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Attorney General Richard Thornburgh Sendoff, 3/3/89
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foia Number:
S
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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:
13477
Folder ID Number:
13477-009
Folder Title:
Attorney General Richard Thornburgh Sendoff, 3/3/89
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Section:
Shelf:
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25
6
1
4
MASTER II
011752
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/2/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SENDOFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
FYI. The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
(Davis/Dooley)
March 8:45 p.m. 1, 198999 MAR PM I: 21
TALKING POINTS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
MARCH 3, 1989
-- I am about to begin a working lunch with Attorney General
Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker, and the man I
have asked the Senate to confirm as America's new drug czar -- my
good friend Bill Bennett.
-- We will discuss a critical national security issue -- how
to combat an enemy that subverts our youth and threatens to
destroy our future -- drug abuse. Cooperation is the key to
victory in this mortal struggle.
-- Cooperation must be global if we are to stem this
poisonous tide. As Vice President, I went to Latin America to
forge an alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will
continue this mission when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding
mission to three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia, and
Peru.
-- Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn;
not to scapegoat, but to support.
-- Dick will tell these three governments that I am
committed to a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981, the U.S.
federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370 percent. More
is needed. I am proposing $6 billion in 1990 for prevention,
treatment, and enforcement.
-- Dick will impress upon these three governments the need
for them to stop supply as we dry up demand. Together, we can
create an interdiction effort that is as international as the
drug trade itself.
-- I know none of us have forgotten the many brave men and
women in Latin America who have given their lives for this cause.
Many more live under the constant threat of assassination. We
are fighting a war without boundaries, in which every nation must
be an ally.
-- This is the message I have asked Dick to convey to the
presidents and justice ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett
and I look forward to hearing his report. This is a critical
mission in the war we have declared on drugs.
# # #
MASTERI
Document No. 011752
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/28/89
COB TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE No comments
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT Late3/iam
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERSON
CICCONI
ROGERS
+
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
WInston's office with an info copy to my office by close of
business TODAY Tuesday, February 28. THank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
1990 FEB 28 11:10:50 10:
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be
a national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
body and the very soul of America.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
But the scope of our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
to scapegoat, but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement.
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
local law enforcement agencies alone.
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
three governments the need for them to stop supply as we dry up
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
These governments can go to the source. These governments
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot coca plants
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 4
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain --
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
This is the message I want Dick to convey to the Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#
FINAL
TALKING POINTS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
MARCH 3, 1989
-- I am about to begin a working lunch with Attorney General
Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker, and the
man I have asked the Senate to confirm as America's new
drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
-- We will discuss a critical national security issue -- how
to combat an enemy that subverts our youth and threatens
to destroy our future -- drug abuse. Cooperation is the
key to victory in this mortal struggle.
-2-
-- Cooperation must be global if we are to stem this
poisonous tide. As Vice President, I went to Latin America
to forge an alliance against the drug trade. Dick
Thornburgh will continue this mission when he leaves Sunday
on a fact-finding mission to three Latin American nations --
Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru.
-- Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn;
not to scapegoat, but to support.
-- Dick will tell these three governments that I am committed
to a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981, the U.S.
federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370 percent.
More is needed. I am proposing $6 billion in 1990 for
prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
-3-
-- Dick will impress upon these three governments the need
for them to stop supply as we dry up demand. Together,
we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-- I know none of us have forgotten the many brave men and
women in Latin America who have given their lives for
this cause. Many more live under the constant threat
of assassination. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
-- This is the message I have asked Dick to convey to the
presidents and justice ministers of Latin America. Bill
Bennett and I look forward to hearing his report. This
is a critical mission in the war we have declared on drugs.
FINAL
(Davis/Dooley)
March 1, 1989
8:45 p.m.
TALKING POINTS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
MARCH 3, 1989
-- I am about to begin a working lunch with Attorney General
Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker, and the man I
have asked the Senate to confirm as America's new drug czar -- my
good friend Bill Bennett.
-- We will discuss a critical national security issue -- how
to combat an enemy that subverts our youth and threatens to
destroy our future -- drug abuse. Cooperation is the key to
victory in this mortal struggle.
