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[Tom] Tauke / [Terry] Branstad Fundraiser 11/2/90 [OA 8318]
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[Tom] Tauke / [Terry] Branstad Fundraiser 11/2/90 [OA 8318]
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Folder Title:
[Tom] Tauke / [Terry] Branstad Fundraiser 11/2/90 [OA 8318]
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26
21
1
3
Davis/Blymire
Title: Tauke
Date: Oct. 29, 1990
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TOM TAUKE FUNDRAISER, SIOUX CITY
((Time)), Friday, Nov. 2, 1990
((Acknowledgements))
Great to be back in the Hawkeye State, and in Sioux City --
which we recognized as an All American City -- a city that opened
its heart to the survivors of a terrible tragedy.
((It's also great to see an old friend, Senator Grassley --
and his former spokeswoman who is now so outspoken on behalf of
her husband -- Bev Tauke. ))\\\
And then there are those two great Iowans -- a great future
senator and a great governor -- Tom Tauke and Terry Branstad. III
I can't think of any governor who has had a stronger
challenge than Terry faced in his first two terms. But Terry
Branstad turned Iowa around -- he turned it around by controlling
spending, and by promoting enterprise. As the Omaha World-
Herald put it: "Branstad gave the state of Iowa sensible
leadership through the hard times of the past few years and
guided the state into its current recovery."
But he is more than a governor who withstood the test of
hard times. He also led one of the best state educational
systems in the entire country. That is one more reason why Terry
is the best candidate for governor.
2
Little surprise that at the Charlottesville Education
Summit, Terry and I worked closely to reform American education,
just as Terry has worked to better the schools of Iowa.
In short, Terry Branstad has been good for Iowa and for
America. He will win his re-election the old-fashioned way: He
earned it.
We are also here on behalf of someone who has also earned
the right to represent Iowa. A tireless fighter for the family,
for the taxpayer, the farmer, the working people of Iowa.
Iowa's
We are here to elect the next United States Senator from
Iowa -- Tom Tauke.
((You may not know the whole story of why Tom decided to run
for the Senate. Turns out he was walking between_two-farm
meday
houses right through a field, almost lost between towering
stalks of corn, when he heard a voice.
And the voice said: [[WHISPER]] "If you run, you will
win. "))\\\\
Kidding aside, Tom is running because he has so much to
offer Iowa and America. Lord knows, if we had more Congressmen
and Senators like Tom, no one would be asking: "What on earth is
wrong with Washington?"
After all, it is because of the Democratic Majority that it
took six months to reach a budget agreement that should have --
and could have -- been reached in April.
((You know, they say there are two things you should never
watch being made: sausages and laws. legislation III When it comes to the
paychals of this
working
men and
3
Democrats this year, I'd say we've all been taken on a first-
class tour of the hot dog factory. )\\\
This happened because the one party that has ruled Congress
for almost forty years is dedicated to perpetual re-election.
And that party, the Democratic Party, has a bias for red tape
over choice, for Washington solutions over community solutions,
and for bureaucracy over people. When you add all this up, what
do you get? You get a liberal Democratic-controlled Congress
that's committed to two things: taxing and spending.
In fact, the liberal Democrats pushed a proposal to raise
$ 40 billion dollar tox bite aut of the
income-tax rates on the middle-class, Well, let me tell you now
-- Tom Tauke and I are not going to let them get away with it.
but
Still, I felt that we had to reach an agreement, and I felt
strongly about reducing the deficit with spending cuts, not by
raising taxes. In fact, that's exactly the kind of budget I sent
to Congress last February. Predictably, the liberal Democrats
who control Congress wanted to slash defense and then raise your
taxes.
What we got was a compromise. And there is some good in it.
We got almost half a trillion dollars in deficit reduction over
five years. But that is not enough. America deserves more than
a compromise. America deserves a Better Deal.
The Founders never imagined a Congress of full-time,
lifetime politicians. They never imagined that the finest
conception of-man onwearth, the framework of the Constitution,
the brainchild of Jefferson and Adams, would have been distorted
4
by an arrogant majority that uses power to protect its
prerogatives, its perks, its privileges, its pet projects.
Is this the conception of the Founders: A Congress that
forces the people to pay almost $400,000 to upgrade the House
beauty parlor? Another $250,000 to study the best placement of
television lighting on the Senate floor? If Ben Franklin were
alive today, he'd say it's going to take more than a facelift and
better lighting to hide the ugly truth from the American
people. III
And the truth is that Congress itself has become the
biggest, most entrenched special-interest America has ever seen.
In 1959, Congress was served by 5,800 staff members. Today,
it is served by almost 20,000 staff members who control the
perks, and pass out the pork. Congress is a confusion of
committees and turf-conscious chaos. This is a Congress that
uses the powers of incumbency to ensure that it can become a
perpetual Congress -- a House of Lords. Send Tom Tauke to the
Senate, and we will not let them get away with it.
Perhaps it's time to ask the liberal Democrats: Whose
The answer is casey,
country is this, anyway? 1 It is your country. It belongs to
we flew over to day.
those who work in the fields around Sioux City. It belongs to
those who work the factories 10f, Cedar Rapids It belongs to
those who teach the children of Iowa so well. But it does not
belong to the privileged few who roam the congressional corridors
of power. 111
scresof
towns
from My small The to
The missouri
the Missessippe weards My the
5
It does not belong to those who want taxpayers to underwrite
their campaigns. III
It does not belong to those who put special-interests before
the national interests
It does not belong to the liberal Democrats.
Who among us was surprised that the minute this budget
agreement was reached, a Democratic leader said that his party
will continue to demand higher taxes, raising the income tax
rates next year. Well, your next Senator -- Tom Tauke -- and I
are not about to let them get away with this.
This issue is larger than one budget agreement or one
session of Congress or one election. It may sound corny in
Washington. But Iowans know that we are really talking about the
American Dream. It's about the differences between the parties
and who can build a better America. It's about American families
and American values -- and who represents them. And I believe
you know the answer -- Republicans do. 111
commonsiver and
We are the ones, after all, who fight for the family
weres
perspective in education, in child care, in housing. We are
the ones determined to bring hope and opportunity to millions
taken for granted by the Democrats. We are the ones who have
more sympathy for victims than for criminals.
Terry Branstad knows that governors can make things happen.
Forty-three governors, ((like him)), already have the line-item
veto. Tom Tauke wants me to have a shot at it, too. He wants to
allow Presidents to use the line-item as a tool of good
Bellinally
6
government, as a scalpel to excise waste. In fact, Tom has
sponsored and fought for the Line-Item Veto Act in the House.
Regis
Put him in the Senate, and Tom Tauke will make the line-item veto
in
was
the law of the land. III
In this race, Tom Tauke stands alone in rejecting the tax-
and-spend policies, the soft-on-crime policies, of days gone by.
He is the condidate the condidate - who
Call it a tale of two Toms. Only one will stand up for Iowa
and Iowa values in the United States Senate. III
So let us make Election Day an opportunity day --
an
opportunity to re-elect Terry Branstad, and make Tom Tauke your
next United States Senator.
excause I Deswers rest
If we do, Iowa and America will be all the better for it.
Thank you for your leadership and support. May God bless
you and the United States of America.
#
#
#
5
who want to retire to a nice house on a hill: as long as it's not
Capitol Hill. It's time for America to turn away from the concept
of the career politician and return to the concept of democracy
intended by our forefathers: the citizen politician. America
deserves a Congress where ideas take root, not politicians.
And since the bloated and stagnated incumbent Democrats can't
control costs, well, I've got only one thing to say. Give me the
line-item veto that 43 governors have and I'll do it for them. 11
And another thing -- almost every one of our 50 states has
the requirement for a balanced budget. Well, I say it's time
that the federal government gets that same, sane approach that
the states have. Give me a balanced budget amendment. 11
But you know, the issue is larger than one budget agreement;
or one session of Congress; or one election. It's about the dif-
ferences between the parties. And who can best build a better
America. It's about our country's families and values and who
really represents them. You know the answer. Republicans do.
You know the difference between Republicans and Democrats.
We're the ones speaking for families -- we're the ones who will
let them make their own choices in areas like education, child
care, and housing.. We're the ones determined to bring hope and
opportunity to the millions forgotten by the Democrats -- and we
won't give up on them.
We're the ones who look beyond Washington, into the heart-
lands of this nation, for new solutions. Republicans believe we
ought to have more sympathy for the victims of crime than for the
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Rep. Fred Grandy - 6th District
Rep. Jim leach- 1st District
Rep. Jim Lightfoot- 5th District
Rep. David Nagle- 3rd District
Rep. Neal Smith- 4th District
Rep. Tom Tauke- 2nd District
(i)
VIA FAX: (507) 252-0468
MINNESOTA
Branstad- fine ttem Veto
MN Staff ofe.
# of times used
(515) 281- on 5211
DickVoss
Ann Zimmerman
120 times
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 29, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
RELEVANT SPEECHWRITERS
RELEVANT RESEARCHERS
FROM:
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
SUBJECT:
DEAD CAT MATERIAL
EXCEPT
EXAMPLES OF CONGRESSIONAL SELF-SPENDING
1)
U.S. News notes that Congress has recently voted itself
a pay raise that now puts them in the very tax bracket
that--under the new budget--is set to decrease by 2%.
2)
$375,000 for a facelift for the House beauty parlor.
3)
$250,000 to study the best placement for T.V. lights on
the Senate floor.
McNally suggests: "It's going to take more than a
beauty parlor facelift and a change in lighting to hide
the ugly truth form the American people
"
4)
$20 million dollars for Congress' own private art
collection budgeted in a recent "urgent, dire,
emergency" supplemental spending bill.
EXAMPLES OF CONGRESSIONAL SILLY-SPENDING
1)
More pork tucked into last-minute legislation: Nineteen
million dollars to study the methane emissions from the
flatulence of COWS and other barnyard animals (didn't
know whether or not to put this one under self-
spending or not).
2)
Congress wants $10 million to study magnetic levitation
3)
Lawmakers also want funds for a new program for World
War II veterans to help them readjust to civilian life
"45 years after the war. "
4)
In appropriations for Agriculture and Rural
Development, the House added $250,000 for research on
methods to improve the texture of sweet potatoes--an
idea proposed by an industry group.
5)
Supplemental Appropriations (For FY 1990; Passed
5/25/90) By a vote of 246-160 (R 32-130; D 214-30),
the House agreed to a Senate amendment to force a
federal agency that is supposed to do ocean research to
procure a fish farm in Arkansas.
6)
Congressional appropriations would give The Corporation
for Public Broadcasting (despite its propensity for
supporting only politically left-of-center
programming), $259,565,000.
7)
Three-quarters of a million dollars to buy an 80-ton
ferry for Samoa budgeted in the recent "urgent, dire,
emergency" supplemental spending bill.
DEMOCRAT/CONGRESS JOKES
1)
The Democrat-controlled Congress is so screwed up---
last I heard it was getting obscene phone calls--
collect!!!
2)
I don't want to be too tough on the Democrats, so in
the spirit of conciliation I'll repeat the proposal of
that great Republican Chauncey Depew, "We will make a
bargain with the Democrats. If they stop telling lies
about Republicans, we'll stop telling the truth about
them."
3)
Some naysayers claim there's no difference between the
Democrats and the Republicans; as I see it the
difference is very clear. The Democrats want bigger
government, bigger social programs, and if their
unwillingness to cut spending is any indication, bigger
deficits
They seem to follow the thinking of the
famous American entrepreneur who once said, "I like
thinking big. If you're going to be thinking anyway,
you might as well think big. Well, that man was
Donald Trump
and we all know what happened to him.
4)
The Democrats in Congress have been selling the country
the Great American Rip-Off. Well, after election day
there's going to be another American Rip-Off--that'll
be the sound of hundreds of Democrat bumper stickers
being removed.
5)
"The Democratic Party is like a man riding backward in
a carriage. It never sees a thing until it has gone
by."
(Attributed to Benjamin F. Butler, C. 1870)
6)
Adapted from Will Rogers for Congress: "What the
Congress needs is dirtier fingernails and cleaner
minds."
7)
Well, my friends, you can fool some of the people all
of the time. They're the ones who vote the straight
Democratic ticket.
8)
I saw an interesting bumper sticker on the limousine of
a congressional Democrat. It said: DRIVE CAREFULLY.
WE NEED EVERY TAXPAYER WE CAN GET.
9)
In Congress, a trouble shooter would need a machine
gun.
10)
They say you profit by your mistakes. In that case,
the Democrats in Congress have had one helluva year!
11)
A Democratic politician reminds me of Will Rogers. He
never met a tax he didn't hike.
12)
I can remember when the liberal Democrat's favorite
exercise was jogging up the street. Now it's running
down the government.
LINES/QUOTES
1)
When it comes to fighting taxes, the Democrats are
sworn pacifists. But when it comes to attacking your
wallet, they're the toughest hawks around.
2)
Congress reminds me of a butcher shop--the Republicans
keep trimming off the fat; but the Democrats keep
stuffing in the pork.
3)
Come election day, America's going to wrap their voting
returns in a road map.
4)
A little history and a blow to the "House of Lords":
The people of this country are fed up, and they're
fired with the same kind of American indignation that,
over two centuries ago, prompted young rebels to dump
90,000 pounds of english tea into the Boston Harbor.
That act later led John Adams to write: "The dye is
cast: the people have passed the river and cutt (sic)
away the bridge." On that day, our forebearers sent a
clear message to the English monarchy. This November,
217 years later, another ruling dynasty is going to
receive a strong message from the people of
America
and on that day they're going going to vote
Republican!!"
5)
"The selfishness of the members of Congress is
incredible
They are just about driving me nuts."
(Dwight D. Eisenhower)
6)
"When it comes down to the relations of any President
with a Congress controlled by the opposite party, I
just say this: it is no bed of roses." (ibid.)
Apr. 25 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
require an up-or-
Remarks to Capital Area Community
chairman of the board and executive direc-
rescissions. The ]
Food Bank Volunteers
tor of the Capital Area Community Food
to make the tou
April 25, 1990
Bank, respectively.
the heat, and I'n
that.
Hey, listen, I'm the one that should be
clapping for you all. And I want to thank
The third an
Barry Scher, the chairman; and Lynn Brant-
Remarks Announcing Federal Budget
budget reform
ley; and I guess everybody else for the tour
Reform Proposals
budget amendm
of this Capital Area Community Food Bank.
April 25, 1990
amendment, pro
It's nice to know that all the broccoli-
essary and appro
[laughter]-that my wife loves so much
The President. Let me welcome Senators
ests of a group C
found a good home. And I'm told that it
Thurmond-I thought Pete Domenici was
protect themselv
was well received.
going to be here-certainly Dan Coats; and
the citizens of I
It's especially fitting that I come over
Tom Tauke, Lynn Martin; Representatives
Joint Resolution
Thurmond, is 01
here today, as your President, because this
Craig, Penny; and of course, Secretary
is National Volunteer Week, a time to ap-
Brady and the Attorney General and Direc-
amendment, and
plaud those who are reaching out to those
tor Darman, General Counsel Boyden Gray.
dorse that Thurn
in need and to resolve to make serving
Today I'm signing letters to send to Con-
30 State legislatu
gress a budget reform package that would
a constitutional C
others a part of America's life. I'm here to
express my own thanks and the thanks of a
propose an amendment to the Constitution
These three to
grateful community for all that you do to
to provide a line-item veto; reiterate my
tutional amendn
address the problem of hunger in the Wash-
previous support for the Legislative Line-
authority for the
ington metropolitan area.
Item Veto Act to enhance Presidential re-
budget amendme
scission authority; and finally, to reendorse
courage and disc
And this Capital Area Community Food
a balanced budget amendment.
the problems of b
Bank is a volunteer-intensive organization.
In this room are some of the more than
As President, I repeat the call of many of
So, I am prepa
5,500 people who volunteer to make this
my predecessors for the line-item veto, and
here-to work V
today I am proposing an amendment to the
initiative work-distributing a minimum of
meaningful, cred
500,000 pounds of food per month. And by
Constitution to accomplish this. The Presi-
reform process. (
encouraging individuals, supermarkets, and
dent needs the power to remove unneces-
order is crucial
other bulk suppliers to save their surpluses
sary expenditures that have been made a
economic health
and by distributing that food to the needy
part of the appropriations bills without sac-
in our community, those of you who are
rificing entire legislative enactments. This
Thank you all
look forward to
gathered here today are among those Points
power would give the President the same
cess here.
tool that 43 Governors have: the line-item
of Light that shine so brightly all across our
veto.
[At this point, th
country.
I also want to repeat my strong endorse-
ters.]
For the neighborhood pantries, low-
ment of August 4th of last year for the Leg-
income day-care centers, senior citizen
The President.
islative Line-Item Veto Act, which was in-
lunch programs, and homeless shelters-a
the good work.
troduced in the Senate by Senator Coats
population served-this effort makes a dif-
and by John McCain. I'm glad you're here,
ference. It makes a difference in the lives of
Lithuanian Inde
Dan; but John, I think, is in Nicaragua for
others. And I hope that every community
the inauguration. Otherwise, he would be
Q. Mr. Preside
in the Nation will follow your lead and
here as well. The House sponsors are here:
uanian leader] ha
become, in your words, a community that
Tom Tauke, Lynn Martin, Larry Craig, and
Munich. Would
cares for its own.
Tim Penny-all out front on this issue.
self?
Thank you for demonstrating that any
The Legislative Line-Item Veto Act
The President.
definition of a successful life must include
strengthens the rescission authority in cur-
The policy decisi
serving others. You inspire me, you inspire
rent law. Now an appropriation can only be
support from the
my wife, and you inspire the country.
canceled through rescission, but Congress
who I work for.
Thank you very much.
can reject a Presidential rescission simply
by inaction. And that's precisely what's hap-
Note: The Preside
Note: The President spoke at 10:27 a.m. at
pened to the vast majority of rescission pro-
the Roosevelt Ro
the food bank. In his opening remarks, he
posals since the present law went into
his opening rema
referred to Barry Scher and Lynn Brantley,
effect in 1974. And so, I ask Congress to
642
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Apr. 25
require an up-or-down vote on Presidential
Pete V. Domenici and Dan Coats; Secretary
rescissions. The President needs the power
of the Treasury Nicholas F. Brady; Attorney
to make the tough calls on spending, take
General Dick Thornburgh; Richard G.
the heat, and I'm perfectly prepared to do
Darman, Director of the Office of Manage-
that.
ment and Budget; and C. Boyden Gray,
The third and final element of this
Counsel to the President.
budget reform package is a balanced
budget amendment. A balanced budget
amendment, properly drafted, is both nec-
essary and appropriate to protect the inter-
ests of a group of citizens not now able to
protect themselves; and I'm talking about
the citizens of future generations. Senate
A fact sheet on the President's budget
Joint Resolution 12, introduced by Senator
reform proposals was issued by the Office of
Thurmond, is one such balanced budget
the Press Secretary on April 25. In addition
to covering the material found in these re-
amendment, and today I am pleased to en-
marks, the fact sheet also contained the fol-
dorse that Thurmond resolution. More than
lowing points:
30 State legislatures have already called for
a constitutional convention for this purpose.
Line-item veto constitutional amendment:
These three tools-a line-item veto consti-
"The amendment would give the President
tutional amendment, enhanced rescission
authority to separately approve, reduce, or
authority for the President, and a balanced
disapprove any provision of a bill containing
budget amendment-together with political
any 'item of spending authority.' 'Items of
courage and discipline are vital to solving
spending authority' have been broadly de-
the problems of budget deficits.
fined, to capture the whole range of Federal
spending. They include: items of appropria-
So, I am prepared-I will tell all of you
tion, spending authorizations, authority to
here-to work with Congress to enact a
borrow money on the credit of the United
meaningful, credible, and effective budget
States or otherwise, dedications of revenues,
reform process. Getting our fiscal house in
entitlements, uses of assets, insurance, guar-
order is crucial to our nation's long-term
antees of borrowing, and any authority to
economic health and prosperity.
incur obligations. The basic veto mechanism
Thank you all for your leadership, and I
currently in the Constitution has been re-
look forward to working with you for suc-
tained in the amendment. When the Presi-
cess here.
dent exercises the item veto, he will signify
[At this point, the President signed the let-
in writing the portions approved or ap-
ters.]
proved as reduced, which will then become
law, and return disapproved portions and
The President. So, there we are. Keep up
reductions to Congress, which will reconsid-
the good work.
er each of them just as it now does with
vetoed bills."
