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Annual Dinner of Business Council 2/21/90 [OA 4728]
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Annual Dinner of Business Council 2/21/90 [OA 4728]
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Annual Dinner of Business Council 2/21/90 [OA 4728]
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6
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5
BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER \ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1990 \ 7:50 P.M.
THANK YOU FOR THAT INTRODUCTION ROGER [[SMITH,
CHAIRMAN OF THE BUSINESS COUNCIL]]. IT'S GOOD TO BE
BACK AMONG so MANY GOOD FRIENDS FROM THE PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE SECTORS -- LEADERS ALL.
BUT IT'S A PLEASURE TO SEE so MANY FRIENDS HERE
TONIGHT. AND NOW THAT I'M PRESIDENT, I BELIEVE IT'S
ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT FOR US TO KEEP IN TOUCH, BECAUSE
SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES OUR COUNTRY FACES WILL NOT
COME FROM GOVERNMENT ALONE.
- 2 -
THEY WILL COME ONLY WHEN WE REACH DEEP INSIDE OURSELVES
AND FIND THE GRIT AND GUMPTION TO ACT AS A PEOPLE. So
THAT'S WHY I LOOK TO YOU -- AS COMMUNITY LEADERS, AS
WELL AS CORPORATE LEADERS. 111
I LOOK TO YOU TO WORK WITH US TO REFORM PRODUCT
LIABILITY LAW, AN EFFORT WHICH I BELIEVE VICE PRESIDENT
QUAYLE SET OUT FOR YOU EARLIER. AND THERE IS so MUCH
MORE WE CAN DO TOGETHER.
- 3 -
FOR EXAMPLE, WE'VE ALL GOT TO CONTINUE TO CLEAN UP
OUR AIR, OUR WATER, OUR BEACHES. WE'VE ALL GOT TO FIND
A WAY TO SEE TO IT THAT WORKING FAMILIES CAN AFFORD
CHILD CARE. AND WE'VE GOT TO KEEP EVERY SUCCESSIVE
GENERATION OF AMERICANS MOVING UP THE LEARNING CURVE. 11
As YOU KNOW, LAST FALL I MET WITH THE GOVERNORS AT
AN EDUCATION SUMMIT IN CHARLOTTESVILLE -- FIRST OF ITS
KIND. WE AGREED THAT IT'S TIME TO QUIT STUDYING THE
PROBLEM AND START DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
- 4 -
AND WE ARE. JUST LAST MONTH, THE GOVERNORS AND I
AGREED TO SET NEW GOALS, To ASK MORE OF OUR STUDENTS,
OUR TEACHERS, OUR SCHOOLS AND OURSELVES.
WE REACHED AN HISTORIC CONSENSUS, A NATIONAL
CONSENSUS, THAT WE SHOULD MEASURE OUR PROGRESS IN
EDUCATION NOT JUST IN TERMS OF DOLLARS SPENT, BUT IN
TERMS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF EVERY STUDENT AND EVERY
SCHOOL. FOR TOO MANY YEARS, WE FOCUSED ON WHAT WENT
INTO EDUCATION -- INPUT.
- 5 -
Now IT'S TIME TO FOCUS ON OUTPUT, OR PRODUCTIVITY --
AND PRODUCTIVITY IN EDUCATION MEANS GREATER LITERACY,
BETTER TEST SCORES AND HIGHER GRADUATION RATES.
BUT EVEN THE COMBINED RESOURCES OF STATE AND
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ALONE WON'T TACKLE THE JOB. WE NEED
YOU. SOME OF YOU ARE OUT FRONT ON THIS, BUT I COULDN'T
COME HERE TONIGHT WITHOUT ASKING EVERY ONE OF YOU TO
JOIN OUR WORK WITH THE GOVERNORS.
- 6 -
YOUR LEADERSHIP IS VITAL IF WE ARE To MAKE AN AMERICAN
EDUCATION SECOND TO NONE.
WHEN I SET OUT MY PHILOSOPHY IN MY STATE OF THE
UNION ADDRESS, SOME ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PARTY
AISLE ACCUSED ME OF STEALING PARTISAN THUNDER ON ISSUES
LIKE EDUCATION, THE ENVIRONMENT AND CHILD CARE. I
WOULD LIKE TO RESPECTFULLY SUGGEST THAT THESE ARE NOT
PARTISAN ISSUES.
- 7 -
HELPING OTHERS IS THE AMERICAN MISSION -- MY MISSION AS
PRESIDENT -- OUR MISSION AS CITIZENS. BUT WHERE I
DIFFER WITH SOME IN WASHINGTON IS THAT I BELIEVE THAT
UNLESS WE HAVE A HEALTHY, GROWING ECONOMY WE CANNOT
HELP ANYONE AT ALL.\\
To HELP THOSE IN NEED, WE MUST HAVE ECONOMIC
GROWTH. AND TO HAVE GROWTH, A NATION MUST SAVE AND
INVEST. You KNOW THAT THE U.S. SAVINGS RATE RANKS NEAR
THE BOTTOM AMONG THE INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS.
- 8 -
Now IS THE TIME TO QUIT BEMOANING THIS FACT, AND DO
SOMETHING ABOUT IT. WE CAN START BY ASKING CONGRESS TO
PASS THE SAVINGS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Act OF 1990, AND
ITS PROVISION TO HELP FAMILIES SAVE.
I AM ASKING CONGRESS To ALLOW COUPLES TO SAVE UP TO
$5,000 A YEAR -- FUNDS WHICH WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO
TAXES WHEN WITHDRAWN. THIS FAMILY SAVINGS ACCOUNT
WOULD MAKE FUNDS AVAILABLE, WHEN NEEDED, FOR A CHILD'S
EDUCATION, THE PURCHASE OF A HOME OR MEDICAL EXPENSES.
- 9 -
FOR THOSE WHO LEAVE THEIR SAVINGS IN FOR SEVEN YEARS,
THERE WILL BE NO TAX ON EARNINGS.
ALONG THESE SAME LINES, WE'VE GOT TO RESCUE THE
DREAM -- THE AMERICAN DREAM -- OF HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR
MILLIONS OF FAMILIES. AND THAT'S WHAT MY HOME
OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE AIMS TO DO, BY ALLOWING FAMILIES
TO WITHDRAW UP TO $10,000 FROM AN IRA To GET INTO THAT
FIRST HOUSE.
- 10 -
ALL OF THESE MEASURES WILL HELP FAMILIES TO SAVE
AND INVEST IN AMERICA. BUT To SUSTAIN OUR REMARKABLE
ECONOMIC EXPANSION, WE NEED SOMETHING MORE. AND THAT'S
WHY I STAND FOR A CUT IN THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX. 11 WE
NEED A TAX CODE THAT ENCOURAGES INVESTORS NOT TO PUT
THEIR MONEY INTO SELF-INDULGENT CONSUMPTION; BUT IN
PRODUCTIVE ASSETS THAT CREATE JOBS FOR ALL AMERICANS.
- 11 -
WE NEED A TAX CODE THAT MAKES AMERICA COMPETITIVE WITH
ITS TRADING PARTNERS, MANY OF WHICH DON'T EVEN HAVE A
CAPITAL GAINS TAX.
WHEN IT COMES TO THE ENVIRONMENT, I'M PROUD TO SEEK
PASSAGE OF THE FIRST CLEAN AIR LEGISLATION SINCE 1977.
BUT I INSIST ON A PROGRAM THAT IS BOTH BENEFICIAL TO
THE ENVIRONMENT AND BASED ON MARKET SOLUTIONS. THE
ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE MUST NOT BE DOMINATED BY THE
EXTREMES.
- 12 -
I WANT CLEAN AIR, BUT I INSIST THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED
WITHOUT THROWING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR JOBS OR RENDERING
OUR BUSINESSES NON-COMPETITIVE. To COMPETE IN THE
GLOBAL MARKETPLACE OF THE 21st CENTURY, AMERICAN
BUSINESS MUST BE MORE EFFICIENT. BUT IMPROVED
EFFICIENCY WILL ALSO PAY BIG DIVIDENDS FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT.
- 13 -
AFTER ALL, POLLUTION IS WASTE. AND IF WE CAN
PREVENT POLLUTION BY IMPROVING OUR MANUFACTURING
PROCESSES AND USING ENERGY MORE EFFICIENTLY, WE'LL
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHILE PROTECTING AMERICAN JOBS.
THE BEST POLICY IS TO PREVENT POLLUTION AT THE SOURCE.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR ALSO HAS A LEADING ROLE TO PLAY
IN CHILD-CARE. AND THAT'S WHY I BELIEVE WE SHOULD RELY
FIRST ON THE STRENGTH OF FAMILIES, NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
AND CHURCHES.