-- Cooperation must be global if we are to stem this
poisonous tide. As Vice President, I went to Latin America to
forge an alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will
continue this mission when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding
mission to three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia, and
Peru.
-- Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn;
not to scapegoat, but to support.
-- Dick will tell these three governments that I am
committed to a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981, the U.S.
federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370 percent. More
is needed. I am proposing $6 billion in 1990 for prevention,
treatment, and enforcement.
-- Dick will impress upon these three governments the need
for them to stop supply as we dry up demand. Together, we can
create an interdiction effort that is as international as the
drug trade itself.
-- I know none of us have forgotten the many brave men and
women in Latin America who have given their lives for this cause.
Many more live under the constant threat of assassination. We
are fighting a war without boundaries, in which every nation must
be an ally.
-- This is the message I have asked Dick to convey to the
presidents and justice ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett
and I look forward to hearing his report. This is a critical
mission in the war we have declared on drugs.
# # #
Bondto Pres
1
3/1/89
8:00pm
Davis/Dooley
March 1, 1989
8:10 p.m.
TALKING POINTS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
MARCH 3, 1989
-- I am about to begin a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man I have asked the Senate to confirm as America's new
drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
-- We will discuss a critical national security issue --
how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth and threatens to
destroy our future -- drug abuse. Cooperation is the key to
victory in this mortal struggle.
-- Cooperation must be global if we are to stem this
poisonous tide. As Vice President, I went to Latin America to
forge an alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will
continue this mission when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding
mission to three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and
Peru.
-- Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn;
not to scapegoat, but to support. We know that the drug problem
in America is driven by demand.
2
-- Dick will tell these three governments that I am
committed to a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981, the U.S.
federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370 percent. More
is needed. I am proposing $6 billion in 1990 for prevention,
treatment and enforcement.
-- Dick will impress upon these three governments the need
for them to stop supply as we dry up demand. Together, we can
create an interdiction effort that is as international as the
drug trade itself.
-- I know none of us have forgotten the many brave men and
women in Latin America, who have given their lives for this
cause. Many more live under the constant threat of
assassination. We are fighting a war without boundaries, in
which every nation must be an ally.
-- This is the message I have asked Dick to convey to the
presidents and justice ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett
and I look forward to hearing his report. This is a critical
mission in the war we have declared on drugs.
#
#
#
1
Davis/Dooley
March 1, 1989
5:10 p.m.
TALKING POINTS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
MARCH 3, 1989
I am about to began
***
H
just had a working lunch with Attorney-General
have
Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker and the man I hope
asked the Senate to
Congress will soon confirm as America's new drug czar -- my good
friend Bill Bennett.
will
We discuss ed a critical national security issue -- how
to combat an enemy that subverts our youth and threatens to
destroy our future -- drug abuse. Cooperation is the key to
victory in this mortal struggle.
Cooperation must be global if we are to stem this
poisonous tide. As Vice President, I went to Latin America to
forge an alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will
continue this mission when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding
mission to three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and
Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to
learn; not to scapegoat, but to support. We know that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
2
Dick will tell these three governments that I am
committed to a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981, the U.S.
federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370 percent. More
is needed. I am proposing $6 billion in 1990 for prevention,
treatment and enforcement.
Dick will impress upon these three governments the need
for them to stop supply as we dry up demand. Together, we can
create an interdiction effort that is as international as the
drug trade itself.
I know none of us have forgotten the many brave men and
women in Latin America, who have given their lives for this
cause. Many more live under the constant threat of
assassination. We are fighting a war without boundaries, in
which every nation must be an ally.
This is the message I have asked Dick to convey to
the Presidents Justice and Interior ministers of Latin America. Bill .
and
This is a
Bennett and I look forward to hearing his report., I am confident
Critical mission in the wor we have dic Cared on drugs
that Dick will do a splendid job. And I want him to know that he
leaves with the heartfelt thanks of us all.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
Feb. 28, 1989
To:
CHRISS WINSTON
From:
MARK W. DAVIS MD
Re:
Upcoming Speeches
Attached are the latest versions of the Thornburgh send-off
and the Teachers' award, which are being staffed-out.
In the first, I compiled a record of interviews with NSC,
Justice and other officials because this is such a sensitive area
with our allies. This record is attached.
