ethnic cleansing, right? Using such
a euphamism somehow makes the despicable prettier, more
palatable, less offensive, when it is the horror of what has
occurred that should be conveyed loud and clear. You did
what was right, what had to be done in the name of humanity,
and what had to be done if we are to at all learn from his-
tory. That you did it despite the fact that it was unpopu-
lar, knowing that it could backfire and cause widespread
American bloodshed which would not only be terrible in and
of itself but could certainly doom your prospects for re-
election, shows a tremendous amount of character and courage,
the depth of your belief in what is right, and causes us to
respect you all the more. Let us all pray that the best case
scenerio plays itself out.
I would also like to thank you for writing letters, through
your office of presidential correspondence (silly me, I
should have figured that there was such a thing), to my aunt
and uncle on their 80th birthdays. Now as I was writing the
last sentence, I realized that I am in trouble because Eva
is about to hit the "Big 50" on January 4th (yes, I'm the
youngster), and I forgot to ask you to write the most
important letter of all. If it is at all possible, forget
writing me back, but send her a note.
I realize that there is the chance of a snowball in hell that
you'll happen to be in the Detroit area on the evening of
January 5th, but if you are, we'd love to have you as our
guests at a dinner party I'm giving for Eva at one of the
area's fine restaurants (Cafe Bon Homme, 844 Penniman, Ply-
mouth, Michigan, choice of Atlantic swordfish with cracked
pepper infusion or English mixed grill of lamb, veal and
beef). If we don't see you then, we'll see you when you are
back in town for the rescheduled luncheon. I spoke with
Griffin Schultz last week, and he told me that you are aiming
for mid-January to February.
Page 3
Have a healthy and happy holiday season.
Your classmate,
Juny
Yale Law School
Class of 1974
CC: crais Smith
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
Merle Peterson
Peterson Enterprises
Post Office Box 666
Dumas, Arkansas 71639
Dear Merle:
Thanks so much for your letter of December 29
and for your continued support. I appreciate
what you said about 1995 being a good year for
us. I think you're right and have faith the
year ahead also holds great promise.
Though I was sorry to miss RosQlee Walker's
performance here at the White House, I really
enjoyed being back home for the Pryor dinner
and visiting with so many old friends. Hillary
and I do hope to see Dr. Walker perform someday
soon.
I'm grateful for your offer of assistance and
trust that you'll have Desha County in our
corner before too long. Have a great new year,
friend, and give my best to Deloris.
Sincerely,
Bus
Peterson Enterprises
DO TY so Ty at
P.O. BOX 666
PHONE 501-382-2144
Dumas. 12/29/95 Arbansas 71639
m. & sign for
Dear Bill
Closely and very much approve
Deloris and I follow your Career
of your actions, have done especially an during
you outstanding
job L ettle appreciate Rock to help your Comming the to
Democrate Last out of
Daved Payor party and to get debt the
at the you White missed house, a good Dr prog Ros a canc LeeWalker
Hillary can hear her , some
on the piano I hope you and
time She as good She teaches th-
at the college
if during you nee the campa me do g anything n. I well do
Have sogne are me
Best of eack during call 1996.
be 80 Marchole and can't
as much as I use d to but I
Can still use the teley hone_
Sincerely
Meile
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE:
01/04/96
NOTE FOR:
ALEXIS HERMAN
The President has reviewed the attached, and it is forwarded to you
for your:
Information
Action
XX
Please see the President's note at the
bottom of the attached page, at the last
entry.
'Q: Did we send my speech to entire
delegation. If not, we should BC'
Please prepare a short memo to the
President answering his question. It also
would be helpful for you to attach a copy
of his note to your memo.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Staff Secretary
(x6-2702)
cc:
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
17.07.95
Letter to Rasco from father of son with AIDS. You and Carol met Jay Minish, the
son, a 16-year-old hemophiliac who is HIV-Positive, last year at World AIDS Day.
fusiyn asing
Jay depends on Medicaid, and his father argues that if the Republicans are successful
in making drastic cuts in Medicaid, his son, and thousands of others like him will lose
their lifeline.
We have also received the following items:
Lake responses on PFLP case. You asked Tony about the Nat Hentoff piece
criticizing the government's efforts to deport 8 aliens because of their support for the
PFLP. He notes that the Justice Department is still reviewing its appeal options.
Congressional letters. Sen. Kennedy on Medicare -- Appreciates your prompt
response to his budget letter and is pleased: "I believe characterizing Medicare
by
savings as $98 billion rather than $124 billion is a fairer presentation of your proposal
and reflects the value of needed new investments as one of our principal priorities in
make
health care. Well done! We're winning this fight because our priorities are the
American people's priorities." Tillie Fowler -- Thanks you for your condolences on
the death of her father, Senator Culver Kidd of Georgia. Rep. Bob Wise -- Thanks
you for attending the Nov. 20 Democratic Caucus, and for standing firm. Encloses
cartoon drawn by his 8-year-old son of Gingrich whining on AF-1 and you telling him
to be quiet. Rep. James Walsh -- Wrote to thank you for your recognition of the
Congressional delegation on your recent trip to Ireland.
United Airlines Pilots Master Executive Council Letter. Via Harold. The
December 14 letter from Chairman Harlow Osteboe states that the UA division of the
Air Line Pilots Association rejected the request that UA employees call the WH
switchboard to support the jet fuel tax exemption. He notes, however, that the
exemption is a "vital issue" for UA and its employees.
Ishania
Gary Bracken, Willbros USA, Inc. VP, letter re: ANWR. Via Mack. Bracken
urges you to approve opening up ANWR to leasing. He argues that doing so will
generate jobs, increase domestic production of oil and reduce import oil dependence,
and generate Federal revenues that can be used to help balance the budget.
Father Paul Tipton letter. The President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and
Universities (AJCU) thanks you for including him in the Rabin Delegation. He also
enclosed his personal account of the trip published in the 12/95 AJCU newsletter.
they ansud Be should my
speech
copied NANCY Hern reid
ghove 1/4 S.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ceo
WASHINGTON
M
3
tage
January 4, 1996
Bill Moyers
Public Affairs Television, Inc.
356 West 58th Street
New York, New York 10019
Dear Bill:
Thanks for sending a copy of "Frontline:
Living on the Edge." What an extraordinary
look at ordinary American families struggling
to fulfill the American dream.
I hope many people saw it.
Sincerely,
Rain Cleuion
Public Affairs Television, Inc.
Bill Moyers
December 27, 1995
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500-2000
Dear Mr. President:
I think you will find this worth watching.
Sincerely,
B. Mayer
Bill Moyers
Encl.
356 West 58th Street New York, NY 10019
(212) 560-6960
Fax # (212) 560-6646
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
January 2, 1996
1-4-96
Memorandum
To:
THE PRESIDENT
From:
Nancy Hernreich
Jenny Ritter
Re:
Edwin Yoder Column
In his December 27 column, Yoder defends your right to "executive privilege" in
the Whitewater hearings. He says that at the root of this case is "the familiar
post-Watergate impulse to criminalize normal politics," and he calls Senators
D'Amato and Faircloth "small-bore inquisitors". "It has never been explained why
a president's aides (lawyers or not) are not free to discuss any looming political
hazard to their boss... A president should have relief from yes men."
,The
Washington Post
1150 15ᵀᴴ STREET, N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071-9200
TEL: (202) 334-6375
(800) 879-9794
Writers Group
^bc-yoder-column advIMMEDIATE<
`EDWIN YODER COLUMN<
^
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--Normally Advance for Wednesday, December 27,
1995) <
^ (For Yoder Clients Only) <
^By EDWIN M. YODER, JR. =
WASHINGTON--Just what William Kennedy's now-famous notes will
reveal about Whitewater is, at this writing, anybody's guess. They may
prove to. be the biggest bust in disclosure since the Wizard of Oz was
unveiled by Dorothy and Toto.
Kennedy, then associate White House counsel, took these notes at a
1993 meeting which the White House now describes as a ''handover'' of
the troublesome Whitewater portfolio from in-house counsel to the
president's personal lawyers. Their fame, or infamy, derives from the
curiosity of Sens. Alfonse D'Amato and Lauch Faircloth, who have
obsessively pursued them in their interminable fishing expedition.
D'Amato finally shook them loose the other day by persuading the
Senate to threaten Kennedy (who had invoked attorney-client privilege
in concealing the notes) with contempt of Congress proceedings.
In at least one respect, the episode is already richly instructive.
It shows again that the ghosts of Watergate still haunt the
impoverished imaginations of small-bore inquisitors like D'Amato and
Faircloth, and their journalistic touts. At the root of it all is the
familiar post-Watergate impulse to criminalize normal politics.
It has never been explained, for instance, why a president's aides
(lawyers or not) are not free to discuss any looming political hazard
to their boss, including the reference of a potential criminal
complaint from the Resolution Trust Corporation to the Justice
Department. As we know, presidential effectiveness may be impeded by
charges in the press and elsewhere even when they're frivolous and
unfounded.
(more)
EDWIN YODER COLUMN for December 27, 1995
Page 2
Here, however, the ghosts of Watergate invariably set up a great
moaning and clanking of chains. In Watergate, there was indeed a huge
effort in the White House to corrupt the processes of justice. So far,
not a jot or tittle of evidence has been offered that any of the
forgatherings in the Clinton White House (such as the one where
Kennedy took the controversial notes) has had any such nefarious
purpose. Yet imagined parallels persist, even when no one can cite the
slightest resemblance to Richard Nixon's Watergate cover-up.
Beyond that, anyone who dares breathe the word ''privilege'' in the
White House, whether the reference is to ordinary attorney-client
confidentiality or to the more portentous ''executive privilege,
rouses the same ghosts. Not the least of Nixon's crimes was to pervert
useful legal terminology by associating valid personal and official
protections with the concealment of a corrupt and illegal enterprise.
There was a time before Watergate, however, when citations of
privilege were the province of virtue.
''Executive privilege, for instance, was born in the Justice
Department in the early 1950s in an effort to counteract Sen. Joe
McCarthy's demagogic disruption of executive department business. The
idea was and is to throw a protective mantle of confidentiality around
that business--especially the confidential advice a president seeks
from his official entourage. It would appear from scholarly
explorations of the idea by Telford Taylor and Raoul Berger (who calls
executive privilege ''a constitutional myth'') that executive
privilege is constitutionally questionable. It has yet to receive
judicial approval, save in a few muddled lines by the late Chief
Justice Burger in the Nixon tapes case.
But the notion itself is of immense practical value. Executive
confidentiality of a broad character, call it what you will, has its
place. Stripped of legalistic folderol, it is the notion that a
president should be encouraged to seek unsparing and candid advice;
and it is presumed that the risk of forced disclosure would dampen and
discourage that candor. Executive privilege is no more or less
(more)
EDWIN YODER COLUMN for December 27, 1995
Page 3
defensible than, say, the exemption of the national security adviser
from Senate confirmation.
The weirdly hermetic climate of the White House is well known to
encourage slavish deference to presidents and their whims and
impulses. Any countervailing practice that encourages bracing advice
should be welcomed as a contribution to sense and sanity. Kings had
their truth-telling court jesters and popes their private confessors.
A president, for the same reason, should have relief from yes men. And
he won't have if the likes of Alfonse D'Amato can poke their noses
into every White House conversation. That's the root of the matter.
(c) 1995, Washington Post Writers Group
Hove you sun
this one'.
December 15, 1995
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
MEMORANDUM
1-4.96
TO:
The President
FROM:
Nancy Hernreich
Mildred C. Alston
RE:
Recent Correspondence
Patti Cogdell sends note of support, especially regarding Bosnia.
Interview on 60 Minutes was excellent. She's a bit concerned
about the speed limit, but has faith in your decision since
you're right more than you're ever wrong! Keep up the good work
and stay the course.
John B. Pound thanks you for including him on Ireland trip. His
siled
Town
Irish relatives thought you were "brilliant" - in Ireland, that
refers to every aspect of one's character. Though impressed with
the Unionists' desire for peace and the strength of their
devotion to the cause of union with Great Britain, he thinks the
only thing we can realistically expect is some sort of prolonged
truce. He looks forward to '96 campaign and the second term.
cc: Doug Sosnik
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend - What an extraordinary trip to
Ireland. You were at home in the land of poets and were
beautifully eloquent, reaching deep into Irish hearts and lifting
them to the heavens. At Queen's College, she met mothers who had
been standing with their children in the rain 4 hours to get a
glimpse of you the man who brought peace. After your speech at
Dublin Castle, one Irishman bemoaned his fate that he was not
American and couldn't claim you as President. You are courageous
to work for peace in the face of British stubbornness.
Mill and allows
Herrera, Long & Pound, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
Judith C. Herrera
Nancy R. Long
John B. Pound
December 4, 1995
Bill Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I want to thank you for including me on the Ireland trip. My
Irish relatives told me that you were "brilliant". That word is
used more expansively in Ireland than we use it here - it refers to
every aspect of one's character, not just the intellect.
The trip gave me an opportunity to go eyeball-to-eyeball with
Unionists, something I have never done before. I was impressed
with both their desire for peace and the strength of their devotion
to the cause of union with Great Britain. To be blunt about it, I
think the only thing we can realistically expect out of all this is
some sort of prolonged truce. The best strategy might be to hold
the two sides at bay for 20 or 30 years. By that time, Irish
reproductive proclivities might shift the political balance.
I am looking forward to the campaign of 1996 and the second
term. It is my privilege to be counted among your friends
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
All the best,
John
2200 Brothers Road
P.O. Box 5098
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502-5098
(505) 982-8405
Facsimile (505) 982-8513
THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
On Balance, Budget Deal Could Offer a $1,000 Bonus
trillion dollars out of the economy over seven
adviser to President Carter. "For them this
By Steven Pearlstein
years without anyone noticing: Indeed, some
represents a terribly risky roll of the dice-
Washington Post Staff Writer
economists predict if spending is cut too fast,
one that I think is likely to come out wrong."
With the budget crisis slowly suffocating
it could tip the economy into recession.
It is not only economists with Democratic
Washington and mystifying the rest of the
Even if the economy can withstand the
leanings who worry about the budgetary im-
country, it may be easy to overlook the payoff
shock of sharply reduced government spend-
pact on the poor. Listen to Herbert Stein, an
if President Clinton and leaders of the Repub-
ing, there are two groups of people for whom
analyst at the American Enterprise Institute
lican Congress agree on a plan that balances
this budget debate has serious consequences:
and an economic adviser to President Nixon:
the budget:
the poor and the elderly.
"If you cut Medicaid and welfare and food
The benefits could total roughly $1,000
The big nut to be cracked is health care
stamps, will these people descend into misery
year for every American family, according to
costs, which effectively represent half of the
or straighten up, fly right, get a job and wind
economists and budget analysts.
policy dispute between the president and the
up with an apartment on Park Avenue?
