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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
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Folder Title:
Clements Fundraiser 11/10/89 [OA 3537] [2]
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25
6
6
2
#1782
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Dallas, Texas)
For Immediate Release
November 10, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING FUNDRAISING DINNER
FOR GOVERNOR BILL CLEMENTS
The Grand Kempinski Hotel
Dallas, Texas
7:56 P.M. CST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Governor, and thank
all of you for that warm welcome. Thank you, Bill. Rita, it's so
good to see you. Our Secretary of State George Bayoud, and Fred
Meyer and Penny Butler and so many others.
Fred McClure, who you just heard sing, is an Assistant to
the President at the top level of the White House. And he's in
charge of our congressional relations, a very difficult and trying
job, it seems. But nevertheless, he has a lovely voice and I'm
delighted to know of this talent. He's hidden it, hidden his light
under a bushel up there. We may have a new way of cajoling Senator
Mitchell and some of the others to do it the way we want done.
(Laughter.) Fred, thank you. (Applause.)
And, of course, seeing Bob Dedman here and the other
chairmen and cochairmen just reminds me that it is -- if you want to
get something done and done right, get a busy person, a successful
person. Bob, I'm so pleased to see you again, and your coworkers.
And it's great to be back in the Metroplex, especially in a city that
forgot to finish the roof on its biggest stadium. (Laughter.) And,
of course, in the good old days, as Jerry knows, any Dallas Cowboy
fan would tell you this was SO God could see His team play.
(Laughter.)
Well, the Cowboys are coming back. They kicked the
Redskins in our new hometown the other day. (Applause.)
But, Bill, you and I do go back a long way -- long before
either of us got into politics. And we shared common goals in
business and in politics. We also have a lot in common as public
speakers. We've certainly been accused of making our share of verbal
gaffes. But so what if we've been known to put our foot in our mouth
from time to time? I just hope that your foot is as silver as mine.
(Laughter and applause.)
At least you're a colorful character. I guess the whole
country has heard of the story -- at least it got widespread play up
in Washington -- of how the Governor, eating in a Dallas restaurant
when a holdup took place -- and how you just kept right on eating his
hamburger through the whole ordeal. I'm not sure that was Texas
courage, hunger, the need for new glasses, or a hearing aid. But
nevertheless -- (laughter and applause.)
I would not, nor Barbara, we wouldn't have missed this
affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to depend on Bill's
steady friendship and his sound advice. And so have the people of
Texas. And tonight's tribute is our way of letting you know just how
much we appreciate you.
Your first term, Bill, was a glorious time for Texas and
a memorable chapter in the political history of our state. They say
MORE
- 2 -
in West Texas that a mile between fenceposts is a long distance, but
a mile between towns is short. Well, Bill, the time between these
two terms of yours was short enough to preserve the gains you had
achieved. But it was long enough to prove just how right you were
about what works for Texas. (Applause.) Of course, there are those
cynics who still say that on the day Bill Clements returned as
Governor, that the Texas National Guard switched back to plaid
fatigues. (Laughter.)
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in our state. And when you hit the
comeback trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of
thousands of blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill,
Texas was in trouble. And Texas needed a leader. And Texas needed
you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state
in the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business and
for research projects like the Superconducting Super Collider.
(Applause.) The space industry is starting to take off and the eyes
of Texas are once again on the stars. All this adds up to jobs,
prosperity and a decent shot at happiness for countless families. So
the comeback of Bill Clements has meant nothing less than the
comeback of Texas.
And these have also been comeback years for America.
True, we still do face some extraordinarily difficult national
problems. But tough national problems require nothing less than
national solutions. And that's why I'm pleased to work so closely
with Bill Clements and the other 49 chief executives in the states.
Bill and I share a similar approach on many issues,
starting with crime fighting. Thanks to him, prison sentences in
Texas are again measured in years, not meted out by the available
square feet. And I believe we need this same disciplined, tough
approach in Washington, starting with my administration's crime
control legislation to toughen federal sentences. And I believe
Congress should help us now by putting the handcuffs on the criminals
and not on the courts. And I'd like to see them get moving on this
anticrime legislation. (Applause.)
And we share a similar approach -- the Governor and I --
to fighting drugs. Texas has tightened its probation, its parole
system so that ex-cons must now be "drug free to be free." And the
Texas Narcotics Control Program, I am told, has used a $12 million
federal investment to seize more than $350 million worth of drugs;
and the Texas National Guard is on the alert for smugglers. And this
is exactly the kind of tough-minded strategy that America needs and
that I proposed -- and, again, that the Congress must pass.
(Applause.)
And Bill and I also share a similar approach on education
reform. At this Charlottesville summit that I'm sure you read about,
the governors joined me in an historic compact to give our schools
all across the country greater flexibility in return for greater
accountability. And I am pleased to note that this was exactly what
Governor Clements is already doing -- rewarding good schools through
the Educational Excellence Program.
And finally, as a former Deputy Secretary of Defense,
Bill shares my view that the best way to keep America and the West
free is to keep the United States of America strong.
Of course, we all look now with hope in our hearts at the
amazing changes in Eastern Europe -- indeed, in the Soviet Union
itself. We look at it with encouragement and with hope. Yet this
country must not and cannot base its foreign policy or its national
security aspirations on one man inside the Soviet Union or anywhere
else.
MORE
- 3 -
I do look forward to meeting with President Gorbachev off
the coast of Malta early in December. Because this is not a summit,
we will leave the detailed arms-control proposals to the true summit,
to be held next year. But there will be plenty for us to talk about
this year -- regional issues, some global ones, including the
environment. And I'll also make it clear to him that we want to see
his reforms succeed. We all have a stake, and our kids and our
grandchildren, in seeing his reforms succeed. And I will tell Mister
Gorbachev what his government can do to improve relations with the
United States of America and with our allies.