In the second speech, note that Reader's Digest is kept at
arms length from the donation of the De Witt Wallace trust fund.
The NEH press release gave the credit for the award to Reader's
Digest. But when I checked with R.D.'s corporate office, I
learned that they will incur a tremendous tax liability if they
are linked directly to the donation of their affiliated trust
fund. So we should take care in future revisions not to give
Reader's Digest too prominent a mention.
#
#
#
Feb. 22, 1989
MEMORANDUM
To:
CHRISS WINSTON
From:
MARK W. DAVIS
Re:
Background on A.G. send-off
According to Julie Andrews at the Department of Justice, the
Attorney-General will travel to Bogata, Colombia; La Paz,
Bolivia; and Lima, Peru. President Bush is currently scheduled
to preside over the A.G.'s send-off ceremony on March 3.
Ambassador David Miller of the N.S.C. stressed the need to refer
to the Attorney-General's trip as a "fact-finding" mission to
minimize the deluge of requests for money and hardware from the
three governments.
Bob Pastereno of the N.S.C. also recommended that we praise the
brave men and women of those countries who run such terrible
risks by fighting the drug cartels (as do our own D.E.A.
undercover agents). However, he stressed we should avoid
mentioning the names of any Latin American crime fighters, lest
we be embarrassed down the road by a revelation of dishonesty.
Pastereno also said that these governments are inclined to seek
offense where none is intended. His advice: "The less said, the
better."
David Tell with Bill Bennett stressed that this is a very
sensitive time for his boss. This will be the same week Bennett
goes to the Hill, and Congress will be keen to prove that the
President's new drug czar is out of the loop. He recommended we
avoid this by noting that Bill Bennett and the President will
meet with Thornburgh before his departure, and look forward to
hearing his report upon his return.
-MORE-
-2-
Doug Wead and Sharee Sanchez of Public Liaison believe the
President will want to refer to his vice-president trip to Latin
America as a turning point in regional attitudes.
Dick Weatherby of Justice recommended a mention of the U.N.
Convention signed last December by the Attorney-General on behalf
of the United States, along with the signatories of dozens of
other nations. This document puts these nations on record as
being committed to international cooperation against drug
traffickers. He recommended that the President prompt these
nations to ratify the Convention as soon as possible.
Everyone I spoke with was in agreement that cooperation is the
principal theme. We should avoid the appearance of dealing with
these countries in a heavy-handed manner. The President can best
do this by recognizing that there is a problem with the demand
side (the United States), as well as with supply (Latin America).
#
#
#
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be
a national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
body and the very soul of America.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
But the scope of our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
to scapegoat, but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement.
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
local law enforcement agencies alone.
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
three governments the need for them to stop supply as we dry up
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
These governments can go to the source. These governments
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot coca plants
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 4
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain --
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
This is the message I want Dick to convey to the Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 28, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
C. BOYDEN GRAY mg
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Speech for Thornburgh send off
I have one substantive comment and one stylistic suggestion.
On the first page, in the first paragraph, you refer to "the man
Congress will soon confirm as America's new drug czar -- my good
friend Bill Bennett." I would recommend rewriting that to read
either "the man I have asked the Senate to confirm promptly as
America's new drug czar" or "the man I have selected to serve as
America's new drug czar." The Senate, not the Congress, has the
power to confirm, and some Senators might consider presumptuous
the President's stating that they "will soon confirm" Bennett
rather than that the President has asked them to do so.
The stylistic suggestion: on page 1, in the third paragraph, the
last sentence reads "I have called drug abuse a scourge, because
that is what it is --- a contamination of the blood, the body and
the very soul of America." The problem is that a scourge is not
(literally) a contamination. It's a whip or thong or something
else used for flogging. It would be less jarring if the sentence
read something like "I feel that drug abuse is a scourge, a
contamination of the blood, the body and the very soul of
America."
CC: Jim Cicconi
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DRAFT
February 28, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
C. BOYDEN GRAY
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Speech for Thornburgh send off
I have one substantive comment and one stylistic suggestion.