The math goes something like this:
Republican Congress. What they're really
Frankly, I think it's a risky strategy for the
Balancing the budget stems
wrestling with is how to ration medical care
very poorest people. I think many won't be
NEWS
ANALYSIS
the flow of income that now
for the 60 million Americans who rely on gove
able to adjust successfully."
runs from future generations to
ernment to pay for it.
But if doing something is risky, so is doing
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1996
THE WASHINGTON POST
Although rationing is a dirty word in poli-
nothing. Even the supposedly harsh measures
our own.
At today's interest rates, the $1 trillion in
tics, it goes on every day all the United
proposed by the Republicans will keep the
government debt that would be avoided by
States, where more than half the working
federal budget in balance only for the first de-
gradually eliminating the deficit over the next
population is now enrolled in some form of
cade or so of the 21st century. After that, de-
seven years would save taxpayers $60 billion
managed health care plan.
mographic forces will once again overwhelm
CHARLES SCHULTZE
MICHAEL BOSKIN
in interest payments every year. That works
The key feature of these plans is that a
the Treasury as the giant baby boom genera-
out to an average of $500 a year for every
concerned about treatment of the poor
group of doctors and hospitals agrees to pro-
budget battles will grow far worse
tion moves into its retirement years, expect-
household beginning in 2002-money that
vide all medically necessary services for a
ing the same level of pensions and health care
way to our bank accounts. That's because the
fixed fee per person per year. This fixed-fee
that work much better. Any reform, then, is
as the generation that preceded it. Without
could be used to reduce taxes or increase the
government services they receive.
flip side of interest savings for borrowers is a
concept has helped slow the medical inflation
something of a leap into the unknown, and at
further increases in taxes or reductions in So-
Balancing the budget also should generate
corresponding reduction in interest income
rate to its present 4 percent. But the govern-
the heart of the budget battle is the question
cial Security and Medicare benefits, the gov.
extra economic growth from lower interest
for savers. Over the course of a lifetime, sav-
ment's two big health care programs, Medi-
of exactly how big a leap to take.
ernment is now projected to once again find
rates and a higher national savingsrate. Even
ers and borrowers turn out to be many of the
care and Medicaid, continue to operate large-
It was candidate Clinton who first promised
itself drowning in red ink.
same Americans. But even so, it's pretty safe
ly on the blank check philosophy of health
to end welfare as we know. it; and now the
"Even if we can balance the budget in the
it the effect is just an additional 0.1 percent in
output each year, as the Congressional Budg-
to figure about another $100 annual bonus
insurance, giving the poor, and elderly free
Republican Congress has gore him one bet-
next few. years, it is really only the first step,"
et Office predicts, it would boost national in-
per family for balancing the budget.
reign to consume whatever health: services
ter. Its proposal would fold welfare, food
warns Stanford University's Michael Boskin,
come by one percentage point by the end of a
All told, it's worth about $1,000 a year to
they think they need and reimbursing doctors
stamps and a panoply of other federal pro-
top economist in the Bush White House.
decade $400 for the average household.
our children and grandchildren for us to cut
and hospitals according to a fee schedule.
grams into one, consolidated grant to be sent
"What lies beyond the year 2002 simply
Additionally, the CBO calculates that bal-
back on our consumption of government sub-
Both Clinton and Congress have effectively
off to each statehouse. The Republican plan is
dwarfs what we are dealing with here."
ancing the budget will reduce prevailing inter-
sidies and services. "From an economic stand-
embraced the idea of extending the managed-
exquisitely precise on how and when welfare
Put another way, if you think this budget
7051
est rates by about 1.5 percent. Some of that
point, everything else about this budget de-
care concept to Medicare and Medicaid, What
mothers will be forced off the dole, but con-
battle is tough, wait till next time.
reduction already is reflected in market rates,
bate is insignificant," says William Niskanen,
the fuss is all about is how-and how fast.
siderably more vague on exactly how these
to
but with average household indebtedness now
President Reagan's economic adviser and
The other big sticking point concerns the
people will find jobs or how they will pay for
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tunning around $45,000, including na .tgag-
now chairman of the Cato Institute.
rest of the government's social safety net.
day care and health care even if they do.
To stay updated throughout the day on
aes, lower rates eventually could reduce inter-
But while the future payoff is fairly clear,
While just about everyone concedes that wel-
"What concerns me in all this is the treat-
the latest federal budget news, see Digital
"est payments by $675 a year per family.
the process of getting there is not without
fare programs have largely failed to end pov-
ment of the poor," says Charles Schultze of
Ink, The Post's on-line service. To learn
34 But not all of those savings will make their
pain. Nobody has yet invented a way to suck a
erty, few can point to alternative programs
the Brookings Institution, the top economic
about Digital Ink, call 202-334-4740.
are
WHITE HOUSE
ASHINGTON
January 4, 1996
The Honorable Mike Synar
217 Eighth Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Dear Mike:
Your brother Alan recently wrote to tell me of
your resignation as Chairman of the National
Bankruptcy Review Commission. I understand
your reasons for leaving this position, and I
regretfully accept your resignation effective
immediately.
I want to thank you for your important work with
the Commission over the past few months. Your
distinguished service in this position has been
yet another milestone in a remarkable public
career. I will always be grateful for your
tireless efforts to ensure that our nation's
bankruptcy system functions effectively and
efficiently. Your support means a great deal
to me, and I extend the thanks of a grateful
nation for your commitment, to service.
Please know that Hillary and I are thinking of
you and keeping you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
has 4 always
menut so much
to me
Jim to forskind
1.4.96
sent
ALAN E. SYNAR
1900 S. Broadway
Edmond, Oklahoma 730gg DEC 20 A : 14
(405) 341-6551
FAX: (405) 340-6966
December 19, 1995
President William J. Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Your friendship has meant much to my brother, Mike Synar, and
to our family. Your most recent call was much appreciated.
For the past few months, Mike has worked hard to fulfill his
responsibilities as Chairman of the National Bankruptcy Review
Commission. He has participated actively and worked with the
Commission Members and staff to ensure that the important work of
the Commission progressed.
Mike has determined that his bout with cancer is taking too
much of his strength to focus on his responsibilities as Chairman.
As his brother, and with his full power of attorney, I am providing
you this letter of resignation on Mike's behalf and with his
knowledge.
Please accept my brother's resignation as Chairman of the
National Bankruptcy Review Commission effective immediately.
Again, thank you for your friendship and assistance.
Very truly yours,
Alan ESy
Alan E. Synar
on behalf of Mike Synar
AES/ch
ALAN E. SYNAR
1900 S. Broadway
Edmond, Oklahoma 73013
(405) 341-6551
FAX: (405) 340-6966
DEC 20 All : 14
December 19, 1995
President William J. Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Mike wanted me to express his appreciation to you for your
support and assistance during his fight with cancer. Mike also
wanted me to provide you with some additional information
concerning his resignation from the Chairmanship of the National
Bankruptcy Review Commission.
Mike did not want to put you in the position of having to
quickly, and without warning, find a replacement but he also
realized that he could not leave the Commission with a vacuum.
Mike requested that his staff review the situation and provide him
with some options to ensure that problems were not created by the
timing of his resignation. He was very concerned about the
Commission's work and desired to see that his goals for the
Commission were carried on if he resigned.
Despite the best intentions of providing you with some time to
consider his replacement, Mike's condition has overtaken his
intended timetable. He is now too weak to provide you with the
personal resignation he wished to write. Mike discussed his
resignation with his advisors in an effort to provide a
recommendation for a successor. Mike did not want to appear
presumptuous in recommending someone to you, but he did have the
opportunity to reflect on this matter. In the initial stages of
the Commission's existence, he had the opportunity to meet with
Brady Williamson who had also been considered for the Commission.
He did indicate that he considered Mr. Williamson to be a person he
could recommend for the Chairmanship.
Your support of Mike's Chairmanship and your willingness to
allow him to focus on bankruptcy issues over these past few months
resident William J. Clinton
December 19, 1995
Page Two
means a lot to Mike. I know that having a focus other than his
illness has helped him in his fight.
Again, Mike and my family thank you for your support.
Very truly yours,
Alan Alan ESpe E Syn
Alan E. Synar
on behalf of Mike Synar
AES/ ch
TOTAL P.05
THE WHITE HOUSE
sent
WASHINGTON
96 JAN 4 P5: 00
OFFICE OF THE STAFF SECRETARY
Fax Transmittal Sheet
TO: LARRY HAAS
Fax Number:
Phone Number:
57298
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
NUMBER OF PAGES (including cover sheet):
MESSAGE:
If all pages are not received, please call 202/456-2702
The document accompanying this facsimile transmittal sheet is intended only for the use of the individual or
entity to whom it is addressed. This message contains information which may be privileged, confidential or
exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance on the
contents of this communication is strictly prohibited.
01/03/96
TC:TT
T-STERN
draft/letter to federal employees
dedication
Insert
Open Letter to Federal Employees
A
from
President Clinton and Vice President Gore
cllot
hard
Once again, many of the men and women who make up our federal
government are being held hostage and once again we thank you and
salute you for your We are working to end this
intolerable situation, OR terms that are fair to the American
people, and until we achieve that goal you are being unjustly
penalized. If there is anything positive about this shameful
impasse, it is that your fellow Americans are being painfully
reminded that your work,is not "non-essential, as the eynics would
have it, but is central to our nation's day to day existence.
importance
of
The inconvenience and pain of this shutdown have spread from coast
to coast. Veterans benefits have been curtailed. Services to small
businesses have been interrupted. Important environmental
protections are shut down, including Superfund cleanup actions and
programs to combat air and water polution. Applications for federal
aid to college students cannot be processed. FBI training of state
and local law enforcement officers has stopped.
The list of curtailed or limited services goes on and on. FHA
mortgages and housing vouchers are halted. Kansas has stopped
paying unemployment benefits, and other states may be forced to do
the same. state rehabilitation services for those with physical and
mental disabilities have started to shut down. Travellers have
found National Park Service facilities closed, National Forests
restricted, great museums padlocked, and passports unavailable.
A ripple effect is extending the economic hardship beyond the
federal workforce to millions of other Americans who provide
services toryou. on Receive them from
Just how essential you are has never been more clear.
But that does not make it any easier for those of you who have had
your paychecks delayed and your security threatened during the
holiday season. You are pawns in a battle you did not seek, but one
that is truly essential to our nation's future. Whether you have
been furloughed or excepted, by your fortitude and your sacrifice
you are serving your nation as loyally as ever during this crisis.
have unfordy and understandly been made
Bill Clinton
Al Gore
January 3, 1996
There
absolutately
$
this
W
showndown
:ai
JAN-04-96 02:43 FROM:OMB COMMUNICATION
Insert A
But let us be clear: there is absolutely no excuse for this
shutdown. We and congressional Republicans have differing views
on how to balance the budget and that's why we are engaged in
negotiations. But there is no justification for this government
to be closed while negotiations go on.
MESSAGE CONFIRMATION
JAN-04-96 16:59
FAX NUMBER : 2024562215
NAME
:
FAX NUMBER
:
57298
PAGE
: 03
ELAPSED TIME : 01'11"
MODE
:
G3 STD
RESULTS
: O.K
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1/4/96
WASHINGTON
96 JAN 2 P2:58
January 2, 1996
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
if
FROM:
STEPHANIE STREETT & ANNE WALLEY
SUBJECT: SCHEDULING DECISIONS
Accept:
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
1/5/96
Foreign Policy Team Meeting
1/5/96 - 1/23/96
State of the Union Prep
(12 hours)
1/9/96
Meeting With Bipartisan Mayors
1/9/96
Ambassador Credentials (8)
1/10/96
Meeting With Belfast Youngster,
David Serrett (15 min. photo-op)
1/19/96
Meeting With Top Gephardt Supporters
@ WH (1 hour)
Pending:
3 Ruan
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
1/2/96 - 1/15/96
USIA Radio and Television Address to
the Bosnian People
1/2/96 - 1/19/96
Meeting With Senators Specter & Kerrey
to Discuss Current Situation in India-
Pakistan (non-proliferation)
1/2/96 - 1/18/96
Speech at National Press Club Luncheon
1/15/96
Address the Annual Martin Luther King
Commemorative Service at the Ebenezer
Baptist Church in Atlanta (Jan. 15 is
MLK, Jr. Day)
1/18/96
Meeting With Members of the Commission
on the Roles and Capabilities of the US
Intelligence Community
1/21/96 - 1/24/96
Satellite Address to the 10th Plenary
Assembly of the World Jewish Congress
1/25/96
Address the 1996 Meeting of the AFL-CIO
General Board Meeting (Washington, DC)
/26/96
Address Closing Plenary Session of the
US Conference of Mayors
1/27/96
Alfalfa Dinner (Washington, DC)
01/03/96
JIM DORSKIND:
Per POTUS note, pls prepare a reply. 'I
should write her a letter of encouragement'
Please coordinate with Betty Currie regarding
the White House ornament that the POTUS
requests also be sent.
Thanks.
sharon
CCC BME
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1-3-96
with her
NEW YORK TIMES December 25; 1995 b. 1
Suid a ext is or
01/03/96
JIM DORSKIND:
Per POTUS note, pls prepare a reply. 'I
a UNITED Use 5
should write her a letter of encouragement'
Please coordinate with Betty Currie regarding
the White House ornament that the POTUS
requests also be sent.
Thanks.
an
sharon
Don Baer
Michael WAldman
Gene Spening
EC-28-85 18.40 FROM:OEOB LIBRARY
Surance DechillorThe New York Times
REMEMBER THE NEEDIESTI Faith Bowman, left,
and her daughter, Catey, could not afford a Christmas
tree other than the one they painted in their Harlem
apartment, but it is a happy time for them. Page 42.
NEW YORK TIMES December 25, 1995 p. 42
Woman Works Toward a Career and Reunites With Daughter
By SARAHJAY
a mural of butterflies and fish. Ms.
Previously recorded
$2,100,368.80
Bowman splashed her own waits
Christmas will be sweet this year
Recorded Friday
$115,067.50
with a pattern of yellow, orange and
for Faith Bowman and her 8-year-
Total
$2,215,436.30
red brush strokes.
old daughter, Catey. They may be
School began In September. Ms.
poor, but they are living together,
Bowman paid the $8,550 tultion with
and that Is more
the center's staff, and they made
loans. She was given a work-study
than they can
special allowances for her, letting
job for $5 an hour. Besides feed and
The
say about last
her keep a camora in the dorm so
rent, the tax refund went toward
year.
