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Knights of Columbus 8/5/92 [OA 5811]
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Knights of Columbus 8/5/92 [OA 5811]
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administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13634
Folder ID Number:
13634-006
Folder Title:
Knights of Columbus 8/5/92 [OA 5811]
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26
18
3
7
se Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 5
1381
es as Acting
Executive Order 12813-President's
AID, procure temporary and intermittent
r the Bureau
ent of State,
Commission on Management of the
services.
Agency for International
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Notwith-
veral positions
Development (AID) Programs
standing any other Executive order, the func-
ding Chief of
the Office of
August 4, 1992
tions of the President under the Federal Ad-
visory Committee Act, as amended, that are
ignments, Bu-
By the authority vested in me as President
applicable to the Commission, shall be per-
Deputy Chief
by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit-
formed by the Administrator of AID in ac-
1 Embassy in
ed States of America, and in order to estab-
cordance with the guidelines and procedures
); Deputy Di-
lish in accordance with the provisions of the
established by the Administrator of General
e Office of East
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amend-
Services.
fairs, 1983-86;
ed (5 U.S.C. App. 2), an advisory commission
(b) The Commission shall terminate not
the American
on the management of the Agency for Inter-
later than September 30, 1992.
gary, 1980-83;
national Development (AID) programs, it is
George Bush
tical Section at
hereby ordered as follows:
me, Italy, 1976-
Section 1. Establishment. There is estab-
The White House,
lished the "President's Commission on Man-
August 4, 1992.
from Princeton
agement of the Agency for International De-
was born March
velopment (AID) Programs" ("Commis-
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register,
Kuchel is mar-
sion"). The Commission shall comprise five
4:30 p.m., August 5, 1992]
resides in Wash-
members from the private sector appointed
Note: This Executive order was released by
by the President. The President shall des-
the Office of the Press Secretary on August
ignate the Chairman of the Commission from
5, and it was published in the Federal Reg-
among its members.
ister on August 7.
Sec. 2. Functions. The Commission shall
advise the Administrator of AID in the re-
E. Wallace To
view and implementation of recommenda-
ry of Labor
tions provided in the report to the President
Remarks to the Knights of Columbus
issued by the previous commission on man-
Supreme Council Convention in New
agement of AID programs (which was estab-
York City
ounced his inten-
lished by Public Law 101-513 and which ter-
August 5, 1992
Wallace, of New
minated on May 16, 1992). The Commission
retary of Labor for
shall also report to the Deputy Secretary of
Thank you very, very much for that warm
State on the progress made in implementing
welcome. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
and Training. He
the recommendations.
Collins III.
Please be seated, and thank you all. May I
Sec. 3. Administration. (a) To the extent
salute Virgil Dechant, my friend of long
: has served as the
permitted by law, the Administrator of AID
standing, and thank him for that most gener-
Veterans of For-
shall provide funding for the Commission.
ous welcome here. Your Eminence, Cardinal
ie served as senior
(b) Members of the Commission shall
O'Connor, it is a great pleasure, an honor,
in 1990 and junior
serve without any compensation for their
sir, to see you again. May I salute Cardinal
a 1989. In addition,
work on the Commission. While engaged in
Baum, Cardinal Gagnon, Bishop Daily; an-
d by Gov. Thomas
the work of the Commission, they shall be
other old friend, Ambassador Tom Melady,
puty commissioner
allowed travel expenses, including per diem
who is doing a superb job for our country,
rans affairs in New
in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law
representing us at the Vatican; and the cler-
for persons serving intermittently in the Gov-
gy; and ladies and gentlemen. May I salute
from Rutgers Uni-
ernment service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).
a man who used to be-whose house made
Fairleigh Dickinson
(c) The Administrator of AID shall provide
him a neighbor, Archbishop Cacciavillan,
on a reimbursable basis such administrative
Mr. Wallace served
from Washington, the Nuncio there, a good
services as the Chairman of the Commission
1967-69, and was
man, a good friend. Nice to see you. I'm glad
Hearts. He was
may request and the Administrator of AID
you're here, sir.
deems appropriate.
Wallace is married,
I have only one regret, Virgil. My timing
(d) To the extent permitted by law, the
was such that I did not hear the fitting and
in Milton, NJ.
Chairman may, through the Administrator of
warm and wonderful ovation that you gave
1382
Aug. 5 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
Mother Teresa yesterday. I understand it was
only recently in America have we seen the
really fantastic.
rise of legal theories and practices that reject
A report came across my desk the other
our Judeo-Christian tradition. Cardinal
day. It stated that most people in the West-
O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "in-
ern world "felt exceedingly gloomy about the
vasion of values." It's a deeply disturbing
future." It said that "institutions were decay-
trend, and it is diametrically opposed to my
ing, well-meaning people were growing cyni-
idea of the kind of change that's good for
cal." These are exact quotes.
our great country.
My first thought was that's what happens
Last month, just 12 blocks from here,
when people spend too much time watching
there was another convention. Now, I was
the evening news. [Laughter] I'm going to
very lucky, I did not-and this is the honest
pay for that one tonight on that first 20 sec-
truth—I didn't hear any of the speeches. I
onds. [Laughter] Just kidding, Dan. [Laugh-
was out fishing in Wyoming with Jim Baker.
ter]
But I understand one of the speakers, known
No, but what I was reading was not a re-
for his florid language, called me "the captain
port about 1992. It was a history of public
of the ship of state." I'm not sure he meant
attitudes in Europe in 1492. Public moods
it as a compliment, but believe me, as a Navy
are prone to change, of course. We know that
man at a Knights of Columbus convention,
the gloom of 1492 was not to last for long.
the term suits me just fine. [Laughter]
It was dispelled by the achievement of a man
I look at this office that you've entrusted
of humble birth, a man of vision, of courage,
with me as a lot of things, as more than man-
a man named Christopher Columbus.
aging the economy, more even than being
Now, I know that every speaker comes be-
Commander in Chief. I stake my claim to
fore you and says they identify with Colum-
a simple belief: The President should set the
bus. But I really mean it. Think about it. The
moral tone for this Nation.
guy was faced with questions at home about
All around us, we see evidence that Ameri-
whether his global efforts were worth a darn.
ca's moral compass has gone awry. We seem
Some critics wanted him to cut his voyage
to be moving away from the enduring idea
short. He even faced the threat of mutiny.
of taking responsibility for our actions. Our
[Laughter] And yet Columbus persevered
city newspapers are filled with stories of
and won; not a bad analogy in my view. So
drive-by shootings, the taking of human life
I know this isn't political. [Laughter] Now,
made more horrible by the awful anonymity
I admit, Columbus also had to worry at the
through which it is accomplished. Recently
time about a lack of wind. I don't have that
I read a story of a kid from a good neighbor-
problem with Congress. [Laughter]
hood charged in a gun store robbery. He told
This year, as in Columbus' time, we hear
the police who caught him, "It's not like I'm
a lot of talk about change. Sure, change is
a criminal. I'm on the dean's list."
natural. But maybe a better word for the
What is happening to America? As a Na-
United States of America is renewal because
tion, we face enormous challenges in edu-
the changes we need must be based on prin-
cation, crime, drugs. Yet each of them come
ciples that never change.
back to the challenge of pointing our moral
I think my parents were like yours: They
compass in the right direction. So I believe
brought me up to understand that our fun-
that a central issue of this election year
damental moral standards were established
should be, who do you trust to renew Ameri-
by Almighty God. They taught me that if you
ca's moral purpose? Who do you trust to fight
have something for yourself, you should give
for the ideas that will help rebuild our fami-
half to a friend. They taught me to take the
lies and restore our fundamental values?
blame when things go wrong and share the
I believe, and I've tried hard on this, I be-
credit when things go right. These ideas were
lieve I've earned your trust. I am committed
supported by society.
to fighting for ideas that help repair this great
Only recently-His Eminence and I were
Nation's moral fiber.
talking about, not in this detail, but talking
Welfare is one example. We all know that
about this subject just a few minutes ago-
our welfare system has literally destroyed the
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 5
1383
7 of George Bush, 1992
concept of personal responsibility, tearing
other private school parents have a fair share
rica have we seen the
families apart, with no incentives for people
of education benefits.
d practices that reject
to work and save and improve. I want some-
I believe that it's time to have the courage
tradition. Cardinal
thing different. I have fought for a new wel-
to fight for a different approach. Right now,
escribes this as an "in-
fare system that says "yes" to human poten-
if you want an alternative to public schools,
a deeply disturbing
tial.
you have to pay twice, first for tuition and
rically opposed to my
Today, as we speak, we are granting waiv-
again through taxes. A couple weeks ago I
lange that's good for
ers to States so they can change welfare rules,
was in Philadelphia, hosted by Cardinal
encourage families not to fall apart, not to
Bevilacqua. And a group of parents told me,
2 blocks from here,
vention. Now, I was
live apart, but to stick together. States are
"We want our kids to go to Catholic school,
and this is the honest
saying to recipients, either you get training,
but we just can't afford it." So my solution
y of the speeches. I
or you don't get a check. Some States are
is something called the "GI bill" for kids.
even going so far as to make a very tough
Like the original GI bill, my new approach
ming with Jim Baker.
the speakers, known
call of saying to parents, if you can't afford
offers scholarships or vouchers for students
another child, don't expect the taxpayer to
to take to any qualified school, not only pub-
alled me "the captain
n not sure he meant
pick up the added costs. Now, these are
lic schools but Bible schools, yeshivas, Catho-
tough choices. These are very tough choices,
lic parish schools. When it comes to schools,
elieve me, as a Navy
olumbus convention,
but they're all intended by the States to pro-
I say let the parents choose public, private,
e. [Laughter]
mote responsibility.
or religious.
