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NBC Affiliates - Crime Package 5/23/91 [OA 8323]
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NBC Affiliates - Crime Package 5/23/91 [OA 8323]
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Folder Title:
NBC Affiliates - Crime Package 5/23/91 [OA 8323]
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26
21
4
3
Grant/Cawley
May 20, 1991
A:NBC / Draft two
BRIEF REMARKS: NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
Bob Wright, Pres+ CEO, NBC
Good afternoon. Thank you, Jay [Leno]. ((joke)).
I want to acknowledge the hard work of the NBC affiliates
around this country -- as vital resources in your local
Moruld
communities. Whether it's fighting drug abuse and combatting
Dolan
illiteracy, or promoting pre-natal care and keeping kids in
school, NBC broadcasters are making a difference in the lives of
their fellow Americans.
Yes/
I was delighted to film a piece for "The More You Know"
7-25-89
campaign -- and now, two years later, your public service ads are
still going strong -- addressing issues, raising awareness, and
enlightening viewers.
The impact has been enormous. You know the issues. You see
and hear the challenges people face. You deal with it all on the
local level: the volunteers, the heroes, the local kid who makes
good. But there's the other side, too. The side nobody wants to
see: the gangs, the drug dealers, the cop-killers.
And here's the real untold story: we've been arguing over
fundamental, badly needed reforms for years. But the American
people want action. And they're not getting it from Congress.
They want an end to the murder and mayhem in their
neighborhoods
to the drugs and guns in schools
...
to the
cop-killers and gang leaders on the streets. The American people
2
want action -- action like a simple vote -- on proposals that are
more than just feel-good responses.
We've proposed stiff penalties for criminals who use semi-
Mar crime " speech X to
automatic weapons; tough laws to protect women and children from
abuse; an improved exclusionary rule to protect the truth and
Message congress
X
punish the guilty; and habeas corpus reform that would stop
frivolous appeals. Finally, our bill will give us a Federal
death penalty for society's most heinous crimes. It's time to
stop the violence.
When we sent our crime bill up to Congress, we put the Hill
on a 100-day clock. Well, it's been been 74 days since we
Marianne
transmitted our legislation. Most of its core proposals are
identical to those we sent up in 1989. And today, two years
Katheen
294
514
later, ((number to come)) police men and women are dead -- killed
0090
in the line of duty. In these last 74 days alone, another
of those
( (number to come)) more have died. How many does it take? How
bad do things have to get?
Congress talks a lot about a "seven-day waiting period" --
but it has imposed a 74 day waiting period on Americans who want
a comprehensive crime bill. It is asking voters to put up with
more killings. More violence. More tragedy.
I urge the Congress to heed the voices you broadcasters hear
every day -- those of our people, our police, and our
prosecutors. It's time to stop the violence. It's time for
substantive action by the Congress on our comprehensive crime
bill.
3.13.89
3.11.91 = 294 in 1st 2 yrs.
3.11.91
5.21.91 = 32428 in last 74 days
322 since 1st Crime Bill
3
I've challenged Congress to act on the urgent issues facing
this nation. Not just on our critical crime bill, but also on
transportation. The time has come to move a sound transportation
bill out of the Congress and onto my desk.
Thank you all very much, and now I think we have time for
two questions.
# # #
Police Deaths
3/13/89 - 3/11/91 : 294
3/11/91. 5/23/91 : 28
322
=
Kathy Green
307-0635
****
FAST TRACK INSERT
****
First question: WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE WE
SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
((if vote has taken place))
Bob -- before I begin -- let me just say that we've just
received word that the House of Representatives has voted to
extend fast track procedures. We are very pleased with this vote
in the House, and hope that the Senate will follow their lead.
Again, let me acknowledge both the Republican and Democratic
leaders responsible for this great show of bipartisan
cooperation. This vote tells the world that Americans are not
afraid of competition, and that we are ready to face the 21st
Century boldly.