Lithuanian Independence
Balanced budget constitutional amend-
Q. Mr. President, Mr. Landsbergis [Lith-
ment: "The proposed amendment would re-
uanian leader] has likened your policies to
quire that outlays not exceed receipts, thus
Munich. Would you care to defend your-
allowing the budget to be balanced or to run
self?
a surplus. The proposal also includes a safe-
The President. I don't need any defense.
guard against a resort to higher taxes as a
The policy decisions I've taken have strong
means of complying with the constitutional
support from the American people. That's
mandate. The President called for a change
who I work for.
in Senate Joint Resolution 12: that the man-
date for a balanced budget be effective be-
Note: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. in
ginning with fiscal year 1993-the year in
the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In
which the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law re-
his opening remarks, he referred to Senators
quires elimination of the deficit."
643
Week Ending Friday, August 4, 1989
Remarks at a Meeting of the
former NGA chairman, who's rocked the
National Governors' Association in
world of Illinois politics by announcing that
Chicago, Illinois
he will not run for a fifth term. They were
July 31, 1989
just getting used to him out here, and now
he's not going to run. But thank you for
The President. Thank you, Governor
your hospitality.
Baliles. Thank all of you-Bill [Gov. Bill
I'd like to rise to John Sununu's defense:
Clinton of Arkansas].
He is not quiet and retiring. That's all I will
Before I make my remarks, I want to
say about it. [Laughter] But I think it is
comment on a very disturbing report that
good to have a Chief of Staff who knows
we've just heard. There are unconfirmed
how the Governors function and the impor-
reports that Colonel Higgins has, indeed,
tance of the Governors in this whole feder-
been executed. And I had planned to go on
alist system.
out to Nevada for another appearance
I think Jerry mentioned [Secretary of
today and then to go to Oklahoma tonight.
Veterans Affairs] Ed Derwinski, a member
But this matter is of such concern to me
of my Cabinet, a good friend of longstand-
and to all of you and to the American
ing. And I want-to salute him and also our
people that I think it's appropriate-that I go.-
Secretary of Transportation, Illinois own
back to Washington.
Sam Skinner, who is with me here today.
Whether the report is true or not, I know
Both doing outstanding jobs-Sam digging
I speak for all here when I try to express to
in now, working on a national transporta-
the American people the sense of outrage
tion strategy.
that we all feel about this kind of brutality,
And Terry Branstad, the incoming presi-
this uncalled-for terrorism. And this was a
dent-let me say I look forward to working
young American colonel serving in an inter-
with you, and I hope we'll have an era of
national force, and it is incumbent on all of
real cooperation, just as we have with Gov-
us to try to rectify this situation, if at all
ernor Baliles.
possible. And I have no more to share with
Let's begin by saying what is the role of
you on this. We have not been able to con-
the Governor in the American political life?
firm this horrible report, but I will go back
Well, De Tocqueville, the great 19th centu-
to Washington and convene our top nation-
ry observer, once asked a country politician
al security people and, first, establish to the
the same question, and the answer he got
best of our ability if the report is true and
was this: "The Governor counts for abso-
then figure out what might conceivably be
lutely nothing and is paid only $1,200."
done. So, I'm sorry to bring to this meeting
Well, you still can't get rich off a public
a message of that nature, the bad news, but
salary. But today I don't think there's any
I felt you would want to know about it.
question in the minds of the American
Jerry [Baliles], that said, thank you very
people that the office of Governor counts
much. I want to commend you on your suc-
for an awful lot, counts for a great deal. In
cess as chairman of this group. I studied
fact, leadership in America is increasingly
Latin for 4 years. Soon you will be chair-
the sum of your efforts and of your vision.
man emeritus. "E" in Latin means out-
And that's why I consider myself a Federal-
"meritus" damn well deserves to be. So, I
ist. I was there when President Reagan
will-[laughter]-but I want to commend
issued the Executive order on federalism,
you-that having been said-commend you
and I want you to know that I stand by it.
on that. It's been a joy working with you.
We believe in federalism, and yet we are
And I want to salute our host and my
a people, one nation, indivisible. And just as
friend, Jim Thompson-a great Governor,
we share our cherished Constitution, so we
1185
July 31 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
also share common challenges and responsi-
Then it was another Roosevelt, great
searching for the
bilities. To cure our nation of illiteracy and
President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who
And now I ask yc
drug abuse and crime, we must act in
called on the Governors to help him stem
Hungary on you
have no formal rc
tandem, President with Governor, Gover-
the financial crisis of the Great- Depression.
nor with mayor, up and down the line. And
And today we don't meet in a spirit of im-
are becoming our
in short, we've got to find our collective
mediate crisis. Plenty of problems out
bassadors of demo
will as a nation.
there, but the Nation is fundamentally
in restoring Ame
sound. But the decline of our educational
petitiveness and e
And that's why I've come to Chicago to
system and the threat of crime and drugs,
for American good
meet with all of you, fellow chief execu-
tives. We share as executives a special ré-
the economic dependency of so many and,
And of course, y
sponsibility. And some describe it as a great
yes, that ever-present Federal deficit and
must be on the cr
burden, but for us, if it is a burden, it is one
the problems that come with it-these
chief executives,
that is cheerfully accepted. And to sit
problems threaten to endanger the very
crucial our social h
sition of America.
where the buck stops, to resolve disputes, to
leadership position of America in the next
help those in need and to set a course for
century. And for America to remain com-
our youth is ign
the future is to know a special kind of satis-
petitive will require your best efforts and
which drugs are ra
faction.
your executive know-how. The ultimate
stantial proportion
challenge, as Governor Baliles put it, is "to
little hope-such
In fact, our missions as executives are so
similar that many Presidents have called on
become again the Yankee traders that we
remain competitive
you for guidance. Teddy Roosevelt, who
once were." And he's not talking about
sis, improving ou
called the Nation's first conference of Gov-
George Steinbrenner [owner of the New
drugs, and bringin,
York Yankees baseball team]. He is refer-
to those who need
ernors, the forerunner of this association,
of our national well
convened the Governors at the White
ring to the clipper ships. Your creative re-
House. And he brought the Nation's Gover-
sponse to our nation's competitive position
al security.
nors together to eall for conservation, for an
is more than perceptive; it's forward look-
First and foremo
end to the reckless denuding of our forests.
ing, an attribute to the best kind of leader-
their education. W
raise the level of le
And they started a tradition that we are
ship.
carrying on today, working together as
At this economic summit that I men-
of America. On Ap
tioned, the competitive position of our
to the Congress,
President and Governors for a cleaner envi-
ronment.
nation was an underlying theme in the dis-
package based on f
cussions of the great economic issues of
the practical exper
I thought you might be interested in a
trade and monetary policy and internation-
have reform, excel
peripheral note here. I'm just back from the
economic summit in Europe, and the whole
al debt. But no less important to America
must be recognized
question of environment is on the minds of
was the start of my journey, that part that
reform, Federal dol
took us to eastern Europe and central
to those most in ne
these Western European leaders, unlike any
Europe. Poland and Hungary today are not
need flexibility and
time that I've ever seen. And I think that's
the economic magnets that we find in
ents, choice for sch
a good thing. And I think it is going to
cause all of us to work together internation-
Western Europe or the Pacific rim, but I
teachers and princij
ally, just as my plea is here that we work
saw a tremendous potential in the awaken-
sence of reform is
together inside our great country.
ing spirit of those lands. It is absolutely
tion and reward for
amazing-the changes that are taking place
progress. If implen
We have proposed, as you know, the first
major revision of the Clean Air Act in more
on the economic front there and on the
these measures will
political front as well. And the beauty of it
American education
than a decade. And I read a headline in one
of the great newspapers of this country
is that we can boost reform without massive
of millions of childre
government-to-government programs. We
But there is more
where some say it didn't go far enough and
others said it went too far. I figured, well,
can do the most good as American leaders
5th, I asked the 1
maybe we're not doing too bad on it. But it
by simply facilitating trade and investment,
study what the priva
sets tough standards. It gives States and in-
by simply opening doors for opportunity
ergize and support e
and encouraging those governments to
there are wonderful
dustry the flexibility needed to reduce costs
move as fast as they can towards privatiza-
where business lead
and break the longstanding legislative
tion.
their companies to 1
logjam. The potential for consensus is there.
The American people want clean air. And
But to open these doors will require lead-
districts. These have
we can work together to see that they get
ership at every level of government. You've
tered by many of y
clean air.
already established a great tradition of
want to renew my I
1186
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 31
searching for those opportunities abroad.
Governors in a summit to share ideas and to
And now I ask you to include Poland and
explore options for educational progress.
Hungary on your list. While Governors
Only twice before have the Governors
have no formal role in foreign policy, you
met with the President on an issue of vital
are becoming our economic envoys and am-
national importance. And now there will be
bassadors of democracy. You're a new force
a third such conference, an historic meeting
in restoring American international com-
on education. And so, I invite you to work
petitiveness and expanding world markets
with me at a Governors summit on educa-
for American goods and services.
tion to be held on September 27th and Sep-
And of course, your focus is and, I think,
tember 28th. We have not yet selected a
must be on the critical domestic issues. As
place, but we want to go forward and do
chief executives, we know firsthand how
that. And together, we can find ways to
crucial our social health is to the future po-
strengthen our schools, to enlarge opportu-
sition of America. A nation in which half of
nities, and to improve our nation's educa-
our youth is ignorant of geography, in
tional performance.
which drugs are rampant, in which a sub-
As chief executives, we also see drugs and
stantial proportion of the population knows
crime as the most harrowing domestic
little hope-such a nation will not long
threat to the future of America. And I pro-
remain competitive. And in the final analy-
posed on May 15th a commonsense ap-
sis, improving our schools, driving out
proach to deter the criminals' use of weap-
drugs, and bringing hope and opportunity
ons, to reform the criminal justice system,
to those who need it most-these are issues
to enhance enforcement and prosecution,~
of our national well-being, even our nation-
and to expand prison capacity. to ensure
al security.
both- the certainty and the severity of-pun-
First and foremost are our children and
ishment. I proposed the hiring of 825 new
their education. Working together, we can
Federal agents and staff, 1,600 new pros-
raise the level of learning in the classrooms
ecutors and staff, and an additional $1 bil-
of America. On April 5th, I sent a package
lion for Federal prision construction. And
to the Congress, an educational reform
I've proposed tough new laws, including
package based on four principles rooted in
mandatory prison terms, no deals without
the practical experience of the States. To
cooperation, and the death penalty for
have reform, excellence and achievement
those who murder our police officers. But I
must be recognized and rewarded. To have
need your leadership to see results. Work
reform, Federal dollars should be targeted
with me. Toughen your laws and put the
to those most in need. To have reform, we
worst offenders behind bars. And if you do,
need flexibility and choice-choice for par-
we will take back the streets.
ents, choice for schools in their selection of
And finally, America cannot continue to
teachers and principals. And finally, the es-
lead the world if we lag in providing oppor-
sence of reform is accountability in educa-
tunity at home. And last year, as you know,
tion and reward for those schools that show
Congress and the administration enacted
progress. If implemented, I believe that
major welfare reform legislation, the Family
these measures will restore the quality of
Support Act of 1988. And this act grew out
American education and redeem the future
of a consensus that the well-being of chil-
of millions of children.
dren depends on more than material needs.
But there is more to be done. On June
Children need a family environment that
5th, I asked the business community to
encourages self-sufficiency-in a word, char-
study what the private sector can do to en-
acter. With this in mind, I reestablished the
ergize and support educational reform. And
Low Income Opportunity Board within the
there are wonderful programs in effect now
White House. And I've asked that board to
where business leaders assign people from
assist you in the complex and time-consum-
their companies to help in the local school
ing process of obtaining these Federal ap-
districts. These have been pushed and fos-
provals for experiments in State welfare
tered by many of you around this table. I
reform. So many innovative policies have
want to renew my pledge to assemble the
come from the States. So, we want to work
1187
July 31 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
together to keep your administrations free
sensus goals to improve the quality of edu-
But clearly, in tern
to experiment, free to be creative. In fact, I
cation, and we want to involve all the
that.
have asked our Domestic Policy Council
people in this nation that are concerned
But, Bill, I'd al:
and the Low Income Opportunity Board to
about rebuilding and strengthening the
talked about and
make flexibility the guiding principle, so
quality of education. Thank you for that
with others around
that States will have greater freedom to ex-
commitment.
out Governors Ba
periment with welfare reform. And I am
The President. Thank you for your ques-
they'll both be un
pleased to announce that this week the
weeks. But this COI
tion. [Laughter] No, but thank you, Terry,
DPC, Domestic Policy Council, has com-
and we look forward to working with you.
cellence the way y
mitted itself to give you greater room to
think has great app
Q. Mr. President, first of all, we appreci-
maneuver and to grant waiver requests as
school senior goes f
ate your speech and your commitment both
quickly as possible.
lege. So, anyway-
to fighting drugs and to improving educa-
Many of our responsibilities overlap in
agenda item.
education, law enforcement, and welfare.
tion. I support, as I think you know, your
Q. Governor Celo
At times, there's been friction, a lot of fric-
education position. I'm for accountability,
The President.
tion between the States and the "feds." And
choice, alternative certification. One thing
recognize you. Yesi
perhaps what we need between the Federal
that concerns me in our State, and I think is
Government and the States is a friendly
a concern around the table here that I'd
Health Care
competition well-known to Chicagoans.
like to hear you comment on, is the relative
Here, along the majestic lakefront skyline,
lack of competitiveness of our high school
Q. Mr. President
there's been an ongoing competition among
seniors with many of the other countries
notion of worthy go
developers to retain the title of the world's
with which you've been negotiating new
And this morning tl
economic, environmental, and defense ar-
breakfast table talk
tallest building. You talk about one-upsman-
ship, this is it-a whole new meaning. Yet
rangements. What do you think the Federal
problems we're fac
this is the kind of one-upsmanship that
role ought to be in trying to increase the
and the mandated
builds, not destroys; that lifts, not lowers;
number of people who can afford to go on
a consequence of d
that takes us all a little closer, a little closer
to college-or who can't afford to go on to
made in the Congr
to the stars.
college but need to so that they can be
feeling that we wo
I have committed the powers of my office
internationally competitive? And do you be-
share with our cong
lieve that that ought to be a part of our
realities we're now
to lift America, starting in the classrooms
and the streets. Working together, I am ab-
education summit in September? I'm very
ernors, but to call
seek the assistance
solutely convinced that we can achieve a
concerned about that, and that's something
national consensus in spite of the overriding
that neither the States nor the Federal Gov-
well, to have a 2-y
additional mandate
budgetary problems that the Federal Gov-
ernment has adequately addressed, in my
with a commitment
ernment faces. Working together, we can
judgment, in these 3 or 4 years.
make the next century an American centu-
together on a bipa
The President. I think, clearly, the Feder-
the Congress, the a
ry.
al Government has a role. We have some
Thank you. Thank you all for what you do
this whole issue of
programs. I know everybody would like to
for this country, and I'm just delighted to
assure coverage to
see them financed more fully, thinking of
have been with you. Thank you very much.
we deal with this pr
Pell grants and things of this nature. And
Q. Thank you, Mr. President. The Presi-
into a system. whic
I've been intrigued with some of the pri-
dent has agreed to take a couple of ques-
now for various pre
tions. I'll call on our vice chairman, Gover-
vate sector approaches. A fellow named Pat
children, and to do i
Taylor in New Orleans has a program that I
nor Branstad of Iowa, for the first question.
And I'm wondering
believe-I don't know whether Governor
comfortable with a 1
Education
Roemer-I didn't-where is he-can com-
moratorium on add
Q. Mr. President, we're very honored
ment on. I don't know whether he likes it
point and whether
that you've invited us in the third only
or not. But nevertheless, it's a program that
we could work tog
Presidential summit with the Governors on
has some applicability to what we're talking
issue.
the topic. And I'm delighted that you've
about here. It's happened in other States.
The President. W
chosen education because that's going to be
But, yes, I think it should be a key agenda
it. And certainly yo
an area of focus of the Governors for this
item for the summit that we're talking
line on the spiraling
coming year. And I just want to add my
about. Again, every time we get to worthy
now-and I think W
appreciation and say that we look forward
goals, I have to say, Wait. How do we meet
ly-with some of our
to working with you and developing con-
Gramm-Rudman's targets and all of that?
increased costs of pl
1188
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 31
But clearly, in terms of objective, it must be
without getting into the specifics, I'd cer-
that.
tainly think we could cooperate fully.
e
d
But, Bill, I'd also say that what you've
Maybe we could take one more. Okay.
talked about and you've pioneered, along
with others around this table-I can single
Transportation
out Governors Baliles and Kean because
Q. Mr. President, under our chairman's
they'll both be unemployed here in a few
direction this spring and summer, I con-
weeks. But this concept of encouraging ex-
ducted a series of hearings around the
cellence the way your States have done it I
Nation on our nation's transportation infra-
think has great applicability for how a high
structure. Two key facts came out of those
school senior goes forward and gets into col-
hearings. One, those nations which make an
lege. So, anyway-but it should be an
increased investment in their highways,
agenda item.
their bridges, their harbors, their air and
Q. Governor Celeste of Ohio.
rail systems, their water systems are more
The President. Where's Dick? I didn't
competitive in the world economy than
recognize you. Yes? [Laughter]
those nations who do less. And secondly,
S
those nations who make such investments
Health Care
stimulate more private investment than
those nations who do less.
Q. Mr. President, you just alluded to the
I don't have a question; I have a sugges-
S
notion of worthy goals and budget realities.
tion,- if I might be so bold. Could you ask
And this morning the Governors around the
Director Darman, Secretary Brady, Secre-
breakfast table talked at length about the
tary Skinner, and Secretary Mosbacher to
1
problems we're facing now with Medicaid
form kind of a working group to make sure
and the mandated costs that are built in as
that our tax laws and our transportation
a consequence of decisions that have been
policies are doing everything we can to en-
made in the Congress. And I think it's our
courage a renewal of America's transporta-
feeling that we would like to, number one,
tion infrastructure? I know it will be part of
share with our congressional delegations the
Secretary Skinner's national strategies plan,
realities we're now contending with as Gov-
but I think there needs to be more focus in
ernors, but to call on them and perhaps to
Washington on the benefits of infrastruc-
seek the assistance of the administration, as
ture investment and a return to our econo-
well, to have a 2-year moratorium on any
my, especially our competitive world econo-
additional mandates in terms of Medicaid
my. And I think those four good men could
with a commitment that all of us sit down
really help in that effort.
together on a bipartisan basis-Governors,
the Congress, the administration-to look at
The President. Well, let us try, and I ap-
this whole issue of health care: how we
preciate the suggestion. And for those out
assure coverage to those who need it; how
around here from Illinois, I must say I am
we deal with this problem of sort of backing
very pleased to be working with Sam Skin-
into a system which is virtually universal
ner in this field. I know the frustrations
now for various pregnant women and small
around this table when you see this tremen-
children, and to do it in a cost efficient way.
dous highway trust fund and wonder why
And I'm wondering whether you would be
those funds aren't immediately available for
comfortable with a notion, for example, of a
the purposes for which they were ear-
moratorium on additional mandates at this
marked. And the answer, obviously; is budg-
point and whether there's a way in which
etary. But, yes, I'd be very happy to ask the
we could work together on this important
four of them to get together.
issue.
The President. Well, I'd like to consider
Competitiveness
it. And certainly you're trying to hold the
Q. Nice to see you again, Mr. President. I
line on the spiraling costs. We're in a battle
just wanted to follow up on the point that
now-and I think we can resolve it proper-
you had made and offer, for whatever it's
ly-with some of our doctors in terms of the
worth, my congratulations on the Septem-
increased costs of physicians' fees. But, yes,
ber 27th summit, vis-a-vis education.
