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VALLEY WEST
Democratic Club
Providing Leadership Since 1969
March, 1996
MARCH
Sierra Club Spokesman at
MEETING
March 17 Monthly Meeting
Mare 17th
Seeking friends and political part-
crat, to replace the Republican Bob
Sunday, 7:30 PM
ners to forge coalitions against the Re-
Packwood, who resigned his seat after
publican Contract, the Valley West
repeated charges of sexual harassment.
Democratic Club has invited Hans
Democrats hope the Wyden victory
Hans Hemann
Hemann of the Southern California arm
will foreshadow the return of Congress
of The Sierra Club
of the Sierra Club to speak at our Sun-
to Democratic control in the November
explores a winning
day March 17, 7:30 P.M. meeting at the
elections.
Holanov home, 6100 Rod Ave, Wood-
Hemann will focus on what it takes
strategy for November
land Hills.
to win the election. He has extensive
Holanov Residence
The Sierra Club recently played a
political experience, having served in
6100 Rod Ave.
pivotal role in the Oregon special elec-
Sacramento as a paid staffer for the Si-
Woodland Hills.
tion which elected Ron Wyden, a Demo-
erra Club.
346-6243
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Cocktail Party for
MY POINT OF VIEW
'96 Campaign at
By Roberta Lewis
Goodman's on
So there I was on the receiving line,
Costco, and Simon and Schuster. The
March 6
inching along, about to shabe hands
First Lady was on a tour discussing the
with First Lady Hillary Rodham
spirit and vision of her first book, It
Acting gracious hosts once again,
Clinton. What would I say to her in the
Takes A Village And Other Lessons
Agnes and Ben Goodman in support of
very few seconds I had?
Children Teach Us, and the proceeds of
the presidential campaign, will host a
When I first found Out about this
the evening went directly to Childrens
cocktail party on Saturday, March 16,
event, which was a reception at the
Hospital L.A. The cost was fifty dol-
4 P.M. at their home at 24642 Rod
Beverly Hilton, on Wednesday, Febru-
lars per person.
Place, Woodland Hills. March 16 will
ary 7th, I knew I wanted to attend. I
We arrived at the hotel on the early
be the date when many house parties
phoned several friends that I thought
side but waiting turned out to be fun
will be held on behalf of the Clinton/
might want to go, but since it was called
because we met friends like Carol Blad
Gore campaign. The donation, - -
for 4:30 P.M., the early hour precluded
and Roberta Gillis. The hundreds of
- is $25 per person and will include
many of them from attending.
people assembled were of the same
food and drink The goal is to raise $ 1
Lonnie (my husband) was disap-
mindset, so we were among Mrs.
,000 per party which can be met if at
pointed that he couldn't make it, but two
Clinton's admirers This was very much
least 40 persons attend. The Goodman
of my friends who never saw Mrs.
in evidence as I observed women wear-
party will feature "a taste of America,"
Clinton in person before, cleared their
ing Hillary Rodham Clinton Fan Club
food from many regions of the country
calendars. There was room for only a
buttons and T-shirts. I joined the fan
and a videotaped address by President
thousand people so we all felt very
club and bought a shirt
Bill Clinton. Agnes urges all our club
lucky to have gotten on the list.
As we nibbled on the crudités and
members to attend. "Let's be sure of
This reception was sponsored by
sipped our drinks, the program started.
success in '96," she said. For reserva-
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Price
Continued on page 2
tions, call Agnes 888-9618.
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
COME ONE. COME ALL!
Continued from page I
Ballot Props
NEIGHBORHOOD
Examined at
TV and talk radio host Steve Edwards
was the M.C. Childrens Hospital is very
PLANNING
February Meeting
close to his heart as he is the hospital's
Foundation Events Chairman and a
ADVISORY
By Sheila Silverman
member of the Board of Regents. We
By Roberta Lewis
heard opening remarks from the Presi-
The twelve propositions appearing
dent and CEO of Childrens Hospital and
Do you know that on the second
on the March 26 ballot were analyzed
then watched a video presentation about
Wednesday of the month you can par-
and discussed by Mary Nelligan of the
the amazing work performed by the
ticipate in the Neighborbood Planning
League of Women Voters and then
Advisory Council of Woodland Hills
doctors and nurses at the hospital.
judged by the 40 people in attendance
One of the most miraculous stories
and West Hills? These meetings are held
at the Goodman's on Feb. 25.
featured a girl named Daniella Furtuna,
in the community room of Fallbrook
After a spirited debate among the
who is almost ten years old. She has
Mall and were organized by our Cour-
club members, it was voted too poll the
cilwoman (and club member!) Laura
spent much of her life at the hospital
audience after each issue but not report
Chick and her able staff.
where the horrendous birthmark that
the results in this newsleuer in order to
covered most of her face has slowly
The purpose of the council is to
avoid swaying the reader's opinion.
been removed. Her face has been recon-
bring the community together along
structed and when the video ended we
with the twelve appointed members and
Ken Bernstein, Laura Chick's planning
were introduced to this courageous and
deputy, to bear matters of planning that
vivacious child. In turn, Daniella intro-
Press Steps Down
duced the First Lady.
affect the neighborbood at large. They
voice their opinions and the feedback
The thousand people that were
As Party Chair
is very helpful to Laura in her decision
gathered gave Mrs. Clinton a thunder-
making.
California State Party Chairman
ous ovation. Standing in front of a back-
The meetings are open to the gen-
Bill Press will be taking on a new role
drop of the cover of her book, she spoke
as the man "on the left" on CNN's
eral public. For your information, two
about her longtime commitment to chil-
dren in both her personal and public life.
Valley West members are part of the
popular Crossfire television program
A new chairman will be selected at
Council Allan Oberman, past Chair and
The First Lady gave an intimate and
me Roberta Lewis, present Chair.
the State Convention in April.
humorous account of an experience she
had with Chelsea as a newborn, that hit
Please come and bring your neigh-
bors to the meetings.
home with every mother sitting there.
Call Laura Chick's office 818-756-
Roberta Elected
Mrs. Clinton spoke for about
8848 to find out about the upcoming
twenty-five minutes. The crowd was
agenda.
certainly in accord with her thinking
Chicago Delegate
about the needs of children in today's
Roberta Lewis, President of the
society, and they told her so by inter-
paign. "California Loves Hillary"
Valley West Democratic Club and club
rupting her many times with applause.
"Hillary Clinton, A Voice For
member Dan Saborio will be heading
Her style of speaking is so down to earth
Children" my new "Hillary Rodham
to Chicago the last week of August as
you can almost imagine, that she is talk-
Clinton Fan Club" button. and of
official delegates to the national con-
ing directly to you. She is simply won-
course my "Clinton/Gore '96" pin.
vention of the Democratic Party.
derful..
When I approached the First Lady
Roberta received the largest num-
When she ended her speech we
she glanced at my jacket and gave me a
ber of votes of anyone at the 24th Con-
were told that we would be called to the
big smile. I knew just what to say. As I
gressional District caucus held Feb. 11
stage, table by table, to shake hands with
reached out my hand I said, "Mrs.
at Taft High School.
Mrs. Clinton and receive an
Clinton, you want to know where your
A total of six delegates were
autographed copy of her book.
friends are. Your friends are all here."
elected from this district, three men and
I was very excited, as were all the
She took my hand in both of hers, nod-
three women. In addition to Roberta,
people at my table. My friends said,
ded her head, and said "You know, I
Jennifer Stein and Gloria Henry were
"You've met her several times before
can feel it"
elected and in addition to Dan, Edward
and you 're still so excited."I responded
Best Regards,
Tabash and Jason Olson were picked by
that it wouldn't matter if this was my
Roberta
the attendees who numbered several
hundredth time meeting her, I still
P.S. If you wish to join the Hillary
hundred.
would be thrilled
Rodham Clinton Fan Club write to
All candidates from Valley West
As I slowly walked along the stage,
Rosemary Straley, 5708 Fairway Knoll
wish to thank all the club members and
I looked down at my lapels to check my
Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or call me
their friends who came out to support
buttons that I had from the '92 Cam-
at 999-3322.
our candidates.
2 Valley West Democratic Club
Common thread: Poem hits universal nerve
One Thanksgiving several years ago, I
wrote a prayer for children as my column
A Prayer for Children
offering for The Charlotte Observer, where
I was writing three columns a week, as I do
now for The News-Sentinel.
By INA HUGHS
It was a very personal piece, which is
often the case.
We pray for children
Somebody
who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
once said that
who like to be tickled,
Ina
a writer and a
who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
Hughs
spider are to
who sneak Popsicles before supper,
be pitied
who erase holes in math workbooks,
above all
who can never find their shoes.
others
And we pray for those
because they
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire
both hang by a thread spun out of their
who can't bounce down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
own guts.
who never "counted potatoes"
I don't know about the pity part, but
who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead,
sometimes the things we feel the strongest
who never go to the circus,
are the hardest to articulate.
who live in an X-rated world.
But I got lucky that Thanksgiving.
We pray for children
Not because what I wrote was any great
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions.
shakes as poetry, but because so many
who sleep with the dog and bury goldfish,
people were thinking along the same lines.
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
It had struck me that when we talk
who cover themselves with Band-aids and sing off-key,
about loving kids and wanting the world to
who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,
be good for them, we really are talking
who slurp their soup.
about two kinds of children. There are ours
And we pray for those
the ones we tuck in at night, the ones we
who never get dessert
once were, the ones we see skipping up and
who watch their parents watch them die,
down the sidewalks in the neighborhood.
who have no safe blanket to drag behind,
Then there are theirs. The others. Kids
who can't find any bread to steal,
we might never see, who have no names
who don't have any rooms to clean up
we know. Children who are so
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.
disenfranchised by societies and
governments, systems and politics that
We pray for children
they come and go with hardly a notice from
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
anybody.
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food.
I sure wasn't the only one thinking along
who like ghost stories,
those lines.
who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse out the tub.
The poem has since been used in schools
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
and churches all over. I probably get two
who don't like to be kissed in front of the car pool.
calls a week from people about it. It was
who squirm in church and scream in the phone,
read during UNICEF's World Summit for
whose tears we sometime laugh at, and whose smiles can make us cry,
Children this fall. It has been used by the
And we pray for those
Children's Defense Fund, several national
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
advocacy groups and so forth. Valerie
who will eat anything,
Harper read it last year on an Arts &
who have never seen a dentist,
Entertainment network program on the
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
needs of children.
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
Thursday night, it was used on "Knots
who live and move, but have no being.
Landing." The storyline involved an abused
We pray for children who want to be carried,
child, and one of the characters read it as a
And for those who must.
kind of appeal on behalf of kids
For those we never give up on,
everywhere.
And for those who don't get a chance.
The folks at the paper asked me to
For those we smother,
explain how it came about and to run the
And for those who will grab the hand of anybody
poem, at right, as today's column.
Kind enough to offer.
News-Sentinel staff writer Ina Hughe writes this col-
umn for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday editions.
Knoxville (TN) Nows-Seutinel 3/4/91
You are Invited to 8 benefit for
TIKKUN Magazine
Come meet
Michael Lerner
Editor, TIKKUN Magazine
510 1026- 6889
Dr. Lerner recently 11181 with Hillary Rodham Clinton at the While leuse
to discuss her adoption of the polities of meaning as a major theme for the
Clinton administration.
&
Peter Gabel
Associate Editor, TIKKUN
Elected Member, S.F. Democratic Party
Central Committee
President of New College of California
and hear them discuss
THE POLITICS
OF MEANING
Hillary Clinton, Michael Lerner, and Peter
Gabel have launched an approach to politics that
transcends the normal right left distinctions and
speaks to the deepest psychological, ethical, and
spiritual dimensions of human needs.
lerber and Gabel grgue that liberal and progressive luices
have been losing in part because they have focused 100
nartowly on cconomic entitiements and political rights but have
failed to address the psychological, ethical. and spiritual
dimensions of human needs. These meaning needs are
systematically frustrated by the current organization of
American society. In April, the First Lady adopted the politics
of meaning 86 a priority and invited Michael Lerner to meet
with her at the White House. Lerner will report on that
meeting and subsequent developments.
Sunday, June 27
Tuesday, June 29
1-5 p.m.
7:30-10:30 p.m.
New College of California.
at 951 Cragmont,
777 Valencia Street, S.F.
Berkeley.
Registration liee: 833 Nak sberks payable to TIXKIN and mail to
931 Berhelor, Cs. 94612. a send Express information.
08-09-1993 10:12
310 476'8853
S K SHEINBAUM
P.03
TIKKUN
A BIMONTHLY JEWISH CRITIQUE OF POLITICS, CULTURE, & SOCIETY
251 We 100ch Street,
RECEIVE
% Floor
May 7, 1993
New York, NY 1000
Dear Stanley,
MAY 24 1993
Phone 212-544110
Fax: 212-854-4237
Last week, Hillary Rodham Clinton invited me to t50K. SHEINBA
Eilter b Publictor.
White House for a half-hour, private meeting to
Michael Laner
discuss Tikkun magazine's approach to the politics of
Emerge Editor
meaning. A few weeks before, she had given a speech
Aline Common
calling for a new politics of meaning and defining it
Amounts Edditor.
in terms that seemed to come virtually verbatim from
Peter Gobd
the pages of Tikkun. (Excerpts of that speech appear
Book Bluer.
in the May/June issue if Tikkun.) During our meeting,
Michael Kadn
Hillary made it clear that both she and the President
]outh Book Editor.
are carefully reading Tikkun and agree with much that
Michael Pricy
we have to say.
Finan Bddor.
I write because I went you to know about that meeting,
Melvin jules Bukies
but I am also writing to thank you for your past
Postry Editor
support of Tikkun and to ask you to increase your
Mage Pharey
donation now in 1993.
Animal
w the Publicer.
Much of my meeting at the White House was spent
Rend Lode
discussing how best to take the ideas of the politics
and
of meaning into the public sphere. Hillary told me
that she intends to use these ide as as a centerpiece
of her public speeches. Like me, she comes to the
politics of meaning through her religious tradition,
in her case, Methodism. And also like me, she is
-
Septer
striving to find the most appropriate ways to take the
fundamental moral vision embodied in a politics of
meaning and articulate it so that it will resonate
Das
with the American people. One of the biggest obstacles
is the media-fostered cynicism that refuses to imagine
that anything beyond narrow self interest could
motivate our leaders.
The discussion was quite extraordinary--as she put it,
we seemed to be "on the same wave-length" and that
made it possible to cover a great deal of ground. I
Can
1
also talked to her about the importance of the
Administration listening to the liberal voices in the
Jewish community, about Israel and about domestic
issues.
1
You needn't worry that Tikkun will become syconphatic
f
followers of the new administration. It is precisely
our independence of thought and action that enables us
to make a significant intellectual contribution. We
will continue to put forward specific proposals on
social policies that would foster a transition from
Providen
the dominant ethos of selfishness and me-firstism to
I
an ethos of caring, community and social
responsibility. As I pointed out to Hillary, there
can be a right-wing politics of meaning and
There
Zimma
2'd
8888NM
0
05:E1 E6, 60 NNI
06-09-1993 10:13
310 476 9853
S K SHEINBAUM
P.04
a progressive politics of meaning--adopting the language is only
a first step. Transforming it into the kinds of programs we've
recommended in our platform for a politics of meaning is the next
and much more substantial step.
But having a unifying idea is important. Part of the problem
with the array of programs that Clinton has put forward to date
is that they don't seem to flow from some obvious unifying theme
or moral vision. It now seens possible that the Clintons will
adopt our politics of meaning as that unifying theme--and if they
do, that may help create the political space for social change
movements which will insist that the progressive implications of
"an ethos of caring and community" be taken seriously.
It's encouraging to realize that Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill
Clinton are reading, thinking about, and often agreeing with
Tikkun. I don't have an inflated perception of our influence and
I'm well aware of all the other more powerful forces working to
influence the Clintons' decisions; but what we do have is access,
which many organizations spend millions of dollars trying to
achieve. Our access to the Clinton administration stems solely
from the power of our ideas. We are not lobbyists pushing for
some particular legislation. What we have to offer is a new
moral and spiritual framework for thinking about our social ills.
I came away from this meeting assured that the Clintons are
listening--and reading Tikkun carefully and with great interest.
It's quite an achievement for a progressive Jewish magazine--but
still only a drop in the buoket when we remember that our goal is
not to have influence with the powerful, but to heal, repair, and
transform the world, to end the needless suffering, to end the
poverty, to establish justice and a world based on love, caring,
and spiritual sensitivity.
In the past, you have been one of the people who have financially
supported Tikkun. I want you to know that your support is
actually making a difference and I want you to know how important
it will be to us for you to donate to us again in 1993. I hope
that you will consider taking the time, right now, to increase
your previous donation to Tikkun. Please send the check (or
Visa/MasterCard/American Express information) to Tikkun, 251 W.
100th St,, New York, NY 10025.
Warm regards, Nichal
Michael Lerner
P.S. A few days ago, I was a quest on Charlie Rose's television
interview show on PBS and had an opportunity to talk to a large
audience about the politics of meaning. The enthusiastic response
of callers to Tikkun in the ensuing days convinces us that what
we are saying makes sense to a lot of people. It's an important
time to have Tikkun in the world. I hope that through your
donation you'll help us to keep going.
E'd
4888NM
0
13:51 E6. 60 NNI
The Guru of the White House
Michael Lerner Preaches 'the Politics of Meaning'-Whatever That Is-and Hillary Rodham Clinton Is Listening
1/2
But it was more than that. The
So Lerner confessed that some of
the fifth floor of a synagogue on New
: But no, it's just Hillary Rodham
next thing was seeing Hillary at a
the Tikkun staff thought that she had
By Henry Allen
York's Upper West Side. With a little
Clinton with a scruffy hypomanic left-
White House reception, and somehow
written the letter, that "it was you
Washington Post Staff Wnter
adroit hustling, and a few more photo
ving New York intellectual named
Lemer knew, he knew even then,
who were more interested in these
ichael Lerner, who's been de-
ops with Hillary, he could turn the
terner who flies around trailing "the
kinds of ideas than Bill. And she said,
M
scribed as Hillary Rodham Clin-
phrase into the "silent majority" of the
politics of meaning" behind him like
that he might well see her again and
'That's ridiculous. Absolutely not
'90s, or maybe "the family that prays
something you'd see behind a biplane
again.
true. She said, 'Bill is just as interest-
ton's "guru," flew into town
yesterday to stop people from
together stays together," or "morning
over Ocean City, Md.
The reception was the day before
ed in the politics of meaning as I am,
On April 6, Hillary Clinton gave a
the dedication of the Holocaust Me-
making fun of him, making fun
again in America."
and we're both in it together.'
of her, making fun of Bill and making fun of
He flew in yesterday to work at do-
speech in Austin, Tex., calling for "a
morial Museum.
Guru! Spiritual adviser!
few politics of meaning" and saying
Lerner was invited. Hillary met
Who wouldn't want to be called gu-
the "politics of meaning"-in what Lerner
ing just that.
called "the press riot that has taken place
He scheduled an invitation-only
that a "sleeping sickness of the soul is
him, aimed those cheekbones at him
ru to the most powerful people on
since Hillary talked about the politics of
press conference at a Jewish student
at the root of America's ills," possibly
and said, "Am I your mouthpiece or
Earth? Does this account for the odd
meaning."
center at George Washington Univer-
caused by the tsetse flies of the me-
what?"
halfheartedness of Lemer's rebuttal?
Q lucky Lerner! The politics of meaning is
sity. About six reporters accepted the
Фа, with its "lowest common denomi-
But let's let him tell it. (Try to hear
He wrote: "Mrs. Clinton and I, by in-
his phrase. As he has written, it "addresses
invitation. There were nó crashers.
rator that is the easiest way of con-
in your head a tone of modest amaze-
sisting that the society can and ought
the psychological, ethical and spiritual needs
There was no riot.
veying information."
ment, or maybe amazed modesty, the
to move from an ethos of selfishness
of Americans. It incorporates the liberal and
Lerner, 50, wore scuffed wingtip
Lerner says: "Suddenly I'm del-
tone of a lottery winner, or someone
to an ethos of caring and community,
progressive agenda, but it puts this agenda
shoes, a double-breasted blue blazer
uged by phone calls from people all
who just stepped off a flying saucer.)
have violated the media's highest reli-
in a much deeper context."
and a beaded yarmulke. He looked
over the country."
"Unbelievably charniing and
gious belief-the belief that human
The press was puzzled. Even "cynical,"
like he used to be the smartest boy
A week before the Washington
straight to the-she could have said,
beings are motivated only by narrow
Lerner said.
who ever sat at his family's dinner ta-
press conférence he sits behind his
'What's Tikkun? Who's Michael Ler-
self-interest."
"What on earth are these people talking
ble, an eager, even frantic quality
desk in offices on West 100th Street
It's not as if he doesn't know what
about?" the New Republic asked.
abôut him. He shuttled his eyes so far
in Manhattan. The walls are caked
ner?' And she says, 'It's amazing how
he's doing. He grew up in Newark,
"The politics of what?" asked a headline in
to the side that now and then you
with chalky white low-rent New York
much we seem to be on the same
and went to Farbrook Country Day
Time. Then producer Norman Lear defend-
seemed to see nothing but white. He
paint. The floor is the ancient lino-
wavelength.' And I said I thought so
School in Short Hills, NJ. He was the
ed the politics of meaning by attacking col-
moved his hands around like some-
leum tiles of pro bono, nonprofit offic-
also, and that we had some ideas
son of a lawyer who became head of
umnist Charles Krauthammer, and Kraut-
body squaring up a sand castle. He
es anywhere in America. A prayer
about how to take the politics of
the state's Alcohol Beverage Control
hantmer replied, and Michael Kelly wrote his
looked like he used to weigh more.
shawl is draped over the computer, in
meaning into a policy direction: And
Board, and a mother who worked for
celebrated "St. Hillary" story in the New
He seemed hungry.
the style of the fringed throws that
she said, 'Great, let's talk about it.' So
Sen: Harrison Williams. John Kenne-
York Times Magazine, and a column in the
This was the guru, the influence?
used to decorate baby grand pianos. It
she said, 'Well, can you come back
dy was a family friend.
Los Angeles Times used the word "psycho-
There wasn't even a copy of Tik-
all looks like it used to be something
soon?'
"He wrote my college recommen-
babble," as Lerner will be the first to tell
kun on view.
else.
"The following Monday I was
dation," Lerner says. He went to Co-
you It also said Hillary's "latest influences
-There was a magazine rack with
"Slim Fast is more than a diet, it's a
meeting with her back in her office in
lumbia, while studying under Abra-
include Michael Lerner, editor and publisher
Moment, Kashus, Jerusalem Report
Washington for half an hour. The con-
ham Heschel at the Jewish
way of life," he says, doing a slow bus-
of the progressive Tikkun magazine."
and the dreaded right-wing Commen-
versation was quite amazing, because
the out of and back into the office to
But bingo, bonanza, blackjack, bull's-eye,
tary, which Tikkun was founded in
fetch a can of it. He walks as if he just
just in that first little interchange
nonetheless. This is what editors of little in-
1986 to combat. But no Tikkun.
where she immediately, 'What am P
Theological Seminary. In 1964 he
got his feet a week ago and he's still
tellectual magazines live for-the possibility
"It gets ripped off," Lerner said
Your mouthpiece?' the conversation
went to Berkeley to study philosophy.
getting used to them.
that their ideas will transmute into power,
with a three-quarter smile that looks
was almost like in half-sentences be-
He was part of the Free Speech
Anyway, the Hillary speech, the
that the pen will become the sword, that
caught between precccupation and a
cause she had read everything. I
Movement, Students for a Democrat-
what they talked about all those years in
flinch. "We get mail about people
phone calls.
mean she had understood everything."
ic Society, an activist against the
Leiner says the next day, he calls
grad school, drinking jug wine out of gas sta-
fighting over it, we get letters about
And somehow you know
Vietnam War and in favor of the black
the White House. Hillary's father died
tion glasses, is true in the real world too:
husbands and wives fighting over it,
And it turned out she and the presi-
liberation movement.
Ideas do indeed have consequences.
the new issue is sold out across the
that day, but Lerner badgers the staff
dent had been' reading Lerrier- since
In the early '70s, as the revolution
for some hint that she had indeed
Hut they need a little help. "The politics of
country, it's a real problem."
1988, when Bill sent Lerner a letter
petered out, and the touchy-feely en-
meaning" is Lerner's phrase. It could mean
been quoting him, that it was his poli-
It could be worse.
from the Arkansas Governor's Man-
counter-húg movement petered in, he
worker discussion groups about stress, em-
tics of meaning she was talking about.
It could be Nancy Reagan plotting
sion, saying that "you have helped me
turned to spirituality and ethics. And
pathy being taught in the schools, a foreign
the future of America with an astrolo-
Finally, he is told: "We're all aware
clarify my own thinking."
fathered a son, Akiva, with a woman
policy based on healing. It means feelings
ger. It could be Pat Nixon bringing
of your special relationship with Hilla-
to whom he was married only reli-
more than rights, self-validation more than
Norman Vincent Peale intó the Wa-
ry."
1 giously, not legally.
entitlements. It could mean quite a bit.
tergate White House to preach the
He's been helping it along in his magazine,
Pawer of Positive Thinking. It could
THE WASHINGTON POST
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1993
Tikkun, a leftish bimonthly published out of
be Mary Lincoln with her seances, or
See LERNER, D2, Col. I
Florence Harding with her tarot
Shaky Statistic:
cal history, she couldn't afford it. Medicaid
he needed root-canal work and a few
sweat it out," he says.
uninsured might never get covered under
seemed the only solution. But because her
fillings. Ile paid the $3,000 bill himself.
Minnesota is one of the few states
the Clinton plan because the savings under
Number of Uninsured
husband, Paul, made $2,000 a month as a
Then his back began to hurt so much
trying to cover the uninsured. Rather than
managed competition would be too small.
truck driver, she could qualify only by
that he quit his job. A doctor told him he
trying. to provide for everybody, it takes
Dr. Wolfe says the government could get
legally separating from her husband.
needed surgery, but, because he had no
the diverse composition of the group into
the savings it seeks by introducing a Cana:
Is Causing Confusion
So, he is living with his sister in another
way of paying, he tried a chiropractor to
account and covers only what it considers
dian-style system. In Canada, the govern-
part of town, and Medicaid pays for his
no avail. Finally, out of desperation, he
the neediest segments.
ment is the sole payer for health
wife's prescriptions. Welfare, food stamps
checked into a hospital emergency room.
When the plan, called MinnesotaCare,
care - eliminating insurance companies
and his child-support checks pay household
He ultimately had an operation for a
is fully phased in next year, it will insure
and the high administrative costs - and
Continued From First Page
bills. "We've been happily married for 23
herniated disk and was surprised that the
only people earning less than 275% of
uses its leverage to extract belter deals
perhaps most in need of preveutive care.
years," Mrs. Bingamon says. "It wasn't us
hospital absorbed the $20,000 cost. Mr.
federally defined poverty $39,360 for a
from doctors and hospitals.
Another issue concerns how long the
who wanted to separate."
McCoy, now 31 and earning $30,000 a year,
family of four in Minnesota but exclude
Conservatives object to both the Clinton
üninsured go uncovered. Nearly two-thirds
Recession's Impact
is still without insurance; he finds it too
those who had health insurance in the
and Canadian plans as unworkable. The
of them lack insurance less than a year;
expensive. "If I got a raise, then it would
preceding four months. And because peo-
Cato Institute's Mr. Niskanen believes
only 15% to 18% are out more than two
Such stories fill the rhetoric of Hillary
be a priority," he says.
ple might be tempted to give up company-
years. according to Katherine Swartz, an
Rodham Clinton and stimulate interest in
By law, hospitals must at least stabilize
sponsored insurance to get potentially
economist at the Harvard School of Public
health-care reform. So did the recent
anyone checking into an emergency room.
more generous. care from the state, the
all but a small segment of the 37 million
Health. So the uninsured are an ever-
recession. In 1988, before it began, about 32
According to the American Hospital Asso-
plan excludes people who had company
million lacked insurance - 15.9% of Ameri-
could be covered by making insurance
changing rather than a chronically ne-
ciation, hospitals absorb $10 billion a year
coverage in the past 18 months. The plan,
cheaper. He says a simple method would
glected group.
cans under age 65. Then the recession,
in care for the uninsured.
funded by a tax on hospitals, doctors and
be to give consumers, rather than corpora
coupled with surging health-care costs,
"A. lot of these people are between
Even people only temporarily unin-
other health-care providers. is expected to
tions, tax breaks on medical care.
sparked layoffs and cutbacks in employee
jobs," said William Niskanen of the con-
sured are at risk, says Ms. Swartz at
cover 180,000 people by 1997 at an annual
The vehicle would be "medical IRAS":
benefits. The current figure of 37 million,
servative Cato Institute, a Washington
Harvard. She says a brief loss of insurance
cost of $337 million.
contributions would be tax-deductible and
now growing about 100,000 a month, is
think tank. Or they have just begun one. In
can cause a problem because it can mean
Because Minnesota has already ad-
could be withdrawn to pay for routine care.
16.7% of the nonelderly population.
fact, 73%. of employees covered by health
having to reapply. The applicant might
dressed the choices faced by the adminis-
Companies could continue to buy their
Although many uninsured are people
insurance work for companies that require
regain coverage, but not for a pre-existing
tration, the plan has caught the eye of the
workers coverage for catastrophic events.
such as Mary Bingamon, many others are
a waiting period an average of three
condition the very ailment for which the
White House. However, the administration
Those who still can't afford insurance
young. single people who lack insurance
months-before extending such benefits to
applicant most needs coverage. People can
would prefer a more sweeping program.
could be given vouchers enabling them to
out of choice. Their status has nothing to
a new hire, according to the Health Insur-
"technically have health insurance but not
Instead of a targeted approach, officials
buy coverage, just as food stamps enable
do with being denied coverage and every-
ance Association of America.
for what they need it for," she says.
are discussing extending coverage to all 37
thing to do with priorities. Insurance costs
the poor to buy groceries.
The desire to circumvent coverage gaps
too much, and the risks seem tolerable.
The Underinsured
million uninsured as early as 1996. The
makes for ridiculous problems. Last year,
Also at risk are the underinsured. Lloyd
money would come from tax increases and
Not that the risk always pays off. Timo-
doctors told Mary Bingamon, a 38-year-old
Anstey, 61, retired three years ago on
savings due to reining in medical spend-
thy McCoy, who manages a cafe in Man-
living in Cushing, Okla., that her lung
hattan, decided to drop his $300-a-month
$27,000 a year from investments. His
ing. The administration would curb costs
capacity was shrinking. Calling her situa-
health insurance when he was 29 and go
health-insurance costs $5,400 a year, with a
by stepping up competition among in-
212
tion life-threatening, they told the mother
without it. "II was almost equal to my
$5,000 deductible. A heart-attack survivor
surers, doctors, hospitals and drug compa-
of four to begin taking medication that
rent, and it seeined absurd,". he says. For
and a diabetic, he skips regular check-ups
nies through "managed competition."
costs nearly $500 a month. She had no
years, he also skipped going to the dentist,
because he can't afford them. In a year, he
Sidney Wolfe of Public Citizen, a con-
health insurance because, given her medi-
only to be told when he finally did go that
will be old enough for Medicare, "so I'll
sumer-advocacy group, argues that the
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1993
He writes in his bio: "Like so many
He says: "Changing the fundamen-
macho men on the political right. and
tal discourse of a society is not a small
like so many of the militarists they
thing."
were fighting against, many men on
Then again, Hillary Rodham Clin-
the Left feared being identified as
ton has said: "It's not going to be easy
'soft' or 'mushy' or feminine (as in,
redefining who we are as human be-
paying attention to feelings or being
ings in this postmodern age."
motivated by ethical or spiritual sensi-
And ah. the temptations, oh the
tivity)."
fears, and the demon masculinity, the
(Remember? Remember sitting
dread political practicality. Lerner
around raising consciousness by say-
sees Clinton struggling inside himself
ing things like, "What are you so
between the politics of meaning and
afraid of? Why are you so defensive?"
the politics of politics.
Remember how nobody ever seemed
He says: "The Gergens come along
to answer: "I'm being attacked, that's
and say, 'No, the problem is that
why.")
you're too idealistic. Forget all this
(And now, the same fears could
baloney. Be like the rest of us. Be an
keep the politics of meaning out of the
adult. Be a man.'
White House. Moves in that direction,
"And consequently to the extent
he says. have been blocked by fears of
that he [Clinton] buys that, don't be
"feminization in the White House.
surprised if next week you read him
What they were worried about is that
repudiating the politics of meaning.
you wouldn't get past that first level
And I'll tell you, when I walked out of
and that Clinton would lose the white
the White House I had to pinch my-
male vote that he had gotten.")
self a few times, just to say, 'Is this
He taught at Trinity College in
real? Did this really happen?' Because
Hartford. then got a PhD in psycholo-
I can easily imagine him saving in two
gy at Berkeley. In 1977 he helped
weeks, 'Michael Lemer? Never heard
found the Institute for Labor and
of him. The politics of meaning? Nev-
Mental Health, to examine the psy-
er heard of it.'
chodynamics of the working class.
In 1986. backed by his new wife,
Nan Fink, a drugstore heiress. he
founded Tikkun as "the liberal alter-
native to Commentary." Tikkun was
the Un-Commentary, Lerner was the
212
non-Norman Podhoretz, the evil
beast-editor of Commentary and
prophet.of neo-conservatism.
And now, the guru, the spiritual ad-
viser.
In a memo to Bill Clinton he pro-
poses that every government office
should have to justify budget requests
by answering questions including:
"How do our programs foster caring,
concern for others, ecological aware-
ness, spiritual sensitivity, and a sense
of mutual responsibility?" He propos-
es a "summit conference on ethics,
community, and the politics of mean-
ing."
He proposes that "the Department
of Labor should create a program to
train a corps of union personnel,
worker representatives and psycho-
therapists in the relevant skills to as-
sist developing a new spirit of cooper-
ation, mutual caring and dedication to
work."
WEDNESDAY.
JUNE
9,
1993
THE WASHINGTON POST
48
Moreover, Moynihan and others on the
Medicare Cuts Considered
committee do not necessarily want to make
beneficiaries pay higher Medicare premi-
ZE
ums.
Aides to Finance Committee members,
Effort to Boost Clinton Budget May Raise Patient Costs
including Sens. David L. Boren (D-Okla.)
and John C. Danforth (R-Mo.), who favor
"It will cause real pain if we have to get the
deeper federal spending cuts, have been
By Spencer Rich
Washington Post Staff Writer
added $35 billion," said one House staff
examining a number of options listed by the
member who asked not be identified.
Congressional Budget Office in a recent
Congressional budget-cutters who have
That is also the view of many spokesmen
publication. Options in the book include:
spent the last 12 years slashing money from
for the elderly and the providers of medical
Curbing special Medicaid and Medicare
Medicare in order to hold down federal def-
care. "I think $35 billion beyond what's al-
payments to hospitals with a disproportion-
icits are getting ready to do it again. This
ready recommended would be unprecedent-
ately high share of low-income people: (Es-
time, the cuts are intended to improve the
ed," said John Rother, director of policy for
timated savings: $20 billion over five
prospects for President Clinton's budget.
the American Association of Retired Per-
years.)
Clinton and Senate leaders fear that with-
sons, the nation's largest organization of the
Cutting special Medicare subsidies that
out additional cuts in federal outlays beyond
elderly.
teaching hospitals get for training interns,
those made by the House, his budget cannot
Even if all the added savings came from
residents and other health workers: $12
pass the Senate. Medicare, as in the past
cutting Medicare payments to providers, he
billion.
(and possibly Medicaid as well), is a candi-
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9. 1993
said, "it would lead to massive cost-shifting
date to produce some of the cuts. The po-
Skipping inflation adjustments for hospi-
and could prompt doctors to begin denying
tential Medicare cuts could total as much as
tals for three months: $6.7 billion.
access and refusing to take new Medicare
$35 billion over five years, Senate Finance
Reducing payments to hospitals for out-
Committee Chairman Daniel Patrick Moyni-
patients." He was referring to hospitals'
patient care: $4.9 billion.
standard practice of raising their fees to
han (D-N.Y.) said Sunday.
Ceasing to pay hospitals for losses when
Medicare has been a favorite target be-
health insurers and private payers to make
a Medicare patient does not pay all of his or
cause it is one of the few large programs in
up for losses on Medicare. Medicare pays
her portion of the bill: $2 billion.
which it is possible to make big savings-by
hospitals approximately 89 percent of the
Raising the portion of the Medicare an-
cutting payments to doctors and hospitals—
cost of care for Medicare patients.
nual premium that the beneficiary must pay
without antagonizing the politically potent
"We do not like it at all, and we don't
to 30 percent of total premium costs, in-
THE WASHINGTON POST
35 million beneficiaries by forcing them to
know how they're going to achieve it," said
a spokesman for the American Medical As-
stead of the current 25 percent. That would
pay more.
sociation.
increase the premium in 1994 by about $8 a
But this time, reductions in the projected
$1.1 trillion Medicare outlays over the next
Assuming that hospitals would take a
month to $49.10 and raise $30.1 billion
five years could be large enough to produce
large portion of the proposed cuts, Richard
over five years.
Pollack of the American Hospital Associa-
Charging Medicare patients 20 percent
considerable pain for Medicare beneficiar-
tion said, "The idea of getting the entire
of the cost per day for Medicare home
ies. Possible options to achieve tens of bil-
$35 billion from Medicare stretches our
health care and skilled nursing home ser-
lions in savings include higher patient pay-
ments for home care and nursing home ser-
understanding of 'shared sacrifice.'
vice ($15 and $31 respectively), and of clin-
vices, increased deductibles, and conceiv-
And Mary Grealy, executive counsel of
ical lab costs: $28 billion.
ably even increased out-of-pocket costs for
the Federation of American Health Sys-
Increasing the Medicare deductible for
Medicare premiums.
tems, said, "We've already contributed to
doctor services from $100 a year to $150
The $35 billion mentioned by Moynihan
deficit reduction: The providers have been
(after which it would be adjusted for infla-
would be on top of more than $55 billion in
hit year after year after year. And now to
tion): $9.3 billion.
payment reductions over five years already
come back with such a huge cut is both un-
Some of the increases in beneficiary pay-
voted by the House. The House cuts would
fair and undermines of the quality of ser-
ments may appear small, but median house-
be achieved largely by freezing most Medi-
vice."
hold income for the elderly was about $16,-
care payment levels for doctors, hospitals
So far no specific cuts have been targeted
975 a year in 1991. The average elderly
and other health care providers for the next
by the Finance Committee and despite
family already spends $3,305 a year out of
two years.
Moynihan's statement, the actual amount of
its own pocket on health care according to
The combined reductions of $85 billion to
new cuts needed from Medicare has not
Ron Pollack of Families USA, an advocacy
$90 billion would be the largest ever made.
been determined.
group.
OF EDUCATION EDUCATION
Interagency working Arong DOS/HHS.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY
June 23, 1993
MEMORANDUM
TO:
President and Mrs. Bill Clinton
FROM:
Madeleine M. Kunin mmk
SUBJECT:
National Commission on Violence Prevention
I would like to suggest that you appoint a national commission on the Prevention of Violence to
examine the causes of violence in the family, the school, and the community.
I know of no other question that grips Americans more powerfully than the growing pervasiveness of
violence in our society. It affects our sense of security and erodes our optimism.
I understand that you may question the effectiveness of such a commission. In this case, I believe a
commission would not be seen as an excuse for inaction, but rather as a serious effort to probe a
disturbing phenomenon and thereby, shed light, as well as help direct future public policy. It would
demonstrate that the President is sensitive to our deepest concerns.
Establishing some of the causes of violence will not be an easy task, but the process of initiating an
open discussion will permit the administration to emphasize the importance of family and community.
I believe the public wants to know that the President and other public figures share their fears and
will do everything in their power to strengthen their sense of security.
The increased incidents of violence reveal that the center is not holding, that society is more frayed
than we would like to believe. As a result, I believe there is a strong desire to find ways in which we
can reweave the social fabric.
I suggest that the Commission be chaired by Attorney General Janet Reno, or Marion Wright
Edelman.
Participants should include some members of the cabinet, such as Justice, Education and Health and
Human Services, Tipper Gore, as well as parents, women's groups, civil rights groups,
academicians, theologians and philosophers. For example, Michael Lerner of Tikkun would make
an excellent contribution.
I greatly appreciate your consideration of this suggestion and would be pleased to explore it further if
you so desire.
cc:
Richard Riley
Mike Smith
Ray Cortines
400 MARYLAND AVE.. S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202-0500
Melanne
T h 1 O S
e
a
r
WITH TIKKUN, HIS
MAGAZINE OF THE JEWISH
LEFT, AND HIS CATCH PHRASE
'POLITICS OF MEANING,'
MICHAEL LERNER
HAS BECOME THE CLINTONS'
NORMAN PODHORETZ.
BY THOMAS FIELDS-MEYER
IGHT O'CLOCK ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. THE UP-
E
per West Side of Manhattan. A synagogue social hall.
Vegetarian potluck: spaghetti, eggplant lasagna, three-
bean salads in Tupperware. A motley audience of 50:
graduate students, academics, intrigued onlookers. Mi-
chael Lerner, an intense man wearing a blue-knit yarmulke and a
wrinkled dark suit, the editor of the Jewish journal of opinion Tikkun,
is retelling his current favorite story about himself.
A week after Michael Dukakis was trounced in the 1988 election, he
says, Lerner published a níne-paragraph summary of his political
philosophy, an eclectic critique arguing that the Democrats had lost by
ignoring what Lerner called the "crisis in the meaning of life."
"And then," he adds with some excitement, "I get a letter out of the
blue from the first Democratic politician who
really seemed to get it" He pauses a moment
"And it was Bill Clinton"
"You have helped me clarify my own think-
ing," the Arkansas Governor wrote, three years
before Little Rock was on anyone's national
political map, "and to feel a little more con-
REFEREER
vinced to say what I feel."