Now, to answer your question specifically
((if vote has not taken place))
Bob -- before I begin -- let me say that we are still
waiting for word on the fast track vote in the House of
Representatives. Anybody who says we've got the vote in the bag
is dead wrong. We're down to the wire, and every vote counts.
Congress has the opportunity today to send a message to our
trading partners -- that America is ready for the 21st Century -
- and to stand on the side of free markets and free people. I
urge Congress to take the opportunity and vote for fast track.
Now, to answer your question specifically
...
- 5 -
FIRST QUESTION ( (TO BE ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT, PRESIDENT
AND CEO OF NBC) ) :
-- WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE
WE SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
Mark
Condon
Ratph 4666 X
WHILE EXPERTS DISAGREE ABOUT THE LENGTH AND DEPTH
OF THE RECESSION, I THINK WE'RE ALREADY SEEING SOME
ENCOURAGING SIGNS. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WE'VE SEEN
RISES IN BOTH HOUSING STARTS AND CONSUMER SPENDING.
BOTH OF THESE ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO AN ECONOMIC
X
RECOVERY. OUR EXPORT MARKETS ARE GOING STRONG -- LAST
X
X
X
Bill Schpiece
X
x
X
X
X
MONTH WAS OUR BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MONTH IN ALMOST
+
3583 USTR
X
A DECADE.
BUT LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T IN THE
BUSINESS OF PICKING WINNERS OR LOSERS IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WE SERVE BEST WHEN WE TRY TO STIMULATE
ECONOMIC GROWTH -- AND LET AMERICAN WORKERS AND
INNOVATORS PUSH US FORWARD. I'M REALLY VERY ENCOURAGED
ABOUT THE ECONOMY, AND WE'VE SENT AN ECONOMIC GROWTH
PACKAGE TO THE CONGRESS THAT WILL STIMULATE GROWTH,
CREATE JOBS, AND ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
Housing:
Ap
cons.sp: most vecent months-
not last 2
Mar-
on calendar
- 6 -
SECOND QUESTION ( (ALSO ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT) ) :
-- IS THERE AN APPROPRIATE ROLE FOR THE AMERICAN
TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN RESPONDING TO THE "NEW WORLD
ORDER"?
I THINK TELEVISION IS ALREADY PLAYING A VERY LARGE
ROLE. NOT LONG AGO, TELEVISION HELPED BRING A NEW
WORLD INTO THE LIVING ROOMS OF PEOPLE IN EASTERN
EUROPE. IT BROUGHT NEWS, IT BROUGHT ENTERTAINMENT, IT
BROUGHT GLIMPSES OF THE KINDS OF PLACES THEIR COUNTRIES
COULD BECOME. THE REVOLUTION OF '89 TOOK PLACE BECAUSE
COMMUNISM NO LONGER COULD RESTRAIN THE POWER OF IDEAS.
YOU STILL FULFILL THAT KIND OF ROLE. YOU PROVIDE
INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT -- TWO FORCES THAT WILL
CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE THE WORLD. TODAY, IN so MANY
CITIES AND VILLAGES AROUND THE WORLD, YOUR CAMERAS HAVE
HELPED IGNITE THE FIRES OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM. THANKS
TO THE SCRUTINY THAT NO GOVERNMENT CAN NOW ESCAPE, THE
SPIRIT IS CATCHING.
- 7 -
NOW, I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT I DON'T ALWAYS LIKE WHAT
I SEE ON TELEVISION. BUT I UNDERSTAND ITS IMPORTANCE.
OUR AIRWAVES ARE THE HIGHWAYS FOR FREE IDEAS. THEY
EXPOSE PEOPLE TO NEW CHALLENGES AND WONDERS. THEY
BRING THE ENTIRE WORLD INTO LIVING ROOMS. so, LIKE IT
OR NOT, YOU ARE SHAPING THE POST COLD WAR WORLD, AND
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE IT. YOUR CHALLENGE
TOMORROW WILL BE THE ONE YOU WRESTLE WITH EVERY DAY: TO
PROVIDE HONEST NEWS, GOOD ENTERTAINMENT, AND TO HONOR
THE TRUST THE PUBLIC PLACES IN YOU.
