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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Speechwriting, White House Office of Series: Speech File Draft Files Subseries: Chron File, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13530 Folder ID Number: 13530-007 Folder Title: Signing Ceremony for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 5/7/90 [OA 4729] [2] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 26 16 3 1 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 2, 1990 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Through: CHRISS WINSTON From: MARK DAVIS MD Subject: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month I. SUMMARY Last year, you signed a measure proclaiming Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. This year, you will sign a proclamation extending it to a month. You will address an audience of about 150 people in the Rose Garden at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 7. Your remarks are brief, and are on cards. Davis/Martin May 2, 1990 Title: Asia Draft: Two PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-Pacific American Month The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, 11:30 A.M. First, a special welcome to Prime Minister and Mrs. Namalin from Papua-New Guinea, your Excellencies, and Senator Daniel Inouye [EE-NO-EE], and Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives 2Pat Saiki [SIGH-kee], Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui, Daniel Akaka, and Ben Blaz. Distinguished visitors. And also a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton. Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, we established Asian-Pacific American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-Pacific American heritage month. But let me first acknowledge the gentleman in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with the same graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. Sparky's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Issei [EE-say], the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. Now people from Asia and the Pacific, from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the 2 Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. They represent the whole range of religions: Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They are of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, or Thai descent. But they will tell you that they are Americans first. Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. Pacific Islanders have enriched the culture and heritage of Orange County. Filipinos have called America home since the first son of the Philippines arrived on these shores in 1763. All of these are subtle signs that Asian and Pacific Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian and Pacific Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in 3 the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school degree -- well above the national average of 66 percent. This nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan [WHY-on] Lee and the late An [Ahn] Wang. We are richer because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian-Pacific American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao [CHOW], Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading; Cindy Daub, Commissioner of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal; and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. As shown by public-spirited leaders Spark Matsunaga and those here today, Asian-Pacific Americans are beginning to excel in the field of politics as they have excelled in every other field. While politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession, the time is coming when more and more Asian and Pacific Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks toward the Pacific in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. 4 You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia and the Pacific is no less important to America than the future of Europe. My Administration is committed to promoting open trade and fighting protectionism, so that the economic ties between the United States and Asia can continue to grow. Like Asian and Pacific Americans in the United States, these nations are a testament to the power of self-initiative. With time, we will create a true community of nations surrounding the Pacific Rim, bound together by commerce, a shared commitment to demcoracy, and an abiding friendship. That is why we support the emerging Asian and Pacific democracies. That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." 5 The people of this land know that it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who remain behind. In looking for inspiration, they need look no further than the success of their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-Pacific American Heritage month. ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 2, 1990 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Through: CHRISS WINSTON cw From: MARK DAVIS MD Subject: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month I. SUMMARY Last year, you signed a measure proclaiming Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. This year, you will sign a proclamation extending it to a month. You will address an audience of about 150 people in the Rose Garden at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 7. Your remarks are brief, and are on cards. Davis/Martin May 2, 1990 Title: Asia Draft: Two PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-Pacific American Month The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, 11:30 A.M. First, a special welcome to Prime Minister and Mrs. Namalin from Papua-New Guinea, your Excellencies, and Senator Daniel Inouye [EE-NO-EE], and Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives 2Pat Saiki [SIGH-kee], Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui, Daniel Akaka, and Ben Blaz. Distinguished visitors. And also a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton. Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, we established Asian-Pacific American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-Pacific American heritage month. But let me first acknowledge the gentleman in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with the same graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Sparky's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Issei [EE-say], the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. Now people from Asia and the Pacific, from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the 2 Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. They represent the whole range of religions: Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They are of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, or Thai descent. But they will tell you that they are Americans first. Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. Pacific Islanders have enriched the culture and heritage of Orange County. Filipinos have called America home since the first son of the Philippines arrived on these shores in 1763. All of these are subtle signs that Asian and Pacific Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian and Pacific Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in 3 the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school degree -- well above the national average of 66 percent. This nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan [WHY-on] Lee and the late An [Ahn] Wang. We are richer because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian-Pacific American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao [CHOW], Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading; Cindy Daub, Commissioner of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal; and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. As shown by public-spirited leaders Spark Matsunaga and those here today, Asian-Pacific Americans are beginning to excel in the field of politics as they have excelled in every other field. While politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession, the time is coming when more and more Asian and Pacific Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks toward the Pacific in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. 4 You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia and the Pacific is no less important to America than the future of Europe. III My Administration is committed to promoting open trade and fighting protectionism, so that the economic ties between the United States and Asia can continue to grow. Like Asian and Pacific Americans in the United States, these nations are a testament to the power of self-initiative. With time, we will create a true community of nations surrounding the Pacific Rim, bound together by commerce, a shared commitment to demcoracy, and an abiding friendship. That is why we support the emerging Asian and Pacific democracies. That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." 5 The people of this land know that it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who remain behind. In looking for inspiration, they need look no further than the success of their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-Pacific American Heritage month. ( (Sign proclamation) ) Thank you, may God bless. you all and God bless America. # # # Davis/Martin May 2, 1990 Title: Asia Draft: Two PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-Pacific American Month The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, 11:30 A.M. First, a special welcome to Prime Minister and Mrs. Namalin from Papua-New Guinea, your Excellencies, Senator Daniel Inouye [EE-NO-EE], and Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki [SIGH-kee], Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui, and Ben Blaz. Distinguished visitors. And also a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, we established Asian-Pacific American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-Pacific American heritage month. But let me first acknowledge the gentleman in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with the same graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. Sparky's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Issei [EE-say], the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. Now people from Asia and the Pacific, from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the 2 Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. They represent the whole range of religions: Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They are of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, or Thai descent. But they will tell you that they are Americans first. Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. Pacific Islanders have enriched the culture and heritage of Orange County. Filipinos have called America home since the first son of the Philippines arrived on these shores in 1763. All of these are subtle signs that Asian and Pacific Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian and Pacific Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in 3 the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school degree -- well above the national average of 66 percent. This nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan [WHY-on] Lee and the late An [Ahn] Wang. We are richer because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian-Pacific American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao [CHOW], Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading; Cindy Daub, Commissioner of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal; and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. As shown by public-spirited leaders Spark Matsunaga and those here today, Asian-Pacific Americans are beginning to excel in the field of politics as they have excelled in every other field. While politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession, the time is coming when more and more Asian and Pacific Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks toward the Pacific in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. 4 You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia and the Pacific is no less important to America than the future of Europe. My Administration is committed to promoting open trade and fighting protectionism, so that the economic ties between the United States and Asia can continue to grow. Like Asian and Pacific Americans in the United States, these nations are a testament to the power of self-initiative. With time, we will create a true community of nations surrounding the Pacific Rim, bound together by commerce, a shared commitment to demcoracy, and an abiding friendship. That is why we support the emerging Asian and Pacific democracies. That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy. " 5 The people of this land know that it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who remain behind. In looking for inspiration, they need look no further than the success of their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-Pacific American Heritage month. ((Sign proclamation) ) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Insert #1 My Administration is committed to promoting open trade and fighting protectionism, so that the economic ties between the United States and Asia can continue to grow. Like Asian+ and Pacific Americans in the United States, these nations are a testament to free wheeling capitalism and the power of self-initiative. With time, we will create a true community of nations surrounding the Pacific Rim, bound together by commerce, a shared commitment to democracy, and an abiding friendship. I am committed to ensuring that America remains a true melting pot with respect for all cultures and all races. Last month I signed a bill to address crimes of hate, intolerance, and bigotry. To the world, America is and must remain a symbol of freedom and diversity. Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT Bootleg PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY HAGIN Wray Ahonson N/C REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PH 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One Pacific Hevitage PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian- American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) Finst, a special welcome to Prim Minister and mrs. NAMalin from Papua- Newbuinea, your Excellencies, (Acknowledgements Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. } Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben distinguish visitors. Blaz. And as special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and ? Jeanie Jew we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Pacific Hentoge Asian-American 1 month. a But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who the same wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. III Let today be his day. Spark S brilliant career was the culmination of a history Issei that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese Americans. people from and the Pacific 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found They represent the whole songe of relegions:) this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, are of Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) Pacific Islanders have euriched the and culturyf Orange County. and Pacyic children. ^ All of these are subtle signs that Asian* Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. and Pacife Some Asian *Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 well degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We Dith Pran V? are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- Pacif ie American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House Cindy Daub? staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. as shown by public spirited leaders those And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others Pacific are beginning (thefield of) here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the as same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. while This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third IS or fourth-generation profession, But the time will come and and Pacific it is not far off -- when more and more Asian Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as toward the Pacific America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific and the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. III and Paufic That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. meet, 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy. " The people of his land Know that So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who remain inspiration stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no the success of further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Pacific Hentse Asian-American month. ( (Sign proclamation) ) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 1, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON FROM: ROGER B. PORTER RBP SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: Asian-American Month I have reviewed the Presidential remarks for Asian-American Month and have indicated comments on the attached copy. If you have any questions or we can help in any other way, please let me know. Attachment c: James W. Cicconi 81 : Ed IE MAR 06 Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) ((Acknowledgements -- Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-American month. But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. correct. Injuye And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others here today, Asian Americans have yet to excel in politics to the SI same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. makes more in This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian-Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. insert That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-American month. ((Sign proclamation) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Show Chros Chriss A sian merican Voters Coalition A UNITED VOICE SERVING MORE THAN 7 MILLION ASIAN AMERICANS 5908 Columbia Pike, Suite 103 Baileys Crossroads, VA 22041 FAX & Telephone: 703/931-0618 April 27, 1990 Dear Sichan: inder Singh Pham Le Trinh This note is to get your attention to an important aspect of the Rose Garden Secretary ceremony on May 7th. Achamma Chandersekaran Assist. Secretary Presidential remarks at last year's ceremony for Asian Pacific Heritage week did Monica Vinh Treasurer not include anything about Indian Americans. The group was left out completely. Rex Tu Asst. Treasurer Kindly make sure that something about Indian Americans is included in this year's Mary Chiang remarks. It will be much appreciated. Public Relations Remo dela Pena Neeraj Baxi Needless to say that ir is embarassing to be there and find that we are ignored Advisory Board completely. Jane H. Hu, Ph. D., Chair Violeta dela Pena Gopal Basisht, M.D. Thank you for the help. Hon. David Valderrama Kung Lee Wang Ki Lee Sincerely, Bharat Bhargava Dr. John Tan Dr. Koshy Gus Mercado Achamma. Sharat Mehta Narrine Sharma Achamma Chander REGIONAL CO-CHAIRS East Coast Fred S. Tang Prakash Parekh Nick Shenoy P.S. I hav been trying to reach you or Charles from last Monday. Please give me a call. Ven Parameswaran Southwest Jyoti Bhatia Tony Palaganas 377-2853 Westcoast Irvin Lai Leslie Tang Peter Kim New England Larry Ho Southeast Flossie Abrigo Prakash Khatri Mid-Atlantic Sam Mok Gloria T. Caoile Om Arora Viren Sirohi Natwar Mehta Midwest Ben-Chiek Liu, Ph. D. Northwest Wesley Tao Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce Chinese American Society Chinese American Citizens Alliance Federation of Korean Associations Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Indian American Forum of Political Education Indochinese American Voters Coalition Indonesian American League League of Korean Americans National Council of Chinese American Voters League National Federation of Indian American Organizations National Vietnamese-American Voters League Organizations of Chinese Americans Organization of Chinese American Women Philippine Heritage Federation Vietnamese Refugee Fund Document No. 13686155 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 3402 90 MAR I A8:11 A DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE 1 SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT ) PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES \ UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER \ SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: TO: CHRISS WINSTON May 1, 1990 The NSC concurs with changes noted. I MAR 06 Brent Scowcroft James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President CC: Jim Cicconi and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One Pacific American PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) First , a special welcome to Prime Minister and Mrs Namalin from Pagna-New Guinea, your Excellencies, \ ( (Acknowledgements -- a Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben distinjushed visitors. Blaz. in And Calso a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) 1 Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Pacific- Heritage Asian-American month. ^ a But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history ISSEI that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the one of completion of A the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. (unsavary cannotations) people from and the Pacific 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found They represent the whole range of relisions: this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, A Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) Pacific Islanders have enriched the population of Orange County. andPacitic children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. and Pacific Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 well degree high above the national average of 66 percent. So this & nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn) ) Wang. We and Dith Pran are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing ms fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- Pacific ^ American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. As shown by public-spirited leaders those And yet, despite Pacific exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others 1 are starting tield here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the ^ same degree to which 7as they have excelled in every other field. while This is understandable Politics is historically often a second, third for this nation's people, or fourth-generation profession But the time will come and IS coming when and Pacific was it is not far off when more and more Asian-Americans WELL seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific and The Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. and Pacific That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy. " The people of This land know that So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Pacific Hentage Asian-American month. ^ ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE x SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES \ UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: IS : 110 IE MAR 06 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Dais participants CB. coming from Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PH 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden from 13 Asian-Pacific Countries Ambassadors Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) Prime minister of Papau New Guinea ( (Acknowledgements -- (Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy Senator Taek w/ CB Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Pacific Heritgge Asian-American month. But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. III Let today be his day. Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. Pacific Americano 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans Ppcific come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider Pacific this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We Day are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian Pgcific American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador Pacific to Nepal -- our first Asian American ambassador. And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others Pglific here today, Asian Americans have yet to excel in politics to the same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian Pacific Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. III That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans Pacific to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in Pacific your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian American month. ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Foreword Although rather ingeniously presented as oral history accompanied by commentary, this book is a report and a proud record of a people's coming to a tactical pause in a long and perhaps never-ending journey. At the end, if reached, is a boon that must be possessed and brought back home. It is a myth we live by un- knowingly as individuals, and more SO as a people. In the Filipino imagination it has been seeded for gener- ations in the Ibon Adarna story about an ailing father with three sons. They must set out into the world and return with the cure for their suffering parent. The words and pictures in the book tell, to my mind, a verifiable portion of that story. Perhaps, that is what histories are for. In any event, these words and photographs are not the usual kind. The words portray, the pictures speak. Together they become yet another medium of expression: in this instance, they illuminate. Consider the Filipino as a neophyte in that inevitable journey. The records go back to 1565. We meet him on the Spanish galleon, San Pablo, a member of the crew. In 1763, he jumps ship, possibly at New Orleans. Then we next hear of him as one of the forty-six founding fathers of Los Angeles. He buys a catch of fish from Naookan Indians on behalf of Captain Douglas, of the Iphigenia Nubiana, circa 1788. During the reign of King Kalakaua, of Hawaii, he takes it upon himself to apply for citizenship: thousands are to follow his lead a hundred years later, attracted by the blessings of another allegiance. Meanwhile, back to the reality, this time in the form of a winter with the crew of a whaling ship at Point Hope in Arctic Alaska. In 1883, he hires himself out as a sawmill worker at Port Blakely, on Bainbridge Island, off Seattle. A veritable man for all seasons and unlikely places. What did the alien world want of him? Certainly, not riches; he had none. Yes, his sweat and brawn. He could work with his hands and could stoop for hours on end in the blistering sun. But his dreams and aspirations were a secret, his vision a brooding mystery. Enough that he was around; helpful, handy. One day Captain Douglas was moved to note in his journal, "My servant was a Manilla man," a pleased master because the man spoke English as well as the language of the Naookans. Quite possibly there were other assets to tap. These he pitted against working conditions that were hardly ideal. When the comforts of family life were denied him, he was forced, it is true, to frequent gambling joints, dance halls, and similar places; but also he turned the other way as best he could when called "Brown Monkey". Now there were far too many of them to overlook, sweating it out in the fields of California, for example. It was well to give themselves a name that suggested warmth and fellow-feeling. Indeed, as Pinoys they found a common identity. When, as a work force they became threatening and a free trip back to the homeland was offered them, only one thousand one hundred and ninety, out of forty-five thousand, could swallow their pride and avail themselves of the opportunity. Their quest was far from over; the die was cast. When Depression