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Buddy Roemer Fundraiser 9/30/91 [OA 8329] [1]
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Buddy Roemer Fundraiser 9/30/91 [OA 8329 [1]
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26
21
6
5
(Smith/Grossman)
September 27, 1991
Draft Eight
ROEMER
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
ROEMER FUNDRAISER
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
7:15 p.m.
Thank you, Buddy, for that wonderful introduction -- and for
recalling why the author Pearl Buck wrote, "I fell in love with
Louisiana generally and New Orleans in particular." // Thinking
back to the 1988 Convention, this town reminds me of winning. //
I have a feeling that come this October 19th, it's going to
remind me once again. //
I was delighted to see a red carpet rolled out at the
airport to greet me. Then, I found out it was for Jim Mora. //
Actually, you're getting a preview of what a Republican
Administration can do for Louisiana. // [[ How 'bout those
Saints -- off to their fastest start in history. ]] //
I'm proud to be here to show my support for my long-time
friend Buddy Roemer. // After all, Buddy and I have a lot in
common: We both can be a bit stubborn / we don't always get
along with the legislature / we both like fishing / we both love
Tabasco. / And I want to see him re-elected Governor of this
State. //
I support Buddy Roemer as a man who values conviction above
conscience -- who puts the people before the politicians. //
Buddy was elected in tough times to do tough work. Now he
2
deserves re-election to finish the job. He spoke for most
Louisianians when he said, "Change and progress do not come
easily
there have been battles won and battles lost
[but] we will not go back. / We will not turn back the clock.
Our children's future can't endure it; our conscience won't allow
it." //
Like Buddy Roemer, our Administration has pursued policies
of conscience which advance that future. First, let's look
abroad -- where, more than ever -- America remains the light of
the world. //
When a dictator crushed hopes for democracy in his homeland
and endangered the Western Hemisphere -- we helped the Panamanian
people restore free elections and the rule of law. //
When a brutal tyrant invaded and plundered Kuwait -- we
helped build an international coalition that rolled back his
aggression and liberated a land. // Let me say: That aggression
will not stand -- not last year / not today. //
As Communism crumbled, we extended a helping hand and made
it clear that Americans will support those who promote democracy,
free enterprise, and individual liberty. //
Ours is a changing world -- and America is helping change
it. / Just last month when a coup threatened the cause of
democracy in the Soviet Union, we stood firmly on the side of
freedom. / After the coup failed, both Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail
Gorbachev called me to say how crucial it had been to have the
support of the American people. //
3
These Soviet leaders, as Lincoln said, had the courage "to
think anew. " / Because of that -- and because of America's
commitment to values people respect around the globe -- we are
building a freer, better world. //
At home, we seek nothing less -- so we have launched a
domestic agenda to achieve growth, opportunity, and progress. //
Think of our accomplishments. Child care. Our administration
pushed for -- and got -- legislation that has dramatically
increased child care assistance to parents in this country. //
Next, clean air. We pushed for -- and got -- pioneering
legislation to combat acid rain and toxic air pollutants. /
Also, last year we pushed for -- and got -- the first legislation
to aid people with disabilities -- the Americans With
Disabilities Act. // These bills represent an Administration
which believes that government should serve the people -- not the
other way around. //
Buddy Roemer knows what I'm talking about. It's been said
that Buddy doesn't just talk the talk. He also walks the walk. /
So does our Administration. We are walking -- running -- with a
flock of domestic initiatives. There's only one problem: A
Congress whose only agenda is to block ours. // Let's face it:
There's something wrong when we can get Iraqi forces out of
Kuwait but can't get our domestic agenda through Congress. //
Let's look first at crime and transportation. Our
Administration has unveiled a transportation bill to address
local needs -- and a crime bill to take criminals off the street
4
-- so that law-abiding Americans can take back the streets. //
Last March 6, I said we could pass both bills in 100 days. It's
208 days later, and Congress still hasn't acted. //
Let's look next at the environment. Here in Louisiana,
Buddy Roemer has made your Department of Environmental Quality
protect what Teddy Roosevelt called "our cathedral of the
outdoors." I challenge Congress to do the same by funding our
America the Beautiful Program to restore our wetlands. // Let's
look at civil rights. Some in Congress want a bill that divides
our people -- I want one that brings us together. // Another
initiative is our capital gains legislation to spur the economy.
In Louisiana, some are saying, "Laissez les bon temps rouler."
[LAY- SAY LAY BOHN TOHN ROO-LAY] But as everybody knows / first
you've got to make a roux. [ROO] // Capital gains is a recipe
for growth. //
Finally, let me talk about how you can't have a developed
economy without developed minds. We've started a crusade for
educational excellence that's take hold in state after state.
It's called America 2000. When Buddy saw that Louisiana wasn't
passing the grade, he sent the state back to school. Today, you
see signs of progress everywhere. In Louisiana, the ACT scores
of black students have increased dramatically. / The CAT scores
of all students have improved for three straight years. / And
your college-bound seniors have improved their SAT scores. //
The Roemer legacy: Smaller class sizes, more respect for
teachers, achievement on the rise.
5
((You know, a noted left-wing politician once said of buddy
Roemer, "He's often wrong, but never in doubt. " / What a
compliment coming from Tip O'Neill. )) //
Two years and two days ago, I saw how Buddy can be self-
confident and right / sorry, Tip / working with me and all of the
nation's governors at the Charlottesville education summit. /
Buddy also joined me last April at the White House when I
announced America 2000 -- a national strategy to reach six
education goals from making every citizen literate to making our
students first in math and science. // ( (Which reminds me that
for two years our administration has prodded Congress to pass our
Educational Excellence Act -- I'm afraid their homework is long
overdue. )) //
Our future depends on raising education above previous
plateaus of achievement. / That's why Buddy recently announced
his intention to organize 2000 Louisiana communities statewide -
- his crusade for excellence. / The American people want radical
reform -- reform like school choice. With competition and
accountability, schools will work / wasteful programs will waste
away. / And power will shift from the heavy hand of the state,
to the hands that run the home and raise the family. //
Like America 2000, Louisiana 2000 will let citizens work
together to help our education system work for us. // I speak
of government and communities, teachers and parents, business and
volunteers, and yes -- Democrats and Republicans -- involved in a
cause larger than ourselves. /
6
Education, the environment, a strong economy, and true civil
rights: Buddy Roemer changed parties to crusade for these
causes. Churchill said, "Some men change their principles for
their party -- others change their party for their principles. "
// Some would rather fight than switch. Some would rather
switch than fight. Buddy decided to switch and fight. Today, I
ask you to fight for him. //
Join us in a government of the extended hand -- not the
closed mind and self-indulgent heart. / Let's help Buddy Roemer
steer Louisiana away from old-style gutter politics and toward
the far limits of the horizon. / Thank you, and God bless you.
Let's keep Buddy Roemer the great Governor of the State of
Louisiana.
# # # #
Snow/Nix
BULLS.TS
Draft One
Sept. 27, 1991
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHICAGO BULLS
THE ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1991
2:30 P.M.
I'd like to welcome all of you to the White House. Sam
Skinner, our Secretary of Transportation, came here to gloat. He
hasn't stopped talking about the Bulls since last winter.
I'm happy to see Illinois Lt. Governor Bob Kustra and his
wife, Kathy. I'd also like to express my condolences to Gov. Jim
Edgar, whose mother died last week. Our thoughts and prayers are
with Jim and his family.
Welcome, also, NBA Commissioner David Stern and Bulls onwer
and President, Jerry Reinsdorf. And we're also pleased to have
representatives of the Anacostia Volunteer Basketball League with
us today. [[Additional acknowledgments.]]
I know I'm no Ray Clay, but I'll try to give the Bulls a
hearty welcome as well. 11
We have gathered here to answer the age old sports question:
"Sure, the Chicago Bulls have talent, but can they win the big
one?" Well, I guess you answered that on June 12, when you
carted off the NBA championship, and completed an incredibly
historic season for the team.
2
If some Hollywood screenwriter had put together a script of
last year, movie producers would have tossed it away: Too
improbable! Too many pieces of history and fortune.
[[Think about it: A dramatic match-up between the Bulls and
Lakers, featuring two stars -- one long established, the other
rising in reputation with each passing year. They duel night
after night, through tense, exciting action. But finally, one
team triumphs over the other. When the final game ended and the
victors cut down the nets, Spike Lee came out ahead of Jack
Nicholson. ]]
Last year the franchise celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
[I'm not talking about Michael Jordan, I'm talking about the
Bulls.] The Bulls sold out every home game, and ran their streak
of sellouts at the Stadium to 190 games. [[Now we have our first
Rose Garden sell-out. Suddenly, everyone in the Bush
administration claims to have come from Chicago. ]]
Not surprisingly, the Bulls drew the largest attendance ever
last season. More than three-quarters of a million people showed
up to make a lot of noise and root the team to victory.
The Bulls drew their 10 millionth fan on December 14; the
the franchise got its 1,000th victory on March 8th, and played
its 1,000th home game on April 7th. For those of you with math
degrees, this means the Bulls have won more games than they have
lost over the years.
The team enjoyed its first 60-plus win season in the 1990-
91 campaign; ran off the longest home winning streak in its
3
history; set records for the best defensive quarter ever and the
best offensive quarter. And last, but not least, the Bulls won
their very first NBA championship.
Not bad for a team that the experts said would lose to the
Pistons and then to the Lakers. //
Alexander Gomelsky, a former Soviet Olympic coach, once
said, "It is an axiom that good players without a good coach make
a mediocre team."
Well, no one who has seen Phil Jackson prowl the sidelines
can argue against his skills as a coach. What's even more
amazing is the fact that sportswriters actually call him a nice
guy. I didn't think sportwriters liked anybody -- at least
before they retired.
