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Fraternal Order of Police 8/14/91 [OA 6030]
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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:
13578
Folder ID Number:
13578-002
Folder Title:
Fraternal Order of Police 8/14/91 [OA 6030]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
17
2
7
(Smith/Simon)
August 13, 1991
Draft Five
POLICE.TS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Dewey Stokes, thank you for that introduction. Attorney
General Thornburgh, Members of the Fraternal Order of Police,
ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you --
for the warmth of your greeting. //
( (Now I know how Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla [Bo-NEE-a]
feel over at Three Rivers Stadium. // I don't think so many
great defenders have gathered in Pittsburgh since the last
reunion of the Steelers' Super Bowl teams. )) //
Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but I could
not -- because of the tragic death of an American hostage,
Colonel William Higgins, who was hanged by brutal terrorists
Today, I am delighted to be here at a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. / /
This is a difficult time for the families of those still
held hostage. For years they have endured the cruel water
torture of occasional vague promises followed by crushing
disappointment. They have seen their loved ones used as
political puppets, but they haven't been able to identify the
puppeteers.
2
We cannot tell what lies ahead -- but this Administration
will never rest until every hostage is freed to rejoin his loved
ones -- and return to the America that loves them. //
I am here today because here, as in the Middle East, our
entire Administration opposes chaos and lawlessness, and stands
shoulder to shoulder with those who strive for law and order. //
As you well know, there are no magic, one-step solutions to
the complex problems of crime and drugs. In some cases,
education, employment, and career counseling sometimes can help
turn prisoners into productive citizens. Drug rehabilitation can
direct ex-drug users toward useful lives. /
But sometimes, these means don't work -- and we must
remember that the first obligation of a penal system is to punish
those who break our laws. //
Today, I want to discuss ways in which we can help free
America from the fear of crime and drugs. //
I am proud of our Administration's domestic agenda -- and
especially proud of our war on crime. Our outgoing Attorney
General, Dick Thornburgh, has played a tremendous role in this
fight. // Dick has taken his job as America's chief law
enforcement officer seriously. Relentlessly, tenaciously, he has
pursued those who prey on our society. //
Dick, on behalf of all Americans I want to thank you in your
home town of Pittsburgh for your superb service to our country as
Attorney General. //
3
We come here armed with some good news. Last year the
percentage of American households affected by crime fell to an
estimated 24 per cent -- the lowest rate since the Federal
government introduced this indicator in 1975. / But as good as
that news may sound, it is hard to celebrate the fact that nearly
one in every four households feels the touch of crime each year.
So today, let's talk about building an America even more
deeply committed to the values that make law and order possible.
One good step would be to ensure that Clarence Thomas
becomes the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Clarence Thomas knows, as Teddy Roosevelt said, that America
will not be a good place for any of us to live in until it is a
good place for all of us to live in. He has lived the values we
hold dear -- duty, decency, and personal responsibility -- and he
has promoted them through his career in public service. // His
personal story cannot help but move people, inspire them. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to promote fidelity to the
Constitution and to uphold our commitment to equal opportunity.
// I ask you to help support those values by urging the Senate
to confirm Clarence Thomas as our next Supreme Court Justice. //
We can't underestimate the importance of these values since,
as you know, police cannot maintain the peace without the help,
the support and the respect of the people they serve.
When you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you
know that our citizens want and deserve to feel safe -- to live
4
in communities in which they are safe. But no one should
underestimate the difficulty of bringing order to streets
decimated by lawlessness and chaos.
First,
Our administration is committed to rewarding good police
work .with convictions and punishment. // By the end of this
year, we will have 50 per cent more Federal prosecutors than in
1988. / We are on our way to doubling the capacity of Federal
prisons. That will help us house more than 2,500 dangerous
criminals convicted since 1989 under tough Federal laws that
require a mandatory 5-year sentence for using a gun in a violent
crime or a drug trafficking offense. //
We have acted to curb potential furlough abuses. Under Dick
Thornburgh, we tightened the furlough review process for inmates
-- further restricting the already limited furlough opportunities
for Federal offenders. // In April 1989 the furlough rate was
1.2 per 100 inmates -- this April it was less than half that.
sentence
We 've cut furlough escapes from 12 in 1989 to four last
a
life
of
And of course, no tenloughs for anyone sewing
year And there'll be no let-up. Furlough is a privilege -- not
without
paroce.
a right. /
Our administration has acted to punish hardened criminals -
- career criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal
Act. / You shouldn't have to endure the frustration of watching
a seasoned criminal walk free because we didn't have the
facilities or the prosecutors or the will to take the law -- and
our law enforcement officers -- seriously.
5
We would like every State to have tough laws to deal with
violent criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't.
