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Peace Officer's Memorial Day, 5/15/89 [1]
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Peace Officer's Memorial Day, 5/15/89 [1]
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
2011-2184-F
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:
13486
Folder ID Number:
13486-011
Folder Title:
Peace Officer's Memorial Day, 5/15/89 [1]
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Section:
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G
26
15
7
2
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 ; 9:42AM ;
2026732611-
4566218;# 1
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. 20500
FAX TRANSMISSION TO:
Chriss Winston
Office of Communications
FROM:
David Tell
Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE:
Friday, May 12,1989
PAGES:
Three (3), including cover
SUBJECT:
The President's May 15 Drugs/Crime/Guns Speech
Director Bennett's comments and suggestions on Monday's speech. Please
call me at 673-2512 if further discussion is needed or possibly helpful.
DECLASSIFIED
White House Guidelines
E.O. 13526, SEC 3.4 (b), September 11, 2006
By it NARA, Date 05/30/23
DECLASSIFIED
PER DOS WAIVER, November 6, 2015
By it NARA, Date 05/30/23
SENI BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 ; 9:43AM ;
2026732611->
4566218;# 2
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. 20500
MEMO TO:
Chriss Winston
Office of Communications
FROM:
David Tell (for William Bennett, Director)
DATE:
Friday, May 12, 1989
SUBJECT:
The President's May 15 Drugs/Crime/Guns Speech
General Comments
This is an excellent speech, well-written, coherent,
newsworthy, and politically attractive -- 1f this is how the
President ultimately decides to handle the assault weapon
question. But we are still concerned that this response -- a
permanent ban on imports that fail to meet the "sporting
purposes" requirement of the 1968 Act -- leaves the President
without an answer to those who will inevitably charge him with
ducking the problem of domestic manufacture, sale, and transfer.
It will be difficult to establish a good rationale for banning
foreign-made weapons 1f similar domestic-manufacture weapons are
left unregulated -- except a kind of gun industry protectionism
that the President should not, even by implication, appear to
endorse.
A domestic component of the President's package that might
ban domestic assembly of foreign-made assault weapons parts has
the same protectionist tinge, and is less than perfect because of
it.
The gun-magazine limitation currently contained in the
speech (page 7) is fine, but we suggest that the anecdotal
example adduced in its support represents a serious potential
embarrassment to the President. A "street-sweeper" shotgun with
a 12-round magazine is a terrible and dangerous weapon, of
course. A theoretical "street-sweeper" shotgun with a 10-round
magazine would be -- to the popular imagination -- a difference
in degree, not kind. Picture the obvious political cartoon: a
man shot 10 times by a drug dealer, sighing in relief that the
murder weapon didn't have just 2 more cartridges. We suggest
that the "street-sweeper" example be dropped, and that the
President describe the problem in general terms only.
DECLASSIFIED
White House Guidelines
E.O. 13526, SEC 3.4 (b), September 11, 2006
By It NARA, Date 05/30/23
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines, July 21, 1997
By
It
NARA, Date 05/30/23
SENI BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 ; 9:43AM ;
2026732611-
4566218;# 3
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Specific Editorial Suggestions
Page 2, third paragraph. Since the President is not
addressing the "demand side" of the drug equation in this speech,
the triad "drugs and dollars and dependency" should instead be
something like "drugs and dollars and destruction." 11
Page 3, second paragraph. "Society causes crime like wet
sidewalks cause rain" is not a good "false analogy" to make the
President's point. Rain causes wet sidewalks. But crime doesn't
cause society. Cut this line, and run the following sentence
(minus the "But") into this paragraph.
Page 10, third full paragraph. Insert after "L.A. barrio"
something like: "or at some motorcycle gang outpost in the
Ozarks." All current examples in this paragraph are in black and
Hispanic areas. That's bad politics, and it's also not true.
Also, the penultimate "And you" of this paragraph might be
construed to mean that the Administration intends to enter poor
neighborhoods and their jails and "finish the job.' That's a bit
much. Something along the lines of "We will take back our
streets" would be just as tough, and better calibrated.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 : 9:42AM ;
2026732611-
4566218:# 1
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. 20500
FAX TRANSMISSION TO:
Chriss Winston
Office of Communications
FROM:
David Tell
Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE:
Friday, May 12,1989
PAGES:
Three (3), including cover
SUBJECT:
The President's May 15 Drugs/Crime/Guns Speech
Director Bennett's comments and suggestions on Monday's speech. Please
call me at 673-2512 if further discussion is needed or possibly helpful.
DECLASSIFIED
White House Guidelines
E.O. 13526, SEC 3.4 (b), September 11, 2006
By It NARA, Date 05/30/23
DECLASSIFIED
PER DOS WAIVER November 6, 2015
By It
NARA, Date 05/30/23
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 ; 9:43AM
2026732611-
4566218;# 2
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. 20500
MEMO TO:
Chriss Winston
Office of Communications
FROM:
David Tell (for William Bennett, Director)
DATE:
Friday, May 12, 1989
SUBJECT:
The President's May 15 Drugs/Crime/Guns Speech
General Comments
This is an excellent speech, well-written, coherent,
newsworthy, and politically attractive -- if this is how the
President ultimately decides to handle the assault weapon
question. But we are still concerned that this response -- a
permanent ban on imports that fail to meet the "sporting
purposes" requirement of the 1968 Act -- leaves the President
without an answer to those who will inevitably charge him with
ducking the problem of domestic manufacture, sale, and transfer.
It will be difficult to establish a good rationale for banning
foreign-made weapons 1f similar domestic-manufacture weapons are
left unregulated -- except a kind of gun industry protectionism
endorse. that the President should not, even by implication, appear to
A domestic component of the President's package that might
ban domestic assembly of foreign-made assault weapons parts has
the it. same protectionist tinge, and is less than perfect because of
The gun-magazine limitation currently contained in the
speech (page 7) is fine, but we suggest that the anecdotal
example adduced in its support represents a serious potential
embarrassment to the President. A "street-sweeper" shotgun with
a 12-round magazine is a terrible and dangerous weapon, of
course. A theoretical "street-sweeper" shotgun with a 10-round
magazine would be -- to the popular imagination -- a difference
in degree, not kind. Picture the obvious political cartoon: a
man shot 10 times by a drug dealer, sighing in relief that the
murder weapon didn't have just 2 more cartridges. We suggest
that the "street-sweeper" example be dropped, and that the
President describe the problem in general terms only.
DECLASSIFIED
White House Guidelines
E.O. 13526, SEC 3.4 (b), September 11, 2006
By 1+ NARA, Date 05/30/23
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines, July 21, 1997
By
4
NARA, Date 05/30/23
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5-12-89 ; 9:43AM ;
2026732611-
4566218;# 3
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Specific Editorial Suggestions
Page 2, third paragraph. Since the President is not
addressing the "demand side" of the drug equation in this speech,
the triad "drugs and dollars and dependency" should instead be
something like "drugs and dollars and destruction."
Page 3, second paragraph. "Society causes crime like wet
sidewalks cause rain" is not a good "false analogy" to make the
President's point. Rain causes wet sidewalks. But crime doesn't
cause society. Cut this line, and run the following sentence
(minus the "But") into this paragraph.
Page 10, third full paragraph. Insert after "L.A. barrio"
something like: "or at some motorcycle gang outpost in the
Ozarks." All current examples in this paragraph are in black and
Hispanic areas. That's bad politics, and it's also-not true
Also, the penultimate "And you" of this paragraph might be
construed to mean that the Administration intends to enter poor
neighborhoods and their jails and "finish the job. That's a bit
much. Something along the lines of "We will take back our
streets" would be just as tough, and better calibrated.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
12:00 NOON
LAST FALL, A RETIRED NEW YORK POLICE LIEUTENANT
GAVE ME BADGE NUMBER 14072 -- THE BADGE HIS SON WORE
THE DAY HE WAS GUNNED DOWN BY A GANG OF COCAINE
COWARDS. MATTHEW BYRNE ASKED ME To KEEP EDDIE'S BADGE
AS A "REMINDER OF ALL THE BRAVE POLICE OFFICERS.. WHO
PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR US EVERY DAY."
- 2 -
MATT, YOUR SON'S BADGE IS KEPT IN MY DESK IN THE
OVAL OFFICE. DURING THE DEBATE ON GUN-RELATED VIOLENCE
THAT HAS RAGED IN THIS COUNTRY THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS,
NEITHER IT, NOR WHAT IT REPRESENTS, HAS EVER BEEN FAR
FROM MY MIND. I'VE HEARD THE MANY VOICES, THE
COURAGEOUS AND THE CORRUPT, THE WOUNDED AND THE
WIDOWED.
- 3 -
WE GATHER TODAY TO RESPOND TO THOSE VOICES, AND TO
HONOR THE FALLEN BY LAUNCHING A NEW NATIONAL STRATEGY
-- A PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA'S CITIES AND STATES -- TO
TAKE BACK THE STREETS.
IT CALLS FOR A RETURN TO COMMON SENSE. AND IT
BEGINS WITH A CLEAR-EYED VISION OF THE KIND OF PROBLEMS
WE FACE, THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE ARE, THE KIND OF VALUES
WE HOLD -- AND THE KIND OF NATION WE INTEND TO BEQUEATH
To OUR CHILDREN.
- 4 -
THE PROBLEM IS VIOLENT CRIME -- AND, IN PARTICULAR,
THE BLOOD THAT'S BEEN SHED BY INCREASINGLY
SOPHISTICATED GUNS IN THE HANDS OF A NEW CLASS OF
CRIMINALS. USUALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS, THE DEATHS ARE
TIED TO A CYCLE OF DOLLARS AND DRUGS AND DEPENDENCY.