As Lerner's version of the story goes, Clin-
ton won office precisely because he adopted the
psycho-social approach to the world Lerner
terms the "politics of meaning." As the editor
speaks, his voice gets more and more impas-
sioned, almost pleading. "For any of his pro-
grams to work," he says, "he must explicitly and
consciously confront the ethos of selfishness
that has been dominating this country in the
1980's and generate in its place an ethos of
caring, an ethos of social responsibility, an ethos
of community, an ethos of connectedness to
each other. That view of the world must replace
the old ethos."
A few weeks later, Lerner calls from a telephone booth in
Washington.
"I've just come out of the White House," he says, and he goes on
to describe a 30-minute meeting with Hillary Rodham Clinton, who
had used Lerner's catch phrase, the politics of meaning, in several
major speeches. "She says she's on the same wavelength," Lerner
adds. "Those were her words."
LERNER'S ENTHUSIASM IS UNDERSTANDABLE. TO BE RE-
ceived at the White House is, well, something new for him. For years
he has been welcomed virtually nowhere, toiling in relative obscuri-
ty, penning countless editorials for his little-known seven-year-old
journal, delivering long-winded, esoteric speeches to audiences of
Thomas Fields-Meyer lives in Los Angeles and writes about the
NYTimes 6/27/93
TIKKUN
LINKAGE?
LOANS. AID. &
like-minded people and trying to
Commentary, and newsstand sales
make enough noise to gain some
THOUGH HIS
of around 10,000 (the circulation is
notice. Of late, his voice has the
not independently monitored).
relieved tone of someone who's
INTELLECTUAL FOES VIRTUALLY
About three-quarters of the read-
about to be rescued from a desert
ers are Jews, and many of those
island. Michael Lerner has never
IGNORE HIM, AMONG HIS
who are not are academics or me-
stopped speaking out. And now, it
dia and public-policy professionals.
seems, someone has been listening.
FOLLOWERS HE HAS AN ALMOST
Tikkun counts among its contribu-
As the editor of a Jewish journal of
tors some of America's most re-
left-wing politics, the 50-year-old Ler-
MESSIANIC IMAGE.
spected Jewish thinkers, rabbis of
ner has faced obstacles on both sides:
the four major Jewish denomina-
In the organized Jewish
tions (Conservative,
world, he has long
Reform, Reconstruc-
sensed a growing con-
tionist and Orthodox).
servatism, a rising in-
several prominent
tolerance of social-
Jewish feminists and
change movements. In
the nation's top black
the realm of progres-
intellectuals, who ad-
sive activists from
dress issues of black-
which he springs, he has
Jewish relations. (Ler-
run up against a dis-
ner is writing a book on
taste for spirituality, an
the topic with Cornel
indifference toward
West, a regular con-
matters of faith.
tributor and the direc-
With Tikkun, the
tor the Afro-American
magazine
Lerner
studies program at
founded with his wife
Princeton University,
(they have since di-
for a reported $100,000
vorced) in 1986, he has
advance.)
forged an uneasy merg-
"His strong point is
er of the two: a progres-
getting a lot of public
sive political journal
attention for the maga-
with a distinctly Jewish
zine and enlisting cer-
outlook. (Tikkun - pro-
tain gifted people to
nounced tee-KOON in
contribute," says Rob-
Hebrew means "mend-
ert Alter, a leading
ing" or "healing." Tik-
Jewish scholar and lit-
kun olam, the healing
erary critic at the Uni-
and repair of the world,
versity of California at
is a central tenet of Ju-
Berkeley. "But I think
daism - the idea that
his own judgment in
every person, and Jews
journalistic terms - is
as a people, should
erratic."
work toward bettering
Lemer speaking at a Tilekun-sponsored poetry reading in an apartment on the Upper West Side.
Though his intellec-
the world.) It is a publi-
tual foes virtually ig-
cation in which a remembrance of
With Clinton in office, it is Com-
what I've seen over the years, he has
nore him, among his followers Ler-
the Warsaw ghetto uprising bumps
mentary that may be on the outs.
had a kind of polarizing effect. He's
ner has an almost Messianic image.
up against an article called "Revolu-
And Lerner, a bristly, iconoclastic
the guru to some people, or they
A New York University graduate
tion in the Teamsters," in which a
intellectual and a zealous self-pro-
demonize him. You have to have a
student who previously had little in-
piece on Jewish mourning rituals
moter, is making a bid to fill the
strong personality to pull off a mag-
terest in his religion describes hear-
shares space with a forum titled
void, fashioning himself into some-
azine like Tikkun."
ing Lerner give a recent speech: "By
"Rethinking Feminism."
thing of a self-appointed spokesman
The leaders of the Jewish estab-
the end, I was in tears, and I was
"To the liberal world," Lerner
for liberal American Jewry.
lishment have greeted Lerner the
totally transformed as a Jew." An
says, "we wanted to say, 'It's O.K.
way guests at an elegant cocktail
activist Los Angeles lawyer who
to be Jewish.' To the Jewish world,
E HAS NOT, TO SAY
party might react to a vagrant who
contributes occasionally to the mag-
we wanted to say, 'It's O.K. to be
H
the least, received a
has wandered in uninvited: either
azine says he had felt distant from
liberal.''
hero's welcome. In
they're disgusted or they pretend
the Jewish world for years, but
Progressive politics is hardly new
certain circles, the
not to notice but they certainly
when Tikkun first appeared, "it was
ground for American Jews, who have
mere mention of Ler-
wouldn't consider striking up a con-
like coming home."
historically allied themselves with lib-
ner's name can set off fiery reac-
versation with him.
Obviously, Lerner has touched a
eral causes. But the lines of loyalty
tions. The editor is - depending on
"He represents a fringe group,"
nerve. "Tikkun certainly has
blurred during the Reagan and Bush
whom you listen to either (A) an
says Alfred H. Moses, president of
reached out to a constituency that
Presidencies. Lerner designed Tik-
arrogant gadfly of the nation's Jew-
the American Jewish Committee, a
nobody else was reaching in quite
kun as an alternative to Commentary,
ish establishment or (B) the herald
major political organization with
the same way or at all," says Leon-
the conservative Jewish intellectual
of a spiritual renaissance luring
50,000 members that still sponsors
ard Fein, a writer on American Jew-
journal that helped shape the neocon-
countless alienated Jews back into
Commentary. "It's a group that's
ry whose column appears in the For-
servative foundations of the Reagan
the fold. Or (C) something in be-
not involved in the everyday work-
ward. "Its success therefore needs
eΓa. Norman Podhoretz, Commen-
tween. Many of the magazine's
ings of the Jewish community."
to be taken quite seriously."
tary's editor in chief, welcomed to its
toughest intellectual opponents sim-
Brian L. Lurie, the executive vice
The most recent incarnation of a
pages Jeane Kirkpatrick and Elliott
ply choose not to discuss it (Podhor-
president of the United Jewish Ap-
long line of Jewish intellectual jour-
Abrams, as well as an army of other
etz declined to be interviewed for
peal, Judaism's largest American
nals, Tikkun has singled itself out by
voices of the New Right. What had
this article, but issued a statement
philanthropy, says of Lerner: "When
attempting to carry Jewish mes-
begun in the 1940's as a mainstream
through his secretary that "Tikkun
somebody takes a different point of
sages of social change to the arena
political magazine under the auspices
isn't worth talking about.")
view and is more outspoken, they're
of secular politics. It may, in fact,
of the American Jewish Committee
Henry Siegman, executive direc-
likely to be noticed." But, he adds,
get more attention in the world of
evolved into one of the nation's most
tor of the American Jewish Con-
"He receives a notoriety that is not
progressive activists than in the
prominent conservative magazines.
gress says: "He has a very healthy
supported by a constituency."
Jewish community.
And Podhoretz, who presided over the
ego. I don't think he's particularly
Yet the magazine has impact.
Lerner has emerged as a distinc-
charge to the right. himself became
open to criticalviews And he has an
Lerner says it has about 25.000 paid
tive and polemic voice in the
bracing the religion and
quently in a spate of recent
questioning the way it has
profiles in the national news
0000
come to be practiced. He
media. In a series of conver-
has become a sort of self-
sations for this article, he
made, Torah-thumping
repeatedly inquired about
how he would come off. "Are
WIN
WHEN INSTANTLY
doomsayer, forever cau-
tioning that the flock has
you going to butcher me?"
wandered too far from its
he asked.
spiritual roots. (Lerner ob-
He lives alone in a one-
serves the Jewish sabbath,
bedroom apartment in West
regularly prays at Conser-
90's of Manhattan. The place
vative and Orthodox syna-
has a cluttered, unsettled
gogues and wears a yar-
look. Lerner moved to New
KRAFT® MACARONI &
mulke.)
York just last September,
He has particularly ruf-
relocating the magazine
CHEESE DINNERS
fled feathers with his con-
from its previous headquar-
sistent, outspoken attacks
ters a home in the wooded
on Israeli policy toward the
hills of Oakland, Calif. - to a
AND PLAY THE
Palestinians. He once wrote
cramped three-room, fifth-
on the Op-Ed page of The
floor suite in the Ansche
New York Times that
Snow White
Chesed Synagogue in Man-
American Jewish leader-
hattan.
ship "claims to speak for all
He seems displeased with
Jews but represents only
his new home he calls the
and the Seven Dwarfs
the most conservative
apartment "my rat hole" -
ones." Lerner has consis-
but happy with the lively
tently argued that Ameri-
Jewish environment of the
MOVIE GAME.
can Jews tend to be liberal
Upper West Side. He says
and that hundreds of thou-
he moved to New York af-
sands have distanced them-
ter almost three decades in
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selves from major Jewish
the San Francisco Bay area
organizations precisely be-
to be closer to the center of
cause the religion's leaders
American Jewish life -
has moved too far to the
and the nation's intellectual
KRAFT
right politically.
center. Tikkun, he says, be-
Macaroni
"Tikkun," he says, "is one
longs in New York. "The
of the most effective vehi-
real issue," he says, "is
& Cheese
cles of Jewish continuity and
what we were doing in Cali-
outreach that exists. It
fornia - not what we're do-
DINNER
reaches into precisely the
ing here."
constituency that the organ-
(Other reports have it
Original
ized Jewish community has
that the move was prompt-
turned off. And it does so
ed by Lerner's desire to
with a strong commitment
meet eligible Jewish wom-
to Judaism."
en. In 1991, he was divorced
from wife, Nan Fink, who
ONE THING EVERYONE
was Tikkun's publisher and
agrees on is that Michael
whose family inheritance
WIN Instantly
Lerner likes to hear himself
helped start the magazine
talk. He is passionate and
and keep it afloat. Since
opinionated. When he prints
then, Lerner and his maga-
transcripts of his interviews
zine have struggled finan-
and the Sea MOVIE BACK
in the magazine, sometimes
cially. He calls the reports
his questions are as long as
about his motives for mov-
the answers. He finds it diffi-
ing "distorted," but adds: "I
cult to answer a question
am single, and I don't want
any question in anything
to be single.")
resembling concision.
Lerner looks disheveled
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something like: "What I've
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years ago, he had a shaggy
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Shortly before the 1991 war
age of a Hasid.) He speaks
BONUS OFFER Collect and mail in 7 official non-winning game messages (wicked Queen) and receive
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in the cadence and tone of a
wrote an article in Tikkun
teen-ager, stumbling over
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about his inner conflicts
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know what I mean?" He has
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a half pages. During a re-
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cent television interview,
and clinical psychology -
Residents of the state of WA only need not affix postage to return envelopes. Open only to U.S. residents. Void
Charlie Rose of PBS wasn't
and a fondness for the jar-
where prohibited by law. Game ends 5/31/94.
able to get questions in with-
gon of social scientists:
The
Don't miss Walt Disney's Classic
© Premier
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
out interrupting Lerner.
Walt Disney
Cruise Lines.
terms like "psychodynam-
Company
only at movie theaters.
LTD.
He is also highly sensitive
ics" and made-up phrases
D 1993 Kraft General Foods Inc
about how he is portrayed in
like
Tikkun." Even without read-
TIKKUN
Fund outside the local bank,
maintained that even in his
ing too deeply, it's easy to
causing a ruckus when he
anger he never opposed his
(Continued from page 32)
spot the magazine's biases. A
trudged into the lobby and
Like its editor
religion, only the way it had
recent box labeled "Erra-
sang "Hatikva," the Israeli
been adapted to American
speak Hebrew?" And then
tum" apologized to a re-
national anthem.
throw in a line from the Torah
nowned foreign policy expert
When he applied to col-
Tikkun is
society. ("What I said," he
recalls now, "was in very
or a Talmudic expression.
"for incorrectly describing
lege, Senator John F. Ken-
offensive language that was
Like its editor, Tikkun is
him in our May/June issue as
nedy wrote his recommen-
unpolished, overflowing with
a 'right wing idealogue."
dation.
unpolished,
a product of an experience
that many of us had in the
fervor and conviction, with a
Tikkun reserves its most
He was born in 1943 in
tendency toward verbosity. It
strident voice for analysis of
Newark. His parents were
overflowing
antiwar movement of being
pushed away by the organ-
is not so much a Jewish mag-
Israeli policy Lerner char-
political activists and Zion-
ized Jewish community.")
azine as an opinion journal
acterizes its stance as strong-
ists - "movement people,"
with a Jewish point of view -
ly Zionist but critical of Israe-
he calls them. Joseph Ler-
with fervor,
He became a clinical psy-
chologist, primarily with
or, in the words of its cover
li Government policy. (In the
ner, son of a Hasidic rabbi,
working-class people in San
line, "a Bimonthly Jewish Cri-
parlance of more conserva-
found success as a munici-
with a
Francisco and Oakland.
tique of Politics, Culture &
tive American Jews, it is
pal court judge. Michael's
Counseling blue-collar work-
Society."
known as "Israel bashing.")
mother, Beatrice, was a
The magazine marked the
tendency
ers during the Reagan
"We are willing to take the
Democratic Party organ-
years, he sought to learn
risk," said the first editorial,
20th anniversary of Israel's
izer - she worked on
why working people had be-
"and create a magazine that
victory in the Six-Day War
J.F.K.'s Presidential cam-
toward
come alienated from the so-
intends to be part of the pub-
with a section about the
paign and an aide to Sena-
cial-change movements that
lic debate in the United
West Bank called "The Di-
tor Harrison A. Williams Jr.
States, that will print articles
sastrous Occupation," label-
verbosity.
were supposed to be speak-
of New Jersey.
ing for their concerns.
from a wide variety of liberal
ing Israel's presence in the
His youth was a heady mix
His conclusion became the
and progressive perspectives
territories "an unmitigated
of politics and Judaism: He
basis for the world view he
and that still sees itself as an
disaster for Zionism, the
read the daily Congressional
the arguments. The moral-
continues to espouse: that lib-
expression of Judaism."
Jewish People and most Is-
Record; he talked his parents
ity of the situation pushed
eral activists have two pri-
That has made it a diffi-
raelis." A year later, an arti-
into sending him to a Jewish
me further and further into
mary concerns - political
cult publication to classify;
cle on the Gaza Strip carried
summer camp, Ramah, in
radical politics."
rights and economic opportu-
like Lerner himself, it has
the headline "The Occupa-
Connecticut. As a teen-ager,
He joined the executive
nity. But in Lerner's view,
met with friction from both
tion: Immoral and Stupid."
he became enamored of the
committee of the Free
"there was a deeper level of
worlds it embraces. But,
The tone and content of
writing of Abraham Joshua
Speech Movement and head-
reality that the movements
says the editor, that suits
such criticism has won Ler-
Heschel, a pre-eminent Jew-
ed the campus chapter of
were not speaking to, which
him fine. "We're not just The
ner few friends among those
ish theologian, whom he came
Students for a Democratic
was the pain that people were
Nation with a Jewish star,"
actively pursuing American
to know personally. He en-
Society. He roomed with
experiencing in their daily
he says, referring to the lib-
support for the Jewish state.
countered Senators and Rep-
Jerry Rubin, the outspoken
lives - pain based on what I
eral weekly magazine.
"My view," says Moses,
resentatives in his own living
advocate of left-wing youth,
now call the deprivation of
"We're coming from a more
the American Jewish Com-
room and on visits to the Sen-
and became part of a net-
meaning."
deeply Jewish place."
mittee president, "is that
ate Dining Room.
work of young activists that
In the mid-80's, Lerner
The magazine has its ob-
you're not living there,
In remembering his youth,
included Tom Hayden, orga-
and Fink, his wife, began to
sessions: the Democratic par-
you're not electing the Gov-
Lerner recounts several ar-
nizing teach-ins and sit-ins
cast about for ways to bring
ty, relations between Jews
ernment, it's a democrati-
guments he had with promi-
and marches.
this lesson to a national level
and blacks, Jewish feminism,
cally elected Government.
nent politicians notably one
He clashed with the law.
- a way to champion the
the American role in world
They have a responsibility
with Adlai Stevenson, then a
He moved to Seattle, where
message that what America
affairs and the politics of the
to the Israeli electorate for
foreign policy adviser to Ken-
his trial for organizing an
needed was more meaning
1960's. It also has its quirky
their policies, but not to the
nedy. Asked where a teen-
anti-Vietnam War protest
and more compassion.
side. It recently ran an article
Jews living in California."
ager got the confidence to de-
that turned violent became a
At the same time, Lerner
analyzing the development of
Yet Tikkun's arguments co-
bate with such powerful fig-
cause célèbre. (He spent 10
sought a way to lure his Jew.
rap music. A 1987 article ex-
incide with the views of the
ures, he says: "Big deal!
weeks for contempt of court
ish contemporaries back to
plored "The Existential Poli-
large numbers of Israelis
These were just other people
in a Federal penitentiary
their religion to spread his
tics of Dr. Seuss." Lerner
who side with their country's
who were hanging out in my
while being tried on charges
view that Judaism embodies
once analyzed the Jewish
peace movements, like Peace
house. They didn't seem to
that were dropped later.)
many of the social messages
messages of the television
Now. (Letty Cottin Pogrebin,
me to be anything. My father
And Lerner had a son, Akiba
promoted by liberal activists.
program "Thirtysomething."
chairwoman of the group's
was a judge, but he was just
- now a senior of Berkeley
In the fall of 1986, working
The issues are dotted with
American counterpart, is on
another person."
with a woman to whom he
from their Oakland home,
poems and short fiction.
Tikkun's board.) More to the
At Columbia University, he
says he was married reli-
they published their first is-
Tikkun has the look of a
point, says Lerner, the views
studied philosophy, taking a
giously but not legally.
sue, a staid-looking 126-page
slightly souped-up academic
emanate from a love of Juda-
few classes at the Jewish
As he became taken with
magazine with a cover story
journal. Its cover art is staid
ism. As Tikkun's first editori-
Theological Seminary. Disil-
the antiwar movement and
called "What's Wrong With
often an abstract oil paint-
al put it, the journal "is pas-
lusioned with the seminary,
its critical perspective on
the Right?" and a symposium
ing - and the pages are
sionately committed to the
he turned down his admission
American society, he came to
with intellectuals and rabbis
dense with prose, broken up
survival of the Jewish state
to rabbinical school and in-
view his own Jewish world
answering the question:
only here and there with a
but is equally strongly com-
stead chose to pursue a grad-
with radical eyes. Then, as
"What kind of Tikkun does the
line drawing. There are few
mitted to making Israel a so-
uate degree in philosophy.
now, he vented his anger and
world need?" Tikkun brought
advertisements, usually from
ciety that embodies in its dai-
When he arrived at Berke-
resentment in print. "The
together the two ambitions -
academic presses. The writ-
ly practice, including in its
ley in the fall of 1964, Mi-
Jewish community," he wrote
the need to bring meaning to
ing, particularly his own,
dealings with Palestinians,
chael Lerner didn't seem a
in 1969 in a magazine called
people's lives and the desire
tends to be dense and wordy
the moral imperatives of To-
likely candidate to become a
Judaism, "is racist, internally
to change society. "Why Juda-
(in a recent Lerner piece, one
rah."
campus radical. He favored
corrupt, and an apologist for
ism?" Lerner once wrote.
run-on sentence ran on for 133
a coat and tie and he paid his
the worst aspects of Ameri-
"Because within its prophetic
words), occasionally sloppy
TWO FACTS ABOUT LER-
bills by teaching Hebrew
can capitalism and imperial-
tradition I discovered the
and often self-consciously ce-
ner as a kid:
school and advising a syna-
ism" - hardly the sort of
voice of moral outrage at the
rebral. It sometimes makes
He wanted to become a
gogue youth group.
thing the editor of any Jewish
corruptions of an established
for such difficult reading that
rabbi.
Still, he found himself
publication would want on his
order."
for a while the magazine car-
His mother wanted him to
slowly lured into the ranks
record.
ried an advertisement with
be a Congressman.
of the movement that was
Years later, when detrac-
"I'D LIKE US TO LOOK
the reassuring message:
Two stories:
gaining momentum. "I did-
tors pointed to those words
around and appreciate ev-
"Don't feel guilty
if
you
At 4, he collected dona-
n't like it," he says, "but I
as indication of some sort of
eryone here." Michael Ler-
don't read every article in
tions for the Jewish National
was forced by the logic of
Jewish self-hatred.
CAMP ROUNDUP
ing politics dramatically " The an-
CO-ED
CO-ED
TIKKUN
swer to Nazism? The politics of
(Continued from page 36)
meaning.
LOSE WEIGHT!
Six days later, in New York, Ler-
TENNIS
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ner speaks at a Tikkun-sponsored
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some of these same themes, using
its own music - not the sort of
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The repetition is striking. Like a
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politician on a whistle-stop tour, he
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rejiggers his stump speech ever so
Tikkun has sponsored large con-
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At first he explains that he's try-
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groups to discuss Tikkun and its
ing to teach a new way of thinking -
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Some of his colleagues criticize
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The message embodied by that
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The thought reminds him of a
CAMP
Salling, Golf. Drama. Radio DJ. Arts &
fascism, that wants to prevent ultra-
story:
Crafts. Tennis, (8 Courts). Gymnastics,
Soccer. Pottery/Ceramics. Archery,
nationalist, ethnic-chauvinist, homo-
"King Solomon asked one of his
Coed
6-16
Riflery, Dance, Canceing & Kayaking,
Basketcall, Wresting, rishing
OVERWEIGHT
phobic, antisemitic and patriarchal
wisest advisors to design a ring with
Pocono Mts. PA
Windsurting
Simbail.
movements from gaining consider-
a saying that would always be true.
80 NYC
able ground in the future can do that
So they put on it three words" - he
!S willing to address the
FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 9, 1996
INGTON EDITION ANGELES TIMES
RICARDO DE ARATANHA Los Angeles Times
First Lady Hillary Clinton talks to students at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in. Pacolma.
A Page From Her Book
Clinton visits school that combines elements of health care, charter efforts
hat was billed as Hillary
Clinton's choice of Vaughn over 66.2
spit and polish, smiling faces and care-
W
Rodham Clinton observing
other local campuses was a predictable
fully worded questions didn't reveal
a noted Los Angeles char-
one-the school combines elements of
those struggles behind the scenes,
ter school was more pre-
her community health care initiatives
struggles that have brought mixed
cisely a school observing Clinton on
and her husband's charter school plat-
results.
Thursday as the first lady dipped into
form with a "We Are the World" eth-
Under Chan's leadership, Vaughn has
Los Angeles on her national book tour.
nicity. It forms the nucleus of the very
toiled with great success to salve racial
At the Vaughn Next Century Learning
kind of urban village she describes in her
tensions among educators, parents and
Center, children pressed their faces
book, "It Takes a Village and Other Les-
sometimes students. It has fought to vic-
against classroom security screens and
sons Children Teach Us."
tory for its budgetary due from the Los
yelled "Hola. Mrs. Clinton!" Students in a
It is also a school primed for publicity,
Angeles Unified School District and used
kindergarten computer lab-one of two
where the effervescent principal has
some of that money to build 14 more
classes she briefly visited-had to be
received such widespread attention and
classrooms.
reminded to concentrate on their work
kudos that one fan joked she had virtu-
However, the school's work to woo
when they began pounding out random
ally installed a helipad on the
letters instead of words as she stopped to
playground.
parents to school committee meetings
has been less effective: Chan acknowl-
watch them.
Yet the truth is that Vaughn was not
edges that only about half of the current
Clinton was greeted by a standing
the first of six semi-independent charter
ovation from school staff and community
schools in Los Angeles, nor is it the larg-
49 parent members actually show up
members when she entered the Pacoima
est, the most innovative or even the most
consistently.
elementary school's auditorium for a
successful in terms of boosting student
Its attempt to prove its worth in the
question-and-answer session.
performance.
currency of standardized test scores has
"In education, unlike anything else we
"We're just a normal place. We have
alsofaltered of late, with Comprehensive
do, often innovation is penalized, success
our problems," said Principal Yvonne
Test of Basic Skills scores dropping for
is not rewarded.' Clinton told the hand-
Chan, who has become a national
the first time last year.
picked audience. "We, together. have to
spokeswoman for the charter school
After years of boasting about the
change the attitude in the public at large
movement.
gradual rise in student test results, Chan
about what our schools should be doing."
On Thursday, the Pacoima school's
Please see CLINTON, B4
1/2
LOS ANGELES / WASHINGTON EDITION
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1996
CLINTON: First Lady Gets a Warm Welcome at Charter School
Continued from B3
commiserate.
models,' said Johnathan Williams, co-
Clinton's book, in which she asks:
but was unable to visit because of security
was faced with explaining the opposite. She
"There is so much talk about what
director of the Accelerated School in
"Are parents ready to become partners
concerns.
said ahe believes the decline in the key
doesn't work in America
so many nega-
South-Central Los Angeles, a two-room
with schools again, for the benefit of their
The center now provides more than 400
fourth-grade year resulted from her insis-
tive press stories," she said. "You are solv-
schoolhouse that opened in 1994 and has
own-andother-children? And how about
families a month with everything from
tence that all pupils be tested, even special
ing some problems at Vaughn. Let's look
since redesigned everything from report
other members of the village, those whose
clothing to prenatal health care. It sfinan-
education students.
at what does work and then build out from
cards to teaching methods.
children have passed school age? Are
cially supported by major ag les-
But the dip in test scores was a reminder
there."
Chan is also a thorn in the side of the Los
they-are all of us-ready to join this
especially the Los Angeles Educational
that fame can also be a trial, Chan main-
Each of the other five charter schools in
Angeles Unified School District, taking her
partnership?"
Partnership and United Way-but relies
tains: When word of the results leaked out,
Los Angeles also has a unique character.
complaints to the press when she cannot
As if anticipating Clinton's questions,
heavily on parent volunteers, and parents
some of her detractors could barely conceal
For the others-and for hundreds of addi-
get the results she wants. She even adopted
over the past few. years Vaughn has
make up half of its governing board.
their glee. They retort that they never
tional schools that are making significant
a motto for herself and the school: "The
reached out beyond its cyclone fences into
Charter school status came three years
wanted her to fail-which would be a black
changes under the district's own reform
Little Engine That Could."
the surrounding low-income
ago-after passage of state law allowing
eye for all charters-but say they did wel-
movement, known as LEARN-it is hard
"She gives me gray hairs," said one dis-
neighborhood.
100 California schools to operate free from
come the reality check on her rhetoric.
not to be envious of Vaughn's attention.
trict official, who asked not to be named.
The effort started with the 1992 opening
most government mandates. It requires
Clinton, who has faced difficult questions
"Sometimes we feel like, 'Let's not use
Yet the fact is that in many waya,
of an on-campus family service center,
parent involvement in all decision-making
from the media herself lately, seemed to
Vaughn so much.
Let's look at other
Vaughn could be a page torn directly from
which Clinton mentioned in her remarks,
committees.
2/2
PM-HILLARY:SJ national
Hillary Clinton calls for spiritual renewal
By Elizabeth Wasserman
Knight-Ridder Newspapers
(KRT)
SAN FRANCISCO Two weeks after her unprecedented appearance before
a federal grand jury, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton stood in the pulpit of
Glide Memorial Methodist Church on Thursday and called for spiritual
renewal.
Not for herself, in particular. or even Sen. Al D'Amato, who chairs the
Senate Whitewater hearings that are keeping all of Washington in a tither.
This spiritual renewal'' was for all of America. For the sake of the
children.
In other words, her book tour has resumed.
To more than 800 cheering, standing, applauding fans, many of whom toted
copies of her book, ``It Takes A Village: (And Other Lessons Children Teach
Us), the president's (arguably) better half set her agenda for this
election.
For her, the campaign has just begun.
This time, there was no talk of nationalized health care. Or the
presidential partnership. This was Hillary, the well-educated Mom, talking
about breast-feeding Chelsea, the evils of television and the need to fill
the spiritual vacuum.
Although she did get in some digs.
""I want to say a special word about the role of religious institutions
and particularly about the need for a spiritual renewal, said Clinton,
flanked by the Rev. Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial and San Francisco Mayor
Willie Brown. Not of the kind we hear a lot about on television, where it
seems to consist of finger pointing and blame placing. But a real spiritual
renewal that comes from deep within.
The most important reason for this renewal, she said, is the subject of
her book: the nation's sometimes forgotten children.
Prayer, spirituality, religion, faith can protect children from the
cruelties and indifference of the world, she told the crowd, before quoting
from children's advocate Marian Wright Edelman and from poet and writer Maya
Angelou.
But, for Clinton, the purpose of her book almost got lost in the myriad of
legal problems confronting the first family. Between the lingering questions
about their role in the Whitewater land dealings, the mysterious reappearance
of documents long sought by investigators, the White House travel office
firings and Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit it has been hard for
Clinton to concentrate on an issue she's put 25 years of work into.
So many parents worry. `How do we protect our children from the
outside?'' Clinton said. She encouraged parents to become active in their
children's school and church lives, and to take advantage of a new measure
signed into law Thursday that requires all television sets to be equipped
with a "V" chip to allow parents to prevent kids from watching violent
programs.
The first mom also talked about her experiences as a career attorney and
mother raising her daughter, Chelsea, who's almost 16. She recalled becoming
alarmed when breast-feeding. ``All of a sudden, she starts foaming at the
nose, Clinton recounted. When the nurses arrived at her hospital bed, one
advised, ``It would help if you lifted her head up.''
`All those years of schooling, all those degrees, all the things I have
done, nothing had prepared me,'' she said, to laughter. ``I needed help. If we
could just in this country recognize that for all of our talk about family
values, we do so little to value families.
It is a side of Hillary Rodham Clinton that her supporters who packed two
sold-out engagements in San Francisco on Thursday like to see.
``She's someone we can relate to, said Letitia Rodley, a marketing
specialist from Mountain View, who waited for an hour to see Clinton. She's
got her career. She's got her child. She's got a conscience. And she's got a
relationship.
The partisan crowd both Hillary and Bill Clinton buttons were being
hawked as the line to get in snaked all the way up Taylor street
had their minds made up about the embattled First Lady before she opened her
mouth.
``I think she's gotten a bad rap lately, said Pat Meredith, a community
college instructor who drove up from Stockton. ``I'm interested in both
hearing her and supporting her at the same time. "
Despite the Whitewater committees' questions about what she knew about
certain documents and when she knew it, Clinton's fans are devotees. I don't
believe a word that comes out of Al D'Amato's mouth, said Charlie Shed, a
hotel worker who braved the crowd. ``Like he should talk.
X X X
(This article is from the San Jose Mercury News.)
(c) 1996, Knight-Ridder Newspapers. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune
Information Services.
**** filed by:KR-F(--) on 02/09/96 at 00:32EST ****
**** printed by:WHPR(JEL) on 02/09/96 at 08:38EST ****
PM-CA--First Lady-Calif., Bjt,
Mrs. Clinton Promotes Book During San Francisco stop
AP Photo FX103
By MARTHA IRVINE= Associated Press Writer=
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Hillary Clinton's first lessons about standing tough
came at age 4 when neighborhood bullies used to beat her up.
She would run into the house, day after day, until her mother finally
said, ``Hillary, there is no room for cowards in this house. You go back
outside.
Mrs. Clinton alluded to her need to remain strong amid the criticisms she
has faced as first lady from taking the lead in health care reform to
reaction to her recent Whitewater testimony.
The first lady told the story to a crowd of 3,200 at San Francisco's
Masonic Auditorium, joking that she needed that advice for every house I
live in.
The speech was one of two stops in the city Thursday night to promote her
book, ``It Takes a Village, And Other Lessons Children Teach Us.
Despite the criticisms, she said she hopes the role of first lady and
eventually first man will not be stereotyped during future presidencies.
``I don't know what the role of the first lady is,'' she said. ``I don't
think there is a role.
But, while she answered a few personal questions at the end of the
evening, Mrs. Clinton talked mostly about her book and its theme of community
involvement to save the country's children from poverty, poor health and
ignorance.
She criticized politicians who speak of family values.
For all of our talk about family values, we do so little to value
families, said Mrs. Clinton, who received several standing ovations.
Earlier in the evening, Mrs. Clinton spoke an enthusiastic crowd of about
800 at the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, where her friend, the Rev.
Cecil Williams, is pastor.
A portion of the sale of her books on Thursday will go toward San
Francisco-area charities, including the children's program at Glide and
Children's Hospital Oakland.
She encouraged audience members to get involved by volunteering and
looking out for friends and neighbors.
Families need support and help, Mrs. Clinton said. ``No family is
immune from the larger society
It is not either the family or the government (who bears the
responsibility). It is both and more.
Audience members praised Mrs. Clinton.
``I don't think there are many role models or mentors anymore. She is a
role model. And she allows us to become our own role models,' said Jessica
Carroll, who talked a friend out of her ticket to attend Mrs. Clinton's speech
at Glide Memorial.
Earlier in the day in Los Angeles, Mrs. Clinton departed from the
bookstore circuit to spend the afternoon at Vaughn Next Century Learning
Center, one of 100 charter schools in California.
As she left, hundreds of students jostled for a look, shrieking, the
president's wife!'''
``I don't care if Bill Clinton comes, because at least I saw Mrs. Clinton
happy in our school, said fifth-grader Nelson Quintanilla. She had to
choose which school in Los Angeles to go to, and she chose our school. And
that makes me very proud.
**** filed by:APW-(CA) on 02/09/96 at 03:38EST ****
**** printed by:WHPR(JEL) on 02/09/96 at 08:34EST ****
PM-CA--First Lady-Calif., Bjt,530
Hillary Clinton Promotes New Book in Warmer Climes
Eds: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 8th graf, is cq.
AP Photos
sdlrjjy1rjjy2
By SCOTT LINDLAW= Associated Press Writer=
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) First lady Hillary Clinton traded snowbound
Washington and its chilly political climate for a warm reception in Southern
California on the latest leg of her book tour.
She basked in praise during a Wednesday night speech in Beverly Hills, and
was to continue touring in the midst of a mini-heat wave that sent
temperatures soaring to near 90 degrees in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Clinton was to meet parents and students at a San Fernando learning
center this afternoon before moving on the San Francisco.
The news media that peppered her with Whitewater questions during the
first leg of her tour last month was kept out of shouting range during her
15-minute Hilton speech, which centered on the topic of children.
`Advances in technology, the global economy and other changes have
brought us much good, she said. But it has also strained the fabric of
family life, leaving us and our children poorer in many ways.'
I am not among those who would argue that all we need to do is turn back
the clock, Mrs. Clinton said. Not only do I think it's not possible, but I
think it's a nostalgia we can't afford.
``What we can do is take the values and ethics that did support families
and transplant them to this time.
Mrs. Clinton received jubilant applause from the 1,030 people who paid $50
each to hear the first lady $30 of which went to Childrens Hospital Los
Angeles.
The price also included a chance to line up, shake hands and exchange a
few words with Mrs. Clinton before receiving a copy of her book with her
computer-generated signature.
The mainly female audience included health care professionals, political
supporters, educators and the curious. Dozens wore lapel pins or T-shirts
proclaiming them members of the ``Hillary Clinton Fan Club.
She's a first lady who's very strong and really participates in helping
President Clinton with the administration, said Tina Saldivar, an
administrator with the Los Angeles Unified School District. 'That's why I
brought my daughter here.
...
Mrs. Clinton is one of the first thinking first
ladies that we've had.
Beverly Hills was the second stop of the day. Earlier, in Denver, Mrs.
Clinton received a similarly warm reception by more than 2,000 people at a
bookstore.
The book, ``It Takes A Village, And Other Lessons Children Teach Us, is
a compendium of anecdotes, axioms and the experiences Mrs. Clinton gained
during more than 25 years of advocacy work on behalf of women, children and
families.
Published by Simon & Schuster, draws its title from the African proverb,
``It takes a village to raise a child.
Mrs. Clinton testified last month before a grand jury investigating the
Whitewater affair and the Clintons' association with the owner of a failed
Arkansas savings and loan.
She will likely face more questions over the book tour because taxpayers
will pay 80 percent of Mrs. Clinton's travel expenses.
**** filed by:APW-(CA) on 02/08/96 at 03:33EST ****
**** printed by: WHPR (JEL) on 02/08/96 at 08:22EST ****
"Parents have the primary responsibility
to make sure children grow up in
stable and loving homes."
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
6M THE DES MOINES REGISTER
S
BOB NANDELL/THE REGISTER
Simpson College President Stephen Jennings, left, and state
ton rises to speak. The first lady urged Democrats to turn
Work together,
Sen. Bill Fink, D-Carlisle, applaud as Hillary Rodham Clin-
out on caucus night to support her husband.
Clinton urges
CLINTON
Celebrate community,
Continued from Page 1M
she said faces families today.
Employers must share the fruits
of their profits with their workers,"
Clinton said.
Clinton also urged the crowd,
first lady tells lowans
which braved bitter temperatures to
attend the rally, to venture out into
the cold again and support President
Clinton on caucus night.
John Euchner and his family
braved Friday's weather for two
reasons.
By IKIMULISA SOCKWELL
TODAY'S SCHEDULE
band's recent State of the Union speech.
Family values also should mean valuing
want my kids to see her, and I
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
intend to vote for her husband," Eu-
Hillary Rodham Clinton appears in
families, she told the cheering crowd.
chner said. "I'm a strong Democrat.
Ames and Cedar Falls today. These
"Parents have the primary responsibility
Indianola, Ia. - Americans must strike a
I've always supported the Demo-
balance between the values of self-reliance
are her public appearances:
to make sure children grow up in stable and
crats. God would strike me dead if I
and teamwork and must remember those in
10:45 a.m. at the lowa State
loving homes," she said.
voted Republican."
need, Hillary Rodham Clinton told hundreds
Memorial Union in Ames.
But there is a role for government in sup-
Adam Euchner, 7, said he was ex-
of Iowans here Friday night.
porting families and those in need, she said,
cited because "she's married to the
1:15 p.m. at Maucker Union at the
drawing a contrast with Republican presi-
"There are those who would have us turn
president and she's really special to
University of Northern Iowa in Cedar
dential hopefuls now blanketing Iowa before
our backs on one another, who would have us
Washington, D.C."
Falls.
the Feb. 12 caucuses.
rely only on ourselves and maybe those clos-
She citied as examples financial aid for
est to us without any recognition of the mu-
For more information, call
students wanting to go to college and Medi-
tual obligations that bind all of us together in
Clinton-Gore campaign headquarters
care and Medicaid for senior citizens and the
the communities that we inhabit," Clinton
at (515) 244-9696.
told the crowd of about 1,300 at Cowles Hall
poor.
"These are human problems. They're not
Field House at Simpson College.
just budget problems and statistics," she
"But others, and the president is among
coaches and a host of others to lift people up
said.
them, believe self-reliance and teamwork
and help them become successful, she said.
Economic security is another vital issue
aren't opposing virtues," she added.
People must work together in the face of
It takes relatives, friends, teachers,
challenge, she said, citing a theme of her hus-
CLINTON Please turn to Page 6M
sunday. 7sh. 1996
ELECTION
AP photo
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton plays with children Saturday during a roundtable dis-
cussion at a parents' center in Ames, lowa, where she campaigned for her husband.
Hillary Clinton cheered in Iowa
By Flynn McRoberts
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South
TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Dakota and Wisconsin, 50 percent had nega-
tive feelings toward her, compared to 35
AMES,Iowa-After days of bitter-cold
percent who had positive feelings and 15
rhetoric from Republican presidential con-
percent who were neutral.
tenders, Hillary Rodham Clinton blew into
Not surprisingly, there was little indica-
town Saturday and sought to blunt some of
tion of those lopsided findings in the parti-
the GOP Clinton-bashing before the Feb. 12
san crowd that greeted her with cheers and
caucuses.
placards calling for "four more years."
The first lady echoed the themes of Presi-
dent Clinton's State of the Union
"She's stood up against a lot of criticism,
address-compassion mixed with personal
and I just want to support her," said
responsibility-but did not directly con-
Amanda Gleason, an Iowa State junior.
front the Republicans. Instead, she merely
David Metzler, 71, a biochemistry profes-
noted their competing viewpoints.
sor at the university, said he was "tired of
"The choices before us are stark," Mrs.
the media dumping on her." And as for
Clinton told a crowd of about 400 people at
how the Republicans have treated Mrs.
Iowa State University. "The different
Clinton, "It's a vendetta against her," Met-
visions about what kind of nation we
zler said. "It's outrageous.
She's the
intend to be, what kind of people we are,
president's wife."
are laid before us."
On the Iowa campaign trail, though, the
The first lady's visit to Ames came just
Republican presidential candidates have
two days after a University of Iowa Heart-
largely avoided taking shots at the first
land Poll provided a reading on her popu-
lady-though Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas tells
larity in much of the Midwest. Of the 455
crowds that, if elected, he wouldn't put his
voting-age residents polled in Illinois, Iowa,
wife, Elizabeth, in charge of health care.
Superman' fighting for health care bill
always admired Christopher
companies to sell policies to work-
recently announced an effort to es-
Regre as an actor. I never saw him
ers who have been covered for at
tablish the Recre-Irvine Research
-Broadway, but like most peo-
least 18 months by their employ-
Center at the University of Cali-
pie,1 loved bis movie portrayal of
Hillary
ers so that they remain insured
fornia at Irvine that will support
Superman and his role in the fan-
tasy: romance "Somewhere in
Rodham
even if they lose or leave a job.
the study of spinal cord injuries
There is also an amendment to
and diseases. Philanthropist Joan
Time."
