Problem: BODY: Dear friend and colleague, I am asking for a few minutes of your time and consideration. But first I pray that you did not have any loved ones who were victims of the Sept. 11th tragedy. I, like you, have been absorbing all of the discussions surrounding the terrorist attacks. I have never seen our country so thoughtful, so questioning and so united. But I must admit I am very concerned for the future and for the choices we make as we move ahead. While I fully understand and support the need for a military response, I believe that the United States needs to take measures to bring more stability, economic balance and good will to the world community. I am a businessman in Washington State. In trade-reliant states such as ours, we are increasingly aware of our interdependence with the rest of the global economy, and the continuing need to nurture and grow emerging markets. It is good business and in our economic self-interest to help reduce the disparity between wealthy and poor nations. For the past 10 years I have worked on business solutions to poverty alleviation in Central America. I have become increasingly aware of the immense capacity of the US to share our knowledge, business know-how, entrepreneurial skill and financial resources with poorer countries. My involvement has convinced me that people who have hope for the future and an economic stake in their community share our desire for economic stability and productive societies. Conversely, conditions of poverty and despair breed hopelessness, violence and extremism. Two unfortunate realities haunt me. One is that fully half the people on our planet are barely surviving on an income of $2 per day, and their prospects for the future are dark indeed. The second is that the United States gives less per capita to international development efforts than any other industrialized nation. At the same time, our defense budget is one hundred and fifty times larger than our development assistance budget. Of course, we need a strong and vigorous defense capability, but I believe we also need to balance our response to the global economy by investing in measures that will help close the growing gap between the haves and have-nots. Not only is it the humanitarian thing to do, it is also a way to invest in preventative actions that will move us in the direction of balanced growth, rather than violence, terrorism and global economic instability. Out of this crisis, I believe there is an opportunity to build truly collaborative partnerships with other countries. Alongside our multilateral military response to the events of September 11th, we should seek multilateral efforts for increased political and economic support to poor countries. I hope that you will consider joining me in sending the following message to your elected leaders and decision makers, and to your friends and colleagues. Sincerely,
======
A: SUBJECT: Urgent Message

Problem: BODY: Dear Ken, Since you and I go to the same church and are on the Trustee Board together ( First United Methodist Church ) as well as serve together on the Greater Houston Partnership board ,etc, etc..I think I can imagine how busy you are. And I know how hard it is to contact you too.I am going to ask this very informally...but very sincerely... I have a LARGE favor of you...and I did not want to ask YOU in public last Tuesday at GHP Ex. Committee nor at lunch with Elizabeth Dole. I am the new Chairman of the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) Board. I preface my request with that announcement so you will know how important this is to me as well as to TUTS and the city at large. IT IS WITH ALL THE EXCITEMENT AND ENTHUSIASM AS WELL AS GREAT HONOR...that I tell you that President and Barbara Bush have said YES to being the Honorary Chairs of the May 18th,2002 Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) Gala ...our opening night in the new Hobby Center for the Performing Arts .I know you (very graceously) turned down my request to be a Theater Under the Stars (TUTS) Board member...but my favor NOW is asking you and your lovely wife to serve as Co- Chairs for that event along with George and Barbara. I have a few other prominant Houstonians that I will be asking to Co-Chair along with you.And if you have anyone you think would be appropriate to serve with you ...please let me know. We have some grand ideas and need only your name and influence to make this a successful evening for TUTS!You and your wife may be as involved or not involved as you like!We would like to top the funds raised by this current year's event that was Co -Chaired by Chuck and Kim Watson .They helped TUTS
======
A: SUBJECT: Theatre Under the Stars.....2002 Gala...My request for you to be Co-Chairs with your friends...the Bush's

Problem: BODY: Sara: Thanks for your note and sorry that I haven't called recently. I have joined some day time tennis leagues at our club and between that, Charles, Arthur etc. life has been fairly hectic. I keep trying to pick a good day to come up to the office, but so far have not found a day that works for both Bill and I but hopefully I'll see everyone soon. By the way, you and anyone else in the group are always welcome to come out here!! I know that it is far and that you all are busy but feel free to plan something if you want. How are the legal assistant's and the rest of the group? How are you doing? I must say that I am enjoying my time away from the office. Charles is doing great. He is now 13 pounds, 6 ounces and allot 23 inches. He is growing like a weed and eats often which keeps me busy round the clock although he has started to sleep some more at night. We are slowly but surely getting into a routine with him and I feel blessed to have Bill here to help. It's hard to believe that 2 months has already gone by! Time flies when you are having fun. Anyway, hang in there and keep me posted. Say hi to Mike for me and if he ever wants to play some tennis, please call us.
======
A:
SUBJECT: How Are You?