THE PRINCIPLES ARE SIMPLE. MY GENERATION WELL
REMEMBERS WHAT SOME BELIEVE WAS F.D.R.'s FINEST SPEECH:
THE "FOUR FREEDOMS" ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF
CONGRESS.
- 5 -
THE LAST, OFTEN FORGOTTEN, BUT ARGUABLY MOST
FUNDAMENTAL OF THOSE FREEDOMS WAS SIMPLY THIS: FREEDOM
FROM FEAR. OUR SWORN DUTY TO "INSURE DOMESTIC
TRANQUILITY" IS AS OLD AS THE REPUBLIC ITSELF, PLACED
IN THE CONSTITUTION'S PREAMBLE EVEN BEFORE THE COMMON
DEFENSE AND THE GENERAL WELFARE. WHEN WE ASK WHAT KIND
OF SOCIETY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE, OUR GOAL MUST
BE A NATION IN WHICH LAW ABIDING CITIZENS ARE SAFE AND
FEEL SAFE.
- 6 -
To ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, PEOPLE MUST BE HELD
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. THAT'S COMMON SENSE.
MOST AMERICANS ARE LAW ABIDING, AND MOST BELIEVE THAT
THERE IS SUCH A THING AS RIGHT AND WRONG -- GOOD AND
EVIL. WHETHER IT'S THE BRUTALIZATION OF A YOUNG RUNNER
IN A PARK OR TERRORIZING A YOUNG MAN ONTO A CROWDED
HIGHWAY, THESE ARE ACTS THAT CANNOT BE EXCUSED, OR
EXPLAINED AWAY.
- 7 -
A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO CRIME MEANS THAT IF WE
ARE GOING TO AFFECT PEOPLE'S BEHAVIOR, WE MUST HAVE A
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN WHICH THERE IS AN
EXPECTATION THAT:
-- IF YOU COMMIT A CRIME, YOU WILL BE CAUGHT.
-- AND IF CAUGHT, YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED.
-- AND IF CONVICTED, YOU WILL DO TIME.
- 8 -
FOR FAR TOO LONG, A PRIVILEGED CLASS OF VIOLENT AND
REPEAT OFFENDERS HAVE CALCULATED THAT CRIME REALLY DOES
PAY -- THAT OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS A CRAPSHOOT
WHERE THE RISKS ARE WORTH THE REWARDS. WELL, IT'S TIME
WE CHANGE THE ODDS -- AND UP THE STAKES ENORMOUSLY.
WE WILL LEAD THE WAY. WE WILL DO OUR PART -- AND
THEN SOME. BUT NO FEDERAL EFFORT CAN SUCCEED WITHOUT
THE FULL PARTNERSHIP OF THE CITIES AND STATES YOU
REPRESENT.
- 9 -
UNFORTUNATELY, NOWHERE IS YOUR FRONT LINE ROLE MORE
EVIDENT THAN IN THE HONOR ROLL THAT WILL BE READ TODAY:
OF THE 161 OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY LAST
YEAR, 152 WERE STATE OR LOCAL COPS. You ARE THE FIRST
LINE OF DEFENSE -- AND YOUR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS HAVE
AN OBLIGATION TO ADOPT TOUGH LEGISLATION AND PROVIDE
THE RESOURCES -- IN POLICE, PROSECUTORS AND PRISONS --
TO FULLY BACK YOU UP.
- 10 -
AT THE TRIAL OF EDDIE BYRNE'S EXECUTIONERS, THERE
WAS TESTIMONY THAT THE HIT WAS ORDERED FROM PRISON TO
SEND A "MESSAGE" TO THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BADGE. ONE
WITNESS SAID THEY HOPED TO SEE THE ATTACK ON THE TV
NEWS AT RIKER'S ISLAND.
TODAY WE HAVE A MESSAGE OF OUR OWN: WE'RE GOING TO
TAKE BACK THE STREETS. BY TAKING CRIMINALS OFF THE
STREETS.
- 11 -
It's AN ATTACK ON ALL FOUR FRONTS -- NEW LAWS TO
PUNISH THEM, NEW AGENTS TO ARREST THEM, NEW PROSECUTORS
TO CONVICT THEM, AND NEW PRISONS TO HOLD THEM.
I AM ANNOUNCING TODAY A COMPREHENSIVE NEW OFFENSIVE
FOR COMBATTING VIOLENT CRIME. FOR EDDIE BYRNE, FOR
EVERY OFFICER WE HONOR HERE TODAY, AND FOR AMERICA.
- 12 -
THE FIRST FRONT OF THIS CAMPAIGN -- NEW LAWS --
STARTS WITH THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC AND SO-CALLED "ASSAULT"
WEAPONS THAT CRIMINALS HAVE TAKEN AS THEIR GUN OF
CHOICE.
AGAIN, COMMON SENSE HAS TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART
IN THIS DISCUSSION. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, NEARLY
HALF THE HOUSEHOLDS IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE GUNS. THE
GUNS ARE ALREADY OUT THERE.
- 13 -
AND THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY ARE LEGITIMATELY OWNED
FOR LEGITIMATE PURPOSES.
BUT IN CONTRAST TO LEGITIMATE GUN OWNERSHIP IS THE
CHILLING FACT THAT SOMETHING LIKE 80 PERCENT OF ALL
FIREARMS USED BY FELONS ARE STOLEN OR OTHERWISE
UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED. THROUGHOUT OUR NATION'S HISTORY,
THE HARD LESSON WE'VE LEARNED IS THAT CRIMINALS WILL
GET GUNS.
- 14 -
So LET ME BE VERY CLEAR ABOUT OUR RESPONSE: THE
RIGHT TO OWN GUNS IS NOT A LICENSE TO HARM OTHERS.
FIRST, I AM CALLING ON CONGRESS TODAY TO DO FOR
DANGEROUS FIREARMS WHAT IT HAS WISELY DONE FOR
DANGEROUS DRUGS -- TO DOUBLE THE MANDATORY MINIMUM
PENALTIES FOR THE USE OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONS IN
CRIMES INVOLVING VIOLENCE OR DRUGS.
- 15 -
THE MATH IS SIMPLE. ANYONE WHO USES A SEMI-
AUTOMATIC FOR CRIME -- OR so MUCH AS HAS ONE ON THEM
DURING A CRIME -- WILL DO AN AUTOMATIC 10 EXTRA YEARS
IN FEDERAL PRISON. No PROBATION. No PAROLE. No
MATTER WHICH JUDGE THEY GET.
SECONDLY, WE JUST CAN'T PLEA BARGAIN AWAY THE LIVES
OF OUR COPS AND KIDS.
- 16 -
I AM DIRECTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ADVISE AMERICA'S
PROSECUTORS TO END PLEA BARGAINING FOR VIOLENT FEDERAL
FIREARMS OFFENSES. THOSE WHO USE GUNS WILL DO TIME --
HARD TIME.
THIRD -- WHEN A CRIMINAL CARRIES A GUN -- AND
SOMEONE DIES -- THEY MUST PAY WITH THEIR OWN LIVES.
- 17 -
WE ARE CALLING ON CONGRESS TODAY TO ENACT THE STEPS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE DEATH PENALTY -- AND To
NEWLY DESIGNATE THE USE OF A FIREARM AS AN "AGGRAVATING
FACTOR" FOR DETERMINING WHETHER THE DEATH SENTENCE
SHOULD BE IMPOSED.
- 18 -
AND I CALL ON AMERICA'S GOVERNORS TO MATCH THIS
FEDERAL INITIATIVE AND PROPOSE THESE SAME THREE
STANDARDS AT HOME -- MANDATORY TIME, NO DEALS WITHOUT
COOPERATION, THE DEATH PENALTY WHERE APPROPRIATE. YOUR
STATES OWE IT TO THOSE HERE TODAY.
FOURTH -- TWO MONTHS AGO, AT MY DIRECTION, THE
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS SUSPENDED THE
IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN, SO-CALLED "ASSAULT" WEAPONS.
- - 19 -
ATF IS CONTINUING ITS EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE WHICH --
IF ANY -- OF THESE WEAPONS ARE ACCEPTABLE UNDER THE
STANDARDS IN EXISTING LAW. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS
THREE MONTH STUDY -- AND AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION --
WE WILL PERMANENTLY BAN THOSE IMPORTS THAT DON'T
MEASURE UP TO THESE STANDARDS.
- 20 -
RECENTLY, THE U.S. NEWS COVER STORY ON GUNS SUMMED
UP A RELATED CHALLENGE -- "THE DIFFICULTY IN DRAFTING
LAWS THAT WILL SEPARATE ASSAULT WEAPONS USED IN CRIME
FROM SEMI-AUTOMATICS FREQUENTLY USED" FOR LEGITIMATE
HUNTING AND SPORT.
THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL CONTROVERSY AND DEBATE ON THIS
POINT. BUT ONE THING THAT WE DO KNOW ABOUT THESE
"ASSAULT" WEAPONS IS THAT THEY INVARIABLY ARE EQUIPPED
WITH UNJUSTIFIABLY LARGE MAGAZINES.
- 21 -
THE NOTORIOUS AKS-47, FOR EXAMPLE, COMES WITH A
MAGAZINE THAT PUMPS OFF 30 EXPLOSIVE BURSTS WITHOUT
RELOADING.
AND THAT IS WHY -- FIFTH -- WE STAND ON THE STEPS
OF CONGRESS AND ASK ITS SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION
PROHIBITING THE IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE, SALE, OR
TRANSFER OF GUN MAGAZINES OF MORE THAN 15 ROUNDS.