Clinton
the bill, sponsored by Republican
Irvine Smith has agreed to put up
My admiration has only grown
Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont,
$1 million for the project to be
since his riding accident last May.
Talking
that would help the 230,000 Amer-
matched with money from other
Christopher Reeve is no longer
icans in situations similar to
sources.
It Over
playing a part that's heroic. He's
Christopher Reeve's It would
"There is a humanitarian and
living one.
raise the lifetime limit on bene-
economic rationale" for medical
Hooked up to a ventilator and
fits to a minimum of $10 million.
research and fair insurance poli-
phralyzed from the neck down, he
I know the health care reform
cies, he says. "It's good for the
effort I worked on was not suc-
The Kennedy-Kassebaum bill has
has inspired millions with his
country in every conceivable
courageous response to a tragic
cessful. But the issues It raised
support from dozens of Republi-
way."
and freak fall from a horse. Who
and the problems it sought to re-
cans and Democrats It is now
If you agree with Christopher
wasn't moved by his candor and
solve are still with us today.
ready for & vote by the full Sen-
Reeve, take the time to call your
grace in the memorable interview
The United States is the only
ate. Very few legislators have
senators and ask them to help us
he gave to Barbara Walters just a
industrial society in the world
publicly opposed the bill.
take a first step to bringing better
few months after his spinal cord
where insurance companies are
So why hasn't it passed?
health and peace of mind to mil-
was crushed?
allowed to deny coverage to peo-
Because a handful of senators
lions of Americans. Tell them to
ple who are sick or have lost a job.
Now, along with his painstaking
have used parliamentary maneu-
pass the Kennedy-Kassebaum
And insurance companies contin-
recovery, he faces medical bills to-
vering to stall it for five months.
bill.
ue to get away with limiting peo-
taling $400,000 a year. With an in-
To make matters worse, we can-
ple's lifetime benefits.
surance policy that limits the life-
not even hold the senators ac-
Write to Hilary Rodham Clinton a Cre-
ators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd,
time benefits he can receive, his
As Christopher Reeve said just last
countable because the Senate's
coverage is due to run out after
rules allow then to remain anony-
Suite 700, Los Angales, Cafil 90045.
week, "These issues are crucial to
three years.
our welfare."
mous.
Still, he never dwells on his
There are ways to make
Christopher Reeve is pushing
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
own situation. As a celebrity, he
progress without a massive over-
hard for passage of Kennedy-
haul of the health care system.
Kassebaum and the Jeffords
knows he can make a Living giv-
ing speeches and directing films.
Right now, a bipartisan bill that
amendment. He also is doing his
High Profile
Це is far more worried about the
deals with some of these issues is
part to educate people about the
tens of millions of Americans who
failures of a system that spends far
The High Profile stall is responsible for the
stuck in Congress. Sponsored by
stories and features that appear Sunday in
can't get or keep medical cover-
Republican Sen. Nancy Kasse-
more money on expensive treat-
the High Profile section. Story suggestions
age because of the misplaced pri-
baum of Kansas and Democratic
ments than on preventing and eur-
are welcome. Call belween 9:30 a.m. and
orities of our health care system.
Sen. Edward Kennedy of Mas-
ing costly diseases.
4:30 p.m. Or write to the editor at: Arkan-
sachusetts, the bill would make
He has written to the president
sas Democral-Gazefie, P.O. Box 2221, Lit
the Rock, Ark. 72203.
Christopher Reeve wants to know
long-overdue changes in the ways
and House Speaker Newt Gingrich
why our country is willing to
insurance companies treat Amer-
about congressional threats to cut
High Profile Editor
spend billions of dollars on Medi-
leans.
funds for research into spinal
Phylis D. Brandon
378-3574
care and Medicaid payments to
It would prevent insurers from
cord injuries and neurological
Staff Writers
cover nursing-home fees for
denying coverage to a person who
diseases (and is proud to have lob-
Felley Lawson
399-3670
quadriplegics and those suffering
already has a medical condition.
bied successfully against some of
Suzi Parker
399-3670
from neurological diseases like
It would forbid insurance compa-
those cuts).
Lon Gehrig's, Parkinson's and
nies from dropping longtime cus-
He has worked on animated di-
Engagements & anniversaries
Nita Nichols
378-3496
Alzheimer's but not spend the
tomers when they become chron-
agrams for television that explain
lesser amounts it would take to
ically III.
what happens to the body when
Page Designer
And it would require insurance
Matthew Spence
378-3544
find cures.
the spinal cord is injured.And he
THE WASHINGTON POST
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1996
By Charles W. Hall
CHILD SUPPORT, From B1
Washington Post Staff Writer
reached for comment yesterday, and his attorney,
A man who refused to pay child support to
Dale Dover, did not return calls to his office and
his ex-wife in Manassas and taunted her with
home. The judge ordered Johnson to surrender as
letters saying she would never collect a dime
soon as jail or prison space becomes available.
was sentenced yesterday to 60 days in jail, in
Johnson and Rauss, 33, were married in 1985.
one of the most severe sentences issued na-
She said she moved to Manassas in 1988 and ex-
tionally under a federal law targeting dead-
pected her husband to join her after he finished
beat parents who cross state lines.
studies in Binghamton, N.Y.
Gary Nelson Johnson, 35, of Port Char-
Instead, Johnson stayed behind, and the couple
lotte, Fla., was sentenced in Alexandria by
divorced in 1989, when their daughter was 1 year
federal Magistrate Judge W. Curtis Sewell,
old. Rauss said Johnson saw their daughter only
who rejected Johnson's arguments that the
three times and never sought to maintain contact.
federal law is unconstitutional.
Johnson was ordered to pay $25 in weekly child
The case reflects a growing crackdown on
support for his daughter on May 22, 1989. Just
four days later, he was ruled in contempt for "will-
Judge Sentences Deadbeat Dad to Rare Jail Time
Ex-Husband Had Taunted Manassas Woman With Refusal to Pay Child Support of $25 a Week
deadbeat parents, but it was unusual in many
fully failing to obey the prior court order."
respects. Johnson was required to pay only
The New York family court issued two more
$25 a week to help care for his daughter,
contempt orders in the following year, but John-
Marisa, 7, but instead spent his money buy-
son eluded the orders by moving to Ohio and, lat-
ing a classic Corvette and three boats, ac-
er, to Florida, according to court records.
cording to-court records. Federal officials al-
But he found one way to stay in touch: sending
so said it's still uncommon for judges to jail
angry letters to Rauss.
parents who avoid child support, because it
"Whatever money I do make in the summer
hinders their ability to make restitution.
goes toward my financial needs. I don't care
"I'm just ecstatic," said Mary Rauss, John-
what the law is," Johnson wrote in February
son's ex-wife. "When I found him a year ago,
1989, while he was still a student. "If you persist,
nobody wanted to do anything, but I feel like I
got satisfaction in the long run."
I will have no alternative [but] to pick up and
U.S. Attorney Helen F. Fahey hailed the
leave. LEAVE ME ALONE!"
verdict. "This is one of the longest sentences
In a brief filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attor-
in the country," she said. "It will send a mes-
neys Michael F. Ruggio and Valerie G. Preiss,
Sewell was told that Johnson had made at least
sage that people who intentionally refuse to
$66,000 in the years he was missing, had prompt-
pay child support will be investigated and
ly paid college loan and credit card bills, and had
prosecuted, and may go to jail."
bought a home using the name of his second wife.
Johnson was prosecuted under a 1993 fed-
Although she is financially established, Rauss
eral law intended to prevent parents from
said, she never gave up on making Johnson pay.
eluding child-support payments ordered in
"Before my dad passed away, he said, 'Never
one state simply by moving to another. As
give up; get the last satisfaction,' Rauss said. "I
much as $5 billion in court-ordered child sup-
still feel like I've been cheated. He was working
port goes unpaid annually, and about one-
all these years. He should have paid."
third of all child-support cases involve par-
ents who live in different states, federal and
state officials said.
"We've seen a dramatic increase in refer-
rals," said Debra Cohn, who coordinates
child-support enforcement for the U.S. Jus-
tice Department. "Unfortunately, it happened
all too often that people who went from one
state to another were able to defy court or-
ders."
In 70 cases tried nationally under the new
law, only three people have received longer
sentences. Defendants in South Carolina,
Texas and Massachusetts received the full
six months allowed for a first offense.
"Failure to pay support is a form of child
abuse," said Marilyn Smith, immediate past
president of the National Child Support En-
forcement Association. "When you punish the
most egregious offenders, it sends a powerful
message to others who may be on the fence."
Johnson, who owes $6,813, could not be
See CHILD SUPPORT, B3, Col. 1
THE WASHINGTON POST
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1996
JUDY MANN
Women Are Turning Words Into Action
ith solid backing from the Clinton
Beijing consensus for a global commitment to the
W
administration, American women's
equality and human rights of women. "Exchanging
advocates have hit the ground running in
information about what works and what doesn't is one
their efforts to implement the platform of action for the
of the most important things we can do." She spoke of
global empowerment of women and girls that was
talking to a woman in a poor section of Nicaragua and
adopted during the U.N. conference in Beijing last fall.
being bowled over when the woman asked her to tell
The fundamental premises that undergird the
her "what is happening to women in India and China."
platform are that women's rights are human rights and
Many American women who attended the
that efforts to raise the status of women and girls
conference have expressed surprise at the high level of
through education, health initiatives and economic
interest in it within their own communities. Nancy
enterprise not only raise the standard of their families
Woodhull, who is vice chair of the International
but their communities and societies as well.
Women's Media Foundation, says she already has
Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was honorary chair of
given about 30 speeches about it and is scheduled to do
the 45-member U.S. delegation to the conference and
more. In Rochester, N.Y., where she is based, "there's
who helped put the conference on front pages around
an unbelievable interest." People are inspired by the
the world, has been named honorary chair of the
idea that "we can help the whole world move forward.
President's Interagency Council on Women, which is
So many people have global interests now. CNN has
charged with coordinating federal efforts to implement
brought everything into our own living rooms. The
the platform. Secretary of Health and Human Services
information coming into our homes is much more
Donna E. Shalala heads the council of some of the
international than it ever was."
highest-ranking women in the administration. Both
Woodhull, who also is president of the National
addressed a Monday breakfast for leading women's
Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y., has
advocates sponsored by the National Commission on
proposed in speeches around upstate New York the
Working Women.
idea of holding a women's global summit in conjunction
Shalala said council members are looking "wide and
with the 150th anniversary of the first call for women's
deep within their own agencies" to develop policies and
initiatives that can implement the platform and to bust
suffrage issued there in 1848. The summit would
loose other programs that might be stuck in logjams.
examine the progress of efforts to implement the
Out of her own department has come a
Beijing platform and then "work on strategies to
multi-pronged plan on breast cancer and an effort to
advance it." Some 200 women have expressed a desire
include women and minorities in HIV-AIDS clinical
to volunteer on such a project. "Beijing has struck a
trials. "We've tried to do major institutional changes,"
chord for the average woman. unlike anything else."
she said. The Women's Bureau of the Labor
This is partly, she thinks, because the conference
Department, for example, has gotten 700 pledges from
was so visible as a result of the controversy over the
companies to take steps to improve women's pay and
first lady's attendance. But Woodhull also speculates
benefits, to help them balance work and family and to
that women are interested in working on an
provide training and advancement. The Department of
international level as a way of taking action while still
the Treasury is setting up a presidential awards
protecting themselves. "It allows them to work on
program to honor lending organizations that advance
something that is a problem they may have but they
women's economic status by providing low-cost or
are fearful of working on on their own behalf."
non-collateral loans to women starting small
Whatever the reasons, women from across the
businesses. The U.S. Agency for International
country who attended last weekend's "Feminist Expo
Development has agreed to provide seed money for
'96" told similar stories of being asked to speak to
similar micro-enterprise programs in 15 countries
community groups about Beijing. As Clinton put it
newly added to its list.
Monday, "I know what a difference women here are
"Nations cannot flourish if women and girls don't
making. It will reverberate throughout the world. We
flourish," said Clinton, adding that American women,
can demonstrate that women coming together on
who have made so much progress, have to continue
behalf of themselves and their families is one of the
playing the leadership role that helped forge the
most important movements in the world today."
fale
U.S. AFFAIRS
Sometimes she likes to unwind. How else but by sipping fermented
mare's milk for a photo op in Mongolia? It's a chance to meet some
of her most loyal fans. BY MARTHA BRANT AND SAM SEIBERT
WALLY FOR NEWSWEEK
Wading into a crowd of fans in Indonesla, the American First Lady finds temporary respite from the relentless grind of U.S. partisan politics
No Place Like Away
HE FARTHER FROM HOME SHE GETS, THE MORE SHE
newest outpost late last month in India; the
other three arein Japan, Denmark and Brit-
I
appears to blossom. These days, visits to faraway
ain. Unlike the American First Lady's true
places are the closest Hillary Clinton gets to any
believers back home in the United States,
semblance of normal-life. Bravely sipping fer-
her fans abroad don't have an air of besiege-
ment. They aren't digging in for a last-ditch
mented mare's milk for a photo op in Mongolia
defense against hordes of crazed talk-show
or listening politely to the speeches at a summit
hosts; they simply like Hillary's style.
Sometimes the admiration develops into
of First Ladies in Paraguay, she can relax. Sometimes she even
full-blown Hillarymania. Last April, for ex-
sneaks away to enjoy the rare, wild luxury of taking a walk as
ample, the First Lady visited Bangladesh
and made a stop in Moishahatipara, a vil-
she did during her visit to Chile last year. At every scheduled
lage of "untouchables" where one resident
won a moment in the international eye by
appearance, everyone seems genuinely
di Arabia and more than a dozen other
asking whether the Clintons keep any cattle
happy to see her and eager to hear what she
countries on four continents provide her
in the White House. The inhabitants were
has to say. If foreigners were allowed to
syndicated weekly column, "Talking It
so taken with the First Lady that after her
vote in U.S. presidential elections, 1996
Over," to millions of readers abroad.
visit they gave their village a new name in
would surely be an easy year for Bill Clin-
The Hillary Rodham Clinton Fan Club,
her honor: Hillarypara.
ton's wife.
launched three years ago in a suburban
Some of the First Lady's overseas admir-
Her following outside the United States
Maryland apartment, has grown to nearly
ers display an almost cultish devotion to
is both large and enthusiastic. Newspapers
100 chapters, including four outside the
her works. During her visit to Ukraine in
and magazines in Thailand, Germany, Sau-
United States. The group acquired its
1995, a local autograph-seeker approached
20
NEWSWEEK JANUARY 15. 1996
rights are human rights." Un-
fortunately, few Chinese citi-
zens had the chance to hear that
message; the Beijing govern-
ment imposed a press blackout
on Clinton as punishment for
her refusal to meet directly with
Chinese officials during her vis-
it. "Nothing on Hillary could be
published unless it ran on Xin-
hua [the official news agency]
first," recalls a Chinese report-
er who covered the event.
"Those were the rules. Of
course, Xinhua didn't touch her
speeches."
Dress code: Some audiences
are less susceptible than others
to Mrs. Clinton's spell. In Latin
America, where women often
speak their minds with no need
for foreign role models, she is
widely respected, but hardly a
cult figure. Chilean newspapers
sometimes refer to their own
country's First Lady, Marta
Larraechea, as "the Hillary
Clinton of Chile," but the com-
parison isn't about brains or
outspokenness. It's supposed to
be a compliment to Larraechea
on her taste in clothes.
Yet even Latin American
men are not entirely immune to
Mrs. Clinton's magnetism. João
Jorge Rodríguez, the dread-
locked leader of Brazil's popu-
lar "black power" group Olo-
PHOTOS BY WYMAN FOR
dum, watched Hillary dancing
and working the crowd at a
street festival one night in the
city of Salvador da Bahia. "I
wish there were more figures
like her," he said. "She is not
In her role as unofficial ambassador, the First Lady has
just decoration." And her ap-
met new mothers in Brazll and villagers in Pakistan-and
peal is by no means limited to
found time to visit the Taj Mahal with daughter Chelsea
the Third World. In Germany,
for example, women activists
her bearing thick sheaves of paper. The
person," says Ranjana Kumari, a women's
express their envy of the United States for
First Lady's eyes widened when she saw
rights activist in New Delhi who has met
having such an assertive First Lady. "She's
what the woman wanted her to sign: copies
the American First Lady several times.
so different from the politicians' wives
of the Health Security Act, a voluminous
"But she is also a normal person, just like
here," says Anne Nilges, the spokesperson
piece of legislation Hillary had personally
any one of us. We talked about our families,
for Germany's Greens party. "Hannelore
helped draft. In the United States she suf-
work and children and how we have to
Kohl [the chancellor's wife] isn't taken seri-
fered harsh criticism for her role in creating
manage so many things." Hillary's common
ously, and the others just don't appear on
the bill, which never won passage into law.
touch has made her a one-of-a-kind roving
the scene."
In the hinterlands of the former Soviet
ambassador for the Clinton administration.
Women like Hillary don't grow on trees.
Union, she found fans who were more ac-
Mrs. Clinton's crowning moment was
Most political wives prefer to remain quiet-
cepting of the endeavor.
her trip to the U.N.-sponsored Internation-
ly behind the scenes, doing whatever they
In some ways, Hillary is poorly equipped
al Women's Conference in Beijing last Sep-
can to protect their homes and families
for making new friends abroad. She has
tember. The delegates gave her a rock star's
against the relentless grind of public life.
such difficulty pronouncing any language
welcome-and she responded with a stem-
How tough is that grind? So tough that
but English that she seldom even tries any-
winder performance that left them stamp-
Hillary Clinton actually seems to enjoy fly-
more. Despite that obstacle, people wher-
ing their feet and cheering. "If there is one
ing halfway around the world to spend
ever she visits say they are impressed by
message that echoes forth from this confer-
hours shaking hands with strangers. It
her sharp mind and open heart. "She comes
ence," she told them, "let it be that human
gives her a chance to unwind.
across as a well-informed, strong and bright
rights are women's rights and women's
With bureau reports
NEWSWEEK JANUARY 15, 1996
21
The New York Review
of Books
A Doll's House?
Oct.22,1992 1992
lof5
Garry Wills
Hillary Clinton was pointedly intro-
created the expectation that every
question the whole set of social forces
duced, at this year's meeting of the
president's wife should have her very
that contribute to the problem. Out of
American Bar Association, as "the
own Project-just one, vaguely uplift-
the entire syndrome of inner-city
next First Woman." First Lady has
ing, ladylike-to keep her out from
dysfunction, drugs and literacy are
been tainted by association with such
under her husband's feet as he did his
treated as self-contained matters, ad-
phrases as "the little lady." But First
White Housework. Jackie beautified
dressable as such. That is why so little
Woman hardly solves the problem.
the White House; Lady Bird Johnson
impact has been made on either prob-
When a woman is elected president, it
beautified the highways. Then fol-
lem. The point of these Projects is not
will make as little sense to call her
lowed a series of Projects so discreet
to engage larger political remedies, in-
husband the First Man (what ever
that few remember them-volun-
volving many agencies and issues. The
happened to Adam?) as to call him
teerism for Pat Nixon, handicapped
Project was designed to let a First
the First Gentleman (what ever
children for Betty Ford (her "depen-
Lady avoid controversy.
happened to Beau Brummel?). The
dency" work came after the White
It is not surprising that the presi-
spouse's role in our republic properly
House), mental health for Rosalyn
dent's wife should exemplify the most
has no title. Kings have queens, and
Carter. Mrs. Reagan, more audibly,
conservative notions of a woman's
princes have princesses; but there is no
said no to drugs, and Mrs. Bush en-
place. The president himself has an
presidentess-nor a Mrs. President.
courages literacy. Mrs. Quayle, stand-
ambiguous station in our history. He,
(In the latter case, the spouse of the
first woman president would be-Mr.
President.)
Since the president's spouse has no
constitutional office, title, or salary,
some people resent a spouse's influ-
ence on policy or politics. "We did not
elect her to anything." It has ever been
so. Dolley Madison served, for a time,
as her husband's secretary; but she hid
that fact from the public.¹ She already
knew what Rosalyn Carter would
learn to her cost when she sat in on
cabinet meetings, what Nancy Reagan
learned when she made personnel de-
cisions. Eleanor Roosevelt carefully
wrote out the rules for being a proper
wife of the president:
Always be on time. Never try to
make any personal engagements.
Do as little talking as humanly
possible. Never be disturbed by
anything. Always do what you're
told to do as quickly as possible.
Remember to lean back in a pa-
rade, so that people can see your
husband. Don't get too fat to ride
three on a seat. Get out of the way
as quickly as you're not needed.2
Mrs. Roosevelt did not break every
one of those rules-she could always
ride three on a seat. But most of them
she shattered with flair. She lived in a
time of crises; her husband was also
breaking the rules; government was it-
self being redefined, and vastly ex-
panded, in the grips of Depression and
world war. Mrs. Roosevelt visited the
troops, in the Pacific Theater and in
Britain, like a queen mother. During
ing in the wings, has declared disaster
too, posed title problems to the elec-
this war on an imperial scale, she be-
relief her project.
torate. What to call our non-king puz-
came a kind of democratic empress, a
These Projects exemplify the social
zled the Republic's first generation.
task for which her upper-class breed-
good works of the well-born that
"Mr. President" was finally chosen
ing fitted her as much as did her lower-
Thorstein Veblen considered a "con-
after more honorific terms had been
class sympathies.
spicuous consumption" of socialites'
suggested and abandoned. As head of
M any things did not go back to "nor-
time.³ They resemble the mission soci-
state, the president symbolizes values
eties to which ladies flock in Dickens's
like continuity and stability, just as a
mal" after the war-but the role of the
novels-or in Harper Lee's To Kill a
hereditary monarch does. That is why
president's wife did. Bess Truman and
Mockingbird: "Right then and there I
the type has been so fixed-a white,
Mamie Eisenhower were more seen
made a pledge in my heart. I said to
male, married Protestant, middle to
than heard, and they were not even
myself, when I go home I'm going to
upper class, with children and dogs.
seen very much. Mrs. Truman stayed
give a course on the Mrunas and bring
He comes straight out of Central Cast-
in Independence for long stretches
J. Grimes Everett's message to May-
ing. The exceptions only underline the
when her husband was in Washington.
comb." This kind of activity not only
rule. One bachelor (Buchanan). One
Mrs. Eisenhower was so reclusive as to
conforms to one of the oldest stereo-
Catholic-and not till 1960. No di-
prompt rumors about secret drinking.
types of female concerns but sends a
vorced man till 1980. No woman, Jew,
Things began to change with the far
message by its very singleness: The
or African American.
more visible Jacqueline Kennedy, who
isolable problem can be tended, in a
Other societies, even more sexist
stable society, without calling into
than ours, have had women leaders of
¹Conover Hunt-Jones, Dolley and the
government-Golda Meir, Indira
"Great Little Madison" (American In-
³Thorstein Veblen, The Theory of the
Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher. But those
stitute of Architects, 1977), pp. 12-17.
Leisure Class (Penguin, 1967), p. 96.
women came up through parliamen-
²Joseph P. Lash, Eleanor and Franklin
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
tary ranks-and more conventional
(Norton. 1971), p.612.
(Lippincott, 1960), p. 244.
types were installed as ceremonial
legislative assistant until Kennedy's
her back in a foster home to await a
heads of state. Our president is both
death, was asked to put together a
possible adoption that might serve
the head of state and head of govern-
conference of young leaders and old,
some ideal "best interests." Joseph
ment-which explains the pressures
he called the newly graduated Hillary
Goldstein told me that his book did
toward familiarity and repetition. If
Rodham to come as a young leader. At
not advocate court intrusion into fam-
even the elected member of the mar-
the conference, sponsored by the
ily life. It tried to set standards for the
riage is a conservative symbol, how
League of Women Voters, Hillary met
least detrimental intrusion where that
can we expect the unelected spouse to
several people who would continue to
became necessary to protect the rights
break out of the more severe in-
be important in her professional life,
of the child. "The proof that we set
hibitions put, in the past, on female
including Vernon Jordan and Edel-
useful guidelines is that the book has
conduct?
man himself. Edelman had recently
been translated into Japanese, French,
Yet changes are coming, and fast.
married Marian Wright, the veteran of
Swedish, Danish, and other languages,
No part of our society-not even
the civil rights movement who was the
where the cultures of child-raising are
African Americans, or gays, or
first black woman to pass the bar in
all different."
Catholics-has had its social role
Mississippi. When Marian Edelman
Rodham rounded out her work on
more drastically redefined than the fe-
spoke at Yale Law School during Rod-
children's rights by consulting with
male- part. Girls now grow up expect-
ham's first year there, the law student
doctors at the New Haven Hospital to
ing higher education, work, careers,
was so impressed that she asked to
create rules for child-abuse cases.
the power to choose their future. The
work during her summer break for Ms.
Again, the "best interests" were not
pill gave new autonomy to women's
Edelman's nascent Washington Re-
always obvious. It seems clear that no
sexual activity, as abortion has to their
search Project (which would soon be-
child should be abused; but is remov-
fertility (once the defining aspect of
come the Children's Defense Fund).
ing an abused child from parental
womanhood). The pattern of the tradi-
Edelman said she could not, yet, pay
power always the least detrimental
tional president's wife could not be
Hillary anything; but Hillary got a
available alternative? "For some
more distant from this generation's ex-
grant for civil-rights research that sup-
young children, abuse may be the only
perience and aspirations-a fact con-
ported her during her first summer in
attention the child got; so when you
firmed by the resistance to Mrs. Bush's
Washington. Edelman sent her to
remove it, there is an extraordinary
appearance at the 1990 Wellesley Col-
work with Walter Mondale's subcom-
guilt: 'I must have done something
lege commencement. She seemed, to
mittee studying the plight of migrant
really terrible because now they do not
some, a visitor from another era.
workers ten years after the explosive
even want me.'" Rodham also found
In the future, it will be hard to find a
documentary Harvest of Shame. Rod-
subtler abuse when parents sought
spouse of the Barbara Bush type
ham did interviews with workers and
sterilization of "very slightly retarded
linked to any rising politician. This is
their families, assessing the hardships
children," or abortions when the girl
not simply because of Hillary Clinton.
their children suffered. It was the be-
desired the child. Her articles on child
Other candidates have had lawyer-
ginning of a long engagement with
rights are being used by Pat Robertson
wives (Nicola Tsongas, Ruth Harkin,
these problems. In later summer proj-
and others to show that she wants chil-
Hattie Babbitt, Marilyn Quayle) or
ects, she studied children's cases in
dren to get abortions without parental
spouses of some other professional
California and in segregated schools.
consent. "But most of my experience
commitment. If Hillary Clinton should
in New Haven," she said, "was exactly
break the barrier, it will be by inches
Bₐck in New Haven, she became
the opposite-the parents wanted the
only. And if not she, then another,
involved in the Yale Child Studies
abortion, to avoid shame, humiliation,
Center, working with Sally Province
or embarrassment."
soon. Whoever the new-model wife,
she will break rules on the scale of an-
on infant distress. Rodham got per-
Through Marian Edelman, who
other Eleanor. Future Noras are
mission from the law school to fashion
served on the Carnegie Council on
clearly going to find, in the White
a special (extra) year of study devoted
Children, Rodham collaborated on
House, their Doll's House.
to children's rights under the law. She
what became Kenneth Keniston's
did research for a book, Beyond the
influential work, All Our Children.⁶
If Hillary Clinton does it, she will be
Best Interests of the Child, written by
"Marian, Pat Ward, and Hillary did
an appropriate symbol of her sisters'
her family law professor, Joseph Gold-
the research for the chapter on legal
concerns. When she returned to give
stein, and other faculty members.⁵
protection of children," Keniston re-
the commencement address at her col-
This was the first of three widely used
members. That chapter deals with
lege, it was the second time she had
volumes that explored the inadequa-
children's rights to education-not
spoken to Wellesley graduates. In
cies of the legal formula that guides
only in conflict with parents who
1969, her classmates had demanded
courts in cases of child abandonment,
would keep their children out of
that they be given. finally, some voice
neglect, or abuse. Judges are supposed
school but with school authorities who
at their own commencement. They
to consult "the best interests of the
irresponsibly suspend or expel chil-
chose Hillary Rodham, the president
child." The book made the point that
dren. It also dealt with rights to medi-
of their student government, to be the
these interests cannot be considered in
cal care-not only in conflict with par-
first such speaker, and she consulted
isolation from the real limits of each
ents (e.g., Christian Scientists) who
widely to find out what others wanted
situation. The authors proposed a new
might refuse a doctor's ministrations
her to say. It was the earliest public in-
standard: "The least detrimental avail-
but with parents who irresponsibly im-
dication of her concern that young
able alternative."
pose on children experimental or ex-
This standard was made real to
treme treatments (sterilization, shock
people be given more responsibility
for their own lives. This desire, she
Hillary Rodham because she had also
treatments, lobotomies). But "the first
said, is not a mere "liberal" or radical
volunteered to work with the New
right of a child is to a parent, where
thing:
Haven Legal Services. One case she
that is possible," as Keniston sums up
dealt with involved a foster parent, a
the main theme of his work.
There's a very strange conserva-
black woman in her fifties, who had
tive strain that goes through a lot
raised a child of mixed (black-white)
of New Left collegiate protests
Hillary Rodham's absorption in chil-
parentage while the competency and
that I find very intriguing because
dren's rights was such that she did not
claims of the birth parents were con-
it harkens [sic] back to a lot of the
interview with any law firms in her last
tested in the courts. "The woman was
old virtues, to the fulfillment of
year at law school, though her record
caught in a classic bureaucratic bind,"
original ideas. And, it's also a very
made her prime recruiting material.
Hillary Clinton recently said in an in-
Instead she went to work full time for
[sic] unique American experience.
terview. The courts decided, after a
It's such a great adventure. If
the Child Development Fund. She left
long process, that the parents had re-
the experiment in human living
that, temporarily, for what she calls
linquished all claims, but that the
doesn't work in this country, in
"the chance to be a part of history" on
"best interests" of the child could not
this age, it's not going to work
the House impeachment staff studying
be served by the foster parent, who
anywhere.
Nixon's Watergate-related actions.
now wanted to adopt the child, since
Most of the time she was squirreled
The speech got coverage in the na-
that parent was fifty years old, single,
away doing legal research in Washing-
tional press, so that when Peter Edel-
and not prosperous. The court took
ton, but once, when she accompanied
man, who was Robert Kennedy's
the child away from the one concerned
John Doar, the director of the staff, to
source of stability in her life, and put
a press conference, Sam Donaldson
The New York Review
⁵Joseph Goldstein, Anna Freud, and
Albert Solnit, Beyond the Best Inter-
⁶Kenneth Keniston, All Our Children
ests of the Child (Free Press, 1973).
(Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978).
ran after her, saying, "How does it feel
to be the Jill Wine Volner of the im-
peachment committee?" (Wine Vol-
ner was the woman lawyer in the spe-
cial prosecutor's office.) She went to
no more press conferences. "The most
tedious work was transcribing the
Nixon tapes. One we called the Tape
of Tapes-it was Nixon taping himself
while he listened to his tapes, invent-
ing rationales for what he said. At one
point, he asked Manuel Sanchez [his
valet], 'Don't you think I meant this
3 f 5
when I said that?"
All this time Rodham was seeing
Bill Clinton, who had returned to
Arkansas. Keniston says, "We knew
that anyone who came back from Ox-
ford with a stronger Arkansas accent
was made for politics." Peter Edel-
man, who had not yet met Clinton,
thought Hillary was throwing away
her great talents when she went down
to Arkansas to teach with Bill. At the
law school in Arkansas, Rodham set
up a legal aid service for indigents.
When an Arkansas community tried
to close a youth commune formed
nearby, she defended the commune.
"The judge loved that case-it was
the first time he ever wrote on consti-
tutional issues," she says.
She tells how a woman jailer called
her to say that an itinerant preacher-
lady was going to be committed in an-
other Arkansas town. "This is just
wrong," the jailer said over the phone,
"this woman is not crazy-she just
loves the Lord." Since the woman's
court hearing was just hours away,
Professor Rodham had to collect her
student aides and drive straight to the
town. The judge threatened to keep
throwing the unpopular woman
preacher into jail every time the legal
services people got her out. Hillary
talked to the woman, found she had
family in California, and told her,
"People need the Lord in California,
too." Then she persuaded the judge
that it was a lot cheaper to pay for a
plane ticket to California than to sup-
port the woman in an Arkansas mental
home.
It was out of her varied experiences
in clinics, hospitals, and research
teams that Rodham wrote her early ar-
ticles on children's rights that have
drawn so much attention. She was try-
ing to find a theoretical framework for
pioneer efforts on a child's rights.
According to Joseph Goldstein, the
articles are not as nuanced as his own
work would become later on, but they
reflected what was the best opinion
then. In arguing for an assumption
(not a ruling) of competency on the
part of children, unless that can be dis-
proved, Rodham was trying to find a
rule that would let, say, a thirteen-
year-old get education or medical care
if a parent denied it, or have a voice in
choosing a foster parent.
One of the philanthropies that
helped launch Marian Edelman's
prize-winning work for children was
the New World Foundation, set up by
an heiress to the McCormick Reaper
fortune for the promotion of peace,
civil rights, education, and spiritual
values. Vernon Jordan and Peter
Edelman came to serve on the foun-
dation's board and so, in time, did
their friend Hillary Clinton, who was
elected to the chair in 1987. Colin
Greer, the president of the founda-
tion, remembers that Clinton opened
up the board and the award process to
The New York Review
greater participation of women and
minorities. David Ramage, now presi-
dent of the McCormick Theological
Seminary, was the president of the
foundation when Clinton arranged a
conference on women's issues to help
the board assess grant proposals. He
told me, "The group was extremely di-
verse in every way-class, ethnicity,
background-and it argued on most
matters. But I was astounded when the
problem of physical safety came
up-all the women were united on the
tremendous importance of that. I had
never realized how much women live
in fear. I went home and constructed a
chart I called The Security Circle, to
guide us in working for reforms." That
was in 1985, long before the scale of
abuse and harassment was appreciated
by the public.
Some of the hundreds of grants
made by the foundation have been
criticized-although most of those
singled out were given in the year
Clinton, in the chair, was not voting on
particular grants. A grant to the Chris-
tic Institute has been attacked be-
cause the Washington office of that or-
ganization has made unsubstantiated
charges against the government; but
the grant went to the Christic Institute
South, which has long been involved in
civil rights work familiar to the Edel-
mans; and it was given to promote vot-
ing rights and those advocating them.⁷
A grant to the National Lawyers
Guild, a favorite target of Joseph Mc-
Carthy in red-baiting days, supported
education on the issue of apartheid.⁸
(New World was one of the first foun-
dations to divest its portfolio of South
African investments.)
Colin Greer says that Clinton was
always good at questioning the practi-
cality of grant proposals. This sense of
practical reform, developed partly
from her work with Marian Edelman
on the plight of actual children, was
evident in the work she did for her
husband's educational reforms in
Arkansas. She went all over the state
conducting citizens' forums, talking to
school boards and teachers, immersing
herself in the details of teacher testing,
curriculum standardization, and stu-
dent competence tests. She overcame
the opposition of the teachers' union
and helped pass the program by testi-
fying before the legislature. It was a
striking achievement for a woman
from the North working in a conser-
vative southern state. Even John
Robert Starr, the former editor of the
Arkansas Democrat, a relentless oppo-
nent of Bill Clinton, told me: "If he
does go to the White House, Hillary
will be the best First Lady since
Eleanor Roosevelt-or maybe the
best ever."
B
ut the White House is not a gover-
nor's mansion. Candidates who have
weathered many state campaigns find
that standards are not so much higher
as different when the presidency is at
stake. The conservative "role model"
aspect of the office narrows choices to
the safe and the predictable. An
abrupt departure from the practice of
former tenants causes unease. And
that is even more true for the Presi-
dent's wife. The possibility that a
The New World Foundation Report
for the Years 1987 and 1988, pp. 16,
35.
⁸New World Foundation Report, p. 13.
22.
1002
50f5
woman may give advice triggers very
witchcraft.¹ Reagan could take advice
by their husbands. They have to adopt
ple deeply involved with the problems
old fears of disruption in the sexual
from Michael Deaver; but when the
a Project because they had none
of poverty and racism. She has femi-
"chain of command." Eve had been
same advice came from Nancy Rea-
prior to their arrival. (When Margot
nist associations, having been, for ex-
the devil's instrument in Eden; and
gan, it was resented as baneful, as
Perot was asked, during her husband's
ample, the founding chair of the ABA's
literature is full of overweening
almost unconstitutional.
shadow candidacy, what her Project
Women's Commission.
women seeking power. The right-
The White House is one of the few
would be, she asked the reporter to
In Arkansas, the FOBs and the FOHs
wing journal The Spectator presents
places left in modern life where a
suggest one to her.) Hillary Clinton
meshed usefully; but a vision of two
Ms. Clinton as Lady Macbeth. Richard
wife's subordination to her husband
would arrive not only with ongoing
power centers in the White House re-
Nixon said of her, "If the wife comes
and his career is considered not only a
concerns but with an influential net-
mains deeply disturbing to conserva-
through as being too strong and
duty but the highest duty. She is not
work of allies in the legal, philan-
tive Americans. Even in the campaign
too intelligent, it makes the husband
to have an independent sphere of in-
thropic, and civil rights fields.
there are rumors of conflict between
look like a wimp." That had been the
terests and friends. One thing that
"Bill's people" and "Hillary's people."
case even for an obviously strong
frightened people about Eleanor
Muc has been made of the FOBs
This would surely escalate fears in the
president like Franklin Roosevelt. His
Roosevelt was that she had formed
(Friends of Bill), that large web of
White House. But the constitutional
cousin Alice Roosevelt Longworth
a'network of civil rights and peace and
contacts Clinton formed as he reached
situation makes such fears chimerical.
was quoted as saying, "Franklin is
labor contacts quite different from her
out from Arkansas by way of George-
There is no First Lady, only a wife (or;
one part mush, and three parts
husband's. In retrospect, we see that
town, Oxford, Yale, and the Demo-
later, a husband). A spouse's ability to
Eleanor," and the journalist Doris
as a beneficial way of complementing
cratic Leadership Conference. But
help is not a legal power but a matter
Fleeson called Eleanor "a Trojan
FDR's differently focused life; but at
Hillary went down to Arkansas bring-
of suasion; no husband has been brow-
mare."⁹ Franklin sometimes denied
the time it seemed to many an en-
ing with her an equally important cir-
beaten in that office to do what he did
Eleanor's influence on specific mat-
cle of loyal friends (FOHs). Through
not want to do. Franklin Roosevelt
croachment, almost a usurpation.
ters: it was all right for him to take
Most presidents' wives come into of-
Peter Edelman, Burke Marshall (her
was coaxed into things he was at first
advice from unelected male aides
fice with their worlds defined entirely
law professor), and John Doar (her di-
disinclined toward (e.g., giving atten-
like Louis Howe or Steven Early,
rector on the impeachment staff), all
tion to the NAACP). Few people doubt,
but there was something sinister
"Robertson attributed support for the
of them former Robert Kennedy
any more, that Roosevelt was a better
ERA in Iowa to "a socialist, anti-family
about a woman's exerting influence or
aides, she has many Democratic Party
president because of his independent
political movement that encourages
offering advice. Pat Robertson at-
ties. Through Marian Edelman (who,
wife. He was hardly bewitched. But it
women to leave their husbands, kill
tributes such female aggression to
as a young lawyer, joined Doar in his
has come time for the career woman,
their children, practice witchcraft, de-
stroy capitalism and become lesbians"
efforts against violence in Mississippi
even in the White House, to be
Lash, Eleanor and Franklin, p. 620.
(AP dispatch, August 25, 1992).
during the Sixties) she met many peo-
de-witched.
Three mon
In Fairness to the Candidate's Wife
election with
Kinnock had c
and argued tha
nothing but hate and venom.)
with the real person. "What I know about
By ALBERT R. HUNT
mirage. The L
"If the wife comes through as being too
Under scrutiny many of the more sub-
Hillary is that she is one of the warmest,
shake the shadow
strong and too intelligent, it makes the
stantive charges don't hold up very well.
most caring and most loving people that I
were uncertain at
Most are based either on writings that date
have ever known," says Washington law-
husband look like a wimp.'
profoundly dispiri
-Richard Nixon on Hillary Clinton
back to her law school days or on grants
yer and civil rights activist Vernon Jordan
thizers; the Financ
NEW YORK-With Hillary Clinton, this
made by groups in which she served
who has been a friend for almost two
to write that "the 0
as one of many board members. For
decades. "That has not come across to
year's presidential contest will feature the
in power a weaker
most controversial wife at least since
example, she once wrote that under cer-
people."
servative party, set
tain circumstances children ought to have
In an episode that strikes at the heart of
Eleanor Roosevelt.
Labor has made
Critics, mainly from the political right,
greater legal rights
several Hillary myths, Mr. Jordan tells a
justify by a fine
paint the 44-year-old wife of the Demo-
to separate from
story about being with the Clintons shortly
change."
cratic presidential nominee as a devout
their parents. But
after Bill Clinton's crushing defeat for
As the Financi
left-winger, whose cold, calculating ruth-
she said this should
governor in 1980. "Early one morning she
was cooking me and Bill grits and I told her
written, John Majo
lessness would have a Rasputin-like influ-
be only in extreme
finding their voice,
cases. Indeed there
she had to start using her husband's name.
ence on a President Clinton.
they even invited
are situations rang-
She understood."