On the first page, in the first paragraph, you refer to "the man
Congress will soon confirm as America's new drug czar -- my good
friend Bill Bennett." I would recommend rewriting that to read
either "the man I have asked the Senate to confirm promptly as
America's new drug czar" or "the man I have selected to serve as
America's new drug czar." The Senate, not the Congress, has the
power to confirm, and some Senators might consider presumptuous
the President's stating that they "will soon confirm" Bennett
rather than that the President has asked them to do so.
The stylistic suggestion: on page 1, in the third paragraph, the
last sentence reads "I have called drug abuse a scourge, because
that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the body and
the very soul of America." The problem is that a scourge is not
N/A
(literally) a contamination. It's a whip or thong or something
else used for flogging. It would be less jarring if the sentence
read something like "I feel that drug abuse is a scourge, a
contamination of the blood, the body and the very soul of
America."
CC: Jim Cicconi
Document No. 011752
1218
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/28/89
COB TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERSON
CICCONI
ROGERS
+
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
WInston's office with an info copy to my office by close of
business TODAY Tuesday, February 28. THank you.
RESPONSE:
March 1, 1989
To: Chriss Winston
The NSC concurs in the attached statement.
Brent 60 Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
CC: Jim Cicconi
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
1993 FEB 28 A1050 50
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be
a national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
body and the very soul of America.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
But the scope of our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
to scapegoat, but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement.
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
local law enforcement agencies alone.
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
three governments the need for them to stop supply as we dry up
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
These governments can go to the source. These governments
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot coca plants
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 4
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain --
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
...
This is the message I want Dick to convey to the Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 28, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
Re:
Comments on the NEH, Westinghouse, and Thornburgh drafts
Welcome back!
I have a few specific comments, which reflect the input of
Roger Porter and Bill Roper. I also have a general comment, which
is this: these speeches are well-written and flow well enough,
but they tend to lack a specific hook. I realize that Tower could
well be all the news the President will make this week, no matter
what else he says, but it seems to Roger, Bill, and myself that
we ought to strive to have one clearcut line or graf that punches
through and makes reporters take notice. I know we won't neces-
sarily achieve that goal in every speech, and that some speeches
provide more obvious opportunities than others. Nevertheless,
these comments represent our best effort at helping you in this
effort.
NEH
Page 1, para 4 Please change "Peking" to "Beijing."
P3,p1 This is a confusing graf, that doesn't really advance
the speech, and which hints at a degree of self-doubt that the
President does not suffer from. I think the best course is to
simply delete it.
P3,p2 The emerging "rap" on the Administration is that
our budget proposal offers little more for education than "the
bully pulpit." Therefore I'd add a second clause to the third
sentence, e.g. "even as I make a renewed push for a shift in
some of our priorities to concentrate resources on those who
need help the most." That's not the most felicitous phrase, but
I do think we should avoid setting ourselves up as being, as it
were, all hat and no cattle.
P3,p3 While it is quite proper to praise our ancestors
for building a "national public education system from scratch,"
we should not leave it there, neglecting private education. I
suspect that many of the NEH scholars come from private schools.
P4, bottom of page Having restated some of our key proposals
from the 2/9 speech, I think we need to bring out our real point,
which would be something like this: "During the coming weeks, I
2-2-2
will transmit comprehensive legislation to the Congress detailing
our proposals and asking for their help in strengthening American
education."
P5,p1, last two lines I don't think this last sentence
captures the President's idealism and sense of service at all.
I would completely rewrite to something like this. "Teachers
do not choose their profession because of its financial rewards.
There are too many other ways to make a living, even a better
living. However, teachers enjoy the immense satisfaction of
raising the sights of the next generation. Their work makes
our horizons longer and our futures brighter." Something like
that. Then, having listed all the satisfactions they gain from
teaching, I would mention society's effort to honor teachers.
Then, and only then would I slip in a reference to money as an
additional incentive. Again, the logic is the reverse of what
the draft reads at present.
P6,p1, line 3 I don't think this accurately captures the
thrust of Lynn Cheney's book. The real point of the book was
to alert Americans to the underachievement problem. The pre-
scription about "administrative impediments" is one of many
cited. I would delete.