- 22 -
THE CURRENT DEBATE WAS FIRST SPARKED WHEN AN
UNSTABLE GUNMAN IN STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA PURCHASED AN
AKS-47 OVER THE COUNTER -- AND USED IT TO LAY WASTE TO
AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND.
PATRICK EDWARD PURDY HAD NO BUSINESS BUYING THAT
GUN. HE WAS ARRESTED ON HIS FIRST WEAPONS CHARGE
BEFORE HIS 15TH BIRTHDAY. BY HIS FOURTH FIREARMS
ARREST, PURDY HAD FINALLY TURNED 18, AND WITH IT
CHALKED UP THE FIRST OF TWO ADULT CONVICTIONS.
- - 23 -
ALTHOUGH FOR VIOLENT AND WEAPONS OFFENSES, BOTH
CONVICTIONS WERE MISDEMEANORS. PURDY CRAWLED THROUGH
THE LOOPHOLE THAT BARS ONLY FELONS FROM BUYING GUNS --
AND GOT THAT DEADLY AKS-47. THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS.
AND THEREFORE, WE ALSO PROPOSE THAT CONGRESS CLOSE
THE PURDY LOOPHOLE, AND OTHERS LIKE IT THAT ALLOW
DEADLY WEAPONS TO FALL INTO DEADLY HANDS. AGAIN,
THAT'S JUST COMMON SENSE.
- 24 -
BUT WE NEED TO DO MORE THAN JUST ENACT NEW LAWS.
IN A RECENT MOVIE ABOUT THE L.A. GANG WARS, A WOMAN
SHOUTS ENCOURAGEMENT TO A COP ON PATROL, TELLING HIM:
"You GET THEM OFF THE STREET." HE ANSWERS: "LADY,
WE'RE TRYING." AND THE WOMAN OFFERS A FOUR WORD
SOLUTION: "You NEED MORE HELP."
BELIEVE ME, WE KNOW IT. OUR POLICE NEED MORE HELP.
- - 25 -
AND I'M HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT WE'RE PREPARED TO
MATCH RHETORIC WITH RESOURCES -- AND CALL ON OUR CITIES
AND STATES TO DO THE SAME.
THE SECOND FRONT OF OUR NEW OFFENSIVE CALLS FOR
INCREASED MANPOWER AND A NEW STRATEGY ON GUNS -- A
STRATEGY BASED ON MODELS OF PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS.
- 26 -
I HAVE DIRECTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE TREASURY
SECRETARY, WORKING TOGETHER WITH STATE AND LOCAL
ENFORCEMENT, TO LAUNCH A COMPREHENSIVE, COORDINATED
OFFENSIVE AGAINST OUR NATION'S MOST VIOLENT CRIMINALS.
I AM REQUESTING FUNDING FOR HIRING 825 NEW FEDERAL
AGENTS AND STAFF -- 375 AT ATF, 300 AT THE FBI, AND 150
DEPUTY U.S. MARSHALS,
- 27 -
MANY OF THESE HIRINGS WILL PERMIT EXPERIENCED
INVESTIGATORS FROM ALL THREE AGENCIES TO PROMPTLY
COMBAT VIOLENT CRIME IN THE FIELD.
OF COURSE, ARRESTING THESE THUGS DOESN'T HELP IF WE
DON'T HAVE THE MUSCLE TO PROSECUTE EACH CRIMINAL TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. THAT'S WHY THE THIRD FRONT
OF THIS CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO BACK UP THESE
NEW TROOPS WITH 1,600 NEW PROSECUTORS AND STAFF -- THE
LARGEST INCREASE IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY.
- 28 -
Now, THERE PROBABLY ISN'T A COP HERE WHO HASN'T
SEEN A CASE WHERE A DANGEROUS FELON -- PROPERLY
ARRESTED, FULLY PROSECUTED, AND SENTENCED TO THE
MAXIMUM -- WALKED OUT OF JAIL EARLY, SOMETIMES YEARS
EARLY, BECAUSE STATE PRISONS ARE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS.
THAT'S NOT RIGHT.
- 29 -
PART OF OUR COMMON SENSE APPROACH IS A SIMPLE
RECOGNITION THAT IT DOESN'T DO ANY GOOD TO PROVIDE NEW
FEDERAL AGENTS, NEW ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEYS, AND NEW
LAWS WITH LONG-TERM PENALTIES -- IF WE DON'T HAVE THE
PRISON CELLS TO KEEP CRIMINALS WHERE THEY BELONG. A
CHAIN IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK.
- 30 -
AND so, AS THE FOURTH FRONT IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE
EFFORT, I AM CALLING ON CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE AN
ADDITIONAL $1 BILLION --OVER AND ABOVE THE $500 MILLION
ALREADY SLATED FOR 1990 -- FOR FEDERAL PRISON
CONSTRUCTION. THESE 24,000 NEW BEDS WILL NEARLY DOUBLE
FEDERAL PRISON CAPACITY.
NOT SINCE LINCOLN HAS A PRESIDENT STOOD IN FRONT OF
THE CAPITOL AND BEEN JUST A FEW MILES FROM THE FRONT
LINE OF A WAR.
- 31 -
NEVER WAS THE TOLL MORE VISIBLE THAN IN THE FACES OF
THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN -- THE FAMILIES -- GATHERED
HERE TODAY. AND WHEN I FIRST STOOD HERE AS PRESIDENT
-- ONLY MOMENTS AFTER TAKING THE OATH -- I MADE A
PROMISE: "THIS SCOURGE WILL STOP." AND THAT'S A
PROMISE WE INTEND TO KEEP.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I OFFER MY CONDOLENCES FOR
YOUR FALLEN LOVED ONES AND FELLOW OFFICERS. I SALUTE
YOUR COMMITMENT AND YOUR COURAGE.
- 32 -
AND AS A CITIZEN GRATEFUL FOR THE PROTECTION YOU HAVE
PROVIDED FOR MY FAMILY AND MY COUNTRYMEN, I THANK YOU
AND WISH YOU GODSPEED. AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 15, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
West Front, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
12:29 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Suzie. If it doesn't start
clearing up, we're issuing snorkels to everybody out there.
(Laughter.) Thank you, Suzie Sawyer, and, of course, to Dewey Stokes
and Craig Floyd, my respects as well. You have great leadership, and
I salute them. I want to say how pleased I am that the Secretary of
the Treasury is with me -- Nick Brady; our Attorney General -- the
able Dick Thornburgh; and our drug czar, Secretary Bill Bennett.
The fact that we four are here is intentional. It sends
the signal of our commitment and of our interest. And I know members
of Congress are here as well. I spotted my own Senator, Senator Phil
Gramm of Texas and Senator Pete Wilson. But I'm going to be in
trouble because I can't see over there who else is there, but I know
many are sitting right over here, and we salute them. I see Senator
Ford and others. And we're just delighted that they are here today.
(Applause.)
Last fall, a retired New York police lieutenant gave me
badge number 14072. And I have it with me here today -- the badge
his son wore the day he was gunned down by a gang of cocaine cowards.
Matt Byrne asked me to keep Eddie's badge as a "reminder of all the
brave police officers who put their lives on the line for us every
single day."
Matt, your son's badge, as I have told you, is kept in my
desk at the Oval Office. And during the debate on gun-related
violence that has raged in this country the past several months,
neither it, nor what it represents has ever been far from my mind.
I've heard the many voices, the courageous and the compassionate, the
wounded and the widowed. And I salute the survivors that are here
today.
We gather today to respond to those voices and to honor
the fallen by launching a national strategy -- a partnership with
America's cities and states -- to take back the streets.
It calls for a return to common sense. And it begins
with a clear-eyed vision of the kind of problems we face, the kind of
people we are, the kind of values that we hold -- and the kind of
nation we intend to bequeath to our children.
The problem is violent crime -- and, in particular, the
blood that's been shed by increasingly sophisticated guns in the
hands of a new class of criminals. Usually, but not always, the
deaths are tied to a cycle of dollars and drugs and dependency.
The principles are simple. My generation well remembers
what some believe was FDR's finest speech: The "Four Freedoms" -- an
address to a joint session of the Congress. And the last, often
forgotten, but arguably the most fundamental of those freedoms was
simply this: Freedom from fear. our sworn duty to "Insure domostic
tranquility" is as old as the Republic, placed in the Constitution's
Preamble even before the common defense and the general welfare. And
MORE
- 2 -
so when we ask what kind of society the American people deserve, our
goal must be a nation in which law-abiding citizens are safe and feel
safe.
To achieve this goal, people must be held accountable for
their actions. And that's common sense. Most Americans are
law-abiding, and most believe that there is such a thing as right and
wrong good and evil. And whether it's the brutalization of a
young runner in a park or terrorizing a young man on to a crowded
highway, these are acts that cannot be excused, or explained away. A
common sense approach to crime means that if we're going to affect
people's behavior, we must have a criminal justice system in which
there is an expectation that if you commit a crime, you will be
caught; and if caught, you will be prosecuted; and if convicted, you
will do time. (Applause.)
For far too long, a privileged class of violent and
repeat offenders have calculated that crime really does pay that
our criminal justice system is a crapshoot where the risks are worth
the rewards. Well, it's time we change the odds -- and up the stakes
enormously.
And we will lead the way. We'll do our part -- and then
some. But no federal effort can succeed without the full partnership
of the cities and states that you so nobly represent. Unfortunately,
nowhere is your front line role more evident than in the honor roll
that will be read today: of 161 officers killed in the line of duty
last year, 152 were state or local cops. And you are the first line
of defense -- and your respective governments have an obligation to
adopt tough legislation and provide the resources -- in police,
prosecutors and prisons -- to fully back you up.
