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Swearing-in of Secretary of Labor Elizabeth H. Dole, 1/30/89
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Swearing-in of Secretary of Labor Elizabeth H. Dole, 1/30/89
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Swearing-in of Secretary of Labor Elizabeth H. Dole, 1/30/89
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1
Document No. 001116
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/26/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
9:00am 1/27/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE (DOL)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
X2930 Km/22
Chris Winston's office with an info copy to my office by
9:00am Friday, January 27. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
2702
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
swear-in Liddy. Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, you've been here since the days of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement pension
- 2 -
programs; from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I-think-of the-mine safety engineers_ from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to the
extent that the economy grows -- but the good news for everyone
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
annoying animals in the ZOO. Among other things, he was charged
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
Trade Commission, at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. I will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
no changes
Document No.
001116
0141
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/26/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
9:00am 1/27/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE (DOL)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
x2930 km/dd
Chris Winston's office with an info copy to my office by
9:00am Friday, January 27. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
January 26, 1989
TO: Chris Winston
8a IVV Se 62: 07
NSC clears.
Robut H Pento
James W. Cicconi
Robert M. Perito
Assistant to the President
Acting Executive
Secret Deputy to the Chief of Staff
CC: J. Cicconi
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE: 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
swear-in Liddy. Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, you've been here since the days of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement pension
- 2 -
programs; from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I-think-of the-mine safety engineers_from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to the
extent that the economy grows -- but the good news for everyone
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
annoying animals in the ZOO. Among other things, he was charged
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
Trade Commission, at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
SO we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. I will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
'89 01/27 10:33
T 202 523 8699
OIPA
01
chriss
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20210
Main 202/523-8271
Fax 202/523-9072
TO: DAVID DEMAREST , Comm. DIRECTOR
THE WHITE House (FAX) 456-2883
FROM: EUZABETH KHACH GIAN
NOTES:
THE FOLLOWING DRAFT INCLUDES
CHANGES By ELIZABETH DOLE AS
OF 8 am TODAY.
'89 01/27 10:33
T 202 523 8699
OIPA
02
[1/27 draft, 8 am]
Remarks for the President
Swearing-in Ceremony
of
Elizabeth Dole
U.S. Department of Labor
Monday, January 30, 1989
It's a great pleasure to be with you today. This is one of
those places where the future is being made. And in looking around
the room this morning, this is one of those days that confirms my
confidence in the future.
The stage has been set. Since 1982, the real size of the
nation's economic pie (otherwise known as GNP) has increased by 27
percent. Nineteen million new jobs have been created. Inflation
is at a third of its 1980 level. Employment is at record highs.
But we're not finished yet. We can do better still. And
that's one reason I nominated Elizabeth Dole to be Secretary of
Labor.
There are still too many Americans who haven't been part of
the phenomenal economic expansion we've enjoyed as a nation. Our
challenge will be to give more of our people -- whether young, old,
disadvantaged, or dual-career -- the skills and support they need
to prosper.
In the coming years, as the supply of labor shrinks and jobs
become more demanding, we're going to face some severe shortages
of talent. We're going to need those people.
The issue won't be creating more new jobs -- it will be
finding enough workers with the right skills to fill them.
I tend to view problems as opportunities in work clothes.
And I believe that we can make progress through partnership --
rather than partisanship -- to break the cycle of disadvantage.
I believe, as I know Elizabeth Dole believes, that our future
demands that we bring these people out of the shadows -- and make
them part of a great American success story. And I will call upon
her advice and counsel as a key policy advisor on my economic team.
The Department of Labor's policies, programs, and regulatory
responsibilities are central to continued economic growth in
America, increased productivity, and our ability to compete
effectively on a global basis.
- 1 -
'89 01/27 10:34
2 202 523 8699
OIPA
03
Workforce issues have everything to do with America's economic
health -- and our ability to compete abroad. Questions that used
to be a matter of social justice, or part of the Labor Department's
legal domain, are now being driven by economic necessity.
Innovative programs, like the Job Training and Partnership Act, Job
Corps, and Worker Readjustment Assistance Program, are major tools
that displaced American workers can use to find a route back into
the workforce.
Nothing will be more crucial than ensuring that the working
men and women of today and tomorrow have the skills, the education,
and the support they need to be productive players in the
marketplace.
Literacy used to be a matter of personal pride. Now, it's
more than that -- it's the most powerful key to opportunity.
For many years, my wife Barbara has made work on literacy a
central part of her life. And as Elizabeth Dole made clear in her
confirmation hearings, she plans to make education and training a
special focus of her work as Labor Secretary.
And that's important. Behind the numbers, the legislation,
and the policy, we are talking about flesh and blood people.
People that, I believe, deserve more than "full employment" -- they
deserve fulfilling employment.
When you make one worker whole -- when you bring families
together, and communities together - you make a nation whole.
I'm counting on the employees of the Labor Department, and the
leadership of your new Secretary, to bring it all together.
Elizabeth Dole has gained my trust and confidence throughout
her dynamic career as a public servant. As the longest-serving
Secretary of Transportation, she made safety one of her highest
priorities. Because of that commitment, and the changes she made
at that department, we had the safest years in U.S. history in the
three major transportation areas -- air, rail, and highway. I know
she brings that same commitment to the Labor Department --and - her
record gives me great confidence.
Elizabeth has always combined an insider's vantage point
with an outsider's broad perspective, fresh ideas, and optimism.
She has made public service personal -- and has devoted herself to
making a positive difference in people's lives. She understands
change -- and she knows how to turn it to advantage.
