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Oval [Office] Address Re: Civil Disorder in Los Angeles 5/1/92 [OA 6101]
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323151997
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Oval [Office] Address Re: Civil Disorder in Los Angeles 5/1/92 [OA 6101]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13620
Folder ID Number:
13620-004
Folder Title:
Oval [Office] Address Re: Civil Disorder in Los Angeles 5/1/92 [OA 6101]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
18
1
7
Sleiner
Kristod
Findlay
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft Three
Y
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Tonight I want to talk to you about violence in our cities,
and justice for our citizens. Two big issues that have collided
NO
on the streets of Los Angeles.
First, an update on where matters stand in Los Angeles.
Fifteen minutes ago I talked to California's Governor Pete Wilson
and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. They told me that last night
was better than the night before -- today calmer than yesterday -
- but there were still incidents of random terror and lawlessness
this afternoon.
In the wake of the first night's violence, I spoke directly
of
to both Governor Wilson and Mayor Bradley -- to assess the
situation, and to offer assistance.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
urgent need to restore order. What followed Wednesday's jury
verdict in the Rodney King case was a tragic series of events for
the city of Los Angeles: nearly 4,000 fires, staggering property
damage, hundreds of injuries, and the senseless deaths of over
thirty people.
To restore order, right now, there are 3000 National
Guardsmen on duty in the City of Los Angeles. Another 2200 stand
ready to provide immediate support.
2
Today, to supplement this effort, I've taken several
additional actions. First, I have ordered the Justice Department
to dispatch 1000 Federal riot-trained law enforcement officials
to help restore order in Los Angeles -- beginning tonight. These
officials include FBI SWAT teams, special riot control units of
the U.S. Marshals Service, the Border Patrol, and other federal
law enforcement agencies.
Second, another 1000 Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have directed 3000 members of the 7th Infantry, and
1500 Marines to stand by at El Toro Air Station, California,
of
available for duty this evening. And in the event these troops
the
are sent needed in, I am prepared to Federalize the National Guard.
1st
What we saw last night and the night before in Los Angeles
Division Marive
is not about civil rights. It is not about the great cause of
equality that all Americans must uphold. It is not a message of
protest. It is now the brutality of a mob -- pure and simple.
Let me assure you, I will use whatever force is necessary to
restore order. What is going on in L.A. must and will stop. As
your President, I guarantee you this violence will end.
Now let us talk about the beating of Rodney King. Because,
beyond the urgent need to restore order is the second issue: the
question of justice -- whether the actions of the police violated
Rodney King's federal civil rights. were violoted.
What you saw and what I saw on the TV video was revolting.
I felt anger. I felt pain. I thought: How can I explain this
Many of dur
citizens hurt were deeply
3
NO
to my grandchildren?
Civil rights leaders and just plain
citizens fearful of
-- and sometimes victimized by police
brutality were deeply hurt. I know good and decent policemen who
were equally appalled.
I spoke this morning to many leaders of the civil rights
community. They saw the video, as we all did. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
Viewed from outside the trial, it was hard to understand how
the verdict could possibly square with the video. Those civil
rights leaders with whom I met were stunned. So was I. So was
Barbara. So were my kids.
But the verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
The Department of Justice had started its own investigation
immediately after the Rodney King incident and was monitoring the
state investigation and trial. So let me tell you what actions
we are taking on the federal level to ensure that justice is
served. Within one hour of the verdict, I directed the Justice
Department to move into high gear on its own independent criminal
investigation into the case.
Next, on Thursday, five federal prosecutors were on their
way to Los Angeles. Our Justice Department has consistently
demonstrated its ability to investigate fully a matter like this.
Since 1988 the Justice Department has successfully prosecuted
over 100 law enforcement officials for excessive violence. I'm
4
confident that in this case, the Department of Justice will act
as it should.
Federal grand jury action is underway today in Los Angeles.
Subpoenas have been issued. Evidence is being reviewed.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
legal system: every American, whether accused, or accuser, is
entitled to protection of his or her rights.
In this highly controversial court case a verdict was handed
down by a California jury. To Americans of all races who were
shocked by the verdict, let me say this: you must understand that
our system of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of
addressing this frustration. We must respect the process of law
whether or not we agree with the outcome. There is a difference
between frustration with the law and direct assaults upon our
legal system.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
5
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
Television has become a medium that often brings us
together. But its vivid display of Rodney King's beating shocked
us. And the America it has shown us on our screens these last 48
hours has appalled us. None of this is what we wish to think of
as American. It is as if we were looking in a mirror that
distorted our better selves and turned us ugly. We cannot let
that happen. We cannot do that to ourselves.
We have seen images in the last 48 hours that we will never
Acts by forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
citizens,
and
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
acts policeme. by
and
ugliness that give us hope:
I'm one who respects our police.
forefighters
They keep the peace. They face danger every day. They help
Ste be X
kids. They don't make a lot of money -- but they care about
their communities and their country. Thousands of police
officers are risking their lives right now on the streets of L.A.
five
and they deserve our support.
fighters
Then there are the people who have spent each night not in
the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --- praying
that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of people
driven by hate. Finally, there were the citizens who showed
great personal responsibility -- who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
6
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on her way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. The injured driver was able to get
behind the wheel of his truck and tried to drive away. But his
eyes were swollen shut. The woman asked him if he could see. He
answered no. She said, "Well, then I will be your eyes."
Together, those four people braved the mob and drove that
truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today -- only because
they stepped in to help.
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
We must understand that no one in Los Angeles or any other
city has rendered a verdict on America. If we are to remain the
most vibrant and hopeful nation on earth we must allow our
diversity to bring us together, not drive us apart. This must be
the rallying cry of good and decent people.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. Even
7
after peace is restored to Los Angeles, we must then turn again
to the underlying causes of such tragic events. Racism is on the
rise in our country. It must be stopped We must keep on
working to create a climate of understanding and tolerance -- a
climate that refuses to accept racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere.
Tonight, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts, their
voices, and their prayers to the healing of hatred. As President
I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution
-- an oath that requires every President to establish justice and
insure domestic tranquility. That duty is foremost in my mind
tonight.
Let me say to the people saddened by the spectacle of the
past few days -- to the good people of Los Angeles, caught at the
center of this senseless suffering: The violence will end.
Justice will be served. Hope will return.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/1/92
ASAP!!, MAY 1, FRI.
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
SUBJECT:
9:00PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
X
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
X
PORTER on they
BROMLEY
X
ROGICH
CALIO
X
ROLLINS
X
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly
to David Demarest, 2ndFl, WW, x7620, with a copy
to this office ASAP, TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 1.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
2
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated. So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department launched
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the
King case.
On Thursday Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in our
3
Justice Department's ability to fully investigate a matter like
this. In the last
the Justice Department has successfully
prosecuted
of police violence cases.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
or
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
need to restore order. In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Gov. Pete Wilson, and Los
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
offer assistance.
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]]
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service.
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort Ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today --
only because they stepped in to help.
5
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
table. Not in the boardroom. Not in the playground. Nowhere.
This Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their voices to the healing of hatred -- to a new harmony between
the races.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
MASTER
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft Three
LA
4
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Tonight I want to talk to you about violence in our cities,
and justice for our citizens. Two big issues that have collided
on the streets of Los Angeles.
First, an update on where matters stand in Los Angeles.
Fifteen minutes ago I talked to California's Governor Pete Wilson
and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. They told me that last night
was better than the night before -- today calmer than yesterday -
- but there were still incidents of random terror and lawlessness
this afternoon.
