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Evangelical Leaders 11/22/89 [OA 3540]
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4
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 19, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON W
FROM:
CURT SMITH
CS
SUBJECT:
REMARKS TO EVANGELICAL LEADERS
I. SUMMARY
On Tuesday, November 21, at 3:20 p.m., you will address
about 180 evangelical leaders in Room 450. Dr. Jerry Falwell,
Dr. Pat Robertson, Dr. James Kennedy, Dr. Raymond Carlson and
Reverend Paul Crouch are all expected to attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (8 minutes; speechcards) focus on issues that
are important to evangelicals. In particular, the remarks
discuss education, abortion, child care, and voluntary school
prayer.
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Three
November 20, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Carlson,
Reverend Crouch, Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often
said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer."
Well, I am delighted to address an audience about whom that will
never be said.)) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
ensure the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of values and government.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
2
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. 11 Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. 11 And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the evangelicals? What do they
believe? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do they believe in? They believe what so many of us
believe. They cherish home and family. They believe that the
only true special interest is America's. Above all, they believe
Jesus Christ is a personal savior.
Finally, what do they expect from government? They don't
ask for privileged treatment. They do ask for equal treatment
and they ask to be respected. And this Administration does. You
want to be listened to. And we do -- and will.
3
You are rightly concerned, as I am, about our Nation's
schools. That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our schools. Our "Educational Excellence Act of
1989" seeks to reward the best in education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. I know that this is
a matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and
do, disagree. But my position is clear. You know I have an
adopted granddaughter and, as I said at the convention last year,
thank God her parents chose life.
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different from the approach favored by some in
Congress. We seek to empower parents, not the government, to
choose the best care for their children -- be it with a
grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We will not
discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
4
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this message: We need the Faith of our Fathers back in
our schools.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through caring for our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. Times change -- but
principles that made this country great do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in February 1861, leaving his home town
to assume the Presidency. "Without the assistance of that Divine
Being who ever attended [George Washington]," he said, "I cannot
succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
091244SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/20/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
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
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 19, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON CW
FROM:
CURT SMITH CS
1989 NOV 20 PM 7: 42
SUBJECT:
REMARKS TO EVANGELICAL LEADERS
I. SUMMARY
On Tuesday, November 21, at 3:20 p.m., you will address
about 180 evangelical leaders in Room 450. Dr. Jerry Falwell,
Dr. Pat Robertson, Dr. James Kennedy, Dr. Raymond Carlson and
Reverend Paul Crouch are all expected to attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (8 minutes; speechcards) focus on issues that
are important to evangelicals. In particular, the remarks
discuss education, abortion, child care, and voluntary school
prayer.
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Three
November 20, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Carlson,
Reverend Crouch, Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often
said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer."
Well, I am delighted to address an audience about whom that will
never be said.)) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
ensure the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of values and government.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
2
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the evangelicals? What do they
believe? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do they believe in? They believe what so many of us
believe. They cherish home and family. They believe that the
only true special interest is America's. Above all, they believe
Jesus Christ is a personal savior.
Finally, what do they expect from government? They don't
ask for privileged treatment. They do ask for equal treatment
and they ask to be respected. And this Administration does. You
want to be listened to. And we do -- and will.
3
You are rightly concerned, as I am, about our Nation's
schools. That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our schools. Our "Educational Excellence Act of
1989" seeks to reward the best in education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. I know that this is
a matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and
do, disagree. But my position is clear. You know I have an
adopted granddaughter and, as I said at the convention last year,
thank God her parents chose life.
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different from the approach favored by some in
Congress. We seek to empower parents, not the government, to
choose the best care for their children -- be it with a
grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We will not
discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
4
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this message: We need the Faith of our Fathers back in
our schools.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through caring for our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. Times change -- but
principles that made this country great do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in February 1861, leaving his home town
to assume the Presidency. "Without the assistance of that Divine
Being who ever attended [George Washington]," he said, "I cannot
succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
EVANGELICAL LEADERS / ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989 / 3:20 P.M.