We have the knowledge we need -- right here and right now.
We have faith in the power of knowledge to shape action -- and to
turn the cycle of disadvantage into a spiral of success.
- 2 -
'89 01/27 10:34
2 202 523 8699
OIPA
04
I'm confident that this Labor Secretary's efforts to advance
the interests of American working men and women will reach far
beyond the big buildings and the marble steps, beyond the people
who run this country, to the people who make this country run.
With the talent of the Department of Labor's outstanding civil
servants, Elizabeth Dole can achieve this department's goals on
behalf of America's workers. To those civil servants -- whose
efforts often go unrecognized -- we offer our support, admiration,
and appreciation.
To Elizabeth Dole; to all of you who will devote your time
and talents to public service; and to the young Job Corps members
who are with us today: We're counting on you.
Thank you -- and God bless you all.
# # #
Document No.
501116
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/26/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
9:00am 1/27/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE (DOL)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
X2930 -Rm/22
Chris Winston's office with an info copy to my office by
00am Friday, January 27. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE: 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
swear-in Liddy. Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, you've been here since the days of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement pension
Holen 5178
- 2 -
worker's
programs; from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety engineers from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
spending
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to theimplies
now
much
extent that the economy grows but the good news/for everyone
growth
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity,
Holen
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
insurance
5178
area section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
Holer
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
5178
annoying animals in the zoo. Among other things, he was charged
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
and
Trade Commission at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. I will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 26, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRIS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Swearing-In of Secretary
Dole
The draft remarks for the President to deliver in swear-
ing-in Secretary Dole are clearly and appropriately complimen-
tary to her and to the Department of Labor. You might want
to consider another paragraph or two commending the work of
the career civil servants.
We have already made a great impression with the SES
members. Here is an opportunity to give the same kind of
emphasis to lower level civil servants.
One final point: the President, for constitutional
reasons, is not empowered to administer the oath of office
to another Federal employee.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document No.
001116
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/26/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
9:00am 1/27/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE (DOL)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
X2930 Kinlaa Chris Winston's office with an info copy to my office by
9:00am Friday, January 27. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE: 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
swear-in Liddy. Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, you've been here since the days of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement pension
- 2 -
programs; from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety engineers from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to the
extent that the economy grows -- but the good news for everyone
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
annoying animals in the zoo. Among other things, he was charged
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
Trade Commission, at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. I will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
Demanst
Kleyman
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE: 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
we here for
sweams in.
to ask
swear in Liddy.
Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
about
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
[where are you Jun?
whether, like Jim Taylor you've been here since the days of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
government serves the American people
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement es pension
ensuung
- 2 -
programs; rights from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
and the people you
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of serve
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
must complement
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety engineers experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to the
extent that the economy grows -- but the good news for everyone
Check
the
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
job traming programs
?
section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
annoying animals in the zoo. Among other things, he was charged
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
Trade Commission, at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. I will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
He Can ' T administer the
gath /
2 6 JAN 1989
Document No.
001116
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/26/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
9:00am 1/27/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE (DOL)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
X2930 -Rmlaa Chris Winston's office with an info copy to my office by
9:00am Friday, January 27. Thank you.
sus
RESPONSE:
what about "hard work".
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 26, 1989
3:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE 4: 18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to
swear-in Liddy. Otherwise, I was just going to stop by the
unemployment office to fill out a few forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
Presidential not
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
his not.
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country.
America's you stronge are
team-3
million
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at and
we
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
are
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or prind
whether, like Jim Taylor, you've been here since the days of
of
Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to know that this President
you
does not take you for granted and never will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
ways in which the American people rely on Government. From
enforcing child labor laws to supervising retirement pension
- 2 -
programs; from job training to workmen's compensation; you look
out for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you, can keep more of
the money you earn. And part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities, and I want to thank you and also encourage everyone to
get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it cannot replace individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
Why
Why
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
they
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
Democrat.
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
- 3 -
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety engineers from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
We are in a period in which Government can grow only to the
extent that the economy grows -- but the good news for everyone
is that the economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity
and higher revenues. Those of you working in the unemployment
section can see those rolls going down, and I want to keep it
that way with sound, pro-growth economic policies.
Now the position of Labor Secretary is a very important one.
And I don't think that working people could have a greater
champion than Liddy Dole, she is smart, she is effective, and she
cares about people. You know, early in her career she worked as
a lawyer. Her first case was to defend a fellow accused of
annoying animals in the zoo. Among other things, he was charged
?
with, I kid you not, patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case
by arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness there was
no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from
that beginning she made a career out of standing up for the
little fellow against the lions of this world. At the Federal
Trade Commission, at the White House, she showed real leadership
and effectiveness.
- 4 -
And for over 4 years, Elizabeth Dole was one of America's
very finest Secretaries of Transportation. She took the lead on
transportation safety, and on privatization and deregulation, and
she made a valuable contribution to America. And I know that she
will be an excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the AMERICA world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
is
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet.
I
will now administer the oath. [Swear-in Secretary
Dole.]
1
Pres. does not administer throath
)
REMARKS FOR THE SWEARING-IN OF
SECRETARY ELIZABETH DOLE
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IT'S GREAT TO BE HERE.
ACTUALLY, I WAS PLANNING ON COMING TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT
SINCE THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR. I FIGURED IF I WON THE
ELECTION, I'D WANT TO BE HERE FOR ELIZABETH'S SWEARING-IN.
