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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:
13476
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13476-006
Folder Title:
Washington University, St. Louis, 2/17/89 [2]
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25
6
1
3
1
Suggested Remarks
For President Bush
George Washington University
February 17, 1989
Chancellor Danforth, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends. Thank you for that gracious introduction. And let me
thank all of you for the privilege of sharing this occasion.
That noted Missourian, Mark Twain, once wrote: "In Boston,
they ask, 'How much does he know?' In Philadelphia, 'Who were his
parents?' In New York, 'How much is he worth?'" Well, from my
perspective, you couldn't put a price tag on this morning.
Believe me, it is priceless, and my gratitude is boundless.
LSecond,
let me say how pleased I am to be in one of
America's most illustrious States:
The home of tourism, aerospace, and rhythm 'n' blues;
The site whose native sons include Omar Bradley and
George Washington Carver and that master linguist, Lawrence Peter
(Yogi) Berra;
2
--The State, moreover, whose citizens embody the best
of America, and who know that the heart of America is good:
working, hoping, dreaming, helping people help themselves.
You know, ever since childhood I've been an avid baseball
fan, and even now, I recall how the Cardinals' late, great Dizzy
Dean said of his exploits as a pitcher: "Podner, it ain't
braggin' if you can back it up."
My friends, we meet today at a college--George Washington
University of St. Louis--which has, indeed, "backed it up. "
Together, this community has built a pioneering school in
science and mathematics. Your teaching and research are rivaled
only by your basketball. And soaring admission applications tell
a story of academic excellence. Surely, no one would claim of GW
what Yogi Berra did of a popular Manhattan restaurant. Observed
the Hall of Famer: "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." "
As students and faculty, administrators and alumni, you have
shown how volunteerism can enrich education, and now education
can enrich America: I refer, of course, to such projects as the
Special Olympics.
Together, you have shown that what matters matters in the
end - is not money gained, or professions conquered: Instead, I
3
refer to what really counts--the basic, the simple things--things
like civility, kindness, self-sacrifice, compassion.
And, yes, together, you have echoed the lyrics of that noted
GW alumnus, Broadway's David Merrick. To those left behind, you
haven't said, "Stop the World--I Want to Get Off." Instead, you
have vowed, "I Do, I Do," to the disabled and the indigent. Your
deeds have been heroic deeds, for you have sought a richer life
of soul and spirit: To right wrong, to love justice, and to serve
the gentler impulses of mankind.
Eight days ago, in a joint session before both houses of
Congress, I proposed a budget to achieve these aims: To create a
Nation where equality and opportunity co-exist, and where freedom
can prevail.
Our budget seeks to curb the growth of Federal spending,
even as we provide more generously for the most vulnerable among
us. It links social concern with fiscal sanity, even as we show
that government can feel in its heart what it knows in its head.
Our budget is responsive and responsible, and will ensure a
strong and stable economy. It seeks to arrest government's maze
of mindless regulations, and to return power to the people. Our
goal is as open as the Midwest sky: Prosperity without inflation
and prosperity without war. To reach it, let us chart priorities,
4
reduce the deficit, and keep our financial house in order. Above
all, let us repeat the pledge: No New Taxes.
Under the Bush budget, Federal tax revenues will rise
because of economic growth--by our projections, an estimated $80
billion. There are some who want to spend this money on Barnum &
Bailey circuses. I say no. I say: Let us use those revenues to
reduce the Federal deficit by $76 billion.
Yes, we can afford to increase spending--but only modestly,
selectively, and after the hardest of choices. And, yes, we must
spend enough to protect our national security--at home, we must
spend enough to do the job--but without resorting to a tax
X
increase. For the flagrant creed dubbed Tax and Spend" has gone
the way of the silent movies. And we have surpassed--long
surpassed--the limits of what government alone can do.
That is why our budget features a flexible freeze: Those
programs that work, we will protect funding; those that don't, we
will discard funding. Our budget is fair to recipients, fair to
tax-payers, and fair-minded in its strategy. It embodies two
perpetual's
ways
qualities which, like baseball, are
forever
in season: The common
sense that Justice Hand termed "the eventual supremacy of
reason," and America's capacity to care.
Will most Americans support this freeze? Cynics say no, but
I say yes.
5
Most Americans, I'm convinced, believe that in the America
of the 1990s, our challenges must be met by government and people
together--or they cannot be met at all. But they also believe, as
Bernard Baruch reminded us, that "Government is not a substitute
for people, but simply the instrument through which they act. If
Yes, most Americans believe that we must reach beyond
government, caring about our communities and assisting our
neighbors. But they also believe that government can be a
catalyst--healing, not scarring, and preserving the true promise
of America.
Accordingly: My budget does more, for instance, for the
environment, more for the Space Program, and invests almost $2.2
billion for the National Science Foundation to promote basic
research. It increases funding for the Head Start Program, and
allocates $1 billion in outlays to stop the deadly scourge of
drugs.
To Minority America, especially historically Black colleges,
this budget says: "Our means is affirmative action. Our goal is
affirmative lives. " To the homeless, this budget targets $1
billion, saying: "Our Nation must leave no one out. " To the
elderly, this budget vows: "Your final years can be your finest
years. " And to our Nation's youth, this budget says: "The promise
of tomorrow lies in the children of today."
6
Consider: We have proposed a new child care initiative,
targeted at low-income families. We have restored and doubled the
tax deduction for adopting special needs children. Even more, we
have made education the Gateway Arch of the Bush Administration.
For a decent education is the first civil right of every
American. Our pursuit of excellence is central to the future of
America. And if excellence breeds achievement, then excellence
must be rewarded--in grade-school, in high-school, and, yes, at
the universities of America.
