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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: 13564 Folder ID Number: 13564-004 Folder Title: National Crime Victims Week 4/22/91 [OA 6032] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 26 16 7 7 NAME OF SPEECH & DATE OF SPEECH national Crime Victims Week 4/22/91 NAME OF WRITER : mcnally NAME OF RESEARCHER: Simon SPEECH SYNOPSIS: POTUS recounts the stories of seven americans who have not garn in to aime. POTUS an 11yr old girl who helped described the Dtory of POTUS also detailed several other find hu mother's attacker. stories. POTUS also urges Conguss to act on his 1991 Crime Bill ; details this bill. Lastly POTUS told the story of a Chicago Woman who began a shelter for victims of domestic Violence Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 APR 19 A9: DATE: 4/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: --- SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU PETERSMEYER SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH [ BRADY SMITH BROMLEY UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS DEMAREST SNOW FITZWATER GRAY HOLIDAY REMARKS: The attached has been forwarded to the President. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 APR 18 PM 7:05 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: EDWARD E. MCNALLY NW SUBJECT: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK I. SUMMARY On Monday, April 22, at 2:00 p.m., you will give brief remarks at the Rose Garden ceremony honoring seven individuals who have made outstanding efforts to assist victims of crime. The audience will be 200 representatives staff. of crime victims organizations and Department of Justice II. DISCUSSION The remarks (8 minutes, on cards) pay tribute to the award recipients, highlight Administration action on behalf of crime victims, and appeal to Congress to pass your anti- crime proposals. After your remarks, you will assist the Attorney General in the award presentation. (Mr. President: On a personal note, this is expected to be my final speech for you before returning to the court- room as a prosecutor at the end of the month. Thank you for the honor and the opportunity to serve you, your family, and this Administration. I will be cheering from a distance, and I will be back.) McNally/Simon April 18, 1991 Draft 3 (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh and Jane Burnley, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's honorees. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. 2 They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel [a- BAR-ba-nel], and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. While the crime 3 bill I signed last year fell far short of the effective criminal justice reform that I had sought, it did create the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced authority to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation and assistance fund to $150 million -- dollars that come not from taxpayers, but from criminal fines and penalties. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an outstanding advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it 4 back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Violent Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Seven weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan 5 Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed --- and another life saved. 111 Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # & NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK \ ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991 \ 2:00 P.M. WELCOME TO THE ROSE GARDEN. I'M VERY PLEASED TO SEE SO MANY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HERE. AND IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE DICK THORNBURGH AND JANE BURNLEY, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME. I'M ALSO PLEASED SEVERAL MAYORS, INCLUDING MAYOR RICHARD DALEY, AND STATE LEGISLATORS COULD JOIN US THIS AFTERNOON. - 2 - OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, WE'VE TRAVELED ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PRAISING THOSE INVOLVED IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. AND OUR CRIME VICTIMS EFFORT IS A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THAT TRADITION. SHORTLY AFTER I TOOK OFFICE, THE A.G. INVITED 1989's HONOREES TO MEET ME IN THE OVAL OFFICE. A YEAR AGO THIS WEEK, WE GATHERED HERE IN THE ROSE GARDEN TO SALUTE 1990's HONOREES. MOMENTS AGO, I SIGNED A PROCLAMATION DECLARING THIS "NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK." - 3 - AND NOW, IT IS AGAIN A PRIVILEGE TO STAND WITH A NEW GROUP OF HONOREES AND SALUTE YOU NOT ONLY AS "POINTS OF LIGHT" -- BUT ALSO AS "POINTS OF COURAGE." LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: STANDING BEFORE YOU ARE SEVEN GOOD AMERICANS WHO REFUSED TO SURRENDER. SEVEN GOOD AMERICANS WHO WON AGAINST THE ODDS. REPRESENTING SEVEN GOOD REASONS WHY OUR EFFORTS FOR CRIME VICTIMS WILL CONTINUE TO TRIUMPH, AND TO GROW. - 4 - FAR TOO OFTEN, FOR FAR TOO MANY YEARS, VICTIMS OF CRIME BECAME THE "FORGOTTEN PEOPLE," SUBJECTED TO CONTINUED VICTIMIZATION BY THE SYSTEM ITSELF. THEN PEOPLE LIKE VIRGINIA'S FRANK CARRINGTON -- RIGHTLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE "FOUNDING FATHERS" OF THE MOVEMENT -- STEPPED INTO THE BREACH. - 5 - THEY FOUGHT BACK. THEY GOT INVOLVED. AND THEY PROVED TO AMERICA THAT ONE MAN OR ONE WOMAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. III MAYBE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS 11-YEAR OLD GIRL UP IN ALASKA. SHE TRIED TO HELP WHEN HER MOM WAS ATTACKED AT HOME JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS. THE