August 28th - 31st

August 31st

Trinidad & Tobago become independent - 1962

George Maxwell Richards - President



August 30th

"The Late Show" debuts on CBS


David Letterman



August 29th

1965 - landmark album "Highway 61" relesaed, featureing song "Like a Rolling Stone"

Bob Dylan



August 28th

St. Augustine, Florida - the oldest city in the United states of America, is founded in 1565.

Mayor George Gardner

August 27th

The Emmy Awards for television excellence were given out tonight. I'm writing to the host, and to some legendary Emmy winners.

Conan O'Brien

Alan Alda

Mary Tyler Moore

Cloris Leachman

Don Hewitt

Joan Ganz Cooney

August 26th

Oil discovered, first petroleum deposits dug. - 1859

David O'Reilly - Chevron Oil CEO

John B. Hess - Hess Oil CEO

Rex W. Tillerson - Exxon/Mobil CEO

John Prosdick - Sunoco CEO

John Browne (Baron Browne of Madingley) - BP/Amoco CEO

David J. Lesar - Halliburton CEO

August 25th

1718 - The City of New Orleans is founded. This is also a few days away from the one year anniversary of the destruction of New Orleans by Hurrican Katrina. Rather than dwell on tragedy, I am writing to some famous natives of New Orleans to get their take on life in "The Big Easy" and the rebirth of their great City.

Harry Connick, Jr.

Chef Paul Prudhomme

Anne Rice

Jerry Lee Lewis

Harry Anderson

Archie Manning

Fats Domino

Richard Simmons

Ellen DeGeneres

Dr. John

John Larroquette

An "auto" response

Jill Lajdziak


Reference date: June 2nd


I wrote to the General Manager of Saturn Automobiles to let her know how much I appreciated her cars and to ask her for some advice on success. (My wife and I have been Saturn owners since 1995.) The Saturn's durability proved itself when I was involved in an auto accident in June. I'm sure my next auto purchases will all be Saturn.

This is what Ms. Lajdziak had to say:

Chris,

Thanks for writing and expressing your loyalty to Saturn. We are happy to have your family as customers.

As for words of advice:

1) Stay motivated to succeed.

2) Keep abreast of all trends, not just in your line of work.

3) Find out everything you can about your chosen field, the history, the fundamentals, etc. It will make you a stronger person and help you rise above the pack.

4) Keep doing what you seem to be doing with your letter writing project, seeking advice and counsel from others on the "secrets' to success. Each little bit helps.

Finally...

5) Network, network, network!!

Thank again Chris. I wish you lots of success.

- Jill Lajdziak

I sent her a thank you the next day.

August 24th

Pete Rose is banned from baseball for involvement with gamblers - 1989

Pete Rose

Fay Vincent

August 23rd

1990 - Germany (East and West) announces its reunification, just a few months after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Angela Merkel - Chancellor of Germany

August 22nd

Scottish hero William "Braveheart" Wallace executed - 1305

Mel Gibson

Patrick McGoohan

Angus MacFayden

Brendan Gleeson

First Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell

Augst 21st

1st Americas Cup Yacht race - 1851

Dennis Conner

Ted Turner

August 20th

American Bar Association formed - 1878

Michael S. Greco - President

Another comedy legend replies

Mel Brooks

Reference date: February 26th




I wrote a note to Mel Brooks, one of my favorite moviemakers, and a member of a small group of twelve entertainers who have won all four major show business awards (Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy.)

A note came back from his office, which included an autographed copy of a film that I love, his 1983 adaptation of the comedy classic"To Be or Not To Be" (pictured above) in which Brooks starred with his wife Anne Bancroft.

This is what the note said:

Dear Chris,

Thanks for your letter. Mr. Brooks is unable to personally respond to it. His schedule is too busy for him to answer the many letters that arrive on a daily basis.

He did, however, sign the enclosed VHS tape for you. ("To Be or Not to Be" is not yet available on singular DVD.)

Thanks again!

- Brooksfilms

I sent him a thank you the next day.

August 19th

I saw "Snakes on a Plane" tonight. That's right. Snakes. On a Plane. the title says it all. Simple concept, effectively pulled off and a great popcorn film. (I wasn't expecting Shakespeare.) I'm writing to some cast members to commend them for a job well done.

