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09/21/1983 (case file 189121) (1)
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135840196
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09/21/1983 (case file 189121) (1)
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Presidential Briefing Papers
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Digital Library Collections This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections. Collection: President, Office of the: Presidential Briefing Papers: Records, 1981-1989 Folder Title: 09/21/1983 (case file 189121) 1 of 2 Box: 35 To see more digitized collections visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library. To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected] Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ 19 Pass 10/2 ID # 189121 WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT WORKSHEET X-MEDIA H-INTERNAL Name of Document: BRIEFING PAPERS FOR PRESIDENT'S Subject Codes: SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS FOR SEP2183 PR 007 - 01 D Subject: fist of imstees for meeting with CO 065 - Roberto Suazo Cordova, President - 81 Honduras - - 2) Meeting with Boys Clubs of america WE - youth of the year" Finalists. WE 009 - MA 003 - 3) Suncheon woodcaster with Regional editors and - BE 003 - 04 PR 0/6 - 4) Videotaging session for : 50 003 - A)q natrond Mortgage Bankers association PR 011 - 70th anoual Convention ofthe FI 002 - B) national Radio Broadcasters association - conventron - c)u. S, Olympic Hall of Fame dinner RE 015 - D) Job Training Partnerbhig act message RE 001 - to he broadcast during World Series LA 002 - ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Office/Agency (Staff Name) Action Tracking Date Type of Completion Date Code YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD RMHENL RSZ C Referral Note: Page 25 2 ID # 189121 WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT WORKSHEET X-MEDIA H-INTERNAL Name of Document: BRIEFING PAPERS FOR PRESIDENT'S Subject Codes: SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS FOR SEP2183 M PR 007 - 01 4) - Subject: E) american antomovile Association annual BE 003 - 15 - F) Smale meeting. Business Investment Company 25th BE 006 - anniversary Dinner - 6)u.s. Information agency 30th anniversary FG 992 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Office/Agency (Staff Name) Action Tracking Date Type of Completion Date Code YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD RMHENL RSZ C Referral Note: The President has seen THE SCHEDULE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN Wednesday, September 21, 1983 9:00 am Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) (Baker/Meese/Deaver) 9:30 am National Security Briefing Oval Office (15 min) (Clark) 9:45 am Senior Staff Time Oval Office (15 min) 10:00 am Personal Staff Time specent WILLERS Oval Office (60 min) 10:45 BOYS CLUB 11:00 am Meeting with President Robert Swazo Oval Office (20 min) Cordova, Republic of Honduras (Clark 11:30am Photo with Boys Clubs "Boy of the Oval Office min) Year" (Whittlesey) Candidates Bal. Broadcates 12:00 m Lunch with Regional Broadcasters East Room (60 min) (Gergen/Speakes) 1:00 pm Personal Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) 1:30 pm Private Meeting Oval Office (30 min) 2:00 pm Taping Session (Goode) Diplomatic (30 min) 1. Mortgage Bankers Association Reception Room 2. National Radio Broadcasters' Association Convention 3. Olympic Hall of Fame Dinner 4. Job Training Announcement 5. American Auto Association Meeting 6. Small Business Investment Company 25th Anniversary Dinner 7. USIA 30th Anniversary 2:30 pm Personal Staff Time Remainder of Day Oval Office/ Residence Historical File REVISED UNP 9/20/83 8:30 pm THE SCHEDULE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN Wednesday, September 21, 1983 9:00 am Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) (Baker/Meese/Deaver) 9:30 am National Security Briefing Oval Office (15 min) (Clark) shall Dur, GASTON 5160R C.T YSON 9:45 am Senior Staff Time Oval Office (15 min) 10:00 am 10:01 Personal Staff Time Oval Office (60 min) Leadon Pausen Dave regan 10:15:27 10:37 10ᵗʰ mousen al maper -11:00 am 10:45 Meeting with