Last Thursday, I asked Congress to create a $500-million
program to reward America's best schools "merit schools" and to
found special Presidential awards for the best teachers in every
State.
pledged
I urged expanded use of magnet schools giving
freedom
And
I
a
families and students the humany of choices new program to
encourage "alternative certification" allowing learned Americans
from every field to teach in America's classrooms.
This maining,
repearing those proposals, i ash for your suppon. And I ask you
to endorse
through
new program of National Science Scholars,
whereby us
seek to inspire America's ministry of talent, and
give
can
America's youth a special incentive to excell in science and
let us
X
mathematics. In short, achieve, nationally, what this
university has done, historically--to make excellence a way of
life, and higher learning a bequest.
7
Education can ennoble the American Story. So can the budget
I unveiled last week. Each embraces honesty and speaks from
conscience. Each asks that, individually, we make this a better,
more selfless, more tolerant world.
You know what I'm getting at. You know what I'm asking for,
today. It's termed volunteerism, or partnerships between all
levels of government, private enterprise, and voluntary
organizations. It's called lending a hand, mending a wound, and
helping the less fortunate. Voluntary service can be as universal
as self-respect, and as honorable as education. It can also make
America both great and good: At home, to aid those who only ask
for dignity; abroad, to summon God's help--and your's--not merely
for peace in our time, but for peace among men, deep down,
inside, with regard for others' sensibilities.
Volunteerism can be government's helpmate. Each, alone, is
potent but inadequate: both, combined, exceed the universe of
they
their parts Together, the public and private sectors can join
rightmare
hands for the good of America, and help overcome the surse of
poverty and despair. It is a dream--my dream; I ask that it be
yours--based more on human talent than Federal largess; more on
local initiative than on the Federal bureaucracy; resting less on
promises and politicians than on our most enduring treasure: The
inalienable power of the human heart.
8
My friends, the definition of a successful life must include
serving others in the day-care center, a Masonic Lodge, at
Little League, in church.
That is why I have opened the Office of National Service,
which will lead my Administration's community and national
service programs. It is why I will build upon the Private Sector
Initiatives begun by President Reagan, and why I salute your
efforts, reflecting that spirit, which bespeak what Pope Pius XII
called "America's genius for great and generous deeds. " But most
of all, it is why because volunteerism works That I will
foster, as chairman and as evangelist, the YES--or Youth Entering
Service to America Foundation which I proposed last fall. Why?
Because Volunterism works.
Here, through YES to America, Americans of junior- and
senior-high-school age can, personally, give of, not to,
themselves. Here, they can combat such problems as illiteracy and
drug abuse. Here, they can make a difference--not merely in their
lives, but also in their Nation's. Here, they can have a
voice--and make sure that voice is heard.
I urge you to uphold that voice to say "Yes" to this new
program. I ask you to create a more just society for all. At
home, let us build bridges of trust and harmony. And, abroad, let
us build bridges of peace.
9
My friends, next week Barbara and I begin a journey for
peace--a journey that will carry us to the far reaches of the
Pacific Basin. We go to attend the funeral of Emperor Hirohito;
to consult many of America's most abiding allies; and to visit a
country I served as our Ambassador: A land of myth, romance, and
lyric poetry the People's Republic of China.
Several days ago, preparing for that trip, I came across
these words of two old Chinese proverbs.
The first proverb said, "When you drink from the stream,
friends,
remember the spring. " My let the stream be your
lives, doing good things on behalf of others. And let the spring
be education, exalting America's quality of life.
The second proverb observed that "One generation plants the
seeds another gets the shade. " think of voluntary
service as America's seeds. It can lift hearts, change lives, and
shape the 1990s.
Let us understand that government is but a custodian of
America's future but that you the people--you are her trustees.
Let us observe that we are all children of the same humane
and loving God, and that our destiny is not divisible.
10
And as we chart that destiny--together, united, and goaded
always by a desire to do better--let us proclaim our true calling
as a Nation:
"To anticipate charity by preventing poverty; assist the
reduced fellowman
so that he can earn an honest livelihood.
This," said the 12th-Century Jewish philosopher Moses Ben Maimon,
or Maimonides (My-MON-i-deez), "is the highest step and the
summit of charity's golden ladder. If
My friends, is that a tall order? You bet it is--what
Doubting Thomases might term Mission Impossible. But, then, let
me remind you: We are Americans--pilgrims from every corner of
the globe. And ours is the greatest, fairest, and tallest of
Nations the acknowledged Master of Missions Fulfilled.
Thank you for your many kindnesses, and for the warmth of
this reception. Thank you for inviting me, good luck to each of
you, Godspeed to this university, and may God bless the United
States of America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ow his Lis in a - and
DATE: February 16, 1989
FROM THE PRESIDENT
To: Jim Cicconi
I think we need a strong sentence somewhere -
maybe near the end to point out yes, in some
areas I wish we had more money to spend -
drugs, education. Ours is not the total
answer, but we have made a good beginning.
In other words, recognize the fact we can't
spend all we'd like to in some key areas.
Add some mention of anti-drugs.
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
Bates - Washington
IIVERSITY
IRI
O.K.
9
STS, LADIES AND
GEI
IAT GRACIOUS
IN
IF YOU FOR THE
PR:
STON, THEY ASK, 'How
MU
'WHO WERE HIS
PAI
IE WORTH?'"
2
HE WOULD AGREE WITH ME THAT YOU COULDN'T PUT A PRICE TAG
ON THIS MORNING. BELIEVE ME, I'M DELIGHTED TO BE HERE IN
MISSOURI:
--THE HOME OF RAGTIME, AEROSPACE, AND
AGRICULTURE;
--THE STATE WHOSE NATIVE SONS INCLUDE OMAR
BRADLEY AND HARRY TRUMAN AND THAT MASTER LINGUIST, Yogi
BERRA;
3
--THE STATE, MOREOVER, WHOSE CITIZENS EMBODY THE
BEST OF AMERICA, AND WHO KNOW THAT THE HEART OF AMERICA IS
GOOD: WORKING, SERVING OTHERS, HOPING, AND DREAMING.
