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AT&T-Basking Ridge, New Jersey 9/18/92 [OA 5813]
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26
18
5
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Basking Ridge, New Jersey)
For Immediate Release
September 18, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO EMPLOYEES OF AT&T
AT&T corporate Headquarters
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
2:54 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Please be seated and thank you very
much, Dr. Mary Stewart. Thanks for the welcome. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, and good afternoon. What a wonderful
introduction by such a wonderfully experienced person. Dr.
Stewart, thank you very, very much. And good afternoon to
everyone.
I want to first recognize she who came up with me on
the airplane today, Secretary Lynn Martin. She is doing a great
job for this country as Secretary of Labor. I'll have more to
say about her own labors in the context of this speech. But I
want to thank her for being with us. she is a former member of
Congress. She is now leading this enormous department and doing
a first-class job.
As to Tom Kean, your former Governor, my longtime
friend, I couldn't be more pleased. He is heading up our
campaign effort here. And I can't think of any better formula
for success in this state, because of his own record, the respect
with which he's held. It is just a wonderful thing. And Barbara
and I are just delighted to have him at our side in this fight.
Another one is Congressman Dean Gallo, who has been
a leader for me and who's helping this state and this community a
great deal in the House of Representatives. If we had more like
him, we wouldn't hear everybody yelling at me, "Clean House"
everyplace I went. (Applause.) so that was nice.
And of course, I'm grateful to the Chairman, Bob
Allen, and to everyone at AT&T. I think it's a good thing that
you provide a forum for political people to bring their views to
a community. A lot of communities duck it, they dodge it. Then
they end up writing me letters griping about how things are.
This one is out front. Bob Allen has always been willing to take
a position. And he stands for something, and so do the people
that work with him. And so I want to express my thanks to not
only those that are in this room, but those that might be plugged
into some fancy, high-tech AT&T communications system around
here. (Applause.) But the company does good work and certainly
is a great corporate citizen of this wonderful community.
I want to thank the Speaker who's here, Chuck
Haytaian. He 1s leading the New Jersey legislature. All states
are caught up in enormous battles. And I'm very, very proud of
him.
With me today also are two women that came up with
us from Washington. One of them -- both of them standing there.
Connie Horner is an Assistant to the President in terms of
personnel. She gave up an enormous job as number two in the
largest department in the federal government. And she's over now
MORE
- 3 -
more profound revolution has been unfolding. And Millicent was a
part of that, too.
I'm talking about a move toward human justice at its
most basic level the movement toward equality of the sexes. A
movement that cuts across social and ideological boundaries --
and touches all our lives. of course, before we all get carried
away with the congratulations, we have to admit -- and Lynn and I
were talking about this coming up here on the plane -- that we
have a ways to go. I did not come here today just as one more
man, but I'm here as a President whose policies affect your
lives.
And last week I unveiled -- and Dr. Stewart very
generously talked about this -- my Agenda for American Renewal.
Answers to the questions that Americans are asking around their
kitchen tables.
And the Agenda is a comprehensive strategy to
guarantee that by the early part of the 21st Century, America
will enjoy the world's first $10-trillion economy. And I have
several priorities, most are well underway. And I want to open
new markets and new customers for the products you produce. I
want to create new schools for a new age. And I want to sharpen
businesses' competitive edge -- with relief from taxation,
regulation and certainly from litigation. (Applause.) And I
want to reach out to all Americans; and I want to dramatically
reduce the size and the scope of the federal government.
And that's my agenda. But today, I'm here to talk
about a special priority on my agenda -- providing economic
security for American working men and women. The first order of
business, as I said, is to admit that there is still unfinished
business. Women work as hard as men and still earn less. And
that's not acceptable. And most working women do more than equal
work -- on the job, and at home. And that's not acceptable,
either.
And many women are trying to do it all alone. Look,
divorce happens. And I know it from my own family -- my own
daughter. And I've seen what single mothers are up against --
the kind of pressures, trying to do 36 hours of work in a 24-
hour day.
And as a nation, we must confront these challenges
head-on. Not talk, not slogans, not political rhetoric -- we
need government policies that help men and women meet their
responsibilities at home. And that means child care. It means
family leave policies. It means child support enforcement. It
means cheaper health care.
Both candidates in this election are talking about
these issues. But we offer entirely different solutions.
The other side puts their faith in government
government mandates. On issue after issue, their solution comes
down to giving more power to government. And I put my faith in
you; I want to give you the power to help yourself. The other
side's ideas sound very enticing. But you have to ask: will
they work for me? Will they make a difference in my life? AIU
in thinking about this, I refer you to a story about William II.
the Emperor of Germany. And he saw himself as & man's man
which I guess means he was the kind of Kaiser who, when he got
lost, would refuse to ask anybody for directions. (Laughter and
applause.)
well, the Kaiser got in his head that he could
design a better battleship. And so he drew up plans and sent
them to the naval architect for him to study.
And the architect said the Kaiser's battleship would
MORE
be absolutely the finest one on earth. It would be as fast as a
speedboat. Its range and its power would overwhelm the enemy.
And everybody on board would feel like they were lounging in
their living room.
There was only one teeny, tiny problem: If the boat
were built, and actually placed in the water -- it would sink.
Well, I'm afraid a lot of policies like that have
been coming out of Capitol Hill the past few years do that. All
are designed to use government to achieve great things on your
behalf. But look closely, and I suggest that they just might not
float in water.
And let me give you a few examples. You decide for
yourself.
This week, Congress sent me what's called -- "family
leave" legislation. The bill has the noble goal of allowing a
mom or dad to leave a job in order to take care of a new baby,
maybe care for a sick parent. The bill would require companies
to keep the job open for three months until the employee could
come back to work.
Now, I believe family leave is necessary, and our
families need it. And a lot of companies are providing it. This
one right here does -- AT&T is one. And you should be proud of
your farsighted leadership on this. But the bill Congress sent
me this week would force every company with more than 50
employees to provide family leave. And if companies don't foot
the bill, they break the law. And, now, that's one approach.
And I offer another one. I want to give all businesses
incentives in the form of credits -- tax credits -- to offer
family leave.
It's an election year, so congressional leaders have
sent me their mandatory approach -- they've been sitting on it
all year long, I might add. Now, with two weeks to go in this
session of the Congress -- or three -- sent it to me and dared me
not to sign it. And I want to explain why I can't support their
approach.
First of all, our economy is sluggish. And here in
New Jersey and all across the country it's sluggish. And think
of the ad agencies, the printing companies -- other suppliers in
your neighborhoods and people that you work with every day.
They're still cutting budgets and payrolls; and I don't want to
load on more federal mandates that will force them to lay off
people.
And you might say, you're protecting the rich. But,
you know, entrepreneurs aren't all rich. In fact, more and more
people are taking their pensions and starting their own small
businesses. And by the year 2000, women will run the majority of
these businesses.