1189
July 31 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
I would like to say that the Southern
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony
Remarks and
Growth Policies Board, which Carroll
for the "E" Award in Chicago, Illinois
Session With
Campbell has headed for this past year and
which I will head for this next year, is con-
July 31, 1989
Murder of Li
R. Higgins
cerned. As the world grows smaller, cheap
Thank you, Governor. I know that some
July 31, 1989
is not enough. We must be flexible and
of you all here have been actively involved
smarter. And we've undertaken, Mr. Presi-
in this whole field of exports. And this "E"
The Preside
dent, the goal to address adult illiteracy in
Award for excellence in export service is
here and then
our part of America. And I would encour-
being given to your Export Council, the
of the Americ
age your team at the educational summit to
State's promotion agency.
rage that we I
address that question in context of the
We are committed in the administration
Colonel Higgii
whole nation.
to strengthening our trade, eliminating that
have what I W
It seems to me that we're going to be
imbalance; and that means, of course,
On the way h
making more products-one product, one
strengthening our own competitiveness.
the phone to t
person, one sale, rather than mass produc-
The national economic power depends on
United Nation
tion. And it seems that the quality of our
our ability to compete effectively in world
And he, at tha
work force will be the key to us being com-
markets. And you are a leader-this State,
an hour ago, 1
petitive-not just the price of the work
under Governor Thompson-a leader in de-
had not been
force, but the quality of the work force.
veloping an export-based economic strate-
Higgins' wife a
That's one of our assignments in the South,
gy. And this Illinois Export Council really
ly stoic indivi
and we're hoping you can help us nation-
has been in the forefront of developing the
sheer hell. An
wide. What I'm trying to say, Mr. President,
State's entire effort.
here in the Wh
is send money. Thank you. [Laughter]
Your council established the World Trade
get an update
The President. I thought I heard that.
Center in Chicago; conducted trade mis-
meet with my
Q. I said it poorly, as usual, but-[laugh-
sions and trade seminars, export counseling,
matter.
ter]
overseas visitors program, and export in-
And there is
The President. Let me say that, on this
ternship program. And to recognize these
express the ou
educational summit, I don't view this is as
achievements, I am honored to present the
how there has
something where-like today where I come
"E" Award for excellence in export service.
and honor, ev
here for 2 minutes and then take off. I
I'm sorry that the Lieutenant Governor's
mean, this is going to be a session where we
not here because he's had a keen interest in
And I will
will have an opportunity together, you and
all of this. And I think the answer is he got
about this until
me, to take a considerable amount of time
fogged in. But he's chairman of the council,
been with so
to discuss these kinds of issues. I think it is
and I want to pay my respects to George
more today, b
important, and maybe Governor Branstad
Ryan, as well as, of course, to Governor
juncture, we W
would be the one to turn to to have a. little
Thompson and all of those of you here
and be sure VI
group for the agenda on this. And our Edu-
who've done the work.
not from-regi
cation Secretary will be involved. But sure,
With this award comes the "E" pennant
is a most trou
we should take that up. And I want you to
that is quite well-known around the coun-
that has shocke
know I will be personally involved in learn-
try. I hope that you'll display it with pride.
to the core.
ing from this kind of involvement.
And your contribution has been recognized
Q. Have yo
But thank you all very, very much. With
and appreciated. Thank you all very much
The Preside
permission, could I just say hello to every-
for taking the time for this symbolic cere-
about it. Thank
body here.
mony, and I hope other States do as well as
you have in the future. It would be a great
Note: The President spoke at 10:08 a.m. in
thing for our international competitiveness.
Note: The Pres
the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency
Congratulations, Jim.
the South Lau
Hotel. In his opening remarks, he referred
his return frc
to Lt. Col. William R. Higgins, USMC, chief
Note: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. in
Colonel Higgin
of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern
Ballroom B at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. In
peacekeeping
Lebanon, who was kidnaped on February
his remarks, he referred to Gov. James R.
was kidnaped
17, 1988, and allegedly hanged by pro-Ira-
Thompson and Lt. Gov. George Ryan of
allegedly hang
nian terrorists on July 31, 1989.
Illinois.
on July 31, 198
1190
May 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
vately to pray for those who died while
from their homes on this day for the cus-
But as W
serving this great Nation. Some of us had
tomary forenoon period.
painting wl
close personal ties to the men and women
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
lems can b
we honor today; all of us are bound to them
my hand this twenty-second day of May, in
talking of C
by a lasting debt of gratitude.
the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
painting of
Today, we continue the Memorial Day
eighty-nine, and of the Independence of
of the War
tradition of expressing our appreciation for
the United States of America the two hun-
profound ii
the veterans who died for a cause they con-
dred and thirteenth.
there's anot
sidered more important than life itself.
stairs that S
They did not serve in order to die; they
George Bush
the exact Si
served so that others might dwell in free-
stairs, he's C
dom. These veterans defended the lives of
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
als, but in e:
innocent people and helped to preserve a
ter, 10:48 a.m., May 23, 1989]
except there
way of life-one that cherishes and protects
end of this 1
the God-given rights of all. Their time on
izes hope foi
earth was well spent.
sure for othe
On Memorial Day, we give thanks for the
great blessings of freedom and peace and
Remarks at a White House Dinner
Presidents, a
for the generations of Americans who have
Honoring the Nation's Governors
that way. B1
for so often
won them for us. We also pray for the same
May 22, 1989
strength and moral resolve demonstrated
as his office
by these hallowed veterans, as well as for
Good evening everybody. Fellow public
ery, he save
the true and lasting peace found in a world
servants, politicians, stemwinding orators-
for future ge
where liberty and justice prevail.
[laughter]-it's a tough group to speak with,
racy. And in
In respect and recognition of those Amer-
I think, of h
but look, it's an honor to welcome you to
icans to whom we pay tribute today, the
fact, all arour
what Franklin Roosevelt called the house
Congress, by a joint resolution approved on
owned by all the people and which Harry
ry when you
May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested
and of the
Truman termed the finest prison in the
the President to issue a proclamation calling
boldly, coura
world. [Laughter] Incidentally, Barbara and
upon the people of the United States to
our history.
I don't feel that way about this magnificent
observe each Memorial Day as a day of
can be extrao
place. We love it, and please, don't any one
prayer for permanent peace and designat-
writing-Barb
of you attempt to do anything about that.
ing a period on that day when the people of
be writing.
[Laughter]
the United States might unite- in prayer.
You look ar
I want to commend Governor Baliles for
Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, Presi-
we were chat
dent of the United States of America, do
his leadership of the NGA [National Gover-
nating change
hereby designate Memorial Day, May 29,
nors' Association], and let me pass our best
ously in the S
1989, as a day of prayer for permanent
wishes to Terry Branstad, who's coming in.
in China. Bar
peace, and I designate the hour beginning
As you know, Henry Bellmon-I didn't see
1975, and if ai
in each locality at 11 o'clock in the morning
Henry tonight, but he'll like this one-his
force of demo
of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I
fellow Oklahoman Will Rogers once said,
a million kids
urge the press, radio, television, and all
"Politics isn't worrying this country one-
nobody would
other information media to cooperate in
tenth as much as parking space." [Laughter]
and here they
this observance.
What he meant was that often Washington
inside the So
I also direct all appropriate Federal offi-
loses perspective and we forget what mat-
accord in An
cials and request the Governors of the sev-
ters: people and their concerns. I concluded
where really al
eral States and the Commonwealth of
long ago that as Governors you are where
seen this tre
Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of
the action is. And there's always a budget to
democratic wil
all units of government, to direct that the
be balanced or a school to be built, or
that aborted b
flag be flown at half-staff until noon during
you've got to find what works. And I, too,
the countries i:
this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds,
like what works. And I try to understand
resolution at
and naval vessels throughout the United
your problems; and if I didn't, I have a
American State
States and in all areas under its jurisdiction
hunch that one of your own, John Sununu,
behavior, beca
and control, and I request the people of the
my able Chief of Staff, would help me out
this inexorable
United States to display the flag at half-staff
on that.
are living in ve:
758
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / May 22
But as we gather here tonight beneath a
And around the globe, leaders are learn-
painting which forms a study in how prob-
ing what you already know: To survive,
lems can be met and overcome, and I'm
government must be responsive and re-
talking of course about Healy's magnificent
sponsible, for if not, the people are gonna
painting of Abraham Lincoln about the end
find leaders who are. And that's why we
of the War Between the States, it makes a
have the marvelous device called a free
profound impression on me. Incidentally,
election. And it's not easy, of course.
there's another variety of this painting up-
But sometimes you, I know, must feel as
stairs that some of you have seen. And it's
Lincoln did. One night, a stranger found
the exact same pose. But in the one up-
him in the street with two of his sons, both
stairs, he's conferring with his three gener-
of whom were sobbing uncontrollably.
als, but in exactly the same pose as this one,
"Whatever is the matter with the boys, Mr.
except there's a rainbow, which signifies the
Lincoln?" a stranger asked. He sighed and
end of this war that divided us and symbol-
observed, "Just what's the matter with the
izes hope for the future. But Lincoln, as I'm
whole world. I've got three walnuts, and
sure for others of you, is one of my favorite
Presidents, and I know most Americans feel
each- wants two." Well, that's the way our
that way. But I'm reminded daily of him,
business is. That's the way it is for Gover-
for so often we pass the room which served
nors, and that's the way it is with the Presi-
as his office upstairs. As he abolished slav-
dent of the United States. We're pulled in
ery, he saved the Union, and he preserved
countless directions, but we treasure these
for future generations the canons of democ-
American lessons. Democracy works; our
racy. And in this painting you get a feeling,
system works. It works in Dover or in Des
I think, of his agony and his greatness. In
Moines; it works in Portland, Richmond-
fact, all around it, you feel a sweep of histo-
Portland, Oregon; Portland,- Maine. And it
ry when you're in this marvelous building,
works because when it comes to problem-
and of the men and women who acted
solving Washington does not know best; the
boldly, courageously to write the pages of
people do.
our history. I believe that our pages, too,
Jefferson wrote: "The God who gave us
can be extraordinary, pages that you all are
life, gave us liberty at the same time." Let
writing-Barbara and I in some way might
us use that liberty to find solutions, to find
be writing.
what works, enrich our lives. And in that
You look around at the world today-and
spirit, I ask all of you to raise your glasses to
we were chatting about this here-the fasci-
the American people and to you, the Gov-
nating changes that are taking place-obvi-
ernors, their trustees, and to the American
ously in the Soviet Union, but clearly today
system that remains after 200 years the
in China. Bar and I lived there in 1974 and
greatest in the history of the world, the
1975, and if anybody had predicted that the
model for nations struggling to be free this
force of democracy was such that you'd see
very day.
a million kids in Tiananmen Square-and
Thank you all for being with us: Jerry,
nobody would have believed it back then
and to you, sir, and all the Governors, Bar-
and here they are. You look at the changes
bara and I salute you and extend to you our
inside the Soviet Union. You look at the
most profound respects.
accord in Angola. You look at Panama,
where really almost for the first time you've
seen this tremendous expression of the
Note: The President spoke at 9:40 p.m. in
democratic will of the people, and then see
the State Dining Room at the White House.
that aborted by a totalitarian. And then see
In his remarks, he referred to Governors
the countries in Central America unite in a
Gerald L. Baliles of Virginia and Terry
resolution at the OAS [Organization of
Branstad of Iowa, chairman and vice chair-
American States], condemning this kind of
man of the National Governors' Associa-
behavior, because they themselves sense
tion, respectively. The President also re-
this inexorable move to democracy. And we
ferred to Gov. Henry Bellmon of Oklaho-
are living in very, very exciting times.
ma.
759
Week Ending Friday, June 15, 1990
Remarks at a Fundraising Breakfast for
something. It's terribly important, as so
Governor Terry Branstad in Des
many of you out here know, that the candi-
Moines, Iowa
dates are backed with a strong party struc-
June 8, 1990
ture, led by Rich Schwarm over here, our
chairman; Gwen Boeke, our national com-
Thank you all very much. Thank you,
mitteewoman; and Marvin Pomerantz,
Terry. Thank you, Governor Branstad. I'm
who-gosh, everybody knows him. Ask
just delighted to be back with so many
somebody to get some money raised-get
friends. I was looking around for Chuck
Marv to head it up, I'll tell you. And it's not
Grassley, who is doing an outstanding job in
simply that; it's his judgment and his experi-
the Senate. I assume he's back there, but I
ence and the respect level that he brings to
want to just put in a plug for our Senator.
anything he's interested in.
But I see one who I want very much to
Of course, I'm going to get in trouble as I
be in the Senate, and I'm talking about my
look around this room-but Charlotte Mohr
old friend Tom Tauke. We've got to elect
and my old friend George Wittgraf. I don't
him. And, Tom, keep up the great work.
think she's here, but I do want to pay an
And of course, perhaps my oldest Iowa
emotional tribute to Mary Louise Smith,
friend and a guy that's helped me today a
who followed me as national chairman
lot as President-helped me in the past
when I left being chairman of the Republi-
very much, indeed-and I'm talking about
can Party. And we've remained good, close
Jim Leach over here, a Member of Con-
friends. I'm told that she's in Washington
gress in the eastern part of the State.
today.
I'm going to get in trouble, but I also
The last time I was at this particular hotel
want to single out Jim Lightfoot and Fred
was the night before the Iowa caucuses—
Grandy. But I think both of them are in
[laughter]-and today I've come back to
Washington, working. And I might add that
this great State to let Terry in on my secret
now we have this important second district
formula for political success. [Laughter] But
coming up, and I'm for Jim Nussle. He
I'm confident he'll win Iowa anyway.
came out to the airport last night, and I
Now let me put a little different spin on
want to see him win this race. We do not
this. I'll tell you something I know very
want to lose seats in the United States Con-
well-and I mean it, and the "Silver Fox"
gress. And the strength's not just with Gov-
knows this, too-that's Barbara-[laugh-
ernor Branstad at the top of this ticket, and
ter]-that I would not be President of the
Tom Tauke and others, when you have can-
United States if it hadn't been for Iowa,
didates like Burt Day and Varel Bailey over
albeit in 1980. It was very important. And I
here, whom I've known forever-I don't
look around this room, and I see so many
want to date him-[laughter]-[ mean, put
people into whose homes I and Barbara and
him outdated, put it that way-{laughter]-
our kids have intruded. And I remain very
Beverly Anderson and Edward Kelly. And
grateful because I know just exactly how I
then, another old friend that-I guess he's a
got here-having an opportunity to serve as
household word by now. He's just being
President in this most fascinating of times.
sworn-in as the national president of the
So, I came to say thank you as well as sup-
State Auditors. And I'm talking, of course,
port for our great Governor, Terry Bran-
about Dick Johnson. I wish he were here,
stad.
but I wish him well, too.
So, for me, it is great to be back in the
I don't want to forget the party organiza-
Hawkeye State. Whenever I'm here, I take
tion, because when we move into an elec-
the advice of a great Iowan, the "Duke,"
tion year, the party organization means
John Wayne, who once said, "Talk low, talk
919
June 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
slow, and don't say too much." [Laughter]
it means for Iowans and, indeed, for all
moving forward
So, as I look at all these pages, I may be-
Americans.
tive and to keep
[laughter]. But you can't say enough about
This historic summit has furthered the
But despite a
what another great Iowan-and I mean
process of peace by working toward a safer
candid, we canno
that-this Governor, Terry Branstad, has
world and a stable, new Europe, one in
cant differences
done for this State. You look at his back-
which every nation's security is strength-
two countries. Li
ground: a family man, attorney, farmer-
ened and no nation is threatened. In a spirit
And I urged the
served three times in the Iowa House of
of cooperation and hope, President Gorba-
iish a good-faith
Representatives and then a term as Lieu-
chev and I reached a number of new agree-
leaders and the
tenant Governor before being elected
ments that will affect the lives of all Ameri-
United States will
Iowa's youngest Governor ever.
cans. Among them is a bilateral agreement,
behalf of peoples
Look at his record: he's running for his
between the Soviet Union and us, to elimi-
freedom and self.
third consecutive term as Governor. Over
nate, for the first time, the great majority of
never retreat from
the past 7 years, Terry has turned the State
these ghastly chemical weapons that our
mocracy and freed
economy around through sensible fiscal
countries have stockpiled over the years.
The question of
policies and by staying with the controlling
one that will be so
That is progress. At long last, we have also
of spending. He put education at the top of
alone. When I leav
signed new protocols that will allow 15-
his agenda, ensuring world-class status for
braska and then fl
year-old nuclear testing treaties to be rati-
Iowa's school system. He's one of America's
other meeting wit
fied as well as a major new agreement that
leading Governors, elected by his peers as
of Germany] Chai
updates and expands our 1973 agreement
chairman of the National Governors' Asso-
Helmut Kohl-to
on peaceful uses of atomic energy. And we
ciation. Iowa needs this kind of experience
portant question, t
and leadership; and frankly, if you believe
made substantial progress on our negotia-
stability of Europe
as I do that a lot of the best answers are
tions governing reductions in both these
interests of the Ur
found in the States and at the local level, so
strategic arms, these deadly, destabilizing
going to be solved
does America need Terry Branstad to con-
weapons-these SS-18's and others. And
it one that will be
tinue as Governor of this State.
also in conventional forces, I think we did
In the final analysis,
Terry touched on the Governors' summit
make progress, though we haven't signed a
that it's a question f
that we had at Charlottesville. He and I
CFE [conventional armed forces in Europe]
ny to decide. But th
worked closely together at that summit in
treaty. And we issued joint statements in
committed to Ge
Virginia last September, where he played a
both these areas.
NATO as a part of
key role-and I mean this-a key role in his
These agreements, we hope, represent
and free.
position as head of the Governors. You
the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
As one who has
know, exactly 26 years ago today, former
And I think I represent all Americans when
exodus of Soviet Jew
President Eisenhower addressed that same
I hope that we are having now a new rela-
fundamental rights
group, saying, "Our best protection against
tionship of enduring cooperation between
rity of a country, I
bigger government in Washington is better
the Soviet and American peoples, coopera-
after last year's reco
government in the States." Well, that's still
tion further strengthened with new agree-
tion of 72,000 Sovie
true today, and Terry Branstad proves that
ments on trade and grain sales.
gration rate may be
every single day.
And while our trade deal with the Sovi-
And we must keep
My last visit to this great State was just a
ets, properly, in my view, depends on the
open for these Soviet
few days after the Malta summit, at an ap-
passage of key emigration laws within the
And I've said ofte
pearance on behalf of the next Senator over
Soviet Union, the trade agreement we ne-
troika to succeed, al
here, my friend Tom Tauke. We laid a solid
gotiated is, in my view, in the best interest
leader in agriculture,
foundation for progress at Malta, and I
of the United States because an improved
education, you, Iowa,
shared many things with President Gorba-
trade relationship between our two coun-
role in making that
chev: dialogs, cooperation, and Dramamine.
tries means expanded markets for American
already are helping
[Laughter]
goods and services and expanded markets
Many people here m
I told Iowans that night that President
for, in your case, Iowa corn and soybeans.
American-Soviet sun
Gorbachev and I had just agreed to new
And, in fact, the new U.S.-Soviet grain
States, back in 1959
initiatives nurturing Europe's tide toward
agreement signed at the summit calls for at
with President Ei
democracy, accelerating arms control, and
least 40 million metric tons of grain to be
Khrushchev toured
expanding trade. I'd like to talk to you this
purchased by the Soviets over the next 5
was obsessed with the
morning about some of the progress we've
years. And that's nothing but good news for
that he had seen on
made at the Washington summit and what
agricultural America. Our task is to keep
with the idea of grow
920
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / June 8
moving forward and to keep Iowa produc-
cause the Soviet system was not a free en-
tive and to keep America strong.
terprise system, one with open markets and
But despite all our progress, let's be
good distribution and production incentives
candid, we cannot lose sight of the signifi-
or any of the economic freedoms we enjoy,
cant differences that remain between our
its experiment in collective farming was a
two countries. Lithuania is one difference.
dismal failure.