We're living in exciting times. The rapidity of change
is mind-boggling. And I will do me level-best to conduct an
imaginative foreign policy. But I will be prudent. I must be that.
I will do my best to move freedom forward.
One last point, and I think you will enjoy this. I just
talked to Chancellor Kohl over at the hotel. He called me from
Germany. He came back from Poland, as you know, to Germany, and now
he's returning either tonight or tomorrow to Poland. And I talked to
him and he asked me to share with the American people his conviction,
which he stated publicly in Berlin today, that this remarkable change
that is taking place in Eastern Europe -- most recently in the German
Democratic Republic, could never have taken place without the
steadfast loyal support of the United States of America. And he
asked me to tell the American people this -- (applause) -- and he is
absolutely right about it. (Applause.)
We've touched on several issues here -- many issues
important to Texas and the nation. But I must note that Texas is now
at the threshold of a new era. In just a little more than one year,
Texans will choose a new governor. And when I consider the talented
Republicans who are running to succeed Bill, I can't help but say
that, with continued Republican leadership, Texas cannot lose.
(Applause.)
And I am proud to be on this platform with several of
these very distinguished Texans who are in this race, willing to roll
up their sleeves, get into the public arena, and go to work to help
our state.
As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine
had his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart,
silver-haired, feisty, outspoken Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of
humor. And I said, no way, not possible. Barbara is very happy in
the White House. (Laughter and applause.)
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we're gathered
here to honor this governor who's still at work -- still building a
safer legacy of safer streets and better schools. Of good
government, decency and honor, greater opportunity.
Governor, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. And
their very names are the stuff of legend -- Davy Crockett and Sam
Houston and Stephen Austin. And I predict that when some future
historian writes the history of modern Texas, there will be room for
another hero -- another great Texas leader. And his name will be
Bill Clements. (Applause.)
Thank you, Bill, for your service to our great state.
And may I ask you to join me in a toast. To Bill and Rita, to you,
and to Texas. And God bless our wonderful state, and God bless the
United States of America. (Applause.) To the Clements. Thank you
all. It's a great pleasure to be with you. (Applause.)
END
8:10 P.M. CST
File
GOV. BILL CLEMENTS
GRAND KEMPINSKI HOTEL, DALLAS, TEXAS
6:30 P.M., FRIDAY, Nov. 10, 1989
THANK YOU BILL. GOOD TO SEE YOU, RITA,
((SECRETARY OF STATE)) GEORGE BAYOUD ((BYE-EWED)), FRED
MEYER, PENNY BUTLER, AND OF COURSE LEE ATWATER.
((IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK IN THE METROPLEX, AND
ESPECIALLY IN A CITY THAT FORGOT TO FINISH THE ROOF
OVER ITS BIGGEST STADIUM.\ OF COURSE, IN THE GOOD OLD
DAYS, ANY DALLAS COWBOY FAN WOULD TELL YOU THIS WAS so
GOD COULD SEE HIS TEAM PLAY.))\\
BILL -- YOU AND I GO BACK A LONG WAY -- LONG
BEFORE EITHER OF US GOT INTO POLITICS. WE SHARED
COMMON GOALS IN BUSINESS AND IN POLITICS. (WE ALSO
HAVE A LOT IN COMMON AS PUBLIC SPEAKERS. WE'VE
CERTAINLY BEEN ACCUSED OF MAKING OUR SHARE OF VERBAL
GAFFES. BUT BILL, so WHAT IF WE'VE BEEN KNOWN TO PUT
OUR FOOT IN OUR MOUTH FROM TIME TO TIME?\\ I JUST HOPE
YOUR FOOT IS AS SILVER AS MINE.))\\\\
- 2 -
((BUT BILL, AT LEAST YOU'RE A COLORFUL CHARACTER.
I GUESS THE WHOLE COUNTRY HAS HEARD THE STORY OF HOW
YOU WERE EATING IN A DALLAS RESTAURANT WHEN A HOLDUP
TOOK PLACE - AND HOW YOU JUST KEPT RIGHT ON EATING
YOUR HAMBURGER THROUGH THE WHOLE ORDEAL. BILL, I'M NOT
SURE IF THAT WAS TEXAS COURAGE\\ OR JUST HUNGER\\\ OR
THE NEED FOR A NEW PAIR OF GLASSES.))
KIDDING ASIDE, BILL, I WANT YOU TO KNOW I WOULDN'T
HAVE MISSED THIS AFFAIR FOR ANYTHING. OVER THE YEARS,
I HAVE COME TO DEPEND ON YOUR STEADY FRIENDSHIP AND
SOUND ADVICE. SO HAVE THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS. AND
TONIGHT'S TRIBUTE IS OUR WAY OF LETTING YOU KNOW JUST
HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOU.
- 3 -
BILL, YOUR FIRST TERM WAS A GLORIOUS TIME FOR
TEXAS, AND A MEMORABLE CHAPTER IN THE POLITICAL HISTORY
OF OUR STATE. THEY SAY IN WEST TEXAS THAT A MILE
BETWEEN FENCEPOSTS IS A LONG DISTANCE, BUT A MILE
BETWEEN TOWNS IS SHORT. WELL, BILL, THE TIME BETWEEN
YOUR TWO TERMS WAS SHORT ENOUGH TO PRESERVE THE GAINS
THAT YOU HAD ACHIEVED. BUT IT WAS LONG ENOUGH TO PROVE
JUST HOW RIGHT YOU WERE ABOUT WHAT WORKS FOR TEXAS. 11
((OF COURSE, THERE ARE THOSE WHO STILL SAY THAT ON THE
DAY BILL CLEMENTS RETURNED AS GOVERNOR, THAT THE TEXAS
NATIONAL GUARD SWITCHED BACK TO PLAID FATIGUES. "
BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT IN THE MIDDLE YEARS OF THE
DECADE, HUMOR WAS IN SHORT SUPPLY IN TEXAS. WHEN YOU
HIT THE COMEBACK TRAIL, HOUSES COULD BE HAD FOR
PAYMENTS; AND TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BLUE-COLLAR
PROVIDERS JUST COULDN'T PROVIDE. BILL, TEXAS WAS IN
TROUBLE. 11 TEXAS NEEDED A LEADER. 11 TEXAS NEEDED
YOU.
