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Beck Executive Order Signing 4/13/92 [OA 6100]
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1
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 13, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN SIGNING CEREMONY FOR BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER
The Rose Garden
11:00 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Please be seated. And may I just say
that we are delighted to see all of you here on this crisp, cool day
in the Rose Garden. Before I begin, I'd like to recognize two
members of the Cabinet here: Secretary Lynn Martin over here,
Secretary of Labor; and then Attorney General Bill Barr sitting over
here in the front. (Applause.) I also want to single out two
congressmen with us today, Bob Walker and Tom DeLay -- thank them for
being here. Mr. James Stephens the Chairman of the National Labor
Relations Board. And also a very special welcome to Harry Beck and
his wife Karan. (Applause.) And fresh from parting the Red Sea yet
again on TV last night -- (laughter) -- our old friend Charlton
Heston. And I'll have more to say about him in a minute. But thank
you for coming all this way. (Applause.)
Today happens to be a very special anniversary. Two
hundred and forty nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born.
And there is a renewed spirit of Jeffersonian reform sweeping through
this nation today. It is therefore a fitting occasion for putting
into effect new reforms that will protect American's fundamental
rights against political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas Jefferson.
He eloquently stated a principle of fundamental fairness in 1779 when
he declared, "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for
the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful
and tyrannical."
Now not long ago in Philadelphia, I spoke of the wisdom
of the founders on the subject of government reform. It is this
Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with reforms to
strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in just a few
minutes, I am directing that companies performing federal contract
work must inform their employees in the clearest possible terms of
their legal rights as affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck
decision. (Applause.)
This placard displayed here today represents the exact
words of the notice that will be placed in workplaces around the
nation. And while this order will directly effect American workers
employed by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that the
principles affirmed by the Beck decision are precious to all
Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay union
or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for collective
bargaining purposes and contract administration. Full implementation
of this principle will guarantee that no American will have his job
or livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will.
MORE
- 2 -
The Executive Order that I sign today will make it
easier for employees of federal contractors to understand and then
exercise their political rights.
The Secretary of Labor is separately proposing a rule
clarifying and then bringing up to date requirements for labor
organizations to account for how workers dues are spent. This rule
aims to foster union democracy and it also will have the effect of
helping employees protect their Beck rights.
The trial court in the Beck case found, for instance,
that in plaintiff Beck's workplace -- Harry Beck's workplace -- 79
percent of the compulsory dues collected went to purposes unrelated
to collective bargaining and contract administration. Our new rule
will assist union members in discovering how their dues are being
spent. And perhaps most important of all, I expect the NLRB, the
National Labor Relations Board, to carry out its responsibilities to
enforce the principles of the Beck decision. (Applause.)
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is Charlton Heston. He's been a member of four different
labor organizations, and like my predecessor, President Reagan, a
president of the Screen Actors Guild. He's given much of himself to
put collective bargaining rights into practice. And he's been
equally committed to seeing that no company or organization may
infringe a worker's individual freedom of conscience. And we are
very honored, sir, that you came here today, traveled all across the
country as a crusader for individual rights. You are most welcome.
(Applause.)
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade that I'm waging to reform our
system of politics in government. Institutions of public life,
whether the government, corporations or unions, should be accountable
to their constituents to produce results and then respond to their
needs. Working Americans should have the right to decide whether
contributing to political parties or candidates, at odds with their
beliefs, fulfill that principle and represent the institutional
responsibility that we rightfully expect.
In pursuit of the very same principles, accountability
and responsibility, I am asking Congress to enact a sweeping reform
of campaign financing. And I'm fighting to eliminate, not restrict,
but eliminate the special interest PACs which will stop the millions
of dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
(Applause.)
Time and time again -- time and time again over our
constitutional history, protecting universal rights has demanded the
lonely courage of individual citizens standing up against powerful
organized interests. And I'm especially honored that we have here
today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his
case to vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. So, Harry Beck, thank you,
sir, for all that you have done. And I am proud to have you stand
with me as I sign this Executive Order. Welcome and well done.
(Applause.)
(The Executive Order is signed.)
END
11:11 A.M. EDT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST Dher for DD
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN yr
SUBJECT:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden,
you will give brief remarks before signing an Executive
Order regarding workers rights under the Supreme Court's
Beck decision. The audience will consist of people from the
National Right to Work Committee, Harry Beck and some of the
other plaintiffs. Charlton Heston, who has also worked on
this issue, will be there.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (7 minutes, on cards) state the principle
that no one should be forced to contribute to organizations
or candidates against their will. There is also a plug for
your campaign finance reform bill.
(Duggan/Simon)
April 10, 1992
Draft Four
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. And there
is a renewed spirit of Jeffersonian reform sweeping through this
nation today. It is therefore a fitting occasion for putting
into effect new reforms that will protect Americans' fundamental
rights against political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson eloquently stated a principle of
fundamental fairness in 1779 when he declared: "To compel a man
to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.'
Not long ago in Philadelphia, I spoke of the wisdom of the
Founders on the subject of government reform. It is this
Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with reforms to
strengthen the fundamental rights of American workers. In the
Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am directing that
companies performing federal contract work must inform their
employees in the clearest possible terms of their legal rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. The
2
large placard displayed here presents the exact words of the
notice that will be placed in workplaces around the nation.
While this order will directly affect American workers employed
by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that the principles
affirmed by the Beck decision are precious to all Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay
union or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for
collective bargaining purposes and contract administration. Full
implementation of this principle will guarantee that no American
will have his job or livelihood threatened for refusing to
contribute to political activities against his will. The
Executive Order I sign today will make it easier for employees of
federal contractors to understand and exercise their political
rights.