I
DR. FALWELL, DR. ROBERTSON, DR. KENNEDY, DR.
CARLSON, REVEREND CROUCH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. ((You
KNOW, IT IS OFTEN SAID OF A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL THAT
"HE HASN'T GOT A PRAYER." WELL, I AM DELIGHTED TO
ADDRESS AN AUDIENCE ABOUT WHOM THAT WILL NEVER BE
SAID.)) / /
IT IS A PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU, AND TO HAVE YOU
HERE. WE GATHER AS FRIENDS, AND AS FELLOW BELIEVERS.
- 2 -
FOR ALTHOUGH WE ENSURE THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND
STATE -- WE DO NOT -- MUST NEVER -- ACCEPT A SEPARATION
OF VALUES AND GOVERNMENT.
PERHAPS A LITTLE BOY ONCE EXPRESSED IT BEST. "GOD
BLESS MOTHER AND DADDY, MY BROTHER AND SISTER," HE
SAID. AND THEN HE WENT ON TO PRAY: "AND, oH GOD, DO
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, BECAUSE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO
YOU WE'RE ALL SUNK." //
- 3 -
THOSE WORDS, I THINK, SAY MUCH ABOUT AMERICA. AND
ABOUT THE EVANGELICAL MOVEMENT WHICH so UPLIFTS
AMERICA. THEY REMIND US THAT WE ARE A RELIGIOUS
PEOPLE. AND THAT POLITICAL VALUES WITHOUT SPIRITUAL
VALUES CANNOT SUSTAIN A NATION.
GEORGE WASHINGTON KNEW THIS. ADDRESSING HIS TROOPS
IN 1776, HE SAID, "THE FATE OF UNBORN MILLIONS WILL NOW
DEPEND, UNDER GOD, ON THE COURAGE AND CONDUCT OF THIS
ARMY." AND so DID DWIGHT EISENHOWER.
- 4 -
HE BEGAN HIS FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS WITH A HAND-
WRITTEN MISSIVE. "GIVE US, WE PRAY," HE SAID, "THE
POWER TO DISCERN CLEARLY RIGHT FROM WRONG."
FOR DECADES, AMERICA'S EVANGELICAL MOVEMENT HAS
WORKED TO REAFFIRM IKE'S MESSAGE: To DO RIGHT, REJECT
WRONG, AND MAKE AMERICA A MORE DECENT PLACE. You DO so
NOW. AND I AM WITH YOU. You KNOW, I LOOK AROUND
HERE. // JERRY [FALWELL], I REMEMBER YOUR KINDNESS IN
INVITING ME TO SPEAK AT LIBERTY
IL
- 5 -
PAT [ROBERTSON], THINKING BACK TO THE '88 CAMPAIGN,
SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES. // AND so MANY OF YOU -- OLD
FRIENDS, INSPIRING MILLIONS; YOUR MOVEMENT GROWING BY
LEAPS AND BOUNDS.
AND I THINK OF HOW PEOPLE ASK, "WHO ARE THE
EVANGELICALS? WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE? WHAT DO THEY
EXPECT FROM GOVERNMENT?"
FIRST QUESTION, FIRST. WHO ARE THEY? -- THESE
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS. THEY ARE YOUNG AND OLD, RURAL
AND URBAN, PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC.
- 6 -
THEY COME FROM THE HEART OF AMERICA. THEY SHOW THAT
THE HEART OF AMERICA IS GOOD.
WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE IN? THEY BELIEVE WHAT so MANY
OF US BELIEVE. THEY CHERISH HOME AND FAMILY. THEY
BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY TRUE SPECIAL INTEREST IS
AMERICA'S. ABOVE ALL, THEY BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST IS A
PERSONAL SAVIOR.