At the trial of Eddie Byrne's executioners, there was
testimony that the hit was ordered from prison to send a message to
the people behind the badge. And one witness said that they hoped to
see the attack on the television news at Riker's Island.
Well, today we have a message of our own: We're going to
take back the streets -- by taking criminals off the streets. And
it's an attack (applause) -- it is an attack on all four fronts --
new laws to punish them, new agents to arrest them, new prosecutors
to convict them, and new prisons to hold them. (Applause.)
I am announcing today -- and there is no more fitting
place than right here -- a comprehensive new offensive for combating
violent crime. For Eddie Byrne, for every officer we honor here
today and for America. The first front of this campaign -- new laws
-- starts with the semiautomatic and so-called "assault" weapons that
criminals have taken as their gun of choice.
And again, common sense has to play an important part in
this discussion. The fact of the matter is, nearly half the
households in this country have guns, and guns are already out there.
And the overwhelming majority are legitimately owned for legitimate
purposes.
But in contrast to legitimate gun ownership is the
chilling fact that something like 80 percent of all firearms used by
felons are stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. Throughout our
nation's history, the hard lesson we've learned is that criminals
will get guns. And so let me be very clear about our response: The
right to own a gun is not a license to harm others.
And so first, I am calling on Congress today to do for
dangerous firearms what it has wisely done for dangerous drugs -- to
double the mandatory minimum penalties for the use of semiautomatic
weapons in crimes involving violence or drugs.
And the math is simple. Anyone who uses a semiautomatic
for crime -- or so much as has one on them during a crime -- will do
MORE
- 3 -
an automatic 10 extra years in federal prison. No probation. No
parole. No matter which judge they get. (Applause.)
And secondly, we must can't plea bargain away the lives
of your loved ones, the lives of our cops and kids. And I'm
directing the Attorney General to advise America's prosecutors to end
plea bargaining for violent federal firearms offenses. Those who use
guns will do time hard time. (Applause.)
And third -- when a criminal carries a gun -- and someone
dies they must pay with their own lives. (Applause.)
We are calling on Congress today to enact the steps
necessary to implement the death penalty -- and to newly designate
the use of a firearm as an "aggravating factor" for determining
whether the death sentence should be imposed.
And I call on America's governors to match this federal
initiative and propose these same three standards at home --
mandatory time, no deals without cooperation, and the death penalty
where appropriate. Your states owe it to those here today, and to
the American people. (Applause.)
And fourth two months ago, at my direction, the Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms suspended the importation of certain
so-called "assault" weapons. ATF is continuing its examination to
determine which, if any, of these weapons are not acceptable under
standards in existing law. And at the conclusion of this study --
and after careful consideration -- we will permanently ban any
imports that don't measure up to these standards.
Recently, the U.S. News cover story on guns summed up a
related challenge -- "the difficulty in drafting laws that will
separate assault weapons used in crime from semiautomatics frequently
used" for legitimate hunting and sport.
And here is substantial controversy and debate on this
point. You're all well aware of that. But one thing that we do know
about these "assault" weapons is that they are invariably equipped
with unjustifiably large magazines. The notorious AKS-47, for
example, comes with a magazine that pumps off 30 explosive bullets
without reloading.
And that is why fifth -- we stand on the steps here in
front of the Capitol and ask its support for legislation prohibiting
the importation, manufacture, sale, or transfer of these insidious
gun magazines of more than 15 rounds.
The current debate was first sparked when an unstable
gunman in Stockton, California purchased an AKS-47 over the counter
-- and used it to lay waste to an elementary school playground.
Patrick Edward Purdy had no business buying that gun. He
was arrested on his first weapons charge before his 15th birthday.
And by his fourth firearms arrest, Purdy had finally turned 18, and
with it chalked up the first of two adult convictions. Although for
violent and weapons offenses, both convictions were misdemeanors.
Purdy crawled through the loophole that bars only felons from buying
guns -- and got that deadly AKS-47. That is outrageous.
And therefore, we also propose that Congress close this
Purdy loophole, and others like it that allow deadly weapons to fall
into deadly hands. Again, that's just plain common sense. We must
not allow deadly weapons to fall into deadly hands. But we need to
do more than just enact new laws. And in a recent movie about the
L.A. gang wars, a woman shouts encouragement to a cop on patrol,
telling him: "You get them off the street." And he answers: "Lady,
we're trying." And the woman offers a four word solution: "You need
more help."
MORE
- 4 -
And believe me, we know it. Our police need more help.
And I'm here today to tell you that we're prepared to match rhetoric
with resources -- and call on our cities and states to do the same.
The second front, if you will, of our new offensive calls
for increased manpower and a new strategy on guns -- a strategy based
on models of proven effectiveness. I have directed the Attorney
General and the Treasury Secretary, working together with state and
local enforcement, to launch a comprehensive, coordinated offensive
against our nation's most violent criminals.
And I am requesting funding for hiring 825 new federal
agents and staff -- 375 at ATF, 300 at the FBI, and 150 Deputy U.S.
Marshals. Many of these hirings will permit experienced
investigators from all three agencies to promptly combat violent
crime in the field.
of course, arresting these thugs doesn't help if we don't
have the muscle to prosecute each criminal to the fullest extent of
the law. And that's why the third front of this campaign calls for
Congress to back up these new troops with 1,600 new prosecutors and
staff.
And now, there probably isn't a police officer here who
hasn't seen a case where a dangerous felon -- properly arrested,
fully prosecuted, and sentenced to the maximum -- walked out of jail
early, sometimes years early, because prisons are bursting at the
seams. That is not right.
Part of our common sense approach is a simple recognition
that it doesn't do any good to provide new federal agents, new
assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new laws with long-term penalties -- if
we don't have the prison cells to keep criminals where they belong.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And so, as the fourth front in this comprehensive effort,
I am calling on the Congress to authorize an additional $1 billion --
over and above the $500 million already slated for 1990 -- for
federal prison construction. (Applause.) These 24,000 new beds will
boost federal prison capacity by nearly 80 percent.
Not since Lincoln has a President stood in front of the
Capitol and been just a few miles from the front lines of a war.
Never was the toll more visible than in the faces of the brave men
and women -- the families -- gathered here today. And when I first
stood here as President -- over there -- only moments after taking
the oath of office -- I made a promise: "This scourge will stop.'
And that's a promise that we intend to keep. Ladies and gentlemen, I
offer my condolences for your fallen loved ones and for your fellow
officers. And I salute your commitment, and I salute your courage,
and as a citizen -- grateful for the protection you have provided for
me and my family and my fellow countrymen. I thank you, and I wish
you Godspeed.
Thank you all, and God bless the United States of
America. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
12:45 P.M. EDT
Document No. 035389 SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
5/11/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5/11/89 6:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
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:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 6:00 PM, TODAY, Thursday, May 11, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
May 11, 1989
1939 MAY 11 PM
11:00 a.m.
Draft Three
(B:CRIME)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
12:00 NOON
Not since Lincoln has a President stood in front of the
Capitol and been just a few miles from the front line of a war.
Certain sections, of certain cities -- including this one --
have been turned into combat zones by pockets of violent and
well-armed drug lords.
Never was the toll more visible than in the faces of the
brave men and women -- the families -- gathered here on
democracy's front steps today.
Last fall, a retired New York police lieutenant gave me
badge number 14072 -- the badge his son wore the day he was
gunned down by one such gang of cocaine cowards. Matthew Byrne
asked me to keep Eddie's badge as a "reminder of all the brave
police officers
who put their lives on the line for us every
day."
Matt, your son's badge is kept in my desk in the Oval
Office. During the debate on drug-related violence that has
raged in this country the past several months, neither it nor
what it represents has ever been far from my mind. I've heard
many voices, the courageous and the corrupt, the wounded and the
widowed.
2
Some say we should give up. Others all but suggest we
barricade the streets. But somewhere between despair and
destruction, there is a balanced course. Room for a measured
response. A place for common sense.
And no effective search for the solutions can begin. without
determining
understanding
thoughtful look at the problem we face, and at the kind of
people we are, the kind of values we hold, and the kind of nation
we intend to bequeath to our children.
First, the problem. We're here today to talk about violent
crime -- and, in particular, the bloodshed that has been spurred shed
by increasingly sophisticated guns in the hands of a new class of
cold-blooded criminals. Usually, but not always, the deaths are
tied to a cycle of drugs and dollars and dependency.
Second, the principles. My generation well remembers what
some believe was F.D.R.'s finest speech: The "Four Freedoms"
address to a joint session of Congress. The last, often
but
forgotten, and arguably most fundamental of President Roosevelt's
freedoms was simply this: freedom from fear. Our sworn duty to
"insure domestic Tranquility" is as old as the republic itself,
placed in the Constitution's preamble even before the common
defense and the general welfare. When we ask what kind of
society the American people deserve -- and what kind of society
we hope to pass on to our children -- it's clear that our goal
must be a nation in which law abiding citizens are safe and feel
safe.
3
Fundamental to this duty is the notion that people must be
held accountable for their actions. That's common sense. Most
Americans are law abiding, and most believe that there is such a
thing as right and wrong -- that we each carry within ourselves
the capacity for evil -- and the freedom to choose instead to do
good.
We can all be glad that the failed policies of liberal
leniency -- often blaming society or even the victim -- seem to
be fading from the debate. Gociety causes crime like wet
sidewalks cause rain. ?
But a return to a common sense approach to crime means that
if we are going to affect people's behavior, we must have a
criminal justice system in which there is an expectation that:
-- If a crime is committed, you will be caught.
