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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
From: Richard Valeriana, To: Hillary (5 pages)
12/13/96
Personal Misfile
002. letter
From: Hillary Clinton, To: Andy Viner (1 page)
10/8/96
Personal Misfile
003a. letter
From: Hillary Clinton, To: Betsy Vandercook (1 page)
8/7/96
Personal Misfile
003b. letter
From: Betsy Vandercook, To: Hillary (4 pages)
7/26/96
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Pam Cicetti
OA/Box Number: 10598
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC - 1996 Personal - U, V
2014-0159-S
sb256
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
h(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 1(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 PRAJ
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]
h(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.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
HRC - 1996 Personal - U, V
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
INITIALS: ADB DATE: 11-22-13
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
From: Richard Valeriana, To: Hillary (5 pages)
12/13/96
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Pam Cicetti
OA/Box Number: 10598
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC - - 1996 Personal U, V
2014-0159-S
sb256
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI 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 PRAJ
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.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. letter
From: Hillary Clinton, To: Andy Viner (1 page)
10/8/96
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Pam Cicetti
OA/Box Number: 10598
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC - 1996 Personal - U, V
2014-0159-S
sb256
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 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.
h(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINSTRATIVE
MARKING Per E.O. 12958 as amended, Sec. 3.3 (c)
Initials: SDB
Date 11-22-13
THE WHITE HOUSE
September 25, 1996
Ms. Miriam Vogel
4381 Embassy Park Drive, N .W.
Washington, D. C. 20016
Dear Miriam:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter and for sending
me a copy of your honors thesis. I hope the special under-
standing of the role of First Lady you gained with your
research was worth all of the hard work you so obviously put
forth. I look forward to reading it and please stay in touch.
With appreciation and best regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Hillary Cocham Rodham Clinton Clinton
A hope we'll have time to
discuss our mutual interests
Dometime afta the election.
Miriam Vogel
4381 Embassy Park Drive, NW Washington, D.C. 20016 202-364-6424
21 August 1996
Dear Mrs. Clinton,
It was an honor to meet you when Gloria Cabe introduced us last Sunday at the
President's birthday celebration. It was especially meaningful to me as the Western
Director for the Birthday Satellite events. However, it was even more significant a
meeting for me as a student who had spent months studying you and your impact on the
nation for my senior honors thesis at the University of Michigan.
Presenting you with my honors thesis is a distinction that I could not have
imagined possible. I know that you do not have free time in your schedule, but should you
find a few moments to look over my thesis, I would be most appreciative to hear your
thoughts. I consider "Hillary Clinton: A Historical Perspective on the Role of First Lady"
to be a work in progress and your perspective would obviously be the most authoritative
source I could find.
I hope that this is not too presumptuous to say, but you were a fascinating subject
to study for the past year. I focused on earlier first ladies and the way that they handled
their access to power in comparison to yourself. As I mentioned to you on Sunday night,
I found that most first ladies shared in their husband's power but they did not disclose it
publicly. The few first ladies who did disclose their true role were attacked by the media
and public, as you are now experiencing. The most striking resemblance I found to your
situation was that of Eleanor Roosevelt. Not only was her role similar to yours as a close
advisor to the President, but as a women who was a catalyst for change for all women.
While she was the first First Lady to be active outside of the White House grounds, you
are the first First Lady to admit to your interest in serving as a partner with your husband.
I particularly like Susan Faludi's quote about you where she states, "[w]hat galls her
detractors isn't so much that she is independent-- but that she enjoys it And therein lies
her sin: Hillary Clinton is visibly, tangibly having fun." I think that the American public is
beginning to feel more comfortable with women in power, but the next step is for women
to follow your lead and enjoy their role without remorse, in their homes and/or place of
work.
Most Presidents attained their position as a result of team work, especially the
work of their spouse. You have helped us see that the role first ladies play in the
administration is a natural outgrowth of that partnership. The attention paid to Elizabeth
Dole and her comments on her plans for the White House after the election demonstrate
that you have changed the debate and opened doors for future first ladies. Perhaps, more
important, you have helped Americans understand, by viewing you in the very public eye,
that women are complex and cannot be labeled with the simplistic stereotypes "house
mother" or "career women." My research indicates that by taking pride in both roles you
have introduced the notion to the media that women can be both and much more.
