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American Law Enforcement Officers Association
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American Law Enforcement Officers Association
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Records of the White House Office of Public Liaison (Reagan Administration)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: American Law Enforcement Officers
Association
Box: 1
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/
Oct 26, 1981
file
Crim.
Telegram
code
To:
Edwin Thomas, Assistant Counsellor
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Edwin Meese, Counsellor
To the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
James A. Baker III
Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
IS
Attorney General Smith scheduled to testify before a House
Judiciary Subcommittee on recodification of the U.S. Criminal Code on
October 28th.
The Moral Majority strongly opposes all three pending recodification
Bills S. 1630, HR 1647, and HR 4711 as being soft on crime. HR 1647 makes
128 sentencing changes - 112 reductions and only 16 increases in maximum
penalties. These Bills are not a neutral recodification, rather they
are a major substative liberalization of existing law.
It is imperative that you personally review the Attorney- General's
testimony to insure that the Administration does not in any way
expicitly or implicitly endorse in the name of recodification legislative
concepts that would liberalize Title 18 thereby reneging on the
Administration's "tough on crime" campaign promises and policy positions.
Dr. Jerry Falwell, Pres.
Moral Majority
202/484-7511
STATEMENT
OF
WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH
ATTORNEY GENERAL
BEFORE
THE
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL LAW
UNITED STATES SENATE
CONCERNING
VIOLENT CRIME
ON
OCTOBER 23, 1981
-5-
measures that appear promising. A copy of the Task Force
report is attached to this statement. Our job now is to
translate these various proposals into action.
1. Federal Criminal Law Reform
There is no better place to begin than by reforming the
federal criminal laws.
Federal criminal laws are supposed to provide a solid
foundation for the criminal justice system. Today, they do
not. They are simply a disorderly array of statutes that
have been enacted haphazardly over the past two hundred years.
Many are confusing, out-of-date, or unenforceable. Beyond
that, they leave unwarranted gaps in our ability to prosecute
such serious criminal offenses as murder, arson, and crimes
against federal officials.
To remedy this situation, soon after taking office I
directed the Department to work closely with the Congress to
enact a new Federal Criminal Code. S. 1630, the initial
product of that cooperative effort, was introduced in the
Senate with broad bipartisan support last month. I have
already expressed the Administration's support for its enact-
ment; a copy of my statement to that effect before the full
Committee on the Judiciary is attached.
February 18, 1981
TO:
Red Cavaney
FROM:
Morton Blackwell
Attached is a draft of a proposed letter to be sent
to Anne Higgins regarding the American Law Enforcement
Officers Association.
DRAFT 2/18/81
Col. Leon Clemens
National Vice President
American Law Enforcement Officers
Association
9229 South East Cactus
Sun Lake, Arizona 85224
Dear Col. Clemens:
I have just learned of your role in the resolution of
endorsement of my candidacy passed at the joint meeting of
the American Law Enforcement Officers Association and the
National Association of Police Chiefs in Miami Beach last
October.
Nancy and I appreciate your generous support, which came at
the right time. The effort put into the campaign by those
strongly concerned with effective law enforcement was undoubtedly
an important factor in our victory.
My Assistant for Public Liaison, Elizabeth Dole, is the key
interact person for assuring that the views of constituent
groups such as ALEOA are considered in the White House as I
develop our policy agenda. You will find Mrs. Dole and her
office responsive to you.
Again, thank you for your timely endorsement.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
ATES POSTA
LEON CLEMENS
9229 SOUTH CACTUS
SUN LAKES AZ 85224
western union
Mailgram
UNITED
SERVICE
U.S.MAIL
4-0619415358 12/23/80 ICS IRNANCZ CSF WSHB
6029632237 MGM TDRN SUN LAKE AZ 131 12-23 0504P EST
JMH
Big
Endorsement
PRESIDENT ELECT RONALD RAGAN
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Dom
310 FIRST ST SOUTH EAST
WASHINGTON DC 20003
895-1222
FROM COL, LEON CLEMENS 9229 SOUTH EAST CACTUS SUN LAKE AZ 85224
6029632237 SUSTAINING MEMBER 0217393 I AM NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL
ACTION COMMITTEE ATA COMBINED CONVENTION OF DELEGATES REPRESENTING
100,000 MEMBERS ALEU AND DELEGATES REPRESENTING 10,000 MEMBERS
NATIONAL OFIEF POLICE HELD AT THE CARROLIAN HOTEL MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
ON OCTOBER 16 I HAD A RESOLUTION PASSED ENCOURAGING ALL PERSONS
INVOLVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT TO SUPPORT GOVERNOR REAGAN FOR PRESIDENT,
I KNOW DUTCH WHEN I WORKED ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN DES MOINES
IOWA. WE SENT A TELEGRAM TC REAGAN HEADQUARTERS IN DC OCTOBER 18 WE
HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY REFLY. OUR BOARD MEMBERS ARE DISTURBED,
X
LEON CLEMENS
17:04 EST
MGMCOMP MGM
Joyre / me plane f you wel. get #
AND
to
Morton Phosecall
+ hold had
602 - -895-1222
Presidential
(DOLAN/RR)
PRESIDENT'S BACKUP COPY Speeches
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE: SEPT. 28, 1981
FIRST, LET ME SAY IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO STAND HERE TODAY
WITH THOSE WHO COMMAND THE FRONT LINES IN AMERICA'S BATTLE
FOR PUBLIC ORDER.
YOU HAVE A TOUGH JOB AND A DANGEROUS ONE, TOO. BELIEVE
ME, I KNOW. I MEAN NO IRREVERENCE WHEN I MENTION THAT I
ONCE PLAYED A SHERIFF ON TV WHO THOUGHT HE COULD DO THE JOB
WITHOUT A GUN. I WAS DEAD IN 27 MINUTES.
YOU AND I HAVE A FEW THINGS IN COMMON. HARRY TRUMAN
ONCE SAID ABOUT THIS JOB: "BEING PRESIDENT IS LIKE RIDING A
TIGER. A MAN HAS TO KEEP ON RIDING OR BE SWALLOWED."