In the wake of the first night's violence, I spoke directly
to both Governor Wilson and Mayor Bradley -- to assess the
situation, and to offer assistance.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
urgent need to restore order. What followed Wednesday's jury
verdict in the Rodney King case was a tragic series of events for
the city of Los Angeles: nearly 4,000 fires, staggering property
damage, hundreds of injuries, and the senseless deaths of over
thirty people.
To restore order, right now, there are 3000 National
Guardsmen on duty in the City of Los Angeles. Another 2200 stand
ready to provide immediate support.
2
Today, to supplement this effort, I've taken several
this morning
additional actions. First, I have ordered the Justice Department
to dispatch 1000 Federal riot-trained law enforcement officials
to help restore order in Los Angeles -- beginning tonight. These
officials include FBI SWAT teams, special riot control units of
the U.S. Marshals Service, the Border Patrol, and other federal
law enforcement agencies.
Second, another 1000 Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, caphytoday I directed 3000 members of the 7th Infantry, and
1500 Marines to stand by at El Toro Air Station, California,
available for duty this evening. And in the event these troops
are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize the National Guard.
What we saw last night and the night before in Los Angeles
is not about civil rights. It is not about the great cause of
equality that all Americans must uphold. It is not a message of
is. been
protest. It the brutality of a mob -- pure and simple.
Let me assure you, I will use whatever force is necessary to
restore order. What is going on in L.A. must and will stop. As
your President, I guarantee you this violence will end.
Now let us talk about the beating of Rodney King. Because,
beyond the urgent need to restore order is the second issue: the
question of justice -- whether the actions of the police violated
Rodney King's federal civil rights.
What you saw and what I saw on the TV video was revolting.
I felt anger. I felt pain. I thought: How can I explain this
3
to my grandchildren? Civil rights leaders and just plain
citizens fearful of -- and sometimes victimized by police
brutality were deeply hurt. I know good and decent policemen who
were equally appalled.
I spoke this morning to many leaders of the civil rights
community. They saw the video, as we all did. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
Viewed from outside the trial, it was hard to understand how
the verdict could possibly square with the video. Those civil
rights leaders with whom I met were stunned. So was I. so was
Barbara. So were my kids.
But the verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
The Department of Justice had started its own investigation
immediately after the Rodney King incident and was monitoring the
state investigation and trial. So let me tell you what actions
we are taking on the federal level to ensure that justice is
served. Within one hour of the verdict, I directed the Justice
Department to move into high gear on its own independent criminal
investigation into the case.
Next, on Thursday, five federal prosecutors were on their
way to Los Angeles. Our Justice Department has consistently
demonstrated its ability to investigate fully a matter like this.
Since 1988 the Justice Department has successfully prosecuted
over 100 law enforcement officials for excessive violence. I'm
4
confident that in this case, the Department of Justice will act
as it should.
Federal grand jury action is underway today in Los Angeles.
are being
Subpoenas been issued. Evidence is being reviewed.
expeditions
The federal effort in this case will be Swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
legal system: every American, whether accused, or accuser, is
entitled to protection of his or her rights.
In this highly controversial court case a verdict was handed
down by a California jury. To Americans of all races who were
shocked by the verdict, let me say this: you-must understand that
our system of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of
addressing this frustration. We must respect the process of law
whether or not we agree with the outcome. There is a difference
between frustration with the law and direct assaults upon our
legal system.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
5
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
Television has become a medium that often brings us
together. But its vivid display of Rodney King's beating shocked
us. And the America it has shown us on our screens these last 48
hours has appalled us. None of this is what we wish to think of
as American. It is as if we were looking in a mirror that
distorted our better selves and turned us ugly. We cannot let
that happen. We cannot do that to ourselves.
We have seen images in the last 48 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: I'm one who respects our police.
They keep the peace. They face danger every day. They help
kids. They don't make a lot of money -- but they care about
their communities and their country. Thousands of police
officers are risking their lives right now on the streets of L.A.
and they deserve our support.
Then there are the people who have spent each night not in
the streets, but in the churches of east South Los Angeles Central -- praying
that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of people
driven by hate. Finally, there were the citizens who showed
great personal responsibility -- who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
6
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on her way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. The injured driver was able to get
behind the wheel of his truck and tried to drive away. But his
eyes were swollen shut. The woman asked him if he could see. He
answered no. She said, "Well, then I will be your eyes."
Together, those four people braved the mob and drove that
truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today -- only because
they stepped in to help.
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
We must understand that no one in Los Angeles or any other
city has rendered a verdict on America. If we are to remain the
most vibrant and hopeful nation on earth we must allow our
diversity to bring us together, not drive us apart. This must be
the rallying cry of good and decent people.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. Even
7
after peace is restored to Los Angeles, we must then turn again
to the underlying causes of such tragic events. Racism is on the
rise in our country. It must be stopped. We must keep on
working to create a climate of understanding and tolerance -- a
climate that refuses to accept racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere.
Tonight, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts, their
voices, and their prayers to the healing of hatred. As President
I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution
---- an oath that requires every President to establish justice and
insure domestic tranquility. That duty is foremost in my mind
tonight.
Let me say to the people saddened by the spectacle of the
past few days -- to the good people of Los Angeles, caught at the
center of this senseless suffering: The violence will end.
Justice will be served. Hope will return.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/1/92
ASAP!!, MAY 1, FRI
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
SUBJECT:
9:00PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY sund 2896
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly
to David Demarest, 2ndF1, WW, x7620, with a copy
to this office ASAP, TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 1.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Outstanding
CLOSE HOLD
hn
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
02 MAY P2: 33
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
2
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated. So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department launched
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the
King case.
On Thursday Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in our
3
Justice Department's ability to fully investigate a matter like
this. In the last
the Justice Department has successfully
prosecuted
of police violence cases.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
need to restore order. In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Pete Wilson, and Los
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
offer assistance.
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]]
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service.
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort Ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today ---
only because they stepped in to help.
5
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
table. Not in the boardroom. Not in the playground. Nowhere.
This Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their voices to the healing of hatred -- to a new harmony between
the races.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 ; 2:02PM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 1
CLOSE HOLD
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/1/92
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BK:
ASAP!!, MAY 1, FRIA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
SUBJECT:
MAY 1, 1992
9.00PM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
FITZWATER
YEUTTER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly
to David Demarest, 2ndFl, WW, x7620, with a copy
to this office ASAP, TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 1.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
see comments. Thanks.
PL
(ock mmends)
CLOSE HOLD
Faul Kortonta
PHILLIP D. BRADY
05/01
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 : 5- 1-92 ; 2:03PM
;
The White House-
OPD:# 2
General should Comment: call on (OCA) the Civil Rights the leaders
POTUS to him lawlessness. in condemning
wanton join
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
12 MAY I P2: 33
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
(OCA)
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
Excellent. Don't
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
change word.
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
(OCA)
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of
not just
Los
Angeles.
East !
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 : 5- 1-92 ; 2:03PM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 3
2
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders Were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So Were my kids. But those
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the (OCA)
a U.S. citizen
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated. So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
resumed (OCA)
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department
I
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the
King case having resumed defered to the state as FS the
normal practice.