came, they stuck together. Years later, they could boast: "We never joined the breadlines!" With World War II, conditions changed. They were now dubbed "The Little Brown Brothers". At war's end they could own property and move up the social scale with some confidence. In a few more decades, they were even to join the American public service and enjoy prestige in their practice of the learned professions. xi They will undoubtedly be joined by thousands in the immediate future and will continue to make their mark in all walks of American life. And will they lose sight of the purpose of their journey? In this book, it is difficult to judge. Here they have been given an opportunity to speak up-in their own vocabulary, and in a tone of voice that succeeds, amazingly enough, in keeping both emotion and high-mindedness subdued. But there is a clear feature to be observed: a sakada says, somewhere in these pages: "I have conquered a lot of changes in the past, and I am confident that I will be able to conquer any kind of challenge." This book, then, is about that kind of courage whatever else the reader might desire it to be. He could, of course, read it for the nostalgia that the unadorned speech of memory will provide. But because of the undaunted spirit that informs the collective voice documented, the shape of the future is discernible. Here is expressed the premise of the logic of that mythic journey. Here is prophesy. -N. V.M. GONZALEZ Hayward, California 1982 xii Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER > SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: OK 6t : :2d IE MAR 06 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 FH 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) ( (Acknowledgements -- Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-American month. But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ( (Ahn)) Wang. We are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian-Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-American month. ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Document No. 13686155 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT > PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES \ UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: Please see comments. 4/30/90 IE MAR 06 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden ED IN Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) ((Acknowledgements -- Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-American month. a But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who the same wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by- Chinese-Americans. which could not have been accomplished without the efforts of 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found They this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, av Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. SO This nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian-Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." people they So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. They He must be allowed to say what they he believes. They He must be allowed to go where they he wants. They He must be allowed to choose hi their government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who Encouraging stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no were in further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, oveign Asians lands sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be "tognate? Je just to Asian-American month. Asians left behind ?? about ful hed the ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and defal God bless America. ever -ging the pacific # # # of Rim. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 1, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON FROM: JIM PINKERTON B SUBJECT: Asian-American Month Draft pg. 1, para. 4, line 1 "Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores." The Nisei, literally "second generation," are the first Japanese-Americans to be born in North America (the first to come to America are called Issei). And it is not really necessary to explain the term to this audience anyway. Also, if we're not mistaken, the late Senator was known familiarly as "Sparky." 1,4,5 " the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China " This comparison seems a little too much as if it were contrived for the audience and therefore, paradoxically, risks sounding condescending. 2,1,4 "They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese, or Thai descent." We wonder about the inclusion of Arab and Iranian descent in this list, but presume this has been checked. Also, we wonder whether "Burmese" has changed now that Burma has become Myanmar (although the Burmese are one of several groups who live in Burma). 18 : Olv IE MAR 06 (more) 2-2-2 3,3,2 "And yet, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. "This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third, or fourth-generation profession." The truth is that Asian-Americans have not entered into politics because they have been so exceptionally successful outside of politics. The unparalleled success of Asian-Americans has meant that, in a certain sense, Asian-Americans have not "needed" to enter politics. Thus, to say that Asian-Americans must look to the "second, third, or fourth-generation" for Asian-American politicians is to deny them a deserved compliment and to sound a slightly patronizing note of "your day will come." " We suggest omitting these lines and amplifying instead the succeeding sentence on the idea that America's Asian- American population will serve her well with Asian and Pacific cultures. That sentence which starts, "And as America looks East" should be changed to " looks toward the Pacific " because to look East from America is to look towards Europe. 3,5,2 "But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. " Pacific Rim is the vogue expression but we wonder if this does not risk leaving out those Asian countries not near the Pacific, such as India, Pakistan, Thailand, Burma -- sorry, Myanmar, etc. 3,5,3 "I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important than the future of Europe." A strong and effective line. ### Encyclopedia Britannice Nisa 356 REFERENCI Hegel-in philosop Nemanja dynasty, but in 1375 the Turks cap- tured it from the Serbians. Nishijim Niš was recovered briefly several times, but physicist. Turkish domination lasted for 500 years, and subatomi the town became an important station on the Nishikav route from Istanbul to Hungary. In the first GOUEMON Serbian uprising (1809), the Serbs fired their of the UI powder magazine and destroyed themselves paintings and a large number of the enemy; in the ruins signer of 1 of the Turkish-built Cele Kula (Tower of Skulls) are embedded the skulls of more than 900 of these Serbians. The Serbs' army liber- ated Niš in 1877, and the town was ceded to them by the Treaty of Berlin (1878). In World War I, Niš was for a period the capital of Serbia. Heavy bomb damage from World War II and consequent postwar construction erased much of the town's Turko-Byzantine style. Historical buildings include a 5th-century By- zantine crypt. Nise-e of Minamoto Kintada, one of the 36 poets, from a handscroll by Fujiwara Industries include textiles, beer, tobacco pro- Nobuzane, Kamakura period (1192-1333); in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. ducts, locomotives, household appliances, By courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Freer Gallery of Art. Washington, DC and electronic materials. A university was nise-e consisted in catching a man's character opened in 1965. Pop. (1971 prelim.) 