WELL, THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD DESCRIPTION OF WHAT YOU DO
FOR A LIVING. SOCIETY ASKS YOU SIMULTANEOUSLY TO PROTECT
THE INNOCENT, INSURE THE LEGITIMATE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY,
OVERSEE THE MULTITUDE OF SOCIAL SERVICES THE POLICE PROVIDE
THE PUBLIC AND ALL THE WHILE -- BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF
YOUR DEPARTMENT WITH THOSE OF YOUR COMMUNITY, ITS GOVERNMENT
AND ITS CITIZENS.
NONE OF THIS IS EASY. THE PRESSURES ARE ENORMOUS.
YOU MUST BE ADMINISTRATOR, FINANCIER, SOCIAL WORKER, PUBLIC
RELATIONS EXPERT, EVEN POLITICIAN, AND STILL -- SOMEHOW --
ALWAYS A COP.
YOU DO HAVE ONE OF THE TOUGHEST JOBS IN AMERICA. AND
LET ME ASSURE YOU TODAY THAT I SPEAK FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
WHO, IF THEY COULD STAND HERE NOW, WOULD SAY SIMPLY AND
DIRECTLY TO YOU: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE UNHERALDED THINGS
YOU DO EACH DAY AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: YOU DO HAVE OUR
PAGE 2
IN PREPARING THESE REMARKS, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO
BACK AND LOOK OVER SOME COMMENTS I'VE MADE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICIALS ON OTHER OCCASIONS.
THE TOPIC OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS WAS A SUBJECT WITH WHICH
YOU HAVE MORE THAN A PASSING FAMILIARITY -- THE STEADY,
OMINOUS GROWTH OF CRIME IN OUR NATION.
IN ONE SPEECH SOME YEARS AGO IN LAS VEGAS I ONCE WONDERED
ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO AMERICA. I NOTED THE FEAR AND
ANGER OF OUR CITIZENRY AS THEY LOCKED THEMSELVES IN THEIR
HOMES OR REFUSED TO WALK THE STREETS AT NIGHT.
I SPOKE TOO ABOUT A PHENOMENON KNOWN AS THE YOUTHFUL
OFFENDER -- THE ASTONISHING PERCENTAGE OF CRIMES THEY WERE
ESTIMATED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR,
THEN THERE WAS A SPEECH IN DALLAS -- WHERE I MENTIONED
THE EFFECT OF NARCOTICS ON THE CRIME RATE
AND THOSE
APPALLING ESTIMATES THAT DRUG ADDICTS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE ENORMOUS INCREASES OF CERTAIN CRIMES.
I DON'T MENTION THESE SPEECHES NOW BECAUSE THEY SHOW
ANY GIFT OF INSIGHT ON MY PART. THE TRUTH IS: WHAT I SAID
THEN WAS WELL-KNOWN AT THE TIME -- CERTAINLY BY YOU.
THAT SPEECH IN DALLAS WAS DELIVERED IN 1974, THE SPEECH
IN LAS VEGAS IN 1967.
THE FRIGHTENING REALITY IS THAT FOR ALL THE SPEECHES BY
THOSE OF US IN GOVERNMENT -- FOR ALL THE SURVEYS, STUDIES,
AND BLUE RIBBON PANELS -- FOR ALL THE 14-POINT PROGRAMS AND
THE DECLARATIONS OF WAR ON CRIME -- CRIME HAS CONTINUED ITS
STEADY, UPWARD CLIMB AND OUR CITIZENS HAVE GROWN MORE AND
MORE FRUSTRATED, FRIGHTENED AND ANGRY.
PAGE 3
YOU'RE FAMILIAR ENOUGH WITH THE STATISTICS. THE CASES
THAT MAKE THEM UP CROSS YOUR DESK EVERY DAY. IN THE PAST
DECADE, VIOLENT CRIME REPORTED TO POLICE HAS INCREASED BY
59%. 53% OF OUR CITIZENS SAY THEY ARE AFRAID TO WALK THE
STREETS ALONE AT NIGHT, WHILE 85% SAY THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED
TODAY THAN THEY WERE 5 YEARS AGO ABOUT CRIME.
CRIME IS AN AMERICAN EPIDEMIC -- IT TAKES THE LIVES OF
23,000 AMERICANS, IT TOUCHES NEARLY 1/3 OF AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS,
AND IT RESULTS IN AT LEAST $8.8 BILLION PER YEAR IN FINANCIAL
LOSSES.
JUST DURING THE TIME YOU AND I ARE TOGETHER TODAY, AT
LEAST 1 PERSON WILL BE MURDERED, 9 WOMEN WILL BE RAPED,
67 OTHER AMERICANS WILL BE ROBBED, 97 WILL BE SERIOUSLY
ASSAULTED AND 389 HOMES WILL BE BURGLARIZED. THIS ALL WILL
HAPPEN IN THE NEXT 30 MINUTES, AND -- I DON'T HAVE TO TELL
YOU -- THE MEN AND WOMEN OF YOUR DEPARTMENTS WILL BE THE
FIRST TO COPE WITH THE MAYHEM
THE WRECKAGE
THE
SUFFERING CAUSED BY THOSE WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES ABOVE THE
LAW, WITH THE RIGHT TO PREY ON THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS.
CRIME HAS CONTINUED ON THE UPSWING -- SO HAS THAT OTHER
PROBLEM WE TALKED ABOUT IN THE PAST -- THAT OF THE YOUTHFUL
OFFENDER BETWEEN 18 AND 21.
AND THAT OTHER PROBLEM I MENTIONED YEARS AGO -- THE
INCREDIBLE IMPACT OF DRUG ADDICTION ON THE CRIME RATE --
CONTINUES. STUDIES OF PRISON INMATES HAVE FOUND THAT AT
LEAST HALF HAD USED DRUGS IN THE MONTH PRIOR TO THEIR ARREST.
