    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 15, 1999]
    [Page 2303]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Retirement of Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz
    December 15, 1999

        Like all readers of ``Peanuts,'' I was saddened by the news that
    Charles M. Schulz will retire his beloved comic strip on January 4. But
    every one of his fans understands that this difficult decision is the
    right one for Mr. Schulz's health and for his family.
        The characters Charles Schulz created are more than enduring icons.
    Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, Pig Pen, and Lucy taught us all a little
    more about what makes us human. Virtually every day for a half-century,
    Charles Schulz has shown us that a comic strip can transcend its small
    space on the page. It can uplift; it can challenge; it can educate its
    readers even as it entertains us. ``Peanuts'' has done all of these
    things. I wish Charles Schulz a speedy recovery and a fulfilling
    retirement.