FOR 136 YEARS THIS UNIVERSITY HAS PLAYED A PART IN
THAT EFFORT. YOUR COMMUNITY HAS BUILT A PIONEERING EFFORT
IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS. YOUR TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND
SOARING ADMISSION APPLICATIONS TELL A STORY OF ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE.
BUT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HAS ANOTHER STORY TO
TELL -- A STORY FROM WHICH ALL AMERICA CAN LEARN.
4
IT's A STORY ABOUT INVESTING IN AMERICA'S FUTURE: How AS
STUDENTS AND FACULTY, ADMINISTRATORS AND ALUMNI, YOU HAVE
SHOWN THAT SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM CAN ENRICH EDUCATION
AND ENRICH AMERICA.
YOUR WORK WITH SUNDAY'S SPECIAL OLYMPICS IS BUT ONE
CHAPTER IN THAT STORY. AROUND THE NATION, OTHER CHAPTERS
ARE BEING WRITTEN EVERY DAY. AND WE'RE WRITING ANOTHER
CHAPTER BY OPENING THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SERVICE, WHICH
WILL LEAD MY ADMINISTRATION'S COMMUNITY AND NATIONAL
SERVICE PROGRAMS.
5
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE: MORE AMERICANS HELPING OTHERS BY
EFFECTIVELY SERVING THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE NATION.
MY FRIENDS, FROM NOW ON IN AMERICA ANY DEFINITION OF
A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS -- IN A
CHILD-CARE CENTER, IN THE CORPORATE BOARDROOM, AT THE
ROTARY, AT LITTLE LEAGUE, OR A TUTORING PROGRAM, AND IN A
CHURCH OR SYNAGOGUE.
OUR NEW INITIATIVE WILL REFLECT THAT SPIRIT, ONCE
CALLED "AMERICA'S GENIUS FOR GREAT AND GENEROUS DEEDS."
6
AND I TAKE SPECIAL PRIDE IN THE YES PROGRAM -- OR YOUTH
ENTERING SERVICE -- WHICH I PROPOSED LAST FALL TO
ENCOURAGE AMERICAN YOUTH TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES TO OTHERS
IN NEED. I AM CONVINCED THAT WE CAN HELP ALLEVIATE MANY
NATIONAL PROBLEMS BY SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASING THE
INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG AMERICANS IN VOLUNTARY SERVICE. THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YES FOUNDATION WILL HELP LEAD THAT
EFFORT.
TOGETHER, WE CAN SHOW THAT WHAT MATTERS -- IN THE
END -- ARE NOT POSSESSIONS:
7
WHAT MATTERS IS ENGAGING IN THE HIGH MORAL PRINCIPLE
OF SERVING ONE ANOTHER. THAT'S THE STORY OF AMERICA THAT
WE CAN WRITE THROUGH VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
EIGHT DAYS AGO, IN A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS, I
PROPOSED A BUDGET TO COMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY EFFORTS TO HELP
SERVE THE GENTLER IMPULSES OF MANKIND.
I LISTED FOUR NATIONAL OBJECTIVES: TO BRING THE
DEFICIT DOWN; TO INVEST IN AMERICA'S FUTURE; TO FIND
SOLUTIONS TO AN URGENT SET OF PRIORITIES; AND NO NEW
TAXES.
8
OUR BUDGET CURBS THE GROWTH OF FEDERAL SPENDING WHILE
PROVIDING FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE AMONG US. IT IS
RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE, AND IT WILL ENSURE A STRONG
AND STABLE ECONOMY. OUR BUDGET BALANCES SOCIAL CONCERN
WITH FISCAL SANITY AND LEAVES POWER IN THE HANDS OF
PEOPLE. IT SHOWS THAT WE CAN HAVE A GOVERNMENT WITH A
HEART AS WELL AS A HEAD.
WHEN IT COMES TO REDUCING THE DEFICIT, SOME PEOPLE
SAY IT CAN'T BE DONE WITHOUT NEGLECTING OUR URGENT SOCIAL
NEEDS. IT CAN BE DONE, BUT NOT WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL.
9
NEXT YEAR ALONE, THANKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, FEDERAL
TAX REVENUES WILL RISE BY MORE THAN $80 BILLION. THAT'S
RIGHT -- MORE THAN $80 BILLION IN NEW REVENUES. OUR JOB
IS TO ALLOCATE NEW RESOURCES WISELY: TO REDUCE THE
FEDERAL DEFICIT BY MORE THAN 40 PERCENT, WITH NO NEW
TAXES, AND INVEST IN KEY PRIORITIES.
BUDGET CONSULTATIONS WITH THE CONGRESS ARE UNDERWAY
AND WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS. YESTERDAY, I INVITED
CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR ANOTHER
ROUND OF BUDGET TALKS NEXT TUESDAY MORNING.
10
I AM COMMITTED TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH MY FRIENDS ON
THE HILL TO HELP THEM MEET THE TARGET DATE SET BY THE
GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LAW FOR AN APRIL 15TH BUDGET
RESOLUTION.
TOGETHER, WE MUST MAKE THE BUDGET PROCESS WORK.
THERE ARE CERTAIN PRIORITIES THAT DEMAND ATTENTION.
YES, WE CAN AFFORD TO INCREASE SPENDING -- MODESTLY,
SELECTIVELY, AND ONLY AFTER TOUGH CHOICES ARE MADE. AND WE
MUST SPEND ENOUGH TO PROTECT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY -- A
CHIEF RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY PRESIDENT.
11
AND CERTAINLY WE MUST NOT FALL BACK TO THE "TAX AND
SPEND" POLICIES OF THE PAST.