-- And if caught, you will be prosecuted.
-- And if convicted, you will do time.
For far too long, a privileged class of violent and repeat
offenders have calculated that crime really does pay -- that our
criminal justice system is a crapshoot where the risks are worth
the rewards. Well, it's time we change the odds -- and up the
stakes enormously. And I'll talk about that in a moment.
One other principle. The federal government has a special
enforcement role, particularly one of leadership. But our job is
also to work in partnership with state and local law
enforcement, complementing efforts, providing technical
assistance and sometimes cash where needed, and where possible.
4
Nonetheless -- for constitutional and traditional reasons --
the primary responsibility for law enforcement always has and
will continue to rest with state and local authorities.
Unfortunately, nowhere is this sometimes dangerous duty more
evident than in the honor roll that will be read after Today my remarks
concluded: of the 161 officers killed in the line of duty
last year, 152 were state or local cops. You are the front line
troops -- and your respective governments have an obligation to
adopt tough legislation and provide the resources -- in police,
prosecutors and prisons -- to fully back you up.
At the trial of Eddie Byrne's executioners, there was
testimony that the hit was ordered by a short-term convict --
serving just - years for a serious weapons charge -- to send a
hoped "message" to the people behind the badge. One witness said they
wanted to see the attack on the TV news at Rikers Island.
Well, keep the cameras rolling. I hope they have C-SPAN at
Rikers. Because today we have a little message of our own.
If you use guns, get used to prison TV.
We're going to take back the streets. And we're going to do
it by taking you off them.
I am announcing today a comprehensive new offensive for
combatting violent crime. It's an attack on all four fronts --
new laws to punish you, new cops to arrest you, new prosecutors
to convict you, and new jails to hold you.
5
The first front of this campaign -- new laws -- starts with
the semi-automatic and so-called "assault" weapons that criminals
lately have taken as their gun of choice.
Again, common sense has to play an important part in this
discussion. The fact of the matter is, nearly half the
households in this country have guns. The guns are already out
there. And the overwhelming majority are legitimately owned for
legitimate purposes.
But in contrast to legitimate gun ownership is the chilling
fact that something like 80 percent of all firearms used in crime
are stolen or otherwise unlawfully possessed. Throughout our
nation's history, the hard lesson we've learned is that criminals
will get guns.
So let me be very clear about our response:
The right to bear arms is not a license to harm others.
First, I am calling on Congress today to do for dangerous
firearms what it has wisely done for dangerous drugs -- to double
the mandatory minimum penalties for the use of a fully or semi-
automatic weapon in crimes involving violence or drugs.
The math is real simple. You use these weapons for crime --
you so much as have one on you during a crime -- and you will do
an extra 10 years in federal prison. No probation. No parole.
And it doesn't matter anymore whether you get a tough judge.
The 10 years is automatic. Go straight to jail. The games are
over.
6
Secondly, we just can't plea bargain away the lives of our
cops and kids. From this day forward, all deals are off. I am
directing the Attorney General to notify all federal prosecutors
that this nation has seen its last plea-bargain for violent
firearms offenses.
You use a gun, and you will do time.
Third -- if you use an "assault" weapon -- and someone dies
-- the only place you should expect mercy is from a Court beyond
our jurisdiction.
We are calling on Congress today to enact the steps
necessary to implement the death penalty that became law last
year -- and to newly designate the use of fully and semi-
automatic weapons as "aggravating factors" for determining
whether a sentence of death should be imposed.
Fourth -- two months ago, at my direction, the Department of
the Treasury suspended the importation of certain, so-called
"assault" weapons -- under the existing law requiring that they
be generally recognized as suitable or adaptable for sporting
purposes.
Treasury is continuing its examination to determine which --
if any -- of these weapons are acceptable under these standards.
They continue to invite comments and testimony from all
interested groups and individuals. At the conclusion of this
three month study -- and after careful consideration -- we will
those
permanently ban all all, imports that don't measure up to this
(Poster)
standard.
7
We also call on American businesses to follow the lead of
Colt Industries which has voluntarily halted the production of
assault weapons like the imports covered by the current ban.
Now, perhaps the biggest challenge in combatting this
problem was recently summed up in the U.S. News cover story on
guns: "The key problem is the difficulty in drafting laws that
will separate assault weapons used in crime from semi-automatics
frequently used for target practice and sometimes for hunting."
There is substantial controversy and debate on this point,
and there is simply much that we do not yet know. But one thing
that we do know about the common characteristics of these
"assault" weapons is that they invariably are equipped with
unjustifiably large magazines
One of the best examples is the
so-called "street-sweeper" -- a powerful shotgun with a built in
magazine that pumps off 12 explosive bursts without reloading.
And that is why -- fifth -- we stand on the steps of
Congress and ask its support for legislation prohibiting the
importation, manufacture, sale, or transfer of gun magazines of
more than 10 rounds.
The current debate was first sparked when an unstable gunman
in Stockton, California purchased an AK-47 over the counter --
and used it to lay waste to an elementary school playground.
Patrick Edward Purdy was born in November 1964, and was
arrested on his first weapons charge before his 15th birthday.
By the time of his fourth firearms arrest Purdy had finally
turned 18, and with it chalked up his first adult conviction
8
It is outrageous that -- under the loopholes in current
federal law -- Purdy's purchase of that deadly AK-47 was entirely
legal despite his police record. That's not right.
And therefore -- sixth -- our comprehensive legislative
package, which the Attorney General will transmit this week, also
calls on Congress to close the Purdy loophole and others like it
that allow deadly weapons to fall into deadly hands. Again,
that's just common sense.
Finally, no criminal should get out on the streets until and
unless they are drug free. I ask that Congress enact my proposal
to make drug-testing a mandantory condition before any criminal
is released -- whether on bail or parole.
But we need to do more than just enact new laws. In a
recent movie about the L.A. gang wars, a woman shouts
encouragement to a cop on patrol, telling him: "You get them off
the street." He answers: "Lady, we're trying." And the woman
offers a four word solution: "You need more help."
Believe me, we know it. You need more help. And I'm here
Th.
today to tell you that we're prepared to match rhetoric with
resources -- and call on the states to do the same.
mon cops power
The second front of our new offensive calls for more troops'
and a new strategy on guns. I have directed the Attorney General
and the Treasury Secretary, working together and with their
colleagues in state and local enforcement, to launch our nation's
first Dangerous Weapons Task Forces -- headquartered in seven
9
major cities facing acute violent crime -- to target and arrest
America's most dangerous offenders.
I am requesting funding for hiring 750 new federal agents --
300 at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 300 at the
FBI, and 150 Deputy U.S. Marshals, along with 75 new support
staff. Many of these hirings will permit experienced firearms
experts from all three agencies to promptly assume Task Force
posts to combat violent crime.
Modeled on the highly successful Drug Task Forces set up by
President Reagan in 1983, the Dangerous Weapons Task Forces will
be based on a concept of proven effectiveness -- the mobilization
professionals
of federal, state and local law enforcement shock troops to get
violent and dangerous criminals off our streets.
of course, arresting these thugs doesn't help if we don't
have the muscle to prosecute each criminal to the fullest extent
of the law. That's why the third front of this campaign calls
for Congress to back up these new troops with 1,600 new federal
prosecutors -- the largest increase in our nation's history.
Now, there probably isn't a cop here who hasn't seen a case
where a dangerous felon -- properly arrested, fully prosecuted,
and sentenced to the maximum -- walked out of jail early,
sometimes years early, because state prisons are bursting at the
seams. That's not right.
Part of our common sense approach is a simple recognition
that it doesn't do any good to provide new Task Forces, new
Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new laws with long-term penalties
10
-- if we don't have the prison cells to keep criminals where they
belong.
CA chain is only as strong an To weakestbink?
And so, as the fourth front in this comprehensive effort, I
am calling on Congress to authorize an additional $1 billion --
over and above the $500 million already slated for 1990 -- for
federal prison construction. By adding 26,000 new beds to the
present rated capacity of 29,112 beds, the federal prison
capacity will be virtually doubled.
The last time I stood on these steps -- only moments after
becoming President -- I made a promise: "This scourge will
stop."
streets A
If the thugs are listening up at Riker's, or on the L.A.
D.C.
barrio, or right here in Anacostia, I have a final message for
you. You started this war. But we are going to finish it. And
you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I offer my condolences for your fallen
loved ones and our fallen
1
comrades. I salute your commitment and your courage. And as a
citizen grateful for the protection you have provided for my
family and my countrymen, I thank you and wish you Godspeed. And
God bless America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 12, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
EDWARD E. McNALLY own
SUBJECT:
CRIME PACKAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for your announcement of the Administration's new package for
combatting violent crime -- to be made at the Peace Officers
Memorial Day commemoration outside the Capitol on Monday.
II. DISCUSSION
At 12:00 noon on Monday, May 15, 1989, you are scheduled to
attend the Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony to commemorate
the 161 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of
duty in 1988. A wreath will be laid with 161 carnations --
including one to be added by you. An audience of approximately
7,000 persons is expected.
(McNally/Simon)
May 12, 1989, 6:00 p.m.
Draft Four
(B:CRIME)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
12:00 NOON
Last fall, a retired New York police lieutenant gave me
badge number 14072 -- the badge his son wore the day he was
gunned down by a gang of cocaine cowards. Matthew Byrne asked me
to keep Eddie's badge as a "reminder of all the brave police
officers
who put their lives on the line for us every day."
Matt, your son's badge is kept in my desk in the Oval
Office. During the debate on gun-related violence that has raged
in this country the past several months, neither it, nor what it
represents, has ever been far from my mind. I've heard the many
voices, the courageous and the corrupt, the wounded and the
widowed.