This portrait, according to the most
back on the stun
candid assessments from both those who
ing from child
To be sure, Mrs. Clinton has brought on
some of her own problems. Her admirable
government "that
know her best and knowledgeable cam-
abuse to abandon-
ment where this
defense of her husband after sleazy
leads." The polls
paign insiders, is nonsense. But it reso-
nates with the public. In last week's Wall
hardly seems a rad-,
charges of infidelity was offset by her
or a hung Parlia'
tasteless questioning of George Bush's
Tory drive conf
Street Journal/NBC News poll, Mrs. Clin-
ical view.
ton is viewed positively by only 22% of
monogamy in a subsequent interview. And
slide. Perhaps
Within the Clin-
voters and negatively by 30%; she does just
ton campaign,
angered by some petty charges against her
himself on get
also sprint to
where not everyone
legal ethics, she displayed intellectual
as poorly among women as among men.
a lot less ro
The pounding against Mrs. Clinton has
Hillary Clinton
is charmed by her
arrogance by retorting, "I could have
take SO lo
been ferocious. Human Events, the provoc-
style, knowledgeable insiders nevertheless
stayed home and baked cookies and had
proven for
say she is no radical.
teas."
ative weekly paper, has dubbed her the
"I have never seen her push any
There's no doubt that Hillary Clinton
"Evita Peron of American politics." The
kind of ideological agenda," says top politi-
has a sensational mind. There's absolutely
cover piece of the current issue of the
no doubt that she has used her talents in a
Mr. E
American Spectator is, entitled "Boy Clin-
cal strategist James Carville. "My guess is
ton's Big Mama." It accuses her of every-
she's pretty much a mainstream Demo-
diversity of very constructive ways. For six
Journal.
thing from filing her 1991 tax return
crat who feels very strongly about chil-
years she was chairperson of the Chil-
under her maiden name after supposedly
dren's issues." That Mr. Carville, a plain-
dren's Defense Fund, a highly effective
taking her husband's following his guber-
talking Louisiana Cajun who is appeal-
and respected liberal children's rights or-
THE WA.
natorial defeat in 1980, to seeking to under-
ingly anti-establishment, has such positive
ganization.
Peter R. Kann
mine the American family by pitting chil-
feelings about Hillary Clinton also under-
She also was a director of Wal-Mart. It's
Chairman & Publ
dren against their parents. (Most of these
cuts the contention that she relates only
hard to imagine the late Sam Walton
charges concern legitimate issues; by con-
to the cultural elite.
putting some radical. out-of-touch leftie on
trast. some of the private stuff being
Longtime friends are adamant that her
his board, "She wasn't on the board just
Paul E. Steiger
Managing Editor
Hillary Clinton is full of
personal image is equally inconsistent,
because she was the governor's wife,"
Byron E. Calame
says John Huey, who just co-authored Mr.
Deputy Managing Ed.
Walton's autobiography. "He had a lot of
table & Quotable
respect for her. He really listened to
her.
Danforth W. Austin
She has influenced her husband both
Vice President,
during his 12 years as governor and
Circulation
f-results
during this campaign; no doubt this influ-
F. Thomas Kull Jr.
ence would persist if he gets to the White
Vice President,
House. But the most successful liberal and
Operations
conservative presidents of this century-
Published
Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Rea-
DOW JONES
gan-had smart, assertive wives.
Editorial and Co
se
Finally, conservatives who rail against
200 Liberty Street
nd
the influence of a strong spouse ought to
Telephon
at
look at some of the leading lights of their
Peter R. Kann, Chairm
lec-
own camp who are married to exception-
Officer;
rro
ally intelligent, strong-willed women: Ir-
Kenneth L. Burenga, I
was
ving Kristol, Dick Cheney and the pub-
Officer;
owed
lisher of this newspaper to name just a few.
James H. Ottaway Jr.
Carl M. Valenti, Senior
Does Richard Nixon think any of these
ppen
men are wimps?
Vice Presidents: Charl
Clabby, Richard J. Levin
e hid-
In what promises to be a very tough and
Information Services; B
rights
close contest over the next 100 days, voters
Karen Elliott House, Int
e envi-
will discover some compelling reasons to
Employee Relations; Ke
onstitu-
vote for Bill Clinton and some compelling
B. Childs, Executive Vic
ike the
reasons not to vote for him. But his wife is
Washington N
ject the
clearly on the plus side of that ledger.
1025 Connecticut Ave
Telephor
them.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND
e life of
should be sent to The Wa
ts dirty
Mr. Hunt is the Journal's Washington
Road, Chicopee, Mass. 010
bureau chief.
address For subscription
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sue Vogelsinger
Monday, July 13, 1992
(212) 755-5900
est. 1302
THE VOTE'S NOT DUE UNTIL AUGUST 1, BUT FOR DEMOCRATS
IN NEW YORK THIS WEEK THERE'S ONLY ONE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES
A national magazine has asked Hillary Clinton and Barbara Bush
to put their favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes up for public
competition and both have obliged. In fact, thousands of
Democratic Convention goers will get a chance to sample Mrs.
Clinton's recipe in New York City this week.
"Family Circle" Magazine publishes both recipes in its July 21
issue. Readers are asked to bake a batch of each, do thier own
taste test, and then vote their favorite by postcard to the
magazine by August 1.
The magazine bills the competition as a "Bipartisan Bake-Off."
"We know that a great chocolate chip cookie recipe won't influence
your vote come November," the magazine said explaining the contest
to readers, "but we figured it might be fun to see which
recipe brings more to the party."
For the party faithful in New York City this week, the dough
definitely is on Mrs. Clinton. Beginning Monday around Madison
Square Garden, Convention goers who sample cookies made from Mrs.
Clinton's recipe -- which the magazine has named "Clinton's Chips"
-- also will receive a postcard ballot for casting their vote.
Mrs. Bush's entry is not on that postcard ballot.
Friends of Mrs. Clinton's have arranged for thousands of
cookies to be available for the Convention. The samples are being
baked fresh daily by Soutine's, the New York bakery, from Mrs.
Clinton's recipe as printed in the magazine. Soutine's also is
baking additional, decorated donkey cookies from the bakery's own
stock.
Beginning Monday, cookies baked from Mrs. Clinton's recipe
will be available periodically all week at various Convention-
related events.
# # #
THE NEW YORK TIMES
OP-ED
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
E
Give Hillary a Break
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
iS
By Letty Cottin Pogrebin
dren's welfare. That should be a plus.
But I've heard her criticized as too
strong, too strident, too substantive.
don't get this Hillary-bashing.
Maybe people forget that in 1973,
I
Why should 1992 be the Year
when Hillary graduated from law
of the Woman but not of the
school, a woman had to be twice as
wife?
a
good as a man to go half as far;
Clearly something extraor-
verbal skills and assertiveness were
dinary is happening to women
essential to surmount sex discrimina-
in politics. People everywhere are
tion. But why bad-mouth a female
itories in Israel
excited about candidates like Barba-
achiever in 1992 when most parents
'a," said Ariel
ra Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, the
have high aspirations for their daugh-
sing Minister
winners in California's Democratic
ters and most women want for them-
1 hawk, strap-
Senate primaries; Carol Moseley
selves the balance among family,
all helicopter.
Braun of Illinois, an African-Ameri-
work and service she embodies?
IOW me a group
can; Pennsylvania's Lynn Yeakel
Perhaps such criticism illuminates
in Gush Katif.
who comes out of grass-roots femi-
society's ambivalence toward chang-
pied by Egyp-
nism rather than ward politics or
ing roles in this backlash era. Men
in 1948," in his
senatorial widowhood, and New
may be projecting on to Mrs. Clinton
ween the Arab
York's Geraldine Ferraro, who has
their hostility toward feminism, while
Ruth Marten
of Gaza and the
attracted 57,000 contributions from
women, overwhelmed by their multi-
and Egypt, only
all 50 states.
cept female accomplishments in the
paigns as a wife. And many voters,
aron farm.
Why are we not seeing similar en-
public sphere still invest emotionally
rather than judge her on her potential
called Palm
thusiasm for Hillary Clinton, who rep-
in the image of wife as subordinate to
as a partner in public service, still use
more produc-
resents the same values, perspec-
Why is she
her husband. Margot Perot told Bar-
the old-fashioned yardstick of
m Beach. The
tives and positions, and is as smart,
bara Walters she cares only about
"charm" and looks.
ed to be greet-
articulate, experienced and attrac-
different from
making "a happy home for Ross" and
S zealots, but
tive?
cannot imagine wanting to sit in on a
When we elect a President we get a
She would be the first First Lady
Barbara Boxer?
Cabinet meeting - and some viewers
governing couple; more precisely,
t}
pioneer in a
their families
who - like most of today's wives and
warmed to her. She admitted to being
when we elect a man we give his wife
to
O:
e ground" for
mothers - has been a wage earner
pro-choice but reassured America
power. Nancy Reagan was the iron
and family woman and who under-
that her husband "doesn't need my
fist inside her husband's velvet glove.
O
ghbors behind
stands exactly what the rest of us are
advice
And, no, I would not be
Rosalynn Carter sat in on Cabinet
up against. Why isn't she benefiting
ple responsibilities, may be project-
R
a fact. It was
breathing down his neck."
meetings, and so what? Barbara
ing their frustrations.
U
than fly over
from the same groundswell?
A woman can get away with plenty
Bush has spoken as the President's
een sealed for
O.K., she's not running for office, but
Others call her ambitious and self-
of self-assertion SO long as she estab-
surrogate. Every Administration
e knifing by an
as a spouse she compares more than
serving. In fact, she could more accu-
S:
lishes herself as the good wife. Hilla-
uses its First Lady to win friends and
israeli girl.
favorably with the many political
rately be called self-sacrificing. Al-
ry Clinton won her highest approval
influence voters.
wives who are come-lately proponents
though she had her pick of prestigious
m
otbed of Pales-
ratings just after she appeared on TV
aporarily deny-
of good causes or who adopt an issue,
positions, she followed Bill Clinton to
sitting at her husband's side defend-
Because of this power, visibility
St
ccess to their
usually something noncontroversial,
Fayetteville, Ark., and built a life
ing him against the Other Woman. In
and access, I frankly prefer that the
$1
Tel Aviv, is a
when it suits their husbands' agenda.
there for the sake of his career. Years
this situation, her assertive style was
next First Lady be cast in the mold of
W
tended to en-
Hillary Clinton has a 20-year record of
later, to help his re-election cam-
Eleanor Roosevelt. I count a smart
th
perceived positively because she
train violence,
advocacy for social justice and chil-
paign, she gave up her name.
used it for her man and her marriage.
First Lady as a bonus, not a burden.
ali
Why attack such a woman - unless
The female candidates have man-
the
She advertises her husband's ability
Letty Cottin Pogrebin is a writer and
the problem relates not to women but
aged to detach themselves from their
to live with a female equal - and that
a founding editor of Ms. magazine.
to wives? Many voters who can ac-
families, but a candidate's wife cam-
for me is a character issue.
les
Style
4
Section 7
Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, August 5, 1992
SD
The candidate's wife
Now, you see her, now you don't. The old Hillary Clinton, that is.
By Cynthia Hanson
lick Willie, meet Sleek
S
Hilly.
While Gov. Bill-Clinton
was busy reintroducing
himself as the "I pulled
myself up by my bootstraps"
presidential candidate, his wife
was busy reinventing herself-or
at least her image.
Yes, the High Priestess of
Headbands nearly stole her hus-
band's show by adopting the
AP photo
presence of a Proper First Lady.
In January, you likely would find Hillary Clinton making her point in a
At the Democratic National
black headband and clothes that shied from the cutting edge.
Convention last month, Hillary
Clinton showed us her knees.
And her hair sans black head-
ton's first, either.
give Clinton's handlers high marks
band.
After her husband lost a re-elec-
for her coif, minimal makeup,
And her Miss America mega-
tion bid for governor in the early
shaped jackets and higher hem-
watt smile.
'80s, Clinton, in what seemed a
lines.
And her adoring Nancy
transparent appeal to voters,
"It's a move in the right direc-
Reagan gaze.
ditched her Gloria Steinem glasses
tion," says Beverly Washington,
Hillary Clinton-influential
AP photo
for contact lenses, her dull brown
president of Image Factor, a Chi-
lawyer, education activist and
The new Hillary Clinton (right) with Tipper Gore days before her
hair for blond highlights and her
cago consulting firm. "Now, Hil-
children's advocate-has repack-
makeover was displayed at the Democratic National Convention.
maiden name, which she'd been
lary has a look of certainty and
aged herself into a stylish politi-
using professionally and socially.
polish. It's clean, healthy and
Before departing Little Rock, they
This year, along with the
wholesome in a comfortable, non-
cal wife.
rack in Little Rock."
With her new classic coif and
What Clinton, 44, has is a close
even staged a wardrobe run-
changes to her physical image,
threatening way."
clothes, some might even say
friend in Hollywood.
through.
Clinton seems to be modifying
"Hillary's look fits right into the
fashion trends of the '90s," adds
Clinton's gone fashion-con-
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason,
her political involvement now as
scious, looking more like a
producer of CBS' "Designing
No. 148 on the To-Do list
well. Once strident on the cam-
Gina Tovar, fashion director at
Nordstrom in Oak Brook. "When
stylish professional than an I'll-
Women," "Evening Shade" and
During the primaries, Clinton's
paign trail-she'd coyly leave
the forthcoming "Hearts Afire,"
plaid suits, frilly white blouses and
open the possibility of running for
I watched the convention, I
do-it-my-way dresser.
(OK, so she had a headband
says the transformation all started
omnipresent headbands suggested
office herself someday-she's now
thought she looked younger and
relapse when the post-conven-
a few months ago when she and
a woman too independent and
leaving the politicking to Gov.
refreshed."
tion buscapade ended in St.
Hillary were casually discussing
busy to worry about being a fash-
Clinton.
Hairstylist Charles Ifergan,
Louis. But the headband was
ion fiasco.
Such practices don't offend
owner of three salons in the Chi-
fashion. An Arkansas native, she's
white, with gold accents that
known the Clintons for 10 years
For all of her accomplishments,
NOW's Cassidy, who views Clin-
cago area, believes Clinton's
complemented the buttons on
and has become something of a
ton as a role model because of
metamorphosis brings a
"Hillary didn't project a profes-
sionalism," says Marianne
her advocacy for education and
"sleckness and sophistication" to
her figure-flattering white dress.)
Svengali to the campaign.
"Obviously, there was cam-
"Everybody thinks we had some
Strokirk, a Chicago coiffeuse, who
children's issues. "It's not what
the campaign.
paign motivation behind this,"
big meeting about Hillary's
would prefer Clinton's hair
Hillary looks like, it's what she
Could Clinton popularize pastel
says Kelly Cassidy, legislative di-
image," says Bloodworth-
shorter still. "She seemed stuck in
says and does," Cassidy says.
pink the way Barbara Bush popu-
rector for the National Organiza-
Thomason via telephone from
an era somewhere between high
"The new image won't have an
larized pearls?
California. "It never happened. I
effect one way or another on
"When you're in the public eye
tion for Women in Chicago.
school and college."
merely said, 'Hey, these are the
feminists."
as much as the First Lady, any-
"Hillary's new look will appeal
Of her friend's style savvy,
to suburban voters, but as for
people who help us on our shows,
Bloodworth-Thomason says Clin-
thing you do can become a
the change, I have a feeling that
ton "likes to look nice," yet
First Lady lore
trend," says Becky Hitchcock,
and why don't we send them to
no one could force Hillary to do
Little Rock?' I thought they could
doesn't have time to focus on
Since the late '70s, Americans
fashion office manager at Marshall
help Hillary get ready for the con-
haven't resolved whether they pre-
Field's. "Maybe tailored suits and
anything she didn't want to do."
fashion. And in defense of the so-
vention and the fall campaign."
fer a First Lady who's satisfied
silhouettes will become Hillary's
called "reinvented Hillary," she
A little help from a friend
So costume designer Cliff Chal-
with a dowdy wardrobe or one
trademark."
says Clinton's look-not unlike
But despite the blond bob she
ly, makeup artist Charlie Black-
most peoples'-"has evolved over
who's obsessed with couture.
displayed before the California
man and hairdresser Cristophe,
the years and is always changing."
Remember snickering at
primary, despite Clinton's own
whose clients include Markie Post
"We're talking about a woman
Rosalynn Carter for donning an
Cor
admission that she planned to
and Dustin Hoffman, visited Ar-
who has spent the last 15 years
outdated coat during the Inaugu-
"reintroduce" herself to voters,
kansas' First Family.
going around in paper-thin planes
ral Parade in 1977?
tal
the Bill Clinton camp denies that
Ironically, though charged with
in the middle of the night just to
Or sniping at Nancy Reagan for
spin doctors are trying to make
selecting new suits for Hillary, it
get to some hamlet in Arkansas
"borrowing" designer clothes?
H.
her more feminine and more ap-
was in Clinton's closet in Little
to talk about quality education,"
Then came Barbara Bush-and
P
pealing to the very cookie bakers
Rock, not a Rodeo Drive
Bloodworth-Thomason says.
we laughed with her when she
she disparaged during the Illinois
boutique, where Chally found the
"Being a fashion plate has been
skewered her own silver hair,
PHOTOCO
primary.
stunning yellow outfit she wore
about No. 148 on Hillary's list of
thick waistline and indifference to
"She doesn't have a favorite de-
for her hubby's acceptance speech.
things to do."
fashion.
PRESERVAT
signer," says Kim Hopper, Clin-
Chally also helped Gov. Clinton
and his mother, Virginia, choose
Ch-ch-ch-changes
While politicos may charge
ton's deputy press secretary. "She
Clinton with Machiavellian behav-
buys most of her clothes off of the
their attire for New York City.
This metamorphosis isn't Clin-
ior, Chicago's style intelligensia
8/13/92
Chicago Taib
Mike
Royko
I have a physician friend who specializes in
treating abused children. And she tells me that
for every damaged child that is rescued from
abusive parents, hundreds more are returned to
the same misfits.
GOP sets its sights
That's because it is the policy of social agen-
cies in most states that their top priority is
keeping families together.
Mom has a dope-sniffing boyfriend who can't
on Hillary Clinton
stand crying infants? The boyfriend punches the
child? Or shoves it into a tub of scalding-hot
water? Mom sits there glassy-eyed and does
Just in the nick of time, with their convention
nothing? The boyfriend also likes to have sex
with another little daughter? Mom snores
about to begin, the Republicans have found their
new Willie Horton.
through it?
This is a true story. And what was the social
You can bet that all next week, the name of
this dangerous person will be thrown around the
agency's solution, approved by the judge? Why,
just teach mom that it is her responsibility to
convention hall by Republican orators.
prevent her boyfriend from trying to murder
Hillary Clinton: Public Enemy Number One
and/or rape her kids. Then give the kids back to
of the traditional American family.
her.
Actually, it's already started. I've heard right-
Is that nuts or is that nuts?
wingers describe her as a Nazi, a pinko, a baby-
The reality is that there are countless children
snatcher, and a vicious, ambitious, grasping
who are, through no fault of their own, in the
man-hater. At least they give her credit for ver-
clutches of parents who are stupidly cruel and
satility.
dangerous. They suffer. Many of them die. They
Just this week, Rich Bond, the Republican na-
belong in foster homes or with adoptive parents.
tional chairman, made a speech in which Hillary
It isn't merely a social problem. It is a nation-
Clinton seemed to be a bigger target than her
al crisis. But it's a crisis that legislatures, social
husband the candidate. To hear Bond tell it, Hil-
agencies, law enforcement and the courts haven't
lary thinks that as an institution, marriage is a
been able to handle.
modern-day Devil's Island.
And it's a crisis that the Republican chairman,
Most of this seems to stem from her feminist
a professional wise guy, hasn't said anything
activities and long-standing belief that children
about, except to make smart-aleck remarks
have legal rights and are not merely living,
about Hillary Clinton wanting to break up fami-
breathing hunks of parental property.
lies.
But to hear the Republicans describe her, you
Maybe he thinks that a family life in which an
get the impression that her goal-should Bill
infant winds up with about 20 fractures (another
Clinton become president-is to rip every child
case I wrote about) is better than no family life
in America out of its momma's arms and shove
at all.
it into a government-run youth camp.
They'll also pounce on Hillary Clinton's belief
Or to trot children into court to sue their
that children should have access to the courts.
parents because they've been deprived of the lat-
And they'll probably mention a case in Florida
est Nintendo game or were grounded for the
in which an adolescent boy sued his parents "for
weekend and told to stay off the phone.
divorce," as the headline writers put it.
Which shows a certain desperation on the part
But they'll leave out the specifics. Yes, the
of the Republicans. Using Willie Horton as a
boy's foster parents went to court in his behalf.
campaign tool might have been unfair, but at
But it wasn't a frivolous suit. The boy's father
least he was a genuine rapist and thug. But Hil-
was an abusive drunk. The divorced mother had
lary Clinton is not a baby-snatcher.
a long history of neglect. And the state agency
If she is, then so am I, because I share some
hadn't done much besides get forms filled out.
of Hillary Clinton's concerns.
So the boy said, enough, he wanted to remain
As some readers of this column may have no-
in the stable home provided by the foster
ticed, nothing gets my blood pressure soaring
parents. The judge agreed.
like child abuse cases. Especially those in which
If that's baby-snatching, then we need more of
some social agency or judge treats it like a park-
it.
ing ticket.
Now, if the Republicans really believe what
I've written about kids who have been beaten,
they've been saying about Hillary Clinton and
scalded, sexually abused, only to be returned to
children, maybe they ought to include something
the same parent or parents who did these terri-
about it in their platform.
ble things.
That would be the first time a political party
And I've written about these same kids after it
came out in favor of child abuse.
happened again and they ended up dead.
I've had the satisfaction of forcing some indif-
ferent or incompetent officials out of Family
Court. But after the kid is dead, that's a hollow
victory.
8/13/92
Chicago
Mike
Royko
I have a physician friend who specializes in
treating abused children. And she tells me that
for every damaged child that is rescued from
abusive parents, hundreds more are returned to
the same misfits.
That's because it is the policy of social agen-
GOP sets its sights
cies in most states that their top priority is
keeping families together.
Mom has a dope-sniffing boyfriend who can't
on Hillary Clinton
stand crying infants? The boyfriend punches the
child? Or shoves it into a tub of scalding-hot
water? Mom sits there glassy-eyed and does
nothing? The boyfriend also likes to have sex
Just in the nick of time, with their convention
with another little daughter? Mom snores
about to begin, the Republicans have found their
through it?
new Willie Horton.
This is a true story. And what was the social
You can bet that all next week, the name of
agency's solution, approved by the judge? Why,
this dangerous person will be thrown around the
just teach mom that it is her responsibility to
convention hall by Republican orators.
prevent her boyfriend from trying to murder
Hillary Clinton: Public Enemy Number One
and/or rape her kids. Then give the kids back to
of the traditional American family.
her.
Actually, it's already started. I've heard right-
Is that nuts or is that nuts?
wingers describe her as a Nazi, a pinko, a baby-
The reality is that there are countless children
snatcher, and a vicious, ambitious, grasping
who are, through no fault of their own, in the
man-hater. At least they give her credit for ver-
clutches of parents who are stupidly cruel and
satility.
dangerous. They suffer. Many of them die. They
Just this week, Rich Bond, the Republican na-
belong in foster homes or with adoptive parents.
tional chairman, made a speech in which Hillary
It isn't merely a social problem. It is a nation-
Clinton seemed to be a bigger target than her
al crisis. But it's a crisis that legislatures, social
husband the candidate. To hear Bond tell it, Hil-
agencies, law enforcement and the courts haven't
lary thinks that as an institution, marriage is a
been able to handle.
modern-day Devil's Island.
And it's a crisis that the Republican chairman,
Most of this seems to stem from her feminis*
a professional wise guy, hasn't said anything
activities and long-standing belief that children
about, except to make smart-aleck remarks
have legal rights and are not merely living,
about Hillary Clinton wanting to break up fami-
breathing hunks of parental property.
lies.
But to hear the Republicans describe her, you
Maybe he thinks that a family life in which an
get the impression that her goal-should Bill
infant winds up with about 20 fractures (another
Clinton become president-is to rip every child
case I wrote about) is better than no family life
in America out of its momma's arms and shove
at all.
it into a government-run youth camp.
They'll also pounce on Hillary Clinton's belief
Or to trot children into court to sue their
that children should have access to the courts.
parents because they've been deprived of the lat-
And they'll probably mention a case in Florida
est Nintendo game or were grounded for the
in which an adolescent boy sued his parents "for
weekend and told to stay off the phone.
divorce," as the headline writers put it.
Which shows a certain desperation on the part
But they'll leave out the specifics. Yes, the
of the Republicans. Using Willie Horton as a
boy's foster parents went to court in his behalf.
campaign tool might have been unfair, but at
But it wasn't a frivolous suit. The boy's father
least he was a genuine rapist and thug. But Hil-
was an abusive drunk. The divorced mother had
lary Clinton is not a baby-snatcher.
a long history of neglect. And the state agency
If she is, then so am I, because I share some
hadn't done much besides get forms filled out.
of Hillary Clinton's concerns.
So the boy said, enough, he wanted to remain
As some readers of this column may have no-
in the stable home provided by the foster
ticed, nothing gets my blood pressure soaring
parents. The judge agreed.
like child abuse cases. Especially those in which
If that's baby-snatching, then we need more of
some social agency or judge treats it like a park-
it.
ing ticket.
Now, if the Republicans really believe what
I've written about kids who have been beaten,
they've been saying about Hillary Clinton and
scalded, sexually abused, only to be returned to
children, mavbe they ought to include something
the same parent or parents who did these terri-
about it in their platform.
ble things.
That would be the first time a political party
And I've written about these same kids after it
came out in favor of child abuse.
happened again and they ended up dead.
I've had the satisfaction of forcing some indif-
ferent or incompetent officials out of Family
Court. But after the kid is dead, that's a hollow
victory.
Chicago Tribune, Sunday, July 26, 1992
Political wives, political lives
WASHINGTON-It took them awhile, but Hillary
Clinton and Tipper Gore finally learned their place.
Clarence Page
Bright, intelligent, independent women in their normal
lives, they have figured out that they do not lead normal
lives. They are political wives leading political lives with all
the constraints on behavior and expression that political
his head.
life demands.
4. Thou shalt get along fabulously and famously with
Before she learned the lessons, Hillary Clinton took a
thine mate's running mate's mate.
pounding, particularly from the political Right, for daring
Hug. Hold hands. Act like old girlfriends. It doesn't
to express independent thoughts.
hurt.
Human Events magazine tagged her the "Evita Peron
5. Thou shalt soften thine look.
of American Politics." The American Spectator called her
A new Hillary emerged, once she got rid of the big
the "Lady MacBeth of Little Rock" and the "Winnie
glasses, granny dresses and swept-back hair of her early
Mandela of American Politics." Its back pages carry ads
days as a political wife. Tipper has taken the hint and
for "Nuke Hillary" and "Pillory Hillary" T-shirts, right
shares Hillary's stylist, which resulted in their similar
alongside ads for "Asian Ladies," "Oriental Ladies" and
pageboys at the Democratic National Convention.
"Women World-Wide" seeking correspondence.
Ah, yes. Thou shalt have no bad hair days.
National Review played on her physical resemblance to
6. Thou shalt not work for money.
actress Rebecca DeMomay in headlining a cover story
Unless, of course, it is on a project of no consequence.
about her ideas on family law: "The Hand That Rocks
Perhaps Hillary, who suggested once that she might
the Cradle."
continue her lawyer work as First Lady but later nixed the
And Tipper Gore's successful crusades to put warning
idea, can take a tip from Marilyn Quayle and while away
labels on rock albums that contain obscene lyrics damaged
her spare time by writing a bad novel.
her husband's support among the Hollywood liberals who
7. Stand by thine man even while denying to all the
help fill the fundraising role for Democratic campaigns
world that thou are, alas, standing by thine man.
that deep-pocket corporations fill for Republicans. It also
Hillary Clinton offended Tammy Wynette, who had
resulted in obscene salutes to her by rapper Ice-T, among
been a guest of the Bush White House, when she denied
others who didn't approve of her efforts.
she was "just another Tammy Wynette standing by her
But, as the Clinton-Gore ticket's centrist appeal has
man" even while she was standing by her man against
paid off in soaring approval ratings, their wives appear to
charges of womanizing. No matter. Her support saved the
have caught on to the game the way it has traditionally
day for hubby.
been played.
8. Thou shalt stay home, bake cookies and have teas.
Judging by their success, I have come up with the
following Commandments of Life for Today's Savvy
"I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had
Political Wife:
teas," said Hillary Clinton, while responding to allegations
1. Thou shalt speak only when it doth not require a
from Democratic candidate Jerry Brown of possible
brain.
conflicts in her legal work. Today few people could tell
Hillary Clinton's advocacy for children who are victims
you what Brown's charges were, but everybody remembers
of abuse won her widespread praise until she became a
Hillary Clinton's response.
presidential candidates's wife. Now it has brought charges
Since learning the game, she has entered a Family
from conservatives that she's a wildeyed radical who
Circle cookie bake-off against Barbara Bush even though,
wants to tum children against their parents.
as one Republican wag observed, Hillary Clinton in an
Ironically, her position on prominent boards like Wal-
apron is like Michael Dukakis in a tank.
Mart's has brought charges from some of the same critics
9. Thou shalt speak like a politician, not like a parent.
that she's a member of the wealthy elite. Either way, don't
Dan Quayle spoke like a parent when he told Larry
expect her views to get a serious hearing during this
King he would try to talk his daughter out of having an
campaign. First Lady candidates don't debate. They just
abortion but would stand by her if, as an adult, she chose
smile.
to have it anyway. Marilyn spoke like a politician when
2. If taketh a position thou must, taketh it with the
she pointed out the next day that, if their daughter were
side that will bringeth thee the most votes.
still a minor, she would have to keep the baby to term.
Tipper's lemon bccame lemonade when the Clintons,
So simple. Quayle agonized like most parents would
hungry for Middle American voters, needed running
over his answer and tried in the end to have it both ways,
mates who could undercut the Bush-Quayle "family
like most Americans do in the polls. His wife's answer
values" pitch. They're even saying nice things about
was more properly political in its uncanny certainty.
Tipper in Hollywood.
Politicians live in a world of simple, direct answers to ,301
3. In fact, thy safest position will be, oh, a little to the
crises, public and personal. For the rest of us, it's not id,
side and slightly behind thine husband whenever he
easy.
:nt
speaketh.
10. And thou shalt use thine husband's
Also, tilt thine head and gaze longingly at the back of
Rodham who?
"
the
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Truly Slick
T
ALK ABOUT slick! George Bush has
And finally there are, of course, the question of the
something truly slick, if not downright oily,
Clinton draft status during the Vietnam War and the
going with the newest version of the oldest
attempt to savage the candidate's wife.
political game in the world. It's called "Who, me?"
The Vietnam issue is likely only to stir up all the old
The rule is that you encourage others to make all the
debate over the circumstances under which Vice
truly sleazy or crooked or demagogic points against
President Quayle found his way into the Indiana
the opponent while you merely gasp and fan yourself
National Guard. And even Mr. Buchanan may face a
and flutter that gash you wish they would stop. The
question or two. On television after the Buchanan
makers of these remarks then apologize, sort of,
speech, the commentator Mark Shields started it off:
through a big grin, and everyone sits back and awaits
"I did find it a little bit disingenuous for Patrick
the next "unauthorized" attack. It is never a long wait.
Buchanan, whose bad knee kept him out of military
Maybe this stratagem is as clever as some Republi-
service and who is almost a compulsive jogger to this
cans in Houston seem to think. To us it doesn't look so
day, for him to be criticizing Bill Clinton's lack of
clever, since its implication, which is bound to sink in
military service." Mr. Buchanan will complain that this
with repetition, is one of weakness, of refusal to take
does not do justice to the full facts of his case. Doing
If ponsibility for what is done in your name.
justice to the full facts of any case, including Bill
Of course, part of the problem is that no one has
Clinton's, is not something for which he is himself
exactly defined what is and is not sleaze or what does
famous.
constitute irrelevance or out-of-bounds assaults in the
As for Hillary Clinton, the Republicans may risk
A18 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1992
campaign. Ronald Reagan, in his rousing political
looking a little foolish and overkill-minded in their
Democrat-bash Monday night, showed, once again,
preoccupation with her, the kind of focus that gets
that he is the tonal master, knowing how to hit hard
people to saying they should be concentrating on other
without crossing the line into nasty, unattractive
things. But the candidate's wife and her beliefs are a
abuse. He took on candidate Clinton and the Demo-
legitimate object of inquiry. We would add that when
cratic Party in that good-humored but devastating
George Bush complains that it is by definition "sleaze"
"there you go again" voice made familiar in his debate
to go after his children, he is off the mark, as they are
with Jimmy Carter. Others, including notably Sen.
also legitimate objects of inquiry, since these presi-
Alan Simpson and Patrick Buchanan, did their familiar
dential children are not exactly minors after all, but
claw-on-the-side-of-the-face thing.
Mr. Buchanan is interesting here. He has moved on
grown men involved in financial arrangements that
bear on their father's office. Just so, Mrs. Clinton's
from King George, as he derided Mr. Bush last winter,
views and professional activities are within the realm
to Prince Albert, as he now derides Sen. Gore. Mr.
of fair comment.
Buchanan's spectacular flip-flop from the 32-foot board
should be a bit awkward to accommodate for a party
The problem is elementary fairness and honesty in
that makes so much of the claim that Mr. Clinton has
debating them. Mrs. Clinton wrote two articles about
shifted from one position to another without hesitation
the legal status of children that are the basis for the
or scruple. It seems like only yesterday, and in fact it
distortion of her positions. She noted in one, a
practically was, that Mr. Buchanan was telling the
scholarly piece in the November 1973 Harvard Educa-
American public of Mr. Bush: "He says one thing and
tional Review, that the law refers to the family in
I
setting the rights of children. She likened that to the
,
Washington Post
does another." "He's the biggest taxer in history, the
biggest spender, run the biggest deficits." "Mr. Bush
way the law had sometimes consigned other groups
s
what he called a new conservative State of the
thought incapable of managing their own affairs to
inion, but when you looked at it, the proposals were
institutional settings in the past. Such settings "along
small and pathetic and timid." "Why has the United
with the family" had at one time or another included
failed to recognize the peoples of Slovenia and
"marriage, slavery and the Indian reservation system,"
ia who are rising up for their freedom even as we
she wrote. The reference to marriage was to the fact
200 years ago? Why is Mr. Bush playing footsie
that for much of the nation's history the property and
with Li Peng and Deng Xiaoping? Excuse me, but
rights of married women were given to their hus-
were these not the gentlemen who sent the tanks to
bands.
roll over the children in Tiananmen Square
? What
She refers in the second piece to rare occasions
THE WAS
happened? One month later a secret visit from Eagle-
when children ought to have a right to sue their
burger and Scowcroft, the kowtow twins of Kissinger
parents. Chores have nothing to do with it, as one of
Associates."
her slick assailants on this issue, Republican National
But in a political world where nothing matters and
Chairman Richard Bond, well knows. What do the
nothing lasts, except of course the protestations by
right-to-lifers to whose views his party defers think
switchers like Mr. Buchanan that they and they alone
about those occasions when, for religious or other
are pillars of unbending principle, all this stuff from
reasons, parents would deny life-saving medical care
one day is gone down the memory tube the next. And
to their children?
in truth he seems more suited to his current attack
Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Bond and the others in Houston
than he was to mere Bush-bashing. For the themes
have caricatured Hillary Clinton and are hoping to
being most assiduously cultivated in these "who, me?"
frighten the electorate with the result. The question is
attacks made on behalf of George Bush are right up
whether the voters will be more frightened by thi
the Buchanan alley: imputations of moral inferiority,
concoction of theirs than they are by the econom
warnings about the dangers homosexuals pose to the
situation. We think it's a long shot that they will ar
society, allegations of failed patriotism on the part of
that, meantime, even with the daily disclaimers
opponents and the rest. All this is the stew that the
responsibility, the president risks being made to look
Republicans are stirring while George Bush frowns in
foolish and frantic by his campaign's run against the
Republicans Aim Barbs at Hillary Clinton
Some GOP Advisers Question Wisdom of Such Attacks; 'Downside Potential' Seen
Former Republican presidential candi-
morning from the criticism of Hillary Clin-
By Ruth Marcus
Washington Post Staff Writer
date Patrick J. Buchanan went the furthest,
ton. "I'm not walking away from anybody
raising the threat posed by "Clinton & Clin-
here [but] my personal view and advice is:
HOUSTON, Aug. Republican
ton" and describing Hillary as a champion of
Don't waste time on her," he said.
gathering here was expected to be a festival
"radical feminism."
Republican pollster Neil Newhouse said
of Clinton-bashing. As it turned out, the
In a speech to the convention, Buchanan
attacks on Hillary Clinton alone would not
target has been not only the candidate, but
repeated claims that Hillary Clinton had
affect many votes but might be useful as
also his wife, Hillary.
compared the institutions of marriage and
part of an overall effort to fix an image of
Republican National Committee Chair-
the family to slavery and had proposed giv-
Bill Clinton in voter's minds as a man they
man Richard N. Bond sounded the theme
ing children the right to sue their parents.
cannot trust.
last week when he described Democratic
Not all Republicans think the attacks are
presidential nominee Bill Clinton's wife as
such a good idea. "Middle-aged men attack-
"I think it may resonate just a little bit
"that champion of the family, Hillary Clin-
ing a woman is just the wrong messenger
with older voters," he said. "Keep in mind
ton, who believes that kids should be able to
and the wrong message," said one official.
we're trying to put together a kind of patch-
sue their parents, rather than helping with
"It is going to create a lot of sympathy for
work of coalitions here to boost our num-
the chores as they were asked to do."
her and make us look heavy-handed. There
bers back up and with every piece of the
Barbara Bush expressed displeasure with
are more subtle ways of causing voters to
puzzle helping.
Bond's remarks, but President Bush said
raise their eyebrows than having a bunch of
"I think what we're trying to do is ba-
Hillary Clinton was fair game because she
men attack a woman."
sically paint a portrait of someone who you
was billing herself as a key adviser to her
Charles R. Black, a senior Bush campaign
want to think twice about trusting, and
husband.
adviser, also backed off at a breakfast this
See CLINTON, A24, Col. 1
CLINTON, From A21
campaign communications director George
such arrangements include marriage, slav-
Stephanopoulos said.
ery, and the Indian reservation system."
this is part of that portrait," Newhouse
The core of the criticism of Hillary Clinton
Hillary also proposed expanding the legal
said.
concerns articles on children's rights she
rights of children by reversing the existing
"This by itself may not move many
wrote for academic journals in 1973 and
legal presumption and assuming they were
votes," he said, "but, combined with other
1979.
competent to make decisions for them-
doubts about him, could raise enough of the
In the 1973 article, written for the Har-
selves unless proven otherwise, a point fur-
trust factor to give Bush an edge."
vard Educational Review while she was
ther developed in the 1979 article.
However, Newhouse warned, "There's cer-
working at the Children's Defense Fund in
She said in that article: "Decisions about
tainly a downside potential
among young-
Washington, Hillary Rodham discussed the
motherhood and abortion, schooling, cos-
er, Republican pro-choice women who are
changing status of children under the law
metic surgery, treatment of venereal dis-
professional and may be leaning away from
from the "prized possessions" in 18th cen-
ease, or employment, and others where the
our party because of the abortion issue."
tury England to the independent beings to
decision or lack of one will significantly af-
Another Republican pollster, Linda
whom courts had recently begun to extend
fect the child's future, should not be made
DiVall, said she suspects that "most people
separate legal rights.
unilaterally by parents. Children should
will probably side with Mrs. Bush, that
It was in that article that Clinton wrote a
have a right to be permitted to decide their
she's [Hillary's] not on the ballot
I think
passage that is the basis for the assertion
own future if they are competent."
the focus is going to naturally revert back
that she likened marriage and family to
But Hillary was also careful to emphasize
to him. I don't think that Hillary's going to
slavery.
the limits of her proposal, a point omitted in
be a point of attack that's going to carry
"The basic rationale for depriving people
the conservative critiques. She said that "in
much weight."
of rights in a dependency relationship is that
all but the most extreme cases, such ques-
For their part, Clinton strategists say the
certain individuals are incapable or unde-
tions should be resolved by the families, not
Bush campaign won't get anywhere with
serving of the right to take care of them-
the courts."
the attacks. "People care much more about
selves and consequently need social insti-
She added, "I prefer that intervention into
what a president's going to do about jobs
tutions specifically designed to safeguard
an ongoing family be limited to decisions that
and education and health care than hearing
their position
she wrote. "Along with
could have long-term and possibly irreparable
scare attacks about non-issues," Clinton
the family, past and present examples of
effects if they were not resolved."
Several family law experts interviewed to-
Hillary Clinton's proposal to presume chil-
day said the criticism of Hillary Clinton's writ-
dren competent to make their own deci-
ings were unfair and taken out of context.
sions "provocative," but that her writings
"I don't consider them the slightest bit
were "much more reasoned than the shrill
wacky," said Duke University law professor
kind of radicalism that comes out of some
Kate Bartlett, who said she is supporting
activist organizations."
candidate Bill Clinton.
He said Hillary Clinton was "not outside
Bartlett said "a very fair interpretation" on
the mainstream at all" of academic writings
the sentence involving marriage and slavery
on the subject. However, he added, "If you're
"is that she is referring to the time when
talking about, 'Was she in the mainstream in
married women could not own property and
Main Street, Peoria?' The answer is: Heav-
could not enter into contracts and had virtu-
ens, no."
ally no protection against physical abuse."
Stanford law professor Michael S. Wald, a
Gary Bauer, president of the conserva-
Democrat, said that Hillary Clinton "is not
tive Family Research Council, said he
talking about children going off and suing
thought the interpretation of Hillary Clin-
their parents because they don't like their
ton's statements was "as fair as anything
bedtime." He said that courts had generally
else in the rough and tumble game of Amer-
"moved in the direction" of Hillary Clinton's
ican politics" and not "a twisting in any way
proposals on such issues as abortion and
of what she said." He noted that Vice Pres-
noted that her reference to cosmetic sur-
ident Quayle's speech on the family "had
gery appeared targeted at a specific case
one line about [television character] Mur-
involving a Jehovah's Witnesses family who
phy Brown and that became the subject of
refused to allow their child to have surgery
national debate."
for a cleft palate.
Brigham Young University law professor
Staff writer Ann Devroy and staff researcher
Lynn Wardle, a conservative, said he found
Mark Stencel contributed to this report.
8/13/92
Chicago
Mike
Royko
I have a physician friend who specializes in
treating abused children. And she tells me that
for every damaged child that is rescued from
abusive parents, hundreds more are returned to
the same misfits.
GOP sets its sights
That's because it is the policy of social agen-
cies in most states that their top priority is
keeping families together.
