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Stan Scott Tribute 9/11/91 [OA 6036] [1]
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17
2
7
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 11, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING STAN SCOTT TRIBUTE DINNER
The Washington Sheraton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
8:34 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all, and please be seated.
And, Connie, let me thank you on behalf of everybody here for your
key role in making this such a very special evening. Lou Sullivan,
our Secretary, who in my view is doing a superb job, is, as many of
you know, off in Africa -- (applause) -- or he certainly would have
been here, and he sends his greetings. (Applause.)
And I don't know how you begin to thank everybody in
this distinguished audience. We have Senator Pressler, Senator
Breaux and Bob Livingston, Julian Dixon, Art Fletcher, Charlie
Rangel, Buddy Roemer, Ambassador Weinman, Sid Barthelmy, Chris Edley,
Bill Gray, Ron Brown's supposed to be here. I hope he is. Percy
Sutton, Lionel Hampton, Vernan Jordan, Peabo Bryson -- and on and on
it goes in one of the most glamorous get-togethers. I don't see how
some of us fit in the same room with our views, but you know why
we're all brought together -- it's Stan Scott. (Applause.)
What are you laughing at? (Laughter.)
But let me also salute the family: Bettye, and, of
course, Stan and Susan, Ken, Stan Jr. I'm fibrillating just trying
to get through the acknowledgments of this darned dinner.
(Laughter.) Barbara and I don't go out much. (Laughter.) We get
asked out some, but we don't go out much. And I know I speak for her
when I say what a joy, just on a plain friendship basis, what a joy
this evening has been.
Imagine a guy like me from Texas associating with an Ivy
League elitist like Governor Roemer of Louisiana. (Laughter.) It's
absolutely -- two degrees from Harvard. Can you imagine that? And
when I got tonight's program and looked down this awesome list of
speakers, I felt like a contestant on "Star Search." (Laughter.)
It's bad enough when you have one act to follow, but six is a little
too much.
And after all this eloquence, I know how Zsa Zsa Gabor's
last husband felt. (Laughter.) I know what I'm supposed to do --
but I'm not exactly sure how to make it interesting. (Laughter and
applause.)
But, listen, thank you, Connie, and all the others that
arranged this wonderful program for -- really for urging us to come,
for letting me participate, and Barbara and me to be such
enthusiastic participants in this. Let me salute the Stanley Scott
Scholarship Fund. And I can't tell you how much it means to join all
of you in praising our close friend and saying a simple thanks to
you, Stan, for bringing us all together and for so much more.
You know, Stan offers living proof that love nourishes
virtue; that hard work pays; that good things happen to good people;
and most impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work.
(Laughter and applause.)
MORE
- 2 -
Now that you have sold your beer distributorship, Stan,
you are at liberty to divulge the great secret. And I hope Leonard
Goldstein won't take offense. But we all want to know which is it:
tastes great or less filling?
(Laughter.)
Those of us who know Stan and feel we know him well know
that four passions govern his life: love of family; love of country;
love of adventure; and love of good works. And I'm leaving out his
love of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a sore subject this year.
But Stan's family instilled in him a real hunger for
knowledge. And lest some of you haven't milled through this room, I
don't know whose looking after Atlanta. So many Scotts from there
are here. But somebody's looking after the store.
But you feel this sense of family when you're around
Stanley. And you know that his family instilled in him a real hunger
for knowledge. His love of country inspired him to give back some of
freedom's blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to
shift careers without even shifting gears: journalism, politics,
corporate communications, private business. And his love of good
works moved him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches, to make
the best for this magnificent gift of friendship.
If you look around the room, you get an appreciation of
the power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
all parties, all backgrounds -- it's the darndest, wild and crazy mix
of different political views I've ever seen.
You have Democrats such as former Congressman Bill Gray
and New Orleans' very able Mayor Sidney Barthelemy join Republicans
such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer. And We're here because of
Stan who taught us all really waht friendship means and because we
know that education can foster true brotherhood. It can lead us as
individuals and as a nation to the true equality that we have sought
so long. It can dissolve the ignorance, prejudice and hatred that
build high walls between people.
And the United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41 private
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
Scholarships will be built upon that solid legacy.
And no one here underestimates the importance of the
UNCF's mission or, frankly, the difficulties that it faces. Many
UNCF institutions have suffered through some tough times, but they
have survived, thanks to the hard work of people in this room and to
the professionals who work at UNCF institutions.
The United Negro College Fund keeps hope alive by
ministering specially to black American men and women. And if you'll
permit me a personal note, my own personal involvement started way
back in 1947 when I was at college and when Bill Trent, who was well
and favorably known to SO many of us in this room, came into my life
and signed me up. Now, as Bill Gray very generously mentioned, as
Honorary Chairman of Campaign 2000, I take great happiness and great
joy in the fact that my family has a continued involvement. And my
younger brother, John, will become Chairman of the Board of the
United Negro College Fund, starting in April of 1992. (Applause.)
We all know, we all believe, that a mind is a terrible
thing to waste -- and so, frankly, are United Negro College Fund
colleges and universities. We must not let them be wasted.
(Applause.)
And before I go any further, let me just ask everyone to
thank and to recognize Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF
MORE
- 3 -
President. Can't see him out there, but -- (applause.) And I know
there are other previous presidents -- my old and dear and close
friend Art Fletcher and Vernon Jordan -- and I'm leaving out a
thousand because so many men of distinction and others have served as
president of the UNCF.
Now a word about the next president of the UNCF. You
see, Bill's appointment is a two-fer, what they call a two-fer for
me. When he resigned his seat in the House today, the Democrats lost
a fine leader and I lost a very tough and a very effective -- always
fair, but a very tough and effective opponent. But the cause I care
about deeply, the one that joins us tonight, has gained this great
leader. And so I can't help but win. Get him out the way and here
we are working together for a cause we all believe in. (Applause.)
But our real star at this all-star tribute is Stan and
his many contributions to our lives. The Scott Scholarship Fund
represents the kind of service that all of us admire. And I will
extend the gift of knowledge to young men and it will extend the gift
of knowledge to young men and women who might not otherwise get
college educations. It will strengthen the 41 private institutions
that comprise the UNCF. And it will strengthen -- really it will
strengthen our nation.
I'm committed to seeing our nation become the world's
leader in education. I hate to see this many people assembled
without making what perhaps is the only partisan pitch of the
evening, but I will make it as nonpartisan as possible -- I do want
to ask you to look at our America 2000 Education Strategy. It is
new, it is innovative, and I believe that it will achieve the
national education goals that we established in conjunction with
every single one of the nation's governors. So look at it and help
us if you can. It's going to lead to great things for the kids of
this country. (Applause.)
I know that we have these political differences, but
we're setting those all aside. And better, let us use them if we can
as a source of strength. We must remember always, in the process,
that civility lies at the heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference, as
Stan has and many of you in this room have. Let me give you an
example. I don't know if Ron Brown, who's been a sponsor of this
organization, is here tonight, and I don't mean to embarass him. But
let me just tell you what I'm talking about when I'm talking about
civility.
I think of the wasting illness that claimed my friend,
Lee Atwater. And some in the press and some in the political arena
taunted him -- he invited some of it, I'll readily admit, but
nevertheless, they taunted him. And the personal attacks really
tortured his family and his friends. And during all of this, Ron
Brown quietly and gently sent messages of encouragement and
friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't leak it to the press.
He did what friends do: he just gave a piece of himself. And I
don't have to state the obvious, but Ron and Lee didn't agree on a
hell of a lot in terms of politics, but they knew that no political
dispute is worth surrendering people's basic decency. And I salute
Ron for that approach. (Applause.)
And so many of us will disagree over particulars of
social policy, but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to
promote a good society: a nation united in its quest for
brotherhood; indivisible in its determination to provide sound
educations for everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness
that really counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman
a fair chance to go as far as their abilities will take them. And
Stan, you see, has given life to the ideals discussed here tonight.
- 4 -
His strength of character and the range of his
accomplishments are legend -- I loved that film. We may have little
fights, but Stan has taken on what literally is the fight of his
life.
And, Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You
have served your nation and your many friends long and selflessly.
We salute you.
And ladies and gentlemen, so let us just give thanks to
and for a great American. And, Stan, thanks for giving us a look at
our better selves and depriving us of excuses when we think that
things seem too tough, the odds too long; the path too cluttered with
obstructions.
You, through your example, have overcome, and in time SO
shall we all. God bless you. (Applause.)
END
8:54 P.M. EDT
MORE
TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT 1 WASHINGTON SHERATON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991 \ 7:30 P.M.
CONNIE NEWMAN, THANK YOU. AND THANKS TO EVERYONE
IN THIS DISTINGUISHED AUDIENCE: BoB LIVINGSTON, JOHN
BREAUX, JULIAN DIXON, CHARLIE RANGEL; BUDDY ROEMER, SID
BARTHELMY; CHRIS EDLEY; BILL GRAY, RON BROWN; PERCY
SUTTON, LIONEL HAMPTON, PEABO BRYSON -- AND OF COURSE
THE Scott FAMILY: STAN, BETTYE, SUSAN, KENNETH, STAN
JUNIOR. I'M FIBRILLATING JUST TRYING TO GET THROUGH
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HERE.
- 2 -
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE AUDIENCE! //
WHEN I GOT TONIGHT'S PROGRAM, AND LOOKED DOWN THE
LIST OF SPEAKERS, I FELT LIKE A CONTESTANT ON "STAR
SEARCH." IT'S BAD ENOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE ONE TOUGH ACT
TO FOLLOW. BUT six?]] //
AFTER ALL THIS ELOQUENCE, I FEEL A LITTLE LIKE ZSA
ZSA GABOR'S LAST HUSBAND: I KNOW WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO
DO -- BUT I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE HOW TO MAKE IT
INTERESTING. 11
- 3 -
WELL, THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME JOIN THIS TRIBUTE TO
STAN SCOTT, AND THE STANLEY Scott SCHOLARSHIP FUND. I
CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO JOIN ALL OF YOU IN
PRAISING OUR CLOSE FRIEND AND SAYING TO STAN: THANKS.
STAN OFFERS LIVING PROOF THAT LOVE NOURISHES
VIRTUE; THAT HARD WORK PAYS; THAT GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO
GOOD PEOPLE AND, MOST IMPRESSIVE, THAT SOME JOURNALISTS
CAN TURN TO HONEST WORK. //
- 4 -
Now THAT YOU HAVE SOLD YOUR BEER DISTRIBUTORSHIP,
STAN, YOU ARE AT LIBERTY TO DIVULGE THE GREAT SECRET.
