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Thanksgiving Address 11/27/91 [OA 6039]
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323151738
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Thanksgiving Address 11/27/91 [OA 6039]
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13592
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13592-003
Folder Title:
Thanksgiving Address 11/27/91 [OA 6039]
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26
17
4
7
Nov. 27 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater
Many people wonder how a President un-
education, init
on the Adjournment of Congress
derstands what goes on outside Washington,
costs down. Ta
November 27, 1991
especially to people struggling to make
would let An
ends meet. Of course, statistics paint a so-
more, dream II
Congress has adjourned for the Thanks-
bering picture: Unemployment, tight credit,
create more jo
giving holiday after making progress in sev-
lower home values, sluggish job growth. But
workers.
eral important areas, but much remains to
real life speaks far more eloquently than
Unfortunatel
be done. We still must be sensitive to the
bare numbers. I have traveled to 48 States
a comprehens
need for economic improvement in this
since becoming President: Talking, meeting
growth measur
country.
people, listening, learning. I will continue
for an answer.
When the Congress returns next year, we
traveling around our great country because
Now I know
will engage these issues. The American
that's one way a President stays in touch
election year. A
people deserve a Government that re-
with people.
will spend a lot
sponds to the need for jobs and economic
Recently, many Americans have written
at one another.
opportunities.
me, saying they want me to know and un-
ment, the oppo
derstand that hard times have hurt them.
dent aggressive
They don't pull any punches. One man,
about this. But
who lost his job in September, described
President canno
how he and his wife struggle to support two
Congress left
Text of the Thanksgiving Address to
the Nation
children at home, pay the bills, and keep up
bitter session. И
November 27, 1991
their property while he seeks work. "Mr.
which elected o
President," he wrote, "now is the time to
from the people
can build a four.
From Camp David, Barbara and I would
come to the aid of the American people.
ty. I will contint
like to wish all Americans a joyous Thanks-
The American people need to know that
steps I can to h
giving. This holiday has always had a special
you mean what you say." A woman, who
meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
typed beneath her signature the words,
ing to create of
kets for Americ
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our
"Average Middle American," was just as
that administrat
spirit as a people: Our determination, our
blunt. Her husband recently lost his job,
they can to hel
generosity, our industry, and our faith.
and she wrote that "it's pretty thorny out
unemployment
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of
there."
credit crunch. P
plenty and the anguish of want. As Ameri-
Well, I do understand. I am concerned.
the money in
cans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
And I want to help. I know that for a
right away to b
George Washington and his troops huddled
person out of a job, the unemployment rate
create jobs.
along the banks of the Delaware River. Buf-
is 100 percent.
When I give
feted by the brutal cold, haunted by British
As a Nation, we need to address today's
speech in Januar
troops massed over the horizon, they
problems and tomorrow's promise in a new
aside election-y
stopped to offer humble words of thanks
world united in economic competition, not
enough to enact
and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
frozen in nuclear conflict.
economic growth
the cause of building a land of prosperous
Over the years we have built a strong
cians to restrain
liberty. That simple moment helped estab-
foundation for progress in this new, revital-
least long enou
lish the American character. Our founders'
ized world. Inflation is down. Interest rates
Afterward, the
faith and determination transformed this
have fallen to the lowest level in years. This
tling can resume
land from a patchwork of colonies into a
year we will export billions of dollars more
Politicians sh
republic of ideals.
in goods and services than ever before, and
rhetoric won't
1
This Thanksgiving, many of us join
that means good jobs for American men
won't create a jo
friends and family around the table; others
and women.
business done. A
share time by phoning loved ones far away;
This doesn't mean that we ought to sit
finger pointing
and all of us will think of others. In places
back and hope for the best. We must take
certainly have n
of worship across the land, people contrib-
strong steps to move ahead. I have asked
who use tough tii
ute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
Congress to pass an important series of ini-
So, Lwill continu
They share their blessings with people suf-
tiatives to boost our economy. These in-
the issues you ca
fering through tough times. And that's as it
clude tax incentives to unleash investment,
ing economy, WC
should be. Americans always have expressed
reforms to help our banks do their job, pro-
our founders cal'
their thanks by serving others.
posals to set loose a revolution in American
kinder gentler
1736
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Nov. 27
nder how a President un-
education, initiatives to keep health care
united by bonds of brotherhood and serv-
es on outside Washington,
costs down. Taken together, these proposals
ice.
ple struggling to make
would let Americans do more, produce
Every day, as I confront the tasks ahead
urse, statistics paint a so-
more, dream more, dare more. They would
of us, I think of the people we serve: The
employment, tight credit,
create more jobs, good jobs, for American
family struggling to make ends meet; police
sluggish job growth. But
r more eloquently than
workers. Unfortunately, Congress did not send me
risking everything to keep peace on the
streets. I thank God for our teachers, who
ive traveled to 48 States
a. comprehensive package of economic
must serve as psychologists, doctors, social
esident: Talking, meeting
growth measures. But we can't take "no"
workers, and peacekeepers before getting a
learning. I will continue
for an answer.
chance to teach the three R's. And I do
ur great country because
Now, I know we're about to enter an
care about the people who write me letters,
President stays in touch
election year. And I know that both parties
especially people in trouble, people out of
will spend a lot of time taking tough shots
work.
Americans have written
at one another. In our system of govern-
Finally, I also remember the American
int me to know and un-
ment, the opposition will attack the Presi-
people I have seen in every State and on
times have hurt them
dent aggressively. There is nothing new
virtually every continent: People who will
ny punches. One man,
about this. But when people are hurting, a
not take no for an answer, people with a
1 September, described
President cannot accept politics as usual.
zest for life, people who love their country.