Thank you for taking the time to look over my thesis and thank you for serving as
tremendous role model for women all over the world. I know that I will enjoy many more
years of studying your profound impact on women and on the nation as a whole.
Sincerely,
Miriam
Miriam Vogel
THE WHITE HOUSE
September 15, 1996
Ms. Brea Vaughan
448 Cheyenne Road
Columbus, Georgia 31904
Dear Ms. Vaughan:
State Representative Calvin Smyre was kind enough to
share a recent article in the Ledger-Enquirer about your being
named Miss Columbus. Congratulations, and thank you for the
generous things you said about me. I hope you will keep
Initials: ADB 11-22-13
MARKING Per E.O. 12958 as amended, Sec. 3.3 (c)
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINSTRATIVE
dancing and have continued success with your studies.
With best wishes, I am
Date
CONFIDENTIAL
PERSONAL
Sincerely yours,
&
Hillary Hillary Rodham Rocham Clinton Clinton
-ffi
Rep. Clavin Smyre
OF
1776
House of Representatives
CALVIN SMYRE
STANDING
REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 136
STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 417
COMMITTEES:
P.O. BOX 181
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31902
(404) 656-5146
APPROPRIATIONS
(706) 649-2243 (O)
RULES
(706) 649-2479 (FAX)
August 23, 1996
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF
(706) 563-1794 (H)
GEORGIA, CHAIRMAN
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
It was great talking with you at the President's Birthday party at the Waldorf Astoria.
I enjoyed seeing you both.
On my return to Columbus I noticed I failed to mention to you the attached article
that appeared in our local newspaper. What a compliment to you! You continue to touch
the lives of so many.
Someone may have already forwarded this article to you. If not I thought it would
be nice to drop her a note. Her mother and father are both teachers. Her father Richard
is an instructor at Jack T. Rutledge Correctional Institute and her mother teaches at
Double Churches Elementary School here in Columbus. The family address is 448
Cheyenne Rd., Columbus, GA. 31904.
Hope to see you and the President in Chicago. I'm looking forward to a great
Convention and the fall campaign to re-elect President Clinton.
With kind personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Calni Large
Calvin Smyre
LEDGER-ENQUIRER
LOCAL
B
SECTION
Monday, August 12, 1996
First lady inspiration for Miss Columbus
Business major
is an admirer of the first lady.
uate and currently a Columbus
Because dance was such an
"Hillary Clinton has been such
State University business major,
influence in her life, Vaughan
would like to see
a strong role model," she said,
Vaughan's goal is to be a
advocates high school students'
performing arts given a
Sunday, "and because she's been
business owner.
participation in performing arts,
such a strong role model, any-
Perhaps the business will be
dance, drama or music.
bigger role in the public
thing is open to women today.
dance-related, she said, since
schools, perhaps using
"It's not just one particular
dance has been a part of her life
Performing arts should be
thing she's done that sticks out,
since she was two. The blue-
taught in the Columbus public
lottery money to
but seeing her overall contribu-
eyed brunette teaches part time
school system, Vaughan said.
tions."
at the Academy of Fine Arts:
Creating a program here would
finance the programs
Mrs. Clinton is not, however,
Dancing has helped Vaughan
be expensive, but worth it be-
the only one who inspires
reach her goals since childhood,
cause the students would learn
By Anissa Clemons
Vaughan.
she said.
significantly, she said. Vaughan
Staff Writer
She looks to her parents,
"If someone tells me I can't
doesn't know where the money
SSIW
Thanks to people such
as
Richard and Sue Vaughan, daily
do something
1 start practic-
would come from to finance
Hillary Clinton, women can
as guides in her life.
ing," Vaughan said. "And
such an endeavor but suggested
achieve any goal they set. So
"They taught me to never
through practice. you can
using Georgia lottery money.
says Brea Vaughan, the new
accept less than 120 percent of
achieve anything."
Miss Columbus.
myself, to set goals and achieve
Vaughan transferred disci-
Vaughan, who was second
Robin Trlmarchl/Ledger-Enquirer
Vaughan, 19, crowned Satur-
them," she said.
pline skills she learned through
runner-up in 1995 was one of Brea Vaughan, Miss Columbus
day night at Brookstone School,
A Columbus High School grad-
dance into daily living, she said.
eight contestants.
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1996
Ms. Lillian Vernon
Lillian Vernon Foundation
543 Main Street
New Rochelle, New York 10801
Dear Lillian:
Thank you for sending me a copy of An Eye For
Winners and for your very thoughtful inscription. I look
forward to learning more about your incredible journey and
hope my letter finds you and your family well.