AND I HOPE LEONARD GOLDSTEIN WON'T TAKE OFFENSE. BUT
WE ALL WANT TO KNOW. WHICH IS IT: TASTES GREAT OR LESS
FILLING? //
FOUR PASSIONS GOVERN STAN'S LIFE: LOVE OF FAMILY;
LOVE OF COUNTRY; LOVE OF ADVENTURE; AND LOVE OF GOOD
WORKS. [[I'M LEAVING OUT HIS LOVE OF THE Los ANGELES
LAKERS. THAT'S A SORE SUBJECT THIS YEAR. ]] 11
- 5 -
STAN'S FAMILY INSTILLED IN HIM A REAL HUNGER FOR
KNOWLEDGE. HIS LOVE OF COUNTRY INSPIRED HIM TO GIVE
BACK SOME OF FREEDOM'S BLESSINGS. HIS LOVE OF
ADVENTURE GAVE HIM THE COURAGE TO SHIFT CAREERS WITHOUT
SHIFTING GEARS: JOURNALISM, POLITICS, CORPORATE
COMMUNICATIONS, PRIVATE BUSINESS. HIS LOVE OF GOOD
WORKS MOVED HIM TO TRY NEW IDEAS, NEW ANGLES, NEW
APPROACHES; TO MAKE THE BEST OF HIS GIFT FOR
FRIENDSHIP.
- 6 -
IF YOU LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM, YOU GET AN
APPRECIATION OF THE POWER OF STAN'S PERSONALITY. HERE,
WE HAVE PEOPLE OF ALL COLORS, ALL PARTIES, ALL
BACKGROUNDS -- THE DARNDEST, WILD AND CRAZY MIX OF
DIFFERENT POLITICAL VIEWS. //
DEMOCRATS SUCH AS FORMER CONGRESSMAN BILL GRAY AND
NEW ORLEANS' MAYOR SIDNEY BARTHELEMY JOIN REPUBLICANS
SUCH AS CONNIE NEWMAN AND BUDDY ROEMER.
- 7 -
WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF STAN AND BECAUSE WE KNOW
THAT EDUCATION CAN FOSTER TRUE BROTHERHOOD. IT CAN
LEAD US AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A NATION TO THE TRUE
EQUALITY WE HAVE SOUGHT so LONG. IT CAN DISSOLVE THE
IGNORANCE, PREJUDICE AND HATRED THAT BUILD HIGH WALLS
BETWEEN PEOPLE.
THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND STRENGTHENS AMERICA
BY EXTENDING EDUCATIONS TO DESERVING MEN AND WOMEN AT
41 PRIVATE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
:
- 8 -
THE STANLEY SCOTT SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BUILD UPON THAT
LEGACY. //
No ONE HERE UNDERESTIMATES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE
UNCF's MISSION, OR THE DIFFICULTIES IT FACES. MANY
UNCF INSTITUTIONS HAVE SUFFERED THROUGH SOME TOUGH
TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE SURVIVED, THANKS TO THE HARD WORK
OF PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM, AND TO THE PROFESSIONALS WHO
WORK AT UNCF INSTITUTIONS. //
- 9 -
THE UNCF KEEPS HOPE ALIVE BY MINISTERING SPECIALLY
TO BLACK AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN. MY FAMILY'S
INVOLVEMENT WITH UNCF DATES BACK TO 1947, WHEN BILL
TRENT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND SIGNED ME UP. Now, AS
HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF CAMPAIGN 2000, I TAKE GREAT
HAPPINESS FROM MY FAMILY'S CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT. MY
BROTHER JOHN WILL BECOME CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF UNCF,
STARTING IN APRIL OF 1992.
⑉
- 10 -
WE ALL BELIEVE THAT A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
-- AND so ARE UNCF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER, LET ME ASK EVERYONE TO
RECOGNIZE CHRIS EDLEY'S FABULOUS WORK AS UNCF
PRESIDENT. // WHAT A JOB HE'S DONE! //
Now A WORD ABOUT THE NEXT DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT
OF THE UNCF. //
BILL'S APPOINTMENT IS A TWO-FER FOR ME.
- 11 -
WHEN BILL RESIGNED HIS SEAT IN THE HOUSE TODAY, THE
DEMOCRATS LOST A FINE LEADER AND I LOST A TOUGH AND
EFFECTIVE OPPONENT. BUT THE CAUSE I CARE ABOUT DEEPLY
GETS A GREAT LEADER. //
BUT OUR REAL STAR AT THIS ALL-STAR TRIBUTE IS STAN
Scott, AND HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR LIVES. THE
STANLEY Scott SCHOLARSHIP FUND REPRESENTS THE KIND OF
SERVICE ALL OF US ADMIRE. IT WILL EXTEND THE GIFT OF
KNOWLEDGE TO YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO MIGHT NOT
OTHERWISE GET COLLEGE EDUCATIONS.
- 12 -
IT WILL STRENGTHEN THE 41 PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS THAT
COMPRISE THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND. IT WILL
STRENGTHEN OUR NATION.
I AM COMMITTED TO SEEING OUR NATION BECOME THE
WORLD'S LEADER IN EDUCATION. I HATE TO SEE THIS MANY
PEOPLE ASSEMBLED WITHOUT MAKING A STRONG PITCH FOR OUR
AMERICA 2000 EDUCATION STRATEGY. IT IS NEW, IT IS
INNOVATIVE AND I BELIEVE IT WILL ACHIEVE THE NATIONAL
EDUCATION GOALS THAT WE ESTABLISHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE NATION'S GOVERNORS.
- 13 -
I KNOW WE HAVE DIFFERENCES, BUT LET US SET THOSE
DIFFERENCES ASIDE. BETTER, LET US USE THEM AS A SOURCE
OF STRENGTH. WE MUST REMEMBER ALWAYS THAT CIVILITY
LIES AT THE HEART OF CIVIL RIGHTS.
THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
MANY OF YOU HAVE. I THINK, FOR INSTANCE, OF THE
WASTING ILLNESS THAT CLAIMED MY FRIEND, LEE ATWATER.
SOME IN THE PRESS AND SOME IN POLITICS TAUNTED LEE.
THE PERSONAL ATTACKS TORTURED HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
11
- 14 -
YET DURING ALL THIS, RON BROWN QUIETLY AND GENTLY SENT
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE AND FRIENDSHIP TO LEE AND SALLY
ATWATER. HE DIDN'T BOAST OF IT. HE DIDN'T LEAK IT TO
THE PRESS. HE DID WHAT FRIENDS DO: HE GAVE A PIECE OF
HIS HEART. RON AND LEE DIDN'T AGREE ON MUCH, BUT THEY
KNEW THAT NO POLITICAL DISPUTE IS WORTH SURRENDERING
PEOPLE'S BASIC DECENCY.
- 15 -
MANY OF US WILL DISAGREE OVER PARTICULARS OF SOCIAL
POLICY, BUT WE HAVE ONLY OURSELVES TO BLAME IF WE FAIL
TO PROMOTE A GOOD SOCIETY: A NATION UNITED IN ITS QUEST
FOR BROTHERHOOD; INDIVISIBLE IN ITS DETERMINATION TO
PROVIDE SOUND EDUCATIONS FOR EVERYONE; COMMITTED TO
PROMOTING THE KIND OF FAIRNESS THAT REALLY COUNTS: A
GROWING ECONOMY THAT GIVES EVERY MAN AND WOMAN A FAIR
CHANCE TO GO AS FAR AS THEIR ABILITIES WILL TAKE THEM.
- 16 -
STAN Scott HAS GIVEN LIFE TO THE IDEALS DISCUSSED
HERE TONIGHT.
HIS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER AND THE RANGE OF HIS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE LEGEND. WE MAY HAVE LITTLE FIGHTS;
STAN HAS TAKEN ON WHAT LITERALLY IS THE FIGHT OF HIS
LIFE.
STAN, WE LOVE YOU. WE'RE PULLING FOR YOU. You
HAVE SERVED YOUR NATION AND YOUR MANY FRIENDS LONG AND
SELFLESSLY. WE SALUTE YOU.
- 17 -
UNITY, EDUCATION, BROTHERHOOD: THESE QUALITIES
DESCRIBE THE MISSION OF UNCF. THEY DESCRIBE STAN
Scott.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET'S THANK A GREAT AMERICAN.
// STAN, THANKS FOR GIVING US A LOOK AT OUR BETTER
SELVES -- AND DEPRIVING US OF EXCUSES WHEN WE THINK
THINGS SEEM TOO TOUGH, THE ODDS TO LONG; THE PATH TOO
CLUTTERED WITH OBSTRUCTIONS.
You HAVE OVERCOME. AND IN TIME, so SHALL WE ALL.
- 18 -
GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIEND, AND MAY GOD BLESS THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. //
AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, MY DEAR FRIEND,
STANLEY Scott. //
#
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 SEP 11 P I : 54
DATE:
9/11/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: STAN SCOTT DINNER
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
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
to P
Snow/Dooley
September 9, 1991
Draft Two
91 SEP II P12: 32
SCOTT.TS1
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Connie Newman, thank you. And thanks to everyone in this
distinguished audience: Bob Livingston, John Breaux, Julian
Dixon, Charlie Rangel; Buddy Roemer, Sid Barthelmy; Bill Gray,
Ron Brown; Percy Sutton, Lionel Hampton, Peabo Bryson -- and of
course the Scott family: Stan, Bettye, Susan, Kenneth, Stan
Junior. I'm fibrillating just trying to get through
acknowledgments here. What an incredible audience! //
When I got tonight's program, and I looked down the list of
speakers, and I felt almost like a contestant on Star Search.
It's bad enough when you have one tough act to follow. But six?
11
I feel a little like one of Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband on
honeymoon night: I know what I'm supposed to do -- but I'm not
exactly sure how to make it interesting. //
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. I can't tell you how
much it means to join all of you in praising our close friend and
saying to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
2
Now that you have sold your beer distributorship, Stan, you
are at liberty to divulge the great secret. And I hope Leonard
Goldstein won't take offense. But we all want to know. Which is
it: tastes great or less filling? //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. [[I'm
leaving out his love of the Los Angeles Lakers. That's a sore
subject this year. ]] //
Stan's family instilled in him a real hunger for knowledge.
His love of country inspired him to give back some of freedom's
blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to shift
careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics, corporate
communications, private business. His love of good works moved
him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to make the
best of his gift for friendship.
If you look around this room, you get an appreciation of the
power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
all parties, all backgrounds. //
Democrats such as former Congressman Bill Gray and New
Orleans' Mayor Sidney Barthelemy join Republicans such as Connie
Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We are here because we know that education can foster true
brotherhood. It can lead us as individuals and as a nation to
the true equality we have sought so long. It can dissolve the
ignorance, prejudice and hatred that build high walls between
people.
3
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41 private
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. Many UNCF institutions
have suffered through some tough times, but they have survived,
thanks to the hard work of people in this room, and to the
professionals who work at UNCF institutions. //
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. My family's involvement with UNCF dates
back to 1947, when Bill Trent came into my life and signed me up.