Neediest
Since
they
the could build her portfolio.
mandatory art supplies for herself
couldn't afford a
When Parsons accepted her in
and books and school fees for her
Cases
Christmas tree,
April, Ms. Bowman cried for 10 min-
daughter, who enrolled 01 an experi-
they have paint-
utes. She called her daughter, who
mental public school near Parsons.
ed one on the
had made up her mind to come
October was tough. The tax money
kitchen wall, taping up colored paper
home. Ms. Bowman promised an Au-
was gone, and welfare workers told
ornaments and a shining yellow star.
gust reunion.
Ms. Bowman that anyone who could
They have saved a little money for
By May, she had found a subsi-
afford to attend Parsons could also
food, so dinner tonight will be ham,
dized apartment In Harlem two
buy food. They were wrong, and Ms.
rooms and a kitchen for $215 a
with sides of cornbread, collard
Bowman and Catey went hungry.
month - but a snag in her benefits
greens and candled sweet potatoes
The contents of their refrigerator
made from "Sister Pamela's Soul
prevented her from moving out right
dwindled to a vegetable or two. Ca-
Food Cookbook," a 25-cent find at a
away.
ley was sometimes given meals
used book sale.
She stayed at the center and com-
from strangers who passed through
muled 10 Parsons for a summer
A year ago, they weren't doing as
the student tounge, which had be.
well. Ms. Bowman, 26, was living in
program, where she learned how to
come her second home. Once, a
Brooklyn with six housemates, earn-
draw, sculpture and talk about art.
school friend sook Ms. Bowman to
Ing her keep by having conversa.
New
York
Times
As a final project, she stayed up until
the supermarket and bought her $80
tions with male callers to a tele-
"I should be pretty proud of myself," said Faith Bowman, who is
3 A.M. designing a wire mask and
⑉ grocerles.
phone sex line. Catey was living in an
covering it with scraps of fur and
unofficial foster home In Pittsburgh
studying photography and has brought her daughter. Catey, home.
cloth that she found around the shel-
November was better because the
under the care of a woman she called
ter. By morning, her fingers were
emergency food stamps finally
blistered and bleeding.
came through, and they celebrated
Aunt Cindy.
stopped," Ms. Bowman sald.
women, spotted Ms. Bowman.
The new year began tumultuously,
II was August. Ms. Bowman felt
with a. Thanksgiving dinner that
Her ambition unnerved her house-
"She looked so lost with those big
when Ms. Bowman fell into a para-
secure and confident and ready to
could not be beat.
nold depression on Jan. 10. 11 was
mates, who were unemployed actors
glasses, and she was so thin," Ms.
leave. She told the center's staff.
A few weeks age, Ms. Bowman's
and writers and designers. They took
Steele said. "She was at sea."
sparked, she said, by two putis from
"We can't let you go," she remem-
teachers critiqued her first semester
EC-28-95 18:41 FROM:OEOB LIBRARY
her jewelry and clothes and then
Ms. Steele saw something hopeful
a cigar wrapper filled with marijua-
bers them saying. "You don't have
work. They praised her creative eye
kicked her out, leaving her furniture
and tragic in Ms. Bowman and Invil.
any benefits."
and assured her that once she had
na. She spent 17 days in the psychiat-
on the sidewalk and defacing n with
ed her to live at the transitional
ric ward at Harlem Hospital. It was
"Don't worry." Ms. Bowman said.
mastered the techniques of the dark.
personal Insults. in desperation. she
living center In East New York. The
an adious experience, she said, ex.
"Something will happen. That's the
room, her photographs would be
moved in with a friend from high
center, one of five In the city, Is run
cept for one moment of clarity In
way this year has been"
good enough to sell.
school, but he molested her.
by the Brooklyn Bureau of Commu-
which she decided to become a pho-
The center gave In, and they paid
"I should be pretty proud of my-
"I spent the whole month there
nity Service, supported by The New
her first month's rent. "She asserted
tographer.
self," Ms. Bowman said. "From Jan-
February was filled with errands
scheming how to get out," she said.
York Times Needlest Cases Fund.
herself," said Arian Dean, the cen-
uary to now, I said what J was going
She made her break In the middle
For Ms. Bowman, rallying back
buying a camera, going to ther-
ter's housing coordinator. "She
to do and I did IL, and I'm good at H
apy, compliing a portfollo, applying
of March, taking only her camera,
from mental Illness, the center was a
made it work."
and ] love k and I got my kid back
for public assistance and filling out
her photographs and two pairs of
stable, nurturing place.
Then came a $3,000 windfall from
and I have an apartment."
underwear. For the next three
an application for the two-year pho-
"She said, 'If I don't do something
the Internal Revenue Service, which
Sometimes It doesn't seem real.
tography program at Parsons
nights, she slept in a chair at a drop-
now, I could just end up spiraling
had finally verified her earned in-
But 11 is, and Ms. Bowman knows
in center for the homeless In down-
School of Design. She gave up drugs,
down and down and down," Ms.
come tax credit. Catey came home
how to prove It.
alcohol and sex.
town Brooklyn. On the fourth morn.
Steele said. "And she was right. She
on Aug. 21, and Ms. Bowman gave
"Mookle," she said, using her
"From the minute I hit the street
Ing, Ayn Steele, the director of a
needed to get a grip."
her a brush and paints and told her
daughter's nickname. "Gel my port-
from that hospital, 1 have not
center for mentally III homeless
Ms. Bowman's drive Impressed
to decorate her bedroom. She made
folio."
C-28-95 18:42 FROM:OEOB LIBRARY
Page 2
LEVEL 1 - 2 OF 2 STORIES
Copyright 1995 The New York Times Company
The New York Times
December 25, 1995, Monday, Late Edition - Final
SECTION: Section 1; Page 42; Column 1; Metropolitan Desk
LENGTH: 1235 words
HEADLINE: THE NEEDIEST CASES;
Woman works Toward a Career and Reunites with Daughter
BYLINE: By SARAH JAY
BODY:
Christmas will be sweet this year for Faith Bowman and her 8-year-old
daughter, Catey. They may be poor, but they are living together, and that is
more than they can say about last year.
Since they couldn't afford a Christmas tree, they have painted one on the
kitchen wall, taping up colored paper ornaments and a shining yellow star. They
have saved a little money for food, so dinner tonight will be ham, with sides of
cornbread, collard greens and candied sweet potatoes made from "Sister Pamela's
Soul Food Cookbook," a 25-cent find at a used book sale.
A year ago, they weren't doing as well. Ms. Bowman, 26, was living in
Brooklyn with six housemates, earning her keep by having conversations with male
callers to a telephone sex line. Catey was living in an unofficial foster home
in Pittsburgh under the care of a woman she called Aunt Cindy.
The new year began tumultuously, when Ms. Bowman fell into a paranoid
depression on Jan. 10. It was sparked, she said, by two puffs from a cigar
wrapper filled with marijuana. She spent 17 days in the psychiatric ward at
Harlem Hospital. It was an odious experience, she said, except for one moment of
clarity in which she decided to become a photographer.
February was filled with errands buying a camera, going to therapy,
compiling a portfolio, applying for public assistance and filling out an
application for the two-year photography program at Parsons school of Design.
She gave up drugs, alcohol and sex.
"From the minute I hit the street from that hospital, I have not stopped,"
Ms. Bowman said.
Her ambition unnerved her housemates, who were unemployed actors and writers
and designers. She said they took her jewelry and clothes and then kicked her
out, leaving her furniture on the sidewalk and defacing it with personal
insults. In desperation, she moved in with a friend from high school, but he
molested her, she said.
"I spent the whole month there scheming how to get out," she said.
TM
TM
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
A recember of the Rood Elecvier pic group
A member of the Reed Bluevier pic group
A - of - Road Eleminer yis -
EC-28-95 18.42 FROM:OEOB LIBRARY
Page 3
The New York Times, December 25, 1995
She made her break in the middle of March, taking only her camera, her
photographs and two pairs of underwear. For the next three nights, she slept in
a chair at a drop-in center for the homeless in downtown Brooklyn. On the
fourth morning, Ayn Steele, the director of a center for mentally ill homeless
women, spotted Ms. Bowman.
"She looked so lost with those big glasses, and she was so thin," Ms. Steele
said. "She was at sea."
Ms. Steele saw something hopeful and tragic in Ms. Bowman and invited her to
live at the transitional living center in East New York. The center, one of five
in New York City, is run by the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, supported
by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. For Ms. Bowman, rallying back from
mental illness, the center was a stable, nurturing place.
"She said, 'If I don't do something now, I could just end up spiraling down
and down and down,' . Ms. Steele said. "And she was right. She needed to get a
grip."
Ms. Bowman's drive impressed the center's staff, and they made special
allowances for her, letting her keep a camera in the dorm so she could build her
portfolio.
When Parsons accepted her in April, Ms. Bowman cried for 10 minutes. She
called her daughter, who had made up her mind to come home. Ms. Bowman promised
an August reunion.
By May, she had found a subsidized apartment in Harlem two rooms and a
kitchen for $215 a month -- but a snag in her benefits prevented her from moving
out right away.
She stayed at the center and commuted to Parsons for a summer program, where
she learned how to draw, sculpture and talk about art. As a final project, she
stayed up until 3 A.M. designing a wire mask and covering it with scraps of fur
and cloth that she found around the shelter. By morning, her fingers were
blistered and bleeding.
It was August. Ms. Bowman felt secure and confident and ready to leave. She
told the center's staff. "We can't let you go," she remembers them saying. "You
don't have any benefits."
"Don't worry," Ms. Bowman said. "Something will happen. That's the way this
year has been."
The center gave in, and they paid her first month's rent. "She asserted
herself," said Arlan Dean, the center's housing coordinator. "She made it work."
Then came a $3,000 windfall from the Internal Revenue Service, which had
finally verified her earned income tax credit. Catey came home on Aug. 21, and
Ms. Bowman gave her a brush and paints and told her to decorate her bedroom. She
made a mural of butterflies and fish. Ms. Bowman splashed her own walls with a
pattern of yellow, orange and red brush strokes.
School began in September. Ms. Bowman paid the $8,550 tuition with loans. She
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
A - of the Read Eleavier gic -
A - of the Road Elemvier pic -
A - of de Road Elemviar pie -
Page 4
The New York Times, December 25, 1995
was given a work-study job for $5 an hour. Besides food and rent, the tax refund
went toward mandatory art supplies for herself and books and school fees for her
daughter, who enrolled at an experimental public school near Parsons.
October was tough. The tax money was gone, and Ms. Bowman said welfare
workers told her that anyone who could afford to attend Parsons could also buy
food. They were wrong, she said, and she and Catey went hungry. The contents of
their refrigerator dwindled to a vegetable or two. Catey was sometimes given
meals from strangers who passed through the student lounge, which had become her
second home. Once, a school friend took Ms. Bowman to the supermarket and bought
her $60 in groceries.
November was better because the emergency food stamps finally came through,
and they celebrated with a Thanksgiving dinner that could not be beat.
A few weeks ago, Ms. Bowman's teachers critiqued her first semester work.
They praised her creative eye and assured her that once she had mastered the
techniques of the darkroom, her photographs would be good enough to sell.
"I should be pretty proud of myself," Ms. Bowman said. "From January to now,
I said what I was going to do and I did it, and I'm good at it and I love it and
I got my kid back and I have an apartment."
Sometimes it doesn't seem real. But it is, and Ms. Bowman knows how to prove
it.
"Mookie," she said, using her daughter's nickname. "Get my portfolio."
HOW TO HELP
Checks payable to The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund should be sent to
P.O. Box 5193, General Post Office, New York, N.Y. 10087, or any of these
organizations:
BROOKLYN BUREAU OF
COMMUNITY SERVICE
285 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
1011 First Avenue,
New York, N.Y. 10022.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE
OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS
191 Joralemon Street,
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.
CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
105 East 22d Street,
New York, N.Y. 10010.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
105 East 22d Street,
New York, N.Y. 10010.
TM
TM
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
A - of the Reed Blorvier pk group
A - of the Road Elervier gic -
A member of the Reed Elsever pic group
EC-28-95 18:43 FROM:OEOB LIBRARY
Page 5
The New York Times, December 25, 1995
FEDERATION OF PROTESTANT WELFARE AGENCIES
281 Park Avenue South,
New York, N.Y. 10010.
UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK
130 East 59th Street, Room 427, New York, N.Y. 10022.
No agents or solicitors are authorized to seek contributions for The New York
Times Neediest Cases Fund.
The Times pays the fund's expenses, so all contributions go directly to the
charities, which use them to provide services and cash assistance to the poor.
Contributions to the fund are deductible on Federal, state and city income
taxes to the extent permitted by law.
To delay may mean to forget.
Previously recorded $2,100,368.80
Recorded Friday $115,067.50
Total $2,215,436.30
GRAPHIC: Photo: "I should be pretty proud of myself," said Faith Bowman, who is
studying photography and has brought her daughter, Catey, home. (Suzanne
DeChillo/The New York Times)
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: December 25, 1995
TM
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS
A - of the Road Elevior pie -
A - of the Road Elember pie -
A member of the Reed lileavier pie -
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE: 01/03/96
NOTE FOR: SECRETARY RILEY
The President has reviewed the attached, and it is forwarded to you
for your:
Information
XX
Action
The Honorable Richard W. Riley
Secretary of Education
Washington, D.C.
VIA SPECIAL MESSENGER
FINDING
COMMON
GROUND
A First Amendment Guide to Religion and Public Education
Charles C. Haynes, Ph.D., Editor
Oliver Thomas, Esq., Legal Editor
THE FREEDOM FORUM
FIRST AMENDMENT CENTER
AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
A Guide to Finding Common Ground
A Return to First Principles
Religious Liberty in American Public Life
The Supreme Court, Religion, and Public Education
Strategies for Finding Common Ground
Religion in the Curriculum: Questions and Answers
Rationale and Guidelines for Teaching about Religion
Resources for Teaching about Religion in U.S. History
Resources for Teaching about Religion in World History
Religious Holidays in the Public Schools
1
The Equal Access Act and the Public Schools: Questions and Answers
2
Religious Expression in Public Schools
3
Religious Practices of Students
4
Character Education in the Public Schools
FINDING
COMMON
GROUND
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
12.07.95
Letter to Rasco from father of son with AIDS. You and Carol met Jay Minish, the
UNITED
son, a 16-year-old hemophiliac who is HIV-Positive, last year at World AIDS Day.
Jay depends on Medicaid, and his father argues that if the Republicans are successful
in making drastic cuts in Medicaid, his son, and thousands of others like him will lose
their lifeline.
We have also received the following items:
Lake responses on PFLP case. You asked Tony about the Nat Hentoff piece
criticizing the government's efforts to deport 8 aliens because of their support for the
PFLP. He notes that the Justice Department is still reviewing its appeal options.