: struggle to support two
Congress left town after a particularly
ay the bills, and keep up
bitter session. We now have a few weeks in
Americans don't ignore tough realities;
we tackle them. We don't wallow in self-
'e he seeks work. "Mr.
which elected officials can cool off and hear
from the people they serve. In this time we
pity or despair. We shove obstacles aside
te, "now is the time to
can build a foundation for greater prosperi-
and make life better. Optimism, opportuni-
the American people.
ty. I will continue taking what independent
ty, realism, determination: These are
ble need to know that
1 say." A woman, who
steps I can to help the economy like fight-
oxygen to us; they let our society live and
signature the words,
ing to create opportunities in foreign mar-
breathe. America grew strong with the help
American," was just as
kets for American workers. I'll make sure
of the greatest resource on Earth, the
American people. As we look ahead, we
I recently lost his job,
that administration agencies do everything
"it's pretty thorny out
they can to help the people, from getting
should be as realistic about our strengths as
unemployment checks out to easing the
we are about our problems. Every time I
credit crunch. And I will insist that we get
talk with Americans, I see our strength, and
tand. I am concerned.
the money in our transportation bill out
I feel all the more determined to do what
p. I know that for a
the unemployment rate
right away to build roads, fix bridges, and
you elected me to do: Foster growth, keep
create jobs.
the peace, and maintain our stature as the
When I give the State of the Union
world's greatest Nation, the standard by
eed to address today's
speech in January, I will ask Congress to lay
which all other countries measure them-
row's promise in a new
aside election-year politics at least long
selves.
iomic competition, not
enough to enact a commonsense series of
Two years ago, I talked to the Nation on
flict.
economic growth measures. I will ask politi-
the eve of Thanksgiving about the chal-
e have built a strong
cians to restrain their personal ambitions at
lenges posed by the collapse of communism.
ess in this new, revital-
least long enough to get the job done.
We met those challenges.
is down. Interest rates
Afterward, the normal election-year bat-
One year ago today, Barbara and I stood
est level in years. This
tling can resume.
in the sands of Saudi Arabia, looking into
billions of dollars more
Politicians should remember that hot
the eyes of the finest men and women this
than ever before, and
rhetoric won't fill an empty stomach. It
country has ever known. I wondered
bs for American men
won't create a job. It won't get the people's
whether I would have to send those young
business done. Americans don't care about
people into battle. We were a Nation on
that we ought to sit
finger pointing in Washington, and they
edge, anxious about what lay ahead in the
e best. We must take
certainly have no tolerance for politicians
Persian Gulf. No one knew how it would
ahead. I have asked
who use tough times for political advantage.
work out.
nportant series of ini-
So, I will continue to place top priority on
But look at what they did, what we did.
economy. These in-
the issues you care about: Building a grow-
We pulled together. We fought for princi-
0 unleash investment,
ing economy, world-class schools, and what
ple. We stood up to aggression. And when
inks do their job, pro-
our founders called "public tranquility," a
our men and women returned home, re-
volution in American
kinder, gentler Nation rid of crime and
member how we felt: Proud, excited, confi-
1737
Nov. 27 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
dent, even relieved, all because we knew
November 28
November
that we did the right thing.
The P
Today, democracy is on the march
Connecticut Institute for the Blind Adult Day-
with:
care Program, of Windsor, CT
around the globe. Nations long enslaved
the
have begun experimenting with liberty, ex-
November 29
Chie
ploring their own promise as free people.
Scow
Danny Davey, of Santa Ana, CA
America led the way to this new world. We
Nati
met the test of world leadership.
of the
Just as we've met every challenge in the
John
past, we will meet those that confront us
Dept
today. As we do, let us remember who we
Atwo
Digest of Other
are and what we've done. Let's give thanks
the p
White House Announcements
for our blessings, for our families, and our
al and
faith. Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard
Chris
work this moment demands. Let's pledge to
The following list includes the President's
to Br
join hands in common purpose.
public schedule and other items of general
In the E
That's the Thanksgiving spirit, and it has
interest announced by the Office of the
ed in a te
lifted us since the Pilgrims first celebrated
Press Secretary and not included elsewhere
Associatio
it more than three centuries ago. Now let's
in this issue.
Anaheim,
call upon that spirit today to help those in
need. Let's call upon that spirit as we move
November
November 24
toward a new year and look forward to a
The Pre
new century.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs.
with:
Thank you. May God bless all of you and
Bush returned to the White House from a
the 1
our great land, the United States of Amer-
weekend stay at Camp David, MD.
Chief
ica.
Scowc
November 25
Nation
Note: The text of the address was issued by
The President met at the White House
of the
the Office of the Press Secretary on Novem-
with:
John I
ber 27, for release on November 28.
-the Vice President; John H. Sununu,
Secret
Chief of Staff to the President; Brent
Ukrai
Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for
In the
National Security Affairs; and members
Bush trave
of the CIA briefing staff;
Thanksgivi
Points of Light Recognition Program
-Kirk Fordice, Governor-elect of Missis-
Later in
corded hi
sippi;
The President named the following individ-
Nation for
-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney.
uals and institutions as exemplars of his
The Pres
Later in the morning, the President trav-
commitment to making community service
designate
eled to Columbus, OH, where he visited the
central to the life and work of every Ameri-
Representa
Ft. Hayes Metropolitan Education Center.
mittee est
can.
He then went to the Veterans Memorial
Treaty of 1
Auditorium where he attended a reception
November 23
William R.
with Ohio education leaders.
Joel Pritcl
South King County Multi-Service Center Liter-
In the afternoon, the President returned
served as
acy Program, of Federal Way, WA
to the White House.
in Houston
November 25
In a ceremony on the State Floor of the
Maxwell R.
Residence, the President received diplomat-
ceed Nest
Operation SHARE, of Phoenix, AZ
ic credentials from Ambassadors Luvsandorj
General T
November 26
Dawagiv (Mongolia), Abul Ahsan (Bangla-
various C.
Williamsport Students Engaged in Real Volun-
desh), Pal Tar (Hungary), Alphonse Berns
Chief of
(Luxembourg), Ernst Jaackson (Estonia),
William J.]
teer Efforts (WillSERVE), of Williamsport, PA
Rudi Valentine Webster (Barbados), Yog
W. Henson
November 27
sador Jord
Prasad Upadhyay (Nepal), and Abdul
Panama.