What about promoting religion as a force
hat you've entrusted
The other side says they agree with the
ideas. But if you look close, some argue that
for good in our society? I'm reminded of the
s, as more than man-
story of a small boy who once began a prayer
're even than being
ultimately the only solution to welfare is a
this way: "God bless Mother and Daddy, my
: stake my claim to
guaranteed Government job for every recipi-
brother, my sister. And God," he said, "do
sident should set the
ent. I ask, is this any way to promote respon-
take care of yourself. If anything happens to
1.
sibility? If we guarantee everyone a Govern-
You, we're all sunk." [Laughter] Maybe
vidence that Ameri-
ment job, how can we reward initiative? Our
there's some doubts, but America is still the
(one awry. We seem
reforms may sound tough, but not as tough
most religious Nation on Earth. I want to
1 the enduring idea
as a lifetime of despondency and despair, a
strengthen our faith further.
or our actions. Our
lifetime that strips every recipient of his or
Again, there are wide differences. Some
ed with stories of
her dignity. Let's give people hope. Let's give
think it's okay to hand out condoms in
king of human life
them opportunity.
schools, but oppose amending our Constitu-
he awful anonymity
Let's take a look at education. We know
tion to allow our kids to put their hands to-
mplished. Recently
that to renew America, we literally must
gether to say a prayer. I disagree. I call again
m a good neighbor-
renew our schools. I happen to believe that
on the Congress to pass a constitutional
re robbery. He told
competition can be the greatest force for
amendment restoring voluntary prayer to our
m, "It's not like I'm
change in our schools in an entire century.
classrooms. The Senate opens its meeting
n's list."
The other side says they agree, almost. The
with a prayer. The House of Representatives
America? As a Na-
"almost" is what troubles me. Remember
opens its meeting with a prayer. Nobody
challenges in edu-
how old Henry Ford used to tell his cus-
doubts that they both need it. [Laughter] But
each of them come
tomers they could have any color Model T
let's allow the faith of our fathers back into
pointing our moral
that they wanted, so long as it was black.
those schools.
ction. So I believe
[Laughter] Well, the other side says their
And there's a national tragedy: More than
this election year
ideal is that parents could choose any school
a half a million abortions in this country every
st to renew Ameri-
for their kids, so long as it's run by the gov-
year. We know there's got to be a better way,
0 you trust to fight
ernment.
human alternatives like adoptions and absti-
rebuild our fami-
If you'll excuse one blatantly political com-
nence. Seven times I have ignored the polls
ental values?
ment in which you'll have to concede has so
and acted on what I believe is fundamental
hard on this, I be-
far been a nonpartisan, almost, speech-
principle and vetoed, as Virgil very gener-
I am committed
[laughter]-my opponent won the teachers
ously pointed out, abortion legislation. And
ip repair this great
union endorsement by saying he's "unalter-
I promise you again today, no matter the po-
ably opposed," those are his words, "unalter-
litical price, and they tell me in this year that
We all know that
ably opposed" to letting Catholic parents and
it's enormous, I am going to do what I think
ally destroyed the
1384
Aug. 5 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
is right. I am going to stand on my conscience
and Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-
and let my conscience be my guide when it
old adversaries to the peace table for the first
comes to matters. of life. [Applause] Thank
time. His Holiness Pope John Paul has spen
you very much.
many days and nights at work and in prayer
Here's something else that bothers me. In
for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
some places, a 13-year-old girl cannot get her
am President, I assure you I will do every-
ears pierced without parental permission,
thing I can to bring about that peace that
without bringing her mother and father
so many pray for.
along. But some believe that the same girl
And so, in conclusion, let me say this: This
should be able to get an abortion without
is the year of change, change, change. The
parental consent. I think most Americans be-
election will all be about change because
lieve this idea is crazy, and I'm going to fight
change really is the natural condition of our
to see that that doesn't happen.
land. This isn't something new. I believe that
So these issues, they all come up in an
now we've changed the world, we are poised
election year. They'll be part of campaigns
and ready to change America, to make Amer-
in the fall all across the country. Today I
ica even better. But we must keep something
make the same appeal to you that I'll make
important in mind. Now that our moral val-
to every voter. Look beneath the rhetoric.
ues are victorious around the globe, we can-
Take a look at the ideas to determine who
not and we will not abandon them at home.
has the courage to stand up for changes that
We didn't stand together to see coura-
are morally right for America. I'm going to
geous moral values rise in Russia only to be
take my case to the American people. And
ignored here at home. We did not sacrifice
if you're looking to restore America's moral
so that personal responsibility could triumph
fiber, why buy synthetic when you can get
in totalitarian regimes, only to become passé
real cotton? [Laughter]
here in this great Nation.
But I do believe America needs a leader
It's time to get back to some basic Amer
willing to do what's right, not merely what
ican values. So I am going to defend the prin-
is politically popular at the moment. No-
ciples for which you stand so firm. We will
where is it more clear in the decisions a
keep our sights on what's good in America.
President must make every day to build real
We will keep our focus on the potential in
peace, to establish freedom and democracy,
our families and, most of all, in our young
not the mere, simple absence of war.
people, in our kids. We'll keep a reliable
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all
compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
depended upon yourself, and pray as though
sailing trim, and as this Nation has so many
all depended on God." The practice of that
times before, we will sail on to shining new
motto conquered communism. Ceaseless
horizons.
prayer and tireless work halted the cold war
Thank you. May God bless you and our
and spared us from the catastrophe of a third
beloved country, the United States of Amer-
world war. Believers behind the Iron Curtain
ica. Thank you very much.
defied persecution; believers in the West de-
fied indifference.
Note: The President spoke at 11:04 a.m. at
Over four decades, our servicemen
the Marriott Marquis Hotel. In his remarks,
trained, our taxpayers paid $4 trillion to keep
he referred to Virgil C. Dechant, Supreme
our defenses strong. As a consequence, the
Knight, Knights of Columbus; John Cardinal
Iron Curtain is no more, and our kids no
O'Connor, Archbishop of New York; William
longer go to bed at night worrying about that
Cardinal Baum, Patrimony of the Holy See;
dreadful specter of nuclear war. But while
Edouard Cardinal Gagnon, president, Pon-
the Soviet bear is no more, there are still
tifical Committee for International Eucha-
plenty of wolves in the woods. When we
ristic Congresses; Thomas Daily, Bishop of
faced our first big challenge after the cold
Brooklyn; Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan,
war, we didn't shrink. We stood up to
Papal Nuncio; Mother Teresa of Calcutta,
Saddam's aggression and expelled him from
founder and superior of the Missionaries of
Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel
Charity; Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua,
of George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 5
1385
we've brought age-
Archbishop of Philadelphia; and Dan Rather,
The American vet deserves safe streets, a
ace table for the first
CBS News.
sound economy, strong families, a world at
3 John Paul has spen
peace. You believe, and I agree, America
t work and in prayer
should serve those who served their country.
e East. As long as I
That's why my administration has not
you I will do every-
Remarks to the Disabled American
wavered in our commitment to you and your
bout that peace that
Veterans National Convention in
families. We must change our health care
Reno, Nevada
system in this Nation, and we will. But let
, let me say this: This
August 5, 1992
me be clear: We will not change our commit-
change, change. The
ment to the integrity of veterans health care.
out change because
Let me tell you that it is a great pleasure
No program is going to change that.
ural condition of our
to renew old ties, greet new friends. And of
If, in all this talk about change, Congress
ng new. I believe that
course, I want to thank Cleveland Jordan for
sends me legislation to dismantle the VA sys-
world, we are poised
the introduction. He said he persuaded me
tem, I will whip out my veto pen and knock
erica, to make Amer-
to come. This man's tough; you get the arm
down that incoming Scud missile, that Scud
must keep something
up behind the back, twist the elbow here,
missile aimed right at your very well-being.
