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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S; 2003-0262-F S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Speechwriting, White House Office of Series: Speech File Draft Files Subseries: Chron File, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13591 Folder ID Number: 13591-010 Folder Title: [Teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools 11/26/91] [OA 6039] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 26 17 4 6 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 THANK YOU. ITS A GREAT PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF THE 41ST ANNUAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONVENTION FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL. ((I WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU IN ANAHEIM IN PERSON, BUT THIS IS A REMARKABLE WAY TO COMMUNICATE.) // ((I ADMIT I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS THAT ALLOWS ME TO SPEAK TO YOU THIS WAY. FOR ME, IT'S A MAJOR SUCCESS IF I CAN LOCATE THE "ON-OFF" SWITCH ON MY COMPUTER. )) // EVEN FROM A DISTANCE, I WANT TO SALUTE THE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS AT THIS CONVENTION, / THOSE WHO WILL SEE THIS EVENT VIA SATELLITE / AND THE PARENTS OF THE 533,000 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ACSI SCHOOLS. / YOU ARE TRUE HEROES OF AMERICAN EDUCATION. // - 2 - FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS, SCHOOLS LIKE YOURS HAVE HELPED AMERICA REMAIN DIVINELY BLESSED. IT IS TRUE THAT NO COUNTRY CAN CLAIM A SPECIAL PLACE IN GOD'S HEART. IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT WE ARE BETTER AS A PEOPLE BECAUSE HE HAS A PLACE IN OURS. / LISTEN TO THOMAS JEFFERSON: "THE GOD WHO GAVE US LIFE, GAVE US LIBERTY AT THE SAME TIME." / OR BEN FRANKLIN, WHO OFTEN QUOTED THE 127TH PSALM: "UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE, THOSE WHO BUILD IT LABOR IN VAIN.' / AND DWIGHT EISENHOWER BEGAN HIS FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS WITH A HAND-WRITTEN PRAYER: "ALMIGHTY GOD, GIVE US, WE PRAY, THE POWER TO DISCERN CLEARLY RIGHT FROM WRONG." / / TODAY, AS THE LARGEST GROUP OF PROTESTANT SCHOOLS IN AMERICA, YOU TEACH RIGHT FROM WRONG. // YOU BELIEVE, AS I DO, THAT SCHOOLS CAN NURTURE VALUES LIKE CITIZENSHIP, SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND HUMAN DECENCY. / WE KNOW WHAT COUNTS ARE VERITIES THAT ENDURE -- READING, LEARNING, COURTESY, KINDNESS. // - 3 - THESE TRUTHS GIVE STUDENTS A FOUNDATION -- A WAY TO CONDUCT THEIR LIVES -- THAT ENABLES PEOPLE TO ENDURE HARDSHIPS / PLACE PROSPERITY IN PERSPECTIVE / AND FUNCTION AS LOVING, CONSTRUCTIVE CITIZENS. / ACSI KNOWS THAT WITHOUT GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO NOTHING. WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS. ((PERHAPS A SMALL BOY ONCE EXPRESSED THIS FIDELITY TO FAITH. "GOD BLESS MOTHER AND DADDY, MY BROTHER AND SISTER," HE SAID. THEN, HE WENT ON TO PRAY, "AND, oH GOD, DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, BECAUSE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO YOU WE'RE ALL SUNK. ")) I BELIEVE THESE WORDS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. THAT IS WHY MY ADMINISTRATION FILED A BRIEF IN THE SUPREME COURT URGING THE COURT TO PERMIT PRAYERS TO BE SAID AT PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATION INVOCATIONS. // IT IS ALSO WHY I SUPPORT A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RESTORING VOLUNTARY PRAYER TO AMERICAN CLASSROOMS. // WE NEED THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS BACK IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. - 4 - I APPLAUD YOUR ADMINISTRATORS FOR INSISTING THAT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS HAVE A NON-RACIAL, NON-DISCRIMINATORY ENROLLMENT POLICY. / YOU PROVIDE REAL OPPORTUNITY. YOU PASS ON VALUES AND KNOWLEDGE, THE ESSENTIALS FOR OVERCOMING POVERTY, AND PREJUDICE. // I ALSO COMMEND YOUR TEACHERS FOR THEIR SCHOLARSHIP. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT ON ACHIEVEMENT TESTS, YOUR STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY SCORE A FULL GRADE AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL NORM. IF TEACHING WERE AN OLYMPIC EVENT, YOU'D BE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS. // FINALLY, HERE'S TO ALL OF YOU FOR KNOWING THAT DISCIPLINE AND ORDER ARE ESSENTIAL TO LEARNING. KIDS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO USE THEIR FISTS IN ORDER TO NOURISH THEIR MINDS. // I WISH ALL SCHOOLS SERVED THEIR STUDENTS SO WELL. // OUR BOLD EDUCATION STRATEGY -- AMERICA 2000 -- PROMOTES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION. // WE BELIEVE IN SCHOOLS THAT WORK. WE BELIEVE THAT COMPETITION CAN FOSTER EXCELLENCE. // WE SUPPORT PARENTAL CHOICE, AS WELL AS PLANS THAT INCLUDE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS. // - 5 - I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF CHOICE. I WILL PROMOTE IT AND WORK FOR IT IN SPITE OF OPPOSITION FROM THE NEA AND OTHER SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. 