Project Triggerlock, started just in April, already has
produced 850 indictments against persons for firearms offenses. /
Together, we have seized criminals' assets -- using them to
fund law enforcement and build new prisons. More than $700
million of the assets seized have been returned to state and
local law enforcement agencies for use in fighting crime. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But this is just a beginning. // We have a very good
chance this year of passing the Administration's Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2-1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our law enforcement officials with laws that are fair,
fast, and final. /
That package starts with a common-sense proposition: Don't
send police into battle wearing handcuffs.
So: We proposed stiff penalties for criminals using
semiautomatic weapons, an improved exclusionary rule, and habeas
corpus reforms. These proposals tell criminals: You will serve
the time. They also tell police and law-abiding citizens: We
will reclaim our neighborhoods and streets.
Our package also says: Let's give our law officers the
respect they deserve, in part by imposing the death penalty on
those who kill a law enforcement officer.
6
Our proposals impose tough punishment on drug kingpins who
threaten a Federal witness, juror, or judge. //
We want a good faith exception to the exclusionary rule.
There's no reason good police officers should be penalized and
criminals freed because a judge or lawyer bungled a search
warrant.
We want habeas corpus reform that will prevent criminals and
lawyers from using technicalities to gum up our justice system.
In short, the time has come to show less compassion for the
architects of crime and more compassion for its victims. And no
group suffers more from violent crime than the poor -- a group
most heavily victimized by lawlessness. //
Working with Congress, we reauthorized the 1984 Victims of
Crime Act -- and boosted its annual Victims Compensation and
Assistance Fund to $150 million. These dollars came not from
taxpayers but from criminals' fines and penalties. After all,
crime shouldn't pay. Criminals should. //
We stepped up efforts to implement the Victim-Witness
Protection Act and the new Victims' Rights and Restitution Act.
// And let me note how our Violent Crime Control Act of 1991
gives further aid to innocent victims of crime. It includes new
protections for witnesses and abused kids. It provides rules
that make it easier to prosecute those who commit sexual violence
against children. It imposes mandatory HIV testing of accused
sex offenders, and it guarantees a victim's right to address the
court at sentencing. //
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
DEWEY STOKES, THANK YOU FOR THAT INTRODUCTION.
ATTORNEY GENERAL THORNBURGH, MEMBERS OF THE FRATERNAL
ORDER OF POLICE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. I WANT TO THANK
YOU -- ALL 3,000 OF YOU -- FOR THE WARMTH OF YOUR
GREETING. //
( (NOW I KNOW HOW BARRY BONDS AND BOBBY BONILLA
[BO-NEE-A] FEEL OVER AT THREE RIVERS STADIUM. // I
DON'T THINK SO MANY GREAT DEFENDERS HAVE GATHERED IN
PITTSBURGH SINCE THE LAST REUNION OF THE STEELERS'
SUPER BOWL TEAMS. )) //
TWO YEARS AGO, I WAS SCHEDULED TO ADDRESS YOU --
BUT I COULD NOT -- BECAUSE OF THE TRAGIC DEATH OF AN
AMERICAN HOSTAGE, COLONEL WILLIAM HIGGINS. / TODAY, I
AM DELIGHTED TO BE HERE AT A TIME WHEN HOSTAGES ARE
BEING RELEASED FROM THE MIDDLE EAST. //
- 2 -
[THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE
STILL HELD HOSTAGE. FOR YEARS THEY HAVE ENDURED THE
CRUEL WATER TORTURE OF OCCASIONAL VAGUE PROMISES
FOLLOWED BY CRUSHING DISAPPOINTMENT. THEY HAVE SEEN
THEIR LOVED ONES USED AS POLITICAL PUPPETS, BUT THEY
HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PUPPETEERS.
WE CANNOT TELL WHAT LIES AHEAD -- BUT THIS
ADMINISTRATION WILL NEVER REST UNTIL EVERY HOSTAGE IS
FREED TO REJOIN HIS LOVED ONES -- AND RETURN TO THE
AMERICA THAT LOVES THEM. //]
I AM HERE TODAY BECAUSE HERE, AS IN THE MIDDLE
EAST, OUR ENTIRE ADMINISTRATION OPPOSES CHAOS AND
LAWLESSNESS, AND STANDS SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH THOSE
WHO STRIVE FOR LAW AND ORDER. //
- 3 -
AS YOU WELL KNOW, THERE ARE NO MAGIC, ONE-STEP
SOLUTIONS TO THE COMPLEX PROBLEMS OF CRIME AND DRUGS.