And here's another point to consider: You and I
know, the best benefit packages often come from the largest
employers. They're the ones that can provide the benefits
small companies are usually where parents have to make the tough
choice between work and family.
But, the other side's approach exempts the smallest
employers. And my approach offers incentives to those companies,
and it will cover the 40 percent of American workers who won't be
covered by the other side's plan.
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- 5 -
And one more thing. Think of the impact mandated
family leave has on hiring decisions. I know it's not supposed
to happen, but how many employers will think, why not hire a man
instead of a woman? He won't leave to have a child. He won't
leave to care for his family. And this is illegal, and we must
enforce the law. But mandated family leave could encourage this
subtle kind of discrimination.
And I don't think you'll hear these kinds of details
discussed in the media. But I'm going to take a stand. Because
to me, it's not worth putting politics ahead of progress.
Let me talk just about another job-related issue --
something that's called the "glass ceiling". Today, companies are
promoting some women in greater numbers, but not fast enough. And so
a lot of talented women are going into the businesses for themselves.
This isn't just a corporate problem, we're seeing the
same thing happen in government. And I'm proud of our record in
promoting women. But I'm especially proud that these talented women
-- that we've put talented women in important economic positions --
running the Department of Labor, running the Department of Commerce,
or the Small Business Administration or handling all of our trade
negotiations. The women I work with tell me they don't want any
special opportunity -- they just want the right to succeed or
fail -- to be measured by the same standard as men.
We want to see the Lynn Martins of corporate America
succeed, too. That's why this Secretary of Labor, Lynn Martin has
made shattering the glass ceiling a top priority. She's making sure
that companies who receive your tax dollars -- through federal
contracts make career opportunities available to women.
Let's talk child care for a moment. You see a
difference in philosophies here. Congress wanted a government-run
child care program, a mandated program emanating from some
subcommittee and then working its way through the Congress. And
I
heard from parents who wanted the right to choose the Dest child care
for their children. It might be a public school. It might be a
church or a synagogue, an aunt's house. And the point is, you want
to make the choice, not be told where to go by some county clerk.
(Applause.)
Congress wanted to give the money directly to county
agencies, and limit the family's alternatives. And I fought for
giving vouchers directly to parents, so you can choose the best care,
regardless of who provides it. And our way was better, and on this
one we won. Now we're having a similar debate - major national
debate -- over health care. Costs are rising at more than ten
percent a year. It's putting pressure on families. It's the
fastest-growing item in this enormous federal budget.
And once again, the other side warts the government
alone to solve the problem -- either by directly taking over our
health care system, or by indirectly getting involved in setting
prices and mandating benefits. Now, that idea sounds appealing to
some, but it will end up meaning longer lines and less flexibility
for you and for your families.
And I offer an entirely different approach, sitting TO
there now in the United States Congress, awaiting action. I want 10
give companies incentives to provide coverage and use competition C.)
drive down costs. I want to get at the root cause of raising pricer,
including skyrocketing malpractice insurance. And I want =0 Inc
small businesses pool their coverage, insurance coverage, so to
get the same price breaks as larger companies CO. My plan will 1. =
costs through competition, extendHOREerate to the Doorest of he ----
-- insurance coverage -- extend coverage to 30 million Americans who
cannot afford it today, and build on the strengths of our system --
which already provides the highest quality care in the world. Again,
You see people coming from all over the world to come to
America for health care. Why? because we have the highest quality
care. And if you take it out of the private sector and you put it in
the public sector, you can guarantee that it will no longer be that
beacon for quality. I believe my approach is right, I believe it's
right for the citizens of this country, and I believe it's right when
it comes to a philosophy of government. (Applause.)
Now, here's something that really bothers me. Five
million women today in America are entitled to child support from ex-
husbands. Now, you know how many of those women get all they are
entitled to? About half. About half. And I think it's outrageous
that a father in Pennsylvania can be shopping for a new Corvette,
while his ex-wife in New Jersey is struggling to shop for food.
(Applause.) And I think it's time that the long arm of the law taps
every deadbeat dad on the shoulder and says: Pay up, or else.
(Applause.)
And there's a lot more in this agenda. We've made it so
you can take a pension from job to job. Our health care proposal,
the health care goes from job to job. We've provided incentives for
student aid. Today one out of two students at a college or
university gets a federal loan or grant. And the purpose is the
same: to protect working men and women. To make it easier to raise
a family.
But listing the exact details of every program isn't as
important as the philosophy behind them. A philosophy that says:
ultimately, the only way to make people more secure 18 to give you
more power -- give you, the individual, more power over the decisions
that affect your jobs and family budgets.
And if we're going to use the power of government to
move us forward, we need to use the power of government to help, not
hinder. Not to add new barriers to opportunity, but to remove old
ones. I started by talking about the economic challenge before
America, and I'd like to close the same way.
Because, ultimately, that's what this election is about.
Who has the ideas that can help America win the global economic
competition. when you stop to consider all the challenges we face in
this nation, let's not ignore some of the advantages.
Here in America, we send more of our students to higher
education -- more than any other nation. Twice as many as Germany,
and more than twice as many as Japan. More than half of these
American students are women. And, basically, we have twice as many
educated people as our competitors. It's because America is the only
nation that really tries to base opportunity on character and talent
alone. (Applause.)
The changes of the past few decades have improved the
lives of all Americans. But more than that, they've improved our
society. They've made us stronger, as we face the stiff challenges
ahead. The policies that I've outlined today are designed to build
on our strengths. To help us take advantage of the talents of every
American. To strengthen all our families 80 that we can make America
safer and more secure.
I have seven granddaughters. Maybe I better rephrase
that: Barbara and I have seven granddaughters. (Laughter.) I don't
want to be killed when I get down to Maryland. (Laughter.) And the
oldest is 15 years old. And the world that she enters today will be
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& 7 -
much different than the world Barbara and I entered many years ago.
And if my granddaughter wants to go out to Texas and start an oil
company, she can do it. And if she wants to write the Vogue Book of
Etiquette, she can do that, too.
And if she chooses another line of work, if she chooses
to stay home and raise her kids, well, I'll give her love and
support. And she won't have to answer to anyone about the choices
she's made. And if she wants to try and run for President, she can
do that, too. And I hope she does. (Laughter and applause.)
And I'm very glad that my grandchildren face these
opportunities, but they will only be able to take advantage of them
if America remains the most dynamic place on this great earth.
I think the path to economic security lies with less government, less
regulation, more freedom and respect for families and individuals.
And so what I offer in this election is simple. A new
path to a renewed America, based on some tried and true values. And
that's how we're going to build a safer, more secure America for all
of us -- and, certainly, for our kids, your kids and my grandkids.