- 14 -
THE LAST THING WE NEED IS ANOTHER MASSIVE SPENDING
PROGRAM AND ANOTHER CENTRALIZED FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY TO
TELL PARENTS HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR KIDS.
So MY CONCERN IS FOR THE SUBSTANCE OF A PROGRAM,
NOT ITS TITLE. MY CONCERN IS FOR THE MEANS, AS WELL AS
THE END. AND THAT IS WHY NO BILL WILL LEAVE MY DESK
SIMPLY BECAUSE IT'S CALLED "CLEAN AIR" OR "CHILD CARE."
III
- 15 -
OUR PROGRAMS MUST BE SOUND. THEY MUST BE
RESPONSIBLE. AND THEY MUST DO MORE THAN JUST DRAW ON
FEDERAL RESOURCES -- THEY MUST CHALLENGE EVERY AMERICAN
TO DO HIS OR HER PART. WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHTING THE
SCOURGE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, YOU ARE CERTAINLY DOING YOUR
PART -- TAKING THE LEAD FOR A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE. As
WE CONTINUE TO FIGHT THIS SCOURGE, YOUR PARTNERSHIP
WILL BE NEEDED AS NEVER BEFORE.
- 16 -
So I BELIEVE THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN'T ACHIEVE IF
WE ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE, IF WE WORK TOGETHER. ((AFTER
ALL, THIS IS TRULY A REMARKABLE GATHERING. I DON'T
THINK THERE'S BEEN so MUCH POWER IN ONE ROOM SINCE
MALCOLM FORBES' LAST BIRTHDAY.
I'M DELIGHTED TO BE HERE -- NOW GLAD TO TAKE SOME
QUESTIONS.
#
#
#
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER, THE WHITE HOUSE
7:50 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
Thank you for that introduction Roger [[Smith, Chairman of
the Business Council]]. It's good to be back among so many good
friends from the public and private sectors -- leaders all.
((You know me I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. 1.7711
But it's a pleasure to see so many friends here tonight.
And now that I'm President, I believe it's all the more important
for us to keep in touch, because solutions to the challenges our
country faces will not come from government alone. They will
come only when we reach deep inside ourselves and find the grit
and gumption to act as a people. So that's why I look to you --
as community leaders, as well as corporate leaders.
I look to you to work with us to reform product liability
law, an effort which I believe Vice President Quayle set out for
you earlier. And there is so much more we can do together.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working families can afford child care. And we've got to
Photocopy-GB Handwriting
2
keep every successive generation of Americans moving up the
learning curve.\\
As you know, last fall I met with the governors at an
Education Summit in Charlottesville -- first of its kind. We
agreed that it's time to quit studying the problem and start
doing something about it. And we are. Just last month, the
governors and I agreed to set new goals, to ask more of our
students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
We reached an historic consensus, a national consensus, that
we should measure our progress in education not just in terms of
dollars spent, but in terms of the performance of every student
and every school. For too many years, we focused on what went
into education -- input. Now it's time to focus on output, or
productivity -- and productivity in education means greater
literacy, better test scores and higher graduation rates.
frant
But even the combined resources of state and federal
Some of you
are
way
out subut but
the
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you.
And
couldn't come here tonight without asking every one of you to
join our work with the governors. Your leadership is vital if we
are to make an American education second to none.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, the
environment and child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
Photocopy-GB Handwriting
3
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
To help those in need, we must have economic growth. And to
have growth, a nation must save and invest. You know that the
U.S. savings rate ranks near the bottom among the industrialized
nations. Now is the time to quit bemoaning this fact, and do
something about it. We can start by asking Congress to pass the
Savings and Economic Growth Act of 1990, and its provision to
help families save.
I am asking Congress to allow couples to save up to $5,000 a
year -- funds which will not be subject to taxes when withdrawn.
This Family Savings Account would make funds available, when
needed, for a child's education, the purchase of a home or
medical expenses. For those who leave their savings in for seven
years, there will be no tax on earnings.
Along these same lines, we've got to rescue the dream -- the
American dream -- of homeownership for millions of families. And
that's what my Home Ownership Initiative aims to do, by allowing
families to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA to get into that
first house.
All of these measures will help families to save and invest
in America. But to sustain our remarkable economic expansion, we
need something more. And that's why I stand for a cut in the
capital gains tax.\\ We need a tax code that encourages
investors not to put their money into self-indulgent consumption;
The eursnonuuntal depare debate use ...
dominated by the extremer. I want clean air
compted I insurt this / can be achiend authorit es
but Hnowing people out of there jobs or rending our non-compets besies
but in productive assets that create jobs for all Americans. We
IVC
need a tax code that makes America competitive with its trading
partners, many of which don't even have a capital gains tax.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that is both beneficial to the environment and based on
market solutions To compete in the global marketplace of the
21st Century, American business must be more efficient. But
improved efficiency will also pay big dividends for the
environment.
After all, pollution is waste. And if we can prevent
pollution by improving our manufacturing processes and using
energy more efficiently, we'll protect the environment while
protecting American jobs. The best policy is to prevent
pollution at the source.
The private sector also has a leading role to play in child-
care. And that's why I believe we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
centralized federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for
their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. My concern is for the means, as well as the end. And
that is why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called
"Clean Air" or "Child Care."
Photocopy-GB Handwriting
5
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part. When it
comes to fighting the scourge of illegal drugs, you are certainly
doing your part -- taking the lead for a drug-free workplace. As
we continue to fight this scourge, your partnership will be
needed as never before.
So I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept
the challenge, if we work together. ((After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday. ))
But power can be used in many ways. Over the years I've
found, as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life
come not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds
that add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world
just a little better than we found it.
For all you dd you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
Im delighted # # to be live - now
glad to talu some questions
Photocopy-GB Handwriting
Document No. 11489555
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/21/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
----
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
BOSKIN
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
February 20, 1990
1990 FEB 20 Fill 6: 57
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
cw
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
Business Council Dinner Remarks
I. SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, February 21, you will speak before the Business
Council in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Your
remarks are eight minutes long and will be prepared on
speechcards. You will then participate in a 10 minute question
and answer session. ((This event is closed press.) The
audience will be comprised of approximately 95 CEO's, members of
the Cabinet, and members of the Administration. You will be
introduced by Roger Smith, Chairman of General Motors and
Chairman of the Business Council.
II. DISCUSSION:
Your remarks express gratitude to the members of the
Business Council for their involvement in their communities. It
also encourages their support for the Administration's efforts in
the fields of education, drugs, clean air, child care, and
capital gains tax rate reduction.
The staffing process has resulted in longer remarks than you
may be comfortable with -- given the nature of the group. They
are particularly interested in the question and answer period, so
you may wish to shorten or make the remarks less formal.
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
1990 FEB 21 AM 9: 20
Feb. 14, 1990
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER, THE WHITE HOUSE
7:50 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
Thank you for that introduction Roger [[Smith, Chairman of
the Business Council]]. It's good to be back among so many good
friends from the public and private sectors -- leaders all.
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. ) )\\\
But it's a pleasure to see so many friends here tonight.
And now that I'm President, I believe it's all the more important
for us to keep in touch, because solutions to the challenges our
country faces will not come from government alone. They will
come only when we reach deep inside ourselves and find the grit
and gumption to act as a people. So that's why I look to you --
as community leaders, as well as corporate leaders. III
I look to you to work with us to reform product liability
law, an effort which I believe Vice President Quayle set out for
you earlier. And there is so much more we can do together.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working families can afford child care. And we've got to
2
keep every successive generation of Americans moving up the
learning curve.
As you know, last fall I met with the governors at an
Education Summit in Charlottesville -- first of its kind. We
agreed that it's time to quit studying the problem and start
doing something about it. And we are. Just last month, the
governors and I agreed to set new goals, to ask more of our
students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
We reached an historic consensus, a national consensus, that
we should measure our progress in education not just in terms of
dollars spent, but in terms of the performance of every student
and every school. For too many years, we focused on what went
into education -- input. Now it's time to focus on output, or
productivity -- and productivity in education means greater
literacy, better test scores and higher graduation rates.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without asking every one of you to
join our work with the governors. Your leadership is vital if we
are to make an American education second to none.
When, I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, the
environment and child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
3
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
To help those in need, we must have economic growth. And to
have growth, a nation must save and invest. You know that the
U.S. savings rate ranks near the bottom among the industrialized
nations. Now is the time to quit bemoaning this fact, and do
something about it. We can start by asking Congress to pass the
Savings and Economic Growth Act of 1990, and its provision to
help families save.
I am asking Congress to allow couples to save up to $5,000 a
year -- funds which will not be subject to taxes when withdrawn.