President Robert Swazo Oval Office (20 min) Cordova, Republic of Honduras 10:45 (Clark) photo WPE, MOTLEY CTYSON DONALD BARNES AMB ewing 11:45 am wire Photo with Boys Clubs "Boy of the Oval Office (5 min) PHOTOGS Year" Candidates (aliange10:45) (Whittlesey) 1(:30-11:45. Building Reg. 12:00 m Lunch with Regional Broadcasters East Room (60 min) (Gergen/Speakes) photo aps 1:00 pm net 1.18 Personal Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) 1.05.2004 1:30 pm Private Meeting Oval Office (30 min) 2:00 pm Taping Session (Goode) Diplomatic (30 min) 1. Mortgage Bankers Association Reception Room 2. National Radio Broadcasters' Association Convention 3. Olympic Hall of Fame Dinner 4. Job Training Announcement 5. American Auto Association Meeting 6. Small Business Investment Company 25th Anniversary Dinner 7. USIA 30th Anniversary 2:30 pm Personal Staff Time Remainder of Day Oval Office/ Residence REVISED UNP 9/20/83 8:30 pm The following will participate in a meeting with the President at 11:00 A.M., Oval Office, September 21, 1983 United States: William P. Clark Assistant Secretary of State Langhorne A. Motley Charles P. Tyson Alfonso Sapia-Bosch Donald M. Barnes (State interpreter) Honduras: President Roberto Suazo Ambassador Agurcia Ewing THE SCHEDULE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN Wednesday, September 21, 1983 9:00 am Staff Time 0907-0922.50 Oval Office (30 min) (Baker/Meese/Deaver) 9:30 am National Security Briefing 0923 - 0935 Oval Office (15 min) (Clark) Typon, sugar, Nava Del Carde, 9:45 am Senior Staff Time Oval Office (15 min) 11001-1015 11001 1015 10:00 am 10:15 Personal Staff Time Pawa mayer Exist Oval Office (60 min) manuen Geyee (un specik) 11:00 am Photon Meeting with President Robert Swazo Oval Office (20 min) Cordova, Republic of Honduras (Clark) 1100 clark ,M.tley, Sepur Basel 2 handway 10 11:45 am (5 min) chang to 1045 Photo with Boys Clubs "Boy of the Oval Office Year" Candidates 8 outsales (5 bay /8me) (Whittlesey) most Blackwee 12:00 m pluth Lunch with Regional Broadcasters East Room (60 min) (Gergen/Speakes) 1:00 pm Personal Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) 1:30 pm Private Meeting 1346 - Oval Office (30 min) 2:00 pm Taping Session (Goode) Diplomatic (30 min) 1.Mortgage Bankers Association Reception Room before Press (agger) 2. National Radio Broadcasters' Association Convention 3. Olympic Hall of Fame Dinner 4. Job Training Announcement 5. American Auto Association Meeting 6. Small Business Investment Company 25th Anniversary Dinner 7. USIA 30th Anniversary 2:30 pm Personal Staff Time Remainder of Day Oval Office/ Residence REVISED UNP 9/20/83 8:30 pm THE SCHEDULE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN Wednesday, September 21, 1983 9:00 am Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) (Baker/Meese/Deaver) 9:30 am National Security Briefing Oval Office (15 min) (Clark) 9:45 am Senior Staff Time Oval Office (15 min) 10:00 am Personal Staff Time Oval Office (1 hr 45 min) 11:00 11:45 am Photo with Boys Clubs "Boy of the Oval Office (5 min) Year" Candidates (Whittlesey) (TAB A) 12:00 m Lunch with Regional Broadcasters East Room (60 min) (Gergen/Speakes) (TAB B) (draft remarks attached) 1:00 pm Personal Staff Time Oval Office (30 min) 1:30 pm Private Meeting Oval Office (30 min) 2:00 pm Taping Session (Goode) Diplomatic (30 min) 1.Mortgage Bankers Association Reception Room 2. National Radio Broadcasters' Association Convention 3. Olympic Hall of Fame Dinner 4. Job Training Announcement (TAB C) 5. American Auto Association Meeting 6. Small Business Investment Company 25th Anniversary Dinner 7. USIA 30th Anniversary 2:30 pm Personal Staff Time Remainder of Day Oval Office/ Residence UNP 9/20/83 4:00 pm THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON PHOTOGRAPH WITH BOYS CLUBS OF AMERICA "YOUTH OF THE YEAR" FINALISTS DATE: Wednesday, September 21, 1983 LOCATION: Oval Office TIME: 11:45 a.m. FROM: Faith Ryan Whittlesey fRW I. PURPOSE: To show appreciation for this well-known youth organization and to recognize the achievement of the "Youth of the Year" finalists. II. BACKGROUND: The Boys Clubs of America was founded in 1906 and has since grown to 1,100 local affiliates serving 1.2 million boys and girls. (This