FINALLY, WHAT DO THEY EXPECT FROM GOVERNMENT? THEY
DON'T ASK FOR PRIVILEGED TREATMENT.
- 7 -
THEY DO ASK FOR EQUAL TREATMENT AND THEY ASK TO BE
RESPECTED. AND THIS ADMINISTRATION DOES. You WANT TO
BE LISTENED TO. AND WE DO -- AND WILL.
You ARE RIGHTLY CONCERNED, AS I AM, ABOUT OUR
NATION'S SCHOOLS. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ACTED TO ENHANCE
THE QUALITY AND DIVERSITY OF OUR SCHOOLS. OUR
"EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AcT OF 1989" SEEKS TO REWARD
THE BEST IN EDUCATION.
- 8 -
To DEMAND EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. AND TO LET
PARENTS CHOOSE WHICH SCHOOLS THEIR CHILDREN WILL
ATTEND.
A SECOND CONCERN, I KNOW, IS ABORTION. I KNOW THAT
THIS IS A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE -- THAT AMERICANS OF
GOOD FAITH CAN, AND DO, DISAGREE. BUT MY POSITION IS
CLEAR. You KNOW I HAVE AN ADOPTED GRANDDAUGHTER AND,
AS I SAID AT THE CONVENTION LAST YEAR, THANK GOD HER
PARENTS CHOSE LIFE.
- 9 -
THEN, THERE IS THE ISSUE OF CHILD CARE. FOR OFTEN,
WHILE PARENTS WORK, LOVE AND CARE COME FROM THE
EXTENDED FAMILY -- GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS, AND UNCLES. IN
MANY WAYS, THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IS THE GREATEST
EXTENDED FAMILY. So I AM DETERMINED TO PROTECT EVERY
CHURCH-SPONSORED CHILD CARE CENTER IN AMERICA.
IN THAT SPIRIT, WE HAVE PROPOSED A CHILD-CARE TAX
CREDIT, FOCUSED ON PUTTING MONEY IN THE HANDS OF LOW-
INCOME PARENTS.
- 10 -
OUR APPROACH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE APPROACH FAVORED BY
SOME IN CONGRESS. WE SEEK TO EMPOWER PARENTS, NOT THE
GOVERNMENT, TO CHOOSE THE BEST CARE FOR THEIR
CHILDREN -- BE IT WITH A GRANDPARENT, A NEIGHBOR, OR A
LOCAL CHURCH. WE WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST CHURCH-
SPONSORED CHILD CARE. //
FINALLY, I HAVE NOT CHANGED MY VIEWS ON PRAYER IN
SCHOOL. WE SHOULD REMEMBER: "I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE --
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD."
- 11 -
I FAVOR RESTORING VOLUNTARY PRAYER. AND I ASK YOU TO
HELP ME SPREAD THIS MESSAGE: WE NEED THE FAITH OF OUR
FATHERS BACK IN OUR SCHOOLS.
TOGETHER -- THROUGH VOLUNTARY PRAYER AND EXCELLENCE
IN EDUCATION, THROUGH CARING FOR OUR KIDS AND
PROTECTING THE UNBORN -- WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS FOR OUR
NATION. TIMES CHANGE -- BUT THE PRINCIPLES THAT MADE
THIS COUNTRY GREAT DO NOT.
- 12 -
As INDIVIDUALS -- AS PUBLIC OFFICIALS -- WE KNOW
THAT WE MUST HONOR GOD WITH THE LIVES WE LEAD. So IN
CLOSING, LET ME RECALL WHAT LINCOLN SAID IN FEBRUARY
1861, LEAVING HIS HOME TOWN TO ASSUME THE PRESIDENCY.
"WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THAT DIVINE BEING
I
CANNOT SUCCEED. WITH THAT ASSISTANCE, I CANNOT FAIL."