- 4 -
NOW, OPTIMISM HAS RETURNED TO THE MOST OPTIMISTIC
STATE IN THE UNION. TEXAS EMPLOYMENT IS UP.
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS ARE UP. RETAIL SALES ARE UP.
ONCE AGAIN, TEXAS IS A MAGNET FOR BUSINESS AND FOR
RESEARCH PROJECTS LIKE THE SUPERCONDUCTING SUPER
COLLIDER. THE SPACE INDUSTRY IS STARTING TO TAKE OFF,
AND THE EYES OF TEXAS ARE ONCE AGAIN ON THE STARS. ALL
THIS ADDS UP TO JOBS, PROSPERITY AND A DECENT SHOT AT
HAPPINESS FOR COUNTLESS FAMILIES. THE COMEBACK OF BILL
CLEMENTS HAS MEANT NOTHING LESS THAN THE COMEBACK OF
TEXAS.\\
THESE HAVE ALSO BEEN COMEBACK YEARS FOR AMERICA.
TRUE, WE STILL FACE SOME TOUGH NATIONAL PROBLEMS. BUT
TOUGH NATIONAL PROBLEMS REQUIRE NOTHING LESS THAN
NATIONAL SOLUTIONS. AND THAT IS WHY I'M PLEASED TO
WORK SO CLOSELY WITH BILL CLEMENTS AND ALL MY FELLOW
CHIEF EXECUTIVES IN THE STATES.
- 5 -
BILL AND I SHARE A SIMILAR APPROACH ON MANY
ISSUES, STARTING WITH CRIME-FIGHTING. THANKS TO BILL,
PRISON SENTENCES IN TEXAS ARE AGAIN MEASURED IN YEARS,
NOT METED OUT BY THE AVAILABLE SQUARE-FEET. I BELIEVE
WE NEED THIS SAME TOUGH APPROACH IN WASHINGTON,
STARTING WITH MY ADMINISTRATION'S CRIME-CONTROL
LEGISLATION TO TOUGHEN FEDERAL SENTENCES. AND I
BELIEVE CONGRESS SHOULD HELP US BY PUTTING THE
HANDCUFFS ON CRIMINALS, NOT ON THE COURTS. 11
BILL AND I SHARE A SIMILAR APPROACH TO FIGHTING
DRUGS. TEXAS HAS TIGHTENED ITS PROBATION AND PAROLE
SYSTEM so THAT EX-CONS MUST NOW BE "DRUG FREE TO BE
FREE"; THE TEXAS NARCOTICS CONTROL PROGRAM HAS USED A
$12 MILLION FEDERAL INVESTMENT TO SEIZE MORE THAN $350
MILLION WORTH OF DRUGS; AND THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD IS
ON THE ALERT FOR SMUGGLERS. THIS IS EXACTLY THE KIND
OF TOUGH-MINDED STRATEGY THAT AMERICA NEEDS -- THAT I
PROPOSED AND THAT CONGRESS MUST PASS. 11
- 6 -
AND BILL AND I ALSO SHARE A SIMILAR APPROACH ON
EDUCATION REFORM. AT THE CHARLOTTESVILLE SUMMIT, THE
GOVERNORS JOINED ME IN AN HISTORIC COMPACT TO GIVE OUR
SCHOOLS GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN RETURN FOR GREATER
ACCOUNTABILITY. AND I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THIS IS
EXACTLY WHAT BILL IS ALREADY DOING, REWARDING GOOD
SCHOOLS THROUGH THE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM.
FINALLY, AS A FORMER DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE,
BILL SHARES MY VIEW THAT THE BEST WAY TO KEEP AMERICA
AND THE WEST FREE, IS TO KEEP OURSELVES STRONG. 11
- 7 -
OF COURSE, WE ALL LOOK AT THE AMAZING CHANGES IN
EASTERN EUROPE -- INDEED, IN THE SOVIET UNION ITSELF --
WITH ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE. YET THIS COUNTRY MUST NOT
BASE ITS FOREIGN POLICY OR ITS NATIONAL SECURITY ON THE
ASPIRATIONS OF ONE MAN INSIDE THE SOVIET UNION, OR
ANYWHERE ELSE. I DO LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH
MISTER GORBACHEV OFF THE COAST OF MALTA. BECAUSE THIS
IS NOT A SUMMIT, WE'LL LEAVE THE DETAILED ARMS-CONTROL
PROPOSALS TO THE TRUE SUMMIT, TO BE HELD NEXT YEAR.
BUT, THERE WILL BE PLENTY FOR US TO TALK ABOUT THIS
YEAR: REGIONAL ISSUES, AND SOME GLOBAL ONES, INCLUDING
THE ENVIRONMENT. I WILL ALSO MAKE IT CLEAR TO MISTER
GORBACHEV THAT WE WANT TO SEE HIS REFORMS SUCCEED. AND
I WILL TELL MISTER GORBACHEV WHAT HIS GOVERNMENT CAN DO
TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES.