activity recommended by Sen. Howard Baker.) Boys Clubs of America focuses on youth from disadvantaged circumstances. Their membership is largely from low-income and single-parent families. Programs that the Boys Clubs organize include: Health Promotion, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Youth Employment, Citizenship and Leadership Development, Alcohol Abuse Prevention, and Education for Family Life. Boys Clubs National Director William R. Bricker served on the President's 44-member Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives. Selection of the 37th annual Youth of the Year was based on four criteria: scholastic achievement, community service, leadership abilities, and physical or economic obstacles overcome. III. PARTICIPANTS: the five finalists - Mr. Peter BEAULIEU Mr. Dean A. CERIMELI Mr. Scott CHASE Mr. Phil McDUFF Mr. Mark William PERRY -2- REVISED PAGE 9/21/83 (PARTICIPANTS, continued) Mr. Salvatore COSENZA Local Boys Club Director, Scottsdale, AZ Mr. Frank J. HEPLER Local Boys Club Director, Jamestown, NY Mr. Don REID Local Boys Club Director, Royal Oak, MI Mr. J. Mack REID Local Boys Club Director, Tuscaloosa, AL Mr. James E. WETHERINGTON Local Boys Club Director, North Little Rock, AR Mr. William R. BRICKER National Director, Boys Clubs of America Mr. John L. BURNS \ Chairman, Boys Clubs of America Mr. Martin "Bud" SERETEAN Chairman, Government Relations Committee, Board member, Boys Clubs of America (Senator Baker's contact) Mr. Tamis Erdman IV. PRESS PLAN: White House photographer and wire service photographers only. V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS: 11:45 a.m. - Guests enter Oval Office 11:46 a.m. - Discussion and photographs 11:50 a.m. - Guests exit Attachment: 1. Talking points TALKING POINTS FOR PHOTOGRAPH WITH BOYS CLUBS OF AMERICA "YOUTH OF THE YEAR" FINALISTS Sept. 21, 1983 -- Welcome to the White House. We are always glad here when the Boys Clubs visit. The work you do with the youth of America is one of the finest examples of the volunteer spirit at work in this country. - - Bill (Bricker, National Director) worked with us on my Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives last year and he did a superb job. Thanks again, Bill. -- (to the five youth finalists) Phil, Scott, Peter, Mark, and Dean: I just want to tell you that I am very proud of each one of you and of the fine example of personal accomplishment and service to others that you have demonstrated, I expect to see good things from each of you in the future. - - The Youth of the Year program is an important symbol of the contribution that young people can make when they are given the encouragement and concern from caring people - like the people of the Boys Clubs. -- Organizations like the Boys Clubs prove that government is not the solution to all our problems. People in voluntary organizations like yours work wonders every day. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON September 20, 1983 LUNCHEON WITH REGIONAL EDITORS & BROADCASTERS DATE: Wednesday, September 21, 1983 LOCATION: East Room TIME: 12:00 noon (75 minutes) FROM: Karna Small I. PURPOSE: To greet, make remarks and take questions from a large group of regional editors and broadcasters from 25 states. II. BACKGROUND: From time to time we invite a large group of editors and broadcasters from across the country to the White House to be briefed on our policies. In the morning, this group will hear from Secretary Regan, William Ruckelshaus, Jeane Kirkpatrick, and Secretary Heckler. They will then be escorted to the East Room for luncheon and your remarks. They will then ask a few questions. This is often the only opportunity these regional editors have to pose questions to you personally. Many have requested interviews, but instead we have invited them to these larger sessions. III. PARTICIPANTS: The President James Baker William Clark David Gergen Margaret Heckler John Herrington Jeane Kirkpatrick Edwin Meese Karna Small Lee Verstandig Jonathan Vipond Joe Wright Regional Editors and Broadcasters (list attached) IV. PRESS PLAN: Approximately 20 local camera crews plus a White House Press Pool will be escorted to the East Room at 12:45 to set up for your remarks. White House Photographer