Vernadene writes:

I'm not sure if you want any additional info on me, but I woke up last night remembering I'd omitted one of the most important meetings I attended.  You might be interested.

In March 1982 I attended our National Legislative Conference held in the Washington Hilton Hotel (the same hotel of Pres. Regan's attempted assassination) with Isle City's Gail Michaleto and Margaret.  Margaret's encouraged me because the keynote speaker was Rep. Millicent Fenwick (R-NJ).  Margaret was currently serving on the legislative screening committee for the CA Fed.

We called Senator Alan Cranston and Rep. Pete Stark as soon as we arrived.  Senator Cranston did not see us, but left passes for the three of us to tour the White House and attend a closed hearing.

Pete Stark, however, made an appointment to see us the next day in his office.  He was interested in our concerns. Margaret spoke of women's equal rights and Gail and I addressed concerns as business owners.  He gave us his full attention and it was an honor to be there.

In May after our visit, I received a letter from Rep. Stark sending info from a recently released study held by the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.  The study was "The Impact on Women of the Administration's proposed Budget."  He personally stated "Women will be more negatively impacted by President Regan's proposals than almost any other group.  He went on to state "This inequity must not be allowed to continue."

One incident, new to me, was a group of students protesting across from the White House.  I asked Margaret about it and she explained that this happens often.  We walked across the street and I asked for one of their leaflets.  In reviewing it today in our current world situation I thought you might be interested.  The pamphlet reads:  

"CONDEMN TORTURE AND EXECUTION IN IRAN

'LONG LIVE SOLIDARITY OF AMERICAN AND IRANIAN PEOPLE

'DOWN WITH WORLD IMPERIALISM

'DOWN WITH THE REACTIONARY ISLAMIC REPUBLIC REGIME

'ESTABLISH PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN"

It was published by the Union of Iranian Students in Wash., D.C. supporting "The path to emancipate the working class".

Isn't this interesting?

I think I've gone into far too many personal incidents so won't do too much commenting on this trip, but like the others we toured places I'd never been.  Margaret booked a Grey Line tour for us which took us to Mt. Vernon.  I found out later she had been to all of these places but wanted me to be able to see them.  I was touched.

Thank you for the opportunity to remember may of these wonderful memories.