The Secretary of Labor is separately proposing a rule
clarifying and bringing up to date requirements for labor
organizations to account for how workers' dues are spent. This
rule aims to foster union democracy, and it also will have the
effect of helping employees protect their Beck rights. The trial
court in the Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff
Harry Beck's workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues
collected went to purposes unrelated to collective bargaining and
contract administration. Our new rule will assist union members
in discovering how their dues are being spent. And perhaps most
important of all, I expect the National Labor Relations Board to
3
carry out its responsibility to enforce the principles of the
Beck decision.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a president of the Screen Actors Guild. He
has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
no company or organization may infringe a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. Institutions of public life -
- whether the government, corporations, or unions -- should be
accountable to their constituents to produce results and to
respond to their needs. Working Americans should have the right
to decide whether contributing to political parties or candidates
at odds with their beliefs fulfill that principle and represent
the institutional responsibility we rightfully expect. In
pursuit of the very same principles -- accountability and
responsibility -- I am asking Congress to enact a sweeping reform
of campaign financing. I'm fighting to eliminate the special
interest PACs, which will stop the millions of dollars in
administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, thank you for
all you've done. I'm proud to have you [and other plaintiffs --
names still to be provided] stand with me as I sign the Executive
Order. 11 {Signs order.] }
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST Dher for DD
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN go
SUBJECT:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden,
you will give brief remarks before signing an Executive
Order regarding workers rights under the Supreme Court's
Beck decision. The audience will consist of people from the
National Right to Work Committee, Harry Beck and some of the
other plaintiffs. Charlton Heston, who has also worked on
this issue, will be there.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (7. minutes, on cards) state the principle
that no one should be forced to contribute to organizations
or candidates against their will. There is also a plug for
your campaign finance reform bill.
(Duggan/Simon)
April 10, 1992
Draft Four
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary.
Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. And there
is a renewed spirit of Jeffersonian reform sweeping through this
nation today. It is therefore a fitting occasion for putting
into effect new reforms that will protect Americans' fundamental
rights against political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson eloquently stated a principle of
fundamental fairness in 1779 when he declared: "To compel a man
to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."
Not long ago in Philadelphia, I spoke of the wisdom of the
Founders on the subject of government reform. It is this
Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with reforms to
strengthen the fundamental rights of American workers. In the
Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am directing that
companies performing federal contract work must inform their
employees in the clearest possible terms of their legal rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. The
2
large placard displayed here presents the exact words of the
notice that will be placed in workplaces around the nation.
While this order will directly affect American workers employed
by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that the principles
affirmed by the Beck decision are precious to all Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay
union or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for
collective bargaining purposes and contract administration. Full
implementation of this principle will guarantee that no American
will have his job or livelihood threatened for refusing to
contribute to political activities against his will. The
Executive Order I sign today will make it easier for employees of
federal contractors to understand and exercise their political
rights.
The Secretary of Labor is separately proposing a rule
clarifying and bringing up to date requirements for labor
organizations to account for how workers' dues are spent. This
rule aims to foster union democracy, and it also will have the
effect of helping employees protect their Beck rights. The trial
court in the Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff
Harry Beck's workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues
collected went to purposes unrelated to collective bargaining and
contract administration. Our new rule will assist union members
in discovering how their dues are being spent. And perhaps most
important of all, I expect the National Labor Relations Board to
3
carry out its responsibility to enforce the principles of the
Beck decision.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a president of the Screen Actors Guild. He
has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
no company or organization may infringe a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. Institutions of public life -
- whether the government, corporations, or unions -- should be
accountable to their constituents to produce results and to
respond to their needs. Working Americans should have the right
to decide whether contributing to political parties or candidates
at odds with their beliefs fulfill that principle and represent
the institutional responsibility we rightfully expect. In
pursuit of the very same principles -- accountability and
responsibility -- I am asking Congress to enact a sweeping reform
of campaign financing. I'm fighting to eliminate the special
interest PACs, which will stop the millions of dollars in
administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, thank you for
all you've done. I'm proud to have you [and other plaintiffs --
names still to be provided] stand with me as I sign the Executive
Order. 11 {Signs order.}
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
---
DATE:
4/10/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
MONDAY, APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
CLERK
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1992
02 APR 10 P2: 17
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST Dhar for DD
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN yr
SUBJECT:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden,
you will give brief remarks before signing an Executive
Order regarding workers rights under the Supreme Court's
Beck decision. The audience will consist of people from the
National Right to Work Committee, Harry Beck and some of the
other plaintiffs. Charlton Heston, who has also worked on
this issue, will be there.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (7 minutes, on cards) state the principle
that no one should be forced to contribute to organizations
or candidates against their will. There is also a plug for
your campaign finance reform bill.
(Duggan/Simon)
April 10, 1992
Draft Four
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. And there
is a renewed spirit of Jeffersonian reform sweeping through this
nation today. It is therefore a fitting occasion for putting
into effect new reforms that will protect Americans' fundamental
rights against political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson eloquently stated a principle of
fundamental fairness in 1779 when he declared: "To compel a man
to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."
Not long ago in Philadelphia, I spoke of the wisdom of the
Founders on the subject of government reform. It is this
Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with reforms to
strengthen the fundamental rights of American workers. In the
Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am directing that
companies performing federal contract work must inform their
employees in the clearest possible terms of their legal rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. The
2
large placard displayed here presents the exact words of the
notice that will be placed in workplaces around the nation.
While this order will directly affect American workers employed
by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that the principles
affirmed by the Beck decision are precious to all Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay
union or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for
collective bargaining purposes and contract administration. Full
implementation of this principle will guarantee that no American
will have his job or livelihood threatened for refusing to
contribute to political activities against his will. The
Executive Order I sign today will make it easier for employees of
federal contractors to understand and exercise their political
rights.