11 I ALSO THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME PRESERVE THE OPTION OF RELIGIOUS-BASED CHILD CARE IN OUR LANDMARK CHILD CARE ACT. // AS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, I WILL STAND WITH AMERICA'S GOOD, QUIET, DECENT PEOPLE -- THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THAT POLITICAL VALUES WITHOUT MORAL VALUES CANNOT SUSTAIN A NATION. // DURING THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE CIVIL WAR, SOMEONE ASKED ABRAHAM LINCOLN WHETHER HE THOUGHT GOD WAS ON HIS SIDE. / HE SAID: "MY CONCERN IS NOT WHETHER GOD IS ON OUR SIDE -- BUT WHETHER WE ARE ON GOD'S SIDE. " / I BELIEVE THAT IS TRUE OF SCHOOLS LIKE YOURS, AND OTHER CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS. I WILL PROTECT THEM -- FOR AMERICA'S SAKE, AND OUR KIDS'. // THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE TO ADDRESS YOUR CONVENTION. GOD BLESS AMERICA. NOW, I WILL BE DELIGHTED TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS. - 6 - Q: HOW STRONG IS YOUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUDE PRIVATE (AND EVEN RELIGIOUS) SCHOOLS IN A VOUCHER PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? 0 OUR AMERICA 2000 LEGISLATION WOULD GIVE STRONG FEDERAL SUPPORT TO STATES THAT HAVE EMBRACED CHOICE PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS -- PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. USUALLY, THIS MEANS SOME KIND OF VOUCHER PROGRAM. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHOICE PROGRAMS ALLOW THE ENTIRE MARKETPLACE OF SCHOOLS -- PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND RELIGIOUS -- TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS KIND OF HEALTHY AND CREATIVE COMPETITION. IN THE END, EVERY AMERICAN STUDENT WILL WIN. 0 I ALSO BELIEVE IT'S POSSIBLE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO PARTICPATE IN A WELL-DESIGNED VOUCHER PROGRAM WITHOUT GETTING WRAPPED UP IN REGULATORY RED TAPE. LOOK AT MILWAUKEE -- IT'S WORKING THERE. - 7 - o AS THE TIDE OF SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE SWELLS ACROSS AMERICA, CONGRESS IS GRADUALLY BEGINNING TO TAKE NOTICE. THE HOUSE IS CONSIDERING A BILL THAT WOULD HELP EXPAND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS. THE SENATE IS PLANNING TO VOTE ON A LOW-INCOME VOUCHER PROGRAM WHEN IT CONSIDERS ITS EDUCATION BILL. OUR STRUGGLE TO GET THIS LEGISLATION PASSED, HOWEVER, IS FAR FROM EASY AND FAR FROM OVER. BUT WE STAND COMMITTED TO THE TRIUMPH OF OUR STUDENTS' INTERESTS OVER THE STRENGTH OF SPECIAL INTERESTS. Q: MR, PRESIDENT, WE COMMEND YOU ON YOUR AMERICA 2000 PLAN, CAN YOU EXPAND ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS? ALSO, I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN HOW YOUR MINIMUM COMPETENCIES IN GRADES FOUR, EIGHT, AND TWELVE WILL BE ASSESSED IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS. - 8 - o AMERICA 2000 AIMS TO MOBILIZE ALL SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY -- TEACHERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, BUSINESS, AND GOVERNMENT -- TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY NO. 1 IN EDUCATION. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS CAN MAKE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THIS COALITION. MY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE AS DEDICATED HERE AS IT WAS IN ITS COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE THE OPTION OF RELIGIOUS-BASED CHILDCARE. o BY PLACING FAITH IN LEARNING, AND FAITH IN FAITH, RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS SERVE AS MODELS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. GIVEN THIS LEADERSHIP ROLE, IT'S CRUCIAL THAT RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS EMBRACE THE SIX NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS, JOINING OUR NATIONAL CRUSADE FOR HIGH MARKS IN EDUCATION. - 9 - o ONE OF THESE NATIONAL GOALS IS THAT ALL STUDENTS ACHIEVE COMPETENCY IN KEY SUBJECTS AS THEY PROGRESS THROUGH SCHOOL. TO HELP MOVE US TOWARD THAT GOAL, I'VE PROPOSED THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD- CLASS STANDARDS AND AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT TESTS FOR THE CORE SUBJECTS TO LET US GAUGE WHAT OUR STUDENTS KNOW -- AND WHERE THEY'RE LACKING. I HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US IN DEVELOPING THESE STANDARDS AT THE NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS. WHILE ALL TESTS WILL BE VOLUNTARY, I HOPE YOU'LL CONSIDER ADOPTING THEM IN YOUR SCHOOLS. # # # CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 THANK YOU. ITS A GREAT PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF THE 41ST ANNUAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONVENTION FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL. ((I WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU IN ANAHEIM IN PERSON, BUT THIS IS A REMARKABLE WAY TO COMMUNICATE.) // ((I ADMIT I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS THAT ALLOWS ME TO SPEAK TO YOU THIS WAY. FOR ME, IT'S A MAJOR SUCCESS IF I CAN LOCATE THE "ON-OFF" SWITCH ON MY COMPUTER. )) // EVEN FROM A DISTANCE, I WANT TO SALUTE THE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS AT THIS CONVENTION, / THOSE WHO WILL SEE THIS EVENT VIA SATELLITE / AND THE PARENTS OF THE 533,000 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ACSI SCHOOLS. / YOU ARE TRUE HEROES OF AMERICAN EDUCATION. // - 2 - FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS, SCHOOLS LIKE YOURS HAVE HELPED AMERICA REMAIN DIVINELY BLESSED. IT IS TRUE THAT NO COUNTRY CAN CLAIM A SPECIAL PLACE IN GOD'S HEART. IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT WE ARE BETTER AS A PEOPLE BECAUSE HE HAS A PLACE IN OURS. / LISTEN TO THOMAS JEFFERSON: "THE GOD WHO GAVE US LIFE, GAVE US LIBERTY AT THE SAME TIME." / OR BEN FRANKLIN, WHO OFTEN QUOTED THE 127TH PSALM: "UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE, THOSE WHO BUILD IT LABOR IN VAIN." / AND DWIGHT EISENHOWER BEGAN HIS FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS WITH A HAND-WRITTEN PRAYER: "ALMIGHTY GOD, GIVE US, WE PRAY, THE POWER TO DISCERN CLEARLY RIGHT FROM WRONG." // TODAY, AS THE LARGEST GROUP OF PROTESTANT SCHOOLS IN AMERICA, YOU TEACH RIGHT FROM WRONG. // YOU BELIEVE, AS I DO, THAT SCHOOLS CAN NURTURE VALUES LIKE CITIZENSHIP, SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND HUMAN DECENCY. / WE KNOW WHAT COUNTS ARE VERITIES THAT ENDURE -- READING, LEARNING, COURTESY, KINDNESS. // - 3 - THESE TRUTHS GIVE STUDENTS A FOUNDATION A WAY TO CONDUCT THEIR LIVES -- THAT ENABLES PEOPLE TO ENDURE HARDSHIPS / PLACE PROSPERITY IN PERSPECTIVE / AND FUNCTION AS LOVING, CONSTRUCTIVE CITIZENS. / ACSI KNOWS THAT WITHOUT GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO NOTHING. WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS. ((PERHAPS A SMALL BOY ONCE EXPRESSED THIS FIDELITY TO FAITH. "GOD BLESS MOTHER AND DADDY, MY BROTHER AND SISTER," HE SAID. THEN, HE WENT ON TO PRAY, "AND, OH GOD, DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, BECAUSE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO YOU WE'RE ALL SUNK. ")) I BELIEVE THESE WORDS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. THAT IS WHY MY ADMINISTRATION FILED A BRIEF IN THE SUPREME COURT URGING THE COURT TO PERMIT PRAYERS TO BE SAID AT PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATION INVOCATIONS. // IT IS ALSO WHY I SUPPORT A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RESTORING VOLUNTARY PRAYER TO AMERICAN CLASSROOMS. // WE NEED THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS BACK IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. - 4 - I APPLAUD YOUR ADMINISTRATORS FOR INSISTING THAT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS HAVE A NON-RACIAL, NON-DISCRIMINATORY ENROLLMENT POLICY. / YOU PROVIDE REAL OPPORTUNITY. YOU PASS ON VALUES AND KNOWLEDGE, THE ESSENTIALS FOR OVERCOMING POVERTY, AND PREJUDICE. 11 I ALSO COMMEND YOUR TEACHERS FOR THEIR SCHOLARSHIP. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT ON ACHIEVEMENT TESTS, YOUR STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY SCORE A FULL GRADE AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL NORM. IF TEACHING WERE AN OLYMPIC EVENT, YOU'D BE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS. // FINALLY, HERE'S TO ALL OF YOU FOR KNOWING THAT DISCIPLINE AND ORDER ARE ESSENTIAL TO LEARNING. KIDS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO USE THEIR FISTS IN ORDER TO NOURISH THEIR MINDS. // I WISH ALL SCHOOLS SERVED THEIR STUDENTS SO WELL. // OUR BOLD EDUCATION STRATEGY -- AMERICA 2000 -- PROMOTES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION. // WE BELIEVE IN SCHOOLS THAT WORK. WE BELIEVE THAT COMPETITION CAN FOSTER EXCELLENCE. // WE SUPPORT PARENTAL CHOICE, AS WELL AS PLANS THAT INCLUDE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS. // 1 - 5 - I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF CHOICE. I WILL PROMOTE IT AND WORK FOR IT IN SPITE OF OPPOSITION FROM THE NEA AND OTHER SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. // I ALSO THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME PRESERVE THE OPTION OF RELIGIOUS-BASED CHILD CARE IN OUR LANDMARK CHILD CARE ACT. // AS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, I WILL STAND WITH AMERICA'S GOOD, QUIET, DECENT PEOPLE -- THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THAT POLITICAL VALUES WITHOUT MORAL VALUES CANNOT SUSTAIN A NATION. // DURING THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE CIVIL WAR, SOMEONE ASKED ABRAHAM LINCOLN WHETHER HE THOUGHT GOD WAS ON HIS SIDE. / HE SAID: "MY CONCERN IS NOT WHETHER GOD IS ON OUR SIDE -- BUT WHETHER WE ARE ON GOD'S SIDE." / I BELIEVE THAT IS TRUE OF SCHOOLS LIKE YOURS, AND OTHER CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS. I WILL PROTECT THEM -- FOR AMERICA'S SAKE, AND OUR KIDS'. // THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE TO ADDRESS YOUR CONVENTION. GOD BLESS AMERICA. NOW, I WILL BE DELIGHTED TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS. 1 - 6 - Q: HOW STRONG IS YOUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUDE PRIVATE (AND EVEN RELIGIOUS) SCHOOLS IN A VOUCHER PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? 