With gratitude and warm regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Hillary Rodham Clinton
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
003a. letter
From: Hillary Clinton, To: Betsy Vandercook (1 page)
8/7/96
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Pam Cicetti
OA/Box Number: 10598
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC - 1996 Personal - U, V
2014-0159-S
sb256
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 PRAJ
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.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
003b. letter
From: Betsy Vandercook, To: Hillary (4 pages)
7/26/96
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Pam Cicetti
OA/Box Number: 10598
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC - 1996 Personal - U, V
2014-0159-S
sb256
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI 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 PRAJ
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 PRAJ
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.
65199
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINSTRATIVE
MARKING Per E.O. 12958 as amended, Sec. 3.3 (c)
Initials: SAB Date 11-22-13
THE WHITE HOUSE
April 19, 1996
Elizabeth E. Vandercook
6712 North Newgard Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60626-4212
Dear Betsy:
It was great seeing you again in Chicago, and thank
you for inviting me to participate in the dedication of your
new recycling truck. I appreciate your thinking of me, but
official and campaign travel make it impossible for me to
attend. Nevertheless, I am delighted that you won such a
generous grant and send best wishes for success with your
recycling program at UIC.
Happy Earth Day!
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Hillary Rodham Clinton
l hope to see you again -
and maybe share other "Top
Ter lists.
Could I And a letter of
support to the deduction? Let we
know it that would help.
Elizabeth E. Vandercook
6712 North Newgard Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, USA
60626 4212
Telephone: (312) 973 -4524
April 2, 1996
Dear Hillary,
OK -- at the Good Housekeeping panel forum in Chicago, you said
to write, so, well, here goes
Now, what I was going to send
was a condensation of all the notes I took on "It Takes a
Village," (and of course, I'm sure you've been waiting for my
insights), but instead, something else came up, and, well, this
is what's happening
You see, I'm still working on environmental programs as an
Assistant Director of Physical Plant at UIC. (who would have
thought back at Maine that such a career path lay ahead for me?
Almost as unlikely as someone becoming First Lady. Maybe more
so.) Anyway, at the University, I got lucky and wrote a grant for
$50,000 and got it, and we used it to help buy (are you ready?) a
brand-new recycling truck! So now that we have the truck, and now
that April brings us not only showers but Earth Day (or week or
month), we're going to dedicate it. And although the environment
is not your "specialty," we know that "everything is connected,"
SO I was wondering, if, maybe, (and this is a million-to-one long
shot,) you'd be in town and could stop by, and help launch our
program?
In fact, just to show what a good idea this is, I've come up with
the ten top reasons why this is really worth doing. Ready???
TOP TEN REASONS TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF UIC'S NEW RECYCLING
TRUCK:
10. You wouldn't have to talk about health care.
9. You could stop by the convention center after the ceremony.
8. It's safer than Bosnia.
7. The Republicans don't care about the environment.
6. I won't be buying another new truck for seven years.
5. We haven't had a chance to discuss ecological issues since
high school AP Biology.
4. We need more women at Physical Plant events.
3. You need Illinois votes to win.
2. If you don't, I'll have to ask Al Gore.
1. You'd be supporting another Maine alum who's trying to change
the world -- just a little.
(over)
Really, I know this is NUTS, and your aide has probably already
popped this into the trash (I mean, the recycling), but if you
were going to be coming to Chicago in late April or early May and
had a chance, the campus faculty, staff, and students who are
involved in the program -- and I, of course -- would be SO
honored if you could attend!
Sincerely,
Bety
Betsy Elich Vandercook
P.S. By the way, did you know there's a great childcare center at
UIC -- based on Piaget's philosophy? We could work it in. It
would fit! Just a thought
P.P.S. I think I should have written my notes on "It Takes a
Village" anyway. I'll do it in May -- after Earth Day.
F
DETERMINED TO BE AN
File personal
PERSON
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
INITIALS: DDB DATE: 11-22-13
WASHINGTON D.C.:
"IT'S A MAKE YOU TOWN
OR
A BRING YOU DOWN AND BREAK YOU
TOWN."
Lessons learned by
Jack Valenti
President and Chief Executive Officer
MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF
AMERICA
and conveyed to the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS BAR
ASSOCIATION
Washington D.C.