Samuel L. Jackson

Julianna Margulies

Kenan Thompson

August 18th

1992 - USA basketball "Dream Team" wins Olympic gold

Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson

Larry Bird

Chris Mullin

Charles Barkley

David Robinson

Christian Laettner - the only college player to be on the team

August 17th

Wild west outlaw legend Billy The Kid (William Bonney) kills his first victim - 1877.
I'm writing to some of the people who have played Billy or written songs/books about him.

Emilio Estevez

Kris Kristofferson

Larry McMurtry

Charlie Daniels

Jon Bon Jovi

A bestselling author replies

Danielle Steel

Reference date: February 14th






I wrote to legendary author Danielle Steel, who has sold billions of copies of her novels all over the world, to let her know how much my family enjoyed her books, and to ask her for advice in navigating the world of show business. (Many of her novels have been adapted for films.) Her reply was short, and didn't directy answer my question, but I was happy that she took the time out of her busy schedule to write to me.

This is what she said in her email:

Dear Mr. Lucas,

Thank you for your message, Chris. It's wonderful to hear how much you and your family get out of my books, and to know they've inspired you.

While I could give advice about being a writer, I'm afraid I don't know enough about acting and drama to pass on useful words.

I do wish you the best in your career.

Danielle Steel


I immediately sent her a thank you.

August 16th

Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and the place that directly inspired my hero Walt Disney to create Disneyland, opens on this date in 1843 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Lars Liebst- Tivoli Gardens CEO

August 15th

Another defining moment of a generation, though before my time, was the Woodstock Music festival, which opened on this date in 1969 in upstate New York. (Actually at Max Yasgur's pig farm in the town of Bethel, not Woodstock.) The impact of this festival resonates to this day. many have tried, and failed, to duplicate it. I'm sending notes to some of the notable people involved on that memorable day.

Artie Kornfeld - producer

Richie Havens

Joe Cocker

Arlo Guthrie

Joan Baez

Grace Slick

Country Joe

Jon "Bowzer" Bauman - lead singer of the 50's tribute group Sha Na Na (yes, they actually played at Woodstock!)

August 14th

The Solidarity Movement in Poland, an uprising against USSR rule during the midst of the cold war, was a defining event in my life. I grew up in a neighborhood with a lot of Polish immigrants who fled their country because of the opression and now saw hope with this movement. I am writing to the Nobel Prize winning leader of the uprising.

Lech Walesa

August 13th

"South Park" - one of my favorite shows - debuts on this day in 1997

Matt Stone

Trey Parker

Isaac Hayes

August 12th

Still on our vacation to the Jersey shore, we went to the beach today. I don't do too well at the beach (fair Irish skin and all) but I have many fond memories of playing in the sand as a a young kid and testing the ocean's tide. I'm going to write to some people that have connections to the beach and beach related things.

Mike Love - Beach Boys original member

Frankie Avalon - star of "beach" movies of the 1960's

Annette Funicello - co-star of those same movies

James Patterson - bestselling author of "Beach House" and "Lifeguard"

Bette Midler - star of the 1989 film "Beaches"

Barbara Hershey - co-star of "Beaches"

Fred Hassan - CEO Coppertone suntan lotion

President Lincoln replies

Dr. Gene Griessman

Reference date: February 12th




Dr. Gene Griessman is one of the foremost interpereters of the legacy of President Lincoln, and portrays him onstage all over the world. www.presidentlincoln.com

In addition, he is a motivational speaker in great demand. I've read, and been inspired by, many of his books, so I wrote him a note. Here was his reply:

Hello Chris,

How could I not respond to such a flattering letter?

Your letter actually caused me to do a bit of soul-searching.

No single success concept explains any success I may have had. However, I will share three with you.

One, interact with the very best people you can. C-grade lawyers will give you C-level advice. The same for acting coaches, teachers, etc. Look for ways to get to know world-class people. Years ago when Aristotle Onassis was just a multi-millionaire and hadn’t married a President’s widow, he gave a reporter a list of ideas for a young man. One was to buy a drink at the most expensive bar in town. There a young man might strike up a conversation with an older very wealthy man who might want a young man to execute some of his ideas. I suspect Onassis was autobiographical. The idea can be implemented in various ways. I use a very expensive lawyer. I joined Natl Speakers Association so I could be around the best people in the world who do professional speaking.You get my drift? John Huston told me that he positions himself for lucky breaks to occur.