V that our moral val-
and here I am. And I am very, very pleased.
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close,
d the globe, we can-
Sorry that I missed the other one, but de-
I'll say not three, not two, not one. If anyone
endon them at home.
lighted to be at your side and congratulate
again suggests taxing your benefits, I'll say
gether to see coura-
you on your service to this wonderful national
what I have said before: Don't take it from
in Russia only to be
organization.
our veterans.
We did not sacrifice
Butch Joeckel greeted me earlier, the na-
Now, I know you're concerned about hav-
sibility could triumph
tional adjutant; Jesse Brown, the national ex-
ing your voice heard as the Washington bu-
only to become passé
ecutive director of the DAV. And of course,
reaucracy debates your health care future. So
I want to single out and salute a man who's
just yesterday I created a special panel there
to some basic Amer
helped me enormously, Ed Derwinski, our
in the White House to guarantee your leader-
ng to defend the prin-
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. And may I also
ship's involvement. We will listen, and we
and so firm. We will
mention Robin Higgins. Cleve most appro-
will act to stand by those who stood up for
it's good in America.
priately mentioned Colonel Higgins, and I
America.
S on the potential in
want to salute her here. And thanks to all
I am very proud of the progress that we've
of all, in our young
of you who represent America's disabled vet-
made together. Your leadership has sen-
Ve'll keep a reliable
erans, their families, their survivors; they're
sitized all of us, brought the problems to us,
ship of state in finest
fully 1.4 million strong.
worked cooperatively when there were dif-
Nation has so many
I was just asking Joe about the vintage of
ficulties. I can't tell you how much coopera-
ail on to shining new
some of you all. And I must say, looking out
tion we've had. But they've never held back,
at the audience, and I don't want to put ev-
saying we must do this, we must do that.
od bless you and our
erybody in this category, a lot come out of
They've been strong leaders.
nited States of Amer-
the same war that I was in. And I don't want
We have created specialized centers. We
ch.
to say that you're old guys or women, but
funded new outpatient clinics and moved
nevertheless-[laughter]-you kind of make
more resources into VA medical care, too.
oke at 11:04 a.m. at
me feel at home here. So I'll leave it there.
I also am proud of how we have built on
Hotel. In his remarks,
But I also want to bring you best wishes
these beginnings. Two years ago we passed
). Dechant, Supreme
from a great friend and fan of yours named
the Americans with Disabilities Act. That is
imbus; John Cardinal
Barbara. She and I were talking about cool-
the most sweeping civil rights legislation
of New York; William
ness under fire. I told her, the more I'm criti-
since the sixties. And it will help the disabled
wny of the Holy See;
cized, the more I turn it into humor. You
enter the mainstream, and it's just about time
non, president, Pon-
know her; she said, "The rate you're going,
that this country did that.
International Eucha-
you'll soon be funnier than Johnny Carson."
Three years ago, as Cleve mentioned, I was
nas Daily, Bishop of
[Laughter]
on my way to address this convention, your
\gostino Cacciavillan,
Last September, I was very honored to be
convention. You know what changed my
Teresa of Calcutta,
with many here, but honored to attend your
plans. It concerned a husband, a father, an
of the Missionaries of
salute to the Persian Gulf veterans. Today,
American hero. And again, with us today is
Cardinal Bevilacqua,
I'm proud to salute the American veteran.
the wife of Colonel Rich Higgins, Major
Document No. 34240155
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: AUGUST 4, 1992 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, NEW YORK MARRIOTT
MARQUIS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
McGROARTY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
4 P1:30
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVE PROVOST
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN
ID
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS TO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m., you will deliver
remarks to an audience of 2,200 members of the Knights of
Columbus at their 110th Annual Supreme Council Convention at the
Marriott Marquis in New York city.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 15 minutes / teleprompter),
follow the theme that change must be based on principles that
never change, such as family and personal responsibility. This
theme is tied to the issues of welfare, education, school prayer
and abortion. The sound bite of the day is: when it comes. to
restoring America's moral fiber, why choose synthetics when you
can get real cotton?
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 4, 1992
Draft Eight
Knights.2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m.
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal
'Connor; reverend clergy; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about Nineteen
ninety-two. It was a history of public attitudes in Europe in
Fourteen ninety-two! 11
Public moods are prone to change, of course. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Now I know that every speaker comes before you and says they
identify with Columbus. But I really mean it.
Think about it. The guy was faced with questions at home
about whether his global efforts were worth a darn. Some critics
2
wanted him to cut his voyage short. He even faced the threat of
mutiny. And yet Columbus perservered and won -- (not a bad
analogy, huh?)
Now I admit
Columbus also had to combat food shortages
and hurricanes -- which I don't face at all. But then again, did
Columbus ever have to deal with Congress?
This year, as in Columbus's time -- we hear a lot of talk
about change. And sure, change is natural. But maybe a better
word is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change. 11
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that our fundamental moral standards were established
by Almighty God. They taught me that if you have something for
yourself, you should give half to a friend. They taught me to
take the blame when things go wrong and share the credit when
things go right. These ideas were supported by society.
Only recently in America have we seen the rise of legal
theories and practices that reject our Judeo-Christian tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country.
Last month, just 12 blocks from here, there was another
convention. Now, I didn't hear any of those speeches -- I was up
in the mountains fishing. But I understand one of the speakers,
known for his florid language, called me "the captain of the ship
3
of state. " I'm not sure the guy meant it as a compliment, but
believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine. 11
I look at this office you have entrusted me with as more
than managing the economy -- more even than being Commander in
Chief. I stake my claim to a simple belief -- the President
should set the moral tone for this nation.
All around us, we see evidence that America's moral compass
has gone awry. We seem to be moving away from the enduring idea
of taking responsibility for our actions.
Our city newspapers are filled with stories of drive-by
shootings -- the taking of human life made more horrible by the
awful anonymity through which it is accomplished. And recently I
read a story of a kid from a good neighborhood charged with gun-
running. He told the police -- "it's not like I'm a criminal,
I'm on the Dean's list. //
What is happening to America? As a nation -- we face
enormous challenges in education, crime, drugs -- yet each of
them come back to the challenge of pointing our moral compass in
the right direction.
So I believe that a central issue of this election should be
-- who do you trust to renew America's moral purpose? Who do you
trust to fight for the ideas that will help rebuild our families
and restore our fundamental values?
On this -- as in so many other issues -- the other side is
talking a good game, saying the right words -- and yet when you
4
get down to specifics, I wonder if their commitment is to do
what's right to win an election, or to do what's right to win
back America?
Look at welfare.
We all know that our welfare system has destroyed the
concept of responsibility -- tearing families apart, with no
incentives for people to work and save and improve.
I want something different -- I have fought for a new
welfare system that says yes to people's lives.
Today, as we speak, states are changing welfare rules to
encourage families to stick together, not fall apart. They
are saying to recipients -- either you get training, or you
don't get a check. They are even going so far as to make the
tough call of saying to single mothers -- if you can't afford
another child, don't expect the taxpayer to pick up the added
costs.
These are tough choices, but they are all intended to
promote responsibility.
The other side says they agree with us. But if you look
close, they argue that the ultimate solution to welfare is to
gaurantee a government job for every recipient.
And I ask -- is this any way to promote responsibility? If
we guarantee everyone a government job -- how can we reward
initiative? -- how can we reward industry? -- how can we break
the cycles of dependency and despair?
5
Look at education. We know that renewing education depends
on giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kid's schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone will be fooled. Remember
how old Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they could have
any color Model T they wanted -- so long as it's black? Well,
the other side says their ideal is that parents could choose any
school for their kids -- so long as it's run by the government.
11 My opponent won the teachers union endorsement by saying he's
"unalterably opposed" -- those are his words, "unalterably
opposed" -- to letting Catholic parents and other private school
parents have a fair share of education benefits.
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for Kids.
\
Right now, if you want an alternative to public schools, you
have to pay twice -- first for tuition and again through taxes.
A couple weeks ago, I was in Philadelphia. A group of parents
told me, "we want our kids to go to Catholic school, but we just
can't afford it. So my solution is the G.I. Bill. Like the
original G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers
for students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish
schools. The principle is basic. When it comes to schools, let
the parents choose! 11
What about promoting religion as a force for good in our
society. I'm reminded of the story about a small boy who once
began a prayer this way: "God bless mother and daddy, my brother
6
and sister. And, God, " he said, "do take care of yourself. If
anything happens to you, we're all sunk."