At any rate, Phil -- who, I must mention, once roomed with
Bill Bradley -- I want to congratulate you and your excellent
staff. [[Last season, you outcoached the rest -- and in some
circles, they say you even outdressed Chuck Daly. ]]
One secret: You made great use of the Bulls' talent. Just
look down the roster, and everyone contributed to the team's
success. So let's name the players: B.J. Armstrong, Bill
Cartwright, Horace Grant, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Michael
Jordan, Stacey King, Cliff Levingston, John Paxson, Will Perdue,
Scottie Pippen and Scott Williams. You'll find each name in the
box scores. And you'll see some of these names at the Hall of
Fame.
4
Now, everyone knows what you guys did on the court this
year. But the Bulls also perform spectacular feats after the 24-
second clock has expired and the crew has shut off the lights at
the Chicago Stadium.
John Paxson, whose long range bombs destroyed the Lakers
during the playoffs, couldn't be here today because he has
committed himself to hosting a Drug-Free Assembly as part of his
Hugs Not Drugs Program. [[I'm sure the Pistons and Lakers had
wished he'd had prior commitments in May and June. ]] [[NOTE:
PAXSON MAY MAKE THE EVENT ]]
Horace Grant works with Youth for Christ, stressing the
importance of a positive lifestyle -- as well as getting good
position on the offensive boards.
Cliff Levingston hosts an annual Charity Basketball Classic
for Multiple Sclerosis.
Bill Cartwright did that great ad for the National Committee
for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and helps out the Little City
Foundation, a home for the retarded.
B. J. Armstrong stresses recycling -- not littering. Of
course, he also likes to pick up stray basketballs, usually from
people like Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson.
And Michael Jordan performs a host of good works, with a
series of charities and through the Michael Jordan Foundation.
The CharitaBulls also do a great job of serving youth in
Chicago's embattled neighborhoods.
5
You know, I talk a lot about service -- I gave a speech
about it yesterday in Florida. Well, the people on this team
serve their communities.
I spoke to students across the nation earlier today, and
it's worth pointing out that the Bulls also contribute to this
nation's educational efforts. Everyone on the team participates
in Stay-in-School Assemblies. You stress the importance of
getting an education.
And you guys thought I'd just talk about basketball. 11 But
it's tough to limit yourself to sports when an entire team sets
such a good example for the rest of society.
I'm pleased to have you here today. We've waited months for
this event, and I can tell you, you were worth the wait.
So, David Stern, Jerry Reinsdorf, players and officials for
the Bulls, thanks for joining us today, and again,
congratulations for making your fans -- and all Americans --
proud.
#
#
#
#
Snow/Nix
BULLS.TS
Draft One
Sept. 27, 1991
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHICAGO BULLS
THE ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1991
2:30 P.M.
I'd like to welcome all of you to the White House. Sam
Skinner, our Secretary of Transportation, came here to gloat. He
hasn't stopped talking about the Bulls since last winter.
I'm happy to see Illinois Lt. Governor Bob Kustra and his
wife, Kathy. I'd also like to express my condolences to Gov. Jim
Edgar, whose mother died last week. Our thoughts and prayers are
with Jim and his family.
Welcome, also, NBA Commissioner David Stern and Bulls onwer
and President, Jerry Reinsdorf. And we're also pleased to have
representatives of the Anacostia Volunteer Basketball League with
us today. [[Additional acknowledgments. ]]
I know I'm no Ray Clay, but I'll try to give the Bulls a
hearty welcome as well. 11
We have gathered here to answer the age old sports question:
"Sure, the Chicago Bulls have talent, but can they win the big
one?" Well, I guess you answered that on June 12, when you
carted off the NBA championship, and completed an incredibly
historic season for the team.
2
If some Hollywood screenwriter had put together a script of
last year, movie producers would have tossed it away: Too
improbable! Too many pieces of history and fortune.
[[Think about it: A dramatic match-up between the Bulls and
Lakers, featuring two stars -- one long established, the other
rising in reputation with each passing year. They duel night
after night, through tense, exciting action. But finally, one
team triumphs over the other. When the final game ended and the
victors cut down the nets, Spike Lee came out ahead of Jack
Nicholson. ]]
Last year the franchise celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
[I'm not talking about Michael Jordan, I'm talking about the
Bulls.] The Bulls sold out every home game, and ran their streak
of sellouts at the Stadium to 190 games. [[Now we have our first
Rose Garden sell-out. Suddenly, everyone in the Bush
administration claims to have come from Chicago. ]]
Not surprisingly, the Bulls drew the largest attendance ever
last season. More than three-quarters of a million people showed
up to make a lot of noise and root the team to victory.
The Bulls drew their 10 millionth fan on December 14; the
the franchise got its 1,000th victory on March 8th, and played
its 1,000th home game on April 7th. For those of you with math
degrees, this means the Bulls have won more games than they have
lost over the years.
The team enjoyed its first 60-plus win season in the 1990-
91 campaign; ran off the longest home winning streak in its
3
history; set records for the best defensive quarter ever and the
best offensive quarter. And last, but not least, the Bulls won
their very first NBA championship.
Not bad for a team that the experts said would lose to the
Pistons and then to the Lakers. //
Alexander Gomelsky, a former Soviet Olympic coach, once
said, "It is an axiom that good players without a good coach make
a mediocre team."
Well, no one who has seen Phil Jackson prowl the sidelines
can argue against his skills as a coach. What's even more
amazing is the fact that sportswriters actually call him a nice
guy. I didn't think sportwriters liked anybody -- at least
before they retired.
At any rate, Phil -- who, I must mention, once roomed with
Bill Bradley -- I want to congratulate you and your excellent
staff. [[Last season, you outcoached the rest -- and in some
circles, they say you even outdressed Chuck Daly. ]]
One secret: You made great use of the Bulls' talent. Just
look down the roster, and everyone contributed to the team's
success. So let's name the players: B.J. Armstrong, Bill
Cartwright, Horace Grant, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Michael
Jordan, Stacey King, Cliff Levingston, John Paxson, Will Perdue,
Scottie Pippen and Scott Williams. You'll find each name in the
box scores. And you'll see some of these names at the Hall of
Fame.
4
Now, everyone knows what you guys did on the court this
year. But the Bulls also perform spectacular feats after the 24-
second clock has expired and the crew has shut off the lights at
the Chicago Stadium.
John Paxson, whose long range bombs destroyed the Lakers
during the playoffs, couldn't be here today because he has
committed himself to hosting a Drug-Free Assembly as part of his
Hugs Not Drugs Program. [[I'm sure the Pistons and Lakers had
wished he'd had prior commitments in May and June. 1] [[NOTE:
PAXSON MAY MAKE THE EVENT
]]
Horace Grant works with Youth for Christ, stressing the
importance of a positive lifestyle -- as well as getting good
position on the offensive boards.
Cliff Levingston hosts an annual Charity Basketball Classic
for Multiple Sclerosis.
Bill Cartwright did that great ad for the National Committee
for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and helps out the Little City
Foundation, a home for the retarded.
B. J. Armstrong stresses recycling -- not littering. of
course, he also likes to pick up stray basketballs, usually from
people like Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson.
And Michael Jordan performs a host of good works, with a
series of charities and through the Michael Jordan Foundation.
The CharitaBulls also do a great job of serving youth in
Chicago's embattled neighborhoods.
5
You know, I talk a lot about service -- I gave a speech
about it yesterday in Florida. Well, the people on this team
serve their communities.
I spoke to students across the nation earlier today, and
it's worth pointing out that the Bulls also contribute to this
nation's educational efforts. Everyone on the team participates
in Stay-in-School Assemblies. You stress the importance of
getting an education.
And you guys thought I'd just talk about basketball. 11 But
it's tough to limit yourself to sports when an entire team sets
such a good example for the rest of society.
I'm pleased to have you here today. We've waited months for
this event, and I can tell you, you were worth the wait.
So, David Stern, Jerry Reinsdorf, players and officials for
the Bulls, thanks for joining us today, and again,
congratulations for making your fans -- and all Americans --
proud.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
For Immediate Release
September 30, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING BUDDY ROEMER FOR GOVERNOR FUNDRAISER
The Grand Ballroom
Sheraton Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana
7:27 P.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very, very much. Thank
you, Buddy, and thank all of you. (Applause.) Thank you so very
much for that warm welcome. I'm just delighted to be here. It
was a wonderful introduction -- recalling why the author, Pearl
Buck, wrote: "I fell in love with Louisiana generally and New
Orleans in particular." Well, thinking back to the 1988
Convention, this town reminds me of winning. And I have a
feeling that, come October 19th, it's going to remind me of
winning once again -- because we're going to reelect this State
Governor. (Applause.)
I want to thank my friends, Jim Bob Moffett and Dave
Treen, and everyone else that worked on this highly successful
dinner. A quick "hello" to two with whom I closely work and whom
I respect enormously, Jim McCrery and Bob Livingston, members of
the United States Congress who are right here with us tonight.
(Applause.)
And also, we ought to have a word in there for that
marching band from St. Augustine. Just first class. First
class. Thank you. (Applause.) And it was so great to taxi up
in this magnificent new Air Force I and see a red carpet rolled
out at the airport to greet me. Then, I found out it was for Jim
Mora. (Laughter.)
Actually, you're getting a preview of what a Republican
administration can do for Louisiana. How 'bout those Saints --
fastest start in history. (Applause.)
But I am proud -- very proud, indeed -- to be here to
show my support for my long-time friend -- and I use that term
advisedly -- Buddy Roemer. We've done a lot of things together.
Fought a lot of battles on the athletic courts.
I think we've got a lot in common: We both can be a
bit stubborn, we don't always get along with the legislature --
(laughter) -- we both like fishing, we both love Tabasco. And I
want to see him reelected Governor of this State, and I'm sure he
agrees with me that he wants to be reelected Governor of this
State. (Applause.)
But look at the record, though -- seriously. A man who
values conviction above conscience -- who puts the people before
the politicians. He was elected in very tough times, if you just
look back over your all's shoulders, to do some tough work. And
now he deserves reelection, as Jim Bob said, to finish the job.
He spoke for most Louisianians when he said, and here were his
quotes: "Change and progress do not come easily. There have
MORE
- 2 -
been battles won and battles lost. But we will not go back. We
will not turn back the clock. Our children's future can't endure
it; our conscience won't allow it." (Applause.) Those were his
words.