Second, every day I try to learn a little more, know something that I didn’t the day before. I call it the power of incrementalism. A lot of actors are no better today than they were 10 years ago. Why? Because they have no plan to get better.

Three, look for opportunities to leverage what you already know, what you can do well. You may end up re-inventing yourself.

I went to your website and enjoyed it. All the best

Gene Griessman, Ph.D.

Programs on Leadership, Abraham Lincoln,
and Time Management
The Achievement Digest


I sent him a thank you the next day.

A "sweet" reply

Richard Lenny

Reference date: February 14th




I wrote to the CEO of Hershey's Chocolate, letting him know how much I've enjoyed their products over the years, and commending him on the charitable work that the Hershey company does.

Not only did he send me a letter in response to my questions about achieving success in life, he sent me a packet of interviews that he's done over the years with advice for people pursuing their dreams and goals.

This was his letter:

Dear Chris:

Thanks very much for your letter and kind words. The Hershey Company has a rich history in both the business world and in support of disadvantaged children through the Milton Hershey School.

As for your question-- it's no surprise that there are no easy answers or "paint-by-numbers" approach. What I thought might be helpful is to provide some interviews that I've given over the past few years. Much of what you inquired about is included.

I hope you find this to be of help. Much continued success.

Rick Lenny

I sent him a thank you the next day.

August 11th

We took the kids to a great little amusement park just outside of Atlantic City called Story Book Land. It was built in 1955 by a World War II veteran, who had a dream to build a park just for little children that would feature the fairy tales, legends and stories we all grew up with. I'm writing to thank him for his vison and foresight.

John Fricano

August 10th

My family started out on its annual vacation to the Jersey shore this weekend. To keep my sons occupied in the car, we play DVD's. New ones are preferred to ease the boredom. This might be an expensive habit, were it not for a company called Netflix.com I'm writing to the founder and CEO of this DVD subscription company to thank him.

Reed Hastings

August 9th

I read a great article today about the CEO of Cisco and how he prides himself on being accessible to his employees. This is a guy I could definitely work for, and one that I want to seek advice from.

John Chambers

August 8th

Today would have been my Grandfather's birthday. He died 30 years ago. I don't remember much, but I do have memories of him coming home covered in printer's ink. He was a pressman for the New York Times, and he loved his part of the newspaper business. In honor of his birthday, I'm writing to the publisher of "the Old Gray Lady"

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.

Golly Mr. Kent! Jimmy Olsen replies

Marc McClure

Reference date: June 28th



Marc McClure, the very talented actor who is best known for playing Superman's photographer sidekick Jimmy Olsen in the 1978 Richard Donner film, "Superman" starring Christopher Reeve, was nice enough to answer my questions about building an acting career. In addition to his work as Jimmy Olsen (he holds the record for appearing in "Superman" films, he did all four, plus the "Supergirl" spinoff) he played Marty McFly's brother in the "Back to the Future" films, as well as featured roles in "Apollo 13", "Freaky Friday" and "I Wanna Hold Your Hand."

This was his email reply to my letter:



Hey Chris,

Marc McClure here...Thanks for the nice words and I hope life is treating you well.

Your questions of dealing with the business...I've always told people to be at the right place at the right time and what that means is being open to all the opportunities that come your way.

It may be your parents sending you out to mail a letter and a dog bites your leg and on the way to the hospital the ambulance runs out of gas and a good samaritan offers to take you the rest of the way and he has a daughter who works for Larry, the casting director, who just happens to be looking for someone to replace an actor who was let go because he was allergic to the hamster his character carried on his shoulder to pick up chicks....so after getting shots for the dog bite, you go down to meet Larry the casting guy. He tells you sorry, he's found a guy but he'll keep you in mind and as your leaving his office you remember you haven't mailed your moms letter yet....you find a mail box, drop it in and notice trash littered on the sidewalk and you feel bad people aren't looking after our planet.

My advice after all this is there are no accidents. The universe is constantly teaching. Be grateful to all the lessons in a day,good or bad. Just know it's all about the lessons, and if acting is what you feel.. REALLY FEEL... then that is where you'll be. Interviews are opportunities for the future.

Best of Luck from your inspired role model, Marc McLure

P.S You ended up getting coverage from the dogs owner to pay for your hospital visit and when you cashed the check, you treated yourself to a new pair of shoes ...you recognized the guy helping you...he was in a play you saw 4 years prior and he tells you about an open mike night that he does on Tuesdays...so you ask yourself why did this just happen?? The dog that bit you needs to be thanked, your mother for having you go mail a letter needs to be thanked and for just getting out of bed that day, you should thank yourself.. for recognizing that all things matter.