On Thursday Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in our
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 ; 2:03PM ;
The White House-
OPD;# 4
3
Justice Department's ability to fully investigate a matter like
Since Oct 88,
this. In the last
the Justice Department has changed successfully
(OCA)
prosecuted one 120 officers sy excessive violence.
of police violence cases.
or by politics
The federal effort in this case will be swift
and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or (OCA)
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of
Therights our i have
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights. thousands
now been violated.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
need to restore order. In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Pete Governor Wilson, and Los (OCA)
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
Is 7 worth mentioning that SBA Administrator
offer assistance. Saiki toured the damages and met with Mayor
Bradley today? [SBA loans are only available
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]] it Federal
disaster
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in is
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
declared]
see
immediate support.
attachments SBA
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
FBI
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot (OCA)
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service. and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 ; 2:04PM ;
The White House->
OPD:# 5
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence ---
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today --
only because they stepped in to help.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 ; 2:05PM ;
The White House-
OPD;# 6
5
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
Khetoric
bit
a
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hackneyed
hope --- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
will
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
on
table. Not in the boardroom. Not the the playground. Nowhere.
spell
out
This Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
you
their voices to the healing of hatred -- to a new harmony between
mean
pray
the races.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
MAY 01 '92 14:25 ADMIN OFFICE
P.2/3
SBA attachment
POTENTIALLY UNUSUAL ASPECTS OF
DELIVERY OF SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR
LOS ANGELES CIVIL DISORDERS
1.
Insurance. Typical hazard insurance policies exclude coverage for damages from
riots or civil disorders. Many property owners will find they have no insurance
coverage for their losses.
2.
Businesses. Businesses appear to be a heavy proportion of the victims, unlike the
typical disaster which damages about 4 homes for every business.
3.
Repayment Ability. SBA's disaster assistance is in the form of loans, and applicants
must meet SBA's credit standards. In relatively poor neighborhoods, many businesses
achieve marginal financial success. Ability to repay loans may be limited, especially
if the uninsured losses are large. Accordingly, SBA's approval rate may be lower
than normal.
4.
Neighborhood Recovery. In the past, recovery of neighborhoods after such disorders
is often slow. Many businesses never reopen in the neighborhood. Many relocate
elsewhere. SBA disaster loans help businesses by allowing a relocation, but this is
a very sensitive issue in the affected neighborhoods.
5.
Code Compliance. Rebuilding after substantial damage will require compliance with
current building codes. In the earthquake prone Los Angeles area, this includes
meeting modern earthquake standards. Experience demonstrates that this is very
costly.
6.
Widespread Damage. The south-central neighborhoods of Los Angeles, where the
property damage is concentrated, is a vast area which is larger than the District of
Columbia.
APR 30 '92 12:17 ADMIN OFFICE
P.2/2
*Definition of disaster includes Riots and civil disorders.
BASIC FACTS ABOUT SBA DISASTER LOAN PROGRAMS
Attachment
In the wake of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornados and other physical disasters, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a major role. SBA's disaster loans are the primary form of
Federal assistance for nonfarm, private sector disaster losses. For this reason, the disaster loan program
is the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses. Disaster loans from SBA help
homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations fund rebuilding. SBA's disaster
loans are a critical source of economic stimulation in disaster ravaged communities, helping to spur
employment and stabilize tax bases.
By providing disaster assistance in the form of loans which are repaid to the Treasury, the SBA disaster
loan program helps reduce Federal disaster costs compared to other forms of assistance, such as grants.
When disaster victims need to borrow to repair uninsured damages, the low interest rates and long terms
available from SBA make recovery affordable. Because SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan
to each borrower's financial capability, unnecessary interest subsidies paid by the taxpayers are avoided.
Moreover, providing disaster assistance in the form of loans rather than grants avoids creating an
incentive for property owners to underinsure against risk. Disaster loans require borrowers to maintain
appropriate hazard and flood insurance coverage, thereby reducing the need for future disaster assistance.
The need for SBA disaster loans is as unpredictable as the weather. During FY 1991, SBA approved
12,451 disaster loans for $356.3 million. This compares to 51,970 disaster loans for $1.32 billion in FY
1990, due largely to the destruction of Hurricane Hugo in the Caribbean and the Carolinas and the Loma
Prieta earthquake in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Since the inception of the program in
1953, SBA has approved over 1,050,000 disaster loans for more than $15.3 billion.
The SBA is authorized by the Small Business Act to make two types of disaster loans:
Physical disaster loans are a primary source of funding for permanent rebuilding and replacement
of uninsured disaster damages to privately-owned real and/or personal property. SBA's physical
disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, nonfarm businesses of all sizes and nonprofit
organizations.
Economic injury disaster loans help provide necessary working capital until resumption of normal
operations after a physical disaster event. The law restricts economic injury disaster loans to small
businesses only.
The disaster program is SBA's largest direct loan program, and the only SBA program assisting entities
other than small businesses. By law, neither governmental units nor agricultural enterprises are eligible;
agricultural producers may seek disaster assistance from specialized programs at the U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
Disaster victims must repay SBA disaster loans. SBA can only approve loans to applicants with a
reasonable ability to repay the loan and other obligations from earnings. The terms of each loan are
established in accordance with each borrower's ability to repay. The law gives SBA several powerful tools
to make disaster loans affordable: low interest rates (as low as 4%), long terms (up to 30 years), and
refinancing of prior debts (in some cases). As required by law, the interest rate for each loan is based
on SBA's determination of whether each applicant does or does not have credit available elsewhere (the
ability to borrow or use their own resources to overcome the disaster). Generally, over 90% of SBA's
disaster loans are to borrowers without credit available elsewhere and have an interest rate of 4%.
SBA delivers disaster loans through four specialized Disaster Area Offices located in Niagara Falls, NY;
Atlanta, GA; Ft. Worth, TX; and Sacramento, CA.
SENT BY : OFFICE OF SECRETARY
: 5- 1-92 : 3:08PM :
DOL-
202 456 1605:# 2/ 6
SECRETARY OF LABOR
WASHINGTON
May 1, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR SAM SKINNER
FROM:
LYNN MARTIN
SUBJECT:
Department of Labor Assistance to Los Angeles
Assuming you would want to know what might be available from
our Department, attached are lists of ways the Department of
Labor (DOL) can help with the situation in Los Angeles.
One list gives options for additional assistance that DOL
could provide to Los Angeles immediately. Also attached is
list of current DOL projects operating in the area at this time. a
Finally, there is a list of discretionary grants to Los Angeles
now. or to the State of California that the President could announce
Let me know how you would like to proceed on any of these
items. You know that we stand ready to help in any way we can.
Attachments
DP. also 1 Gov Wilson
wants to be notified
if PORS says loans- anything
about SBA
- Dn.r
SENT BY:OFFICE OF SECRETARY ; 5- 1-92 ; 3:08PM :
DOL-
202 456 1605:# 3/ 6
OPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR
LOS ANGELES CITY AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Employment Assistance:
$2.0 Million - Provide emergency grants to hire and pay wages of workers
dislocated as a result of the riots. These grants may be used to create
temporary employment such as cleanup and other restoration jobs in the riot
areas,
Training Assistance:
$500,000 - Additional funds to the YOU program operated in South Central LA
to expand programs provided by the Community Youth Gang Services(CYGS)
under YOU. CYGS allows youth to participate in community service projects as
an alternative to incarceration.
$500,000 - Finance pilot youth apprenticeship models for young Black and
Hispanic males.
$500,000 - Supplement local economic development efforts. DOL funds would
finance training efforts.
HUD and DOL are ready to announce the new "Step-Up" program to train
The apprenticeship approach to training will be used. The final pieces will be
public housing residents in construction skills while upgrading public housing.
put in place in two weeks.
SENT BY:OFFICE OF SECRETARY
; 5- 1-92 ; 3:09PM ;
DOL-
202 456 1605:# 4/ 6
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
PROJECTS PRESENTLY OPERATING IN
LOS ANGELES CITY AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Program:
JTPA Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)
Area/Amount:
LA City/$1.0 m
Other Info:
Multiyear, neighborhood focussed, intensive project in riot area for
at-risk, economically disadvantaged youth.
Program:
Job Corps
Area/Amount:
LA City/$12.5 m
Other Info:
Center capacity was 735 (380 residential & 355 non-residential).
Satellite building housing education classes for nonresident
students was destroyed by fire today.
