Diary Entry - 01/28/1982
Key Facts
President Reagan is woken up at 6:45 a.m. to hear that General Dozier had been rescued in Padua, Italy, after being held by Red Brigades terrorists for 42 days.
President Reagan writes that he is not trying to undo FDR's "New Deal" but is trying to undo the "Great Society."
In Haiti, journalist Richard Brisson is murdered.
Awakened at 6:45 A.M. by Bill Clark telling me Gen. Dozier has been rescued in Padera Italy. Before morning was over I’d called Pres. Pertini to thank him for all his country had done. Their elite anti-terrorist force did a brilliant piece of work. Then I called the General. A lot of prayers were answered this day. Nancy & I visited the F.D.R. exhibit at the Smithsonian. Then back to the W.H. (East room) for a luncheon which brought together all the Roosevelt family plus many who had served in his admin. & current politicos of both parties. The press is dying to paint me as now trying to undo the New Deal. I remind them I voted for F.D.R. 4 times. I’m trying to undo the “Great Society.” It was L.B.J.’s war on poverty that led to our present mess. Back over to the office after meeting with Nat. Black Repub. leaders in the Family Theatre. Another meeting with Repub. Mayors. Then a reception for our medical advisory group. A goodly number of them were students of Dr. Loyal. Oops almost forgot a Cabinet meeting on the ec. & unemployment. I hope I’m not getting too optimistic but several ec. indicators have turned upward indicating that maybe the recession has bottomed out. The mkt. staged the sharpest rise since last March. Dinner at George Will’s—stayed til almost midnight—we were having a good time.