Like Buddy Roemer, our administration has tried to
pursue policies of conscience which do advance that future.
First, as he did, let's now look abroad -- where, more than ever
-- America clearly remains the light of the world.
When a dictator crushed hopes for democracy in his
homeland and endangered the Western Hemisphere -- we helped the
Panamanian people restore free elections and the rule of law.
And when a brutal tyrant invaded and plundered Kuwait -- we
helped put together an international coalition that rolled back
his aggression and liberated a land. And let me say this: The
aggression against Kuwait did not stand -- and any defiance of
those United Nations resolutions now on the books and unfulfilled
-- any aggression against those, any defiance of those will not
stand, either. I'm just as determined to see that he does not
succeed. (Applause.)
As communism crumbled, we extended a helping hand and
made it clear that Americans will support those who promote
democracy, free enterprise, and individual liberty.
And so ours is a changing world -- and I might say,
parenthetically, I can't think of a time in American history of
more challenge or more excitement to be President of the United
States. It is absolutely fantastic, the change that's going on
around the world.
Just last month when a coup threatened the cause of
democracy in the Soviet Union, we stood -- all of us in this
country -- firmly on the side of freedom. And after the coup
failed, both Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev called me to say
how absolutely crucial it had been to have the support of the
American people.
These Soviet leaders, as Lincoln said, had the courage
"to think anew." And because of that -- and because of our
commitment -- America's commitment to values people respect
around the globe -- as you saw Friday night -- we are now able to
take dramatic steps to reduce nuclear weapons and to build a
freer and safer world. (Applause.)
And I might add, the response to the proposals that I
made Friday about nuclear arms reduction has been overwhelming,
from countries all over the world. Not just over in Eastern
Europe, not just the Soviet Union, all over the world. A freer
and a safer world.
And at home, we seek nothing less -- so we have
launched a domestic agenda -- Buddy talked about some of it on
education -- to achieve growth and opportunity and progress.
Let me just cite some accomplishments. We've got a
long way to go, working with the governors for some of these
objectives. The child care. Our administration pushed for --
and got -- legislation that has dramatically increased child care
assistance to parents in this country, giving the parents a
choice as to where they want their kids taken care of when they
need child care.
And next, the clean air. We pushed for -- and got --
pioneering legislation to combat acid rain and toxic air
MORE
- 3 -
pollutants. Also, last year we pushed for -- and got -- the
first landmark civil rights legislation for people with
disabilities -- the Americans With Disabilities Act. These
bills represent an Administration which believes that government
should serve the people -- not the other way around.
Buddy knows what I'm talking about. It's been said
that Buddy doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk. And so
does this administration. We are walking -- I'd say running --
with a flock of domestic initiatives. There's only one problem:
and that is a Congress whose only agenda is to block our agenda.
And we're getting a little tired of it, frankly. (Applause.)
Let's look first at crime and transportation. Our
administration has unveiled a transportation bill to address
local needs -- and a crime bill to take the criminals off the
street -- so that law-abiding Americans can take back the
streets. (Applause.) Last March 6th, I said we could pass both
bills in 100 days. It's 208 days later, and Congress still
hasn't even acted on this legislation.
Let's take a look next at the environment. Here in
Louisiana, Buddy Roemer has made your Department of Environmental
Quality protect what Teddy Roosevelt called "our cathedral of the
outdoors." I challenge Congress to do the same by funding our
America the Beautiful Program to restore our wetlands.
Let's look at civil rights. Some in Congress want a
bill that divides our people -- I want one that brings us
together. And I have just this kind of civil rights bill up
there right now. And I'd like to see it passed. I don't like
these allegations made that we're not interested in the rights of
all Americans. We are; but I'm not going to sign a bad bill just
to have satisfaction of some Democrats that are running the
Congress. (Applause.)
Another initiative is our capital gains legislation to
spur the economy. In Louisiana, some are saying, "Laissez les
bon temps rouler." (Laughter.) Well, everybody knows first
you've got to make a roux. (Laughter and applause.) Capital
gains is a recipe for growth. It isn't a tax break for the rich.
It's a jobs creation bill. And with this stagnant economy,
heaven knows we need something to create jobs for the American
people.
And finally, let me talk about how you can't have a
developed economy without developed minds -- what Buddy referred
to as "the second war." We've started a crusade for educational
excellence that's taken hold in state after state. It is called,
as he said, America 2000.
And when he, when this Governor, saw that Louisiana
wasn't passing the grade, he sent the state back to school.
Today, you see signs of progress everywhere in this state, and
you feel it. In Louisiana, the ACT scores of black students have
increased dramatically. The CAT scores of all students have
improved for three straight years. And your college-bound
seniors have improved their SAT scores. The Roemer legacy:
Smaller class sizes, more respect for the teachers that sacrifice
for the lives of our kids, and achievement on the rise. And that
is a good legacy for this state, and it's a good example for our
entire country. (Applause.)
You know, a noted politician once said of Buddy Roemer,
"He's often wrong, but never in doubt." (Laughter.) That's a
real compliment coming from Tip O'Neill. (Laughter.)
MORE
- 4 -
Two years and two days ago, I saw how Buddy can be
self-confident and right -- sorry, Tip -- working with me and all
of the nation's governors at the Charlottesville Education
Summit.
Buddy also joined me last April at the White House when
I announced America 2000 -- a national strategy to reach six
education goals, from making every citizen literate to making our
students first in math and science. There were 50 governors --
there was a handful of them out front creating, doing the
imaginative thinking. And I can tell you without fear of
contradiction, Governor Roemer of Louisiana was one of that
handful that made this whole strategy possible. (Applause.)
And I agree with him that our future depends on raising
education above previous plateaus of achievement. And that's
why Buddy recently announced his intention to organize 2000
Louisiana communities statewide -- his own crusade -- your own
crusade for excellence.
The Americans really in this field, I think, want
radical reform. We're not talking anymore about patching it up.
We're not talking about that. Spending on education went from
something like $110 billion to $400 billion over the last ten
years. It isn't a question simply of spending money. The
results went down, spending almost quadrupled.
What we need -- reforms like school choice to give the
parents a chance to choose where they want those kids to go. And
that choice alone will guarantee that the schools that are not
chosen will improve themselves. It's worked in other cities,
it's worked in states, and it can work right here under his
leadership. (Applause.) Americans -- the people want radical
reform with competition and accountability, and with those
schools we'll work, and wasteful programs will waste away. And
power will shift from the heavy hand of the state to the hands
that run the home and raise the family.
Like America 2000, Louisiana 2000 will let citizens
work together to help our education system work for us.
I
speak of government and communities, teachers and parents,
businesses and volunteers, and yes, in this field -- Democrats
and Republicans and liberals and conservatives. It doesn't
matter. It is too important to let party divide us and keep us
from accomplishing our -- achieving our goals. We're involved in
a cause that is larger than ourselves. And I might say that if I
ever get negligent and don't do my part, this lady sitting over
here on my left, given her commitment to literacy, will see that
I do my job; I'll guarantee you that. (Applause.) So there.
Education, the environment, a strong economy, and true
civil rights: Buddy changed parties to crusade for these causes.
And Churchill said, "Some men change their principles for their
party -- others change their party for their principles." Some
would rather fight than switch. Some would rather switch than
fight. Buddy decided to switch and fight. And tonight, I ask
you and all the people across this state of Louisiana to fight
for him -- to keep him as Governor of this state. (Applause.)
So join us in a government of the extended hand -- not
the closed mind and the self-indulgent heart. Let's help Buddy
Roemer steer Louisiana away from old-style gutter politics and
toward the far limits of the horizon.
Thank you all for your support. Thank you for the warm
welcome for Barbara and me, and may God bless you. And let's
- 5 -
keep Buddy Roemer the great Governor of the State of Louisiana.
Thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
END
7:45 P.M. CDT
91 SEP 24 20
(Smith/Grossman)
September 24, 1991
Draft Four
ROEMER
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
ROEMER FUNDRAISER
SHERATON NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
Thank you, Buddy, for that wonderful introduction -- and for
recalling why the author Pearl Buck wrote, "I fell in love with
Louisiana generally and New Orleans in particular." // Thinking
back to the 1988 Convention, this town reminds me of winning. //
I have a feeling that come November 5th, it's going to remind me
once again. //
( (I was delighted to see a red carpet rolled out at the
airport to greet me. Then, I found out it was for Bobby Hebert.
)) [A-bare]. // Actually, you're getting a preview of what a
Republican Administration can do for Louisiana. // How 'bout
those Saints -- off to their fastest start in history. )) //
I'm proud to be here to show my support for Buddy Roemer --
a man who will be the first Republican governor to be re-elected
in Louisiana. // After all, Buddy and I have a lot in common: We
both can be a bit stubborn / we don't always get along with the
legislature / we both like fishing / we both love America. /
((I know there's some controversy about split support for
Buddy, and I want to address that right now. / Some Yale grads
just refuse to support a Harvard man. Well I support Buddy --
despite that Harvard thing.) ) //
2
I support Buddy Roemer as a man who values conviction above
convenience -- who puts the people before the politicians. //
Buddy was elected in tough times to do tough work -- now he
deserves reelection to finish the job. He spoke for most
Louisianans when he said, "Change and progress do not come
easily there have been battles won and battles lost... [but] we
will not go back. / We will not turn back the clock. Our
children's future can't endure it; our conscience won't allow
it. " //
But Buddy doesn't just talk the talk. Buddy Roemer also
walks the walk. // Buddy is leading Louisiana toward a brighter
future -- strengthening government ethics, the environment,
economic development, and education. His work on the "four E's,"
as he calls them, is already scoring four "A's." //
Buddy has pledged to "take politics out of the back rooms
and bring it on the front porches." Three years ago he authored
and signed a campaign reform act -- giving Louisiana one of
America's toughest campaign reform laws. Buddy has brought a new
sense of responsibility to state government: annually balancing
the budget and rooting out corruption. / When it comes to
erasing unnecessary bureaucracy, he shares the strategy of
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell -- "First you cut it
off / then you kill it." // Buddy could have graduated from the
School of Desert Storm. //
Next comes the environment -- where Buddy has taken
Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality from lapdog to
3
watchdog. // Let the old guard support the idea of making
Louisiana an environmental sewer. Buddy believes in protecting
the environment and encouraging economic growth. //
This brings me to the third "E" -- the economy -- where
Buddy has shown he's serious about putting the Bayou state back
in business. Louisiana has rolled though some pretty tough
times. Some are saying, "Laissez les bon temps rouler.' " But as
everybody knows / first you've got to make a roux. //
You've got to create good times before you can let them
roll. Buddy's made economic development the central ingredient
in his recipe for state progress. Over the past four years,
Louisiana's unemployment has plummeted, you've created more than
100,000, the economy has diversified, and the bond rating has
improved. ((I've heard Buddy's even succeeded in attracting
foreign investors. / The Japanese plan to invest in getting him a
coat and tie //)).