OTHERWISE, I WAS JUST GOING TO STOP BY TO ASK ABOUT
UNEMPLOYMENT FORMS.
BUT REALLY, I'VE COME HERE TO INTRODUCE THE NEW
SECRETARY OF LABOR, SOMETHING I DID BACK IN 1985 WHEN BILL
7
2
BROCK CAME TO WORK HERE. OUR NEW SECRETARY, I THINK
YOU'VE HEARD OF HER, IS ELIZABETH DOLE. I THINK SHE IS
GOING TO BE JUST SUPER, AND I WILL CALL UPON HER ADVICE
AND COUNSEL AS A KEY POLICY ADVISOR ON MY ECONOMIC TEAM.
AND TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS DEPARTMENT, YOU TOUCH THE
LIVES OF VIRTUALLY EVERY AMERICAN. AND IF AT TIMES YOU
FEEL LIKE YOU ARE TAKEN FOR GRANTED, LET ME JUST SAY:
WHETHER YOU ARE THE NEWEST CLERK-TYPIST WHO JUST STARTED
HERE OR WHETHER, LIKE JIM TAYLOR, ["WHERE ARE YOU, JIM?"]
YOU'VE BEEN HERE SINCE THE DAYS OF SECRETARY FRANCES
3
PERKINS, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THIS PRESIDENT DOES NOT
TAKE YOU FOR GRANTED AND NEVER WILL.
WHEN PEOPLE NEED YOU, YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE. AND WHAT
YOU DO IN THE LABOR DEPARTMENT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE
MANY DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH GOVERNMENT SERVES THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE. FROM ENFORCING CHILD LABOR LAWS TO
PROTECTING RETIREMENT PENSION RIGHTS; FROM JOB TRAINING TO
WORKER'S COMPENSATION; YOU LOOK OUT FOR THE WORKING PEOPLE
OF AMERICA.
4
AND I WANT THIS ADMINISTRATION TO BE ABOUT WORKING
PEOPLE. PART OF THAT WILL COME FROM EXCELLENCE AND
RESPONSIVENESS IN GOVERNMENT. PART OF THAT WILL BE,
HOLDING THE LINE ON TAXES -- SO WORKING PEOPLE, LIKE YOU
AND THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE, CAN KEEP MORE OF THE MONEY YOU
EARN. AND PART OF IT WILL BE A NEW VOLUNTARISM, PEOPLE
HELPING PEOPLE. I KNOW A GREAT MANY OF YOU, ON YOUR OWN
TIME, DO WORK FOR YOUR CHURCHES AND IN YOUR COMMUNITIES
AND FOR CHARITIES, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AND ALSO
ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GET INVOLVED. I KNOW OUR NEW
5
SECRETARY OF LABOR WELL; AND, BELIEVE ME, SHE IS WAY OUT
FRONT ON THIS WHOLE QUESTION OF VOLUNTEERISM.
I BELIEVE IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE; I BELIEVE THAT IT
PLAYS A VITAL ROLE. BUT IT MUST COMPLEMENT INDIVIDUAL
SERVICE. AND NOTHING CAN REPLACE PERSONAL COMMITMENT,
BOTH IN OUR JOBS AND IN OUR PRIVATE LIVES. MANY PEOPLE
LOOK TO YOU, THE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT, TO DO ALL THINGS
AND SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS. I THINK AS A PEOPLE WE NEED TO
RENEW OUR SENSE OF COMMITMENT, TO TAKE GREATER
6
RESPONSIBILITY NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR ONE
ANOTHER.
JOHN KENNEDY CHALLENGED US TO ASK OURSELVES WHAT WE
COULD DO FOR OUR COUNTRY. LET US ALSO EACH DAY ASK
OURSELVES "WHAT CAN I DO FOR ANOTHER PERSON?" How CAN I
MAKE SOMEONE'S LOAD A LITTLE LIGHTER? How CAN I HELP THEM
TO GO A LITTLE FARTHER? How CAN I BE A FRIEND TO SOMEONE
LONELY, OR A COMFORT TO SOMEONE IN PAIN? EACH OF US CAN
MAKE THIS A KINDER AND GENTLER NATION JUST BY THE WAY WE
TREAT ONE ANOTHER EACH DAY.
7
I BELIEVE IN GOVERNMENT THAT IS EXCELLENT AND PEOPLE
WHO ARE COMPASSIONATE. I THINK OF THE MINE SAFETY EXPERTS
FROM THIS DEPARTMENT WHO AFTER THE MEXICAN EARTHQUAKE WERE
ABLE, WITH THEIR SPECIAL SKILLS, TO FIND PEOPLE -- STILL
ALIVE -- WHO HAD BEEN TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE. BUT I
ALSO THINK OF THE SECRETARY WHO AFTER A DAY AT THE OFFICE
TAKES THE TIME TO VOLUNTEER AND HELP A CHILD IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD LEARN HOW TO READ.
Now, THE POSITION OF LABOR SECRETARY IS A VERY
IMPORTANT ONE, AND THE OUTGOING SECRETARY, ANN MCLAUGHLIN,
8
CERTAINLY LEFT BIG SHOES TO FILL. ALL OF YOU HAVE BEEN
DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB IN so MANY WAYS, AND THERE IS A LOT
TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT ON THE LABOR FRONT. THE ECONOMY IS
GROWING, PRODUCING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY. THOSE OF YOU
HANDLING UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS CAN SEE THOSE ROLLS GOING
DOWN, AND I WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY WITH SOUND,
PRO-GROWTH ECONOMIC POLICIES.
