When Dick was born in 1941, the hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska billed his parents $37.50 for the delivery.
Half a century before he accidentally shot a hunting companion with a shotgun, Dick shot rats and hawks with a BB gun.
At age 16, Dick was fined $20 for fishing in a pond reserved for children 14 and younger.
Dick’s boyhood teachers made the following comments on his report cards:
Kindergarten: “Richard is observant and is often alert to certain elements in a situation not readily perceived by everyone in the group.”
3rd grade: “The qualifications for a good leader.”
8th grade (history): “Whispers too much. Conduct poor.”
8th grade (arts and crafts): “Capable of doing much better. Too much time wasted foolishly.…He needs to get over his very smarty attitude.”
Source: “Blue Skies, No Fences” by Lynne Cheney
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