Congressional letters. Sen. Kennedy on Medicare -- Appreciates your prompt
response to his budget letter and is pleased: "I believe characterizing Medicare
savings as $98 billion rather than $124 billion is a fairer presentation of your proposal
and reflects the value of needed new investments as one of our principal priorities in
health care. Well done! We're winning this fight because our priorities are the
American people's priorities." Tillie Fowler -- Thanks you for your condolences on
the death of her father, Senator Culver Kidd of Georgia. Rep. Bob Wise -- Thanks
you for attending the Nov. 20 Democratic Caucus, and for standing firm. Encloses
cartoon drawn by his 8-year-old son of Gingrich whining on AF-1 and you telling him
to be quiet. Rep. James Walsh -- Wrote to thank you for your recognition of the
Congressional delegation on your recent trip to Ireland.
United Airlines Pilots Master Executive Council Letter. Via Harold. The
December 14 letter from Chairman Harlow Osteboe states that the UA division of the
Air Line Pilots Association rejected the request that UA employees call the WH
switchboard to support the jet fuel tax exemption. He notes, however, that the
exemption is a "vital issue" for UA and its employees.
Gary Bracken, Willbros USA, Inc. VP, letter re: ANWR. Via Mack. Bracken
urges you to approve opening up ANWR to leasing. He argues that doing so will
generate jobs, increase domestic production of oil and reduce import oil dependence,
and generate Federal revenues that can be used to help balance the budget.
Father Paul Tipton letter. The President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and
Universities (AJCU) thanks you for including him in the Rabin Delegation. He also
enclosed his personal account of the trip published in the 12/95 AJCU newsletter.
$20
extries ansud my
JIM DORSKIND:
Please coordinate
the reply.
original
speech
sent ltr to (,
will
1/3/96
JIM DORSKIND:
WILLBROS USA, INC.
GARY 1. BRACKEN
Please coordinate
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
the reply.
ecember 12, 1995
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
95 DEC 18 48
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I urge you to sign the second Budget Reconciliation bill which contains a provision to open up the
Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to leasing.
In 1980, Congress set aside the 1.5 million acre Coastal Plain to study its oil and gas potential. In
1987, the Secretary of Interior recommended leasing the Coastal Plain to oil leasing and exploration.
In 1991, the Interior Department determined there was 46 percent chance of finding 3-9 billion barrels
of oil in this small area.
The royalties resulting from leasing ANWR will be divided 50/50 percent between the U.S.
Government and the State of Alaska. The Alaskan Delegation, the Governor of Alaska, the President
of the Alaska State Senate, and the Speaker of the Alaska State House all support the 50/50 revenue
split of the CBO projected $2.6 billion from leasing. The Budget Reconciliation directs the $1.3 billion
in Federal revenues derived from leasing ANWR to be used to balance the Federal budget by 2002 --
a major concern of the American people.
The U.S. is in dire need of increased oil production. We are currently importing more than 50 percent
of our oil (8 million barrels per day). At present prices, every 100,000 barrels per day that we produce
domestically to replace imports will decrease the trade deficit by $600 million annually. Last year, our
oil trade deficit was $50 billion.
ANWR means jobs. A study conducted by the Wharton Econometrics Forecasting Associates
confirmed that thousands of jobs could be created nationwide if oil in large quantities is discovered in
ANWR. Meanwhile, the domestic oil and gas industry has lost over 500,000 jobs in the last decade.
The fact is, opening ANWR to leasing will help balance the budget, create jobs, increase domestic
production, reduce oil import dependence, and reduce the trade deficit. ANWR benefits the Federal
Government, the State of Alaska, and the American people.
Very truly yours,
from mr. MchanTy
12-18-95
Pay / Bracken Gary L, Bracken
GLB:ry
2431 EAST 61ST STREET
SUITE 700
TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74136
PHONE: 918-748-7000
TELEX: 79-6660
TELEFAX: 918-748-8514
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. form
[Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (1 page)
01/00/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Staff Secretary
Todd Stern
OA/Box Number: 7693
FOLDER TITLE:
Chron Files January 1-6, 1996 [1]
2019-0774-S
rs3301
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(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
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
U
THE WHITE HOUSE
PRE-EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Name: Burkhammer
Wendy
L.
Last
First
Middle Initial
SSN:
(b)(6)
Local Address: 9212 Woodvale Drive, Damascus, Maryland
20872
Street
City
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Zip
301- 253- 0004
Phone:
None
Home
Work
Department: Office of Records Mgmt
Requested by:
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Position Title: Technician
Salary: $22,554 (GS 6-1)
Proposed Date of Employment: Jan 22, 1996 Ending Date, (If possible): N/A
Work Schedule (circle one):
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APPROVALS
Assistant to the President
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and Administration
Date
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Upon Approval or disapproval, return to:
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80 OEOB
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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
Yale University
1/3/96
Department of Surgery (Anatomy)
School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
PO Box 208062
New Haven, CT 06520-8062
sld
Tel: 203 785-6277
FAX 03 737-2159
E-mail [email protected]
20 from
December 19, 1995
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
RE: Appropriation for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your recent letter reaffirming your commitment to fair and equitable health
reform. I appreciate the complexity and the contentiousness of the issues involved. One area that
receives broad bipartisan support is funding for the NIH. This evidenced by the approval in the
House of Representatives to increase the NIH budget 5.7%. Even the Republicans, including the
Speaker, acknowledge that this is one area where government can, does and should play a leading
role. I encourage you to find a way to restore the NIH to its full funding while the more
contentious issues are being resolved.
Even though the NIH budget is relatively small, it means survival for those of us at the
bench top. I am one of a lucky few whose grant was funded without an NIH budget. Like so
many of my colleagues, my grant was forced to go through several review cycles before funding
became available. During this period I exhausted all the funds available to me. My research on the
cellular basis of retinal disease would have come to a halt if the NIH failed to release the funds this
month. But funds will not be released to many of my colleagues until the NIH learns its bottom
line for the fiscal year. This will result in needless layoffs, followed by a lag as new personnel
must be trained into highly specialized positions
I applaud your efforts to fight for an equitable budget. I hope there is a way to fully fund
those agencies that have received bipartisan support.
Sincerely,
JIM DORSKIND:
Please coordinate
the reply.
Lawrence J. Rizzolo, Ph.D.
original
Assistant Professor
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1/8/96
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
96 JAN 2 P7:28
January 2, 1996
MR. PRESIDENT:
Morton Gould asked that this composition
be forwarded to you. He originally wrote
it for the alto sax, by mistake, and has
now retooled it for tenor sax.
Dal
Todd Stern
JIM DORSKIND:
Please coordinate
the reply.
Pls
1345
K
is
1/3/96
Jim D.:
FYI
Along with Todd's note, there was a music
cassette (I xeroxed the case) and a paper
portofolio with several copies of sheet
music in it. (I xeroxed the top sheet of
the sheet music).
Hope this is helpful.
Sharon
A
Noise Reduction
B
Noise Reduction
EC Normal : 120us
EQ Normal : 120us
Morton Gould-Song Dance
Home Piano Demo (11/30/85)
for Presidents Bill Clintra
and his Tena Sax
clicks , noises are not pars ofter Piece!
Bed wisha
Montan
Song and Dance
for President Bill Clinton and his Tenor Sax!
I trust you have not switched to alto Sax-
for which I mistakenly wrote this Last year
In any case- you now have two versions -
Take your choice!
with all best wishes -
Morton Gould
revised 11/27/95
one year after - and a fourth down!
Dear President Clinton,
It is at this time of year when people from all over the world spend
time with their families and give praise to God. I sincerely appreciate and
support your efforts to ensure the peace and freedom of all mankind.
It is with this thought in mind that / ask you to focus on my friend, John
Ballis, and his quest for freedom and reunion with his family. John and I
have been dear friends for years and / consider what has happened to him
to be a real tragedy. In this regard, if there is anything / can do to help -
please let me know.
Sincerely,
1-3-96
To NSC foR
Chan Hakeem Olajuwon
Appro 1 action in
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96JAN JAN 3 P4: 20
Hakeem Olajuwon
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President Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C.
20500-2000
7:34
JUSE HA'L
49 OECE
TIME SENSITIVE
DO NOT DELAY
WHITE HOUSE
MAIL SECTION
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1- 3-96 ; 1:59PM ;
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united
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BYRON A. BOYD. JR.
transportation
Assistant President
400 NORTH CAPITOL ST., N.W.
ROGER D. GRIFFETH
union
SUITE 856
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
General Secretary and Treasurer
(202) 347-0900
WASHINGTON OFFICE
FAX (202) 347-0958
J. M. BRUNKENHOEFER
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
National Legislative Director
December 11, 1995
Ms. Betty Curry
Office of the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Ms. Curry:
96JAN 96 JAN 3 P7:02
The President asked on Friday night that I send the attached to him through you.
I appreciate your attention to this.
J James Sincerely, M M. Brunkenhoefer Brunkenhoefer
National Legislative Director
from 1-3 Oual ofc
TO Dorskind
original original-Say To SAT
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SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1- 3-96 ; 1:59PM ;
2024562993->
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united
CHARLES L. LITTLE
ITII
International President
BYRON A. BOYD, JR.
transportation
Assistant President
400 NORTH CAPITOL ST., N.W.
union
SUITE 856
ROGER D. GRIFFETH
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
General Secretary and Treasurer
(202) 347-0900
WASHINGTON OFFICE
FAX (202) 347-0958
J. M. BRUNKENHOEFER
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
National Legislative Director
December 11, 1995
The Honorable William J. Clinton
United States President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
This is in response to your request when we met on Friday, December 8. At that time you
requested that I describe why it is important to rail labor that the ICC bill likely to emerge from
conference this week be vetoed. I appreciate your willingness to hear from the United
Transportation Union on this, and I assure you that all of rail labor shares these views.
First, this bill, H.R. 2539, does nothing to achieve the policies put forward by your
Administration. It abolishes the ICC in name only; the vast majority of the duties of the ICC
remain, and some new ones are added. Secretary Pena has argued to the House, the Senate and
the Conferees that the bill is seriously flawed. Press reports indicate that the ICC does not even
intend to vacate their current building, but simply to change the name.
Your Administration proposed a serious plan to abolish the ICC, transferring the functions to
other appropriate agencies -- antitrust to Justice, labor issues to the Department of Labor, and
remaining functions to the Department of Transportation. This bill does none of that. A new
independent board will be created within the Department of Transportation, with the same duties
as under current law and totally independent of DOT.
There are no savings; there are no efficiencies; there is no reduction in regulation; this bill is a
charade to mask the continuation of the status quo.
Second, virtually the only major change contained in the bill will be the reduction in labor
protection provided to employees when smaller railroads acquire short lines from the large
carriers, or when the short lines merge. At a time when every transportation analyst sees a
dramatic increase in the sale of short lines by the major carriers as the current wave of mergers
continues, this change inflicts much harm on our members.
-
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1- 3-96 ; 2:00PM ;
2024562993-
202 456 6797;# 5
This bill will make it easier for the ICC successor to authorize the purchase of a line or the
merger of smaller railroads without any concern for the employees. At the same time the bill
preserves the right of the ICC to break the collective bargaining agreements of the employees.
Employees who have worked for a railroad for decades can be left with nothing. The reward for
a lifetime of work is unemployment, and the breaking of their contract for those lucky enough to
find work on a merged railroad. At a time when railroads are earning record profits, and merging
to gain even greater economic power, the message to the employees is "tough luck."
With all the focus on the current budget debate, and your heroic efforts to defend Medicare,
Medicaid, education and other vital programs, I know it is difficult to ask you to spend time on
this bill. But the decisions made in the next two years in the rail industry will determine the
shape of our transportation system for decades. The proposed merger of the Union Pacific and
the Southern Pacific, and the subsequent mergers that will inevitably follow, to the point where
we will almost certainly have only two railroads in this country, require that we take the proper
action now.
This bill fails every test. The authority of the railroad industry to merge regardless of the
competitive consequences is preserved, without even significant input from the Department of
Justice. There is no change that might upset the railroad industry, but they feel free to diminish
the rights of employees.
I appreciate your taking the time to read this. Your continuing leadership on all the issues facing
the country is vital, and demonstrates why 1996 will be a great year.
Sincerely,
James National M. Legislative Brunkenhoefer Director
DEC 27 '95 17:12
P.1
Todd,
For your comments
MEMORANDUM
Clinton/Gore '96 Signature Approval 96 JAN 2 All: 30
I
John
Suttan
TO:
John Sutton
FROM:
Kim Cubine, Director of Marketing & Direct Mail we
DATE:
December 27, 1995
RE:
January 1996 " Poll Response Package"
Please circulate the attached explanation memo and draft copy for January direct mail package to
the appropriate individuals. Each individual should initial their approval/edits where outlined
below.
approve
George Stephanopoulous
w/edits
approve
Bruce Lindsey
w/edits
approve
Cheryl Mills
w/edits
approve
Doug Sosnik
w/edits
approve
Todd Stern
see comments
w/edits
approve
Ron Klain
w/edits
5
approve
Harold Ickes
w/edits
I am out of the office until January 3, 1996, but I will be checking in for messages. You may
reach me at (202) 496-4804 or via pager at 1-800-skygram (pin # 175-7912).
Thank you.
1
DEC 27 '95 17:11
MEMORANDUM
Clinton/Gore '96
TO:
Harold Ickes, Deputy Chief of Staff
FROM:
Kim Cubine, Director of Marketing & Direct Mail
All
DATE:
December 27, 1995
RE:
January 1996 Poll Response Package"
To follow is the draft copy for January direct mail package.
Background: The campaign mailed a survey fundraising package to its house file in October
1995. This "poll-results" package is follow-up to all of the donors who responded to that survey
mailed by the campaign.
Target Audience: Clinton/Gore '96 File and Clinton/Gore '92 File
Quantity:
300,000
Gross:
$380,000
Cost:
$ 80,000
Maildate:
January 20, 1996
Edit/Approval Date: January 4, 1996
Signature:
James Carville - Because Carville signed the original survey, the results
follow-up should also be a Carville signature.
I am out of the office until January 3, 1996, but 1 will be checking in for messages. You may
reach me at (202) 496-4804 or via pager at 1-800-skygram (pin # 175-7912).
Thank you.
DEC 27 '95 17:14
P.1
James Carville
Dear Clinton/Gore Supporter:
In October, I sent you a Campaign Strategy Survey on
behalf of President Clinton. The purpose of this survey was
to obtain input on the political landscape in your area.
Responses have arrived from friends of the President in
places large and small -- from New York City to Omaha,
Nebraska
to Twin Falls, Idaho.
And the feedback that the campaign has received on how to
frame our message, implement our media strategies and compete
against the Republicans has been a big help to the reelection
team.
Today I'm sending my Survey Analysis to the President.
Enclosed, is your copy of this Analysis to tell you what weve
learned and to ask for any additional support that you can give
to the campaign.
Now that 1996 has begun, we need to start buying large
amounts of television time and arranging a heavy schedule of
personal appearances for President Clinton and
Vice President Gore nationwide.