P7,p3+4 In the name of being extra-careful, are we sure
that we're safe in citing this particular project. I take it
from the text that this is a proposal, as opposed to a finished
project. Even so, do we know anything about Barbara Whittaker
and what she is likely to say when reporters swarm around her
after the President's remarks? At an absolute minimum, we recom-
mend that we downgrade the reference to just the title of the
project, as opposed to the project itself. That gives us some
cover, in case the project turns out to be something unseemly.
However, we think we are on safer ground if we look into this
matter more deeply or just delete it completely.
Westinghouse
P1,p1, line 4 I know the Jefferson reference is intended
to be humorous, but I think it will come across as snotty.
P3,p3, line 6 It's a "Research and Experimentation tax
credit.
Thornburgh
P1, Given where we are in terms of Senate confirmation, I'd
say, in the third line
"
and the man I hope Congress will soon
confirm
"
P3p1, line 1 Let's personalize it more. "Dick will tell these
three governments that I am committed to a tough zero tolerance
3-3-3
policy and that the American people join with me
If
I think
that we should seize every opportunity to emphasize the President's
personal involvement in this effort.
Thanks for taking the time to wade through all these kibitzes!
#
CC: Roger Porter
Bill Roper
chils winth
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CABINET AFFAIRS STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 2/8/89
Number:
Due By: 5:00 pm tode
Subject: Presidential Remarks
Action
FYI
Action
FYI
ALL CABINET MEMBERS
CEA
CEQ
Vice President
OSTP
State
Treasury
Justice Defense Dave Runkel
Interior comments attached
Agriculture
Commerce
Scowcroft
Labor
Porter
HHS
Breeden
HUD
Cicconi (For WH Staffing)
Transportation
Energy
Education
Veterans
OMB
USTR
Chief of Staff
UN
Executive Secretary for:
DPC
CIA
National Drug Policy O.K
EPC
EPA
no comments
Ph.1 Brady
GSA
Concers w/ Justice
NASA
OPM
SBA
REMARKS:
RETURN TO:
David Q. Bates
Associate Director
Cabinet Secretary
Office of Cabinet Affairs
456-2174
456-2800
(1st Floor, West Wing)
(Room 235, OEOB)
Document No.
011752
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/28/89
COB TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERSON
ROGERS
CICCONI
+
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
WInston's office with an info copy to my office by close of
business TODAY Tuesday, February 28. THank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be
a national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
body and the very soul of America.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
But the scope of our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
to scapegoat, but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
inform
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
N/A supported
N/A
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement.
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
figure
not
local law enforcement agencies alone.
by know where came
Dept
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
their cooperation in
move to
three governments the need for them to stop:supply as wendry up
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
N/A
must help these governments
These governments can go to the source, These governments
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot coca plants
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 4
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain
--
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
NA
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
Justice Dept suggests
-MORE-
eliminating these paragraphs
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
Thornburgh
Presidents and
This is the message I want Dick/to convey to the^Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#
Document No. 011752
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
09 FEB 20 11:3b
2/28/89
COB TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERSON
CICCONI
ROGERS
+
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
WInston's office with an info copy to my office by close of
business TODAY Tuesday, February 28. THank you.
RESPONSE:
forms zoni
Assistant resident
and Deputy 0 the shief of Staff
Ext. 2702
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
1090 FED 20 10:50
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
Hale 3120
Y
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
snacks us N/A a
Hale
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be X3120
national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
Socialism
body and the very soul of America. A plaque from which N/A NO
ONE iN this country is safe OR immune.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, Cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply impressed moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
thank soff 4 steurops But the N/A of
scope our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
was
shra
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
build
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
criticize
to scapegoat, but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
The people dont adopt, the WH does. Then, the people support" 02
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
NA
will support.
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
ARE READY
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
to support?
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement
detention TO EXHANCE tederal capoloilities agencies,ofrug for grants
Enforcement
prosecution,
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
Hale
local law enforcement agencies alone.
X3120
however,
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
[These governments have these OWN domestic daug abuse pooblems, which thesaten
their NATIONS
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
securities
three governments the need for them to stop supply as we dry up
marr
then
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
theater
drugs
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
ours!]
These governments can go to the source. These governments
must
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot MAHARA coca plants
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
IMAGINE.
must
STRETCHES
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as CEEDIBILITY
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
protecting daugs AND their the COMWALS homelands that fean ssll PAGE them. 4
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain --
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
that
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
bEAR
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
...