Buddy knows that you can't have a developed economy without
developed minds -- thus, the fourth "E," education. When Buddy
saw that Louisiana wasn't passing the grade, he sent the state
back to school. Today, you see signs of progress everywhere:
Smaller class sizes, more respect for teachers, achievement up
from grade K through college. // [STATE AND NATIONAL PROGRESS
REPORT TO COME]
((You know, a noted left-wing politician once said of Buddy
Roemer, "He's often wrong, but never in doubt. " / What a
compliment coming from Tip O'Neill.)) //
4
Two years and two days ago, I saw how Buddy can be self-
confident and right / sorry, Tip / working with me and all the
nation's governors at the Charlottesville education summit. /
Buddy also joined me last April at the White House when I
announced America 2000 -- a national strategy to reach six goals
from making every citizen literate to making our students first
in math and science. // ( (Which reminds me that for two years our
administration has prodded Congress to pass our Educational
Excellence Act -- I'm afraid their homework is long overdue. )) / /
Buddy Roemer knows our future depends on raising education
above previous plateaus of achievement. / Three weeks ago, he
announced Louisiana 2000 -- his crusade for excellence. / The
American people want radical reform -- reform like school choice.
With competition and accountability, schools will work / wasteful
programs will waste away. / And power will shift from the heavy
hand of the state, to the hands that run the home and raise the
family.
Louisiana 2000 lets Louisianans work together to help our
education system work for us. // I speak of government and
communities, teachers and parents, business and volunteers, and
yes -- Democrats and Republicans -involved in a cause larger
than ourselves. /
**
[[National Education Goals Progress Report and Louisiana
Progress Report (both due September 30, 1991) to come. ]]
Education, the environment, a strong economy, and government
we can trust: Buddy Roemer changed parties to crusade for these
5
causes. Churchill said, "Some men change their principles for
their party -- others change their party for their principles."
// Some would rather fight than switch. Some would rather
switch than fight. Buddy decided to switch and fight. Today, I
ask you to fight for him. //
Join us in a government of the extended hand -- not the
closed mind and self-indulgent heart. Make sure that somewhere
on the road to a better quality of life, Louisiana didn't stumble
and fall. / Help Louisiana -- and America -- turn the four "E"s
into "A"s across the board. / /
Let's help Buddy Roemer steer Louisiana away from old-style
gutter politics and toward the far limits of the horizon. Thank
you, and God bless you. Let's keep Buddy Roemer the great
Governor of the great State of Louisiana.
#
#
#
#
( LOUISIANA)
NATIONAL
STUDENTS
the national report card -- not all bad news. Shows us what
we know, what we don't. Gives us a baseline from which we
can build.
In math for instance, the national report shows that of all
8th graders tested in 1991, just a fraction -- 15% -- could
function even at a 7th grade level.
LOUISIANA
STUDENTS
agerage ACT test scores for Louisiana's high school students
remained stable for the third straight year. (announced
Sept. 17)
--broken down, we can say that Louisiana students' average
scores rose one-tenth of a point in math when compared to
the state's graduates last year.
--But Louisiana's students' average on the four ACT subject
-- english, math, reading, and science reasoning -- still
lag behind the national averages in each category.
dramatic progress among Louisiana's black students whose ACT
scores have risen 1.2 points over the last five years. That
improvement is twice the rate of black students nationally.
Louisiana's college-bound seniors improved their average
scores on the SATs in 1991, while nationally, test scores
declined. (announced Aug. 27, 1991) Louisiana's average SAT
scores exceed the national average in both math and verbal
categories.
for the third straight year Louisiana students' California
Achievement (CAT) scores have improved (announced July 3,
1991) State Education Superintendent Dr. Cody: "More of our
students rank in the nation's top 50%. Our results show
steady progress and growth over the last three years and
reflect the hard work of our students and teachers. We
believe this is one sign that Louisiana's efforts to reform
education are beginning to pay off."
June 11, 1991: the latest statewide Louisiana Educational
Assessment Program (LEAP) results from students tested last
April show steady improvement from previous years. Dr.
Cody: "The latest LEAP test results prove our students are
making progress. The gains are dramatic in 7th graders'
written composition scores. Overall, in 8 of 12 areas
tested, the scores improved."
May 10, 1991: almost all of Louisiana's high school seniors,
schedualed to graduate in May (passed), have passed the
state-mandated Graduation Exit Examination (GEE). Dr. Cody:
"this is the first year seniors must pass the GEE as part of
their graduation requirements. We believe the program is
working. It is helping us to identify students and those
areas where they are having problems."
NATIONAL (from Portn's office )
Possible Insert on National Education Goals Report
Today the National Education Goals Panel is issuing the first
report to the Nation on where we stand toward achieving the six
national education goals for the year 2000. And I would like
to spend a moment to let you know why this is so important.
This process began two years ago when I met with the Nation's
Governors to discuss what we can and must do to ensure
educational excellence for each and every American. We
committed then to develop our first national education goals
for the year 2000 and to report annually to the nation on our
progress.
This report is our first look at how we are doing on our march
to reach the goals. Like many studies of education -- it is
not good news. In some areas we have an incomplete -- we do
not yet know how many of our children are ready for school or
how many adult Americans are fully literate. We do know that
our graduation rate is at 83% and that we need to reach 90% by okay
the year 2000. And we know that only about 15 percent of our
bad
children are reaching a level of competency in mathematics on
our first-ever standard for what children should know and be
able to do. We know that drug use is down in schools -- even good
though even one child using illegal drug is too many. And we
know that our teachers and students do not always feel safe in
their classrooms -- and that learning cannot occur in anything
less than safe, disciplined and drug-free environments.
You know, we are all turned around in this country when it
comes to education. Americans believe education is important
and that it is a problem -- in somebody else's neighborhood.
But they think their children's schools are just fine. And the
fact is that we simply have not known. Parents have never had
the information they need to make decisions about their child-
ren's future. Teachers have not known what is expected of them
so that they can do the best jobs they can for our kids. Our
students do not know what they should learn that will make a
difference in their lives or even why learning is so important.
And our workers do not know what they need to know and be able
to do to prepare for an increasingly competitive job market.
This report says we cannot guess anymore about something as
critical to our kids and the future of our nation as education.
We are going to raise our expectations for what we can and will
accomplish. We are going to clearly, honestly let America's
parents, teachers, students, and business leaders -- the
stockholders of American education -- know where we stand today
and how far we have to go. So this is a consumers' report in
one sense and it is also a call to action.
We have our goals, and now we have our baselines. I know that
when the American people set their sights on a goal, nothing
can stop their progress. And there is no more important goal
than ensuring that our citizens have the best our country can
give them when it comes to education.
OUTLINE
--children/children's future/Louisiana's future should be the
linchpin: tying in Education, Reform, Don't Turn Back the Clock
I.
INTRO
--jokes, anecdotes
--A QUESTION OF CHARACTER: Buddy's pugnacious integrity
--a man who holds clear eyed pragmatism above cockeyed
programs, a man who puts the people before the politicians
A.
Louisiana at the crossroads, do we look to the future, are we
up to the challenge? Or, do we seek refuge in the false
promises of yesterday.
1. Some are calling, with a tragic sense of timing, to
"Laisser les bon temps rouler." That's all good, and
well
But Buddy knows, and you know, that first you've
got to make a roux.
-Lincoln's admonishment against swapping horses
midstream
2.
I believe Buddy spoke for most Louisianans when he said,
"Change and progress do not come easily there have been
battles won and battles lost
[but] we will not go back.
We will not turn back the clock. Our children's future
can't endure it; our conscience won't allow it."
II. But Buddy doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. His
record stands, it needs no embellishment. Tip O'neill said
Buddy was "often wrong, but never in doubt." When I look at
the record, I've no doubt that he's more often right.
THE 4 E's
A.
ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT
--Buddy's a man of conviction, not convenience: his courageous
campaign finance reform
--his goal, as he describes it, "to take politics out of the
back rooms and bring it on the front porches.
B.
ENVIRONMENT
-Buddy combines conservative principles with conservationist
policies
C.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
--coat and tie anecdote
segue: a developed economy requires developed minds
D.
EDUCATION.
Those who would risk forfeiting our children's future rather
than forfeiting a future in politics, "A politician thinks of
the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation."
(James Freeman Clarke
--Buddy's kicked of Louisiana 2000, part of our national
crusade for excellence in education
III. EDUC
Lewiston: "Almost 2 years ago, this Nation's Governors and
I worked together at a fantastic meeting at Charlottesville.
And we established six ambitious national education goals
In
April, I announced America 2000, a national education strategy
to move us forward, community by community, toward those
goals.
By the year 2000, we pledged to raise this Nation's
graduation rate to at least 90 percent
By the year 2000, we've challenged ourselves to become
first in the world in math and science. And right now, we
stand 12th in the world in math and science, dead last among
the industrialized nations
And the only way that this will happen is if all of
us
teachers, students, parents, and communities, join in
this national crusade for excellence in education.
Fundamentally, that's what America 2000, Maine [Louisiana]
2000 is all about.