Linda McKeehan, of Golden Valley, MN
Rahman bin Fares Al-Khalifa (Bahrain).
1738
Document No. 290155ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
12/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: NOON TUESDAY, 12/3/91
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
SUBJECT:
Honolulu, Hawaii, Sat., Dec. 7, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
McBride
Snow
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
PLEASE FORWARD YOUR REMARKS DIRECTLY TO TONY SNOW NO LATER
THAN NOON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991, WITH A COPY TO THIS OFFICE.
THANK YOU.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
December 2, 1991
Draft Three
31 DEC 2 P3: 59
Punchbowl.ts
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY
OF THE PACIFIC
HONOLULU, HAWAII
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
6:55 a.m.
[Acknowledgements]
From this sacred ground near the waters of Pearl Harbor, we
remember the moment when an ocean we called Pacific erupted in a
storm of fire and blood. // We remember a morning when America /
-- where some thought isolation meant security / -- awoke wounded
and reeling, plunged into a desperate fight for world freedom. //
I remember the crackle of the radio and the voice of our
President. "We are going to win the war, II FDR told us, "and we
are going to win the peace that follows. " //
We won the war and we secured the peace because American men
and women responded bravely and instinctively to their nation's
call. The men and women of Pearl Harbor awoke one sunny morning
to a world trapped in a tense peace. Within hours, many died,
having done what came naturally: to fight for their family and
friends, to defend the land they loved. They did not set out to
become heroes, but with a heartbreakingly natural unselfishness,
they did.
When torpedoes crippled the USS California's ammunition
hoists, Warrant Officer Thomas Reeves stood in a smoke-filled
passageway and organized a human supply chain to move ammunition.
He worked with all his might until the smoke overcame him. He
2
died that day aboard the California, and he rests today in this
cemetery. // Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill of the USS Nevada swam
during the attack from the dock back to his ship, ignoring the
bombs falling around him. He too died in the attack and rests
here. //
The Bible says love is stronger than death. These rows of
marble markers whisper that truth to all who dare to listen. //
I remember Ernie Pyle. The greatest of war correspondents,
he fell to enemy machine gun fire on Ie Shima. He lies here at
Punchbowl among the GIs he loved and honored so well. / His
plain-spoken news dispatches from the fronts reminded us that
behind the battle statistics were true-life stories of how boys
became men and men became heroes. He told us what was happening
in the war -- how our men were fighting. And by relating the
deeds of our servicemen to their home towns and neighborhoods, he
helped us understand why we were fighting -- how our men at arms
defended with all their hearts America's deepest ideals.
Honest reporters like Ernie Pyle did not caricature our
foes. Neither did they shrink from telling the horrible truth
about the Hitler and Tojo regimes' war crimes and atrocities. //
Correspondents like these -- and statesmen such as Roosevelt and
Stimson; Eisenhower and MacArthur -- helped us understand we were
not at war with nations or races. Our servicemen were fighting
dictators and aggressors to preserve America's free way of life.
They struggled and sacrificed in the hope that the blessings of
liberty some day might extend to all peoples. ///
3
Our cause was just and honorable, but not every American
action was fully fair. This ground embraces many American
veterans whose love of country was put to test unfairly by our
own authorities. These and other natural-born American citizens
faced wartime internment because their ancestors were Japanese.
Here lie valiant servicemen of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
and of the Military Intelligence Service -- Americans of Japanese
ancestry who fought to defeat the Axis in Europe and in the
Pacific. Among these is the late Senator Spark Matsunaga, a
combat hero and survivor who went on to help lead postwar Hawaii
to American statehood. //
I remember sharing danger and friendship in these skies and
on this ocean. Some of my closest buddies never came home: Ted
White and Jack Delaney, my crewmen who died when our plane was
shot down; and Jim Wykes, my roommate aboard the carrier San
Jacinto. Their names, and those of more than 18,000 other World
War II servicemen lost in action in the Pacific, are engraved on
the walls of this beautiful memorial.
During every passage of my life, I've often thought of those
who never returned. Some left children behind, and today those
children, like my own kids, are raising children of their own.
// And thank God, each surviving generation has honored the
memory of our heroes of the Second World War. Each new
generation has risen to meet the challenge of winning the peace.
After vanquishing the dictators of Japan, Germany, and
Italy, America's war generation helped those countries rebuild
4
and grow strong in the habits of democracy and free enterprise.
They affirmed again that our quarrel had not been with races or
nations. The American victors welcomed the new leaders of Japan,
Germany and Italy into alliances that won the Cold War and helped
prevent a third World War. America and our wartime allies joined
hands with the liberated peoples of our former foes to create and
nurture international organizations aimed at protecting human
rights and collective security.
Winning the peace, then as now, demands preparedness. The
cause of harmony among nations -- is not a call for pacifism. We
avoided a third World War because we were prepared to defend the
Free World against aggressors. The Pearl Harbor generation saw
its sons go to Korea and Vietnam to resist communism, and its
grandchildren to the Persian Gulf to reverse Saddam's aggression
against Kuwait. How fitting it is that this great cemetery holds
SO many who died for the cause of Korean and Vietnamese freedom.
How honored we are to stand on this ground, consecrated with the
remains of Marine Lance Corporal Frank Allen of Hawaii, who gave
his life 10 months ago in the battle to free Kuwait.
Every soldier and sailor and airman buried here offered his
life so that others might be free. Not one of them died in vain.
Our fighting men of Korea and Vietnam -- whose sacrifices too
often have been forgotten or reviled -- are nearing their day of
greatest vindication. For I have confidence that the tragedy of
totalitarianism has entered its final scene -- everywhere on this
earth.
5
This morning's sun will course the Pacific skies and
illuminate the lands of Asia, from Korea in the north to
Indochina in the south. Just as certainly, the movement of human
freedom will supplant dictatorships that now hold sway in
Pyongyang and Hanoi. Yes, in China, too -- for a billion
yearning men and women -- the future means freedom and democracy.
