Haven't you guys heard of the character Mario rabbit?.....and remember that President Carter was attacked by a killer rabbit while fishing from his boat, and had to defend himself with a big paddle. That might be why he refused the offer, recalling those vicious knashing teeth.
Dennis Young
I prefer nice bunnies in Hotaka, Japan
>
> Jim Cunningham wrote:
>>
> (cut)
>> Although Mario was a Catholic and always wore a gold crucifix he had made
>> himself, I doubt the Pope story. As was common at the time, other bike
>> builders have given the Pope gifts, usually gold plated specials. There are
>> no Confente design cards for "Il Papa" nor was I ever asked to gold plate
>> anything while with Confente. (cut)
>
>
> I have an envelope addressed to Mr. Mario Confente with a return address
> of "The White House" and postmarked May 7, 1977. The letter inside:
>
> --------------------------------------
> THE WHITE HOUSE
> Washington
>
> May 5, 1977
>
> Dear Mr. Confente:
>
> Thank you for your letter to President
> Carter.
>
> Although it is not possible for him to
> accept your kindness, you many be assured
> of his appreciation of the spirit in
> which your offer was made.
>
> The President sends his best wishes to
> you.
>
> Sincerely;
> (signed)
> Valerio L. Giannini
> Staff Assistant
>
> Mr. Mario Confente
> Custom Bicycles by Confente
> 3238 Union Pacific Avenue
> Los Angeles, California 90023
> --------------------------------------
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, Southern California
>
> .
> -