IN SOME CASES, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND CAREER
COUNSELING SOMETIMES CAN HELP TURN PRISONERS INTO
PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS. DRUG REHABILITATION CAN DIRECT
EX-DRUG USERS TOWARD USEFUL LIVES. /
BUT SOMETIMES, THESE MEANS DON'T WORK -- AND WE
MUST REMEMBER THAT THE FIRST OBLIGATION OF A PENAL
SYSTEM IS TO PUNISH THOSE WHO BREAK OUR LAWS. //
TODAY, I WANT TO DISCUSS WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN HELP
FREE AMERICA FROM THE FEAR OF CRIME AND DRUGS. //
I AM PROUD OF OUR ADMINISTRATION'S DOMESTIC AGENDA
-- AND ESPECIALLY PROUD OF OUR WAR ON CRIME. OUR
OUTGOING ATTORNEY GENERAL, DICK THORNBURGH, HAS PLAYED
A TREMENDOUS ROLE IN THIS FIGHT. // DICK HAS TAKEN
HIS JOB AS AMERICA'S CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
SERIOUSLY. RELENTLESSLY, TENACIOUSLY, HE HAS PURSUED
THOSE WHO PREY ON OUR SOCIETY. //
- 4 -
DICK, ON BEHALF OF ALL AMERICANS I WANT TO THANK
YOU IN YOUR HOME TOWN OF PITTSBURGH FOR YOUR SUPERB
SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AS ATTORNEY GENERAL. //
WE COME HERE ARMED WITH SOME GOOD NEWS. LAST YEAR
THE PERCENTAGE OF AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY CRIME
FELL TO AN ESTIMATED 24 PER CENT -- THE LOWEST RATE
SINCE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THIS INDICATOR
IN 1975. / BUT AS GOOD AS THAT NEWS MAY SOUND, IT IS
HARD TO CELEBRATE THE FACT THAT NEARLY ONE IN EVERY
FOUR HOUSEHOLDS FEELS THE TOUCH OF CRIME EACH YEAR.
so TODAY, LET'S TALK ABOUT BUILDING AN AMERICA EVEN
MORE DEEPLY COMMITTED TO THE VALUES THAT MAKE LAW AND
ORDER POSSIBLE.
ONE GOOD STEP WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT CLARENCE
THOMAS BECOMES THE NEXT JUSTICE ON THE UNITED STATES
SUPREME COURT. //
- 5 -
CLARENCE THOMAS KNOWS, AS TEDDY ROOSEVELT SAID,
THAT AMERICA WILL NOT BE A GOOD PLACE FOR ANY OF US TO
LIVE IN UNTIL IT IS A GOOD PLACE FOR ALL OF US TO LIVE
IN. HE HAS LIVED THE VALUES WE HOLD DEAR -- DUTY,
DECENCY, AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY -- AND HE HAS
PROMOTED THEM THROUGH HIS CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE. //
HIS PERSONAL STORY CANNOT HELP BUT MOVE PEOPLE, INSPIRE
THEM. //
I NOMINATED JUDGE THOMAS BECAUSE HE HAS THE BRAINS
AND BACKGROUND -- THE CHARACTER -- TO PROMOTE FIDELITY
TO THE CONSTITUTION AND TO UPHOLD OUR COMMITMENT TO
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY. // I ASK YOU TO HELP SUPPORT THOSE
VALUES BY URGING THE SENATE TO CONFIRM CLARENCE THOMAS
AS OUR NEXT SUPREME COURT JUSTICE. //
WE CAN'T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE
VALUES SINCE, AS YOU KNOW, POLICE CANNOT MAINTAIN THE
PEACE WITHOUT THE HELP, THE SUPPORT AND THE RESPECT OF
THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE.
- 6 -
WHEN YOU DEAL WITH CRIME'S VICTIMS AND ITS
PERPETRATORS, YOU KNOW THAT OUR CITIZENS WANT AND
DESERVE TO FEEL SAFE -- TO LIVE IN COMMUNITIES IN WHICH
THEY ARE SAFE. BUT NO ONE SHOULD UNDERESTIMATE THE
DIFFICULTY OF BRINGING ORDER TO STREETS DECIMATED BY
LAWLESSNESS AND CHAOS.
FIRST, OUR ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED TO REWARDING
GOOD POLICE WORK. // BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, WE
WILL HAVE 50 PER CENT MORE FEDERAL PROSECUTORS THAN IN
1988. / WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO DOUBLING THE CAPACITY OF
FEDERAL PRISONS. THAT WILL HELP US HOUSE MORE THAN
2,500 DANGEROUS CRIMINALS CONVICTED SINCE 1989 UNDER
TOUGH FEDERAL LAWS THAT REQUIRE A MANDATORY 5-YEAR
SENTENCE FOR USING A GUN IN A VIOLENT CRIME OR A DRUG
TRAFFICKING OFFENSE. //
- 7 -
WE HAVE ACTED TO CURB POTENTIAL FURLOUGH ABUSES.
UNDER DICK THORNBURGH, WE TIGHTENED THE FURLOUGH REVIEW
PROCESS FOR INMATES -- FURTHER RESTRICTING THE ALREADY
LIMITED FURLOUGH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEDERAL OFFENDERS.
// IN APRIL 1989 THE FURLOUGH RATE WAS 1.2 PER 100
INMATES -- THIS APRIL IT WAS LESS THAN HALF THAT.
