Question: Re Proper Greeting for a former Gov who is also a Dr

[texpatriot2004]

I am writing a short letter to Howard Dean to put with my symbolic donation and I am not sure what's the appropriate greeting. I have wondered this for awhile actually. Is it Dr. Dean or Gov. Dean or what?

Any Emily Post types in the audience?

Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 is Howard Dean's birthday, see thread below

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2717719

[dsc]

1. I would actually call him chairman Dean as that is his current title.

[DemBones DemBones]

17. That's what I learned in school, too. The current title is the one to use.

When he retires, people can go nuts deciding what to call him.

[AspenRose]

2. You could do what Stephanie Miller does

and call him Dr. Governor Chairman Dean. :D

[texpatriot2004]

4. Funny, that's good. Wow! He's a talented person eh nm

[stevedeshazer]

3. I'm no Emily Post, but I have a former governor who is also a doctor

He signs himself, "John Kitzhaber, M.D.".

[classof56]

10. Ah, yes, doctor governor John!

Gosh, does he look great in his jeans and sport coat!

Not a bad governor, either! Proud to say he was mine!

[stevedeshazer]

19. He was a damn good governor

Had to deal with a right-wing legislature.

[classof56]

20. Couldn't agree more!

I was a state employee when he was in office (along w/several other governors through the years) and I always felt like John gave a rip about us, unlike some of those other governors. Also appreciated his commitment to health care for Oregonians.

Still miss him!

[lapfog_1]

5. I'm not an emily post type

but I believe that the correct one is "Dr. Dean" since he has a medical degree. Also, since he is currently the DNC Chairperson then that title or Chairmen is appropriate. If his doctorate was not in medicine, and he was not the current head of the DNC, then Governor or Mr. would be good.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. How about Dr. Governor? *lol*

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Doctor is always safe.

I don't know the answer to this. With presidents it's clear:leave the office, leave behind the title. Former governors are accorded the title for life. Carter and Clinton for example, are properly addressed as Governor Carter or Clinton.

[DemBones DemBones]

16. Presidents are entitled to be called President for the rest of their

lives. You may have been confused by the media using "ex-President " to refer to Clinton, which I think is a right wing plot, like media references to "the Democrat Party." Only a president impeached and convicted would be an "ex-President." Nixon resigned in the face of impeachment but was still technically "President Nixon."

Of course it's permissible to say "former President" to make clear that you're not talking about the current one, which is especially important when you mention President George H.W. Bush, the "former President Bush." And the media should assume that some people don't know who the current president is and refer to all his predecessors as "former President."

When talking with a former President, people should call him "Mr. President." If you wrote to Bill Clinton, the letter should be addressed to President Bill Clinton (or President William J. Clinton) and the salutation should be "Dear Mr. President:" or "Dear President Clinton:" if you prefer.

You're right that Carter and Clinton can be addressed as "Governor" but it's more appropriate to use their highest title, which is "President."

You're also right that "Doctor" is always safe for anyone with a medical degree or other doctorate.

I'll use "Chairman Howard Dean" on the envelope to send a birthday card to Dean because that's his current title, but "Doctor" or "Governor" would be fine, too.

[Gormy Cuss]

18. Sorry, they're not.

The media in fact confuses it. The presidency has special rules. One is entitled to that title only when in office. After leaving the title reverts to highest title other than president.

Here are two etiquette reference on that. There are others.
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/02/27/etiquette_at_work/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/06/AR2006060601276.html

On edit, it is appropriate to refer to someone as "former president X" but not to refer to one as "President X." Only the current occupant of the Oval Office may be referred to in that way.

[Rosco T.]

8. I suppose "Our Hero" is totally out then ?

:D

[texpatriot2004]

9. Actually, I like that one. nm

[texpatriot2004]

15. Thanks Rosco, I used "my hero" since it was a personal letter

hope you don't mind. Thanks for the inspiration.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2971049&mesg_id=2971049

[Vorta]

11. I actually got up and looked for the book

....but couldn't find it, as I am packing up.

I would do it thus

Mr. Howard Dean
Title (in the capacity you are addressing him)
Address

Dear Sir,


You can't go wrong with "Dear Sir," His academic credentials are irrelevant in the context you are writing to him, so there is no need to include them. If you are more comfortable addressing it to Howard B Dean III, MD then do it.

[NastyRiffraff]

12. He signs his official emails...

"Governor Howard Dean" But I agree, Dr. is always safe. "Chairman" is probably proper, but as a title it has some bad connotations.

[mb7588a]

13. Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

Is chairman really used that often for party chairs? I don't know that i've ever heard it.

on edit: People are ALWAYS referred to by the highest title they ever achieved. In some cases they get to choose - Tommy Thompson goes by "Gov. Tompson" instead of "Secretary Thompson." But Tom Ridge now goes by Secretary rather than Governor.

[133724]

14. Websters Dictionary:

Governors are addressed as:
The Hornoable (full name)

Doctors are addressed as:
Dr. (full name)

I would suggest the following:
The Honorable Dr. (full name)

Of course you could always use the shortcut:
Dear Mr. President,.....

[GumboYaYa]

21. He is so down to Earth, Howard works too. n/t