BUT PROGRAMS THAT WORK CAN BE PROTECTED AND IN SOME
CASES, FUNDING INCREASED. OUR BUDGET IS FAIR TO
RECIPIENTS, FAIR TO TAXPAYERS, AND FAIR-MINDED IN ITS
STRATEGY. IT EMBODIES TWO QUALITIES WHICH ARE ALWAYS IN
SEASON: THE COMMON SENSE THAT JUDGE LEARNED HAND TERMED
"THE EVENTUAL SUPREMACY OF REASON," AND AMERICA'S CAPACITY
TO CARE.
12
MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT IN THE AMERICA OF THE
1990s, OUR CHALLENGES MUST BE MET IN SEVERAL WAYS -- BY
GOVERNMENT, BY THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF OTHER
INSTITUTIONS AND BY THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES WORKING TOGETHER
-- OR THEY WILL NOT BE MET AT ALL. THE GOVERNMENT'S
CONTRIBUTION IS CRITICAL BUT BY ITSELF IS INSUFFICIENT TO
SOLVE ALL OF OUR NATIONAL PROBLEMS.
YES, MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT OUR EFFORTS MUST
REACH BEYOND GOVERNMENT, TO CARE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES AND
TO ASSIST OUR NEIGHBORS.
13
BUT THEY ALSO BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT CAN BE AN
IMPORTANT CATALYST IN THAT PROCESS OF HELPING INDIVIDUALS,
OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR NATION.
ACCORDINGLY, OUR BUDGET DOES MORE, FOR INSTANCE, FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT, MORE FOR THE SPACE PROGRAM, AND INVESTS
ALMOST $2.2 BILLION FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO
PROMOTE BASIC RESEARCH. IT INCREASES FUNDING FOR THE HEAD
START PROGRAM, AND ALLOCATES $1 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL
OUTLAYS TO STOP THE DEADLY SCOURGE OF DRUGS.
14
THAT'S WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SPEAK OF INVESTING IN THE
FUTURE.
To MINORITY AMERICANS, THIS BUDGET SAYS: "EDUCATION
MEANS OPPORTUNITY, AND BIGOTRY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED."
To THE HOMELESS, THIS BUDGET TARGETS $1 BILLION, SAYING:
"OUR NATION MUST LEAVE NO ONE OUT." To THE ELDERLY, THIS
BUDGET VOWS: "Your DIGNITY AND CONCERNS WILL BE
RESPECTED." AND TO THE NATION'S YOUTH, THIS BUDGET SAYS:
"THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW LIES IN THE CHILDREN OF TODAY."
15
CONSIDER THIS: WE HAVE PROPOSED A NEW CHILD CARE
INITIATIVE, TARGETED AT LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. WE HAVE
RESTORED AND DOUBLED THE TAX DEDUCTION FOR ADOPTING
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN.
EVEN MORE, WE HAVE MADE EDUCATION THE GATEWAY ARCH
OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. FOR OUR PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
IS CENTRAL TO THE FUTURE OF AMERICA. AND IF EXCELLENCE
BREEDS ACHIEVEMENT, THEN EXCELLENCE MUST BE REWARDED --
IN GRADE SCHOOL, IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND IN THE COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES OF AMERICA.
16
LAST THURSDAY, I ASKED CONGRESS TO BEGIN A $500
MILLION PROGRAM To REWARD AMERICA'S BEST SCHOOLS --
"MERIT SCHOOLS" -- AND TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL
AWARDS FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE. I URGED
EXPANDED USE OF MAGNET SCHOOLS -- GIVING FAMILIES AND
STUDENTS A CHOICE IN EDUCATION. AND I PROPOSED A NEW
PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE "ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION" --
ALLOWING QUALIFIED AND TALENTED AMERICANS FROM EVERY FIELD
TO TEACH IN AMERICA'S CLASSROOMS.
17
WE MUST BRING MORE OF OUR BEST MINDS BACK TO THE
TEACHING PROFESSION. AND THROUGH A NEW PROGRAM OF
NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS, WE CAN INSPIRE THEIR STUDENTS,
TOO -- GIVING AMERICA'S YOUTH A SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO
EXCEL IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS. IN SHORT, I WISH TO
ACHIEVE, NATIONALLY, WHAT THIS UNIVERSITY HAS DONE,
HISTORICALLY -- TO MAKE EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING A
NATIONAL WAY OF LIFE.
EDUCATION CAN ENNOBLE THE AMERICAN STORY.
18
IT IS THE BEST WAY TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE AND TO MAKE
THIS A BETTER, MORE SELFLESS, MORE TOLERANT WORLD.
WE HAVE SET THE RIGHT PRIORITIES IN THE BUDGET. Now,
WE HAVE WORK TO DO. THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS THAT MUST BE
SOLVED IN AMERICA TODAY. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE NATION
CAN SOLVE THEM, BUT AMERICA MUST GO FAR BEYOND THE FEDERAL
BUDGET TO ACHIEVE ITS GOALS.
19
WE MUST FORGE STRONG PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN ALL LEVELS
OF GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESS
CORPORATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS -- TO LEND A HAND, MEND A
WOUND, AND HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE.
MY FRIENDS, NEXT WEEK BARBARA AND I WILL TAKE A
JOURNEY TO PURSUE PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP -- A JOURNEY THAT
WILL CARRY US ACROSS THE PACIFIC TO JAPAN, CHINA AND
KOREA.
20
WE GO TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE EMPEROR AND
TO CONSULT WITH THE LEADERS OF MANY OF AMERICA'S ALLIES
AND FRIENDS. MY VISIT TO CHINA IS A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
TO A COUNTRY WHERE I SERVED AS AMERICA'S REPRESENTATIVE.
SEVERAL DAYS AGO, PREPARING FOR OUR TRIP, I CAME
ACROSS THESE WORDS OF AN OLD CHINESE PROVERB: "ONE
GENERATION PLANTS THE SEEDS ... ANOTHER GETS THE SHADE."