January 31, 1996
As one who has spent his entire adult
to a few of you. They are quite interesting
career in two of life's classic fascinations,
to me.
politics and movies, I have known in both
So, let me count the lessons I have
those worlds the great, the near great and
learned. Or more accurately, lessons
those who thought they were great. The
learned as defined by my experience, not
latter category outnumbers the first two by a
necessarily by yours.
long ton. I have become convinced that
I learned that in the White House there is
movie people and politicians spring from
one enduring standard by which every
the same DNA.
assistant to the President, every presidential
adviser, every presidential consultant must
They are both:
inevitably be measured. Not whether you
Unpredictable.
went to Harvard or Yale, or whether you
Sometimes glamorous.
scored 1600 on your SATs, or whether you
Usually in crisis, imagined or otherwise.
are endlessly charming and charismatically
Addicted to power.
enabled or whether you made millions in
Anxious to please.
what we sardonically call "the private
Always on stage.
sector." These are all attractive credentials
Hooked on applause.
which one may wear modestly or otherwise.
Enticed by publicity.
But when the decision crunch is on in the
Always reading from scripts prepared by
Oval Office they are all merely tracings on
someone else.
dry leaves in the wind. What does count,
Constantly taking the public pulse.
the ultimate and only gauge, is whether you
Never really certain, except publicly.
have "good Judgment."
I learned that no presidential decision is
Indeed, it's difficult to say which deserves
ever made where the President had all the
more the description of ENTERTAINMENT
information he needed to make the decision.
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, Hollywood or
There is never enough facts. Very quickly,
Washington D. C.
the decision corridor grows dark, the
The lyrics of the song THIS TOWN, as
mapping indistinct, the exit inaccessible.
sung by Frank Sinatra explain most
What is not useful are precedents or learned
accurately what Washington is all about.
disquisitions by Op-Ed page pundits, some
Sang Old Blue Eyes: "It's a make you town
of whom would be better suited to raising
or a bring you down and break you town."
pigeons. Finally, the decision is made on
Which is why I would like to talk tonight
judgment alone. Sometimes the judgment is
about what I have learned since I arrived in
good. Sometimes it is not.
the Federal City aboard Air Force One on
You don't learn 'good judgment' in the
November 22, 1963. In the intervening 32
Ivy League or by reading the New York
years I have in turn been an intimate
TIMES, the Washington POST or even the
participant at the highest station of this
Weekly Standard. It is well to remember, as
government, serving my President with
Oscar Wilde once said, that from time to
loyalty and fidelity as well as a clinical
time nothing that is worth knowing can be
observer through the administrations of
taught. Judgment is something that springs
seven Presidents, from the 88th Congress
from some little elf who inhabits an area
through the 104th Congress. Perhaps some
between your belly and your brain, and who
of these musings will be some casual interest
from time to time, tugs at your nerve edges,
2
and says, "no, not that way, the other way."
Richard Nixon tasted both ends of those
This mysterious inhabitant is called instinct,
beguiling equations. The breeding ground
intuition, judgment. It is the one ingredient
of politics is irrigated and nourished by
on which the rest of the human condition
change. As one who has fallen from
depends for guidance.
political power, I can instruct George
I learned that the one political component
Stephanopoulos in how quickly you lose
above all else which can insure electoral
your charm and your enticements when you
victory or crushing defeat is timing. A
no longer sit at the right hand of the Sun
whack to your political solar plexus six to
King.
eight months before an election is
I learned that a political poll is Janus in
survivable. Two weeks before the election,
disguise. The life of a poll is about 10 nano-
and you're dead. Ask Jimmy Carter. In
seconds. It is already in decay when it is
politics, twenty-hours is a millennium.
published. A political poll, like the picture
I learned that economic forecasts beyond
of Dorian Gray, is the face of entropy. The
about two weeks have the same odds of
veteran professionals know that. The old
accuracy as guessing the winning numbers
pols use polls to raise money. When polls
in the D.C. lottery. If you truly believe in
are up, go for the fat wallets. But the
long-term predictions of economic activity,
politician who persistently lifts his wet
estimates based on so-called "real numbers,"
finger to test the political polls before he
which is the mantra of the current budget
acts, usually leaves office with a wet finger.
debate, then you are enrolled in a defunct
I learned that if a President, a
mythology. Economic forecasts are usually
Congressman, a Senator does not have
unwarranted assumptions leaping to a
convictions, he or she will be right only by
preconceived conclusion. Just remember,
accident. I must confess I have a grudging
whenever an economist can't remember his
admiration for those freshmen House
phone number, he will give you an estimate.