Mom has a dope-sniffing boyfriend who can't
on Hillary Clinton
stand crying infants? The boyfriend punches the
child? Or shoves it into a tub of scalding-hot
water? Mom sits there glassy-eyed and does
nothing? The boyfriend also likes to have sex
Just in the nick of time. with their convention
with another little daughter? Mom snores
about to begin, the Republicans have found their
through it?
new Willie Horton.
This is a true story. And what was the social
You can bet that all next week, the name of
agency's solution, approved by the judge? Why,
this dangerous person will be thrown around the
just teach mom that it is her responsibility to
convention hall by Republican orators.
prevent her boyfriend from trying to murder
Hillary Clinton: Public Enemy Number One
and/or rape her kids. Then give the kids back to
of the traditional American family.
her.
Actually, it's already started. I've heard right-
Is that nuts or is that nuts?
wingers describe her as a Nazi, a pinko, a baby-
The reality is that there are countless children
snatcher, and a vicious, ambitious, grasping
who are, through no fault of their own, in the
man-hater. At least they give her credit for ver-
clutches of parents who are stupidly cruel and
satility.
dangerous. They suffer. Many of them die. They
Just this week, Rich Bond, the Republican na-
belong in foster homes or with adoptive parents.
tional chairman, made a speech in which Hillary
It isn't merely a social problem. It is a nation-
Clinton seemed to be a bigger target than her
al crisis. But it's a crisis that legislatures, social
husband the candidate. To hear Bond tell it, Hil-
agencies, law enforcement and the courts haven't
lary thinks that as an institution, marriage is a
been able to handle.
modern-day Devil's Island.
And it's a crisis that the Republican chairman,
Most of this seems to stem from her feminis
a professional wise guy, hasn't said anything
activities and long-standing belief that children
about, except to make smart-aleck remarks
have legal rights and are not merely living,
about Hillary Clinton wanting to break up fami-
breathing hunks of parental property.
lies.
But to hear the Republicans describe her, you
Maybe he thinks that a family life in which an
get the impression that her goal-should Bill
infant winds up with about 20 fractures (another
Clinton become president-is to rip every child
case I wrote about) is better than no family life
in America out of its momma's arms and shove
at all.
it into a government-run youth camp.
They'll also pounce on Hillary Clinton's belief
Or to trot children into court to sue their
that children should have access to the courts.
parents because they've been deprived of the lat-
And they'll probably mention a case in Florida
est Nintendo game or were grounded for the
in which an adolescent boy sued his parents "for
weekend and told to stay off the phone.
divorce," as the headline writers put it.
Which shows a certain desperation on the part
But they'll leave out the specifics. Yes, the
of the Republicans. Using Willie Horton as a
boy's foster parents went to court in his behalf.
campaign tool might have been unfair, but at
But it wasn't a frivolous suit. The boy's father
least he was a genuine rapist and thug. But Hil-
was an abusive drunk. The divorced mother had
lary Clinton is not a baby-snatcher.
a long history of neglect. And the state agency
If she is, then so am I, because I share some
hadn't done much besides get forms filled out.
of Hillary Clinton's concerns.
So the boy said, enough, he wanted to remain
As some readers of this column may have no-
in the stable home provided by the foster
ticed, nothing gets my blood pressure soaring
parents. The judge agreed.
like child abuse cases. Especially those in which
If that's baby-snatching, then we need more of
some social agency or judge treats it like a park-
it.
ing ticket.
Now, if the Republicans really believe what
I've written about kids who have been beaten,
they've been saying about Hillary Clinton and
scalded, sexually abused, only to be returned to
children, maybe they ought to include something
the same parent or parents who did these terri-
about it in their platform.
ble things.
That would be the first time a political party
And I've written about these same kids after it
came out in favor of child abuse.
happened again and they ended up dead.
I've had the satisfaction of forcing some indif-
ferent or incompetent officials out of Family
Court. But after the kid is dead, that's a hollow
victory.
"I don't see that she has said that
children should sue their parents over the
smallest little thing,
but I'm not saying
her
principle
doesn't lead us to
that," adds Debra
Cruel, director of
the Landmark Cen-
ter for Civil Rights,
a conservative pub-
lic-interest
law
firm. Ultimately,
she warns, "it has
the potential of un-
dermining
the
whole concept that
Hillary Clinton
we have of family."
But Robert Mnookin, a Stanford Law
professor and author of "Child, Family and
State," says it's "preposterous" to argue
that Mrs. Clinton "believes that lawsuits
are the appropriate means for parents and
children to resolve their disagreements."
Mrs. Clinton herself has argued in her
writings that "intervention into an ongo-
ing family be limited to decisions that
could have long-term and possibly irrepa-
rable effects if they were not resolved.'
It isn't only Mrs. Clinton's activities on
children's rights that so arouse conserva-
tives. Recently, the American Spectator, a
conservative magazine, assailed her ties to
the New World Foundation, a New York-
based organization that the magazine says
has supported a number of left-wing
causes. Mrs. Clinton served on the founda-
tion's board from 1982 until 1988, and was
chairman from 1987 to 1988. (Another for-
mer director of the group is Vernon Jor-
dan. the former Urban League president
who is a director of Dow Jones & Co.,
publisher of this newspaper.)
Among other things, the magazine al-
leges that the foundation in 1988 gave
$20,000 to the Christic Foundation, an
organization that in lawsuits and public
statements has alleged a wide-ranging
conspiracy at the highest levels of the U.S.
government. The magazine says support
also went to the Center for Constitutional
Studies, which was co-founded by left-wing
lawyer William Kunstler.
Colin Greer, president of the New
World Foundation, describes as "absurd"
the magazine's attack on the foundation,
which was founded in 1953 by a descendant
of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the reap-
ing machine. He acknowledges, however,
that the foundation has been active in a
number of what he unabashedly calls
"progressive" causes.
The money the magazine says went to
the Christic Foundation, he says, actually
went to Christic Foundation South, an
offshoot that Mr. Greer says was involved
entirely with efforts to help minorities
benefit from the Voting Rights Act. As for
the Center for Constitutional Studies, Mr.
Greer says that the money also went to
dea! with Voting Rights Act issues, and
that Mr. Kunstler wasn't any longer asso-
ciated with the group when the contribu-
tions were made.
Not all the foundation's causes were
political, however. One of the foundation's
goals, insisted on by a McCormick descen-
dant, was supporting "the growth of the
spiritual, as distinguished from the mate-
rial, elements of human life." Board mem-
POL-GOP
LA Times 8/19/92 Page 10f2
Continued from A1
press secretary Dee Dee Myers.
Hillary-Bashing Becoming
speeches from Mrs. Bush and Vice
The Hower, Republican oper-
President Dan Quayle's wife. Mart-
atives argue. is that Hillary Clinton
lyn.
is one of her husband's closest
04
a Part of GOP Campaign
The focus of the attacks has been
advisers. Her views may help
on Cinton's legal writings, with
shape his. they say. Or. they sug-
Buchanan, Bond and other Repub-
gest, perhaps her views indicate
lican spokesmen accusing ber of
ideas that her husband may really
Strategy: She's accused of urging 'radical feminism,'
advocating "radical fernism" and
hold but would prefer not to talk
trying to destroy the family. But attacks may be risky.
seeking to undermine the family.
about.
"What does Hillary believe?" Bu-
Monday night, Patrick J. Bu-
A
nd despite the risks, the at-
chanan demanded in his speech.
tacks on Mrs. Clinton fit into a
By DAVID LAUTER
IMES STAFF WRITER
chanan took off after Hillary Clin-
going on to say that she believes
baste Repubbcan strategy-trying
ton, repeating charges that GOP
"12-year-olds should have the
to find ways to pierce. Bill Clinton's
LITTLE ROCK, Ark-Barbara
Chairman Richard N. Bond had
right to sue their parents."
carefully portrayed moderate
Bush may not like ft but 1 the
made last. week-that she has "lik-
Those attacks constitute a po-
stance and to convince voters that
Republican Convention is any indi-
er.ed marriage and the family to
tentially high-risk strategy, At-
he is nothing but a new-style
cation. Hillary-bashing is about to
slavery." Television cameras
tacking a presidential candidate's
Democratic liberal in disguise.
spouse marks a new wrinkle in
As Clinton pollster Stanley
become a fixture of the presidential
Greenberg noted. the targets of
campaign.
NEWS ANALYSIS
politics that many voters-psrtieu-
larly younger. more affluent wom-
nearly all such GOP strategies
Hillary Cinton. the high-pow-
caught Mrs. 3ush. who had criti-
en-may dislike. Moreover, the
have been two groups whose de-
ared, articulate and liberal wife of
cised Bond's statement. looking
attacks, even by the somewhas
fection to the Democratic ticket-If
Democratic nominee Bill CEnton,
perturbed and muttering to a com-
loose standards of presidential
it holds up-would sink Bush's
has rapidly become the woman
panion during Buchanan's re-
campaigns, fairly seriously distor.
candidacy retrievatly older
Republicans love to hate. The sta-
marks, but GOP strategists predict
what Mrs. Clinton has written.
white Southerners and Northern,
tus has some trony. for 18 mimics
more such criticism to come.
ven some Republicans question
b.ue-collar ethnic groups. Both
the history of Eleanor Roosevelt,
Hillary Clinton may find herself
E
the approach One GOP strate.
groups are generally conservative
the woman after whom Mrs. Clin-
in the spotlight again tonight. de-
gist roted that private research has
on cultural issues and presumed to
ton has ofter. said she would tke to
signed by GOP strategists as "fam-
indicated that voters impose an
be suspicious of well-paid, inde-
model herself if her husband makes
ily values night" and featuring
"extremely high standard of proof"
women lawyers.
k to the White House.
Please see HILLARY, A11
on allegations that a candidate's
For most of the last two decades,
wife . a legitimate issue.
Hillary Clinton has worked on
Democrate have reacted with
issues of child welfare and educa-
outrage. "Since when do you run
tion, serving until recently. for
for President by attacking a guy's
example. as chair of the Children's
wife:" demanded Clinton campaign
Defense Fund, which has often
LA Times Page 20f2
t WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 19. 1992 A11
antil the early 1970s that the
and children-st least older
Supreme Court struck down state
ones-about their preference be-
laws requiring a married woman to
fore deciding custody Ti divorces.
live wherever her husbard chose
And the Supreme Court has upheld
lobbied for increased federal
and correquently need social tasti-
or tok being charged with aban-
the right of a Leen-age (orl to
spending on children's programs.
tations specifically designed to
dorment.
obtair. an startics without obtain-
In Arkansas. she chaired a task
safeguard their position.'
Mrs. Cinton's back argument in
ing permission from her parents
force that devised new statewide
"Along with the family, past and
1973 was that courts should stop
And courts have upheld the right
education standards.
present examples cf such arrange-
assuming that all children are le-
N teen-ager, in some cases, to go
She also introduced fnto the
ments include marriage, slavery
gally incompetent until they sud-
to court to obtain permission for
state-and the country-a pre-
and the Ind:an reservation sys-
denly become fully competent at
actions the their perents would
school Hteracy program devised in
tem." she wrote. "The relative
the age of majority-the traditional
'orbid-obtatring needed surgery
Eract that won favorable attention
pcwerlessness of children makes
legel view. Instead, she argued.
hat a parent might And objection-
in a handbook on Uteracy published
them uniquely vulnerable to this
courts and other government bod-
able on religious grounds, for ex-
in 1989 by the Barbara Bush Foun-
rationale."
les should take a more case-by-
ample
dation for Family Literacy.
That Jassage is the baris for the
case approach, assuming that chil-
Conservative legal comments-
The attacks, however. have fo-
dren are completent to advance
fors have found many of those
cused Γ.O. on those activities, but on
their OWB views unless evidence
developments discurbing. arguing
a series of legal articles she more
'There are certain
indicates the contrary.
that spverment aboutd have no
in the late 1970s and early 1980s in
There are certain cldidren at
right D interpose itself between
which she advocated changes in
children at certain ages
certain ages in certain circum-
perent and crild
the way children are treated in
in certain circumstances
stances who can and should EXEI-
Mrs. Clinton has argued. that
courts and other legal forume
cise responsibilities. The task is to
It was a subject that Mrs. Cinton
who can and should
sithough such Intervention should
determine what those conditions
be rare, and chromstances war-
knew could be controversial "The
exercise responsibilities.'
are." she vrote.
rent it.
very questions being asked invite
Although anyone would agree
"Even mang persons in the
fear and confusion," she wrote in
HILLARY CLNTON
that a newborn lacks competency
children's rights movement. there
one 1977 article. "They touch
to advance us own views "it s
is concern that extending rights to
deeply held and often conficting
more difficult to prove a 12-year-
children against their parents in too
convictions about family autonomy
GOP charge that she compared
old child totally incompetent" she
difficult to control, and in al: but
and childhood needs"
marriage to sisvery.
wrote. That passage provides the
the most extreme causes such RIO-
Indeed they have In a 1973
Under laws of many countries
basis for Bucharan's asertion that
tions should be resolved by the
article on Thildren Under the
throughout history-incleding the
she would allow children to eue.
courts," she wrote in a 1982 any.
Law." for example she sught to
United States until modern times-
Mrs. Clinton's view was on the
Intervention should be "hmited to
explain the history behind the egal
married women had few legal
advance edge of theories on chil-
decisions that could have long-
principles that Hnait the rights of
rights and were considered legally
dren's rights in the early 1970a
term and possibly irreparable ef-
children Those limits. she noted
dependent upon their husbands. In
Since then. however. laws and
feels if they were not resolved"
MIKE HUDSUN/PFHW
are based on the king of dependen-
the 19th Century. married women
cour. decisions have generally
in such cases, she wrote, "chil-
cy "that certain individuals are
in some states were forbidden to
headed in the cirection she sug.
dren should have a right to be
incapable or underving of the
own property in their own names
gested
permitted to decide their own fu-
nght to take care of themselves
or to file lawsuits. And 12 was not
Courts. for example. increasingly
ture if they are competen:-"
Ellen Goodman
Hateful
Clearly, the Republicans would
rather run Barbara against Hillary
than George against Bill. But the
Talk About
most unpalatable of their attack-
Hillary dogs was Marilyn Quayle-a
woman whose age, ambitions, and
options should have made her a sym-
Hillary
pathetic fellow traveler through the
times, if not exactly a soul sister.
Remember Hillary's frustrated
crack that she "could have stayed
HOUSTON-If they ever expand
home and made cookies"? (Who will
the laws against hate crimes, I want
be allowed to forget it?) Well, when
to file a suit against the Republican
Dan was elected vice president, guess
National Convention on behalf of one
who said, "I thought, man: It's going
Hillary Rodham Clinton. We are talk-
to be tea and crumpets, and I would
ing hate speech here. We are talking
just go nuts"?
Hate Hillary speech. And it's gotten
Remember when Marilyn de-
out of hand.
scribed giving up her law practice to
Before they got to Houston, the
help Dan run? Well, guess what Hilla-
Grand Old Party had begun this ver-
ry just did?
Women are to be praised, in short,
bal assault on the would-be First La-
If Hillary is a partner, what is
as long as they are dependents or
dy. Campaign Director Rich Bond
Marilyn? "When Dan married me, he
victims or self-sacrificing. It's the too-
made a political pretzel out of her
married a budding lawyer. He wanted
independent woman-the one choos-
words, claiming that the lawyer be-
a partner, and he has one." A co-vice-
ing her own direction in life and happy
lieved that marriage was slavery and
president?
about it-who is now cast as the
children should be liberated from par-
Yet on Ladies Night at the conven-
alien, the other, the not-one-of us.
ents. His deputy Mary Matalin had a
tion-what would have happened if
Hillary in a headband.
photograph of Hillary posted on her
Hillary had spoken in New York?-
Ironically, the Democratic candi-
office wall with the Wicked Witch of
Marilyn gave a speech that was filled
date's wife is currently a contender
the East caption, "I will get you my
with jabs about the lawyer from Ar-
for the supportive spouse citation.
pretty, and your little dog too!"
kansas.
She looks a good deal like any other
But only at the convention did they
In my generation, she said, "Not
woman struggling and juggling.
dish out a poisonous brew of snide
everyone believed that the family was
But the mean-spirited, nasty edge
words and innuendo in gag-me pro-
80 oppressive that women could only
to the Hate Hillary speech turns this
portions.
thrive apart from it."
into a class action suit. This isn't just
From Pat Buchanan to Pat Robert-
She described unnamed-but-not-
about politics. The Republicans are
son, speakers described the Demo-
unknown liberals as angry, "They're
giving more than one woman a back-
cratic ticket ominously as a Clinton
disappointed because most women do
lashing of the tongue. This time it
and Clinton administration, with "radi-
not wish to be liberated from their
may backfire.
cal feminism" on the agenda. Buttons
© 1992. The Boston Globe Newspaper Co.
essential natures as women. Most of
appeared proclaiming "Another Cook-
us love being mothers or wives."
ie Baker for Bush." And in interviews,
Make no mistake about it. The hate
Liberal Hillary took more hits than
speech is not just directed at liberal-
Slick Willie.
ism. It's aimed at uppity-ism.
The public excuse for wife-bashing
Marilyn Quayle said that "frankly
was that the Clintons described them-
nothing offends me more than at-
selves as a two-fer: buy one, get one
tempts to paint Republicans as look-
free. The president used this as a
ing to turn the clock back for women."
Maybe so, but the Republican Party is
tripping all over itself trying to figure
"Clearly, the
out a way to defend traditional roles
for women without offending the
Republicans would
women whose lives have changed.
The updated, composite portrait
rather run Barbara
looks something like this: Women like
Marilyn Quayle are praised, as she
against Hillary than
was in the introduction by "Major
Dad," as "a woman of remarkable
George against
accomplishment for whom the family
comes first." Working mothers are
Bill."
admirable as long as they have to
work to put food on the table. And
single mothers are "heroic" as long as
disingenuous cover story to explain
they are struggling to bring up the
why Hillary-bashing is acceptable.
kids in the wake of a deserting dead-
And so, I regret to say, did his wife.
beat dad.
After briefly criticizing the nastiness,
Barbara then gave her stamp of ap-
proval saying, "If it's a self-proclaimed
co-president," it's legitimate.
Pol-Dem
Torie Clarke, press secretary for th
20
Continued From Page Al
Bush campaign.
Mrs. Clinton was well positioned 1
toward women, attitudes that "are
benefit from a backlash; she ha
worked hard to recover from the day
will very charged, very intense, for
of the cookies-and-condescension con
everybody,' says Jean Baker Miller,
troversy to present herself as wife
Political Memo
h psychiatrist at the Stone Center at
and mother in addition to lawyer an
Wellesley College and an authority on
pol. Last week, for example, she wa
sex roles. "She becomes the figure
on the daytime television show calle
Backlash for Hillary Clinton
that people can project these very
"Home" to chat about the campaigr
intense opinions upon,'
but also to talk about being a parent
For some of the speakers at the
she fielded questions with a group 0
other mothers during a regular ad
Puts Negative Image to Rout
Republican convention, Mrs. Clinton
was the symbol of feminism run wild,
vice feature called "Club Mom."
a chilly lawyer who equated mar-
Later, in a flurry of satellite inter
By ROBIN TONER
riage with slavery and was bent on
views with local television stations
radically altering the traditional fam-
she told one reporter after another,
Special 10 The New York Times
By. For many of the women who
want to be a voice for children in th
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 - Barba-
cate what 1 care about and who I
reach for her hand when she works
White House."
a Bush is still vastly more popular
am."
Into the Background
nd better known in the polls, but
Id
For much of the 1992 campaign, the
Mrs. Clinton says she has simpl:
Blary Clinton seems to be riding a
endlessly ballyhooed "year of the
learned to provide a context for he
eady backlash from the Republican
woman" never quite extended to Mrs.
The critics took
life. Ms. Clarke, among many othe
invention these days. Her crowds
Clinton. Her poll ratings were meas-
political observers, sees a simple
big, her portrait on the cover of
ured against Mrs. Bush's and found
me magazine this month was down-
aim, and may have
explanation: the Clinton campaig
lacking. Her defense of her legal ca-
simply "pulled her back" into a mor
ght beatific, and months of careful
shot themselves.
traditional role for a First Lady con
reer last spring - an angry "I sup-
aneuvering to recast her image
tender. At times, in fact, Mrs. Clinto
pose I could have stayed home and
ay be finally paying off.
seemed to recede into the backgroun
baked cookies" - made even some
Mrs. Clinton, who dislikes and dis-
in recent months, listening to he
Democrats wince. At least 20 articles
husband speak and wearing the tradi
isses the notion that there was ever
in major publications this year in-
the rope lines these days, she is a kind
tional adoring gaze of the politica
strategy to warm her up, says she
volved some comparison between
of everywoman, working hard and
spouse.
nply realized last spring that vot-
Mrs. Clinton and a grim role model
under siege from the men in the blue
"I am me," Mrs. Clinton responds
$ were getting a one-dimensional
for political wives: Lady Macbeth.
suits.
somewhat wearily. "I have watche
rtrait of her.
It all crescendoed to the Republi-
"Any Woman Who's Strong
my husband give a million speeches.
'People started telling me there
can National Convention last month,
don't know if I'm adoring-like, watch
You know why she's being at-
where a chorus of speakers de-
ing him give a million speeches. Bu
re polls showing that people didn't
tacked," said Lynn Williams O'Keefe,
you know, that's part of my life. M:
n know if Bill and I had a child,"
nounced Mrs. Clinton, by name or by
a Montessori teacher who showed up
life is a mix of all kinds of interest
said in.a recent interview. "Well,
implication, as a dangerous, rogue
at a rally for Mrs. Clinton at the
and activities. That's who I am."
Arkansas, everybody knows Bill
feminist. And that, paradoxically
University of Colorado at Boulder.
In the current psychosexual mine
11 have a child, and they know we
enough, may have finally ushered in
"Any woman who's strong is going to
field, it is probably not surprising tha
stect her and we're not keen on
the season of Hillary Clinton's re-
be attacked."
the Republicans stepped on a fev
ving her made into an object. But
venge.
James Carville, a senior strategist
mines in Houston. Kathleen Hall Ja
n I realized, that's the most impor-
Some experts and political observ-
in the Clinton campaign, puts it more
mieson, an expert in political commu
ers suggest that Mrs. Clinton has
bluntly. "This campaign owes a debt
18 part of my life, and people don't
nication at the University of Pennsyl
of gratitude to the Republican con-
yes that about me.
become a kind of Rorschach test for
vania, has been conducting focu:
vention," he said, "for casting her in
groups throughout the year to moni
'h wasn't that 1 changed," she
the culture and its changing attitudes
the role of heroine to a lot of people."
tor what voters retain about the cam
1. "It was that I grew in my under-
Perhaps the surest sign that the Re-
paign. She said she was struck, in the
nding of how better to communi-
Continued on Page A23. Column 1
publicans' attacks were misfiring is
aftermath of Houston, that one
their comparative silence about Mrs.
phrase above all others was retained
Clinton over the last few weeks.
by many of the women in her groups
"Hillary Clinton, good or bad, is not
Marilyn Quayle's comment tha
the issue in this campaign," said
"most women do not wish to liberate
NYT
9-24-92
poll conducted in late August found
that 74 percent said their views of
Mrs. Clinton would make no differ-
ence in their vote; 9 percent said she
made them more Inclined to vote for
Mr. Clinton, and 14 percent said she
NOW ONLY HIS OWN GEN TION REMAINS ALWAYS
made them less inclined.
Her Image, generally, pales com-
pared with Mrs. Bush's, who remains
in the lofty reaches of public approval
that her husband left long ago, and
who after four years in the White
House is much better known than
Mrs. Clinton. The New York Times/
CBS News Poll, In late August,
showed that about a third of the vot-
ers viewed Mrs. Clinton favorably,
that 19 percent regarded her unfavor-
ably and that the rest had no opinion.
In contrast, Mrs. Bush is viewed fa-
vorably by 77 percent and unfavor-
ably by 5 percent.
Even as voters seem increasingly
willing to accept women as candi-
dates in their own right, an untradi-
tional woman in the traditional job of
First Lady stirs controversy. "It's
not her," argues Gloria Steinem. "It's
her and him. She's pioneering in pub-
lic an issue that is at least as impor-
tant in the long term as any of the
issues considered political in the con-
ventional sense, and that is an equal
relationship. between a man and a
woman."
Mrs. Clinton says simply, "The
Presidency has not yet experienced
the change in relationships and roles
that have been played out every-
Brian Brainerd for The New York Times
where else but there." She continues,
Long compared with Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton
her image has been changing to a warmer, more
In many ways, to push the boundaries
of her role. When she was pressed in
was found wanting. But since the Republican con-
popular campaigner. In Boulder, Colo., last week,
an interview on exactly how she
vention, when she was a frequent object of scorn,
she responded to the welcome.
would be a "voice for children in the
White House," she did not sketch a
modest role.
from their essential natures as wom-
contrast between the full-time ca-
down: Recent polls showed big ma-
She talked of "a children and fam-
en."
reerist (Mrs. Clinton) and the woman
jorities rejecting or ignoring the case
illes agenda" that she hoped to help
Ms. Jamieson said: The level of
who quit her legal practice to help her
against Mrs. Clinton presented at the
explain to the American people.
hostility toward her and that speech
husband and raise her family (Mrs.
Republican convention; a Times-Mir-
"Whether that means I will testify, or
was very high. I think there was some
Quayle). Mrs. Quayle, in a recent Op-
ror poll released on Thursday showed
whatever, I can't predict right now,"
resentment at someone standing up
Ed page article for The New York
that 73 percent of those who followed
she added. "But I'm going to be work-
and telling women what choices are
Times. said that her speech was in no
those criticisms said they disagreed
ing on that agenda, and I'm going to
and are not appropriate for them."
way meant to criticize working wom-
with them. And a majority of women
be very disciplined. And at the end of
The speech was widely taken as a
en, and was badly misinterpreted.
now work outside the home.
Bill's first term, I want you to come
lightly veiled attack on Mrs. Clinton,
In general, there were strong rea-
For all of that, there remains a core
and interview me and say, O.K., what
an attempt to create an unflattering
sons for the Republicans to back
of the Hillary-averse; a Time/CNN
have you accomplished?"
NYT 9-24-92
Today's debate is on CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
and whether they should be heard in court.
Children deserve to have
child Pts
their own rights in court
FRC
OUR VIEW
In some sad cases,
allow such suits, and most kids can't
the court Is a safer
find or afford attorneys.
haven for children than their fam-
All the court did for Gregory was let
him take charge of one small part of his
illes or child welfare agencies.
grim family life by letting him speak.
Rarely since Solomon's split decision
In such cases, that's the right thing.
has a court battle over a child had such
Like too many kids, Gregory is a casu-
an impact.
alty of a dysfunctional family and a
The case, opening today, involves
child-protective system that dropped
Gregory Kingsley, a Florida 12-year-old
him and his family through the cracks.
who wants to escape from his natural
He lived with his mother only seven
parents. So he's suing.
months in eight years and rarely heard
That's set off a bitter debate. Should
from her when they were apart. He lived
children have the right to challenge pa-
with a father he says was abusive.
rental authority?
Florida might have done more to re-
The answer is yes.
pair the family. Like most states, it
Gregory's plight serves as a sad re-
didn't. Gregory has been in and out of
minder that not all children are better off
foster care, the latest stint lasting 2½
with their biological parents. Nearly 2.5
years.
million children were reported abused
Now his foster family wants to adopt
or neglected in 1990, up 259% since
him, and he wants them to. But his
1976. Gregory says he's one of them.
mother wants him back.
And they have few ways to escape.
A child has a right to be safe, healthy
Every year, a million kids run away
and loved. That's what Gregory hasn't
from home because of family conflict,
had. And what suing might give him.
violence and abuse. Gregory found a
If families like Gregory's can't offer
better way out - the courts.
safety, health and love to their children,
There's small chance his case will in-
and if the state fails to find a timely sub-
spire kids to sue over things like curfews.
stitute, then children should be allowed
No responsible lawyer or judge would
to speak for themselves in court.
Don't set kids VS. parents
Beware the
fense? Gregory, for instance, is repre-
OPPOSING VIEW
legal prece-
sented pro bono by an attorney who
dent enabling children to sue their
won the case striking down Florida's pa-
rental-consent laws on abortion.
parents. It will harm children.
With the exception of her attorney,
One fact is certain: Gregory Kingsley's
few defend Gregory's mother. She
life has been tragic. This trial should gen-
claims her "right" to her child without,
erate a long-overdue uproar over our
apparently, recognizing that those rights
foster-care disaster.
are rooted in an awesome responsibility.
But it mustn't gen-
Most people, however, know that lack of
erate a legal precedent
contact with a child for a year (or less,
enabling children to
even) is clearly abandonment.
sue their parents. UI-
So why is the state of Florida only
timately, such a far-
now filing for termination of parental
reaching ruling would
rights, clearing the way for adoption,
harm children by sep-
when Gregory has been in and out of its
arating them, in legal
care for several years? This failure is the
theory, from the pro-
By Charmaine
appropriate target of legal wrath. For the
tection of their par-
Crouse Yoest, a
sake of other children in its care, Florida
ents. Parents should
policy analyst for
should not be let off the hook.
the Family Re-
not be our target
search Council,
Gregory now stands virtually alone in
when the system is
Washington.
court; the next scared child who needs
the culprit.
protection may not be as bright and de-
Fundamentally, children need protec-
termined as Gregory. Most are stuck in
tion. If parents violate that duty, the
the system; it should be held account-
state may step in. This case highlights
able. Children shouldn't be forced to go
USA TODAY
the state's failure; but do we really want
mano a mano with their parents in a
MILL
attorneys - with a myriad of personal
court where they could so easily become
agendas - to be the next line of de-
pawns in a much larger chess game.
9/24/92
eggs and sperm in the five-gallon buckets are later placed in
anced against the others.
oxygen-enriched trays where the fry emerge. These eventual-
ly become the fish in the holding ponds, then the larger fish,
The spawning of the salmon is a simplification too, serving
and so on, until they are released into whatever river or lake.
the ends of efficiency. It's a mass-production process, gener-
ating huge inventory. Whatever else you might say about the
The same assembly-line system produces the fish-trout and
designing of the stream, however, it works against the cause
salmon-for every major water system in Oregon. It has for
of efficiency. And that's why I want to praise it. Reinventing
two human generations, ever since the building of the major
glides and riffles, building in overhangs and hollows and back-
dams. That's the point. The dams disrupt the spawning cycle
ups at fifty-yard intervals are not the most cost-effective way
so that it must be artificially recreated, season after season.
Without that system there would be no fish in the rivers above
to generate units of fish (the hatchery is). The designing of the
stream is admirable because it's trying to put things right, to
the dams, no fishermen buying fancy reels, potato chips,
put things back the way they were before the dams and the
Budweiser, and four-wheel drives, voting for their favorite con-
fishermen and the four-wheel drives. It seems to me there's a
gressmen.
kind of necessary humility in that, a necessary reverence. The
I wasn't disgusted by the spawning so much as surprised. I
designing of the stream is not an effort to impose a convenient
hadn't given fish much thought. My images of salmon in rivers
structure on the natural world but an effort to understand the
were images of the natural and spontaneous, the nonhuman.
complexity and chaos and randomness of what was already
But here, too, more is happening than meets the eye. Beneath
there, before us. And, of course, that effort must ultimately
the surface is complexity, irony, and contradiction: teams of
fail. We can never get it entirely right. Nature will exceed us.
specialists, special interest groups, government bureaucracies,
And yet I came away from Portland Creek calmed, heart-
the profit-motive, contested history.
ened. Trying to design a stream involves the contemplation of
As I reflect on that day, what I keep thinking about is how
water, the observation of its endless flow, of the bending of the
different the two operations felt, how different their effects
alder and willow, of the sky overhead. It involves looking at
were on me. Both the designing of the stream and the spawn-
the rocks, seeing the leaves fall, trying to understand how the
ing of the chinook are unnatural, human activities, involving
water moves.
plans and at some points heavy equipment. But I can't help
I'm all for it. I think the government should try designing
thinking of the designing of the stream as a better thing to try
to do.
as many streams as possible, improving the technology as best
it can. It couldn't make things worse-could even divert us
The dams are huge, with far-reaching effects, but the sill
from more damaging pursuits. It would give jobs to the un-
logs on Portland Creek, with the boulders and the anchor-
employed millworkers. And even if the projects failed for fish
ing cables, are small, their effects local. Each log is itself a
or the arrogant came away unchanged, there would still be
small dam, the water shooting off it into tiny pools, pouring
some P-5 pools with the alder leaves shining like pennies. There
over silt in shallows. But the logs and their cables will dis-
would still be the riffles and glides, and the sound of water,
appear in a few years, hidden by gravel and cobble and the
the endless rushing and flowing and eddying of water, beneath
flow of deepening water. Unlike the huge dams, the stream
trees.
CHRIS ANDERSON
project is not a grand simplification of a single system, its
Chris Anderson, a frequent Commonweal contributor, teach-
logic easy to understand. The replication of the stream is ex-
es at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He is the author of
ceedingly complex, each piece in the system delicately bal-
Free/Style: A Direct Approach to Writing (Houghton Mifflin).
OF SEVERAL MINDS Abigail McCarthy
ing our leaders were a horse race or an ath-
letic competition instead of the most im-
portant of our civic responsibilities.
THEY JUST DON'T GET IT
Jamieson begins her book with the ex-
ample of the Willie Horton advertisement
FROM ONE PROSPECTIVE FIRST LADY TO ANOTHER
used in the 1988 Bush campaign and the
resultant news stories because it has be-
come a synonym for the dirty politics of
her title. Consequently, candidate Bill
ccording to the new
most from the beginning, but in recent cam-
Clinton's observation following the
book titled Dirty
paigns their effect has been magnified by
Republican convention in Houston that
Politics (Oxford Uni-
the way in which they are treated by the
Republicans were trying to make Hillary
versity Press) by Kath-
post-Watergate news media. Journalists
Clinton the Willie Horton of this campaign
leen Jamieson, dean of
have virtually abandoned their obligation
was a serious charge, one that no one who
the Annenberg School for Communica-
to inform about issues and candidates'
watched the Republican convention could
tions, slandering, smearing, lying, and
stands to concentrate instead on chasing
take lightly. First ladies and the wives of
distortion have been part of campaigns al-
rumors and analyzing polls, as if choos-
elected presidents have been criticized,
Commonweal
9 October 1992: 9
even vilified. in the past but this is the first
idea of the substance of Hillary Clinton's
torical first lady stuff in his piece which.
time in my memory that the full force of
speeches and the nature of her campaign
while very interesting. wasn't what was
opposition criticism has been formally, ap-
activity.
needed."
parently with the approval of the official
There is no consistent coverage on
Carlson's sown piece is succinct, surface-
party leaders. levied against a candidate's
which I can rely. Attention centers on a
skimming, lively, and predictable. It
wife.
candidate's wife and children in a spas-
sketches a Hillary who has to head back
Never mind that there has been a back-
modic way-and usually when things go
to Little Rock and daughter Chelsea at in-
lash and the heads of the Republican tick-
awry. Admittedly things have changed a
tervals "to feel grounded." a woman pri-
et have been waffling and back-pedaling.
great deal since I myself was involved as
vate about the faith she nourishes by
(The polls have shown that women ev-
a wife in a presidential campaign almost
carrying favorite Scriptures with her, a
erywhere resented the tactic as an attack
twenty-five years ago. The efforts of wife
woman who tends to the earnest and se-
on working women. And in the Wash-
and children then were even more under-
rious yet has a playful side, but concludes
ington suburbs a group of stay-at-home
reported than now and often were con-
eventually that Hillary is "a strong and de-
mothers retaliated by organizing a Hillary
sidered SO inconsequential that reporting
termined woman used to dominating what-
Clinton fan club. evidence that the re-
them accurately seemed unimportant.
ever situation she is in by force of mind."
sentment was not confined to working
Now, so many years later, reporting on
The Wills New York Review article did
women alone.) Marilyn Quayle has writ-
the wives is still very selective. Would we.
much more. He showed readers a Hillary
ten that her rather blatant. if indirect, at-
for example, know as much as we do
Clinton who is "one of the most impor-
tack was misconstrued. The vice-president
about Hillary Clinton if it had not been for
tant scholar-activists of the last two
is quoted as saying that he is sure that
the media concentration on the sleazy
decades, a Hillary who has an impressive
"Hillary is as much help to Bill Clinton
Gennifer Flowers story or on the unbri-
record of altering life for the better for par-
as Marilyn has been to me." But ex-can-
dled Republican attack? True. there seems
ents and children in Arkansas." He doc-
didate Pat Buchanan is sticking to his poi-
to have been a growing interest in wives
uments his characterization with excerpts
sonous guns and so is evangelist Pat
over the years. In 1972 Eleanor McGovern
from her writing and speeches through
Robertson. For good or worse. Hillary
shared a Time cover with Pat Nixon and
1988.
Clinton has been made an issue-the
later Rosalynn Carter had a Newsweek
These show real development in her
Willie Horton issue of 1992.
cover to herself. Columnist Richard Cohen
thought since the 1974 article "Children
Does it matter? Yes, if a recent Time
has attributed this increase to the reporters'
under the Law" to which exception was
magazine cover story [September 141 is
need for celebrity chatter to fill up space.
taken in these pages (Commonweal. May
right. According to poll results, the pub-
The history of the Time piece on Hillary
8 and June 19). Not that Hillary has aban-
lic perception and approval of the candi-
Clinton would seem to bear him out. The
doned her theory that children's legal
date's wife can make the difference in the
interview accompanying the cover was to
rights should equal their competency and
crucial few percentage points needed to
have been done by historian Garry Wills.
ability to take responsibility but she has
win in a tight race. This, then, becomes a
At almost the last minute Wills objected
adopted a more comprehensive approach
tricky proposition because the perception
to the editing of his piece and withdrew
to social problems. largely as a result of
has to be formed by what the public comes
it, leaving Time writer Margaret Carlson
her study of the treatment of children in
to know of her. Whereas the coverage of
scurrying to fill the hole. What caused the
many countries in her capacity as co-chair
a first lady is fairly consistent, the cover-
difficulty over Wills's story? If one can
of The Children's Defense Fund-in par-
age of a candidate's wife is very spotty
guess on the basis of an earlier Wills
ticular the French approach since it is "a
and always has been. Right now. even I.
story-review in the New York Review of
coordinated comprehensive system
that
despite being an "inside-the-Beltway"
Books (March 5. 1992). it must have taken
links day care, early education, and health
person with some friends rather high in
Hillary too seriously. Carlson is quoted as
care." She helped institute neonatal clin-
the campaign structure, have only a hazy
saying that "there was a great deal of his-
ics to prepare mothers for parenthood and
brought back from Israel a programto help
Political
MALARKEY
impoverished mothers to teach basic skills
campaign
(especially speech skills) to their chil-
BALONEY
dren. As head of the committee to raise
educational standards in Arkansas. she ral-
lied community support for changes that
helped parents achieve an educational
system that no longer limited their chil-
dren's futures.
Whether we agree with her approach or
not we cannot deny that both Arkansas par-
ents and children have reason to be grate-
ful to her and for her.
10. 9 October 1992
Commonweal
CAMPAIGN
92
A softer Hillary Clinton hasn't
By Mimi Hall
USA TODAY
"
NEW YORK
I hope that by the end of the
illary Clinton was on her way to
lost her savvy
H
visit a preschool classroom when a
first year, and certainly by the
rumor began buzzing through the
end of the first term, you'll be
press corps: She's going to change a
able to interview me and we
child's diaper.
can point to real results.
Hearing the news, a cameraman scam-
pered off to find out just where and just
"
stands two steps behind him and she stops
when the changing would take place.
talking at rallies," Oakley says.
So why on earth would Hillary Clinton di-
- Hillary Clinton
Less than a month before Election Day.
aper a stranger's child on TV?
her efforts appear to be paying off.
To prove she can, the reporters joked.
While she still lags far behind first lady
It was a typical campaign trail joke, but
complete picture of herself, Clinton makes
Barbara Bush in the polls, a recent Gannett
it spoke volumes about the political predic-
no apologies for wanting to be involved in a
News Service/Louis Harris poll found vot-
ament of the savvy, Yale-educated woman
Bill Clinton White House.
ers think Hillary Clinton is "a better role
who hopes to usher in a new generation of
A lawyer with a four-page résumé, she
model for American women" than her
first ladies.
says she wants to play a key role helping
Lauded for her intellect and charisma at
her husband implement "an agenda for
the start of the campaign, she has spent
children and families."
months recovering from early gaffes that
She's vague about exactly what she'll do,
baby-boomer counterpart Marilyn Quayl.
left some voters nervous about replacing
but the plan includes "health care changes,
wife of Vice President Quayle and a lawy
their favorite grandmother with a woman
economic changes, educational changes."
who says she sacrificed career for family.
the Republicans portrayed as an overbear-
And she promises results.
In one of many jabs at Hillary Clinton at
ing feminist out to wreck the family.
"I hope that by the end of the first year,
the GOP convention Marilyn Quayle chided
She has not gone so far as to change a di-
and certainly by the end of the first term,
Democrats for not understanding that
aper to soften her image.
you'll be able to interview me and we can
"most women do not wish to be liberated
But she has eked out change nonetheless,
point to real results," she says.
from their essential natures as women."
talking about parenting on daytime televl-
To get there, though, Clinton, 44, had to
The attacks backfired. Republicans have'
sion programs like the Home show and
take a page from the campaign books of
adopting the adoring gaze of a political
first ladies past.
wite. And she has made sure voters know
"She's going against character right
she is a loving mother to her 12-year-old
now," says Meredith Oakley, a columnist
daughter, Chelsea.
for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette who
Clinton says there's been no transförma
has covered both Clintons for many years.
tion, either by happenstance or calculation.
"This fawning over him is not something
"I can only be who I am," she says. "We
she has ever done in her life. But Hillary is
shouldn't be moving from one stereotype of
smart enough to know it's not time for a
a role to another stereotype."
woman to win the White House, so she's go-
So even as she tries to present a more
ing to get there however she can. So
she
The New York Review
of Books
A Doll's House?