V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS: You will be announced. You will then proceed directly to your table and be seated for lunch. After dessert, at about 1:00 p.m. you will move to the podium for remarks and questions. After approximately 15 minutes, you will leave. VI. REMARKS: Remarks submitted separately by speechwriters Briefing materials on domestic and foreign policy issues that may be raised in the Q & A session are attached. DOMESTIC ISSUES "Gender Gap" Administration record much better than critics will concede. Many of today's critics also opposed RR in 1980 and so are unwilling to acknowledge any accomplishments. Can do little to change minds that are already made up. But RR is concerned that the drumbeat of very vocal criticism has raised doubts among many fair and open- minded women and he will work to reassure them. It is in overall terms -- building a secure, economically strong America -- that RR has best served the interests of women and men alike. RR has also compiled a solid record of achievement on issues that affect women more directly. That record -- not lip service to the ERA --- is the true measure of whether RR has earned women's support. Reminder on RR's record Appointments: -- More than 1200 appointments overall; -- More Presidential appointments in first two years than Carter (105 - 101). -- 3 in Cabinet (Heckler, Dole, Kirkpatrick) -- more than ever. Enforcement: -- Justice has filed 18 cases against sex discrimination employment -- only 16 filed under Carter in same period; -- Despite criticism of our position, have sued to enforce Title IX requirements, for example against University of Alaska to assure equal treatment of female athletes. Initiatives: -- Have improved child support enforcement (raised $168 million from delinquent fathers' tax refunds in 1982) and proposing much tougher action to go after $3-4 billion estimated in default from fathers not providing court-ordered payments. -- Practically eliminated marriage penalty and "widow's tax. " -- Also increased child-care tax credit. -- Now examining question of spousal IRAs, making all wives -- whether in home or in workplace -- equally eligible for IRA savings accounts. ECONOMY Economic recovery is now firmly and broadly based - and has come on stronger than almost anyone predicted. Today's GNP numbers confirm strength of recovery. (Released Wednesday morning) Inflation At the start of the Reagan Administration, most economists said inflation had been built into the economy and would take a decade or more to bring under control. But only two and a half years later, the inflation rate for the 12 months ending in July - 2.4% - was the smallest 2-month rise since January 1966. Inflation's the unfairest tax, because the poor are hurt most by rising prices. A family on a $10,000 fixed income in 1979 found that income worth less than $8,000 at the end of 1980. Two years of high inflation robbed that family of over $2,000. Other Signs of Recovery Unemployment is still much too high, but the progress in getting people off the unemployment rolls since the start of the year exceeds that of any recovery in the last 25 years. Unemployment was 9.5% in August, down from 10.8% in December of last year. So far this year, 1.8 million new jobs have been created and the number of unemployed has been reduced by 1.2 million. The index of 12 leading indicators has risen steadily for 11 months, promising future gains in the economy. Housing starts in August rose 8.4% to the highest level since December 1978. Industrial production has increased steadily over the past 8 months. DEFICITS Key Point: Deficits can be brought down substantially but only if Congress gives up the temptation to go back to tax and spend and works with RR to restrain spending. Recovery that began first of this year makes pretty good case in defense of RR's economic policy. Before RR's program, U.S. had high inflation, high interest rates, high taxes, over-regulation and high deficits. Program's led to dramatic progress on all of these except deficits, and continuing the program ------ by adopting RR's budget proposed last winter -- would give us progress there too. -- spending restraint in RR budget this year would cut spending $208 