Diary Entry - 09/21/1982
Key Facts
President Reagan participates in a discussion about the impact of federal education assistance for school districts with a heavy concentration of military personnel.
President Reagan is presented with a Certificate of Honorary Life Membership in the Veteran's Fire Engine Company, Alexandria, VA.
Amin Gemayel is elected president of Lebanon by Parliament.
For starters—meetings with Congressmen—one brought in Miss U.S.A. Then another brought in Miss Teenage America. I didn’t think the rest of the day could go anyplace but down: Miss Teenage was a breath of fresh spring air. A small girl but an outgoing personality that brightened the oval office. She gave me a letter because she said she knew she couldn’t say all she’d like. Later when I read the letter I was even more impressed. She has a deep religious faith and told me of her prayers in my behalf including being with a group that held an all night prayer vigil for me the night before election. It was day of visits—the C.E.O.s of the leading aerospace industries (our friend Tom Jones among them). Then the state chairmen of the JayCees. Barry Goldwater came by & we had a good talk about Taiwan. He hasn’t joined the chorus of those who charge I betrayed our friends on Taiwan. His concern is the China Lobby in the State dept. & what happens when I’m no longer here. Brief meeting with our disarmament ambassadors—Gen. Rowny, Paul Nitze & Richard Stoor. This to send them off as they go back for another round in Geneva. Liz Dole came in, she is now in charge of our effort to wipe out discriminatory laws & regulations against women. We’re making progress. Finally a quick trip downtown to a fundraiser reception for Cong. Dave Emory who is running for the Sen. in Maine against incumbent Sen. Mitchell. He’s a good man.