THINK OF THE INVESTMENTS WE MAKE IN OUR FUTURE AS
AMERICA'S SEEDS. WE CAN LIFT HEARTS, CHANGE LIVES, AND
SHAPE THE 1990s.
21
THAT'S A TALL ORDER. BUT IT HAS BEEN THE AMERICAN
STORY FOR OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS. LET'S WRITE IT
TOGETHER.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
###
FINAL
REMARKS TO WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
FEBRUARY 17, 1989
CHANCELLOR DANFORTH, HONORED GUESTS, LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN, FRIENDS. THANK YOU FOR THAT GRACIOUS
INTRODUCTION. AND LET ME THANK ALL OF YOU FOR THE
PRIVILEGE OF SHARING THIS OCCASION.
MARK TWAIN, ONCE WROTE: "IN BOSTON, THEY ASK, 'How
MUCH DOES HE KNOW?' IN PHILADELPHIA, 'WHO WERE HIS
PARENTS?' IN NEW YORK, 'How MUCH IS HE WORTH?'"
BUT MARK TWAIN WAS A MISSOURIAN.
2
HE WOULD AGREE WITH ME THAT YOU COULDN'T PUT A PRICE TAG
ON THIS MORNING. BELIEVE ME, I'M DELIGHTED TO BE HERE IN
MISSOURI:
--THE HOME OF RAGTIME, AEROSPACE, AND
AGRICULTURE;
--THE STATE WHOSE NATIVE SONS INCLUDE OMAR
BRADLEY AND HARRY TRUMAN AND THAT MASTER LINGUIST, YoGI
BERRA;
3
--THE STATE, MOREOVER, WHOSE CITIZENS EMBODY THE
BEST OF AMERICA, AND WHO KNOW THAT THE HEART OF AMERICA IS
GOOD: WORKING, SERVING OTHERS, HOPING, AND DREAMING.
FOR 136 YEARS THIS UNIVERSITY HAS PLAYED A PART IN
THAT EFFORT. YOUR COMMUNITY HAS BUILT A PIONEERING EFFORT
IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS. YOUR TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND
SOARING ADMISSION APPLICATIONS TELL A STORY OF ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE.
BUT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HAS ANOTHER STORY TO
TELL -- A STORY FROM WHICH ALL AMERICA CAN LEARN.
4
IT'S A STORY ABOUT INVESTING IN AMERICA'S FUTURE: How AS
STUDENTS AND FACULTY, ADMINISTRATORS AND ALUMNI, YOU HAVE
SHOWN THAT SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM CAN ENRICH EDUCATION
AND ENRICH AMERICA.
YOUR WORK WITH SUNDAY'S SPECIAL OLYMPICS IS BUT ONE
CHAPTER IN THAT STORY. AROUND THE NATION, OTHER CHAPTERS
ARE BEING WRITTEN EVERY DAY. AND WE'RE WRITING ANOTHER
CHAPTER BY OPENING THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SERVICE, WHICH
WILL LEAD MY ADMINISTRATION'S COMMUNITY AND NATIONAL
SERVICE PROGRAMS.
5
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE: MORE AMERICANS HELPING OTHERS BY
EFFECTIVELY SERVING THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE NATION.
MY FRIENDS, FROM NOW ON IN AMERICA ANY DEFINITION OF
A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS -- IN A
CHILD-CARE CENTER, IN THE CORPORATE BOARDROOM, AT THE
ROTARY, AT LITTLE LEAGUE, OR A TUTORING PROGRAM, AND IN A
CHURCH OR SYNAGOGUE.
OUR NEW INITIATIVE WILL REFLECT THAT SPIRIT, ONCE
CALLED "AMERICA'S GENIUS FOR GREAT AND GENEROUS DEEDS."
6
AND I TAKE SPECIAL PRIDE IN THE YES PROGRAM -- OR YOUTH
ENTERING SERVICE -- WHICH I PROPOSED LAST FALL TO
ENCOURAGE AMERICAN YOUTH TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES TO OTHERS
IN NEED. I AM CONVINCED THAT WE CAN HELP ALLEVIATE MANY
NATIONAL PROBLEMS BY SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASING THE
INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG AMERICANS IN VOLUNTARY SERVICE. THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YES FOUNDATION WILL HELP LEAD THAT
EFFORT.
TOGETHER, WE CAN SHOW THAT WHAT MATTERS -- IN THE
END -- ARE NOT POSSESSIONS:
7
WHAT MATTERS IS ENGAGING IN THE HIGH MORAL PRINCIPLE
OF SERVING ONE ANOTHER. THAT'S THE STORY OF AMERICA THAT
WE CAN WRITE THROUGH VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
EIGHT DAYS AGO, IN A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS, I
PROPOSED A BUDGET TO COMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY EFFORTS TO HELP
SERVE THE GENTLER IMPULSES OF MANKIND.
I LISTED FOUR NATIONAL OBJECTIVES: TO BRING THE
DEFICIT DOWN; TO INVEST IN AMERICA'S FUTURE; TO FIND
SOLUTIONS TO AN URGENT SET OF PRIORITIES; AND NO NEW
TAXES.
8
OUR BUDGET CURBS THE GROWTH OF FEDERAL SPENDING WHILE
PROVIDING FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE AMONG US. IT IS
RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE, AND IT WILL ENSURE A STRONG
AND STABLE ECONOMY. OUR BUDGET BALANCES SOCIAL CONCERN
WITH FISCAL SANITY AND LEAVES POWER IN THE HANDS OF
PEOPLE. IT SHOWS THAT WE CAN HAVE A GOVERNMENT WITH A
HEART AS WELL AS A HEAD.