This is the message I want Dick to convey to the Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#
Document No.
011752
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/28/89
COB TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THORNBURGH SEND-OFF
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERSON
CICCONI
ROGERS
+
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
WInston's office with an info copy to my office by close of
business TODAY Tuesday, February 28. THank you.
RESPONSE: Oh
gBw
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 1
1033 FED 20
Thornburgh Send-off
Good afternoon.
As you know, I just had a working lunch with
Attorney-General Thornburgh, General Scowcroft, Secretary Baker
and the man Congress will soon confirm as America's
new drug czar -- my good friend Bill Bennett.
The subject of our discussion was a critical national
security issue -- how to combat an enemy that subverts our youth
and threatens to destroy our American future.
Yes, I am referring to drug abuse. Yes, I consider it to be
a national security crisis. I have called drug abuse a scourge,
because that is what it is -- a contamination of the blood, the
body and the very soul of America.
When a nation is engaged in a mortal struggle, cooperation
is the key to victory. I am deeply moved by the unity and
determination of this nation to fight the drug trade.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 2
But the scope of our cooperative effort must be global.
Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into America by the ton, in the
hulls of ships and the bellies of jet aircraft. It is obvious
that we must reach out to other governments, to cooperate and to
coordinate our actions if we are to stem these rivers of poison.
As Vice President, I went to Latin America to forge an
alliance against the drug trade. Dick Thornburgh will continue
this effort when he leaves Sunday on a fact-finding mission to
three Latin American nations -- Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Dick goes to Latin America not to lecture, but to learn; not
?
to scapegoat but to support. We acknowledge that the drug
problem in America is driven by demand.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 3
Dick will tell these three governments that the American
people are adopting a tough zero tolerance policy. Since 1981,
the U.S. federal anti-drug budget has grown by nearly 370
percent. But more is needed, and that is why I have proposed
$6 billion in 1990 for prevention, treatment and enforcement.
More than $4 billion is to be provided in grants to state and
local law enforcement agencies alone.
And no expenditures can match the gradual hardening of the
American attitude against so-called casual drug abuse.
But even this is not enough. Dick will impress upon these
three governments the need for them to stop supply as we dry up
demand. He will pledge to them our support in their
life-or-death struggle against the international drug cartels.
These governments can go to the source. These governments
can smash drug laboratories by the dozens, and uproot coca plants
by the millions. Together, we can raise the cost
of business for the drug lords to an intolerable level.
Together, we can create an interdiction effort that is as
international as the drug trade itself.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/28/10:30 A.M.
PAGE 4
Let us never forget that many brave men and women in Latin
America have already given their lives for this very cause. Many
more live under the constant threat of assassination. Nor will
we forget Enrique Camarena-Salazar, an American D.E.A. agent who
lost his life in this same war. We are fighting a war without
boundaries, in which every nation must be an ally.
In this global struggle, history offers us a lesson.
During the last century, another nation -- Great Britain --
declared that slavery was immoral, and that the selling of human
beings had to end.
The world viewed such declarations as utopian. The
doubters, the cynics, the naysayers said that there were too many
powerful people getting too rich from slavery. True, the British
Navy could harass the slavers. But it was believed that they
could never put the slave trade out of business.
-MORE-
PRESIDENT BUSH/3/3/89
DRAFT/2/24/8:30 A.M.
PAGE 5
And yet, well before the end of the century, the oceans of
the world had seen the last slaving ship set sail. World
intolerance grew until slaving ships could no longer find an open
port. The indignation of a few committed people moved
governments, and then moved the world.
Today, the oceans and airways of the world are transporting
a different kind of trade that results in a more subtle form of
slavery. My friends, we will not defeat the drug lords tomorrow.
We will not defeat them next year or in the year after that. But
with the cooperation of principled people in neighboring nations,
we will fight, and we will not stop short of victory
This is the message I want Dick to convey to the Justice
Ministers of Latin America. Bill Bennett and I look forward to
hearing his report. I am confident that Dick will do a splendid
job. And I want him to know that he leaves with the heartfelt
thanks of us all.
#
#
#