Program:
"Workforce LA Youth Academy:
Area/Amount:
LA City/$700,000
Other Info:
School-to-Work demonstration grant with LA Unified School
District.
Program:
JOBSTART
Area/Amount:
LA City/$150,000
Other Info:
Remedial education and skill training program targeted to
dropouts.
Program:
"LA Works" - NAB
Area/Amount:
LA City/$240,000 DOL & $240,000 raised locally
Other Info:
Operates a number of projects in support of "America 2000"
including a school-to-work project and support to local efforts to
implement SCANS.
Program:
JTPA Title IIB Summer Program
Area/Amount:
LA City/$11.0 m.
Balance of LA Cnty/$10.6 m
Other Info:
Will begin at the end of the school year and provide jobs to about
10,000 disadvantaged youth in the city and 10,000 in the outlying
areas.
Program:
JTPA Title III EDWAA Discretionary Program
Amount:
City & County/$2.4 m
Program:
JTPA Title IIA Block Grant Program
Area/Amount:
LA City/$22.7 m
Balance of LA Cnty/$22.3 m
SENT BY:OFFICE OF SECRETARY ; 5- 1-92 ; 3:09PM ;
DOL-
202 456 1605;# 5/ 6
Program:
Area/Amount:
JTPA Title III EDWAA Formula Program
LA City/$2.5 m
Balance of LA Cnty/$2.8 m
SENT BY:OFFICE OF SECRETARY
; 5- 1-92 : 3:09PM ;
DOL-
202 456 1605;# 6/ 6
CALIFORNIA TITLE III
DISCRETIONARY PROJECTS
Current Grants:
LA City has a grant of $375,000 and LA County $2,000,000 to assist dislocated
aerospace workers.
Proposals under Consideration:
Emergency grant request of $1.5 million for Petrolia Earthquake can
immediately be announced by the President or the Secretary..
Emergency grant request for Los Angeles Floods.
Defense Conversion Adjustment request for George AFB.
6
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
12 P2: 33
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
awkward
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
An innocent
going about his own business,
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
He died.
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
equal protection of the law
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
why
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now
the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
qualify'o
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
is
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
Central and
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
^
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice it is itself
* * We don't Know 1 if there's been injust,
Dan - these are 4y Comments
for whatever their worth-
OCA'S will follow.
- Jay
THE WITTVE nuuse-
OFD
5
2
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders Were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
or
ashamed and angered by this cutcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it. Those who use delligoguary to attack
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
our leyal
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated. $ So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the injury just
inflict system an
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
as those
as surely
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
who viet in
the streets.
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department launched The jury
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the System is
King case.
Not perfect-
No Man made
On Thursday O Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was institution is.
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil But it is
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in our the our Foundation
the other is the absolute imperative to restore order. democratic legal system.
of
UPU 4
3
Justice Department's ability to fully investigate a matter like
this. In the last
the Justice Department has successfully
prosecuted
of police violence cases.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be by mob violence but by respect
fair. But will not be driven It will, as it should, be
for due process and the rule of law.
guided
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
need to restore order. In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Pete Wilson, and Los
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
offer assistance.
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]]
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service.
news
VPVI#
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort Ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were also other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this Madness
X
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today --
only because they stepped in to help.
but also for
Notonly the Victims of 5 the violence survivors as well as the
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the Mony others
courageous
1
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
table. Not in the boardroom. Not in the playground. Nowhere.
This Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their voices to the healing of hatred - to a new harmony between
the races.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/1/92
ASAP!!, MAY 1, FRI
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
SUBJECT:
9.00PM
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
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly
to David Demarest, 2ndFl, WW, x7620, with a copy
to this office ASAP, TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 1.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 ; 7:35PM ;
4562983-
2024566218:# 5
5
Television has become a medium that often brings us
together. But its vivid display of Rodney King's beating shocked
us. Its sudden rendering of the jury ver dictatore us apart
And the America it has shown us on our screens these last 48
hours has appalled us. None of this is what we wish to think of
as American. It is as if we were looking in a mirror that
distorted our better selves and turned us ugly. We cannot let
that happen. We cannot do that to ourselves.
We have seen images in the last 48 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
south central
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. There were the citizens who showed great
personal responsibility -- who ignored the mob -- who at great
personal danger, helped the victims of violence -- regardless of
race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on here way home from work - the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. The injured driver was able to get
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 1-92 : 7:36PM ;
4562983->
2024566218:# 7
7
E
establish justice and insure domestic tranquility. That duty is
foremost in my mind tonight.
Let me say to the people saddened by the spectacle of the
past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles, caught
at the center of this senseless suffering: The violence will
end. Justice will be served. Hope will return.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
Tonight, my heart goes out to those who have felt betrayed
by a system of justice that seemed to have gone wrong -- and to
those who have suffered since from the angry reaction of a
frustrated and misguided mob.
5130
Master
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft Three
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Tonight, my heart goes out to those who have felt betrayed
by a system of justice that seemed to have gone wrong -- and to
those who have suffered since from the angry reaction of a
frustrated and misguided mob.
Two days ago, in a highly controversial court case, a
verdict was handed down by a California jury. To Americans of
all races who were shocked by the verdict, let me say this. I
spoke this morning to many leaders of the civil rights community.
They saw the video of Rodney King being beaten by the police, as
did the rest of us. For fourteen months, they waited.
Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the system to work. When
the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
Viewed from outside the trial, it was hard to understand how
the verdict could possibly square with the video. Those civil
rights leaders with whom I met were stunned. So was I. So was
Barbara. So were my kids. But those shocked and angered by this
outcome must understand: our system of justice provides for the
peaceful, orderly means of addressing this frustration. But we
must respect the process of law whether or not we agree with the
2
outcome. There is a difference between frustration with the law
and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the actions of the police violated Rodney
King's federal civil rights. So let me tell you what actions we
are taking on the federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
state
Within one hour of the verdict, I directed the Justice Department
resume
1
to move into high gear on its own independent criminal
investigation into the case, and move it into high year immediately.
On Thursday, at my direction, Associate Attorney General
Wayne Budd was immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five
federal civil rights division prosecutors. Our Justice
consistently
Department has often demonstrated its ability to investigate
Since 1988
fully a matter like this. In the last
the Justice
100 casts law ent officials of
Department has successfully prosecuted over of police violence 0
excessive.
cases. I'm confident that in this case, the Department of
Justice will act as it should.
Federal grand jury action is underway today in Los Angeles.
Subpoenas have been issued. Evidence is being reviewed.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
3
legal system: every American is entitled to protection of his or
her rights.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is a second
fundamental issue: the urgent need to restore order. What
followed Wednesday's jury verdict in the city of Los Angeles was
a tragic series of events: 1,500 fires, staggering property
damage, thousands of injuries, and the senseless deaths of over
thirty people.
An innocent truck driver, chosen at random, was pulled out
of his cab in broad daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten
to the point of unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the
What
street. The brutality we saw on our television sets was as
sickening as it was terrifying.
has game on Stet
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
has been
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It
is
now the brutality barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
What is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will be
restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise. In the wake of the
4
Governor
first night's violence, I spoke directly with California Pete
a
Wilson, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the
situation, and to offer assistance.
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch 1000 Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include FBI SWAT teams,
special riot control units of the U.S. Marshal Service, the
Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement agencies.
Second, another 1000 Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
directed
Third, I have authorized 3000 members of the 7th Infantry,
and 1500 Marines to stand by at El Toro Air Station, California,
available for duty this evening. And in the event these troops
are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize the National Guard.
Television has become a medium that often brings us
together. But its vivid display of Rodney King's beating shocked
us. Its sudden rendering of the jury's verdict tore us apart.
