As Bush moved from the CIA director's office back to Texas in 1977, he was unsure what his next move would be. James McDonald, chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas, invited Bush to join him on the board of the aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor.
Dear Mr. Mac,
...I have been thinking about it and it is with great reluctance that I have decided I should not be considered further. Frankly, I worry about conflict of interest. Your firm has done fantastic work for CIA and, given the extraordinary climate that we are living in.... it would be unfairly alleged that I had capitalized on CIA business in order to get on your Board. Normally I wouldn't worry about the critics, but I just don't want to do anything that would bring more notoriety to the CIA....