This fair December dawn breaks on a world ready for renewal.
A high tide of hope swells for those committed to peace and
freedom. The nations pushed by tyrants into war against us half
a century ago join us today as free and constructive partners in
the effort for peace. The Soviet communists' designs for world
domination have collapsed before the Free World's resolve.
We've reached this morning because generation after
generation, Americans kept faith with our founders and our
heroes. From the snows of Valley Forge, to the fiery seas of
Midway and Pearl Harbor, to the sands of Iraq and Kuwait, our
bravest men lived and died true to our ideals. They have forced
dictatorship to low ebb. They have prepared the way for a world
order of unprecedented freedom and cooperation.
Today, as we remember the sacrifices of our countrymen -- of
our brave, beloved dead -- I ask all Americans to join me in a
prayer: Lord, give our rising generations the wisdom to cherish
their freedom and security as hard-won treasures. Lord, give
them the same courage that pulsed in the blood of their fathers.
May God bless you, and the United States of America.
#
#
#
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
NOV27 A9:19
DATE:
11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/2°
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
SNOW
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE: As before, I strongly object to The lAnguage at the topof P.3.
Saying things are Not wonderfull is simply out of touch, Two possibilities:
1) change Itisn't to FAR Exomit. or
2) change wonderful CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
to OK.
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
mgsule
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A 8 : 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
a
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful.
It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Eleven
November 27, 1991
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
From Camp David, Barbara and I would like to wish all
Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has always had a
special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for most
Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people: our
determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by British
troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer humble
words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to the
cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Our founders'
faith and determination transformed this land from a patchwork of
colonies into a Republic of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
the table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. In places of worship across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
2
Many people wonder how a President understands what goes on
outside Washington -- especially to people struggling to make
ends meet. of course, statistics paint a sobering picture:
unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish job
growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country because that's one way a
President stays in touch with people.
Recently, many Americans have written me, saying they want
me to know and understand that hard times have hurt them. They
don't pull any punches. One man, who lost his job in September,
described how he and his wife struggle to support two children at
home, pay the bills and keep up their property while he seeks
work. "Mr. President," he wrote, "now is the time to come to the
aid of the American people
The American people need to know
that you mean what you say." A woman, who typed beneath her
signature the words, "Average Middle American," was just as
blunt. Her husband recently lost his job, and she wrote that
"it's pretty thorny out there."
Well, I do understand. I am concerned. And I want to help.
I know that for a person out of a job, the unemployment rate is
100 percent.
As a nation, we need to address today's problems and
tomorrow's promise in a new world united in economic competition
-- not frozen in nuclear conflict.
3
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new, revitalized world. Inflation is down.
Interest rates have fallen to the lowest level in years. This
year we will export billions of dollars more in goods and
services than ever before -- and that means good jobs for
American men and women.
This doesn't mean that we ought to sit back and hope for the
best. We must take strong steps to move ahead. I have asked
Congress to pass an important series of initiatives to boost our
economy. These include tax incentives to unleash investment,
reforms to help our banks do their job, proposals to set loose a
revolution in American education, initiatives to keep health care
costs down. Taken together, these proposals would let Americans
do more, produce more, dream more, dare more. They would create
more jobs, good jobs, for American workers.
Unfortunately, Congress did not send me a comprehensive
package of economic growth measures. But we can't take "no" for
an answer.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people are hurting, a President
cannot accept politics as usual.
Congress left town after a particularly bitter session. We
now have a few weeks in which elected officials can cool off and
4
hear from the people they serve. In this time we can build a
foundation for greater prosperity. I will continue taking what
independent steps I can to help the economy -- like fighting to
create opportunities -- jobs -- in foreign markets for American
workers. I'll make sure that administration agencies do
everything they can to help the people, from getting unemployment
checks out to easing the credit crunch. And I will insist that
we get the money in our transportation bill out right away --
build roads, fix bridges -- and create jobs.
When I give the State of the Union Speech in January, I will
ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics at least long
enough to enact a common-sense series of economic growth
measures. I will ask politicians to restrain their personal
ambitions at least long enough to get the job done. Afterward,
the normal election-year battling can resume.
Politicians should remember that hot rhetoric won't fill an
empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't get the people's
business done. Americans don't care about finger-pointing in
Washington, and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians
who use tough times for political advantage. So I will continue
to place top priority on the issues you care about: building a
growing economy, world-class schools, and what our founders
called "public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of
crime and united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, as I confront the tasks ahead of us, I think of
the people we serve -- the family struggling to make ends meet;
5
police risking everything to keep peace on the streets. I thank
God for our teachers, who must serve as psychologists, doctors,
social workers and peacekeepers before getting a chance to teach
the three Rs. And I do care about the people who write me
letters -- especially people in trouble, people out of work.
Finally, I also remember the American people I have seen in
every state and on virtually every continent: People who will not
take no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who
love their country.
Americans don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are oxygen to us; they let our society live
and breathe. America grew strong with the help of the greatest
resource on earth, the American people. As we look ahead, we
should be as realistic about our strengths as we are about our
problems. Every time I talk with Americans, I see our strength -
- and I feel all the more determined to do what you elected me to
do: to foster growth, keep the peace, and maintain our stature as
the world's greatest nation -- the standard by which all other
countries measure themselves.
Two years ago, I talked to the nation on the eve of
Thanksgiving about the challenges posed by the collapse of
communism. We met those challenges.
One year ago today, Barbara and I stood in the sands of
Saudi Arabia, looking into the eyes of the finest men and women
6
this country has ever known. I wondered whether I would have to
send those young people into battle. We were a nation on edge,
anxious about what lay ahead in the Persian Gulf. No one knew
how it would work out.
But look at what they did -- what we did. We pulled
together. We fought for principle. We stood up to aggression.