The Secretary of Labor is separately proposing a rule
clarifying and bringing up to date requirements for labor
organizations to account for how workers' dues are spent. This
rule aims to foster union democracy, and it also will have the
effect of helping employees protect their Beck rights. The trial
court in the Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff
Harry Beck's workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues
collected went to purposes unrelated to collective bargaining and
contract administration. Our new rule will assist union members
in discovering how their dues are being spent. And perhaps most
important of all, I expect the National Labor Relations Board to
3
carry out its responsibility to enforce the principles of the
Beck decision.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a president of the Screen Actors Guild. He
has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
no company or organization may infringe a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today.
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. Institutions of public life -
- whether the government, corporations, or unions -- should be
accountable to their constituents to produce results and to
respond to their needs. Working Americans should have the right
to decide whether contributing to political parties or candidates
at odds with their beliefs fulfill that principle and represent
the institutional responsibility we rightfully expect. In
pursuit of the very same principles -- accountability and
responsibility -- I am asking Congress to enact a sweeping reform
of campaign financing. I'm fighting to eliminate the special
interest PACs, which will stop the millions of dollars in
administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, thank you for
all you've done. I'm proud to have you [and other plaintiffs --
names still to be provided] stand with me as I sign the Executive
Order. 11 {Signs order.}
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/10/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
---
DATE:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
CLERK
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1992
02 APR 10 P2: 17
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST Dher for DD
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN go
SUBJECT:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
I.
SUMMARY
On Monday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden,
you will give brief remarks before signing an Executive
Order regarding workers rights under the Supreme Court's
Beck decision. The audience will consist of people from the
National Right to Work Committee, Harry Beck and some of the
other plaintiffs. Charlton Heston, who has also worked on
this issue, will be there.
II. DISCUSSION
The remarks (7 minutes, on cards) state the principle
that no one should be forced to contribute to organizations
or candidates against their will. There is also a plug for
your campaign finance reform bill.
(Duggan/Simon)
April 10, 1992
Draft Four
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. And there
is a renewed spirit of Jeffersonian reform sweeping through this
nation today. It is therefore a fitting occasion for putting
into effect new reforms that will protect Americans' fundamental
rights against political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson eloquently stated a principle of
fundamental fairness in 1779 when he declared: "To compel a man
to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."
Not long ago in Philadelphia, I spoke of the wisdom of the
Founders on the subject of government reform. It is this
Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with reforms to
strengthen the fundamental rights of American workers. In the
Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am directing that
companies performing federal contract work must inform their
employees in the clearest possible terms of their legal rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. The
2
large placard displayed here presents the exact words of the
notice that will be placed in workplaces around the nation.
While this order will directly affect American workers employed
by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that the principles
affirmed by the Beck decision are precious to all Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay
union or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for
collective bargaining purposes and contract administration. Full
implementation of this principle will guarantee that no American
will have his job or livelihood threatened for refusing to
contribute to political activities against his will. The
Executive Order I sign today will make it easier for employees of
federal contractors to understand and exercise their political
rights.
The Secretary of Labor is separately proposing a rule
clarifying and bringing up to date requirements for labor
organizations to account for how workers' dues are spent. This
rule aims to foster union democracy, and it also will have the
effect of helping employees protect their Beck rights. The trial
court in the Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff
Harry Beck's workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues
collected went to purposes unrelated to collective bargaining and
contract administration. Our new rule will assist union members
in discovering how their dues are being spent. And perhaps most
important of all, I expect the National Labor Relations Board to
3
carry out its responsibility to enforce the principles of the
Beck decision.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a president of the Screen Actors Guild. He
has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
no company or organization may infringe a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. Institutions of public life -
- whether the government, corporations, or unions -- should be
accountable to their constituents to produce results and to
respond to their needs. Working Americans should have the right
to decide whether contributing to political parties or candidates
at odds with their beliefs fulfill that principle and represent
the institutional responsibility we rightfully expect. In
pursuit of the very same principles -- accountability and
responsibility -- I am asking Congress to enact a sweeping reform
of campaign financing. I'm fighting to eliminate the special
interest PACS, which will stop the millions of dollars in
administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, thank you for
all you've done. I'm proud to have you [and other plaintiffs --
names still to be provided] stand with me as I sign the Executive
Order. 11 {Signs order.}
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING \ ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992 \ 11:00 A.M.
GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
BEFORE I BEGIN, I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE TWO MEMBERS
OF MY CABINET HERE TODAY: LYNN MARTIN AND BILL BARR.
I'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK CONGRESSMEN BoB WALKER AND ToM
DELAY FOR BEING HERE, AND JAMES STEPHENS, CHAIRMAN OF
THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD. ALSO A SPECIAL
WELCOME TO REED LARSON AND HARRY AND KARAN BecK.
((AND FRESH FROM PARTING THE RED SEA YET AGAIN ON
TV LAST NIGHT -- MY OLD FRIEND CHARLTON HESTON)). 1111
T
- 2 -
TODAY HAPPENS TO BE A VERY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY.
Two HUNDRED FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO TODAY, THOMAS
JEFFERSON WAS BORN. AND THERE IS A RENEWED SPIRIT OF
JEFFERSONIAN REFORM SWEEPING THROUGH THIS NATION TODAY.
IT IS THEREFORE A FITTING OCCASION FOR PUTTING INTO
EFFECT NEW REFORMS THAT WILL PROTECT AMERICANS'
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AGAINST POLITICAL ABUSE BY SPECIAL
INTEREST GROUPS.