Our first three goals raise expectations and measure
results. Our last three goals complete the challenge. By the
year 2000, every American child should start school ready to
learn. Every American adult should be literate, and every
American school must be free from drugs and violence.
(Eagles luncheon) : We hope Congress will act on another part
of our domestic agenda -- education. The plain truth is that
our schools are failing the grade -- and by delaying action
to help them, Congress is flunking the test
Two weeks ago,
SAT scores were released -- down for the fourth straight year.
Verbal scores have never been lower.
What you may not know is that for two years we have
prodded Congress to pass our Educational Excellence Act.
We've asked it to help make America No. 1 in education by the
year 2000 --- not do the whole job, just do its part.
Congress has responded by playing hookey
Dodging homework won't help this generation and the
generations to come.
IV. CONCLUSION
--cooperation between POTUS and Roemer, what they have in common
-Roemer's switch
Capote quote on recognizing your friends
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Sept. 18
idgerland Literacy
ke City Communi-
Remarks to the Staff of the Primary
I think, too, of your staff and physicians, a
Center. They are
Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake
handful of whom I just met, one of whom,
, many of you, the
City, Utah
Dr. Floyd Seager, we have honored nation-
service.
September 18, 1991
ally as a daily Point of Light. He's sitting
; down to see one
right over here. That's talking about volun-
arn's. I'm going to
Thank you very, very much. Thank you
tarism at its finest. That same generosity of
Medical Center to
for that warm welcome. And let me just say
his moved thousands of area residents, that
ansion. And there
how pleased I am to see Secretary Sullivan
volunteer spirit, to help build this facility.
W feature of our
here today, to be with him. He's doing a
All helped Intermountain Health Care win
to improve the
superb job at HHS. He's just back from a
the health care industry's highest honor for
announce help for
trip, significant trip to Africa with the Vice
quality, the Healthcare Forum Witt Award.
e a problem Utah
President, was in Colorado yesterday. And
On my tour of the hospital, we started by
nt mortality rates.
when jet lag catches up with this guy, he's
visiting the rehab unit. And then I saw
ital care including
going to go like that, I think. [Laughter]
many sick kids who have won their first
pectant mothers.
But nevertheless, Lou, we're glad you're
battle, the battle for life, and are now fight-
here.
communities such
ing a second battle, and that's the battle for
2 works to ensure
And may I salute, of course, the Gover-
recovery. These kids really depend on your
ny.
nor, who greeted us so kindly, and the Con-
trust and your affection and your caring.
me to be here. I
gressman, Congressman Hansen, and our
And you, in response, fulfill the old Bible
1 that is that Bar-
two great Senators, Orrin Hatch and Jake
verse: "We were gentle among you, like a
down those stairs
Garn, who were earlier on, and the Lieu-
nurse taking care of her children."
d have loved this,
tenant Governor of the State. And also I
Nowhere is this more important than in
have a good visit.
want to single out another man to whom
reducing infant mortality rates. We must
Barbara and I still feel very close, the
reverse the factors that cause preventable
the code that suc-
former Secretary of Education Ted Bell I
infant deaths. That's why I've personally
erving others. And
see sitting over here. And to Mr. Anderson,
made what we call the Healthy Start pro-
the center chairman here, and to Dave
g that I wish ev-
gram a Presidential initiative and a top na-
y did. You under-
Salisbury, who gave us that fascinating his-
tional priority. It's also why I'm pleased,
tory of how all this came about, the chair-
of families. And I
with Dr. Sullivan, to award Healthy Start
man here, Mr. Parker, the CEO, and Dr.
S that your State
program grants today to 15 communities
Simmons, the medical director of Primary
your respect for
Children's Medical Center, I want to par-
that have shown urgent need, have devel-
n, thank you for
ticularly salute all of them. And to ladies
oped excellent plans for addressing those
e. And may God
and gentlemen and kids over here, it's a
needs, and have organized communitywide
efforts to achieve results.
ke City, the great
pleasure for me to be here today. And I
United States of
really have enjoyed this brief but most in-
I asked the Congress for $57 million this
very, very much.
formative tour of this magnificent facility.
year to help curb infant mortality; Congress
appropriated only $25 million. We will use
? at 3:04 p.m. on
An old adage counsels, "live and let
it as best we can; between $1 million to $2
ake City Interna-
live"-this adage says "live and let live."
million will go to each of these 15 commu-
arks, he referred
Well, this facility helps give life to kids. It's
nities. I am pleased that the Healthy Start
rter and Lt. Gov.
a state-of-the-art pediatric care center. It
also towers as a monument to America's
program can begin immediately, but Con-
Ty Detmer, quar-
Young University
volunteer spirit.
gress must appropriate more money for this
initiative next year. Together, let's show
tative James V.
For many years, the children of this area,
how America's most precious resource is
rn and Orrin G.
the Intermountain area, supported Primary
America's ability to care.
Assistant to the
Children's with pennies, nickels, and dimes
In that spirit, let me close these brief re-
and Domestic
given on their birthdays. This selfless spirit
marks with a story about one of Barbara
Assistant to the
of charity continues today with the giving
Bush's predecessors, a First Lady, in my
trity Affairs; and
of your time and of yourselves. I think of
and salute hundreds of volunteers who
view, a great First Lady, Pat Nixon. And
George Simmons,
once she toured a medical center and
Lucille Isakson.
donate more than a quarter million hours a
stopped to embrace a little girl blinded by
or verification of
year to children and those community rep-
rubella. For a few minutes, she talked to
'S
resentatives serving without pay as mem-
the girl and held her close. And then later,
bers of the governing board of the hospital.
someone came over and told her that the
1299
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Our Ideal is a Humane Democratic Socialism
Mikhail Gorbachev
POLITICAL PLURALISM
President of the U.S.S.R. - Page 322
Help the Soviet Union on its Road to Democracy
Vaclav Havel
CONSCIOUSNESS PRECEDES BEING
President of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic-Page 327
Can the Soviet Union Achieve Freedom
Ronald J. Kurth
DEMOCRATIZATION COULD BECOME DEMOCRACY
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, President, U.S. Naval War College Page 331
Legislative-Executive Relations in National Security
Dick Cheney
WORK TOGETHER TO GOVERN
Secretary of Defense-Page 334
U.S. Postal Service
Anthony M. Frank
MAKING PROGRESS
Postmaster General of the United States-Page 336
U.S. Foreign Assistance
Chester D. Robinson
A GRASS ROOTS VIEW
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer-Page 339
And Then Some
Richard L. Weaver, II
GIVE MORE, GET MORE, WANT MORE FROM LIFE!
Professor, Department of Interpersonal and Public Communication,
Bowling Green State University-Page 342
Beyond the Lost Decade
A.W. Clausen
PROSPECTS FOR-THE THIRD WORLD
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BankAmerica Corporation-Page 344
Recent Developments in the Soviet Union
Nicolai N. Petro
GORBACHEV AND PERESTROIKA
International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations-Page 347
Where Is The Aviation Trust Fund?
Robert J. Aaronson
NOT RE-REGULATION BUT FLEXIBILITY
President, Air Transport Association-Page 350
IMPARTIAL
CONSTRUCTIVE
AUTHENTIC
THE BEST THOUGHT OF THE BEST MINDS ON CURRENT NATIONAL QUESTIONS
327
VACLAV HAVEL
change the system of forming Party bodies at all levels, in such
Of course, these are not all problems of Party democracy. I
a way as to ensure the final say of Communists.
have set forth some considerations and would like them to be
We need a new, effective election mechanism that should
thoroughly discussed before the Congress.
also be sealed in the Rules. We agreed that proposals on this
The draft platform includes a proposal on changing the
issue. after their discussion in the commission on the devel-
structure of the upper Party bodies. The meaning of this pro-
opment of the Party, will be submitted to members of the
posal is not just to rename them and thus show our readiness
Central Committee and participants in the Plenum.
for renewal.
The future Rules should definitely state that all elected bod-
They are intended to strengthen the factor of democrati-
ies. from top to bottom, must be under the control of and
sation in the Party leadership and simultaneously create bet-
accountable to communists and that the apparatus must be
ter conditions for its activity as a working collective.
under the control of and accountable to elected bodies.
One may ask, why reduce the number of Central Committee
We have long been concerned by the fact that the inner life
members? Let us discuss this. We proceeded from the need to
of the Party and its functioning do not give Party members
turn the Central Committee into a body working on a perma-
the possibility to participate regularly in the formation of its
nent basis.
We should also depart from the principle of electing to the
policy.
Much has been said about this but still we have no mech-
Central Committee mainly people holding certain posts. This
anism to translate this idea into practice. This is one of the
principle was actually an expression of the party-and-state sys-
problems that has to be discussed before the Congress during
tem of power in the country.
the work on the new Rules.
We think these changes will help strengthen the Central
So far I would say that the influence of communists on the
Committee's ties with Party organisations, because these ties
work of upper bodies, including the Central Committee, to a
will be maintained not through the apparatus but mainly
great degree will depend on how real their chance to send
through elected members of the Central Committee.
their representatives - those whom they trust, real leaders
In addition, almost all of them will take part in the work of
and active supporters of perestroika - to these bodies will be.
a Central Committee Commission, actually becoming politi-
We should call for the vigorous representation of the most
cians of the party-wide rank.
active and advanced workers and farmers, who are well-known
It would be appropriate to speak here also about the central
in the Party, in all elective bodies of the Party, including the
Party apparatus. It is clear that the change of the Party's role
Central Committee.
should entail changes in the qualitative composition of the
Glasnost in the work of the Party's leadership, including
apparatus. It should assist the Central Committee and work
the Central Committee and bodies elected by it, should be
strictly under its control.
ensured on a larger scale than before. Paraphrasing Lenin's
The experience of the Central Committee's work in the past
statement, we can say that then communists will know every-
few years has revealed the need to give the Central Committee
thing and will be able to make conscientious judgements,
co-optation rights which, naturally, should be limited by the
proposals and conclusions.
rules.