AND IT'S STILL ESTIMATED THAT 50 TO 60% OF PROPERTY CRIMES
ARE DRUG-RELATED.
PAGE 4
FROM THESE STATISTICS ABOUT YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS AND THE
IMPACT OF DRUG ADDICTION ON CRIME RATES A PORTRAIT EMERGES --
THE PORTRAIT IS THAT OF A STARK, STARING FACE -- A FACE THAT
BELONGS TO A FRIGHTENING REALITY OF OUR TIME: THE FACE OF A
HUMAN PREDATOR; THE FACE OF THE HABITUAL OFFENDER, THE
CAREER CRIMINAL -- NOTHING IN NATURE IS MORE CRUEL OR MORE
DANGEROUS.
STUDY AFTER STUDY HAS SHOWN THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF
CRIMINALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF THE
CRIME IN AMERICAN SOCIETY -- ONE STUDY OF 250 CRIMINALS
INDICATED THAT OVER AN 11-YEAR PERIOD THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE
FOR NEARLY HALF A MILLION CRIMES -- ANOTHER STUDY SHOWED
THAT 49 CRIMINALS CLAIMED CREDIT FOR A TOTAL OF 10,500 CRIMES.
TAKE ONE VERY LIMITED PART OF THE CRIME PICTURE -- SUBWAY
CRIME IN NEW YORK CITY -- THE TRANSIT POLICE ESTIMATE THAT
500 HABITUAL OFFENDERS ARE ACTUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR 40% OF
THOSE OFFENSES.
NOW I FULLY REALIZE THAT THE PRIMARY TASK FOR APPREHENDING
AND PROSECUTING THESE CAREER CRIMINALS -- INDEED FOR DEALING
WITH THE CRIME PROBLEM ITSELF -- BELONGS TO THOSE OF YOU ON
THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL.
BUT THERE ARE AREAS WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN
TAKE STRONG AND EFFECTIVE ACTION. TODAY I WANT TO OUTLINE
FOR YOU SOME OF THE STEPS WE ARE GOING TO TAKE TO ASSIST YOU
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
PAGE 5
FIRST, THIS ADMINISTRATION INTENDS TO SPEAK OUT ON THE
PROBLEM OF CRIME. WE WILL USE THE "BULLY PULPIT" OF THE
PRESIDENCY TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS
PROBLEM AND THE NEED TO SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS TO COMBAT IT.
I BELIEVE THAT THIS FOCUSING OF PUBLIC ATTENTION ON CRIME,
ITS CAUSES AND THOSE TRYING TO FIGHT IT IS ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT THINGS WE CAN DO.
SECOND, IN TALKING OUT ABOUT CRIME, WE INTEND TO SPEAK
FOR A GROUP THAT HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY OVERLOOKED IN THE
PAST -- THE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF CRIME. TO THIS END I WILL
SOON BE APPOINTING A TASK FORCE ON THE VICTIMS OF CRIME TO
EVALUATE THE NUMEROUS PROPOSALS NOW SPRINGING UP REGARDING
VICTIMS AND WITNESSES. WE WILL SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT
WILL PERMIT JUDGES TO ORDER OFFENDERS TO MAKE RESTITUTION TO.
THEIR VICTIMS. THE VICTIMS OF CRIME HAVE NEEDED A VOICE
FOR A LONG, LONG TIME -- THIS ADMINISTRATION MEANS TO PROVIDE
IT.
THIRD, LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ALREADY AN IMPORTANT AREA IN
OUR EFFORT TO RESTORE AND RENEW FEDERALISM. WE SEEK TO END
DUPLICATION AND BRING ABOUT GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH THE
FOLLOWING STEPS:
PAGE 6
-- U.S. ATTORNEYS WILL SEEK TO ESTABLISH LAW ENFORCEMENT
COORDINATING COMMITTEES WHICH WILL BE COMPOSED OF THE DISTRICT
HEADS OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AS WELL AS KEY STATE AND LOCAL
OFFICIALS. THESE COMMITTEES WILL STIMULATE AN EXCHANGE OF
VIEWS AND INFORMATION THAT WILL LEAD TO A MORE FLEXIBLE,
FOCUSED AND EFFICIENT ATTACK AGAINST CRIME.
-- WE WILL SEEK TO EXTEND THE CROSS DESIGNATION PROGRAM
NOW WORKING WITH SUCCESS IN SEVERAL LOCALITIES. THESE
PROGRAMS PERMIT FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PROSECUTORS TO
ENTER EACH OTHER'S COURTS AND GRAND JURY ROOMS TO PURSUE
INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS OF SERIOUS CRIMES WHEN THEY
CROSS JURISDICTIONAL LINES.
-- CLOSER COOPERATION WITH THE STATES AND LOCALITIES ON
PENAL AND CORRECTIONAL MATTERS. WE HAVE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED
A BUREAU OF PRISONS CLEARINGHOUSE, WHICH WILL LOCATE SURPLUS
FEDERAL PROPERTY THAT MIGHT BE USED AS SITES FOR STATE OR
LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
FOURTH, THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL SUPPORT A NUMBER OF
STATUTORY REFORMS THAT WILL REDRESS THE IMBALANCE BETWEEN
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED AND RIGHTS OF THE INNOCENT.
-- TO THIS END, WE WILL BE WORKING WITH THE CONGRESS TO
ACHIEVE A SWEEPING REVISION OF THE FEDERAL CRIMINAL CODE.
THIS MATTER IS NOW PENDING BEFORE BOTH HOUSES. A REVISED
CRIMINAL CODE WILL HELP IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME,
ORGANIZED CRIME, NARCOTICS CRIME, AND FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.