Republicans who won't budge from their
I learned that when there is no unamiable
fixed convictions. They truly believe,
issue like war, or prospect of war or
heavily, explicitly. Which is why Speaker
recession or economic disaster, most people
Gingrich is finding out what Mirabeau
vote for a President viscerally not
finally knew: When you undertake to run a
intellectually. Most people choose a
revolution, the difficulty is not to make it go.
President romantically, a choice made in
It is to hold it in check.
unfathomable ways which is how romance
But I have also learned that the
is formed. Like John Kennedy and Ronald
frustrating constant of modern day
Reagan.
American politics is perennial gridlock,
I learned never to humiliate an antagonist
caused by forces at either extreme. It has
and never desert a friend. In a political
been said that a man does not show his
struggle, never get personal else the dagger
greatness by being at the end of one political
digs too deep. Your enemy today may need
boundary or the other, but rather by
to be your ally tomorrow.
touching both at once. In our free Republic,
I learned that nothing lasts. What is up
political parties argue and shout, but finally
will inevitably go down and sooner or later
they touch both ends of the extremes and
in reverse. It took forty years, but the House
draw them together. That is called
changed masters. Victory is often the
'compromise.' It is not an ignoble word.
prelude to defeat. President Bush can rise to
Compromise is the canopy under which
testify about that. Failure is often the
men and women finally behave wisely, once
precursor of triumph. Ask Bill Clinton.
they have exhausted all other alternatives.
3
Without compromise, parliamentary bodies
interests of those they have by solemn oath
will 'split into a bundle of unfriendly and
sworn to serve. Easy to say. Tough to do.
distrustful fragments.'
I have learned that if we live in the
I remember when I first bore personal
incestuous world of Washington long
witness to its doing. It was in December,
enough we become, in the main, skeptics,
1963. Lyndon Johnson had been President
cynics, who view with lacerating contempt
but a few short weeks. At that time I was
the boobs and the rabble, the unlearned and
actually living on the third floor of the
unlettered, who live OUT THERE,
White House until my family arrived. The
somewhere east of Beverly Hills and west of
President said to me on a Sunday morning,
the Beltway. But those boobs are the very
"call Dick Russell and ask him if he would
folks who over two centuries of cruel
come by for coffee with you and me."
disjointings have sustained this free and
Senator Richard Brevard Russell of
loving land.
Georgia was the single most influential and
I have a special feeling for the rabble. My
honored figure in the Senate. His prestige
grandparents were part of that rabble. They
towered over all others in those years before
came to Texas from Sicily, poor immigrant
the dialogue turned sour and mean. When
peasants, strangers in a strange and
in 1952, the Senate Democratic leader's post
wondrous land. They became unabashed
fell open, the other Senators turned
patriots, which to them meant fierce loyalty
immediately to Russell, imploring him to
and unbreakable fidelity to their new
take the job. "No," said Russell, "let's make
country.
Lyndon Johnson our leader, he'll do just
These days we are uneasy with the
fine." So at the age of 44, just four years in
designation 'patriot.' We regard it in much
his first Senate term, LBJ became the
the same queasy manner as one does
youngest ever Democratic leader and in a
holding a wolf by the ears. Too bad. When
short time the greatest parliamentary
the night is full of knives, when lightning is
commander in Senate history.
seen and drums are heard, the patriots are
When Russell arrived, the President
always there, ready to fight, and ready to
greeted him warmly with a strong embrace,
die if need be, to defend their country and
the six-foot four LBJ and the smallish,
to protect those who stayed home, for sound
compact Russell, with his gleaming bald
and convenient reasons, of course.
head and penetrating eyes. The President
But the greatest lesson I have learned, the
steered him to the couch overlooking the
most important of my education, is really
Rose Garden, in the West Hall on the second
the essential imperative of this century. It is
floor of the Mansion. I sat next to Russell.
called leadership. We brandish the word.
The President was in his wing chair, his
We admire its light. But we seldom define
knees almost touching Russell's, so close did
it. Outside Caen in the Normandy
they sit.
countryside of France is a little cemetery.