- 3 -
FOR BRILLIANCE, FOR COURAGE, FOR PASSION IN THE
CAUSE OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY, NO ONE HAS EVER
SURPASSED THOMAS JEFFERSON. JEFFERSON ELOQUENTLY
STATED A PRINCIPLE OF FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS IN 1779 WHEN
HE DECLARED: "To COMPEL A MAN TO FURNISH CONTRIBUTIONS
OF MONEY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF OPINIONS WHICH HE
DISBELIEVES AND ABHORS, IS SINFUL AND TYRANNICAL."
NOT LONG AGO IN PHILADELPHIA, I SPOKE OF THE WISDOM
OF THE FOUNDERS ON THE SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT REFORM.
- 4 -
IT IS THIS JEFFERSONIAN INSIGHT THAT WE REAFFIRM TODAY
WITH REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN THE POLITICAL RIGHTS OF
AMERICAN WORKERS. IN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER I WILL SIGN
IN A FEW MOMENTS, I AM DIRECTING THAT COMPANIES
PERFORMING FEDERAL CONTRACT WORK MUST INFORM THEIR
EMPLOYEES IN THE CLEAREST POSSIBLE TERMS OF THEIR LEGAL
RIGHTS AS AFFIRMED IN THE SUPREME COURT'S LANDMARK BECK
DECISION. THE LARGE PLACARD DISPLAYED HERE PRESENTS
THE EXACT WORDS OF THE NOTICE THAT WILL BE PLACED IN
WORKPLACES AROUND THE NATION.
- 5 -
WHILE THIS ORDER WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT AMERICAN WORKERS
EMPLOYED BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS, I WANT To EMPHASIZE
THAT THE PRINCIPLES AFFIRMED BY THE BECK DECISION ARE
PRECIOUS TO ALL AMERICANS.
THE BECK DECISION IS ONE OF A SERIES OF CASES
PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS FROM BEING COMPELLED
AGAINST THEIR WILL TO PAY UNION OR AGENCY DUES IN
EXCESS OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY USED FOR COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING PURPOSES AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION.
- 6 -
FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE WILL GUARANTEE
THAT NO AMERICAN WILL HAVE HIS JOB OR LIVELIHOOD
THREATENED FOR REFUSING TO CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICAL
ACTIVITIES AGAINST HIS WILL. THE EXECUTIVE ORDER I
SIGN TODAY WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYEES OF FEDERAL
CONTRACTORS TO UNDERSTAND AND EXERCISE THEIR POLITICAL
RIGHTS.
- 7 -
THE SECRETARY OF LABOR IS SEPARATELY PROPOSING A
RULE CLARIFYING AND BRINGING UP TO DATE REQUIREMENTS
FOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS TO ACCOUNT FOR HOW WORKERS'
DUES ARE SPENT. THIS RULE AIMS TO FOSTER UNION
DEMOCRACY, AND IT ALSO WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF HELPING
EMPLOYEES PROTECT THEIR BECK RIGHTS. THE TRIAL COURT
IN THE BECK CASE FOUND, FOR INSTANCE, THAT IN PLAINTIFF
HARRY BECK'S WORKPLACE, 79 PERCENT OF THE COMPULSORY
DUES COLLECTED WENT TO PURPOSES UNRELATED TO COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION.
T
- 8 -
OUR NEW RULE WILL ASSIST UNION MEMBERS IN DISCOVERING
HOW THEIR DUES ARE BEING SPENT. AND PERHAPS MOST
IMPORTANT OF ALL, I EXPECT THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS
BOARD TO CARRY OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENFORCE THE
PRINCIPLES OF THE BECK DECISION.
ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST INTREPID FIGHTERS FOR
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS IS THE DISTINGUISHED ACTOR, CHARLTON
HESTON. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF FOUR DIFFERENT LABOR
ORGANIZATIONS, AND LIKE RONALD REAGAN BEFORE HIM, A
PRESIDENT OF THE SCREEN ACTORS GUILD.
- 9 -
HE HAS GIVEN MUCH OF HIMSELF TO PUT COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING RIGHTS INTO PRACTICE. AND HE HAS BEEN
EQUALLY COMMITTED TO SEEING THAT NO COMPANY OR
ORGANIZATION MAY INFRINGE A WORKER'S INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
OF CONSCIENCE. CHUCK, WE'RE HONORED THAT YOU HAVE
TRAVELLED ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO BE WITH US TODAY. 11
OUR NEW ACTIONS TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES ARE
IMPORTANT EFFORTS IN A LARGER CRUSADE I AM WAGING TO
REFORM OUR SYSTEM OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT.
- 10 -
INSTITUTIONS OF PUBLIC LIFE -- WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT,
CORPORATIONS, OR UNIONS -- SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO
THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO PRODUCE RESULTS AND TO RESPOND TO
THEIR NEEDS. WORKING AMERICANS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT
TO DECIDE WHETHER CONTRIBUTING TO POLITICAL PARTIES OR
CANDIDATES AT ODDS WITH THEIR BELIEFS FULFILL THAT
PRINCIPLE AND REPRESENT THE INSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY WE RIGHTFULLY EXPECT.
- 11 -
IN PURSUIT OF THE VERY SAME PRINCIPLES --
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY -- I AM ASKING
CONGRESS TO ENACT A SWEEPING REFORM OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCING. I'M FIGHTING TO ELIMINATE -- NOT RESTRICT,
BUT ELIMINATE -- THE SPECIAL INTEREST PACs, WHICH WILL
STOP THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ADMINISTRATIVE
SUBSIDIES THAT CORPORATIONS AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS NOW
ARE ALLOWED TO CHANNEL INTO THEIR OWN PACs.