I sent him a thank you email immediately afterwards.

A very talented actress replies

Mary Birdsong


Reference date: August 2



One of the funniest people I've ever seen onstage, Mary Birdsong, is currently appearing in Martin Short's Broadway show, "Fame Becomes Me."

Mary, also a NJ native, was born just a few months before me, and moved to NYC twenty years ago to pursue a career. In the last few years, she's taken off, not only as a stage actress, but in her ensemble role as one of the police officers on the hit TV show "Reno:911" (Soon to be a major motion picture.) More information can be found on her website: Marybirdsong.com.

I wrote to Mary just after seeing her on Broadway, and this was her reply by email:

Chris­,

What a gem you are.

You caught me at a good time. I'm all hopped up from a show and a lot of tea. It will be stream of consciousness and manic and may seem like the ramblings of a madwoman, but if I don't answer now I don't know if I'll make time to do so later. Here goes....

First... You have already done something that I would include in my advice top 10: You asked for help.(lt makes you better informed. And besides, people always love being asked for advice. It makes them feel important and puffs their egos up. My ego is super-puffed right now.) The fact that you have resolved to do this practice means you are miles ahead of a lot of actors who would rather sit on a bar stool and talk about how crappy (insert huge star's name here) is than ask them how they GOT to be a huge star. (I'm not saying I'm a huge star but you get my drift)

Secondly?

Well, it's so general... but I guess I'd say the most important thing is to really stick to what YOU want to express.What turns YOU on as a performer? Don't spend your precious time asking yourself what THEY want you to be. This philosophy is totally applicable even to something as seemingly mercenary and innocuous as a Voice Over audition. Go in there and crack YOURSELF up. Doing THAT instead of trying to get the job is a) more effective, and b) more FUN!

Just keep asking yourself "WHAT DO I WANT TO SAY?" WHAT DO I WANT TO CONTRIBUTE??" I think really paying attention to that is valuable, and it gets to the real essence of what it is to be a performer. It is an act of GIVING SOMETHING. So give something. Every time you audition or perform, give what only YOU can give. So many actors want only to get get get. I think the ones who wind up having the most satisfying careers are the ones who are bringing something to'the party. Their talent. Their take on some lame copy that they can make better, etc. That's all any casting director wants... to feel like you just came to their house and gave them an awesome little present.

And I think it is very important to listen to that really quiet and weird inner voice that says "I kind of have this weird fantasy of doing a show that is all about basket weaving in ancient Mesopotamia." No matter how weird or stupid an idea might seem to you, if it keeps popping up and it excites you, I guarantee you that It will excite others. So DO it.

I have had more good things come from some silly idea that excited me than anything I heard THEY wanted me to do.

Refuse to go away. That's a big one. It took me 20 years to get the Broadway show I wanted. And In those 20 years, I have constantly put up my own shows, or done sketch shows with other people, etc. If no one was hiring me, I kept performing to remind them that I was here and I was worth looking at again. Be a presence. Wherever you CAN be. force people to reckon with you by being a presence in the performing community.

Lastly... cultivate yourself-I mean find out who you are apart from being an actor. Develop hobbies, study weird topics. Have a baby. build a boat. Whatever it is... live a full life outside this crazy industry so you have something to bring to it besides knowing the quickest way to get from Beth Melsky's casting office to Liz Lewis.

I must stop now. I'm thrilled that you liked the show, and thank you for giving me an excuse to avoid some other tasks I should go do now.

All my best,

Mary

P .S. If you come back to the show with your wife, family, etc you must say hi again and tell me all about the big movie you just booked. :)

I replied by email almost immediately

August 7th

My son watches, and enjoys greatly, the DVD of PBS' "The Electric Company" one of my favorite shows as a child. It debuted in 1971 and is still as fun and educational 35 years later. I'm writing to the cast members (some notable names, as you'll see.)

Bill Cosby

Rita Moreno

Morgan Freeman

Irene Cara

A NY Jet with heart answers

Wayne Chrebet

Reference date: January 25th





Back in January, my brother-in-law Terry, a huge NY Jets fan, had back surgery which incapacitated him for a while. I sent letters to a few of his Jets heroes, asking them to send him words of encouragement.

