Details
JOHNSON, Lyndon B., President. Three typed letters signed ("Lyndon B Johnson") as President, to Joseph Curran, President, National Maritime Union, Washington, D.C., 10 September 1965 - 18 April 1966. Together 3 pages, 4to, all on White House stationery. Fine.
JOHNSON ON VIETNAM, THOMAS PAINE AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
Three very thoughtful letters to Curran on aspects of Johnson's presidency, appointees, commenting on Thomas Paine's writings and the search for solutions to "problems which often seem defiant of solution." Responding to advice and counsel from Curran, he writes (10 September 1965): "...Beseiged as we are by a whole complex of problems, I have no doubts about our prevailing so long as young Americans voluntarily take up the standards of freedom. Because they have always done so, we are free today; because they always will, we shall remain so." With Curran's approval of the appointment of Robert Weaver, he writes (24 January 1966): "From the first hour of my Presidency, I have determined to search the country to find the highest quality men to serve this government. Whatever progress we make in lifting the level of living in this country will depend in large measure on the kind and caliber of men who are working with me." Reflecting on the writings of Thomas Paine (18 April 1966): "The words of Thomas Paine in the pamphlet that you sent me [probably Paine's The Crisis] were most encouraging to re-read. Any nation that confronts a challenge and survives and triumphs must always be ready to endure times and problems which often seem defiant of solution. I am convinced that there is within the soul and fiber of the American people a freedom flame that simply will not go out." (3)
JOHNSON ON VIETNAM, THOMAS PAINE AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
Three very thoughtful letters to Curran on aspects of Johnson's presidency, appointees, commenting on Thomas Paine's writings and the search for solutions to "problems which often seem defiant of solution." Responding to advice and counsel from Curran, he writes (10 September 1965): "...Beseiged as we are by a whole complex of problems, I have no doubts about our prevailing so long as young Americans voluntarily take up the standards of freedom. Because they have always done so, we are free today; because they always will, we shall remain so." With Curran's approval of the appointment of Robert Weaver, he writes (24 January 1966): "From the first hour of my Presidency, I have determined to search the country to find the highest quality men to serve this government. Whatever progress we make in lifting the level of living in this country will depend in large measure on the kind and caliber of men who are working with me." Reflecting on the writings of Thomas Paine (18 April 1966): "The words of Thomas Paine in the pamphlet that you sent me [probably Paine's The Crisis] were most encouraging to re-read. Any nation that confronts a challenge and survives and triumphs must always be ready to endure times and problems which often seem defiant of solution. I am convinced that there is within the soul and fiber of the American people a freedom flame that simply will not go out." (3)