And the America it has shown us on our screens these last 48
hours has appalled us. None of this is what we wish to think of
as American. It is as if we were looking in a mirror that
5
distorted our better selves and turned us ugly. We cannot let
that happen. We cannot do that to ourselves.
We have seen images in the last 48 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. There were the citizens who showed great
personal responsibility -- who ignored the mob -- who at great
personal danger, helped the victims of violence -- regardless of
race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. Together, those four people braved the
mob and drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive
today -- only because they stepped in to help.
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
6
We must understand that no one in Los Angeles or any other
city has rendered a verdict on America. If we are to remain the
most vibrant and hopeful nation on earth we must allow our
diversity to bind us together, not drive us apart. This must be
the rallying cry of good and decent people.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
actimate that accepts
tolerance
We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere.
Tonight
This weekend, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts,
their voices, and their prayers to the healing of hatred. As
President I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution -- an oath that requires every President to
establish justice and insure domestic tranquility. That duty is
foremost in my mind tonight.
Let me say to the people saddened by the spectacle of the
past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles, caught
at the center of this senseless suffering: The violence will
end. Justice will be served. Hope will return.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 1, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVE DEMAREST
FROM:
C. BOYDEN GRAYCMA
SUBJECT:
POTUS Address on Civil Disorder in LA
At Phil Brady's request, I have reviewed the captioned draft
speech. Suggested changes are marked on the attached hard copy.
I appreciate having had the opportunity to review this draft
speech.
CC: Phil Brady
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
02 MAY P2: 33
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse - no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
No principle is more important
than that those entrusted
with enfancing the law
must obey it.
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
many
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
Americans
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
horrifying
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
and upon innocent People
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated
So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
resumed,
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department launched
and
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the
put
King case.
On Thursday Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in our
That investigation had been put on hold while the
State of California pursued its case,
3
Justice Department's ability to fully investigate a matter like
this. In the last
the Justice Department has successfully
prosecuted
of police violence cases.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
Meon
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights
Beyond the question of civil rights there is the urgent
need to restore order. In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Pete Wilson, and Los
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
offer assistance.
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]]
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service.
directed
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort Ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today --
only because they stepped in to help.
5
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti semitism
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
table Not in the boardroom. Not in the playground. Nowhere.
Tonight
This Sunday I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their voices to the healing of hatred -- to a new harmony between
the races.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Tom ght, at the
request of the Gov and
The mayor I have
committed these broop
to help restore order
I am also
federalying the Mat an ond
grand and all
intrugted ahe Pw
toops will Ine under
d centr al command.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Just word at
Tonight
the request of the
Governor + The Mayor
I have agreed to
federalyed the national
grand and commit
these troops in thein
efforts under a central
federal Command
and I have notified
4
B
F2
to Television has because tobal Sinds us byster.
has become a medium that often
togetter. But 'ts vivid display or Rodney king's
beating shoche d us. Its instant
The Laster INTERE Endder reademy or the ings
Stroched us. Bat
Rodney King we saw verdict us ton
And grat.
it has science
The America on has on screens
These past +
hours
appall
None of this is what we fliend Le
with to think of as American
It is as if we were whin in
E
a mirror that distorted am
better selves am turned us ugly.
we cannot let TX that happen.
We can not do that to ourselves.
ader
tolumy
justin
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 1, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVID DEMAREST
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
SUBJECT:
Presidential Address on Civil Disorder in Los
Angeles
The first draft of the President's remarks tonight on the
civil disorder in Los Angeles is excellent. I sense that you
accurately have captured the tone that the President expressed
in his meeting with us earlier this morning.
My suggestions are as follows:
1. In the first sentence we should strike "duly
appointed" and simply state "handed down by a jury. " In
discussing this with the Attorney General he feels this is more
appropriate. I agree.
2. The tone on the first page suggests that there is
still a high level of violence occurring in Los Angeles --
"What is going on now in Los Angeles." We will need to check
this carefully and have alternative language ready. Viewers
may see on the network news programs this evening reports that
the violence has subsided, only to hear the President at 9:00
p.m. EST, speaking as if the streets are still filled with
violence and lawlessness.
3. In the second full paragraph on page two, I recommend
replacing "ashamed" with shocked. In my notes from the
President's meeting with civil rights leaders he used the term
shocked. He did not use the word ashamed. Webster's defines
ashamed as a feeling of shame, guilt, disgrace or feeling
inferior or unworthy. Shame is defined as a painful emotion
caused by a consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or
impropriety.
4. The Attorney General also recommends that the second
full paragraph on page two read as follows:
"Viewed from outside the trial, it was hard to understand
how the verdict could possibly square with the video. Those
civil rights leaders with whom I met were stunned. So was I.
So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those shocked and
angered by this outcome must understand: our system of justice
provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing this
-2-
frustration. But we must respect the process of law whether we
agree with the outcome. There is a difference between
frustration with the law and direct assaults upon it.'
5. In the third full paragraph on page two, we recommend
changing the second sentence to read: "One is the question of
whether the actions of the police violated Rodney King's
federal civil rights."
6. I also spoke with the Attorney General about the
Justice Department activities in Los Angeles today. This
afternoon Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd will hold a
press conference and announce that substantial grand jury
activity is now underway, that subpoenas are being issued, and
that evidence is being reviewed.
Given this I discussed with Bill Barr the following insert
starting with the last full paragraph on page two:
"The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
The Department of Justice had started its investigation
immediately after the Rodney King incident and was monitoring
the state investigation and trial.
"Consistent with established practice, Federal action was
deferred until the state trial was completed. Within one hour
of the state verdict, the Justice Department put into high gear
its own independent criminal investigation into the King case.
"Within hours, five federal prosecutors were on their way
to Los Angeles where they joined additional prosecutors from
the U.S. Attorney's office and FBI agents also working on this
matter. The number three official in the Department of Justice
went to Los Angeles yesterday to personally supervise the case.
"Federal grand jury action is underway today in Los
Angeles. Subpoenas have been issued. Evidence is being
reviewed."
7. In the last paragraph on page three we recommend after
the first sentence:
"First, I have ordered the Justice Department to dispatch
1,000 Federal law enforcement personnel to help restore order
in Los Angeles beginning tonight. These include FBI SWAT teams
and special riot control units of the U.S. marshall, the border
patrol, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Bureau of Prisons,
and the Park Police. These have been flown in throughout the
day and are on the ground as I speak.
Second we are prepared to deploy an additional 1,000
-3-
Federal law enforcement personnel to Los Angeles should they be
needed.
"
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft Three
02 MAY I P5: 28
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Tonight, my heart goes out to those who have felt betrayed
by a system of justice that seemed to have gone wrong -- and to
those who have suffered since from the angry reaction of a
frustrated and misguided mob.
Two days ago, in a highly controversial court case, a
verdict was handed down by a California jury. To Americans of
all races who were shocked by the verdict, let me say this. I
spoke this horrible morning to many leaders of the civil rights community.
They saw the video of Rodney King being beaten by the police, as
did the rest of us. For fourteen months, they waited.
Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the system to work. When
the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
Viewed from outside the trial, it was hard to understand how
the verdict could possibly square with the video. Those civil
rights leaders with whom I met were stunned. So was I. So was
Barbara. So were my kids. But those shocked and angered by this
outcome must understand: our system of justice provides for the
peaceful, orderly means of addressing this frustration. But we
must respect the process of law whether or not we agree with the
2
outcome. There is a difference between frustration with the law
and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the actions of the police violated Rodney
King's federal civil rights. So let me tell you what actions we
are taking on the federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
Within one hour of the verdict, I directed the Justice Department
to move into high gear on its own independent criminal
investigation into the case.