I CANNOT STRESS TOO STRONGLY THE NEED FOR PROMPT PASSAGE OF
LEGISLATION THAT REVISES THE FEDERAL CRIMINAL CODE. THIS
WILL BE THE FOUNDATION OF AN EFFECTIVE FEDERAL EFFORT AGAINST
CDIME
PAGE 7
-- WE WILL PUSH FOR BAIL REFORM THAT WILL PERMIT JUDGES --
UNDER CAREFULLY LIMITED CONDITIONS -- TO KEEP SOME DEFENDANTS
FROM USING BAIL TO RETURN TO THE STREETS, NEVER TO BE SEEN
IN COURT AGAIN UNTIL THEY ARE ARRESTED FOR ANOTHER CRIME
AGAINST INNOCENT LIFE.
-- WE ALSO SUPPORT THE REFORM OF THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE.
I DO NOT HAVE TO TELL THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM THAT THIS RULE
RESTS ON THE ABSURD PROPOSITION THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT
ERROR, NO MATTER HOW TECHNICAL, CAN BE USED TO JUSTIFY
THROWING AN ENTIRE CASE OUT OF COURT, NO MATTER HOW GUILTY
THE DEFENDANT OR HOW HEINOUS THE CRIME. THE PLAIN CONSEQUENCE
OF TREATING TWO WRONGS EQUALLY IS A GRIEVOUS MISCARRIAGE OF
JUSTICE: THE CRIMINAL GOES FREE; THE OFFICER RECEIVES NO
EFFECTIVE REPRIMAND; AND THE ONLY ONES WHO REALLY SUFFER ARE
THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY.
-- WE ALSO SUPPORT AN EXCEPTION OF THE POSSE COMITATUS
ACT THAT WILL ALLOW THE MILITARY TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING
AND REPORTING THE DRUG TRAFFICKER.
-- WE WILL ASK FOR REVISION OF THE TAX REFORM ACT THAT
WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS TO COOPERATE IN
MAKING INCOME TAX CASES AGAINST MAJOR ORGANIZED CRIME FIGURES
AND DRUG PUSHERS.
-- AND WE WILL SUPPORT MANDATORY PRISON TERMS FOR THOSE
WHO CARRY A GUN WHILE COMMITTING A FELONY.
FIFTH, ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS THAT CAN
LEAD TO A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CRIME IS AN EFFECTIVE
ATTACK ON DRUG TRAFFICKING.
PAGE 8
LET ME OUTLINE THE MAJOR POINTS IN OUR NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT
STRATEGY:
-- A FOREIGN POLICY THAT VIGOROUSLY SEEKS TO INTERDICT
AND ERADICATE ILLICIT DRUGS WHEREVER CULTIVATED, PROCESSED
OR TRANSPORTED -- THIS INCLUDES THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF
HERBICIDES. I WILL ALSO BE ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL COUNCIL
ON NARCOTICS CONTROL CONSISTING OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND
THE SECRETARIES OF STATE, DEFENSE, TREASURY AND OTHERS TO
COORDINATE EFFORTS TO STOP THE DRUG FLOW INTO THIS COUNTRY.
-- A BORDER POLICY THAT WILL IMPROVE DETECTION AND
INTERCEPTION OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS IMPORTS; THIS WILL INCLUDE
THE USE OF AVAILABLE MILITARY RESOURCES FOR DETECTION WHEN
NECESSARY.
-- A DOMESTIC POLICY THAT WILL MORE EFFECTIVELY COORDINATE
EFFORTS AMONG FEDERAL AGENCIES AS WELL AS BETWEEN THESE
AGENCIES AND THOSE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL. THIS WILL
BE A FIRST PRIORITY OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATING
COMMITTEES. WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN A STEP IN THIS DIRECTION
BY SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE FBI AND
DEA ON DRUG INVESTIGATIONS.
-- A LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FEATURING THE STATUTORY REFORMS
DEALING WITH BAIL, SENTENCING, AND ADMISSION OF EVIDENCE
THAT I HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED.
PAGE 9
LET ME ALSO EMPHASIZE THAT OUR EFFORTS WILL NOT BE
CONFINED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE IS
ONE THAT REACHES DEEPLY INTO AMERICAN SOCIETY -- WE NEED TO
MOBILIZE OUR RELIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL AND FRATERNAL GROUPS IN
A NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AGAINST DRUG ABUSE. ONE OF
THE MOST EFFECTIVE GROUPS IN THIS EFFORT HAS BEEN MORE THAN
1,000 PARENTS GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE NATION. THESE GROUPS
HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; THEY HAVE
RECENTLY FORMED A NATIONAL FEDERATION TO SPREAD THEIR WORK.
THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL DO ALL IN ITS POWER TO ENCOURAGE
SUCH EFFORTS. LET US RECOGNIZE THAT IMPORTANT AS INTERCEPTING
THE DRUG TRAFFIC MIGHT BE, IT CANNOT POSSIBLY EQUAL IN
RESULTS TURNING OFF THE CUSTOMERS -- THE USERS.
SIXTH, VIOLENT CRIME IS A MAJOR PRIORITY. BUT WE
FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT CRIME DOESN'T COME IN CATEGORIES --
ALL CRIME IS RELATED -- AND AN EFFECTIVE BATTLE AGAINST
STREET CRIME CAN HARDLY BE WAGED IN A VACUUM. THE STREET
CRIMINAL, THE DRUG PUSHER, THE MOBSTER, THE CORRUPT POLICEMAN
OR PUBLIC OFFICIAL -- THEY FORM THEIR OWN CRIMINAL SUBCULTURE,
THEY SHARE THE CLIMATE OF LAWLESSNESS: THEY NEED EACH
OTHER, THEY USE EACH OTHER, THEY PROTECT EACH OTHER.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS FEDERAL EFFORTS ON SOPHISTICATED
FORMS OF CRIME SIMILAR TO THOSE EMPHASIZED BY THE FBI UNDER
JUDGE WILLIAM WEBSTER.