America
is
still
the
most religious nation on earth, and I want to strengthen our
faith further. The other side gathered here in New York and
crammed 10,000 letters into their party platform. I probably
would have found room for three simple letters --- "G-O-D."/
The other side thinks it's fine to hand-out condoms in school but
not to put your hands together to say a prayer. I disagree. I
call again on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms. Let's allow the
faith of our Fathers back into our schools.
And there's a national tragedy: more than a million and a
half abortions in this country every year. We know there must be
a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear to humane and
responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like abstinence. Six
times I have ignored the polls and acted on principle -- and
vetoed abortion legislation. And I promise again to you today,
no matter the political price, I will stand on conscience, I will
turn away any abortion-on demand legislation. //
As you look at all these issues, a clear pattern emerges.
Both sides talk about restoring values like personal
responsibility, but only one side has the courage to take a
stand.
So the question is -- Who do you trust: those with the
courage to stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or
7
the side that talks a good game -- but whose record and example
make a mockery of their words?
Let me be clear to the American people. If you're looking
to restore America's moral fiber, why buy synthetic, when you can
get real cotton?
This is the choice we face. Nowhere is it more clear in the
decisions a President must make every day to build real peace: to
establish freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third world war. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the threat of nuclear war.
But while the Russian bear is no more, there are still
plenty of wolves in the woods. When we faced our first big
challenge after the Cold War, we didn't shrink. We stood up to
Saddam's aggression and expelled him from Kuwait. We protected
the people of Israel and Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-
old adversaries to the peace table for the first time. His
Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many days and nights at work
and in prayer for peace in the Middle East. As long as I am
8
President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring about
that peace that so many pray for. 11
Here's the case I will be taking to the American people:
Now that we have changed the world, we can change America. But
we must keep something in mind. Now that our moral values are
victorious around the globe -- we cannot and we will not abandon
them at home!
Let the other side traffic in trendy and transitory moral
fashions, I'll stick to 100 percent family values. I'm going to
defend the principles for which you stand so firm. \ We'll keep
our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our focus on
the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep a
reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest sailing
trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVE PROVOST
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN DPD
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS TO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m., you will deliver
remarks to an audience of 2,200 members of the Knights of
Columbus at their 110th Annual Supreme Council Convention at the
Marriott Marquis in New York City.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 15 minutes / teleprompter),
follow the theme that change must be based on principles that
never change, such as family and personal responsibility. This
theme is tied to the issues of welfare, education, school prayer
and abortion. The sound bite of the day is: when it comes to
restoring America's moral fiber, why choose synthetics when you
can get real cotton?
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 4, 1992
Draft Eight
Knights.2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m.
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal
O'Connor; reverend clergy; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about Nineteen
ninety-two. It was a history of public attitudes in Europe in
Fourteen ninety-two! 11
Public moods are prone to change, of course. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11.
Now I know that every speaker comes before you and says they
identify with Columbus. But I really mean it.
Think about it. The guy was faced with questions at home
about whether his global efforts were worth a darn. Some critics
2
wanted him to cut his voyage short. He even faced the threat of
mutiny. And yet Columbus perservered and won -- (not a bad
analogy, huh?)
Now I admit
Columbus also had to combat food shortages
and hurricanes -- which I don't face at all. But then again, did
Columbus ever have to deal with Congress?
This year, as in Columbus's time -- we hear a lot of talk
about change. And sure, change is natural. But maybe a better
word is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change. 11
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that our fundamental moral standards were established
by Almighty God. They taught me that if you have something for
yourself, you should give half to a friend. They taught me to
take the blame when things go wrong and share the credit when
things 'go right. These ideas were supported by society.
Only recently in America have we seen the rise of legal
theories and practices that reject our Judeo-Christian tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values.' " It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month, just 12 blocks from here, there was another
convention. Now, I didn't hear any of those speeches -- I was up
in the mountains fishing. But I understand one of the speakers,
known for his florid language, called me "the captain of the ship
3
of state. " I'm not sure the guy meant it as a compliment, but
believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine. 11
I look at this office you have entrusted me with as more
than managing the economy -- more even than being Commander in
Chief. I stake my claim to a simple belief -- the President
should set the moral tone for this nation.
All around us, we see evidence that America's moral compass
has gone awry. We seem to be moving away from the enduring idea
of taking responsibility for our actions.
Our city newspapers are filled with stories of drive-by
shootings -- the taking of human life made more horrible by the
awful anonymity through which it is accomplished. And recently I
read a story of a kid from a good neighborhood charged with gun-
running. He told the police -- "it's not like I'm a criminal,
I'm on the Dean's list. "//
What is happening to America? As a nation -- we face
enormous challenges in education, crime, drugs -- yet each of
them come back to the challenge of pointing our moral compass in
the right direction.
So I believe that a central issue of this election should be
-- who do you trust to renew America's moral purpose? Who do you
trust to fight for the ideas that will help rebuild our families
and restore our fundamental values?
On this -- as in so many other issues -- the other side is
talking a good game, saying the right words -- and yet when you
4
get down to specifics, I wonder if their commitment is to do
what's right to win an election, or to do what's right to win
back America?
Look at welfare.
We all know that our welfare system has destroyed the
concept of responsibility -- tearing families apart, with no
incentives for people to work and save and improve.
I want something different -- I have fought for a new
welfare system that says yes to people's lives.
Today, as we speak, states are changing welfare rules to
encourage families to stick together, not fall apart. They
are saying to recipients -- either you get training, or you
don't get a check. They are even going so far as to make the
tough call of saying to single mothers -- if you can't afford
another child, don't expect the taxpayer to pick up the added
costs.
These are tough choices, but they are all intended to
promote responsibility.
The other side says they agree with us. But if you look
close, they argue that the ultimate solution to welfare is to
gaurantee a government job for every recipient.
And I ask -- is this any way to promote responsibility? If
we guarantee everyone a government job -- how can we reward
initiative? -- how can we reward industry? -- how can we break
the cycles of dependency and despair?
5
Look at education. We know that renewing education depends
on giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kid's schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone will be fooled. Remember
how old Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they could have
any color Model T they wanted -- so long as it's black? Well,
the other side says their ideal is that parents could choose any
school for their kids -- so long as it's run by the government.
11 My opponent won the teachers union endorsement by saying he's
"unalterably opposed" -- those are his words, "unalterably
opposed" -- to letting Catholic parents and other private school
parents have a fair share of education benefits. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for Kids.
\ Right now, if you want an alternative to public schools, you
have to pay twice -- first for tuition and again through taxes.
A couple weeks ago, I was in Philadelphia. A group of parents
told me, "we want our kids to go to Catholic school, but we just
can't afford it." So my solution is the G.I. Bill. Like the
original G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers
for students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish
schools. The principle is basic. When it comes to schools, let
the parents choose! 11
What about promoting religion as a force for good in our
society. I'm reminded of the story about a small boy who once
began a prayer this way: "God bless mother and daddy, my brother
6
and sister. And, God, " he said, "do take care of yourself. If
anything happens to you, we're all sunk."
America is still the
most religious nation on earth, and I want to strengthen our
faith further. The other side gathered here in New York and
crammed 10,000 letters into their party platform. I probably
would have found room for three simple letters -- "G-O-D."/
The other side thinks it's fine to hand-out condoms in school but
not to put your hands together to say a prayer. I disagree. I
call again on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms. Let's allow the
faith of our Fathers back into our schools. 11
And there's a national tragedy: more than a million and a
half abortions in this country every year. We know there must be
a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear to humane and
responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like abstinence. Six
times I have ignored the polls and acted on principle -- and
vetoed abortion legislation. And I promise again to you today,
no matter the political price, I will stand on conscience, I will
turn away any abortion-on demand legislation. //
As you look at all these issues, a clear pattern emerges.
Both sides talk about restoring values like personal
responsibility, but only one side has the courage to take a
stand.
So the question is -- Who do you trust: those with the
courage to stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? Or
7
the side that talks a good game -- but whose record and example
make a mockery of their words?
Let me be clear to the American people. If you're looking
to restore America's moral fiber, why buy synthetic, when you can
get real cotton?
This is the choice we face. Nowhere is it more clear in the
decisions a President must make every day to build real peace: to
establish freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third world war. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the threat of nuclear war.
But while the Russian bear is no more, there are still
plenty of wolves in the woods. When we faced our first big
challenge after the Cold War, we didn't shrink. We stood up to
Saddam's aggression and expelled him from Kuwait. We protected
the people of Israel and Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-
old adversaries to the peace table for the first time. His
Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many days and nights at work
and in prayer for peace in the Middle East. As long as I am
8
President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring about
that peace that so many pray for. 11
Here's the case I will be taking to the American people:
Now that we have changed the world, we can change America. But
we must keep something in mind. Now that our moral values are
victorious around the globe -- we cannot and we will not abandon
them at home!