I HAVE TOUCHED ON MANY ISSUES, IMPORTANT TO TEXAS
AND THE NATION. BUT I MUST NOTE THAT TEXAS IS NOW AT
THE THRESHOLD OF A NEW ERA. IN JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN
ONE YEAR, TEXANS WILL CHOOSE A NEW GOVERNOR. AND WHEN
I CONSIDER THE TALENTED REPUBLICANS WHO ARE RUNNING TO
SUCCEED BILL, I CAN'T HELP BUT SAY THAT WITH CONTINUED
REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP, TEXAS CANNOT LOSE.\\
- 8 -
((AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, A TEXAS DEMOCRATIC FRIEND
OF MINE HAD HIS OWN IDEAS ABOUT THE ELECTION. HE
OFFERED ME HIS PREDICTION THAT THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF
THIS STATE WOULD BE THAT SMART, SILVER-HAIRED, FEISTY,
OUT-SPOKEN LONE STAR LADY WITH A SHARP SENSE OF
HUMOR. 11 I SAID, "NO WAY. NOT POSSIBLE. BARBARA BUSH
IS VERY HAPPY IN THE WHITE HOUSE. "))\\
BUT THE ELECTION IS A YEAR AWAY. TONIGHT, WE ARE
GATHERED TO HONOR A GOVERNOR WHO IS STILL AT WORK,
STILL BUILDING A LEGACY OF SAFER STREETS AND BETTER
SCHOOLS; OF GOOD GOVERNMENT AND GREATER OPPORTUNITY.
BILL, TEXAS IS A MYTHIC PLACE, A LAND OF HEROES.
THEIR VERY NAMES ARE THE STUFF OF LEGEND: DAVY
CROCKETT, SAM HOUSTON AND STEPHEN F. AUSTIN. I PREDICT
THAT WHEN SOME FUTURE HISTORIAN WRITES THE HISTORY OF
MODERN TEXAS, THERE WILL BE ROOM FOR YET ANOTHER HERO,
ANOTHER GREAT TEXAS LEADER. AND HIS NAME WILL BE
WILLIAM CLEMENTS. 11 MAY I PROPOSE A TOAST? ((RAISE
GLASS)) BILL AND RITA, TO YOU AND TO TEXAS.
- 9 -
((AFTER TOAST)) THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU
AND THE LONE STAR STATE.
#
#
#
Fim
Davis/Martin
Title: Clements
Nov. 8, 1989
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GOV. BILL CLEMENTS
GRAND KEMPINSKI HOTEL, DALLAS, TEXAS
6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 1989
Thank you Bill. Good to see you, Rita, ( (Secretary of
State) ) George Bayoud ((Bayou)), Fred Meyer, Penny Butler.
((It's great to be back in the Metroplex, and especially in
a city that forgot to finish the roof over its biggest stadium.\
of course, in the good old days, any Dallas Cowboy fan would tell
you this was so God could see His team play. ))
Bill -- you and I go back a long way -- long before either
of us got into politics. We shared common goals in business and
in politics. ( (We also have a lot in common as public speakers.
We've certainly been accused of making our share of verbal
gaffes. But Bill, so what if we've been known to put our foot in
our mouth from time to time?\\ I just hope your foot is as
silver as mine. )) \\\\\
( (But Bill, at least you're a colorful character. I guess
the whole country has heard the story of how you were eating in a
Dallas restaurant when a holdup took place -- and how you just
kept right on eating your hamburger through the whole ordeal.
Bill, I'm not sure if that was Texas courage\\ or just hunger\\\
or the need for a new pair of glasses.) )
2
Kidding aside, Bill, I want you to know I wouldn't have
missed this affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to
depend on your steady friendship and sound advice. So have the
people of Texas. And tonight's tribute is our way of letting you
know just how much we appreciate you.
Bill, your first term was a glorious time for Texas, and a
memorable chapter in the political history of our state.
They say in West Texas that a mile between fenceposts is a long
distance, but a mile between towns is short. Well, Bill, the
lean
time between your two terms was short enough to preserve the
sat
gains that you had achieved. But it was long enough to prove
just how right you were about what works for Texas.
((Of
course, there are those who still say that on the day Bill
n meal
Clements returned as Governor, that the Texas National Guard
switched back to plaid fatigues. IIII
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in Texas. When you hit the comeback
trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of thousands of
blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill, Texas was in
trouble. Texas needed a leader. Texas needed you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state in
the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business
and for research projects like the Superconducting Super
Collider. The space industry is starting to take off, and the
eyes of Texas are once again on the stars. All this adds up to
3
jobs, prosperity and a decent shot at happiness for countless
families. The comeback of Bill Clements has meant nothing less
than the comeback of Texas.
These have also been comeback years for America. True, we
still face some tough nation problems. But tough national
problems require nothing less than national solutions. And that
is why I'm pleased to work so closely with Bill Clements and all
my fellow chief executives in the states.
Bill and I share a similar approach on many issues, starting
with crime-fighting. Thanks to Bill, prison sentences in Texas
are again measured in years, not meted out by the available
square-feet. I believe we need this same tough approach in
Washington, starting with my Administration's crime-control
legislation to toughen federal sentences. And I believe Congress
should help us by putting the handcuffs on criminals, not on the
courts.
Bill and I share a similar approach to fight drugs. Texas
has tightened its probation and parole system so that ex-cons
must now be "drug free to be free"; the Texas Narcotics Control
Program has used a $12 million federal investment to seize more
than $350 million worth of drugs; and the Texas National Guard is
on the alert for smugglers. This is exactly the kind of tough-
minded strategy that America needs -- that I proposed -- and that
Congress must pass.
And Bill and I also share a similar approach on education
reform. At the Charlottesville Summit, the governors joined me
4
in an historic compact to give our schools greater flexibility in
return for greater accountability. And I am pleased to note that
this is exactly what Bill is already doing, rewarding good
schools through the Educational Excellence Program.