billion over next 5 years, cut deficit to less than half current level. -- contingency tax in 1986 would assure higher revenues if needed, provided Congress adopts spending cuts, recovery is sustained and deficit levels justify it. Tax cuts not the cause of deficits but have helped cause the recovery. In turn, the strength of the recovery will help to lower the deficits some. Estimate for next year has been cut about $10 billion because of higher than expected growth. Deficits caused by three factors: -- Unexpected recession of 1981-82 (which began before the program took effect). Dramatically lowered revenue. ---- Excellent progress against inflation, which also lowers revenue. -- Higher than expected outlays because of higher than planned unemployment benefits, farm price support payments and the like. Feldstein V. Regan Both agree the deficits need to be brought down and agree on basic policy. Congress has indicated time and time again its inclina- tion is to tax and tax, spend and spend. RR will use the veto wherever necessary. CIVIL RIGHTS Civil Rights Commission Nominations Action expected in Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Very key vote. Hearing record shows no doubt RR's nominees well qualified. All are Democrats; known for independent-mindedness. Hard to see how Republican President's nomination of 4 Democrats who make no secret of disagreements with Administration can fairly be called an effort to "stack" the Commission. Critics raising red-herrings in debate. RR's legal authority to appoint Commission members is clear. Commission part of Executive Branch; members serve at pleasure of President -- that's written explicitly on their Commission scrolls. The real controversy is over quotas and busing. RR opposed to them. Most Americans are too. Happy to say RR's nominees share that view -- and it doesn't diminish their commitment to equal rights and vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws. NOTE -- nominees are: -- Morris Abram -- N.Y. lawyer, instrumental in obtaining Martin Luther King's release from Atlanta jail in 1960s. (Was not King's lawyer but was helpful.) -- John Bunzel -- now at Hoover, long involved in civil rights. Bunzel is a Humphrey Democrat. --- Robert Destro -- Catholic U. law professor, helped set up national civil rights legal service for Catholic league. -- Linda Chavez -- to be staff director; now Shanker's assistant at AFT. Worked there, and on House com- mittee staff before that, on Civil Rights legislation. Note that RR has proposed longest (20 years) extension of Commission in its history. Also proposed that in future members be appointed for specified terms (though still would serve at President's pleasure). TALKING POINTS MIDDLE EAST -- Objectives: Overall peace in the region and a free Lebanon. -- In Lebanon, want withdrawal of all foreign forces, restoration of the sovereignty of the Government of Lebanon, security of the northern border of Israel. -- Using diplomacy, economic and humanitarian assistance, training and resupply of Lebanese Armed Forces, and a multinational peacekeeping force (1200 Marines in an international force of 5400). Have authorized our Marines to defend themselves. -- Current situation has Syrian and Soviet-supported elements, including Druze and Palestinian forces, on the offensive against the Government of Lebanon. Government forces have held their own and need our continued support. -- Consequences of a Syrian/Soviet success would be grave for the entire region. Congress agrees that no one wants the con- sequences that would come from a Soviet-sponsored Syrian victory in Lebanon, or the partition of that country. KAL -- An affront to the entire world community. Soviets must apologize, make restitution, and take steps to ensure that this atrocity will not be repeated. World is united in its condemnation. -- Soviets' claim that KAL flight was conducting intelligence is utter nonsense, and they know it. 2 -- Cannot be viewed as simply a US-Soviet issue. US response is a measured one. Other sanctions would only hurt US interests. The world is reassessing its fundamental relationship with the Soviet regime. -- We, along with other countries, have presented formal claims for restitution and will not