THANK YOU FOR COMING HERE THIS AFTERNOON -- AND FOR
ALL YOU'RE DOING, WITH GOD'S HELP, TO MAKE OURS A
BETTER, MORE PEACEFUL WORLD. I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
- 13 -
I WANT TO BENEFIT FROM YOUR COUNSEL. LET'S WORK
TOGETHER, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
# # # #
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 19, 1989
INFORMATION
1989 NOV 20 PM 7:42 7: 42
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON W
FROM:
CURT SMITH CS
SUBJECT:
REMARKS TO EVANGELICAL LEADERS
I. SUMMARY
On Tuesday, November 21, at 3:20 p.m., you will address
about 180 evangelical leaders in Room 450. Dr. Jerry Falwell,
Dr. Pat Robertson, Dr. James Kennedy, Dr. Raymond Carlson and
Reverend Paul Crouch are all expected to attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (8 minutes; speechcards) focus on issues that
are important to evangelicals. In particular, the remarks
discuss education, abortion, child care, and voluntary school
prayer.
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Three
November 20, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Carlson,
Reverend Crouch, Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often
said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer."
Well, I am delighted to address an audience about whom that will
never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
ensure the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of values and government.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
2
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the evangelicals? What do they
believe? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do they believe in? They believe what so many of us
believe. They cherish home and family. They believe that the
only true special interest is America's. Above all, they believe
Jesus Christ is a personal savior.
Finally, what do they expect from government? They don't
ask for privileged treatment. They do ask for equal treatment
and they ask to be respected. And this Administration does. You
want to be listened to. And we do -- and will.
3
You are rightly concerned, as I am, about our Nation's
schools. That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our schools. Our "Educational Excellence Act of
1989" seeks to reward the best in education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. I know that this is
a matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and
do, disagree. But my position is clear. You know I have an
adopted granddaughter and, as I said at the convention last year,
thank God her parents chose life.
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different from the approach favored by some in
Congress. We seek to empower parents, not the government, to
choose the best care for their children -- be it with a
grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We will not
discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let mo mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
Finally I have not changed
my views on prayer in school
4
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a constitutional
I farer
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this message: We need the Faith of our Fathers back in
our schools.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through caring for our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. Times change -- but
principles that made this country great do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in February 1861, leaving his home town
to assume the Presidency. "Without the assistance of that Divine
Being who ever attended [George Washington], he said, "I cannot
,
succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
091244SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/21
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES pg.30k
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
>
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 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
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Kennedy
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. (You know, it is often said of a group or
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
ensure stet
demand t the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
values
government.
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
evangelicab
think of how people ask, "Who are the born agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
many of
What do they you believe in? They You believe what stet I believe. You They
cherish home and family. They You believe that the only true special
they believe
IS
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as a
your personal savior.
Finally Next what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
they
They
They
for equal treatment and they and
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
you are rightly concerned, us I am, about our
Nations schools.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
the best improvement
alcxcellence.
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
IS clear.
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
as I said at sure you know I have an
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
adopted grond daughter and, as I said at the convention, last year,
Federal financing of abortions only when the life motherSis in
Thone God her parents chose life.
danger. Of this you have my word.
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
from the approach fawored by some us Congress. loe seek to
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
Children
with
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
message
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
ourschools
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
Caring for
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home town people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon - -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
# # # #
091244SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11/17/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with
a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See page 3
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
Treasury said Richard the Porter from
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
naie & USIVE dand
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
thitionne they around the
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
mother's
Federal financing of abortions only when the life smother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 20
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with
a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See Comment k/20/89
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group or
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.)) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." 1.1
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. 11 Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
mother's
Federal financing of abortions only when the life S mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. 11
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
MON. 2pm
Doug Comments! Wead
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
DR.KENNEdy DR.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group or
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
and
the hilp
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
you
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
prouds)
me
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
evangelicals?
think of how people ask, "Who are the born agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
even
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
they
They
so mmy of us American
What do you believe in? You believe what Ф believe. You They
They
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
they believe that
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as is 9
your personal savior.