And when our men and women returned home, remember how we felt:
proud, excited, confident, even relieved -- all because we knew
that we did the right thing.
Today, democracy is on the march around the globe. Nations
long enslaved have begun experimenting with liberty, exploring
their own promise as free people. America led the way to this
new world. We met the test of world leadership.
Just as we've met every challenge in the past, we will meet
those that confront us today. As we do, let us remember who we
are and what we've done. Let's give thanks for our blessings --
for our families and our faith. Let's dedicate ourselves to the
hard work this moment demands. Let's pledge to join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit, and it has lifted us since
the pilgrims first celebrated it more than three centuries ago.
Throughout our history, in thousands of towns and in thousands of
ways, Americans, through sweat and sacrifice, have built a spirit
of hope and joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
7
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 26, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Thanksgiving Address
I am pleased to provide some brief, and hopefully helpful
comments on the President's Thanksgiving Address. I reviewed
the speech along with Governor Sununu, during one of the breaks
this evening while the Congress was in the midst of trying to
decide what to do.
The changes in the third and fourth full paragraphs on
page three are straightforward. In the concluding paragraph on
page three, we felt the second sentence should read: "While
many people -- including me -- would have liked to see
constructive action on the economy, we can make good use of
these coming weeks to frame an effective next step."
Finally, in the second full paragraph on page four, it is
important that we not leave the impression that the President
is a passive leader who takes his orders from the people. The
third sentence might instead by worded: "And as long as I am
President, my touchstone will be what is good for all our
people.'
There is much good rhetoric in this address. If you have
any questions, please let me know.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Five
November 26, 1991
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Good evening. Tonight, from Camp David, Barbara and I would
like to wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday
has always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does
for most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a
people: our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our
faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated their very first
national Thanksgiving in 1777, George Washington and his troops
huddled along the banks of the Delaware River. Buffeted by the
brutal cold, haunted by the British troops massed over the
horizon, they stopped to offer up humble words of thanks and
praise, and to dedicate themselves to the cause of building a
land of prosperous liberty. That simple moment helped establish
the American character. Faith and belief transformed our land
from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a church service today. At our church, like those in
communities across the land, people contribute canned goods or
turkeys or clothing. They share their blessings with people
2
suffering through tough times. Americans always have expressed
their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands the pain of
deprivation and the pinch of necessity. Of course, statistics
paint an sobering picture: high unemployment, tight credit,
falling real estate values, sluggish job growth. But real life
speaks far more eloquently than bare numbers. People have
written me by the dozens, saying they want me to know and
understand that hard times have hurt them. They also want to say
that they still believe in themselves, and in their country.
[letter quote, conversation insert]
My duties have taken me to 48 states since becoming
President, and I will continue traveling -- talking to people,
listening, learning.
We all know that Americans need only an opportunity, a fair
chance, to do great and permanent things. Americans just want to
be Americans: They relish their independence. They want to build
strong families, live on safe streets, send their kids to good
schools, and at the end of their days look upon their lives with
pride -- proud of what they have left for their children, their
children's children, and for generations of Americans to come.
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
3
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
We have built a strong foundation for progress in this new
age. We have pushed inflation down. Interest rates have fallen
to the lowest level in years. We will export billions of dollars
more in goods and services this year than ever before -- and that
means jobs, good jobs, for American men and women.
But we must do more. As President, I have asked Congress to
pass initiatives that would boost our economy and let American do
more, produce more, dream more, dare more.
WE HAVE
I have taken independent steps to help where I could.
I put
TAKEN MEASURES
together a package to ease the credit crunch, trying to help
TO HELP CREATE JOBS.
lending institutions make sound loans to people who can produce.
I will travel soon to Asia, and will fight in Australia,
TO OPEN MARKETS FOR AMERKAN EXPORTS.
Singapore, South Korea and Japan for more open and free trade, I
CHAMPION THE CANSE OF
will fight for American jobs wherever and however I can.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
lay partisanship aside. He must find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
we Can make constructive use
EFEATIST?
to see constructive action on the economy,
we now have a few
working to put of these coming weeks to for frame an effective
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
next step,
URGENT
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMP
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER: 8693
ACTION OFFICER:
KOSTOWN 31
DUE: 10am TODAY, 27NOV
Prepare Memo For Scowcroft/Gates
Appropriate Action
Prepare Memo For Brady
Prepare Memo For Sittmann
Prepare Memo
SCOWCROFT
to SNOW w/cc: BRADY
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext. 6538
Concur
FYI
Concur
FYI
Concur FYI
Andricos
Hutchings
Pilling
Barth
Jones
Poneman
Beers
Kansteiner
Popadiuk
Burns
Kanter
Pryce
Canas
Kitchen
Rademaker
Carney
Lampley
Riedel
Cheilis
Lowenkron
Rostow
Davis
McNamara
Stettner
Deal
Melby
Tilley
Dyke
Menan
Tobey
Fry
Morley
Van Eron
Gordon
Needles
Wayne
Gompert
O'Leary
Welch
Haass
Paal
Whitley
Holl
Pacelli
Working
Hewett
Patterson
Hull
Pavitt
INFORMATION
Sittmann
Hill
Exec Sec Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Gates (advance)
Secretariat
COMMENTS
**CLOSE HOLD**
URGENT
Logged By MEM
Return to Secretariat
379 OEOB
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss / 8693
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCR
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
DEMAREST
MCBRIDE
FITZWATER
SNOW
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
The NSC staff concurs with the draft presidential address as amended.
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
Brent Scowcroft
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
CC: Phillip D. Bradv
For my family as ( suspect Par yours 2934 ...
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
how
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
50 what?
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing 40 that
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
may share the blessings of these
more fortuna te.
2
times And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
V.defensone
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need are to think of ourselves
Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
verybalg.
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
icnows not
nuclear stand-off. Indeed, The risk nuclear is lower than
manyone's memory. This a
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
plistal
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever
before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
blessing for which every person
is Thankful.