Now, as Honorary Chairman of Campaign 2000, I take great
happiness from my family's continued involvement. My brother
John will become Chairman of the Board of UNCF, starting in April
of 1992. We all believe that a mind is a terrible thing to waste
-- and so are UNCF colleges and universities.
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president. // I know Chris
isn't here tonight -- but what a job he's done! //
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished president of the UNCF. //
Bill's appointment is a two-fer for me. When Bill resigned
his seat in the House today, I lost a tough and effective
opponent. But the cause I care about deeply gets a great leader.
//
4
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. //
America became great because we gladly absorbed the genius
of cultures that our forefathers called home -- and we will do so
forever. But Americans also enjoy a unity of spirit that led our
founders to call our nation the United States, and that inspired
our national motto: E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Our common American culture gives us a common ground for
evaluating ourselves and our society. It lets us communicate as
fellow citizens, brothers and sisters. It supplies the tools to
build harmony, and take full advantage of our diversity.
Racial harmony and educational excellence go hand in hand,
and they each depend upon us. Tonight we support a scholarship
fund named after Stan Scott, who exemplifies the glory of
American culture, and the boldness of men who do not wait for
others to show the way.
The Stanley Scott Scholarship fund will extend the gift of
knowledge to young men and women who might not otherwise get
college educations. It will strengthen the 41 private
institutions that comprise the United Negro College Fund. It
will strengthen our nation.
5
But we must do more. Ladies and gentlemen, we must put
aside our differences; use our differences as a source of
strength. We must remember always that civility lies at the
heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have. I think, for instance, of the wasting illness that
claimed my friend, Lee Atwater. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior. The
terrible personal attacks tortured his family and friends. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't
boast of it. He didn't leak it to the press. He did what
friends do: He gave a piece of his heart. Ron and Lee didn't
agree on much, but they knew that no political dispute is worth
surrendering people's basic decency.
Many of us will disagree over particulars of social policy,
but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society: a nation united in its quest for brotherhood;
indivisible in its determination to provide sound educations for
everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His strength of character and the range of his
accomplishments expose the pettiness of disputes that divide us.
6
We may have little fights; Stan has taken on what literally is
the fight of his life. We see our friend wrestling with an
unseen and remorseless foe, and we say: Let us help. We watch
Stan carry on with typical vigor and good cheer and we care.
Every person in this room would gladly assume some of Stan's pain
to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Dozens here have
enjoyed the benefit of your efforts and counsel, and they respect
beyond all measure the fact that you demand nothing in exchange
for the opportunities you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These qualities describe the
mission of UNCF. They describe Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's thank a great American. // Stan,
thanks for giving us a look at our better selves -- and depriving
us of excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to
long; the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America. //
And now, ladies and gentleman, my dear friend, Stanley
Scott. //
#
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 SEP 10 All : 14
DATE: 9/10/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: STAN SCOTT DINNER
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 SEP 10 : I I
September 7, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
FROM:
TONY SNOW T5
SUBJECT:
TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. you will attend
a Tribute to Stan Scott dinner to benefit the Stanley Scott
Scholarship Fund. You will speak around 9:15 p.m., with
Connie Newman introducing you. Other attendees include Lionel
Hampton, Bill Murray (President & CEO of Philip Morris),
incoming United Negro College Fund President Bill Gray,
Governor Buddy Roemer, New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy,
and DNC Chairman Ron Brown.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks laud the life and work of Stan Scott. They
also discuss education: the role that it can play in creating
true brotherhood, or the divisiveness that can emerge from the
debates surrounding "multiculturalism" in today's schools.
# # #
Snow/Dooley
September 9, 1991
Draft Two
SCOTT. TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
[Introductory Acknowledgments; including greetings from Lou
Sullivan]
[joke/comments about the audience]
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. Tonight, we praise our
close friend and say to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. [[I'm
leaving out his love of the Los Angeles Lakers. ]] //
His family instilled in Stan a hunger for knowledge. His
love of country inspired him to give back some of freedom's
blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to shift
careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics, corporate
communications, private business. His love of good works moved
him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to make the
best of his gift for friendship.
If you look around this room, you get an appreciation of the
power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
2
all parties, all backgrounds. For this night, at least, Ron Brown
and Clayton Yeutter will not behave like Tyson and Holyfield.
They'll be what they are: friends who disagree. //
Democrats such as Bill Gray and Sidney Barthelemy join
Republicans such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We are here because we know that education can foster true
brotherhood. It can lead us as individuals and as a nation to
the true equality we have sought so long. It can dissolve the
ignorance, prejudice and hatred that build high walls between
people.
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. Many UNCF institutions
have suffered through some tough times, but they have survived,
thanks to the hard work of people in this room, and to the
professionals who work at UNCF institutions. //
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. I am proud of my long involvement with
UNCF, and of serving as the honorary chairman of Campaign 2000.
[possible Bush family insert] A mind is a terrible thing to
waste -- and so are UNCF colleges and universities.
3
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president 11 -- including his
raising a fine and distinguished family. //
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished president of the UNCF. //
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. // Yet
that culture now finds itself under assault.
I have talked before about political correctness, but we
also must confront the phenomenon of "multiculturalism." This
term on many campuses describes an effort to belittle the
incredible strength of our culture -- to supplant tolerance,
reason, and service with intolerance, superstition, suspicion and
disharmony.
America became great because we gladly absorbed the genius
of cultures that our forefathers called home -- and we will do so
forever. But Americans also enjoy a unity of spirit that led our
founders to call our nation the United States, and that inspired
our national motto: E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Our common American culture gives us a common ground for
evaluating ourselves and our society. It lets us communicate as
4
fellow citizens, brothers and sisters. It supplies the tools to
build harmony, and take full advantage of our diversity.
Multiculturalism in its most radical forms ignores this. It
turns education into a branch of politics. It sneers: Math --
racially biased. Physics -- dominated by too many White Males.
Literature -- dominated by too many dead white males. And so on.
What poses as an attempt to give deserved attention to the
cultures that have shaped our own actually debases every culture.
It cultivates anger rather than intellect; it tells students what
to think, not how to think.
Multiculturalism can seduce young people, invite them to
form intellectual ghettos. But it cheats our neediest students
of the opportunity to achieve independence, self-fulfillment and
excellence.
Our competitive economy does not respect segregation. It
does not respect ideological substitutes for the three Rs. It
measures progress by clear, exacting standards. It demands
first-rate minds.
My friends, we must make a choice: Will we lock ourselves in
bitter combat about the past -- as the multicultural agenda seeks
-- or will we learn from our mistakes and build a brighter, more
hopeful future?
Racial harmony and educational excellence go hand in hand,
and they each depend upon us. Tonight we support a scholarship
fund named after Stan Scott, who exemplifies the glory of
American culture, and the boldness of men who do not wait for
5
others to show the way. The Stanley Scott Scholarship fund will
extend the gift of knowledge to young men and women who might not
otherwise get college educations. It will strengthen the 41 UNCF
institutions. It will strengthen our nation.
But we must do more. Ladies and gentlemen, let us put aside
our differences to build strength. Let us remember that civility
lies at the heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have. I think, for instance, of the wasting illness that
claimed my friend, Lee Atwater. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior. The
terrible personal attacks tortured his family and friends. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't
boast of it. He didn't leak it to the press. He did what
friends do: He gave a piece of his heart. Ron and Lee didn't
agree on much, but they knew that no political dispute is worth
surrendering people's basic decency.
Many of us will disagree over particulars of social policy,
but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society: a nation united in its quest for brotherhood;
indivisible in its determination to provide sound educations for
everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
6
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His character and accomplishments expose the pettiness of
disputes that divide us. We may have little fights; Stan has
taken on what literally is the fight of his life. We see our
friend wrestling with an unseen and remorseless foe, and we say:
Let us help. We watch Stan carry on with typical vigor and good
cheer and we care. Every person in this room would gladly assume
some of Stan's pain to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Dozens here have
enjoyed the benefit of your efforts and counsel, and they respect
beyond all measure the fact that you demand nothing in exchange
for the opportunities you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These qualities describe the
mission of UNCF. They describe Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's thank a great American. // Stan,
thanks for giving us a look at our better selves -- and depriving
us of excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to
long; the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America.
#
#
#
#
Tony
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 11, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING STAN SCOTT TRIBUTE DINNER
The Washington Sheraton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
8:34 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all, and please be seated.
And, Connie, let me thank you on behalf of everybody here for your
key role in making this such a very special evening. Lou Sullivan,
our Secretary, who in my view is doing a superb job, is, as many of
you know, off in Africa -- (applause) -- or he certainly would have
been here, and he sends his greetings. (Applause.)
And I don't know how you begin to thank everybody in
this distinguished audience. We have Senator Pressler, Senator
Breaux and Bob Livingston, Julian Dixon, Art Fletcher, Charlie
Rangel, Buddy Roemer, Ambassador Weinman, Sid Barthelmy, Chris Edley,
Bill Gray, Ron Brown's supposed to be here. I hope he is. Percy
Sutton, Lionel Hampton, Vernan Jordan, Peabo Bryson -- and on and on
it goes in one of the most glamorous get-togethers. I don't see how
some of us fit in the same room with our views, but you know why
we're all brought together -- it's Stan Scott. (Applause.)
What are you laughing at? (Laughter.)
But let me also salute the family: Bettye, and, of
course, Stan and Susan, Ken, Stan Jr. I'm fibrillating just trying
to get through the acknowledgments of this darned dinner.
(Laughter.) Barbara and I don't go out much. (Laughter.) We get
asked out some, but we don't go out much. And I know I speak for her
when I say what a joy, just on a plain friendship basis, what a joy
this evening has been.
Imagine a guy like me from Texas associating with an Ivy
League elitist like Governor Roemer of Louisiana. (Laughter.) It's
absolutely -- two degrees from Harvard. Can you imagine that? And
when I got tonight's program and looked down this awesome list of
speakers, I felt like a contestant on "Star Search." (Laughter.)
It's bad enough when you have one act to follow, but six is a little
too much.
And after all this eloquence, I know how Zsa Zsa Gabor's
last husband felt. (Laughter.) I know what I'm supposed to do --
but I'm not exactly sure how to make it interesting. (Laughter and
applause.)
But, listen, thank you, Connie, and all the others that
arranged this wonderful program for -- really for urging us to come,
for letting me participate, and Barbara and me to be such
enthusiastic participants in this. Let me salute the Stanley Scott
Scholarship Fund. And I can't tell you how much it means to join all
of you in praising our close friend and saying a simple thanks to
you, Stan, for bringing us all together and for so much more.
You know, Stan offers living proof that love nourishes
virtue; that hard work pays; that good things happen to good people;
and most impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work.
(Laughter and applause.)