I know you understand that the cost of these campaign
activities will be enormous, and thats why I hope I can count
on your help today.
Thanks to the support of dedicated friends like you,
the Clinton/Gore 96 campaign is off to a great start. Recent
polls show that the majority of Americans are realizing that Bill
Clinton is an excellent President.
President Clinton deserves the credit he is receiving.
During his first three years in office, the President has grown
the economy, stood up for working families, fought for the future
of our senior citizens and made America a better, safer place for
our children.
He has helped create more than 7.5 million new jobs, 2.5
million new homeowners, a record number of new small businesses,
and the lowest combined rate of inflation and unemployment in a
generation.
DEC 27 '95 17:14
P.2
The President has stood firm on his principles against a
Republican Congress determined to dismantle Medicare,
Social Security, public education, environmental protection and
economic opportunity.
But we cant depend on voters to remember all the progress
that President Clinton has made for America -- we have to keep
reminding them from now until Election Day.
And we cannot allow the Presidents Republican opponents
to cloud his accomplishments.
Primary season is now in full swing, and the Republican
candidates are attacking the President every minute of every day.
Thats why Im counting on your help to cut through the
Republicans negative clutter and deliver the Presidents message
of accomplishment, opportunity and hope to the American voters.
I hope you find the Survey Analysis as interesting as
I did, and I thank you for any support you can give the
President and Vice President today.
Sincerely,
James Carville
STET
P.S. The enclosed Survey Analysis is highly confidential. So
please fill out the delivery confirmation form to let me know
that you at your copy, and return the form to me with any
contribution you can make to the Presidents campaign at this
important time.
DEC '95 17:15
P.3
11"x 17" sheet on white offset
2/2 White stock, 2/2 (black + red)
MEMORANDUM
TO: President Clinton
FM: James Carville J.C.
RE: National Campaign Strategy Survey Analysis
CC: Vice President Gore
John J. Donor, Clinton/Gore '96 Contributor
Introduction
I present for your review an analysis of my findings of the
survey the campaign team recently conducted on behalf of your re-
election effort.
As you know, the purpose of this survey was to elicit the
valued advice of your early supporters and Democratic leaders
regarding the local political climate in their areas of the
country to assist us in planning and implementing campaign
strategy during 1996.
Official survey forms were mailed to all 50 states and the
District of Columbia in October 1995. The first response was
received on October 30, 1995 and survey receipts continued to be
logged through mid-December 1995. Results were tabulated on
December 28, 1995.
Overall Findings
I am pleased to report that the responses to this survey
were candid, insightful, and overwhelmingly positive. Your
popularity is high and your strong stand on issues such as
Medicare is resonating with the electorate. Clinton/Gore
campaign supporters also confirm that our strategy of investing
heavily in media to get out our message is the right one. With
regards to scheduling, the majority of supporters feel that your
campaign schedule should concentrate personal appearances by you
and Vice President Gore in the urban and regional centers of the
nation. And if the election were held today, in the opinion of
our regional leaders who responded to this survey, you would win
a resounding victory against any Republican ticket.
Popularity of President Clinton and vice President Gore
In keeping with your steady upward climb in polls conducted
by national news organizations such as Time and CNN, campaign
supporters confirm that you and Vice President Gore are popular
in their areas of the nation. of those who answered this
question on the survey, over 70% rate you as being popular in
their localities.
As we have noted from previous polls, you continue to draw
strong reactions on both ends of the scale. About 10% of those
surveyed felt that you were "very" popular in their neighborhood
while 10% concede that your popularity is low. Less than 1% of
those individuals polled responded that you are "very" unpopular,
which is good news.
'96 Campaign Issues
of all of the issues listed, Medicare, the economy, the
deficit and crime/gun control are ranked the four top concerns
for voters throughout these sample regions. Medicare far
outweighs any other issue on the agenda nationwide among those
polled; therefore, our talking points for the regions sampled
should reflect your firm refusal to accept Republican Medicare
plans that drastically reduce benefits and double premiums on our
senior citizens.
Although ranking second priority with voters, your economic
program, which has created 7.5 million new jobs and reduced
unemployment to just over 5%, should continue to be stressed in
talking points and in the media campaigns.
Similarly, we should remind voters in these areas that
[not
during your Administration, the deficit has been cut in half for
three years in a row -- an accomplishment not seen since the
accurate-
Truman Administration and that XXX, XXX jobs have been trimmed
*as written
from federal payrolls since you took office shrinking
this 5445 "Lnt
government to its smallest size in decades.
in half for each
ut 3 years in
Finally, Clinton/Gore campaign supporters felt strongly
enough about crime to rank it the number four priority. I
L aon, which
recommend that your Administrations solid record on reducing the
unit
true-
crime rate is an accomplishment worth greater mention in the
it's been
months ahead. The campaign should emphasize your ability to pass Cut
3
the Brady Bill, the Assault Weapons Ban, and your Crime Bill -
in & xx2 yas
which put 100,000 more police on the street. These are just the
first steps to make our neigborhoods safer from crime and gun
be 2 total msg
violence, as reflected in the falling crime rates in major
American cities.
but that's
in half,
Campaign strategies
as 4 cut
not same
As weve speculated, these campaign supporters believe that
in half for
television is by far the best medium for your 1996 message. To
3 stranght
reach the maximum number of voters, the recent poll numbers and
years
this survey suggest that we should invest heavily and immediately
in network and cable broadcast time.
Personal appearances ranked second in the Clinton/Gore media
Syon recommend action; you don't recommend that something 1111
an accomylishment." Either change 'recommend' to 'belineve' or else recommend that
our good record m crime be given greater mention.]
DEC 27 '95 17:16
mix, a reflection that the President and Vice President are
comfortable talking one-on-one with voters. Metropolitan cities
were the most often suggested venue, closely followed by
appearances in regional,Tocal, and state capital areas
respectively.
<
Republican Opponents
Consistent with todays polls, our results show that almost
everyone who responded to the survey believes that if the
election were held today, you would be reelected. The leading
Republican contenders, Bob Dole and Phil Gramm, would lose to you
by wide margins in these sections of the country.
A full 93% of the respondents believe that Bob Dole will be
the Republican nominee, and 88% of those responding felt that
Dole posed the greatest challenge to your re-election effort --
very good news indeed. However, we all know how quickly the
national political mood can change, so it is crucial that we do
not allow ourselves to become complacent.
Conclusions
Mr. President, as you can see, these survey results are
quite encouraging. They should give you personal satisfaction
and pride in your accomplishments and your campaign so far.
I recommend we proceed full steam ahead on our campaign plan.
The Republicans are frustrated in their inability to pass
their radical agenda and they will not go down easily. They
desperately want the White House this year and will stop at
nothing to defeat us. What we need now is abundant financial
support to intensify the proven tactics of our campaign effort to
date.
To help us in our efforts, I am sending a letter and copy of
this memo to Clinton/Gore supporters nationwide to ask for
immediate, additional financial help. As always, I will keep you
posted on the response we receive.
(Uhy 11 it very good news that 58% think
Dole it poses greatest chillange to r? Because
we L11 understand that Dole is week?)
DEC 27 '95 17:17
P.1
reverse side
C/G logo
Survey Analysis
DELIVERY CONFIRMATION FORM
FROM: Mr. John J. Donor
TO: James Carville
123 Anystreet
Clinton/Gore 96
Anytown, USA 12345
P.O. Box 57277
Washington, DC 20037
MEMBERSHIP IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: ID CODE
SURVEY REGISTRATION NUMBER:
SOURCE CODE
DATE SHIPPED TO RECIPIENT:
MAILDATE, 1996
PLEASE CONFIRM DELIVERY BY:
30 DAYS LATER, 1996
Contents Shipped:
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN STRATEGY SURVEY ANALYSIS
Shipped From:
Clinton/Gore Headquarters,
Washington, D.C.
Contents Received By:
(Please sign and initial above.)
( ) YES, I received my CONFIDENTIAL Survey Analysis on the
following date:
*
( ) YES, in addition to my confirmation of delivery I would like
to make a contribution to the Clinton/Gore campaign to help
implement the national campaign strategy findings.
Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of:
( ) $XX ( ) $XX ( ) $XX ( ) Other $
Signature
The Clinton/Gore96 Primary Committee may be eligible to receive
federal matching funds of up to $250 for contributions from an
individual, personal account. Contributions from spouses drawn
on a joint account may be matched up to $500 if both spouses sign
the check or the response card. The campaign has chosen not to
accept PAC, corporate or union contributions. The maximum
contribution level in a presidential campaign is $1000 per
individual.
DEC 27 '95 17:19
P.1
Please be sure to fill out the required information below.
Federal Election law requires political committees to report the
name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each
individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a
calendar year.
Occupation:
Name of employer:
[ ] Check if self-employed.
Your contribution will be used in connection with Federal
elections and is subject to the limits and prohibitions of the
Federal law. Your contribution is not tax-deductible as a
charitable contribution for Federal income tax purposes.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1/3/96
THE NEW YORK TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1995
Who Is Really Cooking the Books?
have been more accurate on such
since Truman was President that
By Richard McGahey
key variables as real and nominal
this has happened As a percentage
economic growth rates, unemploy-
Clinton's budget
of G.N.P., the deficit is back to where
WASHINGTON
ment and long-term interest rates.
it was before the national debt ex-
For example, the Administration's
figures are sound.
ploded in the 1980's. And the Govern-
A the battle over the budget
goes into extra in-
estimates of economic growth have
ment is being radically downsized;
been about 20 percent more accurate
Federal employment, as a percent-
nings, issues of eco-
nomic analysis and
than the C.B.O.'s for 1993-95.
age of total employment, is at its
forecasting have be-
Unlike the rosy economic outlooks
But it is hard to know what to
lowest level since the mid-1930's.
come central to any
from the Reagan White House -
make of some C.B.O. findings, like its
These huge reductions have come
deal. The Republicans have kept up a
projections that overesdmated
puzzling forecast that higher long-
under the Administration's 1993 defi-
steady drumbeat against the Clinton
growth and tax revenue, contributing
term interest rates will coincide with
cit reduction plan, which passed
Administration, calling for "honest
to the explosion of the deficit by
lower inflation and slower growth
without a single vote from Republi-
overestimating economic growth
There is also its claim that the Ad-
cans. Nevertheless, the Administra-
scorekeeping" by the Congressional
and tax revenues - the Administra-
ministration's plan is still $365 billion
tion has agreed to an arbitrary sev.
Budget Office and accusing the Ad-
tion has had an excellent track
ministration of cooking the books
out of balance. And the office has not
en-year time frame to balance the
record on honest and conservative
with their own economic forecasts.
provided estimates for the costs of
budget (a period justified by Speaker
economic forecasting. Both Business
Newt Gingrich based on "intuition").
But the public should not be fooled.
Week and The Wall Street Journal
the proposed Republican tax cut be-
Having given in, the Administration
The Administration's economic fore-
have run editorials urging Congress
yond 2002, when many analysts think
has every right to stick to its guns on
casts are in the mainstream of all
to use its growth projections.
that revenue losses will soar.
the remaining issues, though it is
such projections, including those of
The point was underlined last
Republicans promised to discuss
again trying to negotiate, with yet
private and corporate economists.
week when the Congressional Budget
these technical issues as part of the
another plan to balance the budget.
Although forecasting is an arcane
Office belatedly released a revised
negotiations, but detailed discussions
But its should stop this one-sided
art, the Administration's figures
forecast that moved much closer to
never took place. Indeed, the C.B.O.
negotiation until the Republicans
the Administration's figures on infla-
issued Its forecast without real con-
enter into serious consultation on the
Richard McGahey, former executive
tion and other Indicators. (The old
sultation, in violation of the Republi-
economic forecasts, as they agreed.
director of the Joint Economic Com-
C.B.O. forecast for inflation was 3.2
cans' agreement.
and drop the misleading rhetoric
mitted of Congress, is senior fellow
percent, but the new forecast
In fact, the deficit has fallen for
about "honest scorekeeping" in fa-
at the Center for National Policy.
droppedito 3 percent.)
three years in a row, the first time
vor of a truly honest discussion. C
ped
I
for
I Think Lether is time it
As I Shid Skone- -
FEMA ROUTING it's Dean prevent it "on
DATE: 1/2/96
"Denx SLIP wet"- paying - but to personaliz you're
96 JAN 2 P2: 3,9 it,n
FROM:
STEPHEN B. SILVERMAN
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Response Needeo by
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet
10 am wed. Jan. 3
SUBJECT: Persian Gulf letter
John Angell
Ann Fleishnds thanking
Barbara Chow
Jin Dashnd
ox
Janice Enright
Pat Griffin
Todd skn
incorragion
Marcia Hale
Kitty Higgins
X
defents
Elisa Harris
Harold Ickes
propose,
Ginny Terzano
Andel
Comments:
1-3-91
As you Wow, VA has been working with the WH (Inadomi, Dorstrind, sten, Harri
Higgins)
to do a letter to Person Gulf veters from Potus. I spoke
with Wathy Twado this marnins. The survey will go out Jan.8.
The letter (new draft attached) will 90 out shorthy afer. Instead
of sending letter to 22,000, they would like it to go to
30,000 (this world include vets who have already filled out
Survey) (letter attached reflects this charge). Jim Durshand suggests
that perhaps one letter to both those who did 611 out survey
(thanking) and those who haven't (encouraging) doesn't really
accomplish either thanking or encouraging. because
Please let me or LeeAn Wnow your thoughts so that cup can move
forward with stationary, payment et at.
SBS
Draft of White House Letter
Dear Veteran:
Several weeks ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiated a
scientific study of the health of Persian Gulf War Era veterans and their
families. I am writing to thank you if you have already completed and
returned the survey and if you have not, I urge you to participate in this
important study.
Much is being done to help ill Persian Gulf veterans - VA is conducting
Registry Health Examinations and providing priority health care. Last year, I
signed legislation to provide chronically ill Persian Gulf veterans with
compensation, and my Administration is currently conducting an aggressive
coordinated research effort. In addition, I have established an Advisory
Committee on Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses that is reviewing our progress
and will make recommendations that will help us provide better care for ill
Persian Gulf veterans and their families.
We know that Persian Gulf veterans need answers to questions about
their health and their families' health, and the VA's National Health Survey
is a controlled, scientific way to help us find these answers.
VA's doctors and scientists carefully chose individuals for this survey
that represent various segments of the military population, including those
who served in the Persian Gulf and those who served elsewhere. The results
of this survey will give us valuable information that will be critical to future
deployments of troops abroad and will shed light on the, as yet, undiagnosed
illnesses developed by some of your fellow service members. Full
participation in the survey is vital to its success, and the VA and I are asking
that you complete the questionnaire and return it as soon as possible.
Next month, we will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the
Liberation of Kuwait, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your
service to the nation, then and now. As we work to fulfill our obligation to
those who bravely served the cause of freedom, I am grateful for your
assistance.