BUT THERE ARE IMPORTANT TASKS THAT LIE AHEAD, AND I
DON'T THINK THAT WORKING PEOPLE COULD HOPE TO HAVE A
9
GREATER CHAMPION THAN ELIZABETH DOLE. SHE IS SMART, SHE
IS EFFECTIVE, AND SHE CARES ABOUT PEOPLE.
You KNOW, EARLY IN HER CAREER SHE WORKED AS A LAWYER.
HER FIRST CASE WAS TO DEFEND A FELLOW ACCUSED OF ANNOYING
ANIMALS IN THE zoo. AMONG OTHER THINGS, HE WAS CHARGED
WITH, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PATTING A LION. BUT ELIZABETH
WON THE CASE BY ARGUING THAT "WITHOUT THE LION IN COURT AS
A WITNESS THERE WAS NO WAY TO TELL WHETHER OR NOT HE WAS
ANNOYED" BY THAT. Now FROM THAT BEGINNING SHE MADE A
CAREER OUT OF STANDING UP FOR THE LITTLE FELLOW AGAINST
10
THE LIONS OF THIS WORLD. AT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
AND AT THE WHITE HOUSE, SHE SHOWED REAL LEADERSHIP AND
EFFECTIVENESS.
AND IN HER 4-1/2 YEARS IN THE CABINET, SHE
DISTINGUISHED HERSELF: ELIZABETH DOLE WAS AMERICA'S
LONGEST-SERVING SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION AND CERTAINLY
ONE OF THE VERY FINEST. SHE TOOK THE LEAD ON
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SHE MADE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION
TO AMERICA. AND I KNOW THAT SHE WILL BE AN EXCELLENT
SECRETARY OF LABOR.
7
11
AMERICA FACES IMPORTANT CHALLENGES AS WE PREPARE OUR
WORKFORCE FOR THE ECONOMY OF TOMORROW. THERE WILL BE JOBS
IN ABUNDANCE, BUT WE'LL HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR WORKERS
HAVE THE ABUNDANT SKILLS THEY NEED TO FILL THOSE JOBS WITH
EXCELLENCE. WE HAVE A NEW GENERATION OF WORKERS, A NEW
GENERATION OF FAMILIES, WHO ARE FINDING NEW WAYS OF
BALANCING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WORKPLACE AND THE
HOME.
AND THERE ARE NEW COMPETITIVE FORCES IN THE WORLD
ECONOMY THAT DEMAND A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE FROM EVERY
12
AMERICAN WORKER so WE CAN CONTINUE TO LEAD AMERICA INTO
THE NEXT CENTURY. I CAN THINK OF NO ONE BETTER QUALIFIED
TO HEAD THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR DURING THIS EXCITING AND
CHALLENGING TIME THAN ELIZABETH DOLE.
ELIZABETH, IT WILL BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU IN
MY CABINET. Now WE'RE GOING TO WATCH YOU TAKE THE OATH
ONE MORE TIME. [WITNESS CEREMONIAL SWEARING-IN OF
SECRETARY DOLE.]
# # #
Document No.
001116
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/27/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING_IN OF SECRETARY DOLE
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Winston
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Klugmann)
January 27, 1989
3:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
J.IN
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year I figured if I won the election, I'd want to be
here for Liddy's swearing-in. Otherwise, I was just going to
stop by to ask about unemployment forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new Secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country. You are America's team,
over 3 million strong, and we are proud of you.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, ["Where are you, Jim?"] you've been
here since the days of Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to
know that this President does not take you for granted and never
will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
- 2 -
ways in which Government serves the American people. From
enforcing child labor-laws to protecting retirement pension
rights; from job training to worker's compensation; you look out
for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you and the people you
serve, can keep more of the money you earn. And part of it will
be a new voluntarism, people helping people. I know a great many
of you, on your own time, do work for your churches and in your
communities and for charities, and I want to thank you and also
encourage everyone to get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it must complement individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
- 3 -
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
Now, the position of Labor Secretary is a very important
one, and the outgoing Secretary, Ann McLaughlin, certainly left
big shoes to fill. All of you have been doing an excellent job
in so many ways, and there is a lot to feel good about on the
labor front. The economy is growing, producing jobs and
opportunity. Those of you handling unemployment claims can see
those rolls going down, and I want to keep it that way with
sound, pro-growth economic policies.
But there are important tasks that lie ahead, and I don't
think that working people could hope to have a greater champion
than Liddy Dole. She is smart, she is effective, and she cares
about people.
You know, early in her career she worked as a lawyer. Her
first case was to defend a fellow accused of annoying animals in
the ZOO. Among other things, he was charged with, I kid you not,
patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case by arguing that
"without the lion in court as a witness there was no way to tell
whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from that beginning
- 4 -
she made a career out of standing up for the little fellow
against the lions of this world. At the Federal Trade Commission
and at the White House, she showed real leadership and
effectiveness.
And in her 4-1/2 years in the Cabinet, she distinguished
herself: Elizabeth Dole was America's longest-serving Secretary
of Transportation and certainly one of the very finest. She took
the lead on transportation safety and she made a valuable
contribution to America. And I know that she will be an
excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. Now we're going to watch you take the oath one more
time. [Witness ceremonial swearing-in of Secretary Dole.]
(Klugmann)
January 27, 1989
3:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to be
here for Liddy's swearing-in. Otherwise, I was just going to
stop by to ask about unemployment forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new Secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country. You are America's team,
over 3 million strong, and we are proud of you.