relent on this issue. -- Policy toward the USSR has always been based on realism and strength. Strength centered on Western recovery: recovery and revitalization of our economy, modernization and improvement of our defenses, and repair and strengthening of relations with Allies. -- We have stressed our willingness to explore a comprehensive dialogue with Soviets -- but only serious Soviet deeds, not just words, will warrant a more cooperative relationship. -- Soviet behavior has underscored the wisdom of our present policy based on strength, realism and steadiness. US-USSR 1962 UNDERSTANDINGS ON CUBA Soviet Abrogation -- Not satisfied with the Soviet record of performance with regard to the 1962 Understandings. -- True, the Soviets have not reintroduced nuclear weapons in Cuba. -- Since 1962, we have made clear to the Soviets that we expect restraint in the volume and sophistication of all types of offensive weapons in Cuba. 3 -- Continuing to review this matter, and we have, and will continue to raise those issues with the Soviets, as appropriate. First US Charge of Abrogation by Soviets? -- We have, on various occasions in the past, made clear our concerns with Soviet performance. If Abrogated, Is It No Longer In Force? -- The 1962 Understandings are a series of communications between the US and Soviet Governments. -- Our view that those Understandings remain in force, but we will continue to raise issues about compliance with the Soviets, as appropriate. BRIEFING FOR EDITORS AND BROADCASTERS SEPTEMBER 21, 1983 Attendees James E. Jacobson Ralph S. Moyed Editor Reporter/Columnist The Birmingham News News-Journal Papers Birmingham, AL Wilmington, DE Shirli J. Sanders John Evans Vice President Executive Vice President WVOK Radio WESH-TV Birmingham, AL Daytona Beach, FL Timothy J. Lennox Murray Halton News Director Correspondent WERC Radio The Florida Times-Union Birmingham, AL Jacksonville, FL James L. Woodward Thomas A. Wills Editor WJXT-TV The Huntsville News Jacksonville, FL Huntsville, AL Charles H. Land Thomas D. Smith Editor Anchor The Tuscaloosa News WJKS-TV Tuscaloosa, AL Jacksonville, FL Jon Sandberg Thomas E. Fiedler City Hall Bureau Chief Government Affairs Editor The Hartford Courant The Miami Herald Hartford, CT Miami, FL Kenneth Warren Howard Kleinburg Assistant Editor Editor The Westport News The Miami News Westport, CT Miami, FL Thomas F. Troy, Jr. William Bayer Political Reporter Political Editor Delaware State News WINZ Radio Dover, DE Miami, FL Ana Azcuy David H. Holwerk Anchor Editorial Editor WIVJ-TV The Lexington Herald Miami, FL Lexington, KY Michael Schneider Peter Crawford Reporter Vice President WPLG-TV WHDH Radio Miami, FL Boston, MA Robert J. Pape Kathyrn Fanning News Director Editor WKIS Radio Christian Science Monitor Orlando, FL Boston, MA John A. Christopher John S. Driscoll Reporter Executive Editor The Tampa Tribune The Boston Globe Tampa, FL Boston, MA Tom L. Henderson Joseph Robinowitz Producer Editor WOJC/WFLA Radio Boston Herald Tampa, FL Boston, MA Richard P. Williams Charles Crouse Columnist State House Reporter Atlanta Journal/Atlanta Constitution WEEI Radio Atlanta, GA Boston, MA Pamela Huguelet Andrew Hiller Anchor/Reporter Reporter WAGA-TV WBZ-TV Atlanta, GA Boston, MA John L. Pruitt, III Martha Bradlee Anchor Reporter WXIA-TV WCVB-TV Atlanta, GA Needham Bridge, MA James Rust Joseph Sterne Publisher Editor Haralson Publishing Co. The Baltimore Sun Atlanta, GA Baltimore, MD Angela B. Stiepel Jerry J. Joiner News Anchor Anchor WRDW-TV WJZ-TV Augusta, GA Baltimore, MD Joan Gartland Frank A. Sciortino Reporter News Director WMAR-TV WINS Radio Baltimore, MD New York, NY Charles K. Biedka Lester J. Smith Cumberland Morning News Newscaster Cumberland, MD WOR Radio New York, NY John W. Bride Barbara Laskin President Anchor/Reporter WMER Radio WNEW-TV Westbrook, ME New York, NY Hal J. Shinn, Jr. Mark V. Carros Editor News Director The Charlotte Observer WGY Radio Charlotte, NC Schenectady, NY Joseph McQuaid Leah Dunaief Editor-in-Chief Publishers Manchester Union Leader Village Times Manchester, NH Setauket, NY Gene C. Dufour Jeffrey M. Scheidecker News Director Reporter WBUD Radio WIXT-TV Trenton, NJ Syracuse, NY Charles B. Paolino J (IO) Fred Caesar Editor News