Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323150296
label
Business Luncheon, 2/3/89 [3]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323150296
contentType
document
title
Business Luncheon, 2/3/89 [3]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13474-017
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Draft Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323150296
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
9721c2cabd26c9ec
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13474
Folder ID Number:
13474-017
Folder Title:
Business Luncheon, 2/3/89 [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
1
1
Document No.
062359
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/31/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
12:00 2/1/89
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
FIRESTONE
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
Boskin
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston's office with an info copy to my office by 12:00
Wednesday, February 1. Thank you.
Aee comments
RESPONSE:
basically.,Ator too by
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McIntyre)
January 31, 1989
1 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Thank you
Thank you very much.
It's great to see so many old friends here today --
( (especially the ones who had the good sense to support me during
the campaign.) (LL)
As a former businessman myself, I'm always pleased to have
the opportunity to speak to business groups -- and this certainly
is an esteemed gathering. ((Of course, I was never as
successful in business as any of you, but I guess I've turned out
okay.)) (LL)
((In my early days in business, I travelled around selling
drilling equipment for oil rigs down in Texas. One morning I
stopped at a diner and ordered a cup of coffee and a couple of
eggs. The waitress brought the order and said, "will there be
anything else?" I said, "How about a few kind words." She said,
"Don't eat the eggs.")) (LL)
Having made my living in the hydro-carbon business, I have
an appreciation for what those of you in business face. I know
2
what its like to take risks. I've met a payroll. I had to lay
people off when times were tough.
That's one reason why during the past 8 years I spent so
much of my time as Vice President trying to encourage economic
growth by reducing unnecessary government regulations on
business. The task force which I headed made considerable
progress. I believe the prosperity we've enjoyed since 1982
stems in part from the increased freedom of a deregulated market.
Today we are in the midst of the longest peacetime economic
expansion in our nation's history. Productivity is up. Real
family income is up. A higher percentage of our men and women
are at work than ever before. In fact, we've created more jobs
since 1982 than all of Europe and Japan combined.
I am proud of what American business has accomplished. We
are the most prosperous, the most productive and generous nation
on the face of the earth. At its best, American business reminds
us of who we are. At its best, American business reminds us who
we can be. Each and every one of you is American business at its
best.
And yet, in recent years we have seen too many people abuse
the freedom of our marketplace. Too many people, both in private
and public life, have discarded their moral compass on the way to
3
the top. There has been insider trading on Wall Street,
fraud and waste
corruption in City Hall, and influence peddling in Washington.
I will tell you frankly that I feel angry and disgusted and
betrayed when I see those who have held positions of trust,
whether in government or the private sector, violate that trust
for profit. They shame themselves, they shame our government,
and they shame their business colleagues. Their actions are
unacceptable -- above all because of the poor example they set
and the trust they break.
I also don't agree with the ruthless investor in the movie
"Wall Street" who says, "Greed is good. Greed is right. Greed
will save the U.S.A."
It's unacceptable to pollute our environment in the name of
greed
padding profits.
It's unacceptable to cut corners when the
m the name of greed
safety of working men and women is at stake
It's unaccptable to
ignore creative new ideas just because they cost a little more in
the short run.
Profit is
Greed is not a legitimate force in the United States of
Guea is NOT
America. I don't believe it, and I know none of you do, either.
(XX)
Since I was sworn in as President ((2 weeks, 1 hour and 23
minutes ago)) (LL), I've been working hard to assemble a
4
government that the American people can be proud of -- a
to a carge extent already
government A comprised of honorable men and women who share my
conviction that a public office is a public trust. My emphasis
on ethical public service is not a fad or some passing fancy.
It's something that I want my Administration to institutionalize.
Last week I appointed a bi-partisan commission headed by
Judge Wilkey and former Attorney General Griffen Bell to develop
ethics reform proposals which will include all branches of the
Federal government. Today I am appealing to you to take
seriously the responsibility you have to be role models of
integrity within your own companies. It's your job to set the
standard for your employees, especially the younger executives
who are just starting out.
Part of that standard -- a big part of it --- is ethical
conduct. Another part of it is service, the responsibility you
have to look beyond your balance sheets to your own backyards --
your communities.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote that "It is true enough that
a corporation has no conscience; but a corporation of
conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience. "
What Thoreau was saying was that being in business does not
remove a person's responsibility to help improve his or her
community. Investing in your community is not, by any means,
5
simple altruism. It is an investment in the future business
climate of this country -- and goodness is one investment that
always pays off.
Business, benefits when America benefits, whether it's
through a lower crime rate, a better educated workforce, or more
affordable child care. A healthy society is the greatest asset
any company can have.
I have said that I want a kinder, gentler nation. Well, you
can't legislate kindness. A President can't sign an executive
order and create a gentle nation.
But the Presidency does provide an incomparable opportunity
to set a tone, to lead a movement. Teddy Roosevelt called it the
"bully pulpit." And so today I am using this bully pulpit to ask
you to join me in a vast, cooperative movement unparalleled in
magnitude and nobility of purpose -- a movement of national
service.
It will be a movement whose leadership extends from the
South Lawn of the White House to the grassroots of America. A
movement that respects the dignity of the individual and is
steeped in the values that have made our nation great for more
than 200 years.
6
Early in the last century, the French observer Alexis de
Tocqueville wrote these words about volunteer efforts in America:
"I have often seen Americans make really great sacrifices for the
common good, and I have noticed a hundred cases in which, when
help was needed, they hardly ever failed to give each other
trusty support
the American's heart easily inclines toward
benevolence."
I like that: "The American heart easily inclines toward
benevolence."
H's the
that
That spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor has made America
^
the most decent and generous nation on earth. If we can rekindle
the old embers of that spirit, America will become a kinder,
gentler place to live. And that's where you come in.
The essence of our government is that it is a democracy of,
for, and by the people. To be successful, our movement of
national service must also be of, for, and by the people.
Yes, government has a role, and my Administration will never
shirk its duty to help those who are less fortunate. Believe me,
when I look out the window of this magnificent building, I see
we
the homeless sleeping on grates across the street. I hear the
illiterate teenagers stumbling across the pages of a book. I
understand
feel the frustration of workers whose skills have not kept pace
with our changing economy.
7
We must offer our hand to these people. But government
cannot do everything. Government cannot do it alone. And
without the will of the people, it cannot do anything.
I have opened the Office of National Service here in the
White House, which will carry out the volunteer and community
service programs that my Administration plans to lead. One of
those areas is Private Sector Initiatives, which President Reagan
began, many of you have been involved in, and I will build on and
expand.
I am also committed to cultivating the ethic of community
service among America's young people. During last fall's
campaign, I promised to establish the YES to America Foundation,
or Youth Entering Service. The YES to America Foundation will
serve as a public-private partnership to work with local
community and school-based programs to involve teenagers and
young adults in volunteer service.