Let the other side traffic in trendy and transitory moral
fashions, I'll stick to 100 percent family values. I'm going to
defend the principles for which you stand so firm. \ We'll keep
our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our focus on
the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep a
reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest sailing
trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVE PROVOST
FROM:
JOSEPH P. DUGGAN IPD
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS TO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m., you will deliver
remarks to an audience of 2,200 members of the Knights of
Columbus at their 110th Annual Supreme Council Convention at the
Marriott Marquis in New York City.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 15 minutes / teleprompter),
follow the theme that change must be based on principles that
never change, such as family and personal responsibility. This
theme is tied to the issues of welfare, education, school prayer
and abortion.
as of 8:45 pm 4 Aug. 1992
JD
*** w/ACKS
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 4, 1992
Draft Eight
Knights.2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m.
Thank you, Virgil Dechant [DECK-ant]. Your Eminence,
Cardinal O'Connor; Cardinal Law; Cardinal Hickey; Ambassador
Meladay; Attorney General Barr; Bishop Daily; reverend clergy;
ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about Nineteen
ninety-two. It was a history of public attitudes in Europe in
Fourteen ninety-two! 11
Public moods are prone to change, of course. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Now I know that every speaker comes before you and says they
identify with Columbus. But I really mean it.
Think about it. The guy was faced with questions at home
about whether his global efforts were worth a darn. Some critics
wanted him to cut his voyage short. He even faced the threat of
2
mutiny. And yet Columbus persevered and won -- (not a bad
analogy, huh?)
Now I admit
Columbus also had to worry about a lack of
wind -- I don't have that problem. I have Congress. 11
This year, as in Columbus's time -- we hear a lot of talk
about change. And sure, change is natural. But maybe a better
word is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change. 11
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that our fundamental moral standards were established
by Almighty God. They taught me that if you have something for
yourself, you should give half to a friend. They taught me to
take the blame when things go wrong and share the credit when
things go right. These ideas were supported by society.
Only recently in America have we seen the rise of legal
theories and practices that reject our Judeo-Christian tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month, just 12 blocks from here, there was another
convention. Now, I didn't hear any of those speeches -- I was up
in the mountains fishing. But I understand one of the speakers,
known for his florid language, called me "the captain of the ship
of state. " 11 I'm not sure the guy meant it as a compliment, but
3
believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine. 11
I look at this office you have entrusted me with as more
than managing the economy -- more even than being Commander in
Chief. I stake my claim to a simple belief -- the President
should set the moral tone for this nation.
All around us, we see evidence that America's moral compass
has gone awry. We seem to be moving away from the enduring idea
of taking responsibility for our actions.
Our city newspapers are filled with stories of drive-by
shootings -- the taking of human life made more horrible by the
awful anonymity through which it is accomplished. And recently I
read a story of a kid from a good neighborhood charged in a gun
store robbery. He told the police -- "it's not like I'm a
criminal, I'm on the Dean's list."//
What is happening to America? As a nation -- we face
enormous challenges in education, crime, drugs -- yet each of
them come back to the challenge of pointing our moral compass in
the right direction.
So I believe that a central issue of this election should be
-- who do you trust to renew America's moral purpose? Who do you
trust to fight for the ideas that will help rebuild our families
and restore our fundamental values?
On this -- as in so many other issues -- the other side is
talking a good game, saying the right words -- and yet when you
get down to specifics, I wonder if their commitment is to do
4
what's right to win an election, or to do what's right to win
back America?
Look at welfare.
We all know that our welfare system has destroyed the
concept of responsibility -- tearing families apart, with no
incentives for people to work and save and improve.
I want something different -- I have fought for a new
welfare system that says yes to people's lives.
Today, as we speak, states are changing welfare rules to
encourage families to stick together, not fall apart. They are
saying to recipients -- either you get training, or you don't get
a check. They are even going so far as to make the tough call of
saying to single mothers -- if you can't afford another child,
don't expect the taxpayer to pick up the added costs.
These are tough choices, but they are all intended to
promote responsibility.
The other side says they agree with us. But if you look
close, they argue that the ultimate solution to welfare is to
guarantee a government job for every recipient.
And I ask -- is this any way to promote responsibility? If
we guarantee everyone a government job -- how can we reward
initiative? -- how can we reward industry? -- how can we break
the cycles of dependency and despair?
Look at education. We know that renewing education depends
on giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kid's schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
5
of parents, but I don't think anyone will be fooled. Remember
how old Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they could have
any color Model T they wanted -- so long as it was black? Well,
the other side says their ideal is that parents could choose any
school for their kids -- so long as it's run by the government.
11 My opponent won the teachers union endorsement by saying he's
"unalterably opposed" -- those are his words, "unalterably
opposed" -- to letting Catholic parents and other private school
parents have a fair share of education benefits. 11
My plan is different -- I call it the G.I. Bill for Kids. \
Right now, if you want an alternative to public schools, you have
to pay twice -- first for tuition and again through taxes. A
couple weeks ago, I was in Philadelphia. A group of parents told
me, "we want our kids to go to Catholic school, but we just can't
afford it." So my solution is the G.I. Bill. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish
schools. The principle is basic. When it comes to schools, let
the parents choose! 11
What about promoting religion as a force for good in our
society. I'm reminded of the story about a small boy who once
began a prayer this way: "God bless mother and daddy, my brother
and sister. And, God," he said, "do take care of yourself. If
anything happens to you, we're all sunk." America is still the
most religious nation on earth, and I want to strengthen our
6
faith further. The other side gathered here in New York and
crammed 10,000 words into their party platform. I would have
found room for three simple letters -- "G-O-D."/ The other side
thinks it's fine to hand-out condoms in school but not to put
your hands together to say a prayer. I disagree. I call again
on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment restoring
voluntary prayer to our classrooms. Let's allow the faith of our
Fathers back into our schools. 11
And there's a national tragedy: more than a million and a
half abortions in this country every year. We know there must be
a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear to humane and
responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like abstinence.
Seven times I have ignored the polls and acted on principle --
and vetoed abortion legislation. And I promise you again today,
no matter the political price, I will stand on conscience, I will
turn away any abortion-on demand legislation. //
As you look at all these issues, a clear pattern emerges.
Both sides talk about restoring values like personal
responsibility, but only one side has the courage to take a
stand.
So the question is -- Who do you trust: those with the
courage to stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or
the side that talks a good game -- but whose record and example
make a mockery of their words?
7
Let me be clear to the American people. If you're looking
to restore America's moral fiber, why buy synthetic, when you can
get real cotton?
This is the choice we face. Nowhere is it more clear in the
decisions a President must make every day to build real peace: to
establish freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third world war. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the threat of nuclear war.
But while the Soviet bear is no more, there are still plenty
of wolves in the woods. When we faced our first big challenge
after the Cold War, we didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam's
aggression and expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people
of Israel and Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old
adversaries to the peace table for the first time. His Holiness,
Pope John Paul, has spent many days and nights at work and in
prayer for peace in the Middle East. As long as I am President,
I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring about that peace
that so many pray for.
8
Here's the case I will be taking to the American people:
Now that we have changed the world, we can change America. But
we must keep something in mind. Now that our moral values are
victorious around the globe -- we cannot and we will not abandon
them at home!
Let the other side traffic in trendy and transitory moral
fashions, I'll stick to 100 percent family values. I'm going to
defend the principles for which you stand so firm. \ We'll keep
our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our focus on
the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep a
reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest sailing
trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
600
34240155
nent No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6022
DATE: August 3, 1992
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 9:00 am TUES. ,
AUGUST 4, 1992
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, NEW YORK MARRIOTT
MARQUIS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
NICE
X MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
x
PROVOST
CALIO
NIL
SMITH
N/C
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY 6257
KAUFMAN
we Liberman
HOLIDAY N/C
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Room 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NOT LATER THAN 9:00 A.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th.
called at 9AM. called at 10AM mc
RESPONSE:
TO: DANIEL B. MCGROARTY
August 3, 1992
€0:80 to 7nr 26
The NSC staff concurs in the proposed presidential remarks.
B
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
Brent Scowcroft
and Staff Secretary
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
2 AUG 3 P12: 47
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future.' It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was / not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno. "))
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. 11 Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility. 11
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want. 11
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America.
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? Or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong.
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN McGROARTY
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
R&P
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Knights of Columbus
We have reviewed the attached remarks and have noted a few
suggested changes on the draft.
