National Security on Parade!

Okay, so George Washington University is archiving documents released by the Freedom of Information Act and calling it the National Security Archive.

Of course, my mouse quickly found the item labeled: The Nixon-Presley Meeting! You *have* to check this out for yourself.

The surrealness of this visit is other worldly. Elvis Presley didn't want to meet the President and shake his hand. He wanted to become a federal agent at large, which in his mind was some kind of drug-culture-fighting superhero. The letter that he wrote states that the Black Panthers and hippies do not consider him an enemy. (Mr. Bush, I don't think the Panthers or hippies have a problem with me, either!)

My favorite part is the memo from a staff member to Bob Haldeman, the White House Chief of Staff. At the end of this memo, the staff member writes: "In addition, if the President wants to meet with some bright young people outside of the Government, Presley might be a perfect one to start with." In Bob Haldeman's own writing, above his initials, he pens "You must be kidding" which is absolutely precious.

Presley also brought some guns, as a gift to Nixon. I have read elsewhere that he was not really checked over at the gate, so he really freaked people out when he got within a few rooms of the President with two Colt 45s. Apparently, Nixon appreciated this gift.

In the photos, Presley dons his sun glasses for a dozen images! The exchange between the President and the superstar is even weirder, though. Presley indicts The Beatles as an anti-American force (uh, they are English). He also tells the President that he is just a poor boy from Tennessee (he lived in Mississippi until he was 13).

However, it struck me that in 1970, the 35-year old star was obviously past his prime. Despite his 18 number one hits, he was not the influence that he thought he was, even in his own culture. Honestly, it would be no different if Michael Jackson approached President Clinton in 1997 and said that he wanted to help protect the children of the U.S.

Maybe that was a little too ironic of an analogy.

--gh

P.S. Apparently, Nixon's folks gave him a badge with his name on it!