MORE
- 2 -
Now that you have sold your beer distributorship, Stan,
you are at liberty to divulge the great secret. And I hope Leonard
Goldstein won't take offense. But we all want to know which is it:
tastes great or less filling? (Laughter.)
Those of us who know Stan and feel we know him well know
that four passions govern his life: love of family; love of country;
love of adventure; and love of good works. And I'm leaving out his
love of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a sore subject this year.
But Stan's family instilled in him a real hunger for
knowledge. And lest some of you haven't milled through this room, I
don't know whose looking after Atlanta. So many Scotts from there
are here. But somebody's looking after the store.
But you feel this sense of family when you're around
Stanley. And you know that his family instilled in him a real hunger
for knowledge. His love of country inspired him to give back some of
freedom's blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to
shift careers without even shifting gears: journalism, politics,
corporate communications, private business. And his love of good
works moved him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches, to make
the best for this magnificent gift of friendship.
If you look around the room, you get an appreciation of
the power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
all parties, all backgrounds -- it's the darndest, wild and crazy mix
of different political views I've ever seen.
You have Democrats such as former Congressman Bill Gray
and New Orleans' very able Mayor Sidney Barthelemy join Republicans
such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer. And We're here because of
Stan who taught us all really waht friendship means and because we
know that education can foster true brotherhood. It can lead us as
individuals and as a nation to the true equality that we have sought
so long. It can dissolve the ignorance, prejudice and hatred that
build high walls between people.
And the United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41 private
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
Scholarships will be built upon that solid legacy.
And no one here underestimates the importance of the
UNCF's mission or, frankly, the difficulties that it faces. Many
UNCF institutions have suffered through some tough times, but they
have survived, thanks to the hard work of people in this room and to
the professionals who work at UNCF institutions.
The United Negro College Fund keeps hope alive by
ministering specially to black American men and women. And if you'll
permit me a personal note, my own personal involvement started way
back in 1947 when I was at college and when Bill Trent, who was well
and favorably known to so many of us in this room, came into my life
and signed me up. Now, as Bill Gray very generously mentioned, as
Honorary Chairman of Campaign 2000, I take great happiness and great
joy in the fact that my family has a continued involvement. And my
younger brother, John, will become Chairman of the Board of the
United Negro College Fund, starting in April of 1992. (Applause.)
We all know, we all believe, that a mind is a terrible
thing to waste -- and so, frankly, are United Negro College Fund
colleges and universities. We must not let them be wasted.
(Applause.)
And before I go any further, let me just ask everyone to
thank and to recognize Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF
MORE
- 3 -
President. Can't see him out there, but -- (applause.) And I know
there are other previous presidents -- my old and dear and close
friend Art Fletcher and Vernon Jordan -- and I'm leaving out a
thousand because so many men of distinction and others have served as
president of the UNCF.
Now a word about the next president of the UNCF. You
see, Bill's appointment is a two-fer, what they call a two-fer for
me. When he resigned his seat in the House today, the Democrats lost
a fine leader and I lost a very tough and a very effective -- always
fair, but a very tough and effective opponent. But the cause I care
about deeply, the one that joins us tonight, has gained this great
leader. And so I can't help but win. Get him out the way and here
we are working together for a cause we all believe in. (Applause.)
But our real star at this all-star tribute is Stan and
his many contributions to our lives. The Scott Scholarship Fund
represents the kind of service that all of us admire. And I will
extend the gift of knowledge to young men and it will extend the gift
of knowledge to young men and women who might not otherwise get
college educations. It will strengthen the 41 private institutions
that comprise the UNCF. And it will strengthen -- really it will
strengthen our nation.
I'm committed to seeing our nation become the world's
leader in education. I hate to see this many people assembled
without making what perhaps is the only partisan pitch of the
evening, but I will make it as nonpartisan as possible -- I do want
to ask you to look at our America 2000 Education Strategy. It is
new, it is innovative, and I believe that it will achieve the
national education goals that we established in conjunction with
every single one of the nation's governors. So look at it and help
us if you can. It's going to lead to great things for the kids of
this country. (Applause.)
I know that we have these political differences, but
we're setting those all aside. And better, let us use them if we can
as a source of strength. We must remember always, in the process,
that civility lies at the heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference, as
Stan has and many of you in this room have. Let me give you an
example. I don't know if Ron Brown, who's been a sponsor of this
organization, is here tonight, and I don't mean to embarass him. But
let me just tell you what I'm talking about when I'm talking about
civility.
I think of the wasting illness that claimed my friend,
Lee Atwater. And some in the press and some in the political arena
taunted him -- he invited some of it, I'll readily admit, but
nevertheless, they taunted him. And the personal attacks really
tortured his family and his friends. And during all of this, Ron
Brown quietly and gently sent messages of encouragement and
friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't leak it to the press.
He did what friends do: he just gave a piece of himself. And I
don't have to state the obvious, but Ron and Lee didn't agree on a
hell of a lot in terms of politics, but they knew that no political
dispute is worth surrendering people's basic decency. And I salute
Ron for that approach. (Applause.)
And so many of us will disagree over particulars of
social policy, but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to
promote a good society: a nation united in its quest for
brotherhood; indivisible in its determination to provide sound
educations for everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness
that really counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman
a fair chance to go as far as their abilities will take them. And
Stan, you see, has given life to the ideals discussed here tonight.
- 4 -
His strength of character and the range of his
accomplishments are legend -- I loved that film. We may have little
fights, but Stan has taken on what literally is the fight of his
life.
And, Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You
have served your nation and your many friends long and selflessly.
We salute you.
And ladies and gentlemen, so let us just give thanks to
and for a great American. And, Stan, thanks for giving us a look at
our better selves and depriving us of excuses when we think that
things seem too tough, the odds too long; the path too cluttered with
obstructions.
You, through your example, have overcome, and in time SO
shall we all. God bless you. (Applause.)
END
8:54 P.M. EDT
MORE
Snow/Dooley
September 9, 1991
Draft Two
SCOTT.TS1
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Connie Newman, thank you. And thanks to everyone in this
distinguished audience: Bob Livingston, John Breaux, Julian
Dixon, Charlie Rangel; Buddy Roemer, Sid Barthelmy; Bill Gray,
Ron Brown; Percy Sutton, Lionel Hampton, Peabo Bryson -- and of
course the Scott family: Stan, Bettye, Susan, Kenneth, Stan
Junior. I'm fibrillating just trying to get through
acknowledgments here. What an incredible audience! //
When I got tonight's program, and I looked down the list of
speakers, and I felt almost like a contestant on Star Search.
It's bad enough when you have one tough act to follow. But six?
//
I feel a little like one of Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband on
honeymoon night: I know what I'm supposed to do -- but I'm not
exactly sure how to make it interesting. //
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. I can't tell you how
much it means to join all of you in praising our close friend and
saying to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
2
Now that you have sold your beer distributorship, Stan, you
are at liberty to divulge the great secret. And I hope Leonard
Goldstein won't take offense. But we all want to know. Which is
it: tastes great or less filling? //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. [[I'm
leaving out his love of the Los Angeles Lakers. That's a sore
subject this year. ]] //
Stan's family instilled in him a real hunger for knowledge.
His love of country inspired him to give back some of freedom's
blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to shift
careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics, corporate
communications, private business. His love of good works moved
him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to make the
best of his gift for friendship.
If you look around this room, you get an appreciation of the
power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
all parties, all backgrounds. //
Democrats such as former Congressman Bill Gray and New
Orleans' Mayor Sidney Barthelemy join Republicans such as Connie
Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We are here because we know that education can foster true
brotherhood. It can lead us as individuals and as a nation to
the true equality we have sought so long. It can dissolve the
ignorance, prejudice and hatred that build high walls between
people.
3
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41 private
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. Many UNCF institutions
have suffered through some tough times, but they have survived,
thanks to the hard work of people in this room, and to the
professionals who work at UNCF institutions. //
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. My family's involvement with UNCF dates
back to 1947, when Bill Trent came into my life and signed me up.
Now, as Honorary Chairman of Campaign 2000, I take great
happiness from my family's continued involvement. My brother
John will become Chairman of the Board of UNCF, starting in April
of 1992. We all believe that a mind is a terrible thing to waste
-- and so are UNCF colleges and universities.
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president. // I know Chris
isn't here tonight -- but what a job he's done! //
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished president of the UNCF. //
Bill's appointment is a two-fer for me. When Bill resigned
his seat in the House today, I lost a tough and effective.
opponent. But the cause I care about deeply gets a great leader.
//
4
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. //
America became great because we gladly absorbed the genius
of cultures that our forefathers called home -- and we will do so
forever. But Americans also enjoy a unity of spirit that led our
founders to call our nation the United States, and that inspired
our national motto: E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Our common American culture gives us a common ground for
evaluating ourselves and our society. It lets us communicate as
fellow citizens, brothers and sisters. It supplies the tools to
build harmony, and take full advantage of our diversity.
Racial harmony and educational excellence go hand in hand,
and they each depend upon us. Tonight we support a scholarship
fund named after Stan Scott, who exemplifies the glory of
American culture, and the boldness of men who do not wait for
others to show the way.
The Stanley Scott Scholarship fund will extend the gift of
knowledge to young men and women who might not otherwise get
college educations. It will strengthen the 41 private
institutions that comprise the United Negro College Fund. It
will strengthen our nation.
5
But we must do more. Ladies and gentlemen, we must put
aside our differences; use our differences as a source of
strength. We must remember always that civility lies at the
heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have. I think, for instance, of the wasting illness that
claimed my friend, Lee Atwater. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior. The
terrible personal attacks tortured his family and friends. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't
boast of it. He didn't leak it to the press. He did what
friends do: He gave a piece of his heart. Ron and Lee didn't
agree on much, but they knew that no political dispute is worth
surrendering people's basic decency.
Many of us will disagree over particulars of social policy,
but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society: a nation united in its quest for brotherhood;
indivisible in its determination to provide sound educations for
everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His strength of character and the range of his
accomplishments expose the pettiness of disputes that divide us.
6
We may have little fights; Stan has taken on what literally is
the fight of his life. We see our friend wrestling with an
unseen and remorseless foe, and we say: Let us help. We watch
Stan carry on with typical vigor and good cheer and we care.
Every person in this room would gladly assume some of Stan's pain
to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Dozens here have
enjoyed the benefit of your efforts and counsel, and they respect
beyond all measure the fact that you demand nothing in exchange
for the opportunities you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These qualities describe the
mission of UNCF. They describe Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's thank a great American. // Stan,
thanks for giving us a look at our better selves -- and depriving
us of excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to
long; the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America. //
And now, ladies and gentleman, my dear friend, Stanley
Scott. //
#
#
#
#
TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT \ WASHINGTON SHERATON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991 1 7:30 P.M.