The President drew even closer, and said
Atop one of the graves is a cross on which
in an even voice. "Dick, I love you and I
is etched these words: "Leadership is
owe you. If it had not been for you I would
wisdom and courage and a great
not have been Leader, or Vice President or
carelessness of self." Which means, of
now President. But I wanted to tell you face
course, that leaders must from time to time
to face, please don't get in my way on this
put to hazard their own political future in
Civil Rights Bill, which has been locked up
order to do what is right in the long term
in the Senate too damn long. I intend to
pass this bill, Dick. I will not cavil. I will
3
Without compromise, parliamentary bodies
interests of those they have by solemn oath
will 'split into a bundle of unfriendly and
sworn to serve. Easy to say. Tough to do.
distrustful fragments.'
I have learned that if we live in the
I remember when I first bore personal
incestuous world of Washington long
witness to its doing. It was in December,
enough we become, in the main, skeptics,
1963. Lyndon Johnson had been President
cynics, who view with lacerating contempt
but a few short weeks. At that time I was
the boobs and the rabble, the unlearned and
actually living on the third floor of the
unlettered, who live OUT THERE,
White House until my family arrived. The
somewhere east of Beverly Hills and west of
President said to me on a Sunday morning,
the Beltway. But those boobs are the very
"call Dick Russell and ask him if he would
folks who over two centuries of cruel
come by for coffee with you and me."
disjointings have sustained this free and
Senator Richard Brevard Russell of
loving land.
Georgia was the single most influential and
I have a special feeling for the rabble. My
honored figure in the Senate. His prestige
grandparents were part of that rabble. They
towered over all others in those years before
came to Texas from Sicily, poor immigrant
the dialogue turned sour and mean. When
peasants, strangers in a strange and
in 1952, the Senate Democratic leader's post
wondrous land. They became unabashed
fell open, the other Senators turned
patriots, which to them meant fierce loyalty
immediately to Russell, imploring him to
and unbreakable fidelity to their new
take the job. "No," said Russell, "let's make
country.
Lyndon Johnson our leader, he'll do just
These days we are uneasy with the
fine." So at the age of 44, just four years in
designation 'patriot.' We regard it in much
his first Senate term, LBJ became the
the same queasy manner as one does
youngest ever Democratic leader and in a
holding a wolf by the ears. Too bad. When
short time the greatest parliamentary
the night is full of knives, when lightning is
commander in Senate history.
seen and drums are heard, the patriots are
When Russell arrived, the President
always there, ready to fight, and ready to
greeted him warmly with a strong embrace,
die if need be, to defend their country and
the six-foot four LBJ and the smallish,
to protect those who stayed home, for sound
compact Russell, with his gleaming bald
and convenient reasons, of course.
head and penetrating eyes. The President
But the greatest lesson I have learned, the
steered him to the couch overlooking the
most important of my education, is really
Rose Garden, in the West Hall on the second
the essential imperative of this century. It is
floor of the Mansion. I sat next to Russell.
called leadership. We brandish the word.
The President was in his wing chair, his
We admire its light. But we seldom define
knees almost touching Russell's, so close did
it. Outside Caen in the Normandy
they sit.
countryside of France is a little cemetery.
The President drew even closer, and said
Atop one of the graves is a cross on which
in an even voice. "Dick, I love you and I
is etched these words: "Leadership is
owe you. If it had not been for you I would
wisdom and courage and a great
not have been Leader, or Vice President or
carelessness of self." Which means, of
now President. But I wanted to tell you face
course, that leaders must from time to time
to face, please don't get in my way on this
put to hazard their own political future in
Civil Rights Bill, which has been locked up
order to do what is right in the long term
in the Senate too damn long. I intend to
pass this bill, Dick. I will not cavil. I will
4
not hesitate. And if you get in my way, I'll
run you down."
Russell sat mutely for a moment,
impassive, his face a mask. Then he spoke,
in the rolling accents of his Georgia
countryside. "Well, Mr. President, you may
just do that. But I pledge you that if you do,
it will not only cost you the election, it will
cost you the South forever."
President Johnson in all the later years in
which I knew him so intimately never made
me prouder than he did that Sunday
morning so long, long ago. He touched
Russell lightly on the shoulder, an
affectionate gesture of one loving friend to
another. He spoke softly, almost tenderly:
"Dick, my old friend, if that's the price I
have to pay, then I will gladly pay it."