# # #
NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU, BOB -- NOT JUST FOR
THAT KIND INTRODUCTION, BUT FOR YOUR WORK AS A FOUNDING
MEMBER OF THE POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION. IN THAT
REGARD, I WANT TO THANK ADVERTISING AGENCIES -- SAATCHI
AND SAATCHI IN PARTICULAR -- FOR THEIR HELP IN
DEVELOPING THE POINTS OF LIGHT MESSAGE, AND THE NBC
AFFILIATES, WHO ARE NOW BEGINNING TO AIR OUR MESSAGES.
OF COURSE, YOU AT NBC ALSO HAVE YOUR OWN VERY
IMPRESSIVE TRADITION OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMING.
WHETHER YOU'RE FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE OR COMBATTING
ILLITERACY, PROMOTING PRE-NATAL CARE OR KEEPING KIDS IN
SCHOOL, THE NBC FAMILY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO
COMMUNITIES AND TO THE NATION.
I WAS DELIGHTED TO FILM A PIECE FOR "THE MORE YOU
KNOW" CAMPAIGN -- AND NOW, TWO YEARS LATER, YOUR PUBLIC
SERVICE ADS ARE STILL GOING STRONG -- ADDRESSING
ISSUES, PROVOKING THOUGHT AND ACTION, AND ENLIGHTENING
VIEWERS.
- 2 -
THE IMPACT HAS BEEN ENORMOUS. YOU KNOW THE
ISSUES. YOU SEE AND HEAR THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE.
YOU DEAL WITH IT ALL ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE
VOLUNTEERS, THE HEROES, THE LOCAL KID WHO MAKES GOOD.
BUT THERE'S THE OTHER SIDE, TOO. THE SIDE NOBODY WANTS
TO SEE: THE GANGS, THE DRUG DEALERS, THE MURDERERS.
AND HERE'S THE REAL UNTOLD STORY: WE'VE BEEN
ARGUING OVER FUNDAMENTAL, BADLY NEEDED REFORMS FOR
YEARS. so WHEN WE SENT OUR CRIME BILL UP TO CONGRESS,
WE PUT THE HILL ON A 100-DAY CLOCK. WELL, IT'S BEEN 74
DAYS SINCE WE TRANSMITTED OUR LEGISLATION. MOST OF ITS
CORE PROPOSALS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE WE SENT UP IN
1989. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION. AND WE IN THE
EXECUTIVE BRANCH WANT ACTION, TOO -- BUT WE CAN'T DO IT
WITHOUT THE HELP OF CONGRESS.
THE DEBATE OVER THE FAST TRACK VOTE TAKING PLACE
TODAY IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF COOPERATION WE NEED.
LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WORKED TOGETHER
FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY, IN A TRULY BIPARTISAN
SPIRIT. AFTER A FULL AND FAIR DEBATE ON THE ISSUES,
CONGRESS WILL EITHER TAKE A STEP BACKWARD -- OR FORWARD
-- TOWARD FREE AND FAIR TRADE IN THE GLOBAL
MARKETPLACE. THE FAST TRACK VOTE WILL BE A TREMENDOUS
- 3 -
STATEMENT TO THE WORLD AS TO WHETHER AMERICA IS READY
TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES
OF THE AISLE WHO LED THE BIPARTISAN DEBATE. THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE THIS KIND OF GIVE-AND-TAKE ON
THE ISSUES. AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF
COOPERATION EXTENDED TO OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE
CONGRESS. OUR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION,
CRIME, TRANSPORTATION, AND CIVIL RIGHTS -- TO NAME ONLY
A FEW -- HAVE BEEN SITTING AND GATHERING DUST, SOME FOR
OVER TWO YEARS NOW. IT'S TIME CONGRESS MOVED FORWARD
ON THESE VITAL ISSUES, TOO.