This Family Savings Account would make funds available, when
needed, for a child's education, the purchase of a home or
medical expenses. For those who leave their savings in for seven
years, there will be no tax on earnings.
Along these same lines, we've got to rescue the dream -- the
American dream -- of homeownership for millions of families. And
that's what my Home Ownership Initiative aims to do, by allowing
families to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA to get into that
first house.
All of these measures will help families to save and invest
in America. But to sustain our remarkable economic expansion, we
need something more. And that's why I stand for a cut in the
capital gains tax.\\ We need a tax code that encourages
investors not to put their money into self-indulgent consumption;
4
but in productive assets that create jobs for all Americans. We
need a tax code that makes America competitive with its trading
partners, many of which don't even have a capital gains tax.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that is both beneficial to the environment and based on
market solutions. To compete in the global marketplace of the
21st Century, American business must be more efficient. But
improved efficiency will also pay big dividends for the
environment.
After all, pollution is waste. And if we can prevent
pollution by improving our manufacturing processes and using
energy more efficiently, we'll protect the environment while
protecting American jobs. The best policy is to prevent
pollution at the source.
The private sector also has a leading role to play in child-
care. And that's why I believe we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
centralized federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for
their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. My concern is for the means, as well as the end. And
that is why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called
"Clean Air" or "Child Care."
5
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part. When it
comes to fighting the scourge of illegal drugs, you are certainly
doing your part -- taking the lead for a drug-free workplace. As
we continue to fight this scourge, your partnership will be
needed as never before.
So I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept
the challenge, if we work together. ((After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday.) ) 111
But power can be used in many ways. Over the years I've
found, as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life
come not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds
that add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world
just a little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
cw
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
Business Council Dinner Remarks
I. SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, February 21, you will speak before the Business
Council in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Your
remarks are eight minutes long and will be prepared on
speechcards. You will then participate in a 10 minute question
and answer session. ((This event is closed press.) The
audience will be comprised of approximately 95 CEO's, members of
the Cabinet, and members of the Administration. You will be
introduced by Roger Smith, Chairman of General Motors and
Chairman of the Business Council.
II. DISCUSSION:
Your remarks express gratitude to the members of the
Business Council for their involvement in their communities. It
also encourages their support for the Administration's efforts in
the fields of education, drugs, clean air, child care, and
capital gains tax rate reduction.
The staffing process has resulted in longer remarks than you
may be comfortable with -- given the nature of the group. They
are particularly interested in the question and answer period, so
you may wish to shorten or make the remarks less formal.
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER, THE WHITE HOUSE
7:50 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
Thank you for that introduction Roger [[Smith, Chairman of
the Business Council]]. It's good to be back among so many good
friends from the public and private sectors -- leaders all.
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. )
But it's a pleasure to see so many friends here tonight.
And now that I'm President, I believe it's all the more important
for us to keep in touch, because solutions to the challenges our
country faces will not come from government alone. They will
come only when we reach deep inside ourselves and find the grit
and gumption to act as a people. So that's why I look to you --
as community leaders, as well as corporate leaders.
I look to you to work with us to reform product liability
law, an effort which I believe Vice President Quayle set out for
you earlier. And there is so much more we can do together.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working families can afford child care. And we've got to
2
keep every successive generation of Americans moving up the
learning curve.
As you know, last fall I met with the governors at an
Education Summit in Charlottesville -- first of its kind. We
agreed that it's time to quit studying the problem and start
doing something about it. And we are. Just last month, the
governors and I agreed to set new goals, to ask more of our
students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
We reached an historic consensus, a national consensus, that
we should measure our progress in education not just in terms of
dollars spent, but in terms of the performance of every student
and every school. For too many years, we focused on what went
into education -- input. Now it's time to focus on output, or
productivity -- and productivity in education means greater
literacy, better test scores and higher graduation rates.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without asking every one of you to
join our work with the governors. Your leadership is vital if we
are to make an American education second to none.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, the
environment and child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
3
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
To help those in need, we must have economic growth. And to
have growth, a nation must save and invest. You know that the
U.S. savings rate ranks near the bottom among the industrialized
nations. Now is the time to quit bemoaning this fact, and do
something about it. We can start by asking Congress to pass the
Savings and Economic Growth Act of 1990, and its provision to
help families save.
I am asking Congress to allow couples to save up to $5,000 a
year -- funds which will not be subject to taxes when withdrawn.
This Family Savings Account would make funds available, when
needed, for a child's education, the purchase of a home or
medical expenses. For those who leave their savings in for seven
years, there will be no tax on earnings.
Along these same lines, we've got to rescue the dream -- the
American dream --- of homeownership for millions of families. And
that's what my Home Ownership Initiative aims to do, by allowing
families to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA to get into that
first house.
All of these measures will help families to save and invest
in America. But to sustain our remarkable economic expansion, we
need something more. And that's why I stand for a cut in the
capital gains tax.\\ We need a tax code that encourages
investors not to put their money into self-indulgent consumption;
but in productive assets that create jobs for all Americans. We
need a tax code that makes America competitive with its trading
partners, many of which don't even have a capital gains tax.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that is both beneficial to the environment and based on
market solutions. To compete in the global marketplace of the
21st Century, American business must be more efficient. But
improved efficiency will also pay big dividends for the
environment.
After all, pollution is waste. And if we can prevent
pollution by improving our manufacturing processes and using
energy more efficiently, we'll protect the environment while
protecting American jobs. The best policy is to prevent
pollution at the source.
The private sector also has a leading role to play in child-
care. And that's why I believe we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
centralized federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for
their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. My concern is for the means, as well as the end. And
that is why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called
"Clean Air" or "Child Care."
5
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part. When it
comes to fighting the scourge of illegal drugs, you are certainly
doing your part -- taking the lead for a drug-free workplace. As
we continue to fight this scourge, your partnership will be
needed as never before.
So I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept
the challenge, if we work together. ( (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday. ))
But power can be used in many ways. Over the years I've
found, as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life
come not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds
that add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world
just a little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
MARK DAVIS mD
SUBJECT:
Business Council Dinner Remarks
I. SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, February 21, you will speak before the Business
Council in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Your
remarks are eight minutes long and will be prepared on
speechcards. You will then participate in a 10 minute question
and answer session. ((This event is closed press. )) The
audience will be comprised of approximately 95 CEO's, members of
the Cabinet, and members of the Administration. You will be
introduced by Roger Smith, Chairman of General Motors and
Chairman of the Business Council.
II. DISCUSSION:
Your remarks express gratitude to the members of the
Business Council for their involvement in their communities. It
also encourages their support for the Administration's efforts in
the fields of education, drugs, clean air, child care, and
capital gains tax rate reduction.
The stuffing process has resulted in longer
remarks discussion than you may be comfortable with - given
the nature of the group. They are particularly
interested in the 8 of a period, so you may wish
to shorten chmarles or make your the remarks
less formal.
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER, THE WHITE HOUSE
7:50 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
Thank you for that introduction Roger [[Smith, Chairman of
the Business Council]] It's good to be back among so many good
friends from the public and private sectors -- leaders all.
( (You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover.
Butitis ) ) a pleasure to welcome see many friends to the
And now that I'm President, I believe it's important for us
because
the more
to keep in touchx I believe solutions to the challenges our
Theyrice come
country faces will come -- not from government alone but only
when we reach deep inside ourselves and find the grit and
gumption to act as a people. So that's why I look to you -- as
community leaders, as well as corporate leaders. I think you'll
agree with me that the business of America is not business. No,
the business of business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working families can afford child care. And we've got to
keep every successive generation of Americans moving up the
learning curve.
2
As you know, last fall I met with the governors at an
Education Summit in Charlottesville -- first of its kind. We
agreed that it's time to quit studying the problem and start
doing something about it. And we are. Just last month, the
governors and I agreed to set new goals, to ask more of our
students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
We reached an historic consensus, a national consensus, that
we should measure our progress in education not just in terms of
dollars spent, but in terms of the performance of every student
and every school. For too many years, we focused on what went
into education -- input. Now it's time to focus on output, or
productivity -- and productivity in education means greater
literacy, better test scores and higher graduation rates.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without asking every one of you to
join our work with the governors. Your leadership is vital if we
are to make an American education second to none.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
and
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
3
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
To help those in need, we must have economic growth. And to
and invest.
have growth, a nation must save. You know that the U.S. savings
rate ranks near the bottom among the industrialized nations. Now
is the time to quit bemoaning this fact, and do something about
it -- starting with the Family Savings Account.
I am asking Congress to allow couples to save up to $5,000 a
year -- funds which will not be subject to taxes when withdrawn.
The FSA would make funds available, when needed, for a child's
education, the purchase of a home or medical expenses. For those
who leave their savings in for seven years, there will be no tax
on earnings.