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, ["Where are you, Jim?"] you've been
here since the days of Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to
know that this President does not take you for granted and never
will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
- 2 -
ways in which Government serves the American people. From
enforcing child labor laws to protecting retirement pension
rights; from job training to worker's compensation; you look out
for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you and the people you
serve, can keep more of the money you earn. And part of it will
be a new voluntarism, people helping people. I know a great many
of you, on your own time, do work for your churches and in your
communities and for charities, and I want to thank you and also
encourage everyone to get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it must complement individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
- 3 -
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
Now, the position of Labor Secretary is a very important
one, and the outgoing Secretary, Ann McLaughlin, certainly left
big shoes to fill. All of you have been doing an excellent job
in so many ways, and there is a lot to feel good about on the
labor front. The economy is growing, producing jobs and
opportunity. Those of you handling unemployment claims can see
those rolls going down, and I want to keep it that way with
sound, pro-growth economic policies.
But there are important tasks that lie ahead, and I don't
think that working people could hope to have a greater champion
than Liddy Dole. She is smart, she is effective, and she cares
about people.
You know, early in her career she worked as a lawyer. Her
first case was to defend a fellow accused of annoying animals in
the ZOO. Among other things, he was charged with, I kid you not,
patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case by arguing that
"without the lion in court as a witness there was no way to tell
whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from that beginning
- 4 -
she made a career out of standing up for the little fellow
against the lions of this world. At the Federal Trade Commission
and at the White House, she showed real leadership and
effectiveness.
And in her 4-1/2 years in the Cabinet, she distinguished
herself: Elizabeth Dole was America's longest-serving Secretary
of Transportation and certainly one of the very finest. She took
the lead on transportation safety and she made a valuable
contribution to America. And I know that she will be an
excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. Now we're going to watch you take the oath one more
time. [Witness ceremonial swearing-in of Secretary Dole.]
01. 27. 89 04:17AM *SECRETARY OF LABOR
P01
ATTENTION: HAVID DEMAREST
DRAFT
[1/26 draft, 3 pm]
Remarks for the President
Swearing-in Ceremony
of
Elizabeth Dole
Department of Labor
Monday, January 30, 1989
It's a great pleasure to be with you today. This is one of
those places where the future is being made. And in looking around
the room this (morning), this is one of those days that confirms
my confidence in the future.
The stage has been set. Since 1982, the real size of the
nation's economic pie (otherwise known as GNP) has increased by 27
percent. Nineteen million new jobs have been created. Inflation
is at a third of its 1980 level. Employment is at record highs.
But we're not finished yet. We can do better still. And
that's one reason I nominated Elizabeth Dole to be Secretary of
Labor.
There are still too many Americans who haven't been part of
the phenomenal economic expansion we've enjoyed as a nation. Our
challenge will be to give more of our people -- whether young, old,
disadvantaged, or dual-career -- the skills and support they need
to prosper.
In the coming years, as the supply of labor shrinks and jobs
become more demanding, we're going to face some severe shortages
of talent. We're going to need those people.
The issue won't be creating more new jobs -- it will be
finding enough workers with the right skills to fill them.
I tend to view problems as opportunities in work clothes.
And I believe that we can make progress through partnership --
rather than partisanship -- to break the cycle of disadvantage.
I believe, as I know Elizabeth Dole believes, that our future
demands that we bring these people out of the shadows -- and make
them part of a great American success story. And I will call upon
her advice and counsel as a key policy advisor on my economic team.
mont
Workforce issues have everything to do with America's economic
health -- and our ability to compete abroad. Questions that used
to be a matter of social justice, or part of the Labor Department's
legal domain, are now being driven by economic necessity.
01. 27. 89 04:17AM *SECRETARY OF LABOR
P O 2
Nothing will be more crucial than ensuring that the working
men and women of today and tomorrow have the skills, the education,
marketplace. and the support they need to be productive players in the
Literacy used to be a matter of personal pride. Now, it's
more than that -- it's the most powerful key to opportunity. And
so many of this Department's programs, working with industry and
labor, are making a real difference.
For many years, my wife Barbara has made work on literacy a
central part of her life. And in her position as Labor Secretary,
as she made clear in her hearings, Elizabeth Dole plans to make
education and training a special focus of her work.
And that's important. Behind the numbers, the legislation,
and the policy, we are talking about flesh and blood people.
People that, I believe, deserve more than "full employment" -- they
deserve fulfilling employment.
hum
When you make one worker whole -- when you bring families
together, and communities together -- you make a nation whole.
I'm counting on the employees of the Labor Department, and the
leadership of your new Secretary, to bring it all together.
Elizabeth Dole has gained my trust and confidence throughout
her dynamic career as a public servant. As the longest-serving
Secretary of Transportation, she made safety one of her highest
priorities. Because of that commitment, and the changes she made
at that department, we had the safest years in U.S. history in the
four major transportation areas. I know she brings that same
confidence. commitment to the Labor -- and her record gives me great
Elizabeth has always combined an insider's vantage point
with an outsider's broad perspective, fresh ideas, and optimism.
She has made public service personal -- and has devoted herself to
making a positive difference in people's lives. She understands
change - and she knows how to turn it to advantage.
We have the knowledge we need -- right here and right now.
We have faith in the power of knowledge to shape action -- and to
turn the cycle of disadvantage into a spiral of success.
