Reagan On Poverty, Equality, Crime and Equal Opportunity, Ex. Forbes

Three page autograph letter signed, written on two leaves, 6" x 9". Completed in pencil, Reagan writes an extensive reply to the recto and verso of the first page, and to the recto of the second page signing with his initials "RR". Undated but the content would have this placed circa 1967-1968. Near fine condition with what edits and extensive corrections in ink, demonstrating this was probably a first draft. Ex. The Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine, and consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial and broad collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences, and sat on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in Multi-million dollar sales By Christie's in the early 2000’s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.
A letter with superb content still remaining highly relevant to today's political landscape.
Reagan is responding to a letter from Mr. Mendez, one of which addresses the concerns about "that ignorance, poverty and the lack of equal opportunity are "the very causes of crime". Reagan's passionate response addresses these concerns directly claiming that Mr. Mendez has "a mis-understanding about my views and what we are trying to do", but he also refutes this assertion with statistics and then proceeds to discuss the programs he has put in place. Below the letter is shown in part:
"Indeed a study of the men on death row revealed a solid economic level for almost all of them …"
"… problems of poverty, equal opportunity, etc. Those problems must be dealt with whether they have bearing on crime or not"
"Every effort of ours in the welfare field has been to get people off the dole and into self-respecting jobs. We have first undergone a complete reform of the welfare system …"
" In addition we have mobilized the private sector in that thousands of employers are joined in an effort to provide employment particularly to the members of the minority communities … our summer youth program that found work for more than 300,000 young people mainly from dis-advantaged neighborhoods … "
"… I have no idea who told you my administration has chosen to avoid problems, but whomever did is either a liar or too ignorant to be believed …"
A superb letter by Reagan with phenomenal content.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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