Finally,
they
They
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
They
for Equal and they 84
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 20, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
FREDERICK D. NELSON
FOW
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Evangelical Leaders
Counsel's Office has two observations regarding the remarks
prepared for the President's meeting with evangelical leaders
tomorrow.
The phrase "separation of church and state" (on page one) is
unfortunate from a legal perspective; it conjures up Jefferson's
metaphor of a "wall of separation," which is a concept not rooted
in the Constitution's text but nonetheless questionably assumed
by many to be the legal test. A perhaps less poetic but safer
formulation might be something like: "We are committed to the
protection of religious liberty established under our
Constitution, but we do not--must never--accept a separation of
morality and state."
On page 3, the drafts says that abortion "is a matter of
conscience--about which Americans of good faith can and do
disagree.' The abortion issue, of course, does revolve around
questions of law and public morality as well as conscience, and
the phrase "matter of conscience" (echoing as it does the
"pro-choice" rhetoric) might be taken out of context to argue
that regulation in the area is inappropriate. There is more at
stake, of course, than the conscience of the individual mother.
I would therefore drop the "conscience" phrase while
acknowledging that people do disagree on the issue. Also, the
final phrase of the paragraph in this speech to important
religious leaders- "Of this you have my word' seems rather open-
ended as to what the President is promising; the President's
commitment to the Hyde Amendment and to his pro-life position
overall could perhaps be made clear without making this sweeping
a statement that might be read not to allow for any
contingencies.
CC: James W. Cicconi
03:00 02 100 68
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 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
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group dr
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. 11
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. 11 And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 20
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with
a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
see comments
62:28 02 130 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group dr
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports.
Mure
4864
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mothers life is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Holen
45178
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while A
OUTSIDE the e,
OTHER PARENT OR FROM the
parents work love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
FROM
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 2C
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
>
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with
a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
11/20/89
Please see comments.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group or
?
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. 11
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Back to
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
the
7
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
Basic
R.Porter
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
may beath
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
to thesh
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
out)
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
>
d
disagree. But my position has not and will not change.
I
<
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
we have fought some hand battles m the Corgness this year on And that issue
we
continue to
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
and alternative which have been
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
proposed in the
Congress.
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
hometown?
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
# # # #
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 20
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 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
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. ((You know, it is often said of a group dr
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) 11
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. 11
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy:
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place. I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. //
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
approach is different than past programs. It, would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
4
kids -- be it a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools -- and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
Does government have a place? Yes. Government is part of
the nation of communities -- not the whole, just a part.
I do not hate government. A government that remembers that
the people are its master is a good and needed thing.
I respect old fashioned common sense, and have no great love
for the imaginings of social planners. I like what's been tested
and found to be true.
For instance:
Should public school teachers be required to lead our
children in the pledge of allegiance? My opponent says no -- but
I say yes.
Should society be allowed to impose the death penalty on
those who commit crimes of extraordinary cruelty and violence?
My opponent says no -- but I say yes.
Should our children have the right to say a voluntary
prayer, or even observe a moment of silence in the schools? My
opponent says no -- but I say yes.
Should free men and women have the right to own a gun to
protect their home? My opponent says no -- but I say yes.
Is it right to believe in the sanctity of life and protect
the lives of innocent children? My opponent says no -- but I say
yes. we must change from abortion -- to adoption. I have an
adopted granddaughter. The day of her christening we wept with
joy. I thank God her parents chose life.
I'm the one who believes it is a scandal to give a weekend
furlough to a hardened first degree killer who hasn't even served
enough time to be eligible for parole.
I'm the one who says a drug dealer who is responsible for
the death of a policeman should be subject to capital punishment.