WHEN IT COMES TO REDUCING THE DEFICIT, SOME PEOPLE
SAY IT CAN'T BE DONE WITHOUT NEGLECTING OUR URGENT SOCIAL
NEEDS. IT CAN BE DONE, BUT NOT WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL.
9
NEXT YEAR ALONE, THANKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, FEDERAL
TAX REVENUES WILL RISE BY MORE THAN $80 BILLION. THAT'S
RIGHT -- MORE THAN $80 BILLION IN NEW REVENUES. OUR JOB
IS TO ALLOCATE NEW RESOURCES WISELY: TO REDUCE THE
FEDERAL DEFICIT BY MORE THAN 40 PERCENT, WITH NO NEW
TAXES, AND INVEST IN KEY PRIORITIES.
BUDGET CONSULTATIONS WITH THE CONGRESS ARE UNDERWAY
AND WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS. YESTERDAY, I INVITED
CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR ANOTHER
ROUND OF BUDGET TALKS NEXT TUESDAY MORNING.
10
I AM COMMITTED TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH MY FRIENDS ON
THE HILL TO HELP THEM MEET THE TARGET DATE SET BY THE
GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LAW FOR AN APRIL 15TH BUDGET
RESOLUTION.
TOGETHER, WE MUST MAKE THE BUDGET PROCESS WORK.
THERE ARE CERTAIN PRIORITIES THAT DEMAND ATTENTION.
YES, WE CAN AFFORD TO INCREASE SPENDING -- MODESTLY,
SELECTIVELY, AND ONLY AFTER TOUGH CHOICES ARE MADE. AND WE
MUST SPEND ENOUGH TO PROTECT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY -- A
CHIEF RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY PRESIDENT.
11
AND CERTAINLY WE MUST NOT FALL BACK TO THE "TAX AND
SPEND" POLICIES OF THE PAST.
BUT PROGRAMS THAT WORK CAN BE PROTECTED AND IN SOME
CASES, FUNDING INCREASED. OUR BUDGET IS FAIR TO
RECIPIENTS, FAIR TO TAXPAYERS, AND FAIR-MINDED IN ITS
STRATEGY. IT EMBODIES TWO QUALITIES WHICH ARE ALWAYS IN
SEASON: THE COMMON SENSE THAT JUDGE LEARNED HAND TERMED
"THE EVENTUAL SUPREMACY OF REASON," AND AMERICA'S CAPACITY
TO CARE.
12
MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT IN THE AMERICA OF THE
1990s, OUR CHALLENGES MUST BE MET IN SEVERAL WAYS -- BY
GOVERNMENT, BY THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF OTHER
INSTITUTIONS AND BY THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES WORKING TOGETHER
-- OR THEY WILL NOT BE MET AT ALL. THE GOVERNMENT'S
CONTRIBUTION IS CRITICAL BUT BY ITSELF IS INSUFFICIENT TO
SOLVE ALL OF OUR NATIONAL PROBLEMS.
YES, MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT OUR EFFORTS MUST
REACH BEYOND GOVERNMENT, TO CARE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES AND
TO ASSIST OUR NEIGHBORS.
13
BUT THEY ALSO BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT CAN BE AN
IMPORTANT CATALYST IN THAT PROCESS OF HELPING INDIVIDUALS,
OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR NATION.
ACCORDINGLY, OUR BUDGET DOES MORE, FOR INSTANCE, FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT, MORE FOR THE SPACE PROGRAM, AND INVESTS
ALMOST $2.2 BILLION FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO
PROMOTE BASIC RESEARCH. IT INCREASES FUNDING FOR THE HEAD
START PROGRAM, AND ALLOCATES $1 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL
OUTLAYS TO STOP THE DEADLY SCOURGE OF DRUGS.
14
WE WILL FIGHT DRUGS ON TWO FRONTS -- SUPPLY AND
DEMAND -- TO RECLAIM THE LIVES OF ADDICTS WHO WANT HELP,
EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS, AND
ENFORCE OUR LAWS.
ALL THIS IS WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SPEAK OF INVESTING IN
THE FUTURE.
To MINORITY AMERICANS, THIS BUDGET SAYS, "EDUCATION
MEANS OPPORTUNITY, AND BIGOTRY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED." To
THE HOMELESS, THIS BUDGET TARGETS $1 BILLION, SAYING, "OUR
NATION MUST LEAVE NO ONE OUT." To THE ELDERLY, THIS
BUDGET VOWS, "Your DIGNITY AND CONCERNS WILL BE
15
RESPECTED." AND TO THE NATION'S YOUTH, THIS BUDGET SAYS:
"THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW LIES IN THE CHILDREN OF TODAY."
CONSIDER THIS: WE HAVE PROPOSED A NEW CHILD CARE
INITIATIVE, TARGETED AT LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. WE HAVE
RESTORED AND DOUBLED THE TAX DEDUCTION FOR ADOPTING
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN.
EVEN MORE, WE HAVE MADE EDUCATION THE GATEWAY ARCH OF
THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. FOR OUR PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS
CENTRAL TO THE FUTURE OF AMERICA. AND IF EXCELLENCE
BREEDS ACHIEVEMENT, THEN EXCELLENCE MUST BE REWARDED -- IN
16
GRADE SCHOOL, IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND IN THE COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES OF AMERICA.
LAST THURSDAY, I ASKED CONGRESS TO BEGIN A $500
MILLION PROGRAM TO REWARD AMERICA'S BEST SCHOOLS -- "MERIT
SCHOOLS" -- AND TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE. I URGED EXPANDED
USE OF MAGNET SCHOOLS -- GIVING FAMILIES AND STUDENTS A
CHOICE IN EDUCATION. AND I PROPOSED A NEW PROGRAM TO
ENCOURAGE "ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION" -- ALLOWING
17
QUALIFIED AND TALENTED AMERICANS FROM EVERY FIELD TO TEACH
IN AMERICA'S CLASSROOMS.