YES to America will be directed by citizens through a
volunteer board of directors.
And guess who's going to be the chairman? I am. Lee
Iacocca once told me that's the only way to make sure exactly
what you want to happen is happening.
CO
During the past several months, you may have heard me speak
of "a thousand points of light." ((Perhaps some of you are still
wondering what the heck I'm talking about.) ) (LL)
I've been using the phrase as shorthand for the fact that we
are a nation of communities, of thousands of business and
professional and religious and ethnic communities -- and in this
diversity is our salvation. That's where America will be saved
-- in our communities, which are spread like stars, like a
thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.
The community, next to the family, is the most important
unit of our nation. A community is more than brick and mortar.
Our community, our town, our neighborhood -- it's where we live
and work
it's where our kids play
it's where we invite
friends over for a barbecue.
America is only as good and as strong as our communities are
good and strong.
We are challenged today by the problems of the 20th Century:
loneliness and homelessness, hunger and alienation, drug abuse
and child abuse, teenage suicide illiteracy. Frankly, the
problems sometimes seem almost too numerous to count.
To prepare for the 21st Century we need to build community
spirit -- in every community large and small. We need to unlock
9
the love and the leadership that lie unconnected to someone else
who cares.
I need your help because you can add candle power to the
thousand points of light. Where there is already light, let's
work together to make it shine brighter. Where there is
darkness, let us work together so that every child might feel the
warm sunlight of hope and opportunity.
I know that most of you are already involved in community
service. I wish I had the time to single out every one of you
who is deserving. The Mobil Corporation's "Clean Team/Green
Team" program provides jobs for low-income, inner-city young
people. Johnson and Johnson's "Shelter Aid" created the
first-ever national toll-free domestic violence hotline. The K
Mart Children's Tree has made it possible for thousands of
children to receive a new present during the holidays.
As I said, I wish I could mention everyone. To all of you
who already serve your communities, I say: "Thank you. You have
my heartfelt respect." And to those of you who are still looking
for ways to help, come join me.
I am not calling on you to reach into your pocket, I am
calling on you to reach into your heart. If you do that, believe
me, the money will take care of itself.
10
Join me, and together we will create innovative new programs
to feed the hungry, house the homeless, care for -- and educate
-- our children. With faith in the future, with trust in each
other, with love for where we live, we will pitch in and build up
a stronger, healthier, more caring nation.
A kinder, gentler America.
There is so much more to be done, and so much more you can
do.
Thank you.
####
Document No. 00239
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
1/31/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
12:00 2/1/89
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
FIRESTONE
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
ROGÉRS
DEMAREST
Boskin
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston's office with an info copy to my office by 12:00
Wednesday, February 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
11:20 11 18 NVD 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McIntyre)
January 31, 1989
1 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Thank you
Thank you very much.
It's great to see so many old friends here today --
( (especially the ones who had the good sense to support me during
the campaign.) ) (LL)
As a former businessman myself, I'm always pleased to have
the opportunity to speak to business groups -- and this certainly
is an esteemed gathering. ((Of course, I was never as
successful in business as any of you, but I guess I've turned out
okay.)) (LL)
((In my early days in business, I travelled around selling
drilling equipment for oil rigs down in Texas. One morning I
stopped at a diner and ordered a cup of coffee and a couple of
eggs. The waitress brought the order and said, "Will there be
anything else?" I said, "How about a few kind words." She said,
"Don't eat the eggs. ) (LL)
Having made my living in the hydro-carbon business, I have
an appreciation for what those of you in business face. I know
2
what its like to take risks. I've met a payroll. I had to lay
people off when times were tough.
That's one reason why during the past 8 years I spent so
much of my time as Vice President trying to encourage economic
Plager
growth by reducing unnecessary government regulations on
ON regulatory relief
(x4852)
business. The task forcewhich I headed made considerable
progress. I believe the prosperity we've enjoyed since 1982
stems in part from the increased freedom of a deregulated market.
Today we are in the midst of the longest peacetime economic
expansion in our nation's history. Productivity is up. Real
family income is up. A higher percentage of our men and women
are at work than ever before. In fact, we've created more jobs
since 1982 than all of Europe and Japan combined.
I am proud of what American business has accomplished. We
are the most prosperous, the most productive and generous nation
on the face of the earth. At its best, American business reminds
us of who we are. At its best, American business reminds us who
we can be. Each and every one of you is American business at its
best.
And yet, in recent years we have seen too many people abuse
the freedom of our marketplace. Too many people, both in private
and public life, have discarded their moral compass on the way to
3
the top. There has been insider trading on Wall Street,
corruption in City Hall, and influence peddling in Washington.
I will tell you frankly that I feel angry and disgusted and
betrayed when I see those who have held positions of trust,
whether in government or the private sector, violate that trust
for profit. They shame themselves, they shame our government,
and they shame their business colleagues. Their actions are
unacceptable -- above all because of the poor example they set
and the trust they break.
I also don't agree with the ruthless investor in the movie
"Wall Street" who says, "Greed is good. Greed is right. Greed
will save the U.S.A."
It's unacceptable to pollute our environment in the name of
padding profits. It's unacceptable to cut corners when the
Player
safety of working men and women is at stake. It's unacoptable to (x4852)
ignore creative new ideas just because they cost a little more in
the short run.
Greed is not a legitimate force in the United States of
America. I don't believe it, and I know none of you do, either.
(XX)
Since I was sworn in as President ((2 weeks, 1 hour and 23
minutes ago) ) (LL), I've been working hard to assemble a
4
government that the American people can be proud of -- a
government comprised of honorable men and women who share my
conviction that a public office is a public trust. My emphasis
on ethical public service is not a fad or some passing fancy.
It's something that I want my Administration to institutionalize.
Last week I appointed a bi-partisan commission headed by
Judge Wilkey and former Attorney General Griffen Bell to develop
ethics reform proposals which will include all branches of the
Federal government. Today I am appealing to you to take
seriously the responsibility you have to be role models of
integrity within your own companies. It's your job to set the
standard for your employees, especially the younger executives
who are just starting out.
Part of that standard -- a big part of it -- is ethical
conduct. Another part of it is service, the responsibility you
have to look beyond your balance sheets to your own backyards --
your communities.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote that "It is true enough that
a corporation has no conscience; but a corporation of
conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience." II
What Thoreau was saying was that being in business does not
remove a person's responsibility to help improve his or her
community. Investing in your community is not, by any means,
5
simple altruism. It is an investment in the future business
climate of this country -- and goodness is one investment that
always pays off.
Business benefits when America benefits, whether it's
through a lower crime rate, a better educated workforce, or more
affordable child care. A healthy society is the greatest asset
any company can have.