And I urged the Soviet President to estab-
As a young man, Mikhail Gorbachev wit-
lish a good-faith dialog between the Soviet
nessed the struggle of the Russian farmers.
leaders and the Baltic peoples. And the
He went on to become the Party Secretary
United States will continue to speak out on
of Agriculture, some may have forgotten
behalf of peoples rightfully yearning for
that. And by the time President Gorbachev
freedom and self-determination. We must
and I sat down at the table last week, a
never retreat from our commitment for de-
delegation of collective farmers had already
mocracy and freedom.
journeyed 5,000 miles to the fields of Iowa
The question of a unified Germany is not
to learn from our system, the most efficient
one that will be solved by the United States
and bountiful in the entire world. And how
alone. When I leave here, I stop off in Ne-
amazed-how amazed Chairman Khru-
braska and then fly home to have yet an-
shchev would have been at the interaction
other meeting with the Federal [Republic
between the American farmers and the
of Germany] Chancellor-with Chancellor
Soviet farmers.
Helmut Kohl-to talk about this very im-
portant question, that affects not only the
Under the leadership of Governor Bran-
stability of Europe but greatly affects the
stad, Iowa is forging a new sense of coop-
interests of the United States. But it's not
eration between its citizens and the Soviet
going to be solved by the U.S. alone, nor is
people. In fact, 2 years_ago, Terry signed an
it one that will be solved quickly or easily.
agreement making Iowa a sister State with
In the final analysis, I think we would agree
President Gorbachev's native region, the
that it's a question for the people of Germa-
Stavropol district.
ny to decide. But the United States remains
But another way to help perestroika suc-
committed to German membership in
ceed is through education, learning about
NATO as a part of a stable Europe, whole
each other's countries and peoples. In
and free.
Washington last week we agreed to increase
As one who has strongly supported the
undergraduate exchanges by 1,000 students,
exodus of Soviet Jews, and it is a question of
college students, on both the American and
fundamental rights and fundamental integ-
Soviet sides. This agreement will allow
rity of a country, I am pleased to see that
more of our young people to learn firsthand
after last year's record-setting total emigra-
about each other's culture and politics.
tion of 72,000 Soviet Jews, this year's emi-
Here in Iowa, learning and education have
gration rate may become the highest ever.
always been a priority. Your internationally
And we must keep the door to freedom
renowned writers workshop at the Universi-
open for these Soviet Jews.
ty of Iowa is living proof of that, and with a
And I've said often that we want peres-
Soviet writer currently in the international
troika to succeed, and we do. As a world
writing program.
leader in agriculture, farm technology, and
You've got a Governor who puts educa-
education, you, Iowa, can play a significant
tion at the top of his list. At the education
role in making that happen. In fact, you
summit with the Nation's Governors last
already are helping perestroika succeed.
September, Terry really made a differ-
Many people here may remember the first
ence-it wasn't just the cameo appearance
American-Soviet summit in the United
of the chairman-he made a difference.
States, back in 1959. After his meetings
And he's made a difference right here in
with President Eisenhower, Chairman
this State, ensuring that your State's educa-
Khrushchev toured Des Moines. And he
tion system is one of the best in the entire
was obsessed with the vision of productivity
country, with Iowa students ranked first in
that he had seen on American farms and
ACT scores in America. And Iowans can
with the idea of growing corn. And yet be-
brag, they've got the fifth highest percent-
921
June 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
age [rate] of high school graduates in the
Note: The President spoke at 8:11 a.m. in
make an anno
entire country. And like Terry, we've made
the Iowa Ballroom of the Des Moines Marri-
point.
education one of our top priorities at the
ott. In his remarks, he referred to Repre-
Q. When you
national level. And so, we can do nationally,
sentatives Jim Lightfoot and Fred Grandy;
difficult-
we must do nationally, what you've done
Burtwin Day, candidate for State treasurer;
The Presiden
locally.
Varel Bailey, candidate for State secretary
Every time you
Under Terry's leadership-and after he
of agriculture; Beverly Anderson, candidate
there seems to
personally journeyed to the Soviet Union
for State secretary of state; Edward Kelly,
outraged by the
twice for the negotiations-Iowa State Uni-
candidate for State attorney general; Char-
tages, and I un
lotte Mohr, cochairperson of Governor
Sutherland's—
versity became the first institution in the
United States to forge a relationship with a
Branstad's reelection committee; and
Q. Five years.
Soviet academic institution, the Agricultural
George Wittgraf, a former member of the
The President.
Academy of Science. So fàr, Iowa has re-
Bush for President Committee.
or today.
ceived five Soviet official delegations to dis-
Q. Terry Ande
cuss trade and education ties. In fact, a
The President
Soviet trade representative will be coming
the other—
into the State in just a few days.
Q. Seven.
Exchange With Reporters Aboard Air
The President.
I came to you today to talk about Terry
Force One
Branstad and our work together for a better
my mind all the
America and a better world. His dedication
June 8, 1990
have a way of CO
one, why, we just
to this State and nation is what drew Terry.
Branstad into public service, and it's what
Middle East
sion.
Q. How do yo
keeps him working so hard for the future of
Q. Are you going to make a decision on
Minister] Shamir
this State and for America's future as well.
the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organiza-
ernment?
You see, we need him to remain in the
tion], or have you made one?
The President.
Governor's chair. We need his experience,
The President. Well, we're discussing all
matter for Israel.
his energy, and then this proven ability.
of that. No decision has been made.
of the United S
This decade is fast becoming known, for
Q. Do you want to override the veto?
United States is-
quite obvious reasons, as the decade of de-
The President. Incidentally, I had a very
peace talks to beg
mocracy, the decade of opportunity. But to
interesting phone call from [Egyptian]
Shamir, to his-cre
make those goals a reality, we will need
President Mubarak just a few minutes ago.
tors of this; Muba
leadership. Terry Branstad has been provid-
We discussed a wide array of subjects of
ing, [Secretary of
ing- that leadership to his State and nation
interest to the Middle East, and both of us
involved with bot
for nearly 20 years. And they say, "The
still committed to getting these peace talks
to go forward, and
Time is Right" for Iowa. Well, "The Time is
going forward. And it's been complicated,
I'm not going to
Right" for Terry Branstad to continue to
as you know. But we're going to keep on
what it wants in
lead Iowa forward into the new decade of
trying. So, there's no answer to your ques-
work with whoev
democracy and opportunity.
tion right now.
as the governme
Let me say once again, and I did talk to
Q. Have you ascertained the responsibil-
policy of the U
Barbara this morning, she seemed unexcit-
ity for that attack?
peace talks. So, we
ed about her 65th birthday, but neverthe-
The President. Well, I just said, I don't
Q. Is the peace
less, I-[laughter]-just a couple of observa-
really want to say anything more about it
this, sir?
tions since some in the receiving-she's
The President.
now. I've expressed my outrage about the
doing just great. And I thought she was
that. Let's see. N
attack. And indeed, I'd like to-maybe I
superb up there at Wellesley University,
but I've read sp
could take this opportunity to express my
think it's not r
representing the values of this-[applause].
outrage about all violence in the Middle
either. So, we've
And so she joins me in saying to our friends
East and in this troubled area of the world.
see what happen
in Iowa, thank you. Thank you for your sup-
But this one was horrendous. There was no
out for negotiati
port for this outstanding Governor.
rationale for it, other than, in my view,
happening in mar
And thank you for giving Barbara and me
terror, and that is clearly something that is
world, and it's es
the opportunity to serve the greatest coun-
unacceptable to us. So, we're trying to
So, we'll see w
try on the face of the Earth. God bless you
figure out a little more about this and see
going on it.
all. And God bless America.
where we go. But I'm not prepared to
922
S.C.
Feb. 25 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
that's what the Germans want, that's what
The President. Thank you all very, very
no reason at all for
ought to happen. The U.S. troops are not in
much.
from any quarter, a
Europe against the will of any single coun-
fire will be reestabli
try in which they're deployed-not one.
Note: The President's 38th news conference
respected by all side
And the Soviet troops have been for years
began at 11 a.m. at Camp Greentop, MD.
of Nicaragua have !
inside the territory of countries that haven't
The Chancellor spoke in German, and his
people of Nicaragua
wanted them. This is a fundamental differ-
remarks were translated by an interpreter.
is the time for Nica
ence. So, my answer is yes, I can SO envision
Chancellor Kohl met with the President at
to freedom.
it.
Camp David on Saturday and Sunday,
And now back to
Q. Mr. Chancellor, both of you have
February 24-25.
am very pleased to
talked about U.S. troops and Soviet troops,
occasion, an occasio
but I'd like to ask a question about Germa-
be viewed in years
ny's own troops. Both the Federal Republic
turning point for ou
and East Germany, the GDR, have substan-
to Washington for tl
tial armies. I know a final decision about
Remarks to Members of the National
an uncommon agen
Governors' Association
those armies won't be made until the
ing a new era in
February 26, 1990
focus: high expecta
united Germany is formed. But as you look
sults. Its energy deri
ahead, what's your personal feeling? Do you
Before I talk about the issues that we've
our great nation, wh
think it will be necessary for Germany to
been discussing with the Governors, I'd like
class education for
retain an army of this size, or in the future
will it be likely that those forces will be
to make a brief comment on yesterday's
time in America's hi
scaled down?
election in Nicaragua. Any friend of democ-
tional education goa
racy can take heart in the fact that Violeta
that pave the way to
The Chancellor. Let me say, first of all,
Chamorro won the election. And the elec-
ment to excellence
that's the question of the strength of forces
tion process, by all accounts free and fair, is
Americans, goals th
which concerns us directly, but this ques-
a credit to the people of Nicaragua, who
journey toward-an t
tion must be embedded in the overall situa-
chose to determine their nation's future at
education.
tion, the overall security development. I do
the ballot box; and-that is a victory for de-
We made the com
hope very much that in the area of disarma-
mocracy.
tional goals last fall
ment we'll advance in leaps and bounds.
Yesterday's election moves us one step
Virginia. Five mont]
And I do hope that we Germans will be
closer to the day when every nation in this
that the spirit of COO
able to profit from that.
hemisphere is a democracy. And I'll soon
ship, so much in e
That is why today I cannot answer that
send messages-I think they may have al-
lottesville, is still
question, in particular since I am not the
ready gone out-to Mrs. Chamorro, con-
spirit has got to
representative of an old German State. And
gratulating her on her victory; to President
coming months- and
I cannot tell you at all, in what I men-
Ortega, congratulating him on the conduct
serve as a signal to
tioned, a future German State would con-
of the election and on his pledge to stand
mitment to these
ceive of these things. In this question of
by its results; to President Carter and his
unshakable, very str
will, one has to consider the effect that the
counterpart on that one, Dan Evans; to Mr.
not just tomorrow,
answer will have on all our neighbors. I
Soares of the OAS [Organization of Ameri-
decade, to the year
have spontaneously answered to the ques-
can States]; to Perez de Cuellar and Elliot
job done and get it (
tions put to me by one of your colleagues.
Richardson of the United Nations for their
You know, only
He asked, Did we want to have nuclear
leading roles in observing the elections.
notion of the Presid
arms? And I spontaneously said no. And
In the next few days I'll be speaking with
agreeing on educati
that is of greatest importance. There
Central and South American leaders. This
a bold step for Ame
shouldn't be any fears in that direction. By
morning I talked to President Carlos
there are some wh
the way, this and many other questions I
Andrés Pérez of Venezuela about appropri-
established are to
consider to be able to be solved. We have
ate trade and economic measures that we
they're mistaken. Tl
had more difficult questions to solve-if I
can take to support the new government of
ate the depth of C
consider legal questions of private property
Nicaragua. We hope now for a peaceful
structuring and char
in GDR, the social structure. So, the task
transition, for the institutionalization of the
We've all been f
ahead of us is enormous. And that is again
democratic process in Nicaragua. And there
nary events which
why I'd plead it shouldn't be put under
is space in a democratic Nicaragua for all
our eyes in Easteri
time pressure, but we should be advancing
political points of view. Given the clear
year, and there is a
and solving these problems step by step.
mandate for peace and democracy, there is
for all of us in this
314
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Feb. 26
no reason at all for further military activity
cans. And that lesson is: When people unite
from any quarter, and we hope the cease-
behind common goals and demand the free-
fire will be reestablished without delay and
dom to pursue their dreams, no system can
respected by all sides. For years the people
stop them. And nothing will stop us.
of Nicaragua have suffered, and today the
There is nothing more important to-the
people of Nicaragua have spoken, and now
long-term stability and stature of America
is the time for Nicaragua to move forward
than establishing a first-class education
to freedom.
system. Nothing is more important to a
And now back to our agenda at hand. I
competitive America in the 21st century.
am very pleased to be with you on this
Nothing is more important to improving
occasion, an occasion which I believe will
the quality of life for our citizens. And noth-
be viewed in years to come as a dramatic
ing is more important than the promise in-
turning point for our country. You've come
herent in these goals that all children in
to Washington for this annual meeting with
America can realize their fullest potential
an uncommon agenda. Today we're launch-
and reach out for their dreams.
ing a new era in education reform. Its
I want to see these goals posted on the
focus: high expectations. Its hallmark: re-
wall in every school so that all who walk
sults. Its energy derived from the people of
in-the parents, students, teachers-know
our great nation, who will insist on a world-
class education for our kids. For the first
what we're aiming for, so that everyone
knows we have set for ourselves the goal
time in America's history, we now have na-
tional education goals and objectives, goals
that every child will be ready to learn from
that pave the way to a decade-long commit-
the first day they walk into the classroom;
ment to excellence in education for all
the goal of raising the graduation rate to 90
Americans, goals that will guide us on the
percent by making our schools meaningful,
journey toward an American renaissance in
challenging, and relevant to the needs of
education.
our students; of setting high standards of
We made the commitment to develop na-
achievement among our students, seeing
tional goals last fall there in Charlottesville,
that they leave the transition grades of 4, 8,
Virginia. Five months later, I'm glad to see
and 12 having mastered the important sub-
that the spirit of cooperation and bipartisan-
ject matter; the goal of achieving first place
ship, so much in evidence there at Char-
in math and science among industrialized
lottesville, is still very much alive. That
nations; of every American adult being
spirit has got to endure. And over the
skilled and literate, equipped to be a pro-
coming months and years, the spirit must
ductive worker and a responsible citizen;
serve as a signal to America that our com-
and finally, the goal of every school in
mitment to these common goals remains
America being safe, disciplined, and drug-
unshakable, very strong, not for just today,
free.
not just tomorrow, but for the rest of the
These goals and objectives have been de-
decade, to the year 2000, until we get the
veloped with a great deal of energy and
job done and get it done right.
effort over these past 5 months and with
You know, only a year or so ago, the
the input of hundreds of citizens from all
notion of the President and the Governors
sectors of society. And I want to thank ev-
agreeing on education goals was considered
eryone who has participated in this process.
a bold step for America to take. Even now,
Governor Branstad and the members of
there are some who say the goals we've
your Education Task Force, I thank you for
established are too ambitious. I think
your commitment, your dedication, and all
they're mistaken. They've failed to appreci-
the hundreds of hours of hard work-that as
ate the depth of our commitment to re-
we acknowledge this first step, we've also
structuring and change.
got to recognize that hard work lies ahead.
We've all been following the extraordi-
Over the next few months, I know you'll
nary events which have unfolded before
be looking at strategies in your States which
our eyes in Eastern Europe over the last
will move us forward to these goals, and
year, and there is a lesson in those events
strategies that will focus on measuring
for all of us in this room and for all Ameri-
progress by results, by how well students
315
Feb. 26 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
are doing. One of the Governors encour-
ship and a long-term commitment on a
aged me in the meeting in there to encour-
single issue.
achieve a peac
age the people of this country to support
If we can accomplish just one thing
fer of power.
State and local initiatives that have to do
today-and it may be the simplest and yet
We also cong
with making the educational system better.
most valuable of all-it is to send a message
server delegat
And certainly, I am prepared to do that,
to parents, teachers, community leaders,
took place at t
just as I am grateful to the Governors for
and every other American: These goals are
government, h
their participation in setting these goals.
not the Governors' goals. They're not the
safe electoral
In the coming months, we'll work togeth-
President's goals. They are the Nation's
but I want to
er with Congress on legislation to increase
goals. And we are rejecting the status quo,
former Preside
flexibility in Federal funding in return for
raising our sights, investing our faith in the
Governor Dan
enhanced accountability. And you, the Na-
American people. And so, today I hope the
delegation led
tion's Governors, have committed to break
Governors and the Cabinet will join me in
Richardson, ano
the bureaucratic shackles that smother in-
extending a challenge to all Americans to
American State
novation and stand guard over the status
adopt these goals as their own and to take
tary General Ba
quo. Although the Federal Government tra-
aim now at the year 2000 and to enlist
We hope that
ditionally has a limited role in education-
every ounce of American innovation,
contest will ext
and we all respect and acknowledge that it
energy, resolve in the effort to achieve
tion and coope
is the dynamism at the State and local level
these education goals and prepare this
their country f
that achieves excellence-I promise you
nation for the challenges of a new century.
guans. There is
that this administration is determined to
Thank you all very, very much for your
ragua for the
walk with you every step of the way.
superb cooperation.
points of view. V
When I next meet with my Cabinet,
fire will be rees
many of whom were with us there in Ghar-
Note: The President spoke at 11:59 a.m. in
respected by all
lottesville, I'll ask each to work with our
the East Room at the White House. Prior to
clear mandate 1
domestic policy adviser to devise strategies
his remarks, the President met with mem-
there is no reaso
that can support your efforts and those of
bers of the association in the Blue Room:
activity from any
your communities in helping to achieve
We are confid
these goals. I will work with you to establish
munity will stror
a bipartisan group to ensure that proper
yesterday's elect
and constructive measurements of our edu-
effort to help a
cational performance are developed where
Statement on the Election of Violeta
their country.
they don't already exist. And this group is
Chamorro as President of Nicaragua
going to report to me each year on the
February 26, 1990
progress we make.
And I'm calling on America's private
In. this remarkable year of political
sector to be a third party in this enterprise.
change, democracy won another victory
Executive Order
We need to know from them what the
yesterday. I am most pleased that there has
to Executive Or
been a free and fair election in Nicaragua
and 12692
workplace will need and expect of our citi-
zens in the 21st century. And we need their
and that the results are being accepted by
February 26, 19
talent and their commitment to help move
both sides.
this reform effort forward. And finally, I
I am sending messages to Mrs. Chamorro
By the authorit
will do everything I can to provide the na-
congratulating her on her victory and to
dent by the Con
tional leadership and energy to keep educa-
President Ortega congratulating him on the
United States of A
tion in the forefront of America's domestic
conduct of the election and his stated will-
habilitation Act 0
agenda.
ingness to abide by the results. The United
U.S.C. 701 et seq
The work ahead will not be easy. We're
States looks forward to working with Mrs.
Committee Act,
traveling uncharted waters. And never
Chamorro's new government in support of
App.), and the
before have we as a nation set such goals
her stated goals of national reconciliation
amended (15 U.S.(
for education. And never before have the
and economic reconstruction and with
flect development:
Nation's leaders stepped forward to say we
President Ortega in helping ensure a peace-
ecutive Orders N
are willing to be held accountable for the
ful transition of power. I have talked this
12692, it is hereby
results of this process. And never before
morning with Venezuelan President Carlos
Section 1. Ame
have the President of the United States and
Andrés Pérez, and we agree completely on
Order No. 11830,
the Governors joined together in a partner-
the need to help all parties in Nicaragua to
the Membership 0
mittee on Handica
316
12)
Baylor Homecoming will take place on event weekend
(Nov. 9-10), as Baylor plays Arkansas in football on
Saturday afternoon.
Portland, OR---CANCELED
Sioux City, IOWA
WHEN:
November 2nd; time TBD but leaning toward early
evening.
WHERE:
Sioux City Convention Center--this is a newly built
facility of which Sioux City residents are quite proud.
(See brochure and tourist map). It's modern, airy, and
efficient.
WHAT:
This will be a two-tiered event: first a closed-press
100 clicks photo with POTUS at $500 a couple, then
remarks at an open-press, "rally-like" stand-up
reception (note: we are avoiding all mention of a
"rally" because of whatever images it might conjure up
with the press). There will be no food, no frills, and
possibly a huge flag as presidential backdrop. At the
dais will be seated as many state-wide candidates as
can be mustered. The Morningside College Band will
play. Congressman Tauke will introduce POTUS.
Approximately 800-1,000 people expected to attend.
The primary objective of the "Iowa Welcome" is to
generate support for Tom Tauke for Senate. By now
Political should have an update on whatever other
candidates to include in remarks.