I'm the one who won't raise taxes. My opponent now says
he'll raise them as a last resort, or a third resort. When a
polítician talks like that, you know that's one resort he'll be
checking into. My opponent won't rule out raising taxes. But I
will. The Congress will push me to raise taxes, and I'll say no,
and they'll push, and I'll say no, and they'll push again. And
all I can say to them is no new taxes, period.
Let me tell you more about the mission.
On jobs, my mission is: 30 in 8. Thirty million jobs in
the next eight years.
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 20
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
f
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with
a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
CHRISS-
Please see edits which d have
discussed with bav. Summer.
Thanks,
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
Roger
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft Two
1989 NOV 17 PM 8: 44
November 17, 1989
FUN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1989
3:20 P.M.
Dr. Falwell, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Carlson, Reverend Crouch,
Ladies and gentlemen. (You know, it is often said of a group or
individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Well, I am delighted
to address an audience about whom that will never be said.) ) //
It is a pleasure to welcome you, and to have you here. We
gather as friends, and as fellow believers. For although we
demand the separation of church and state -- we do not -- must
never -- accept a separation of morality and state.
Perhaps a little boy once expressed it best. "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister," he said. And then he
went on to pray: "And, oh God, do take care of yourself, because
if anything happens to you we're all sunk." //
Those words, I think, say much about America. And about the
evangelical movement which so uplifts America. They remind us
that we are a religious people. And that political values
without spiritual values cannot sustain a Nation.
George Washington knew this. Addressing his troops in 1776,
he said, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,
on the courage and conduct of this army." And so did Dwight
Eisenhower. He began his first Inaugural Address with a hand-
2
written missive. "Give us, we pray," he said, "the power to
discern clearly right from wrong."
For decades, America's evangelical movement has worked to
reaffirm Ike's message: To do right, reject wrong, and make
America a more decent place. You do so now. And I am with you.
You know, I look around here. // Jerry [FALWELL], I
remember your kindness in inviting me to speak at Liberty. //
Pat [ROBERTSON], thinking back to the '88 Campaign, seems like
old times. // And so many of you -- old friends, inspiring
millions; your movement growing by leaps and bounds. And I
think of how people ask, "Who are the born-agains? What do they
believe in? What do they expect from government?"
First questions, first. Who are they? -- these evangelical
Christians. They are young and old, rural and urban, Protestant
and Catholic. They come from the heart of America. They show
that the heart of America is good.
What do you believe in? You believe what I believe. You
cherish home and family. You believe that the only true special
interest is America's. Above all, you accept Jesus Christ as
your personal savior.
Next, what do you expect from government? You don't ask for
privileged treatment. You do ask to be respected. And this
Administration does. You want to be listened to. And we do --
and will. You want evangelicals to influence government policy.
And you have -- and are. For your philosophy is our philosophy
Morality forms the rock upon which America's greatness rests.
V
You ARE RIGHTLY CONCERNED, AS AM I, ABOUT OUR NATION'S
schools.,
3
That is why we have acted to enhance the quality and
diversity of our public and private schools. Our "Educational
AL EXCELLENCE.
Excellence Act of 1989" seeks to reward education. To demand
X
educational accountability. And to let parents choose which
schools their children will attend. [A final note: You know the
realities of the Federal budget. But when the Budget allows, I'm
OUT
going to fulfill the pledge I made in last year's Campaign: We
need tuition tax credits for the parents of America.
A second concern, I know, is abortion. And here, too, we're
trying to make America a more decent place I know that this is
matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can, and do,
is CLEAR.
disagree. But my position has not and will not change. I
believe that life does not begin at birth -- it begins at
conception. So we support the Hyde Amendment which supports
Federal financing of abortions only when the life's mother is in
danger. Of this you have my word. H
Then, there is the issue of child care. For often, while
parents work, love and care come from the extended family --
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In many ways, the church
community is the greatest extended family. So I am determined to
protect every church-sponsored child care center in America.