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we may
help in any other way.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
80:2d to GULD 26
Due Dack 8/4/92 by
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno. )
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
L #:6844 459 202
2045562218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:06AM ;
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. Personal responsibility - -- among the
Z #:6844 459 202
2025662218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:06AM ;
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
E #:66:# 459 202
2025662218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:07AM ;
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic
J
SYSTEM
MOVE FORWARD WITH
of I welfare Vand let our statesV innovate to reward people like
Sandra TO reward work and responsibility.
IONS
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old I
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the AQ public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
USE ATg
or
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want. 11
P
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
V #:6844 459 202
2025562218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:07AM ;
5
divide. (A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
? IS ?
there must be a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
G #:6844 456 202
2025562218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 ;10:08AM ;
6
of America. 11
on each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
9 #:68:4 456 202
2025662218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 ;10:08AM ;
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms I
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong. 11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
L #:6844 459 202
2025562218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:09AM ;
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trime We AND 11 navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
8 #:6844 459 202
2025562218
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8- 4-92 :10:09AM ;
7739
Due back by 10AM
8/4/92
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno.
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values. It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure.
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call. "
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility.
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want. 11
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America.
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for.
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong.
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno." )
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country.
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call. "
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility.
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want.
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools.
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America. 11
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong. 11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE:
8/3/92
TO:
Dan McGroarty
FROM: GREG FITCH
Office of Public Liaison
Room 196, OEOB, x7142
130
7120
FYI
Appropriate Action
Joe M please
Let's Discuss
Per Our Conversation
Read.
Per Your Request
will
Please Return
COMMENTS:
A great, hard hitting speech - but
one concern I thought I'd share
w/yon: "The other side refuses to
let the for. of PA present a pro-life
Niew at his own party's convention."
Doyor think the media or pro choices
world pounce this sentence
Have we allowed pro-choicers to
beheard at our own platform
discussion, and upcoming convention?
owill they beat The
I'm just wondering whether themedia
and pro-choice advocates "hypecracy," will leap
on this statement, conyings and in the process
divert cause attention from the Presidents
to be diverted
strong pro-life record- -
Gres
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
03-Aug-1992 03:33pm
TO:
(See Below)
FROM:
Drucillia S. Scaling
Office of Communications
SUBJECT: REVISED KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS comments due 9:00am Tuesday
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights.2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno. )
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country.
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing --- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. 11 Personal responsibility -- among the
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility. 11
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want.
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools.
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
of America. 11
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? Or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong. 11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
DISTRIBUTION:
TO: Sharon M. Botwin
TO: Kris M. Dee
TO: Drucillia S. Scaling
TO: Andrew Ferguson
TO: Elizabeth M. Hinchliffe
TO: Joseph P. Duggan
TO: Janice S. Crouse
TO: Carol B. Aarhus
TO: Jean M. Bunton
TO: Gary J. Gershowitz
TO: Jennifer A. Grossman
TO: Susan M. Nix
TO: Edward J. Walters
TO: Clifford T. Alderman
TO: Donna L. Barron
TO: John A. Cline
TO: Mark Frantz
TO: Margaret M. Jonas
TO: Barbara B. Kilberg
TO: Helen R. Mobley
TO: James J. Snyder
TO: Mary T. Woods
TO: Gregory H. Fitch
TO: Clayton S. Fong
TO: Cecile B. Kremer
TO: Leigh A. Metzger
TO: Kathryn E. Rust
TO: Lindley H. White
TO: William B. Caldwell
TO: Susan R. Denniston
TO: Walter C. Hazlitt
TO: Jane B. BARNETT
TO: Molly P. Osborne
TO: Shiree Sanchez
TO: C. James Schaefer
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno."))
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values." It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country.
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility. 11
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want. 11
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America.
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong.
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL WRITERS
FROM:
DAN MC GROARTY omr
SUBJECT:
APPLAUSE LINES
As an exercise to help us strengthen the dead spots, a new
SOP: Each writer should add to the file in 122 a copy of each
staffed speech marked for expected applause lines.
UNCLASSIFIED
WHITE HOUSE
SITUATION ROOM
PRECEDENCE. IMMEDIATE
PRIORITY
RELEASER: Bhyler
ROUTINE
DTG: 03/704AM692
MESSAGE NO.
07
UNCLASSIFIED
CLASSIFICATION
PAGES 8
FROM DAN MCGROARTY (Name)
2930
122
(Phone Number)
(Room No.)
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
kofc SPEECH
LOCATION
DELIVER TO
AF /
CHRISTINA MARTIN
AF /
STEVE PROVOST
JACKSONVillE, ,FL FL
"
REMARKS:
WENT TO SAFFING
JB
UNCLASSIFIED
:
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
fungrator
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
you're youb to
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you 11 soon be
funnier than Jay Leno."))
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values.' It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
I'm not meant Has complition
"the captain of the ship of state. He didn't mean- it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. 11 Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
letters
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
G-O-D.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call.
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility. 11
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- SO long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
if that is what parents want. 11
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives --- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America,
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong. 11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America --- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
34240155
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
32 AUG 4 A10:
11
DATE: August 3, 1992
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 9:00 am TUES
,
AUGUST 4, 1992
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, NEW YORK MARRIOTT
MARQUIS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
SP-
CTION FY
ACTION FYI
THESE ARE ALL
THE COMMENTS
REMINDER
WE HAVE.
TO POTUS
RIDE
you CAN IGNORE
OMB'S- - WE'VE
BY NOON
USED This LANG.
petersmi
YER
BEFORE
CM
PORTER
LEE'S MEMO IS
YOUR CALL
PROVOST
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Room 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NOT LATER THAN 9:00 A.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th.
-MASTER-
RESPONSE:
See comments
Bob Trady may be providing additional comments
(4844)
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 3, 1992
Draft Six
2 AUG 3 P12: 47
Knights
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor
and reverend clergy; distinguished Knights; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future. It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11
But what I was reading was not a report about 1992. It was
a history of public attitudes in 1492.
Public moods are prone to change. When some people turn
negative, all I can do is hold the rudder firm.
((I told Barbara that the more I'm criticized, the more I
turn it into humor. She said, "At this rate, you'll soon be
funnier than Jay Leno. "))
As I said, public moods are prone to change. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
2
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
principles that never change.
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that mankind's fundamental moral standards were
established by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable
as the laws of physics. Our common law, our Constitution and our
Bill of Rights are firmly rooted in this tradition -- the Judaeo-
Christian tradition. Only recently in America have we seen the
rise of legal theories and practices that reject our tradition.
Cardinal O'Connor eloquently describes this as an "inversion of
values. It's a deeply disturbing trend -- and it is
diametrically opposed to my idea of the kind of change that's
good for our country. 11
Last month on a stage just 12 blocks from here, there was
another convention -- very different from this one. Now, I
didn't hear any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains
fishing -- where the air was clear, not hot. But I understand
one of the speakers, known for his florid language, called me
"the captain of the ship of state." He didn't mean it as a
compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights of
Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
reliable moral compass. 11 Personal responsibility -- among the
3
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions.
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength.
Principles don't change from one day to the next.
Principles aren't driven by opinion polls. Principles endure. 11
This year, one side offers real change to make America One Nation
under God. The other side -- in that convention I spoke of --
wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once mentioned the one
word that counts the most: God.
You can see the differences of philosophy reflected in our
policies. As a baseball umpire would put it, "You make the
call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
neither well nor fair. 11 The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to unwed mothers who want to get married.
Even if it means saying no to families on public aid who somehow
manage to put money aside in savings.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosato, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
4
said her family couldn't continue to get benefits while she saved
money for school. She saved $4,000. I call that amazing. The
welfare bureaucrats? They called it fraud. Something is wrong
here. That's why I aim to shake up the top-down bureaucratic way
of welfare and let our states innovate to reward people like
Sandra -- reward work and responsibility.
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. Right now, if parents choose a Catholic school or any
other alternative to the public schools, they have to pay twice -
- first for tuition and again through taxes. Catholic parents I
met in Philadelphia last month made it plain to me: that makes
'if on
it hard to exercise your religious freedom. Like the original
G.I. Bill, my new bill offers scholarships or vouchers for
X befor
lawfully operating
students to take to any qualified school -- not only public
schools, but Bible schools, and yeshivas, and Catholic parish schools
Christian
if that is what parents want.
My plan for education preserves religious freedom. That's
6150)
also true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a
5
divide. ((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless
mother and daddy, my brother and sister." He continued, "And,
oh, God, do take care of yourself, because if anything happens to
you, we're all sunk.")) That boy knew why, according to the
Gallup Poll, America is the most religious nation on earth.
