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July 28, 1976
Dear Mr. Chung:
I agree with you that the Moon Mullins cartoon was not in good taste, and I am sorry for that.
We do not censor comics, and I have passed your letter on to Mr. Johnson in care of the syndicate.
Sincerely,
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July 28, 1976
Dear Bruce:
Would you get this letter on to Mr. Johnson, please? The Chinese-Americans have him by the ying yangs (if you’ll pardon the expression).
Sincerely,
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The Washington Post
1150 15TH STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071
(202) 334-6000
BENJAMIN C. BRADLEE
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
(202) 334-7510
July 30, 1986
To: ROBERT KAISER
NATIONAL DESK EDITORS
This is Bulletin No. 3 on the subject of “arch” and “ultra.”
I have my finger in the dike, trying to prevent “archconservative” or “ultraconservative.”
My fallback position remains one “archconservative” or “ultraconservative” for every “archliberal” or “ultraliberal.”
Can I have your attention on this, please.
Ben
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Mutual friends are wonderful to have, but they repeat idle thoughts idly. I suspect I thought you had a little asshole in you in your drunkenness at Larry’s funeral;, but I don’t think I’ve wasted 12 minutes on that subject since that rotten day. I was trying so hard not to cry that day, I suspect that prevented me from similar indiscretions.
Certainly he left his mark on all of us. When I moved from next door to Georgetown it got a little better because I didn’t have to speak to him every morning as I left for work and every evening as I came home from work.
Everyone does mourn differently. The way to handle that is to understand that people are mourning, and put the criticism away. Some people say I’m losing my touch, but I find I am less critical as I grow older. Let’s forget it.
Your ordeal must have been godawful. And I’m so glad for you and for the biz that it turned out the way it did. I still feel sorry for Westy. Every bone in his body is decent. He just didn’t see how he was being used. Then, and now, during the trial.
If I could give you a piece of advice, one which I did not follow after Tavoulareas but which I wish I had followed, it is simply this: Don’t gloat; understand this key thought of Albert Camus—“There is no truth, only truths”; and get on with it.
Best,
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The Washington Post
1150 15TH STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071
FAX NUMBER (202) 334-5075
BENJAMIN C. BRADLEE
VICE PRESIDENT At Large
(202) 334-7510
7/16/92
Dear Ed:
Don’t second guess yourself—and don’t look back. I’m quite sure I’d have made the same decision you did. It looked like a bright star.
So it wasn’t! Big deal! Fuck ’em.
Best,
Ben
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The Washington Post
1150 15TH STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071
(202) 334-6000
BENJAMIN C. BRADLEE
EXECTUTIVE EDITOR
(202) 334-7510
December 27, 1984
Dear Asshole:
I suspect I did more for my country in the war than you did. I spent four years in destroyers in the Pacific Ocean. My theater ribbon has 10 battle stars in it.
That’s just for starters.
Benjamin C. Bradlee
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The Washington Post
1150 15TH STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071
FAX NUMBER (202) 334-5075
BENJAMIN C. BRADLEE
VICE PRESIDENT
(202) 334-7510
September 5, 1991
Ms. Shanon C. Fagan
15 Fairhaven Court
Asheville, NC 28803
Dear Shanon Fagan:
I’ve always had trouble explaining myself and my principles. I believe in hard work. I believe in fighting all kinds of domination. I believe in steering clear of the big shots. I believe in total honesty. I believe in compassion.
Sincerely,
Ben Bradlee
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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
1150 15TH STREET, N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 20071
KATHARINE GRAHAM
Chairman of the Board
April 2, 1993
Dear Dr. Parle,
You have a good point about Ben Bradlee’s title. I fear it’s too late to change.
Truthfully, I don’t think anyone is aware of Ben’s title. Ben is Ben and needs no title. He contributes a lot as he always has.
Sincerely,
Katharine Graham
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Yours in Truth Page 47