I'VE CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE URGENT
ISSUES FACING THIS NATION. CONGRESS IS RUNNING OUT OF
TIME. AND IT'S NOT JUST ON OUR CRIME BILL. I WANT TO
SIGN A GOOD CIVIL RIGHTS BILL THIS YEAR, AND I'VE SENT
A GOOD STRONG PROPOSAL UP TO THE HILL. UNFORTUNATELY,
MY BILL IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE WHILE CONGRESS PUSHES A
BILL THAT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I VETOED LAST
YEAR.
ON TUESDAY, WE HAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC
COMPROMISE. BUT IT WAS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT -- NO BILL
-- NO EXACT LANGUAGE. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM THEIR
- 4 -
SUMMARY, THE CHANGES THEY'RE PROPOSING SEEM TO BE
PURELY COSMETIC.
I DO NOT WANT TO VETO ANOTHER BILL WITH THE NAME
"CIVIL RIGHTS" ON IT. BUT I WILL NOT SIGN A BILL THAT
WILL FOSTER QUOTAS AND UNFAIR PREFERENCES AND PROMOTE A
LITIGATION EXPLOSION FOR THE BENEFIT OF LAWYERS. IF
CONGRESS IS SERIOUS ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS, THEY WILL PASS
MY BILL. WE THEN CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
AND BIPARTISAN FASHION TO ADDRESS THE OTHER ELEMENTS OF
MY PROGRAM FOR EXPANDING CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITY.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, AND NOW I THINK WE HAVE
TIME FOR TWO QUESTIONS.
( (SEE QUESTIONS NEXT PAGE) )
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Mar. 11
to Abraham
The Prime Minister. Roquejoffre. Mar-
sembled-the brave men and women of the
velous.
United States military. We honored them
The President. Pretty close, pretty close.
with our cheers, with our prayers, and
But General Schwarzkopf was very high in
come this summer, I'm looking forward to
his praise of him and the way he conducted
it, because then I think the whole country
ith
the French forces, led the French forces.
will honor them again with the biggest 4th
S With
So, all of that worked out. You remember
of July since the Liberty Bell first rang.
d of
in the very beginning there were all these
But as I said last week, the real way to
predictions with these different countries,
honor them is to welcome them back to an
that it would be very hard to sort out a
America that is worthy of their sacrifice, by
proper structure for coordinating them.
joining together with Congress to move for-
And it came fine.
h still press-
ward on the domestic front.
The Prime Minister. Quite well.
Last month we launched an innovative
The President. Probably better coordinat-
pressing for
package designed to assure real opportunity
Middle East,
ed than the politicians.
for all Americans. And our veterans deserve
The Prime Minister. And the idea to-
horities in-
to come home to an America of improved
soldiers of both countries under the same
Bush, who
schools, better jobs, stronger laws against
command-
and Pales-
discrimination, increased homeownership,
And if the
The President. Now, we've got some busi-
and families that are healthy and together.
ontribute to
ness to do, SO with all appreciation for this
And most of all, our veterans deserve to
lirect meet-
interest and concern, thank you very much.
come home to an America where it is safe
conference
Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press
to walk the streets. Well, we can't do that
the matter,
International], you didn't say a word today.
before they come home, but we can have
rocedure. It
Q. Thanks for not answering any ques-
that on our minds as something we are de-
tions.
hope there
termined to do.
'm sure the
The President. That's all right. You're
Economic opportunity is impossible for
et in a con-
welcome. [Laughter]
citizens who cannot be safe and feel safe in
their homes, in their schools, in their jobs,
ain of. You
Note: The exchange began at 10 a.m. in the
and yes, their churches. And that's what I
about this
Oval Office at the White House. In his re-
mean when I say a most basic civil right is
just solidly
marks, President Bush referred to President
quite simply the right to be free from fear.
ent a very
François Mitterrand of France and Gen. H.
Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of the
Some of you may remember that shortly
the world.
after I took office we met with the 50 AG's
the Presi-
U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf.
at the White House. It was 2 years ago
nts of deep
almost to the day. And I told you how, a
American
few days earlier, I had gone to New York to
ey, terribly
meet the family and friends of Everett
knowledge
Remarks Announcing the Proposed
Hatcher, a brave DEA agent who was
world. And
Comprehensive Violent Crime Control
gunned down in the street. And they told
J. and else-
Act of 1991
me that it used to be unthinkable to shoot a
ing.