Sadly, one side this year thinks it's fine to give out condoms in
school but not to say a prayer. I totally disagree. So today, I
again call on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment
restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms -- and I challenge
my opponent to support me. Let's bring the Faith of our Fathers
back to our schools. 11
And there's the issue of a national tragedy: more than a
million and a half abortions in this country every year. We know
there must be a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear
to humane and responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like
abstinence. The other side refuses to let the Governor of
Pennsylvania present a pro-life view at his own party's
convention. The other side is pushing a so-called "Freedom of
Choice" bill, which is in fact the most radical abortion-on-
demand legislation ever offered.
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President of the United States
6
of America. 11
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? Or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is this choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build what I call real peace:
the triumph of freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of
war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- we're now able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
7
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam Hussein's aggression and
expelled him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace
table for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity
in centuries to establish peace and stability in the Holy Land.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many sleepless nights in
prayer and endeavor for peace in the Middle East. As long as I
am President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring
about that peace that so many pray for.
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout Troops. Sponsoring that magnificent program, the Special
Olympics. Visiting the sick and the elderly. Nourishing minds
and souls that hunger for sound values. You bear witness to the
fact that real compassion and tolerance cannot abide abandonment
of standards of right and wrong.
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the political cost,
I intend to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect
and renew America -- with a strong national defense, and with a
true and steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral
values -- liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are
8
victorious around the globe -- why in the world would we abandon
them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
other side traffic in values that are trendy and transitory. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR PHIL BRADY
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
LEE S. LIBERMAN
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks to the Knights of Columbus
New York, New York
On page five, last paragraph, after the second sentence,
Counsel's Office recommends inserting the following:
"moreover, to the supporters of this legislation--which
include Al Gore, who has co-sponsored it, and the Governor of
Arkansas, who has endorsed it--are so committed to their extreme
position that they want to make sure no "weakening" amendments
are passed. Weakening amendments, that is, like allowing states
to require informed consent from a woman before an abortion is
performed on her--or prohibiting abortions obtained merely for
reasons of sex selection-or really limiting abortions in the
last three months of pregnancy."
cc: Dan McGroarty
Leigh Ann Metzger
A = applause line
(Duggan/Bunton)
August 4, 1992
Draft Eight
Knights.2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1992
11:00 a.m
Thank you, Virgil Dechant. Your Eminence, Cardinal
'Connor; reverend clergy; ladies and gentlemen:
A report came across my desk the other day. It stated that
most people in the Western world "felt exceedingly gloomy about
the future." It said that "institutions were decaying, well-
meaning people were growing cynical."
My first thought was: That's what happens when people spend
too much time watching the network evening news. 11 laugh line
But what I was reading was not a report about Nineteen
ninety-two. It was a history of public attitudes in Europe in
Fourteen ninety-two! 11
largh line.
Public moods are prone to change, of course. We know the
gloom of 1492 was not to last for long. It was dispelled by the
achievement of a man of humble birth.
a man of vision and
courage.
a man named Christopher Columbus. 11
Columbus opened up a new world of opportunity
for the
spread of commerce \ culture \ and faith. \ In this 500th
anniversary year of his voyage of discovery, I'm honored to meet
with a group of Americans dedicated to his ideals.
This year we hear a lot of talk about change. And sure,
there are things I'd like to change. Though maybe a better word
is renewal -- because the changes we need must be based on
2
principles that never change. 11A
My parents were like yours: They brought me up to
understand that our fundamental moral standards were established
by Almighty God. They're as natural and unchangeable as the laws
of physics. 11 Our common law, our Constitution and our Bill of
Rights are firmly rooted in this Judaeo-Christian tradition.
Only recently in America have we seen the rise of legal theories
and practices that reject our tradition. Cardinal O'Connor
eloquently describes this as an "inversion of values." It's a
deeply disturbing trend -- and it is diametrically opposed to my
idea of the kind of change that's good for our country. 11 AD
Last month just 12 blocks from here, there was another
convention -- very different from this one. Now, I didn't hear
any of those speeches. I was up in the mountains fishing. But I
understand one of the speakers, known for his florid language,
called me "the captain of the ship of state.' 11 He didn't mean
it as a compliment, but believe me: As a Navy man at a Knights
of Columbus convention
the term suits me just fine.
11$
That reminds me of a story about Columbus. He wrote in his
log that the longer he stayed on course -- the farther he
traveled on his mission -- the more he faced threats from crewmen
who wanted to throw him overboard and turn the ship around. 11
Let me make you this promise: No matter how rough the going
gets, I won't turn around. *11 I'm going to stay on course. All
I'm going to finish what I've started. 11 A
Whoever is chosen to pilot the ship of state must have a
A
3
reliable moral compass. 11 Personal responsibility -- among the
people and in our leaders -- must be more than just a slogan. It
must be embodied in our ideas and actions. 11#
Americans will make a choice this year about economic
freedom and growth, and about keeping our defenses second to none
-- keeping America safe and strong. But the choice is about more
than that: It is about renewing our moral strength. A
Every day we hear stories showing the human cost of the
breakdown in values. Somewhere in this country every day, an
innocent kid gets killed in the crossfire of the drug wars. Just
last month we read of an honor student, a kid from a good
neighborhood, charged with gun-running. He tried to make his
privilege a cover for his lack of responsibility. "It's not like
I'm a criminal," he told the police. "I'm on the dean's list."
Well, you and I know that the Ten Commandments don't have
exclusions for the poor -- or the rich. Principles don't change
from one day to the next. \ Principles aren't driven by opinion
polls. \ Principles endure. 11$
This year, one side offers real change to renew America as
One Nation under God. The other side -- in that convention I
spoke of -- wrote a 10,000 word platform -- and never once
mentioned the one word that counts the most: God. You can see
the differences of philosophy reflected in our policies. As a
baseball umpire would put it, "You make the call."
Consider our system of welfare. In too many cases, it's not
lifting people up, it's holding them down. This system is
4
neither well nor fair
The key to reform: personal
responsibility. Now, on the other side of the debate are the
interests that want to protect bureaucracy and spending -- even
if it means saying no to people who want to take responsibility.
It's time the system started saying yes: Yes to people like
Sandra Rosado, who worked and saved money for college because she
didn't want to leave a legacy of welfare to her kids. The system
said her family couldn't get benefits while she saved money for
school. She saved $4,900. I call that amazing. The bureaucrats
called it fraud. Something's wrong here That's why I aim to
shake up the old bureaucratic ways and let our states reward
people like Sandra -- reward work and responsibility. IM
Take education. We know that renewing education depends on
giving parents real freedom and real responsibility to choose
their kids' schools. The other side tries to posture on the side
of parents, but I don't think anyone is fooled. Remember how old
Henry Ford used to tell his customers, they can have any color
laugh line
Model T they want -- so long as it's black? Well, the other side
A
says their ideal is that parents could choose any school for
orglance
their kids -- as long as it's run by the government.
And
A
their leader won the teachers union endorsement by saying he's
"unalterably opposed" -- those are his words, "unalterably
opposed" -- to letting Catholic parents and other private school
parents have a fair share of education benefits. 11
My plan is different -- it's called the G.I. Bill for
Children. \ Right now, if parents want any alternative to the
5
public schools, they have to pay twice -- first for tuition and
again through taxes. As Catholic parents told me in Philadelphia
last month: That makes it hard to exercise your religious
freedom. Like the original G.I. Bill, my new bill offers
scholarships or vouchers for students to take to any qualified
school -- not only public schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas,
and Catholic parish schools if that is what parents want.
My education plan preserves religious freedom. That's also
true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a divide.
((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless mother
and daddy, my brother and sister. And, God, he said, "do take
care of yourself. If anything happens to you, we're all sunk. "))
lough
That boy knew why, according to the Gallup Poll, America is the
most religious nation on earth. Now, one side thinks it's fine
to give out condoms in school but not to say a prayer. I totally
disagree. II call again on Congress to pass a constitutional
A
amendment restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms.
Let's
allow the faith of our Fathers back into our schools.
And there's a national tragedy: more than a million and a
half abortions in this country every year. We know there must be
a better way. The other side turns a deaf ear to humane and
responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like abstinence. The
other side refuses to let the Governor of Pennsylvania present a
pro-life view at his own party's convention.
The leader of the
other side has promised to appoint only judges who would uphold
Roe versus Wade -- in other words, an out-and-out litmus test for
6
appointments to the court.
The other side is pushing a so-
called "Freedom of Choice" bill, which is in fact the most
radical abortion-on-demand legislation ever offered. 11
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
restraints against abortion on demand. It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on demand bill will
never become law as long as I am President.
On each of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America -- to renew timeless values like personal
responsibility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is the choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build real peace: to establish
freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
7
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus' support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- now we're able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam's aggression and expelled
him from Kuwait We protected the people of Israel and Saudi
Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace table
for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity in
centuries to establish real peace in the Holy Land. His
Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many days and nights at work
and in prayer for peace in the Middle East. As long as I am
President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring about
that peace that so many pray for.
