Diary Entry - 02/22/1982

Key Facts
President and Mrs. Reagan participate in the George Washington Memorial Wreath–Laying Ceremony.
Syria admits for the first time that intense fighting is taking place against the rebel Muslim Brotherhood in the city of Hama.
Helicoptered out to Mt. Vernon—250th B.D. of George Washington. A wreath on the tomb & then a brief speech which was live radio & carried in pub. schools across the country. Lunch on issues. I’m convinced of the need to address the people on our budget & the economy. The press has done a job on us & the polls show its effect. The people are confused about ec. program. They’ve been told it has failed & it’s just started. Most of the day was spent on our Federalism program. The Nat. Assn. of Co. officials & the Nat. Gov’s Conf. are both going on here. I spoke to both and have a great bi-partisan support from both which is contrary to what the press has been saying and what is believed on the Hill. Met with Phil Habib who is going back to Lebanon for us. He’s really something. Gave him a message for P.M. Begin which I hope will steady him.