Along these same lines, we've got to rescue the dream -- the
American dream -- of homeownership for millions of families. And
that's what my Home Ownership Initiative aims to do, by allowing
families to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA to get into that
first house.
All of these measures will help families to save and invest
in America. But to sustain our remarkable economic expansion, we
need something more. And that's why I stand for a cut in the
capital gains tax. We need a tax code that encourages
investors not to put their money into self-indulgent consumption;
but in productive assets that create jobs for all Americans. We
need a tax code that makes America competitive with its trading
partners, many of which don't even have a capital gains tax.
4
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
both
program that is beneficial to the environment and yet based on
market solutions. To compete in the global marketplace of the
21st Century, American business must be more efficient. But
improved efficiency will also pay big dividends for the
environment.
After all, pollution is waste. And if we can prevent
pollution by improving our manufacturing processes and using
energy more efficiently, we'll protect the environment while
protecting American jobs.
The private sector also has a leading role to play in child-
care. And that's why I believe we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
centralized federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for
their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act.
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must
challenge
every
American
to
do
his
or
her
part.
insert
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. ((After all, this is truly a
5
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday. ))
But power can be used in many ways. Over the years I've
found, as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life
come not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds
that add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world
just a little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
Factual Correction :
Document No. 114895
P.Q para. 2
IEMORANDUM
"your Commitment to work
with governors" is not correct.
02/20
11:00a.m. Tuesday
ENT DUE BY:
The Business Roundtable has
commited, not the Business
CIL
Three)
Council. (mark by Rae was Nalson misinformed in policy)
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON 6407
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
drugs
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
7:50pm
(Acknowledgements)) Mr. Roger Smith
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top.\\ Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. )) 111
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
families
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
rewrite
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it. it.\\\
2
with
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
set new
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
msert
A
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
to
couldn't come here tonight without thanking asking every one of you for
town our
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
if we are to make an american education sundto none
Your leadership is vitalx Your contribution is appreciated.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
Saums and Growld
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
Economic
help anyone at all.\\
IRA
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money n
not into a new hot tub or another car but in productive
must
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
6
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
is both environmentally beneficial and bused
program that starts with market solutions.
ment C
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another contralized
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act." III
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday.) ) \\\\
be
But power can used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
Christena
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1990
EVENT:
Cocktail Reception
The Business Council Dinner
DRESS:
Men
- Business Suit
Women
- Cocktail Dress
CONTACT:
Office of Presidential Advance
John G. Keller, Jr.
- 202/456-7565
Trip Coordinator
Lucy Muckerman
- 202/456-7565
ADVANCE:
Steven Broadbent
- LEAD
Isaiah Mapp
- USSS
Woody Lee
- MIL. AIDE
Jerry George
- WHCA
WEATHER:
Partly Cloudy, Low 20's
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1990
7:20 pm
THE PRESIDENT boards Motorcade and departs White
House en route Library of Congress.
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Lead
Spare
T. McBride
Doctor
LIMO
THE PRESIDENT
Follow Up
Control
A. Card
Mil. Aide
Support
M. Fitzwater
J. Parmer
Official Photographer
Medic
Staff I
Remaining Staff
Press Van I
J. Allison
Press Van II
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
7:25 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives Library of Congress and
proceeds to Holding Room.
EVENT:
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER
CLOSED PRESS
ON-STAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
BRIEF REMARKS
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
7:45 pm
THE PRESIDENT is announced onto Stage by Mr. Smith
and remains standing.
7:46 pm
THE PRESIDENT is introduced for Brief Remarks by
Mr. Smith.
7:50 pm
THE PRESIDENT gives Brief Remarks.
8:00 pm
THE PRESIDENT concludes Brief Remarks and remains
at Podium for Question and Answer Session.
8:10 pm
THE PRESIDENT concludes Question and Answer
Session, departs Great Hall and proceeds to
Motorcade.
8:12 pm
THE PRESIDENT boards Motorcade and departs Library
of Congress en route White House.
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Same as on Arrival.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
8:17 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives White House.
Page Three
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/20
02/16/90
11:00a.m. Tuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
OK-S.R
11 : 11v 20 833 06 James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
((Acknowledgements))
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. ) )
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it.\\\
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated.\
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/20
02/16/90
11:00a.m. Tuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
Q
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE: see comments
11 : 11v 0283306
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
((Acknowledgements)
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover.) ) )
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
families
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
HRVL
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
X5178
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it.\\\
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
go beyond studying
accelerate our efforts tode
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
HRUL
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
Y517
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that starts with market solutions.
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act." III
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday.) 1111
But power can be used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
OK to Staff
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL DINNER, THE WHITE HOUSE
( (Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
( (Acknowledgements))
( (You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. ) )
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
for
example, We've all got to continue to clean up our air, our water,
our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it that
working parents can afford child care. And we must de one thing
more Until recently, every successive generation of Americans
was better educated than the last one. This is no longer true.
So from now on, every new generation of Americans has got to move
up the learning curve -- not down it. III
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
about it.
something And we are. Just last month, the governors and I
agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of our
students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that starts with market solutions.
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will cross leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act." \\\
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. ((After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday.) )) III
But power can used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/20
02/16/90
11:00a.m. Tuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
R
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
N/C (see question on p.3)
2/20/90
18 : 114 0283306
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
((Acknowledgements))
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover.))\\\
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it.\\\
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that starts with market solutions.
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act.
?
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. ( (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday.) )) III
But power can used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL jib TO THE PRESIDENT
JAY S. BYBEE
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Business Council
Counsel's office has reviewed the above-referenced matter. We
have one comment. On page 2, paragraph four, we question the
logic that suggests that putting money into productive assets
" not into a new hot tub or another car creates more jobs
and wealth. I think that Detroit would certainly say that buying
more cars send economic signals to manufacturers and allows them
to attract investors' money, which in turn becomes productive
assets that create more jobs. A productive asset without
consumer demand is just an empty factory. I would recommend
deleting the phrase " not into a new hot tub or another car --
but".
In all other respects, we have no legal objections.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter.
CC: James W. Cicconi
SO : 110 20 833 06
SENT BY:CEQ Jackson PI.
; 2-20-90 :12:03PM ;
2023953744-
2024566218:# 1
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
722 JACKSON PLACE. NW.
WASHINGTON, DC 20503
DATE: 2/20
TO:
Chriss Winston
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 2930
FAX NUMBER:
6218
SUBJECT OF MATERIAL:
NUMBER OF PAGES: /
MESSAGE:
Comments on Business Council
speech for 2/21
FROM:
Mary Holland
CEQ
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
5750
FAX NUMBER: FTS: 395-3744
90 FEB 20 P12: 06
SENT BY:CEQ Jackson PI.
; 2-20-90 :12:04PM ;
2023953744->
2024566218:# 2
Business Council speech
For insert top of P. 3 after "solutions":
To compete in the global marketplace of the 21st century,
American businesses must be more efficient and improved
efficiency will pay big dividends for the environment. All
pollution is essentially waste, and if we can prevent pollution
by improving our manufacturing processes and using energy more
efficiently we'll protect the environment at the same time that
we're protecting American jobs and the American economy.
weete
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
JIM PINKERTON
Af for
SUBJECT:
Draft Remarks: Business Council
pg. 2, para 1, line 2 "We agreed that it's time to quit
studying the problem and start doing something about it."
This graf on the Education Summit, should make the point
that it's real significance was to shift the focus of the
issue toward measuring progress in terms of output, i.e.,
how students really perform, rather than input, i.e., how
much money we spend on education. We suggest, perhaps in
place of the "We agreed " sentence, something like:
"Charlottesville represented an historic achievement:
the reaching of a national consensus that we would now
measure our progress in education not so much in terms of
input, for instance, by how much money we are spending on
education, but rather, by output, that is, just how well
our schools and our students are performing."
2,4,3 " not into a new hot tub or another car - - but in
productive assets
"
Hot tubs aside, because of factors such as the U.S. auto
industry's much-publicized sales slump -- a slump not
eased by the recent successful introduction of large
Japanese-made cars to the U.S. market, and the publicity
surrounding the anti-GM movie Roger And Me, it would be
safer to avoid any implied criticism of cars. Either GM
or the UAW could say that this was a gratuitous slap.
While making the case that the capital gains cut helps
productive assets rather than self-indulgent consumption
may be a good tack for rebutting the "tax cut for the
rich" argument, we suggest also mentioning the
competitiveness angle, e.g.:
"We need a tax encourages investors to put
insert
their money not into self-indulgent consumption but in
productive assets that create jobs for all Americans. We
(more)
2
need a tax code that makes America competitive with its
trading partners, many of which don't even have a capital
gains tax."
