Harriet Miers: Award of the
American Jewish Committee.
Tue Oct 4, 2005 17:22
64.140.158.173
“Everywhere that Harriet Miers has served the Dallas community,
she has worked hard to build consensus, to find solutions for
hard problems in the best interests of all citizens,” Texas
Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht (’74) said in 1992 as he
presented her with the National Human Relations Award of the
American Jewish Committee.
http://www.smu.edu/smunews/harrietmiers/miers-smumagazine-text.htm
=============
The following is from the SMU Magazine for fall/winter 2002.
Harriet Miers:
Judicious review of Presidential paperwork
Before most official documents reach the desk of President George W. Bush for his consideration, they first go to Harriet Miers (’67, ’70) for her review and handling.
As staff secretary, Miers, an attorney, reviews every official document to be seen by the President, with a few national security exceptions. She reviews memos, reports, speeches, letters, documents of every type to make certain each one is complete and in proper form. She also must ensure that the documents have been circulated among appropriate key advisers for their critique and recommendations. The result is a document or package of information suitable for presidential review or deliberation.
President Dwight Eisenhower created the position of assistant to the President and staff secretary in 1955. It’s a low-key title for a high-impact job. Known for her quiet strength and sound judgment, Miers labors behind the scenes in a West Wing office, every surface piled high with folders and documents. Yet as the gatekeeper for presidential paperwork, she is an assistant to the President and, therefore, a senior staff member and adviser to him.
“This is certainly not a job that I was aware existed before it was offered to me,” Miers says. “The position was created to make sure of two things: first, that documents going to the President are appropriately screened and prepared in the right form, and also that the President receives the benefit of the advice of all appropriate senior staff with regard to the issues being presented to him. The President is entitled to know when his advisers agree on an issue, when they disagree, and what their disagreements are.”
To keep the information flowing, Miers and her staff work in shifts beginning early and ending late. It is not uncommon for a staff member to arrive at 5:30 a.m. to handle paperwork that has come in during the evening or to prepare for early morning events. Miers’ office also is responsible for ensuring that the President receives his nightly briefing book. Throughout the day, Miers talks frequently with other members of the President’s staff to discuss the documents that pertain to issues in their areas of expertise. She often travels with the President to continue processing the necessary documents and to ensure that the briefing book for each day is properly prepared.
Miers also supervises the Executive Clerk’s Office, the Records Management Office, and the Presidential Correspondence Office. The latter receives the mail that comes into the White House for the President, thousands of pieces a week.
“Like other White House staff members who work long hours, you just do what’s necessary to get the job done,” Miers says. “And it is a privilege to do it. No matter how much time one has to spend, it is worth every minute because you know you are working for the American people. As a lawyer or an individual, you can’t have a better client than the United States government and our people. It is a remarkable nation that does immense good all around the world.
“When I was president of the State Bar of Texas, I was wonderfully encouraged to see from the inside how much work lawyers do that no one ever hears about,” she says. “I now can say the same thing about the White House. And both President and Mrs. Bush are truly inspirational.”
Throughout her law career, Miers has earned respect for high-level lawyering without seeking a high profile for herself. In 1999 she became co-managing partner of Locke, Liddell & Sapp LLP, the fifth largest law firm in Texas. She was the first woman to head the Dallas Bar Association and later the State Bar. The National Law Journal named her one of the 100 Most Powerful Lawyers in America and one of the Top 50 Woman Lawyers in the United States.
Miers had served as counsel to then Governor Bush’s campaign committee and as his personal counsel on certain matters. He later appointed her chair of the Texas Lottery Commission, which she served from 1995 until 2000.
On behalf of SMU, Miers was among civic leaders supporting development of the Louise B. Raggio (’52) Endowed Lecture in Women’s Studies, honoring the pioneering SMU graduate who led legal reform expanding the rights of women in Texas. Miers taught trial practice as an adjunct professor for the Dedman School of Law and served on the search committee when the Law School was looking for a new dean. As an undergraduate at SMU, Miers tutored underprivileged high school students to help them prepare for college. After graduation, she served on the boards of the Alumni Association and Dedman School of Law.
Looking back on her years on the Hilltop, Miers says she appreciates the University’s providing her with a job and financial assistance that helped make possible her SMU education. She values the skills she developed while earning degrees in mathematics and law.
“Developing good judgment is critical,” she says. “I would encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity that exists to learn foreign languages, history, and English, and to develop analytical skills. And a law degree is great preparation for so many things. I am not practicing law in my current position, but my legal training is very helpful.”
In assessing the skills necessary to serve as staff secretary in the White House, Miers says, “What is needed most as a staff secretary is a combination of education, experience, and the ability to work with people. I will let others judge how I do my job, but I am very grateful to SMU for giving me a wonderful education and the opportunity to succeed.”