March 11, 1991
cop. But now the culture has changed. And
everybody
when the bad guys hear the word "police,"
including
Thank you all very much for that warm
they just turn around and start shooting. I'll
welcome. Mr. Vice President and Mr. Attor-
never forget that conversation.
lent, thank
ney General; and then the State attorneys
Two months later, on that rainy day on
We were
general with whom I just met, SO many
Capitol Hill, we launched an effort to pass
ogether, as
here today; distinguished Members of the
our crime legislation, legislation designed to
periods of
United States Congress: other law enforce-
help protect our cops by giving them the
very close
ment officials; and community leaders:
tools they need to get their job done. We
victory to-
Really, it is an honor on this occasion to
proposed stiff new penalties for criminals
welcome you all back to the White House.
using semiautomatic weapons, an improved
at's right. I
Last week before Congress I saluted a
exclusionary rule designed to protect the
neral-my
group of hometown heroes-the finest
truth and punish the guilty, an habeas
combat force that this nation has ever as-
corpus reform that would stop frivolous ap-
287
#06 days 74 days)
from and including 11 March
to (Including) 23 May. .)
Mar. 11 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
peals and ensure that punishment was not
prosecutors put away America's most vio-
only just but also swift and certain, and
lent offenders.
most of all, it would have finally given us a
One of the most important of these provi-
Federal law to uphold a simple rule of jus-
sions recognizes that reducing firearms vio-
tice: Those who kill must be prepared to
lence must mean exclusionary rule reform.
pay with their own life.
I'm not a lawyer, but I put great stock in
And today, 2 years later, the Congress has
common sense. And it never did make
still failed to act on these critical core provi-
sense that, because a policeman has made a
sions. And today, 2 years later, another 294
mistake, a dangerous criminal can get off
police men and women are dead 294
scot-free.
almost 3 times the number of precious
The Supreme Court has invited legisla-
American lives lost during this entire Gulf
tive experimentation with direct action to
war. The killings must stop. And it must
prevent illegal searches and seizures. And
stop now.
so, today I am announcing that we are ac-
Today, it's time to stand up and be count-
cepting that invitation. Our plan would au-
ed. It's time to stand up for what's right.
thorize the Attorney General to develop al-
We stood by our troops. And today it's time
ternative administrative sanctions for any
to stand up for America's prosecutors and
Federal agent who improperly seizes a gun
police.
in violation of the fourth Amendment.
Last week, many of you joined together
Once these protections were in place, fire-
with the Attorney General and me in an
arms in serious drug, violent, and certain
unprecedented crime summit, America's
other cases would always be admissible in
first. For 3 days, you freely traded ideas,
certain Federal cases involving armed
insights, suggestions, and support. And
felons. It is simply intolerable that these
when I visited that group Tuesday, the
armed criminals should go free when good
mood was contagious. It was powerful and
solid evidence is available.
confident and, most of all, driven by a sense
Our message is simple: The time to act is
of urgency. And so, when it was over, we
now. The time to schedule congressional
wasted no time: I told Dick Thornburgh
hearings is now. The Attorney General is
that we wanted the crime bill ready in final
ready to testify now. And most of the other
form before another week was out. And
experts needed are probably right here in
today, 5 days later, we have it here. Of
the East Room now.
course, we had a head start. The truth is,
So, looking out here today, I see a group
the vast majority of these core proposals are
of principled, all-American heroes whose
identical to those that we sent up 2 years
dedication at home matches that of our
ago.