Terry informed me that Wayne Chrebet, who had to retire prematurely himself due to health issues, sent a very nice autographed picture wishing him a full recovery.

I wanted to acknowledge that relpy here.

The Garden Hotline responds

Ralph Snodsmith

Reference date: February 14th





My grandmother and father were avid listeners of Ralph Snodsmith's show, "The Garden Hotline" on WOR Radio here in NYC. At first, I said, why should I listen to this show if I don't know anything about gardening? After a while, I became a fan of Mr. Snodsmith's homespun wisdom, which went well beyond gardening. I let him know how much my family appreciated his show, and this was his reply:


Dear Mr. Lucas:

What a compliment!!! Thank you, your father and your grandmother for listening. And, congratulations to your father for hitting the HOME RUN. (with his wedding at Yankee Stadium)

I've only been on the air for 41 years with the Garden Hotline and have enjoyed almost every moment of it. I say almost, as with the computer age, I've seen the bad side to broadcasting with unbelievably "rude" e-mails. I guess that comes with "today's" responsibilities. Oh, well.

My advice to you "Be yourself," not what someone wants you to be.

Helen Hayes (Mrs. McArthur) who lived in Nyack, NY (I had been to her rose garden many times while an Extension Agent to help her with problems) told that to me many, many years ago while sitting on a bale of straw in an apple orchard during bloom time at Davies Farm, Congers, NY. I also asked her if she ever became nervous before going on stage. Her reply: "Every time until I open my mouth. Then I'm composed again." The same happens to me. I'm nervous right up to air-time or before I get up in front of an audience. As soon as the red light comes (ON-AIR), I'm just me, as calm as a cucumber, sometimes rather wilted though.

I try to be the same person off-air as on-air. What you hear is what you get. With a live audience, the same happens. I generally start with a big mistake that I might have made just to show them that I'm me.

Another mentor, the late Dr. Pascal P. Pirone, Pathologist and Director of Education at the NYBG, impressed upon me that it's all to say "I don't know." He was quite aware that I say that to many callers, particularly from their descriptions. So, I'll keep saying "Don't know."

One more inspiration, the late Thomas Everett, Author of the 3,000,000 word Encyclopedia of Horticulture and Gardening, published by the NYBG. This gentlemen, and I mean gentlemen, had forgotten more in is life that I ever will know. He had a mind like an encyclopedia and never missed a beat.

Sorry for rambling so.......... and best to you and your family. Continued success to you.

KEEP COOL

Ralph L. Snodsmith

I sent him a thank you the next day.

August 6th

I saw the Emmy Award winning HBO movie, "Warm Springs" tonight. It's about President Roosevelt's (FDR) battle to recover from polio at Warm Springs, Georgia. My wife is an Occupational therapist, so she enjoyed the rehabilitation aspects of the film, while I enjoyed the amazing performances. I'm writing to commend the cast.

Kenneth Branagh

Cynthia Nixon

Kathy Bates

David Paymer

Tim Blake Nelson

Jane Alexander

August 5th

1990 - World Wide web (WWW) debuts

Sir Tim Berners-Lee - inventor of WWW

August 4th

It was announced today that the actor Heath Ledger ("Brokeback Mountain") will play the Joker in the next Batman movie. The Joker has always been my favorite comic book character, so I'm writing to Mr. Ledger to congratulate him, and also to his onscreen predecessor in the Joker role.

Heath Ledger

Jack Nicholson

"Chekov" beams up a reply

Walter Koenig

Reference date: June 4th





Walter Koenig, an accomplished actor/writer/director, who is most famous for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov on the classic TV series "Star Trek" sent me a very nice email reply to my letter asking him about the vagaries of showbusiness. He also recommended his book "Warped Factors" which I recommend picking up from Amazon.com or any other bookseller. Here is Mr. Koenig's message:


Dear Chris,

Thanks for your note. Obviously, there are no easy answers to building an acting career. If there were I wouldn't have experienced years of unemployment at different stages in my life.

If there is any one thing I can tell you it's to create your own opportunities as much as it is humanly possible. That would involve taking classes for networking as well as growing, audition for every play that comes along and checking out the independent film making scene in New York and surrounding environs. I know there are groups on the West Coast like Filmmakers Alliance which is an acting-writing-directing-producing cooperative. People there get together to work on their own and others low budget projects. Anything from short-shorts to docs and features are made through these kinds of collectives. You meet people, learn how to make your own projects and the films do get seen at festivals, etc.