Sincerely,
1-3.96
**
THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jan
WASHINGTON
S
WATER IN
DEC 2 9 1995
Dear Mr. President:
Col
I am writing on behalf of my 236,000 employees, to urge that, at the
very earliest possible moment, you propose emergency legislation to allow for
federal employees to be paid in spite of the lack of regular appropriations or a
full continuing resolution. This will allow all employees to receive full pay
until a resolution is reached in this crisis.
I have 202,000 employees at work across this great nation in Veterans
Affairs Medical Centers, Regional Benefits offices and National Cemeteries. In
spite of their commitment to providing care and services to veterans in this
most difficult and uncertain time, they will be paid less than one-half of their
normal take-home pay on January 2, and will receive no pay on their next pay
day unless there is some action by January 8.
I have received countless messages and anecdotes from these loyal VA
caregivers asking me, "Who will pay our mortgage buy food, clothes and
medicine for our children?" "Christmas was a little slim this year," they say.
"How am I going to pay my bills?"
I must tell you I am deeply concerned about these members of our VA
family and their colleagues in other federal agencies. I am proud of them for
coming to work, but I am concerned that while they are busy caring for
veterans, we need to worry about them and their families. Like many other
Americans, they live from paycheck to paycheck, and cannot afford to be
short-changed especially at the beginning of the month when many bills
come due.
For these very heartfelt reasons, please consider proposing emergency
legislation that would assure that they are paid. Nine months ago, we were all
appalled when federal employees were attacked in Oklahoma City. We cannot
now stand by and watch as they are used by the Congressional majority as
pawns in the budget negotiations.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Mr. President the -
Respectfully,
Republicanspositions Repuard come will out put iN a very they it.
Jesse
Jesse Brown
Putting Veterans First
1/3 oDorskind 95b
E HOUSE
GTON
January 2, 1996
ASAP
LA
,
Mr. Herbert G. Brown
President
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201-3698
Dear Herb:
lent of
I enjoyed our meeting December 22, and I was
S committee.
happy to learn more about the Rotary Club's
oPlus
PolioPlus program. Your accomplishments are
very impressive, and as we look forward to the
ent to both
new year) I applaud your efforts and hope that
he letters
you reach your goals.
You have my best wishes.
I
Sincerely,
two letters
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 2, 1996
Dr. John Sever
11901 Ledgerock Court
Potomac, Maryland 20854
Dear John:
I hope you enjoyed your visit to the White House
on December 22. I was pleased to learn of the
success of the Rotary Club's PolioPlus program,
and I send my best wishes as we look forward to
For
a bright new year.
Sincerely,
95b
TO:
Jim Dorskind
FROM:
Danny Wexler Dr
SUBJECT:
Letters
Inter ASAP LA
DATE:
December 27, 1995
in
N
Jim:
On the Friday before Christmas, I set up a photo op with the International President of
Rotary International, Herbert Brown and a local Doctor who is on their PolioPlus committee.
They spent a couple of minutes in the Oval, mostly talking about the Rotary PolioPlus
program. After the meeting, the President asked me to make sure letters were sent to both
thanking them for their support. The President also said to make sure he signs the letters
personally.
I have attached a draft of each. Please make sure I get a copy of what goes out.
Call me if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Dan
CC: Danny Wexler
two letters
DRAFT
Date
Mr. Herbert G. Brown
1995-96 President
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Dear Herb:
I want to thank you for taking the time to visit with me on the Friday before Christmas. As
we discussed, the accomplishments of the PolioPlus program are very impressive. I have
been very familiar with the work of the Rotary Clubs throughout the world since becoming
Governor of Arkansas. I have also followed the progress of the PolioPlus program since it
began in 1985. I commend you on the work you are doing and hope you will continue.
From one President to another, I know how much the travel means to your success. Have a
great year as Rotary President and keep up the work.
I enjoyed our visit. I hope you had a good holiday and wish you the best in the New Year.
Thank you for your support
Sincerely,
BC
DRAFT
Dr. John Sever
11901 Ledgerock Court
Potomac, Maryland 20854
Dear John:
pare
I want to thank you for taking the time to visit with me on the/Friday before Christmas. As
we discussed, the accomplishments of the PolioPlus program and very impressive. I have
been very familiar with the work of the Rotary Clubs throughout the world since becoming
Governor of Arkansas. I have also followed the progress of the PolioPlus program since it
began in 1985. I commend you on the work you are doing and hope you will continue.
I enjoyed our visit. I hope you had a good holiday and wish you the best in the New Year.
Sincerely,
BC
Wilson Tells
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
Son's Story
12/27
4-B
1-3-96
To Clinton
Foundation Efforts
Discussed at Capitol
BY PAUL GOODSELL
WORLD HERALD BUREAU
Washington - Jimmy Wilson Sr. said
President Clinton appeared near tears
Saturday while hearing details of the
slaying of Wilson's son, an Omaha
police officer.
"He looked as if he was emotionally
taken by it," said Wilson, who met
with Clinton at the White House. "He
was very sympathetic, very understand-
ing, especially when he heard how Jimmy
died. If I didn't know better, I'd have
thought I saw tears in his eyes."
Jimmy Wilson Jr. was fatally shot
Aug. 20 at 40th and Blondo Streets
THE WHITE HOUSE VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
during a routine traffic stop. Since then,
SHARING STORY: President Clinton greets Jimmy Wilson Sr. of Omaha in the Oval
his father has established the James B.
Office of the White House on Saturday.
Wilson Memorial Foundation, which
raises money to help make police officers
safer on their jobs.
Clinton Hears of Wilson Slaying
Wilson's trip to Washington was in-
tended to gain extra attention for the
Continued from Page I
ings in the Capitol with House Speaker
foundation, which is holding a three-
proof vests for police officers.
Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., Senate Majority
hour telethon today on KMTV-Channel
"He thought it was great," Wilson
Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., and other
3, starting at 7 p.m.
said. referring to the foundation's ef-
lawmakers.
Clinton gave Wilson a letter honoring
forts. "He completely endorsed us."
Wilson said he hoped the foundation
the younger Wilson and praising* the
Wilson said he was impressed with
could obtain federal grants. No specific
Omaha community's response to his
Clinton's willingness to spend a few
commitments were made: Wilson said
death.
minutes with him.
he mainly wanted to make some initial
"It was much more than I expected,"
"I commend you and the citizens of
contacts.
hc said. "I figured we'd gct a handshake,
Omaha for responding to Jimmy's death
"I was amazed with the congressmen
"Sorry about your son, and down the
in such a positive manner," the president
and senators that they would come out
road. But he took time for the little guy."
wrote. 'Your efforts will go a long way
of the Senate and their meetings to talk
toward preventing such tragedies in the
The White House visit was arranged
with me and lend an ear," he said.
future."
by Paul Landow, executive director of
"I was very pleased," Wilson said of
Wilson and Matt Butler, an Omaha
the Nebraska Democratic Party. Friday,
his two-day trip to Washington. "I
businessman who serves on the founda-
Rep. Jon Christensen. R-Neb., escorted
think we achieved a lot. We made people
tion's board, attended Clinton's weekly
Wilson to a series of impromptu meet-
aware of what we're doing."
radio broadcast from the Oval Office.
Wilson said he spoke to the president for
about four minutes after the broadcast.
"We were just treated very, very nice-
ly," he said.
Wilson told Clinton about the founda-
Omaha World-Herald
tion and its current drive to put video
cameras in police cruisers. He said the
president recalled his own efforts as
governor of Arkansas to provide bullet-
12-17-95
Please turn to Page 4, Col. 1
THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1996
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
1/3/94
6S/HBar
This shouldle
The Struggle Against Secrecy
of our pol.
reform record
Too little has been made of a landmark victory
Federal agencies, and the burden is now on officials
for open government. Hundreds of millions of classi-
to show why a document should be kept secret for 10
BC
fied documents will soon become public thanks to
years, the new limit for most files. In theory, this
Executive Order 12958, which came into force Oct.
should sharply reduce the number of secret files. In
15 and requires the automatic declassification of
practice, it will require continuous oversight by
most U.S. Government files more than 25 years old.
citizens to make sure their public servants abide by
The struggle against obsessive secrecy is far from
the new rules.
over, but President Clinton has honored his promise
Much depends on how the order's security ex-
to let more sunshine in. It has begun to shine even at
emptions are interpreted. Few would dispute the
the Central Intelligence Agency.
need to protect secrets of weapons systems, mili-
Under a reform-minded Director, John Deutch,
tary planning and code-breaking. But the exemp-
and his immediate predecessors, the agency has
tions also extend to gray areas such as revealing
begun releasing older internal documents and publi-
intelligence sources or information that would
cations, and is now dealing candidly with the devas-.
"damage relations" with another government.
tating Aldrich Ames betrayal. The agency has also
Automatic declassification is a prospect that
declassified the first generation of spy satellite
dismays officials bred on cold-war habits of se-
images and has worked with the National Security
crecy, who tend wildly to exaggerate costs of com-
Agency on releasing the transcripts of an American
pliance. They have found allies in the House, which
code-breaking success against Soviet intelligence.
limited spending on declassification. Fortunately,
Even before Mr. Clinton's executive order, En-
the Senate has leaned the other way, and voted to
ergy Secretary Hazel O'Leary made public thou-
locate within the National Archives an energizing
sands of pages on nuclear testing, including reports
Information Security Oversight Office.
on radiation experiments carried out on Americans
When the Freedom of Information Act became
without their knowledge. Some 300,000 pages are
a reality in the 1970's, citizens finally won the right
now accessible on OpenNet, an agency database on
of access to their own confidential files. The heav-
the Internet.
ens did not fall, and citizens in other democracies
Mr. Clinton's executive order will considerably
justifiably clamored for the same right. It is likely
speed this process. It is nothing less than an act of
to be the same with Executive Order 12958, which
liberation for the National Archives, guardian of
opens Government archives to real citizen scrutiny,
five billion Federal documents. Uniform standards
and serves notice that secrecy cannot indefinitely
for classification will apply for the first time to all
cloak Government conduct in years to come.
The I.C.C. Dies
Critical National Infrastructure -- It consists of numerous components (transportation,
communications, energy, banking, etc.) vulnerable to attack by terrorists, hackers and
others. Several key agencies -- DOD, CIA, DOJ, and FBI -- are concerned. The
Cabinet Committee agreed on the need to designate one government entity to
coordinate the efforts of interested agencies. A working group of White House,
DOD, CIA, and FBI representatives chaired by the Deputy AG, will develop, by
January 15, a list of options for a governmental structure and a mission statement.
AG Reno will send another report once the working group's list of options have been
reviewed.
OF They 35
Life expectancy article. Via Sec. Shalala. A November 2 New England Journal of
Medicine article reports that while life expectancy of Americans is generally lower
than that of citizens of other countries, for people age 80 and over, life expectancy is
greater in the U.S. than in Sweden, France, England and Japan. The article attributes
at least some of the difference to superior access to medical care for older Americans.
Sec. Shalala believes the piece is well-timed given the current Medicare debate.
Foreign media reaction to Europe trip. From Joe Duffey. USIA compilation of
the "overwhelmingly favorable" foreign media coverage of your trip to the UK,
Ireland, Germany and Spain.
Sec. Reich's report on Inter-American Conference of Labor Ministers. Held in
Argentina in October under the auspices of the OAS, this tenth annual conference
brought together labor ministers from the region to discuss employment issues and
Western hemisphere economic integration. The conference was a follow-up to the
Miami Summit of the Americas. The ministers adopted a set of principles regarding
the economic integration process and an action plan to implement the principles.
These are attached to Reich's memo. We have forwarded copies to Mack and NEC.
Naw
qui how Au They win
MIEULA
142934
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
DIRECTOR
1/2/96
December 4, 1995
The President
The White House
Dear Mr. President:
I am pleased to submit to you foreign media reaction to your recent visit to the
United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Spain. News reports were
overwhelmingly favorable, with many commentators acknowledging the positive
role you played in peace initiatives in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. A
strengthening of our commitment to NATO was also mentioned as a positive
development of your trip.
Sincerely,
your unlerg
Joseph Duffey
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20547
(202) 619-4742
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
DAILY DIGEST
USIA
U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY, WASHINGTON, DC 20547
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND MEDIA REACTION
Patricia McArdle, Branch Chief Media Reaction, Tele. No. (202) 619-6511
Ann Pincus, Director, Tele. No. (202) 619-4965
Monday, December 4, 1995
CLINTON IN EUROPE: A TRIUMPHANT TRIP'
Rave reviews of President Clinton's European tour and satisfaction with his
demonstration of leadership and commitment to the Old Continent dominated foreign
analyses of the visits to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and Spain. The
overwhelming majority of observers welcomed the strengthening of U.S.-Western
European ties encapsulated by his signing in Madrid of the New Transatlantic Agenda
and the assertion of the U.S. role in NATO embodied by the president's commitment to
send American troops--whom he praised during a stop in Germany--to Bosnia.
Leading, liberal-left El Pais of Madrid stated, "The New Transatlantic Agenda confirms
the importance of NATO to transatlantic security and indicates a joint commitment to
impose peace on the Balkans." In Barcelona, conservative La Vanguardia said, "The
most relevant aspect of Clinton's trip to Europe is the confirmation that Washington and
Europe have common interests." Hamburg's mass-circulation, right-of-center Bild
Zeitung concluded, "For his strong leadership, Clinton deserves the gratitude of the
Europeans." Journalists clashed, however, over how meaningful the transatlantic
declaration in Madrid would be in terms of improving up U.S. links with Europe,
although many pointed out that the partnership, absent the Soviet threat, requires
"constant cultivation" and refurbishing.
It was widely acknowledged--even in Britain, where there has been resentment over his
intervention in the past year--that Mr. Clinton had provided "new stimulus" to the
solution of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Together with other pundits who stressed
Mr. Clinton's "star" qualities and his enhanced "presidential" stature resulting from
recent foreign policy initiatives, an editorialist in the conservative Sunday Times of
London noted "the new mood of hope and expectation that Mr. Clinton has aroused in
Ireland." Amsterdam's centrist Het Parool held, "Clinton might not have brought peace
to Ulster but he did get the peace process out of the impasse." The German media
described his visit to Northern Ireland as "a triumphant procession" and spoke of how
Mr. Clinton, through his involvement in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, proved that he is "a
courageous and determined peacemaker." Even commentators outside Europe
agreed, as did the right-wing Jerusalem Post, that, from Bosnia to the Middle East,
"President Clinton is rapidly heading for the history books as a peacemaker president."
Opinionmakers did not forget to highlight the domestic political benefits all this foreign
policy adulation could bring Mr. Clinton, particularly in terms of his re-election chances.