CONNIE NEWMAN, THANK YOU. AND THANKS TO EVERYONE
IN THIS DISTINGUISHED AUDIENCE: BoB LIVINGSTON, JOHN
BREAUX, JULIAN DIXON, CHARLIE RANGEL; BUDDY ROEMER, SID
BARTHELMY; CHRIS EDLEY; BILL GRAY, RON BROWN; PERCY
SUTTON, LIONEL HAMPTON, PEABO BRYSON -- AND OF COURSE
THE Scott FAMILY: STAN, BETTYE, SUSAN, KENNETH, STAN
JUNIOR. I'M FIBRILLATING JUST TRYING TO GET THROUGH
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HERE.
- 2 -
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE AUDIENCE! //
WHEN I GOT TONIGHT'S PROGRAM, AND LOOKED DOWN THE
LIST OF SPEAKERS, I FELT LIKE A CONTESTANT ON "STAR
SEARCH." It's BAD ENOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE ONE TOUGH ACT
TO FOLLOW. BUT six?]] //
AFTER ALL THIS ELOQUENCE, I FEEL A LITTLE LIKE ZSA
ZSA GABOR'S LAST HUSBAND: I KNOW WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO
DO -- BUT I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE HOW TO MAKE IT
INTERESTING. //
- 3 -
WELL, THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME JOIN THIS TRIBUTE TO
STAN SCOTT, AND THE STANLEY SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP FUND. I
CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO JOIN ALL OF YOU IN
PRAISING OUR CLOSE FRIEND AND SAYING TO STAN: THANKS.
STAN OFFERS LIVING PROOF THAT LOVE NOURISHES
VIRTUE; THAT HARD WORK PAYS; THAT GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO
GOOD PEOPLE AND, MOST IMPRESSIVE, THAT SOME JOURNALISTS
CAN TURN TO HONEST WORK. //
...
- 4 -
Now THAT YOU HAVE SOLD YOUR BEER DISTRIBUTORSHIP,
STAN, YOU ARE AT LIBERTY To DIVULGE THE GREAT SECRET.
AND I HOPE LEONARD GOLDSTEIN WON'T TAKE OFFENSE. BUT
WE ALL WANT TO KNOW. WHICH IS IT: TASTES GREAT OR LESS
FILLING? //
FOUR PASSIONS GOVERN STAN'S LIFE: LOVE OF FAMILY;
LOVE OF COUNTRY; LOVE OF ADVENTURE; AND LOVE OF GOOD
WORKS. [[I'M LEAVING OUT HIS LOVE OF THE Los ANGELES
LAKERS. THAT'S A SORE SUBJECT THIS YEAR. ]] //
- 5 -
STAN'S FAMILY INSTILLED IN HIM A REAL HUNGER FOR
KNOWLEDGE. HIS LOVE OF COUNTRY INSPIRED HIM TO GIVE
BACK SOME OF FREEDOM'S BLESSINGS. HIS LOVE OF
ADVENTURE GAVE HIM THE COURAGE TO SHIFT CAREERS WITHOUT
SHIFTING GEARS: JOURNALISM, POLITICS, CORPORATE
COMMUNICATIONS, PRIVATE BUSINESS. HIS LOVE OF GOOD
WORKS MOVED HIM TO TRY NEW IDEAS, NEW ANGLES, NEW
APPROACHES; TO MAKE THE BEST OF HIS GIFT FOR
FRIENDSHIP.
- 6 -
IF YOU LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM, YOU GET AN
APPRECIATION OF THE POWER OF STAN'S PERSONALITY. HERE,
WE HAVE PEOPLE OF ALL COLORS, ALL PARTIES, ALL
BACKGROUNDS -- THE DARNDEST, WILD AND CRAZY MIX OF
DIFFERENT POLITICAL VIEWS. //
DEMOCRATS SUCH AS FORMER CONGRESSMAN BILL GRAY AND
NEW ORLEANS' MAYOR SIDNEY BARTHELEMY JOIN REPUBLICANS
SUCH AS CONNIE NEWMAN AND BUDDY ROEMER.
- 7 -
WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF STAN AND BECAUSE WE KNOW
THAT EDUCATION CAN FOSTER TRUE BROTHERHOOD. IT CAN
LEAD US AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A NATION TO THE TRUE
EQUALITY WE HAVE SOUGHT so LONG. IT CAN DISSOLVE THE
IGNORANCE, PREJUDICE AND HATRED THAT BUILD HIGH WALLS
BETWEEN PEOPLE.
THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND STRENGTHENS AMERICA
BY EXTENDING EDUCATIONS TO DESERVING MEN AND WOMEN AT
41 PRIVATE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
111
- 8 -
THE STANLEY SCOTT SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BUILD UPON THAT
LEGACY. //
No ONE HERE UNDERESTIMATES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE
UNCF's MISSION, OR THE DIFFICULTIES IT FACES. MANY
UNCF INSTITUTIONS HAVE SUFFERED THROUGH SOME TOUGH
TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE SURVIVED, THANKS TO THE HARD WORK
OF PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM, AND TO THE PROFESSIONALS WHO
WORK AT UNCF INSTITUTIONS. //
- 9 -
THE UNCF KEEPS HOPE ALIVE BY MINISTERING SPECIALLY
TO BLACK AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN. MY FAMILY'S
INVOLVEMENT WITH UNCF DATES BACK TO 1947, WHEN BILL
TRENT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND SIGNED ME UP. Now, AS
HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF CAMPAIGN 2000, I TAKE GREAT
HAPPINESS FROM MY FAMILY'S CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT. MY
BROTHER JOHN WILL BECOME CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF UNCF,
STARTING IN APRIL OF 1992.
- 10 -
WE ALL BELIEVE THAT A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
-- AND so ARE UNCF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER, LET ME ASK EVERYONE TO
RECOGNIZE CHRIS EDLEY'S FABULOUS WORK AS UNCF
PRESIDENT. // WHAT A JOB HE'S DONE! //
Now A WORD ABOUT THE NEXT DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT
OF THE UNCF. //
BILL'S APPOINTMENT IS A TWO-FER FOR ME.
- 11 -
WHEN BILL RESIGNED HIS SEAT IN THE HOUSE TODAY, THE
DEMOCRATS LOST A FINE LEADER AND I LOST A TOUGH AND
EFFECTIVE OPPONENT. BUT THE CAUSE I CARE ABOUT DEEPLY
GETS A GREAT LEADER. 11
BUT OUR REAL STAR AT THIS ALL-STAR TRIBUTE IS STAN
Scott, AND HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR LIVES. THE
STANLEY Scott SCHOLARSHIP FUND REPRESENTS THE KIND OF
SERVICE ALL OF US ADMIRE. IT WILL EXTEND THE GIFT OF
KNOWLEDGE TO YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO MIGHT NOT
OTHERWISE GET COLLEGE EDUCATIONS.
- 12 -
IT WILL STRENGTHEN THE 41 PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS THAT
COMPRISE THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND. IT WILL
STRENGTHEN OUR NATION.
I AM COMMITTED TO SEEING OUR NATION BECOME THE
WORLD'S LEADER IN EDUCATION. I HATE TO SEE THIS MANY
PEOPLE ASSEMBLED WITHOUT MAKING A STRONG PITCH FOR OUR
AMERICA 2000 EDUCATION STRATEGY. IT IS NEW, IT IS
INNOVATIVE AND I BELIEVE IT WILL ACHIEVE THE NATIONAL
EDUCATION GOALS THAT WE ESTABLISHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE NATION'S GOVERNORS.
- 13 -
I KNOW WE HAVE DIFFERENCES, BUT LET US SET THOSE
DIFFERENCES ASIDE. BETTER, LET US USE THEM AS A SOURCE
OF STRENGTH. WE MUST REMEMBER ALWAYS THAT CIVILITY
LIES AT THE HEART OF CIVIL RIGHTS.
THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
MANY OF YOU HAVE. I THINK, FOR INSTANCE, OF THE
WASTING ILLNESS THAT CLAIMED MY FRIEND, LEE ATWATER.
SOME IN THE PRESS AND SOME IN POLITICS TAUNTED LEE.
THE PERSONAL ATTACKS TORTURED HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
"
- 14 -
YET DURING ALL THIS, RON BROWN QUIETLY AND GENTLY SENT
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE AND FRIENDSHIP TO LEE AND SALLY
ATWATER. HE DIDN'T BOAST OF IT. HE DIDN'T LEAK IT TO
THE PRESS. HE DID WHAT FRIENDS DO: HE GAVE A PIECE OF
HIS HEART. RON AND LEE DIDN'T AGREE ON MUCH, BUT THEY
KNEW THAT NO POLITICAL DISPUTE IS WORTH SURRENDERING
PEOPLE'S BASIC DECENCY.
- 15 -
MANY OF US WILL DISAGREE OVER PARTICULARS OF SOCIAL
POLICY, BUT WE HAVE ONLY OURSELVES TO BLAME IF WE FAIL
TO PROMOTE A GOOD SOCIETY: A NATION UNITED IN ITS QUEST
FOR BROTHERHOOD; INDIVISIBLE IN ITS DETERMINATION TO
PROVIDE SOUND EDUCATIONS FOR EVERYONE; COMMITTED TO
PROMOTING THE KIND OF FAIRNESS THAT REALLY COUNTS: A
GROWING ECONOMY THAT GIVES EVERY MAN AND WOMAN A FAIR
CHANCE TO GO AS FAR AS THEIR ABILITIES WILL TAKE THEM.
41
- 16 -
STAN Scott HAS GIVEN LIFE TO THE IDEALS DISCUSSED
HERE TONIGHT.
HIS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER AND THE RANGE OF HIS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE LEGEND. WE MAY HAVE LITTLE FIGHTS;
STAN HAS TAKEN ON WHAT LITERALLY IS THE FIGHT OF HIS
LIFE.
STAN, WE LOVE YOU. WE'RE PULLING FOR YOU. You
HAVE SERVED YOUR NATION AND YOUR MANY FRIENDS LONG AND
SELFLESSLY. WE SALUTE YOU.
- 17 -
UNITY, EDUCATION, BROTHERHOOD: THESE QUALITIES
DESCRIBE THE MISSION OF UNCF. THEY DESCRIBE STAN
Scott.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET'S THANK A GREAT AMERICAN.
// STAN, THANKS FOR GIVING US A LOOK AT OUR BETTER
SELVES -- AND DEPRIVING US OF EXCUSES WHEN WE THINK
THINGS SEEM TOO TOUGH, THE ODDS TO LONG; THE PATH TOO
CLUTTERED WITH OBSTRUCTIONS.
You HAVE OVERCOME. AND IN TIME, so SHALL WE ALL.