We are increasing communists' real participation in the for-
There is also a proposal to abandon the practice of electing
mation of the policy also by giving Party bodies the possibility
candidate members of the Central Committee.
to develop their own platforms on various problems of social
I will not speak about other issues raised in the draft plat-
development in the context of one or another region.
form. The Politburo hopes that we will jointly work out a doc-
Communists should be given the possibility to truly partic-
ument that will give answers to all questions vital to commu-
ipate in the drafting of these documents, in their discussion
nists and all Soviet people and that perestroika in the country
and adoption.
will thus receive a new powerful and positive impetus.
Help the Soviet Union on its
Road to Democracy
CONSCIOUSNESS PRECEDES BEING
By VACLAV HAVEL, President of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
Delivered to the Joint Session of Congress, Washington, D.C., February 21, 1990
D
EAR Mr. Speaker, dear Mr. President, dear Senators,
idential candidate, I thought it was one of his usual jokes.
and Members of the House, ladies and gentlemen:
On the 10th of December 1989, when my actor friend Jiri
My advisers advised me to speak on this important
Bartoska, in the name of the Civic Forum, nominated me as a
occasion in Czech. I don't know why. Perhaps they wanted you
candidate for the office of President of the Republic, I thought
to enjoy the sweet sounds of my mother tongue.
it was out of the question that the Parliament we had inherited
The last time they arrested me, on October 27, of last year,
from the previous regime would elect me.
I didn't know whether it was for 2 days or 2 years.
Nineteen days later, when I was unanimously elected Pres-
Exactly 1 month later, when the rock musician Michael
ident of my country, I had no idea that in 2 months later I
Kocab told me that I would probably be proposed as a Pres-
would be speaking in front of this famous and powerful assem-
328
VITAL SPEECHES OF THE DAY
bly, and that what I say would be heard by millions of people
enormous forces, one a defender of freedom, the other a source
who have never heard of me and that hundreds of politicians
of nightmares. Europe became the point of friction between
and political scientists would study every word I say.
these two powers and thus it turned into a single enormous
When they arrested me on October 27, I was living in a
arsenal divided into two parts. In this process, one half of the
country ruled by the most conservative Communist govern-
arsenal became part of that nightmarish power, while the other
ment in Europe, and our society slumbered beneath the pall
- the free part - bordering on the ocean and having no wish
of a totalitarian system. Today, less than 4 months later, I am
to be driven into it, was compelled, together with you, to build
speaking to you as the representative of a country that has set
a complicated security system, to which we probably owe the
out on the road to democracy, a country where there is com-
fact that we still exist.
plete freedom of speech, which is getting ready for free elec-
So you may have contributed to the salvation of us Euro-
tions, and which wants to create a prosperous market economy
peans, of the world and thus of yourselves for a third time: you
and its own foreign policy.
have helped us to survive until today - without a hot war this
It is all very extraordinary.
time - but merely a cold one.
But I have not come here to speak for myself or my feelings,
And now what is happening is happening: the totalitarian
or merely to talk about my own country. I have used this small
system in the Soviet Union and in most of its satellites is
example of something I know well, to illustrate something gen-
breaking down and our nations are looking for a way to
eral and important.
democracy and independence. The first act in this remarkable
We are living in very extraordinary times. The human face
drama began when Mr. Gorbachev and those around him, faced
of the world is changing so rapidly that none of the familiar
with the sad reality of their country, initiated their policy of
political speedometers are adequate.
"perestroika." Obviously they had no idea either what they
We playwrights, who have to cram a whole human life or an
were setting in motion or how rapidly events would unfold. We
entire historical era in a 2-hour play, can scarcely understand
knew a lot about the enormous number of growing problems
this rapidity ourselves. And if it gives us trouble, think of the
that slumbered beneath the honeyed, unchanging mask of
trouble it must give to political scientists, who spend their
socialism. But I don't think any of us knew how little it would
whole lives studying the realm of the probable. And have even
take for these problems to manifest themselves in all their
less experience with the realm of the improbable than us, the
enormity, and for the longings of these nations to emerge in all
playwrights.
their strength. The mask fell away so rapidly that, in the flood
Let me try to explain why I think the velocity of the changes
of work, we have literally no time even to be astonished.
in my country, in Central and Eastern Europe, and of course
What does all this mean for the world in the long run?
in the Soviet Union itself, has made such a significant impres-
Obviously a number of things. This is, I am firmly convinced,
sion on the face of the world today, and why it concerns the
a historically irreversible process, and as a result Europe will
fate of us all, including you Americans. I would like to look at
begin again to seek its own identity without being compelled
this, first from the political point of view, and then from a point
to be a divided armory any longer. Perhaps this will create the
of view that we might call philosophical.
hope that sooner or later your boys will no longer have to stand
Twice in this century, the world has been threatened by a
on guard for freedom in Europe, or come to our rescue, because
catastrophe; twice this catastrophe was born in Europe, and
Europe will at last be able to stand guard over itself. But that
twice you Americans, along with others, were called upon to
is still not the most important thing: the main thing is, it seems
save Europe, the whole world and yourselves. The first rescue
to me, that these revolutionary changes will enable us to escape
mission - among other things - provided significant help to
from the rather antiquated straitjacket of this bipolar view of
us Czechs and Slovaks.
the world, and to enter at last into an era of multipolarity. That
Thanks to the great support of your President Wilson, our
is, into an era in which all of us - large and small - former
first President, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, could found our
slaves and former masters - will be able to create what your
modern independent state. He founded it, as you know, on the
great President Lincoln called the family of man. Can you
same principles on which the United States of America has
imagine what a relief this would be to that part of the world
been founded, as Masaryk's manuscripts held by the Library of
which for some reason is called the Third World, even though
Congress testify.
it is the largest?
In the meantime, the United States made enormous strides.
I don't think it's appropriate simply to generalize, so let me
It became the most powerful nation on Earth, and it under-
be specific:
stood the responsibility that flowed from this. Proof of this are
First, as you certainly know, most of the big wars and other
the hundreds of thousands of your young citizens who gave
conflagrations over the centuries have traditionally begun and
their lives for the liberation of Europe, and the graves of
ended on the territory of modern Czechoslovakia, or else they
American airmen and soldiers on Czechoslovak soil.
were somehow related to that area. Let the Second World War
But something else was happening as well: the Soviet Union
stand as the most recent example. This is understandable:
appeared, grew, and transformed the enormous sacrifices of
whether we like it or not, we are located in the very heart of
its people suffering under totalitarian rule, into a strength
Europe, and thanks to this, we have no view of the sea, and no
that, after World War II, made it the second most powerful
real navy. I mention this because political stability in our coun-
nation in the world. It was a country that rightly gave people
try has traditionally been important for the whole of Europe.
nightmares, because no one knew what would occur to its
This is still true today. Our government of national under-
rulers next and what country they would decide to conquer
standing, our present Federal Assembly, the other bodies of
and drag into their sphere of influence, as it is called in
the state and I myself will personally guarantee this stability
political language.
until we hold free elections, planned for June. We understand
All of this taught us to see the world in bipolar terms, as two
the terribly complex reasons, domestic political reasons above
VACLAV HAVEL
329
all, why the Soviet Union cannot withdraw its troops from our
way should become gradually less important, should finally be
territory as quickly as they arrived in 1968. We understand that
legally guaranteed by a common, regular treaty. It should be
the arsenals built there over the past 20 years cannot be dis-
more than obvious that the basis for such a treaty would have
mantled and removed overnight. Nevertheless, in our bilateral
to be general respect for human rights, genuine political plu-
negotiations with the Soviet Union, we would like to have as
ralism and genuinely free elections.
many Soviet units as possible moved out of our country before
Fifth, naturally we welcome the initiative of President Bush,
the elections, in the interests of political stability. The more
which was essentially accepted by Mr. Gorbachev as well,
successful our negotiations, the more those who are elected in
according to which the number of American and Soviet troops
our places will be able to guarantee political stability in our
in Europe should be radically reduced. It is a magnificent shot
country even after the elections.
in the arm for the Vienna disarmament talks and creates
Second, I often hear the question: How can the United
favorable conditions not only for our own efforts to achieve the
States of America help us today? My reply is as paradoxical as
quickest possible departure of Soviet troops from Czechoslo-
the whole of my life has been: You can help us most of all if
vakia, but indirectly as well for our own intention to make
you help the Soviet Union on its irreversible, but immensely
considerable cuts in the Czechoslovak Army, which is dispro-
complicated road to democracy. It is far more complicated
portionately large in relation to our population. If Czechoslo-
than the road open to its former European satellites. You
vakia were forced to defend itself against anyone, which we
yourselves know best how to support, as rapidly as possible,
hope will not happen, then it will be capable of doing so with
the nonviolent evolution of this enormous, multinational body
a considerably smaller army, because this time its defense
politic toward democracy and autonomy for all of its peoples.
would be - not only after decades but after even centuries -
Therefore, it is not fitting for me to offer you any advice. I can
support by the common and indivisible will of both its nations
only say that the sooner, the more quickly, and the more peace-
and its leadership. Our freedom, independence, and our new-
fully the Soviet Union begins to move along the road toward
born democracy have been purchased at great cost, and we
genuine political pluralism, respect for the rights of nations to
shall not surrender them. For the sake of order, I should add
their own integrity and to a working - that is a market -
that whatever steps we take are not intended to complicate the
economy, the better it will be, not just for Czechs and Slovaks,
Vienna disarmament talks, but on the contrary, to facilitate
but for the whole world. And the sooner you yourselves will be
them.
able to reduce the burden of the military budget borne by the
Sixth, Czechoslovakia is returning to Europe. In the general
American people. To put it metaphorically: The millions you
interest and in its own interest as well, it wants to coordinate
give to the East today will soon return to you in the form of
this return - both politically and economically - with the
billions in savings.
other returnees, which means, above all, with its neighbors the
Third, it is not true that the Czech writer Vaclav Havel
Poles and the Hungarians. We are doing what we can to coor-
wishes to dissolve the Warsaw Pact tomorrow and then NATO
dinate these returns. And at the same time, we are doing what
the day after that, as some eager journalists have written.