0 OUR AMERICA 2000 LEGISLATION WOULD GIVE STRONG FEDERAL SUPPORT TO STATES THAT HAVE EMBRACED CHOICE PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS -- PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. USUALLY, THIS MEANS SOME KIND OF VOUCHER PROGRAM. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHOICE PROGRAMS ALLOW THE ENTIRE MARKETPLACE OF SCHOOLS -- PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND RELIGIOUS -- TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS KIND OF HEALTHY AND CREATIVE COMPETITION. IN THE END, EVERY AMERICAN STUDENT WILL WIN. 0 I ALSO BELIEVE IT'S POSSIBLE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO PARTICPATE IN A WELL-DESIGNED VOUCHER PROGRAM WITHOUT GETTING WRAPPED UP IN REGULATORY RED TAPE. LOOK AT MILWAUKEE -- IT'S WORKING THERE. - 7 - o AS THE TIDE OF SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE SWELLS ACROSS AMERICA, CONGRESS IS GRADUALLY BEGINNING TO TAKE NOTICE. THE HOUSE IS CONSIDERING A BILL THAT WOULD HELP EXPAND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS. THE SENATE IS PLANNING TO VOTE ON A LOW-INCOME VOUCHER PROGRAM WHEN IT CONSIDERS ITS EDUCATION BILL. OUR STRUGGLE TO GET THIS LEGISLATION PASSED, HOWEVER, IS FAR FROM EASY AND FAR FROM OVER. BUT WE STAND COMMITTED TO THE TRIUMPH OF OUR STUDENTS' INTERESTS OVER THE STRENGTH OF SPECIAL INTERESTS. Q: MR, PRESIDENT, WE COMMEND YOU ON YOUR AMERICA 2000 PLAN, CAN YOU EXPAND ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS? ALSO, I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN HOW YOUR MINIMUM COMPETENCIES IN GRADES FOUR, EIGHT, AND TWELVE WILL BE ASSESSED IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS. - 8 - o AMERICA 2000 AIMS TO MOBILIZE ALL SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY -- TEACHERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, BUSINESS, AND GOVERNMENT -- TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY NO. 1 IN EDUCATION. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS CAN MAKE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THIS COALITION. MY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE AS DEDICATED HERE AS IT WAS IN ITS COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE THE OPTION OF RELIGIOUS-BASED CHILDCARE. o BY PLACING FAITH IN LEARNING, AND FAITH IN FAITH, RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS SERVE AS MODELS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. GIVEN THIS LEADERSHIP ROLE, IT'S CRUCIAL THAT RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS EMBRACE THE SIX NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS, JOINING OUR NATIONAL CRUSADE FOR HIGH MARKS IN EDUCATION. - 9 - o ONE OF THESE NATIONAL GOALS IS THAT ALL STUDENTS ACHIEVE COMPETENCY IN KEY SUBJECTS AS THEY PROGRESS THROUGH SCHOOL. TO HELP MOVE US TOWARD THAT GOAL, I'VE PROPOSED THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD- CLASS STANDARDS AND AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT TESTS FOR THE CORE SUBJECTS TO LET US GAUGE WHAT OUR STUDENTS KNOW AND WHERE THEY'RE LACKING. I HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US IN DEVELOPING THESE STANDARDS AT THE NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS. WHILE ALL TESTS WILL BE VOLUNTARY, I HOPE YOU'LL CONSIDER ADOPTING THEM IN YOUR SCHOOLS. # # # Document No. 28752655 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 NOV 21 P4:24 DATE: 11/21/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: --- SUBJECT: TELECONFERENCE WITH THE 41ST ANNUAL ASSOC. OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD MCBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: The attached has been forwarded to the President. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 31 NOV 21 P | : 37 November 21, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: DAVID DEMAREST TONY SNOW TS FROM: CURT SMITH a SUBJECT: TELECONFERENCE WITH THE 41st ANNUAL ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS On Tuesday November 26th, at 2:15 p.m., you will participate in a teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools, meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California. The 7,000 teachers and administrators receiving your remarks represent 450 schools from all over the country. Your brief remarks (approximately 7 minutes) will be followed by a question and answer session. Your speech applauds the academic excellence of Christian schools, and reflects upon the Administration's commitment to education. (Smith/Ginzberg) November 18, 1991 Draft Three TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st Annual Southern California Convention for the Association of Christian Schools International. ((I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East. )) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event via satellite / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." / And Dwight Eisenhower began his 2 first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " / / Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardships / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister,' If he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ) ) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. That is why my Administration filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to permit prayers to be said at public school graduation invocations. 