AND OF COURSE, NO FURLOUGHS ARE GRANTED FOR ANYONE
SERVING A SENTENCE OF LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE. THERE'LL BE
NO LET-UP. FURLOUGH IS A PRIVILEGE -- NOT A RIGHT. /
OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS ACTED TO PUNISH HARDENED
CRIMINALS -- CAREER CRIMINALS -- UNDER THE FEDERAL
ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL ACT. / YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO
ENDURE THE FRUSTRATION OF WATCHING A SEASONED CRIMINAL
WALK FREE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE THE FACILITIES OR THE
PROSECUTORS OR THE WILL TO TAKE THE LAW -- AND OUR LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS -- SERIOUSLY.
WE WOULD LIKE EVERY STATE TO HAVE TOUGH LAWS TO
DEAL WITH VIOLENT CRIMINALS. BUT WE'RE NOT WAITING FOR
- 8 -
PROJECT TRIGGERLOCK, STARTED JUST IN APRIL, ALREADY
HAS PRODUCED 850 INDICTMENTS AGAINST PERSONS FOR
FIREARMS OFFENSES. / TOGETHER, WE HAVE SEIZED
CRIMINALS' ASSETS -- USING THEM TO FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT
AND BUILD NEW PRISONS. MORE THAN $700 MILLION OF THE
ASSETS SEIZED HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO STATE AND LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR USE IN FIGHTING CRIME. TALK
ABOUT POETIC JUSTICE. //
BUT THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING. // WE HAVE A VERY
GOOD CHANCE THIS YEAR OF PASSING THE ADMINISTRATION'S
COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIME. NEARLY
2-1/2 YEARS AGO I ANNOUNCED OUR VIOLENT CRIME ACT
LEGISLATION -- ASKING CONGRESS TO BACK UP OUR LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS WITH LAWS THAT ARE FAIR, FAST,
AND FINAL. /
THAT PACKAGE STARTS WITH A COMMON-SENSE
PROPOSITION: DON'T SEND POLICE INTO BATTLE WEARING
HANDCUFFS.
- 9 -
SO: WE PROPOSED STIFF PENALTIES FOR CRIMINALS USING
SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPONS, AN IMPROVED EXCLUSIONARY RULE,
AND HABEAS CORPUS REFORMS. THESE PROPOSALS TELL
CRIMINALS: YOU WILL SERVE THE TIME. THEY ALSO TELL
POLICE AND LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS: WE WILL RECLAIM OUR
NEIGHBORHOODS AND STREETS.
OUR PACKAGE ALSO SAYS: LET'S GIVE OUR LAW OFFICERS
THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE, IN PART BY IMPOSING THE DEATH
PENALTY ON THOSE WHO KILL A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
OUR PROPOSALS IMPOSE TOUGH PUNISHMENT ON DRUG
KINGPINS WHO THREATEN A FEDERAL WITNESS, JUROR, OR
JUDGE. //
WE WANT A GOOD FAITH EXCEPTION TO THE EXCLUSIONARY
RULE. THERE'S NO REASON GOOD POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE
PENALIZED AND CRIMINALS FREED BECAUSE A JUDGE OR LAWYER
BUNGLED A SEARCH WARRANT.
- 10 -
WE WANT HABEAS CORPUS REFORM THAT WILL PREVENT
CRIMINALS AND LAWYERS FROM USING TECHNICALITIES TO GUM
UP OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM.
IN SHORT, THE TIME HAS COME TO SHOW LESS COMPASSION
FOR THE ARCHITECTS OF CRIME AND MORE COMPASSION FOR ITS
VICTIMS. AND NO GROUP SUFFERS MORE FROM VIOLENT CRIME
THAN THE POOR -- A GROUP MOST HEAVILY VICTIMIZED BY
LAWLESSNESS. //
WORKING WITH CONGRESS, WE REAUTHORIZED THE 1984
VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT -- AND BOOSTED ITS ANNUAL VICTIMS
COMPENSATION AND ASSISTANCE FUND TO $150 MILLION.
THESE DOLLARS CAME NOT FROM TAXPAYERS BUT FROM
CRIMINALS' FINES AND PENALTIES. AFTER ALL, CRIME
SHOULDN'T PAY. CRIMINALS SHOULD. //
- 11 -
WE STEPPED UP EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT THE VICTIM-
WITNESS PROTECTION ACT AND THE NEW VICTIMS' RIGHTS AND
RESTITUTION ACT. // AND LET ME NOTE HOW OUR VIOLENT
CRIME CONTROL ACT OF 1991 GIVES FURTHER AID TO INNOCENT
VICTIMS OF CRIME. IT INCLUDES NEW PROTECTIONS FOR
WITNESSES AND ABUSED KIDS. IT PROVIDES RULES THAT MAKE
IT EASIER TO PROSECUTE THOSE WHO COMMIT SEXUAL VIOLENCE
AGAINST CHILDREN. IT IMPOSES MANDATORY HIV TESTING OF
ACCUSED SEX OFFENDERS, AND IT GUARANTEES A VICTIM'S
RIGHT TO ADDRESS THE COURT AT SENTENCING. //
I'M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT A BIPARTISAN COALITION IN
THE SENATE HAS PASSED A CRIME BILL THAT INCLUDES MOST
OF THE FEATURES IN OUR ORIGINAL LEGISLATION. WE NOW
LOOK FOR THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO ACT IN AN
EQUALLY RESPONSIBLE MANNER, SO THAT THE FULL HOUSE MAY
FOLLOW SUIT. //
- 12 -
TO BUILD UPON THIS NATION'S COMMITMENT TO ORDER, WE
MUST ENACT A COMPREHENSIVE CRIME BILL THAT LETS POLICE
UPHOLD OUR LAWS. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE SHOULD BE
CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE POLICE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING
PEACE EVERYWHERE.