OVER
H
We are in a new historical
period whose contorns and
Character are in the process of
definition. We have left a
clearly defined period -- - the cold
Was -- behind forever. As
we chart our course in this
new to era, we must ensure
that it is a prosperous, secure, and
Pair time for all Americans. We
have the foundation already; working
together, 1 an confident me can
fulfill our dreams.
3
This doesn mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
This new era is complicated and
demands hand WORK 7 us all,
But me
are a people who 5 don'tshirk.
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
We tackle
Our people don't ignore tough realities we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
W
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do! to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and undertake what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
# # # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 NOV 27 A8: 38
DATE:
11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/2
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
BOSKIN
CARD
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY N/L
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A 8 : 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
Congress language may cause
Foley to call Congress. Talking to D².
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
soxes Potus tate int
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
can't
after gloves off this
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
This requests the Warm + furry
most people want IC may thefer confound on T'day
program that arew pro-
rrugal Gourmet, Jeff Smith. "I just yell at
millions of eligible taxpayers. Responding to
"The vast majority [of these suit
Catholic Church officials
the bird and hope the meat will fall off."
comments on a previous simplification plan,
from complaints by white-collar ma
The free condoms were
Carving ''is a lost art," complains Bea-
the chairman and 17 panel members have
over the way they were treated an
ooklyn school, the first to
trice Snyder, who speaks for the Norman
proposed a new bill, to be taken up next
aged," says John Gillespie, a Ja]
anned citywide effort to
year, to overhaul the credit.
American relations specialist at
ransmission of AIDS.
The bill would repeal new supplemental
Consulting Group in Redwood City
benefits for families with a child under a
While the Japanese have learn
two once-powerful gov-
year old and for health insurance; it would
"some things don't transplant very
or questioning in the slay-
expand the basic credit and the benefit for
Mr. Gillespie says, they haven't
ister Ouko, who report-
larger families by an equal amount of for-
gured out which models they should
ting government corrup-
gone tax revenue. Then many families could
in managing across cultures. The is
found dead in February
just write "EITC" on a line on their returns
adds, is "perhaps the most urgen
the World Bank said it
and let the IRS do all the calculations, Ros-
lenge facing Japanese multination
0 Kenya for six months
tenkowski says.
the 1990s" as they expand their pr
rights violations.
Senate Finance Chairman Bentsen
in North America and Europe.
(D., Texas also plans to introduce a bill
Japan in the Heartland
IS to join an international
to simplify the earned-income credit.
Already, that presence is mushro
et fishing. After Tokyo's
Japan's direct investment in the U.S
to suspend the practice,
BANKS AND COMPANIES that report to
approaches $85 billion. Much of th
ent apparently doesn't
the IRS their interest, dividend and other
been spent rebuilding America's ind
he sole major supporter
payments were to begin Friday to withhold
heartland. Japanese-owned facilit
outh Korea is said to be
a 20% tax from recipients who have popped
Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ker
ts U.N. delegates advis-
up twice on IRS lists of faulty Social Secu-
and Tennessee include 39 steel mills
ft. (Story on Page A6)
rity numbers. Now IRS Notice 91-40 delays
rubber and tire factories, seven at
*
the start of this so-called backup withhold-
rliament voted to take
sembly plants and 250 auto-parts supp
© The Curtis Publishing Company
ing to Jan. 1, giving taxpayers more time to
ed territory of Nagorno-
accounting for about 100,000 manufac
Norman Rockwell's "Freedom From Want"
supply validated numbers.
g to Soviet television. It
jobs, according to Richard Florida 0
session of Parliament
mous status of the terri-
Rockwell Museum, in Stockbridge, Mass.
WHAT'S THEIR SECRET? The IRS says
CANADA
Mr. Rockwell's "Freedom From Want,"
822 taxpayers with adjusted gross income
L long-running guerrilla
MICHIGAN
which hangs in Stockbridge, evokes an ide-
exceeding $200,000 escaped all federal in-
aijan and the neighbor-
Lake Erie
enia.
alized Thanksgiving, perhaps just a bit out
come tax legally in 1989; 731 didn't pay
of sync with contemporary reality. The oft-
taxes anywhere in the world. A further 835
*
convicted Dandeny Mu-
reproduced painting has grandma lowering
filers with such income also would have
75
ombian alleged to be the
a mountainous bird onto a bountiful table
avoided U.S. tax if it hadn't been for the al-
St
of the Medellin cocaine
surrounded by happy faces. The carving
ternative minimum tax, the IRS figures.
Marys
se identity and lying to
set rests just inches from grandpa's
arrested him. The two
hand.
MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS must pay a
doubled tax for federal unemployment insur-
INDIANA
Sidney
OHIO
Troy
prison terms of up to
To many Americans, this is Thanksgiv-
ng will be Jan. 13.
ance. The rate goes to 1.6% of payrolls from
ing as it was meant to be. More important,
Tipp City
0.8%, because the state hasn't been able to
*
anthropologists say, it is the Thanksgiving
ance specialist spied on
repay jobless-benefit loans from Uncle Sam.
we always try to have. Amy Shuman, a
Cincinnati
Michigan is the only state in default. The av-
WEST
Zimbabwe and an In-
folklore professor at Ohio State University,
sing a telescope aboard
erage total federal and state tax goes up $56
VIRGINIA
says Thanksgiving gives Americans a
nas Hennon viewed the
to $482.50 a year for each employee.
chance to act out, if only for a few hours,
Georgetown
ng craft. He is the only
mythic ideals of family and hearth-and
is who isn't a full-time
LOSS CARRYFORWARDS are restricted
traditional sex roles. The lack of carving
75
MILES
:h of the five others has
by some revenue-hungry states.
KENTUCKY
skills is one thing wrong with the picture,
nd.
Federal and most state laws let corpora-
and not the only thing.
*
tions carry forward their net operating
So while the average household is 2.6
S. troops will leave Ku-
losses and deduct them from taxable income
negie Mellon University and Martin
Please Turn to Page A5, Column 1
in future years. But a countertrend may be
ney of the University of California
of next month, the De-
beginning at the state level, says James P.