And thank you for listening. (Applause.) And may God
bless the United States of America. Thank you all very much.
(Applause.)
END
3:30 P.M. EDT
TOTO D on
350812
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
09/18/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AT&T, BASKING RIDGE, NJ - - 09/18
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
GROOMES
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
HORNER
Mctroarty
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
28717 P||: 06
September 17, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
STEVEN PROVOST
SUBJECT:
REMARKS TO EMPLOYEES OF AT&T
Tomorrow afternoon at 2:40 p.m., you will address 400
employees at AT&T in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Approximately
75% of the audience will be women. Your remarks are 25 minutes
in length and will be on teleprompter.
(Provost/Askew/Aarhus)
September 17, 1992
11:00 P.M.
WOMEN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
AT&T
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
2:40 P.M.
Thank you, Mary, and good afternoon, everyone. I want to
recognize Secretary Lynn Martin, your great former Governor Tom
Kean and, of course, Chairman Bob Allen; State Senator Donald
DiFrancesco, Speaker Chuck Haytaian ((hi-TIE-in)).
I remember standing in the Rose Garden just last year, and
awarding my Environment and Conservation Challenge Award to AT&T
for your world-class work in reducing air pollutants. It's great
to be here and see first-hand the folks who made it happen.
But there's also something sad about being in this neck of
New Jersey today. And I'd like to take a minute or two to
explain why.
You lost one of your most remarkable citizens on Wednesday,
when Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick died, at 82. Millicent
Fenwick was an incredible person -- whose life was spent climbing
over barriers -- pipe in hand.
She was born to a life of privilege. But in the early 30's,
her marriage split up and she moved to New York alone, deep in
debt, with two kids.
She wanted to get a job selling stockings at a department
store, but they turned her away -- she hadn't earned a high
school diploma. She finally landed a job at Harper's Bazaar,
1
then worked her way over to Vogue Magazine, where she wrote the
Vogue Book of Etiquette. It sold a million copies.
Her kids grown up, Millicent came home to New Jersey, and
started to get involved in town politics -- she was the first
woman member of the Bernardsville Borough Council. She ran for
the State Assembly -- and won, and served as State Consumer
Affairs Director.
At 64, when most people are settling down, Millicent was
just starting to make a reputation in Congress. I was honored to
know Congresswoman Fenwick -- she helped run my campaign here in
1980.
No one worked harder for equality. Once, a state legislator
questioned Mrs. Fenwick about her support for the ERA. He said -
- "I've always thought of women as kissable, cuddly and smelling
good.' Mrs. Fenwick replied: "That's the way I feel about men,
too. I only hope for your sake that you haven't been
disappointed -- as often as I have.
Now, Millicent Fenwick lived during interesting times. She
saw a world transformed outside our borders -- and she helped
lead that transformation.
But while these remarkable changes took place overseas, here
in America, a quieter and even more profound revolution has been
unfolding -- and she was part of that too.
I'm talking about a move toward human justice at its most
basic level -- the movement toward equality of the sexes. A
2
movement that cuts across social and ideological boundaries --
and touches all our lives.
Of course, before we all get carried away with the
congratulations, we have to admit -- we still have a ways to go.
Some of you may know the story of the three business
executives who passed away and went to heaven.
St. Peter greeted them at the Pearly Gates, and informed
them that although they had lived their lives nobly and with
compassion -- there would be one final test before they could
enter.
The first executive -- a man -- came forward. St. Peter
asked him to spell the word: "GOD." He did, and the gates opened
before him.
The second executive -- also a man -- came forward and was
asked to spell the word "HOLY." He did, and the gates opened
again.
Then the third executive came forward -- a woman. Her voice
rising ever so slightly, she said: "All my life I had to work
twice as hard as men to get ahead. Now I get here and find
there's one more test. I can't believe it." And St. Peter said:
"I sympathize with you. Spell "Czechoslovakia."
Now, I did not come here today as just one more man,
lecturing women about how tough the world is.
I'm here as a President whose policies affect your lives.
And I want to explain what we're doing so that you and your
daughters won't have to spell "Czechoslovakia."
3
Last week, I unveiled my Agenda for American Renewal --
answers to the questions Americans are asking around their
kitchen tables. The Agenda is a comprehensive strategy to
guarantee that by the early part of the 21st century -- America
will enjoy the world's first $10 trillion economy.
I have several priorities -- most are well underway. I want
to open new markets -- and new customers -- for the products you
produce. I want to create new schools for a new age. I want to
sharpen businesses' competitive edge -- with relief from
taxation, regulation and litigation. I want to reach out to all
Americans, and I want to dramatically reduce the size and scope
of the federal government.
That's my agenda. But today, I'm here to talk about a
special priority on my agenda -- providing economic security for
American working men and women.
The first order of business, as I said, is to admit that
there is still unfinished business. Women work as hard as men
and still earn two-thirds less. That's not acceptable. And most
working women do more than equal work -- on the job, and at home.
That's not acceptable either.
And many women are trying to do it all alone. Divorce
happens. I know it from my own family -- my own daughter. I've
seen what single moms are up against -- the kinds of pressures
from doing 36 hours' work in a 24 hour day.
4
As a nation, we must confront these challenges head-on.
Not talk, not fluff -- you need government policies that help men
and women meet responsibilities at home.
That means child care. It means family leave policies. It
means child support enforcement. It means cheaper health care.
Both candidates in this election are talking about these
issues. But we offer entirely different solutions.
The other side puts their faith in government. On issue
after issue, their solution comes down to giving more power to
government. I put my faith in you, and give you the power to
help yourself.
The other sides ideas sound very enticing. But you have to
ask. Will they work for me? Will they make a difference in my
life?
In thinking about this, I refer you to a story about William
the Second, Emperor of Germany. He saw himself as a "man's man"
-- which I guess means he was the kind of Kaiser who -- when he
got lost -- would refuse to stop and ask anybody for directions.
Well, the Kaiser got it in his head that he could design a
better battleship. So he drew up plans and sent them to the
Naval architect for him to study.
The architect said the Kaiser's battleship would be the
finest on earth. It would be as fast as a speedboat. Its range
and power would overwhelm the enemy. And everybody on board
would feel like they were lounging in their living room.
5
There was only one teeny, tiny problem. If the boat were
built, and actually placed in water -- it would sink.
Well, I'm afraid a lot of policies like that have been
coming out of Capitol Hill the past few years. All are designed
to use government to achieve great things on your behalf. But
look closely, and I suggest that they just might not float in
water.
Let me give you some examples. You decide for yourself.
This week, Congress sent me what's called -- "family leave"
legislation. This bill has the noble goal of allowing a mom or
dad to leave a job -- without pay -- in order to take care of a
new baby, or maybe care for a sick parent. The bill would
require companies to keep the job open for three months, until
the employee could come back to work.