AFTER ALL, THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME IS EVERYONE'S
BUSINESS. FAMILIES, NEIGHBORHOODS, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES,
DRUG SHELTERS, BUSINESSES, THE MEDIA -- EVERYONE MUST
JOIN THE FIGHT.
YOU CAN'T DO YOUR JOBS IF CITIZENS DON'T CALL YOU,
DON'T TRUST YOU, DON'T WORK WITH YOU. AND YOU CAN'T
TURN BAD PEOPLE INTO SAINTS.
FOR 75 YEARS, THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE HAS
SUPPORTED THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE THE TOUGH DUTY OF
KEEPING THE PEACE. I PLEDGE MY SUPPORT, AND OFFER THIS
COMMITMENT: OUR ADMINISTRATION WILL HELP YOU TAKE
CRIMINALS OFF THE STREETS -- SO THAT AMERICANS CAN TAKE
BACK THEIR STREETS.
- 13 -
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE. THANKS FOR YOUR
SUPPORT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA.
#
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 8/12/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CONVENTION
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
Any
RESPONSE:
reflest AIDA PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and
Staff
Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 12, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
CURT SMITH
SUBJECT:
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CONVENTION
I. SUMMARY
on Wednesday, August 14, at 9:45 a.m., you will address
over 3,000 police officers at the biannual convention of the
Fraternal Order of Police in Pittsburgh, Pa.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (10 minutes, on teleprompter) include
support for Judge Thomas' nomination, Administration
accomplishments on fighting crime, and yet another request
for Congress to pass the crime bill.
> Mention 2) Thouburgh
(Smith/Simon)
August 12, 1991
Draft Three
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and.
more
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you
but
? Higgins?
I could not
because of the death of an American hostage.
/
better
Today, I am delighted to be here at a time when hostages are
N
being released from the Middle East. 11
First, No I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
No
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for-
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime. ))
afast. I'm
here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order: We
know that it makes no sense to send law enforcement troops into
battle wearing handcuffs. 11 You and I know that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. 11
No
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas -- a man who has
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 AUG 12 Alo: 28
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
MASTER
RESPONSE: Comments from Cabinet Affairs are enclosed.
Thanks,
Elizabeth Luttig
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -8 PM 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.)
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
enforcement (DMB)
Accept
X know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
know COCA)
X
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
- - a Men who has devoted his life to law and order
2
(OCA)
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
X
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded.
// judicial( (Judice)
Judge Thomas opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants.
/
/
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with D2 America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
[
(
There is much talk these days about America's law
Note: Given
the Name
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
of this event,
Justice thought that this should be
D² too.
left at because it is such a
New seque required
Negative.
(Judge Thomas know las
Cs
3
of incompetence True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. (Justice But let us never forget: The vast majority of Justia)
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often are unappreciated until someone needs their services. (Jusme)
//
far (OCA)
You see 1\too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
double check w/ Justice (OMB)
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime.
or adrugtratting //
Offend.
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
(Justice)
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / (we We have
we have increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
not asked
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement.) / We
Together (Justice)
have
for the
increases; seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
Congress has
provided then
C.S.
(OMB)
( don't need
is S 3 2.2
More than $700 Million of the 4 aboets seized have been renined to state and
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk local
lawenforee
about poetic justice. //
ment agnici
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call for usein
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
fighting
Crime
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I (Justice)
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
enforcement officials (Porter)
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
In addi tia, our bill
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
Porteis see
life. // (dustice) important thing. (Porter)
Note: Death penalty is symbolic , not most
meno
even As we speak,
the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
(ocA)
see to
the sub- (Jusuice)
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
insert
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in memory
&
Syour honor, and (OCA)
who have died. OCA
of living
order. It insults the memory of police, both living and dead
people
mccuse
(Portee)
C.S.
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
Justice
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
Note:
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
Democratis
have on
at least 10 years. No parole
No probation
No plea
identical
(in lisht of
bargaining. No kidding //
no less
nor
any
MC clure's
Provisionin
inser)
their
bill. Therefore, Making this point does NOL draw anydistinations between the democraes position and ours.