I have said that I want a kinder, gentler nation. Well, you
can't legislate kindness. A President can't sign an executive
order and create a gentle nation.
But the Presidency does provide an incomparable opportunity
to set a tone, to lead a movement. Teddy Roosevelt called it the
"bully pulpit." And so today I am using this bully pulpit to ask
you to join me in a vast, cooperative movement unparalleled in
magnitude and nobility of purpose -- a movement of national
service.
It will be a movement whose leadership extends from the
South Lawn of the White House to the grassroots of America. A
movement that respects the dignity of the individual and is
steeped in the values that have made our nation great for more
than 200 years.
6
Early in the last century, the French observer Alexis de
Tocqueville wrote these words about volunteer efforts in America:
"I have often seen Americans make really great sacrifices for the
common good, and I have noticed a hundred cases in which, when
help was needed, they hardly ever failed to give each other
trusty support
the American's heart easily inclines toward
benevolence. "
I like that: "The American heart easily inclines toward
benevolence. "
That spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor has made America
the most decent and generous nation on earth. If we can rekindle
the old embers of that spirit, America will become a kinder,
gentler place to live. And that's where you come in.
The essence of our government is that it is a democracy of,
for, and by the people. To be successful, our movement of
national service must also be of, for, and by the people.
Yes, government has a role, and my Administration will never
shirk its duty to help those who are less fortunate. Believe me,
when I look out the window of this magnificent building, I see
the homeless sleeping on grates across the street. I hear the
illiterate teenagers stumbling across the pages of a book. I
feel the frustration of workers whose skills have not kept pace
with our changing economy.
7
We must offer our hand to these people. But government
cannot do everything. Government cannot do it alone. And
without the will of the people, it cannot do anything.
I have opened the Office of National Service here in the
White House, which will carry out the volunteer and community
service programs that my Administration plans to lead. One of
those areas is Private Sector Initiatives, which President Reagan
began, many of you have been involved in, and I will build on and
expand.
I am also committed to cultivating the ethic of community
service among America's young people. During last fall's
campaign, I promised to establish the YES to America Foundation,
or Youth Entering Service. The YES to America Foundation will
serve as a public-private partnership to work with local
community and school-based programs to involve teenagers and
young adults in volunteer service.
YES to America will be directed by citizens through a
volunteer board of directors.
And guess who's going to be the chairman? I am. Lee
Iacocca once told me that's the only way to make sure exactly
what you want to happen is happening.
CO
During the past several months, you may have heard me speak
of "a thousand points of light." ( (Perhaps some of you are still
wondering what the heck I'm talking about.) ) (LL)
I've been using the phrase as shorthand for the fact that we
are a nation of communities, of thousands of business and
professional and religious and ethnic communities -- and in this
diversity is our salvation. That's where America will be saved
-- in our communities, which are spread like stars, like a
thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.
The community, next to the family, is the most important
unit of our nation. A community is more than brick and mortar.
Our community, our town, our neighborhood -- it's where we live
and work
it's where our kids play
it's where we invite
friends over for a barbecue.
America is only as good and as strong as our communities are
good and strong.
We are challenged today by the problems of the 20th Century:
loneliness and homelessness, hunger and alienation, drug abuse
and child abuse, teenage suicide, illiteracy. Frankly, the
problems sometimes seem almost too numerous to count.
To prepare for the 21st Century we need to build community
spirit -- in every community large and small. We need to unlock
9
the love and the leadership that lie unconnected to someone else
who cares.
I need your help because you can add candle power to the
thousand points of light. Where there is already light, let's
work together to make it shine brighter. Where there is
darkness, let us work together so that every child might feel the
warm sunlight of hope and opportunity.
I know that most of you are already involved in community
service. I wish I had the time to single out every one of you
who is deserving. The Mobil Corporation's "Clean Team/Green
Team" program provides jobs for low-income, inner-city young
people. Johnson and Johnson's "Shelter Aid" created the
first-ever national toll-free domestic violence hotline. The K
Mart Children's Tree has made it possible for thousands of
children to receive a new present during the holidays.
As I said, I wish I could mention everyone. To all of you
who already serve your communities, I say: "Thank you. You have
my heartfelt respect." And to those of you who are still looking
for ways to help, come join me.
I am not calling on you to reach into your pocket, I am
calling on you to reach into your heart. If you do that, believe
me, the money will take care of itself.
10
Join me, and together we will create innovative new programs
to feed the hungry, house the homeless, care for -- and educate
-- our children. With faith in the future, with trust in each
other, with love for where we live, we will pitch in and build up
a stronger, healthier, more caring nation.
A kinder, gentler America.
There is so much more to be done, and so much more you can
do.
Thank you.
####
changetime
(McIntyre edit)
February 1, 1989
8:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Thank you
Thank you very much.
It's great to see so many old friends here today --
( (especially the ones who had the good sense to support me during
the campaign.))-(LL)
Having made my living in the hydro-carbon business, I have
an appreciation for what those of you in business face. I know
what its like to take risks. I've had to meet a payroll. I've
had to lay people off when times were tough.
Today we are in the midst of the longest peacetime economic
expansion in our nation's history. Productivity is up. Real
family income is up. A higher percentage of our men and women
are at work than ever before. In fact, we've created more jobs
since 1982 than all of Europe and Japan combined.
I am proud of what American business has accomplished. We
are the most prosperous, the most productive and generous nation
on the face of the earth. At its best, American business reminds
us of who we are. At its best, American business reminds us who
2
we can be. Each and every one of you is American business at its
best.
And yet, in recent years we have seen too many people abuse
the freedom of our marketplace. Too many people, both in private
and public life, have discarded their moral compass on the way to
the top. There has been insider trading on Wall Street,
corruption in City Hall, and fraud and waste in Washington.
I will tell you frankly that I feel angry and disgusted and
betrayed when I see those who have held positions of trust,
whether in government or the private sector, violate that trust
for profit. They shame themselves, they shame our government,
and they shame their business colleagues. Their actions are
unacceptable -- above all because of the poor example they set
and the trust they break.
And of course I don't agree with the ruthless investor in
the movie "Wall Street" who says, "Greed is good. Greed is
right.' And "Greed will save the U.S.A."
It's unacceptable to pollute our environment in the name of
greed. When the safety of working men and women is at stake,
it's unacceptable to cut corners in the name of greed.
Profit is a legitimate force in the United States of
America, greed is not. And I know you feel the same way. (XX)
3
Since I was sworn in as President, I've been working hard to
assemble a government that the American people can be proud of --
a government to a large extent already comprised of honorable men
and women who share my conviction that a public office is a
public trust. My emphasis on ethical public service is not a fad
or some passing fancy. It's something that I want my
Administration to institutionalize.