I
- 12 -
TIME AND AGAIN OVER OUR CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY,
PROTECTING UNIVERSAL RIGHTS HAS DEMANDED THE LONELY
COURAGE OF INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS STANDING UP AGAINST
ORGANIZED INTERESTS. AND I AM ESPECIALLY
POWERFUL THAT WE HAVE HERE TODAY SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL. HIS IT
HONORED TOOK THIS MAN 12 YEARS OF PATIENT EFFORT TO CARRY LAND.
TO VINDICATION IN THE HIGHEST COURT OF THE
CASE AND IT IS HIS CRUSADE THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER TODAY.
- 13 -
HARRY BecK, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE. I'M PROUD
TO HAVE YOU STAND WITH ME AS I SIGN THE EXECUTIVE
ORDER. 11 {SIGN ORDER.}
# # #
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING \ ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992 \ 11:00 A.M.
GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME To THE WHITE HOUSE.
BEFORE I BEGIN, I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE TWO MEMBERS
OF MY CABINET HERE TODAY: LYNN MARTIN AND BILL BARR.
I'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK CONGRESSMEN BoB WALKER AND ToM
DELAY FOR BEING HERE, AND JAMES STEPHENS, CHAIRMAN OF
THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD. ALSO A SPECIAL
WELCOME TO REED LARSON AND HARRY AND KARAN BecK.
((AND FRESH FROM PARTING THE RED SEA YET AGAIN ON
TV LAST NIGHT -- MY OLD FRIEND CHARLTON HESTON)). 1111
T
- 2 -
TODAY HAPPENS TO BE A VERY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY.
Two HUNDRED FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO TODAY, THOMAS
JEFFERSON WAS BORN. AND THERE IS A RENEWED SPIRIT OF
JEFFERSONIAN REFORM SWEEPING THROUGH THIS NATION TODAY.
IT IS THEREFORE A FITTING OCCASION FOR PUTTING INTO
EFFECT NEW REFORMS THAT WILL PROTECT AMERICANS'
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AGAINST POLITICAL ABUSE BY SPECIAL
INTEREST GROUPS.
- 3 -
FOR BRILLIANCE, FOR COURAGE, FOR PASSION IN THE
CAUSE OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY, NO ONE HAS EVER
SURPASSED THOMAS JEFFERSON. JEFFERSON ELOQUENTLY
STATED A PRINCIPLE OF FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS IN 1779 WHEN
HE DECLARED: "To COMPEL A MAN TO FURNISH CONTRIBUTIONS
OF MONEY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF OPINIONS WHICH HE
DISBELIEVES AND ABHORS, IS SINFUL AND TYRANNICAL."
NOT LONG AGO IN PHILADELPHIA, I SPOKE OF THE WISDOM
OF THE FOUNDERS ON THE SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT REFORM.
- 4 -
IT IS THIS JEFFERSONIAN INSIGHT THAT WE REAFFIRM TODAY
WITH REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN THE POLITICAL RIGHTS OF
AMERICAN WORKERS. IN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER I WILL SIGN
IN A FEW MOMENTS, I AM DIRECTING THAT COMPANIES
PERFORMING FEDERAL CONTRACT WORK MUST INFORM THEIR
EMPLOYEES IN THE CLEAREST POSSIBLE TERMS OF THEIR LEGAL
RIGHTS AS AFFIRMED IN THE SUPREME COURT'S LANDMARK BECK
DECISION. THE LARGE PLACARD DISPLAYED HERE PRESENTS
THE EXACT WORDS OF THE NOTICE THAT WILL BE PLACED IN
WORKPLACES AROUND THE NATION.
- 5 -
WHILE THIS ORDER WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT AMERICAN WORKERS
EMPLOYED BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS, I WANT TO EMPHASIZE
THAT THE PRINCIPLES AFFIRMED BY THE BECK DECISION ARE
PRECIOUS TO ALL AMERICANS.
THE BECK DECISION IS ONE OF A SERIES OF CASES
PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS FROM BEING COMPELLED
AGAINST THEIR WILL TO PAY UNION OR AGENCY DUES IN
EXCESS OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY USED FOR COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING PURPOSES AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION.
- 6 -
FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE WILL GUARANTEE
THAT NO AMERICAN WILL HAVE HIS JOB OR LIVELIHOOD
THREATENED FOR REFUSING TO CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICAL
ACTIVITIES AGAINST HIS WILL. THE EXECUTIVE ORDER I
SIGN TODAY WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYEES OF FEDERAL
CONTRACTORS TO UNDERSTAND AND EXERCISE THEIR POLITICAL
RIGHTS.
- 7 -
THE SECRETARY OF LABOR IS SEPARATELY PROPOSING A
RULE CLARIFYING AND BRINGING UP TO DATE REQUIREMENTS
FOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS TO ACCOUNT FOR HOW WORKERS'
DUES ARE SPENT. THIS RULE AIMS TO FOSTER UNION
DEMOCRACY, AND IT ALSO WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF HELPING
EMPLOYEES PROTECT THEIR BECK RIGHTS. THE TRIAL COURT
IN THE BECK CASE FOUND, FOR INSTANCE, THAT IN PLAINTIFF
HARRY BECK'S WORKPLACE, 79 PERCENT OF THE COMPULSORY
DUES COLLECTED WENT TO PURPOSES UNRELATED TO COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION.
T
- 8 -
OUR NEW RULE WILL ASSIST UNION MEMBERS IN DISCOVERING
HOW THEIR DUES ARE BEING SPENT. AND PERHAPS MOST
IMPORTANT OF ALL, I EXPECT THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS
BOARD TO CARRY OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENFORCE THE
PRINCIPLES OF THE BECK DECISION.
ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST INTREPID FIGHTERS FOR
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS IS THE DISTINGUISHED ACTOR, CHARLTON
HESTON. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF FOUR DIFFERENT LABOR
ORGANIZATIONS, AND LIKE RONALD REAGAN BEFORE HIM, A
PRESIDENT OF THE SCREEN ACTORS GUILD.
- 9 -
HE HAS GIVEN MUCH OF HIMSELF TO PUT COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING RIGHTS INTO PRACTICE. AND HE HAS BEEN
EQUALLY COMMITTED TO SEEING THAT NO COMPANY OR
ORGANIZATION MAY INFRINGE A WORKER'S INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
OF CONSCIENCE. CHUCK, WE'RE HONORED THAT YOU HAVE
TRAVELLED ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO BE WITH US TODAY. 11
OUR NEW ACTIONS TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES ARE
IMPORTANT EFFORTS IN A LARGER CRUSADE I AM WAGING TO
REFORM OUR SYSTEM OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT.
- 10 -
INSTITUTIONS OF PUBLIC LIFE -- WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT,
CORPORATIONS, OR UNIONS -- SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO
THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO PRODUCE RESULTS AND TO RESPOND TO
THEIR NEEDS. WORKING AMERICANS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT
TO DECIDE WHETHER CONTRIBUTING TO POLITICAL PARTIES OR
CANDIDATES AT ODDS WITH THEIR BELIEFS FULFILL THAT
PRINCIPLE AND REPRESENT THE INSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY WE RIGHTFULLY EXPECT.
- 11 -
IN PURSUIT OF THE VERY SAME PRINCIPLES --
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY -- I AM ASKING
CONGRESS To ENACT A SWEEPING REFORM OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCING. I'M FIGHTING TO ELIMINATE -- NOT RESTRICT,
BUT ELIMINATE -- THE SPECIAL INTEREST PACs, WHICH WILL
STOP THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ADMINISTRATIVE
SUBSIDIES THAT CORPORATIONS AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS NOW
ARE ALLOWED TO CHANNEL INTO THEIR OWN PACs.
I
- 12 -
TIME AND AGAIN OVER OUR CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY,
PROTECTING UNIVERSAL RIGHTS HAS DEMANDED THE LONELY
COURAGE OF INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS STANDING UP AGAINST
ORGANIZED INTERESTS. AND I AM ESPECIALLY
POWERFUL HONORED THAT WE HAVE HERE TODAY SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL. HIS IT
TOOK THIS MAN 12 YEARS OF PATIENT EFFORT TO CARRY
TO VINDICATION IN THE HIGHEST COURT OF THE LAND.
CASE AND IT IS HIS CRUSADE THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER TODAY.
- 13 -
HARRY BecK, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE. I'M PROUD
TO HAVE YOU STAND WITH ME AS I SIGN THE EXECUTIVE
ORDER. 11 {SIGN ORDER.}
# # #
Document No. 321138ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE dalled in to
Dan
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER N/L
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
N/L
ROLLINS N/C
DEMAREST
NOT
SMITH N/C
HERE
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOOTLE
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Document No. 321138ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
Note:
other
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
you might
and contractadministration
want to
actually used for collective bargaining1 Enforcing that
Scully
recognize decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
that
X5178
women
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
as well
their
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
as Men
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
are
affected
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
by this.
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
gand contract administration
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
scally
45178
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 :11:06AM ;
2023953174-
2024566218:# 1
Document No. 321138ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 ;11:06AM ;
2023953174-
2024566218;# 2
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgmenta]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical.'
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 ;11:06AM ;
2023953174-
2024566218:# 3
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
Note:
against hisgwill other to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
you might
and controctedministiation
want to
actually used for collective bargaining1purposes. Enforcing that
Soully
recognize
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
X5178
that
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
women
as well
activities against their his will. our enforcement actions will make
as Men
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
are
affected
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
by this.
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
and contract administration
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
seelly
45178
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 11:07AM ;
2023953174-
2024566218:# 4
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in 8. larger crusade I an waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACS, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11 (Signs order.)
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
Boot by on
Ne Isen's
latest draft.
Shouldn't be
com ments
(Duggan/Simon)
April 10, 1992
Draft Three
Beck
circulated, but
ARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
he's already guien
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
to Dreg - Joy per
elcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' fundamental rights against political
abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in 1779
when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish contributions of
money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and
abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing that companies performing federal contract work must
inform their employees in the clearest possible terms of their
legal rights as affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck
decision. While this order will directly affect American
workers employed by federal contractors, I want to emphasize that
the principles rights 2 affirmed by the Beck decision are precious
2
to all Americans.
The Beck decision is one of a series of cases protecting
American workers from being compelled against their will to pay
union or agency dues in excess of what is actually used for
collective bargaining purposes. Full implementation of this
principle will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. The Executive Order I sign today
will make it easier for employees of federal contractors to
Separately
understand and protect their political rights.
The Secretary of Labor is also proposing a rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent.
The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
assist union members in discovering how their dues are being
spent. AnD Perhaps most important of all, I expect the National
Labor Relations Board to carry out its responsibility to enforce
the principles of the Beck decision.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a president of the Screen Actors Guild. He
has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
aimsto
This rule foster union demacracy and
incident it will also health have the effect
of helpens employees protect thin Beck rights
4
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
92 APR 10 P | : 37
April 10, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN McGROARTY
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Beck Executive Order
Signing
We have reviewed the attached presidential remarks and
have noted a few suggested changes on the draft.
