Letter from George H. W. Bush to His Children on New Year's Eve 1990
12/31/1990
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In late 1990, President George H. W. Bush wrote this letter to his children – George, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Doro – sharing some of his thoughts about the impending war in the Persian Gulf. President Bush expressed his happiness about their family Christmas celebration at Camp David, then expressed his conflicted feelings as he prepared for the possibility of war with Iraq.
In the letter, he discusses his reasoning by bringing up the historical example of Germany's aggressive moves in the lead up to World War II.
In the letter, he discusses his reasoning by bringing up the historical example of Germany's aggressive moves in the lead up to World War II.
And so, here we are a scant 16 days from a very important date- the date set by the uN for his total compliance with all UN resolutions including getting out of Kuwait- totally.
I guess what I want you to know as a father is this: Every Human life is precious. When the question is asked "How many lives are you willing to sacrifice"- it tears at my heart. The answer, of course, is none- none at all. We have waited to give sanctions a chance, we have moved a tremendous force so as to reduce the risk to every American soldier if force has to be used; but the question of loss of life still lingers and plagues the heart.
My mind goes back to history: How many lives might have been saved if appeasement had given way to force earlier on in the late '30's or earliest '40's? How many Jews might have been spared the gas chambers, or how many Polish patriots might be alive today?
This primary source comes from the Collection GB-GBPP: George H. W. Bush Papers.
National Archives Identifier: 595134
Full Citation: Letter from George H. W. Bush to His Children on New Year's Eve 1990; 12/31/1990; Monday, December 31, 1990; Presidential Daily Files, 1/20/1989 - 12/31/1992; Collection GB-GBPP: George H. W. Bush Papers; George Bush Library, College Station, TX . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/george-hw-bush-to-children, February 8, 2023]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