Last week I appointed a bi-partisan commission headed by
Ambassador Malcolm Wilkey and former Attorney General Griffin
Bell to develop ethics reform proposals that will address all
branches of the Federal government. Today, I am calling on you
to take seriously the responsibility you have to be role models
of integrity within your own companies. You, of course, set the
standard for your employees, especially the younger executives
who are just starting out.
Part of that standard -- a big part of it -- is ethical
conduct. Another part of it is service. The responsibility
American business has in strengthening communities is critcal.
The efficient, competitive successes of American Business
have been integral in strengthening American society. But,
strong profits alone are not enough to guarantee our future
economic leadership in the community of nations.
4
America has long been committed to helping people at home
and abroad in achieving literacy, housing, and safety -- a
commitment that is born from our deep sense of justice and
freedom. But there is more than altruism involved.
I have said that I want a kinder, gentler nation. Well, you
can't legislate kindness. A President can't sign an executive
order and create a gentle nation.
But the Presidency does provide an incomparable opportunity
to set a tone, to lead a movement. So today I will ask you to
join me in a vast, cooperative movement unparalleled in magnitude
and nobility of purpose -- a movement of national service.
It will be a movement whose leadership extends from the
South Lawn of the White House to the grassroots of America. A
movement that respects the dignity of the individual and is
steeped in the values that have made our nation great for more
than 200 years.
It's the spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor that has made
America the most decent and generous nation on earth. If we can
rekindle the embers of that spirit, America will become a kinder,
gentler place to live. And that's where you come in.
5
The essence of our government is that it is a democracy of,
for, and by the people. To be successful, our movement of
national service must also be of, for, and by the people.
Yes, government has a role, and my Administration will never
shirk its duty to help all people reach for their potential.
Believe me, when I look out the window of this magnificent house,
I see the homeless sleeping on grates across the street. I've
heard illiterate teenagers stumbling across the pages of a book.
I understand the frustration of workers whose skills have not
kept pace with our changing economy.
The challenges are great, but government cannot do
everything -- Government cannot do it alone. And without the
will of the people, it cannot do anything.
I have opened the Office of National Service here in the
White House, which will lead the community and national service
programs of my Administration. We will not only build on the
Private Sector Initiatives, which President Reagan began, and
which many of you have been involved in, but I will actively seek
your leadership and involvement on specific initiatives.
For example, I am committed to strengthening the ethic of
community service among America's young people. During last
fall's campaign, I promised to establish the YES to America
Foundation, or Youth Entering Service -- a foundation I will
6
chair. The YES to America Foundation will serve as a
public-private partnership to work with local community and
school-based programs to involve teenagers and young adults. in
volunteer service.
During the past several months, you may have heard me speak
of "a thousand points of light." I've been using the phrase as
shorthand for the fact that we are a nation of communities, of
thousands of business and professional and religious and ethnic
communities -- and in this diversity of strength is our key to
success.
The community, next to the family, is the most important
unit of our nation. A community is more than brick and mortar.
Our community, our town, our neighborhood -- it's where we live
and work
it's where our kids play
it's where we invite
friends over for a barbecue.
America is only as good and as strong as our communities are
good and strong. I am committed to dramatically increasing
community participation, in order to pragmatically address the
difficult problems challenging the country.
To prepare for the 21st Century we need to build community
spirit -- in every community large and small. We need to unlock
the concern, the dedication, and the leadership that lie
unconnected to someone else who cares.
7
I know that most of you are already involved in community
service. I wish I had the time to single out every one of you
who is deserving.
To all of you who already serve your communities, I say:
"Thank you. You have my heartfelt respect. And we will need
your continued work and expertise." And to those of you who are
still looking for ways to help, come help us face the challenge.
motonly
but
I am not calling on you, to reach into your pocket of I
I'm calling on am your not
only as indivednals you but us car per accous - responsable corporation
calling on to reach into your heart. If you, do that, believe
real
you Iface me, know know the money the your impact will take commuties you care of con itself. and have then on solumn pr blems those problems
Together we will create innovative new programs to feed the
hungry, house the homeless, care for -- and educate -- our
children. With faith in the future, with trust in each other,
with love for where we live, we will pitch in and build up a
stronger, healthier, more caring nation.
that erode the quality
of lifern your
A kinder, gentler America.
awn backgords.
There is so much more to be done, and so much more you can
do.
Thank you.
####
To there of you m this room and arlound It
of we really believe in
REMARKS FOR LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
Cands
2/2/89
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
THANK YOU... THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
IT'S GREAT TO SEE so MANY OLD FRIENDS HERE TODAY --
ESPECIALLY ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HELPED ME TO BE WITH YOU
TODAY IN THIS CAPACITY.
2
HAVING MADE MY LIVING IN THE HYDRO-CARBON BUSINESS, I
HAVE AN APPRECIATION FOR WHAT THOSE OF YOU IN BUSINESS
FACE. I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO TAKE RISKS. I'VE HAD TO
MEET A PAYROLL. I'VE HAD TO LAY PEOPLE OFF WHEN TIMES
WERE TOUGH.
TODAY WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF THE LONGEST PEACETIME
ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY. PRODUCTIVITY
IS UP. REAL FAMILY INCOME IS UP.
3
A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN ARE AT WORK THAN
EVER BEFORE. IN FACT, WE'VE CREATED MORE JOBS SINCE 1982
THAN ALL OF EUROPE AND JAPAN COMBINED.
I AM PROUD OF WHAT AMERICAN BUSINESS HAS
ACCOMPLISHED. WE ARE THE MOST PROSPEROUS, THE MOST
PRODUCTIVE AND GENEROUS NATION ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
AT ITS BEST, AMERICAN BUSINESS REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE.
AT ITS BEST, AMERICAN BUSINESS REMINDS US WHO WE CAN BE.
THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM TELL ME JUST THAT.
4
YOU'VE HEARD ME TALKING ABOUT ETHICS A LOT LATELY. So, I
WANT YOUR HELP TO ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ETHICS
NOT ONLY IN THE CORPORATE BOARDROOM, AND THE WORKPLACE
BUT, IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS WELL.
WE NEED TO ASSEMBLE A GOVERNMENT THAT THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE CAN BE PROUD OF -- A GOVERNMENT TO A LARGE EXTENT
ALREADY COMPRISED OF HONORABLE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SHARE MY
CONVICTION THAT A PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST.
5
MY EMPHASIS ON ETHICAL PUBLIC SERVICE IS NOT A FAD OR SOME
PASSING FANCY. IT'S SOMETHING THAT I WANT MY
ADMINISTRATION TO INSTITUTIONALIZE.