If you have any questions or we can be of further
assistance, please let us know.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 321138ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
political
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
quently
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
stated a
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
fairness
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing cállers
information on workers political rights.
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
,
UPUT
20245002186# 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
32 APR 10 All: 32 Office of Cabinet Affairs
Fax Transmission Cover
TO:
Nancy
LOCATION:
FAX NUMBER:
FROM:
Paul
Number of pages to follow:
1
Office of Cabinet Affairs
Telephone:
(202) 456-9890 6630
Fax:
(202) 456-2223
Comments:
Justice comments tabes withcome Shelly
and Labor comments.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 10:30AM ;
OPD-
2024566218;# 2
JUNE DIVISION WI ! 4-10-02 ,
DOL+
202 456 1605:# 2/ 4
(Duggen/Simon)
April 9, 1992
02 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Back
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgesnte]
It is & pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be - very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Themas Jafferson vas born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutions e rights against (Justice, Labor
)
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
(year) when he declared: "To compel & man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that We reaffirm today with
reforms to strangthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few mements, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require it companies that (Labor)
perform fedural contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their rights as
(Justice, Lator)
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Back decision.
a
(Labor)
this order will directly affect XX million American workers,
want to note that the rights the Book decision (Labor)
?
How will
They develop this minher?
It MY are arroblem
ASP
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 :10:31AM ;
OPD-
2024566218:# 3
SENI BT:OFFICE or SECRETARY ; 4-10-92 10:10AM ;
DOL-
202 456 1605:# 3/ 4
2
to all Americans and are by the National back
(Labor)
Relations Board
who is Not A Full
wion
The Back decision affirmed that no worker/may may be compelled member
against his will to pay union ou agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. our enforcement actions will make
Lam
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For exemple, 1 have asked the Secretary or
Labor he estabrish * to11 free hettine providing callers
(Labor)
information on workers political Fights.
The secretary of Labor also will Insure new rule clarifying propose
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organisations to
(Labor)
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial sourt in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
Vorkplace, 70 possent of the compulsory dues collected want to
Durposes unrelated to collective our new rule will
(Labor)
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
union member,
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organisations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4-10-92 10:31AM ;
OPD->
20245662181# 4
- we IVL VI SECRETARY 1 4°10"02 $ 10 - 11AM ;
DOL-
202 456 1605:# 4/ 4
3
no company or organization may infringe on A worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in 4 larger crusade I an waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact & sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACe, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organisations new are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lenely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient affort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Back, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11 (Signa order.)
Thank you, and may God bless the United states of America.
P
/
#
Political Quotations
RELIGION AND THE STATE
3128. Nonviolent action, the Negro saw, was the way to supplement, not replace, the process
of change. It was the way to divest himself of passivity without arraying himself in vindictive
force. -Martin Luther King Jr., Why We Can't Wait, 1964
3129. To give up the task of reforming society is to give up one's responsibility as a free man.
-Alan Paton, "The Challenge of Fear", Saturday Review, Sep 9, 1967
3130. To achieve reforms, you have sometimes to try to make the revolution. -Anonymous,
quoting a student at the University of Nanterre, France, following 1968 upheaval, The
Economist, May 14, 1988
3131. Personally, I am not nonviolent, but I'm not a fool either. I can count. -Whitney Moore
Young Jr., recalled on his death, Mar 11, 1971
3132. Should I stand on 125th Street cussing out Whitey to show I am tough? Or should
I go downtown and talk to an executive of General Motors about 20,000 jobs for unemployed
Negroes? -Whitney Moore Young Jr., recalled on his death, Mar 11, 1971
3133. Many middle-class reformers will find to their surprise, that the populace is going to be
quick to bite the hand that aims to feed it. The populace doesn't want to be fed; it wants more
freedom to graze on its own. -Irving Kristol, Esquire, May 23, 1978
3134. If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common
denominator of human achievement. -Jimmy Carter, speech to the Future Farmers of America
in Kansas City, Nov 9, 1978
RELIGION AND THE STATE
3135. If men think that a ruler is religious and has a reverence for the Gods, they are less afraid
of suffering injustice at his hands. -Aristotle, Politics, 343 B.C.
3136. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things
that are God's. -Bible, Matthew, ca. 90
3137. The doctrine of persecution for cause of conscience is most evidently and lamentably
contrary to the doctrine of Christ Jesus the Prince of Peace. -Roger Williams, The Bloudy
Tenant of Persecution for Cause of Conscience, 1644
3138. A sanctimonious man is one who under an atheist king would be atheist. [Un dévot est
celui qui sous un roi athée serait athée.] -Jean de La Bruyère, "De la mode", Les Caractères,
1688
3139. All religions must be tolerated every man must go to heaven in his own way. [Die
Religionen müssen alle toleriert werden denn hier muss ein jeder nach seiner Fasson selig
werden.] -Frederick the Great, note to the Religious Department, Jun 22, 1740
3140. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging
it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men
are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience.
-Patrick Henry, Virginia Bill of Rights Jun 12. 1776
3141. That to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical. -Thòmas Jefferson, "A Bill for
Establishing Religious Freedom", 1779
3142. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither
picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. -Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, 1782
3143. It behoves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of
it in the case of others; or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own. -Thomas
Jefferson, letter to Benjamin Rush, Apr 21, 1803
189
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for fundamental putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order that I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing ( the Secretary of Labor to require ath all companies that
must
perform federal contract work #o inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional Tegal rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers I
employed my Fader contracts.
emphasize principles
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
amprecious
t
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board
sone of a serios fcases pratesting American workers
from
The their Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
being
against #16 will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
thrisprinciple actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enfording that
Fuil mplementation of
decision will guarantee that no stet American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
the ExcentiveOrder sim today
activities against his will Our enforcement actions will make
employes 1
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a tell free hotline providing callers
information on workers! political rights
The Secretary of Labor also WITH issue a new I rule clarifying
is also preparing
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes assist unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have indiscouering a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
Perhaps most important of all, I expect the
National labar Relations Board to when carry out
its responsibili kins to enforce the prenciples of the
Ro-le flairion
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
which will
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11 {Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
of the othering with heir
Note alondance
ve
to
nghts.
