GARY HART - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 07/16/1986 - HFSID 265964

GARY HART
Senator Hart thanks Senator Moynihan for his clear thinking an support
Typed Letter Signed: "Gary" as U.S. Senator,1p, 8½x11. Washington, D.C., 1986 July 16. On his personal Senate letterhead to "Dear Patrick" [Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan]. In full: "Most writing about social policy reminds me of the story of the man who, passing a shop with a 'laundry done here' sign in the window, comes back with his dry cleaning, only to find that the shop is selling the sign. Too many analyses present words masquerading as ideas. Your writing and thinking are a vivid exception; reading your comments at the Democratic Leadership Council reminds me what it is that so many others lack - a sense of judgment and conviction. Misguided Democratic policies are not responsible for the problems of our polity. We are engaged in a struggle of ideas, not a personality contest. We need to affirm our values, awaken our imagination, and commit ourselves to the truly new challenges facing our communities. These are simple, true statements that you have the courage to state sharply. Your remarks make clear the steepness of the road ahead of us. The budget and trade deficits will handcuff us into the next generation. The lack of a coherent and comprehensive set of alternatives is our Party's most pressing problem. Yet the poverty of political discourse presents formidable obstacles to that as well. As I try to bring myself to face fighting 'Son of Gramm-Rudman,' I am heartened that you are still making sense. We need to bring about a sea change in our national outlook; a clear view of where we stand is an essential starting point. Thanks for providing it once again. Sincerely," Handwritten postscript: "Excellent - as always!". Gary Warren Hart (born in 1936), a U.S. Senator from Colorado from 1975-1987, contended seriously for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. He was the frontrunner in the 1988 contest until knocked from the race by charges of marital infidelity. Hart later co-chaired the U.S. National Security Commission for the 21st Century, which warned in 1999 that a major terrorist attack on American soil was likely in the near future. DIRECTLY FROM THE SALE OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN. Moynihan (1927-2003) represented New York in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat for four terms (1977-2001). A prolific author, he served in the administrations of four Presidents: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. Lightly creased. Estate inventory numbers at left and upper margins. Pencil note (unknown hand) at upper right corner. Fine condition.