I recently struck up a friendship with Mark Hughes, author of Buzzmarketing. He asked me how he could help. I said that I felt I really needed a one-line endorsement from somebody big for the front of my book. I explained that I had in fact asked a few people, but that they had said no (they were too busy). I figured, because of the title, it was a lost cause. Plus, I really felt like having an unkown do it wouldn't really add anything. He agreed.

Mark told me not to give up and go bigger. And we put a list of people together. I was hesitant because many of the people he mentioned were philosophically at the other end of the spectrum. I wondered if that might be disingenuous. He, of course, said that didn't matter...that matters of faith are transcendent. Once he said that, I knew he was right.  He emphasized the important thing was to get my message out.

On that list was former president Bill Clinton. Yesterday I got my formal response in the mail. And? Nope...William Jefferson Clinton can't endorse 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith by Jason T. Berggren. I thought you might like to read the letter:

Dear Mr. Berggren,

On behalf of President Bill Clinton, I would like to thank you for your interest in requesting his participation  in your upcoming book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of worthy inquiriries that he recieves, as well as the tremendous demands on his time, President Clinton is unable to contribute to as many of these requests as he would like.

President Clinton and I [his Chief Operating Officer] wish you all the best and success in this work and your future endeavors. We appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,

William J. Clinton Foundation
55 W. 125th St., NY, NY 10027

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It's not often that you can be rejected by a president of the USA. It's a real honor. On to the next one I guess....