people overseas. Heroes like Attorney Gen-
These fundamental, badly needed re-
eral Mike Moore of Mississippi, who stood
forms have been argued over the years. But
with us in the Rose Garden last fall and
the American people are not clamoring for
described the terrible ordeal, due to cur-
more debate. Today they're demanding
rent habeas rules, in which victims and
action-action to stop violent crime, action
their families can never draw the curtains
that translates to a straight up-or-down vote
on tragic murders and rapes. Heroes like
on these core commonsense proposals. As I
Louisiana's district attorney, Richard
said Wednesday night, if our forces could
leyoub, who called the efforts to gut last
win the ground war in 100 hours, surely the
year's crime bill a major fraud on the Amer-
Congress can pass this legislation in 100
ican people-the one that, for all practical
days.
purposes, would have shut down the death
Our core proposals have also been
penalty in the 37 States where it now exists.
strengthened by some potent new addi-
Heroes like Dan Lundgren, California's new
tions. These include new laws to protect
AG, whose miracle end run in Congress in
men and women and children against vio-
'84 produced some of the most far-reaching
lence and abuse. And most important of all,
criminal law reforms in our nation's history.
they include tough new laws that will pro-
Mike and Richard, we are on a 100-day
tect our people and our police by helping
clock. And we hope you and your col-
288
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Mar. 11
nost vio-
leagues are ready to roll up your sleeves
achieved by our military forces in the Per-
again today. And Dan, we're hoping you
sian Gulf serves as a model for what can be
se provi-
can lend your magic to the cause once
accomplished by leaders and citizens com-
rms vio-
more. Because this week marks the anniver-
mitted to achieving a common goal. It is
reform.
sary of the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List. And
time for all Americans to work together to
stock in
I'm here to tell you that this new crime bill
take back the streets and liberate our
d make
is on America's most wanted list of pressing
neighborhoods from the tyranny of fear.
made a
national business.
This legislative package is designed to ad-
get off
And as I said last fall, America's prosecu-
dress comprehensively the failures of the
tors will not accept a phony crime bill that
current criminal justice system. There must
legisla-
is tougher on law enforcement than it is on
be a clear understanding on the streets of
ction to
criminals. No more loopholes; no more rolls
America that anyone who threatens the
es. And
of the dice. I urge the Congress to heed the
lives of others will be held accountable. To
are ac-
voices of our people, our police, our pros-
this end, it is essential that we have swift
ould au-
ecutors, and help us take back the streets.
and certain apprehension, prosecution, and
elop al-
Together, let's act on this crime bill now.
incarceration. Too many times, in too many
for any
Thank you all very, very much for
cases, criminals go free because the scales of
es a gun
coming. Good luck. May God bless our
justice are unfairly loaded against dedicated
dment.
country. And now I'll put a signature to
law enforcement officials.
ce, fire-
both of these documents. Thank you very
certain
much.
The core elements of my proposal are:
sible in
Restoration of the Federal Death Pen-
armed
Note: The President spoke at 11:40 a.m. in
alty by establishing constitutionally
it these
the East Room of the White House.
sound procedures and adequate stand-
en good
ards for imposing Federal death penal-
ties that are already on the books (in-
to act is
cluding mail bombing and murder of
essional
Federal officials); and authorizing the
neral is
Message to the Congress Transmitting
death penalty for drug kingpins and
the Proposed Comprehensive Violent
e other
for certain heinous acts such as terror-
Crime Control Act of 1991
here in
ist murders of American nationals
March 11, 1991
abroad, killing of hostages, and murder
for hire.
a group
To the Congress of the United States:
whose
Habeas Corpus Reform to stop the
I am pleased to transmit this Administra-
of our
often frivolous and repetitive appeals
tion's primary legislative initiative address-
ey Gen-
that clog our criminal justice system,
ing the continuing threat of violent crime
0 stood
and in many cases effectively nullify
in this country. This proposal, entitled the
all and
State death penalties, by limiting the
"Comprehensive Violent Crimo Control Act
to cur-
ability of Federal and State prisoners to
ns and
of 1991," contains a broad spectrum of criti-
file repetitive habeas corpus petitions.
curtains
cally needed reforms to the criminal justice
Exclusionary Rule Reform to limit the
es like
system, as well as new offenses and penal-
release of violent criminals due to legal
Richard
ties for various acts of life-threatening
technicalities by ermitting the use of
criminal behavior. Also transmitted is a sec-
gut last
evidence that has been seized by Fed-
Amer-
tion-by-section analysis. I urge that congres-
eral or State law enforcement officials
ractical
sional action on this initiative be completed
acting in "good faith," or a firearm
e death
within the next 100 days.
seized from dangerous criminals by a
exists.