Now, I believe family leave is necessary, and our families
need it. A lot of companies are providing it. AT&T is one --
you should be proud of your leadership.
The bill Congress sent me this week would force every
company with more than 50 employees to provide family leave. If
companies don't foot the bill, they break the law. That's one
approach. I have another. I want to give all businesses
incentives -- in the form of tax credits -- to offer family
leave.
Now, it's an election year, so Congressional leaders have
sent me their mandatory approach -- and dared me not to sign it.
I want to explain why I can't support this approach.
6
First of all, our economy is sluggish -- here in New Jersey
and all across the country. Think of the ad agencies, the
printing companies -- other suppliers you work with everyday.
They are cutting budgets and payrolls to the bone, and I don't
want to load on more federal mandates that will force them to lay
off people.
You might say -- you're protecting the rich. But you know -
- entrepreneurs aren't all rich. In fact, more and more people
are taking their pensions and starting their own small
businesses. By the year 2000, women will run the majority of
these businesses.
Here's another point to consider. You and I know, the best
benefit packages come from the largest employers. You're the
ones who provide the benefits -- small companies are where
parents have to make the tough choice between work and family.
But, the other side's approach exempts the smallest
employers. My approach offers incentives to every company, and
it will cover 20 times as many employees -- 20 times as many moms
and dads.
One more thing. Think of the impact of mandated family
leave -- or hiring decisions. I know it's not supposed to
happen, but how many employers will think -- why not hire a man
instead of a woman? He won't leave to have a child. He won't
leave to care for his mom. Mandated fmaily leave could encourage
this kind of discrimination.
7
I don't think you'll hear these kind of details discussed in
the media. But I'm going to take a stand. Because to me, it's
not worth putting politics ahead of social progress.
Let me talk about another job-related issue -- something
called the "glass ceiling".
One reason so many women are turning into entrepreneurs is
because they've bumped up against the "glass ceiling" -- they
stop getting promoted. Companies are promoting some women in
greater numbers, but not fast enough. So a lot of talented women
are going into business for themselves.
This isn't just a corporate problem, we're seeing the same
thing happen in government. I'm proud of our record in promoting
women. But I'm especially proud that we've put talented women in
important economic positions running the Department of Labor or
Commerce, running the Small Business Administration or handling
all our trade negotiations.
The women I work with tell me they don't want any special
opportunity -- they just want the right to succeed or fail -- to
be measured by the same standards as a male.
We want to see the Lynn Martins and Carla Hills of corporate
America succeed, too. That's why Secretary Martin has made
shattering the glass ceiling a top priority. She's making sure
that companies who receive your tax dollars -- through federal
contacts -- make career opportunities available to women.
Let's talk child care for a moment. You see a difference in
philosophies here.
8
Congress wanted a government-run child care program. I
heard from parents who wanted the right to choose the best child
care for their children. It might be a public school. or it
might be a church or an aunt's house. The point is -- you want
to make the choice, not be told by some county clerk where to
take your kid.
Congress wanted to give the money directly to county
agencies, and limit your alternatives. I fought for giving
vouchers directly to parents, so you can choose the best care,
regardless of who provides it. Our way was better, and we won
for you.
Now we're having a similar debate over health care. Costs
are rising at about ten percent a year. It's putting pressure on
families, and it's the fastest-growing item in the federal
budget.
Once again, the other side wants the government to solve the
problem -- either by directly taking over our health care system,
or by indirectly getting involved in setting prices and mandating
benefits. The idea sounds appealing, but it will end up meaning
longer lines and less flexibility for you and your families.
I offer an entirely different approach. I want to give
companies incentives to provide coverage and use competition to
drive down costs. I want to get at the root cause of rising
prices, including skyrocketing malpractice insurance. I want to
let small businesses pool their coverage, so they can get the
same price breaks like you do, right here at AT&T. My plan will
9
lower costs through competition, extend coverage to 30 million
Americans who can't afford it today, and build on the strengths
of our system -- which already provides the highest quality
health care in the world. Again, I believe my approach is right
-- for you.//
Here's something that really bothers me. Five million women
in America are entitled to child support from ex-husbands. You
know how many of those women get all they are entitled to? About
half. I think it's outrageous that a father in Pennsylvania can
be shopping for a new Corvette, while his ex-wife in New Jersey
is struggling to shop for food. I think it's time that the long
arm of the law tap every deadbeat dad on the shoulder and say:
Pay up, or else.
There's a lot more. I could read a laundry list of what
we've accomplished. We've made it so you can take a pension from
job to job. We've provided incentives for student aid -- today
one out of two students at a college or university gets a federal
loan or grant. The purpose is the same: protect working men and
women. Make it easier to raise a family.
But the exact details of every program aren't as important
as the philosophy behind them. A philosophy that says that
ultimately -- the only way to make people more secure -- is to
give you more power over the decisions that affect your jobs and
family budgets.
If we're going to use the power of government to move us
forward, we need to use the power of government to help, not
10
hinder. Not to add new barriers to opportunity, but to remove
old ones.
(Brief pause.)
I started by talking about the economic challenge before
America, and I'd like to close the same way.
Because ultimately, that's what this election is about. Who
has the ideas -- that can help America win the global economic
competition.
When you stop to consider all the challenges we face in this
nation, let's not ignore some of the advantages.
Here in America, we send more young people to college --
than any other nation. More than twice as many as Germany, and
more than twice as many as Japan. More than half of them are
women.
Basically, we have twice as many educated people as our
competitors. America is the only nation that really tries to
base opportunity on our character and talent alone.
The changes of the past few decades have improved the lives
of all Americans. But more than that, they've improved our
society. They've made us stronger, as we face the stiff
challenges ahead.
The policies I've outlined today, are designed to build on
our strengths. To help us take advantage of the talents of every
American, to strengthen all our families -- so that we can make
America more safe and secure.
11
I have seven granddaughters. The oldest is fifteen years
old. The world she enters today, will be much different than the
world Barbara and I entered many years ago.
If my grand-daughter wants to go out to Texas and start an
oil company, she can do it. If she wants to write the Vogue Book
of Etiquette -- she can do that too.
And if she wants to run for President, she can do that, too.
( (Although she might try fighting forest fires -- it's a little
more relaxing.))
I'm glad my grandkids face their opportunities, but they
will only be able to take advantage of this if America remains
the most dynamic place on this great earth.
I think the path to economic security lies with less
government, less regulation, more freedom and respect for
families and individuals.
So what I offer in this election is simple. A new path to a
Renewed America, based on some tried and true values. That's how
we will build a safer and more secure America -- for all of us -
- and our kids.
May God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
12
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Document No. 350812
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 09/17/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 p.m. 09/17/92
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AT&T WOMEN'S GATHERING
SUBJECT:
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
SATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
GROOMES
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attched directly to Steve Provost,
Rm. 116, x7702, with a copy to this office NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m.