In that spirit, we have proposed a child-care tax credit,
focused on putting money in the hands of low-income parents. Our
FROM THE APPROACH FAVORED BY SOME IN THE CONGRESS. WE
approach is different than past programs. It would empower
parents, not the government, to choose the best care for their
SEEK TO
4
CHILDREN
WITH
kids -- be it/a grandparent, a neighbor, or a local church. We
will not discriminate against church-sponsored child care. //
Finally, let me mention another Campaign pledge I intend to
fulfill. Before the Supreme Court outlawed it, voluntary school
prayer forced religion on no one. But lack of prayer has denied
many that opportunity. We should remember: "I pledge Allegiance
-- one Nation, under God." So we support a Constitutional
Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. And I ask you to help me
MESSAGE
spread this gospel: We need the Federal Courts out of our
Nation's schools and we need the Faith of our Fathers back in
OUR SCHOOLS.
Together -- through voluntary prayer and excellence in
CARING FOR
education, through protecting our kids and protecting the unborn
-- we can do great things for our Nation. For times change --
Il
but principles do not.
As individuals -- as public officials -- we know that we
must honor God with the lives we lead. So in closing, let me
recall what Lincoln said in January 1861, leaving his home people
to assume the Presidency. "The great God," he said, "which
helped General Washington must now help me. Without that great
assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Thank you for coming here this afternoon -- and for all
you're doing, with God's help, to make ours a better, more
peaceful world. I want to hear from you. I want to benefit from
your counsel. Let's work together, God bless you, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#
2-2-2
The phrase "influence government policy" has a sinister
connotation, suggestive of "undue influence." A more benign way
to put it would be: "You want to evangelicals to have a voice
in public affairs."
3,2,4
"I believe that life does not begin at birth
"
Rather than have the President assert the question of when
life begins, the context of the paragraph calls for a
justification of the Hyde Amendment. This justification is aptly
supplied by the second sentence of the graf: "I know that this
is a matter of conscience -- that Americans of good faith can,
and do, disagree."
Thus, we urge that the graf be restructured to read:
"I know that this is a matter of conscience -- that
Americans of good faith can, and do, disagree. But my position
remains the same. I reaffirm today my belief in protecting the
rights of the unborn. Because this is a matter of conscience,
it is all the more important that government not force
individuals to subsidize a practice that they believe to be
morally abhorrent. So I [not "We"] support the Hyde
Amendment
"
###
Document No.
091244SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/17/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00PM, MON., NOV. 20
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EVANGELICAL LEADERS
ROOM 450
SUBJECT:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1989
3:20 PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by 2:00 p.m., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 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 20, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
gp
Subject:
Draft Presidential Remarks to Evangelical Leaders
Overall, this speech veers way too far over in its
solicitude for the evangelical point of view. If this is given
as is, I predict a major backlash. Some of the most difficult
moments in the President's political career have come from
insufficient precision in calibrating the language used in front
of Jerry Falwell and other evangelicals. I think we can still
communicate the President's faith, as well as his commitment to
shared values, with these edits:
pg. 1, para. 2, lines 2-4
"For although we demand the
separation of church and state -- we do not -- must never --
accept a separation of morality and state."
This otherwise innocent line will suggest to some the
specter of the state forcing a particular moral system upon the
unwilling. Separation of church and state tends to be strongly
favored by evangelicals. Thus it really doesn't have to be
offset by a second, more appealing assertion. Still, the basic
point is sound -- we simply suggest changing this second
assertion to:
"
we do not -- must never -- accept a separation of ethics [or:
"values"] and government. "
2,3,6
"'Who are the born-agains?'"
Not all born-agains are evangelicals. Although we are
probably safe in asking this question to this audience, given
that the speech is formally to evangelicals, it makes more sense
to ask: "Who are the evangelicals?" (Perhaps, as an
embellishment, we could ask also: "Who are these spreading the
Good News?")
2,6,4
"You want evangelicals to influence government
policy."
(more)