Director The News Tribune WHP-TV Woodbridge, NJ Harrisburg, PA Howard Healy Edwin Guthman Editorial Page Editor Editor Knickerbocker News The Philadelphia Inquirer Albany, NY Philadelphia, PA William F. Brown William W. Toffel President News Director WBTA Radio KYW Radio Batavia, NY Philadelphia, PA Michael St. Peter Vernon Odom Reporter Reporter WEBR Radio WPVI-TV Buffalo, NY Philadelphia, PA David Patterson Marvin Garrette Anchor Managing Editor KYW-TV Richmond Times-Dispatch Philadelphia, PA Richmond, VA Paul Ayars Calvin King Assistant News Editor News Director Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WANT Radio Pittsburgh, PA Richmond, VA Jared A. Lynch Herbert H. Lee Reporter President WTAE-TV WKTY Radio Pittsburgh, PA La Crosse, WI Robert N. Reichblum Joseph M. Wolman Executive Producer Publisher WPXI-TV Wisconsin State Journal/The Capitol Times Pittsburgh, PA Madison, WI Paul Tooher Kenneth Roesslein National Wire Editor Editorial Writer The Providence Journal Milwaukee Sentinel Providence, RI Milwaukee, WI Richard L. Schreadley Francis R. Clines Executive Editor World and National Editor The News and Courier The Milwaukee Journal Charleston, SC Milwaukee, WI Henry H. Jenkins Michael R. Jacobs Editor News Anchor The State/Columbia Record WIMJ-TV Columbia, SC Milwaukee, WI Edward Sims Robert Bach Publisher News Director Editor's Copy Syndicate WISN Radio Orangeburg, SC Milwaukee, WI Lee S. Anderson Don S. Marsh Editor Editor Chattanooga Free Press The Charleston Gazette Chattanooga, IN Charleston, WV Irby Simpkins William P. Chesire Publisher Editor Nashville Banner Charleston Daily Mail Nashville, TN Charleston, WV Carl Becker Operations Director WAJR/WVAQ Radio Morgantown, WV (Rohrabacher/BE) September 20, 1983 4:30 p.m. PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH REGIONAL BROADCASTERS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1983 Good afternoon and welcome to the White House. I've enjoyed this opportunity to break bread with you. The professional relationship between those of us in public office and members of the press is an important ingredient of American freedom. Senator Moynihan once pointed out that countries which have papers filled with good news usually have jails filled with good people. Earlier this year I suggested that perhaps -- and it was a gentle suggestion -- that perhaps the press could focus a bit more on the many wonderful things Americans are doing for each other, especially during National Volunteer Week. There were a few cries of outrage, but now that the dust has settled, I think there's been a movement in the last few months to show the uplifting side of American life, as well as our flaws. Of course, the imperfections need to be brought out, otherwise they might never be corrected. One of our greatest national treasures is our right as Americans to criticize Government without fear of reprisal. There is a story about a Soviet citizen who was telling an American traveler that people in Russia are free to speak just like they are in the United States. The difference is that in the United States they are free after they speak. Journalism is not an easy profession, especially when the events of the day are immersed in theories and schools of thought Page 2 not familiar to an individual trying to meet a deadline. In the first 2 years of this Administration economic issues became the focus of news coverage as never before. We were making fundamental changes in the direction of this country and it wasn't always easy to understand what was happening and why the changes were being made. Those changes take time before they can take hold. As you understand, the suggestion that economic reforms need time to work isn't good copy after a few weeks. And it is a bit difficult to visualize for a news audience how bad things would be, if certain changes hadn't taken place. For example, thanks to our program against inflation, a middle income family today has $600 more in purchasing power than in 1980 -- an important story, yet a hard one to present visually on a news cast. Since the beginning of the year the expansion of the economy has been robust. America is beginning to move again after years of inflation and stagnation. I'm pleased to