1of5
PHOTOCOPY
Oct.22,1992 1992
PRESERVATION
Garry Wills
Hillary Clinton was pointedly intro-
created the expectation that every
question the whole set of social forces
duced, at this year's meeting of the
president's wife should have her very
that contribute to the problem. Out of
American Bar Association, as "the
own Project-just one, vaguely uplift-
the entire syndrome of inner-city
next First Woman." First Lady has
ing, ladylike-to keep her out from
dysfunction, drugs and literacy are
been tainted by association with such
under her husband's feet as he did his
treated as self-contained matters, ad-
phrases as "the little lady." But First
White Housework. Jackie beautified
dressable as such. That is why so little
Woman hardly solves the problem.
the White House; Lady Bird Johnson
impact has been made on either prob-
When a woman is elected president, it
beautified the highways. Then fol-
lem. The point of these Projects is not
will make as little sense to call her
lowed a series of Projects so discreet
to engage larger political remedies, in-
husband the First Man (what ever
that few remember them-volun-
volving many agencies and issues. The
happened to Adam?) as to call him
teerism for Pat Nixon, handicapped
Project was designed to let a First
the First Gentleman (what ever
children for Betty Ford (her "depen-
Lady avoid controversy.
happened to Beau Brummel?). The
dency" work came after the White
It is not surprising that the presi-
spouse's role in our republic properly
House), mental health for Rosalyn
dent's wife should exemplify the most
has no title. Kings have queens, and
Carter. Mrs. Reagan, more audibly,
conservative notions of a woman's
princes have princesses: but there is no
said no to drugs, and Mrs. Bush en-
place. The president himself has an
presidentess-nor a Mrs. President.
courages literacy. Mrs. Quayle, stand-
ambiguous station in our history. He,
(In the latter case, the spouse of the
first woman president would be-Mr.
President.)
Since the president's spouse has no
constitutional office, title, or salary,
some people resent a spouse's influ-
ence on policy or politics. "We did not
elect her to anything." It has ever been
so. Dolley Madison served, for a time,
as her husband's secretary; but she hid
that fact from the public.¹ She already
knew what Rosalyn Carter would
learn to her cost when she sat in on
cabinet meetings, what Nancy Reagan
learned when she made personnel de-
cisions. Eleanor Roosevelt carefully
wrote out the rules for being a proper
wife of the president:
Always be on time. Never try to
make any personal engagements.
Do as little talking as humanly
possible. Never be disturbed by
anything. Always do what you're
told to do as quickly as possible.
Remember to lean back in a pa-
rade, so that people can see your
husband. Don't get too fat to ride
three on a seat. Get out of the way
as quickly as you're not needed.
Mrs. Roosevelt did not break every
one of those rules-she could always
ride three on a seat. But most of them
she shattered with flair. She lived in a
time of crises: her husband was also
breaking the rules; government was it-
self being redefined, and vastly ex-
panded, in the grips of Depression and
world war. Mrs. Roosevelt visited the
troops, in the Pacific Theater and in
Britain, like a queen mother. During
ing in the wings, has declared disaster
too, posed title problems to the elec-
this war on an imperial scale, she be-
relief her project.
torate. What to call our non-king puz-
came a kind of democratic empress, a
These Projects exemplify the social
zled the Republic's first generation.
task for which her upper-class breed-
good works of the well-born that
"Mr. President" was finally chosen
ing fitted her as much as did her lower-
Thorstein Veblen considered a "con-
after more honorific terms had been
class sympathies.
spicuous consumption" of socialites'
suggested and abandoned. As head of
time.³ They resemble the mission soci-
state, the president symbolizes values
M any things did not go back to "nor-
eties to which ladies flock in Dickens's
like continuity and stability, just as a
mal" after the war-but the role of the
novels-or in Harper Lee's To Kill a
hereditary monarch does. That is why
president's wife did. Bess Truman and
Mockingbird: "Right then and there I
the type has been so fixed-a white,
Mamie Eisenhower were more seen
made a pledge in my heart. I said to
male, married Protestant, middle to
than heard, and they were not even
myself, when I go home I'm going to
upper class, with children and dogs.
seen very much. Mrs. Truman stayed
give a course on the Mrunas and bring
He comes straight out of Central Cast-
in Independence for long stretches
J. Grimes Everett's message to May-
ing. The exceptions only underline the
when her husband was in Washington.
comb." This kind of activity not only
rule. One bachelor (Buchanan). One
Mrs. Eisenhower was so reclusive as to
conforms to one of the oldest stereo-
Catholic-and not till 1960. No di-
prompt rumors about secret drinking.
types of female concerns but sends a
vorced man till 1980. No woman, Jew,
Things began to change with the far
message by its very singleness: The
or African American.
more visible Jacqueline Kennedy, who
isolable problem can be tended, in a
Other societies, even more sexist
stable society, without calling into
than ours, have had women leaders of
¹Conover Hunt-Jones, Dolley and the
government-Golda Meir, Indira
"Great Little Madison" (American In-
³Thorstein Veblen, The Theory of the
Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher. But those
stitute of Architects, 1977), pp. 12-17.
Leisure Class (Penguin, 1967), p. 96.
women came up through parliamen-
²Joseph P. Lash. Eleanor and Franklin
4Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
tary ranks-and more conventional
(Norton. 1971). p. 612.
(Lippincott, 1960), p. 244.
types were installed as ceremonial
20t5
legislative assistant until Kennedy's
her back in a foster home to await a
heads of state. Our president is both
death, was asked to put together a
possible adoption that might serve
the head of state and head of govern-
conference of young leaders and old,
some ideal "best interests." Joseph
ment-which explains the pressures
he called the newly graduated Hillary
Goldstein told me that his book did
toward familiarity and repetition. If
Rodham to come as a young leader. At
not advocate court intrusion into fam-
even the elected member of the mar-
the conference, sponsored by the
ily life. It tried to set standards for the
riage is a conservative symbol, how
League of Women Voters, Hillary met
least detrimental intrusion where that
can we expect the unelected spouse to
several people who would continue to
became necessary to protect the rights
break out of the more severe in-
be important in her professional life,
of the child. "The proof that we set
hibitions put, in the past, on female
including Vernon Jordan and Edel-
useful guidelines is that the book has
conduct?
man himself. Edelman had recently
been translated into Japanese, French,
Yet changes are coming, and fast.
married Marian Wright, the veteran of
Swedish, Danish, and other languages,
No part of our society-not even
the civil rights movement who was the
where the cultures of child-raising are
African Americans, or gays, or
first black woman to pass the bar in
all different."
Catholics-has had its social role
Mississippi. When Marian Edelman
Rodham rounded out her work on
more drastically redefined than the fe-
spoke at Yale Law School during Rod-
children's rights by consulting with
male part. Girls now grow up expect-
ham's first year there, the law student
doctors at the New Haven Hospital to
ing higher education, work, careers,
was so impressed that she asked to
create rules for child-abuse cases.
the power to choose their future. The
work during her summer break for Ms.
Again, the "best interests" were not
pill gave new autonomy to women's
Edelman's nascent Washington Re-
always obvious. It seems clear that no
sexual activity, as abortion has to their
search Project (which would soon be-
child should be abused; but is remov-
fertility (once the defining aspect of
come the Children's Defense Fund).
ing an abused child from parental
womanhood). The pattern of the tradi-
Edelman said she could not, yet, pay
power always the least detrimental
tional president's wife could not be
Hillary anything; but Hillary got a
available alternative? "For some
more distant from this generation's ex-
grant for civil-rights research that sup-
young children, abuse may be the only
perience and aspirations-a fact con-
ported her during her first summer in
attention the child got; so when you
firmed by the resistance to Mrs. Bush's
Washington. Edelman sent her to
remove it, there is an extraordinary
appearance at the 1990 Wellesley Col-
work with Walter Mondale's subcom-
guilt: 'I must have done something
lege commencement. She seemed, to
mittee studying the plight of migrant
really terrible because now they do not
workers ten years after the explosive
even want me.'" Rodham also found
some, a visitor from another eΓa.
In the future, it will be hard to find a
documentary Harvest of Shame. Rod-
subtler abuse when parents sought
spouse of the Barbara Bush type
ham did interviews with workers and
sterilization of "very slightly retarded
linked to any rising politician. This is
their families, assessing the hardships
children," or abortions when the girl
not simply because of Hillary Clinton.
their children suffered. It was the be-
desired the child. Her articles on child
Other candidates have had lawyer-
ginning of a long engagement with
rights are being used by Pat Robertson
wives (Nicola Tsongas. Ruth Harkin,
these problems. In later summer proj-
and others to show that she wants chil-
Hattie Babbitt, Marilyn Quayle) or
ects, she studied children's cases in
dren to get abortions without parental
spouses of some other professional
California and in segregated schools.
consent. "But most of my experience
commitment. If Hillary Clinton should
in New Haven," she said, "was exactly
break the barrier, it will be by inches
Back in New Haven, she became
the opposite-the parents wanted the
only. And if not she, then another,
involved in the Yale Child Studies
abortion, to avoid shame, humiliation,
Center, working with Sally Province
or embarrassment."
soon. Whoever the new-model wife,
she will break rules on the scale of an-
on infant distress. Rodham got per-
Through Marian Edelman, who
other Eleanor. Future Noras are
mission from the law school to fashion
served on the Carnegie Council on
a special (extra) year of study devoted
Children, Rodham collaborated on
clearly going to find, in the White
House, their Doll's House.
to children's rights under the law. She
what became Kenneth Keniston's
did research for a book, Beyond the
influential work, All Our Children.6
If Hillary Clinton does it, she will be
Best Interests of the Child, written by
"Marian, Pat Ward, and Hillary did
an appropriate symbol of her sisters'
her family law professor, Joseph Gold-
the research for the chapter on legal
concerns. When she returned to give
stein, and other faculty members.⁵
protection of children," Keniston re-
the commencement address at her col-
This was the first of three widely used
members. That chapter deals with
lege, it was the second time she had
volumes that explored the inadequa-
children's rights to education-not
spoken to Wellesley graduates. In
cies of the legal formula that guides
only in conflict with parents who
1969, her classmates had demanded
courts in cases of child abandonment,
would keep their children out of
that they be given. finally, some voice
neglect, or abuse. Judges are supposed
school but with school authorities who
at their own commencement. They
to consult "the best interests of the
irresponsibly suspend or expel chil-
chose Hillary Rodham, the president
child." The book made the point that
dren. It also dealt with rights to medi-
of their student government, to be the
these interests cannot be considered in
cal care-not only in conflict with par-
first such speaker, and she consulted
isolation from the real limits of each
ents (e.g., Christian Scientists) who
situation. The authors proposed a new
might refuse a doctor's ministrations
widely to find out what others wanted
standard: "The least detrimental avail-
but with parents who irresponsibly im-
her to say. It was the earliest public in-
able alternative."
pose on children experimental or ex-
dication of her concern that young
This standard was made real to
treme treatments (sterilization, shock
people be given more responsibility
Hillary Rodham because she had also
treatments, lobotomies). But "the first
for their own lives. This desire, she
volunteered to work with the New
right of a child is to a parent, where
said, is not a mere "liberal" or radical
thing:
Haven Legal Services. One case she
that is possible," as Keniston sums up
dealt with involved a foster parent, a
the main theme of his work.
There's a very strange conserva-
black woman in her fifties, who had
tive strain that goes through a lot
raised a child of mixed (black-white)
Hillary Rodham's absorption in chil-
of New Left collegiate protests
parentage while the competency and
dren's rights was such that she did not
that I find very intriguing because
claims of the birth parents were con-
interview with any law firms in her last
it harkens [sic] back to a lot of the
tested in the courts. "The woman was
year at law school, though her record
old virtues, to the fulfillment of
caught in a classic bureaucratic bind,"
made her prime recruiting material.
original ideas. And, it's also a very
Hillary Clinton recently said in an in-
Instead she went to work full time for
[sic] unique American experience.
terview. The courts decided, after a
the Child Development Fund. She left
It's such a great adventure. If
long process, that the parents had re-
that, temporarily, for what she calls
the experiment in human living
linquished all claims, but that the
"the chance to be a part of history" on
doesn't work in this country, in
"best interests" of the child could not
the House impeachment staff studying
this age, it's not going to work
be served by the foster parent, who
Nixon's Watergate-related actions.
anywhere.
now wanted to adopt the child, since
Most of the time she was squirreled
The speech got coverage in the na-
that parent was fifty years old, single,
away doing legal research in Washing-
tional press, so that when Peter Edel-
and not prosperous. The court took
ton, but once, when she accompanied
man, who was Robert Kennedy's
the child away from the one concerned
John Doar, the director of the staff, to
source of stability in her life, and put
a press conference, Sam Donaldson
PHOTOCOPY: Review
PRESERVATION
⁵Joseph Goldstein, Anna Freud, and
Albert Solnit, Beyond the Best Inter-
6Kenneth Keniston, All Our Children
ests of the Child (Free Press, 1973).
(Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978).
ran after her, saying, "How does it feel
to be the Jill Wine Volner of the im
peachment committee?" (Wine Vol-
ner was the woman lawyer in the spe-
cial prosecutor's office.) She went to
no more press conferences. "The most
tedious work was transcribing the
Nixon tapes. One we called the Tape
of Tapes-it was Nixon taping himself
while he listened to his tapes, invent-
ing rationales for what he said. At one
point, he asked Manuel Sanchez [his
valet], 'Don't you think I meant this
5
when I said that?"
3
All this time Rodham was seeing
Bill Clinton, who had returned to
Arkansas. Keniston says, "We knew
that anyone who came back from Ox-
ford with a stronger Arkansas accent
was made for politics." Peter Edel-
man, who had not yet met Clinton,
thought Hillary was throwing away
her great talents when she went down
to Arkansas to teach with Bill. At the
law school in Arkansas, Rodham set
up a legal aid service for indigents.
When an Arkansas community tried
to close a youth commune formed
nearby, she defended the commune.
"The judge loved that case-it was
the first time he ever wrote on consti-
tutional issues," she says.
She tells how a woman jailer called
her to say that an itinerant preacher-
lady was going to be committed in an-
other Arkansas town. This is just
wrong," the jailer said over the phone,
"this woman is not crazy-she just
loves the Lord." Since the woman's
court hearing was, just hours away,
Professor Rodham had to collect her
student aides and drive straight to the
town. The judge threatened to keep
throwing the unpopular woman
preacher into jail every time the legal
services people got her out. Hillary
talked to the woman, found she had
family in California, and told her,
"People need the Lord in California,
too." Then she persuaded the judge
that it was a lot cheaper to pay for a
plane ticket to California than to sup-
port the woman in an Arkansas mental
home.
It was out of her varied experiences
in clinics, hospitals, and research
teams that Rodham wrote her early ar-
ticles on children's rights that have
drawn so much attention. She was try-
ing to find a theoretical framework for
pioneer efforts on a child's rights.
According to Joseph Goldstein, the
articles are not as nuanced as his own
work would become later on, but they
reflected what was the best opinion
then. In arguing for an assumption
(not a ruling) of competency on the
part of children, unless that can be dis-
proved, Rodham was trying to find a
rule that would let, say, a thirteen-
year-old get education or medical care
if a parent denied it, or have a voice in
choosing a foster parent.
One of the philanthropies that
helped launch Marian Edelman's
prize-winning work for children was
the New World Foundation, set up by
an heiress to the McCormick Reaper
fortune for the promotion of peace,
civil rights, education, and spiritual
values. Vernon Jordan and Peter
Edelman came to serve on the foun-
dation's board and so, in time, did
their friend Hillary Clinton, who was
elected to the chair in 1987. Colin
PHOTOCOPY
Greer, the president of the founda-
PRESERVATION
tion, remembers that Clinton opened
up the board and the award process to
The New York Review
greater participation of women and
minorities. David Ramage, now presi-
dent of the McCormick Theological
Seminary, was the president of the
foundation when Clinton arranged a
conference on women's issues to help
the board assess grant proposals. He
told me, "The group was extremely di-
verse in every way-class, ethnicity,
background-and it argued on most
matters. But I was astounded when the
4 of 5
problem of physical safety came
up-all the women were united on the
tremendous importance of that. I had
never realized how much women live
in fear. I went home and constructed a
chart I called The Security Circle, to
guide us in working for reforms." That
was in 1985, long before the scale of
abuse and harassment was appreciated
by the public.
Some of the hundreds of grants
made by the foundation have been
criticized-although most of those
singled out were given in the year
Clinton, in the chair, was not voting on
particular grants. A grant to the Chris-
tic Institute has been attacked be-
cause the Washington office of that or-
ganization has made unsubstantiated
charges against the government; but
the grant went to the Christic Institute
South, which has long been involved in
civil rights work familiar to the Edel-
mans; and it was given to promote vot-
ing rights and those advocating them.⁷
A grant to the National Lawyers
Guild, a favorite target of Joseph Mc-
Carthy in red-baiting days, supported
education on the issue of apartheid.⁸
(New Worldwas one of the first foun
dations to divest its portfolio of South
African investments.)
Colin Greer says that Clinton was
always good at questioning the practi-
cality of grant proposals. This sense of
practical reform, developed partly
from her work with Marian Edelman
on the plight of actual children, was
evident in the work she did for her
husband's educational reforms in
Arkansas. She went all over the state
conducting citizens' forums, talking to
school boards and teachers, immersing
herself in the details of teacher testing,
curriculum standardization, and stu-
dent competence tests. She overcame
the opposition of the teachers' union
and helped pass the program by testi-
fying before the legislature. It was a
striking achievement for a woman
from the North working in a conser-
vative southern state. Even John
Robert Starr, the former editor of the
Arkansas Democrat, a relentless oppo-
nent of Bill Clinton, told me: "If he
does go to the White House, Hillary
will be the best First Lady since
Eleanor Roosevelt-or maybe the
best ever."
B the White House is not a gover-
nor's mansion. Candidates who have
weathered many state campaigns find
that standards are not so much higher
as different when the presidency is at
stake. The conservative "role model"
aspect of the office narrows choices to
the safe and the predictable. An
abrupt departure from the practice of
former tenants causes unease. And
that is even more true for the Presi-
dent's wife. The possibility that a
PHOTOCOPY
The New World Foundation Report
PRESERVATION
for the Years 1987 and 1988, pp. 16,
35.
New World Foundation Report, p. 13.
50f5
woman may give advice triggers very
witchcraft 10 Reagan could take advice
by their husbands. They have to adopt
ple deeply involved with the problems
old fears of disruption in the sexual
from Michael Deaver; but when the
a Project because they had none
of poverty and racism. She has femi-
"chain of command." Eve had been
same advice came from Nancy Rea-
prior to their arrival. (When Margot
nist associations, having been, for ex-
the devil's instrument in Eden; and
gan, it was resented as baneful, as
Perot was asked, during her husband's
ample, the founding chair of the ABA's
literature is full of overweening
almost unconstitutional.
shadow candidacy, what her Project
Women's Commission
women seeking power. The right-
The White House is one of the few
would be, she asked the reporter to
In Arkansas, the FOBs and the FOHs
wing journal The Spectator presents
places left in modern life where a
suggest one to her.) Hillary Clinton
meshed usefully; but a vision of two
Ms. Clinton as Lady Macbeth. Richard
wife's subordination to her husband
would arrive not only with ongoing
power centers in the White House re-
Nixon said of her, "If the wife comes
and his career is considered not only a
concerns but with an influential net-
mains deeply disturbing to conserva-
through as being too strong and
duty but the highest duty. She is not
work of allies in the legal, philan-
tive Americans. Even in the campaign
too intelligent, it makes the husband
to have an independent sphere of in-
thropic, and civil rights fields.
there are rumors of conflict between
look like a wimp." That had been the
terests and friends. One thing that
"Bill's people" and "Hillary's people."
case even for an obviously strong
frightened people about Eleanor
M
uch has been made of the FOBs
This would surely escalate fears in the
president like Franklin Roosevelt. His
Roosevelt was that she had formed
(Friends of Bill), that large web of
White House. But the constitutional
cousin Alice Roosevelt Longworth
a network of civil rights and peace and
contacts Clinton formed as he reached
situation makes such fears chimerical.
was quoted as saying, "Franklin is
labor contacts quite different from her
out from Arkansas by way of George-
There is no First Lady, only a wife (or,
one part mush, and three parts
husband's. In retrospect, we see that
town, Oxford, Yale, and the Demo-
later, a husband). A spouse's ability to
Eleanor," and the journalist Doris
as a beneficial way of complementing
cratic Leadership Conference. But
help is not a legal power but a matter
Fleeson called Eleanor "a Trojan
FDR's differently focused life; but at
Hillary went down to Arkansas bring-
of suasion; no husband has been brow-
mare. Franklin sometimes denied
the time it seemed to many an en-
ing with her an equally important cir-
beaten in that office to do what he did
Eleanor's influence on specific mat
croachment, almost a usurpation.
cle of loyal friends (FOHs). Through
not want to do. Franklin Roosevelt
ters: it was all right for him to take
Most presidents' wives come into of-
Peter Edelman, Burke Marshall (her
was coaxed into things he was at first
advice from unelected male aides
fice with their worlds defined entirely
law professor), and John Doar (her di-
disinclined toward (e.g., giving atten-
like Louis Howe or Steven Early,
rector on the impeachment staff), all
tion to the NAACP). Few people doubt,
but there was something sinister
Robertson attributed support for the
of them former Robert Kennedy
any more, that Roosevelt was a better
about a woman's exerting influence or
ERA in lowa to "a socialist, anti-family
political movement that encourages
aides, she has many Democratic Party
president because of his independent
offering advice. Pat Robertson at-
women to leave their husbands, kill
ties. Through Marian Edelman (who,
wife. He was hardly bewitched. But it
tributes such female aggression to
their children, practice witchcraft, de-
as a young lawyer, joined Doar in his
has come time for the career woman,
stroy capitalism and become lesbians"
efforts against violence in Mississippi
even in the White House, to be
Lash, Eleanor and Franklin, p. 620.
(AP dispatch, August 25, 1992).
during the Sixties) she met many peo-
de-witched.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
women
P31-8
THE NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1992
The Real Hillary Factor
By Deborah Tannen
But the real Hillary Factor is the
taken seriously. Like Hillary Clinton,
ration for which the wife is held re-
double bind that affects all successful
you are damned if you do and damned
sponsible. When evidence accrued
or accomplished women - indeed, all
if you don't.
that Hillary Clinton was a devoted
STANFORD, Calif.
women who do not fit stereotypical
When the Clintons protected their
mother, Time magazine found her
hile I was a
images of femininity: women who
daughter, Chelsea, by keeping her
guilty of "yuppie overdoting on her
W
guest on a
are not clearly submissive are seen
away from campaign publicity, opin-
daughter."
radio
talk
as dominating and are reviled for it.
ion polls showed that people thought
No woman can escape the Mother-
show
dis-
Women who do fit the images are not
they were childless, a damning aber-
hood Bind. If you're not a Mother,
cussing how
you're a Failed Woman. If you are a
women's
Mother, you can't have enough atten-
and men's differing conversational
tion to pay to serious work. If you are
styles could lead to misunderstand-
paying attention to serious work, you
ngs, a man called to say that he and
must be a Bad Mother.
his wife got along very well because
We heard Hillary Clinton called a
hey agreed there could be only one
"hard-headed careerist." What ex-
DOSS in the house and he was it.
actly is a "careerist"? On the model
The host responded that she did not
of "sexist," is it someone who dis-
see why anyone had to be boss: rela-
ionships are, after all, partnerships;
oth partners share equally in re-
sources and rights.
Serious women
When she was done, pleased with
he self-evident rightness and clarity
still aren't
of her statement, she took another
call. It was from a man, who said:
'That's what's wrong with you wom-
taken seriously.
n. You want to dominate us."
She replied: "Excuse me for a mo-
nent. I'm going to scream." She then
lid, right into the microphone: long,
criminates on the basis of careers?
high-pitched and wordless. It was a
Or like "feminist," is it someone who
scream of frustration and bewilder-
supports the rights of careers? Or,
nent. It was a scream about the
more likely, is "careerist" just a
Hillary Factor.
meaningless word that brings to
The Hillary Factor, when the
mind the negative image of a woman
phrase was coined, referred to the
who has a career - negative simply
question: Will Hillary Clinton help or
because she works in a profession
inder her husband's chances?
where she shows commitment and
expertise rather than in a job she
Deborah Tannen, author of "You Just
doesn't care that much about?
Don't Understand: Women and Men
I live with the Hillary Factor. I
n Conversation," is a fellow at the
have often been told at conferences:
Center for Advanced Study in the
"You're nothing like what I expected.
Behavioral Sciences.
Johanna Goodman
You're softer and nicer." I ask,
"What made you think I'd be any-
thing else?" The answer: "Because
you've published so much." A woman
who succeeds, people seem to as-
sume, must be tough and mean, un-
feminine and unlikable.
It is reassuring that the Republican
attempts to make Bill Clinton's wife
into "Willary Horton" failed, but it is
instructive that the attempt was
made. It forced us to ask: By what
logic could it be scary rather than
comforting for a President's wife,
who everyone knows will have his
ear, to be unusually intelligent,
knowledgeable and accomplished?
And to answer: By no logic at all. The
hope was to incite emotions - fear
and anger - that confront women
who do not conform to the old molds.
Though the Hillary Factor appar-
ently has been laid to rest in the
Presidential campaign, it is good to
have a name for the double binds
women will be grappling with for a
long time to come.
eggs and sperm in the five-gallon buckets are later placed in
anced against the others.
oxygen-enriched trays where the fry emerge. These eventual-
The spawning of the salmon is a simplification too, serving
ly become the fish in the holding ponds, then the larger fish,
the ends of efficiency. It's a mass-production process, gener-
and so on, until they are released into whatever river or lake.
ating huge inventory. Whatever else you might say about the
The same assembly-line system produces the fish-trout and
designing of the stream, however, it works against the cause
salmon-for every major water system in Oregon. It has for
of efficiency. And that's why I want to praise it. Reinventing
two human generations, ever since the building of the major
glides and riffles, building in overhangs and hollows and back-
dams. That's the point. The dams disrupt the spawning cycle
ups at fifty-yard intervals are not the most cost-effective way
so that it must be artificially recreated, season after season.
to generate units of fish (the hatchery is). The designing of the
Without that system there would be no fish in the rivers above
stream is admirable because it's trying to put things right, to
the dams, no fishermen buying fancy reels, potato chips,
put things back the way they were before the dams and the
Budweiser, and four-wheel drives, voting for their favorite con-
fishermen and the four-wheel drives. It seems to me there's a
gressmen.
kind of necessary humility in that, a necessary reverence. The
I wasn't disgusted by the spawning so much as surprised. I
designing of the stream is not an effort to impose a convenient
hadn't given fish much thought. My images of salmon in rivers
structure on the natural world but an effort to understand the
were images of the natural and spontaneous, the nonhuman.
complexity and chaos and randomness of what was already
But here, too, more is happening than meets the eye. Beneath
there, before us. And, of course, that effort must ultimately
the surface is complexity, irony, and contradiction: teams of
fail. We can never get it entirely right. Nature will exceed us.
specialists, special interest groups, government bureaucracies,
And yet I came away from Portland Creek calmed, heart-
the profit-motive, contested history.
ened. Trying to design a stream involves the contemplation of
As I reflect on that day, what I keep thinking about is how
water, the observation of its endless flow, of the bending of the
different the two operations felt, how different their effects
alder and willow, of the sky overhead. It involves looking at
were on me. Both the designing of the stream and the spawn-
the rocks, seeing the leaves fall, trying to understand how the
ing of the chinook are unnatural, human activities, involving
water moves.
plans and at some points heavy equipment. But I can't help
I'm all for it. I think the government should try designing
thinking of the designing of the stream as a better thing to try
as many streams as possible, improving the technology as best
to do.
it can. It couldn't make things worse-could even divert us
The dams are huge, with far-reaching effects, but the sill
from more damaging pursuits. It would give jobs to the un-
logs on Portland Creek, with the boulders and the anchor-
employed millworkers. And even if the projects failed for fish
ing cables, are small, their effects local. Each log is itself a
or the arrogant came away unchanged, there would still be
small dam, the water shooting off it into tiny pools, pouring
some P-5 pools with the alder leaves shining like pennies. There
over silt in shallows. But the logs and their cables will dis-
would still be the riffles and glides, and the sound of water,
appear in a few years, hidden by gravel and cobble and the
the endless rushing and flowing and eddying of water, beneath
flow of deepening water. Unlike the huge dams, the stream
trees.
CHRIS ANDERSON
project is not a grand simplification of a single system, its
Chris Anderson, a frequent Commonweal contributor, teach-
logic easy to understand. The replication of the stream is ex-
es at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He is the author of
ceedingly complex, each piece in the system delicately bal-
Free/Style: A Direct Approach to Writing (Houghton Mifflin).
OF SEVERAL MINDS Abigail McCarthy
ing our leaders were a horse race or an ath-
letic competition instead of the most im-
portant of our civic responsibilities.
Jamieson begins her book with the ex-
THEY JUST DON'T GET IT
ample of the Willie Horton advertisement
FROM ONE PROSPECTIVE FIRST LADY TO ANOTHER
used in the 1988 Bush campaign and the
resultant news stories because it has be-
come a synonym for the dirty politics of
her title. Consequently, candidate Bill
ccording to the new
most from the beginning, but in recent cam-
Clinton's observation following the
book titled Dirty
paigns their effect has been magnified by
Republican convention in Houston that
Politics (Oxford Uni-
the way in which they are treated by the
Republicans were trying to make Hillary
versity Press) by Kath-
post-Watergate news media. Journalists
Clinton the Willie Horton of this campaign
leen Jamieson, dean of
have virtually abandoned their obligation
was a serious charge, one that no one who
the Annenberg School for Communica-
to inform about issues and candidates'
watched the Republican convention could
tions, slandering, smearing, lying, and
stands to concentrate instead on chasing
take lightly. First ladies and the wives of
distortion have been part of campaigns al-
rumors and analyzing polls, as if choos-
elected presidents have been criticized,
Commonweal
9 October 1992: 9
even vilified, in the past but this is the first
idea of the substance of Hillary Clinton's
torical first lady stuff in his piece which,
time in my memory that the full force of
speeches and the nature of her campaign
while very interesting, wasn't what was
opposition criticism has been formally, ap-
activity.
needed."
parently with the approval of the official
There is no consistent coverage on
Carlson' sown piece is succinct, surface-
party leaders, levied against a candidate's
which I can rely. Attention centers on a
skimming, lively, and predictable. It
wife.
candidate's wife and children in a spas-
sketches a Hillary who has to head back
Never mind that there has been a back-
modic way-and usually when things go
to Little Rock and daughter Chelsea at in-
lash and the heads of the Republican tick-
awry. Admittedly things have changed a
tervals "to feel grounded," a woman pri-
et have been waffling and back-pedaling.
great deal since I myself was involved as
vate about the faith she nourishes by
(The polls have shown that women ev-
a wife in a presidential campaign almost
carrying favorite Scriptures with her, a
erywhere resented the tactic as an attack
twenty-five years ago. The efforts of wife
woman who tends to the earnest and se-
on working women. And in the Wash-
and children then were even more under-
rious yet has a play side. but concludes
ington suburbs a group of stay-at-home
reported than now and often were con-
eventually that Hillary is strong and de-
mothers retaliated by organizing a Hillary
sidered SO inconsequential that reporting
termined woman used to dominating what-
Clinton fan club. evidence that the re-
them accurately seemed unimportant.
ever situation she is in by force of mind."
sentment was not confined to working
Now, so many years later, reporting on
The Wills New York Review article did
women alone.) Marilyn Quayle has writ-
the wives is still very selective. Would we,
much more. He showed readers a Hillary
ten that her rather blatant, if indirect, at-
for example, know as much as we do
Clinton who is "one of the most impor-
tack was misconstrued. The vice-president
about Hillary Clinton if it had not been for
tant scholar-activists of the last two
is quoted as saying that he is sure that
the media concentration on the sleazy
decades, a Hillary who has an impressive
"Hillary is as much help to Bill Clinton
Gennifer Flowers story or on the unbri-
record of altering life for the better for par-
as Marilyn has been to me." But ex-can-
dled Republican attack? True, there seems
ents and children in Arkansas." He doc-
didate Pat Buchanan is sticking to his poi-
to have been a growing interest in wives
uments his characterization with excerpts
sonous guns and so is evangelist Pat
over the years. In 1972 Eleanor McGovern
from her writing and speeches through
Robertson. For good or worse, Hillary
shared a Time cover with Pat Nixon and
1988.
Clinton has been made an issue-the
later Rosalynn Carter had a Newsweek
These show real development in her
Willie Horton issue of 1992.
cover to herself. Columnist Richard Cohen
thought since the 1974 article "Children
Does it matter? Yes, if a recent Time
has attributed this increase to the reporters'
under the Law" to which exception was
magazine cover story [September 141 is
need for celebrity chatter to fill up space.
taken in these pages (Commonweal, May
right. According to poll results, the pub-
The history of the Time piece on Hillary
8 and June 19). Not that Hillary has aban-
lic perception and approval of the candi-
Clinton would seem to bear him out. The
doned her theory that children's legal
date's wife can make the difference in the
interview accompanying the cover was to
rights should equal their competency and
crucial few percentage points needed to
have been done by historian Garry Wills.
ability to take responsibility but she has
win in a tight race. This, then, becomes a
At almost the last minute Wills objected
adopted a more comprehensive approach
tricky proposition because the perception
to the editing of his piece and withdrew
to social problems, largely as a result of
has to be formed by what the public comes
it. leaving Time writer Margaret Carlson
her study of the treatment of children in
to know of her. Whereas the coverage of
scurrying to fill the hole. What caused the
many countries in her capacity as co-chair
a first lady is fairly consistent, the cover-
difficulty over Wills's story? If one can
of The Children's Defense Fund-in par-
age of a candidate's wife is very spotty
guess on the basis of an earlier Wills
ticular the French approach since it is "a
and always has been. Right now, even 1.
story-review in the New York Review of
coordinated comprehensive system
that
despite being an "inside-the-Beltway"
Books (March 5. 1992), it must have taken
links day care, early education, and health
person with some friends rather high in
Hillary too seriously. Carlson is quoted as
care." She helped institute neonatal clin-
the campaign structure, have only a hazy
saying that "there was a great deal of his-
ics to prepare mothers for parenthood and
brought back from Israel a program to help
Political
MALARKEY
impoverished mothers to teach basic skills
campaign
(especially speech skills) to their chil-
BALONEY
dren. As head of the committee to raise
office
educational standards in Arkansas, she ral-
lied community support for changes that
helped parents achieve an educational
system that no longer limited their chil-
dren's futures.
Whether we agree with her approach or
not we cannotdeny that both Arkansas par-
ents and children have reason to be grate-
ful to her and for her.
10: 9 October 1992
Commonweal
The Education of Hillary Rodham
Candidate's Wife Learned to Love 'the System' at Yale Law School
Clinton
Hillary Rodham, shown here as a Wellesley College undergraduate,
impressed her law school classmates as a calming force in trying times.
BY CAROLE BASS
In a way, it doesn't matter which crisis
room. "Hillary showed extraordinary
No one can quite remember what
packed the law school's biggest lecture
poise for someone who was a very young
prompted the meeting. It might have been
hall that night. Whatever the immediate
woman," recalls Abraham Goldstein, a
the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. It might
subject, student rallies all returned to the
Yale law professor who had just been
have been the Kent State massacre.
same themes: frustration, near the boiling
named to replace the outgoing dean.
Or maybe that was the night somebody
point, at a system that seemed incapable of
"There was a lot of angry rhetoric being
torched the Yale Law School library.
serving justice: torment at bells a part of
exchanged. She somehow managed to
There were so many angry and an-
that system, as students at one of the na-
keep the discussion calm."
guished meetings at the law school that
tion's elite law schools; deep moral un-
"It was almost like being a translator,"
year, so many cataclysmic world events,
change. certainty about how best to bring about
says classmate Kristine Olson Rogers,
especially during the
now associate dean for the Northwestern
THE
spring of 1970. In
Two decades later, what people remem-
School of Law at Lewis & Clark College
downtown New Ha-
ber about the meeting is Hillary Rodham.
in Portland, Ore. "Somebody would say
92
ven, Conn., alongside
something in the typical rhetoric of the
the law school, store
Sitting on a table in her customary blue
time. She would say, 'I hear you saying
owners were nailing
bell-bottoms, swinging one leg back and
this,' or, 'If you could be in a room with
CAMPAIGN
boards over their win-
forth, the 22-year-old first-year student
Professor So-and-So, is this what you
dows, fearing riots
presided over the crowded and tumultuous
would say?' Hillary did what nowadays
when thousands of protesters came to
would be international summitry-flying
back and forth between both sides."
town to support the Black Panthers. Many
law students suspected the library fire was
The meeting took place before Rodham
retribution for the law school's insuf-
ficiently enthusiastic embrace of the
Panthers.
spent the summer working for Marian
Wright Edelman, the children's advocate
say, Hillary Rodham was already adept at
2
who would help Rodham focus her pas-
getting the system to work.
sion for doing good. It was nearly a year
The meeting over which she so memo-
before Rodham met Bill Clinton, the po-
rably presided was just one of many emo-
litical superstar-in-the-making who would
tionally charged situations from which
turn her name, along with his, into a
Rodham "emerged as a natural spokes-
household word.
person,'' says Jody Adams Weisbrod,
Already, though, Hillary Rodham stood
who shared an apartment with Rodham
out. Admired for her forthrightness, her
during their first semester.
incisive mind, and her remarkable self-
At a time when many students "didn't
confidence, she impressed her peers-not
feel listened to or acknowledged" by the
exactly underachievers themselves-as
faculty or Dean Louis Pollak, Rodham
someone who would make a lasting mark
"was a mediator, an effective bridge,"
on society.
says Weisbrod, now with the Center on
"She wanted to change the world,
Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colum-
which most of us were naive enough to
bia University. With her knack for sum-
think we could do," says classmate Ros-
ming up students' themes, "Hillary was
alind Fink, who today directs the Office
able to speak to Pollak in a way that no-
on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative
body else could. She was somehow able to
Action at Columbia University. "Now
transmit the message without getting
she's one of the few of us who might be in
overly confrontational or hysterical."
a position to actually do so."
Her peers were drawn to her, Rodham's
classmates recall. "If there was a law
Starting at Yale
school problem, you talked to her," says
Some things have changed since Rod-
Carolyn Ellis Staton, a close friend who
ham's law student days, of course. Her
now teaches at the University of Missis-
last name and her hair color, for in-
sippi School of Law. "She was considered
stance-both widely interpreted as efforts
very wise and very astute."
to polish her husband's political image.
Rodham's ability to lead was already
She stopped wearing glasses and started
well-established by the time she reached
wearing makeup. And the woman who
Yale. She had been president of the stu-
classmates predicted would never become
dent government at Wellesley College,
a corporate lawyer has spent the last 15
chosen by a nearly unanimous vote "to
years as just that at one of Little Rock,
give voice to our hopes" as the first-ever
Ark.'s most established firms.
student commencement speaker, recalls
But she has also spent more than 20
Kristine Olson Rogers, who met Rodham
years at the forefront of children's causes.
their freshman year at Wellesley.
Her work, primarily through the Chil-
But Rodham's prominence at Yale was
dren's Defense Fund, gained Hillary Rod-
especially unusual because women, who
ham Clinton a national reputation in the
made up only 15 percent of the class, were
field long before the current presidential
"still viewed as a minority," notes Wil-
campaign. Every First Lady has a crusade.
liam Coleman III, who shared a beach
Clinton says hers will be children.
house with Bill Clinton their first year in
If Bill Clinton wins the presidential
law school. (That was Rodham's second
election next month, he and Hillary will
year, because she took a fourth year at the
indeed be in a position to change the
law school to do'child-development work,
world. Many of her ideas about what
they graduated together in 1973.)
needs changing and how to go about it
The other women in the class were
were forged at Yale Law School.
''incredibly bright and capable, but in a
Recent articles written about her
quiet, scholarly way," remembers Cole-
haven't given the law school proper credit
man, a partner with the Detroit office
for shaping her views and her career,
of Philadelphia's Pepper, Hamilton &
Hillary Clinton told a gathering of fellow
Scheetz. "Hillary's interests were prob-
law alumni in New Haven this month.
ably more political and more publicly ori-
"Much of what I believe in and much of
ented than [those of] other women in the
what I have worked for, and much of what
class."
I believe is at stake in this election, is
There's some disagreement over how
directly related to my time at the law
much Rodham stood out in the classroom.
school," Clinton said.
Not all of those interviewed shared
It was at Yale that she developed her
courses with her or remembered what she
interest in children's issues. It was there
was like in class. From those who do re-
that she and her contemporaries, "trying
member, an interesting-chough perhaps
to reconcile the reasoned, ordered world
coincidental-gender difference emerges.
we were studying with what we saw
Three male classmates, including Cole-
around us," debated how they could use
man, say Rodham stood out as one of the
the law to advance their social goals.
people who was always prepared, vocal,
And, Clinton said, her experience at
aggressive, with "something sharp to
Yale Law School imbued her with an abid-
ing respect for The System-the same
System that, to many young people at the
time, seemed corrupted beyond salvation.
At age 22, those who remember her
3
Hillary Clinton, Forging Views and
Coming of Age at Yale
say," in the words of Donald Pogue, who
roomed with Coleman and Bill Clinton.
''I remember Hillary as, first and
foremost, a very serious student," says
Pogue, who's now a member of Connecti-
cut's state Commission on Hospitals and
Health Care. "It was a time when, to
some degree, women were permitted to be
intellectually powerful in a way they
hadn't before."
Pogue has an enduring image of Rod-
ham arguing a point with the eminent First
Amendment scholar Thomas Emerson in
his class on political and civil rights. "He
had very high standards, and I remember
her clearly being very successful" at
meeting them.
But two female friends say Rodham's
intelligence and hard work did not set her
apart from her peers. Asked about Rod-
ham's study habits, former roommat
Jody Adams Weisbrod replies, with
laugh: "This was 1969. I don't want to
comment on anybody's study habits, in-
cluding my own. And Carolyn Ellis
Staton says people knew Rodham for her
leadership in the law school community
"rather than her brilliance or her studi
ousness. Everybody was brilliant, every-
body was studious."
With her long brown hair, her round
face, and her thick glasses, Rodham the
law student may have looked a bit mousy.