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout troops. Sponsoring the Special Olympics. Visiting the
sick. Nourishing minds and souls that hunger for sound values.
You bear witness to the fact that real compassion and tolerance
8
cannot abide abandonment of standards of right and wrong.
11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the cost, I intend
to do what's right for America. DI I'll work to protect and renew
America -- with a strong national defense, and with a true and
steady moral compass. AT Now that America's moral values --
liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are victorious around
the globe -- why in the world would we abandon them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not Let
the other side traffic in trendy and transitory moral fashions.
I'm going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
&
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
pleadge today Iwillureto ay aboutm
5
school -- not only public schools, but Bible schools, yeshivas,
and Catholic parish schools if that is what parents want. 11
My education plan preserves religious freedom. That's also
true of another issue where there's a Grand Canyon of a divide.
((A small boy once began a prayer this way: "God bless mother
and daddy, my brother and sister. And, God," he said, "do take
care of yourself. If anything happens to you, we're all sunk. )
That boy knew why, according to the recnt Gallup Poll, America is remains the the mart
most havent religious nation on earth. Now, theothr one side thinks it's fine okay
- wallower Kill to pitthels
to give out condoms in school but not to say a prayer.
I
totally.
huch
disagree. I call again on Congress to pass a constitutional
togethorin
stoud to
I have
amendment restoring voluntary prayer to our classrooms. Let's
allow the faith of our Fathers back into our schools. 11
And there's a national tragedy: more than a million and a
half abortions in this country every year. We know there must be
a better way. 11 The other side turns a deaf ear to humane and
responsible alternatives -- like adoption; like abstinence. The
hear
you
10/10
other side refuses to let the Governor of Pennsylvania present a
acm
post,
pro life view at his own party's convention. The other side is
caseon,
pushing a so-called "Freedom of Choice" bill, which is in fact
the most radical abortion on demand legislation ever offered.
Ipramise Card today
This bill would prevent states from enacting even modest
above-
restraints against abortion on demand It would threaten the
autonomy of Catholic hospitals and other private institutions
on
legition
that refuse as a matter of conscience to perform abortions.
Suffice it to say: This radical abortion on démand bill will
dan'tyou think you
The Ahu Lide talks ofa "Agn Count but Does
14 you wey they
I u gree- them, 5 might have tand roam ih Huh 10,000 work plattorm
for B but Tethers- -0-0-0-0."
Av you look at there fall issued, there a patter emerger. Both sides talk
about al waker like perality reportibility, butanly cae side her the
cookse to take estails
6
never become law as long as I am President. 11
Onceach of these issues, the choice is clear. Who do you
trust to change America to renew timeless values like personal
bility? Who do you trust: those with the courage to
stand for what may not be popular -- but is right? Or the side
that talks a good game -- mouths the right rhetoric about values
Her the vacifico
-- but whose record and example make a mockery of their words?
Nowhere is the choice more vital than in the decisions a
President must make every day to build real peace: to establish
freedom and democracy, not the mere absence of war.
Saint Ignatius said, "Work as though all depended upon
yourself, and pray as though all depended on God." The practice
of that motto conquered Communism. Ceaseless prayer and tireless
work halted the Cold War \ and spared us from the catastrophe of
a third World War. Believers behind the Iron Curtain defied
persecution; believers in the West defied indifference. Over
four decades, our servicemen trained -- our taxpayers paid four
trillion dollars -- to keep our defenses strong. And as a
consequence, the Iron Curtain is no more -- and our kids no
longer face the kind of nuclear threat that used to haunt us.
I'll 11 always be grateful for the Knights of Columbus! support
on the morality of our strategic deterrence. Because Americans
understood the moral stakes in the Cold War, because we
persevered -- now we're able to work at building a lasting peace
between East and West. We're working with democratic Russia to
reduce the arsenals that once threatened to unleash a nuclear war
Taday I ray to the America Aeceple, when it comer the to resulted
Metary idea
Gatuer like peronal responsibility why choose sythe
a Wha yau can hure 100 yo corrective cultur?
7
and to cooperate on defenses against ballistic missiles.
When we faced our first big challenge after the Cold War, we
didn't shrink. We stood up to Saddam's aggression and expelled
him from Kuwait. We protected the people of Israel and Saudi
Arabia. Now we've brought age-old adversaries to the peace table
for the first time. We've gained the greatest opportunity in
centuries to establish real peace in the Holy Land. His
Holiness, Pope John Paul, has spent many days and nights at work
and in prayer for peace in the Middle East. As long as I am
President, I assure you I'll do everything I can to bring about
that peace that so many pray for. 11
Respect for life \ for freedom \ for human dignity \ forms
the common basis both for peace in the world and for renewal at
home. The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront of this
effort. In countless ways you help your neighbors: Organizing
Scout troops. Sponsoring the Special Olympics. Visiting the
sick. Nourishing minds and souls that hunger for sound values.
You bear witness to the fact that real compassion and tolerance
cannot abide abandonment of standards of right and wrong. 11
I try to keep that at my core. Whatever the cost, I intend
to do what's right for America. I'll work to protect and renew
America -- with a strong national defense, and with a true and
steady moral compass. 11 Now that America's moral values --
liberty, honor, personal responsibility -- are victorious around
the globe -- why in the world would we abandon them at home?
We cannot. As long as I'm President, we will not. Let the
8
other side traffic in trendy and transitory moral fashions. I'm
going to defend the principles for which you stand so firm.
We'll keep our sights on what's good in America. We'll keep our
focus on the potential in our families and our kids. We'll keep
a reliable compass. We'll put our ship of state in finest
sailing trim. We'll navigate our way to shining new horizons. 11
Thank you. May God bless you and our beloved country.
#
#
#
B-Q '92
F histan
THE DAILY LINE for Republican Newsmakers
Talking Points
Tuesday, August 4, 1992
"CLINTON'S HEALTH PLAN: A BITTER TAX TO SWALLOW"
Today: President Bush meets with Republican Senators on Capitol
If Americans wanted long lines and revolving-door health care, we'd
Hill, where he will push for passage of his health care reform
put doctors to work down at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
package and to discuss Bill Clinton's costly "pay-or-play" proposal -
The Canadian system, typical of a government-run national health
- a proposal for government-run health care. To pay for "pay or
care system, creates waiting lists and long lines for needed care
play", a hidden seven percent payroll tax will be required. This tax
it takes an average six months to get a coronary bypass, 3.5
will throw 700,000 Americans out of work and slash the average
months to get a tonsillectomy and 6 to 10 months to get a hip
working American's taxes wages by at least $1,700 a year.
replacement in some parts of Canada.
If Bill Clinton wants to raise taxes to pay for nationalized medicine,
Americans don't want to have the government placed between
he should admit it. Americans are entitled to quality care at an
themselves and their doctors. We need common sense,
affordable price - without having to suffer a tax increase to pay for
comprehensive health care reform and we need to start on it right
it. Having raised taxes and fees 128 times in Arkansas, Bill Clinton
now. Unlike the Democrats' proposals, President Bush's
now wants to apply his taxing philosophy to the nation's health.
comprehensive health care plan has no government mandates, no
tax increases, no government takeover of the health insurance
Not even the New York Times likes the Clinton plan. "[Bill Clinton]
industry, no health care rationing system, no waiting lists for critical
has offered little more than vague pieties Mr. Clinton has evaded
health care, and no government price-setting in the private sector.
tough choices. He's for universal coverage, but doesn't say how to
pay for it or how to contain health care costs." (The New York
Some say nationalized health care would serve everyone. Sure, it
Times, Week in Review, August 2, 1992)
would like a restaurant that serves bad food but in very
generous proportions.
THE BUSH PLAN
THE CLINTON PLAN
President Bush's health care plan expands health care coverage,
Bill Clinton's health care "tax everyone" plan will:
controls costs, and improves quality -- without raising taxes.
Raise taxes by $80 billion, increase spending by almost $200
Bush's plan will:
billion over four years.
Provide secure coverage to all Americans, including workers
Increase each American worker's taxes an average of $1,700
between jobs and those Americans who can least afford it.
a year. For many workers, it will be even more expensive.
Cut rising health care costs by reducing red tape; limiting out-
Throw 700,000 Americans out of work, and put 9 million more
of-control malpractice suits; and allowing small businesses to
jobs at risk.
pool resources and bargain for less expensive insurance.
Limit Americans' ability to choose their own doctors and
Allow individuals -- not federal bureaucrats - to choose their
involve faceless bureaucrats in this very personal decision.
own doctors.