LAST WEEK I APPOINTED A BIPARTISAN COMMISSION HEADED
BY AMBASSADOR MALCOLM WILKEY AND FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL
GRIFFIN BELL TO DEVELOP ETHICS REFORM PROPOSALS THAT WILL
ADDRESS ALL BRANCHES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. I'D LIKE
YOUR ADVICE AND YOUR COUNSEL IN THAT EFFORT.
6
You SEE, WE HAVE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY ENSURE THAT OUR PUBLIC
SERVANTS HAVE THE MOST RIGOROUS ETHICAL STANDARDS AT THE
SAME TIME WE ENSURE THAT WE DON'T CREATE A BUREAUCRATIC
QUAGMIRE THAT KEEPS HONORABLE MEN AND WOMEN FROM SERVING
THE PUBLIC. I UNDERSTAND IT'S A DELICATE BALANCE AND I
THINK THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DO Too.
You KNOW WHAT ELSE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE KNOW ? THEY KNOW
WE'RE FACING SOME TOUGH CHOICES IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS
AHEAD.
7
THEY WANT US TO HOLD THE LINE ON TAXES - THEY WANT US TO
KEEP THIS ECONOMIC ENGINE RUNNING SMOOTHLY. CREATING MORE
JOBS -- MORE GROWTH. I'LL BE DELIVERING THOSE TOUGH
DECISIONS TO THE CONGRESS NEXT THURSDAY. WE'VE GOT TO
KEEP THE DEFICIT HEADING DOWNWARD. I'LL NEED YOUR SUPPORT
AND THAT OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL.
KEEP THE GROWTH GOING.
THERE'S ANOTHER THING ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT
NATION.
8
AMERICANS HAVE LONG BEEN COMMITTED TO HELPING PEOPLE AT
HOME AND ABROAD IN ACHIEVING LITERACY, HOUSING, AND SAFETY
-- - A COMMITMENT THAT IS BORN FROM OUR DEEP SENSE OF
JUSTICE AND FREEDOM. BUT THERE IS MORE THAN ALTRUISM
INVOLVED.
I HAVE SAID THAT I WANT A KINDER, GENTLER NATION.
WELL, YOU CAN'T LEGISLATE KINDNESS. A PRESIDENT CAN'T
SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER AND CREATE A GENTLE NATION.
9
BUT THE PRESIDENCY DOES PROVIDE AN INCOMPARABLE
OPPORTUNITY TO SET A TONE, TO LEAD A MOVEMENT. So TODAY I
WILL ASK YOU AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO JOIN ME IN A VAST,
COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT UNPARALLELED IN MAGNITUDE AND
NOBILITY OF PURPOSE -- A MOVEMENT OF NATIONAL SERVICE.
IT WILL BE A MOVEMENT WHOSE LEADERSHIP EXTENDS FROM
THE SOUTH LAWN OF THE WHITE HOUSE TO THE GRASSROOTS OF
AMERICA.
10
A MOVEMENT THAT RESPECTS THE DIGNITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND
IS STEEPED IN THE VALUES THAT HAVE MADE OUR NATION GREAT
FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS.
It's THE SPIRIT OF NEIGHBOR-HELPING-NEIGHBOR THAT HAS
MADE AMERICA THE MOST DECENT AND GENEROUS NATION ON EARTH.
IF WE CAN REVITALIZE THE EMBERS OF THAT SPIRIT, AMERICA
WILL BECOME A KINDER, GENTLER PLACE TO LIVE. AND THAT'S
WHERE YOU COME IN.
11
THE ESSENCE OF OUR GOVERNMENT IS THAT IT IS A
DEMOCRACY OF, FOR, AND BY THE PEOPLE. To BE SUCCESSFUL,
OUR MOVEMENT OF NATIONAL SERVICE MUST ALSO BE OF, FOR, AND
BY THE PEOPLE.
THE CHALLENGES ARE GREAT, BUT GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO
EVERYTHING -- GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO IT ALONE. AND WITHOUT
THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, IT CANNOT DO ANYTHING.
12
I HAVE OPENED THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SERVICE HERE IN
THE WHITE HOUSE, WHICH WILL LEAD THE COMMUNITY AND
NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS OF MY ADMINISTRATION. WE WILL
NOT ONLY BUILD ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES, WHICH
PRESIDENT REAGAN BEGAN, AND WHICH MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN
INVOLVED IN, BUT I WILL ACTIVELY SEEK YOUR LEADERSHIP AND
INVOLVEMENT ON SPECIFIC INITIATIVES, LIKE THE YES TO
AMERICA FOUNDATION - OR YOUTH ENTERING SERVICE - WHICH I
PROPOSED LAST FALL.
13
DURING THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD ME
SPEAK OF "A THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT." I'VE BEEN USING
THE PHRASE AS SHORTHAND FOR THE FACT THAT WE ARE A NATION
OF COMMUNITIES, OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
AND RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC COMMUNITIES -- AND IN THIS
DIVERSITY OF STRENGTH IS OUR KEY TO SUCCESS.
THE COMMUNITY, NEXT TO THE FAMILY, IS THE MOST
IMPORTANT UNIT OF OUR NATION.
14
A COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN BRICK AND MORTAR. OUR COMMUNITY,
OUR TOWN, OUR NEIGHBORHOOD -- IT'S WHERE WE LIVE AND
WORK. IT'S WHERE OUR KIDS PLAY... IT'S WHERE WE INVITE
FRIENDS OVER FOR A BARBECUE.
AMERICA IS ONLY AS GOOD AND AS STRONG AS OUR
COMMUNITIES ARE GOOD AND STRONG. I AM COMMITTED TO
DRAMATICALLY INCREASING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, IN ORDER
TO PRAGMATICALLY ADDRESS THE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS
CHALLENGING THE COUNTRY.
15
To PREPARE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY WE NEED TO BUILD
COMMUNITY SPIRIT -- IN EVERY COMMUNITY LARGE AND SMALL.
WE NEED TO UNLOCK THE CONCERN, THE DEDICATION, AND THE
LEADERSHIP THAT LIE UNCONNECTED TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO CARES.
I KNOW THAT MOST OF YOU ARE ALREADY INVOLVED IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE. I WISH I HAD THE TIME TO SINGLE OUT
EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO IS DESERVING.
16
To ALL OF YOU WHO ALREADY SERVE YOUR COMMUNITIES, I
SAY: "THANK YOU. You HAVE MY HEARTFELT RESPECT. AND WE
WILL NEED YOUR CONTINUED WORK AND EXPERTISE." AND TO
THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE STILL LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP, COME
HELP US FACE THE CHALLENGE.
I AM CALLING ON YOU NOT ONLY TO REACH INTO YOUR
POCKET, BUT TO REACH INTO YOUR HEART. I'M CALLING ON YOU
NOT ONLY AS INDIVIDUALS BUT AS CORPORATIONS -- RESPONSIBLE
CORPORATIONS.