Notice to Employees
Under Federal law, employees cannot be
required to join a union or maintain membership in
a union in order to retain their jobs. Under
certain conditions, the law permits a union and an
employer to enter into a union-security agreement
requiring employees to pay uniform periodic dues
and initiation fees. However, employees who are
not union members can object to the use of their
payments for certain purposes and can only be
required to pay their share of union costs
relating to collective bargaining, contract
administration, and grievance adjustment.
If you believe that you have been required to
pay dues or fees used in part to support
activities not related to collective bargaining,
contract administration, or grievance adjustment,
you may be entitled to a refund and to an
appropriate reduction in future payments.
ID:
APR 10'92
9:07 No 001 P.02
April 10, 1992
MEMORANDUM TO JIM PINKERTON
From:
Jeremy Shane go
Re:
Comments on Beck statement
The Beck EO announcement is exactly the type of statement
where the President can begin to connect the dots on the reform
agenda. Subconsciously this was done on p.3 with the linkage of
Beck to election financing reform. It should be done explicitly.
I suggest adding after the first sentence of the first full
paragraph:
Institutions of public life, whether the government,
corporations, or unions should be accountable to their
constituents to produce results and to respond to their needs.
Working Americans should have the right to decide whether
contributing to political parties or candidates at odds with
their beliefs fulfill that principle, or represent the
institutional responsibility we rightfully expect from those
we trust to represent our needs. In pursuit of the very same
principles -- accountability and institution: 1 responsibility
-- I am asking Congress to
CC: Jim Cicconi
# # #
Document No. 321138ss
92 APR 10 All: 13
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
SUBJECT:
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
ok
D&,
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical.'
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today.
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Document No. 321138ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
92 APR 9 P6: 18
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
To
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
2 APR 9 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
fundamental
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
sechegal
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
see,
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
werel
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Document No. 321138ss
92 APR HITE 9 P5: 58
HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/9/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY, 4/10/92 NOON
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
SUBJECT:
APRIL 13 - 11:00 a.m.
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comments.
Thank you.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans! constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11
{Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11 {Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
(Duggan/Simon)
April 9, 1992
C2 APR 9 P4: 03
Draft Two
Beck
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BECK EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
11:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgments]
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House.
This happens to be a very special anniversary. Two hundred
forty-nine years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was born. It is
therefore a fitting occasion for putting into effect new reforms
that will protect Americans' constitutional rights against
political abuse by special interest groups.
For brilliance, for courage, for passion in the cause of
freedom and democracy, no one has ever surpassed Thomas
Jefferson. Jefferson showed his characteristic intensity in
[year] when he declared: "To compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
It is this Jeffersonian insight that we reaffirm today with
reforms to strengthen the political rights of American workers.
In the Executive Order I will sign in a few moments, I am
directing the Secretary of Labor to require all companies that
perform federal contract work to inform their employees in the
clearest possible terms of their constitutional rights as
affirmed in the Supreme Court's landmark Beck decision. While
this order will directly affect XX million American workers, I
want to note that the rights affirmed by the Beck decision apply
2
to all Americans and are enforceable by the National Labor
Relations Board.
The Beck decision affirmed that no worker may be compelled
against his will to pay union or agency dues in excess of what is
actually used for collective bargaining purposes. Enforcing that
decision will guarantee that no American will have his job or
livelihood threatened for refusing to contribute to political
activities against his will. Our enforcement actions will make
it easier for workers to understand and protect their specific
political rights. [For example, I have asked the Secretary of
Labor to establish a toll-free hotline providing callers
information on workers' political rights.]
The Secretary of Labor also will issue a new rule clarifying
and bringing up to date requirements for labor organizations to
account for how workers' dues are spent. The trial court in the
Beck case found, for instance, that in plaintiff Harry Beck's
workplace, 79 percent of the compulsory dues collected went to
purposes unrelated to collective bargaining. Our new rule will
make sure that workers have a chance to know clearly how their
dues are being spent.
One of America's most intrepid fighters for individual
rights is the distinguished actor, Charlton Heston. He has been
a member of four different labor organizations, and like Ronald
Reagan before him, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has given much of himself to put collective bargaining rights
into practice. And he has been equally committed to seeing that
3
no company or organization may infringe on a worker's individual
freedom of conscience. Chuck, we're honored that you have
travelled across the country to be with us today. 11
Our new actions to protect individual liberties are
important efforts in a larger crusade I am waging to reform our
system of politics and government. I would like to ask you to
join me, for instance, in turning up the heat on Congress to
enact a sweeping reform of campaign financing. I'm fighting to
eliminate the special interest PACs, and to stop the millions of
dollars in administrative subsidies that corporations and labor
organizations now are allowed to channel into their own PACs.
Time and again over our constitutional history, protecting
universal rights has demanded the lonely courage of individuals
citizens standing up against powerful organized interests. And I
am especially honored that we have here today such an individual.
It took this man 12 years of patient effort to carry his case to
vindication in the highest court of the land. And it is his
crusade that brings us together today. Harry Beck, won't you
please come up and stand with me as I sign the Executive Order.
11 {Signs order.}
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#