3,2,3 " and federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to
care for their kids. "
Just to reinforce this excellent point, we suggest
adding the word "centralized" before "federal
bureaucracy."
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Business Council
The draft remarks for the President's address to the
Business Council are short. I assume they have requested that
his formal remarks be kept brief to leave more time for questions
and answers.
The Business Council, as you know, consists of the leaders
of the top hundred corporations in the country, and is half the
size of the 200-member Business Roundtable. They will be looking
for reassurance regarding health of the economy. And it would be
useful to include a paragraph emphasizing that we are committed
to macroeconomic policies that will continue the longest
peacetime recovery in U.S. history.
In the third paragraph on the first page, the third sentence
makes it sound as though we believe the U.S. education system is
deteriorating. Scores have been improving during the 1980s and
there is some evidence that we have turned the corner. What is
unambiguous is that we must do much better if we are to be
competitive as a nation in the 21st century. I suggest rewording
the las two sentences of this paragraph more positively, while
still striking a note of urgency.
In the first paragraph on the second page, it implies that
the goals we are establishing with the governors are notched a
little higher than they were previously. In fact, this is the
first time that the President and the nation's Governors have
>
established National Education Goals.
In the next paragraph it sounds like what he is asking for
is business to come up with more resources. Rather than having
the focus on resources, it would be useful to refer to their
involvement in restructuring our education system. In this
connection, this is a major project of the Business Roundtable,
not the Business Council. The President should not thank them
for their commitment to work with the governors. It is the
Business Roundtable that will announce this project during the
coming week.
$ : 1d
When the draft refers to reducing the capital gains tax, it
would be useful to have it also emphasize the Family Savings
Plan. The technical title of the legislation we have now
-2-
submitted to the Congress is the Savings and Economic Growth Act
of 1990. It would be useful to reference this legislation by
title rather than simply refer to the capital gains reduction,
which is a part of it.
With respect to clean air, the President is insisting on
legislation that is not only environmentally beneficial, but that
achieves those benefits in the most cost effective way possible.
This is preferable to simply saying we must start with market
solutions.
I hope these quick comments are helpful. If you have any
questions, please let me know.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/20
02/16/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00a.m. Tuesday
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST see Comm
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY All comm
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
((Acknowledgements))
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. ))\\\
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America. III
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it.\\\
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated. 11
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that starts with market solutions.
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act." III
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. ( (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday. )) 111
But power can used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 2-20-90 ; 1:16PM ;
2024562397-
2024566218:# 1
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/20
02/16/90
11:00a.m. Tuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY see comm
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
No Comment 06
FEB 20 P12: 18
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No. 114895
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/16/90 90 FEB 20 A10: 31
02/20
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00a.m. Tuesday
DATE:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BUSINESS COUNCIL
(02/14 Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston
by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 02/20, with a copy to my office. Thanks
RESPONSE:
mark
anti duys companies shank can for get dug dug of a Assistant Deputy dug me congrethesis completed James fiee Ext. to to W. the the 2702 Cicconi Chief President 2% of Staff
need
App
Davis/Martin
Title: Biz
Feb. 14, 1990
1990 FEB 16 PM 6: 13
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: BUSINESS COUNCIL, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
((Time)), Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1990
((Acknowledgements)
((You know me -- I, too, was the head of a company. But
when I first came to the White House, I didn't start out at the
top. Still, it was what you could call a friendly
takeover. ) )
As President, I believe it's important for us to keep in
touch, because solutions to the challenges our country faces will
come -- not from government alone -- but only when we reach deep
inside ourselves and find the grit and gumption to act as a
people. So that's why I look to you -- as community leaders, as
well as corporate leaders. I think you'll agree with me that the
business of America is not business. No, the business of
business is America.
For example, we've all got to continue to clean up our air,
our water, our beaches. We've all got to find a way to see to it
that working parents can afford child care. And until recently,
every successive generation of Americans was better educated than
the last one. This is no longer true. So from now on, every new
generation of Americans has got to move up the learning curve --
not down it.\\\
2
As you know, last fall I met the governors at an Education
Summit in Charlottesville -- the first of its kind. We agreed
that it's time to quit studying the problem and start doing
something about it. And we are. Just last month, the governors
and I agreed to notch our goals a little higher, to ask more of
our students, our teachers, our schools and ourselves.
But even the combined resources of state and federal
government alone won't tackle the job. We need you. And I
couldn't come here tonight without thanking every one of you for
your commitment to work with the governors of America this week.
Your leadership is vital. Your contribution is appreciated.
When I set out my philosophy in my State of the Union
address, some on the other side of the party aisle accused me of
stealing partisan thunder on issues like education, or the
environment or child care. I would like to respectfully suggest
that these are not partisan issues. Helping others is the
American mission -- my mission as President -- our mission as
citizens. But where I differ with some in Washington is that I
believe that unless we have a healthy, growing economy we cannot
help anyone at all.\\
That is why I stand for a cut in the capital gains tax.
We need a tax code that encourages investors to put their money -
- not into a new hot tub or another car -- but in productive
assets that create more jobs and more wealth for all Americans.
When it comes to the environment, I'm proud to seek passage
3
of the first Clean Air legislation since 1977. But I insist on a
program that starts with market solutions.
And when it comes to child-care, we should rely first on the
strength of families, neighborhood groups and churches. The last
thing we need is another massive spending program and another
federal bureaucracy to tell parents how to care for their kids.
So my concern is for the substance of a program, not its
title. I care for the means, as well as the end. And that is
why no bill will leave my desk simply because it's called "Clean
Air" or "Child Care" or even "The Healthier Babies Act." III
Our programs must be sound. They must be responsible. And
they must do more than just draw on federal resources -- they
must challenge every American to do his or her part.
I believe there is nothing we can't achieve if we accept the
challenge, if we work together. ( (After all, this is truly a
remarkable gathering. I don't think there's been so much power
in one room since Malcolm Forbes' last birthday. ) )\\\
But power can used in many ways. Over the years I've found,
as I'm sure you have, that the great satisfactions in life come
not from a title or an office, but from the day-to-day deeds that
add up over a lifetime, deeds that let us leave this world just a
little better than we found it.
For all you do, you have my sincerest thanks. And now I'd
be delighted to hear your questions.
#
#
#
02/20/90
17:38
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL
P.02
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL
sss SEVENTEENTH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
202/298-7650
February 20, 1990
Memorandum
The following individuals will accompany President Bush
and Mr. Roger B, Smith to the Holding area at 7:40 p.m.
The Honorable James H. Billington,
the Librarian of Congress
Mr. David T. Kearns, Chairman & CEO,
Xerox Corporation
Mr. Ronald A. Morse, Development Officer
The Library of Congress
Mr. Allen E. Murray, Chairman & CEO,
Mobil Corporation
Mr. Lewis T. Preston. Chairman, Executive Committee,
J. P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated
Mr. John G. Smale. Chairman, Executive Committee
The Procter & Gamble Company
The Honorable Winston Tabb, Acting Deputy Librarian of
Congress, The Library of Congress
After an announcement has been made that The President is now
entering The Great Hall, they will proceed to Table #1 and be seated.
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Feb. 21
taract, can be
to the goal of sight conservation to join in
works, and I will never get over being
moving a cata-
activities that will make Americans more
grateful to many of you friends of long-
lens is a highly
aware of the steps they can take to protect
standing.
y simple oper-
their vision.
We're living, as Roger [Roger B. Smith,
y can stop the
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
chairman of the Business Council] pointed
esults from an
my hand this twenty-first day of February,
out, in fascinating times. President Havel
d macular de-
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred
just left here, and I just wish that each and
ase that gradu-
and ninety, and of the Independence of the
every one of you could have been a fly on
Proper timing
United States of America the two hundred
the wall or standing at his side to see his
is very impor-
and fourteenth.
feeling about our institutions or our country
ision from this
George Bush
when he came to the White House yester-
day, using the expression "pinching himself
minations can
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
to believe that it was really happening." To
eatment of dis-
ter, 11:22 a.m., February 22, 1990]
see him when I took him up to Lincoln's
ight otherwise
Bedroom to show him the very room in
e's vision, all
which Abraham Lincoln had signed the
gular visits to
Emancipation Proclamation-it was a tre-
metrist.
mendously moving experience, and a privi-
by a licensed
Remarks and a Question-and-Answer
leged one, for me to witness this son of
t ways we can
Session at the Annual Dinner of the
freedom, this playwright, who not long over
ess vision loss.