Davis. Nationwide, more than 350
id. The 1,500 soldiers
HOLIDAY NOTICE
turn to several U.S.
Sweeney of Arthur Andersen & Co., CPAs.
Americans work for Japanese compa.
Pentagon spokesman
The Wall Street Journal will not
Pennsylvania not only raised corporate tax
in either the service or manufacturing
troops left the emirate
be published tomorrow because of
rates this year but also eliminated the use of
tors, and that number could double by
loss carryforwards. California suspended for
end of the decade.
the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
tax years starting in 1991 and 1992 its partial
Ohio is second only to California
deduction for carryforwards.
site for Japanese manufacturing. In do.
CONTENTS
Texas enacted a corporate levy that
of small towns spanning a 100-mile str
critics call a disguised income tax. A deduc-
of Interstate 75 north of Cincinnati, J
ES APPEARS ON PAGE B2
tion for carryforwards isn't allowed in the
nese procedures and processes have ta
first year, 1992, but is supposed to be after
hold. Factories now occupy land that
then. In New York, Sweeney notes, many
cornfields only two years ago.
REET: Pennzoil's
POLITICS & POLICY: Personal style is
companies are required to pay the state's al-
Workers, called "associates" or "te
tters, Page C2.
an asset and liability for Bush, A10.
ternative minimum tax, which doesn't allow
members," labor in pristine, largely 1
deductions for carryforwards. For that mat-
union plants. They do morning exerci
KING: Donaldson
ADVERTISING: Sears stresses
ter, the calculation of the 20% federal mini-
clad in company uniforms, and prac
rent, C1.
reliability in holiday campaign, B8.
mum tax permits the deduction of only 90%
kaizen, a philosophy aimed at continu
of a carryforward.
improving products and production.
iree executives of
ENTERPRISE: Sharp rise expected in
holdings, C1.
Multistate companies coming out of
TVs, Computers and Robots
venture capital funds, B2.
the recession will have to plan carefully
In the town of Troy along I-75, dub
shoppers seek
for state taxes, Sweeney declares.
REVIEW & OUTLOOK: Thanksgiving
the "Tokyo expressway," Matsushita E
low prices, B1.
is a poor time to reject Haitians, A8.
tronics Corp. operates its single most at
BRIEFS: The number of cash-sales re-
mated plant, minting 5,000 color televis
: Disney's record
OPINION:
A
declaration
ports jumped to almost 60,000 in fiscal 1991
picture
tubes
a
dav
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 NOV 27 A9: 24
DATE: 11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/27
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
1
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Good - 9 few suggestion. BT fir SR
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
2 as it has always been. Throughout
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
our history
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
This year,
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
just
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
And
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the important markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, .I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
will
Thanksgiving
Day.
beseen
on
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
American ?
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a newVCentury.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/27
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
SNOW
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
MUST KEEP TIME REFERENCE
EGENERIC!
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
TO
PRECEDENT
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Medion
Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
AND As I An HERE TWO years Ago I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS How
most Americans Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
PARTICIPATE IN
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
By 10Am
keep time reference
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town WEANSAY after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
TODAY
Tonight on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
NO
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 NOV 27 A10: 09
DATE: 11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/2'
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
SNOW
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Comments fro Cabinet Affairs are attached.
CLOSE
Thanks
Elizabeth HOLDER Luttig
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let Americansdo more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
Non:
NOt
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling. I will remind them that we are here to do the
publics business.
But for now we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them. who are proud
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
4
const M ituents This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
a few weeks, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year
politics just I long enough to enact a common-sense series of
economic reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their
personal ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward,
as the campaign season unfolds, we can get back to punching each
other's lights out.
For now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill an
empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington.
They want Washington to listen and act. And as long as I am
my TOUCHSTONE WILL BE WHAT 15 600D FOR ALL OUR
President, I will take my orders from the people. I will place
top priority on building a growing economy, world-class schools,
and what our founders called "public tranquility" -- a kinder,
gentler nation rid of crime and united by bonds of brotherhood
and service.
When I propose legislation, I think about the family
struggling to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I
think about teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor,
social worker, peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can
teach the three Rs. I think about the unemployed workers --
people like the friends and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know
that for these people, the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
5
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Americans do not ignore tough realities; they tackle them.
They do not wallow in self-pity or despair; they push obstacles
aside and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. When you
face tough times, you must be as realistic about your strengths
as about your problems. And every time I talk with Americans, I
see our strength.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the heroism this moment demands.
Let's believe in ourselves.
A few hardy pilgrims gathered in a small Maine village 384
years ago, in our first recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in
thousands of towns and in thousands of ways, Americans through
sweat and faith, have built a spirit of joyous determination.
Let's call upon that spirit as we move toward a new year -- and
look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/2'
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
BOSKIN
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Additional Cabinet Affairs comments. Thanks.
EL
Elizabeth Luttig
11/77/91 HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
For years two
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
to
red
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
government
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
N
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I
will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
if
4
3rd the time added he;
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
year partisan battling.
why - people hate it
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker, and
peacekeeper and bureducrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
# # # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No. 289434ss / 8693
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 NOV 27 P1:56 56
DATE:
11/27/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 10:00 a.m., TODAY 11/27
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
CAMP DAVID
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SUNUNU
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
1
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
BOSKIN
CARD
MCBRIDE
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 10:00 a.m., TODAY, WED. NOV. 27, with
a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
November 27, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
The NSC staff concurs with the draft presidential address as amended.
It is very lact-OSE HOLDB
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
Brent Scowcroft
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
CC: Phillip D. Brady
RECEIVED
91 NOV 26 P8: 31
MONSA 61:20
2930
(Snow/Grossman)
THANKS2
Draft Six
November 27, 1991
31 NOV 27 A8: 09
PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND
7 P.M.
Hello. Today from Camp David, Barbara and I would like to
wish all Americans a joyous Thanksgiving. This holiday has
Doesn't
always had a special meaning for the Bush family, as it does for
-14
most Americans. Thanksgiving captures our spirit as a people:
our determination, our generosity, our industry, and our faith.