report that this morning we received more heartening news about the economy. [ GNP Report] Some of the foreign policy challenges we face are just as vexing as those concerning our economy, and they are just as difficult for journalists to cover. When we got to Washington we were faced with an unrelenting buildup of armaments and military equipment in Central America. Much of this material is provided by the Soviets and the Cubans. The American people -- and even some journalists -- are confused about what is happening in Central America. Stated Page 3 succinctly, we are trying, even amid the turmoil, to encourage democracy, to ensure economic development, and to negotiate and listen to every idea that might put an end to the bloodshed and bring peace. What we cannot do, is permit Soviet armed and Cuban trained insurgents to shoot their way to power, simply because we are unwilling to provide those who believe in democratic government with the means to defend themselves. The Middle East is another area where America's role as peacemaker will require courage and commitment. The agreement reached yesterday with leaders of both parties in the Congress is a welcome step forward in our pursuit of peace in Lebanon. If approved by both Houses of Congress, it will send a signal to the world that America will continue to participate in the Multinational Force trying to help that nation back on its feet. We have informed the Congress that we have reservations about certain features of the resolution and our agreement is subject to those reservations. But that should not obscure a fundamental point: this resolution -- hammered out in long hours of discussion between the congressional and executive branches -- represents a bipartisan commitment that America will continue to play a significant role in the search for peace in the Middle East. It is on that basis that I urge the Congress to act on the resolution quickly. Peace is our highest goal. We have been working tirelessly to achieve it through diplomacy. But our participation in the multinational force of U.S., French, Italian, and British troops Page 4 is absolutely crucial if the fighting is to stop, the Soviet-sponsored aggression against Lebanon is to end, and the diplomats have a chance to succeed. I am very pleased that many Members of the Congress on both sides of the aisle recognize this reality and are willing to work with us in this pursuit. Three years ago America was being counted out by friend and adversary alike. It was being said that our best days were behind us. Well, today we can be proud that, where freedom is on the line, the United States is living up to its responsibilities, and we must not permit domestic politics to get in the way of these responsibilities. Ultimately, the answer to many of these problems will be found in better relations between the Soviet Union and the rest of the world. The massacre of 269 airline passengers has brought home to many just how difficult this will be. At an absolute minimum, the Soviets should give the world an apology, an admission of responsibility, pay reparations to the victims' families and provide assurances that such a crime will never be repeated. For our part, we stand ready to work with the Soviet Government to see that this kind of tragedy never happens again. Whether on this issue, or on the vital issue of arms reduction, or on any of the other sensitive areas of concern, the time has come for the Soviets to show the world they are serious about peace and goodwill. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS: LUNCHEON Regional Broadcasters Wednesday, September 21, 1983 TIME: 11:45 a.m. LOCATION: East Room FROM: Gahl L. Hodges Sh 11:45 a.m. Guests are escorted from the Old Executive Office Building to the North Portico and proceed to the East Room. Guests are then shown to their seats. Noon THE PRESIDENT arrives the State Floor via elevator and proceeds to the East Room. Announcement. THE PRESIDENT takes his seat and luncheon is served. 12:45 p.m. Remarks by THE PRESIDENT. Remarks are followed by questions and answers. 1:00 p.m. Following questions and answers, THE PRESIDENT departs the East Room enroute the elevator. 1:05 p.m. Guests may begin to depart via the North Portico.