Finally, as a former deputy secretary of defense, Bill
shares my view that the best way to keep America and the West
free, is to keep ourselves strong.
of course, we all look at the amazing changes in Eastern
Europe -- indeed, in the Soviet Union itself -- with optimism.
Yet this country must not base its foreign policy or its national
security on the aspirations of one man inside the Soviet Union,
or anywhere else. I do look forward to meeting with Mister
Gorbachev off Malta. Because this is not a summit, we'll leave
the detailed arms-control proposals to the true summit, to be
held next year. But, there will be plenty for us to talk about
this year: regional issues, and some global ones, including the
environment. I will also make it clear to Mister Gorbachev that
we want to see his reforms succeed. And I will tell Mister
Gorbachev what his government can do to improve relations with
the United States.
I have touched on many issues, important to Texas and the
nation. But I must note that Texas is now at the threshold of a
new era. In just a little more than one year, Texans will choose
a new governor. And when I consider the talented Republicans who
are running to succeed Bill, I can't help but say that with
continued Republican leadership, Texas cannot lose.
5
( (As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine had
his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart, silver-
haired, feisty, out-spoken Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of
humor. I said, "No way. Not possible. Barbara Bush is very
happy in the White House. ") )
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we are gathered
to honor a governor who is still at work, still building a legacy
of safer streets and better schools; of good government and
greater opportunity.
Bill, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. Their very
names are the stuff of legend: Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and
Stephen Austin. I predict that when some future historian writes
the history of modern Texas, there will be room for yet another
hero, another great Texas leader. And his name will be William
Clements. May I propose a toast? ( (RAISE GLASS) ) Bill and
Rita, to you and to Texas.
( (AFTER TOAST)) Thank you, and may God bless you and the
Lone Star State.
#
#
#
087749SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/8/89
----
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
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
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1989 NOV - -7 PM 6: 49
November 7, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
cw
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
Governor Clements' Fundraiser
I. SUMMARY:
On Friday, November 10, 1989, at 6:30 p.m. you will attend a
$1,000 a plate dinner at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Dallas. An
audience of 1,500 people is expected. Governor Bill Clements
will introduce you, then you will deliver brief remarks (6-8
minutes) prepared on speechcards.
II. DISCUSSION:
The purpose of the fundraiser is to retire the Governor's
debt before he retires from office. Your remarks quickly review
the outstanding accomplishments of Governor Clements' terms the
improved economic outlook and criminal justice reform.
Davis/Martin
Title: Clements
Nov. 1, 1989
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GOV. BILL CLEMENTS
GRAND KEMPINSKI HOTEL, DALLAS, TEXAS
6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 1989
Thank you, it's great to be back in Dallas. ((Bill and Rita
Clements, and other acknowledgements to come.) )
((Funny thing, but every time I come back to Texas, I get an
easy feeling, like I've just slipped on a comfortable pair of
worn-out blue jeans and some old boots\\
...
unless, of course,
I've got to go to a formal dinner at a hotel and make another
speech.) ))\\\
((But tonight I am delighted to speak up for Bill Clements.
As chief executives and as public speakers, we have a lot in
common. We've certainly been accused of making our share of
verbal gaffes. But Bill, so what if we've been known to put our
foot in our mouth from time to time?\\ I just hope your foot is
as silver as mine.) )
( (You are, of course, a colorful character. I guess the
whole country has heard the story of how Bill was eating in a
Dallas restaurant when a holdup took place -- and how he just
kept right on eating his hamburger through the whole ordeal.
Bill, I'm not sure if that was Texas courage\\ or just hunger\\\
or the need for a new pair of glasses.) )
2
Kidding aside, Bill, I want you to know I wouldn't have
missed this affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to
depend on your steady friendship and sound advice. So have the
people of Texas. And tonight's little tribute is our way of
letting you know just how much we appreciate you.
Bill, you are the only Texas governor to serve at the
beginning and the end of a decade. You are also the first Lone
Star Republican governor since Reconstruction, arriving in Austin
just two years before Ronald Reagan and I arrived in Washington.
In fact, your election was one of the first signs of a new
era in American politics -- a turn to those with firm
convictions, visionary ideas and an unshakable conviction that
America's best years are still to come.
Your first term was a glorious time for Texas, and a
memorable chapter in the political history of our state.
They say in West Texas that a mile between fenceposts is a long
distance, but a mile between towns is a short distance. Well,
Bill, the time between your two terms was short enough to
preserve the gains that you had achieved. But it was long enough
to prove just how right you were about what works for Texas.
((Of course, there are those who still say that on the day Bill
Clements returned as Governor, that the Texas National Guard
switched back to plaid fatigues. ))
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in Texas. When you hit the comeback
trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of thousands of
3
blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill, Texas was in
trouble. Texas needed a leader. Texas needed you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state in
the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business
and for research projects like the Superconducting Super
Collider. The space industry is starting to take off, and the
eyes of Texas are once again on the stars. And America will go
back to the future, back to space -- and this time, back to
stay. All this adds up to jobs, prosperity and a decent shot
at happiness for countless families. The comeback of Bill
Clements has meant nothing less than the comeback of Texas.)
Bill, you also promised to take command of a criminal-
justice system that was in crisis. The state was looking at a
$24 million fine for prison overcrowding. Felons lost their fear
of the law when sentences were no longer measured in years, but
meted out by the available square-feet.
Yet by 1987, Texas again had a hands-on governor. Thanks to
you, Texas is becoming a safer place with 25,000 new prison beds
for violent felons. Thanks to you, those on probation and parole
must be "drug free to be free." And thanks to you, Texas justice
means that punishment now fits the crime.
of course, this is great news for Texas. But the nation
still awaits the passage of my Administration's crime-control
legislation to toughen federal sentences. I call on Congress to
help us put the handcuffs on criminals, not on the courts. I
4
call on Congress to pass our national strategy to take back the
streets.