We gather today to respond to those voices, and to honor the
fallen by launching a new national strategy -- a partnership with
America's cities and states -- to take back the streets.
It calls for a return to common sense. And it begins with a
clear-eyed vision of the kind of problems we face, the kind of
people we are, the kind of values we hold -- and the kind of
nation we intend to bequeath to our children.
The problem is violent crime -- and, in particular, the
blood that's been shed by increasingly sophisticated guns in the
2
hands of a new class of criminals. Usually, but not always, the
deaths are tied to a cycle of dollars and drugs and dependency.
The principles are simple. My generation well remembers
what some believe was F.D.R.'s finest speech: The "Four
Freedoms" address to a joint session of Congress. The last,
often forgotten, but arguably most fundamental of those freedoms
was simply this: freedom from fear. Our sworn duty to "insure
domestic Tranquility" is as old as the republic itself, placed in
the Constitution's preamble even before the common defense and
the general welfare. When we ask what kind of society the
American people deserve, our goal must be a nation in which law
abiding citizens are safe and feel safe.
To achieve this goal, people must be held accountable for
their actions. That's common sense. Most Americans are law
abiding, and most believe that there is such a thing as right and
wrong -- good and evil. Whether it's the brutalization of a
young runner in a park or terrorizing a young man onto a crowded
highway, these are acts that cannot be excused, or explained
away. A nation that cannot understand the difference between
right and wrong will never protect itself.
A common sense approach to crime means that if we are going
to affect people's behavior, we must have a criminal justice
system in which there is an expectation that:
-- If you commit a crime, you will be caught.
-- And if caught, you will be prosecuted.
-- And if convicted, you will do time.
3
For far too long, a privileged class of violent and repeat
offenders have calculated that crime really does pay -- that our
criminal justice system is a crapshoot where the risks are worth
the rewards. Well, it's time we change the odds -- and up the
stakes enormously.
We will lead the way. We will do our part -- and then some.
But no federal effort can succeed without the full partnership of
the cities and states you represent. Unfortunately, nowhere is
your front line role more evident than in the honor roll that
will be read today: Of the 161 officers killed in the line of
duty last year, 152 were state or local cops. You are the first
line of defense -- and your respective governments have an
obligation to adopt tough legislation and provide the resources
-- in police, prosecutors and prisons -- to fully back you up.
At the trial of Eddie Byrne's executioners, there was
testimony that the hit was ordered from prison to send a
"message" to the people behind the badge. One witness said they
hoped to see the attack on the TV news at Riker's Island.
Well, keep the cameras rolling. I hope they have C-SPAN at
Rikers. Because today we have a message of our own: We're
going to take back the streets. By taking you off the streets.
It's an attack on all four fronts -- new laws to punish you,
new agents to arrest you, new prosecutors to convict you, and new
prisons to hold you.
4
I am announcing today a comprehensive new offensive for
combatting violent crime. For Eddie Byrne, for every officer we
honor here today, and for America.
The first front of this campaign -- new laws -- starts with
the semi-automatic and so-called "assault" weapons that criminals
have taken as their gun of choice.
Again, common sense has to play an important part in this
discussion. The fact of the matter is, nearly half the
households in this country have guns. The guns are already out
there. And the overwhelming majority are legitimately owned for
legitimate purposes.
But in contrast to legitimate gun ownership is the chilling
fact that something like 80 percent of all firearms used by
felons are stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. Throughout
our nation's history, the hard lesson we've learned is that
criminals will get guns.
So let me be very clear about our response: The right to
bear arms is not a license to harm others.
First, I am calling on Congress today to do for dangerous
firearms what it has wisely done for dangerous drugs -- to double
the mandatory minimum penalties for the use of semi-automatic
weapons in crimes involving violence or drugs.
The math is simple. You use these weapons for crime -- you
so much as have one on you during a crime -- and you will do an
automatic 10 extra years in federal prison. No probation. No
parole. No matter which judge you get.
to and plea forgaining
5
for cases. violent federal freams
Secondly, we just can't plea bargain away the lives of our
cops and kids. From this day forward: All deals are off I am
directing the Attorney General to advise America's prosecutors
that this nation has seen its last plea bargain for federal
firearms offenses.
You use a gun, and you will do time.
Third -- if you use one of these weapons -- and someone dies
-- the only place you should expect mercy is from a Court beyond
our jurisdiction.
We are calling on Congress today to enact the steps
necessary to implement the death penalty -- and to newly
designate the use of a firearm as an "aggravating factor" for
determining whether the death sentence should be imposed.
And I call on America's Governors to match this federal
initiative and propose these same three standards at home --
mandatory time, no deals without cooperation, the death penalty
where appropriate. Your states owe it to those here today.
Fourth -- two months ago, at my direction, the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms suspended the importation of
certain, so-called "assault" weapons. ATF is continuing its
examination to determine which -- if any -- of these weapons are
acceptable under the standards in existing law. At the
conclusion of this three month study --- and after careful
consideration -- we will permanently ban those imports that don't
measure up to these standards.
Recently, the U.S. News cover story on guns summed up a
related challenge -- "the difficulty in drafting laws that will
6
separate assault weapons used in crime from semi-automatics
frequently used" for legitimate hunting and sport.
There is substantial controversy and debate on this point.
But one thing that we do know about these "assault" weapons is
that they invariably are equipped with unjustifiably large
magazines. The notorious AK-47, for example, comes with a
magazine that pumps off 30 explosive bursts without reloading.
And that is why -- fifth -- we stand on the steps of
Congress and ask its support for legislation prohibiting the
importation, manufacture, sale, or transfer of gun magazines of
more than [[10 or I 15]] rounds.
The current debate was first sparked when an unstable gunman
in Stockton, California purchased an AKS-47 over the counter --
and used it to lay waste to an elementary school playground.
Patrick Edward Purdy had no business buying that gun. He
was arrested on his first weapons charge before his 15th
birthday. By his fourth firearms arrest Purdy had finally turned
18, and with it chalked up his first adult conviction. And yet
-- under the loopholes in current law -- Purdy's purchase of that
deadly AK-47 was entirely legal. That's outrageous.
And therefore, we also propose that Congress close the Purdy
loophole, and others like it that allow deadly weapons to fall
into deadly hands. Again, that's just common sense.
But we need to do more than just enact new laws. In a
recent movie about the L.A. gang wars, a woman shouts
encouragement to a cop on patrol, telling him: "You get them off
Anations
7
the street." He answers: "Lady, we're trying." And the woman
offers a four word solution: "You need more help.
Violermind.
Believe me, we know it. Our police need more help. And I'm
here today to tell you that we're prepared to match rhetoric with
resources -- and call on our cities and states to do the same.
The second front of our new offensive calls for increased
manpower and a new strategy on guns -- a strategy based on models
of proven effectiveness. I have directed the Attorney General
AA
and the Treasury Secretary, working together and with state and
coordinated, concentrated comprehensine effort
local enforcement, to launch our nation's first Dangerous
Offenders Task Forces -- to target America's most dangerous
streets and arrest our nation's most iolent criminals.
america's dangerous
I am requesting funding for hiring 825 new federal agents
and staff -- 375 at ATF, 300 at the FBI, and 150 Deputy U.S.
Marshals. Many of these hirings will permit experienced
investigators from all three agencies to promptly assume Task
Force posts to combat violent crime.
Of course, arresting these thugs doesn't help if we don't
have the muscle to prosecute each criminal to the fullest extent
of the law. That's why the third front of this campaign calls
for Congress to back up these new troops with 1,600 new
prosecutors and staff -- the largest increase in our nation's
history.
Now, there probably isn't a cop here who hasn't seen a case
where a dangerous felon -- properly arrested, fully prosecuted,
and sentenced to the maximum -- walked out of jail early,
8
sometimes years early, because state prisons are bursting at the
seams. That's not right.
Part of our common sense approach is a simple recognition
that it doesn't do any good to provide new Task Forces, new
Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new laws with long-term penalties
-- if we don't have the prison cells to keep criminals where they
belong. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And so, as the fourth front in this comprehensive effort, I
am calling on Congress to authorize an additional $1 billion --
over and above the $500 million already slated for 1990 -- for
federal prison construction. These 24,000 new beds will nearly
double federal prison capacity.
Not since Lincoln has a President stood in front of the
Capitol and been just a few miles from the front line of a war.
And when I first stood here as President -- only moments after
taking the oath -- I made a promise: "This scourge will stop."
If the thugs are listening up at Riker's, or on the streets
of L.A., or in right here in D.C., I have a final message for
you. You started this war. But we are going to finish it. And
you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I offer my condolences for your fallen
loved ones and fellow officers. I salute your commitment and
your courage. And as a citizen grateful for the protection you
have provided for my family and my countrymen, I thank you and
wish you Godspeed. And God bless America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
May 13, 1989
NOTE FOR ED MCNALLY:
Attached are the President's comments
on the crime speech, as Jim gave them
to me over the phone. The material in
brackets is Jim's gloss on the comments
and reflects them.
Two policy points need to be resolved:
first, whether the Attorney General
agrees with the policy on plea-bargaining,
and second, whether the limit will be
10 or 15 rounds. Phil Brady is checking
on the former; Jim is hoping to reach
Roger Porter to clear up the latter.
The President does not want to speak
directly to criminals or address them
in the second person. There may be
other areas than those Jim has marked
where this is done; please rework them.
I should be in at some point tomorrow;
please call me to work out a schedule
for this speech.
Thanks.
John
(McNally/Simon)
May 12, 1989, 6:00 p.m.