we can so that Europe will be capable of really accepting us,
Vaclav Havel merely thinks what he has already said here, that
its wayward children. Which means that it may open itself to
for another hundred years, American soldiers shouldn't have
us, and may begin to transform its structures - which are
to be separated from their mothers just because Europe is
formally European but de facto Western European - in that
incapable of being a guarantor of world peace, which it ought
direction, but in such a way that it will not be to its detriment,
to be, in order to make some amends, at least, for having given
but rather to its advantage.
the world two world wars. Sooner or later Europe must recover
Seventh, I have already said this in our parliament, and I
and come into its own, and decide for itself how many of whose
would like to repeat it here, in this Congress, which is archi-
soldiers it needs so that its own security, and all the wider
tecturally far more attractive: for many years, Czechoslovakia
implications of that security, may radiate peace into the whole
- as someone's meaningless satellite - has refused to face up
world. Vaclav Havel cannot make decisions about things that
honestly to its co-responsibility for the world. It has a lot to
are not proper for him to decide. He is merely putting in a
make up for. If I dwell on this and so many important things,
good word for genuine peace, and for achieving it quickly.
it is only because I feel - along with my fellow citizens - a
Fourth, Czechoslovakia thinks that the planned summit
sense of culpability for our former reprehensible passivity, and
conference of countries participating in the Helsinki process
a rather ordinary sense of indebtedness.
should take place soon, and that in addition to what it wants
Eighth, we are of course delighted that your country is so
to accomplish, it should aim to hold the so-called Helsinki II
readily lending its support to our fresh efforts to renew democ-
conference earlier than 1992, as originally planned. Above all,
racy. Both our peoples were deeply moved by the generous
we feel it could be something far more significant than has so
offers made a few days ago in Prague at the Charles University,
far seemed possible. We think that Helsinki II should become
one of the oldest in Europe, by your Secretary of State, Mr.
something equivalent to the European peace conference,
James Baker. We are ready to sit down and talk about them.
which has not yet been held; one that would finally put a for-
Ladies and gentlemen, I've only been president for 2
mal end to the Second World War and all its unhappy conse-
months and I haven't attended any schools for presidents. My
quences. Such a conference would officially bring a future
only school was life itself. Therefore I don't want to burden
democratic Germany, in the process of unifying itself, into a
you any longer with my political thoughts, but instead I will
new pan-European structure which could decide about its own
move on to an area that is more familiar to me, to what I
security system. This system would naturally require some con-
would call the philosophical aspect of those changes that still
nection with that part of the globe we might label the "Hel-
concern everyone, although they are taking place in our cor-
sinki" part, stretching westward from Vladiovostok all the way
ner of the world.
to Alaska. The borders of the European states, which by the
As long as people are people, democracy in the full sense of
330
VITAL SPEECHES OF THE DAY
the word will always be no more than an ideal; one may
and that therefore everything is permitted. There are still
approach it as one would a horizon, in ways that may be
many who say they are concerned not for themselves, but for
better or worse, but it can never be fully attained. In this
the cause, while they are demonstrably out for themselves
sense you too are merely approaching democracy. You have
and not for the cause at all. We are still destroying the planet
thousands of problems of all kinds, as other countries do. But
that was entrusted to us, and its environment. We still close
you have one great advantage: You have been approaching
our eyes to the growing social, ethnic and cultural conflicts in
democracy uninterruptedly for more than 200 years, and your
the world. From time to time we say that the anonymous
journey toward the horizon has never been disrupted by a
megamachinery we have created for ourselves no longer
totalitarian system. Czechs and Slovaks, despite their human-
serves us, but rather has enslaved us, yet we still fail to do
istic traditions that go back to the first millennium, have
anything about it.
approached democracy for a mere 20 years, between the two
In other words, we still don't know how to put morality
world wars, and now for the 3½ months since the 17th of
ahead of politics, science and economics. We are still incapa-
November of last year.
ble of understanding that the only genuine backbone of all our
The advantage that you have over us is obvious at once.
actions - if they are to be moral - is responsibility. Respon-
The Communist type of totalitarian system has left both our
sibility to something higher than my family, my country, my
nations, Czechs and Slovaks - as it has all the nations of the
company, my success. Responsibility to the order of Being,
Soviet Union and the other countries the Soviet Union sub-
where all our actions are indelibly recorded and where, and
jugated in its time - a legacy of countless dead, an infinite
only where, they will be properly judged.
spectrum of human suffering, profound economic decline, and
The interpreter or mediator between us and this higher
above all enormous human humiliation. It has brought us hor-
authority is what is traditionally referred to as human
rors that fortunately you have not known.
conscience.
At the same time, however - unintentionally, of course -
If I subordinate my political behavior to this imperative
it has given us something positive: a special capacity to look,
mediated to me by my conscience, I can't go far wrong. If on
from time to time, somewhat further than someone who has
the contrary I were not guided by this voice, not even 10 pres-
not undergone this bitter experience. A person who cannot
idential schools with 2,000 of the best political scientists in the
move and live a somewhat normal life because he is pinned
world could help me.
under a boulder has more time to think about his hopes than
This is why I ultimately decided - after resisting for a long
someone who is not trapped that way.
time - to accept the burden of political responsibility.
What I am trying to say is this: we must all learn many things
I am not the first, nor will I be the last, intellectual to do
from you, from how to educate our offspring, how to elect our
this. On the contrary, my feeling is that there will be more and
representatives, all the way to how to organize our economic
more of them all the time. If the hope of the world lies in
life so that it will lead to prosperity and not to poverty. But it
human consciousness, then it is obvious that intellectuals can-
doesn't have to be merely assistance from the well-educated,
not go on forever avoiding their share of responsibility for the
the powerful and the wealthy to someone who has nothing and
world and hiding their distaste for politics under an alleged
therefore has nothing to offer in return.
need to be independent.
We too can offer something to you: our experience and the
It is easy to have independence in your program and then
knowledge that has come from it.
leave others to carry that program out. If everyone thought
This is a subject for books, many of which have already been
that way, pretty soon no one would be independent.
written and many of which have yet to be written. I shall
I think that you Americans should understand this way of
therefore limit myself to a single idea.
thinking. Wasn't it the best minds of your country, people you
The specific experience I'm talking about has given me one
could call intellectuals, who wrote your famous Declaration of
great certainty: Consciousness precedes Being, and not the
Independence, your Bill of Human Rights and your Consti-
other way around, as the Marxists claim.
tution and who - above all - took upon themselves the prac-
For this reason, the salvation of this human world lies
tical responsibility for putting them into practice? The worker
nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to
from Branik in Prague that your President referred to in his
reflect, in human meekness and in human responsibility.
State of the Union message this year is far from being the only
Without a global revolution in the sphere of human con-
person in Czechoslovakia, let alone in the world, to be inspired
sciousness, nothing will change for the better in the sphere of
by those great documents. They inspire us all. They inspire us
our Being as humans, and the catastrophe toward which this
despite the fact that they are over 200 years old. They inspire
world is headed, be it ecological, social, demographic or a
us to be citizens.
general breakdown of civilization, will be unavoidable. If we
When Thomas Jefferson wrote that, "Governments are insti-
are no longer threatened by world war, or by the danger that
tuted among Men deriving their just Powers from the Consent
the absurd mountains of accumulated nuclear weapons might
of the Governed," it was a simple and important act of the
blow up the world, this does not mean that we have definitively
human spirit.
won. We are in fact far from the final victory.
What gave meaning to that act, however, was the fact that
We are still a long way from that "family of man"; in fact,
the author backed it up with his life. It was not just his words,
we seem to be receding from the ideal rather than drawing
it was his deeds as well.
closer to it. Interests of all kinds: personal, selfish, state,
I will end where I began: history has accelerated. I believe
national, group and, if you like, company interests still con-
that once again it will be the human mind that will notice this
siderably outweigh genuinely common and global interests.
acceleration, give it a name, and transform those words into
We are still under the sway of the destructive and vain belief
deeds.
that man is the pinnacle of creation, and not just a part of it,
Thank you.
Encyclopedia
The Lincoln Encyclopedia
151
"House Divided Against Itself"
harm; but I
imand of the
shall direct him to give you orders, and you to obey
Horses, would not swap, midstream-I do not allow
ambition and
them-To Gen. Hooker, June 16, 1863. VIII, 323.
myself to suppose that either the [Republican na-
tional] convention or the [National Union] League
in which you
a most meri-
Hooker, Joseph, suggestions to-I would not take
have concluded to decide that I am either the great-
I much
any risk of being entangled upon the [Rappahan-
est or best man in America, but rather they have con-
ifuse into the
nock] river, like an ox jumped half over a fence, and
cluded that it is not best to swap horses while cross-
liable to be torn by dogs front and rear without a
ing the river, and have further concluded that I am
I withholding
fair chance to gore one way or kick the other.-To
not so poor a horse that they might not make a botch
on you.-To
Gen. Hooker, June 5, 1863. VIII, 291.
of it in trying to swap.-Reply to delegation from
2-If he [the enemy] goes toward the Upper Po-
National Union League, June 9, 1864. X, 123.
am anxious,
tomac follow on his flank and on his inside track,
ent, or waste
shortening your lines while he lengthens his. Fight
House-Burning, "mutual discontinuance" urged-
in hindrance
him, too, when opportunity offers. If he stays where
The secretary of war and I concur that you had bet-
il 28, 1863.
be is, fret him and fret him.-To Gen. Hooker, June
ter confer with Gen. Lee, and stipulate for a mutual
10, 1863. VIII, 297.
discontinuance of house-burning and other destruc-
3.-If the head of Lee's army is at Martinsburg and
tion of private property.-To Gen. Grant, Aug. 14,
-I must tell
the tail of it on the plank road between Fredericks-
1864. X, 187.
as that some
burg and Chancellorsville, the animal must be very
re not giving
slim somewhere. Could you not break him?-To Gen.
"House Divided Against Itself," Author of-See UNION,
be ruinous if
Hooker, June 14, 1863. VIII, 315.
strength in.
all, ascertain
doubt-To
Hooker, Joseph, talk of dictatorship challenged-I
"House Divided Against Itself," cannot stand-Our
have heard, in such a way as to believe it, of your
political problem now is, Can we as a nation continue
um-Unfor-
recently saying that both the army and the govern-
together permanently-forever-half slave and half
ment needed a dictator.