Of all the lessons I have learned in my
political life, that real life instruction in
leadership on a Sunday morning in the
White House was the most elemental, and
the most valuable. It illuminated in a
blinding blaze the highest point to which the
political spirit can soar. I have never
forgotten it. I never will.
DETERMINED TO BE AN
VIP. H-PAIL IV
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
INITIALS: SDB DATE: 11-22-13
H
JACK VALENTI
PERT
January 24, 1996
Dem Hillary
CONF
The President's speech last night was so
brilliantly conceived and so magnificently
delivered. He literally caught the Republicans
bathing and stole their clothes! (In the interest of
full disclosure, that is what Disraeli said when his
party dished the Whigs). I have been around
politics and politicians all my life, but never have I
borne personal witness to a more persuasive
leader than your husband. The contrast between
the President and Senator Dole last night was
startling. I daresay there is no joy in Doleville
tonight.
But mainly this note is to let you know
that legions of your partisans and friends are
solidly behind you as you undergo this gauntlet of
relentless fire. What a terrible price our leaders
have to pay to serve their country. What a most
uncivil and sour place has become the chambers of
our parliament.
But what is right will prevail, and that is
why you will triumph.
Eagh
LILLIAN VERNON
Dear Mrs. Clinton-
Thank you for all you have
close for me-
appreciate all you are doing for
you are a friend and l
all of us in america
Warm Weskee
fth
Jamary 30. 1996
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18001 MAN 'HHOA MIN
985 FIFTH AVENUE
891 LNHWLHVIV
32
08 105
Mrs. Hillary Rodman Cleston
the white House
Washington D.C. 20510
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MARKING Per E.O. 12958 as amended, Sec. 3.3 (c)
Initials: SDB Date 11-22-13
THE WHITE HOUSE
May 24, 1996
Julia Vindasius
1815 Corcoran Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20009
Dear Julia:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter and for sending
along David Bornstein's book. I am glad to know that your
fellowship has been so rewarding and hope there will be an
opportunity to visit with all of you in the coming months.
With warm regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Hillary Rodham Clinton
Sorry I missed the
book party!
Julia Vindasius
1815 Corcoran St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
May 14, 1996
Mrs. Hillary Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
My good friend, David Bornstein, has written a beautiful book about
the Grameen Bank which I have the privilege of passing along to you
since I know of your interest.
I met David when he visited Good Faith Fund a few years ago to
discuss his interest in writing a book about the Grameen Bank. We
spent a day talking and reflecting about Grameen and its relevance to
the American context. While eating BBQ sandwiches made by a GFF
entrepreneur, I told him stories about my favorite customers in
Arkansas. David is a thoughtful, warm person who, I think, has
captured the beauty of Grameen Bank without sacrificing the reality of
the challenges facing micro-entrepreneurs and micro-credit providers.
My year as a White House Fellow in the Department of Defense--and
working on the Bosnia Task Force-has been interesting and exciting,
but I still keep my hand on the pulse of the micro-credit movement.
All of us in the field are grateful for your continuing interest.
As a sidenote, I hope the White House Fellows can get on your
calendar in the next few months to come and speak at one of our
breakfasts or luncheons. It is a terrific group that is eager to meet you.
Brooke Shearer or Ann O'Leary, our Education Director and scheduler,
can be reached at 395-7479.
Finally, David will be at a book party here in Washington on Friday,
May 17, 1996 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Perhaps you or someone on your
staff might be interested in attending? The number to call is 546-1900.
All the best,
Julia Vindasius
Poloca
P
Arlene Victor
6044 Wing Lake Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
810 626-4332
Children Ask The
World Of Us.
PERSONAL
DETERMINED TO BE AN
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January 31, 1996
CONFIDENTIAL
INITIALS: ADB DATE: 11-22-13
Dear Mrs. Clinton,
Peggy Kerry has delivered the WAND
(Women's Action for New Directions) poster I
promised I would send you when you were in
Detroit for Senator Carl Levin January 16, but I
wanted to add a note to you. The caption,
"Children Ask the World of Us" is so in synch
with your book, "It Takes a Village" that we
hope it will give you pleasure and will be a
reminder of our support for you.
Your appearance in Detroit for Senator
Levin was exhilarating for everyone there.
Women came away feeling uplifted and
energized and grateful for your presence in the
White House. We hope that our dedication to
you buoyed you for the many trials you face.
arlive Sincerely, Victor
Arlene Victor, National President
Women's Action for New Directions
-
Women's Action for New Directions