Draft Four
(B:CRIME)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
12:00 NOON
Last fall, a retired New York police lieutenant gave me
badge number 14072 -- the badge his son wore the day he was
gunned down by a gang of cocaine cowards. Matthew Byrne asked me
to keep Eddie's badge as a "reminder of all the brave police
officers
who put their lives on the line for us every day."
Matt, your son's badge is kept in my desk in the Oval
Office. During the debate on gun-related violence that has raged
in this country the past several months, neither it, nor what it
represents, has ever been far from my mind. I've heard the many
voices, the courageous and the corrupt, the wounded and the
widowed.
We gather today to respond to those voices, and to honor the
fallen by launching a new national strategy -- a partnership with
America's cities and states -- to take back the streets.
It calls for a return to common sense. And it begins with a
clear-eyed vision of the kind of problems we face, the kind of
people we are, the kind of values we hold -- and the kind of
nation we intend to bequeath to our children.
The problem is violent crime -- and, in particular, the
blood that's been shed by increasingly sophisticated guns in the
2
hands of a new class of criminals. Usually, but not always, the
deaths are tied to a cycle of dollars and drugs and dependency.
The principles are simple. My generation well remembers
what some believe was F.D.R.'s finest speech: The "Four
Freedoms" address to a joint session of Congress. The last,
often forgotten, but arguably most fundamental of those freedoms
was simply this: freedom from fear. Our sworn duty to "insure
domestic Tranquility" is as old as the republic itself, placed in
the Constitution's preamble even before the common defense and
the general welfare. When we ask what kind of society the
American people deserve, our goal must be a nation in which law
abiding citizens are safe and feel safe.
To achieve this goal, people must be held accountable for
their actions. That's common sense. Most Americans are law
abiding, and most believe that there is such a thing as right and
phily
wrong -- good and evil. Whether it's the brutalization of a
hours
young runner in a park or terrorizing a young man onto a crowded
N.Y.
highway, these are acts that cannot be excused, or explained
away. A nation that cannot understand the difference between
right and wrong will never protect itself.
A common sense approach to crime means that if we are going
to affect people's behavior, we must have a criminal justice
system in which there is an expectation that:
-- If you commit a crime, you will be caught.
-- And if caught, you will be prosecuted.
-- And if convicted, you will do time.
3
For far too long, a privileged class of violent and repeat
offenders have calculated that crime really does pay -- that our
criminal justice system is a crapshoot where the risks are worth
the rewards. Well, it's time we change the odds -- and up the
stakes enormously.
We will lead the way. We will do our part -- and then some.
But no federal effort can succeed without the full partnership of
the cities and states you represent. Unfortunately, nowhere is
your front line role more evident than in the honor roll that
will be read today: Of the 161 officers killed in the line of
duty last year, 152 were state or local cops. You are the first
line of defense -- and your respective governments have an
obligation to adopt tough legislation and provide the resources
-- in police, prosecutors and prisons -- to fully back you up.
At the trial of Eddie Byrne's executioners, there was
testimony that the hit was ordered from prison to send a
"message" to the people behind the badge. One witness said they
hoped to see the attack on the TV news at Riker's Island.
Well, keep the cameras rolling. I hope they have C SPAN at
outlawp
Rikers. Because today we have a message of our own:
We're
going to take back the streets. By taking Cariminals you off the streets.
them
It's an attack on all four fronts -- new laws to punish you,
new agents to arrest you, them new prosecutors to convict you, [them] and new
them
prisons to hold you.
d do not like talking directly to criminals. - un-Presidential
too macho, too hetorical
4
I am announcing today a comprehensive new offensive for
combatting violent crime. For Eddie Byrne, for every officer we
honor here today, and for America.
The first front of this campaign -- new laws -- starts with
the semi-automatio and so-called "assault" weapons that criminals
have taken as their gun of choice.
Again, common sense has to play an important part in this
discussion. The fact of the matter is, nearly half the
households in this country have guns. The guns are already out
there. And the overwhelming majority are legitimately owned for
legitimate purposes.
But in contrast to legitimate gun ownership is the chilling
fact that something like 80 percent of all firearms used by
felons are stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. Throughout
our nation's history, the hard lesson we've learned is that
criminals will get guns.
So let me be very clear about our response: The right to
bear arms is not a license to harm others.
own juns
First, I am calling on Congress today to do for dangerous
firearms what it has wisely done for dangerous drugs -- to double
the mandatory minimum penalties for the use of semi-automatic
weapons in crimes involving violence or drugs.
The math is simple. You use these weapons for crime -- you
Cyunty
so much as have one on you during a crime -- and you will do an
with
automatic 10 extra years in federal prison. No probation. No
parole. No matter which judge you get.
assuming that AG is on board
5
Secondly, we just can't plea bargain away the lives of our
cops and kids. From this day forward: All deals are off. I am
directing the Attorney General to advise America's prosecutors
that this nation has seen its last plea-bargain for federal
firearms offenses. You use a gun, and you will do time.
[criminals]
work
Third -- if you use one of these weapons -- and someone dies
you must play with your own life
-- the only place you should expect mercy is from a Court beyond
our jurisdiction. [nt comment written thir way
to follow the speech - the
We are calling on Congress to enact the
generalcomment today about not addressing criminals steps disectly
aerides this
necessary to implement the death penalty -- and to newly
designate the use of a firearm as an "aggravating factor" for
sperificamment]
determining whether the death sentence should be imposed.
And I call on America's Governors to match this federal
initiative and propose these same three standards at home --
mandatory time, no deals without cooperation, the death penalty
where appropriate. Your states owe it to those here today.
Fourth -- two months ago, at my direction, the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms suspended the importation of
certain, so-called "assault" weapons. ATF is continuing its
examination to determine which -- if any -- of these weapons are
acceptable under the standards in existing law. At the
conclusion of this three month study -- and after careful
consideration -- we will permanently ban those imports that don't
measure up to these standards.
Recently, the U.S. News cover story on guns summed up a
related challenge -- "the difficulty in drafting laws that will
6
separate assault weapons used in crime from semi-automatics
frequently used" for legitimate hunting and sport.
There is substantial controversy and debate on this point.
But one thing that we do know about these "assault" weapons is
that they invariably are equipped with unjustifiably large
magazines. The notorious AK-47 for example, comes with a
magazine that pumps off 30 explosive bursts without reloading.
And that is why -- fifth -- we stand on the steps of
Congress and ask its support for legislation prohibiting the
importation, manufacture, sale, or transfer of gun magazines of
more than [[10 or 15]] rounds.
The current debate was first sparked when an unstable gunman
in Stockton, California purchased an AKS-47 over the counter --
haitlone what what's the this stopher mean?
and used it to lay waste to an elementary school playground.
Patrick Edward Purdy had no business buying that gun. He
was arrested on his first weapons charge before his 15th
birthday. By his fourth firearms arrest Purdy had finally turned
18, and with it chalked up his first adult conviction. And yet
CA we mean be it
with the model waiting plused?
-- under the loopholes in current law -- Purdy's purchase of that
deadly AK-47 was entirely legal. That's outrageous.
describe
And therefore, we also propose that Congress close the Purdy
loopher
loophole, and others like it that allow deadly weapons to fall
into deadly hands. Again, that's just common sense.
But we need to do more than just enact new laws. In a
recent movie about the L.A. gang wars, a woman shouts
encouragement to a cop on patrol, telling him: "You get them off
[ Shald be AKS-47, as above]
7
the street." He answers: "Lady, we're trying." And the woman
offers a four word solution: "You need more help."
Believe me, we know it. Our police need more help. And I'm
here today to tell you that we're prepared to match rhetoric with
resources -- and call on our cities and states to do the same.
The second front of our new offensive calls for increased
manpower and a new strategy on guns -- a strategy based on models
of proven effectiveness. I have directed the Attorney General
and the Treasury Secretary, working together and with state and
local enforcement, to launch our nation's first Dangerous
Offenders Task Forces -- to target America's most dangerous
streets and arrest our nation's most violent criminals.
I am requesting funding for hiring 825 new federal agents
and staff -- 375 at ATF, 300 at the FBI, and 150 Deputy U.S.
Marshals. Many of these hirings will permit experienced
investigators from all three agencies to promptly assume Task
Force posts to combat violent crime.
of course, arresting these thugs doesn't help if. we don't
have the muscle to prosecute each criminal to the fullest extent
of the law. That's why the third front of this campaign calls
for Congress to back up these new troops with 1,600 new
prosecutors and staff -- the largest increase in our nation's
history.
Now, there probably isn't a cop here who hasn't seen a case
where a dangerous felon -- properly arrested, fully prosecuted,
and sentenced to the maximum -- walked out of jail early,
8
sometimes years early, because state prisons are bursting at the
seams. That's not right.
Part of our common sense approach is a simple recognition
that it doesn't do any good to provide new Task Forces, new
Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new laws with long-term penalties
-- if we don't have the prison cells to keep criminals where they
belong. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And so, as the fourth front in this comprehensive effort, I
am calling on Congress to authorize an additional $1 billion --
over and above the $500 million already slated for 1990 -- for
federal prison construction. These 24,000 new beds will nearly
double federal prison capacity.
Not since Lincoln has a President stood in front of the
Capitol and been just a few miles from the front line of a war.
And when I first stood here as President -- only moments after
taking the oath -- I made a promise: "This scourge will stop."
If the thugs are listening up at Riker's or on the streets
of L.A., or in right here in D.C., I have a final message for
you. You started this war. But we are going to finish it. And
you,
Ladies and gentlemen, I offer my condolences for your fallen
loved ones and fellow officers. I salute your commitment and
your courage. And as a citizen grateful for the protection you
have provided for my family and my countrymen, I thank you and
wish you Godspeed. And God bless America.