(Justics)
McClue insal is line - have in sevel it.
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. //
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
officers (OMB)
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
Don't understand this phrase. (Porter)
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
criminals (Dorence)
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 8-12-91 :10:22AM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218:# 1
Executive Office of the President
Affairs
Heret
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER
2
DATE 8/12/91
FAX NUMBER
TO TONY 6218 SNOW
OFFICE NUMBER
COMMENTS See Attaches Comments ON
FOP Speech - ORIGINAL Language
Alitte to Strong ON HOUSE.
FROM Steve HART
FAX NUMBER 6220
OFFICE NUMBER 2230
SENT-BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 8-12-91 :10:23AM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;# 2
Replace graph 2 page 4 (FOP speech) with following:
As we speak the Senate has passed a crime bill that includes
most of the features in our original legislation. But the House
is trying to water-down the bill in committee -- and that's plain
criminal. We must maintain our commitment to order and enact a
crime bill that strengthens, not weakens, the ability of police
to uphold our laws.
America's police deserve no less -- and SO does
...
(this i have include confidence Pakis crime du if legislation the House suit. the Judiciary full - Todas. Home Committee i call ..00 it an the has committee
suggestion)
adopts
in
tough he pash.. shand -" tall for or law.
&
Inset P
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
12
A/D:
August 11, 1991
s2
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Fraternal Order of Police
The draft remarks are hard hitting and appropriately
emphasize the comprehensive crime legislation that we first
proposed in May 1989.
One modest suggestion. In the second full paragraph on
page four, the speech refers to the House's action mocking
those who believe in order. Beyond the hyperbole, we have
fared well when crime legislation has reached the House floor
in the past. The real problem is with the House Judiciary
Committee.
It is important to concentrate our criticism on the
committee and to express confidence that, as in the past, the
sentiment in the full House (on the floor) is for tough crime
legislation.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER mcuettagin
2449
DARMAN
ROGICH
N/C
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
paolette 7803
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -3 PM 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
((Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime. ))
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. 11 His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. 11 In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. / /
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. 11
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
8/12/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CONVENTION
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
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
August 12, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
CURT SMITH
SUBJECT:
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CONVENTION
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, August 14, at 9:45 a.m., you will address
over 3,000 police officers at the biannual convention of the
Fraternal Order of Police in Pittsburgh, Pa.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (10 minutes, on teleprompter) include
support for Judge Thomas' nomination, Administration
accomplishments on fighting crime, and yet another request
for Congress to pass the crime bill.
(Smith/Simon)
August 12, 1991
Draft Three
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you --- but
I could not --- because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here at a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.) )
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law enforcement troops into
battle wearing handcuffs. // You and I know that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas -- a man who has
2
devoted his life to law and order -- becomes the next Justice on
the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to promote fidelity to the
Constitution and to uphold the rule of law. // He has tremendous.
support from the real America. I ask you to build a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as:
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
But of course, the hard work of justice falls heavily on
you. Most Americans realize that our Nation's law enforcement.
officers are decent and dedicated. And many have come to know
that the police aren't sufficiently appreciated until someone
needs their services. //
You deal each day with man's inhumanity to man. When you
deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that our
citizens want and deserve to feel safe -- to live in communities
in which they are safe. But it's tough to restore order to
disorderly neighborhoods and communities.
3
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / We are on our way
to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help us.
house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence:
for using a gun in a violent crime or a drug trafficking offense.
//
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We:
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't.
Project Triggerlock, started just in April, already has
produced 850 indictments against persons for firearms offenses. /
Together, we have seized criminals' assets -- using them to
fund law enforcement and build new prisons. More than $700
million of the assets seized have been returned to state and.
local law enforcement agencies for use in fighting crime. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But this is just a beginning. // I call upon the Congress
to get with it -- to pass our Comprehensive Package to combat
violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I announced our
Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to back up our
law enforcement officials with laws that are fair, fast, and
final. / We proposed stiff penalties for criminals using
4
semiautomatic weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to
protect the truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus
reforms that would stop frivolous appeals and ensure that
punishment was not only just but also swift and certain. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to water-down the bill in committee ---- and
that's plain criminal.
I have confidence that if the House Judiciary Committee
adopts tough crime legislation, the full House -- as it has in
the past --- will follow suit. Today, I call on the Committee to
stand tall for the rule of law. We must maintain our commitment
to order. We must enact a comprehensive crime bill that
strengthens, not weakens, the ability of police to uphold our
laws. //
America's police deserve no less. The American public
deserves no less. We need laws that reflect the belief that no
penalty is too tough for those who kill a law enforcement
officer. The same goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal
witness, juror, or judge. We want Congress to take the steps
necessary to expand the death penalty. Not some time. Not some
place. Now. 11
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good police officers should be penalized
and criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
5
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass=
our crime bill and help win the war on crime. // What at
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take criminals off
the streets -- SO that Americans can take back their streets.