The appreciation is mutual. SMU paid tribute to Miers in October, when she received the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award. It is the highest honor the University can bestow on a former student. She has received the SMU School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award and numerous civic honors, including the State Bar of Texas Women in Law Award. She was the first woman recipient of the Justinian Award for community service given by the Dallas Lawyers Auxiliary.
“Everywhere that Harriet Miers has served the Dallas community, she has worked hard to build consensus, to find solutions for hard problems in the best interests of all citizens,” Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht (’74) said in 1992 as he presented her with the National Human Relations Award of the American Jewish Committee.
Now, Harriet Miers applies those qualities to serving the nation.
http://www.smu.edu/smunews/harrietmiers/miers-smumagazine-text.htm
http://www.smu.edu/
GOOGLE: Results 1 - 10 of about 188 for Harriet Miers + Award of the American Jewish Committee
---------------------
Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination and hearings
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The Conspirators’ History of Western Civilization
NON(C)opyright 2003, Thomas Walter Chittum
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/conspirators.htm
===============
10/4: Harriet, But Why?
24 hours out, Pres. Bush's pick of WH counsel Harriet Miers for SCOTUS is somewhat better received. While the right remains overwhelmingly unhappy, having preferred a Scalia/Thomas-type, she does have a handful of strong defenders and enough conservatives willing to keep an open mind. The left is divided into 2 camps of its own -- those who are taking a wait-and-see approach, and those pointing to various problems with her past, including issues related to her old law firm. While the GOP side is having a rough and tumble fight over the pick, differences between bloggers on the left have yet to be fully addressed. One thing many on the left and right can agree on is that they just don't know enough about her to make a final call. And as much as conservatives dislike her, they don't appear ready to oppose her nod outright. Nor are liberal bloggers pushing the Dems to filibuster her.
Meanwhile, the re-indictment of ex-House Maj. Leader/Rep. Tom DeLay raises a few eyebrows -- but not many. This a.m. debate in the blogosphere seems almost the opposite of the CJ John Roberts nod. Roberts proved popular (or benign) enough that his confirmation was often overshadowed by the day's latest events. At least for now, Miers is proving controversial enough that other stories aren't breaking through.
In other news: the camp of netroots hero Paul Hackett (D) confirms he will run for OH SEN, and 10 Commandments judge Roy Moore (R) jumps into the AL GOV race. Plus, our latest Blogger Spotlight, with John Cole of Balloon Juice.
http://blogometer.nationaljournal.com/
==========
A Sampling of the Writings of Harriet Miers
A look at the paper trail of President Bush's Supreme Court nominee
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1112940,00.html
==============
http://www.smu.edu/smunews/harrietmiers/miers-smumagazine-text.htm
=============
The following is from the SMU Magazine for fall/winter 2002.
Harriet Miers:
Judicious review of Presidential paperwork
Before most official documents reach the desk of President George W. Bush for his consideration, they first go to Harriet Miers (’67, ’70) for her review and handling.
As staff secretary, Miers, an attorney, reviews every official document to be seen by the President, with a few national security exceptions. She reviews memos, reports, speeches, letters, documents of every type to make certain each one is complete and in proper form. She also must ensure that the documents have been circulated among appropriate key advisers for their critique and recommendations. The result is a document or package of information suitable for presidential review or deliberation.
President Dwight Eisenhower created the position of assistant to the President and staff secretary in 1955. It’s a low-key title for a high-impact job. Known for her quiet strength and sound judgment, Miers labors behind the scenes in a West Wing office, every surface piled high with folders and documents. Yet as the gatekeeper for presidential paperwork, she is an assistant to the President and, therefore, a senior staff member and adviser to him.
“This is certainly not a job that I was aware existed before it was offered to me,” Miers says. “The position was created to make sure of two things: first, that documents going to the President are appropriately screened and prepared in the right form, and also that the President receives the benefit of the advice of all appropriate senior staff with regard to the issues being presented to him. The President is entitled to know when his advisers agree on an issue, when they disagree, and what their disagreements are.”
To keep the information flowing, Miers and her staff work in shifts beginning early and ending late. It is not uncommon for a staff member to arrive at 5:30 a.m. to handle paperwork that has come in during the evening or to prepare for early morning events. Miers’ office also is responsible for ensuring that the President receives his nightly briefing book. Throughout the day, Miers talks frequently with other members of the President’s staff to discuss the documents that pertain to issues in their areas of expertise. She often travels with the President to continue processing the necessary documents and to ensure that the briefing book for each day is properly prepared.
Miers also supervises the Executive Clerk’s Office, the Records Management Office, and the Presidential Correspondence Office. The latter receives the mail that comes into the White House for the President, thousands of pieces a week.