- 18 -
GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIEND, AND MAY GOD BLESS THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. //
AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, MY DEAR FRIEND,
STANLEY Scott. //
# # # #
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
9/11/91
Snow/Dooley
September 9, 1991
Draft Two
91 SEP II P12: 32
SCOTT.TS1
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Connie Newman, thank you. And thanks to everyone in this
distinguished audience: Bob Livingston, John Breaux, Julian
Dixon, Charlie Rangel; Buddy Roemer, Sid Barthelmy; Bill Gray,
Ron Brown; Percy Sutton, Lionel Hampton, Peabo Bryson -- and of
course the Scott family: Stan, Bettye, Susan, Kenneth, Stan
Junior. I'm fibrillating just trying to get through
acknowledgments here. What an incredible audience! //
When I got tonight's program, and I looked down the list of
speakers, and I felt almost like a contestant on Star Search.
It's bad enough when you have one tough act to follow. But six?
//
A ftu all this dequence-
last
I feel a little like one of Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband on
h
heneymoon night: I know what I'm supposed to do -- but I'm not
exactly sure how to make it interesting. //
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. I can't tell you how
much it means to join all of you in praising our close friend and
saying to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
2
Now that you have sold your beer distributorship, Stan, you
are at liberty to divulge the great secret. And I hope Leonard
Goldstein won't take offense. But we all want to know. Which is
it: tastes great or less filling? 11
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. [[I'm
leaving out his love of the Los Angeles Lakers. That's a sore
subject this year. //
Stan's family instilled in him a real hunger for knowledge.
His love of country inspired him to give back some of freedom's
blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to shift
careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics, corporate
communications, private business. His love of good works moved
him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to make the
best of his gift for friendship.
If you look around this room, you get an appreciation of the
power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
all parties, all backgrounds. Hand the darvelest wild acrazy
mix of political different political vicws
Democrats such as former Congressman Bill Gray and New
Orleans' Mayor Sidney Barthelemy join Republicans such as Connie
Newman and Buddy Roemer.
and of Stan and because
We are here because we know that education can foster true
brotherhood. It can lead us as individuals and as a nation to
the true equality we have sought so long. It can dissolve the
ignorance, prejudice and hatred that build high walls between
people.
3
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41 private
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. Many UNCF institutions
have suffered through some tough times, but they have survived,
thanks to the hard work of people in this room, and to the
professionals who work at UNCF institutions. //
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. My family's involvement with UNCF dates
back to 1947, when Bill Trent came into my life and signed me up.
Now, as Honorary Chairman of Campaign 2000, I take great
happiness from my family's continued involvement. My brother
John will become Chairman of the Board of UNCF, starting in April
of 1992. We all believe that a mind is a terrible thing to waste
-- and so are UNCF colleges and universities.
Before + go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president. // I know Chris Edley
isn't here tonight -- but what a wonderful job he's done!¿y !cyoy Brez.
Now a word about
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished president of the UNCF. //
Gray's
Bill's appointment is a two-fer for me. When Bill resigned
the Denocrats lost a five leader and
his seat in the House today I lost a tough and effective
I
about
opponent. But the cause care about deeply gets a great leader.
//
4
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. 11
America became great because we gladly absorbed the genius
of cultures that our forefathers called home -- and we will do so
forever. But Americans also enjoy a unity of spirit that led our
founders to call our nation the United States, and that inspired
our national motto: E pluribus unum: Out of many one.
Our common American culture gives us a common ground for
evaluating ourselves and our society. It lets us communicate as
fellow citizens, brothers and sisters. It supplies the tools to
build harmony, and take full advantage of our diversity.
Racial harmony and educational excellence go hand in hand,
and they each depend upon us. Tonight we support a scholarship
fund named after Stan Scott, who exemplifies the glory of
American culture, and the boldness of men who do not wait for
others to show the way.
The Stanley Scott Scholarship fund will extend the gift of
knowledge to young men and women who might not otherwise get
college educations. It will strengthen the 41 private
institutions that comprise the United Negro College Fund. It
will strengthen our nation.
I am education. Islaid herlo to we this may people Education
conntted to seeing expensed
leader in wating a strong pitch for out will
2000 asserbled program. what It is lead ub new it to is achieve insirvation the Nat'l and Education I believe Goalo it that
But we must do more. Ladies and gentlemen, we must put we set in
1 how three are differences but let's
aside our differences; use our differences as a source of
corjuction with all
strength. We must remember always also that civility lies at the
the Nations
Carriers
heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have. I think, for instance, of the wasting illness that
som in the
claimed my friend, Lee Atwater. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior. The
terrible personal attacks tortured his family and friends. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't
boast of it. He didn't leak it to the press. He did what
friends do: He gave a piece of his heart. Ron and Lee didn't
agree on much, but they knew that no political dispute is worth
surrendering people's basic decency.
Many of us will disagree over particulars of social policy,
but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society: a nation united in its quest for brotherhood;
indivisible in its determination to provide sound educations for
everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals have discussed here
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His strength of character and the range of his
are legend
accomplishments expose the pottiness of disputes that divide US.
6
We may have little fights; Stan has taken on what literally is
the fight of his life. We see our friend wrestling with an
unseen and remorseless foe, and we say: Let us help
We watch
tony Edchah but
Stan carry on with typical vigor and good cheer and we care.
Every person in this room would gladly assume some of Stan's pain
to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
we salute you
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When
I
ask advice, you give it - and seek no reward. Dozens here have
enjoyed the benefit of your efforts and counsel, and they respect
beyond all measure the fact that you demand nothing in exchange
for the opportunities you have opened for them
Unity, education, brotherhood: These qualities describe the
mission of UNCF. They describe Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's thank a great American. // Stan,
thanks for giving us a look at our better selves -- and depriving
us of excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to
long; the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America. 11
And now, ladies and gentleman, my dear friend, Stanley
Scott. //
#
#
#
#
Document No. 268388ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 SEP 9 P4 :
DATE:
9/9/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: TODAY 9/9/91 4:00pm
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 4:00 pm TODAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
The comments from Cabinet Affairs are attached. Please note
edits in the speech itself as well as a note from Gary
Blumenthal containing general comments.
Thanks,
a
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Elizabeth Luttig
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Snow/Dooley
September 4, 1991
Draft One
91 SEP 9 A8: 16
SCOTT.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
[Introductory Acknowledgments; including greetings from Lou
Sullivan]
[joke/comments about the audience]
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. Tonight, we praise our
close friend and say to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. His family
instilled in Stan a hunger for knowledge. His love of country
inspired him to give back some of the blessings that freedom had
showered upon him. His love of adventure gave him the courage to
shift careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics,
corporate communications, private business. His love of good
works moved him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to
make the best of his natural gift for friendship and his talent
2
looking past such traits as race and into people's hearts and
souls.
I would like to talk about all these passions by considering
two topics natural for this occasion: education and brotherhood.
If you look around this room, 1 see a real Rainbow
who else but Stan SCOH could attract
coalition. For this night, at least, Ron Brown and Clayton
such a gamering (CA)
Yeutter will not behave like Tyson and Holyfield. // They are
the vision of Ston SCOH
what they are: friends (CA) (CA) colleagues who disagree. ND everything the except
Democrats such as Bill Gray and Sidney Barthelemy join
Republicans such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We gather here because we believe in education. Education
can lead us as individuals and as a nation to the true equality
we have sought so long. It can dissolve the ignorance, prejudice
and hatred that build high walls between people.of (CA) good will
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
(CA)
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. One affiliated
institution, Atlanta University, had to close its doors several
years ago. [check] Others, including Fisk University, have
suffered through some very tough times.
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
specifically assisting (CA)
American men and women. I am proud of my long involvement with
UNCF, and of serving as the honorary chairman of Campaign 2000.
3
A mind is a terrible thing to waste -- and so are
institutions to which people have devoted their hard work, their
ect
ect(CA)
intel (igence, their faith and their love. UNCF has inspired many
of us for years, and will continue to do so in the future.
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president // -- including his
raising a fine and distinguished family. //
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
(General comment: Need joke here above
distinguished president of the UNCF. // shifting from congress to UNCF)
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education (Creases) preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. // Yet
that culture now finds itself under unprecedented assault.
I have talked before about the notion of political
correctness, but we also must confront the phenomenon of
"multiculturalism." If by "multiculturalism," " we mean an
CA
education that lets students experience the glories and insights
of other cultures, we must support it. But if "multiculturalism"
means ignoring the incredible strength of our culture, we must
reject it. If it means supplanting tolerance, reason, and
service with the plagues of intolerance, superstition, suspicion
and disharmony -- it is poison.
Race should NOL matter in America as archbald Macleish
(CA)
once observed above americans,
4
Archibald MacLeish once observed that, "Races didn't bother
Americans. They were something a lot better than any caree
They
(CA)
were a People. They were the irst self-constituted, self-
declared, self-created People in the history of the world. And
their manners were their own business. And so were their
politics. And so, but ten times so, were their souls. II
plural (CA)
We live in a multicultural society -- a society that
respects the genius of nations and cultures that our forefathers
called home, but enjoys a unity of spirit that enables us to call
ourselves: the United States -- one that inspires our motto, E
pluribus unum: Out of many, one. Our American culture has given
us a common ground for evaluating ourselves and our society. It
lets us communicate with one another as fellow citizens, brothers
and sisters.
Our educational system never soars higher than when it
teaches our children something new about the world, something new
both the common culture of america, and the many Cultures of
the world and their importance to an of us (CA)
about cultures previously unknown, something new about themselves
and their fellow Americans.
Multiculturalism in its most radical forms ignores this. It
Negative (Juatice)
advocates instruction without standards -- without notions of
(CA
or (Jusrice)
good or evil, excellence mediocrity. It turns every branch of
learning into a branch of politics. It says: Math racially
biased. Literature -- dominated by too many White damre) Males. (Justre)
Physics - the same thing. And so on.
What begins as a crusade to broaden our common culture
(CA) becomes a device for destroying it for feeding our students a
5
then (ustice)
(CA)
porridge that cultivates anger rather intellect; that tells them
what to think, not how to think.
In the end, minority students will suffer most if our
fail to teach broadly enouch (CA)
schools, bent on achieving vengeful justice for society's past
sins, give those students educations that fail miserably in a
(CA) Theyworld that demands excellence -- a world that needs graduates who
can add, subtract, multiply, divide, read, write, speak -- think.
Our Schools must NOL become
A Multiculturalism can seduce young people, invite them to form
intellectual ghettos. But in the process it cheats our (CA) neediest
or they will (CA)
students of the chance to move from the poorhouse to the
penthouse.
(CA)
The real world does not respect segregation, no matter how
lofty its academic underpinnings. It demands that we work
goal (CA)
together and answer to harsh, exacting standards. Fads come and
go, but the demand for first-rate minds never dies.
My friends, we must make a choice: Will we lock ourselves in
bitter combat about a flawed past, or will we learn from our
mistakes to build a brighter, more hopeful future? Will we look
upon one another as foes, or as brothers and sisters?