11 It is also why I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. // We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our public schools. We also need other aspects of Christian education: 3 For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We support parental choice, as well as plans that include private schools, and religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from special interest groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // 4 During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. If / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # THE WHITE HOUSE 11/22/91 WASHINGTON 31 NOV 21 P1:37 November 21, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: DAVID DEMAREST TONY SNOW T3 A nith charges CURT SMITH 5 FROM: SUBJECT: TELECONFERENCE WITH THE 41st ANNUAL ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS On Tuesday November 26th, at 2:15 p.m., you will participate in a teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools, meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California. The 7,000 teachers and administrators receiving your remarks represent 450 schools from all over the country. Your brief remarks (approximately 7 minutes) will be followed by a question and answer session. Your speech applauds the academic excellence of Christian schools, and reflects upon the Administration's commitment to education. (Smith/Ginzberg) November 18, 1991 Draft Three TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st Annual Southern California Convention for the Association of Christian Schools International. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland // this is a removhable way to communicate) ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event via satellite / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those. who build it labor in vain." / And Dwight Eisenhower began his 2 first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardships / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. That is why my Administration filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to permit prayers to be said at public school graduation invocations. // It is also why I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. // We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our public schools. We also need other aspects of Christian education: 3 For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We support parental choice, as well as plans that include private schools, and religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it and work for it inspite A opportion from the NEA and other regardless of demagoguery from special interest groups like the special interest groups. NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not I will stand with going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // 4 During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 21, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: DAVID DEMAREST TONY SNOW TS FROM: CURT SMITH cD SUBJECT: TELECONFERENCE WITH THE 41st ANNUAL ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS On Tuesday November 26th, at 2:15 p.m., you will participate in a teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools, meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California. The 7,000 teachers and administrators receiving your remarks represent 450 schools from all over the country. Your brief remarks (approximately 7 minutes) will be followed by a question and answer session. Your speech applauds the academic excellence of Christian schools, and reflects upon the Administration's commitment to education. (Smith/Ginzberg) November 18, 1991 Draft Three TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st Annual Southern California Convention for the Association of Christian Schools International. ((I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East.)) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event via satellite / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.' / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.' / And Dwight Eisenhower began his 2 first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong." // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardships / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ((Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," " he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ") ) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. That is why my Administration filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to permit prayers to be said at public school graduation invocations. // It is also why I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. // We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our public schools. We also need other aspects of Christian education: 3 For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We support parental choice, as well as plans that include private schools, and religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from special interest groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // 4 During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. II / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids' // Thank you for the chance to address your convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 21, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: DAVID DEMAREST TONY SNOW TS FROM: CURT SMITHC) SUBJECT: TELECONFERENCE WITH THE 41st ANNUAL ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS On Tuesday November 26th, at 2:15 p.m., you will participate in a teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools, meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California. The 7,000 teachers and administrators receiving your remarks represent 450 schools from all over the country. Your brief remarks (approximately 7 minutes) will be followed by a question and answer session. Your speech applauds the academic excellence of Christian schools, and reflects upon the Administration's commitment to education. (Smith/Ginzberg) November 18, 1991 Draft Three TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991 Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st Annual Southern California Convention for the Association of Christian Schools International. (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East.)) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer.) )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event via satellite / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." / And Dwight Eisenhower began his 2 first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong." // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardships / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. That is why my Administration filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to permit prayers to be said at public school graduation invocations. // It is also why I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. // We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our public schools. We also need other aspects of Christian education: 3 For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We support parental choice, as well as plans that include private schools, and religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from special interest groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // 4 During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side." / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # Document No. 287526 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 NOV 20 A8: 3 DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN w/c PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH XAKAN CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY Lieberman HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: - MASTER + 1 pg PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 301 I hila Louse has cavical 3 for heard pe. stalleds. vr y liep. Stand (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two "> a TEACHERS } 10, PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Two I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead Sont of deemb - how about No I'm stuck No here in Disneyland little (DS) East. ) ) // a educ, joke (DD) ((I admit I have -no idea how the technology works that deletes (BT)+ (OCA) of (05) allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. VER(05) Toxo NO )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this yes event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students Via Satellite (DS) enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. " / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister, " he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if reads line anything happens to you we're all sunk. ) correct I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I applies to public lather than support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to private American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in (counsel, our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their That is why my Admin. filed a bref in the Supreme yes Court lurging the Court to permit pracers to be said at public School graduation invocations. And that is why... 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We support endorse parental choice, as well as plans that and yes and that option must include all private schools including religious schools. // (Parter) I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it special interest ( MCC) regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # General Comments : 1) First two jokes are sophomoric 2) From theological standpoint could be flawed. 