TODAY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
this one on one 13 3pqs Korfonta
PHILLIP D. SRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
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OPD->
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(Askew/Aarhus)
September 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
WOMEN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
AT&T WOMEN'S GATHERING
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
2:40 P.M.
Thank you, Dr. (Mary) Stewart, and good afternoon, everyone.
Secretary Martin, Ambassador Hills, Director Chao,
Not
Congressman Zimmer, Chairman Allen, Governor Kean.
attending
event
I remember standing in the White House Rose Garden just last
year, and awarding a Presidential Citation to AT&T on behalf of
(insert person), honoring all of you for your world-class work in
reducing CFC air pollutants. so it's good to be here and see
first-hand the folks who made it happen.
But there's also something a little sad about being in this
neck of New Jersey today.
You lost one of your most remarkable citizens Wednesday
night, when Congresswoman Millicant Fenwick died, at 82.
Millicent Fenwick was an incredible person - whose life was
spent climbing over barriers, pipe in hand.
She was born to a life of privilege. But in 1938, her
marriage split up and she moved to New York alone, with two kids,
cut off from her family.
She got a job as a model at Harper's Bazaar, then an Art
Editor at Vogue for 14 years me because those were about the only
jobs wemen could excel at in these
had an opportunity to excel at.
1
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Her kids grew up, she came home to New Jersey, and started
to get involved in town politics. She ran for the state Assembly
-- and won, and later served as State Consumer Affairs Director.
At 64, an age when most people are settling down to enjoy
life's rewards, Mrs. Fenwick ran for Congress -- and von. She
became known as the champion of the underdog -- from migrant
workers in South Jersey to oppressed people all around the world.
personally grateful to Congresswoman Fenvick because she helped run
my campaign in New Jersey in 1980 -- but more than that, she gave
selflessly to the public interest. One example. She always took
Amtrak back home to New Jersey every weekend -- because she
didn't want to waste taxpayer's money by flying. (My guess is
she probably also got a lot of work done - she didn't have to
worry about running into too many any other Congressmen on the
train.)
You don't always think of Millicent Fenwick as a feminist,
However Averdote Eine.,
but no one worked harder for equality. Once, a state legislator
here questionad Mrs. Fenwick about her support for the Equal
you the
Rights Amendment. He said -- "I've always thought of women as
drimp
kissable, cuddly and smelling good." Mrs. Fenwick replied:
"That's the way I feel about men, too. I only hope for your sake
RONS
that you haven't been disappointed as often as I have."
Now, Millicent Fenwick lived and led during interesting
times. She saw a world transformed outside our borders -- and
agains
she helped influence that transformation.
was they stally
Couldate agitate
2
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But while these remarkable changes took place overseas, here
in America, a quieter and even more profound revolution has been
unfolding -- and she was part of that too.
I'm talking about a move toward human justice at its most
basic level -- the movement toward equality of the sexes. A
movement that cuts across social, ideological, and national
boundaries - that touches all of our lives.
of course, bafore ve all get carried away with the high
fives, and proclaim that the Berlin Wall between men and women
has fallen -- we need to admit that we still have a ways to go.
Some of you may know the story of the three business
executives - maybe they were from AT&T -- who passed away and
went to heaven.
St. Peter greeted them at the Pearly Gates, and informed
them that although they had lived their lives nobly and with
compassion -- there would be one final test before they would be
allowed to enter.
The first executive -- a man -- came forward and St. Peter
asked him to spell the word: "GOD." He did, and the gates opened
before him.
The second executive -- also a man -- came forward and was
asked to spell the word "Jesus." He did, and the gates opened
again.
Then the third executive came forward -- a woman. Her voice
rising ever so slightly, she said: "All my life I had to work
twice as hard as men to get ahead, and new I get here and find
3
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there's one more test. I can't believe it." And St. Peter maid:
"I sympathise with you. Nov spell "Czechoslevakia."
Now, I did not come here today as just one more man,
lecturing women about how tough it is to be you. You can get
enough of that on Donahue.
I'm here as a President whose policies affect the quality of
your life. And I want to explain what we're doing so that you
that
and your daughters won't have to spell "Czechoslovakia" --- so
women
can attain their
gan't life rightful place as economic,
social and legal equals.
Last week, I unveiled my Agenda for American Renewal, a
comprehensive set of answers to the economic questions facing
America today. It is a plan to guarantee that by the early part
of the 21st century -- America will have the world's first $10
trillion economy.
I have several priorities -- many are well underway. I want
to promote free trade, revolutionize our schools, sharpen our
businesses competitive edge, reach out to all Americans, and
dramatically reduce the size and scope of the federal government.
But today, I'm here to talk about another priority --
providing economic security for American working men and women.
The first order of business, as I said, is to admit that
there is still unfinished business. Not only is equal pay still
just a lofty goal -- the 'equal work' part of the equation isn't
true yet, either.
4
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Taking care of home and kids is a full-time job in itself,
and I know a lot of you are doing it on top of working here full-
time.
And you may be trying to do it all alone. Divorce happens.
Single mothers do struggle. You drive your minivans to Safeway,
pick up the kids at school, take them to church, the doctor,
soccer practice -- cook and clean and coach and coddle -- and by
the end of the day, you're so tired, that you can't even stay
awake for the ten'o'clock news.
The 'silent majority' of America in the 1990s -- may well be
that great, quiet backbone of dedicated, uncomplaining women --
who juggle career, school, kids and home -- and somehow manage to
get it all done with little or no help.
We as a nation need to face these challenges square in the
eye. Working American women today need workplace policies
flexible enough to stretch and fit extraordinary conditions at
home.
Now, how do we do this? That's a big question in this
election.
One approach is to weigh in with big government. Set up
agencies, pass heavy-handed laws, wind up the bureauorats, and
try to legislate our way to a perfect world. It sounds great.
But you have to ask -- will it work?
I refer you to a story about Kaiser Wilhem the Second of
Germany. He was sort of a 'man's man' -- which I guess means he
5
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was the kind of Kaiser who -- when he got lost -- would refuse to
stop and ask anybody for directions.
Well, the Kaiser got it in his head that he could design a
better battleship. so he drew up the plans and sent them to the
Naval shipyard for the experts to study.
And when they sent back their report, it said the Kaiser's
battleship-design was indeed the finest on earth. It would be
faster and quicker than anything in the water. Its range and
power would overwhelm the enemy. And everybody on board, from
the lowest deckhand to the Admiral, would enjoy a comfort far
above the standards at the time.
one
According to the shipyard, there was only teeny, tiny
problem. If the boat were built... and placed in water...
it
would sink like lead.
well, I'm afraid a lot of policies like that have been
coming out of Capitol Hill the past few years. Policies with
wonderful titles -- like the (Family Support and Working Women
Act) -- all designed to achieve great things on behalf of working
men and women. But look closely, and you see that they just
might not float in the water.