17
You KNOW YOUR COMMUNITIES AND THEIR PROBLEMS -- THE REAL
PROBLEMS, THAT ERODE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUR OWN
BACKYARDS. You KNOW THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE ON SOLVING
THOSE PROBLEMS.
WHILE I HAVE YOU HERE CAPTIVE, LET ME TAKE A MOMENT
TO UPDATE YOU ON OUR RECENT FOREIGN POLICY ACTIVITIES.
PRIME MINISTER TAKESHITA OF JAPAN WAS OUR FIRST FOREIGN
LEADER TO COME TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
18
DURING OUR DISCUSSIONS YESTERDAY, WE REAFFIRMED BOTH
COUNTRIES' RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CAUSE OF WORLD PEACE. WE
ALSO REVIEWED THE PROGRESS OUR NATIONS HAVE ACHIEVED IN
BRINGING OUR ECONOMIES INTO BETTER BALANCE, AND IN FURTHER
OPENING OUR MARKETS TO EACH OTHER'S GOODS AND SERVICES.
WE RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR MORE PROGRESS, BUT WE WILL WORK
TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP THAT BEFITS TWO CLOSE
ALLIES.
19
LET'S SWITCH NOW TO RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIETS. I
SPOKE TO MR. GORBACHEV LAST WEEK BY PHONE. I LOOK FORWARD
TO ADDRESSING THE WHOLE RANGE OF ISSUES THAT SEPARATE US.
HOWEVER, WHILE MANY THINK THE AIR IS ALIVE WITH NEW
POSSIBILITIES, OUR POSTURE SHOULD BE DELIBERATE AND
PRUDENT. I AM NOT IN A HURRY TO RUSH AHEAD WITH A SUMMIT
OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE. BUT, NO ONE SHOULD INTERPRET
THAT AS FOOTDRAGGING.
20
A REVIEW OF OUR ENTIRE NATIONAL SECURITY POSTURE IS
UNDERWAY, AND I AM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL THAT REVIEW IS
COMPLETE BEFORE LAUNCHING ANY NEW PROPOSALS. SECRETARY
GENERAL GORBACHEV UNDERSTANDS THIS, AND SHARES MY DESIRE
FOR CONCRETE PROGRESS WHEN BOTH SIDES ARE READY.
SPEAKING OF READY, YOU KNOW WE'RE AT THE THRESHOLD OF
BUILDING A BETTER AMERICA. THAT'S MY MISSION AND I THINK
IT'S YOUR MISSION TOO. TOGETHER, THERE ISN'T ANYTHING
THAT WE AS A NATION CAN'T ACCOMPLISH.
21
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
###
(McIntyre edit)
February 2, 1989
9:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: LUNCHEON WITH BUSINESS LEADERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Thank you
Thank you very much.
It's great to see so many old friends here today --
especially all of you who have helped me to be with you today in
this capacity.
Having made my living in the hydro-carbon business, I have
an appreciation for what those of you in business face. I know
what its like to take risks. I've had to meet a payroll. I've
had to lay people off when times were tough.
Today we are in the midst of the longest peacetime economic
expansion in our nation's history. Productivity is up. Real
family income is up. A higher percentage of our men and women
are at work than ever before. In fact, we've created more jobs
since 1982 than all of Europe and Japan combined.
I am proud of what American business has accomplished. We
are the most prosperous, the most productive and generous nation
on the face of the earth. At its best, American business reminds
us of who we are. At its best, American business reminds us who
2
we can be. The people in this room tell me just that. You've
heard me talking about ethics a lot lately. So, I want your help
to achieve the highest standards of ethics not only in the
corporate boardroom, and the workplace but, in government service
as well.
We need to assemble a government that the American people
can be proud of -- a government to a large extent already
comprised of honorable men and women who share my conviction that
a public office is a public trust. My emphasis on ethical public
service is not a fad or some passing fancy. It's something that
I want my Administration to institutionalize.
Last week I appointed a bipartisan commission headed by
Ambassador Malcolm Wilkey and former Attorney General Griffin
Bell to develop ethics reform proposals that will address all
branches of the Federal government. I'd like your advice and your
counsel in that effort. You see, we have to simultaneously
ensure that our public servants have the most rigorous ethical
standards at the same time we ensure that we don't create a
bureaucratic quagmire that keeps honorable men and women from
serving the public. I understand it's a delicate balance and I
think the American people do too.
You know what else the American people know ? They know we're
facing some tough choices in the weeks and months ahead. They
want us to hold the line on taxes - they want us to keep this
3
economic engine running smoothly. Creating more jobs -- more
growth. I'll be delivering those tough decisions to the Congress
next Thursday. We've got to keep the deficit heading downward.
I'll need your support and that of the American people to
accomplish that goal. Keep the growth going.
There's another thing about the people of this great nation.
Americans have long been committed to helping people at home and
abroad in achieving literacy, housing, and safety -- a commitment
that is born from our deep sense of justice and freedom. But
there is more than altruism involved.
I have said that I want a kinder, gentler nation. Well, you
can't legislate kindness. A President can't sign an executive
order and create a gentle nation.
But the Presidency does provide an incomparable opportunity
to set a tone, to lead a movement. So today I will ask you and
the American people to join me in a vast, cooperative movement
unparalleled in magnitude and nobility of purpose --- a movement
of national service.
It will be a movement whose leadership extends from the
South Lawn of the White House to the grassroots of America. A
movement that respects the dignity of the individual and is
steeped in the values that have made our nation great for more
than 200 years.
4
It's the spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor that has made
America the most decent and generous nation on earth. If we can
revitalize the embers of that spirit, America will become a
kinder, gentler place to live. And that's where you come in.
The essence of our government is that it is a democracy of,
for, and by the people. To be successful, our movement of
national service must also be of, for, and by the people.
The challenges are great, but government cannot do
everything -- Government cannot do it alone. And without the
will of the people, it cannot do anything.
I have opened the Office of National Service here in the
White House, which will lead the community and national service
programs of my Administration. We will not only build on the
Private Sector Initiatives, which President Reagan began, and
which many of you have been involved in, but I will actively seek
your leadership and involvement on specific initiatives, like the
YES to America Foundation - or Youth Entering Service - which I
proposed last fall.
During the past several months, you may have heard me speak
of "a thousand points of light." I've been using the phrase as
shorthand for the fact that we are a nation of communities, of
thousands of business and professional and religious and ethnic
5
communities -- and in this diversity of strength is our key to
success.
The community, next to the family, is the most important
unit of our nation. A community is more than brick and mortar.
Our community, our town, our neighborhood -- it's where we live
and work
it's where our kids play
it's where we invite
friends over for a barbecue.