Thanksgiving brings to mind the joys of plenty and the
anguish of want. As Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777,
George Washington and his troops huddled along the banks of the
Delaware River. Buffeted by the brutal cold, haunted by the
British troops massed over the horizon, they stopped to offer up
humble words of thanks and praise, and to dedicate themselves to
the cause of building a land of prosperous liberty. That simple
moment helped establish the American character. Faith and belief
transformed our land from a patchwork of colonies into a Republic
of ideals.
This Thanksgiving, many of us join friends and family around
a table; others share time by phoning loved ones far away; and
all of us will think of others. Like many Americans, Barbara and
besis
I attended a Thanksgiving church service. In churches across the
land, people contribute canned goods or turkeys or clothing.
They share their blessings with people suffering through tough
2
times. And that's as it should be. Americans always have
expressed their thanks by serving others.
Many people wonder how a President understands people's
suffering and hardship. Of course, statistics paint an sobering
picture: unemployment, tight credit, lower home values, sluggish
job growth. But real life speaks far more eloquently than bare
numbers. I have traveled to 48 states since becoming President:
talking, meeting people, listening, learning. I will continue
traveling around our great country.
Recently, people have written me by the hundreds, saying
they want me to know and understand that hard times have hurt
them. They also want to say that they still believe in
themselves, and in their country. [letter quote, conversation
insert]
As we think about our lives, we need to address today's
problems and tomorrow's promise. We need to think of ourselves
as Pilgrims to a new era and a new world. American ideals
crushed tyranny and communism. They helped create a world united
in economic competition and cooperation -- not frozen in a
nuclear stand-off.
Over the years we have built a strong foundation for
progress in this new age. Inflation is down. Interest rates
have fallen to the lowest level in years. We will export
billions of dollars more in goods and services this year than
ever before -- and that means jobs, good jobs, for American men
and women.
3
This doesn't mean that everything is wonderful. It isn't.
Nor does it mean that we ought to rest on our laurels and trust
everything to work out. We must take strong steps to move ahead.
As President, I have asked Congress to pass initiatives that
would boost our economy and let American do more, produce more,
dream more, dare more.
But I can do some things without having to wait for
Congressional action, and I have. I have taken measures to ease
the credit crunch, trying to help banks make sound loans to
people who can produce, and who can create jobs.
I will travel soon to Asia, and push to open the markets of
South Korea and Japan to American products and services. Asia is
our fastest growing export market, and exports remain the
strongest sector of our economy. More open markets mean new
opportunities for American businesses -- and good jobs for more
American workers.
Now, I know we're about to enter an election year. And I
know that both parties will spend a lot of time taking tough
shots at one another. In our system of government, the
opposition will attack the President aggressively. There is
nothing new about this. But when people suffer, a President must
find ways to get the job done.
Congress left town yesterday, after a particularly bitter
session. While many people -- including me -- would have liked
to see constructive action on the economy, we now have a few
weeks in which elected officials can cool off and hear from their
4
constituents. This time can help us build a foundation for even
greater prosperity. When I give the State of the Union Speech in
January, I will ask Congress to lay aside election-year politics
at least long enough to enact a common-sense series of economic
reforms. I will ask politicians to set aside their personal
/
Rough,
for
ambitions just long enough to do their jobs. Afterward, as the
Thanks:-
campaign season unfolds, we can get back to the normal election
giveng
year partisan battling.
But for now, we must remember that hot rhetoric won't fill
an empty stomach. It won't create a job. It won't kick drug
dealers out of neighborhoods. And it won't solve people's
problems at work and at home.
Americans don't care about finger-pointing in Washington,
and they certainly have no tolerance for politicians who use
people's suffering for political advantage. I hear you, and I
know that you want Washington to listen and act. And as long as
I am President, I will place top priority on building a growing
economy, world-class schools, and what our founders called
"public tranquility" -- a kinder, gentler nation rid of crime and
united by bonds of brotherhood and service.
Every day, I think about the tasks ahead of us, and I think
of the real people we serve. I think about the family struggling
to make ends meet, to feed and educate children. I think about
teachers who must serve as psychologist, doctor, social worker,
peacekeeper and bureaucrat -- before they can teach the three Rs.
I think about the unemployed workers -- people like the friends
5
and neighbors of [letter writer]. I know that for these people,
the unemployment rate is 100 percent.
And I think about the American people I have seen in every
state and on virtually every continent: People who will not take
no for an answer, people with a zest for life; people who love
their country because it produces people like them.
Our people don't ignore tough realities; we tackle them. We
don't wallow in self-pity or despair; we shove obstacles aside
and make life better. Optimism, opportunity, realism,
determination: These are our oxygen; the stuff that lets our
society live and breathe. America grew strong with the help of
the greatest resource on earth, the American people. And as we
face tough times, we should be as realistic about our strengths
as we are about our problems. Every time I talk with Americans,
I see our strength -- and I feel all the more determined to do
what the people elected me to do: to lead, to foster growth, to
maintain the peace, and to maintain our stature as the world's
greatest nation -- the standard by which all other countries
measure their prosperity, their peace, their spirit.
Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, let us remember who we
are and what we have done. Let's give thanks for our blessings.
Let's dedicate ourselves to the hard work this moment demands.
Let's pledge to set aside partisan bickering and join hands in
common purpose.
That's the Thanksgiving spirit. More than three centuries
ago, a few hardy pilgrims gathered to celebrate our first
6
recorded Thanksgiving. Since then, in thousands of towns and in
thousands of ways, Americans through sweat and faith have built a
spirit of joyous determination. Let's call upon that spirit as
we move toward a new year -- and look forward to a new Century.
Thank you. May God bless all of you -- and our great land,
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#