(Consider what is called the family leave bill that was sent
to ne this week. It's well-meaning, and has the noble goal of
allowing a parent to leave a job -- without pay -- in order to
take care of a new baby, or other pressing family need. The bill
would require companies to keep that job open for up to & year,
so the employee could come back to work.
6
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Many progressive companies already offer this family leave -
- and AT&T is one of them. Your family-leave policy, in fact,
should serve as a model for others companies, it is one of the
most enlightened I have ever seen.
AT&T started this program voluntarily. But what about the
woman down the street, running a small ad agency, on a tight
budget, with 50 or so employees? What if the Federal government
walked in and said to her, all right, this is law. You've got to
offer family leave.
Think about what might happen the next time & job opened up?
Let's say there are two qualified candidates. One, a man. The
other, a woman of childbearing age. Equally qualified who do you
who's
think is going to get the job?
the small business going
to count on to stick around -- and not leave for a year to have a
baby?
Well, folks -- this is where the ship sinks -- and the
people on board get hurt.
And that's why I vetood Congress' family-leave bill this
week. I think it's well-meaning -- but not well-thought-out.
Like the Kaiser's battleship.
And two days ago, I sent back to Congress an alternative
plan that not only looks good on paper, but also will float.
My proposal doesn't force business men and women to comply.
Instead, it gives them incentives -- in the form of tax credits -
- to offer family leave. It's flexible, and it'll help 80% of
the workplaces in this country -- the small and mid-sized
7
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businesses that otherwise couldn't afford a family-leave program.
New they can provide a program without having to lay off people
to pay for it.
Understand, this isn't an attempt to let vealthy business
owners off the hook from doing what is right for society. More
and more, women entrepreneurs are starting small businesses.
These businesses provide two out of three naw jobs in the country
-- and the Labor Department says that by the year 2000, half of
them will be owned by woman.
One reason so many women are turning into entrepreneurs is
because they've bumped up against the glass ceiling that blocks
their progress in so many companies. (need to humanize this ---
example) Big companies are promoting women to higher positions
than they used to, but not fast enough. so a lot of talented
women are leaving and going into business for themselves.
That's why Secretary Martin has been working with Small
Saik
Paid
Business Administrator Pat Saiki -- to shatter that ceiling.
She's making a special effort with small business, because like I
waithe
said, that's where two out of three new jobs are created. (this
there
is weak, need more)
We have & whole network of policies we've developed during
still & Grant
you
my administration, some that directly help working women with
to w "hertion
pressing needs and some that help them indirectly, by
strengthening the marketplace.
child care, for example, was a big issue in the 1988
campaign. But you don't hear much about it this year, because
8
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it's not an issue anymore. My Child-Care Act became law in 1990
-- and I'm proud of how it happened.
You know how difficult it can be choosing proper care for
your children. You can't tell about a facility from one
interview. You go on friends' recommendations, but they aren't
always accurate. Then you see those awful shows on television,
that expose the abuses that can happen.
More than anything else, the parents I talk to want to be
free to explore different options in child care. Maybe it's a
program run by a local school. or maybe it's a church program,
or having your son or daughter stay with a relative down the
street.
Everyone in Washington wanted to help low-and middle-income
parents with child care support. But my opponents, wanted to
give the money directly to public agencies, and limit your
alternatives. I fought for giving vouchers directly to parents,
who could use them to choose the best care, regardless of who
provided it. our way was better, and we won.
Now we're fighting a similar battle over health care. Once
again, the other side wants the government to solve the problem,
either by directly taking over our health care system, or
indirectly, by getting involved in setting prices. It sounds
appealing, but it will and up meaning longer lines and less
flaxibility for you and your families.
I offer an entirely different approach. Give companies
incentives to provide coverage on their own. Allow small
9
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businesses to pool coverage, so that they can get the same kind
of breaks on costs as the AT&T's of the world. My system
protects your freedom to choose your doctor and build on
America's strength -- for providing the best care in the world.
We have other priorities -- like child support enforcement.
We're working on legislation that would crack down on 'deadbeat
dads' who don't support their kids. We want State governments to
renution is
cooperate so these deadbeats can't hide across State lines. We
want to track these guys down and make them pay.
What happens when you ... opportunity across the street -- &
better job, with more pay? But you'll lose all your pension
benefits 12 you change companies. What do you do? Well, just
this summer, we signed a law that will allow you to take your
pension from job to job.
There's a lot more. I could read & laundry list of what
we've done and want to do, in job training and discrimination
protection, and on and on.
But what's important here isn't details. It's the big
picture that's emerging, and it's vary complex.
We'ze talking about altering our society's very fabric. As
women's roles evolve, economic issues that seemed unrelated
before, start to weave together -- into the broader fabric of
family issues.
And if we're going to use the power of government to move us
forward, we need to use the power of government to help, not
hinder. Not to add new barriers to opportunity, but to remove
10
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old ones. Business barriers that burden new and small
enterprises, and social and cultural and legal barriers that make
prevent working women from becoming true first-class citizens.
(Brief pause.)
not good - this heart untell you
You know, 1 didn't come here today to make a political have a
speech, but I hope you'll excuse me one political comment. haneprics
jdb you aren't
The polls show me behind today, but I have & quiet
a
first
-
-cless
confidence that come November 3rd -- I will win.
a+12
5
-
that
I don't say this because of any great confidence in my
ability, frankly, while I think I've been a good President -- I'm
a lousy politician. I say it because I really believe my ideas
are right for America.)
I also have a feeling, that I will be the last President --
to come from the World War II generation -- whose experiences
and views were shaped by that image.
I happen to believe the values of that generation -- things
like the primacy of family and the individual -- are worth
passing forward. That's why my policies reflect those values.
But I believe something else. I believe that in many ways,
the world has become & better place, and many of those ways
relate to women.
I have ( ) granddaughters, the oldest is ( ). It's
interesting for me to compare the world she enters today, with
the world Barbara entered many years ago.
If they want to go out to Texas and start a business, my
granddaughters will be able to do it on their own, not tag along
11
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delate this- it dehear women decide who to noveal
beside their husband.] husband.
If they want to edit Vogue magazine, well,
they can do that. But if they want to be a surgeon, they can do
that too. our society is so Much richer, because women can now
contribute in any way they want.
But the old values still matter, to women and mien.
As I travel this great nation, I hear the anxiety. But I
still believe that Americans put their faith first in family and
friends -- just like in my day. I don't sense any groundswell to
have government solve all our problems -- because common sense
tells us it won't work.
so what I offer in this election is a new path to
opportunity, based on some fundamentally old values. Some values
that I think can build a safer and more secure America -- for all
of us -- and our kids.