Time cannot outrun St. John's assurance that, "You will know
the truth and the truth will make you free." No matter how
strenuously the prophets of hatred shout or how tenaciously the
high priests of division and derision cling to their doctrines,
good people will triumph. The real question is when: If we work
hard, we will triumph soon. If we wait for others to extend
their hands first, we may have to wait generations.
6
WEB DuBois said early this century: "Herein lies the tragedy
of the age: not that men are poor -- all men know something of
poverty; not that men are wicked -- who is good? Not that men
are ignorant -- what is truth? Nay, but that men know so little
of men." That remains true today.
So let me say tonight: If we want to hasten the long-sought
time of racial reconciliation and progress, we must devote
ourselves to the cause of affirmative action. //
I thought that might get your attention. //
\For me, affirmative action means giving a fair chance to
people of modest means and real abilities. Recently, many people
have advocated federal affirmative action based upon class --
upon real need -- and not just race. I agree with that notion.
There's no reason to give tax-supported "minority" scholarships
(CA)
to surgeon's sons, when young men and women in the inner cities
need help. Yet neither should we ignore racism's awful legacy.
Precisely because SO many minority Americans find themselves near
the bottom of the economic ladder, affirmative action will help
minorities -- as it should.
This affirmative action has lots of advantages. First, it
helps those who truly deserve and need it. It's more efficient
than remedies that look more at skin color than actual condition.
Second, since it does not draw strict lines by race, it
reduces the likelihood of inciting racial jealousies; angry
charges of discrimination and reverse discrimination; or fights
over who deserves what and why.
7
Third, it threatens no one, and invites all Americans to
CA
ensure that everyone, regardless of skin color, regardless of
class, regardless of family background, will get what affirmative
action must deliver: A fair chance.
(CA)
Yet in the end No program or law can change people's hearts.
True racial harmony must begin and end with us. If we prescribe
remedies that will set people against one another on the basis of
their race and class, we move backward, not ahead. If we
prescribe remedies that de-emphasize hard work, deferred
gratifications, decency to oneself and others, and a real respect
for standards of excellence, we move backward -- toward
dependence, not independence.
Affirmative action should not strive to punish people long
dead for sins that still scar us; it ought to heal old wounds and
create new bridges. If we treat social justice as something that
pops out of a computer model, that can be measured by dry
statistics, we only fool ourselves. Elegant equations are no
substitute for serving our fellow men and women.
subscribe
Tonight we promote the kind of affirmative actionAI touhich have
The described the kind fostered by the Stanley Scott scholarships.
1 scholarships will give all chance to young men and women who
These kind that ensures equality of opportunity rather tran a quaranted result. (Juotice)
might not otherwise get them, and they will strengthen the 41
UNCF institutions.
As we think of affirmative action, and what the term ought
to mean, let us replace the vicious scrambling for numerical
entitlements with a real and personal commitment to brotherhood.
8
The solution for racial strife doesn't lie in Washington. It
lies in every town we call home.
Finally, let us think of ways to use our differences to
build strength. Let us remember that civility lies at the heart
of civil rights, and that we hurt everyone when we smear our
foes. Let us enter into an open, honest, probing discussion of
race relations, economic issues -- and the state of our
educational system. Let us not fear the truth.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have built bridges of brotherhood. I think, for instance, of
Lee Atwater's horrifying illness. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior.
They tortured his family with terrible personal attacks. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship. Ron and Lee didn't agree on much, but
they knew that no political dispute is important enough to make
people abandon their basic decency.
Many of us in this room will disagree over particulars of
social policy, but we have only ourselves to blame if we do not
join together to promote a Good Society: a nation united in its
quest for brotherhood; a nation indivisible in its determination
to provide sound educations for everyone; a nation committed in
its heart and soul to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
9
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His character and accomplishments expose the pettiness of
disputes that divide us. We may have little fights; Stan has a
CAS
real one. We want to him conquer his unseen and remorseless foe.
We want him to know we care. I know each of us would gladly
assume some of Stan's pain to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Around this room
you will find dozens of people who have enjoyed the benefit of
your efforts and counsel, and who respect beyond all measure the
fact that you demand nothing in exchange for the opportunities
you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These three qualities
describe the mission of UNCF, and they describe the unique
accomplishments of Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's all stand and thank a great
American -- a man proud, noble and strong. // Stan, thanks for
giving us a look at our better selves -- and for depriving us of
excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds too Education long;
the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 9, 1991
Tony:
Sorry, not the best speech I've read.
--The President should not get dragged
through all the negative debate about
multiculturalism.
--He should not try and define
affirmative action.
--It is too serious a speech and needs a
lighter touch.
--Finally on page 8 we get to
Presidential leadership and positive
remarks. However, this is exactly what
some Democrats have been saying the
President should be doing -- speaking
out for racial harmony. Which means
follow-through in future speeches will
be watched.
--This is a tribute to Stan Scott but we
have to wait all the way to the end for
the tribute. Can a little more be
interspersed in the text?
This is supposed to be a fundraiser for
UNCF -- can more be added about UNCF's
needs and its contributions?
Gary Blumenthal
Ps- - where is C/arence Thomas ?
Pss - america 2000 should be mentioned (Educanin)
Document No. 268388ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 SEP 10 A9: 50
DATE:
9/9/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: TODAY 9/9/91 4:00pm
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 4:00 pm TODAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE: WRONG SPEECH AT WRONG TIME
WRONG AVOIENCE
NEED A SHORT TRIBUTE TO Scott of What PHILLIP he D. STANDS BRADY
FOR- WORK IN C. Thomas AND GET rur OF TOWN. Assistant and Staff to Secretary/ President he
the
Snow/Dooley
September 4, 1991
Draft One
91 SEP 9 A8: 16
SCOTT.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
[Introductory Acknowledgments; including greetings from Lou
Sullivan]
[joke/comments about the audience]
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. Tonight, we praise our
close friend and say to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. His family
instilled in Stan a hunger for knowledge. His love of country
inspired him to give back some of the blessings that freedom had
showered upon him. His love of adventure gave him the courage to
shift careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics,
corporate communications, private business. His love of good
works moved him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to
make the best of his natural gift for friendship and his talent
2
looking past such traits as race and into people's hearts and
souls.
I would like to talk about all these passions by considering
two topics natural for this occasion: education and brotherhood.
If you look around this room, you see a real Rainbow Cross section.
coalition. For this night, at least, Ron Brown and Clayton
Yeutter will not behave like Tyson and Holyfield. // They are
what they are: friends, colleagues who disagree. //
Democrats such as Bill Gray and Sidney Barthelemy join
Republicans such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We gather here because we believe in education. Education
can lead us as individuals and as a nation to the true equality
we have sought so long. It can dissolve the ignorance, prejudice
and hatred that build high walls between people of good will.
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. //
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. One affiliated
institution, Atlanta University, had to close its doors several
years ago. [check] Others, including Fisk University, have
suffered through some very tough times.
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. I am proud of my long involvement with
UNCF, and of serving as the honorary chairman of Campaign 2000.
3
A mind is a terrible thing to waste and so are
institutions to which people have devoted their hard work, their
intelligence, their faith and their love. UNCF has inspired many
of us for years, and will continue to do so in the future.
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president // -- including his
raising a fine and distinguished family. //
AND THE HILL'S Loss 15 UNCFS gAIN - BILL gRAY - I Look
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished FORWARD TO president WORKING of WITH the UNCF Ven IN Yenr NEW toB.
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery. II
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. // Yet
that culture now finds itself under unprecedented assault.
I have talked before about the notion of political
correctness, but we also must confront the phenomenon of
"multiculturalism." If by "multiculturalism," we mean an
education that lets students experience the glories and insights
of other cultures, we must support it. But if "multiculturalism"
means ignoring the incredible strength of our culture, we must
reject it. If it means supplanting tolerance, reason, and
service with the plagues of intolerance, superstition, suspicion
and disharmony -- it is poison.
4
Archibald MacLeish once observed that, "Races didn't bother
Americans. They were something a lot better than any race. They
were a People. They were the first self-constituted, self-
declared, self-created People in the history of the world. And
their manners were their own business. And so were their
politics. And so, but ten times so, were their souls. II
We live in a multicultural society -- a society that
respects the genius of nations and cultures that our forefathers
called home, but enjoys a unity of spirit that enables us to call
ourselves: the United States -- one that inspires our motto, E
pluribus unum: Out of many, one. Our American culture has given
us a common ground for evaluating ourselves and our society. It
lets us communicate with one another as fellow citizens, brothers
and sisters.
Our educational system never soars higher than when it
teaches our children something new about the world, something new
about cultures previously unknown, something new about themselves
and their fellow Americans.
Multiculturalism in its most radical forms ignores this. It
advocates instruction without standards without notions of
good or evil, excellence mediocrity. It turns every branch of
learning into a branch of politics. It says: Math racially
biased. Literature dominated by too many White Males.
Physics the same thing. And so on.
What begins as a crusade to broaden our common culture
becomes a device for destroying it -- for feeding our students a
5
then
porridge that cultivates anger rather intellect; that tells them
what to think, not how to think.
In the end, minority students will suffer most if our
schools, bent on achieving vengeful justice for society past
sins, give those students educations that fail miserably in a
world that demands excellence a world that needs graduates. who
can add, subtract, multiply, divide, read, write, speak - think
Multiculturalism can seduce young people, invite them to form
7
intellectual ghettos. But in the process it cheats our neediest
c
students of the chance to move from the poorhouse to the
penthouse.
The real world does not respect segregation, no matter how
lofty its academic underpinnings. It demands that we work
together and answer to harsh, exacting standards. Fads come and
go, but the demand for first-rate minds never dies.
TODAY
My friends, we must make a choice: Will we lock ourselves in
bitter combat about a flawed past, or will we learn from our
mistakes to build a brighter, more hopeful future? Will we look
upon one another as foes, or as brothers and sisters?
Time cannot outrun St. John's assurance that, "You will know
the truth and the truth will make you free." No matter how
strenuously the prophets of hatred shout or how tenaciously the
high priests of division and derision cling to their doctrines,
good people will triumph. The real question is when: If we work
hard, we will triumph soon. If we wait for others to extend
their hands first, we may have to wait generations.
6
WEB DuBois said early this century: "Herein lies the tragedy
of the age: not that men are poor -- all men know something of
poverty; not that men are wicked -- who is good? Not that men
are ignorant -- what is truth? Nay, but that men know so little
of men. " That remains true today.
So let me say tonight: If we want to hasten the long-sought
time of racial reconciliation and progress, we must devote
ourselves to the cause of affirmative action.
whygo dewr thing
/
I thought that might get your attention. //
For me, affirmative action means giving a fair chance to
people of modest means and real abilities. Recently, many people
have advocated federal affirmative action based upon class --
wrong
upon real need -- and not just race. I agree with that notion.
