Bread and butter
Ronald Reagan not only was a world leader, a champion of the people, and the most powerful person on earth, he also was an extraordinary common man.
Early in his first term a group of small town publishers was invited by Reagan to a reception at the White House.
Joan and I attended, waiting in the East Room alongside publisher Bob White of Mexico, Mo. We stood by a small podium.
When Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush entered they strode briskly for the podium where they split, one on either side.
Reagan turned to Bush and softly said something that White wasn't certain he'd heard properly.
Bob turned to Joan and asked, "What did he say?" She replied, "Bread and butter." White remarked "I thought so."
How representative that was, the most powerful leader of the world repeating a childhood remark.
After their talks, we newspaper folks adjourned to the hallway as the two men and Secret Service agents quickly adjourned to private quarters.
Suddenly the President stopped and told the agents, "Just a minute, I want to talk to this guy," as he headed toward me.
I'd been on the PBS-TV NewsHour, interviewed by Jim Lehrer. We commented about the State of the Union message.
Reagan recognized me and wanted to know, "What kind of response did you receive?"
My message on the news program had been one of strong support for Reagan's programs. I'd said "If the President can accomplish his program he won't have to campaign for re-election; Americans will elect him by acclamation."
I told the president I'd received mail by the bushel and it was 98 percent favorable to him.
He threw back his handsome head and let out a big laugh. At that moment I snapped the shutter. It's my prize photo.
Reagan's "bread and butter" remark calls for consolidation. America can overcome any adversity if we work together.
This is the year to prove it. It's time to stop bickering politically and join hands in cooperation.
Those thoughts also went through your Ol' Editor's mind last week during the WWII Monument dedication. We proved it during that war and Ronald Reagan proved it with his presidency.
— BILL MEYER