Yet our state is at the threshold of a new era. In just a
little more than one year, Texans will choose a new governor.
And when I consider the talented Republicans who are running to
succeed Bill, I can't help but say that with continued Republican
leadership, Texas cannot lose.
( (As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine had
his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart, silver-
haired, feisty, Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of humor. I
said, "No way. Not possible. Barbara Bush is happy in the White
House."))\\
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we are gathered
to honor a governor who is still at work, still building a legacy
of safer streets and better schools; of good government and
greater opportunity.
Bill, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. Their very
names are the stuff of legend: Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and
Stephen Austin. I predict that when some future historian writes
the history of modern Texas, there will be room for yet another
hero, another great Texas leader. And his name will be William
Clements. May I propose a toast? ((RAISE GLASS) ) Bill and
Rita, to you and to Texas.
( (AFTER TOAST)) Thank you, and may God bless you and the
Lone Star State.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 7, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
Governor Clements' Fundraiser
I. SUMMARY:
On Friday, November 10, 1989, at 6:30 p.m. you will attend a
$1,000 a plate dinner at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Dallas. An
audience of 1,500 people is expected. Governor Bill Clements
will introduce you, then you will deliver brief remarks (6-8
minutes) prepared on speechcards.
II. DISCUSSION:
The purpose of the fundraiser is to retire the Governor's
debt before he retires from office. Your remarks quickly review
the outstanding accomplishments of Governor Clements' terms --the
improved economic outlook and criminal justice reform.
Davis/Martin
Title: Clements
Nov. 1, 1989
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GOV. BILL CLEMENTS
GRAND KEMPINSKI HOTEL, DALLAS, TEXAS
6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 1989
Thank you, it's great to be back in Dallas. ( (Bill and Rita
Clements, and other acknowledgements to come. ))
( (Funny thing, but every time I come back to Texas, I get an
easy feeling, like I've just slipped on a comfortable pair of
worn-out blue jeans and some old boots\\
...
unless, of course,
I've got to go to a formal dinner at a hotel and make another
speech. ) )
((But tonight I am delighted to speak up for Bill Clements.
As chief executives and as public speakers, we have a lot in
common. We've certainly been accused of making our share of
verbal gaffes. But Bill, so what if we've been known to put our
foot in our mouth from time to time?\\ I just hope your foot is
as silver as mine. ) )
( (You are, of course, a colorful character. I guess the
whole country has heard the story of how Bill was eating in a
Dallas restaurant when a holdup took place -- and how he just
kept right on eating his hamburger through the whole ordeal.
Bill, I'm not sure if that was Texas courage\\ or just hunger\\\
or the need for a new pair of glasses. ))
2
Kidding aside, Bill, I want you to know I wouldn't have
missed this affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to
depend on your steady friendship and sound advice. So have the
people of Texas. And tonight's little tribute is our way of
letting you know just how much we appreciate you.
Bill, you are the only Texas governor to serve at the
beginning and the end of a decade. You are also the first Lone
Star Republican governor since Reconstruction, arriving in Austin
just two years before Ronald Reagan and I arrived in Washington.
In fact, your election was one of the first signs of a new
era in American politics a turn to those with firm
convictions, visionary ideas and an unshakable conviction that
America's best years are still to come.
Your first term was a glorious time for Texas, and a
memorable chapter in the political history of our state.
They say in West Texas that a mile between fenceposts is a long
distance, but a mile between towns is a short distance. Well,
Bill, the time between your two terms was short enough to
preserve the gains that you had achieved. But it was long enough
to prove just how right you were about what works for Texas.
((Of course, there are those who still say that on the day Bill
Clements returned as Governor, that the Texas National Guard
switched back to plaid fatigues.) )
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in Texas. When you hit the comeback
trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of thousands of
3
blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill, Texas was in
trouble. Texas needed a leader.\ Texas needed you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state in
the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business
and for research projects like the Superconducting Super
Collider. The space industry is starting to take off, and the
eyes of Texas are once again on the stars. And America will go
back to the future, back to space -- and this time, back to
stay. All this adds up to jobs, prosperity and a decent shot
at happiness for countless families. The comeback of Bill
Clements has meant nothing less than the comeback of Texas.\
Bill, you also promised to take command of a criminal-
justice system that was in crisis. The state was looking at a
$24 million fine for prison overcrowding. Felons lost their fear
of the law when sentences were no longer measured in years, but
meted out by the available square-feet.
Yet by 1987, Texas again had a hands-on governor. Thanks to
you, Texas is becoming a safer place with 25,000 new prison beds
for violent felons. Thanks to you, those on probation and parole
must be "drug free to be free." And thanks to you, Texas justice
means that punishment now fits the crime.
of course, this is great news for Texas. But the nation
still awaits the passage of my Administration's crime-control
legislation to toughen federal sentences. I call on Congress to
help us put the handcuffs on criminals, not on the courts. I
4
call on Congress to pass our national strategy to take back the
streets.
Yet our state is at the threshold of a new era. In just a
little more than one year, Texans will choose a new governor.
And when I consider the talented Republicans who are running to
succeed Bill, I can't help but say that with continued Republican
leadership, Texas cannot lose.
( (As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine had
his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart, silver-
haired, feisty, Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of humor. I
said, "No way. Not possible. Barbara Bush is happy in the White
House."))\\
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we are gathered
to honor a governor who is still at work, still building a legacy
of safer streets and better schools; of good government and
greater opportunity.