OTHER:
1)
Political Affairs contact: Andy Foster x6510.
2)
Iowa is the only state in the region bordered on both
sides by rivers.
3)
On August 6, 1990, POTUS presented Sioux City with an
All-America City Award for 1990. Sioux City was among
10 U.S. communities receiving the award at a White
House Ceremony. At event, POTUS remarked: "The All-
America Cities are all-American success stories. At a
time when so many mourn what's wrong with American
cities, you have quietly gone to work to make them
right.'
Sioux City received this recognition in part for its
heroic efforts following the crash of the United Flight
232 at the Sioux Gateway Airport on July 19, 1989.
Less dramatically, and more broadly, however, the award
was given in fecognition of local community efforts to
attack the problems of the 1990's, including economic
decline, hunger, disasters, affordable housing and
health care.
4)
Iowa is rated the third state in the country in
"Selected Quality of Life Factors;" Sioux City itself
was recently rated Iowa's "Number One" place to live
for quality of life by Money Magazine. The city
features dozens of parks, two colleges, a graduate
study center, regional medical centers, art center,
theaters, a museum, and a 75 year old symphony.
5)
The country music song "Sioux City Sue" is the most
famous song about Sioux City.
6)
Sioux City is home for the world's oldest brand of
popcorn, Jolly Time popcorn, and the world's oldest
popcorn factory, the 76 year old American Popcorn Co.
7)
The first authentic account of a white man's appearance
on the ground of what is now Sioux City is that of the
Lewis and Clark exploring expedition in 1804. On
August 20 of that year, Sgt. Charles Floyd, a member of
the party, died and was buried on a high bluff located
in what is now the southern part of Sioux City.
8)
Beverly Tauke, the Republican candidate's wife, is a
big campaigner for her husband--they're very much seen
as a team.
Springfield, IL CANCELLED
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:27 BOB LAWRENCE
P.01
INITIATIVE
A Four-Year Program for Accelerated Economic Growth
To: Jennifer Grossman
Tel: 202/456-7750
Fax: 202/456-6218
Copy: Gary Harward, MWE Sr. Vice Pres. & Chief Financial Officer
Tel: 712/277-7722
Fax: 712/277-7761
Les Horrell, President Sioux City, IA Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 712/255-7903
712/258-7578
From: Bob Lawrence, for The Siouxland Initiative
Tel: 605/232-4053
Fax: 605/232-4730
Date: 10/23/90
/
Pages
Sub: Sioux City Profile Material
As Iowa. you requested, I am faxing the following information on Sioux City,
For additional background, I am also sending via Federal Express a
Greater Sioux Cities brochure and a magazine article about Sioux City.
If the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce or The Siouxland Initiaitve can
assist further, please call. The Chamber President is Les Horrell, and
Pat Mustain is director of communications and programs.
-0-
Extended Page
1.1
SIOUX CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
101 Pierce Street Sioux City, lowa 51101
OčT-23-90 TUE 12:28 BOB LAWRENCE
P.02
SIOUX CITY IOWA- 2
President George Bush has recent and past connections with Sioux City,
Iowa:
(1) On August 6, 1990, President Bush presented Sioux City with an
All-America City Award for 1990. The city was among 10 U.S. communities
receiving the award during a White House ceremony in which the
president stated that "The All-America Cities are all-American success
stories. At a time when so many mourn what's wrong with American
cities, you have quietly gone to work to make them right." President
Bush said Sioux City and the other award-winning cities are "a hopeful
reminder that the success of democracy depends on the resilience and
capacity of citizens for self-governance, education, civic
responsibility, and economic development." He said the cities were
being honored "because they represent what's best about American
cities. Rather than looking for an outside solution or a quick fix,
they're looking within for the answers and they' finding them."
(2) On Sept. 22, 1989, President Bush signed and presented a
proclamation to Sioux City officials recognizing Sioux City and the
tri-state region for its heroic efforts following the crash of United
Flight 232 at the Sioux Gateway Airport on July 19, 1989. The
proclamation stated that "The extent of this tragedy might have been
much greater were it not for the heroic efforts of citizens in the
Sioux City, Iowa, tri-State area."
(3) Following U.S. Senate passage Nov. 21, 1989, President Bush signed
into law legislation clarifying the Missouri River boundary between
South Dakota and Nebraska. The action aided development of Dakota
Dunes, the Sioux City area's most significant business/residential
development project. The action re-established the state boundary
between South Dakota and Nebraska to the main channel of the Missouri
River along a 12-mile stretch north of Sioux City. The compact involved
1,800 acres of Nebraska land that ended up on the South Dakota side of
the river due to shifts in the Missouri River channel. Some 300 of
those acres are part of Dakota Dunes located in southeastern South
Dakota, and the boundary change officially recognized it as South
Dakota land.
(4) As a presidential candidate, he has campaigned here.
(-more-)
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:29 BOB LAWRENCE
SIOUX CITY IOWA- 3
SIOUX CITY FACTS:
Sioux City, in Northwest Iowa, is the Woodbury County seat and hub for
the Greater Sioux Cities, Tri-State Region (1 minute each from South
Sioux City, Nebraska and North Sioux City, South Dakota) with a
metropolitan population of more than 100,000.
The adjacent sister cities cooperate across geographic lines in
economic development, planning, education, legislation and disaster
preparadness. The local tri-state cooperative is backed by all three
state governments which have helped fund incoming industry locating in
their respective cities. The governors of the three states have met
here annually since 1988 to hear progress reports and to discuss issues
of mutual concern.
The three-state region is experiencing a significant economic rebound
which began in the mid-1980s following the worst farm crisis since the
depression era. Although Sioux City continues to have has a strong
agricultural/livestock economy, it has a growing, diverse industrial
base producing power tools, blue jeans, hydraulic equipment, truck
trailers, candy, baked goods, honey, concrete products, fuel injectors
and more.
Spearheading the recovery is The Siouxland Initiative, an economic
development arm of the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce. The two year old
program is backed by a $2.7 million fund raised mostly from the
business community to compliment city and state financial incentives
offered to industries willing to locate in the immediate tri-state
area.
In the past two years alone, the Initiative has taken the lead in
stimulating more than 1,200 new jobs and over $55 million in new
capital investment in Siouxland. It has invested in companies
manufacturing such diverse products as computers, jewelry, recycling
systems, automotive parts and food.
The Initiative also established the W. Edwards Deming Business Center
to help incubate small businesses. The facility features low rental
costs and secretarial and business consulting for growing new
businesses. So far, it has helped launch companies offering computer
and telemarketing services, manufactured goods and advertising and
marketing.
The Center is dedicated to Sioux City-born statistician, philosopher
and educator, Dr. W. Edwards Deming. The rebirth of Japan's industry is
owed to his teachings of statistical quality control and management
theory to leading Japanese business people and educators. Each year the
Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers award the Deming Prize to a
company that has achieved the highest honor in quality and production.
(-more-)
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:30 BOB LAWRENCE
P.04
SIOUX CITY IOWA- 4
Sioux City leads a pack of communities from throughout northwest Iowa
working to diversify their economies and revitalize their main streets.
From LeMars to Cherokee and Ida Grove to Orange City, vacant downtown
buildings are filling up with new retail stores, and new jobs are
being created by small companies making everything from furniture to
recycling machines.
Sioux City, a rapidly growing service and retail hub, had retail sales
in 1989 of $769 million, up 45 percent from a decade ago, according to
Dr. Kenneth Stone, Iowa State University economist.
Sioux City, Iowa's fourth largest city, has an unemployment rate of
about 4.2%, down from a high of 8.5 percent in 1985, according to job
service of Iowa.
Sioux City boasts a new downtown skyline of buildings of mirrored
glass, new brick and skylit atriums, and connecting skyways. Among its
newest investments and attractions is an $11 million convention center
which opened two years ago. There's also a new $6 million main public
library and new bank building and shops.
To revitalize its inner-city business core, Sioux City is launching a
massive rejuvination of a 25 block area of downtown. A new look, in the
form of new buildings, will be accompanied by a national marketing
program to attract new retail and business services downtown.
Spearheaded by the non-profit Sioux City Downtown Development Corp.,
the goal is to attract developers and retailers and to promote
downtown. It's being financed by a special tax levied on merchants in
the affected area, merchants who asked the council to assess their
property to generate $150,000 annually to pay for the program.
Sioux City is located on the eastern shores of the Missouri River where
a $13 million riverfront development project is underway. Plans include
new parks, ampitheatres, trails, picnic areas and recreational
complexes.
Sioux City is the northern most navigable port on the Missouri River
and is a large barge shipper of grain, soybean oil, tallow and asphalt.
It was named for the Sioux Indians and is the hub for a region known as
Siouxland.
Sioux City is working to become a player in the emerging global
community through establishment at Sioux Gateway Airport of a U.S.
Customs Service to facilitate trade with the international community.
The city has also applied for federal recognition as a foreign trade
zone to allow the manufacture and shipment of U.S. goods made from
foreign-made components.
Media coverage to significant portions of the three states is provided
by the Sioux City Journal, KTIV-TV(NBC), KCAU-TV(ABC) and KMEG(CBS), as
well as by nearly a dozen radio stations.
(-more-)
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:32 BOB LAWRENCE
P.05
SIOUX CITY IOWA- 5
ALL-AMERICA CITY:
Sioux City's dynamic economic and spiritual renaissance has been
nationally recognized through its selection as an All-America City for
1990 by the National Civic League.
The award is in recognition of local community efforts to attack
problems of the 1990s, including economic decline, hunger, disasters,
affordable housing and health care. It recognizes Sioux City's success
in bringing business, government and citizens together at the local
level to solve community problems.
Also figuring in the award was Sioux City's disaster preparedness
program directed by the Woodbury County Disaster Services. It
coordinated resources and volunteers from all three states in an
efficient, heroic response credited with saving many lives following a
major airline crash at the Sioux Gateway Airport in July 1990.
Because of its success in bringing local business, government and
citizens together to solve economic and social problems, Sioux City
received the All-America City Award last June. It was among ten
municipalities chosen for the annual award by the Denver-based National
Civic League. (Bush presented the award)
Recently rated Iowa's "Number One" place to live for quality of life by
Money Magazine, the city features dozens of parks, two colleges, a
graduate study center, regional medical centers, art center, theaters,
a museum and a 75 year old symphony.
TRI-STATE'S MOST EXCITING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:
DAKOTA DUNES
The Sioux City tri-state region's most talked about development is
Dakota Dunes, a 2,000 acre business and residential park under
construction along the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers just north of
Sioux City in South Dakota.
Expected to take 15 years to complete, Dakota Dunes promises to be the
biggest economic development the region has ever experienced. An
estimated 5,000 or more people expected to work there will be involved
in research and high-tech businesses, as well as in financial and
insurance companies. The mini city will also feature such support
services as banks, medical offices, retail stores, restaurants and gas
stations. A school and hotel are among other future compliments planned
for the project which is designed to blend with the area's natural
rivers, wetlands, sand dunes, native grasses and woods.
(-more-)
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:33 BOB LAWRENCE
P.06
SIOUX CITY IOWA- 6
Dakota Dunes, the only planned community/business park in South Dakota,
Nebraska and Iowa, features an 18 hole championship golf course
designed by Arnold Palmer. The course, signed for PGA tournaments, is
expected to be a magnet attracting U.S. and foreign companies to the
Dunes 216 acre business park.
Streets, utilities and houses began sprouting up last Spring and Palmer
expects to tee off from the course his company will manage in the
spring of 1991.
Announced in August 1988, Dakota Dunes is being developed by Midwest
Capital Group, a subsidiary of Midwest Energy Co., which is merging
with Iowa Resources, Inc. another utility company. The new corporation
will be renamed Midwest Resources, Inc. and based in Des Moines.
NOTABLES FROM SIOUX CITY/NW IOWA:
This region has yielded not only consistently great crops but great
people as well, many of whom have achieved fame nationally and
internationally, e.g., advice columnist Dear Abby, Ann Landers; Dr.
W. Edwards Deming, statistician, philosopher and educator; Baseballs
Paul Splittorff, voice of the Kansas City Royals;
actor-turned-politician, Fred Grandy; Jiffy Lube founder Jim Hindman;
Gordon Metcalf, former Sears chairman; Don Keough, chairman of Coca
Cola; Margaret McDonald, former National Republican Committee member;
former Congressman Wiley Mayne; George Wittgraff, former George Bush
campaign director in Iowa; Iowa Governor Terry Branstad of Lake View;
Al Buckingham, former member of the U.S. Olympic Committee; actor
McDonald Carey. cnl
SIOUX CITY TRIVIA:
The country music song "Sioux City Sue" is the most famous song about
Sioux City.
Sioux City is home for the world's oldest branded popcorn, Jolly Time
popcorn, and the world's oldest popcorn factory, the 76 year old
American Popcorn Co.
The lone member to die on the historic Lewis & Clark Expedition is
buried on a bluff over-looking the Missouri River at Sioux City. Sgt.
Charles Floyd's death on Aug. 20, 1804 was during the first leg of the
5,000 mile journey to explore the west following the Louisiana
Purchase.
-0-
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:34 BOB LAWRENCE
39333
Federal Register
Presidential Documents
Vol. 54, No. 185
Tuesday, September 28 1989
Title 3-
Proclamation 6027 of September 22, 1989
The President
Commendation of the Citizens of the Sloux City, Iowa, Tri-
State Area
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On July 19, 1989, our Nation was horrified by the tragic crash of a commercial
airliner in Sloux City, Iowa. That catastrophe resulted in the deaths of 112
people. Our Nation mourns the loss of these individuals and grieves for their
family and friends. The extent of this tragedy might have been much greater
were it not for the heroic efforts of citizens in the Sioux City, Iowa, tri-State
area. Residents of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota responded swiftly to the
disaster, dispatching rescue teams to the crash site and voluntarily offering
shelter and solace to the injured and their families.
Today, we commend the professionalism of the emergency medical personnel
who rushed to the scene or worked tirelessly at nearby hospitals to treat
injured passengers. The State and local rescue units and municipal firefighters
who extinguished the blaze and extricated victims following the crash demon-
strated remarkable speed, skill, and preparedness. We also salute the area
residents who volunteered to donate blood or contributed food, blankets. and
clothing after the crash; as well as the local college officials who opened their
dormitories to the survivors, the families of survivors, rescue teams, and
investigators. Their compassion and generosity merit the respect and gratitude
of all Americans.
In recognition of the outstanding efforts of these citizens, the Congress, by
House Joint Resolution 379, has commended their heroism and spirit of
volunteerism and has authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation making such a commendation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do bereby commend the citizens of the Sloux City, Iowa, tri-State
area for their extraordinary efforts in response to the tragic aircraft accident
of July 19, 1989.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF. I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fourteenth.
IFR Doc. 89-22862
ay Bush
liled 9-22-89; 3:05 pm)
Billing code 3195-01-M
LAWRENCE
CIVIC Action
July-Aug., 1990
Vol. 3
1601 Grant Street, Suite 250
Denver, CO 80203
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE
Issue 4
103-832-5615/FAX: 832-4005
1990 All-America Cities
Honored at White House
In August 6, 1990, President Bush welcomed
Texas are a hopeful reminder that the success of
for the answers and they're finding them.
epresentatives of the ten 1990 All-America
democracy depends on the resilience and
By recognizing and unleashing the power
Cities to the White House for an awards-
capacity of citizens for self-governance.
and potential of the people themselves, they're
presentation ceremony. A partial transcript of
education, civic responsibility, and economic
proving that big cities can meet enormous
he President's nemarks follows:
development.
challenges and small towns can do very big
We honor all ten of these communities not
things.
Welcome to the White House. I want to
because they claim to be the best cities in
You've earned the admiration of the nation
single out an old friend of mine, Henry
America - I think they're too smart or, in some
because when people say, "It can never be
Cisneros, the Chairman of the National Civic
instances, too modest for that but because
done," you're doing it. And when they say,
League, as well as Wayne Hedein of Allstate
they represent what's best about American
"You can't get there from here," you've proved
Insurance Co., Members of Congress who are
cities. Rather than looking for an outside
that you can. Congratulations to all of you.
here, state representatives, mayors, and -
solution or a quick fix, they're looking within
above all - some friends from the finest cities
in America.
11's an honor and, indeed, a pleasure to
have you here at the White House. This event
is special because too often it seems the
function of the federal government is to make
laws and set limits. But the cities and citizens
we honor today are reminders that America's
potential is truly unlimited.
The All-America Cities are all-American
success stories. At a time when so many mourn
what's wrong with American cities. you have
quietly gone to work to make them right.
You've refused to surrender to crime and drug
dealers UT natural disasters - to despair. You
refuse to sce the problems of the homeless and
the jobless as somehow impossible to solve.
Instead, you've set out to unleash the
infinite range of what is possible when Ameri-
cans really put their minds to it. Along the way,
you've reaffirmed the American ideal of em-
powerment. Empowerment sounds like a new
idea, but it's something President Teddy
Roosevelt well understood, and wanted to
promote when he founded the National Civic
League back in 1894. "There are many
different ways," he once wrote, "in which a
man or a woman can work for the higher life of
American cities."
Well, the men and women with us are
proving Teddy Roosevelt right. So we've gath-
esed to celebrate the spirit of empowerment and
the potential of partnership which is perhaps
unique to America. The spirit that, in an earlier
time, could have built & meetinghouse or raised
barn un a windswept field.
Today, the All-Americe Cities are forming
partnerships for challenges of every kind - in
small industrial towns and urban canyons,
citizens, businesses. government, and volun-
leers are joining forces for the future of their
communities.
For 41 years the National Civic League
has recognized community excellence through
these awards. Success stories like those of Bak-
ersfield, Calif.: South Gate. Calif; Tampa, South Fla:
Top: Representatives of All-America Cities receive plaques from President Bush; Below: Henry Cisneros and
Wavna Hedein ioin President Bush during presentation of awards.
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:37 BOB LAWRENCE
P.09
Dakota Dunes
Development Company
RR #1. Box 93B
CONE
Dakota Duries. SD 57049
Office (605)232-4211
Fax (605)232-4561
Contact: Connie Smith
(605) 232-4211
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOUNDARY CHANGE GOOD FOR DAKOTA DUNES
SIOUX CITY, IA - Development at Dakota Dunes took a major
step forward when the U.S. Senate approved legislation Monday
clarifying the boundary between South Dakota and Nebraska along a
12-mile stretch of the Missouri River.
"Re-establishing the state boundary between South Dakota and
Nebraska to the main channel of the Missouri River is one of the
key elements in the successful completion of the Dakota Dunes
Development," said Allan J. Block, project manager. "We can now
proceed to subdivide our lots and work toward the eventual sale
of land. We appreciate the help that the Nebraska, South Dakota
and Iowa Congressional delegations provided in moving this
important piece of legislation through Congress."
The U.S. House of Representatives gave its approval to the
boundary legislation on Friday, November 17. The boundary
compact was approved earlier this year by the Nebraska and South
Dakota state legislatures.
The boundary compact involves 1,800 acres of Nebraska land
-more-
OCT-23-90 TUE 12:38 BOB LAWRENCE
$53
that ended up on the South Dakota side of the river as a result
of shifts in the Missouri River channel. of the 1,800 acres
involved in the boundary compact, approximately 300 acres are
included in the Dakota Dunes Development.
The boundary change means all land included in the Dakota
Dunes Development will now be located in South Dakota. According
to Allan Block, lot preparation work could not begin prior to the
boundary change because Union County, S.D. officials could not
subdivide land that was technically part of Nebraska.
###
November 21, 1989-
Sioux City, Iowa
10/21/90
OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
CONTACT SHEET
Name
Office
Phone Number
Presidential Advance Office
202/456-7565
Presidential Advance Fax Number
202/456-2820
Judd Swift
WH Advance
202/456-7565
Kelley Gannon
11 (Press)
11
Lucy Muckerman
" (tribrd.)