ASSAILANT GOT AWAY, BUT NOT WITHOUT THE GIRL SHOWING THE POLICE WHERE THE MAN LEFT HIS FINGERPRINTS. TEN WEEKS WENT BY WITHOUT A LEAD. - 6 - THEN THE GIRL SPOTTED THE ACCUSED AT A CONVENIENCE STORE. SHE DIDN'T HIDE. SHE DIDN'T RUN AWAY. SHE CALLED THE POLICE, AND THEN, UNBELIEVABLY, SHE GRABBED A NEIGHBOR AND CHASED THE MAN DOWN THE STREET. WHEN POLICE MADE THE ARREST SHE WAS HOLDING ONTO HIS HAIR FOR ALL SHE WAS WORTH. LIKE A REAL-LIFE VERSION OF THE GUTSY CHILD IN HOME ALONE, DIANA BOWLES STOOD UP FOR FAMILY, STOOD UP AGAINST CRIME, AND STOOD UP TO BE COUNTED WHEN THE CHIPS WERE DOWN. - 7 - LIKE THE SEVEN ALL-AMERICAN HEROES WE HONOR TODAY, SHE SYMBOLIZES A NEW AMERICA WHERE PEOPLE REFUSE TO BE VICTIMS ANY MORE. I THINK OF PIONEERS LIKE CALIFORNIA'S GAIL ABARBANEL [A-BAR-BA-NEL], AND JAYNE CRISP OF SOUTH CAROLINA. A GENERATION AGO, A CONTINENT APART, EACH OF THESE TWO WOMEN HELPED CULTIVATE THE GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF RAPE. - 8 - OUT OF EFFORTS LIKE THESE, AMERICA CAME TO UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE TRUTH: THAT EVERY VICTIM, OF EVERY CRIME, DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. OVER THE PAST DECADE, COMMUNITY EFFORTS LIKE THOSE REPRESENTED HERE HAVE BEEN BACKED UP BY A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WHITE HOUSE AND AMERICA'S CITIES AND STATES. WHILE THE CRIME BILL I SIGNED LAST YEAR FELL FAR SHORT OF THE EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM CRIME VICTIMS BILL OF RIGHTS. THAT I HAD SOUGHT, IT DID CREATE THE FIRST-EVER FEDERAL - 9 - IT GAVE THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ENHANCED AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM TREATS CRIME VICTIMS FAIRLY. AND IT CONTAINS NEW MEASURES To PROTECT CHILD VICTIMS AND WITNESSES. WORKING WITH CONGRESS, WE NOT ONLY REAUTHORIZED THE 1984 VICTIMS OF CRIME AcT, WE ALSO BOOSTED ITS ANNUAL VICTIMS' COMPENSATION AND ASSISTANCE FUND TO $150 MILLION -- DOLLARS THAT COME NOT FROM TAXPAYERS, BUT FROM CRIMINAL FINES AND PENALTIES. - 10 - WE STEPPED UP EFFORTS TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE VICTIM- WITNESS PROTECTION AcT AND THE NEW VICTIMS' RIGHTS AND RESTITUTION AcT. AND THERE'S PROBABLY NO BETTER MODEL OF THEIR SUCCESS THAN ONE OF TODAY'S HONOREES -- NANCY STONER LAMPY, OUR VICTIM/WITNESS COORDINATOR IN SOUTH DAKOTA, AN OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CRIME VICTIMS. WE'VE MADE REAL GAINS. BUT MANY CHALLENGES REMAIN. - 11 - Two OF TODAY'S HONOREES CAN HELP POINT THE WAY: CALIFORNIA'S JOHN GILLIS AND TENNESSEE'S BARBARA REED HAVE BOTH MADE THEIR MARK FIGHTING FOR TOUGHER LAWS. THEY KNOW THE REAL WAY TO HELP THE CRIME VICTIMS OF TOMORROW IS BY TAKING DANGEROUS CRIMINALS OFF THE STREETS TODAY. ALMOST EXACTLY A YEAR AGO, ON THIS SAME OCCASION, I STOOD HERE AND CALLED ON CONGRESS TO ACT ON OUR FULL RANGE OF TOUGH NEW ANTI-CRIME PROPOSALS. - 12 - REGRETTABLY, MOST OF THEM NEVER MADE IT BACK TO MY DESK. WE'VE GOT TO DO BETTER. EACH DAY THAT PASSES IS ONE TOO MANY. EACH VICTIM LOST IS MORE THAN WE CAN AFFORD. OUR VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL Act OF 1991 CONTAINS A WEALTH OF NEW PROPOSALS THAT SUPPORT THE GROWING, NATIONAL CONCERN FOR INNOCENT VICTIMS OF ALL CRIMES. - 13 - IT INCLUDES NEW PROTECTIONS FOR WITNESSES AND ABUSED KIDS; NEW RULES TO ENHANCE FEDERAL PROSECUTIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE INVOLVING CHILDREN; MANDATORY HIV TESTING OF ACCUSED SEX OFFENDERS; AND IT GUARANTEES A VICTIM'S RIGHT TO ADDRESS THE COURT AT SENTENCING. JUST AS IMPORTANT, OUR CRIME BILL PROPOSES BOLD NEW REFORMS OF HABEAS CORPUS APPEALS, THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE, AND THE DEATH PENALTY. - 14 - THESE THREE REFORMS ARE BASED ON THREE SIMPLE AND FUN- DAMENTAL TRUTHS: FIRST, THAT VICTIMS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ENDURE ENDLESS YEARS OF FRIVOLOUS APPEALS. SECOND, THAT VICTIMS HAVE AN INTEREST IN KNOWING THAT COURTS WILL CONSIDER ALL RELEVANT EVIDENCE WHEN DECIDING GUILT OR INNOCENCE. AND THIRD, THAT VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS HAVE AN INTEREST IN KNOWING THAT THE PUNISHMENT IMPOSED WILL BE COMMENSURATE WITH THE BRUTALITY OF THE CRIME. - 15 - SEVEN WEEKS AGO I PUT A CHALLENGE To CONGRESS. I SAID: IF OUR FORCES COULD WIN THE GROUND WAR IN 100 HOURS -- THEN SURELY THE CONGRESS CAN PASS THIS LEGISLATION IN 100 DAYS. III THE CLOCK IS RUNNING. AMERICA WANTS IT DONE RIGHT. AMERICA WANTS IT DONE RESPONSIBLY. AND AMERICA WANTS IT DONE NOW. III - 16 - I'VE SAVED ONE HONOREE FOR LAST. SHE'S JOSEPHINE BASS, WHO FOUNDED A SHELTER IN CHICAGO FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. IT'S CALLED THE NEOPOLITAN LIGHTHOUSE. AND I LIKE THE SYMBOLISM. LIKE EACH OF YOU, A LIGHTHOUSE SHINES THROUGH THE STORM AND GIVES HOPE IN THE NIGHT. LIKE EACH OF YOU, IT IS A BEACON TO HUNDREDS OF OTHERS, AN IMMOVABLE LIGHT BY WHICH TO CHART ONE'S COURSE TO SAFETY. - 17 - AND LIKE EACH OF YOU, IT IS PROOF THAT EACH POINT OF LIGHT MATTERS. EACH TIME YOUR MESSAGE GETS THROUGH CAN MEAN ONE LIFE CHANGED -- AND ANOTHER LIFE SAVED. III TOGETHER, LET'S "TAKE BACK THE STREETS." CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO YOU ALL. AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES. # # # CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:19 PG.01 NCLAS 91 APR 20 AM 10: 45 CLASSIFICATION CIRCLE ONE BELOW MODE PAGES 5 SECURE FAX # 7 DTG 2014157 Apr 41 IMMEDIATE PRIORITY ADMIN FAX # RELEASER and ROUTINE RECORD # FROM/LOCATION MAS. CANGHMAN/ CAMP DAVID 1. TO/LOCATION/TIME OF RECEIPT 1. WHSR- PASS TO PHIL BRADY, PHONE HIS OFFICE 2. 3. 4. 2014237 5. 6. 7. INFORMATION ADDEES/LOCATION/TIME OF RECEIPT 1. 2. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/REMARKS: UNCLAS CLASSIFICATION CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:20 PG.02 McNally/Simon April 18, 1991 Draft 3 (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh and Jane Burnley, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's honorees. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:21 PG.03 2 They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel [a- BAR-ba-nel], and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. While the crime CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:21 PG.04 3 bill I signed last year fell far short of the effective criminal justice reform that I had sought, it did create the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced authority to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation and assistance fund to $150 million -- dollars that come not from taxpayers, but from criminal fines and penalties. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an outstanding advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:22 PG.05 4 back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Violent Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Seven weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:24 PG.01 5 Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: EDWARD E. McNALLY you SUBJECT: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK I. SUMMARY On Monday, April 22, at 2:00 p.m., you will give brief remarks at the Rose Garden ceremony honoring seven individuals who have made outstanding efforts to assist victims of crime. The audience will be 200 representatives of crime victims organizations and Department of Justice staff. II. DISCUSSION The remarks (8 minutes, on cards) pay tribute to the award recipients, highlight Administration action on behalf of crime victims, and appeal to Congress to pass your anti- crime proposals. After your remarks, you will assist the Attorney General in the award presentation. (Mr. President: On a personal note, this is expected to be my final speech for you before returning to the court- room as a prosecutor at the end of the month. Thank you for the honor and the opportunity to serve you, your family, and this Administration. I will be cheering from a distance, and I will be back.) McNally/Simon April 18, 1991 Draft 3 (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh and Jane Burnley, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's honorees. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. 2 They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. III Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel [a- BAR-ba-nel], and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. While the crime 3 bill I signed last year fell far short of the effective criminal justice reform that I had sought, it did create the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced authority to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation and assistance fund to $150 million -- dollars that come not from taxpayers, but from criminal fines and penalties. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an outstanding advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it 4 back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Violent Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Seven weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan 5 Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. 111 Together, let's "take back the streets." " Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # Document No. 230519 91 APR WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM A9:27 DATE: 04/17/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: Oh to PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7:39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people, " subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. III Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # Document No. 230519 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 APR 18 A8. DATE: 04/17/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE N/C SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER N/U DARMAN N/C ROGICH N/C BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH V/C DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER 1 SNOW Renouist GRAY N/C PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: : Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7:39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement - stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. IL yave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Seven RS Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. III The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 APR 18 P7:06 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW Deputy Assistant To The President For Communications and Director of Speechwriting FROM: JANET REHNQUIST JR Associate Counsel to the President SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks -- National Crime Victims Week At your request, Counsel's Office has reviewed the above- referenced matter. We have no legal objections. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. CC: Phil Brady Document No. 230519 91 APR WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 48 DATE: 04/17/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: see comments. Thanks. Holls Williamson 4-18-91 PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7:39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) Please note: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK the the proclumation Welcome before this to the event, President will sign THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many so a sentence Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to shoned pe to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. should statether. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the While the Voustice. White House and America's cities and states. A The crime bill I fell far short of the effective criminal justice reform that Inad sought, signed last fall^G the first-ever Federal Crime Victims it didcreate Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. III The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. III I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. 111 Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # Simon McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to and June Burnley, Director of the Office for Victims of(r ime, see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in note: they honorees. didn it 'win the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again this award a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. III Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. [a-BAR-ba-nel] I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. dollars that come not from the taxpayer, but from criminal fines + penalties. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- and assistance sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. violent Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Seven Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. III The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. III I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who women and children who are founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # Document No. 230519 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 04/17/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: OK S.R- PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7: 39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # STAFFED McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 P7: 40 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. III Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. III The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 AF Date: 4/18/91 TO: FROM: Tmy Office of CLARK Room 100, KENT National OEOB, Snow ERVIN Service x6266 Cr Action Your Comment Let's Talk FYI Attribet are are connect in the National Crime Victime Week rember. Document No. 230519 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM: 06 04/17/91 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7:39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. Supper 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. 111 Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # Document No. 230519 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 04/17/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/18 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK (04/17 draft two) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY PETERSMEYER HOLIDAY REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: no Comment PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon April 17, 1991 91 APR 17 PM 7:39 Draft Two (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, 2:00 P.M. Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you are seven good Americans who refused to surrender. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. 2 She tried to help when her mom was attacked at home just after Christmas. The assailant got away, but not without the girl's showing the police where the man left his fingerprints. Four months went by without a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call the police, and then, unbelievably, she grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. Like a real-life version of the gutsy child in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. Like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a new America where people refuse to be victims any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. Out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It jave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure that the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, we also boosted its annual victims' compen- sation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota, an out- standing advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis and Tennessee's Barbara Reed have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These three reforms are based on three simple and fun- damental truths: First, that victims should not have to endure endless years of frivolous appeals. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consider all relevant evi- dence when deciding guilt or innocence. And third, that victims and survivors have an interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. 111 The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. 