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
(Smith/Simon)
August 12, 1991
Draft Three
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
((Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime. ))
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law enforcement troops into
battle wearing handcuffs. // You and I know that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas -- a man who has
devoted his life to law and order -- becomes the next Justice on
the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. I ask you to achieve a
safer, better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence
Thomas as our next Supreme Court Justice. //
Judge Thomas realizes that America's law enforcement
officers are decent and dedicated -- and too often are
unappreciated until someone needs their services. //
Eachday you deal w/
p
You see far too often_ man's inhumanity to man. And
when you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know
that our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel
safe because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
3
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for using a gun in a violent crime or a drug trafficking offense.
//
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / Together,
we have seized criminals' assets -- using them to fund law
enforcement and build new prisons. More than $700 million of the
assets seized have been returned to state and local law
enforcement agencies for use in fighting crime. Talk about
poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our law enforcement officials with laws that are fair,
fast, and final. / We proposed stiff new penalties for
criminals using semiautomatic weapons, an improved exclusionary
rule designed to protect the truth and punish the guilty, and
4
habeas corpus reforms that would stop frivolous appeals and
ensure that punishment was not only just but also swift and
certain. / In addition, our bill would have finally given us a
Federal law to uphold a simple rule of justice: Those who kill
lives
must be prepared to pay with their own life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to water-down the bill in committee -- and
that's plain criminal. I have confidence that if the House
Judiciary Committee adopts tough crime legislation, the full
House -- as it has in the past -- will follow suit. Today, I
call on the Committee to stand tall for the rule of law. We must
maintain our commitment to order and enact a crime bill that
strengthens, not weakens, the ability of police to uphold our
laws. / /
America's police deserve no less -- nor does any law-
abiding citizen. We need laws that reflect the belief that no
penalty is too tough for those who kill a law enforcement
officer. The same goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal
witness, juror, or judge. We want Congress to take the steps
necessary to expand the death penalty. Not some time. Not some
place. Now. //
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good police officers should be penalized
and criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
5
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What
a
magnificent way to build a future great as all America / /
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take criminals off
the streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext 2702
91 AUG -3 PH 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.)
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. , And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. 11
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. 11 Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 AUG 12 A10: 24
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
See Page
5
RESPONSE:
SEE
33
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -8 PM 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. 11
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.) )
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. //
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
criminals
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 AUG 12 A10: 3°
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(OM7 ajejp 80/80)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
OK
per on Bill win
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -8 PM 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.) )
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. 11
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. //
In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. 11
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 261055
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 AUG 12 A10: 29
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
P
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
1
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE: See comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -3 PM
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.) ))
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
enforcement
know that it makes no sense to send lawV troops into battle
Salmon
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8-11-91 ; 9:15PM ;
C&J Branch-
2023953174:# 6
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 i 8- 8-91 ; 9:43PM :
2023853174
3
of incompetance. True, some officers meck or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
11
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who scft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help Thes
could
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
be
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence wrong.
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. 11
shel
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
checking
w/Sustice
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals - career
Beebe
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
X3914
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / (see have
Note: we have increased by 220 persent our funding for the Edward Byrne
asked Not fan Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Inforcement. / We have
the
seised hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
INCREASES; Congress has provided them
Beebe 3914
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. //
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
officers
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
Rhettna
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
X5600
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 261055/
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 AUG 9 P4: 15
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(OM7 ajejp 80/80)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
8
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
see comments
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -3 PM 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. 11
( (Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime. ))
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. 11
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to imposè unreásonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. // He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
new segue
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. //
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. 11
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
America's police deserve better -- and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. //
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. //
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. 11 What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. What a
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 2610554
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
08/12
DATE: 08/08/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
(08/08 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
\
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
MARTINEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Tony Snow no later than
10:00 a.m. on Monday, 08/12, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
O.K.AR PORTERS
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
91 AUG -8 PH 5: 16
(Smith/Simon)
August 8, 1991
Draft Two
POLICE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1991
9:45 A.M.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, ladies and
gentlemen. Two years ago, I was scheduled to address you -- but
was unable to because of the death of an American hostage. /
Today, I am delighted to be here in a time when hostages are
being released from the Middle East. //
First, I want to thank you -- all 3,000 of you -- not merely
for standing up to greet us today -- but for standing up for
America every day. //
((Standing here surrounded by so many veteran officers of
the law -- this is possibly the single safest moment of my life.