"
Jack Clay
CCAT O.M. 712-279-4816
Joy Miller
Iowans For Tauke
515-282-1990
LARRY LANDRUM
WH comm AGeNCY (202) 395-4040
PAtrick DAVIS
WH Political AffAirs 202/456-7730
Major Dave Bonwit Maine Corps Aide USSS to the President 202-395-4112 202-395-1747
LARRY SPERC
Gary Harward
Fowors For Tanke
712-277-7722
LINDA HARWARD
IOWANS FOR TAUKE, Srocex City 276-9071
ANDY FOSTER
WH POLITICAL AFFAIRS
202-456-6510
JANNIFER GROSSMAN
WH SPEECHWRITING (202)456-7756
Jamn Smith
WOODBURY TAVKE 717-943-5132
Dennis J. GANN
Executive Dir. S.City CONV.C. 712-279-4800
OCT-31-1990 18:48 FROM SIOUX CITY STAFF OFC
TO
12024566218 P.01
90 OCT 31 P5: 49
OFFICE OF
PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
COVER PAGE
TO: CArol Blymire
FROM: PAtrick DAVIS
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES:
2
(including cover page)
DATE:
10-31-90
TIME:
4:50
MESSAGE:
Please CAll w/ questions
Please send me a
draft as soon as
rysel can
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLEASE CALL.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 712-233-7233
OCT-31-1990 18:48 FROM SICUX CITY STAFF OFC
TO
12024566218
P.02
53.3%
SPEECH acknolegements (Sioux City, Iowa):
Congessman and Mrs. Tom.Tauke (Severly)
V. S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Congressman and Mrs. Jim Lightfoot (Nancy) and bis son Jim Jr.
Congressman Jim Leach
Congressmen Fred Grandy
Governor Tabry Bransted (Town)
Mr. & Mrs. kich Schwayn (Charise) Iowe GOP chairman
?
Over Booke (National Committeewomana)
Steve Roberts (National Consitteeman)
Mr. * Mrs. George Witgraf (Vicki) Iowa Bush chairman
Mr. Roger Lynd (Woodbury county GOPichairman)
?
Wiley Mayne (Friend of the President) event chairman
Gwen there?
Ann Jorganson (Tauke campaign chairwoman)
Cathy Hoffman (State Senate candidate)
NO
Don Shoning (incumbent State House candidate)
Christopher Rants (State House candidate)
Brad Banks (incumbent State House candidate)
arriving 5:15pm
7 crashing infor
Call Air Force One at acknowledgement Ds
a 10:30am
and the the
Geo. Witgraf
Steve Roberts
Tom Tanke
Ann Jorganson
Mrs. Tauke
Hon. Jim cightfoot
Fred Grandy (Rep)VV
HM-Joy Corning (Lt. Gov.)
Charles Grassley
Gopco IAstate.
Ridrard Schwarm
Wiley Mayne
Terry Branstad
David Oman (0-min)
Russ Christiansen (MC) VV
ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARDS \ THE ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 1990 \ 10:00 A.M.
WELCOME! HENRY CISNEROS, CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL
CIVIC LEAGUE; WAYNE HEDIEN [HEH-DEEN] OF ALLSTATE;
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, STATE REPRESENTATIVES, MAYORS --
AND ABOVE ALL, FRIENDS OF SOME OF THE FINEST CITIES IN
AMERICA. ///
It's AN HONOR AND A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU HERE AT
THE WHITE HOUSE.
- 2 -
THIS EVENT IS SPECIAL. It's SPECIAL BECAUSE TOO
OFTEN IT SEEMS THAT THE FUNCTION OF THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT IS TO MAKE LAWS AND SET LIMITS. BUT THE
CITIES AND CITIZENS WE HONOR TODAY ARE REMINDERS THAT
AMERICA'S POTENTIAL IS TRULY UNLIMITED.
THE ALL-AMERICA CITIES ARE ALL-AMERICAN SUCCESS
STORIES. IN A TIME WHEN so MANY MOURN WHAT'S WRONG
WITH AMERICAN CITIES, YOU HAVE QUIETLY GONE TO WORK TO
MAKE THEM RIGHT.
- 3 -
You HAVE REFUSED TO SURRENDER TO CRIME, TO DRUG
DEALERS, TO DESPAIR, TO NATURAL DISASTER. YOU'VE
REFUSED TO SEE THE PROBLEMS OF THE HOMELESS AND THE
JOBLESS AS SOMEHOW IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE.
INSTEAD, YOU'VE SET OUT TO UNLEASH THE INFINITE
RANGE OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE, WHEN AMERICANS PUT THEIR
MINDS TO IT. AND ALONG THE WAY, YOU'VE REAFFIRMED. THE
AMERICAN IDEAL OF EMPOWERMENT.
- 4 -
EMPOWERMENT SOUNDS LIKE A NEW IDEA -- BUT IT'S
SOMETHING PRESIDENT TEDDY ROOSEVELT WELL UNDERSTOOD,
AND WANTED TO PROMOTE, WHEN HE FOUNDED THE NATIONAL
CIVIC LEAGUE IN 1894.
"THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS," HE ONCE WROTE, "IN
WHICH A MAN OR A WOMAN CAN WORK FOR THE HIGHER LIFE OF
AMERICAN CITIES." WELL, THE MEN AND WOMEN WITH US
TODAY ARE PROVING TEDDY ROOSEVELT RIGHT.
- 5 -
So WE'VE GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF
EMPOWERMENT, AND THE POTENTIAL OF PARTNERSHIPS --
PERHAPS UNIQUE TO AMERICA -- A SPIRIT THAT IN AN
EARLIER TIME COULD HAVE BUILT A MEETING HOUSE, OR
RAISED A BARN ON A WINDSWEPT FIELD.
TODAY, THE ALL-AMERICA CITIES ARE FORMING
PARTNERSHIPS FOR CHALLENGES OF EVERY KIND -- IN SMALL
INDUSTRIAL TOWNS AND URBAN CANYONS -- AS CITIZENS,
BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTEERS ARE JOINING
FORCES FOR THE FUTURE OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.
- 6 -
IN SOME CASES THEY'VE MOBILIZED AFTER AN ACCIDENT,
LIKE FLIGHT 232 IN SIOUX CITY, IOWA -- WHOSE CITIZENS
HAD PLANNED AND ACTED ON AN OUTSTANDING EMERGENCY
RESPONSE SYSTEM.
OR THEY'VE RESPONDED TO A NATURAL DISASTER, THE WAY
THE PEOPLE OF CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
DID, AFTER HURRICANE HUGO.
- 7 -
ALL AMERICANS WERE UPLIFTED BY STORIES OF COURAGE AND
COMPASSION THAT EMERGED DURING THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES.
No HAND WAS IDLE -- AND CERTAINLY NO HEART WAS
UNTOUCHED.
BUT THESE CITIES AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN JUST AS
NOTABLE, I THINK, FOR THEIR COURAGE AND CREATIVITY IN
MEETING LONGER-TERM CHALLENGES.
- 8 -
WHEN THE SCHOOLS OF SOUTH GATE IN Los ANGELES FACED
AN EXPLOSION OF ENROLLMENT -- YOUNG KIDS -- MANY OF
THEM IMMIGRANT AND AT-RISK IN OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS
-- CIVIC VOLUNTEERS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES VOLUNTEERED
MONEY, TIME AND TALENT TO TURN THE TIDE AGAINST DRUGS
AND GANGS.
THE KIDS -- 15,000 OF THEM -- GOT INVOLVED IN
MARCHES, POSTER AND ESSAY CONTESTS, ASSEMBLIES, AND
ANTI-GANG, ANTI-DRUG PLEDGES. TEST SCORES IMPROVED.
- 9 -
ATTENDANCE WENT FROM AMONG THE LOWEST TO AMONG THE
HIGHEST IN THE L.A. SCHOOL DISTRICT. AND THE DROP-OUT
RATE IS NOW THE LOWEST IN THE L.A. UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT. AN OUTSTANDING CASE STUDY IN HOW TO SAVE OUR
SCHOOLS.
THE SAME VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE HAS DRIVEN, THE
CITY OF SOUTH ST. PAUL, AS THEY DEAL WITH CHANGE AND
NEW CHALLENGES.
- 10 -
RATHER THAN MOURNING THE LOSS OF A KEY INDUSTRY,
CITIZENS BEGAN TO PLAN A PUBLIC WALKWAY AND TRAIL
SYSTEM ON OLD INDUSTRIAL LAND ALONG THE RIVER.
VOLUNTEERS WORKED TIRELESSLY AT TOWN MEETINGS TO
CONVINCE THEIR NEIGHBORS THAT URBAN RENEWAL MEANS AN
IMPROVED CITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NEW JOBS. STOCK
CERTIFICATES FOR "MISSISSIPPI MILES" WERE SOLD FOR A
DOLLAR EACH, ENLISTING EVEN THE KIDS.
- 11 -
AND NOW, THE CENTER OF SOUTH ST. PAUL IS COMING
BACK TO LIFE. ONE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR EVEN TOLD A LOCAL
HISTORIAN,
"I JUST HAVE TO THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME BACK MY HOME
TOWN."
FOR FORTY-ONE YEARS, THE NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE HAS
RECOGNIZED COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE THROUGH THESE AWARDS.
- 12 -
SUCCESS STORIES LIKE THESE -- AS IN BAKERSFIELD,
CALIFORNIA; TAMPA, FLORIDA; COEUR D'ALENE [CURR-DE-
LANE], IDAHO; HAMLET, NORTH CAROLINA; HARRISBURG,
PENNSYLVANIA; AND ABILENE, TEXAS -- ALL ARE A HOPEFUL
REMINDER, THAT THE SUCCESS OF DEMOCRACY DEPENDS ON THE
RESILIENCE AND CAPACITY OF CITIZENS FOR SELF-
GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
- 13 -
WE SINGLE OUT ALL TEN OF THESE CITIES, NOT BECAUSE
THEY CLAIM TO BE THE "BEST" CITIES IN AMERICA -- I
THINK THEY'RE TOO SMART OR MODEST FOR THAT -- BUT
BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT WHAT'S BEST ABOUT AMERICAN
CITIES.
RATHER THAN LOOKING FOR AN OUTSIDE SOLUTION OR
QUICK FIX, THEY'RE LOOKING WITHIN FOR THE ANSWERS
AND THEY'RE FINDING THEM.
- 14 -
BY RECOGNIZING AND UNLEASHING THE POWER AND
POTENTIAL OF THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, THEY'RE PROVING
THAT BIG CITIES CAN MEET ENORMOUS CHALLENGES -- AND
SMALL TOWNS CAN DO BIG THINGS.
So CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL. YOU'VE EARNED THE
ADMIRATION OF A NATION. BECAUSE WHEN PEOPLE SAY, "IT's
NEVER BEEN DONE" --YOU'RE DOING IT. AND WHEN THEY SAY,
"You CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE" -- YOU'VE PROVED THAT
YOU CAN. //
- 15 -
[[ AND NOW, IF HENRY AND WAYNE WILL JOIN ME UP HERE,
WE'D LIKE TO PRESENT THIS YEAR'S AWARDS. ]]
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
Des Moines, Iowa
For Immediate Release
October 16, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST FOR TERRY BRANSTAD AND TOM TAUKE
Atrium, State Historical Museum
Des Moines, Iowa
9:04 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much for that welcome. What
a magnificent turnout for Governor Branstad and senator-to-be Tom
Tauke. I'm delighted to be here. (Applause.) Let me first pay my
respects to my former running mates -- kids from Dowling here. I
still have my tee-shirt -- I ran on the track out there with some of
you all. And I'm very pleased, really, to be back here in Des
Moines.
Last December, I spoke here on behalf of your next
senator, Tom Tauke. And then in June, I returned for your current
and future Governor, Terry Branstad, Since I was here things have
really moved for both of them -- moved in the right direction in
terms of the electorate. Now we only have 20 days to go, and I can't
think of a single state that has two more important races for the
future of this country than the state of Iowa 20 days from now.
You've got my warmest memories and great sentiments in
this state. I've had wonderful times in so many towns and 50 many
cities here. And it was in those visits - (audience interruption.)
I'll have a little say about that in a minute. You know, some people
never get the word, the fight isn't about oil; the fight is about
naked aggression that will not stand. (Applause.) Where were we?
(Laughter.)
You know, we were talking about the qualities that we
need in the United States Senate and that we need to keep in the
Governor's Mansion here. Let me first single out our statewide
candidates who I want to see elected to help Terry Branstad run this
state. They are outstanding men and women, and you have the very
finest in compassionate, committed public servants in these people
right over here. So please work hard for them in the last 20 days.
(Applause.) They prove what Al Landon meant when he said, "There are
some intelligent people in Washington. There are more of them in the
middle West." (Applause.)
But back to senator-to-be Tauke and to Governor Branstad
-- both have fought for the family, for the taxpayer, and for the
farmer. They fought for the working people of this state. And as a
result, I think we are seeing -- and I've been proud to be at their
side -- and I think we are seeing an agricultural economy that's
rebounded from its recent lows.
And now we are in a battle in Washington to keep the
economy moving forward, to get it revitalized. And the best thing we
can do to revitalize it is to get a budget deficit agreement that
cuts -- that gets the deficit down by $500 billion over five years,
and does it in an enforceable way. And that's what I'm fighting for
in Washington, and that's why I need the support of people like Tom
Tauke. (Applause.)
But the battle isn't only about fiscal sanity. It's
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about things like education, where Terry Branstad has been in the
lead nationally - supported ably -- I am in the Congress by Tom
Tauke. This excellent record in Iowa is well-known nationally. Iowa
students ranking fifth in high school graduations all across the
country; first in SAT and ACT scores. An outstanding record. So I
want to do nationally that which you have done locally. So 18 months
ago, we proposed our National Educational Excellence Act to encourage
flexibility, accountability, increased educational choice for parents
and students. Terry Branstad is a leader in the Governors
Association, was a leader as we set these national goals for this
decade. He took the bastion of leadership, the symbol of leadership
and carried it forward to hammer out these national goals. He's
well-known in the state of Iowa. He deserves reelection here. But
I'll tell you, he has shown himself to be a national leader in the
field of education. (Applause.)
I've sent an educational bill up there. I think it
embodies the values of Iowans -- sent it up to the Congress. And Tom
Tauke is giving it strong support. We need some straight talk ---
that's what Tom -- his motto, "Talking Straight." He's right, he is.
And he's strong. And that straight talk is what we need to elect
Republicans who are going to end this delay and pass an educational
bill which will help make American education number one. Not the old
thinking of the tired liberals in the United States Senate, but the
new thinking of Tom Tauke in the House, moving into the Senate; and
of Terry Branstad right here at the governors level. (Applause.)
A major national question is crime and drugs. And for 16
months, the liberal Democrats who control all the committees in the
United States Congress -- the national Democrats have sabotaged our
violent crime bill. Evidently, they think we can soft-pedal the need
to be hard on crime. And Tom and Terry both disagree with that.
They back a workable and a real death penalty for those who kill
federal law enforcement officers. And I back that. I support it,
and I believe the country supports it overwhelmingly. (Applause.)
I hope some of you will have an opportunity -- and maybe
you're working with them -- the victims of crime groups. I think
it's time in the country that we showed a little more sympathy for
the victims of crime and a little less for the criminals themselves.
(Applause.)
And just one more word about agriculture. Five years ago
Tom Tauke helped pass, and Terry backed strongly, a farm bill to help
a community in crisis. And it's no coincidence that farm income has
hit near-record levels -- or that Terry Branstad has created over
300,000 new jobs, many of them agricultural, since 1983. And our job
is to make that progress still better. And how? By recalling that
when it comes to farming, Washington does not know best. Iowans know
best. And we want to keep the control in the marketplace.
(Applause.)
As we're drafting this new farm legislation, let's see
that it emphasizes market-oriented policies. We don't need more
government in Middle America -- we need more Middle America thinking
in the Washington government. And that goes double when it cames to
passing a sensible federal budget.
It's no secret that I could use more Republicans in the
United States Senate and in the United States House right now.
Frankly, it would be a luxury to have a senator in this Iowa seat
that would vote with me at least as much as Teddy Kennedy has done.
Take a look at the record. Take a look at the Congressional
Quarterly. And in Tom Tauke we'd have somebody that would support
our ideas much, much more than that. So send him to Washington to be
our senator. (Applause.)
Republicans know; it's our heartbeat that we need to
control government spending and keep the taxes down. But
unfortunately, the simple fact is the Democrats do control both
Houses of Congress, and they control every single congressional
committee. The American people know that they have control of both
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Houses and control all these committees. And it's also a fact that,
year after year, Congress fails to meet its own timetable for
producing the budget.
Year after year, the Congress has to pass emergency
measures. It's all Washington jargon called continuing resolutions.
After you've been there a month or two, you call them CRs -- just to
keep the government operating. Enough is enough. I think we've had
something like 37 of these CRs in the last decade, because Congress
can't meet its own deadlines. Enough is enough. And this Friday,
the Congress must face the budget deadline once again. But this
time, let them face up to their responsibilities as well.
I know that Americans are fed up -- (applause) -- I know
that the Americans are fed up with much of the political debate
coming out of Washington. It's the same old "inside the Beltway"
hogwash that obscures what's really at issue. So let me try to
clarify it.
America must have a real and significant deficit
reduction -- real and significant -- deficit reduction to get the
economy moving. And that deficit reduction will, indeed, and almost
instantly bring down the interest rates that are holding back new job
creation and holding back job opportunity. The deficit rate is going
to bring those interest rates down; you're going to have more home
purchases, more car loans, create new jobs.
And to get these results, Congress simply cannot play
with the numbers in order to get phony savings. We cannot afford
business as usual in Washington anymore. so the budget must be real,
it must be enforceable, and it must preserve our incentives for
growth. I want to see this ecomomy grow, not shrink from higher
taxes and more government spending. (Applause.)
And I told you Terry Branstad is right, and he's sure
right when he says that the President ought to have the line-item
veto. If Congress can't control the spending, give the President a
shot at it. (Applause.)
We're not dumb in this country. Most people know that
when -- the failure to hold down spending is inevitably followed by
higher taxes. They might be just around the corner. And that said,
let me reiterate that the one thing that appeals to me about the
current Senate package -- you've got a House bill that looks like
it's going through. Raise the rates, index the taxes -- that's on
the middle class and on the lower middle class. That's every
taxpayer in this country. Nobody understands it, but that's what
indexing means. So they're saying it's a "soak the rich" deal. But
inevitably, it gets into your pocket. It gets in the pocket of every
working man and woman. And that's exactly what's coming out of the
House.
But the Senate bill has some merit to it. It holds the
line on income tax rates. And I've always been concerned, and I
think the American people share this concern, that the Congress will
continue to pay for its spending habits by going back and starting to
raise the income tax rates on everyone. And I want to hold the line
on the tax rates. (Applause.)
So we're in a countdown. We're in another countdown.
The next four days Congress has the responsibility and the obligation
to act. And the American people have every right to see this
Congress act responsibly.
You know, I have a difference I think with Speaker Foley.
We had good cooperation with the Speaker on trying to hammer out a
budget agreement. Frankly, one in which I had to compromise and he
had to compromise and the Senate had to compromise. But in my view,
even though there were things in it I didn't like, I think it was a
good deal. But where I've got a difference with the Speaker it
appears, is that he doesn't think it's useful to keep Congress in.
He doesn't think it's useful to hold their nose to the grindstone by
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refusing to go along with business as usual by signing yet the 38th
continuing resolution. So we have an honest difference of opinion of
that. But I think, in spite of the inconvenience to the American
people that there is support for this concept, whether it hurts the
President or not, that the Congress ought to finish the job it was
sent to Washington to do. And if we had more like Tauke in the
Senate it would be getting done -- (applause) -- because we control
the United States Senate. (Applause.)
One of the interesting parts of this job is some of the
mail you get. And it gives you a certain trust in the American
people. It's a way a president can get a feeling for what people are
thinking. Some of it isn't particularly complimentary and some of
it, fortunately, is. But the people are smart. They want a budget
that makes sense. And let me give you the wisdom from the mouths of
babes.
It's a letter from Lisa Lilla, a 10-year-old from
Clearwater, Florida. She writes that she wants us to solve our
budget problem so that she "won't have to pay $5 million when she
grows up." Then she adds this P.S.: "I really think you should not
enlarge the taxes because when I'm 18 I'll have to pay $500 tax on a
can of peas." (Laughter.)