Far from it, her friends say.
They describe a warm, outgoing young
woman. "She was very interested in doing
things that were good for you, Staton
says. "We used to go to Clark's [Dairy, a
hangout near campus,] to get milkshakes
because they were supposed to be good for
you-we didn't worry about getting fat
then. She dragged me to the Yale gym" to
do calisthenics in those pre-aerobics, pre-
Nautilus days. "I think she really enjoyed
it. It was always, 'Hey, let's go over to the
gym,' and I would groan. Whatever she
did, she did it with zest."
Clinton's hair and last name may have changed, but her
That extended to her relationships with
children's issues has remained constant since law school.
people, where Rodham always looked for
the positive, Staton says. "If I thought
somebody was a nerd or a creep, she'd
turn it around."
One of the people Rodham thought well
of was Bill Clinton, the folksy Arkansan
who arrived at the law school in the fall of
1970, fresh from a year as.a Rhodes schol-
ar at Oxford University. "I remember her
being interested in him from the minute he
came to Yale," Staton says.
The official Clinton story-already a
legend at Yale-has the couple meeting in
the law library one night, after he had
spent months admiring her from afar.
Striding up to Clinton, Rodham suppos-
edly said, "If you're going to keep look-
ing at me and I'm going to keep looking
back, we at least ought to know each
other. I'm Hillary Rodham." Clinton, the
story goes, was so dumbfounded that he
forgot his own name.
That was near the end of the 1970-71
academic year. By the next year, they
were renting a little house together in New
Haven.
As a couple, mutual friends say, Rod-
ham and Clinton were always fun to be
around. Both had lively, inquisitive
minds. Both loved a good argument. And
their styles-he the down-home South-
erner, she the no-nonsense Midwest-
erner-balanced each other perfectly,
their friends say.
"Hillary was a straight shooter-there
was absolutely no BS about her," says
Harlon Dalton, another classmate who
now teaches at Yale Law School. With
Clinton, "she saw right past the charm
and saw the complex person underneath. I
think he found that irresistible."
The feeling was mutual. In the spring of
Albert Solnit, then director of Yale's Child Study Center, recalls Rod-
1972, Rodham had finished her law school
ham as a model student who understood children as complex beings.
requirements, and her original classmates
were graduating. But she decided to spend
a fourth year in New Haven-partly to
Enter Marian Wright Edelman and what
pursue her interest in child development at
Hillary Clinton now calls a "personal
turning point.'
viewed, saying that his policy is never to
In the spring of 1970, her first year at
talk about current or former students un-
the Yale Child Study Center and partly to
stay with Bill.
law school, Rodham read a short Time
less they request it.)
After they graduated, she went to
magazine article about Edelman, a Yale
Katz says that Rodham stood out in his
Washington to work for the Children's
Law graduate and civil-rights lawyer.
large lecture class on family law because
Defense Fund and for the House Judiciary
Then she saw a notice that Edelman was
he taught it more like a seminar, with lots
Committee as it prepared its impeachment
coming to speak at the law school.
of student participation, and because she
case against President Richard Nixon. Af-
Rodham went to the talk. Afterward,
shared his interest in children's rights. For
ter the committee's relentless work forced
she asked Edelman if she could work that
four weeks that semester, he brought in
the president to step down, Rodham fol-
summer for the Washington Research
famed child psychoanalyst Anna Freud to
lowed her heart to Arkansas.
Project, a public-interest organization that
co-teach the class. Later, Rodham helped
A year later, she made a few trips back
Edelman had founded. Sure, Edelman
with research for "Beyond the Best Inter-
East ''to make sure she wasn't missing
said, but I have no money. So Rodham
ests of the Child," a high-profile book
anything," says Staton. Convinced she
scrounged around and came up with the
published in 1973 by Freud, Goldstein,
and Albert Solnit, then director of the Yale
wasn't, Rodham returned to Arkansas and
Law Students' Civil Rights Research
Council Grant. She spent the summer
Child Study Center.
married Bill Clinton.
During her fourth year, Rodham signed
The Children's Crusade
working on behalf of poor families, some
of them living in migrant labor camps.
up for a law school program that allowed
By that time, she had already estab-
"I came back to law school with a
her to spend time at the child study center,
lished her name and her voice as a chil-
receiving course credit but no degree, says
growing commitment to children, and par-
Solnit. She did direct observations of chil-
dren's advocate.
ticularly poor children," Clinton told the
From the time Rodham came to Yale,
law school alumni group. "How lucky I
dren at play, helped the center's nursery-
school teachers, sat in on diagnostic as-
her friends say, it was clear that she would
was, therefore, to find on the faculty peo-
sessments, and was part of a reading semi-
devote herself to public service of some
ple like Joe Goldstein and Jay Katz.'
nar on child-development literature.
kind. But she had only vague ideas about
Katz is a psychiatrist and Goldstein a
how she might do that.
psychologist; both teach courses in family
law. Goldstein's course on children and
the law was a "seminal experience" for
Rodham, says her former roommate Weis-
brod. (Goldstein declined to be inter-
With the kids, Rodham adopted a "very
natural, playful, laid-back approach,"
Rodham was reaching a similar conclu-
says Solnit, who is now a senior research
sion. In November 1973, shortly after
scientist at the child study center and
graduating from law school, she published
commissioner of Connecticut's state De-
an article in the Harvard Education-
partment of Mental Health. "She was one
al Review that Jay Katz describes as
of the best, if not the best, student we've
"pioneering."
ever had from the law school. Even before
Certainly the state should minimize its
she became prominent, we used to think of
interference in family life, since most
her as a model of what a law student could
families are much better than the govern-
get out of the program."
ment at taking care of children, Rodham
What she got out of it, according to
wrote in "Children Under the Law." But
Solnit, was an insight into children's
"the state, representing the community of
needs and rights, and an understanding of
adults, has the responsibility to intervene
the variations in normal child develop-
ment. "One had the feeling that, although
she never considered herself a clinical
expert, she understood that children are
complex beings," Solnit says.
By this time, children's and family is-
sues had come to dominate Rodham's in-
terests. "It was a mutual area of inter-
est-I don't really remember a discussion
of why," says Susan Bucknell, a human-
services planner in Connecticut's state
Office of Policy and Management, who
first met Rodham at the Milford, Conn.,
beach house that Bucknell's future hus-
band, Don Pogue, shared with Bill Clin-
ton. "I think we were all people who'd
come from close families and had a sense
of how essential that is. It was obviously
such a strong concern."
During the same period, Edelman rec-
ommended Rodham to do legal research
for the Carnegie Council on Children, es-
tablished by the non-profit Carnegie Cor-
poration of New York in 1972 with a five-
year mandate to examine the situation of
children in the United States. According to
Kenneth Keniston, a psychologist who
was then at the Yale School of Medicine
and who ran the council, Rodham wrote
"a number of background papers" about
children's legal rights.
The council's basic perspective, Kenis-
ton says, "was that it's impossible and
undesirable to talk about children without
talking about families. To support a kid,
you've got to support the family, 99 times
out of 100." So he scoffs at recent Re-
publican attempts to depict Hillary Clinton
as a radical who advocates allowing chil-
dren to sue their parents frivolously.
At the same time, Keniston was critical
of Beyond the Best Interests of the
DRU NABLER
Child," which he depicts as a brief for
Friend Susan Bucknell shared
allowing parents the last word on their
Rodham's interest in children.
children, no matter what. "There were
cases where no adult happened to be
in cases of severe emotional deprivation or
speaking for the child, where you needed a
psychological damage if it is likely that a
spokesperson, a court-appointed ombuds-
child's development will be substantially
man or so," says Keniston, who now
harmed by his continued presence in the
teaches at the Massachusetts Institute of
family."
Technology.
Children had virtually no legal rights
when Rodham wrote the article. What's
more, she pointed out, the legal reasoning
that categorizes as a "minor" everyone
under 18 or 21 "is artificial and simplistic;
it obscures the dramatic differences among
children of different ages and the striking
Or, as Hillary Clinton might put it,
similarities between older children and
making the system work.
adults."
The system has worked for Clinton her
Writing as a staff attorney for Marian
whole life. From her middle-class up-
Wright Edelman's newly established Chil-
bringing in a Chicago suburb to her edu-
dren's Defense Fund, Rodham suggested
cation at Wellesley (where she started out
abolishing the legal status of minor-
a Goldwater Girl) and Yale Law School to
ity-and with it, the presumption that
her partnership in Little Rock's Rose Law
children are legally incompetent. Instead,
Firm, she has taken advantage of the many
she wrote, lawmakers could undertake an
opportunities afforded her.
area-by-area examination of rights, deter-
She pulls down about $160,000 a year.
mining which could be granted to children
(Her husband's salary as governor is
at what ages. (Legislatures had already
$35,000, up from $12,000 when he was
done this in some areas, such as voting
first elected in 1978.) She sits on numer-
rights and driving privileges, she noted.)
ous corporate boards, including the board
"She was amongst the first" legal
of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., where she's the
scholars to address the question of chil-
only woman. Her appearance at a pizza
dren's rights, Katz says. "It is a pioneer-
party/fund-raiser in New Haven, just be-
ing article. It's not a particularly radical
fore her law school speech, brought in
article. But it calls attention that children
nearly $300,000 from law school alumni
need greater protection by the law."
for the Clinton-Gore campaign.
Scholarship, however, was never Rod-
That's not to say that it's all been easy.
ham's primary goal. Her bent was more
Certainly, as a woman at an Ivy League
practical and policy-oriented than theoret-
law school in the early 1970s, Hillary
ical. As a student, she helped develop
Rodham faced the difficulties involved in
programs for children at Yale's new Legal
making her way in a male-dominated
Services Organization, clinical Professor
world. As an independent professional
Stephen Wizner told a current student
who's married to a presidential candidate,
group that put together a pamphlet for
she has seen the peculiar double standard
Hillary Clinton's visit this month.
of the campaign trail, whereby a political
And Rodham sought out Penn Rhodeen,
wife is apparently expected to devote all
who was handling children's cases as a
staff attorney at the New Haven Legal
her energy-but not too much of her intel-
DRU NADER
Assistance Association. A latecomer to
family and children's law, Rhodeen was
ligence-to getting or keeping a job for
Lawyer Penn Rhodeen: Rodham
her husband.
realizing its importance as he fought the
was passionate and pragmatic.
And Clinton takes pains to recognize
state over its treatment of foster children.
publicly her own good fortune and to call
"When judges decide where some-
on her peers not to be blinded by theirs.
Hillary Rodham.
But that's exactly what happened to
body's kid lives, that really is the most
One in three New Haven children lives in
important kind of trial work that's done, in
poverty, she reminded her law school
As she and her classmates struggled
terms of the long-term impact," says
with moral and practical questions about
audience.
Rhodeen, who's now in private practice in
the future of the country and the role of the
"Those of us who are privileged and
New Haven. "If there's a carload of per-
able to make good livings must always
law in shaping it, "We were given many
ishable fruit at stake in a commercial case,
keep our eyes open to the faces and the
reasons to believe not only that the system
the courts will hold hearings on Saturday,
people behind those statistics. The prob-
can work-that law can be a tool for posi-
practically. But when it came to, in effect,
tive change and for uplifting the human
lems we face today may not be quite as
a perishable kid or a perishable young
dramatic as they were 20 years ago," but
condition-but we were given examples
psyche, that urgency wasn't there."
of how that could be done," Clinton told
they're still "eating away" at "the qual-
It was for Rodham. "Here was a young
the alumni gathering.
ity of our lives together," she told the
kid who had that understanding, when all
Many liberals viewed Richard Nixon's
alumni.
she had done, as far as I knew, was go to
resignation as a tragic illustration of how
It might seem odd that a passionate
Wellesley," Rhodeen says. "How she
polluted our country's political waters had
young liberal who spent four years at an
came to that kind of life understanding
become. Rodham saw it as "a resounding
elite institution of learning during the
was a mystery to me. She was deeply
victory for the system that I had studied
Vietnam War and Watergate, whose sec-
and learned about here."
committed, deeply informed, and a real
ond month on campus was punctuated by
powerhouse on that stuff."
Children, of course, have no voice in
the law school's first-ever student strike,
Rhodeen saw Rodham's pragmatism
the political system and very little voice
where many students dismissed the newly
again in the late 1970s, he says, when she
in the legal system. For Hillary Rodham
appointed law dean as a ''reactionary''-it
wrestled with whether to use a practical
Clinton, changing that is the next frontier.
might seem surprising that this passionate
financial argument to promote child wel-
"The lessons of the Yale Law School
young liberal would take with her, above
fare: the pay-now-or-pay-much-more-later
that I carry with me every single day," she
all, faith in the system.
line espoused by Jesse Jackson, among
old the alumni, "have convinced me that
others. Rodham preferred to stress the
he struggle to continue to define our lives
together using the law
moral reasons for doing right by kids,
is
one
of
the
Rhodeen says. But she recognized the
worthiest we could ever be engaged in."
pragmatic approach as "part of getting the
-American Lawyer News Service
right thing done in the grown-up world."
501 3702946
JAN 10 '93 23:57 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
P.14
THE EDUCATION of
HILLARY CLINTON
Her Journey From Goldwater Girl to First Lady
First of three parts
By Martha Sherrill
Hillary Rodham mostly loved school. Her mind was
Washington Post Staff Writer
inquisitive and impressionable and whatever attention
was missing from boys-not that she missed it-she
he girl looks into the camera lens with
T
got from teachers. She returned their approval with
exquisite smoothness. There's no joking or
loyalty beyond comprehension. When she left Park
wincing or nervous huge smiling. Not too
warm. Not too cool. She's 12 years old.
Ridge for college, law school and, finally, the great
Little hands are flopped neatly one over the
beyond of Arkansas, she kept sending handwritten
letters-single-spaced,
other. The sailor dress is hiked up, absent-mindedly no
both sides of the page-to
doubt, showing some crinoline and knees. She's in sixth
Donald Jones, her youth
grade, this is her class picture, and Hillary Diane
minister from First United
Rodham possesses things already-calm, balance,
Methodist Church. After
white shoes and an easy public smile by virtue of her
encountering her next
overbite in progress. There's an almost unbearable
mentor, Marian Wright
Shirley Temple quality.
Edelman-the founder of
See that older hand resting on her shoulder? Follow
Children's Defense
the arm up. That's Elisabeth King-the lady with
Fund-Rodham would
pointy glasses and pearls and a mouth that doesn't
follow her faithfully, not
know how to smile perfectly every time. She was a
one break in contact, for 23
teacher at Eugene Field Grammar School in Park
years.
Ridge, Ill.-and then later, at Ralph Waldo Emerson
Girlfriends and family
Junior High. She was strict, a mind-made-up sort of
get much the same loyal
person. Scared some kids. Failed some kids. Not our
treatment. After Rodham
Miss Hillary.
married Bill Clinton in
"Hillary was Mrs. King's favorite human being on
Fayetteville-she was 28
Earth," says Ernest "Rick" Ricketts, a classmate.
years old-her mom and
"When she moved on to Emerson Junior High, she
dad and two younger
taught Hillary for two more years."
She never got in trouble. Never got detention. Her
grades were often perfect. Hillary Rodham was a
chronic teacher's pet, a Brownie and then a Girl Scout
whose sash was SO loaded with badges and dazzling
little pins that it's amazing she didn't walk with a stoop.
The burden of all that ceaseless public do-gooding!
When she got to high school, she rejected offers to
have her ears pierced with a needle and potato,
according to her best friends, didn't smoke in the
bathroom, didn't make out with boys in "The Pit" at
Maine South's library, didn't even wear black
turtlenecks.
"Ohhhh no," says Betsy Johnson Ebeling, when asked
if she and Hillary ever cut class. "The only time I
remember us doing that was Senior Ditch Day, kind of
WP
an organized event-and we thought we were being
very daring."
1-11-13
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JAN 10 '93 23:56 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
P.13
Seeking Counsel for the White House
resident-elect Clinton, still unable to pull to-
senior fellow at the Institute for International Eco-
P
gether a White House staff-he's named only
nomics and former deputy assistant secretary of de-
three so far-is eyeing New York attorney
fense for international economic and technology af-
and Justice Department transition team leader Ber-
fairs in the Carter days.
nard W. Nussbaum for White House counsel. Nuss-
Meanwhile, sources say that two Carter admin-
baum. a white-collar defense lawyer and colleague
istration officials often mentioned as potentially join-
of Hillary Clinton's when both were staff members
ing other recycled Carterites in the Clinton foreign
on the House Judiciary Committee for impeachment
policy operation-former assistant secretary for
proceedings against
East Asia and Pacific affairs Richard C. Holbrooke,
President Richard M.
now managing director at Shearson Lehman Broth-
Nixon, is now the
ers Inc. in New York, and Jimmy Carter's former
leading
candidate,
deputy national security adviser and author David
sources say, but
Aaron-are not likely to be going back to govern-
Washington lawyer
ment. It appears that, in Holbrooke's case-per-
Jamie S. Gorelick is
haps in Aaron's too-Christopher was annoyed by
said to be a strong
their pre-election self-promotion as Clinton insiders.
contender for the job.
A new name mentioned for a senior State Depart-
Another New York
TRANSITION
ment job, probably Holbrooke's old job, is Susan L.
lawyer, Susan Thom-
Shirk, director of the Institute on Global Conflict
ases, who ran the campaign advance and scheduling
and Cooperation at University of California, San
operation, has been playing a major, if not almost
Diego. Shirk, a China specialist and a professor of
paramount, role in decisions on staffing the White
political science, is married to another U.C.-San
House. But she still appears set on going back to her
Diego professor of political science, Samuel Popkin,
law firm when the transition is over.
who worked with Clinton pollster Stanley Green-
Harold Ickes, in line to be White House deputy
burg during the campaign.
chief of staff, appears to have weathered a spate of
Also at Foggy Bottom, there is talk that Dennis
news stories about his representation of a labor
Roas, head of policy planning for former secretary
of state James A. Baker III and point man for the
union linked to organized crime. Ickes said he never
Mideast peace talks, may remain on for awhile to
saw any criminal activity when he represented that
provide some continuity for the peace process.
client.
Skip Rutherford, a top aide to designated chief of
staff Thomas F. "Mack" McLarty at Arkla Inc., who
Transiting Out
worked in the campaign, handled Arkansas affairs
At least three Bush administration officials are
for the transition and is now helping McLarty again,
heading beyond the Beltway for their life-after, al-
is expected to come to Washington to continue
though it is only temporary for two of them. The
working for him.
permanent departure from Washington is by Sam-
Campaign consultant Paul Begala apparently has
uel K. Skinner, former secretary of transportation,
turned down a job as chief speechwriter in the Clin-
embattled short-term White House chief of staff,
ton White House, sources say, and it is still not clear
and Republican National Committee official in the
where he will end up.
endgame. He is going back to his home territory of
Chicago to head Commonwealth Edison.
'Global' Issues for Wirth at State?
David Beckwith, meanwhile, the press secretary
to Vice President Quayle, is temporarily headed to
Former senator Timothy E. Wirth (D-Colo.), hav-
Texas to be the press secretary for Kay Bailey
ing lost out on his bid for a Cabinet post, appears
Hutchinson, one of the Republican candidates to fill
headed for a senior job at the State Department,
the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Lloyd Bent-
sources say. Wirth could get a new undersecretary
sen's nomination as treasury secretary.
position that will handle such "global" issues as pro-
And Patricia Saiki, head of the Small Business
moting democracy, environmental problems and
Administration, is heading to Harvard's Kennedy
other concerns.
School for a semester of what she called "an aca-
Wirth's likely new position, a job still being de-
demic environment." The environment actually is
fined, came after Vice President-elect Gore urged
one of time-out for losing politicians-a string of de-
Secretary of State-designate Warren M. Christo-
feated politicians and those between government
pher to work out something-above the assistant
jobs have found temporary safe landing for a semes-
secretary level-for Wirth.
ter at the Institute of Politics, where Saiki will
A leading candidate at the State Department for
spend her spring.
undersecretary for economic affairs is Ellen Frost, a
-Al Kamen
19
JAN 10 '93 23:58 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
P.16
They are all like that, the Rodhams.
So the boys both played football-
Hillary had good looks-straight
A bit on the scrappy side, they veer to-
Hughie was even the high school quar-
blond hair, blue eyes, cheekbones, con-
terback-and their dad came to all the
ward competitive and opinionated, but
fidence-which she grew out of, back
not obnoxious about it. There isn't a
games, but somehow couldn't bring
into, out of, into again. She never
himself to sit in the bleachers with the
family sense of defensiveness, just a
seemed to notice much. Later, when
other parents. Hugh Rodham took a
willingness to take you on "Sure, my
her hair grew darker blond, then
sister is tough as nails," says Tony
lawn chair out, way out along the side-
brown, she never thought of bleaching
Rodham, 38, a private investigator in
lines, and sat by himself.
it until she was in her thirties. Later,
Miami, with a certain familial pride.
"He wanted us to succeed," says
when her mother suggested she might
Hughie,
She's a lot of those things that people
wear makeup, Hillary didn't want to.
have said she was."
"But he didn't want to pressure us,"
This doesn't seem born of shyness or
says Tony.
- "But that's just one facet," finishes
modesty. She debated, took drama
Hugh Rodham-the other brother, a
After Hughie's best game-com-
classes, never stooped or held her head
42-year-old public defender, in Miami
pleting 10 passes out of 11, winning 36
down. "I think she thought [makeup]
to zip--he came home to find his dad
too. "That's her business face. You
was superficial and silly," says Dorothy.
lounging on the sofa. "I got nothing to
"She didn't have time for it."
say to you," Hugh Rodham dead-
Whatever goal lingered in her
know, like your game face when you
panned, "except you should have com-
mind-she has said she wanted to be
play football"
pleted the other one."
an astronaut, her friends remember
Hugh Rodham-father to them
That's how he'd been raised in
her talking about becoming a doctor-
all-is a gruff, macho character, the
Scranton, Pa., anyway. Family came
her focus was far away, years away,
kind of guy who growls disapprovingly
first, but why let them know it? His fa-
another place. "She had absolutely no
at his family but brags about them lat-
ther had come from England, from
vanity," remembers Jeannie Snodgrass
er, quietly, to an unsuspecting neigh-
Northumberland, when he was 4 and
Almo, a high school classmate who
bor. He studied physical education at
wound up working at the Scranton
now runs Kids First, a day-care center
Penn State. During World War II, he
Lace Co. Hugh, one of three boys,
in D.C. "She was totally unconcerned
trained sailors in something called the
worked at the lace company too-
about how she appeared to people-
Gene Tunney Program-kind of like
right out of college during the Depres-
and she was loved for that."
boot camp-before they went off to
sion-but got fed up with lifting boxes
While her girlfriends had crushes,
fight. In today's psychobabble, we'd
for lousy money. He left for New York,
stared at boys, padded their bras, Hilla-
call Hugh Rodham "withholding," un-
then Chicago. In 1937, he met Doro-
ry talked about politics, Sputnik and
less you think having a sense of humor
thy Howell when she applied for a job
sports. "We used to sit on her front
makes a big difference. He was tough
as a secretary at the Columbia Lace
porch and solve the world's problems,"
to please, curmudgeonly, famously
Co., where Hugh Rodham worked as a
says Rick Ricketts, her neighbor and
tight with money, and teasing. He al-
curtain salesman until he went into the
friend since they were 8. "She also
ways drove Cadillacs. He always voted
Navy.
knew all the players and stats, batting
Republican. For 30 years, he had a
Dorothy had grown up in Alhambra,
averages-Roger Maris, Mickey Man-
drapery-making business in Chicago—
Calif.-near Pasadena-but doesn't
tle-everything about baseball."
bought the fabric, printed designs on it,
remember her childhood too fondly or
"None of my kids dated much, until
sewed it, hung the curtains-with only
doesn't like talking about it. Her father
they were older," says Dorothy Rod-
one guy, really, helping him. He did big
was Welsh, in any case, and her moth-
ham. "And Hillary always valued her-
orders-corporations, hotels, airlines.
er-Della Murray-was Scottish and
self very highly. I liked that about her."
And if his two sons ever came along
French and Indian. She found herself in
with him (Hillary seemed exempt from
Chicago, is all. and it was 1937 and
this) to work for a day, he never paid
there was Mr. Impossible. She married
Donald Jones arrived in Park Ridge
them. "Are you kidding?" says Tony.
Hugh Rodham in 1942 after much ro-
when Hillary was in ninth grade. He
"We'd get, like, an extra potato at din-
mantic back-and-forth during wartime.
was 30 years old-fresh from divinity
ner."
Hillary was born five years later. "May-
school, fresh from Manhattan, fresh
When Hillary came home with lots
be that's why she's such an accepting
from the world beyond Slip 'n' Slides
of A's from Eugene Field Elementary
person," Dorothy says of Hillary. "She
and softball games and growling Hugh
School-as she would later from Em-
had to put up with him."
erson Junior High and Maine East
What sort of mother was Dorothy
High School, and then Maine South
High School when it was built-the big
joke in the family was that she'd show
Rodham? Unpretentious. wise, funny.
Hugh Rodham her report card and ev-
"I remember Hillary's graduation from
ery time he would grunt: "You must go
high school," she says, "and being
to a pretty easy school."
slightly embarrassed by the honor
The boys had to follow in Hillary's
medley." It wasn't until years after her
wake of academic excellence, DAR
kids were grown that she got to col-
community service awards and so
lege herself, but when she did, finally,
forth-one gushing teacher after the
at the prodding of her son-in-law Bill
next-but they could play sports to
Clinton, she studied philosophy.
make up for less stellar grade point
"Yeah," says Hughie. "Mom got
averages. "Our parents didn't just pay
straight A's. The women in our family
attention to our grades." says Tony-
are something else. You should meet
my wife, Maria."
the only one of the three not to hold a
graduate degree. "They cared about
everything we did."
WP
1-11-13
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JAN 10 '93 23:57 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
P.15
The pool at Park Ridge Country
brothers went along on the Acapulco wedding trip,
Club wasn't too far away, but she
stayed in the same hotel. In 1987, she moved her
didn't go there, didn't belong-not
parents down to Little Rock, so they could be closer to
that that meant much. Park Ridge
Chelsea. And when she goes to Chicago for high school
wasn't that kind of Chicago suburb, like
reunions-she goes, of course she gues-she still
Lake Forest or Winnetka. It was solid,
stays overnight at Betsy Johnson Ebeling's house.
tidy, not fancy or full of money. It was
right near the airport. The houses
were pretty big though-Hillary Clin-
The country has never waited like this-with such
ten's childhood house, where her par-
conflicting emotions-for a First Lady to move herself
ents lived for 38 years until moving to
into the East Wing. She was surely the messiest
Little Rock-is a gray sort of lady, a
subtext of last year's presidential campaign. At one
stone-brick house that once had a front
extreme you had Pat Buchanan, in the Houston
porch, sitting with dignity and grace on
Astrodome, spitting out the words "lawyer spouse. "On
the corner of Wisner and Elm streets.
the other side, she's provoked a certain amount of
Hillary's old bedroom was painted yel-
weeping. Old girlfriends flood up with affection when
low, had wooden floors and a sun deck.
they start gabbing about Hillary Diane Rodham
Family came first with the Rod-
Clinton. It's a complicated response that somehow gets
hams. Republican politics came next,
to the essence of the Hillary Issue. The world has so
then maybe the church, the public
grossly misunderstood their warm, funny, smart,
school system, the public parks, the
tough. loyal Hillary.
public sense of everything. After World
The Weepers
they describe a friend who never
War II, the suburb boomed with young
families, all growing up at the same
gripes, never self-obsesses, never discusses "the pain"
time, all running in and out of one an-
Bill Clinton caused in their marriage, and who has a
other's houses and backyards, selling
belly laugh you can hear all across the governor's
lemonade, spraining their ankles on
mansion. They describe a friend who never fails to ask
Slip 'n' Slides, playing Parcheesi and
what books they're reading, how their husbands are
checkers while they mended, going to
doing, knows where their children are going to school
the Pickwick Theater for movies, Ted
and what disease their parents are dying of.
& Pearl's Happy House for Cokes.
"What people don't seem to realize," says Sara
"There must have been 40 or 50
Ehrman, a Washingtonian who has known Hillary
children within a four-block radius of
Rodham for 20 years, "is that Hillary's so conventional,
our house," says Dorothy Rodham,
so traditional, so Midwestern, so middle-class. Her
"and within four years of Hillary's age.
taste in art is middle-class. Her taste in music is
They were all together, all the time, a
middle-class. Her clothes. She's very simple,
big extended family. There were more
brilliant, a nice person, and a product of her
boys than girls, lots of playing and com-
upbringing."
petition. She held her own at cops and
So it's just that simple?
robbers, hide and seek, chase and
run-all the games that children don't
play anymore."
One spring, the entire Rodham family went every
Dorothy Rodham named her daugh-
day to Hinckley Park and watched Hugh Rodham pitch
ter Hillary because it sounded exotic
See CLINTON, B2, Col. 1
and unusual. It is a family name, she
thinks. A boy's name too-at the
time-which was a much talked-about,
daring sort of move for Dorothy in Oc-
tober 1947, when Hillary was born at
CLINTON, From B1
Edgewater Hospital on the north side
of Chicago. She weighed more than
and pitch and pitch until his daughter
eight pounds. "Very mature," Dorothy
Hillary learned to belt a curveball. In
laughs, "upon birth."
sixth grade, she started taking piano
Hillary Rodham was also a "good-
lessons from Margaret-Lucy Lessard,
natured, nice little baby," according to
who had a big dark house down the
her mother. How typical. Are we start-
street, with her dead stuffed pets.
ing to get a feel for her personality?
Pomeranians, in a glass case in the liv-
She liked books, being read to. She
ing room. And in eighth grade, she
concentrated on things. Focused. She
learned to square-dance-but didn't
liked figuring problems out. Dorothy
date or anything. Everybody went out
and Hugh Rodham worked their lives
in groups. She was a mimic, a Ping-
around her-their first child, their lit-
Pong player and a wading-pool life-
the Hillary. And when she was 3 and
guard.
her little brother Hughie was born, the
family left its one-bedroom apartment
in Chicago and moved to Park Ridge. It
was 1950. Everybody was moving to
the suburbs.
She was never shy. She wasn't
afraid of things-people or dogs or
anything. says Dorothy. Hillary could
1-11-13
even beat up the neighbor's kids-she
did once, arms swinging, eyes closed-
20t4
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JAN 10 '93 23:59 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
P.17
Rodham. Hillary had grown up going to
First United Methodist-a red-brick
church not too far from their house—
but it wasn't until Jones turned up, the
new youth minister, that certain spiri-
tual teachings started sinking in.
Kids called his Thursday night class
"The University of Life," and, indeed,
Jones gave them a dose of art and real
life, a taste of civilization and civil
rights. He showed them prints of van
Gogh's "Starry Night" and talked about
God and nature. He showed them Pi-
casso's "Guernica" and talked about
God and war and violence. He rented
16mm movies from Chicago-Rod
Serling's "Requiem for a Heavyweight"
and Francois Truffaut's "The 400
Blows"-and talked about them after-
ward, talked and talked and talked. "I
was used to relating theology to pop
culture, theology to art, theology to
the world," says Jones, now at Drew
University in New Jersey. "By the time
I got to Park Ridge, I had read all kinds
of things. I got them reading too."
So Hillary Rodham found herself, a
in her class, or third, or fifth. "There
persuading a young P.E. teacher to go
freshman in high school, reading Paul
Tillich and Reinhold Niebuhr and Die-
was a small group of us at Maine
along as a chaperon. "We thought we
South, competing for the National
would meet boys from all over the
trich Bonhoeffer and Soren Kierke-
Honor Society and other things. We all
world there," says Betsy Ebeling. "but
gaard. "I remember when he brought
knew each other's grade point averag-
the first walk we took on the beach, we
an atheist to the group for a debate
with a Christian over the existence of
es," says Bob Stenson, now an accoun-
ran into three guys from Maine East
tant in Marin County. He remembers
and hung out with them the whole
God," says Ricketts. "There was also a
graduating seventh in the class of
time."
discussion of teenage pregnancy, which
1965-out of 1,000-and Hillary be-
Hillary must have known by this
got the whole congregation upset."
ing around 15th.
time that she had been accepted at
Under Jones's tutelage, there were
"She was strong and secure and
Wellesley for the coming fall. "She was
lake camp retreats with swimming,
graceful-almost aloof," he says. "I al-
set on going to an all-girls school," says
winter retreats with skiing-but he al-
ways felt a little funny around her. She
Dorothy. At first, it was a tossup
so took "The University of Life" to the
South Side of Chicago to meet street
was a tough competitor and formida-
among Radcliffe, Smith and Wellesley,
kids, gang kids, blacks, Hispanics at a
ble. I was always hoping she'd stumble
but when Hillary saw pictures of the
youth center there, actually leading
a little bit."
rural Wellesley campus-the lake in
She liked running for office-or just
the middle, the quaint Victorian class-
them all in a successful discussion of
"Guernica." And in 1962, he took them
running things. She was vice president
rooms, the tiny surrounding town-
of her junior class, then lost the elec-
she decided.
into the city again, to Chicago's "Sun-
day Evening Club," to hear the Rev.
tion trying to be senior president. (Don
Hugh Rodham drove his wife and
Martin Luther King Jr. speak.
Jones, then back at Drew for his PhD,
daughter all the way to Boston in the
"Hillary still talks about it, remem-
still remembers getting her philosophi-
Cadillac. Hughie and Tony, left at
bers it vividly," says Jones. "She says
cal letter about it.)
home, still remember when Hillary
that afterward, I took everybody back-
The fall of her senior year, she
went away to college as their weekend
stage to meet Reverend King. Now, I
worked for the Barry Goldwater cam-
with "the baby sitter from Hell."
can't say that I recall this precisely, but
paign. wearing a sash that said "Gold-
Dorothy Rodham remembers it a lit-
she says that I introduced King to each
water Girl." As a representative of the
the differently, of course. "Aside from a
of the kids, one by one."
student council. came up with the idea
few trips away with girlfriends," she
of holding a mock political convention
says, "Hillary hadn't really been away
II
in the school gym with posters and po-
from home. I loved having my kids
She wasn't a cheerleader, or home-
diums and nominating speeches. "She
around, and when she went to Welles-
coming queen, or one to join the pom-
even had political demonstrations,"
ley, well, it was really, really hard to
pom squad. But Hillary Rodham wasn't
says Ricketts, "planned in the aisles."
leave her. After we dropped her off, I
a valedictorian either. She was more of
That Easter break, Hillary and sev-
just crawled in the back seat," Dorothy
an organizer-and that would be true
en of her girlfriends went to Pompano
says, "and cried for 800 miles."
at Wellesley too. She got mostly A's,
Beach, Fla.-inspired by several view-
was a National Merit Scholar and all
ings of "Where the Boys Are" at the
TOMORROW: Wellesley,
that. top 5 percent, but she wasn't first
Pickwick-renting a station wagon and
Washington and Arkansas
W
1-11
23
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P.18
JAN 11 '93 00:00 SENT BY DNC COMMUNICATIONS OFC
Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
Republican Ross?
Dole is moving in a different-direc-
record of the senator. who suffered
tion. He has long felt that he, not
A secret meeting last month in
Philadelphia has sent an astonishing
grievous wounds for nis country. In
Kemp, is the more legitimate Repub-
frequent telephone conversations last
lican carrying the banner of fiscal
message coursing through the politi-
cal underground: Ross Perot may run
year, Dole tried to get Perot to en-
conservatism, It would be natural for
for president as a Republican next
dorse Republican congressional candi-
him to consider Perot's emphasis on
time.
dates. He failed, but It did not dimin-
the budget deficit closer to orthodoxy
ish their mutual affection.
than Kemp's coolness toward budget-
That is a stretch, considering what
Neither Dole nor Specter would go
balancing strictures. Furthermore,
actually occurred. The facts are that
Perot sat down with two prominent
into detail about what was said in
Perot's often emotional animus
against George Bush's reelection was
Republican senators and was far more
Philadelphia, and Perot did not return
conciliatory toward the Grand Old
our calls. But sources close to the two
directed more against the candidate
Party than he ever was during his
senators report that there is no doubt
than the party.
independent presidential campaign.
about two things Perot said: First, he
After contemplating retirement in
made it clear he is not abandoning
view of bleak prospects for returning
The session encouraged the senators
present to think they might be able to
politics, implying a second run for
to majority status in the Senate, Dole
co-opt the Dallas billionaire.
president in 1996; second, he ex-
was energized by successful surgery
Behind this is a disagreement over
pressed interest in "revitalizing" the
for prostate cancer last year. He DOW
Republican Party.
regards himself as maximum leader of
strategy among Republicans about
That is the exact word he used
the Republican opposition and is COV-
how to cope with Perot and his new
United We Stand grass-roots organi-
about the Democrats last summer.
ering a wide front in seeking to con-
zation: embrace him, or try to sepa-
Since another third-party Perot run
firm that role. He and his predecessor
rate him from his volunteers. That
for president would scarcely revitalize
as floor leader, former senator How-
division, in turn, reflects a power
the GOP, the inference from the
ard Baker, are contemplating a foun-
struggle for the soul of the party.
meeting was that the lifelong political
dation to counter what supporters call
Meeting with Perot in Philadelphia
independent from Texas might don
the "extremists" in the party.
were Senate Minority Leader Robert
Republican colors.
If Dole could achieve what he failed
J. Dole, Sen. Arlen Specter of Penn-
Such a prospect is dismissed by
to do last year and enlist Perot at
supply-side and neo-conservative Re-
least as a Republican auxiliary, it
publicans who tomorrow will form a
would increase the party's numbers
sylvania and New York investment
new organization led by Jack Kemp,
significantly. It also would ehhance
banker Kenneth Langone. As a long-
William Bennett and Vin Weber.
Bob Dole's quest to be Mr. Repub-
time friend and supporter of both
lican.
Perot and Specter, Langone was the
Based on conversations with Republi-
cans in the Perot movement. they see
C 1.103. Creaturs Syndrate Inc.
go-between.
Perot as essentially a Democrat.
Specter's re-election last year
They are setting up a grass-roots
against a (emale opponent who casti-
organization of their own intended to
gated him as the oppressor of Anita
undercut the appeal of United We
Stand-attempting Perotism without
Perot. With typical bluntness, Ben-
Will Kemp or Dole
nett told us: "We should ignore him
and go after his people."
set the GOP
agenda?
Hill would not have been possible
were it not for strong support from
and close collaboration with Pennsyl-
vania's Perot movement, which pro-
duced 18.2 percent of the state total
for president. Specter, a master of
coalition politics, sees Perotites as
key building blocks.
Dole is the Republican leader clos-
WP
est to Perot. Perot admires the war
1-11-13
Chelsea Clinton Goes to School
T
HE ANNOUNCEMENT that the Clintons'
were fierce attempts to pry all sorts of embedded
daughter, Chelsea. will attend private
messages from the explicit one: "As parents we
school in the District was instantly con-
believe this decision is best for our daughter at thus
strued as a vote of no confidence in public schools
time
said the Clintons. Mr. Clinton, so often
generally and in those of the District in particular.
accused of bending like a reed with the prevailing
The ballot's in, many seemed to be saying. The
political winds on this question clearly put politics
Clintons privately rejected the very public schools
aside. No doubt his daughter, just coming out of Little
they so passionately profess allegiance to. Some in
Rock's public schools, had something to say about
the press corps, attempting to deconstruct a terse
what kind of high school she'd like to attend.
statement on the decision to send the young girl to
The rap, of course, is that the Clintons are
Sidwell Friends, spent the better part of Tuesday's
exercising a choice other parents cannot exercise.
briefing asking: How truly committed to public
That's the wicked truth. The Clintons, like other
education can the president-elect possibly be?
families of means, can choose among houses and
We don't think this event is or was about Mr.
doctors and schools and much else. The poor are
Clinton's educational policy. A few public and private
more limited in their choices, which is all the more
schools were canvassed by the Clinton family. Their
reason, as spokesman George Stephanopoulos point-
objective was to find the place where Chelsea Clin-
ed out, to make sure the country's public schools
ton-soon to be a heavily protected. watched, cov-
receive the federal government's scarce resources.
ered and otherwise affected presidential child-might
That's what "choice," as a political issue. is about: the
have the best chance of maintaining at least a degree
diversion of public funds to private and parochial
of privacy and normality in her daily school life.
schools, which Mr. Clinton opposes. He favors in-
Presidential actions are regularly read for symbolism.
stead working toward greater equality and expansion
But this wasn't a decision about where to play golf; it
of educational opportunity in the public schools. This
was a decision about schooling a 12-year-old child who
is a legitimate issue that deserves public debate. but
for the next four years must live. at best, in highly
it is separate from the very special circumstances
unusual, not to say abnormal circumstances. There
affecting a White House child.
The Washington Post
1/7/95
29
Getting Welfare Right
I
N 1988 the Reagan administration and Con-
(providing a federal payment where such support is
gress reached a compromise between carrot
not forthcoming) and liberalizing the food stamp
and stick on welfare reform. The states were
program, particularly for the millions of lower-income
to set up programs putting more pressure on
families with children that face high shelter costs.
welfare mothers to find work but giving them
The president-elect is also under pressure to take
greater support in the meantime. Progress would
such steps as expanding Head Start by making it an
have been slow in even the best of circumstances. In
entitlement. He plainly lacks the funds to do it all.
the weak economy of the past four years, the welfare
the more so because he has pledged first to send up
rolls have gone sharply up instead of down, while
his plans for stimulating the economy, reducing the
states have lacked the funds (to say nothing of the
deficit and achieving health care reform. To some
available jobs) to put the program to a test.
extent he will have to choose among the welfare and
Bill Clinton nonetheless now wants to take further
work proposals-where along the spectrum of wel-
steps in the same welfare-to-work direction. The
fare-to-work he wants to spend the next federal
president-elect, who as a spokesman for the gover-
dollar. What share of the available funds should be
nors helped produce the 1988 legislation, made two
invested in welfare mothers not in the work force
broad proposals during the campaign having to do
what share should be used instead to subsidize the
with welfare and the working poor with children.
already working poor with children who are playing
The headlines went to the one that sounded tough.
by the rules, as the campaign slogan went. and still
To "end welfare as we know it," he proposed limiting
not making it?
benefits to two years, after which those recipients
There are political and procedural limits to what
who could be expected to work but had not found
can usefully be sent to Congress in the first few
jobs would be given jobs by the government.
months as well. The congressional committees to
The defining details (such basic questions as which
which most welfare reform proposals would be
recipients, what work, for what duration and at what
referred are the same ones that must deal with the
wages) were never spelled out, nor the likely consid-
new administration's economic recovery and health
erable cost, nor the relationship to another campaign
reform plans and that have jurisdiction over the lively
theme: that no child of a person who works full-time
subject of trade. There is only so much that. even
year-round in this country should live in poverty. This
assuming the funds were availabie, they could be
second, more carroty approach could become the
expected to accomplish. On welfare reform. Mr.
more important. To achieve it, advocates have urged
Clinton might usefully propose a limited step or two
such steps as increasing the minimum wage, increas-
early on, but otherwise he would be well advised to
ing the income tax credits that supplement the wages
wait, get it right and submit a proposal only when he
of the working poor who have children, putting more
and Congress both are free to give the subject the
pressure on absent fathers to pay child support
attention it deserves.
