Edwin Meese: The Controversial Attorney General and Reagan's Right-Hand Man

A Lifelong Public Servant with a Legacy of Contrasts

Edwin Meese III is best known for serving as the 75th United States Attorney General from 1985 to 1988, during the Administration of Ronald Reagan. As a member of the Republican Party, Meese played a significant role in shaping the Reagan administration's domestic and foreign policies, earning him both praise and criticism.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 2, 1931, in Oakland, California, Meese was raised in a practicing Lutheran family of German descent. His father, Edwin Meese, Jr., was an Oakland city government official and served 24 years in the nonpartisan office of Treasurer of Alameda County. Meese's early life was marked by a strong work ethic, demonstrated by his entrepreneurial spirit as a 10-year-old publisher of the Weekly Herald, a mimeographed neighborhood newspaper, and later as a bicycle-riding paperboy and drugstore worker.

At Oakland High School, Meese excelled, leading his debate team to statewide championships and graduating as valedictorian in 1949. He was accepted to Yale University, where he received a scholarship and went on to earn his undergraduate degree.

Rise to Prominence

Meese's public service career began in the 1960s, when he served in the Reagan gubernatorial administration in California from 1967 to 1974. He later joined Reagan's presidential transition team in 1980-1981 and subsequently held various positions within the Reagan administration, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to the President from 1981 to 1985. During this period, Meese played a crucial role in shaping the administration's policies on law and order, foreign policy, and domestic affairs.

Attorney General and the Wedtech Scandal

In 1985, Meese was appointed and confirmed as the 75th United States Attorney General, a position he held until resigning in 1988 amidst the Wedtech scandal. As Attorney General, Meese championed law and order initiatives, supported the federal judiciary, and played a key role in shaping the administration's response to issues such as drug abuse and organized crime. However, his tenure was also marred by allegations of corruption and cronyism, culminating in the Wedtech scandal, which led to his resignation.

Post-Government Career and Legacy

After leaving government service, Meese has continued to be involved in public policy and education. He serves on the board of trustees at The Heritage Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, and is a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Meese has also written extensively on law, politics, and public policy, authoring several books and articles on topics such as conservatism, the Constitution, and the role of government.

Throughout his career, Meese has been recognized for his contributions to public service, including receiving the Presidential Citizen Medal in 1987. While his legacy is marked by controversy, he remains a significant figure in American politics and a testament to the enduring power of public service.

Personal Milestones and Trivia

• Meese has been married to his wife, Ursula, for over 60 years and has two children and five grandchildren.
• He is an avid reader and has written book reviews for publications such as The Wall Street Journal.
• Meese has been a strong advocate for conservative values and was an early supporter of Ronald Reagan's presidential candidacy.

Influence on Modern Society

Meese's legacy continues to shape American politics and public policy, with his influence extending to issues such as law enforcement, national security, and constitutional interpretation. While controversy has often surrounded his career, Meese remains a significant figure in American history, a testament to the power of public service and the enduring impact of one individual on the course of human events.