They warned that all these achievements could evaporate within a year if the peace
initiatives-particularly in Bosnia--fail. But, in the words of Oslo's independent tabloid
Dagbladet, "Right now, Bill Clinton represents the greatest resurrection since Lazarus."
This survey is based on 89 reports from 21 countries, December 1-4.
EDITOR: Mildred Sola Neely
DAILY DIGEST
3
Monday, December 4, 1995
"This guarantees that the mission will be serious. This time there is really a chance of
stopping the fighting, at least for about one year."
"A Partnership That Needs Attention"
In the view of Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger in an editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter
Allgemeine (12/4), "After the painful experience of overestimating oneself in Europe and
negligent indifference in the United States, the partners on either side of the Atlantic
have realized that it would run counter to their mutual interest if they simply accepted
the loosening of transatlantic bonds. Seen from this point of view, the transatlantic
agenda from Madrid has significance as a promise for concrete comprehensive
cooperation when it comes to the promotion of stability, democracy and development, in
the fight against crime and drug trafficking, and the extension of global trade. This is
quite a lot, even though the agreement does not have the 'sex appeal' of a free trade
zone. Because the old link of interests between the United States and Europe, the
Soviet threat, no longer exists, this partnership requires constant cultivation--and once
in a while--a confirmation that goes beyond symbolic affairs."
"Successful Visit To Old World"
Centrist Stuttgarter Zeitung's editorial judged (12/4), "The signing of the Transatlantic
declaration in Madrid formed the highlight of Bill Clinton's successful visit to the Old
World: The deadlock in the peace process in Northern Ireland was broken, the U.S.
peace troops for Bosnia deployed and European-American ties (which have been under
considerable strain lately due to trade disputes and the Balkan conflict) revitalized.
"In his many symbolic gestures and addresses, which proved that he is a skilled and
moving speaker, the representative of the most powerful nation on earth demonstrated
that he is a courageous and determined peacemaker. Clinton, who is fighting for
reelection next year, took a not inconsiderable risk when he ignored the objections of
many Americans and tied his political fate to peace in Bosnia."
"Not Such A Strong Ending To Tour"
Thomas Meyer judged in centrist Koelner Stadt-Anzeigér (12/4), "Anyone hoping for a
strong ending to Clinton's tour will have been disappointed. The EU-U.S. 'summit' was
no more than a mini summit--and the best part of it was Clinton's meeting with the
future NATO Secretary General Solana It is difficult to see how the 'New
Transatlantic Agenda' can lead to a sustained improvement in bilateral relations. The
document does not go beyond fairly empty declarations of intent."
"Clinton's Message: We Are Here To Stay"
Ernst Cramer noted in right-of-center weekly Welt am Sonntag of Hamburg (12/3),
"Clinton's message was: We are here to stay. We will continue to bear responsibility
for Europe. The joint appearance of the German head of government and the president
of the United States had great symbolic force. German soldiers will soon be serving
alongside the Americans who are being sent to Bosnia. Half a century after the end of
World War II, Germans and Americans will stand side by side and conduct military
operations in a third country along with other allies. Not to wage war of course, but to
help secure peace."
USIA/R/MR
DAILY DIGEST
5
Monday, December 4, 1995
"This is not just because Mr. Clinton came surrounded with the majesty and power of a
U.S. president. It was attributable to the personality of the man. He was accessible,
warm, charismatic."
"Clinton Faces Congress With His Stature Enhanced"
Washington correspondent Martin Fletcher commented in the conservative Times
(12/4), "It is true that foreign policy achievements alone do not win presidents
re-election, especially in the post-Cold War era. However, Mr. Clinton has now shed a
reputation for incompetence in international affairs and looks increasingly presidential
as he struts the world stage. Tomorrow the president will plunge back-into his
monumental battle with Congress over the budget and future role of the government,
with his stature invaluably enhanced."
"Good WIII, But U.S.-Europe Disagreements Remain"
Referring to the "new transatlantic agenda," an editorial in the independent Financial
Times said (12/4), "At a time when relations across the Atlantic have frequently been
marked by mutual misunderstanding and frustration, such an initiative is certainly
welcome. However, it was indicative that even as the document was signed the two
sides were set up to disagree on another important issue: Who will pay the lion's share
of the cost of rebuilding Bosnia. The truth is that for all the professions of good will and
close cooperation, the United States and EU are still struggling to find common ground
and a clear framework for their relations, since their common Soviet enemy was
removed."
"Clinton Sparks New Mood Of Hope In Ireland"
The conservative Sunday Times said in an editorial (12/3), "The historic hangover of
Anglo-Irish strife is too great for a speedy resolution of Ulster's outstanding problems.
Yet it would be curmudgeonly to ignore the new mood of hope and expectation that Mr.
Clinton has aroused in Ireland. He mixed diplomacy with festivity, combining the
nuanced exhortations of a superpower leader with the flesh-pressing bonhomie of a
vote-winner on the stump. Only he could have done it. The street theater of the peace
demonstrations that heard him, in Belfast, Londonderry'and Dublin, showed the strength
of the basic yearning of ordinary people for a permanent end to violence."
"Visit Was A Personal Triumph"
Former editor of the Sunday Times Andrew Neil told readers (12/3), "The British have
changed their minds. Mr. Clinton is now regarded as an ally in the challenge to turn the
ceasefire into a lasting peace. His unseemly haste to hold out the hand of friendship to
Mr. Adams is forgotten. The suspicion that any Democratic president will always see
Ulster through green-tinted spectacles is gone. In London, Belfast and Dublin he was
every bit the even-handed honest broker. The visit confirmed that American pressure is
no longer on Britain to deal with Sinn Fein/IRA but on Sinn Fein/IRA to give up its
weapons and commit itself permanently to peace.
"No wonder the British now feel much more warmly toward Mr. Clinton. His visit was a
personal triumph. He did not put a foot wrong, he was clearly moved by the warmth of
his reception and he even managed to look and sound presidential--not always the
hallmarks of his tenure in the White House."
USIA/R/MR
DAILY DIGEST
7
Monday, December 4, 1995
"Everything seems to indicate that America intends to regain full control of the Atlantic
Alliance and, consequently, of Europe. As they say in Washington, 'the vacation is
over."
"The Most Powerful Man On Earth" Has Performed A Small Miracle"
A report from London in centrist II Messaggero (12/4), "In three days, 'the most powerful
man on earth' has performed a small miracle: He has convinced London and Dublin,
Southern and Northern Ireland to revive a peace process which was dormant And
that at a time when the chances of a resumption of violence were growing more and
more real."
RUSSIA: "Impromptu Trip"
Valeria Sycheva remarked in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant-Daily (12/2),
"Much of Clinton's European tour was impromptu: Its major parameters--priorities, time
and itinerary--were changed shortly before wheels-up As for its chief objective, the
emphasis clearly shifted from Northern Ireland to Bosnia peacemaking Apparently
aware of the bitter truth that there are no prophets in one's own homeland, and that big
things are best seen from afar, Clinton decided to secure the support of European
leaders to make his fellow countrymen realize the importance of his plan."
AUSTRIA: "Clinton's Enormous Successes Abroad"
Independent Der Standard commented (12/1), "President Clinton found the magic
formula shortly before he came to visit the British Isles. It is another important
contribution to peace by the United States following the Middle East and the Bosnian
solutions. Clinton now has to manage to sell these enormous successes to his people
in order to avoid the effect Mikhail Gorbachev had to face: to be cheered by the world,
but disregarded at home."
BELGIUM: "Clinton And Solana Provide Atmosphere"
In a front-page article, independent Catholic De Standaard held (12/4), "The agreement
within NATO to name Javier Solana as the new NATO secretary general came just in
time for President Clinton to make his stay in Madrid a success as well. It made the
signing of the new 'Trans-Atlantic Agenda' regarding the cooperation between the
United States and the European countries considerably more credible. As a
consequence, the atmosphere at the U.S.-European summit on Saturday-night and
Sunday morning was a lot more relaxed than was expected."
CANADA: "It Worked"
The conservative Ottawa Sun (12/4) said in an editorial, "It wasn't U.S. President Bill
Clinton's rather suspect John F. Kennedy imitation--his 'I am Irish' versus JFK's 'Ich bin
ein Berliner'--which turned the tide in the Irish peace talks. It was the world focus on
Clinton's trip to the Emerald Isle and the need to show the international community that
there was indeed some progress being made. Nevertheless, it worked. Under
pressure to show that positive strides had been accomplished before Clinton's arrival,
Britain and Ireland agreed last week to set aside their differences on disarming the
IRA The two sides agree to let an international tribunal arbitrate how to get the
Catholic Irish Republican Army, as well as various Protestant extremists, to give up
their weapons. It will be no easy task It's back on track--thanks to a U.S. president
who knows little about the Irish troubles but whose mere presence forced both sides to
crank up their efforts."
USIA/R/MR
DAILY DIGEST
9
Monday, December 4, 1995
NORWAY: "The Right Man At The Right Time"
Leading, conservative Aftenposten held (12/3), "Most Europeans have underestimated
Bill Clinton; conservative Britons in particular looked down on the Democratic U.S.
president as a helpless novice in the intricate world of foreign policy. Not without
reason--for a long time, he demonstrated neither understanding nor respect for
historical ties, and distanced himself from European problems
"This week, Bill Clinton is again visiting Europe, but now as the right man at the right
time Bill Clinton is doing good right now, and the American voters like what they
see. For a president who was regarded as nearly politically dead after his party for the
first time in decades lost the majority in both the House and the Senate, it must seem
almost like a miracle
"Clinton can send as many soldiers to Bosnia as he wants to, without asking Congress
for permission, but his desire for political consensus reflects the many questions about
fundamental values, power and competence that had piled up in the United States
Should the president remain the nation's commander-in-chief? Do foreign policy and
military missions around the world continue to be his main responsibility? And most
important for us in Europe: Is the United States up to the challenge as the only
remaining superpower? Will Washington continue to lead NATO? We should perhaps
no longer doubt the answers to these questions, but do regret that it took Clinton so
long to make it clear."
"President Bill"
Halvor Elvik, U.S. correspondent for independent tabloid Dagbladet, wrote (12/3),
"Since last Monday, President Bill Clinton has been on American television. Some of
the pictures have been magnificent, such as those from the British Parliament. This
week, Bill has been president not only abroad, but also in American living rooms. The
election in 1996 will probably be between Dole and Clinton. However, it is far from
certain that Clinton will win. By then, he might easily have fallen off the pedestal
because of a disaster in Bosnia, or because of something else, and everyone will then
have forgotten what he looked like this fall. But right now, Bill Clinton represents the
greatest resurrection since Lazarus."
PORTUGAL: "Clinton's High-Risk Move"
Influential, center-left Publico ran Joao Carlos Silva's comment (12/4) that "Clinton
made a very good speech in trying to convince his compatriots that they should accept
sending American soldiers to Bosnia. He used careful doses of internationalist idealism
and realism The Europeans did not know how to solve 'their own' matter. The
United States advanced. Clinton went for broke."
SLOVENIA: "Clinton Reaching Hearts Of Irish People"
Maroje Mihovilovic wrote in left-of-center, independent Dnevnik opined (12/2), "His visit
to Ireland is President Clinton's greatest political victory With his acts and addresses,
he managed to reach the hearts of people eager for peace and ready for
(compromise) While he was in Northern Ireland, President Clinton acted very
neutrally. He was very careful to spend an equal amount of time with the Catholics and
the Protestants, and not to favor one side over the other With his speeches and his
personal example, he tried to show that one has to be tolerant
USIA/R/MR
DAILY DIGEST
11
Monday, December 4, 1995
SOUTH ASIA
BANGLADESH: "Ireland: Yet Another Temple Of Peace"
The independent English-language Daily Star observed (12/4), "President Clinton's
historic visit to Belfast and Dublin is yet another testimony to the success of
'peace-mongering.' Biblical Judea and Sumeria today, Bosnia tomorrow, the voodoo
kingdom of Haiti day after The temple of peace is being established in all the flash
points of the world. The American president can take, in no uncertain measure, comfort
from these achievements Along with President Clinton, both John Major and John
Bruton can take considerable pride in creating a situation where Sinn Fein and the
Unionists could bury the hatchet and create the necessary confidence for the North and
the South to work together for building peace and ensuring a safe and secure
environment for the young people. We rejoice with all the Irish, North and South, on
this momentous occasion."
INDIA: "U.S. On Peacemaking Spree"
The "Global Watch" analysis in the independent Economic Times by pundit K.
Subrahmanyam said (12/4), "President Clinton has emerged as a peacemaker not only
among the warring factions in Bosnia and among the Balkan states, Bosnia, Croatia and
Serbia and between Palestinians and Israelis, but also between the British and the
Irish. The recent visit of the U.S. president to Britain, Ulster and Ireland reminded one
of the visit of an emperor to his protectorates. The British and the Irish prime ministers
hurriedly concluded an agreement hours before the U.S. president's plane touched
British soil to refer the issue of disarming of paramilitary forces in Ulster to international
arbitration--an euphemism for U.S. mediation
"No country is offering its good offices to mediate between the United States and Cuba,
and the most powerful country of the world while trying to make peace for others would
not accept others as mediators for its own disputes. Peacemaking is what the powerful
impose on the weak. The United States would not dream of offering its services to
make peace between China and Taiwan or China and its southern neighbors on
disputes over South China Sea islands Between now and next year's presidential
elections in the United States there will be strong temptation to promote Clinton as the
president of peace."
MIDDLE EAST
ISRAEL: "Peacemaker President"
The right-wing Jerusalem Post held (12/4), "For a man once assessed as uninterested
in foreign affairs, President Clinton is rapidly heading for the history books as a
peacemaker president Even fervent members of the anti-Clinton camp had to admit
that he looked every inch the international statesman before the tumultuous crowds in
Derry and Dublin If the people of Ireland and Israel have taken him to their hearts in
such measure, Clinton must surely be doing something right. And if he is doing
something right, there is nothing wrong with being rewarded by Irish and
Jewish-American votes come election time Clinton's determination to take the huge
political gamble of sending American troops to Bosnia and Croatia at this time is the
true measure of his sincerity and leadership Now is the time for Clinton to be given
his due credit as one of the most skillful and humane international presidents the United
States has produced."
#
USIA/R/MR
Critical National Infrastructure -- It consists of numerous components (transportation,
communications, energy, banking, etc.) vulnerable to attack by terrorists, hackers and
others. Several key agencies -- DOD, CIA, DOJ, and FBI -- are concerned. The
Cabinet Committee agreed on the need to designate one government entity to
coordinate the efforts of interested agencies. A working group of White House,
DOD, CIA, and FBI representatives chaired by the Deputy AG, will develop, by
January 15, a list of options for a governmental structure and a mission statement.
AG Reno will send another report once the working group's list of options have been
reviewed.