America is only as good and as strong as our communities are
good and strong. I am committed to dramatically increasing
community participation, in order to pragmatically address the
difficult problems challenging the country.
To prepare for the 21st Century we need to build community
spirit -- in every community large and small. We need to unlock
the concern, the dedication, and the leadership that lie
unconnected to someone else who cares.
I know that most of you are already involved in community
service. I wish I had the time to single out every one of you
who is deserving.
To all of you who already serve your communities, I say:
"Thank you. You have my heartfelt respect. And we will need
your continued work and expertise." And to those of you who are
still looking for ways to help, come help us face the challenge.
6
I am calling on you not only to reach into your pocket, but
to reach into your heart. I'm calling on you not only as
individuals but as corporations -- responsible corporations. You
know your communities and their problems -- the real problems,
that erode the quality of life in your own backyards. You know
the impact you can have on solving those problems.
While I have you here captive, let me take a moment to
update you on our recent foreign policy activities. Prime
Minister Takeshita of Japan was our first foreign leader to come
to the White House. During our discussions yesterday, we
reaffirmed both countries' responsibility in the cause of world
peace. We also reviewed the progress our nations have achieved
in bringing our economies into better balance, and in further
opening our markets to each other's goods and services. We
recognized the need for more progress, but we will work together
in a spirit of friendship that befits two close allies.
Let's switch now to relations with the Soviets. I spoke to
Mr. Gorbachev last week by phone. I look forward to addressing
the whole range of issues that separate us. However, while many
think the air is alive with new possibilities, our posture should
be deliberate and prudent. I am not in a hurry to rush ahead
with a summit or anything of that nature. But, no one should
interpret that as footdragging. A review of our entire national
security posture is underway, and I am going to wait until that
review is complete before launching any new proposals. Secretary
7
General Gorbachev understands this, and shares my desire for
concrete progress when both sides are ready.
Speaking of ready, you know we're at the threshold of
building a better America. That's my mission and I think it's
your mission too. Together, there isn't anything that we as a
nation can't accomplish.
Thank you very much for being here.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 3, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
LUNCHEON WITH
BUSINESS LEADERS
The East Room
1:03 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very,
very much for being with us today. Before I make some remarks, I
just want to introduce you to some of the people with whom I'm
working here in the White House, with whom a lot of you will be
interacting one way or another.
I know you know our Secretary of Labor over here, Liddy
Dole. Roger Porter is going to be doing a lot in our domestic
policy. Over at this table is Bonnie Newman, who has got a major
management responsibility in the White House and Andy Card is the
Deputy to the Chief of Staff. And Boyden Gray many of you have
worked with in regulatory relief. He's the General Counsel to the
President and is heading a lot of the issues as it relates to ethics.
Steve Studdert over here and Dave Demarest are in our outreach and
our communications end of things. General Scowcroft most of you know
-- I don't what to date him, but most of you know him from previous
incarnations -- (laughter) -- is the National Security Advisor.
Richard Breeden over here worked very closely with me in
the past on regulatory matters. He's now wrestling with the savings
and loan problem. So if he looks discomforted, why, it wasn't the
food. (Laughter.) Greg Petersmeyer at this table, here from
Colorado, back in the White House after quite a few years' absence.
But he is handling this concept of volunteerism, national service. I
can't see over here who we -- oh, Marlin Fitzwater is our Press
Secretary. And with him, Joe Hagin, fresh from Ohio, who is handling
the scheduling. Michael Boskin is head of our Council of Economic
Advisors. And Bobbie Kilberg, sitting over here, is on our -- part
of our major outreach to the different communities. And Jim Cicconi
is the Staff Secretary that keeps everything moving inside the White
House. And, of course, on my left here is John Sununu, our Chief of
Staff.
And if I missed somebody, it's the glare. (Laughter.)
It's not that I don't know the names of the people with whom I work.
(Laughter.)
So -- but listen, I wanted to thank you all for being
here. It's great to see so many old friends. Having made my living
in the hydrocarbon business, -- that's a polite name for what's left
of the oil business -- (laughter) -- I do have some appreciation of
what some of you all face in business.
And
today
the
- 2 -
the GNP of our country.
Lately we've been talking a lot, publicly, the last
couple of weeks about ethics. And I need your help in achieving and
-- establishing and then achieving the highest possible standards and
then performance in the field of ethics. It isn't just government.
I think we need to. set the best possible example in corporate America
in the workplace itself and then certainly in government service.
We've got to do better in terms of eliminating conflicts of interest
for those who serve. And we need to assemble a government that the
people can be proud of; a government, to a large extent, already
comprised, I'd say, of honorable men and women who share conviction
that a public office is, indeed, a public trust.
So my emphasis on ethical public service is not some fad
or passing fancy. It's something that I would like to see our
administration institutionalize as best we can. Having said that, I
am concerned about the excesses. And I'm talking to some right here
in this room. I don't think we ever want to make it so it's
impossible for men and women who have accomplished something to come
and serve because of perception -- it might throw a conflict of
interest out there. And so, as we try to achieve our standards now
and as we try to codify these standards, I hope we can do it without
discouraging men and women from coming to Washington to serve.
Last week, I appointed a bipartisan commission headed by
former Judge and now our Ambassaor Malcolm Wilkey. Co-chairman of
that is Griffin Bell, who is favorably known to everybody in this
room -- a former great Attorney General of this country -- to develop
ethics reform proposals that are going to address all the branches of
the federal government. And again, we welcome from the business
community the advice and counsel on this effort. Excuse the cold.
Some of you have sent Boyden Gray, my General Counsel,
your own codes of ethics and worked with him in this regard and
that's been very helpful to us. It's because some businesses are way
out front on setting standards that I think will have good relevance
for the federal government. We have to simutaneously assure that our
public servants have the highest possible ethical standards at the
same time we ensure that we don't create this bureaucratic quagmire
that keep honorable men and women from serving. And this one, as I
mentioned, is not easy. It is a delicate balance.
The American people know that we're facing some very
tough choices in the weeks and months ahead. I still feel that they
want us to hold the line on taxes and that they want us to keep this
economic engine going. They realize that that's mainly a function of
the private sector. But we in government have a responsibility to
see that we don't enact things that inadvertently slow down the
economic engine of this country. I've got to have as a prime goal
creating -- seeing the creation of more jobs, more growth. And so
next week we're going to have to come forward with some tough
decisions when I send a budget message up there to the Congress a
week from yesterday.
We want to keep this deficit heading downward. And I've
heard from a lot of you here the importance of having what we send up
- 3 -
can't sign an executive order and decree that we have a gentle
nation.