On Thursday, at my direction, Associate Attorney General
Wayne Budd was immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five
federal civil rights division prosecutors. Our Justice
Department has often demonstrated its ability to investigate
fully a matter like this. In the last
the Justice
Department has successfully prosecuted
of police violence
cases. I'm confident that in this case, the Department of
Justice will act as it should.
Federal grand jury action is underway today in Los Angeles.
Subpoenas have been issued. Evidence is being reviewed.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
3
legal system: every American is entitled to protection of his or
her rights.
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is a second
fundamental issue: the urgent need to restore order. What
followed Wednesday's jury verdict in the city of Los Angeles was
a tragic series of events: 1,500 fires, staggering property
damage, thousands of injuries, and the senseless deaths of over
thirty people.
An innocent truck driver, chosen at random, was pulled out
of his cab in broad daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten
to the point of unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the
street. The brutality we saw on our television sets was as
sickening as it was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism anarchy of a mob -- pure and simple.
What is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will be
restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise. In the wake of the
4
first night's violence, I spoke directly with California Pete
Wilson, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the
situation, and to offer assistance.
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch 1000 Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include FBI SWAT teams,
special riot control units of the U.S. Marshal Service, the
Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement agencies.
Second, another 1000 Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized 3000 members of the 7th Infantry,
and 1500 Marines to stand by at El foro Air Station, California,
available for duty this evening. And in the event these troops
are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize the National Guard.
Television has become a medium that often brings us
together. But its vivid display of Rodney King's beating shocked
us. Its sudden rendering of the jury's verdict tore us apart.
And the America it has shown us on our screens these last 48
hours has appalled us. None of this is what we wish to think of
as American. It is as if we were looking in a mirror that
5
distorted our better selves and turned us ugly. We cannot let
that happen. We cannot do that to ourselves.
We have seen images in the last 48 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. There were the citizens who showed great
personal responsibility -- who ignored the mob -- who at great
personal danger, helped the victims of violence -- regardless of
race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. Together, those four people braved the
mob and drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive
today -- only because they stepped in to help.
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
6
We must understand that no one in Los Angeles or any other
city has rendered a verdict on America. If we are to remain the
most vibrant and hopeful nation on earth we must allow our
diversity to bind us together, not drive us apart. This must be
the rallying cry of good and decent people.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere.
This weekend, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts,
their voices, and their prayers to the healing of hatred. As
President I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution -- an oath that requires every President to
establish justice and insure domestic tranquility. That duty is
foremost in my mind tonight.
Let me say to the people saddened by the spectacle of the
past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles, caught
at the center of this senseless suffering: The violence will
end. Justice will be served. Hope will return.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
A
With peace order Restoress
PeAce
to Los ANGELES we THEN MUST
THCN TURN TO THE UNDERLYING
CAUSES. RACISM 15 ON THE
Rise INJ THE COUNTRY. /T MUST
Be stopped. Lc MUST ATTACK
poverty, EDUCATION, DRUBS, T housing.
THE UNDERLYING CAUSES or
BUT MC MUST DO More THAN
THAT. We MUST RCCOMMIT
ovnscLVeS TO Close THE
DIVISIONS THAT EXIST BETWEENEUS
AMERICA CAN NOT CONTINUE
THIS way. / win DO
DEAR hem THese WOUNDS,
everything IN my power TO
EARLIER TODAY Rooney King,
THE Focus OF THIS TRIAL CAVE
A press STATEMENT, He CAUGO
For PCACE. And in A very
Criotional 1 simple WAY he
CAPTURED THE essence are THE
SOLUTION.
"Please, He CAN
CCT ALONG here. We CAN An
GCT ALONG. We GOT TO. We're
we're An STUCK here Fac
AWHIVE. Let's TRY TO WORK
IT OUT."
We MUST work IT OUT.
We're An AMERICANS We're z
BLessed WITH A GREAT COUNTRY.
There is NO problem we
CAN'T SOLVE we work
TOGETHER, IF we came ABOUT
each OTHER, IF we SACRIFICE FOR
each OTHER, IF we percize THAT
our destinies Are LINKED.
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
Draft Two
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Tonight, my heart goes out to those who have felt betrayed
our
by & system of justice that seemed to have gone wrong -- and to
who
those have suffered since from the angry reaction of a frustrated
and misguided mob.
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
case, a verdict was handed down by a California jury. To
Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict, let me
say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the civil
rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being beaten
by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen months, they
waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the system to
work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
Viewed from outside the trial it was hand to
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
withwhome met
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders 1 were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
shocked
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
the
But of outcome law we most whether request we agree the process will
2
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
actions of the pohice violated
federal civil
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King swere
regulates
^
violated. So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
Within one hour of the verdict, I directed the Justice Department
inducation independent
to move into high gear on its own federal criminal investigation
into the King case.
On Thursday, at my direction, Associate Attorney General
Wayne Budd was immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five
federal civil rights division prosecutors. Our Justice
Department has often demonstrated its ability to fully
fully
investigate a matter like this. In the last
the Justice
Department has successfully prosecuted
of police violence
cases. I'm confident that in this case, the Department of
Justice will act as it should, as well.
Federal grand jury action
counderway today in C.A.
Subpoenas have been issuea
The federal effort in this case will be swift and it will Swidence
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
heiry
for due process and the rule of law.
nevreir.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
Protection of
legal system: every American is entitled to his or her rights,
500
a secondfundemental
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
issue
need to restore order. What followed Wednesday's jury verdict in
the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events: 1,500
3
fires, staggering property damage, thousands of injuries, and the
senseless deaths of over thirty people.
An innocent truck driver, chosen at random, was pulled out
of his cab in broad daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten
to the point of unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the
street. The brutality we saw on our television sets was as
sickening as it was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
What is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will be
restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise. In the wake of the
first night's violence, I spoke directly with California Pete
Wilson, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the
situation, and to offer assistance.
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
4
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch $1000 Federal riot trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
special
begin ning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot control units
FBI
riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
ofthe the
the U.S. Marshall Service. This have been Hown in throughout ATF
the day and are on the ground are speak.
Second, another [750] 1000 Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
3000
7
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
1500 Movines
Maine Asta sta E1 Toro #
to stand by at Fort Ord, California, In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening. as well And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
&
INSERT
B
48
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
There writhe
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
alcarpts
deyonshration
showed personal
responsibility
vast raise megouts protect thein their kids propects
5
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching television and saw the beating as it was
happening, and came out into the street to help. Another was a
woman on here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose
name we may never know. Together, those four people braved the
mob and drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive
today -- only because they stepped in to help.
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
We must understand that no one in Los Angeles or any other
city has rendered a verdict on America. If we are to remain the
most vibrant and hopeful nation on earth we must allow our
diversity to bind us together, not drive us apart. This must be
the rallying cry of good and decent people.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere.
This weekend Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their pras
their voices to the healing of hatred.
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
order tolerand justice
6
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Hope will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
CLOSE HOLD
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/1/92
ASAP!!, MAY 1, FRI.
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
SUBJECT:
9.00PM
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
MCGROARTY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly
to David Demarest, 2ndFl, WW, x7620, with a copy
to this office ASAP, TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 1.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
CLOSE HOLD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
asythmy
& to Towypot an those to since mheats that n in in selt from the Austrased. Ja to a has must. governing,
instanded
(DDDMAF)
May 1, 1992
PAY
P2: 33
Draft One
LA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON CIVIL DISORDER IN LOS ANGELES
MAY 1, 1992
9:00 PM
Two days ago, in a highly publicized and controversial court
can
case, a verdict was handed down by a duly appointed jury. What
followed in the city of Los Angeles was a tragic series of events
including the 1,500 fires, staggering property damage, thousands
A
of arrests and injuries, and the senseless deaths of over thirty
people.