Thanks for listening. God bless you. And God bless the
United states of America.
12
Dme r: 9/18/92
And if she chooses another line of work -- if she chooses to
stay home and raise her children, give them love and
encouragement and understanding: She won't have to answer to
anyone about the choice she's made.
//
Document No. 350812
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 09/17/92
4:00 p.m. 09/17/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AT&T WOMEN'S GATHERING
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
SUBJECT:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
GROOMES
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
HORNER
meGreaty
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attched directly to Steve Provost,
Rm. 116, x7702, with a copy to this office NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m.
TODAY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Askew/Aarhus)
September 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
WOMEN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
AT&T WOMEN'S GATHERING
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
2:40 P.M.
Thank you, Dr. (Mary) Stewart, and good afternoon, everyone.
Secretary Martin, Ambassador Hills, Director Chao,
Congressman Zimmer, Chairman Allen, Governor Kean.
I remember standing in the White House Rose Garden just last
year, and awarding a Presidential Citation to AT&T on behalf of
(insert person), honoring all of you for your world-class work in
reducing CFC air pollutants. So it's good to be here and see
first-hand the folks who made it happen.
But there's also something a little sad about being in this
neck of New Jersey today.
You lost one of your most remarkable citizens Wednesday
night, when Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick died, at 82.
Millicent Fenwick was an incredible person -- whose life was
spent climbing over barriers, pipe in hand.
She was born to a life of privilege. But in 1938, her
marriage split up and she moved to New York alone, with two kids,
cut off from her family.
She got a job as a model at Harper's Bazaar, then an Art
Editor at Vogue for 14 years -- because those were about the only
jobs women could excel at in those days.
1
Her kids grown up, she came home to New Jersey, and started
to get involved in town politics. She ran for the state Assembly
-- and won, and later served as State Consumer Affairs Director.
At 64, at an age when most people are settling down to enjoy
life's rewards, Mrs. Fenwick ran for Congress -- and won. She
became known as the champion of the underdog -- from migrant
workers in South Jersey to oppressed people all around the world.
I'm grateful to Congresswoman Fenwick because she helped run
my campaign in New Jersey in 1980 -- but more than that, she gave
selflessly to the public interest. One example. She always took
Amtrak back home to New Jersey every weekend -- because she
didn't want to waste taxpayer's money by flying. (My guess is
she probably also got a lot of work done -- she didn't have to
worry about running into too many any other Congressmen on the
train.)
You don't always think of Millicent Fenwick as a feminist,
but no one worked harder for equality. Once, a state legislator
here questioned Mrs. Fenwick about her support for the Equal
Rights Amendment. He said -- "I've always thought of women as
kissable, cuddly and smelling good." Mrs. Fenwick replied:
"That's the way I feel about men, too. I only hope for your sake
that you haven't been disappointed as often as I have."
Now, Millicent Fenwick lived and led during interesting
times. She saw a world transformed outside our borders -- and
she helped influence that transformation.
2
But while these remarkable changes took place overseas, here
in America, a quieter and even more profound revolution has been
unfolding -- and she was part of that too.
I'm talking about a move toward human justice at its most
basic level -- the movement toward equality of the sexes. A
movement that cuts across social, ideological, and national
boundaries -- that touches all of our lives.
of course, before we all get carried away with the high
fives, and proclaim that the Berlin Wall between men and women
has fallen -- we need to admit that we still have a ways to go.
Some of you may know the story of the three business
executives -- maybe they were from AT&T -- who passed away and
went to heaven.
St. Peter greeted them at the Pearly Gates, and informed
them that although they had lived their lives nobly and with
compassion -- there would be one final test before they would be
allowed to enter.
The first executive -- a man -- came forward and St. Peter
asked him to spell the word: "GOD." He did, and the gates opened
before him.
The second executive -- also a man -- came forward and was
asked to spell the word "Jesus." He did, and the gates opened
again.
Then the third executive came forward -- a woman. Her voice
rising ever so slightly, she said: "All my life I had to work
twice as hard as men to get ahead, and now I get here and find
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there's one more test. I can't believe it." And St. Peter said:
"I sympathize with you. Now spell "Czechoslovakia."
Now, I did not come here today as just one more man,
lecturing women about how tough it is to be you. You can get
enough of that on Donahue.
I'm here as a President whose policies affect the quality of
your life. And I want to explain what we're doing so that you
and your daughters won't have to spell "Czechoslovakia" -- so we
can lift American women up to your rightful place as economic,
social and legal equals.
Last week, I unveiled my Agenda for American Renewal, a
comprehensive set of answers to the economic questions facing
America today. It is a plan to guarantee that by the early part
of the 21st century -- America will have the world's first $10
trillion economy.
I have several priorities -- many are well underway. I want
to promote free trade, revolutionize our schools, sharpen our
businesses competitive edge, reach out to all Americans, and
dramatically reduce the size and scope of the federal government.
But today, I'm here to talk about another priority --
providing economic security for American working men and women.
The first order of business, as I said, is to admit that
there is still unfinished business. Not only is equal pay still
just a lofty goal -- the 'equal work' part of the equation isn't
true yet, either.
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Taking care of home and kids is a full-time job in itself,
and I know a lot of you are doing it on top of working here full-
time.
And you may be trying to do it all alone. Divorce happens.
Single mothers do struggle. You drive your minivans to Safeway,
pick up the kids at school, take them to church, the doctor,
soccer practice -- cook and clean and coach and coddle -- and by
the end of the day, you're so tired, that you can't even stay
awake for the ten'o'clock news.
The 'silent majority' of America in the 1990s -- may well be
that great, quiet backbone of dedicated, uncomplaining women --
who juggle career, school, kids and home -- and somehow manage to
get it all done with little or no help.
We as a nation need to face these challenges square in the
eye. Working American women today need workplace policies
flexible enough to stretch and fit extraordinary conditions at
home.
Now, how do we do this? That's a big question in this
election.
One approach is to weigh in with big government. Set up
agencies, pass heavy-handed laws, wind up the bureaucrats, and
try to legislate our way to a perfect world. It sounds great.
But you have to ask -- will it work?
I refer you to a story about Kaiser Wilhem the Second of
Germany. He was sort of a 'man's man' -- which I guess means he
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was the kind of Kaiser who -- when he got lost -- would refuse to
stop and ask anybody for directions.
Well, the Kaiser got it in his head that he could design a
better battleship. So he drew up the plans and sent them to the
Naval shipyard for the experts to study.
And when they sent back their report, it said the Kaiser's
battleship-design was indeed the finest on earth. It would be
faster and quicker than anything in the water. Its range and
power would overwhelm the enemy. And everybody on board, from
the lowest deckhand to the Admiral, would enjoy a comfort far
above the standards at the time.