Well, she may be off slightly -- (laughter) -- but her
logic is sound. Her logic is very, very sound. And even
10-year-olds know fiscal insanity when they see it, and they know
where it starts. And they know that the Congress, controlled by the
Democrats, appropriate every dime and tell us how to spend every
single dime.
And it's not going to get better until we do something
special on November 6th. We've got to send Congress a wake-up call,
if you will. And so let's reject the tax and spend policies that
created the problem in the first place, and let's tell kids -- let's
tell the Congress to remember kids like little Lisa. She does not
want to pay $500 tax on a can of peas when she's 18 years old.
(Applause.)
I think of Iowa as an international state, and I was
interested in the opinion of these individuals here who wanted to
make their statement. But I think of Iowa as an international state.
I think you've always been out front in the terms of being engaged
and being involved in foreign policy. Whether it's through
far-sighted policies on international trade; whether it's through the
earliest support and strong support for the United Nations that has
now been revitalized, or whatever.
So let me simply say -- and I have to tell you, I
understand where these kids are coming from. I understand that. I
went through World War II. We've been through a couple of agonizing
periods with the Korean War and the Vietnam War. So their view
shouldn't be entirely written off, but they've got it wrong. They've
got the facts wrong. They're looking introspectively in a bit of an
isolationistic way. We can't do that. We have the responsibility to
lead -- the United States does.
If we don't stand up against aggression around the world
when it's naked and brutal, who will? The United States has the
responsibility to lead and to put together this coalition that says
to Saddam Hussein very simply, you cannot bully your neighbor; you
cannot wipe him out -- a member of the Arab League, a member of the
United Nations. (Applause.) And that's what the issue is about.
Let me try to put it in perspective for those three kids
that left. And I mean this in all seriousness, because this affects
my thinking very much, what's happening. We've got to stand up for
civilized values. But what's happening is we see Kuwait are
unprecedented acts of brutality inflicted by Iraq.
I want to mention, and I don't mean to be overly shocking
here, but let me just mention some reports, firsthand reports. In a
MORE
- 5 -
hospital, Iraqi soldiers unplugged the oxygen to incubators
supporting 22 premature babies. They all died. And then they shot
the hospital employees. At another hospital, troops reportedly cut
off oxygen supporting the 75-year-old mother of a Kuwaiti Cabinet
minister. Iraqi aggression, Iraqi naked aggression. Taking dialysis
machines, taking the patients off them, shipping the machines to
Baghdad. Systematically dismantling a member of the United Nations,
a member of the Arab League.
And so the bottom line for us is that Iraqi aggression
will not be allowed to stand. Saddam Hussein will be held
accountable. And the legitimate government of Kuwait will be
restored. And America will remain in the Persian Gulf not one single
day longer than necessary. I look forward to the day that every
single man and woman serving there now with pride and beautifully
trained -- every single one of them comes home. But we must stay for
as long as it takes to complete our mission. (Applause.)
Now, in your great state, common sense has never gone out
of style. You know that while our forces -- and there's a unit from
Mason City on the way - you know that while our forces are defending
us abroad, we must defend them here at home. And I know that Iowans
want policies which empower people and bring prosperity and
opportunity to communities all over this state.
so to sum it up, Tom Tauke, whom I've known for years and
with whom I have worked for years and whose record I have admired for
years, must be elected to the United States Senate. And Terry
Branstad, who has served this state with such distinction and now a
high official in the National Governors Association because of the
way his fellow governors look at him, look at his record of
achievement, look at his leadership. must be reelected as well.
And so I came out here to enthusiastically stand with you
Iowans in support of these two fine men. We can send the rest of the
country a signal by reelecting Terry Branstad overwhelmingly and by
sending Tom Tauke to the United States Senate. Thank you and God
bless the people of Iowa. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
9:27 A.M. CDT
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Dec. 8
Nomination of David W. Mullins, Jr.,
Note: This statement was not received in
To Be a Member of the Board of
time for inclusion in last week's issue.
Governors of the Federal Reserve
System
December 8, 1989
The President today announced his inten-
Advance Text of Remarks at a
tion to nominate David W. Mullins, Jr., to
Fundraising Dinner for Senatorial
be a member of the Board of Governors of
Candidate Thomas J. Tauke in
the Federal Reserve System for the unex-
Des Moines, Iowa
pired term of 14 years from February 1,
December 8, 1989
1982. He would succeed H. Robert Heller.
Since 1989 Dr. Mullins has served as As-
I'm delighted to be here to salute a man
sistant Secretary for Domestic Finance at
who embodies values of hard work, honesty,
the Department of the Treasury in Wash-
and strength of character. He has been an
ington, DC. Prior to this, he served as
exceptional Congressman; he will make an
Acting Assistant Secretary for Domestic Fi-
exceptional United States Senator. His name
nance, 1988-1989, and professor of business
is Tom Tauke, and he deserves our support.
administration at the Harvard University
You and I both know why. Look at his
Graduate School of Business Administration.
background: reporter, attorney, elected to
Dr. Mullins graduated from Yale Univer-
the Iowa Legislature and six times to the
sity (B.S., 1968) and the Massachusetts Insti-
U.S. House of Representatives. Look at his
tute of Technology (S.M., 1972; Ph.D.,
record. He has fought for the family, the
1974). He was born April 28, 1946, in Mem-
taxpayer, the farmer, the working people of
phis, TN. Dr. Mullins served in the National
Iowa, helping to build better education and
Guard, 1968-1970. He resides in Washing-
better rural health care for a State whose
ton, DC.
best still lies ahead. Like all of you, I've
seen Tom Tauke up-close and personal. I
Note: This nomination was not received in
admire him enormously. We need him in
time for inclusion in last week's issue.
the Senate. There; he can serve all of Iowa
and help Iowa serve the Nation. There, he
can help ensure prosperity at home and
peace abroad.
As you know, last week I met with Chair-
Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater
man Gorbachev off the coast of Malta. We
on the Upcoming State Visit of
talked about the power of freedom to dis-
President Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria
mantle walls between nations and agreed
December 8, 1989
that we must seize the opportunity to build
a generation of peace. From Malta came
President Bush has invited Gen. Ibrahim
initiatives to nurture Europe's tide toward
Babangida, President of the Federal Repub-
democracy, accelerate arms control, and
lic of Nigeria, to make a state visit to the
expand trade. And in that context, let me
United States, beginning on January 17,
repeat my goal to grant most favored nation
1990. President Babangida will be making
status to the Soviet Union by the 1990
the first state visit by an African chief of
summit. This will relax trade barriers be-
state in the Bush administration. The
tween East and West, expanding markets
United States enjoys cordial relations and
for American agricultural and other exports.
growing cooperation with Nigeria. It sup-
We need Senators who will help America
ports President Babangida's ambitious eco-
move beyond containment toward a
nomic reform program and commitment to
Europe that is whole and free. Tom Tauke
return Nigeria to civilian, democratic rule
will do that.
by 1992. Nigeria is Africa's most populous
Then there's the prosperity which has
country, a major exporter of oil, and one of
meant over 20 million new jobs since 1982.
the United States most important trading
Prosperity which results from lower taxes,
partners in Africa.
responsible spending, and lower interest
1925
Dec. 8 Administration of George Bush, 1989
rates. This July, Tom Tauke was 1 of only
year as we write new farm legislation. Tom
Life, Liberty and t]
23 Members of Congress to be honored by
Tauke will make a good bill even better.
With these words,
the National Taxpayers Union. I need him
Finally, as I said in Des Moines during
Fathers declared
in the Senate to keep taxes down.
last year's caucuses, we know that Medicare
from Great Britain
Yet prosperity means little if our kids
hasn't always been fair to rural hospitals. So,
ago. In so doing, t
aren't free from drugs. So, we have un-
our administration has welcomed new legis-
ples that form the 1
veiled a comprehensive drug strategy to
lation to create more equitable payments
of the United Sta
stop use before it begins. Tom Tauke sup-
between urban and rural areas. Tom Tauke
recognizes protect
ports our strategy. He knows that we have
founded and cochairs the Rural Health Care
rights of individual
not spent 213 years defending our democra-
Coalition, which helped draft this legisla-
end of just govern
cy from the tyranny of oppression only to
tion. I need him in the Senate to make
United States's el
lose it to the tyranny of crack and cocaine.
health care affordable and accessible to the
defend the cause
You know, a writer once said of Iowa:
people of rural America.
world. We America
"This is top-choice America-America cut
Tom Tauke knows Iowa from the banks
to the advancemen
thick and prime." Peace, prosperity, and an
of the Mississippi to the bluffs of the Missou-
rights because we a
end to drugs are goals worthy of top-choice
ri. His values reflect the greatness of Iowa.
ent relationship be
Americans, and so are other issues which
You know when I think of Iowa I think of a
worth and dignity
concern every Iowan. For example, we
mid-Western State that is international as
attainment of genu
want to make America's educational system
well, not just in terms of trade in farm
In 1789, our Na
number one in the world again. Consider
products but in a broader context. Iowans
enumerated the rig
have always had a keen interest in foreign
first ten amendmen
that Iowa can boast the third highest per-
centage rate of high school graduates in the
affairs, and your insights are valuable
stitution, known as
indeed. Tom Tauke fits that picture, and his
Madison once note
country. And you're number one-all
alone-in ACT's, American College Testing.
life embodies the spirit of Iowa: the spirit of
of Rights was valu
You better believe we want to do nationally
"American-Can," not "Washington-Must."
truths declared in
what you have done locally. So, we've made
So, let's remember that Tom has been
quire by degrees
mental maxims of
education reform one of our top priorities,
there for us and pledge that we'll be there
proposing legislation to give greater choice
for him, supporting him all the way. And
hundred years lat
to parents and students, reward excellence,
let's make Tom Tauke the next Senator
shrined in our Bill (
and demand greater accountability. Tom
from the great State of Iowa.
be not only guiding
ernment, but also
Tauke has championed those proposals. I'm
also grateful to Governor Branstad for his
Note: The President spoke at 7:16 p.m. at
The Bill of Rights
leadership with the Governors. He was a
the Des Moines Convention Center. Prior to
speech and of the p
stalwart advocate for a better education for
the fundraising dinner, the President par-
of religion and asso
ticipated in a live radio interview at WHO.
no person shall be
America's children at our recent education
The Office of the Press Secretary issued this
or property without
summit.
advance text, but a transcript of the actual
it prohibits unreasor
Next, let me talk for a moment about
agricultural policy and farm bills. Four
address was not made available.
of a person's home,
The Bill of Rights
years ago, Tom helped pass a pioneering
accused of a crime
farm bill to help a whole community in
and defense couns
crisis. And today farm income is near
formed of the charg
record levels, and exports have dramatically
Proclamation 6082-Human Rights
tection against cru
increased since 1986. Most good land has
Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human
ment.
been brought back into production, and
Rights Week, 1989
Two hundred y
about 30 million acres of fragile land have
December 10, 1989
Rights was propose
been semipermanently retired.
Congress, we can
As many of you know, Tom Tauke has
By the President of the United States
influence and pres
already been out front in our effort to pro-
of America
Founding Fathers. ]
mote ethanol as an alternative fuel. That's
A Proclamation
ration of Human Rig
good for agriculture and good for our envi-
ber 10, 1948, the I
ronment. This is all good news for farmers
"We hold these truths to be self-evident,
Assembly provided a
and taxpayers, for under the 1985 farm bill,
that all men are created equal, that they
of the ideals enshrin
agricultural program costs have fallen by
are endowed by their Creator with certain
This Declaration e
more than half. Let's remember that next
unalienable Rights, that among these are
standard of conduct
1926
Week Ending Friday, June 15, 1990
Remarks at a Fundraising Breakfast for
something. It's terribly important, as so
Governor Terry Branstad in Des
many of you out here know, that the candi-
Moines, Iowa
dates are backed with a strong party struc-
June 8, 1990
ture, led by Rich Schwarm over here, our
chairman; Gwen Boeke, our national com-
Thank you all very much. Thank you,
mitteewoman; and Marvin Pomerantz,
Terry. Thank you, Governor Branstad. I'm
who-gosh, everybody knows him. Ask
just delighted to be back with so many
somebody to get some money raised-get
friends. I was looking around for Chuck
Marv to head it up, I'll tell you. And it's not
Grassley, who is doing an outstanding job in
simply that; it's his judgment and his experi-
the Senate. I assume he's back there, but I
ence and the respect level that he brings to
want to just put in a plug for our Senator.
anything he's interested in.
But I see one who I want very much to
Of course, I'm going to get in trouble as I
be in the Senate, and I'm talking about my
look around this room-but Charlotte Mohr
old friend Tom Tauke. We've got to elect
and my old friend George Wittgraf. I don't
him. And, Tom, keep up the great work.
think she's here, but I do want to pay an
And of course, perhaps my oldest Iowa
emotional tribute to Mary Louise Smith,
friend and a guy that's helped me today a
who followed me as national chairman
lot as President-helped me in the past
when I left being chairman of the Republi-
very much, indeed-and I'm talking about
can Party. And we've remained good, close
Jim Leach over here, a Member of Con-
friends. I'm told that she's in Washington
gress in the eastern part of the State.
today.
I'm going to get in trouble, but I also
The last time I was at this particular hotel
want to single out Jim Lightfoot and Fred
was the night before the Iowa caucuses-
Grandy. But I think both of them are in
[laughter]-and today I've come back to
Washington, working. And I might add that
this great State to let Terry in on my secret
now we have this important second district
formula for political success. [Laughter] But
coming up, and I'm for Jim Nussle. He-
I'm confident he'll win Iowa anyway.
came out to the airport last night, and I
Now let me put a little different spin on
want to see him win this race. We do not
this. I'll tell you something I know very
want to lose seats in the United States Con-
well-and I mean it, and the "Silver Fox"
gress. And the strength's not just with Gov-
knows this, too-that's Barbara-[laugh-
ernor Branstad at the top of this ticket, and
ter]-that I would not be President of the
Tom Tauke and others, when you have can-
United States if it hadn't been for Iowa,
didates like Burt Day and Varel Bailey over
albeit in 1980. It was very important. And I
here, whom I've known forever-I don't
look around this room, and I see so many
want to date him-[laughter]-I mean, put
people into whose homes I and Barbara and
him outdated, put it that way-{laughter}-
our kids have intruded. And I remain very
Beverly Anderson and Edward Kelly. And
grateful because I know just exactly how I
then, another old friend that-I guess he's a
got here-having an opportunity to serve as
household word by now. He's just being
President in this most fascinating of times.
sworn-in as the national president of the
So, I came to say thank you as well as sup-
State Auditors. And I'm talking, of course,
port for our great Governor, Terry Bran-
about Dick Johnson. I wish he were here,
stad.
but I wish him well, too.
So, for me, it is great to be back in the
I don't want to forget the party organiza-
Hawkeye State. Whenever I'm here, I take
tion, because when we move into an elec-
the advice of a great Iowan, the "Duke,"
tion year, the party organization means
John Wayne, who once said, "Talk low, talk
919
June 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
slow, and don't say too much." [Laughter]
it means for Iowans and, indeed, for all
moving forwar
So, as I look at all these pages, I may be-
Americans.
tive and to kee
[laughter]. But you can't say enough about
This historic summit has furthered the
But despite
what another great Iowan-and I mean
process of peace by working toward a safer
candid, we can
that-this Governor, Terry Branstad, has
world and a stable, new Europe, one in
cant difference
done for this State. You look at his back-
which every nation's security is strength-
two countries.
ground: a family man, attorney, farmer-
ened and no nation is threatened. In a spirit
And I urged th
served three times in the Iowa House of
of cooperation and hope, President Gorba-
lish a good-faith
Representatives and then a term as Lieu-
chev and I reached a number of new agree-
leaders and the
tenant Governor before being elected
ments that will affect the lives of all Ameri-
United States W:
Iowa's youngest Governor ever.
cans. Among them is a bilateral agreement,
behalf of peopl
Look at his record: he's running for his
between the Soviet Union and us, to elimi-
freedom and se
third consecutive term as Governor. Over
nate, for the first time, the great majority of
never retreat fro
the past 7 years, Terry has turned the State
these ghastly chemical weapons that our
mocracy and free
economy around through sensible fiscal
countries have stockpiled over the years.
The question 0
policies and by staying with the controlling
That is progress. At long last, we have also
one that will be S
of spending. He put education at the top of
signed new protocols that will allow 15-
alone. -When I le
his agenda, ensuring world-class status for
braska and then
Iowa's school system. He's one of America's
year-old nuclear testing treaties to be rati-
leading Governors, elected by -his péers as
fied as well as a major new agreement that
other meeting W.
chairman of the National Governors' Asso-
updates and expands our 1973 agreement
of Germany] Ch:
Helmut Kohl-to
ciation. Iowa needs this kind of experience
on peaceful uses of atomic energy. And we
made substantial progress on our negotia-
portant question,
and leadership; and frankly, if you believe
tions governing reductions in both these
stability of Europ
as I do that a lot of the best answers are.
interests of the U
found in the States and at the local level, so
strategic arms, these deadly, destabilizing
going to be solved
does America need Terry Branstad to con-
weapons-these SS-18's and others. And
it one that will be
tinue as Governor of this State.
also in conventional forces, I think we did
In the final analysis
Terry touched on the Governors' summit
make progress, though we haven't signed a
that it's a question
that we had at Charlottesville. He and I
CFE [conventional armed forces in Europe]
ny to decide. But tl
worked closely together at that summit in
treaty. And we issued joint statements in
committed to Ge
Virginia last September, where he played a
both these areas.
NATO as a part of
key role-and I mean this-a key role in his
These agreements, we hope, represent
and free.
position as head of the Governors. You
the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
As one who has
know, exactly 26 years ago today, former
And I think I represent all Americans when
exodus of Soviet Jew
President Eisenhower addressed that same
I hope that we are having now a new rela-
fundamental rights
group, saying, "Our best protection against
tionship of enduring cooperation between
rity of a country, I
bigger government in Washington is better
the Soviet and American peoples, coopera-
after last year's reco
government in the States." Well, that's still
tion further strengthened with new agree-
tion of 72,000 Sovie
true today, and Terry Branstad proves that
ments on trade and grain sales.
gration rate may be
every single day.
And while our trade deal with the Sovi-
And we must keep
My last visit to this great State was just a
ets, properly, in my view, depends on the
open for these Sovie
few days after the Malta summit, at an ap-
passage of key emigration laws within the
And I've said oft
pearance on behalf of the next Senator over
Soviet Union, the trade agreement we ne-
troika to succeed,
here, my friend Tom Tauke. We laid a solid
gotiated is, in my view, in the best interest
leader in agricultur
foundation for progress at Malta, and I
of the United States because an improved
education, you, Iow
shared many things with President Gorba-
trade relationship between our two coun-
role in making tha
chev: dialogs, cooperation, and Dramamine.
tries means expanded markets for American
already are helpin
[Laughter]
goods and services and expanded markets
Many people here
I told Iowans that night that President
for, in your case, Iowa corn and soybeans.
American-Soviet su
Gorbachev and I had just agreed to new
And, in fact, the new U.S.-Soviet grain
States, back in 19
initiatives nurturing Europe's tide toward
agreement signed at the summit calls for at
with President ]
democracy, accelerating arms control, and
least 40 million metric tons of grain to be
Khrushchev toured
expanding trade. I'd like to talk to you this
purchased by the Soviets over the next 5
was obsessed with t
morning about some of the progress we've
years. And that's nothing but good news for
that he had seen e
made at the Washington summit and what
agricultural America. Our task is to keep
with the idea of gre
920
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / June 8
moving forward and to keep Iowa produc-
cause the Soviet system was not a free en-
tive and to keep America strong.
terprise system, one with open markets and
But despite all our progress, let's be
good distribution and production incentives
candid, we cannot lose sight of the signifi-
or any of the economic freedoms we enjoy,
cant differences that remain between our
its experiment in collective farming was a
two countries. Lithuania is one difference.
dismal failure.