111 I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # # McNally/Simon April 16, 1991 Draft One (B:VICTIMS. '91) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK THE ROSE GARDEN MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991, :00 .M. - Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm very pleased to see so many Members of the House and Senate here. And it's always good to see Dick Thornburgh, here to do the honors in just a few moments. Over the past two years, we've traveled across the country, praising those involved in service to others. And our crime victims effort is a very special part of that tradition. Shortly after I took office, the A.G. invited 1989's honorees to meet me in the Oval Office. A year ago this week, we gathered here in the Rose Garden to salute 1990's winners. And today, it is again a privilege to stand with a new group of honorees and salute you not only as "points of light" -- but also as "points of courage." Ladies and gentlemen: Standing before you today are seven Surrender good Americans who refused to give up. Seven good Americans who won against the odds. Representing seven good reasons why our efforts for crime victims will continue to triumph, and to grow. Far too often, for far too many years, victims of crime became the "forgotten people," subjected to continued victimiza- tion by the system itself. Then people like Virginia's Frank Carrington -- rightly regarded as one of the "founding fathers" of the movement -- stepped up into the breach. They fought back. They got involved. And they proved to America that one man or one woman can make a difference. III Maybe you heard about this 11-year old girl up in Alaska. assailant child's She tried to help when her mom was 2 attacked at home just after Christmas. The guy got away, but not without the kid showing the police where he left his fingerprints. Four months went by with- the man out a lead. Then the girl spotted the accused at a convenience store. She didn't hide. She didn't run away. She had dad call she the police, and then, unbelievably, this 11 year-old kid grabbed a neighbor and chased the man down the street. When police made the arrest she was holding onto his hair for all she was worth. child Like a real-life version of the gutsy little kid in Home Alone, Diana Bowles stood up for family, stood up against crime, and stood up to be counted when the chips were down. And like the seven All-American heroes we honor today, she symbolizes a refuse victims new America where people are refusing to be victimized any more. I think of pioneers like California's Gail Abarbanel, and Jayne Crisp of South Carolina. A generation ago, a continent apart, each of these two women helped cultivate the grassroots effort to assist victims of rape. And out of efforts like these, America came to understand a simple truth: That every victim, of every crime, deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Over the past decade, community efforts like those repre- sented here have been backed up by a new partnership with the White House and America's cities and states. The crime bill I signed last fall created the first-ever Federal Crime Victims Bill of Rights. It gave the Justice Department enhanced author- ity to ensure the system treats crime victims fairly. And it contains new measures to protect child victims and witnesses. that we 3 Working with Congress, we not only reauthorized the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, but also boosted its annual victims' com- pensation fund to $150 million. We stepped up efforts to fully implement the Victim-Witness Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act. And there's probably no better model of their success than one of today's honorees -- Nancy Stoner- Lampy, our Victim/Witness Coordinator in South Dakota / -- and an outstanding advocate for Native American crime victims. We've made real gains. But many challenges remain. Two of Tennissee's today's honorees can help point the way: California's John Gillis, and Barbara Reed, of Tennessee, have both made their mark fighting for tougher laws. They know the real way to help the crime victims of tomorrow is to prevent them from ever being hurt by taking dangerous criminals off the streets today. Almost exactly a year ago, on this same occasion, I stood here and called on Congress to act on our full range of tough new anti-crime proposals. Regrettably, most of them never made it back to my desk. We've got to do better. Each day that passes is one too many. Each victim lost is more than we can afford. Our Crime Control Act of 1991 contains a wealth of new proposals that support the growing, national concern for innocent victims of all crimes. It includes new protections for witnesses and abused kids; new rules to enhance Federal prosecutions of sexual violence involving children; mandatory HIV testing of accused sex offenders; and it guarantees a victim's right to address the court at sentencing. ? 4 Just as important, our Crime Bill proposes bold new reforms of habeas corpus appeals, the exclusionary rule, and the death penalty. These reforms are based on some simple and fundamental truths: First, that victims have a right to finality. Second, that victims have an interest in knowing that courts will consi- der all relevant evidence when deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused. And third, that victims and their survivors have a significant interest in knowing that the punishment imposed will be commensurate with the brutality of the crime. Six weeks ago I put a challenge to Congress. I said: If our forces could win the ground war in 100 hours -- then surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100 days. III The clock is running. America wants it done right. America wants it done responsibly. And America wants it done now. III I've saved one honoree for last. She's Josephine Bass, who founded a shelter in Chicago for victims of domestic violence. It's called the Neopolitan Lighthouse. And I like the symbolism. Like each of you, a lighthouse shines through the storm and gives hope in the night. Like each of you, it is a beacon to hundreds of others, an immovable light by which to chart one's course to safety. And like each of you, it is proof that each point of light matters. Each time your message gets through can mean one life changed -- and another life saved. III Together, let's "take back the streets." Congratulations and thanks to you all. And God bless the United States. # # #