  A natural origin for the mu and B parameters of weak scale supersymmetric
theories is proposed, applicable to any supersymmetry breaking messenger scale
between the weak and Planck scales. Although quite general, it requires
supersymmetric interactions to respect an R symmetry with definite quantum
numbers, and it requires some new scale of symmetry breaking. The required R
symmetry distinguishes the Higgs boson from the sneutrino, preserves baryon
number in operators of dimension four and five, and contains R parity so that
the lightest superpartner is stable. This origin for mu works for a variety of
mediation mechanisms, including gauge mediation, gaugino mediation, and
boundary condition breaking of supersymmetry. In any of these mediation
schemes, our mechanism leads to a real B parameter, and the supersymmetric CP
problem is solved. This R symmetry may naturally arise from supersymmetric
theories in higher dimensions.