Business Council
a year ago was languishing in a prison and
et our eyesight
February 21, 1990
who is now the President of a free and,
autions in the
hopefully, democratic country. And it is
For example,
The President. What I want to do is just
mind-boggling, and I wish I could tell you
of protective
make a few remarks, and then respond to a
that any of us in this room were smart
orn when han-
few questions, and then get out of here so
enough to foresee the rapidity of change.
chemicals or
you all can eat. But first I want to salute the
should also be
former Chief Justice-I still refer to him as
So, what I am trying to do, as your Presi-
Chief-Warren Burger, and the members of
dent, is to manage it in a prudent fashion to
certain sports.
avoid moves that will inadvertently encour-
contact lenses
my Cabinet that are here-many of you
met them-other top officials in the White
age some kind of a bad action out of the
ear, clean, and
House scattered through the audience here.
Soviet Union. We have a lot at stake in the
cordance with
All, I might add, doing a first-class job.
success of perestroika. In this room we have
e professional.
I want to pay my respects to the Speaker,
some that pioneered doing business with
S, and by seek-
who is here tonight, Tom Foley, an out-
the Soviet Union and were ahead-a lot of
of us can safe-
standing, decent human being. I don't
us here-in terms of understanding this
ssings: the gift
know where he is, but I don't want to
new generation of Soviet leaders. But my
overdo it because tomorrow I've got to
view is, and I've said this in my public state-
of the impor-
fight with him on one or two things, but
ments, we have a major stake in seeing per-
Congress, by
he's here somewhere. And to the other
estroika succeed. And of course it has a
December 30,
Members of Congress-the House-I saw
major effect on the playwright, now Presi-
169a), has au-
John Dingell, I saw my old friend Chairman
dent, that was here today. And it has the
President to
Don Riegle here. I know I'm going to miss,
same kind of effect on a lot of other coun-
March of each
so I better stop right here, but I'm delight-
tries not only in Eastern Europe but in
ek."
ed that the Members of the Congress are
Western Europe.
Bush, Presi-
here.
I've elevated-or moved a little bit in the
America, do
I also know how I got into this line of
comments I've made and mentioned Gorba-
of March 4
work, and when I look around this room-
chev by name a time or two. And we're
IS Save Your
and I seldom speak for Barbara, but I will
doing that deliberately, not to try to inter-
ricans to par-
this time-we are very, very grateful for
vene into the internal affairs of the political
/ making eye
the terrific support that I had from so many
process of the Soviet Union but rather to
ortant part of
in this room that have given me this oppor-
express our belief in the way in which he
re profession-
tunity, now going into the second year
himself has managed the rapidity of change.
edia, and all
being President of the United States. And I
Who would have thought that they would
ns committed
will never forget how the political process
have not only accepted but encouraged the
283
Feb. 21 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
peaceful evolution that we now see has
than the Federal Government can do, par-
taken place all through Eastern Europe?
ticularly in the field of education.
Somebody says to me-you know, when
And I am grateful to those who are in the
we get up into a big fight on trying to keep
forefront of this educational reform. I have
what I think are reasonable levels of de-
in my mind a set role for the Federal Gov-
fense, the big new question, the hot one
ernment. I don't believe the Federal Gov-
they think they're going to really burn you
ernment needs to take over the local school
with it in these press conferences is: Okay,
boards. I don't believe we should set cur-
who's the enemy? It's not a bad question.
riculum. I don't believe that we need to
But the enemy is, in my view, complacency
or arrogance or something of this nature.
intervene in a salary dispute for teachers—
So, I will try to manage these fascinating
God bless them because they do do a good
times, changes, in a prudent fashion; but I
job. But I do think that we have a proper
will be encouraging the Congress to keep
role in joining with the Governors, as we
prudent levels of defense because it isn't all
did, in defining national education goals.
that clear as to what is exactly going to
And several people in this room-I won't
happen.
embarrass them by singling them out-have
At the same time, we'll be working on an
been extraordinarily helpful to me and to
arms control agenda with the Soviet Union
my team in the White House by making
that I think will result in sound agreements
recommendations on the goals, recommen-
on conventional forces. [Secretary of State]
dations that, for the most part, have been
Jim Baker got a major breakthrough the
accepted by the Governors as we have set
other day on the chemical weapons, and I
out national goals as to where we want to
think we can do something there. And of
do the achievements levels, testing levels,
course the START [strategic arms reduc-
excellence in math and science-that cer-
tion] talks-I see Cap [former Secretary of
tainly will render us more competitive in
Defense Caspar W. Weinberger] here-that
the years ahead.
he was instrumental in now. I hope we can
And so, I will press forward on an educa-
bring a deal to fruition on that before too
tional agenda. We have got to keep pushing
long. And so, I'm looking forward to our
the Congress to think anew. Many want to
visit with Gorbachev that will happen this
stay with the old programs that have failed
spring or early summer. And I think we can
and plow more money into those, and I
have some real progress going with the
Soviet Union.
think we've come to a point where we
On the domestic side, I would be remiss
really have to come up with, as I say, not
if I didn't start these few remarks by thank-
only these goals but the implementation of
ing so many of you in this room. I still talk
them. And it will not be done by the Feder-
about a Thousand Points of Light. And I
al Government alone, although the total
think the American people are beginning to
dollars on educational spending is up.
understand that this isn't an escape from
On the antinarcotics fight, it's a prime
the responsibility of the Federal Govern-
fight. And I am grateful for the fact that
ment; rather, that it is an attempt to enlist
Bill Bennett [Director of National Drug
the noblest impulses of the American
Control Policy] is our Drug Czar. I've never
people in one helping another, the concept
understood why we refer to people here as
that you shouldn't measure a successful life
czars, but nevertheless, he is doing a good
without throwing in the equation of doing
job. And we went down to Cartagena the
something for someone else.
other day and met with the Andean Presi-
And I look around this room, and I think
dents and Barco of Colombia. And we could
of some of our priorities, one of them edu-
show them that we are beginning to make
cation, another the fight against drugs. And
progress on the demand side of the narcot-
in this room, just sitting here, are people
ics problem. I think we disarmed Barco and
that, when they pool the resources-and
Alan Garcia [President of Peru] and Paz
I'm not just talking about money; I'm talk-
Zamora [President of Bolivia] by saying
ing about talent and mobilizing people-
right up front, "Look, we know we're a
can do more just in this room combined
problem. We know we're the big market.
284
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Feb. 21
ent can do, par-
But let me tell you what we're doing about
we've got a Clean Air bill that we've sent
cation.
it."
up, which is a first and-several of you had
se who are in the
And I bragged on the work of Jim Burke
a very important input into this very impor-
al reform. I have
[chairman of the Partnership for a Drug-
tant legislation. And now we find that it's
the Federal Gov-
Free America] and others in this room who
being pulled one way or another by the
the Federal Gov-
are out front trying to-in a private way, no
congressional process. And some of it I
r the local school
government involvement-making the
might be able to accept. Nobody's going to
American people and the kids, particularly,
should set cur-
cross the t exactly the way we want or dot
aware that this use of narcotics cannot be
that we need to
the i, but there's certain limits beyond
condoned. And once we got by the demand
ite for teachers—
which I should not go if I remain true to
side, then we spelled out a rather broad
ey do do a good
my belief that we have got to find a balance
agenda of working with those countries not
e have a proper
between economic growth and environ-
only to abort but to interdict what was left
Governors, as we
mental protection. And yet I'm optimistic
of the supply of coca coming into this coun-
ucation goals.
that we can do that. And we're in a big
try. But as I see many business people here
battle now, and I would ask either your
is room-I won't
that do business in that area, I remain con-
indulgence or support, depending on how
; them out-have
vinced that the best answer to helping in
Colombia and Peru and Bolivia is your end
you come down on these questions.
ul to me and to
of the line: the business. And we've got to
But I think we have a pretty good pack-
Iouse by making
goals, recommen-
remove some of the regulatory burdens that
age, and I am convinced that we can do a
part, have been
we have. And it isn't easy because there are
good job for the environment. But it cannot
strong political influences for very legiti-
be driven by the extremes. And it will not
S as we have set
mate reasons that are protecting, but we
be driven by the extremes as long as I have
here we want to
have got to have viable economies there
something to say about what legislation be-
ls, testing levels,
cience-that cer-
that depend less on growing these insidious
comes law. So, we're working on these
e competitive in
coca leaves. But again, the reason I want to
issues.
mention that subject is because I think the
There's others that I will be glad to take
ard on an educa-
business community has an enormously con-
questions on, but I'll make just a general
structive role to play. And I am, once again,
comment. I'm glad that my wife, Barbara, is
t to keep pushing
very grateful to you.