PAGE 10
AND THAT'S WHY I WANT TO SAY A WORD TODAY TO THOSE
FEDERAL AGENTS AND PROSECUTORS WHO HAVE DONE SO MUCH IN
RECENT YEARS TO EXPOSE THE PROBLEM OF ORGANIZED CRIME AND
PUBLIC CORRUPTION. THE EXISTENCE OF SYNDICATES OF HIGHLY
ORGANIZED CRIMINALS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO PEDDLE THEIR
SACRED TRUST ARE BLOTS ON AMERICAN HISTORY. I CAN ASSURE
YOU, NO ADMINISTRATION HAS EVER BEEN MORE ANXIOUS TO WORK
TOWARD WIPING AWAY THOSE BLOTS. SO, TO THOSE IN THE FIELD
WHO FIGHT THIS FRUSTRATING, SOMETIMES DISHEARTENING BATTLE
AGAINST HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED FORMS OF CRIME: THIS ADMINISTRATION
STANDS BEHIND YOU.
IN DISCUSSING THESE FORMS OF SOPHISTICATED CRIMES, WE
SEE AGAIN THE EMERGENCE OF THE PROBLEM OF CAREER CRIMINALS --
THOSE WHO MAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO PURSUE ILLICIT PROFESSIONS,
A DECISION BASED ON A BELIEF THAT CRIME DOES PAY.
I BELIEVE THE EMERGENCE OF THIS PROBLEM OF CAREER
CRIMINALS HAS SERIOUSLY UNDERMINED THE NOTION THAT CRIMINALS
ARE SIMPLY PRODUCTS OF POVERTY OR UNDERPRIVILEGED BACKGROUNDS.
AT THE VERY SAME TIME THAT CRIME RATES HAVE STEADILY
RISEN, OUR NATION HAS MADE UNPARALLELED PROGRESS IN RAISING
THE STANDARD OF LIVING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE.
IT'S OBVIOUS THAT PROSPERITY DOESN'T DECREASE CRIME -- JUST
AS IT'S OBVIOUS THAT DEPRIVATION AND WANT DON'T NECESSARILY
INCREASE CRIME. THE TRUTH IS THAT TODAY'S CRIMINALS, FOR
THE MOST PART, ARE NOT DESPERATE PEOPLE SEEKING BREAD FOR
THEIR FAMILIES. CRIME IS THE WAY THEY'VE CHOSEN TO LIVE.
PAGE 11
A FEW WEEKS AGO, ESQUIRE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE
THAT GAINED WIDESPREAD ATTENTION. IT WAS WRITTEN BY A
YOUNG NOVELIST WHO WITH HIS PSYCHIATRIST WIFE HAD MOVED INTO
A SECTION OF VENICE, CALIFORNIA, THAT HAD BECOME CRIME-
RIDDEN. IN EXPLAINING WHY HIS WIFE AND HE -- TWO EDUCATED,
URBANE PEOPLE -- ULTIMATELY DECIDED TO ARM THEMSELVES, HE
DESCRIBED IN CHILLING TERMS THE BURGLARIES, RAPES, HOLD-UPS,
GANG FIGHTS AND MURDERS THAT HAVE BECOME COMMONPLACE IN
THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.
"LET'S FACE IT," HE SAID OF THE CRIMINALS. "SOME OF
THESE PEOPLE ARE POOR. SOME OF THEM ARE DRIVEN CRAZY WITH
DESIRE FOR STUFF THEY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD. BUT
NOT ALL OF THEM ARE POOR, NOT BY A LONG SHOT. A LOT OF
THEM ARE MAKING AS MUCH MONEY, OR A GREAT DEAL MORE, THAN
YOU OR I DO. THEY DO IT BECAUSE IT'S EASY. THEY DO IT
BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE NO ONE WILL STOP THEM. AND THEY'RE
RIGHT."
LET'S FACE IT: THERE IS AN ARROGANCE TO THE CRIMINAL
MIND -- A BELIEF IN ITS OWN SUPERIORITY OVER THE REST OF
HUMANITY. THE SLANG OF ORGANIZED CRIME IS INSTRUCTIVE
HERE. IT ISN'T SURPRISING THAT SOME OF THESE CRIMINALS
HABITUALLY REFER TO THEMSELVES AS "WISE GUYS" AND TO HONEST
PEOPLE AS "WORKING STIFFS." THEY REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT
THEY'RE BETTER THAN THE REST OF US, THAT THE WORLD OWES THEM
A LIVING, AND THAT THOSE OF US WHO LEAD NORMAL LIVES AND
EARN AN HONEST LIVING ARE A LITTLE SLOW ON THE UPTAKE.
PAGE 12
HOW ACCURATE THOSE WORDS BY THE YOUNG NOVELIST ABOUT
CAREER CRIMINALS: "THEY DO IT BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE NO ONE
WILL STOP THEM. AND THEY'RE RIGHT." THE TRUTH IS THAT
CRIMINALS IN AMERICA TODAY GET AWAY WITH PLENTY AND SOMETIMES --
QUITE LITERALLY -- THEY GET AWAY WITH MURDER. ONLY 40% OF
THE MURDERS EVER END WITH A SUSPECT BEING IMPRISONED. IN
NEW YORK CITY, LESS THAN 1/6 OF REPORTED FELONIES EVER END
IN ARRESTS AND ULTIMATELY ONLY 1% OF THESE FELONIES END IN A
PRISON TERM FOR AN OFFENDER.
I WOULD SUGGEST TODAY THE TIME HAS COME TO LOOK REALITY
IN THE FACE. AMERICAN SOCIETY IS MIRED IN EXCESSIVE LITIGATION;
OUR COURTS TODAY ARE LOADED WITH SUITS AND MOTIONS OF EVERY
CONCEIVABLE TYPE. YET AS OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE HAS BECOME
WEIGHED DOWN WITH LAW SUITS OF EVERY NATURE AND DESCRIPTION --
AS THE COURTS HAVE BECOME THE ARBITERS OF ALL SORTS OF
DISPUTES THEY WERE NEVER INTENDED TO HANDLE -- OUR LEGAL
SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO CARRY OUT ITS MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTION:
THE PROTECTION OF THE INNOCENT AND THE PUNISHMENT OF THE
GUILTY.