127,178. rougher type portraying human and animal 43°19' N, 21°54' E in a few simple lines, although portraits ex- figures against an ornamental background pressed not so much a feeling for the individu- also existed. map, Yugoslavia 19:1100 al and his characteristics as veneration for his Nisa, also called PARTHAUNISA, first capital accomplishments. The angular, geometric, al- Nishi Armane (b. 1829, Tsuwano, Shimane of the Parthians, located near modern most abstract, treatment of robes contrasts Prefecture, Japan-d. 1897, Tokyo), thinker Ashkhabad in Soviet Turkistan. Nisa was tra- strikingly with the realistic treatment of the who helped introduce Western philsophy, ditionally founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. face. especially British Empiricism, to Japan. 250-c. 248 BC), and it was reputedly the royal Fujiwara Takanobu (1142-1205) initiated After study at the University of Leiden, The necropolis of the Parthian kings. Excavations the trend, and his son, Fujiwara Nobuzane, a Netherlands, he became a professor at Kaie at Nisa have revealed substantial buildings, courtier and poet like his father, won a great sho College in Tokyo. Together with Mon reputation as a painter. Yurei (1847-89), later minister of education, popularity and examples 9:230h Nishi founded the famous Meirokusha pub lishing house. Its journal featured articles on "Kesho suru o Nisei, second-generation Japanese in the such people as the 18th-century French Nishikawa Suk United States; the focus of national attention philosophers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and By courtesy of the during World War II when all persons of Montesquieu and the 19th-century philoso Japanese ancestry on the West Coast were pher and biologist Ernst Haeckel, as well as Nishikawa forcibly evacuated from their homes and relo- the British 19th-century philosopher John two schools cated in inland detention centres as a result of Stuart Mill, the 19th-century British social jects and tec mass hysteria following the Japanese attack philosopher Herbert Spencer, and the 19th ed Tosa sch on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941). The govern- century British historian Henry Buckle. The influenced b ment claimed it was forced by public hysteria, publishing house also introduced Western shikawa Mc agitation of press and radio, and military pres- civilization to Japan. Edo, now T sure to establish the War Relocation Authori- Nishi not only translated Mill's Utilitarian centre of U ty by executive order (March 18, 1942) to ad- ism but wrote many commentaries on West- were often re minister the mass evacuation. ern philosophy. He is regarded as the first ings and prir Under jurisdiction of the Western Defense philosopher to create modern philosophical Nishikawa Command, 110,000 Japanese-Americans (in- terminology in Japanese, which permitted Ukiyo-e and cluding a number who were still aliens) during Japanese philosophers to compare oriental Kyōto area, the spring and summer of 1942 were placed in and Western thought. predominate ten war relocation centres located from the Japanese interest in Western suous, and Sierra Nevada to the Mississippi River. The philosophy 10:107f such as the f sparsely furnished military barracks afforded Suzuki Haru Ivory rhyton from Nisa, 2nd-1st century BC; in meagre "work opportunities" for adults and a Nishida Kitaro 13:118 (b. April 19, 1870, He was a the Hermitage, Leningrad minimal education for children. By the time near Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan known for h By courtesy of the State Hermitage Museum, Leningrad the evacuation was complete, the U.S. was -d. June 7, 1945, Kamakura), an outstand two-volume many inscribed documents, and a looted largely in command of the Pacific and all dan- ing philosopher who exemplified Japan's at shinasadame treasury. Also many Hellenistic art works ger of a possible Japanese invasion past. After tempt to assimilate Western philosophy into en") is one of individual screening at the centres to prove its Oriental spiritual tradition. have been uncovered, as well as a large num- ber of ivory rhytons, the outer rims decorated their loyalty, 17,600 Nisei were accepted for Abstract of text biography. Nishida's earh nishiki-e, Ja service in the U.S. armed forces, with many of education included study of the Confucian prints of the with Iranian subjects or classical mythological their units later cited for bravery. The war- Classics in Chinese. His lifelong friendship first made in scenes. In fact, almost all the art and architec- time detention centres provided a precedent with D.T. Suzuki, a renowned Buddhologist, nique is attrib ture at-Nisa exhibits a great intermingling of greatly influenced his thinking. He attended est early mast Western and Iranian styles. Nisa was later for the later establishment (by Title II of the the University of Tokyo (1891-94) as a not 18th-century renamed Mithradatkirt by Mithradates I 1950 Internal Security Act, repealed in 1970) regular student of philosophy. While teaching Japanese prin (reigned 171-138 BC). of six "emergency centres" to be used for pos- in secondary schools (1895-1909), he pra Asian, Plate sible peacetime dissenters. Niscemi, town, Caltanissetta province, ticed Zen Buddhism. He taught for one year technique dev California's World War II isolation 3:616d southern Sicily, Italy, in a cork-growing dis- San Francisco forced inprisonment 16:220c at Gakushüin University, Tokyo, and I Nishinomiya trict; it has wine and sugar industries. Pop. social position after World War II 11:110g Kyōto University from 1910 until his retire Honshu, Japa (1971 prelim.) mun., 22,673. World War II relocation and ment in 1928. In his Tetsugakulon bunshi gawa (Muko 37°08' N, 14°24' E contribution 18:992h ("Philosophical Essays"), written after I part of the CC nise-e ("lifelike painting" or "realistic portrai- retirement, he explained his mature "philoso between Kōbe Nish (Yugoslavia): see Nís. ture"), sketchy portraits that became fashion- phy of the topos [place] of Nothingness," city occupies able in the court circles of 12th- and 13th-cen- Nishäpür (Iran): see Neyshãbur. attempt to overcome the dichotomy of the Osaka-wan (Ō tury Japan. mind and its object. The progressive develop zan (Mt. Rokk Nishapur pottery, Islãmic ceramics pro- Realistic art was originally outside the tradi- ment of Nishida's thought is apparent in fine sake (rice duced at Nishapur (modern Neyshãbür, Iran) tion of Japanese portraiture, which, until the writings: Zen-no-kenkyū (1911; Eng. trans., signed to indus that were of bold style and showed links with 12th century, was purely religious in charac- Study of Good, 1960), which first drew atten cals, rubber go Sässänian and Central Asian work. The style ter. Alongside the rise of scroll painting, tion to him as an original thinker, Jikaku-a to bathing res( originated in Transoxania, an ancient district which depicted incidents of real life, a parallel okerů chokkan to hansei (1917; "Intuition sional baseball of Iran, during the 9th century AD and showed trend in the field of portraiture arose in the and Reflection in Self-Consciousness"), way and road such specific characteristics as black and second half of the 12th century. The skill of Hataraku-mono kara miru-mono e (1922) ban areas. Pop ochre birds with dashes of white and green. A "From the Acting to the Seeing Self"). 