And I urged the Soviet President to estab-
As a young man, Mikhail Gorbachev wit-
lish a good-faith dialog between the Soviet
nessed the struggle of the Russian farmers.
leaders and the Baltic peoples. And the
He went on to become the Party Secretary
United States will continue to speak out on
of Agriculture, some may have forgotten
behalf of peoples rightfully yearning for
that. And by the time President Gorbachev
freedom and self-determination. We must
and I sat down at the table last week, a
never retreat from our commitment for de-
delegation of collective farmers had already
mocracy and freedom.
journeyed 5,000 miles to the fields of Iowa
The question of a unified Germany is not
one that will be solved by the United States
to learn from our system, the most efficient
and bountiful in the entire world. And how
alone. When I leave here, I stop off in Ne-
amazed-how amazed Chairman Khru-
braska and then fly home to have yet an-
shchev would have been at the interaction
other meeting with the Federal [Republic
of Germany] Chancellor-with Chancellor
between the American farmers and the
Soviet farmers.
Helmut Kohl-to talk about this very im-
portant question, that affects not only the
Under the leadership of Governor Bran-
stability of Europe but greatly affects the
stad, Iowa is forging a new sense of coop-
interests of the United States. But it's not
eration between its citizens and the Soviet
going to be solved by the U.S. alone, nor is
people. In fact, 2 years ago, Terry signed an
it one that will be solved quickly or reasily.
agreement making Iowa a sister State with
In the final analysis, I think we would agree
President Gorbachev's native region, the
that it's a question for the people of Germa-
Stavropol district.
ny to decide. But the United States remains
But another way to help perestroika suc-
committed to German membership in
ceed is through education, learning about
NATO as a part of a stable Europe, whole
each other's countries and peoples. In
and free.
Washington last week we agreed to increase
As one who has strongly supported the
undergraduate-exchanges by 1,000 students,
exodus of Soviet Jews, and it is a question of
college students, on both the American and
fundamental rights and fundamental integ-
Soviet sides. This agreement will allow
rity of a country, I am pleased to see that
more of our young people to learn firsthand
after last year's record-setting total emigra-
about each other's culture and politics.
tion of 72,000 Soviet Jews, this year's emi-
Here in Iowa, learning and education have
gration rate may become the highest ever.
always been a priority. Your internationally
And we must keep the door to freedom
renowned writers workshop at the Universi-
open for these Soviet Jews.
ty of Iowa is living proof of that, and with a
And I've said often that we want peres-
Soviet writer currently in the international
troika to succeed, and we do. As a world
writing program.
leader in agriculture, farm technology, and
You've got a Governor who puts educa-
education, you, Iowa, can play a significant
tion at the top of his list. At the education
role in making that happen. In fact, you
summit with the Nation's Governors last
already are helping perestroika succeed.
September, Terry really made a differ-
Many people here may remember the first
ence-it wasn't just the cameo appearance
American-Soviet summit in the United
of the chairman-he made a difference.
States, back in 1959. After his meetings
And he's made a difference right here in
with President Eisenhower, Chairman
this State, ensuring that your State's educa-
Khrushchev toured Des Moines. And he
tion system is one of the best in the entire
was obsessed with the vision of productivity
country, with Iowa students ranked first in
that he had seen on American farms and
ACT scores in America. And Iowans can
with the idea of growing corn. And yet be-
brag, they've got the fifth highest percent-
921
June 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
age [rate] of high school graduates in the
Note: The President spoke at 8:11 a.m. in
make an annou
entire country. And like Terry, we've made
the Iowa Ballroom of the Des Moines Marri-
point.
education one of our top priorities at the
ott. In his remarks, he referred to Repre-
Q. When you
national level. And so, we can do nationally,
sentatives Jim Lightfoot and Fred Grandy;
difficult
we must do nationally, what you've done
Burtwin Day, candidate for State treasurer;
The Presiden
locally.
Varel Bailey, candidate for State secretary
Every time you
Under Terry's leadership-and after he
of agriculture; Beverly Anderson, candidate
there seems to
personally journeyed to the Soviet Union
for State secretary of state; Edward Kelly,
outraged by the
twice for the negotiations-Iowa State Uni-
candidate for State attorney general; Char-
tages, and I und
lotte Mohr, cochairperson of Governor
Sutherland's-
versity became the first institution in the
United States to forge a relationship with a
Branstad's reelection committee; and
Q. Five years.
Soviet academic institution, the Agricultural
George Wittgraf, a former member of the
The President.
Academy of Science. So fàr, Iowa has re-
Bush for President Committee.
or today.
ceived five Soviet official delegations to dis-
Q. Terry Ande
cuss trade and education ties. In fact, a
The President.
Soviet trade representative will be coming
the other
into the State in just a few days.
Q. Seven.
Exchange With Reporters Aboard Air
I came to you today to talk about Terry
The President.
Force One
Branstad and our work together for a better
my mind all the
America and a better world. His dedication
June 8, 1990
have a way of CQ
to this State and nation is what drew Terry
one, why, we just
Branstad into public service, and it's what
Middle East
sion.
keeps him working so hard for the future of
Q. How do yo
Q. Are you going to make a decision on
this State and for America's future as well.
Minister] Shamir
the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organiza-
ernment?
You see, we need him to remain in the
tion], or have you made one?
The President.
Governor's chair. We need his experience,
The President. Well, we're discussing all
matter for Israel.
his energy, and then this proven ability.
of that. No decision has been made.
of the United S
This decade is fast becoming known, for
Q. Do you want to override the veto?
United States is
quite obvious reasons, as the decade of de-
The President. Incidentally, I had a very
peace talks to beg
mocracy, the decade of opportunity. But to
interesting phone call from [Egyptian]
Shamir, to his cre
make those goals a reality, we will need
President Mubarak just a. few minutes ago.
tors of this; Muba
leadership. Terry Branstad has been provid-
We discussed a wide array of subjects of
ing, [Secretary of
ing that leadership to his State and nation
interest to the Middle East, and both of us
involved with bot
for nearly. 20 years. And they say, "The
still committed to getting these peace talks
to go forward, an
Time is Right" for Iowa. Well, "The Time is
going forward. And it's been complicated,
I'm not going to
Right" for Terry Branstad to continue to
as you know. But we're going to keep on
what it wants in
lead Iowa forward into the new decade of
trying. So, there's no answer to your ques-
work with whoev
democracy and opportunity.
tion right now.
as the governme
Let me say once again, and I did talk to
Q. Have you ascertained the responsibil-
policy of the Un
Barbara this morning, she seemed unexcit-
ity for that attack?
peace talks. So, we
ed about her 65th birthday, but neverthe-
The President. Well, I just said, I don't
Q. Is the peace
less, I-[laughter]-just a couple of observa-
really want to say anything more about it
this, sir?
tions since some in the receiving-she's
now. I've expressed my outrage about the
The President. 1
doing just great. And I thought she was
attack. And indeed, I'd like to-maybe I
that. Let's see. M
superb up there at Wellesley University,
could take this opportunity to express my
but I've read spe
representing the values of this-[applause].
outrage about all violence in the Middle
think it's not re:
And so she joins me in saying to our friends
East and in this troubled area of the world.
either. So, we've 8
in Iowa, thank you. Thank you for your sup-
But this one was horrendous. There was no
see what happens.
port for this outstanding Governor.
rationale for it, other than, in my view,
out for negotiatio
And thank you for giving Barbara and me
terror, and that is clearly something that is
happening in many
the opportunity to serve the greatest coun-
unacceptable to us. So, we're trying to
world, and it's ess
try on the face of the Earth. God bless you
figure out a little more about this and see
So, we'll see wh
all. And God bless America.
where we go. But I'm not prepared to
going on it.
922
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
Des Moines, Iowa
For Immediate Release
October 16, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST FOR TERRY BRANSTAD AND TOM TAUKE
Atrium, State Historical Museum
Des Moines, Iowa
9:04 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much for that welcome. What
a magnificent turnout for Governor Branstad and senator-to-be Tom
Tauke. I'm delighted to be here. (Applause.) Let me first pay my
respects to my former running mates -- kids from Dowling here. I
still have my tee-shirt -- I ran on the track out there with some of
you all. And I'm very pleased, really, to be back here in Des
Moines.
Last December, I spoke here on behalf of your next
senator, Tom Tauke. And then in June, I returned for your current
and future Governor, Terry Branstad. Since I was here things have
really moved for both of them -- moved in the right direction in
terms of the electorate. Now we only have 20 days to go, and I can't
think of a single state that has two more important races for the
future of this country than the state of Iowa 20 days from now.
You've got my warmest memories and great sentiments in
this state. I've had wonderful times in so many towns and so many
cities here. And it was in those visits - (audience interruption.)
I'll have a little say about that in a minute. You know, some people
never get the word, the fight isn't about oil; the fight is about
naked aggression that will not stand. (Applause.) Where were we?
(Laughter.)
You know, we were talking about the qualities that we
need in the United States Senate and that we need to keep in the
Governor's Mansion here. Let me first single out our statewide
candidates who I want to see elected to help Terry Branstad run this
state. They are outstanding men and women, and you have the very
finest in compassionate, committed public servants in these people
right over here. So please work hard for them in the last 20 days.
(Applause.) They prove what Al Landon meant when he said, "There are
some intelligent people in Washington. There are more of them in the
middle West." (Applause.)
But back to senator-to-be Tauke and to Governor Branstad
-- both have fought for the family, for the taxpayer, and for the
farmer. They fought for the working people of this state. And as a
result, I think we are seeing -- and I've been proud to be at their
side -- and I think we are seeing an agricultural economy that's
rebounded from its recent lows.
And now we are in a battle in Washington to keep the
economy moving forward, to get it revitalized. And the best thing we
can do to revitalize it is to get a budget deficit agreement that
cuts -- that gets the deficit down by $500 billion over five years,
and does it in an enforceable way. And that's what I'm fighting for
in Washington, and that's why I need the support of people like Tom
Tauke. (Applause.)
But the battle isn't only about fiscal sanity. It's
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about things like education, where Terry Branstad has been in the
lead nationally -- supported ably -- I am in the Congress by Tan
Tauke. This excellent record in Iowa is well-known nationally. Iowa
students ranking fifth in high school graduations all across the
country; first in SAT and ACT scores. An outstanding record. So I
want to do nationally that which you have done locally. So 18 months
ago, we proposed our National Educational Excellence Act to encourage
flexibility, accountability, increased educational choice for parents
and students. Terry Branstad is a leader in the Governors
Association, was a leader as we set these national goals for this
decade. He took the bastion of leadership, the symbol of leadership
and carried it forward to hammer out these national goals. He's
well-known in the state of Iowa. He deserves reelection here. But
I'll tell you, he has shown himself to be a national leader in the
field of education. (Applause.)
I've sent an educational bill up there. I think it
embodies the values of Iowans -- sent it up to the Congress. And Tom
Tauke is giving it strong support. We need some straight talk --
that's what Tom -- his motto, "Talking Straight." He's right, he is.
And he's strong. And that straight talk is what we need to elect
Republicans who are going to end this delay and pass an educational
bill which will help make American education number one. Not the old
thinking of the tired liberals in the United States Senate, but the
new thinking of Tom Tauke in the House, moving into the Senate; and
of Terry Branstad right here at the governors level. (Applause.)
A major national question is crime and drugs. And for 16
months, the liberal Democrats who control all the committees in the
United States Congress -- the national Democrats have sabotaged our
violent crime bill. Evidently, they think we can soft-pedal the need
to be hard on crime. And Tom and Terry both disagree with that.
They back a workable and a real death penalty for those who kill
federal law enforcement officers. And I back that. I support it,
and I believe the country supports it overwhelmingly. (Applause.)
I hope some of you will have an opportunity -- and maybe
you're working with them -- the victims of crime groups. I think
it's time in the country that we showed a little more sympathy for
the victims of crime and a little less for the criminals themselves.
(Applause.)
And just one more word about agriculture. Five years ago
Tom Tauke helped pass, and Terry backed strongly, a farm bill to help
a community in crisis. And it's no coincidence that farm income has
hit near-record levels -- or that Terry Branstad has created over
300,000 new jobs, many of them agricultural, since 1983. And our job
is to make that progress still better. And how? By recalling that
when it comes to farming, Washington does not know best. Iowans know
best. And we want to keep the control in the marketplace.
(Applause.)
As we're drafting this new farm legislation, let's see
that it emphasizes market-oriented policies. We don't need more
government in Middle America -- we need more Middle America thinking
in the Washington government. And that goes double when it cames to
passing a sensible federal budget.
It's no secret that I could use more Republicans in the
United States Senate and in the United States House right now.
Frankly, it would be a luxury to have a senator in this Iowa seat
that would vote with me at least as much as Teddy Kennedy has done.
Take a look at the record. Take a look at the Congressional
Quarterly. And in Tom Tauke we'd have somebody that would support
our ideas much, much more than that. So send him to Washington to be
our senator. (Applause.)
Republicans know; it's our heartbeat that we need to
control government spending and keep the taxes down. But
unfortunately, the simple fact is the Democrats do control both
Houses of Congress, and they control every single congressional
committee. The American people know that they have control of both
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Houses and control all these committees. And it's also a fact that,
year after year, Congress fails to meet its own timetable for
producing the budget.
Year after year, the Congress has to pass emergency
measures. It's all Washington jargon called continuing resolutions.
After you've been there a month or two, you call them CRs -- just to
keep the government operating. Enough is enough. I think we've had
something like 37 of these CRs in the last decade, because Congress
can't meet its own deadlines. Enough is enough. And this Friday,
the Congress must face the budget deadline once again. But this
time, let them face up to their responsibilities as well.
I know that Americans are fed up -- (applause) -- I know
that the Americans are fed up with much of the political debate
coming out of Washington. It's the same old "inside the Beltway"
hogwash that obscures what's really at issue. so let me try to
clarify it.
America must have a real and significant deficit
reduction -- real and significant -- deficit reduction to get the
economy moving. And that deficit reduction will, indeed, and almost
instantly bring down the interest rates that are holding back new job
creation and holding back job opportunity. The deficit rate is going
to bring those interest rates down; you're going to have more home
purchases, more car loans, create new jobs.
And to get these results, Congress simply cannot play
with the numbers in order to get phony savings. We cannot afford
business as usual in Washington anymore. so the budget must be real,
it must be enforceable, and it must preserve our incentives for
growth. I want to see this ecomomy grow, not shrink from higher
taxes and more government spending. (Applause.)
And I told you Terry Branstad is right, and he's sure
right when he says that the president ought to have the line-item
veto. If Congress can't control the spending, give the president a
shot at it. (Applause.)
We're not dumb in this country. Most people know that
when -- the failure to hold down spending is inevitably followed by
higher taxes. They might be just around the corner. And that said,
let me reiterate that the one thing that appeals to me about the
current Senate package -- you've got a House bill that looks like
it's going through. Raise the rates, index the taxes -- that's on
the middle class and on the lower middle class. That's every
taxpayer in this country. Nobody understands it, but that's what
indexing means. so they're saying it's a "soak the rich" deal. But
inevitably, it gets into your pocket. It gets in the pocket of every
working man and woman. And that's exactly what's coming out of the
House.
But the Senate bill has some merit to it. It holds the
line on income tax rates. And I've always been concerned, and I
think the American people share this concern, that the Congress will
continue to pay for its spending habits by going back and starting to
raise the income tax rates on everyone. And I want to hold the line
on the tax rates. (Applause.)
So we're in a countdown. We're in another countdown.
The next four days Congress has the responsibility and the obligation
to act. And the American people have every right to see this
Congress act responsibly.
You know, I have a difference I think with Speaker Foley.
We had good cooperation with the Speaker on trying to hammer out a
budget agreement. Frankly, one in which I had to compromise and he
had to compromise and the Senate had to compromise. But in my view,
even though there were things in it I didn't like, I think it was a
good deal. But where I've got a difference with the Speaker it
appears, is that he doesn't think it's useful to keep Congress in.
He doesn't think it's useful to hold their nose to the grindstone by
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refusing to go along with business as usual by signing yet the 38 th
continuing resolution. So we have an honest difference of opinion of
that. But I think, in spite of the inconvenience to the American
people that there is support for this concept, whether it hurts the
President or not, that the Congress ought to finish the job it was
sent to Washington to do. And if we had more like Tauke in the
Senate it would be getting done -- (applause) -- because we control
the United States Senate. (Applause.)
One of the interesting parts of this job is some of the
mail you get. And it gives you a certain trust in the American
people. It's a way a president can get a feeling for what people are
thinking. Some of it isn't particularly complimentary and some of
it, fortunately, is. But the people are smart. They want a budget
that makes sense. And let me give you the wisdom from the mouths of
babes.
It's a letter from Lisa Lilla, a 10-year-old from
Clearwater, Florida. She writes that she wants us to solve our
budget problem so that she "won't have to pay $5 million when she
grows up." Then she adds this P.S.: "I really think you should not
enlarge the taxes because when I'm 18 I'll have to pay $500 tax on a
can of peas." (Laughter.)
Well, she may be off slightly -- (laughter) -- but her
logic is sound. Her logic is very, very sound. And even
10-year-olds know fiscal insanity when they see it, and they know
where it starts. And they know that the Congress, controlled by the
Democrats, appropriate every dime and tell us how to spend every
single dime.
And it's not going to get better until we do something
special on November 6th. We've got to send Congress a wake-up call,
if you will. And so let's reject the tax and spend policies that
created the problem in the first place, and let's tell kids -- let's
tell the Congress to remember kids like little Lisa. She does not
want to pay $500 tax on a can of peas when she's 18 years old.
(Applause.)
I think of Iowa as an international state, and I was
interested in the opinion of these individuals here who wanted to
make their statement. But I think of Iowa as an international state.
I think you've always been out front in the terms of being engaged
and being involved in foreign policy. Whether it's through
far-sighted policies on international trade; whether it's through the
earliest support and strong support for the United Nations that has
now been revitalized, or whatever.
so let me simply say -- and I have to tell you, I
understand where these kids are coming from. I understand that. I
went through World War II. We've been through a couple of agonizing
periods with the Korean War and the Vietnam War. so their view
shouldn't be entirely written off, but they've got it wrong. They've
got the facts wrong. They're looking introspectively in a bit of an
isolationistic way. We can't do that. We have the responsibility to
lead -- the United States does.
If we don't stand up against aggression around the world
when it's naked and brutal, who will? The United States has the
responsibility to lead and to put together this coalition that says
to Saddam Hussein very simply, you cannot bully your neighbor; you
cannot wipe him out -- a member of the Arab League, a member of the
United Nations. (Applause.) And that's what the issue is about.
Let me try to put it in perspective for those three kids
that left. And I mean this in all seriousness, because this affects
my thinking very much, what's happening. We've got to stand up for
civilized values. But what's happening is we see Kuwait are
unprecedented acts of brutality inflicted by Iraq.
I want to mention, and I don't mean to be overly shocking
here, but let me just mention some reports, firsthand reports. In a
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hospital, Iraqi soldiers unplugged the oxygen to incubators
supporting 22 premature babies. They all died. And then they shot
the hospital employees. At another hospital, troops reportedly cut
off oxygen supporting the 75-year-old mother of a Kuwaiti Cabinet
minister. Iragi aggression, Iraqi naked aggression. Taking dialysis
machines, taking the patients off them, shipping the machines to
Baghdad. Systematically dismantling a member of the United Nations,
a member of the Arab League.
And so the bottom line for us is that Iraqi aggression
will not be allowed to stand. Saddam Hussein will be held
accountable. And the legitimate government of Kuwait will be
restored. And America will remain in the Persian Gulf not one single
day longer than necessary. I look forward to the day that every
single man and woman serving there now with pride and beautifully
trained -- every single one of them comes home. But we must stay for
as long as it takes to complete our mission. (Applause.)
Now, in your great state, common sense has never gone out
of style. You know that while our forces -- and there's a unit from
Mason City on the way -- you know that while our forces are defending
us abroad, we must defend them here at home. And I know that Iowans
want policies which empower people and bring prosperity and
opportunity to communities all over this state.
So to sum it up, Tom Tauke, whom I've known for years and
with whom I have worked for years and whose record I have admired for
years, must be elected to the United States Senate. And Terry
Branstad, who has served this state with such distinction and now a
high official in the National Governors Association because of the
way his fellow governors look at him, look at his record of
achievement, look at his leadership. must be reelected as well.
And so I came out here to enthusiastically stand with you
Iowans in support of these two fine men. We can send the rest of the
country a signal by reelecting Terry Branstad overwhelmingly and by
sending Tom Tauke to the United States Senate. Thank you and God
bless the people of Iowa. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
9:27 A.M. CDT