I'm confident that this Labor Secretary's efforts to advance
the interests of American working men and women will reach far
beyond the big buildings and the marble steps, beyond the people
who run this country, to the people who make this country run.
- 2 -
01. 27. 89 04:17AM *SECRETARY OF LABOR
P03
To Elizabeth Dole; to all of you who will devote your time
and talents to public service; and to the young Job Corps members
who are with us today: we're counting on you.
Thank you --- and God bless you all.
- 3 -
(Klugmann)
January 27, 1989
3:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to be
here for Liddy's swearing-in. Otherwise, I was just going to
stop by to ask about unemployment forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new Secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
and
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super,
workert Dole
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
how important it is for the country. You are America's team,
over 3 million strong, and we are proud of you.
(Inicle)
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, ["Where are you, Jim?"] you've been
here since the days of Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to
know that this President does not take you for granted and never
will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
- 2 -
ways in which Government serves the American people. From
enforcing child labor laws to protecting retirement pension
rights; from job training to worker's compensation; you look out
for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you and the people you
serve, can keep more of the money you earn. And part of it will
be a new voluntarism, people helping people. I know a great many
of you, on your own time, do work for your churches and in your
communities and for charities, and I want to thank you and also
encourage everyone to get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it must complement individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
- 3 -
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
Now, the position of Labor Secretary is a very important
one, and the outgoing Secretary, Ann McLaughlin, certainly left
big shoes to fill. All of you have been doing an excellent job
in so many ways, and there is a lot to feel good about on the
labor front. The economy is growing, producing jobs and
opportunity. Those of you handling unemployment claims can see
those rolls going down, and I want to keep it that way with
sound, pro-growth economic policies.
But there are important tasks that lie ahead, and I don't
think that working people could hope to have a greater champion
than Liddy Dole. She is smart, she is effective, and she cares
about people.
You know, early in her career she worked as a lawyer. Her
first case was to defend a fellow accused of annoying animals in
believe it or not
the zoo. Among other things, he was charged with, you not,
X
patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case by arguing that
"without the lion in court as a witness there was no way to tell
whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from that beginning
- 4 -
she made a career out of standing up for the little fellow
against the lions of this world. At the Federal Trade Commission
and at the White House, she showed real leadership and
effectiveness.
And in her 4-1/2 years in the Cabinet, she distinguished
herself: Elizabeth Dole was America's longest-serving Secretary
of Transportation and certainly one of the very finest. She took
the lead on transportation safety and she made a valuable
contribution to America. And I know that she will be an
excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
america
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. Now we're going to watch you take the oath one more
time. [Witness ceremonial swearing-in of Secretary Dole.]
(Klugmann)
January 27, 1989
3:00 p. GB
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY DOLE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
Thank you very much. It's great to be here. Actually, I
was planning on coming to the Labor Department since the middle
of last year. I figured if I won the election, I'd want to be
here for Liddy's swearing-in. Otherwise, I was just going to
stop by to ask about unemployment forms.
But really, I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock came to work
here. Our new Secretary, I think you've heard of her, is
Elizabeth Dole, and I think she is going to be just super.
But first, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is
George Bush, and like you I'm a Federal worker. And I want to
let all of you and all the Federal workers in America know that I
respect you and I appreciate the quality of the work you do and
Q how yours 1 and - Jaw of
how important it is for the country. You are America's team,
over 3 million strong, and we are proud of you.
Elizabeth. your know the 9 know you
You touch the lives of virtually every American. And if at
times you feel like you are taken for granted, let me just say:
whether you are the newest clerk-typist who just started here or
whether, like Jim Taylor, ["Where are you, Jim?"] you've been
here since the days of Secretary Frances Perkins, I want you to
know that this President does not take you for granted and never
will.
When people need you, you are always there. And what you do
in the Labor Department is a good example of the many different
- 2 -
ways in which Government serves the American people. From
enforcing child labor laws to protecting retirement pension
rights; from job training to worker's compensation; you look out
for the working people of America.
And I want this Administration to be about working people.
Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
Government. Part of that will be, as I've promised, a commitment
to no new taxes -- so working people, like you and the people you
serve, can keep more of the money you earn. And part of it will
be a new voluntarism, people helping people. I know a great many
of you, on your own time, do work for your churches and in your
communities and for charities, and I want to thank you and also
encourage everyone to get involved.
I believe in Government service; I believe that it plays a
vital role. But it must complement individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in
our private lives. Many people look to you, the people in
Government, to do all things and solve all problems. I think as
a people we need to renew our sense of commitment, to take
greater responsibility not only for ourselves, but for one
another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could do
for our country. Let us also each day ask ourselves "what can I
do for another person?" How can I make someone's load a little
lighter? How can I help them to go a little farther? How can I
be a friend to someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain?
- 3 -
Each of us can make this a kinder and gentler Nation just by the
way we treat one another each day.
I believe in Government that is excellent and people who are
compassionate. I think of the mine safety experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been
trapped under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who
after a day at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a
child in the neighborhood learn how to read.
Now, the position of Labor Secretary is a very important
one, and the outgoing Secretary, Ann McLaughlin, certainly left
big shoes to fill. All of you have been doing an excellent job
in so many ways, and there is a lot to feel good about on the
labor front. The economy is growing, producing jobs and
opportunity. Those of you handling unemployment claims can see
those rolls going down, and I want to keep it that way with
sound, pro-growth economic policies.
But there are important tasks that lie ahead, and I don't
think that working people could hope to have a greater champion
than Liddy Dole. She is smart, she is effective, and she cares
about people.