More
There's no reason to give tax-supported "minority" scholarships
to surgeon's sons, when young men and women in the inner cities
need help. Yet neither should we ignore racism's awful legacy.
Precisely because so many minority Americans find themselves near
the bottom of the economic ladder affirmative action will help
minorities -- as it should.
This affirmative action has lots of advantages. First, it
helps those who truly deserve and need it. It's more efficient
than remedies that look more at skin color than actual condition.
Second, since it does not draw strict lines by race, it
reduces the likelihood of inciting racial jealousies; angry
charges of discrimination and reverse discrimination; or fights
over who deserves what and why.
7
Third, it threatens no one, and Invites all Americans to
ensure that everyone, regardless of skin color, regardless of
class, regardless of family background, will get what affirmative
action must deliver: A fair chance.
Yet in the end no program or law can change people's hearts.
True racial harmony must begin and end with us. If we prescribe
remedies that will set people against one another on the basis of
their race and class, we move backward, not ahead. If we
prescribe remedies that de-emphasize hard work, deferred
gratifications decency to oneself and others, and a real respect
for standards of excellence, we move backward -- toward
dependence, not independence.
Affirmative action should not strive to punish people long
dead for sins that still scar us; it ought to heal old wounds and
create new bridges. If we treat social justice as something that
pops out of a computer model, that can be measured by dry
statistics, we only fool ourselves. Elegant equations are no
substitute for serving our fellow men and women.
Tonight we promote the kind of affirmative action I have
described -- the kind fostered by the Stanley Scott scholarships.
These scholarships will give a chance to young men and women who
might not otherwise get them, and they will strengthen the 41
UNCF institutions.
As we think of affirmative action, and what the term ought
to mean, let us replace the vicious scrambling for numerical
entitlements with a real and personal commitment to brotherhood.
8
The solution for racial strife doesn't lie in Washington. It
lies in every town we call home.
Finally, let us think of ways to use our differences to
build strength. Let us remember that civility lies at the heart
of civil rights, and that we hurt everyone when we smear our
foes. Let us enter into an open, honest, probing discussion of
race relations economic issues -- and the state of our
educational system. Let us not fear the truth.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have built bridges of brotherhood. I think, for instance, of
Lee Atwater's horrifying illness. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior.
They tortured his family with terrible personal attacks. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship. Ron and Lee didn't agree on much, but
they knew that no political dispute is important enough to make
people abandon their basic decency.
Many of us in this room will disagree over particulars of
social policy, but we have only ourselves to blame if we do not
join together to promote a Good Society: a nation united in its
quest for brotherhood; a nation indivisible in its determination
to provide sound educations for everyone; a nation committed in
its heart and soul to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
9
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His character and accomplishments expose the pettiness of
disputes that divide us. We may have little fights; Stan has a
real one. We want to him conquer his unseen and remorseless foe.
We want him to know we care. I know each of us would gladly
assume some of Stan's pain to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Around this room
you will find dozens of people who have enjoyed the benefit of
your efforts and counsel, and who respect beyond all measure the
fact that you demand nothing in exchange for the opportunities
you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These three qualities
describe the mission of UNCF, and they describe the unique
accomplishments of Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's all stand and thank a great
American -- a man proud, noble and strong. // Stan, thanks for
giving us a look at our better selves -- and for depriving us of
excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to long;
the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America.
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
FROM:
TONY SNOW T5
SUBJECT:
TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. you will attend
a Tribute to Stan Scott dinner to benefit the Stanley Scott
Scholarship Fund. You will speak around 9:15 p.m., with
Connie Newman introducing you. Other attendees include Lionel
Hampton, Bill Murray (President & CEO of Philip Morris),
incoming United Negro College Fund President Bill Gray,
Governor Buddy Roemer, New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy,
and DNC Chairman Ron Brown.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks laud the life and work of Stan Scott. They
also discuss education: the role that it can play in creating
true brotherhood, or the divisiveness that can emerge from the
debates surrounding "multiculturalism" in today's schools.
# # #
Snow/Dooley
September 9, 1991
Draft Two
SCOTT.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TRIBUTE TO STAN SCOTT
Washington Sheraton
September 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
[Introductory Acknowledgments; including greetings from Lou
Sullivan]
[joke/comments about the audience]
Thank you for letting me join this tribute to Stan Scott,
and the Stanley Scott Scholarship Fund. Tonight, we praise our
close friend and say to Stan: Thanks.
Stan offers living proof that love nourishes virtue; that
hard work pays; that good things happen to good people and, most
impressive, that some journalists can turn to honest work. //
Four passions govern Stan's life: love of family; love of
country; love of adventure; and love of good works. [[I'm
leaving out his love of the Los Angeles Lakers. ]] //
His family instilled in Stan a hunger for knowledge. His
love of country inspired him to give back some of freedom's
blessings. His love of adventure gave him the courage to shift
careers without shifting gears: journalism, politics, corporate
communications, private business. His love of good works moved
him to try new ideas, new angles, new approaches; to make the
best of his gift for friendship.
If you look around this room, you get an appreciation of the
power of Stan's personality. Here, we have people of all colors,
2
all parties, all backgrounds. For this night, at least, Ron Brown
and Clayton Yeutter will not behave like Tyson and Holyfield.
They'll be what they are: friends who disagree. 11
Democrats such as Bill Gray and Sidney Barthelemy join
Republicans such as Connie Newman and Buddy Roemer.
We are here because we know that education can foster true
brotherhood. It can lead us as individuals and as a nation to
the true equality we have sought so long. It can dissolve the
ignorance, prejudice and hatred that build high walls between
people.
The United Negro College Fund strengthens America by
extending educations to deserving men and women at 41
historically black colleges and universities. The Stanley Scott
scholarships will build upon that legacy. 11
No one here underestimates the importance of the UNCF's
mission, or the difficulties it faces. Many UNCF institutions
have suffered through some tough times, but they have survived,
thanks to the hard work of people in this room, and to the
professionals who work at UNCF institutions. //
The UNCF keeps hope alive by ministering specially to black
American men and women. I am proud of my long involvement with
UNCF, and of serving as the honorary chairman of Campaign 2000.
[possible Bush family insert] A mind is a terrible thing to
waste -- and so are UNCF colleges and universities.
3
Before I go any further, let me ask everyone to recognize
Chris Edley's fabulous work as UNCF president 11 -- including his
raising a fine and distinguished family. //
Let's also hear it for Bill Gray, who will serve as the next
distinguished president of the UNCF. //
Horace Mann once observed that "Education, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions
of men -- the balance-wheel of the social machinery."
Education preserves the values that define us as a people.
Our common culture has given rise to everything noble in our
past, including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s -- the
greatest liberation movement in our history as a nation. // Yet
that culture now finds itself under assault.
I have talked before about political correctness, but we
also must confront the phenomenon of "multiculturalism." This
term on many campuses describes an effort to belittle the
incredible strength of our culture -- to supplant tolerance,
reason, and service with intolerance, superstition, suspicion and
disharmony.
America became great because we gladly absorbed the genius
of cultures that our forefathers called home -- and we will do so
forever. But Americans also enjoy a unity of spirit that led our
founders to call our nation the United States, and that inspired
our national motto: E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Our common American culture gives us a common ground for
evaluating ourselves and our society. It lets us communicate as
4
fellow citizens, brothers and sisters. It supplies the tools to
build harmony, and take full advantage of our diversity.
Multiculturalism in its most radical forms ignores this. It
turns education into a branch of politics. It sneers: Math --
racially biased. Physics -- dominated by too many White Males.
Literature -- dominated by too many dead white males. And so on.
What poses as an attempt to give deserved attention to the
cultures that have shaped our own actually debases every culture.
It cultivates anger rather than intellect; it tells students what
to think, not how to think.
Multiculturalism can seduce young people, invite them to
form intellectual ghettos. But it cheats our neediest students
of the opportunity to achieve independence, self-fulfillment and
excellence.
Our competitive economy does not respect segregation. It
does not respect ideological substitutes for the three Rs. It
measures progress by clear, exacting standards. It demands
first-rate minds.
My friends, we must make a choice: Will we lock ourselves in
bitter combat about the past -- as the multicultural agenda seeks
-- or will we learn from our mistakes and build a brighter, more
hopeful future?
Racial harmony and educational excellence go hand in hand,
and they each depend upon us. Tonight we support a scholarship
fund named after Stan Scott, who exemplifies the glory of
American culture, and the boldness of men who do not wait for
5
others to show the way. The Stanley Scott Scholarship fund will
extend the gift of knowledge to young men and women who might not
otherwise get college educations. It will strengthen the 41 UNCF
institutions. It will strengthen our nation.
But we must do more. Ladies and gentlemen, let us put aside
our differences to build strength. Let us remember that civility
lies at the heart of civil rights.
The people in this room can make a huge difference. Many of
you have. I think, for instance, of the wasting illness that
claimed my friend, Lee Atwater. The press and some in politics
taunted Lee, misrepresenting his character and his behavior. The
terrible personal attacks tortured his family and friends. Yet
during all this, Ron Brown quietly and gently sent messages of
condolence and friendship to Lee and Sally Atwater. He didn't
boast of it. He didn't leak it to the press. He did what
friends do: He gave a piece of his heart. Ron and Lee didn't
agree on much, but they knew that no political dispute is worth
surrendering people's basic decency.
Many of us will disagree over particulars of social policy,
but we have only ourselves to blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society: a nation united in its quest for brotherhood;
indivisible in its determination to provide sound educations for
everyone; committed to promoting the kind of fairness that really
counts: a growing economy that gives every man and woman a fair
chance to go as far as their abilities will take them.
6
Stan Scott has given life to the ideals I have discussed
tonight, and has given his life to promoting them.
His character and accomplishments expose the pettiness of
disputes that divide us. We may have little fights; Stan has
taken on what literally is the fight of his life. We see our
friend wrestling with an unseen and remorseless foe, and we say:
Let us help. We watch Stan carry on with typical vigor and good
cheer and we care. Every person in this room would gladly assume
some of Stan's pain to restore his strength and health.
Stan, we love you. We're pulling for you. You have served
your nation and your many friends long and selflessly. When I
ask advice, you give it -- and seek no reward. Dozens here have
enjoyed the benefit of your efforts and counsel, and they respect
beyond all measure the fact that you demand nothing in exchange
for the opportunities you have opened for them.
Unity, education, brotherhood: These qualities describe the
mission of UNCF. They describe Stan Scott.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's thank a great American. // Stan,
thanks for giving us a look at our better selves -- and depriving
us of excuses when we think things seem too tough, the odds to
long; the path too cluttered with obstructions.
You have overcome. And in time, so shall we all.
God bless you, my friend, and may God bless the United
States of America.
#
#
#
#