3) stronger strategy message on school re form, community (OCA) No NEA Bashing! 287526 Document No. 91 NOV 21 Ag WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: on A PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 Kristen Gear (Smith) Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 THE Tuesday 6 and Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st. bruthern California Conestion annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ((I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead 4491 I'm stuck here in Disneyland little East. )) 11? sortof dumb, how about ( (I admit I have no idea how the technology works that an educ. facqui theyers allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success Jake if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // VCR Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and MAKE administrators at this convention and those who will see this Viasatellike event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // Maddock For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. = / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place hand topy prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister, " he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # U Document No. 287526 91 NOV 21 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: No comment General comments Thanks, and See one deletion. is Elizabeth Luttig PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2$, 1991 Tues I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East.) ) // ( (I admit I have no idea how the technology works that Delete allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." / or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 NOV 21 November 20, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW FROM: ROGER B. PORTER RBP SUBJECT: Presidential Teleconference: Association of Christian Schools International Teachers Convention We have reviewed the attached remarks and have noted a few minor suggestions on page three of the draft. If you have any questions or we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us. CC: Phillip D. Brady Document No. 287526 RAE/BOREEN WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business Thanks. on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Two I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East. )) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. II // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister, II he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse support parental choice, AS WELL AS, plans that and and that option must include all private schools including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 NOV 20 P3: On November 20, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW FROM: LEE S. LIBERMAN the ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Presidential Teleconference to Christian Schools International Teachers Convention Counsel's Office has no legal objection to the draft remarks. We would note that on page 2, third paragraph, first sentence, the constitutional amendment would deal with public rather than private schools, which you might want to say since the group he is addressing is presumably private schools. You might also want to add before that sentence something like "That is why my Administration filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to permit prayers to be said at public school graduation invocations. And that is why " moclure (Smith/Ginsberg) 2PM Thustay November 17, 1991 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. < ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East. )) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. If / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. II // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ") ) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support, of choice. I will promote it special interest regardless of demagoguery from groups. like the NEA // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. If / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # 287526 Document No. 91 NOV 20 P5: 5 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: no comment PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Two I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East. )) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer.) ) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. in / or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # Document No. 287526 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 20 All: All : 21 DATE: 11/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: COB Wednesday 11/20 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL TELECONFERENCE: ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS CONVENTION/11/26-Tuesday ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HORNER SUNUNU MCCLURE SCOWCROFT PETERSMEYER DARMAN PORTER BRADY ROGICH BROMLEY SMITH CARD CBRIDE SNOW DEMAREST FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow by close of business on Wednesday, 11/20, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: Otc BT for SR PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Tues I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East. )) // ((I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer.) ))/// Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. " / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. " // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ")) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # # (Smith/Ginsberg) November 17, 1991 31 NOV 19 P6: 04 Draft Two TEACHERS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991 Two I Thank you. It is a great pleasure to be a part of the 41st annual Association of Christian Schools International Convention. ( (I wish I could be with you in Anaheim in person, but instead I'm stuck here in Disneyland East.) ) // ( (I admit I have no idea how the technology works that allows me to speak to you this way. For me, it's a major success if I can locate the "on-off" switch on my computer. )) // Even from a distance, I want to salute the teachers and administrators at this convention and those who will see this event by videotape / and the parents of the 533,000 students enrolled in ACSI schools. / You are true heroes of American education. // For more than 200 years, schools like yours have helped America remain divinely blessed. It is true that no country can claim a special place in God's heart. It is also true that we are better as a people because he has a place in ours. / Listen to Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. " / Or Ben Franklin, who often quoted the 127th Psalm: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.' / And Dwight Eisenhower began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-written prayer: "Almighty 2 God, give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong. If // Today, as the largest group of Protestant schools in America, you teach right from wrong. // You believe, as I do, that schools can nurture values like citizenship, self- discipline, and human decency. / We know what counts are verities that endure -- reading, learning, courtesy, kindness. // These truths give students a foundation -- a way to conduct their lives -- that enables people to endure hardship / place prosperity in perspective / and function as loving, constructive citizens. / ACSI knows that without God's help, we can do nothing. With God's help, we can do great things. ( (Perhaps a small boy once expressed this fidelity to faith. "God bless mother and daddy, my brother and sister,' " he said. Then, he went on to pray, "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you we're all sunk. ) I believe these words from the bottom of my heart. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer to American classrooms. / We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. // We also need other aspects of Christian education: For instance, I applaud your administrators for insisting that Christian schools have a non-racial, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. / You provide real opportunity. You pass on values and knowledge, the essentials for overcoming poverty, and prejudice. // I also commend your teachers for their 3 scholarship. I've been told that on achievement tests, your students consistently score a full grade ahead of the national norm. If teaching were an Olympic event, you'd be Gold Medal winners. // Finally, here's to all of you for knowing that discipline and order are essential to learning. Kids should not have to use their fists in order to nourish their minds. // I wish all schools served their students so well. // Our bold education strategy -- America 2000 -- promotes excellence in education. // We believe in schools that work. We believe that competition can foster excellence. // We endorse parental choice, and that option must include all private schools -- including religious schools. // I thank you for your support of choice. I will promote it regardless of demagoguery from groups like the NEA. // I also thank you for helping me preserve the option of religious-based child care in our landmark Child Care Act. // As long as I am President, liberal special interest groups are not going to bully America's good, quiet, decent people -- the people who know that political values without moral values cannot sustain a Nation. // During the darkest days of the Civil War, someone asked Abraham Lincoln whether he thought God was on his side. / He said: "My concern is not whether God is on our side -- but whether we are on God's side. " / I believe that is true of schools like yours, and other Christian schools. I will protect them -- for America's sake, and our kids'. // Thank you for the chance to address your 4 convention. God bless America. Now, I will be delighted to take your questions. # # # #

nara / coll_gb-spe / doc

[Teleconference with the 41st Annual Association of Christian Schools 11/26/91 [OA 6039]

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