working for so many of you-or put it the
W. Many want to
I'll mention just one more topic. There
other way around, that you are working for
S that have failed
are many, many subjects. I see Don Riegle
her, I'm not sure which. But you have been
nto those, and I
here, and I am very grateful to him for his
fantastic in terms of the support for literacy
point where we
leadership in the Senate on the savings and
and for putting an emphasis where it be-
/ith, as I say, not
loan business. And all these things we can
longs in terms of the children of the United
mplementation of
talk about briefly in a question period, but
States of America. And I know that Bar
one by the Feder-
there is another area I want to mention,
joins me in that sentiment, and I am very
though the total
and that has to do with the environment. I
grateful for the support that she has re-
iding is up.
am very pleased that the business commu-
ceived from so many in this room in her
ght, it's a prime
nity-large business and small-are in gen-
work on literacy, other facets of education,
for the fact that
eral support of our efforts to do something
the homeless, and just plain caring about
f National Drug
about clean air in this country. Today there
the American people.
hn Czar. I've never
was an attack leveled mainly against John
So, there we are. Thank you very much
to people here as
Sununu [Chief of Staff to the President].
for inviting me up here. And now, with no
e is doing a good
That suits me just fine, but they'll get
further ado, I will be glad to take a few
to Cartagena the
around to me tomorrow. [Laughter] But the
questions until Roger gives me the hook
the Andean Presi-
point I want to make is this: that there are
and I will go peacefully. Who's got one?
bia. And we could
no divisions in all of this. And I, obviously,
eginning to make
must accept responsibility. But I believe
German Reunification
ide of the narcot-
that we are in a proper position.
Q. [Inaudible]
sarmed Barco and
I want to see market incentives, as much
The President. Well, in the first place,
f Peru] and Paz
as we possibly can, in terms of cleaning up
there is concern about it, that you properly
olivia] by saying
the environment. I do not want to throw
put your finger on. I think there is more
ve know we're a
people out of work, and yet I proudly pro-
concern in certain of the Western Europe-
the big market.
claim that I am an environmentalist. And
an countries and in Poland than perhaps in
285
F
Feb. 21 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
S
some other countries. The Soviets, obvious-
you're going to have an equation that
ly, have expressed their concern, mainly on
nobody can analyze. Are the East Germans
и
the timing. They have now accepted the
Socialists-are they going to join automati-
concept of reunification. What we are doing
cally with their brethren in the Federal Re-
c
is to back [West German] Chancellor Kohl
public? Or are they going to say: Hey, wait
P
in the concept and let the Germans sort out
a minute. We have no linkage there be-
the time. The longstanding NATO [North
cause we're the ones who now want to
Atlantic Treaty Organization] position, just
throw off the yoke of socialism in a classic
for history, has been self-determination. Let
sense.
the people decide, and then the border
So, I still think unification-we're not
should not be changed without agreement
going to do anything about it; nothing can
of all the parties. But Kohl is talking about,
be done about it. A U.S. presence, forces in
and I think properly so, a Germany reunit-
the Federal Republic but that do not move
ed but that remains a part of NATO.
in any threatening way to the Soviet
And NATO will take on a broader role. It
Union-and I believe the Soviets have ac-
will have more of a political role; and that
cepted this pretty much.
is, I think, a very stabilizing thing. I had a
long talk with [Czechoslovakian President]
And then the other question is the Polish
Havel, who came here with an approach:
border. All of us know that could be highly
contentious and emotional and inflamma-
Well, let's get all of the Soviet troops out
and all the U.S. troops out, and life will be
tory. But there I think we're going to see
beautiful. Everything will be pruning hooks
an agreement out of the two-plus-four-the
and plowshares. But I think I convinced
six-that there will be no changes in that
him that the United States-wanted by
border certainly without the consensus and
Western Europe and, indeed, by some of
agreement of all the countries involved.
the countries in Eastern Europe-is there as
And that would include in that instance the
a stabilizing force. And my approach will
Soviet Union.
be-and Helmut Kohl is coming up this
So, that's the way we're going, and I
weekend to Camp David-to support the
think it will result in stability. I hope it will.
concept, let the Germans make the deter-
But we are not pressing the timetable.
mination. You may remember the formula
We're not pushing it, nor do I think it's the
two-plus-four: Let the two Germanys dis-
role of the United States to try to impede it.
cuss it, and then we go to the Four Powers
Gorbachev did that for a while, and he felt
that have responsibilities under the post-
something was moving awful fast. And
World War II peace agreement-their agree-
that's why he said what he did to Kohl
ment there-sort out the details.
about 10 days ago in Germany, which was,
But the way we see it is a Germany that
Look, in principle, we understand reunifica-
is unified, a U.S. presence in Western
tion. I can tell you that a month and a half
Europe, no advance of what are known as
ago he didn't feel that way, because I talked
allied troops into the GDR [German Demo-
to him directly about it, and they were
cratic Republic], and a withdrawal of Soviet
urging a real cautionary approach to
troops from places where they are not
German reunification.
wanted. And that, I think, will take place
regardless of what happens to Germany,
Private Sector Support for Education
just given the momentum and the feeling
Q. In the area of education, first, I think
of these newly found democracies. And I
we all want to commend you for your lead-
think that will provide a rather stable envi-
ership in this area. Do you have any sugges-
ronment.
tions which the private sector-particularly
Now, some of you do an awful lot of busi-
the major companies of our country-can
ness in the Federal Republic, and you know
do to give some help in this area?
that the German political scene is some-
The President. Yes, and there's a lot of
times highly volatile. And we can't foresee
great examples in this room. I will refer you
what's going to happen with the Socialists
to John Akers [chairman, International Busi-
in Germany; and when they align with the
ness Machines Corp.] or David Kearns
Socialist party, SPD, in East Germany,
[chairman of the executive committee,
286
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Feb. 21
on that
Procter and Gamble Co.] or John Smale
we're rethinking the kind of force we need.
Germans
[chairman and chief executive officer of
But until, one, the international situation is
utomati-
Xerox Corp.] or so many others because
clear, and until we have completed the
leral Re-
there are some marvelous examples of how
review of the kind of force we need-and
ley, wait
a corporation can get involved in programs
General Powell [Chairman of the Joint
ere be-
like mentoring. I understand that many
Chiefs of Staff] is involved in that right
want to
companies have agreed to actually take a
now-I will simply be urging that we not
a classic
significant role in working with the local-
make imprudent cuts in defense.
ities and freeing up corporate personnel to
But in the areas that I've mentioned it's
e're not
go in and help on some of these programs.
going to be a hard hold for me. It's going to
ning can
And I think that's an important area. But I
be difficult because people are looking at it
forces in
think right in this room there are some
that we have to choose between one mis-
ot move
marvelous examples of corporate involve-
sile, not two. Or you have to-here's Don
Soviet
ment. And we have a program at the White
Atwood [Deputy Secretary of Defense]. The
have ac-
House, an office, Thousand Points of
poor guy lives with this every single day.
Light-a young man, a dedicated, idealistic
And I might say I'm glad one of your
e Polish
guy named Gregg Petersmeyer [Deputy As-
former members is willing to undertake,
e highly
sistant to the President and Director of the
really, the sacrifice involved to come into a
flamma-
Office of National Service]. Some of you
high level in this government. But we're
g to see
knew his dad when he was in the communi-
under fire. He can talk to you later about
our-the
cations business. And Gregg, if you just get
the details of it. But I think there's a recog-
; in that
in touch with him, can send you the best of
nition that we don't want to do anything
nsus and
what small business and large are doing.
silly, and we don't want to make cuts that
nvolved.
And I think and hope it would be helpful.
are too drastic.
ance the
And maybe the council staff itself could be
Having said that, I think our troop level,
involved in disseminating some of that in-
formation.
CFE [conventional force reductions in
;, and I
Europe] proposal has been well received.
e it will.
Defense Spending
Our allies are saying, Please, until we get
metable.
Q. [Inaudible]
CFE done, let's have that as a floor, not
k it's the
The President. Well, I'm concerned about
some ceiling. And let's hold it. And I think
npede it.
it. And they have some legitimate ques-
we need to do that to keep our allies to-
d he felt
tions. We're up for two missiles, and that
gether on it. But that's a hard sell because
ist. And
may be a difficult, the Soviets having mod-
people say, Hey, the Soviets are going to
to Kohl
ernized a couple of really advanced type of
have to get out. Why don't we do more? So,
ich was,
missiles. And we're up for that. We're going
there's another area that we're going to
eunifica-
forward with requests on the B-2 and the
have some difficulty. But I want to see a
id a half
SDI [Strategic Defense Initiative]. And the
CFE agreement brought to fruition and,
I talked
question we get back is: Who's the enemy?
hopefully, to be signed at a CSCE [Confer-
ey were
And the answer I send back up there is:
ence on Security and Cooperation in
oach to
Well, let's be prudent and careful until we
Europe] meeting this summer. I think we
can see extraordinarily clearly where we're
can do that, as a matter of fact.
going. And I'm not suggesting that Liga-
But Soviets are making representations of
on
chev [Soviet Politburo Member and Chair-
declined spending on defense. And yet a
, I think
man of the Agrarian Policy Committee] will
big percentage of the GNP-Bill Webster
our lead-
come in and you'll have a diametric differ-
[Director of Central Intelligence] can give
/ sugges-
ent approach or that Soviet military's going
you a close number-I think 17 percent,
ticularly
to take over.
maybe more, going into defense. And you
try-can
But we just don't know, and therefore,
might say, Well, if everything [is] plow-
we have to have prudent levels. And we
shares and pruning hooks, why are they
a lot of
may have to take some hits. We're way
doing this? So, my innate caution says,
efer you
down from what the previously recom-
Let's have a sound defense program. But
nal Busi-
mended levels were in defense spending.
those areas I mentioned are the ones that
Kearns
And I know very well that the constituency
are going to be the toughest to hold, I
mmittee,
is being whittled away all the time. And
think.