You know, early in her career she worked as a lawyer. Her
first case was to defend a fellow accused of annoying animals in
the zoo. Among other things, he was charged with, I kid you not,
patting a lion. But Elizabeth won the case by arguing that
"without the lion in court as a witness there was no way to tell
whether or not he was annoyed" by that. Now from that beginning
- 4 -
she made a career out of standing up for the little fellow
against the lions of this world. At the Federal Trade Commission
and at the White House, she showed real leadership and
effectiveness.
And in her 4-1/2 years in the Cabinet, she distinguished
herself: Elizabeth Dole was America's longest-serving Secretary
of Transportation and certainly one of the very finest. She took
the lead on transportation safety and she made a valuable
contribution to America. And I know that she will be an
excellent Secretary of Labor.
America faces important challenges as we prepare our
workforce for the economy of tomorrow. There will be jobs in
abundance, but we'll have to make sure that our workers have the
abundant skills they need to fill those jobs with excellence. We
have a new generation of workers, a new generation of families,
who are finding new ways of balancing the responsibilities of the
workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker
so we can continue to lead the world into the next century. I
can think of no one better qualified to head the Department of
Labor during this exciting and challenging time than Elizabeth
Dole.
Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you in my
Cabinet. Now we're going to watch you take the oath one more
time. [Witness ceremonial swearing-in of Secretary Dole.]
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 30, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND SECRETARY OF LABOR ELIZABETH DOLE
AT SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Department of Labor
Washington, D. C.
10:12 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. First, pardon my
voice. Please be seated. (Laughter.) Well, first, my respects to
the former Secretaries of Labor who are here. Secretary Usery I know
is here and Secretary McLaughlin, Secretary Brock -- and I hope I'm
not missing others -- maybe they're there. So I bid welcome to all
of you. To -- certainly to our new Secretary Elizabeth Dole and her
mother and others that are here with us today. Certainly to her
husband, Bob Dole, who is with us up here. And, Reverend, thank you,
sir, for those lovely, lovely words of prayer. Actually, I've been
planning to come over to the Labor Department since last year to play
it safe. I figured if I won the election, I want to be here for
Elizabeth's swearing-in. And if I lost the election I'd come by to
fill out an unemployment form. (Laughter.)
But I've come here to introduce the new Secretary of
Labor, something that I did back in 1985 when Bill Brock took his
office, which he did so well. And then last year I was a guest of
Ann McLaughlin here in the building, so I have some familiarity with
your work. I'd be remiss if I -- as I look around this crowd -- if I
didn't single out Lane Kirkland and say how pleased I am that he's
here to welcome our new Secretary, too. You've heard of Elizabeth
Dole. (Laughter and applause.) She obviously will be my top advisor
on labor issues per se. And I will also call upon her advice as
counsel, as a key policy advisor on my economic team. Because,
indeed, the economic side of the labor issue is tremendously
important.
To the people of this Department, you do touch the lives
of virtually every American. And if at times you feel like you're
taken for granted, let me just say whether you're the newest
clerk-typist who just started or whether, like Jim Taylor --
(laughter) -- Now, where is Jim? Is he here? There he is, right
there. You've got to see this guy. (Applause.) He's been here
since the days of Secretary Frances Perkins -- (laughter) -- and it
looks like he's still running about 10 miles a day, too, but --
(laughter.)
- 2 -
people. Part of that will come from excellence and responsiveness in
government. Part of that will be holding the line on taxes -- so
working people, like you and the people you serve, can keep more of
the money that you earn. Part of it will be a new voluntarism,
people helping people. And I know a great many of you, on your own
time, do work for your churches and in your communities and for
charities. And I want to thank you and I want to encourage everybody
to be involved in this kind of work. I know -- from long talks with
Elizabeth Dole, I know of her commitment to this whole concept of
American helping American.
I believe in government service; I believe that it plays
a vital role. But it must complement individual service. And
nothing can replace personal commitment, both in our jobs and in our
private lives. Many people look to you, the people in government, to
do all things and solve all problems. Well, I think as a people we
need to renew our sense of commitment, to take greater responsibility
not only for ourselves, but for one another.
John Kennedy challenged us to ask ourselves what we could
do for our country. And let us also each day ask, what can I do for
another person? How can I make someone else's load a little lighter?
How can I help to go a little farther? How can I be a friend to
someone lonely, or a comfort to someone in pain? Each of us can make
this a kinder and gentler nation just by the way we treat one another
each day.
I believe in government that is excellent and people who
are compassionate. I think of the mine safety experts from this
Department who after the Mexican earthquake were able, with their
special skills, to find people -- still alive -- who had been trapped
under the rubble. But I also think of the secretary who after a day
at the office takes the time to volunteer and help a child in the
neighborhood learn how to read.
Now, the position of Secretary of Labor is a very
important one; and our outgoing Secretary, Ann McLaughlin, certainly
left big shoes to fill. All of you have been doing an excellent job
in so many ways, and there's a lot to feel good about on the labor
front. The economy is growing, producing jobs and opportunity.
Those of you handling unemployment claims can see those rolls going
down, and I want to keep it that way with sound, economic policies.
But there are important taks that lie ahead, and I don't
think that the working people could hope to have a greater champion
than Elizabeth Dole. She is smart, she is effective, and she cares
-- she cares deeply about people.
You know, earlier in her career she worked as a lawyer.