IT'S TIME FOR HONEST TALK, FOR PLAIN TALK. THERE HAS
BEEN A BREAKDOWN IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN AMERICA.
IT JUST PLAIN ISN'T WORKING. ALL TOO OFTEN, REPEAT OFFENDERS,
HABITUAL LAW BREAKERS, CAREER CRIMINALS -- CALL THEM WHAT
YOU WILL -- ARE ROBBING, RAPING, AND BEATING WITH IMPUNITY
AND, AS I SAID -- QUITE LITERALLY -- GETTING AWAY WITH
MURDER. THE PEOPLE ARE SICKENED AND OUTRAGED. THEY
DEMAND THAT WE PUT A STOP TO IT.
PAGE 13
WHAT IS ESPECIALLY DISTURBING ABOUT OUR FAILURE TO DEAL
WITH CRIME IS THE EROSION IT HAS CAUSED IN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM. IN ONE RECENT POLL, 70% OF THE
PEOPLE SAID THEY HAD LITTLE OR NO CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY
OF OUR COURTS TO SENTENCE AND CONVICT CRIMINALS. THE LEGAL
PROFESSION -- ONCE ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY REGARDED IN THIS
COUNTRY -- IS NOW IN DEEP TROUBLE WITH THE PUBLIC. ONE
ABC-HARRIS POLL FOUND THAT LAW FIRMS FINISHED LAST -- AFTER
THE CONGRESS, THE PRESS AND LABOR UNIONS -- IN A LIST OF 13
INSTITUTIONS WHICH THE PUBLIC WAS ASKED TO RATE. SIMILARLY,
LAWYERS RECEIVED FAVORABLE MENTIONS FROM ONLY 13% OF THOSE
INTERVIEWED, HALF THE PERCENTAGE THAT DID SO IN A 1973
SURVEY.
THIS DECLINE IN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN OUR COURTS AND IN
THE LEGAL PROFESSION REMAINS A THREAT TO ONE OF OUR MOST
IMPORTANT TRADITIONS AS AMERICANS: THE HERITAGE OF OUR
INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY -- FREE FROM PUBLIC OR POLITICAL
INFLUENCE -- AND A LEGAL PROFESSION WITH A REPUTATION FOR
HIGH, UNASSAILABLE ETHICS.
LET ME QUOTE WHAT ONE LAWYER-POLICEMAN HAD TO SAY
RECENTLY ABOUT HOW CRIMINAL CASES ARE HANDLED TODAY. "IN
THE CRIMINAL COURTS, CASES ARE BEING TRIVIALIZED IN WAYS
INDEPENDENT OF THE EVIDENCE," NEW YORK POLICE COMMISSIONER
ROBERT MCGUIRE RECENTLY SAID. "INSTEAD OF THE SYSTEM BEING
GEARED TO TREAT EACH INDIVIDUAL CASE AS A MANIFESTATION OF
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR, THE MAIN IMPETUS IS TO DISPOSE OF IT.
NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT THE MORALITY OF CRIME."
PAGE 14
COMMISSIONER MCGUIRE HAS PUT HIS FINGER ON THE PROBLEM --
CONTROLLING CRIME IN AMERICAN SOCIETY IS NOT SIMPLY A QUESTION
OF MORE MONEY, MORE POLICE, MORE COURTS, MORE PROSECUTORS --
IT IS ULTIMATELY A MORAL DILEMMA -- ONE THAT CALLS FOR A
MORAL OR, IF YOU WILL, SPIRITUAL SOLUTION.
IN DEALING WITH CRIME, NEW PROGRAMS MAY HELP, MORE LAW
AND ORDER RHETORIC MAY BE JUSTIFIED, THE STUDIES AND SURVEYS
MAY STILL BE NEEDED, THE BLUE RIBBON PANELS MAY KEEP INVESTIGATING;
BUT, IN THE END, THE WAR ON CRIME WILL ONLY BE WON WHEN AN
ATTITUDE OF MIND AND A CHANGE OF HEART TAKES PLACE IN AMERICA --
WHEN CERTAIN TRUTHS TAKE HOLD AGAIN AND PLANT THEIR ROOTS
DEEP INTO OUR NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS. TRUTHS LIKE: RIGHT
AND WRONG MATTERS; INDIVIDUALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR
ACTIONS; RETRIBUTION SHOULD BE SWIFT AND SURE FOR THOSE WHO
PREY ON THE INNOCENT.
WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT BASIC MORAL PRINCIPLES LIE AT
THE HEART OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM -- THAT OUR SYSTEM
OF LAW ACTS AS THE COLLECTIVE MORAL VOICE OF SOCIETY.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THESE VALUES -- NOR SHOULD WE BE
HESITANT OR FEEL GUILTY ABOUT PUNISHING THOSE WHO VIOLATE
THE ELEMENTARY RULES OF CIVILIZED EXISTENCE. THEFT IS NOT
A FORM OF POLITICAL OR CULTURAL EXPRESSION; IT IS THEFT AND
IT IS WRONG. MURDER IS NOT FORBIDDEN AS A MATTER OF SUBJECTIVE
OPINION; IT IS OBJECTIVELY EVIL AND WE MUST PROHIBIT IT.
NO ONE BUT THE THIEF AND MURDERER BENEFITS WHEN WE THINK AND
ACT OTHERWISE.
PAGE 15
A TENDENCY TO DOWNPLAY THE PERMANENT MORAL VALUES HAS
HELPED MAKE CRIME THE ENORMOUS PROBLEM THAT IT IS TODAY --
ONE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE ONE OF ITS TOP DOMESTIC
PRIORITIES. BUT IT HAS OCCURRED TO ME THAT THE ROOT CAUSES
OF OUR OTHER MAJOR DOMESTIC PROBLEM -- THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT
AND THE DECAY OF THE ECONOMY -- CAN BE TRACED TO MANY OF THE
SAME SOURCES OF THE CRIME PROBLEM. THIS IS BECAUSE THE
SAME UTOPIAN PRESUMPTIONS ABOUT HUMAN NATURE THAT HINDERED
THE SWIFT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE HAVE ALSO HELPED FUEL
THE EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT.