34°43' N, 135°: Document No. 13686155 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE 1 SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT ) PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: NO COMMENTS. 5-1-90 Holly Williamson HW 90:1d IE HVW James 06 W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 URGENT NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL TIME STAMP EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT RECEIVED SYSTEM LOG NUMBER: 3402 90 APR 30 APR ACTION OFFICER: JACKSON 38 DUE: 12 noon 1 MAY Prepare Memo For Scowcroft/Gates Appropriate Action Prepare Memo For Cicconi Prepare Memo for Hughes Prepare Memo Scowcroft to Chriss CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS* PHONE* to action officer at ext. 6173 FYI FYI FYI Basora Lampley Rostow Beers Levin Salvetti Blackwill Mahley Tilley Charles Mandel Tobey Coulson Melby Van Eron Davis Menan Watson Deal Merchant Welch Dorminey Miller Whitley Dyke Needels Wilson Gordon Paal Working Grimes Pacelli Zelikow Haass Passage Hayden Pilling Hutchings Popadiuk Concurs 4/30 Jackson Pryce Kanter Rademaker Kitchen Rice LaMagna Rodman N/A concurs 1/5 INFORMATION Hughes Sittmann Exec. Sec. Desk Scowcroft (advance) Gates (advance) Secretariat COMMENTS Baunder 212 MAR 3 06 Logged By CDM URGENT Return to Secretariat Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 3402 DATE: 4/30/90 ACTON/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE & SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahorson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: TO: CHRISS WINSTON The NSC concurs with changes noted. Brent Scowcroft James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President CC: Jim Cicconi and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One Pacific American PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) First , a special welcome to Prime Minister and Mrs Namalin from Papua new Guinea, your Excellencies, ((Acknowledgements -- ^ Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben distinjurshed visitors. Blaz And Calso a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Pacific- Heritage Asian-American month. ^ A But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. 111 Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history ISSEI that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisel the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the one of completion of ^ the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans (unsavary cannotations, people from and the Pacific 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found They represent the whole range of relisions: this new homeland called America. Many are A Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. 111 Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) Pacific Islanders have enriched the population of Orange County. andPacitic children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are a our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. and Pacific Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this & well nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ( (Ahn) ) Wang. We and Dith Pran are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor 1 escaped from the killing we fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- Pautamerican ^ leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. As shown by public-spirited leaders those here today, Asian-Americans have yet to starting excel in politics [to the And yet, despite Pacific exceptions A like Spark Matsunaga tield and [ethers] are The ^ X same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. a This is understandable Politics is historically often a second, third while or fourth-generation profession 21 But the time will come/L= coming and for this nation's people, is as and Pacific it is not far off when more and more Asian-Americans 1 will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific and The Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is n no less important to America than the future of Europe. 111 and Pacific That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy. " [so] it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. The people of This tand know that He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Pacitic Hentage Asian-American month. ^ ((Sign proclamation) ) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: 5/1 Cong Akaka's appointment to the U.S. Sende is not effective until may 16. Suggest deleting Senator titlo. DR Wing Someone Should 06 See. SiV 8th : 6A IE MAR James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President He will have a better handle and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 on the Names of people Missin, fromth Remarks Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One his PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) had Govern Garyma (Acknowledgements -- Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator School designed designee Representative Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.)) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-American month. But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. III Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. Note trem-contar (Notonly Chinese American workedunts RarlRoad May Fasl America Built Th Eastern Side- Davids R western Linkel 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- American leaders, many with us today. Someone should See SIV onthis Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. what of Cird, Davis Commisses. st copyrial And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others TRayat here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the Comm. same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian-Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. 111 That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-American month. ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 1, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON FROM: STEPHEN G. RADEMAKER SR ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: Asian-American Month Pursuant to James Cicconi's request, Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced matter and has no legal objection to the presidential remarks. We note, however, that Chinese- Americans were not the only Americans to participate in the construction of the trans-continental railroad. We suggest that the fourth paragraph on page 1 of the remarks be modified to avoid any suggestion to the contrary. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. James W. Cicconi 90 MAR31 All Document No. 136861 55 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/30/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 PM 5/1/90 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN-AMERICAN MONTH ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES \ UNTERMEYER CARD Rogers CICCONI Ninston DEMAREST Pinkerton FITZWATER SIV GRAY Wray HAGIN Ahonson REMARKS: Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office no later than 2:00 PM, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990. Thank you. RESPONSE: Olv IE MAR 06 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 Davis/Martin April 26, 1990 1990 APR 30 PM 3. 15 Title: Asia Draft: One PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: Asian-American Month, The Rose Garden Monday, May 7, 1990, ((Time)) ( (Acknowledgements -- Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. Senator Daniel Inouye, and our newest Senator, Daniel Akaka. Representatives Pat Saiki, Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui and Ben Blaz. And a special welcome to Congressman Frank Horton.) ) Frank, because of your diligence in working with so many of your colleagues in Congress, and the vision of Ruby Moy and Jeanie Jew, we established Asian-American week. And now I am proud to take one more step and proclaim this May to be the first Asian-American month. But let me first acknowledge the gentlemen in the Senate who was Frank's co-sponsor; someone who has left us; a great man who wrote both haiku and lasting legislation with graceful fluency -- Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii. Let today be his day. III Spark's brilliant career was the culmination of a history that began 146 years ago with the arrival of the Nisei, the first Japanese-Americans to land on these shores. And 120 years ago this Thursday marks the driving of the Golden Spike, the completion of the greatest engineering feat since the Great Wall of China -- the building of the trans-continental railroad by Chinese-Americans. 2 Now Asians from dozens of lands, across a broad swath of the world that spans from Pakistan to the Philippines, have found this new homeland called America. Many are Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist. They can be of Arab, Iranian, Indian, Korean, Burmese or Thai descent. But before they are anything else, they will tell you that they are Americans first. III Look at the scope of America's demographic change. Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian neighborhoods flourish just across the Potomac River. The minaret of a Mosque rises over the skyline of a Dallas suburb. The student body of a school in Southern California is made up of almost entirely Hmong ( (MONG) ) children. All of these are subtle signs that Asian-Americans are our country's fastest growing minority population. They are changing America, and they are changing America for the better. Some Asian-Americans come from families that have lived in America for more than a century. Others have literally just arrived by boat or jumbo jet. But all can rely on strong communities, networks of family and friends, often with the support of a church, synagogue, mosque or temple. So whatever their background, all enjoy strong communities. These seven million Americans show us an example of how strong families can instill an abiding respect for the law, tenacity in the endeavor of life and work, and most of all -- excellence in education. Consider this: The last U.S. Census showed that 75 percent of Asian-Americans aged 25 and over had a least a high school 3 degree -- high above the national average of 66 percent. So this nation is incomparably richer because of great scientists like Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Yuan Lee and the late An ((Ahn)) Wang. We are richer because Doctor Haing Ngor escaped from the killing fields; because of the talent of Michael Chang, and the courage of the late Ellison Onizuka. And we are richer because of Asian- American leaders, many with us today. Count among them Elaine Chao, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation; Sichan Siv, on the White House staff; Wendy Gramm, Chairman of the Federal Commission on Commodity Future Trading and Julia Chang Bloch, U.S. ambassador to Nepal -- our first Asian-American ambassador. And yet, despite exceptions like Spark Matsunaga and others here today, Asian-Americans have yet to excel in politics to the same degree to which they have excelled in every other field. This is understandable. Politics is often a second, third or fourth-generation profession. But the time will come -- and it is not far off -- when more and more Asian-Americans will seek office to lead our cities, our states, and our nation. And, as America looks East in the century ahead, we will need your insights and your leadership as never before. You know that the future of Europe has been very much on my mind of late. But America's destiny is also tied to the Pacific Rim. I have lived in Asia. And I know that the fate of Asia is no less important to America than the future of Europe. That is why we support the emerging Asian democracies. 4 That is why we advocate peaceful change; why we will remain in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of these many lands. And that is why America must stand for more than mere material success. America must remain the beacon of liberty, a light of hope for the troubled, the oppressed, the downtrodden. An ancient Chinese sage once said that: "The pheasant in the marshes has to take ten steps in order to get one beakful of food, one hundred steps for one drink of water. Yet it doesn't want to be kept in a cage. Though it would be fed like a king, it would not be happy." So it is not enough to let a man purchase what he wants. He must be allowed to say what he believes. He must be allowed to go where he wants. He must be allowed to choose his government. Economic freedom alone will not provide sufficient room for the restless human spirit. Let us, as we celebrate the contributions of Asian-Americans to our precious freedoms, remember the restless millions who stayed behind. In looking for a future, they need look no further than their grandchildren, their children, their brothers, sisters and cousins who found freedom -- in America. And so it is in your honor that I sign this measure proclaiming this to be Asian-American month. ((Sign proclamation)) Thank you, may God bless you all and God bless America. # # #