An innocent
,
chosen at random,
A random truck driver was pulled out of his cab in broad
daylight. He was punched, kicked -- beaten to the point of
unconsciousness, robbed, and left to bleed in the street. The
brutality we saw on our television sets was as sickening as it
was terrifying.
What is going on now in Los Angeles is not about civil
rights. It is not about the great cause of equality that all
Americans must uphold. It is not a message of protest. It is
now the barbarism of a mob -- pure and simple.
And what is going on in L.A. must and will stop. Order will
be restored to the streets of Los Angeles.
In a civilized society, there can be no excuse -- no excuse
-- for the murder, arson, theft, and vandalism that have
terrorized the law-abiding citizens of East Los Angeles.
The wanton destruction of life and property is not a
legitimate expression of outrage with injustice -- it is itself
2
injustice. And no rationalization, no matter how heart-felt, no
matter how eloquent, can make it otherwise.
To Americans of all races who were shocked by the verdict,
let me say this. I spoke this morning to many leaders of the
civil rights community. They saw the video of Rodney King being
beaten by the police, as did the rest of us. For fourteen
months, they waited. Patiently. Hopefully. They waited for the
system to work. When the verdict came in, they felt betrayed.
We all felt it hard to comprehend how the verdict could
possibly square with the video. Those civil rights leaders were
stunned. So was I. So was Barbara. So were my kids. But those
ashamed and angered by this outcome must understand: our system
of justice provides for the peaceful, orderly means of addressing
this frustration. There is a difference between frustration with
the law and direct assaults upon it.
There are two very different issues at hand. One is the
question of whether the civil rights of Rodney King were
violated. So let me tell you what actions we are taking on the
federal level to ensure that justice is served.
The verdict Wednesday was not the end of the process.
Within one hour of the verdict, the Justice Department launched
Indues
into high gear its own federal criminal investigation into the
King case.
, at undirection,
On Thursday Associate Attorney General Wayne Budd was
immediately dispatched to Los Angeles with five federal civil
rights division prosecutors. I have great confidence in (our
has demontrated 3
Justice Department ability to fully investigate a matter like
t
this. In the last
the Justice Department has successfully
prosecuted
of police violence cases. I'm compident that, :-
this case, the Department 1 hestice will act an it Phould.
The federal effort in this case will be swift -- and it will
be fair. It will not be driven by mob violence, but by respect
for due process and the rule of law.
We owe it to all Americans who put their faith in the law to
see that justice is served. But as we move forward on this or
any other case, we must remember the fundamental tenet of our
when
legal system: every American is entitled to his rights.
<
Beyond the question of civil rights, there is the urgent
A
need to restore order. a In the wake of the first night's
violence, I spoke directly with California Pete Wilson, and Los
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- to assess the situation, and to
offer assistance.
[[ Examples of federal assistance to L.A. community ]]
Right now, there are [1400] National Guardsmen on duty in
the City of Los Angeles. Another [1200] stand ready to provide
immediate support.
Today, to supplement this effort to restore order, I've
taken several additional actions. First, I have ordered the
Justice Department to dispatch [1000] Federal riot-trained law
enforcement officials to help restore order in Los Angeles --
beginning tonight. These officials include SWAT teams and riot
police, members of the Border Patrol and Bureau of Prisons and
the U.S. Marshall Service.
4
Second, another [750] Federal Law Enforcement officials are
on stand by alert should they be needed.
Third, I have authorized [4000] members of the 8th Infantry
to stand by at Fort Ord, California. In the event they are
needed, they are available for duty this evening as well. And in
the event these troops are sent in, I am prepared to Federalize
the National Guard.
We have seen images in the last 72 hours that we will never
forget. Some were horrifying almost beyond belief. But there
were other acts -- small, but significant acts in all this
ugliness that give us hope: People who have spent each night not
in the streets, but in the churches of east Los Angeles --
praying that man's gentler instincts be revealed in the hearts of
people driven by hate. Citizens who ignored the mob -- who at
great personal danger, helped the victims of violence --
regardless of race.
Among the many stories I've seen and heard about these past
few days, one sticks in my mind. The story of one savagely
beaten white truck driver -- alive tonight because four
strangers, four black strangers, came to his aid. Two were men
who had been watching the beating live on television, who came
out into the street to help if they could. One was a woman on
here way home from work -- the fourth, a young man whose name we
may never know. Together, those four people braved the mob and
drove that truck driver to the hospital. He is alive today --
only because they stepped in to help.
5
It is for every one of them that we must rebuild the
community of Los Angeles -- for these four people and the others
like them who in the midst of this nightmare acted with simple
human decency.
For their sake, for all our sakes: We must build a future
where in every city across this country, empty rage gives way to
hope -- where poverty and despair give way to opportunity. We
must keep on working to create a climate of understanding and
tolerance. We must not tolerate racism, bigotry, anti-semitism,
and hate of any kind, anytime, anywhere. Not over the dinner
table. Not in the boardroom. Not in the playground. Nowhere
This Sunday, I ask all Americans to lend their hearts and
their voices to the healing of hatred to a new harmony between
the races
Tonight, let me say to the people sickened by the spectacle
of the past few days -- to the good people of East Los Angeles,
caught at the center of this senseless terror: The violence will
end. Calm will return. Justice will be served.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
# # #
fundamental
American has priord they m
Virtues
L
Arrica
McGroarty
4/30/92 11 a.m.
PROPOSED TELEPHONE CALL TO COLUMBUS SCHOOL
I know you're having a great event -- and I wanted to take
this opportunity, even if only by telephone, to take part in the
celebration in some way.
Let me just say a few words about why I couldn't join you
today. / Last night, as many of you may know from talking to
your Moms and Dads, or from seeing it on TV, there was serious
violence in Los Angeles. Buildings were burned. People were
hurt. Some were killed. It started because people there were
angry about a very controversial court decision. What happened
was a great tragedy, not just for Los Angeles, but for this
country -- and I decided I needed to change my plans, stay at the
White House this morning to take some urgent actions before
coming to Columbus.
I think we can all understand the anger people in Los
Angeles felt -- but we can't stand by and watch the violence. We
can't stand by and watch people hurt one another. When something
is wrong -- when one person is hurt or harmed -- we cannot use it
as a reason to do wrong ourselves. When we give in to that kind
of anger -- once we start, there's no place to stop.
Let me make another point: Not everyone was involved in
what happened last night. I know that sometimes it may not look
that way when we see the reports on television. But many, many
people -- far more than took place in the street riots --
overcame their anger, obeyed the law, and refused to be a part of
the violence in the streets. There were people who helped some
of the victims of violence -- black people who came to the aid of
whites. There were fire-fighters -- black, white and Hispanic -
- who worked together to do their job, worked all night to put
out fires before more innocent people were hurt. There were
people who gathered at churches across Los Angeles to pray
together -- to help each other understand what was happening.
So when you talk about what happened with your parents or
your friends -- think of those people. Maybe you've heard your
parents or your teachers say -- in America, there should be no
place for discrimination. What they means is this: In America
there should be no place for hate -- just because someone is
different from you. ///
Again, let me say I am sorry I can't be there with you
today. But let me say hello to my good friend, everybody's
favorite Kindergarten Cop -- Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Congratulations, Arnold, on completing your 50 state tour -- and
I look forward to hearing all about your time today at Bluffsview
when you join me tomorrow at the White House for the Great
American Workout.