Only those generals who
Hooker and
free? The problem is too mighty for me-may God, in
heir present
gain successes can set up dictators. What I now ask of
His mercy, superintend the solution.-To George
me beg-al-
you is military success, and I will risk the dictator-
Robertson, Aug. 15, 1855. II, 280.
aching you,
ship.-To Gen. Hooker, Jan. 26, 1863. VIII, 207.
2.-"A house divided against itself cannot stand." I be-
Gen. Slocum
Hope, power of-The power of hope upon human
lieve this government cannot endure permanently half
ommand of
exertion and happiness is wonderful.-Fragment,
slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be
receive some
July 1, 1854: II, 185.
dissolved-I do not expect the house to fall-but I do
Sept. 28,
expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all
See LABOR, free and slave compared, 2.
one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of
slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it
-When you
Horse, "patting and petting"-[Preparation for the
where the public mind shall rest in the belief that
it enjoy the
second Dred Scott decision] looks like the cautious
it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its ad-
ading, you
patting and petting of a spirited horse, preparatory to
vocates will push it forward till it shall become alike
not lack his
mounting him, when it is dreaded that he may give
lawful in all the states, old as well as new, North as
harm.
the rider a fall.-Speech, Springfield, June 16, 1858.
well as South.-Speech, Springfield, June 16, 1858.
to this ex-
III, 9.
III, 2.
telegraph
Repeated at Chicago, July 10, 1858. III, 30.
e is wrong
Horsechestnut and Chestnut Horse-He [Douglas]
Repeated at Springfield, July 17, 1858. III, 173.
< he with-
runs on step by step, in the horsechestnut style of
Repeated at Clinton, Sept. 8, 1858. III, 351.
of it.-To
argument.-Speech, Springfield, July 17, 1858. III,
Repeated at Alton, Oct. 15, 1858. V, 44.
239.
3.-I repeat that I do not believe this government can
the same
2.-When Douglas ascribes such to me, he does so,
endure permanently half slave and half free, yet I do
I use to
not by argument, but by mere burlesque on the art
not admit, nor does it at all follow, that the admission
-To Gen.
and name of argument-by such fantastic arrange-
of a single slave state will permanently fix the char-
ments of words as prove "horsechestnuts" to be
acter and establish this as a universal slave nation.
IOW place
"chestnut horses."-Notes, Oct. 1, 1858. IV, 212.
The judge [Douglas] is very happy indeed at working
Halleck of
See RACIAL EQUALITY, neither desired nor intended, 5.
up these quibbles.-Debate, Freeport, Aug. 27, 1858.
eneral-in-
III, 340.
ed differ-
Horses, "sore-tongued and fatigued"-See MC CLEL-
4.-I believe the government cannot endure perma-
erstood I
LAN, GEORGE B., criticized, 12.
nently half slave and half free. I expressed this belief
ROEMER PREADVANCE
-difficulty in raising $$: Roemer's a big enviro, some big
business is not that thrilled with his regulations
--full sitdown dinner
--Roemer will intro POTUS
--Chairman of La GOP not coming, state party endorsed someone else
--Dave Trane was only previous Republican governor (79-83)
--Roemer's main competion: Edwards (note: most people think he's
a crook ---> stress Roemer's honest, integrity)
--Roemer's a reformer; his campaign slogan: DON'T TURN BACK THE
CLOCK. He's almost running an anti-government campaign (economic
revival, enviro, ethics in government (was architect of first real
campaign reform package, pushed it in the legislature, got it
passed) i.e. while we've made progress, there's still a lot to be
done (Edwards symbolizes old time politicoes)
--last week Louisiana, under Roemer's stewardship, embraced
Louisiana 2000
--Roemer doesn't take any PAC money
-INTEGRITY: Buddy doesn't care 'bout winning friends and
influencing people. He's stubborn, stick to his guns, man of
conviction not convenience
--Lawrence Guidry knows Buddy well
the four E's: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT
EDUCATION
Roemer's a Harvard
-POTUS very popular in Louisiana
TEL:
Feb 27,01
8:53 No 017 P.17
lake Charles American Press
9/6/91
Treen endorses Roemer
BATON ROUGE (AP) - For-
politician, I think we all say,
man with an opportunity to
mer Republican Gov. Dave
had a lot of learning in his first
serve in the future," said Treen.
Treen said Thursday that he
term.
Looking fit and at ease, the
will back Gov. Buddy Roemer
"Roemer hasn't had 100 per-
63-year-old Treen said until a
because the incumbent deserves
cent success. No reform gover-
few weeks ago he was consider-
the second term that eluded
nor does but he's moving in the
ing the race because he felt he
Treen.
right direction. I'm rather
met the two necessary require-
"I believe when a person who
amazed at his energy and deter-
ments: The capability to move
serves as governor is going in
mination because the job 18 a
the state forward and a good
the right direction, that person
wearing, trying, difficult job."
chance to win.
deserves a second term to put
The endorsement decision
those goals into effect," Treen
was tough, said Treen. Without
Yet, Treen said he wasn't
said. "I was denied a second
the experience factor, he said
anxious to get involved in anoth-
term so I have a great deal of
he could just as easily have
or race at this time because of
empathy for this position."
backed Congressman Clyde Hol-
his law practice and "busy
Treen, the state's first Repub-
loway, R-Forest Hill.
schedule."
llcan governor since reconstruc-
6
Holloway is the nominee of
Another reason is the neces-
tion, was defeated in his 1983
the state GOP while Roemer is
sity of raising campaign money,
re-election bid by Edwin Ed.
backed by the National Republi-
he added.
wards, who in turn, lost his re-
can Party,
election bid to Roemer In 1987.
"There is a split in the lead-
"I'm sick and tired of asking
"There's a lot of learning in
ership and in the rank and file,"
for money and I'm going to walk
this governorship," Treen said
said Treen. "This state would be
out of this room 50 relieved that
at a news conference. "You all
well served If he (Holloway) was
I don't have to ask for money,"
observed me trying to learn.
governor of Louisiana."
he said.
Even Edwards who 10 2 master
But, Holloway "is a young
"I would like to have had a
second term. I would like to
serve as governor. I think I have
some ideas. One of the reasons 1
thought seriously about getting
in the race, even If not success-
ful, was to introduce some ideas.
I have some radical ideas -
radical for a conservative."
He said he didn't want to get
into his ideas because he's not a
candidate, adding that he will
discuss them with Roemer.
One of them, however, is a
one chamber Legislature, he
said later.
James Gill
Picayone 9-11-91
Picking an acceptable candidate
H
ad Kathleen Blanco run as a pro-
and soliciting money for his National Associ-
abortionist, they say, her campaign
ation for the Advancement of White People
for governor would have quickly
from Aryan outposts in various corners of the
picked up steam instead of founder-
country.
ing with neither money nor a clear message to
sustain it.
Duke has been underestimated before, but
the demographics seem overwhelmingly
That is blindingly obvious. Gov. Roemer,
against his lily-white crusade in a scatewide
though be vetoed the abortion bill passed in
race. Much has been made of the 44 percent
the last session on grounds it dissed women
of the vote he got against U.S. Sen. Bennett
in some of its more draconian provisions, is
Johnston, although such a tally would not
not exactly the stuff of a pro-choicer's
normally be considered all that impressive.
TEL:
dreams.
Duke's taily exceeded the pollsters' projec-
Thus, a sizable bloc of liberal and feminist
tions but then he may have benefited from
votes was there for Blanco's taking. So what?
protest votes by those citizens - and they
are legion - who regard the incumbent's re-
Surely our political currency has not yet
cord in Washington as dismal.
been SO devalued that we assume candidates
will take ISO-degree turns on matters of prin-
Johnston's idea of bringing home the
ciple for the sake of political expediency.
bacon, after all, is foisting an unnecessary
uranium enrichment plant on his constituents
George Bush, it is true, did not become the
for the benefit of interests who come under
great ass-kicker of the dunes until he had
the jurisdiction of the Senate Energy Com-
brought an awesome-philosophical flexibility,
mittee he chairs and who make strategic con-
on abortion and other issues, to the task of
tributions to campaign funds.
electioneering.
Roemer, though he is opposed by the state
He and countless others have proved that
Republican Party he recently joined, is the
vacuous and cynical campaigns succeed, but
only acceptable major candidate
only if the candidate has a strong stomach
and the strength of other people's opinions as
He deserves to be elected not just by de-
monitored by the pollsters.
fault but because he had more achievements
to his credit, in campaign reform, education
A rabidly pro-choice woman candidate
and the environment, for instance, than any
would be a shoo-in for the runoff in this lack-
other recent governor.
Feb 27,01
luster year. Blanco wasn't it and is now re-
vealed as insufficiently hypocritical for high
Although the state GOP is supporting
Gov. Buddy Roemer
office.
He's the one
Clyde Holloway, who looks more and more
like an aiso-ran, Bush himself will visit the
Never mind. There are humbugs enough
reputation for political corruption, this is a
state to bang the drum for Roemer. Provided
among the surviving candidates.
he doesn't change his mind, that is.
most curious claim.
Edwin Edwards, whose rap sheet shows he
But we can be sure that tension will mount
was thrice sent to the governor's mansion
Edwards. of course, mindful of his image as
across the state and voters' thoughts will be
after making false promises of responsible
a politician on the make, now promises to
concentrated on the big news. Even the abor-
stewardship, now poses as a capable adminis-
turn over a new leaf. Most reassuring.
tion issue will be overshadowed.
trator.
David Duke, meanwhile, wants to run the
Ther's right. Lotto fever will keep the state
From a man who left the state with stag-
L
whole state when he can't even get it together
in its grips.
N gering deficits yan undereducated populars, a
to file a tax return. His administrative experi
8:53 P.16
polluted environment and an international
ence is limited to setting up cross-burnings
James Gill is a staff writer.