But the presidency does provide an incomparable
opportunity to set a tone, to lead a movement. And so I wanted to
ask all of you to do that which so many of you are already doing --
involve yourselves.in this vast cooperative movement, unparalleled in
magnitude, certainly unparalleled in its nobility of purpose. And
I'm talking about the concept of volunteerism -- the concept of
national service. It's going to be a movement whose leadership
extends from the South Lawn of the White House to the grassroots of
America. But really it's the other way around. Because it's the
communities and it's neighbors that really have the line action on
this concept -- a movement that respects the dignity of the
individual and that is steeped in the values that have made this
country great for more than 200 years. And it is this spirit that de
Tocqueville found when he looked at this country of neighbor helping
neighbor that has made us decent and generous -- moreso, I'd say,
than any other country. And if we can revitalize the embers of that
spirit, we will be this kinder and gentler place to live.
And that's where many of you, as I say, have already
starred. As I look around this room -- and I'm not going to start
singling out the examples that are represented here of your
commitment to literacy or fighting drugs or whatever it is -- and you
can do it far better, far more effectively than the federal
government in Washington, D.C.
The essence of our government, of course, a democracy of
and for and by the people, To be successful, our movement on
national service has got to be exactly the same thing. And the
challenges are great; government, as I say, cannot do everything --
certainly can't do it alone. Without the will of the people, it
really can't do anything.
But we've opened here now an Office of National Service.
Greg Petersmeyer, under the Chief of Staff, has the lead on that. It
will be in the White House; it will help lead the community and
national service programs. We will not only build on what was known
as the private sector initiatives, which President Reagan began and
which many of you in this room are actively involved in, but actively
I'll be seeking your leadership and involvement on specific
initiatives -- one, the Yes to America Foundation, Youth Entering
Service -- which I talked about last fall and which I'm determined to
implement this winter.
I don't want the federal government getting in the way,
incidentally, of the tens of thousands of volunteer programs that
work effectively. I simply want to encourage more volunteerism.
You know, each of us is shaped in life by little events
or things that he or she encountered. And I remember eight years
ago, or maybe 10 now, campaigning in John Sununu's state, and being
told of the Meals on Wheels program in Salem, New Hampshire; that the
volunteer aspect of that program had been eroded out by federal
legislation and that the regulations were drawn in such a way that
the neighbors that had been helping older neighbors no longer were
free
to
participate
and
volunteer.
So
T
we
- 4
in this, diversity is our key to success, it's our strength.
The community, next to the family, is the most important
unit of our nation. And I've got to remember that as we kind of come
up with urban policies, or Liddy and I work together on child care,
or whatever else it is. A community has got to be more than just the
bricks or mortar. .Our community, our town, our neighborhood -- it's
where we live, where we work, where the kids play, and it's where we
invite friends over. And so we've got to keep these communities
strong by whatever kinds of policies we spell out in our
administration.
I'm committed to dramatically increasing -- and a lot of
this is simply exhortation -- community participation in order to
pragmatically address the difficult problems that are challenging our
country. We need to build this community spirit in every community,
large and small. And we need to tap America for its very best in
terms of dedication, and the leadership.
You all have been more active than most, I know, in
community service and so I again want to say thank you. You have my
heartfelt respect. We need your work; we need your experience. And
to those of you who are still looking for ways to help, I just would
urge you to come on in; the water's fine. We need you to help us
face this challenge.
It's not just your money, individually and corporate;
it's time and, again, it's exhortation on the part of the leaders of
the business community. So I would welcome your help on all of that.
Let me just end by a quick update. I know it's of
interest to people here -- the visit yesterday with the Japanese
Prime Minister went well. He was -- Takeshita was -- Prime Minister
Takeshita was our first official formal foreign visitor to come here
to this country. And during our discussions yesterday we simply
reaffirmed our responsibilities in the cause of world peace. We also
reviewed the progress that our nations have achieved in bringing the
economies into better balance, and in further opening our markets to
each other's goods and services. We in this country carry a
disproportionate responsibility for the defense requirements of free
countries. Japan, given its economic standing today, is willing to
accept much more in the way of responsibility for helping in its --
in the whole development aid side of things. So we had a good chance
to discuss that.
We did not go into every trade problem that faces our
country. Both of us are realistic men, the Japanese Prime Minister
and me, and we realize we're going to have some confrontation at
times or certainly some differences of opinion. But I'm going to do
my level best, working with our good new trade team, to be sure that
we are treated fairly, that we have access, that we don't -- aren't
operated -- are not operating under standards that favor one side to
the detriment of the other.
But the visit went well and I think Prime Minister
Takeshita wants very much to have that cooperative relationship. And
we don't want to take these things for granted. It's not the reason
T'm going to Japan for the funeral -- to pav mv respects on behalf of
- 5 -
we are undertaking a policy review with the Soviet Union.
There will be no great shocks. There will be no turning
our back on the potential for progress. But there will be taking the
proper amount of time so that when we do go forward, whether it's on
conventional arms control, or strategic arms, or whatever else it is
-- the economic front, regional problems, human rights -- we're going
to be marching together in this administration. And the Soviets, I
think, now understand that there's no foot-dragging. But I wanted
you to know that I understand the importance of this relationship and
that I am determined to see us move forward. I want to see us get
out in front if we possibly can, but I don't think that we have to be
just restless because General Secretary Gorbachev made a very
interesting set of proposals at the United Nations a few months --
now a month or so ago.
So we're going to look at the whole array of these
issues. In the meantime, we're taking a look at the hemisphere.
Some of you have read about trying to work with the
Congress. I'm very serious about it, and the product of the Congress
in some ways -- I realize that maybe we can wait until February 9th,
which is only six days away, before we go after each other on things.
But we're realists and we know there is going to be differences on
what I send up. But I think most people that understand the Congress
certainly would give them credit -- and I do -- for a willingness at
this juncture to talk. We had a very interesting and I'd say
productive meeting with the leaders of key committees -- Ways and
Means and Finance and Banking and Banking and then the leaders today
and this question of facing this savings and loan problem.
And they're not going to agree with everything I propose
next week, but we've had a chance to consult and to listen to them,
and I'm determined to try that, carry that forward, and I think it
will be good for domestic policy and I'm absolutely convinced that it
is vital for foreign policy because we've been sending confusing
signals around the world of two major branches of government that
can't ever quite get together on something important.
I'm not naive; I know we're going to have differences,
but I just wanted you to know I think that approach is certainly
worth a try.
And so that's about where we stand. I'm delighted you
all are here. Again, I ask for your help, and lest you be
unpersuaded by what I've said, I would now like to be one who has
been -- invite one to come in here who has been dubbed by no less an
authority than Time Magazine as the Silver Fox because -- (laughter)
-- she's worked for so many of you in education that I want her to
come in and say thank you if she's here.
Barbara, enter. (Applause.) I've got all your education
crowd around.
THE FIRST LADY: Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: I've been making a pitch for volunteerism