Life expectancy article. Via Sec. Shalala. A November 2 New England Journal of
THE
Medicine article reports that while life expectancy of Americans is generally lower
than that of citizens of other countries, for people age 80 and over, life expectancy is
greater in the U.S. than in Sweden, France, England and Japan. The article attributes
at least some of the difference to superior access to medical care for older Americans.
Sec. Shalala believes the piece is well-timed given the current Medicare debate.
Foreign media reaction to Europe trip. From Joe Duffey. USIA compilation of
the "overwhelmingly favorable" foreign media coverage of your trip to the UK,
Ireland, Germany and Spain.
Sec. Reich's report on Inter-American Conference of Labor Ministers. Held in
Argentina in October under the auspices of the OAS, this tenth annual conference
brought together labor ministers from the region to discuss employment issues and
Western hemisphere economic integration. The conference was a follow-up to the
Miami Summit of the Americas. The ministers adopted a set of principles regarding
the economic integration process and an action plan to implement the principles.
These are attached to Reich's memo. We have forwarded copies to Mack and NEC.
Name que way have An They wis MEMA
#143360
HEALTH& SECURITY HUMAN
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
USA
1/2/96
95 DEC 22 A7:41
DEC 6 1995
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
The attached article from The New England Journal of Medicine
reports that, while life expectancy of Americans is in general
lower than that of the citizens of many other countries, life
expectancy for Americans over age 80 is higher than anywhere else
in the world. Further, the article, by two very distinguished
demographers, attributes at least some of the difference to
superior access to medical care for older Americans.
I don't believe that this article could possibly have come at a
better time for us in the continuing debate over the future of
Medicare.
Dr Donna E. Shalala
Attachment
1232
THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
Nov. 2, 1995
SPECIAL REPORT
SURVIVAL AFTER THE AGE OF 80 IN THE UNITED STATES, SWEDEN, FRANCE, ENGLAND,
AND JAPAN
KENNETH G. MANTON, PH.D., AND JAMES W. VAUPEL, PH.D.
Abstract Background. In many developed countries,
collected data from death certificates and do not use the
life expectancy at birth is higher than in the United
less reliable data from censuses.
States. Newly available data permit, for the first time,
Results. In the United States, life expectancy at the
reliable cross-national comparisons of mortality among
age of 80 and survival from the ages of 80 to 100 signifi-
persons 80 years of age or older. Such comparisons are
cantly exceeded life expectancy in Sweden, France, Eng-
important, because in many developed countries more
land, and Japan (P<0.01). This finding was confirmed with
than half of women and a third of men now die after the
accurate cross-sectional data for 1987. The average life
age of 80.
expectancy in the United States is 9.1 years for 80-year-
Methods. We used extinct-cohort methods to assess
old white women and 7.0 years for 80-year-old white men.
mortality in Japan, Sweden, France, and England (in-
Conclusions. For people 80 years old or older, life ex-
cluding Wales) and among U.S. whites for cohorts born
pectancy is greater in the United States than it is in Swe-
from 1880 to 1894, and used cross-sectional data for the
den, France, England, or Japan. (N Engl J Med 1995;
year 1987. Extinct-cohort methods rely on continuously
333:1232-5.)
AMERICANS under the age of 65 have a higher mor-
ing of ages on U.S. death certificates include the completion of the
rate than the citizens of many European
vital-registration, Medicare, and Social Security systems and their
countries and Japan. Between the ages of 65 and 80 the
computerization, along with rising educational levels among the eld-
crly.
11,14,15
differences in mortality diminish. Until recently, lack of
U.S. death rates in 1987 have been calculated for Medicare Part B
data precluded reliable comparisons at later ages. New
enrollees." Because Part B coverage is purchased with monthly pre-
data now permit comparisons among people 80 to 100
miums, the data are of high quality: We compared these rates with
years old.²⁴ This is important, because survival to the
Japanese, Swedish, French, and English rates for 1987.
age of 80 and beyond has increased in many developed
RESULTS
countries.² Largely because of reductions in mortality,
the number of people over the age of 80 - who are high
Life expectancies at the age of 80 and five-year sur-
per capita users of health services - is growing rapid-
vival probabilities at the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are
ly.²⁻⁴,⁸,⁹ We compared the survival of persons 80 or older
shown in Table 1 for the 1880-1894 birth cohorts and
in the United States with that in four other developed
for 1987 for the United States, Japan, Sweden, France,
countries, using the most reliable data available.
and England. Life expectancy and survival are signifi-
cantly better for these cohorts in the United States than
METHODS
in the other countries at all ages and for both sexes
We calculated death rates using age-specific numbers of deaths
(P<0.01). In all the countries, life expectancy at the age
and numbers of people at risk. Age reporting is generally less accu-
of 80 increased from the 1880-1884 cohort to the
rate in periodic censuses than on continuously collected death certif-
icates. By summing deaths from those of the oldest persons back-
1890-1894 cohort. In 1987 only the survival of Japa-
ward to estimate age-specific population sizes, we could calculate
nese 80-year-old men exceeded that_of comparable U.S.
cohort life tables solely from mortality data.².¹ This "extinct cohort"
men (P not significant).
method was used to estimate survival at 80 and older in Japan, Swe-
Figure 1 shows survival curves for persons 80 to 100
den, France, and England (including Wales).2. The same method
years of age in the 1885-1889 birth cohort. The United
was applied to all U.S. death certificates filed between 1962 and 1990
for white men and women 80 or older who were born from 1880
States had the best survival, and Japan the worst.
through 1894.
Whereas half of 80-year-old U.S. men survived to the
The accuracy of U.S. death rates for those over 80 has been ques-
age of 86, half of Japanese men survived only to the age
tioned. Research suggests that published mortality rates are reason-
of 84.5. For women, median survival was two years
ably reliable for U.S. whites up to the agc of 100.5" The reliability
of death rates for U.S blacks is less certain,¹² although recent studies
longer in the United States than in Japan.
of mortality" and Medicare" data have confirmed the lower mortal-
ity among blacks than whites over the age of 85 that has been re.
DISCUSSION
ported in vital-statistics data. Factors that have improved the report-
As compared with mortality in Sweden, France, Eng-
land, and Japan, mortality in the United States is rela-
From the Center for Demographic Studies (K.G.M.) and the Sanford Institute
of Public Policy (J.W.V.). Duke University, Durham, N.C.: and Odense University
tively high before the age of 65 and relatively low at the
Medical School, Odense. Denmark (J.W.V.). Address reprint requeststo Dr. Man-
age of 80 and after. Possible reasons include both cur-
ton at Duke University. Center for Demographic Studies. 2117 Campus Dr.. Box
rent health-related policies and conditions and linger-
90408, Durham, NC 27708-0408.
Supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (AG08761 and
ing cohort effects of earlier conditions.
AG01159) and the Danish Research Council.
Greater heterogencity in social and economic status
Vol. 333 No. 18
SPECIAL REPORT
1233
Table 1. Five-Year Survival at Various Ages and Life Expectancy at 80 for U.S. Whites and for Japan, Sweden, France,
and England for Cohorts Born in 1880-1884, 1885-1889, and 1890-1894 and for the Year 1987.*
BIRTH COHORT
VARIABLET
OR YEAR
WOMEN
MEN
U.S.
JAPAN
SWEDEN
FRANCE
ENGLAND
U.S.
JAPAN
SWEDEN
FRANCE
ENGLAND
percent
Five-year survival probability
At 80
1880-1884
67.3
51.8
56.8
58.3
57.8
57.9
42.3
50.8
47.8
46.1
1885-1889
68.1
55.5
60.1
60.3
59.5
57.5
45.5
54.4
49.1
47.1
1890-1894
72.2
58.5
62.9
62.5
60.5
58.7
48.9
52.5
50.5
47.2
1987
71.9
70.6
69.0
70.9
67.1
58.4
58.6
55.7
57.4
52.4
At 85
1880-1884
50.0
37.6
42.5
42.3
42.8
41.8
29.8
35.7
33.7
32.5
1885-1889
52.9
40.0
44.8
44.0
43.5
42.5
32.3
36.3
34.2
32.6
1890-1894
62.6
44.5
47.2
46.7
45.9
47.2
36.9
36.8
36.2
34.1
1987
57.8
52.3
50.4
52.8
50.7
44.8
41.8
38.9
41.0
37.8
At 90
1880-1884
32.6
22.7
28.3
26.4
27.0
26.4
18.7
21.2
20.1
19.4
1885-1889
41.2
26.6
29.5
28.3
28.8
31.2
22.1
22.0
20.8
20.3
1890-1894
49.3
30.7
30.8
30.3
31.4
30.0
25.0
22.8
22.3
22.6
1987
39.8
33.0
31.3
33.6
33.5
30.0
26.4
23.2
23.5
25.0
At 95
1880-1884
22.0
13.8
16.2
15.2
16.1
16.2
12.1
10.4
12.2
11.1
1885-1889
32.2
16.9
16.8
16.4
17.8
17.9
13.8
11.6
11.6
12.1
1890-1894
32.8
18.0
15.8
17.1
19.5
18.0
14.6
11.5
12.8
13.5
1987
23.2
17.7
16.0
18.1
19.5
16.5
15.4
11.5
13.1
13.8
number of years
Life expectancy at 80
1880-1884
8.1
6.1
6.8
6.9
6.2
6.8
5.1
6.0
5.6
5.5
1885-1889
8.6
6.5
7.2
7.1
7.0
6.9
5.4
6.1
5.8
5.6
1890-1894
9.6
7.0
7.5
7.5
7.3
7.1
5.9
6.1
6.0
5.6
1987
9.1
8.5
8.3
8.6
8.1
7.0
6.9
6.5
6.7
6.2
*The data for England include data for Wales. The data for Sweden in 1987 represent the average for the period from 1985 to 1989. The data for Japan. Sweden. France.
and England are from the Odense Archive of Population Data on Aging, Odense University Medical School, Denmark; they were compiled by Väinö Kannisto (for Japan
and France). Roger Thatcher (for England). and Hans Lundström (for Sweden). The data for U.S. cohorts are from individual death records for 1962 to 1990. The data for
the United States in 1987 for the ages of 85, 90, and 95 were calculated by Bert Kestenbaum on the basis of Medicare Part B data. 13 The 1987 U.S. data for the age of 80
were calculated from period life tables in Actuarial Study 107 of the Social Security Administration.
tAll differences in five-year survival probabilities and life expectancies for cohort and cross-sectional comparisons of the United States with the other four countries were
significant (P<0.01) except the differences in survival probabilities between U.S. and Japanese men at the ages of 80 and 95 in 1987 >0.10).
and health insurance coverage in the United States may
nese with low incomes. Shortages of long-term care fa-
account for much of the disadvantage at younger ages
cilities and rehabilitation services also adversely affect
in this country. 16-19 Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se-
the health of elderly Japanese. In 1987, 29 percent of
curity reduce this heterogeneity at older ages. Whereas
hospital stays were for more than six months; the ma-
84.3 percent of Americans under 65 had health insur-
jority of these hospitalized patients were elderly (69
ance in 1991,20 98.4 percent of the elderly had Medicare
percent), many of them (40 percent) with strokes. In
coverage. Reduced survival of disadvantaged groups
Denmark, where health care spending is limited to 5.9
also decreases heterogeneity at older ages.
percent of the gross national product, there are 6-to-
More than in Japan or Europe, the elderly in the
12-month waits for cataract and hip-surgery. The wait
United States may demand high-quality health services
for cardiac procedures exceeds three months. The ef-
and may modify their behavior to limit their risk fac-
fects of such delays are not benign for persons who are
tors. More rapid reductions in cholesterol levels, hyper-
80 or older.
tension, and smoking in the United States may reflect
Four persistent cohort effects may also be important.
this.
22-26
First, the well-educated tend to be relatively healthy.
In the United States, elderly patients may receive
Elderly people in the United States may be better edu-
more effective medical care than elderly patients in
cated than those in Europe or Japan. 14 Second, immi-
Japan or Europe. The United States devoted 12.4 per-
grants may be healthier than the contemporaries they
cent of its gross national product to health care in
left behind.² Descendants of immigrants may also be
1990, as compared with 5 to 8 percent in Japan and
relatively healthy. Many elderly people in the United
Europe, where cost control produces de facto rationing
States are either immigrants or the children of immi-
of health care for the elderly.²⁷ Japan, with the world's
grants. Third, high mortality at younger ages may leave
highest life expectancy at birth (76.2 years for boys
a select group of robust survivors at advanced ages.
and 83.0 years for girls) and a rapidly aging popula-
This may contribute to the U.S. advantage over Sweden
tion, spent only 6 percent of its gross national product
at older ages.³⁰ Fourth, adverse health conditions at
on health care in 1990. Copayments impede access to
younger ages may increase impairment among the sur-
care and increase rates of illness among elderly Japa-
vivors and elevate subsequent mortality rates. 31 The rel-
1234
THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
Nov. 2, 1995
1.0
Men
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
Probability
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
Age (yr)
United States
Sweden
France
England and Wales
1.0
Women
Japan
0.9
0.8
0.7
Probability
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
Age (yr)
Figure 1. Probability of Survival after the Age of 80 among U.S. Whites and Japanese, Swedish, French, and
English and Welsh Persons Born from 1885 to 1889.
atively high mortality at older ages in Japan could be a
tionately.³ In 1989-1990, the Medicare cost for those
legacy of poor health conditions before the 1950s. Be-
who died at the age of 70 was $6,457 in each of the last
cause few severely debilitated people will survive into
five years of life. The corresponding cost for those who
their 80s, however, this effect may be less important at
survived to 100 was $1,800 per year, because their costs,
advanced ages.³²
both in and before the final year of life, were low. Cost-
The plausibility of most of these explanations de-
effective therapies are emerging, including antibiotics
pends on whether medical care and personal behavior
for ulcers,³⁶ exogenous estrogen for postmenopausal
can substantially improve health among the very old.
women, 37,38 angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors,³⁹
Health changes once accepted as normal features of
and geriatric-evaluation units.⁴
aging (e.g., frailty and senility) are now viewed as age-
The U.S. success in increasing survival after the age
related diseases (e.g., osteoporosis and the demen-
of 80 was neglected in the debates over health care re-
tias). 8,9 New estimates of the age-related loss of physio-
form in this country. To understand the strengths and
logic functions are lower than earlier ones.³³ Decreases
weaknesses of the U.S. system, it is important to con-
in mortality in recent decades and differences in surviv-
sider the causes of success at older ages as well as the
al between subpopulations suggest that medical and
problems at younger ages.
public health interventions substantially affect survival
at older ages. 2-4,8,9,34
We are indebted to Kirill Andreev, who did the programming for
Increasing longevity may not raise costs dispropor-
the life-table and standard-error calculations.
Vol. 333 No. 18
SPECIAL REPORT
1235
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