Bill, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. Their very
names are the stuff of legend: Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and
Stephen Austin. I predict that when some future historian writes
the history of modern Texas, there will be room for yet another
hero, another great Texas leader. And his name will be William
Clements. May I propose a toast? ( (RAISE GLASS) ) Bill and
Rita, to you and to Texas.
( (AFTER TOAST)) Thank you, and may God bless you and the
Lone Star State.
087749SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/6/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/7/89 4:00 PM
CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES N/C
UNTERMEYER
CARD N/C
ROGERS N/C
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST N/C
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 7, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
9 100 68 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Clements
1989 NOV -3 PM 7: 11
Nov. 1, 1989
Draft: Two
Grand Ken pinski Hotel
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GOV. BILL CLEMENTS, DALLAS
6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 1989
Thank you, it's great to be back in Dallas. ((Bill and Rita
Clements, and other acknowledgements to come.) )
((Funny thing, but every time I come back to Texas, I get an
easy feeling, like I've just slipped on a comfortable pair of
worn-out blue jeans and some old boots 11
...
unless, of course,
I've got to go to a formal dinner at a hotel and make another
speech. ) 1111 )
((But tonight I am delighted to speak up for Bill Clements.
As chief executives and as public speakers, we have a lot in
common. We've certainly been accused of making our share of
verbal gaffes. But Bill, so what if we've been known to put our
foot in our mouth from time to time?\ I just hope your foot is
as silver as mine. ) 1111 )
( (You are, of course, a colorful character. I guess the
whole country has heard the story of how Bill was eating in a
Dallas restaurant when a holdup took place -- and how he just
kept right on eating his hamburger through the whole ordeal.
Bill, I'm not sure if that was Texas courage\ or just hunger\\\
or the need for a new pair of glasses. ))
Kidding aside, Bill, I want you to know I wouldn't have
missed this affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to
2
depend on your steady friendship and sound advice. So have the
people of Texas. And tonight's little tribute is our way of
letting you know just how much we appreciate you.
Bill, you are the only Texas governor to serve at the
?
beginning and the end of a decade. You are also the first Lone
Star Republican governor since Reconstruction, arriving in Austin
just two years before Ronald Reagan and I arrived in Washington.
In fact, your election was one of the first signs of a new
era in American politics -- a turn to those with firm
convictions, visionary ideas and an unshakable conviction that
America's best years are still to come.
Your first term was a glorious time for Texas, and a
memorable chapter in the political history of our state.
insert
And then, before your second term, you took a little vacation
A
of course,
.
of about four years 11 ( (And there are those who still say
that on the day Bill Clements returned as Governor, that the
Texas National Guard switched back to plaid fatigues. ))\\
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in Texas. When you hit the comeback
trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of thousands of
blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill, Texas was in
trouble. Texas needed a leader. Texas needed you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state in
the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business
and for research projects like the Superconducting Super
3
Collider. The space industry is starting to take off, and the
eyes of Texas are once again on the stars. And America will go
back to the future, back to space -- and this time, back to
stay. \\ All this adds up to jobs, prosperity and a decent shot
at happiness for countless families. The comeback of Bill
Clements has meant nothing less than the comeback of Texas.
Bill, you also promised to take command of a criminal-
justice system that was in crisis. The state was looking at a
$24 million fine for prison overcrowding. Felons lost their fear
of the law when sentences were no longer measured in years, but
meted out by the available square-feet.
hands - on
Yet by 1987, Texas again had an activist governor. Thanks
to you, Texas is becoming a safer place with 25,000 new prison
beds for violent felons. Thanks to you, those on probation and
parole must be drug free to be free. And thanks to you, Texas
justice means that punishment now fits the crime.
Of course, this is great news for Texas. But the nation
still awaits the passage of my Administration's crime-control
and
legislation to toughen federal sentences. to create more federal
prison space I call on Congress to help us put the handcuffs on
criminals, not on the courts. I call on Congress to pass our
national strategy to take back the streets. \\
Yet our state is at the threshold of a new era. In just a
little more than one year, Texans will choose a new governor.
And when I consider the talented Republicans who are running to
4
succeed Bill, I can't help but say that with continued Republican
leadership, Texas cannot lose.
( (As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine had
his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart, silver-
haired, feisty, Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of humor. I
said, "no way. Not possible. Barbara Bush is happy in the White
House. ) )
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we are gathered
to honor a governor who is still at work, still building a legacy
of safer streets and better schools; of good government and
greater opportunity.
Bill, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. Their very
names are the stuff of legend: Davey Crockett, Sam Houston and
Stephen F. Austin. I predict that when some future historian
writes the history of modern Texas, there will be room for yet
another hero, another great Texas leader. And his name will be
William Clements. May I propose a toast? ( (RAISE GLASS) )
Bill and Rita, to you and to Texas.
( (AFTER TOAST) ) Thank you, and may God bless you and the
Lone Star State.
#
#
#
087749SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/6/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11/7/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 7, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
NO comment
IS : Pd L 100 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No.
087749SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/6/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11/7/89 4:00 PM
CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 7, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
hs:50 They
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November UKÁ 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
Subject:
Clements Fundraiser
pg. 2, para. 2, line 1 " only Texas governor to serve at the
beginning and the end of a decade."
If it hasn't been done already, this fact needs double-
checking.
put call already
pg. 2, para. 4, line 3
"And then, before your second term, you
took a little vacation.. of about four years. "
This only slightly makes fun of Clements' bitter defeat, but
it still seems innappropriate: not just because of lingering
bitterness, or the slight implication that he deserved a
vacation, but because Clements was beaten by a candidate (Mark
White) who is running again.
Therefore, we suggest something to imply that the
interruption of Clements' tenure helped to vindicate his
policies. E.g.,) "They say in West Texas that a mile between
fenceposts is a long distance, but a mile between towns is a
short distance. Well, Bill, the time between your two terms was
short enough to preserve the gains that you had achieved. But it
was long enough to prove just how right you were about what works
for Texas."