The enormous danger posed by violent
Federal law enforcement officer. This
a's new
criminals in our midst today is totally unac-
proposal also includes a system for pun-
ceptable. In 1990, more than 20,000 Ameri-
gress in
ishing Federal officers who violate
eaching
cans were murdered. Our citizens are right-
Fourth Amendment standards, as well
ly demanding that elected officials act with
history.
as a means for compensating victims of
00-day
resolve to reduce substantially the threat
unlawful searches.
violent crime poses to their families and
ur col-
Increased Firearms Offenses and Pen-
communities. The dramatic victory
alties including a 10-year mandatory
289
Mar. 11 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
strength y
prison term for the use of a semiauto-
our Points of Light because their caring
the kids, t
matic firearm in a drug trafficking of-
deeds shine like beacons of hope.
follow th
fense or violent felony, a 5-year man-
You say, why do we honor them this way?
marine bi
datory sentence for possession of a fire-
Well, first of all, I name a Point of Light
who neec
arm by dangerous felons, new offenses
each day because I want to show the whole
The mar
involving theft of firearms and smug-
country that all of our problems have solu-
I've got
gling firearms in furtherance of drug
tions. In fact, this country is full of solutions.
you'll be
trafficking or violent crimes, and a
You kids here just have to look around you
And S(
general ban on gun clips and maga-
to see that this is true-look at how the
nize ou
zines that enable a firearm to fire more
Henderson Hall marines became your
that 15 rounds without reloading.
present
"Tuesday Tutors" to help you in school.
you, Dr
In addition to these proposals, my initia-
They've shown that caring is one of the best
School,
tive contains elements designed to curb ter-
solutions that there is.
derful
rorism, racial injustice, sexual violence, and
Also, I name a Point of Light each day
entire C
juvenile crime, and to support appropriate
because I want to remind people that real
Than
drug testing as a condition of post-convic-
success doesn't mean earning a lot of
tion release for Federal prisoners.
money or wearing expensive clothes. Real
Note:
I look forward to working with the Con-
success means helping someone who needs
the ca
gress during the next 100 days on this nec-
you. We see that success right here. You
he refe
essary legislation.
kids here needed some friends. So 8 years
school.
George Bush
ago, the Henderson Hall marines became
the m
your buddies, buddies both in and out of
ley, H
The White House,
the classroom. Your special friends are real
Corp.
March 11, 1991.
successes because they're volunteering their
time to help you.
In addition, by naming Points of Light I
want our whole country to know who our
Remarks at the Point of Light Award
nation's heroes are. Today's heroes are our
Stat
Presentation Ceremony for Henderson
neighbors and family and friends, anyone
on I
Hall/Barcroft Elementary School
who gives of themselves by teaching some-
Roe
Adopt-A-School Program in Arlington,
one to read or by visiting a lonely senior
Par
Virginia
citizen or by helping a lonely child. And by
Ma
March 11, 1991
naming Points of Light, I want all Ameri-
cans to discover the heroes that they can
T
Thank you, Dr. Kahan, and to everybody
be. As President, I want to do everything
Go
else-Ms. Treadwell and Colonel Buckley,
that I can to call on each person in America
tha
Corporal Simms, and SO many others. I'm
to find a way to serve someone in need.
fro
just delighted to be here with you, with the
And so, that's why I came here today, to
Pa
students, all the students of Barcroft, and
show the whole country this very special
in
their marine buddies from Henderson Hall.
relationship between the marines and the
You know, this is, as Dr. Kahan said, a
students of Barcroft. And this relationship
very special day because I am naming you
shows that there are all kinds of heroes. We
and these efforts-the marines-the 400th
all know that the front line for some ma-
daily Point of Light. That's something that
rines was in the desert of the Middle East
P
this school and all of you can be very proud
liberating Kuwait. Well, I'm here today to
of. And since this event is so special-recog-
say that there are other marines on another
-
nizing our 400th Point of Light-I want to
front line-this one right here, right here in
tell you just for a minute what this recogni-
our own backyard. And these Henderson
tion means.