“Like other White House staff members who work long hours, you just do what’s necessary to get the job done,” Miers says. “And it is a privilege to do it. No matter how much time one has to spend, it is worth every minute because you know you are working for the American people. As a lawyer or an individual, you can’t have a better client than the United States government and our people. It is a remarkable nation that does immense good all around the world.
“When I was president of the State Bar of Texas, I was wonderfully encouraged to see from the inside how much work lawyers do that no one ever hears about,” she says. “I now can say the same thing about the White House. And both President and Mrs. Bush are truly inspirational.”
Throughout her law career, Miers has earned respect for high-level lawyering without seeking a high profile for herself. In 1999 she became co-managing partner of Locke, Liddell & Sapp LLP, the fifth largest law firm in Texas. She was the first woman to head the Dallas Bar Association and later the State Bar. The National Law Journal named her one of the 100 Most Powerful Lawyers in America and one of the Top 50 Woman Lawyers in the United States.
Miers had served as counsel to then Governor Bush’s campaign committee and as his personal counsel on certain matters. He later appointed her chair of the Texas Lottery Commission, which she served from 1995 until 2000.
On behalf of SMU, Miers was among civic leaders supporting development of the Louise B. Raggio (’52) Endowed Lecture in Women’s Studies, honoring the pioneering SMU graduate who led legal reform expanding the rights of women in Texas. Miers taught trial practice as an adjunct professor for the Dedman School of Law and served on the search committee when the Law School was looking for a new dean. As an undergraduate at SMU, Miers tutored underprivileged high school students to help them prepare for college. After graduation, she served on the boards of the Alumni Association and Dedman School of Law.
Looking back on her years on the Hilltop, Miers says she appreciates the University’s providing her with a job and financial assistance that helped make possible her SMU education. She values the skills she developed while earning degrees in mathematics and law.
“Developing good judgment is critical,” she says. “I would encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity that exists to learn foreign languages, history, and English, and to develop analytical skills. And a law degree is great preparation for so many things. I am not practicing law in my current position, but my legal training is very helpful.”
In assessing the skills necessary to serve as staff secretary in the White House, Miers says, “What is needed most as a staff secretary is a combination of education, experience, and the ability to work with people. I will let others judge how I do my job, but I am very grateful to SMU for giving me a wonderful education and the opportunity to succeed.”
The appreciation is mutual. SMU paid tribute to Miers in October, when she received the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award. It is the highest honor the University can bestow on a former student. She has received the SMU School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award and numerous civic honors, including the State Bar of Texas Women in Law Award. She was the first woman recipient of the Justinian Award for community service given by the Dallas Lawyers Auxiliary.
“Everywhere that Harriet Miers has served the Dallas community, she has worked hard to build consensus, to find solutions for hard problems in the best interests of all citizens,” Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht (’74) said in 1992 as he presented her with the National Human Relations Award of the American Jewish Committee.
Now, Harriet Miers applies those qualities to serving the nation.
http://www.smu.edu/smunews/harrietmiers/miers-smumagazine-text.htm
http://www.smu.edu/
GOOGLE: Results 1 - 10 of about 188 for Harriet Miers + Award of the American Jewish Committee
---------------------
Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination and hearings
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The Conspirators’ History of Western Civilization
NON(C)opyright 2003, Thomas Walter Chittum
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/conspirators.htm
===============
10/4: Harriet, But Why?
24 hours out, Pres. Bush's pick of WH counsel Harriet Miers for SCOTUS is somewhat better received. While the right remains overwhelmingly unhappy, having preferred a Scalia/Thomas-type, she does have a handful of strong defenders and enough conservatives willing to keep an open mind. The left is divided into 2 camps of its own -- those who are taking a wait-and-see approach, and those pointing to various problems with her past, including issues related to her old law firm. While the GOP side is having a rough and tumble fight over the pick, differences between bloggers on the left have yet to be fully addressed. One thing many on the left and right can agree on is that they just don't know enough about her to make a final call. And as much as conservatives dislike her, they don't appear ready to oppose her nod outright. Nor are liberal bloggers pushing the Dems to filibuster her.
Meanwhile, the re-indictment of ex-House Maj. Leader/Rep. Tom DeLay raises a few eyebrows -- but not many. This a.m. debate in the blogosphere seems almost the opposite of the CJ John Roberts nod. Roberts proved popular (or benign) enough that his confirmation was often overshadowed by the day's latest events. At least for now, Miers is proving controversial enough that other stories aren't breaking through.
In other news: the camp of netroots hero Paul Hackett (D) confirms he will run for OH SEN, and 10 Commandments judge Roy Moore (R) jumps into the AL GOV race. Plus, our latest Blogger Spotlight, with John Cole of Balloon Juice.
http://blogometer.nationaljournal.com/
==========
A Sampling of the Writings of Harriet Miers
A look at the paper trail of President Bush's Supreme Court nominee
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1112940,00.html
==============