MANY OF THE SOCIAL THINKERS OF THE 1950's AND 1960's
WHO DISCUSSED CRIME ONLY IN THE CONTEXT OF DISADVANTAGED
CHILDHOODS AND POVERTY-STRICKEN NEIGHBORHOODS WERE THE SAME
PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT THAT MASSIVE GOVERNMENT SPENDING COULD
WIPE AWAY OUR SOCIAL ILLS. THE UNDERLYING PREMISE IN BOTH
CASES WAS A BELIEF THAT THERE WAS NOTHING PERMANENT OR
ABSOLUTE ABOUT MAN'S NATURE -- THAT HE WAS A PRODUCT OF HIS
MATERIAL ENVIRONMENT AND THAT BY CHANGING THAT ENVIRONMENT --
WITH GOVERNMENT AS THE CHIEF VEHICLE OF CHANGE THROUGH
EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH, HOUSING AND OTHER PROGRAMS -- WE COULD
PERMANENTLY CHANGE MAN AND USHER IN A GREAT NEW AGE.
WELL WE HAVE LEARNED THE PRICE OF TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT:
RUNAWAY INFLATION, SOARING UNEMPLOYMENT, IMPOSSIBLE INTEREST
RATES; WE HAVE LEARNED THAT FEDERAL SUBSIDIES AND GOVERNMENT
BUREAUCRATS NOT ONLY FAIL TO SOLVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS BUT
FREQUENTLY MAKE THEM WORSE.
PAGE 16
IT'S TIME TOO THAT WE ACKNOWLEDGE: THE SOLUTION TO THE
CRIME PROBLEM WILL NOT BE FOUND IN THE SOCIAL WORKER'S
FILES, THE PSYCHIATRIST'S NOTES, OR THE BUREAUCRAT'S BUDGET;
IT IS A PROBLEM OF THE HUMAN HEART AND IT IS THERE WE MUST
LOOK FOR THE ANSWERS. WE CAN BEGIN BY ACKNOWLEDGING SOME
OF THOSE PERMANENT THINGS, THOSE ABSOLUTE TRUTHS I MENTIONED
BEFORE. TWO OF THESE TRUTHS ARE: MEN ARE BASICALLY GOOD
BUT PRONE TO EVIL; SOME MEN ARE VERY PRONE TO EVIL
AND
SOCIETY HAS A RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED FROM THEM.
THE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT IS RELATED TO THE
CRIME PROBLEM IN ANOTHER, LESS OBVIOUS WAY. GOVERNMENT
INTERFERENCE IN OUR LIVES TENDS TO DISCOURAGE CREATIVITY AND
ENTERPRISE, TO WEAKEN THE PRIVATE ECONOMIC SECTOR AND PREEMPT
THOSE MITIGATING INSTITUTIONS LIKE FAMILY, NEIGHBORHOOD,
CHURCH AND SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ACT AS BOTH BUFFER AND
BRIDGE BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE NAKED POWER OF THE
STATE.
A FEW YEARS AGO, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE LEWIS POWELL
NOTED THAT WE HAD BEEN CUT ADRIFT FROM THE "HUMANIZING
AUTHORITY" THAT HAD IN THE PAST "SHAPED THE CHARACTER OF OUR
PEOPLE." HE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY HAD GROWN
LARGE AND REGRETTED THE WEAKENING OF "THE MORE PERSONAL
FORMS WE HAVE KNOWN IN THE HOME, CHURCH, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY
WHICH ONCE GAVE DIRECTION TO OUR LIVES."
PAGE 17
CHARLES MALIK, A FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE U.N. GENERAL
ASSEMBLY, WONDERED ABOUT THE WEAKENING OF MORAL AUTHORITY IN
OUR PLACES OF LEARNING. HE SAID HE HAD SOUGHT "IN VAIN FOR
ANY REFERENCE TO THE FACT THAT CHARACTER, PERSONAL INTEGRITY,
SPIRITUAL DEPTH, THE HIGHEST MORAL STANDARDS, THE WONDERFUL
LIVING VALUES OF THE GREAT TRADITION, HAVE ANYTHING TO DO
WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OR WITH THE WORLD OF
LEARNING."
AS FOR THE WEAKENING OF FAMILY VALUES, MICHAEL NOVAK,
THEOLOGIAN AND SOCIAL CRITIC, RECENTLY SAID THAT: "THE
FAMILY NOURISHES BASIC TRUST. FROM THIS SPRINGS CREATIVITY,
PSYCHIC ENERGY, SOCIAL DYNAMISM. FAMILIAL STRENGTH THAT
TOOK GENERATIONS TO ACQUIRE CAN BE LOST IN A SINGLE GENERATION,
CAN DISAPPEAR FOR CENTURIES. IF THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE
DETERIORATES, THERE IS NO QUALITY OF LIFE."
WHAT THESE COMMENTATORS ARE SAYING IS THAT FOR ALL OUR
SCIENCE AND SOPHISTICATION, FOR ALL OUR JUSTIFIED PRIDE IN
INTELLECTUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT, WE MUST NEVER FORGET: THE
JUNGLE IS ALWAYS THERE WAITING READY TO TAKE US OVER.
ONLY OUR DEEP MORAL VALUES -- AND STRONG SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS --
CAN HOLD BACK THAT JUNGLE AND RESTRAIN THE DARKER IMPULSES
OF HUMAN NATURE.
IN ORDER TO RETURN TO THIS SENSE OF SELF--IMPOSED DISCIPLINE,
THIS CONCEPT OF BASIC CIVILITY -- WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN
THOSE PRIVATE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT NURTURE THEM.