#
#
#
remove the
needs transition [ this ura is different
035389SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/12/89
---
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
(5/12 - 6:00p.m. draft four)
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:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
May 12, 1989, 6:00 p.m.
Draft Four
(B:CRIME)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. CAPITOL -- WEST FRONT
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
12:00 NOON
Last fall, a retired New York police lieutenant gave me
badge number 14072 -- the badge his son wore the day he was
gunned down by a gang of cocaine cowards. Matthew Byrne asked me
to keep Eddie's badge as a "reminder of all the brave police
officers
who put their lives on the line for us every day."
Matt, your son's badge is kept in my desk in the Oval
Office. During the debate on gun-related violence that has raged
in this country the past several months, neither it, nor what it
represents, has ever been far from my mind. I've heard the many
voices, the courageous and the corrupt, the wounded and the
widowed.
We gather today to respond to those voices, and to honor the
fallen by launching a new national strategy -- a partnership with
America's cities and states -- to take back the streets.
It calls for a return to common sense. And it begins with a
clear-eyed vision of the kind of problems we face, the kind of
people we are, the kind of values we hold -- and the kind of.
nation we intend to bequeath to our children.
The problem is violent crime -- and, in particular, the
blood that's been shed by increasingly sophisticated guns in the
2
hands of a new class of criminals. Usually, but not always, the
deaths are tied to a cycle of dollars and drugs and dependency.
The principles are simple. My generation well remembers
what some believe was F.D.R.'s finest speech: The "Four
Freedoms" address to a joint session of Congress. The last,
often forgotten, but arguably most fundamental of those freedoms
was simply this: freedom from fear. Our sworn duty to "insure
domestic Tranquility" is as old as the republic itself, placed in
the Constitution's preamble even before the common defense and
the general welfare. When we ask what kind of society the
American people deserve, our goal must be a nation in which law
abiding citizens are safe and feel safe.
To achieve this goal, people must be held accountable for
their actions. That's common sense. Most Americans are law
abiding, and most believe that there is such a thing as right and
wrong -- good and evil. Whether it's the brutalization of a
young runner in a park or terrorizing a young man onto a crowded
highway, these are acts that cannot be excused, or explained
away. A nation that cannot understand the difference between
right and wrong will never protect itself.
A common sense approach to crime means that if we are going
to affect people's behavior, we must have a criminal justice
system in which there is an expectation that:
-- If you commit a crime, you will be caught.
-- And if caught, you will be prosecuted.
-- And if convicted, you will do time.
3
For far too long, a privileged class of violent and repeat
offenders have calculated that crime really does pay -- that our
criminal justice system is a crapshoot where the risks are worth
the rewards. Well, it's time we change the odds -- and up the
stakes enormously.
We will lead the way. We will do our part -- and then some.
But no federal effort can succeed without the full partnership of
the cities and states you represent. Unfortunately, nowhere is
your front line role more evident than in the honor roll that
will be read today: of the 161 officers killed in the line of
duty last year, 152 were state or local cops. You are the first
line of defense -- and your respective governments have an
obligation to adopt tough legislation and provide the resources
-- in police, prosecutors and prisons -- to fully back you up.
At the trial of Eddie Byrne's executioners, there was
testimony that the hit was ordered from prison to send a
"message" to the people behind the badge. One witness said they
hoped to see the attack on the TV news at Riker's Island.
Well, keep the cameras rolling. I hope they have C-SPAN at
Rikers. Because today we have a message of our own: We're
going to take back the streets. By taking you off the streets.
It's an attack on all four fronts -- new laws to punish you,
new agents to arrest you, new prosecutors to convict you, and new
prisons to hold you.
4
I am announcing today a comprehensive new offensive for
combatting violent crime. For Eddie Byrne, for every officer we
honor here today, and for America.
The first front of this campaign -- new laws -- starts with
the semi-automatic and so-called "assault" weapons that criminals
have taken as their gun of choice.
Again, common sense has to play an important part in this
discussion. The fact of the matter is, nearly half the
households in this country have guns. The guns are already out
there. And the overwhelming majority are legitimately owned for
legitimate purposes.
But in contrast to legitimate gun ownership is the chilling
fact that something like 80 percent of all firearms used by
felons are stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. Throughout
our nation's history, the hard lesson we've learned is that
criminals will get guns.
So let me be very clear about our response: The right to
bear arms is not a license to harm others.
First, I am calling on Congress today to do for dangerous
firearms what it has wisely done for dangerous drugs -- to double
the mandatory minimum penalties for the use of semi-automatic
weapons in crimes involving violence or drugs.
The math is simple. You use these weapons for crime -- you
so much as have one on you during a crime -- and you will do an
automatic 10 extra years in federal prison. No probation. No
parole. No matter which judge you get.
5
Secondly, we just can't plea bargain away the lives of our
cops and kids. From this day forward: All deals are off. I am
directing the Attorney General to advise America's prosecutors
that this nation has seen its last plea-bargain for federal
firearms offenses. You use a gun, and you will do time.
Third -- if you use one of these weapons -- and someone dies
-- the only place you should expect mercy is from a Court beyond
our jurisdiction.
We are calling on Congress today to enact the steps
necessary to implement the death penalty -- and to newly
designate the use of a firearm as an "aggravating factor" for
determining whether the death sentence should be imposed.
And I call on America's Governors to match this federal
initiative and propose these same three standards at home --
mandatory time, no deals without cooperation, the death penalty
where appropriate. Your states owe it to those here today.
Fourth -- two months ago, at my direction, the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms suspended the importation of
certain, so-called "assault" weapons. ATF is continuing its
examination to determine which -- if any -- of these weapons are
acceptable under the standards in existing law. At the
conclusion of this three month study -- and after careful
consideration -- we will permanently ban those imports that don't
measure up to these standards.
Recently, the U.S. News cover story on guns summed up a
related challenge -- "the difficulty in drafting laws that will
6
separate assault weapons used in crime from semi-automatics
frequently used" for legitimate hunting and sport.
There is substantial controversy and debate on this point.
But one thing that we do know about these "assault" weapons is
that they invariably are equipped with unjustifiably large
magazines. The notorious AK-47, for example, comes with a
magazine that pumps off 30 explosive bursts without reloading.
And that is why -- fifth -- we stand on the steps of
Congress and ask its support for legislation prohibiting the
importation, manufacture, sale, or transfer of gun magazines of
more than [[10 or 15]] rounds.
The current debate was first sparked when an unstable gunman
in Stockton, California purchased an AKS-47 over the counter --
and used it to lay waste to an elementary school playground.
Patrick Edward Purdy had no business buying that gun. He
was arrested on his first weapons charge before his 15th
birthday. By his fourth firearms arrest Purdy had finally turned
18, and with it chalked up his first adult conviction. And yet
-- under the loopholes in current law -- Purdy's purchase of that
deadly AK-47 was entirely legal. That's outrageous.
And therefore, we also propose that Congress close the Purdy
loophole, and others like it that allow deadly weapons to fall
into deadly hands. Again, that's just common sense.
But we need to do more than just enact new laws. In a
recent movie about the L.A. gang wars, a woman shouts
encouragement to a cop on patrol, telling him: "You get them off
7
the street." He answers: "Lady, we're trying." And the woman
offers a four word solution: "You need more help."
Believe me, we know it. Our police need more help. And I'm
here today to tell you that we're prepared to match rhetoric with
resources -- and call on our cities and states to do the same.
The second front of our new offensive calls for increased
manpower and a new strategy on guns -- a strategy based on models
of proven effectiveness. I have directed the Attorney General
and the Treasury Secretary, working together and with state and
local enforcement, to launch our nation's first Dangerous
Offenders Task Forces -- to target America's most dangerous
streets and arrest our nation's most violent criminals.
I am requesting funding for hiring 825 new federal agents
and staff -- 375 at ATF, 300 at the FBI, and 150 Deputy U.S.
Marshals. Many of these hirings will permit experienced
investigators from all three agencies to promptly assume Task
Force posts to combat violent crime.
of course, arresting these thugs doesn't help if we don't
have the muscle to prosecute each criminal to the fullest extent
of the law. That's why the third front of this campaign calls
for Congress to back up these new troops with 1,600 new
prosecutors and staff -- the largest increase in our nation's
history.
Now, there probably isn't a cop here who hasn't seen a case
where a dangerous felon -- properly arrested, fully prosecuted,
and sentenced to the maximum -- walked out of jail early,
8
sometimes years early, because state prisons are bursting at the
seams. That's not right.
Part of our common sense approach is a simple recognition
that it doesn't do any good to provide new Task Forces, new
Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new laws with long-term penalties
-- if we don't have the prison cells to keep criminals where they
belong. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And so, as the fourth front in this comprehensive effort, I
am calling on Congress to authorize an additional $1 billion --
over and above the $500 million already slated for 1990 -- for
federal prison construction. These 24,000 new beds will nearly
double federal prison capacity.
Not since Lincoln has a President stood in front of the
Capitol and been just a few miles from the front line of a war.
And when I first stood here as President -- only moments after
taking the oath -- I made a promise: "This scourge will stop."
If the thugs are listening up at Riker's, or on the streets
of L.A., or in right here in D.C., I have a final message for
you. You started this war. But we are going to finish it. And
you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I offer my condolences for your fallen
loved ones and fellow officers. I salute your commitment and
your courage. And as a citizen grateful for the protection you
have provided for my family and my countrymen, I thank you and
wish you Godspeed. And God bless America.
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