###
&
msrtA
05 :Ed 9 100 68
087749SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/6/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/7/89 4:00 PM
CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 7, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 7, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Clements Fundraiser
We have reviewed the draft remarks for the Clements
Fundraiser. We have one recommendation from a policy
standpoint. In the second sentence of the third full paragraph
on page three, we suggest changing the word "legislation" to
"strategy" and inserting "and" between the words "sentence" and
"to".
The reference to creating more federal prison space through
passage of the President's crime package is technically
inaccurate. The provisions of the crime package that relate to
prison space were taken out of the bill and considered along
with the funding provisions of the drug strategy. The
modification that we suggest takes care of this minor
inaccuracy.
If you have any questions or we can help in any way, please
let us know.
CC: James W. Cicconi
11 :Ed L 100 68
087749SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/6/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/7/89 4:00 PM
CLEMENTS FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 7, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Clements
1989 NOV -3 PM 7: I I
Nov. 1, 1989
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GOV. BILL CLEMENTS, DALLAS
6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 1989
Thank you, it's great to be back in Dallas. ((Bill and Rita
Clements, and other acknowledgements to come.))
((Funny thing, but every time I come back to Texas, I get an
easy feeling, like I've just slipped on a comfortable pair of
worn-out blue jeans and some old boots\
...
unless, of course,
I've got to go to a formal dinner at a hotel and make another
speech. ))
( (But tonight I am delighted to speak up for Bill Clements.
As chief executives and as public speakers, we have a lot in
common. We've certainly been accused of making our share of
verbal gaffes. But Bill, so what if we've been known to put our
foot in our mouth from time to time?\ I just hope your foot is
as silver as mine. ) 1111
( (You are, of course, a colorful character. I guess the
whole country has heard the story of how Bill was eating in a
Dallas restaurant when a holdup took place -- and how he just
kept right on eating his hamburger through the whole ordeal.
Bill, I'm not sure if that was Texas courage\\ or just hunger\\\
or the need for a new pair of glasses. ))
Kidding aside, Bill, I want you to know I wouldn't have
missed this affair for anything. Over the years, I have come to
2
depend on your steady friendship and sound advice. So have the
people of Texas. And tonight's little tribute is our way of
letting you know just how much we appreciate you.
Bill, you are the only Texas governor to serve at the
beginning and the end of a decade. You are also the first Lone
Star Republican governor since Reconstruction, arriving in Austin
just two years before Ronald Reagan and I arrived in Washington.
In fact, your election was one of the first signs of a new
era in American politics -- a turn to those with firm
convictions, visionary ideas and an unshakable conviction that
America's best years are still to come.
Your first term was a glorious time for Texas, and a
memorable chapter in the political history of our state.
And then, before your second term, you took a little vacation
of about four years. ( (And there are those who still say
that on the day Bill Clements returned as Governor, that the
Texas National Guard switched back to plaid fatigues. ))\\
But we all know that in the middle years of the decade,
humor was in short supply in Texas. When you hit the comeback
trail, houses could be had for payments; and tens of thousands of
blue-collar providers just couldn't provide. Bill, Texas was in
trouble. Texas needed a leader. Texas needed you.
Now, optimism has returned to the most optimistic state in
the Union. Texas employment is up. Construction permits are up.
Retail sales are up. Once again, Texas is a magnet for business
and for research projects like the Superconducting Super
3
Collider. The space industry is starting to take off, and the
eyes of Texas are once again on the stars. And America will go
back to the future, back to space -- and this time, back to
stay. 11 All this adds up to jobs, prosperity and a decent shot
at happiness for countless families. The comeback of Bill
Clements has meant nothing less than the comeback of Texas.
Bill, you also promised to take command of a criminal-
justice system that was in crisis. The state was looking at a
$24 million fine for prison overcrowding. Felons lost their fear
of the law when sentences were no longer measured in years, but
meted out by the available square-feet.
Yet by 1987, Texas again had an activist governor. Thanks
to you, Texas is becoming a safer place with 25,000 new prison
beds for violent felons. Thanks to you, those on probation and
parole must be drug free to be free. And thanks to you, Texas
justice means that punishment now fits the crime.
Of course, this is great news for Texas. But the nation
still awaits the passage of my Administration's crime-control
legislation to toughen federal sentences, AND L to create more federal
prison space. I call on Congress to help us put the handcuffs on
criminals, not on the courts. I call on Congress to pass our
national strategy to take back the streets. \\
Yet our state is at the threshold of a new era. In just a
little more than one year, Texans will choose a new governor.
And when I consider the talented Republicans who are running to
4
succeed Bill, I can't help but say that with continued Republican
leadership, Texas cannot lose.
( (As you would expect, a Texas Democratic friend of mine had
his own ideas about the election. He offered me his prediction
that the next governor of this state would be that smart, silver-
haired, feisty, Lone Star lady with a sharp sense of humor. I
said, "no way. Not possible. Barbara Bush is happy in the White
House."))\\
But the election is a year away. Tonight, we are gathered
to honor a governor who is still at work, still building a legacy
of safer streets and better schools; of good government and
greater opportunity.
Bill, Texas is a mythic place, a land of heroes. Their very
names are the stuff of legend: Davey Crockett, Sam Houston and
Stephen F. Austin. I predict that when some future historian
writes the history of modern Texas, there will be room for yet
another hero, another great Texas leader. And his name will be
William Clements. May I propose a toast? ( (RAISE GLASS) )
Bill and Rita, to you and to Texas. 11
( (AFTER TOAST) ) Thank you, and may God bless you and the
Lone Star State.
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