// But that doesn't mean you all get to put in for overtime.) ))
//
I'm here today because our entire Adminstration stands
shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight for law and order. We
know that it makes no sense to send law troops into battle
wearing handcuffs. // You and I realize that crime -- and
fighting crime -- is usually a question of right and wrong, good
and evil. I am here today to discuss how we can cleanse America
by freeing it from the fear of crime and drugs. //
2
At the outset, let me suggest one way to move toward this
objective. / Ensure that Clarence Thomas becomes the next
Justice on the United States Supreme Court. //
Like us, Clarence Thomas knows that a nation that cannot
understand the difference between right and wrong will never
protect itself. He has lived the values we hold dear -- duty,
decency, and personal responsibility -- and promoted them through
his career in public service. // His personal story cannot help
but move people, inspire them. It impresses anyone who is fair
and open-minded. //
Judge Thomas' opinions in the field of criminal law
demonstrate a deep understanding of the community's interest in
deterring crime. He has resisted efforts to impose unreasonable
requirements on police and prosecutors -- or to overturn criminal
convictions on technicalities not required by the Constitution.
At the same time, he has guarded against infringements of the
fundamental rights of criminal defendants. //
I nominated Judge Thomas because he has the brains and
background -- the character -- to bring to the Supreme Court a
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. 11 He has
tremendous support from the real America. He is opposed only by
those out of touch with America. I ask you to achieve a safer,
better nation by urging the Senate to confirm Clarence Thomas as
our next Supreme Court Justice. //
There is much talk these days about America's law
enforcement officials. Some speak of police brutality; others,
3
of incompetence. True, some officers mock or abuse their
authority. But let us never forget: The vast majority of
America's law enforcement officers are decent and dedicated --
and too often unappreciated until someone needs their services.
//
You see -- too often -- man's inhumanity to man. And when
you deal with crime's victims and its perpetrators, you know that
our citizens want and deserve communities in which they feel safe
because they are safe.
We must reject those who soft-pedal the need to be hard on
crime. That is why by the end of this year, we will have 50 per
cent more Federal prosecutors than in 1988. / And we are on our
way to doubling the capacity of Federal prisons. That will help
us house more than 2,500 dangerous criminals convicted since 1989
under tough Federal laws that require a mandatory 5-year sentence
for drug trafficking or for using a gun in a violent crime. 11
We want to free our country from the fear of crime and
drugs. One way is to target hardened criminals -- career
criminals -- under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act. / We
would like every State to have tough laws to deal with violent
criminals. But we're not waiting for those who don't. Project
Triggerlock, started just in April, already has produced 850
indictments against persons for firearms offenses. / We have
increased by 220 percent our funding for the Edward Byrne
Memorial Fund for State and Local Law Enforcement. / We have
seized hundreds of millions of dollars of criminals' assets --
4
using them to fund law enforcement and build new prisons. Talk
about poetic justice. //
But we have plenty yet to do. // In that spirit, I call
upon the Congress to get with it -- and pass our Comprehensive
Package to combat violent crime. Nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I
announced our Violent Crime Act legislation -- asking Congress to
law enforcement officials
back up our lawmen with laws that are fair, fast, and final. /
We proposed stiff new penalties for criminals using semiautomatic
weapons, an improved exclusionary rule designed to protect the
truth and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reforms that would
stop frivolous appeals and ensure that punishment was not only
just but also swift and certain. / Most of all, our bill would
have finally given us a Federal law to uphold a simple rule of
justice: Those who kill must be prepared to pay with their own
life. //
CHECK W/JUSTICE
death penalty IS
symbolic, not the
As we speak, the Senate has passed a crime bill that most important
includes most of the features in our original legislation. But thing.
the House is trying to strip the bill in committee -- and that's
plain criminal. The House's action mocks those who believe in
order. It insults the memory of police both living and dead. //
memory of living people?
America's police deserve better and so does every law-
abiding citizen. Therefore, I urge Congress to pass our bill.
If hoods use a semi-automatic weapon in a crime, make them serve
at least 10 years. No parole. No probation. No plea
bargaining. No kidding. //
5
We need laws that reflect the belief that no penalty is too
tough for those who kill a law enforcement officer. The same
goes for drug kingpins who threaten a Federal witness, juror, or
judge. We want Congress to take the steps necessary to expand
the death penalty. Not some time. Not some place. Now. 11
Finally, we want a good faith exception to the exclusionary
rule. There's no reason good policemen should be penalized and
criminals should go free because a judge or lawyer bungled a
search warrant. For some reason, the Senate didn't see this our
way -- but we will keep fighting to stop thugs from using
technicalities to delay justice.
The time has come to show less compassion for the architects
of crime and more compassion for its victims. // Let us protect
those who suffer from crime -- especially the millions of poor
and disadvantaged who obey the law. 11
Let us VOW to catch those who commit crimes, to prosecute
them, and punish them -- swiftly, surely, fairly. Let us pass
our crime bill -- and help win the war on crime. // What a
marvelous bequest for the heroes we call police officers. (what
a
doesn't understand
magnificent way to build a future as great as all America. //
For 75 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has supported
the men and women charged with the tough and vital task of
keeping the peace. I pledge my support, and offer this
commitment: Our Administration will help you take hoods off the
streets -- so that Americans can take back their streets.
6
Thank you for what you've done, and for this occasion. And
God bless what we love -- the United States of America.
#
#
#
#