I'm not sure I have words of encouragement that can be generally applied as a blanket statement. Some thing work for some people and some things don't. Perseverance, no matter how you manage it is the primary quality aside from talent that you must have. Perhaps knowing that everyone suffers rejection in this business will be somewhat consoling and, then again, perhaps not. My ego is as easily bruised as the next persons's and I've suffered feelings of total defeat, feelings that at the time had me on the brink of quitting forever. On the other hand, there is some king of mechanism operating in my brain that allows me to languish in consuming self-pity for a few days and then lets up sufficiently to try again. There is nor exercise, ritual or mantra that I use for this to occur. It just happens so I'm no good at offering a way of climbing off the canvas again and again over the course of many years to keep plugging away.

I believe you are in your thirties, so I imagine by this time you've come up with your own way to deal with vagaries of career experiences. I guess the one thing I would suggest, as I have suggested to others, is always have another means of making a living. Not only from the aspect of economic survival but as something which, while supplying you an income, will also support your self-esteem. It's extremely important to keep your confidence up and that comes from ego strength.

When things were at their worst - which was after the tv series was canceled - I gave myself the regimen of sitting down several hours a day and writing. It brought structure to my life and gave me a goal that I could direct my energies toward. It doesn't have to be writing of course, it can be anything whether it's creative or not that gives you focus and some measure of satisfaction in the process of working at it.

You might want to check out my autobiography called Warp Factors, A Neurotics Guide to the Universe. It certainly holds no answers but it might give some comfort knowing that you're not out there alone. It's probably available at Amazon.com for just a few bucks.

That's pretty much all I can offer Chris.

The best of good fortune to you.

Walter Koenig

I sent him a thank you email the next day

August 3rd

I saw "Martin Sort: Fame Becomes Me" on Broadway today.

Martin Short

Marc Shaiman

Mary Birdsong

Alan Zweibel

A comedy legend replies

Larry Gelbart

Reference Date: February 26th



Larry Gelbart, creator of the TV show M*A*S*H and writer of Broadway shows like "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and movies like "Oh God" and "Tootsie" replied to questions about show business by email.

Here is his letter:


Dear Chris Lucas,

Thank you for you generous message.

Advice? Still learning myself.

l guess that means the reach for attainment never stops.

And that career moves are not nearly as important as personal growth. Becoming the best possible version of yourself will spill over into your professional life, l promise you.

Best,

Larry Gelbart


I sent him a thank you email the next day.

August 2nd

Whew! It's hot! (I guess that's to be expected in August here in the NYC area.) We've had back to back days of triple digit temperatures, and the rest of the country is faring no better. We're in the grips of a heatwave. To mark the occasion, I'm writing to a few people who are associated either directly or indirectly with heatwaves and staying cool.

Martha Reeves - singer, "Heatwave"

John Sebastian - singer/composer "Summer In the City"

Buster Poindexter (David Johanssen) singer - "Hot, hot, hot"

George David - Carrier Air Conditioners CEO

Jim Rudolph - Rita's Italian Ice CEO

Hosni Mubarak - President of Egypt (one of the hottest nations on Earth)

The 42nd US President replies!

President William J. Clinton

Reference date: February 20th








I was pleasantly surprised to receive a personal letter from former President Clinton, with specific answers to some of the questions I posed to him. Just like Gerald Ford's reply, it came in a cool envelope with the Presidential seal, and no postage stamp, just his signature (former Presidents get lifetime free postage.)

Here is what he had to say:



Dear Chris,

Thank you very much for your letter and your terrific questions.

There have been a number of people who have influenced me throughout my life. One of my professors at Georgetown, Carroll Quigley, was a great mentor to me. He said that,"America is the greatest nation in history because our people had always believed in two things -­that tomorrow can be better than today and that everyone of us has a personal moral responsibility to make it so." I try to live by those words to this day.

You asked me what my hopes for the future are. It has always been my dream that as Americans we learn to celebrate our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Once we accept each other regardless of race or religion, we will truly be able to stand together as one America.

I hope I have been helpful, and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton


I sent him a thank you note the next day

August 1st

MTV debuts - 1981

Martha Quinn

Nina Blackwood

Madonna

Huey Lewis

Mark Knopfler