# # #
732
Apr. 29 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
Administration of George B
moment, we really did. And German unifica-
And may I suggest that we all raise our
approach this situation with
tion, which for so long seemed so far away,
glasses: To unity, to freedom, to the new
ance, and with the respect
so distant, was but one of the German mir-
Germany. And to the long life and good
all individuals under the Co
acles we've seen in our lifetimes.
health of our honored friend, President von
There is, of course, Germany's legendary
The United States Depa
Weizsäcker, and his wife, Mrs. von
will continue its criminal in
economic miracle. But I'm thinking of some-
Weizsäcker. To your health, sir, and to the
thing else, your country's moral revival, of
great friendship between Germany and the
police violence case in Los
the patience and spirit of reconciliation that
United States.
that the civil rights laws (
it took to create a climate of cooperation in
fully and equally applied.
a Europe burdened with bitterness.
of Justice has been monitori.
Note: The President spoke at 8:30 p.m. in
Just as Germany has transcended and tri-
the State Dining Room at the White House.
its inception, and as is cu
umphed over its past, so has the German-
kinds of situations, the Ju'
American relationship shed the burdens that
moved last night to acceler
were history's legacy. United Germany,
tion that it started several m
champion of a more united Europe, now
Statement on the Verdict in the Los
I have just met with the
stands as our partner in leadership. Together,
we have achieved our common goal of a Ger-
Angeles Police Trial
of the United States to cor
April 30, 1992
Government's legal course
many united in peace and freedom. But our
partnership did not end with that. To the
to review any other forms
contrary, now that we are free of the dangers
Yesterday's verdict in the Los Angeles po-
we should provide the State
and divisions of Europe's cold war con-
lice case has left us all with a deep sense
the city of Los Angeles. I al
frontation, the German-American partner-
of personal frustration and anguish. Yet it is
matters this morning with
ship has really just begun.
important that we respect the law and the
and Mayor Tom Bradley ai
The world around us has changed almost
legal processes that have been brought to
ior members of my admir
beyond recognition. And we cannot know
bear in this case. Today Los Angeles faces
concerned about any que:
precisely where these revolutionary changes
the aftermath of a terrible night of violence
police violence, and we
will take us. But this we do know: Our prin-
in which several people have lost their lives.
cerned about excessive pub
ciples have not changed, for they have been
Yet out of this rage we must find tolerance
for each other and adherence to the rule of
The murder and destruc
proven right. And we are confident, for our
shared values and unity of purpose have
law that protects the lives and property of
of Los Angeles last night a
everyone. I call upon all citizens to be calm
stopped. Lootings, beating:
guided us through our past and will continue
to guide us in our future.
and to abide by the law as the legal process
lence against innocent vict
Barbara and I speak proudly for this coun-
in this case continues. The civil rights of all
demned. Society cannot tc
try when we call on everyone here to cele-
Americans demand this respect.
behavior.
brate the promise our relationship holds. It's
I am meeting this morning with the Attor-
There are some princip
ney General of the United States to consider
a relationship that this city, led by the Ken-
this matter. We will work with Governor Wil-
behavior that should be rep
nedy Center, whose Mr. Jim Wolfensohn is
cumstances. First, we mu
with us tonight, is commemorating with an
son, Mayor Bradley, and others to ensure
that all appropriate steps will be taken to
spect for our legal system
unprecedented salute to 300 years of Ger-
maintain law and order and to ensure that
law and order. Second, W
man culture, a festival under our joint pa-
tronage.
the legal process proceeds with due delibera-
expect a police force that
tion.
zens and behaves in a res
Now, in that spirit of cultural excellence,
Third, in the American C
we have a present for you. There's a slogan
no room for bigotry and r:
in America, and it's particularly appropriate
we have responsibilities as
during a political year: If you want a friend,
get a dog. [Laughter] And so in the spirit
Remarks on Civil Disturbances in
mocracy.
of enduring friendship, we'll give you the
Los Angeles, California
I want everyone to know
translation-the German translation. And I
April 30, 1992
Government will continue
will now read it to you:
responsibilities in this case.
A tragic series of events have occurred in
[At this point, President Bush read the Ger-
Los Angeles that include frustration over a
Thank you very much.
man translation of "Millie's Book as Dictated
verdict, the wanton destruction of property,
to Barbara Bush" which he presented to
and the senseless death of several citizens in
Note: The President spoke
President von Weizsäcker.]
the last few hours. I urge all Americans to
the Briefing Room at the W
ih, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Apr. 30
733
ise our
approach this situation with calm, with toler-
Executive Order 12803-
he new
ance, and with the respect for the rights of
Infrastructure Privatization
d good
all individuals under the Constitution.
April 30, 1992
ent von
The United States Department of Justice
6. von
will continue its criminal investigation of the
By the authority vested in me as President
to the
police violence case in Los Angeles to ensure
by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit-
and the
ed States of America, and in order to ensure
that the civil rights laws of our Nation are
that the United States achieves the most ben-
fully and equally applied. The Department
eficial economic use of its resources, it is
of Justice has been monitoring this case since
p.m. in
hereby ordered as follows:
its inception, and as is customary in these
House.
kinds of situations, the Justice Department
Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of
moved last night to accelerate the investiga-
this order: (a) "Privatization" means the dis-
tion that it started several months ago.
position or transfer of an infrastructure asset,
such as by sale or by long-term lease, from
Los
I have just met with the Attorney General
a State or local government to a private party.
of the United States to consider the Federal
Government's legal course at this point and
(b) "Infrastructure asset" means any asset
to review any other forms of assistance that
financed in whole or in part by the Federal
Government and needed for the functioning
les po-
we should provide the State of California and
of the economy. Examples of such assets in-
sense
the city of Los Angeles. I also discussed these
clude, but are not limited to: roads, tunnels,
et it is
matters this morning with Governor Wilson
bridges, electricity supply facilities, mass
nd the
and Mayor Tom Bradley and with other sen-
transit, rail transportation, airports, ports, wa-
ght to
ior members of my administration. We are
terways, water supply facilities, recycling and
faces
concerned about any question of excessive
wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste
blence
police violence, and we are equally con-
disposal facilities, housing, schools, prisons,
r lives.
cerned about excessive public violence:
and hospitals.
erance
The murder and destruction in the streets
rule of
(c) "Originally authorized purposes"
erty of
of Los Angeles last night and today must be
means the general objectives of the original
3 calm
stopped. Lootings, beatings, and random vio-
grant program; however, the term is not in-
rocess
lence against innocent victims must be con-
tended to include every condition required
of all
demned. Society cannot tolerate this kind of
for a grantee to have obtained the original
behavior.
grant.
Attor-
There are some principles of law and of
(d) "Transfer price" means: (i) the amount
nsider
behavior that should be repeated in these cir-
paid or to be paid by a private party for an
r Wil-
cumstances. First, we must maintain a re-
infrastructure asset, if the asset is transferred
insure
spect for our legal system and a demand for
as a result of competitive bidding; or (ii) the
en to
law and order. Second, we have a right to
appraised value of an infrastructure asset, as
9 that
expect a police force that protects our citi-
determined by the head of the executive de-
libera-
zens and behaves in a responsible manner.
partment or agency and the Director of the
Third, in the American conscience there is
Office of Management and Budget, if the
no room for bigotry and racism. And fourth,
asset is not transferred as a result of competi-
we have responsibilities as citizens of this de-
tive bidding.
mocracy.
(e) "State and local governments" means
1
I want everyone to know that the Federal
the government of any State of the United
Government will continue to pursue its legal
States, the District of Columbia, any com-
responsibilities in this case.
monwealth, territory, or possession of the
ed in
United States, and any county, municipality,
Thank you very much.
city, town, township, local public authority,
ver a
school district, special district, intrastate dis-
perty,
ns in
Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. in
trict, regional or interstate governmental en-
ns to
the Briefing Room at the White House.
tity, council of governments, and any agency