The Washington Post
1/7/93
20
It's a Personal Decision
Period
The Clintons choosing of id private school for their daughter shouldn't be a political issue
Like most parents. Bill and Hillary
an increasing teen-age pregnancy
levels even in tough inner-city
Clinton want the best for their child
rate and security proolems
neighborhoods He supported school
And like most parents who live in big
Because of the multitude of proor
choice within public schools. but he
cities they face a difficult choice
lems at public schools. .t is common-
pposed private school vouchers.
where to send their child 10 school
place in Washington for parents :o
His commitment to public schools
The Clintons have cnosen :0 sena
choose private schools when income
in Arkansas went beyond campaign
Chelsea. a 12-year-oid eighth-grad-
permits. Years ago. Sharon Prat:
promises. He championed education
er Siewell Friends. a prestigious
Kelly now mayor of the district.
reform. and also sent Chelsea to =
Quaker-run private school in a mid-
enroiled ner children in private
ell-integrated public school :n L:
de class section of Washington D.C.
schools. But private schools are out of
t.e Rock The Clintons' personal deci-
A school means more than education
reach for mos: Americans And
sion :0 send Cheisea to a highly ratec
for the daughter of the next Presi-
therein hes a political dilemma for
private school-where they feel she
dent. any campus she goes °0 must
President elect Clinton
can best make the transition to
balance intellectua. pursuits with
While on the campaign tra:. Circ.
Washington- just that. personal.
very real security concerns.
ton said. "The idea of school encice
As President. Clinton must figure
This will not be the first ::me that i
has been oversoid by some people as à
out now :C improve the nation:
President's child has attended private
oanacea for our problems. The (Bush)
urban public schools. although they
school Historically most children of
Administration says that basically its
are locally financed and controlled
Presidents and other major office-
whole school reform plan 'S a private
Symbols are important. but there's no
holders have attended private choc.s
voucher system. It says' if only
reason that the President-elect's
in Washington Amy Carter vas a
anybody could take their tax money
daughter. or anyone's child. should be
notable exception. she attended pub-
and go to orivate schools. the prob-
used to make a political point. The
lic schools about 15 years agc. Since
iems would be solvec.
Private
rea! debate should focus on how to
then. the district's public schools
schools have their problems. and
give public schools more of the at-
have declined further. plaguec by
there are public schoois that are
tributes that make many private
poor test scores. a high dropout rate.
performing 3: globally competitive
schools so attractive
17/93
WS
Los Angeles Times
88
A Foreign Policy Test
That's Close to Home
Haitian refugee issue will demand Clinton's early attention
F
rom Somaha to Iraq. Bill Clinton
newed surge in the migration oi
will have more than enough
Haitians will occur after the inaugu-
foreign problems to deal with
ration. In order 10 avoid that-and
once he becomes President But a key
"keep Haitians in Haiti." in the blun
foreign policy test for his Administra-
words of one Cinton adviser-the
tion IS shaping up closer to home. in
incoming Administration :S preparing
Haiti.
to break the President-elect prom-
Over the years. many poor refugees
ise to not speak out on foreign issues
have fled Haiti for the United States.
until after his inauguration. Clinton
often making the dangerous 600-mile
office will soon issue a formal state
sea passage in small boats. But that
ment emphasizing that his Adminis-
flow surged after the democratically
tration intends to fully enforce US
elected government of
immigration laws
President Jean-Ber-
while trying :o expe-
trand Aristide was
dite asy!um appeals for
overthrown by a mili-
those Haitians wh.
tary coup in Septem-
claim to be politica.
ber. 1991. Aristide's
refugees.
political supporters
That would be à
joined the mix of poor
good start. but Clinton
people trying to get off
should also prepare for
the island. creating a
the likelihood that
confusing refugee situ-
even a firm public
ation that the Bush
statement may not de.
Administration never
ter desperate people
got a handle on.
from gambling wilt
At first. Bush or-
their lives on the higr
dered U.S. immigration
seas. The next Admin
officials to detain Hai-
istration should still
tian refugees in a spe-
Vessel Of desperation.
have the Coast Guarc
cial encampment on
intercept Haitiar
7193
the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo
boats. but instead of returning the
WASHINGTON,
Bay. Cuba. where each refugee was
passengers to their homeland !!
Angeles
Times
interviewed to determine whether he
should take them to new refugee
or she qualified for political asylum.
centers in the Caribbean. Clintor
But when the camp reached ILS
should ask the U.N. High Commis-
12.000-person capacity, Bush ordered
sioner on Refugees to help set if
the Coast Guard to return all new
those camps. for the problem .S
Hastian refugees to their home island.
international. not just a U.S. issue
without benefit of an asylum hearing.
Clinton should also restate U.S. sup-
So far about 5.000 have been turned
port for Anstide and firmly express
back as a result of that policy, which
American determination to not coop-
is being challenged before the U.S.
erate with any Haitian government
Supreme Court as a violation of
that does not include the controver-
several international treaties that the
sial former Roman Catholic priest.
United States has signed.
After Aristide was elected. there
Bush's Haitian policy was criticized
was a drop in the Haitian exodus to
by the Arkansas Democrat during the
the United States. the first decline in
campaign and that helped create
many years: such was the hope that
the Clinton Administration's potential
he inspired among the poor. A sure
problem. In Haiti. the criticism was
means of preventing a renewec
taken as a signal that the next
stream of refugees from Haiti IS for
Administration would be liberal on
Clinton to do all he can to return
the refugee question: now U.S. imm:-
Aristide to the presidency to which
gration specialists fear that a re-
his people freely elected him
87
Choosing a School for Chelsea
No one can reasonably argue with President-
Clinton's spokesman, George Stephanopoulos, in-
elect and Mrs. Clinton's desire to choose the school
sisted that the Clintons "didn't reject public
they think best for their daughter, Chelsea. That is
schools." But, of course, that is exactly what they
their obligation as parents. But Mr. Clinton also had
did. The reasons were probably those that lead
a larger obligation that he took on by campaigning
many middle- and upper-income parents - even
as an advocate of public education. He has not
those who support public education as an important
served the spirit of that obligation by choosing a
vehicle of social and economic mobility - to opt for
private school, and the handling of this family
private or parochial schools for their own children.
decision has provided ammunition for his opponents
The Washington schools are in big trouble. Five
in the struggle to rebuild public schools.
separate reports criticized them last year. An out-
The public schools are losing support because
side audit said the system was "unstable and mis-
many middle-class parents have rushed to put their
managed." And Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly said she
children in private schools. In settling on Sidwell
would no longer throw "good money
after bad."
Friends, an institution favored by affluent, liberal
Not citing these problems as a factor in this
Democrats in Washington, the Clintons have joined
decision damages Mr. Clinton's credibility. He has
that rush. Were there sound personal, educational
opposed taxpayer-financed vouchers that would
and security reasons? Possibly. But according to
help any student pay tuition at private or parochial
news accounts, the Clintons did not even visit any
schools. Now voucher proponents are needling him
public schools in the District of Columbia.
as a hypocrite who would prohibit poor families
When one of the nation's staunchest advocates
from making the same choice he has made. But that
of public education chooses not to use those schools,
misses the point: Vouchers for private school tu-
he owes the public a clear, detailed explanation.
ition would drain tax dollars from the public
Absent that explanation, educators and students in
schools, weakening them still further.
public schools have every reason to believe he
As a family, the Clintons have made a choice.
views their institutions as second-rate - and to
That decision now makes it even more imperative
question the President-elect's commitment.
that as President, Mr. Clinton fulfill his promise to
That message was reinforced by the dishonest
restore and improve public schools so that all
way in which the decision was announced. Mr.
families will have better choices.
1/7/93
THE NEW YORK TIMES
A Rare Burst of Budgetary Candor
President Bush's final budget is, in some re-
the better. The delay means even more money will
spects, the most honest in years. Unlike his recent
be needed, and that means a bigger deficit. For this,
predecessors, he did not send Congress one last
blame Congress for not acting when it should - and
wish list that he knew would be ignored. And unlike
all of last year's candidates who kept silent on this
his own previous budgets, this one doesn't pretend
universally embarrassing scandal.
the deficit will disappear.
Like it or not, Mr. Bush's budget sets the
His prediction of growing deficits may be exag-
pattern for most Federal spending next year. Some
gerated, but it is no surprise. Regardless of all the
two-thirds of the spending he outlined cannot be
fancy forecasting by Federal number-crunchers,
changed unless programs are redesigned or can-
there is always some politics in the officially pub-
celed. For the most part, President-elect Clinton's
lished estimates.
follow-up budget in early February can only modify
During Mr. Bush's re-election campaign last
details; his real impact won't be felt for still an-
summer, it was politic to project a smaller deficit
other year.
than facts might have warranted. Now, turning the
At bottom, two facts stand out: All budget
problem over to a rival, he presents a gloomier
estimates are just that - estimates. And as the
picture - a $292 billion deficit next year, and
Bush budget shows, the deficit remains huge while
getting worse, compared to the $274 billion he
the problem's resolution remains distant.
foresaw before Election Day.
Wisely, Mr. Clinton did not disparage the new
There are also practical reasons for the darker
estimates. Rather, he acknowledged that the nation
forecast. Congress failed to approve funds needed
faces even tougher choices than he anticipated.
for the savings and loan bailout last year, because
That's a welcome perspective that most politicians
members' antennae told them the less said about it
prefer to avoid.
1/7/93
THE NEW YORK TIMES
65
Schools and the Clintons
The powerful teachers' union. the
in, or else they'll live in the Virginia
National Education Association, has
suburbs. Check out how many union-
its great headquarters building at 1201
ized District teachers send their kids
16th St., NW, in Washington, D.C. It
to private schools or live elsewhere.
represents more than two million un-
That leaves the District's public
ionized teachers. The headquarters
schools and all the children in them
has hundreds of people on its staff, and
pretty much where they were before
it has a multimillion budget. Yet in the
Bill Clinton won the presidency. Right
city in which the NEA is such a power-
now, the District's schools have one of
ful political force, there apparently
the nation's highest dropout rates,
isn't a single public school suitable for
which strikes us as a lot of rational
attendance by Chelsea Clinton. She is
consumers voting with their feet.
going to a private school, Sidwell
We have a suggestion: Why doesn't
Friends in northwest Washington.
Bill Clinton, or maybe Hillary, launch
And yet, sitting fat and rich amid
a full-scale offensive against all the
the rubble of the District of Columbia's
forces that make D.C.'s schools an-
school system, the NEA pronounces it-
able to succeed?
self thunderously against full school
Operation Hillary's Justice of
ehoice for parents, rich or poor, fa-
course would have to confront union
mous or not. The opponents of full
rules that entrench poor teacher per-
school choice have a lot of explaining
formance. But why not? Bill Clinton,
to do.
probably contrary to his own instincts,
President-elect Clinton has made
WALL STREET JOURNAL
1/7/93
gave the unions a lot when he trimmed
bis bargain with the teachers' unions,
his choice position by throwing private
however, so let's push beyond the ob-
schools over the side. We don't see
vious points about school choice to see
why that means the deal extends to
if there isn't something constructive to
letting union resistance to reform drag
build around the Sidwell Friends
class after class of District children
story. The Clintons, after all, are
below the waves.
hardly going to be alone in making this
The core strategy of any such cam-
decision.
paign would be that these schools have
You won't find many Democratic
to be freed to teach, rather than being
appointees coming to Washington and
asked constantly to solve all the other
enrolling their children in the Dis-
ills of American life-handing out con-
trict's public schools. Like most of the
doms in the nurse's office, clinical
Washington policy establishment,
courses in AIDS prevention, compli-
Chey'll also try to get into private
ance with ACLU-approved discipline
schools like Sidwell, where Marian
procedures, environmental sensitivity
Wright Edelman of the Children's De-
training, complying with asbestos
fense Fund sent her children. Vice
mandates or bureaucratic mandates
President-elect Gore, long resident in
yet unborn.
Washington, sends his daughters to
The truth is that dropping Chelsea
National Cathedral School and his son
Clinton into a District junior high
to St. Albans, which he himself at-
wouldn't have budged the schools
tended. Vice President Quayle's sons
monolith an inch. What's needed is for
go to Gonzaga, an unfancy but high-
the Clintons to form up an army-
achieving high school downtown,
mainly of the District's best parents-
which is run by the Jesuits. The Clin-
to rout the bureaucrats and obvious
ton appointees will never be so humble
special interests. By 1996, maybe Chel-
in Washington as when they plead
sea, or any child, would feel proud in a
with these places to let their children
District school.
110
World Bank's Summers
Pentagon Survey
Likely to Get Treasury Post
By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON-Laurence Summers.
Challenges Clinton
the chief economist of the World Bank
and an unsuccessful contender to head
On Cutback's Effect
the president's Council of Economic Ad-
visers. is expected to be named an under-
secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Summers. 38 years old, is ex-
By THOMAS E. RICKS
pected to oversee international economic
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
issues as Undersecretary David Mulford
WASHINGTON - Breaking with Presi-
did in the Bush administration.
dent-elect Clinton's views. a Pentagon
Mr. Summers is currently on leave
study concludes that the economic effects
from Harvard University where he was
of cuts in defense spending are "quite
the youngest tenured professor in the
manageable."
history of the economics department. At
In a report released yesterday. the
the World Bank. he antagonized environ-
Pentagon's Defense Conversion Commis-
mentalists with a sarcastic memo asking
sion contends that the changeover
whether the bank should encourage the
"doesn't pose any extraordinary prob-
migration of "dirty industries" to the
lems" for the U.S. Moreover. the study
Third World. After the memo was leaked
Gore to block him from the chairmanship
of the council. Mr. Summers has been
WALL STREET JOURNAL
said, "Measured by outlays or as a share of
he said in another memo that the com-
gross domestic product. the current de-
fense drawdown is smaller than the draw-
ments should be read in their "original,
highly ironic context."
That led Vice President-elect Albert
E6/L/1
downs that followed World War II. Korea.
or Vietnam."
The commission's conclusion contrasts
sharply with Mr. Clinton's. During his
working on fiscal policy for the Clinton
campaign. he emphasized the need for
massive defense conversion programs. In-
transition.
deed. the commission explicitly disagreed
In other personnel matters, Budget
with his campaign pledge to spend all the
Director-designate Leon Panetta, the for-
money gained from defense budget cuts on
mer chairman of the House Budget Com-
infrastructure projects that would help
mittee, is said to be considering bringing
convert the defense industry and its
several House staffers to his new job.
workers to a peacetime economy.
They include John Angell, currently the
"The short-term impact of the draw-
committee's staff director.
Wendell Primus, an influential aide to
down on the national economy doesn't in
Chairman Dan Rostenkowski of the
itself support the calls for an offsetting
stimulus from new, large federal pro-
House Ways and Means Committee. is
the leading candidate for associate
grams, such as environmental cleanup
efforts, new high-speed train systems. or
budget director overseeing health and
other physical infrastructure.' the com-
other social programs. Mr. Primus has
mission wrote.
long supplied economic and budget
Congress created the conversion com-
analysis to Democrats. Isabel Sawhill of
mission, and its members were selected by
the Urban Institute and Robert Green-
Defense Secretary Dick Cheney.
stein of the Center for Budget and
The commission, however, recom-
Policy Priorities are also candidates.
mended some adjustments in how the
government handles defense spending and
conversion. It said that government dislo-
cation assistance programs are "frag-
mented," among other things, and should
be better coordinated.
In addition. the commission suggested
that the Defense Department change the
way it does business in order to lower
barriers between defense companies and
non-defense firms. The Pentagon, for ex-
ample, should drop its rigid "military
specifications" for products and, in most
cases. simply use commercial specifica-
tions, the commission said.
102
The Clintons choose
artisans of public education mostly defended
P
and that's what they've done here."
President-elect Bill Clinton's choice of Sidwell
There was, to be sure, some dissent from the ranks
Friends as the school at which his 12-year-old
of devotees of public schools. Ward 4 D.C. School Board
daughter will be educated: It was a family
member Sandra Butler-Truesdale said, "It would have
decision. a family choice. based on the unique needs
boosted the morale of educators in this city" had the
and special circumstances of the Clintons and their
Clintons chosen a public school. Michael Casserly, head
daughter. The implication was this: Anyone feeling an
of the Council of Great City Schools, said, "It's an
impulse to criticize the decision should butt out. The
unfortunate vote of no confidence in urban public
Clintons are the ones who know what is best for their
schools." He said it would have been "a good opportu-
daughter's needs.
nity to send a signal to the public school community."
The statement released by the Clinton family said,
The Clinton family and its defenders, in this case,
"After many family discussions and careful consider-
have it exactly right. To the likes of Mr. Casserly and
ation. we have decided that our daughter Chelsea will
Ms. Butler-Truesdale, Chelsea Clinton may be a "sig-
attend the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C.
nal" or a "morale-booster." but to her parents (and to
As parents. we believe this decision is best for our
anybody with the decency to regard people as ends.
daughter at this time in her life. based on our changing
not means), she is flesh and blood. She is their only
circumstances."
child, and her parents are indeed the ones who can best
Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly said in a statement. "Al-
decide what is best for her. It is inhuman to suggest
though I believe the District of Columbia's public
that ideology rather than love and concern should dic-
school system is equally challenging, as a mother I
tate their decision.
understand the family's decision to act in the best
Sidwell Friends, by all accounts one of the finest
interests of their child."
schools in the nation. costs more than $10,000 a year.
Ellen Shearer. spokeswoman for the American Fed-
Fortunately for their daughter. the Clintons will easily
eration of Teachers, said. "Where the Clintons decide
be able to afford that on the president's yearly salary
to send their daughter is a personal decision made by
of $250,000. Although most of them make a little less
two concerned parents. one of whom happens to be the
than that, affordability is not much of an issue for
president-elect."
big-city mayors and big-union presidents and big-shot
Keith Geiger. president of the National Education
White House aides and bigwig educators, either. They
Association. said. "I would not even begin to second-
tend to be fairly well-heeled. So when the time comes
guess what they did to try to do the best thing for their
to decide what is in the best interest of their children
daughter."
given their special circumstances. they have more op-
D.C. School Board Chairman R. David Hall said.
tions from which to select.
"I'm pleased that the Clintons have found a school in
The question is this: Why should school choice de-
Washington that will serve the needs of their child."
pend on how much money you have? Why should other
Mr. Clinton's spokesman, George Stephanopoulos.
parents be constrained in something so basic to the
said. "It's an academically challenging school, and it's
welfare of their children as education in a way that the
a school that Chelsea and her parents feel that she'll
Clintons and other well-off people are not? For oppo-
be challenged and productive and happy in. I think
nents of efforts to broaden choices for those making
they also understand that families have to make
less than $250,000 a year, or for that matter $25,000 a
decisions that are right for them at the proper moment,
year. that question is getting harder to answer.
The Washington 117193 Times
124
Gone, not forgotten
claimed a "terrific" decision, didn't
want students onerced into partici-
Rep Sonny Montgomery, Missis-
pating in any religious exercises.
suppi Democrat. and colleagues will
hold a memorial service this after-
Pay to say goodbye
noon at + for former Rep. Richard
Ichord. the Cold Warrior who died
The invitation reads: You are
Christmas Day. Fittingly, the ser-
cordially invited to a Farewell
vice will be held in the House
Cocktail Buffet in honor of Carol
Armed Services Committee hear-
Hallett, Commissioner of Customs
.1:2 room. where the conservative
$40 per person."
Missouri Democrat was a key
player
Getting plastered
Among the speakers today will
ne Mr. Montgomery, Rep. Ike Skel-
When people in Southern Mary
ton. Missouri Democrat. and Susan
land want to know what's happen-
Livingstone. assistant Army secre-
ing in the nation's capital, they reac
tary for logistics, who was Mr.
this newspaper When they want to
Ichord's administrative assistant
know what's happening to Leroy
during his time in Congress. Ko-
down the street, they pick up a
rean martial-arts expert Joon
copy of St. Marys Today, Southern
Rhee. a longtime friend, also will
Maryland's only locally owned and
speak. Several former staff mem-
independent newspaper.
hers of the House Committee on
St. Marys Today is a fun read
Un-American Activities. which Mr.
that doesn't beat around the bush in
Ichord chaired for six years. also
its reporting. Because of reader de.
will be on hand.
mand, the newspaper has made
Fellow Democrats now consider-
crime and government (yes. outside
.ng military cuts might be re-
the Beltway, there is a difference)
minded of Mr. Ichord's words upon
its top priorities. Back in Novem-
retiring from Congress in 1981:
ber, for instance, when St. Mary's
"You can't be a leader with diplo-
County Sheriff Wayne Pettit and
macy alone. Diplomatic power
County Commissioner Eddie Bailey
doesn't mean anything without the
were linked to an illegal gambling
military power to back it up."
operation but not arrested. the
newspaper went ahead and ban-
nered on its front page, "Pettit &
Lure of the Putomac
The late Richard Ichord (left) presented North Korean President Kim Il-sung
Bailey Gamble With Drug Dealers.
with a statue in June.
Thanks in part to hydrilla, the
When momrists are found guilry
Potomac River is getting cleaner.
of driving under the influence of
Dark-green beds of hydrilla, native
cators. Take them home, wipe off
Chelsea Clinton graduates from
alcohol in St. Mary's County Dis-
to East Asia. have grown tremen-
the muck. paint them your favorite
eighth grade at Sidwell Friends,
trict Court, their names and fines
dously in the river since the weed
colors (fish like orange and purple),
she'll hear words banned at her old
are listed in a regular column head-
was accidentally introduced here
add hooks. and presto!
school in Little Rock and every
lined "DWI Hit Parade."
in 1983. And local bass fishermen
But you'd better hurry, before
other public school nationwide -
And God forbid a St. Marys To-
are delighted with fish sanctuaries
Blue Plains cleans up its act. Also
words from the Bible.
day photographer catching you in
that accompany the grass.
in competition is a New Jersey en-
While Sidwell Friends has no for-
the act of anything your neighbor
Now Potomac fishermen have
vironmental group, Clean Ocean
mal church ties, a school spokeswo-
might frown upon. Poor Richard
something else to be happy about:
Action, which is already recycling
man said yesterday that students
Greenwell was one unfortunate
indigenous fish lures - free ones
the 4-inch applicators (they col-
do attend weekly Quaker worship
soul The newspaper not only ran a
- that can be found all along the
lected 1.600 of them in two hours
services, and she confirmed that
picture of him being handcuffed by
Potomac shoreline, especially down
from one beach) and selling them
graduation ceremonies "do include
the cops, but saw fit to include this
river from the District's popular
for S6 a pop under the name "tam-
reading from the Bible."
caption in large, bold-faced letters
Blue Plains sewage plant.
poons."
Last June, you'll recall, a bitterly
"Maryland State Trooper Tina Will
Go to your favorite Potomac
Yes, they actually catch fish.
divided Supreme Court prohibited
son arrests Richard Greenwell for
beach and find the tidal line (easily
prayers at public school
DWI as he stands plastered in the
:dentifiable by a line of debris). Sift
Church and state
graduations as unconstitutional
parking lot of Bay Center Liquors
The high court. in what the Amer.
last week."
through the garbage until you spot
several 4-inch plastic tampon appli-
Five months from now. when
ican Civil Liberties Union pro-
- John McCaslin
The Washington 117193 Time
123
Clinton Presidential Records
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VITAL
SPEECHES
OF THE DAY
MARKED COPY
VOL. LXI, No. 24
TWICE A MONTH
OCTOBER 1, 1995
$2.25 per copy
$40.00 A YEAR
Womens' Rights are Human Rights
Hillary Rodham Clinton
WHEN FA MILIES FLOURISH. COMMUNITIES AND NATIONS WILL FLOURISH
First Lady of the United States of America - Page 738
The Revolution in Health Care
John Burry, Jr.
THE DUAL SYSTEM DILEMMA
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Ohio - Page 740
America's Smallest Schools: Families
Sandy Garrett
A CHALLENGE TO PARENTS AND EDUCATORS
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Page 742
Downsizing Government
Donald H. Rumsfeld
THOUGHTS FROM THE BUSINESS WORLD
Businessman. Former Secretary of Defense - Page 748
Reflections on Retirement
Warren Bennis
ADVENTURE. RISK AND PROMISE
Distinguished Professor of Business Administration,
Founding Chairman of the Leadership Institute at USC - Page 752
A Free Market Approach to
Bruce Yandle
Environmental Protection
Professor of Economics and Legal Studies. Clemson University
and PERC Adjunct Scholar - Page 754
MATCHING THE PROBLEM TO EACH LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT
The Recovery of America's Industry
L. A. Bossidy
HOW CAN WE SUSTAIN OUR LEAD
Chairman and CEO, AlliedSignal - Page 757
Renaissance of Social Work
John F. Budd, Jr.
COMMUNITY NEEDS BROADEN ROLE
Chairman. Omega Group - Page 760
Why Homeschooling is Important
Samuel E. Blumenfeld
For America
Author - Page 763
EDUCATION AT THE CROSSROADS
Radio Mergermania
Reed E. Hundt
THE PRICE OF OVERCONCENTRATION
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission - Page 766
IMPARTIAL
CONSTRUCTIVE
AUTHENTIC
THE BEST THOUGHT OF THE BEST MINDS ON CURRENT NATIONAL QUESTIONS
Clinton Presidential Records
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
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of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
New
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1996
England
SHERATON TARA, NASHUA, NH
SIGNATURE
1996
Catherine A.
Dunfey Award
T
he Catherine A. Dunfey Award is
given annually to a person who exem-
plifies the personal courage, commitment
and compassion of Catherine Dunfey:
mother, grandmother and great grand-
mother of the Dunfey family. The award
designee will have demonstrated leader-
ship, reflecting a significant and positive
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
impact on a pressing human or social
America's First Lady
condition somewhere in the world. The
Author of It Takes A Village
recipient will also evidence the capacity to
Simon and Schuster
work closely with women and men of
different races, ideologies and professions
while striving to bring about constructive
ALVIN F. POUSSAINT, MD
change in our world.
Moderator
CATHERINE A. DUNFEY AWARD
FEBRUARY 22, 1996
PRESENTED TO HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
AMERICA'S FIRST LADY
ELEANOR DUNFEY FREIBURGER: VICE CHAIR, NEC -- REMARKS
PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD:
JERRY DUNFEY: PRESIDENT OF NEW ENGLAND CIRCLE
MARIA CATHERINE FREIBURGER: JUNIOR, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE
DAME
(35th and youngest grandchild of Catherine and
Leroy Dunfey)
GOOD EVENING. WELCOME To "OUR VILLAGE!" I ON BEHALF OF THE
NEW ENGLAND CIRCLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ALL OUR
GUESTS, I AM HONORED TO BE MAKING THIS PRESENTATION OF
THE 1996 CATHERINE A. DUNFEY AWARD TO YOU, OUR FIRST
LADY.
IT OCCURRED TO ME AS I READ YOUR BOOK -- THAT MY PARENTS
MUST HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE AFRICAN PROVERB YOU DREW ON
FOR THE TITLE OF YOUR BOOK:
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE To RAISE A CHILD."
BUT MY PARENTS' INTERPRETATION OF THAT PROVERB WAS
SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT: THEY MUST HAVE THOUGHT THEY WERE
SUPPOSED TO CREATE THE VILLAGE THEMSELVES!! --
12 CHILDREN
35 GRANDCHILDREN and
36 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN
and, yes, 4 "great-greats!"
(IN FACT, MY MOTHER ENJOYED DESCRIBING OUR CLAN
AS THE"BIRTH OF A NATION!")
2.
MORE SERIOUSLY THOUGH, CATHERINE AND ROY DUNFEY KNEW,
AS WE ALL DO, THAT MERE NUMBERS DO NOT
A FAMILY -- A VILLAGE -- OR A NATION MAKE.
THESE ARE CREATED BY VALUING PEOPLE ONE BY ONE (THE TIME
CONSUMING WAY!) ALL WHO KNEW CATHERINE DUNFEY
EXPERIENCED THIS EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY IN HER. MY SISTER
KAY EXPRESSED IT BEST IN A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE:
"MOTHER," SHE WROTE, "TO YOU WE WERE NEVER A
COLLECTIVE" --
WE WERE, IN A SENSE, EACH AN ONLY CHILD
WHAT DO YOU LEAVE BEHIND?
YOU LEAVE TWELVE LIFETIMES TO RESPOND TO ALL
YOUR YEARS OF CONVERSATION WITH us..."
THE SEED OF THAT CONVERSATION WAS SOWN ONLY 10 MINUTES
"DOWNRIVER" FROM THIS VERY PLACE. CATHERINE MANNING WAS
BORN OF IRISH IMMIGRANTS AT THE END OF THE LAST
CENTURY. THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF HER FATHER AT SEA /
REQUIRED THAT SHE, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS OF HER GENERATION,
LEAVE SCHOOL AT AGE 12 TO WORK IN THE LOWELL TEXTILE
MILLS.
IT WAS THERE THAT SHE MET AND MARRIED ROY DUNFEY./
THROUGH THE YEARS, SHE AND MY FATHER NOURISHED AN
EXTENDED FAMILY, NOT ONLY WITH DAILY BREAD, BUT WITH
CONVERSATION, PUNCTUATED BY HUMOR, SONG, PRAYER AND,
YES, HEALTHY DOSES OF ARGUMENT. THAT CONVERSATION
SPILLED OVER THE KITCHEN TABLE, ACROSS THE COUNTER AT OUR
FAMILY STORE, AND LATER INTO THE CLASSROOMS AND
BOARDROOMS /OF OUR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS.
IT WAS THAT CONVERSATION WHICH CREATED NEW ENGLAND
CIRCLE AND CONTINUES HERE TONIGHT: GENUINE EXCHANGE
ENRICHED BY EACH PERSON'S DIVERSITY OF AGE, RACE, ETHNIC
ORIGIN OR PROFESSION.
3.
IN YOUR LIVING / AND IN YOUR WRITING, MRS. CLINTON, YOU
EMBODY THAT GIFT OF VALUING THE INDIVIDUAL. WHAT IS so
COMPELLING ABOUT YOUR BOOK IS THE RIVETING TESTIMONY--
GARNERED FROM YEARS OF YOUR PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS
WITH PEOPLE --WHOSE STORIES NEEDED A GENUINE LISTENER.
YOUR ADVOCACY FOR ALL CHILDREN COMES STORY BY STORY
(THE TIME CONSUMING WAY) AND SHOWS us, CONVINCINGLY,
THAT IT DOES, INDEED, TAKE A VILLAGE To RAISE A CHILD.
AND IT ALSO TAKES A VILLAGE To SUSTAIN AN ADULT--A VILLAGE
WE HOPE IS REFLECTED IN NEW ENGLAND CIRCLE -- A COMMUNITY
OF CONVERSATION THAT ENERGIZES us TO DO ORDINARY, OFTEN
DEMANDING WORK IN A MANNER THAT YOU SO APPROPRIATELY
CALL "AFFIRMATIVE LIVING."
OUR SUSTAINING VILLAGE IS PERSONIFIED BY THE PREVIOUS
RECIPIENTS OF TONIGHT'S AWARD, PEOPLE WHO LISTEN AND ACT
ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AND ALL PLACES:
(read only the names during delivery of speech)
MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN, YOUR MENTOR AND LONGTIME
FRIEND, WHO IS PERSISTENCE PERSONIFIED WHEN IT
COMES TO GIVING VOICE TO CHILDREN'S NEEDS
DR. CHARLES CLEMENTS, (HERE WITH us TONIGHT)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICIANS FOR HUMAN
RIGHTS, (and a "two-week old father" of a son) WHOSE
MEDICAL BACKGROUND, MORAL FIBER AND CREATIVE
OUTREACH HEAL THOSE TOO POOR AND WEAK TO FIND
HELP ON THEIR OWN
ALBERTINA AND WALTER SISULU, WHO KEPT THE
CONVERSATION ABOUT FREEDOM ALIVE EVEN
IN PRISON CELLS, AND WHO NOW CONTINUE
THAT CONVERSATION IN THE CHAMBERS OF
THE NEW SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT
HENRY HAMPTON, FILM DIRECTOR, WHO, BY KEEPING HIS
4.
EYES ON THE PRIZE, CONVEYED THE TROUBLING, YET
SENSITIVE ACCOUNTS OF PEOPLE'S STORIES THROUGH
AMERICA'S CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE AND DEPRESSION
ARNOLD HIATT, CHAIR OF THE STRIDE RITE FOUNDATION,
WHO, FROM THE BEGINNING LISTENED TO AND TALKED
WITH HIS EMPLOYEES ABOUT THEIR PRESSURES --
THEN DESIGNED AN ENVIRONMENT THAT, MORE THAN
20 YEARS AGO, BROUGHT INTERGENERATIONAL
DAY CARE AND CONVERSATION TO THE WORKPLACE.
WILMA MANKILLER (HERE WITH us TONIGHT), CURRENTLY
MONTGOMERY FELLOW AT DARTMOUTH AND FORMER
PRINCIPAL CHIEF OF THE CHEROKEE NATION. HER
POWERFUL MESSAGE HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT
CALL TO VALUE ORAL TRADITION: "HOW I LONG
To HEAR THEIR VOICES..." SHE SAYS, AS SHE
DEDICATES HERSELF TO REVIVING AND PRESERVING
THE STORIES OF HER PEOPLE.
MARY ROBINSON, PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, A WOMAN WHO
HAS BROUGHT CONVERSATION TO NEW LEVELS--
ACROSS GENDER AND GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS AS
WELL AS TO THE OUTPOSTS OF SOMALIA WHERE
STARVATION OF THE BODY HAS SILENCED so MANY.
HARRY AND CHING LEE WU, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS,
WHO ARE VOICES FOR THEIR OTHERWISE FORGOTTEN
SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN FORCED LABOR CAMPS.
CERTAINLY THROUGH THESE EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUALS, THIS
AWARD SPEAKS OF STAMINA -- "STAYING THE COURSE" --
HEARTENED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE
HELPING HAND ON YOUR "SHOVEL" (TO USE THE IMAGE YOU STILL
VISUALIZE FROM YOUR FATHER'S QUESTION LONG AGO)
THE CITATION SPECIFIES: "THE AWARD DESIGNEE WILL HAVE
DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP, REFLECTING A SIGNIFICANT AND
POSITIVE IMPACT ON A PRESSING HUMAN OR SOCIAL CONDITION
5.
SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD. --THE RECIPIENT WILL ALSO
EVIDENCE THE CAPACITY To WORK CLOSELY WITH WOMEN AND
MEN OF DIFFERENT RACES, IDEOLOGIES AND PROFESSIONS WHILE
STRIVING TO BRING ABOUT CONSTRUCTIVE CHANGE IN OUR
WORLD."
AS DAUGHTER, SISTER, WIFE, FRIEND, FIRST LADY -- AND ABOVE
ALL -- MOTHER OF CHELSEA-- YOU HAVE REMEMBERED YOUR OWN
MOTHER'S SIMPLE, YET PROFOUND STATEMENT: THAT THE
ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL TEACHING IS "A SENSE OF THE GOOD." IN A
MOST RESILIENT AND ADMIRABLE WAY, AT HOME AND AROUND
THE WORLD, THAT LESSON OF YOUR MOTHER HAS DEFINED YOUR
"AFFIRMATIVE LIVING"; IT IS THAT INNER RESOLVE THAT WE
APPLAUD AND HOLD OURSELVES TO EMULATING.
SO THIS EVENING, WE DO NOT MERELY GIVE YOU AN AWARD. WE
BRING FULL CIRCLE -- THE LESSONS PARENTS TEACH us -- IT IS
NOT ENOUGH TO HONOR THEM BY NAMING AWARDS IN THEIR
MEMORY.
WE MUST REMEMBER THEIR CONVERSATIONS -- AS YOU DO IN
YOUR BOOK AND THROUGH YOUR LIFE. IN THAT WAY WE BEGIN TO
CREATE A VILLAGE OF ADULTS WHOSE COURAGE, COMPASSION AND
CONVICTION WILL NOURISH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES WITH DAILY
BREAD FOR THE BODY, CONVERSATION FOR THE MIND AND HEART,
AND A "SENSE OF THE GOOD" FOR THE SOUL.
ALTHOUGH THIS AWARD BEARS THE SINGLE NAME OF CATHERINE
DUNFEY, IT REFLECTS ALL THE CATHERINES AND ROYS, THE HUGHS
AND DOROTHYS, THE VIRGINIAS, THE TIPS AND MILLIES --//
THE LIVES OF OUR PARENTS ARE OUR LESSONS.
WE ARE FORTUNATE INDEED!
MAY THEIR CONVERSATION CONTINUE THROUGH us.
IN THE NAME OF NEC'S FIRST LADY, WE ARE SO VERY HONORED TO
PRESENT AMERICA'S FIRST LADY WITH THE 1996 CATHERINE A.
DUNFEY AWARD.
6
AND
TO PRESENT IT I INVITE TO THE STAGE MY BROTHER JERRY,
PRESIDENT OF NEW ENGLAND CIRCLE -- ALSO THE YOUNGEST SON
AND 11TH CHILD OF MY PARENTS -- AND MY DAUGHTER, MARIA
CATHERINE, JUNIOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME; THE
35TH AND YOUNGEST GRANDCHILD OF CATHERINE AND ROY
DUNFEY.
1724 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-5570
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATIO
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Feelings Toward Hillary Rodham Clinton
Positive toward HRC
Negative toward HRC
57%
51%
48%
44%
43%
44%
43%
39%
33%
39%
38%
35%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
36%
34%
32%
16%
Jan Apr Jul Oct
Jan Mar Jun Sep
Jan Apr Jul Sep Jan May Aug Oct Current
1993
1994
1995
1996
results
The Trust Scale
Other
High trust
12%
in both
22%
Trust neither
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
25%
Average trust
in both
24%
Trust one/not both
17%
(8% High trust HRC/not Bill,
9% high trust Bill/not HRC)
HRC Involvement In Policy
HRC should be involved
HRC shouldn't be involved
in policy development
in policy development
74%
65%
63%
57%
50%
47%
45%
43%
40%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
31%
1997
1993
All adults Men Women Inde-
All adults Men Women Inde-
pendents
pendents
Overview Of The Electorate
HRC core
Other
supporters
10%
14%
Strongly opposed
to HRC
HRC supporters
19%
11%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Non-Democrats
positive to HRC
15%
Opposed
to HRC
15%
16%
Positive to Bill/
not HRC
Overview Of The Electorate
HRC Core Supporters
Non-Dems Pos. to HRC
Women
Non-college grads
Women
Northeast
Blacks
Democrats
Independents
Midwest
Under 35 Liberal
Parents
Crime, drugs, health care,
Education, health care,
racism, education, welfare
jobs/unemployment, crime
50% single/divorced
49% Clinton '96 voters
64% Independents
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Positive to Bill/not HRC
Men
High school/less
Strongly Oppose HRC
Under 35
Union households
Men
Age 35-49
Democrats
South
Over $50K income
Jobs/unemployment, crime,
Whites
College grads
welfare, education, homeless
Republicans
Low '96 turnout
Morals/values, foreign policy,
Strongly anti-HRC policy involv.
budget deficit, welfare
1/4 pro-conservative groups
42% pro-tax cut V. budget cuts
Feelings Toward Hillary Rodham Clinton
Positive toward HRC
Negative toward HRC
57%
51%
48%
44%
43%
44%
43%
39%
33%
39%
38%
35%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
36%
34%
32%
16%
Jan Apr Jul Oct Jan Mar Jun Sep Jan Apr Jul Sep Jan May Aug Oct Current
1993
1994
1995
1996
results
The Trust Scale
Other
High trust
12%
in both
22%
Trust neither
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
25%
Average trust
in both
24%
Trust one/not both
17%
(8% High trust HRC/not Bill,
9% high trust Bill/not HRC)
HRC Involvement In Policy
HRC should be involved
HRC shouldn't be involved
in policy development
in policy development
74%
65%
63%
57%
50%
47%
45%
43%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
40%
31%
1997
1993
All adults Men Women Inde-
All adults Men Women Inde-
pendents
pendents
Overview Of The Electorate
HRC core
Other
supporters
10%
14%
Strongly opposed
to HRC
HRC supporters
19%
11%
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Non-Democrats
positive to HRC
15%
Opposed
to HRC
15%
16%
Positive to Bill/
not HRC
Overview Of The Electorate
HRC Core Supporters
Non-Dems Pos. to HRC
Women
Non-college grads
Women
Northeast
Blacks
Democrats
Independents
Midwest
Under 35 Liberal
Parents
Crime, drugs, health care,
Education, health care,
racism, education, welfare
jobs/unemployment, crime
50% single/divorced
49% Clinton '96 voters
64% Independents
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Positive to Bill/ not HRC
Men
High school/less
Strongly Oppose HRC
Under 35
Union households
Men
Age 35-49
Democrats
South
Over $50K income
Jobs/unemployment crime,
Whites
College grads
welfare, education, homeless
Republicans
Low '96 turnout
Morals/values, foreign policy,
Strongly anti-HRC policy involv.
budget deficit, welfare
1/4 pro-conservative groups
42% pro-tax cut V. budget cuts