WE MUST BRING MORE OF OUR BEST MINDS BACK TO THE
TEACHING PROFESSION. AND THROUGH A NEW PROGRAM OF
NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS, WE CAN INSPIRE THEIR STUDENTS;
TOO -- GIVING AMERICA'S YOUTH A SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO EXCEL
IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS. IN SHORT, I WISH TO ACHIEVE,
NATIONALLY, WHAT THIS UNIVERSITY HAS DONE, HISTORICALLY,
TO MAKE EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING A NATIONAL WAY OF LIFE.
18
EDUCATION CAN ENNOBLE THE AMERICAN STORY. IT IS THE
BEST WAY TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE AND TO MAKE THIS A
BETTER, MORE SELFLESS, MORE TOLERANT WORLD.
YES, IN SOME AREAS I WISH WE DID HAVE MORE MONEY TO
SPEND -- FOR INSTANCE IN KEY AREAS LIKE DRUGS AND
EDUCATION. BUT WE HAVE SET THE RIGHT PRIORITIES IN THIS
BUDGET. OURS IS NOT THE TOTAL ANSWER, BUT IN THIS BUDGET
WE HAVE MADE A GOOD BEGINNING.
Now, WE HAVE WORK TO DO. THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS
THAT MUST BE SOLVED IN AMERICA TODAY. I AM CONFIDENT THAT
19
THE NATION CAN SOLVE THEM, BUT AMERICA MUST GO FAR BEYOND
THE FEDERAL BUDGET TO ACHIEVE ITS GOALS.
WE MUST FORGE STRONG PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN ALL LEVELS
OF GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESS
CORPORATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS -- TO LEND A HAND, MEND A
WOUND, AND HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE.
MY FRIENDS, NEXT WEEK BARBARA AND I WILL TAKE A
JOURNEY TO PURSUE PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP -- A JOURNEY THAT
WILL CARRY US ACROSS THE PACIFIC TO JAPAN, CHINA, AND
KOREA.
20
WE GO TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE EMPEROR AND
TO CONSULT WITH THE LEADERS OF MANY OF AMERICA'S ALLIES
AND FRIENDS. MY VISIT TO CHINA IS A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
TO A COUNTRY WHERE I SERVED AS AMERICA'S REPRESENTATIVE.
SEVERAL DAYS AGO, PREPARING FOR OUR TRIP, I CAME
ACROSS THESE WORDS OF AN OLD CHINESE PROVERB: "ONE
GENERATION PLANTS THE SEEDS ... ANOTHER GETS THE SHADE."
THINK OF THE INVESTMENTS WE MAKE IN OUR FUTURE AS
AMERICA'S SEEDS. WE CAN LIFT HEARTS, CHANGE LIVES, AND
SHAPE THE 1990s.
21
THAT'S A TALL ORDER. BUT IT HAS BEEN THE AMERICAN
STORY FOR OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS. LET'S WRITE IT
TOGETHER.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(st. Louis, Missouri)
For Immediate Release
February 17, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO STUDENTS OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Field House
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
10:33 A.M. CST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very, very much. Thank
you, Chancellor Danforth; Chairman Lieberman; our distinguished
Governor, John Ashcroft; and Senator Bond; Congressman Buechner here;
and to your Student Body President, Cynthia Homan; and other student
leaders that have given me this warm reception. I really am pleased
to be here and I've looked forward to sharing this occasion with you.
Mark Twain once wrote, "In Boston, they ask, 'How much
does he know?' In Philadelphia, 'Who were his parents?' In New
York, 'How much is he worth?'" (Laughter.) But Mark Twain was a
Missourian. He would agree with me that you couldn't put a price tag
on this morning. Believe me, I'm delighted to be here, back in St.
Louis and back at this university of excellence -- the home of --
(applause) -- the state of Missouri, the home of ragtime, and
aerospace, agriculture; the state whose native sons include Omar
Bradley and Harry Truman and that master linguist, Yogi Berra --
(laughter and applause) -- the state -- oh, I love to quote Yogi. Do
you remember when he said, "Let's pair 'em off in three's"?
(Laughter.) And nevertheless, this state whose citizens embody the
best of America, and know that the heart of America is good --
working, serving others, hoping and dreaming.
For 136 years your excellent university has played a part
in that effort. Your community has built a pioneering effort in
science and math. Your teaching, research and soaring admission
applications tell a story summed up best by two words -- academic
excellence. (Applause.)
But there's another side of it, another side of the story
that Washington University has to tell -- a story from which all
America can learn. It's a story about investing in America's future
-- how as students and faculty, administrators and alumni, you have
shown that service and volunteerism can enrich education and enrich
America.
You work with the Special Olympics -- Sunday's Special
Olympics is but one chapter in that wonderful story. And around the
nation, other chapters are being written every day. And we're
- 2 -
life must include serving others -- in a child care center, the
corporate boardroom, in the Rotary, or Little League, or a tutoring
program, or a church or a synagogue.
Our new initiative will reflect that spirit, once called
"America's genius for great and generous deeds.' And I take special
pride in our Y-E-S, our YES Program -- Youth Entering Service --
which I proposed last fall to encourage American youth to give of
themselves to help others in need. And I'm convinced that we can
help alleviate many national problems by substantially increasing the
involvement of young Americans in voluntary service. And the
establishment of the YES Foundation will help lead that effort.
Together, we can show that what matters in the end are
not possessions. What matters is engaging in high moral principle of
serving one another. And that's the story of America that we can
write through voluntary service.
Eight days ago, in a joint session of Congress, I
proposed a budget to complement voluntary efforts to help serve the
gentler impulses of mankind. I listed four national objectives -- to
bring the deficit down, to invest in America's future, to find
solutions to an urgent set of national priorities, and no new taxes.