Her first case -- not exactly profound, nor did it reach the Supreme
Court -- (laughter) -- was to defend a fellow accused of annoying
animals in the zoo. (Laughter.) He was charged with, among other
things, patting a lion. (Laughter.) Elizabeth won the case --
(laughter) -- arguing that "without the lion in court as a witness
there was no way to tell whether or not he was annoyed by that."
(Laughter and applause.)
SECRETARY DOLE: How did you find out
- 3 -
force for tomorrow. There will be jobs in abundance, but we'll have
to make sure that our workers have the skills that they need to fill
those jobs with excellence. We have a new generation of workers, a
new generation of families who are finding new ways of balancing the
responsibilities of the workplace and the home.
And there are new competitive forces in the world economy
that demand a commitment to excellence from every American worker so
we can continue to lead America into the next century. I can think
of no one better qualified to head the Department of Labor during
this exciting challenge than Elizabeth Dole.
And, Elizabeth, it will be a great pleasure to have you
in my Cabinet. And now we're going to watch you take the oath one
more time. Congratulations. (Applause.)
(Secretary Dole is sworn in.)
SECRETARY DOLE: Thank you very much, ladies and
gentlemen. What a joy to see you all here today.
Mr. President, thank you for your gracious remarks, for
your expression of confidence and for the opportunity to serve the
most valuable resource this country has, its people -- the American
work force.
And as Secretary McLaughlin and Secretary Brock,
Secretary Usery -- all who made such enormous and positive
contributions to our nation -- to Lane Kirkland and other leaders of
labor who are here today; to our members of Congress, who have been
kind enough to take time to join us; to my minister, Edward Bauman,
my Harvard Law classmate, Chief Judge Judith Rogers; and to each of
you -- my family, my husband, of course; my friends, my coworkers and
colleagues, I just thank you -- a heartfelt thanks for joining me in
an occasion that, of course, is very special to me today.
Like you, Mr. President, I have built my life on the
ideal of public service. And this opportunity represents to me much
more than a job or a career choice. Rather, it's a personal
commitment akin to a special calling. The mission of the Department
of Labor is well-known and very clear -- to foster, promote and to
develop the welfare of working men and women. How we define and
fulfill that mission will help determine America's place in the 21st
century. The policies, programs and regulatory responsibilities of
this Department are front and center in assuring the continued growth
of the American economy and a vital increase in our productivity and
the ability of the United States to compete effectively on a global
basis.
Demographic projections indicate that our work force will
grow at a much slower pace than in the past. In a tight labor
market, for American businesses to compete successfully abroad, they
must first compete successfully for workers at home. This is good
news for U.S. working men and women. It means that issues once
defined as social problems will be dealt with more out of economic
necessity. In tighter labor markets, employers cannot afford to
discriminate. They can't afford to put workers at health and safety
risk. In tighter labor markets, they cannot afford to ignore
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disadvantaged. Second, developing policies that make work and family
complementary. Third, establishing sound and comprehensive pension
and retirement policies. Fourth, seeing to it that the American
workplace is as safe, as healthy, and as secure as we can possibly
make it. And fifth, encouraging management and labor to continue to
move beyond confrontation and conflict, to work together on behalf of
interests held in common.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a chance to fulfill a dream
that every person in America who wants a good job can have a good job
-- if they have the proper skills. (Applause.)
We don't have unlimited funds, which means we must make
those funds we do have work for us. But it won't be enough to be
efficient if we're not effective. If we think big, if we select the
right goals, if we target our initiative, if we work smart -- in
short, if we redouble our efforts without duplicating our efforts, we
can assure that all of our people get their foot on the first rung of
that economic ladder. And what could be more effective in the war on
drugs, alcoholism, crime and poverty, than a good job?
The ideal of independence has always been one of the
cornerstones of the American experience. And today, we're here to
celebrate the independence, the strength, the self-reliance, and the
sense of purpose that only meaningful work can provide.
What a joy it was for me this morning to hear a Job Corps
graduate and Department of Labor employee, Lois Best, introduce the
President of the United States. (Applause.) And to lay my hand and
take my oath on a Bible held by Tony Bond, President of the Potomac
Job Corps class. (Applause.) And I just might add, Tony, that that
Bible is one of my most cherished possessions. It belonged to my
grandmother who lived within two weeks of her 100th birthday.
Imagine that -- two more weeks, she would have been 100 years old.
And she was a beautiful woman of great faith.
To have so many students from Potomac and Chesapeake Job
Corps Centers with us today brings an extra measure of excitement to
Job Corps' 25th anniversary. With over 100 centers nationwide, this
partnership of business, labor and government has touched the lives
of well over a million young men and women, and made them part of a
great American success story.
It's time to add new chapters to that success story.
Two-thirds of the work force of the year 2000 is already on the job.
Those trying to balance work and family deserve our support. Those
who are older and who wish to work, but face barriers to reentry, we
must enlist. Those who have been dislocated as jobs change, we must
retrain. Our challenge will be to reach more of our people, whether
young, old, disadvantaged, dual-career or disabled, to give them the
skills and the support they need so they can to give them the skills
and the support they need so they can seize their share of prosperity
and help to create more of it.
Yes, we have within our reach the fulfillment of a
a
long-awaited good job. But dream, this that every American who wants a good job can have
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build a culture of high expectations and we can surely help fulfill
those expectations.
I'm confident that we can advance from the promise of
full employment to the promise of fulfilling employment for every
working man and woman in this great nation. And I believe there can
be no higher calling as we approach the 21st century.
Thank you, each of you, for being here today, and God
bless you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
10:30 A.M. EST