According to the shipyard, there was only teeny, tiny
problem. If the boat were built
and placed in water
it
would sink like lead.
Well, I'm afraid a lot of policies like that have been
coming out of Capitol Hill the past few years. Policies with
wonderful titles -- like the (Family Support and Working Women
Act) -- all designed to achieve great things on behalf of working
men and women. But look closely, and you see that they just
might not float in the water.
(Consider what is called the family leave bill that was sent
to me this week. It's well-meaning, and has the noble goal of
allowing a parent to leave a job -- without pay -- in order to
take care of a new baby, or other pressing family need. The bill
would require companies to keep that job open for up to a year,
so the employee could come back to work.
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Many progressive companies already offer this family leave -
- and AT&T is one of them. Your family-leave policy, in fact,
should serve as a model for others companies, it is one of the
most enlightened I have ever seen.
AT&T started this program voluntarily. But what about the
woman down the street, running a small ad agency, on a tight
budget, with 50 or so employees? What if the Federal government
walked in and said to her, all right, this is law. You've got to
offer family leave.
Think about what might happen the next time a job opened up?
Let's say there are two qualified candidates. One, a man. The
other, a woman of childbearing age. Equally qualified who do you
think is going to get the job? Who'se the small business going
to count on to stick around -- and not leave for a year to have a
baby?
Well, folks -- this is where the ship sinks -- and the
people on board get hurt.
And that's why I vetoed Congress' family-leave bill this
week. I think it's well-meaning -- but not well-thought-out.
Like the Kaiser's battleship.
And two days ago, I sent back to Congress an alternative
plan that not only looks good on paper, but also will float.
My proposal doesn't force business men and women to comply.
Instead, it gives them incentives -- in the form of tax credits -
- to offer family leave. It's flexible, and it'll help 80% of
the workplaces in this country -- the small and mid-sized
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businesses that otherwise couldn't afford a family-leave program.
Now they can provide a program without having to lay off people
to pay for it.
Understand, this isn't an attempt to let wealthy business
owners off the hook from doing what is right for society. More
and more, women entrepreneurs are starting small businesses.
These businesses provide two out of three new jobs in the country
-- and the Labor Department says that by the year 2000, half of
them will be owned by women.
One reason so many women are turning into entrepreneurs is
because they've bumped up against the glass ceiling that blocks
their progress in so many companies. (need to humanize this --
example) Big companies are promoting women to higher positions
than they used to, but not fast enough. So a lot of talented
women are leaving and going into business for themselves.
That's why Secretary Martin has been working with Small
Business Administrator Pat Saiki -- to shatter that ceiling.
She's making a special effort with small business, because like I
said, that's where two out of three new jobs are created. (this
is weak, need more)
We have a whole network of policies we've developed during
my administration, some that directly help working women with
pressing needs and some that help them indirectly, by
strengthening the marketplace.
Child care, for example, was a big issue in the 1988
campaign. But you don't hear much about it this year, because
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it's not an issue anymore. My Child-Care Act became law in 1990
-- and I'm proud of how it happened.
You know how difficult it can be choosing proper care for
your children. You can't tell about a facility from one
interview. You go on friends' recommendations, but they aren't
always accurate. Then you see those awful shows on television,
that expose the abuses that can happen.
More than anything else, the parents I talk to want to be
free to explore different options in child care. Maybe it's a
program run by a local school. or maybe it's a church program,
or having your son or daughter stay with a relative down the
street.
Everyone in Washington wanted to help low-and middle-income
parents with child care support. But my opponents, wanted to
give the money directly to public agencies, and limit your
alternatives. I fought for giving vouchers directly to parents,
who could use them to choose the best care, regardless of who
provided it. Our way was better, and we won.
Now we're fighting a similar battle over health care. Once
again, the other side wants the government to solve the problem,
either by directly taking over our health care system, or
indirectly, by getting involved in setting prices. It sounds
appealing, but it will end up meaning longer lines and less
flexibility for you and your families.
I offer an entirely different approach. Give companies
incentives to provide coverage on their own. Allow small
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businesses to pool coverage, so that they can get the same kind
of breaks on costs as the AT&T's of the world. My system
protects your freedom to choose your doctor and build on
America's strength -- for providing the best care in the world.
We have other priorities -- like child support enforcement.
We're working on legislation that would crack down on 'deadbeat
dads' who don't support their kids. We want State governments to
cooperate so these deadbeats can't hide across State lines. We
want to track these guys down and make them pay.
What happens when you see opportunity across the street -- a
better job, with more pay? But you'll lose all your pension
benefits if you change companies. What do you do? Well, just
this summer, we signed a law that will allow you to take your
pension from job to job.
There's a lot more. I could read a laundry list of what
we've done and want to do, in job training and discrimination
protection, and on and on.
But what's important here isn't details. It's the big
picture that's emerging, and it's very complex.
We're talking about altering our society's very fabric. As
women's roles evolve, economic issues that seemed unrelated
before, start to weave together -- into the broader fabric of
family issues.
And if we're going to use the power of government to move us
forward, we need to use the power of government to help, not
hinder. Not to add new barriers to opportunity, but to remove
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old ones. Business barriers that burden new and small
enterprises, and social and cultural and legal barriers that make
prevent working women from becoming true first-class citizens.
(Brief pause.)
You know, I didn't come here today to make a political
speech, but I hope you'll excuse me one political comment.
The polls show me behind today, but I have a quiet
confidence that come November 3rd -- I will win.
I don't say this because of any great confidence in my
ability, frankly, while I think I've been a good President -- I'm
a lousy politician. I say it because I really believe my ideas
are right for America.
I also have a feeling, that I will be the last President --
to come from the World War II generation -- whose experiences
and views were shaped by that image.
I happen to believe the values of that generation -- things
like the primacy of family and the individual -- are worth
passing forward. That's why my policies reflect those values.
But I believe something else. I believe that in many ways,
the world has become a better place, and many of those ways
relate to women.
I have ( ) granddaughters, the oldest is ( ). It's
interesting for me to compare the world she enters today, with
the world Barbara entered many years ago.
If they want to go out to Texas and start a business, my
granddaughters will be able to do it on their own, not tag along
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beside their husband. If they want to edit Vogue magazine, well,
they can do that. But if they want to be a surgeon, they can do
that too. Our society is so richer, because women can now
contribute in any way they want.
But the old values still matter, to women and men.
As I travel this great nation, I hear the anxiety. But I
still believe that Americans put their faith first in family and
friends -- just like in my day. I don't sense any groundswell to
have government solve all our problems -- because common sense
tells us it won't work.
So what I offer in this election is a new path to
opportunity, based on some fundamentally old values. Some values
that I think can build a safer and more secure America -- for all
of us -- and our kids.
Thanks for listening. God bless you. And God bless the
United States of America.
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