And our budget curbs the growth of federal spending while
providing for the most vulnerable among us. It is responsive and
responsible, and it will ensure a strong and stable economy. Our
budget balances social concern with fiscal sanity and leaves power in
the hands of the people. It shows that we can have a government with
a heart as well as a head.
And when it comes to reducing the deficit, some people
say it can't be done without neglecting our urgent social needs. It
can be done, but it can't be done with business as usual.
Next year alone, thanks to economic growth, -- it's
essential we keep the economic growth going in this country -- but
thanks to economic growth next year alone federal tax revenues under
existing law will rise by more than $80 billion. More than $80
billion in new revenues under existing law in one year alone. And
our job is to allocate these new resources wisely -- to reduce the
federal deficit by more than 40 percent, with no new taxes, and yet
investing in key priorities.
Budget consultations with the Congress, as some of you
may have read, are already underway and we are making progress. And
yesterday, I called the five congressional leaders and invited them
to come to the White House for another round of budget talks next
Tuesday morning. I am committed to working closely with my friends
on the Hill to help them meet the target date set by
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings for an April 15th budget resolution.
And together, we've got to make the process work.
There are certain priorities that demand attention. And,
yes, we can afford to increase spending -- modestly, selectively, but
only after tough choices are made. And we must spend enough to
protect
our
national
security
and
that
is
a
- 3 -
thousand upon thousands of other institutions, and by the people
themselves working together -- or they won't be met at all. The
government's contribution is critical, but by itself is insufficient
to solve all of our national problems.
And yet most Americans believe that our efforts must
reach beyond government, to care about our communities and to assist
our neighbors. I called it in a speech earlier on a "thousand points
of light, and some of the columnists have had fun with that,
interpreting it as a thousand pints of light. I thought -- surprised
you didn't get that one here in Missouri -- but I think people are
beginning to understand what I mean by a thousand points of light.
And if they'd look at these signs and talk to some of you responsible
for them, I think they'd understand it without contradiction. I
believe that government can be an important catalyst in that process
of helping individuals, helping our communities, helping our nation.
And, our budget does more, for instance, for environment,
more for the space program, invests almost $2.2 billion for the
National Science Foundation -- a lot of that going to universities to
help basic research. (Applause.) It increases funding for the Head
Start Program, -- (applause) -- and allocates $1 billion more in
additional outlays to stop the deadly scourge of drugs. We have got
to fight -- (applause) -- we've got to fight the drug fight on two
fronts, supply and demand; to reclaim the lives of addicts who want
help, educate young people about the dangers of drugs, and then
enforce our laws. All this is what I mean when I speak of investing
in the future.
To minority Americans, this budget says: Education means
opportunity, and bigotry will not be tolerated anywhere in the United
States of America. (Applause.) To the homeless, this budget targets
$1 billion, saying: Our nation must leave no one out. To the
elderly, this budget vows: Your dignity and concerns will be
respected. And to the nation's youth, the budget says: The promise
of tomorrow lies in the children of today.
Consider this: We've proposed a new child care
initiative, targeted -- it's not going to take care of everybody --
it's targeted at low-income families. We've restored and doubled the
tax deduction for adopting special needs children. We want those
kids in families of love. (Applause.) And even more, we've made
education the Gateway Arch of the Bush administration. For our
pursuit of excellence is the central to the future of America. And
if excellence breeds achievement, then excellence must be rewarded --
in grade school, in high school, and in the colleges and universities
of America.
Last Thursday, I asked Congress to begin a $500 million
program to reward America's best schools -- "merit schools" -- and
to establish special presidential award for the best teachers in
every state. (Applause.) I urged expanded use of what are known as
magnet schools -- giving families and students a choice in education.
(Applause.) And I proposed a new program to encourage what we call
"alternative certification" -- it is wrong, if one of your guys who
graduate from this school of excellence, one of you wants to go and
give of yourselves to teach in some urban area in a public school, it
is
wrong
to
have
- 4 -
more tolerant world.
And yes, in some areas, I've got to confess, I wish we
did have more money to spend -- key areas like drugs and education, I
will candidly admit that the federal government could use more
resources to bring to bear on these problems. But we've had to set
priorities. We've had to make the tough choices. And I believe we
have set the right priorities in this budget. Ours isn't the total
answer, but in this budget, we've made a good beginning. And now
I've asked the congressmen to come -- the leaders to come meet with
me, and in a spirit of bipartisanship, get on with the nation's
business of getting a quick and early resolution to this budget
crisis. (Applause.) And now, we have work to do. There are many
problems that must be solved in America today. And I am confident, I
remain confident that our nation can solve them. But America must go
far beyond the federal budget to achieve its goals.
We've got to forge strong partnerships between all levels
of government and voluntary organizations, and business corporations,
and individuals -- to lend a hand and mend a wound, and help the less
fortunate.
Next week, Barbara and I are going to embark on a long
journey. We're going to be trying to pursue peace and friendship --
a journey that's going to take us across the Pacific to Japan and
China and to Korea. And we go to attend the funeral of the late
Emperor and to consult with the leaders of many of America's allies
and friends there in Tokyo who will be attending those ceremonies.
And my visit to China is a bit of a sentimental journey to a country
where I served as America's equivalent then of ambassador 14 or 15
years ago.
And several days ago, preparing for our trip, I came
across these words of an old Chinese proverb: "One generation plants
the seed -- another gets the shade."
Think of the investments that we make in our future as
America's seeds. And we can lift hearts, we can change lives, and we
can shape the 1990s -- just one decade before a whole new century.
It's a tall order. But it has been the American story
for over two hundred years. And let's write it together. And let me
say in conclusion, just being here, just seeing these symbols of
volunteerism, make me absolutely convinced that if we take this
spirit evident in this gym here today and then multiply it by those
thousands, we can do the job. Let's write the next chapter together.
Thank you all for this wonderful welcome, and God bless
you all. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
10:57 A.M. CST