PAGE 18
OUR RECENT EMPHASIS ON VOLUNTEERISM -- THE MOBILIZATION
OF PRIVATE GROUPS TO DEAL WITH OUR SOCIAL ILLS -- IS DESIGNED
TO FOSTER THIS SPIRIT OF INDIVIDUAL GENEROSITY AND OUR SENSE
OF COMMUNAL VALUES.
FOR THIS REASON WE HAVE MOVED TO CUT AWAY MANY OF THE
FEDERAL INTRUSIONS ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT WERE PREEMPTING
THE PREROGATIVES OF OUR PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS.
THAT IS WHY WE HAVE BEEN WILLING TO MAKE SOME HARD
DECISIONS IN WASHINGTON ABOUT THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT. WE
HAVE LAID OUT A PROGRAM FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY -- WE WILL
STAND BY THAT PROGRAM AND SEE IT THROUGH. WE ARE DETERMINED
TO PUT AN END TO THE FISCAL JOY RIDE IN WASHINGTON --
DETERMINED TO BRING AMERICA BACK TO PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.
ASSURING THIS KIND OF STABLE, PROSPEROUS AND LAWFUL
SOCIETY IS AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, ONE THAT MUST BE
ACCEPTED BY ALL OF US.
THIS, TOO, IS A MATTER OF ATTITUDE, THE WAY WE LIVE OUR
LIVES, THE EXAMPLE WE SET FOR YOUNGSTERS -- THE LEADERSHIP
WE SHOW IN OUR PROFESSION.
YOU KNOW, I'D LIKE TO TELL A STORY HERE THAT I THINK
ILLUSTRATES THIS POINT.
PAGE 19
A FEW YEARS BACK WHEN BUD WILKINSON HAD THOSE GREAT
OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL TEAMS, ONE OF THOSE TEAMS WAS PLAYING
AGAINST TEXAS CHRISTIAN. TCU WAS HAVING SOME PRETTY MEDIOCRE
SEASONS BUT THEY ROSE TO THE HEIGHTS AS A TEAM SOMETIMES
WILL. AT A CRITICAL MOMENT, A TCU RECEIVER MADE A DIVING
CATCH OF A PASS IN THE END ZONE FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE
WINNING TOUCHDOWN. WITH THE STADIUM GOING WILD THE TEAM
CAPTAIN WALKED OVER TO THE OFFICIAL AND SAID, "NO SIR, IT
TOUCHED THE GROUND BEFORE HE CAUGHT IT." NOW WHAT WAS YOUR
FIRST REACTION? DID YOU SAY, "WAIT A MINUTE. HE SHOULD
HAVE KEPT HIS MOUTH SHUT." SHOULD HE? SOMEDAY HE MAY
REPRESENT YOU IN THE CONGRESS, OR IN THE WHITE HOUSE, OR
EVEN THE STATE HOUSE. HE MIGHT EVEN BE ON THE SUPREME
COURT. WHAT THEN? DO YOU WANT HIM TO KEEP HIS MOUTH
SHUT; TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE BASIS OF POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY,
OR DO YOU WANT HIM TO BE GUIDED BY THE SAME KIND OF INNER
MORAL CONVICTION THAT MADE HIM TELL THE REFEREE THE TRUTH?
WHERE DOES IT START, HOW DOES IT START? WELL I THINK IT
STARTS INSIDE EACH ONE OF US.
IF EACH OF US LIVES UP TO OUR RESPONSIBILITIES, IN OUR
PERSONAL LIVES AND PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY, WE CAN FOSTER A
GREATER RESPECT FOR THE LAW, FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS EVERY DAY THAT REQUIRE MORAL
COURAGE; THE COURAGE NOT TO IGNORE THAT RUMOR OF CORRUPTION
ABOUT SOMEONE UNDER YOUR COMMAND OR TO REFUSE A FAVOR FOR A
POWERFUL POLITICIAN OR INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEY OR JUST GIVE IN
TO WEARINESS AND NOT PURSUE A CRIMINAL CASE YOU KNOW SHOULD
BE VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTED.
PAGE 20
WHEN WE TOOK OUR OATHS OF OFFICE -- YOU AND I MADE
CERTAIN PROMISES. WE SAID WE WOULD UPHOLD THE LAW -- ---
WHETHER THOSE WHO VIOLATE IT ARE COMMON CRIMINALS OR MISGUIDED
MEMBERS OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE'S UNION. IT MAY BE OLD-
FASHIONED TO SOME, BUT NOTHING SUMS UP THIS PERSONAL COMMITMENT
MORE THAN THE SIMPLE WORD: "HONOR." WHEN THOMAS JEFFERSON
WAS ADVISING HIS NEPHEW WHAT PATH HE SHOULD FOLLOW TO ACHIEVE
SUCCESS, HE TOLD HIM THAT MEN MUST ALWAYS PURSUE THEIR OWN
AND THEIR COUNTRY'S INTEREST WITH THE "PUREST INTEGRITY, THE
MOST CHASTE HONOR."
"MAKE THESE THEN YOUR FIRST OBJECT," JEFFERSON SAID.
"GIVE UP MONEY, GIVE UP FAME, GIVE UP SCIENCE, GIVE THE
EARTH ITSELF AND ALL IT CONTAINS RATHER THAN DO AN IMMORAL
ACT. AND NEVER SUPPOSE THAT IN ANY POSSIBLE SITUATION OR
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES THAT IT IS BEST FOR YOU TO DO A
DISHONORABLE THING HOWEVER SLIGHTLY SO IT MAY APPEAR TO
YOU."
AGAIN I COMMEND YOU, FOR YOU MAN THE THIN BLUE LINE
THAT HOLDS BACK A JUNGLE WHICH THREATENS TO RECLAIM THIS
CLEARING WE CALL CIVILIZATION. NO BANDS PLAY WHEN A COP IS
SHOOTING IT OUT IN A DARK ALLEY.
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