287
Feb. 21 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
Sl
And we got another question. And I see
two biggest ones, ironically, were support-
01
Don here. And I expect John Dingell would
ing the President's position, and so were
W.
agree there is still a sentiment up there in
some of the biggest benevolent associations
the Congress that perhaps I would have in-
in China-America. I'm thinking in the San
dulged in if I were still a Member from the
Francisco, Steve, and some of these groups
OI
7th District of Texas, and that is if you're
gave me strong support. But the Chinese
PE
going to close a base, that's great, but be
students, those that were most vociferous,
sure to close it in somebody else's State or
were well-financed from someplace and did
somebody else's congressional district.
a very good job, saying the only way to
We've got in [Secretary of Defense] Dick
guarantee their ability to stay in this coun-
Cheney and Don Atwood, people that have
try was through legislation.
looked at this without any politics involved
And my view is, in dealing with China
at all. Some say, Hey, that's a Democratic
the way I did, I am not condoning tyranny.
congressional district. And I say, Yes, and
I am not doing as the Democratic leader
it's a Republican Governor in the State of
said up there today: turning my back on
California. So, come on with something else;
human rights. What I am trying to do is
don't give me that one. And so, what we're
preserve enough contact so the United
going to try to do is have a prudent ap-
States can have some influence. And it is
proach to defense spending in this country
my belief that the Fulbright program, the
as well. And it isn't easy, as Don knows. But
fledgling Peace Corps program is the way
we're going to keep with it and try to en-
you approach bringing about change, and
courage the American people to support
especially with China. And when Mr. Fair-
what we're doing there.
bank, a very distinguished Chinese scholar,
And then we need a lot of programs to
said the worst way you deal with China-
help alleviate the suffering or the economic
they are different, and if you think the way
reversal that goes with the closing of a
to do it is to slap them publicly in the face,
base. But if you look at some of the places
that's not the way to do it.
they have been closed, the record is pretty
good on economic diversification. But that
But I cannot tell you that I'm happy
about it, David [Kearns], because since the
one is one where we'll be taking the of-
fense. And I've been around here long
Romanian thing, there has been less for-
enough to know that it's not going to be
ward motion. There's been some. They
easy, but I'm determined to go forward
lifted martial law, and then the liberal press
with it.
jumped all over me, saying it didn't amount
to anything. It did, in my view. They've
China
done a few other things, but they're small.
Q. Just a minute on your thoughts about
But I can't tell you that the results of trying
China, the direction they're going?
to keep contact have been totally satisfac-
The President. Well, I'll have to confess
tory, but I'm going to do it because I be-
to a certain discouragement. And I would
lieve that we will be in a position to effect
point-a turning point, as what happened
change in China by this kind of at least
to the [former Romanian first family]
having some contact with them.
Ceausescus in Romania and what happened
And the idea that China is exactly the
to that Romanian revolution. But as you
same as these other countries-I don't be-
know, I was in a different posture-a fairly
lieve it. So, I'm on a little different wave-
lonely one-with the Congress in terms of
length with many, and yet I'm convinced
whether the way to handle the students in
that someday this policy will pay off. It
this country was through legislation or
hasn't. We want to see the release for Fang
through Presidential Executive order. I
Lizhi, this dissident that's in the American
maintain to this day that the Executive
Embassy. That has not taken place. They
order that I signed and put into effect did
have lifted the ban on VOA [Voice of
more than the legislation, the Pelosi bill,
America] coming in there, but they're still
would have done.
jamming it.
But the students sent everybody Christ-
So, there's a mixed review at this point.
mas cards. Three of the student groups, the
And yet I have a feeling that China works
288
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Feb. 22
were support-
in more mysterious ways than other coun-
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony
n, and so were
tries. And I don't know what internal strug-
for the American Institute of Architects
lent associations
gles are going on right now, but I'll guaran-
Gold Medal Award
king in the San
tee you there are some. And Deng Xiaop-
February 22, 1990
of these groups
ing [Chairman of the Central Military Com-
But the Chinese
mittee] was out three times and bounced
The President. Now, officially, welcome
most vociferous,
back four. And who knows what's going to
to the White House. I'm delighted to see
neplace and did
happen to Zhao Ziyang [former General
Bill Reilly here, our head of the environ-
he only way to
Secretary], who has not been stripped of all
ment [Environmental Protection Agency];
:ay in this coun-
his party powers. He's still a member of the
John Frohnmayer, the arts [National En-
Communist Party there. And let's just see
dowment for the Arts]; and so many others.
ling with China
how it works. But I say, it's a little lonely.
I might single out Rex Scouten, the curator
doning tyranny.
Thank you all very much.
of the White House, sitting behind you.
mocratic leader
Some know him, but Barbara and I have
ng my back on
great respect for him.
trying to do is
so the United
Note: The President spoke at 8:03 p.m. in
As early as 1909, the Presidents, includ-
ience. And it is
the Great Hall at the Library of Congress.
ing Taft, Harding, and Franklin Roosevelt,
ht program, the
have presented the Gold Medal of the
American Institute of Architects to the best
gram is the way
out change, and
of the world's architects; and I am honored
when Mr. Fair-
and very pleased to continue this tradition.
Chinese scholar,
Architecture holds up a mirror to the soul
al with China-
Nomination of James Henry Michel To
of any nation; and American architecture,
Be an Assistant Administrator of the
ou think the way
with its rich variety of styles and regional
licly in the face,
Agency for International Development
differences, is as diverse and as dynamic as
February 22, 1990
the American people themselves. We recog-
that I'm happy
nize that the quality of our lives is shaped
ecause since the
by the quality of the environment we
The President today announced his inten-
S been less for-
create. We understand that the spirit of our
tion to nominate James Henry Michel to be
en some. They
country can be seen in our architecture.
an Assistant Administrator of the Agency
the liberal press
From the majestic monuments of this, our
for International Development for Latin
it didn't amount
capital city, to the gentlest main street in
America and the Caribbean, U.S. Interna-
view. They've
smalltown America, our buildings speak to
tional Development Cooperation Agency.
ut they're small.
us of who we are, where we have been, and
results of trying
He would succeed Dwight A. Ink.
where we're going.
Since 1987 Ambassador Michel has served
1 totally satisfac-
In the spirit of celebrating the best of our
it because I be-
as Ambassador to the Republic of Guatema-
nation's architecture, we are here to honor
position to effect
la. He served in several positions at the De-
a very special architect, Fay Jones, who has
kind of at least
partment of State in Washington, DC, in-
dedicated his life to shaping the American
nem.
cluding Principal Deputy Assistant Secre-
landscape, to making our country a better
a is exactly the
tary for Inter-American Affairs, 1983-1987;
place to live through the power of the cre-
ries-I don't be-
deputy legal adviser, 1978-1982; assistant
ative mind.
different wave-
legal adviser for politico-military affairs,
Through humble materials and simple
t I'm convinced
1974-1977; deputy assistant legal adviser
forms, Mr. Jones has created architecture of
will pay off. It
for politico-military affairs, 1971-1974; and
great power and space. His reverence for
release for Fang
attorney-adviser in the Office of the Assist-
the land and his respect for the inner needs
in the American
ant Legal Adviser for Administration, 1965-
of the people who visit or dwell in his build-
ken place. They
1971.
ings give his architecture rare beauty and
VOA [Voice of
Ambassador Michel graduated from St.
dignity. In the Nation's heartland, in places
but they're still
Louis University School of Law (J.D., 1965).
like Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Pica-
He was born August 25, 1939, in St. Louis,
yune, Mississippi, he has built masterworks
ew at this point.
MO. Ambassador Michel is married and has
of design that touch the heart as well as the
hat China works
four children.
mind. Grounded firmly in his Ozark roots,
289