Hall marine buddies are serving our coun-
Some of you know that on every single
try in another kind of fight, the one to help
day of the year except Sunday, I name as a
our children be successful, happy students.
Point of Light a person or a group serving
To the marine buddies, I say thank you
their community somewhere in America,
for the important work that you're doing
volunteers helping other people. I call them
here and for the inspiring example of
290
TheMofeYou Know
May 10, 1991
Mr. Barrie Tron
Office of Public Liaison
The White House
Fax: 202-456-6218
Dear Barrie,
on Thursday, May 23rd, NBC will be meeting with Affiliate
General Managers and their spouses, national advertisers,
clients, and press, to announce NBC's 1991-92 schedule.
NBC's senior executives and talent will be presenting at
Carnegie Hall which is currently celebrating its
centennial year. The total number in attendance will be
approximately 2,800.
Jay Leno will introduce President Bush at 2:35pm via
satellite from your White House studio. The President may
want to acknowledge NBC's affiliates for their work in
local communities toward the common goal of building
public/private partnerships. This is especially
appropriate as the affiliates utilize the resources of
broadcasters on behalf of our national public service
agenda including substance abuse, literacy, health and
education. Their work has shown that television has gone
beyond the mandate to entertain, it can also inform,
enlighten, and make a significant difference in the
community. Following President Bush's comments there
will be two or three predetermined questions from the
floor. The segment would be complete by 2:45pm.
As you know, two years ago, President Bush filmed a
public service announcement on volunteerism for NBC's THE
MORE YOU KNOW campaign. Because of his support, and the
hard work of our affiliate partners, this campaign has
become the most successful in NBC's history and has had
an enormous impact on the communities across the country.
Please let me know if you need any additional
information.
Regards,
Marcy Marry Dolan
Manager, Community Relations and Special Projects
NBC
National Broadcasting Company, Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 212 664 5857
NBC
MAY 14 '91 16:06 212 757 5367
P.2
30 Rocketeller Plaza
A Division of
Marcy Dolan
New York, NY 10112
National Broadcasting
Manager
212 664-5857
Company, Inc.
Community Relations
and Special Projects
NBC
TV NETWORK
May 14, 1991
Mr. Barrie Tron
The White House
Dear Barrie,
As you requested, listed below are talking points
President Bush may want to include in the teleconference.
Please feel free to call me if you need additional
information.
- Television entertains, enlightens and informs.
- Broadcasters provide news, entertainment and public
service. Through the medium of television we are able
to promote the agenda of good works by raising
awareness of issues, reporting and putting national
concerns in a local context and by providing important
referral information.
- The issues addressed by the stations range from
education (teacher recruitment and stay in school
efforts) to substance abuse (drug and alcohol use,
deglamorization, prevention and treatment) and health
(healthy baby projects to early detection of breast
cancer).
- THE MORE YOU KNOW is a shining example of a campaign
that addresses issues, raises awareness, and provides
reference information. Most importantly, it is done
through the grass roots efforts of the affiliate
stations. Broadcasters can and do make a difference
in their communities. And it is this kind of
private/public partnership that will affect change in
this country from Portland to Portland.
- Broadcasters have shown the kind of impact they can
have on the community. We have to continue to work
together to tackle the myriad of domestic problems
that lie ahead. Government has a role, so do
broadcasters. You know your market best and how to
best strengthen the commitment we must have to address
the challenges facing our communities, our families
and ourselves.
I will call you tomorrow to find out if we're a go and
keeping my fingers crossed in the meantime!
Best regards,
Marcy M.
MoreYou Know
THE MORE YOU KNOW
In 1989, NBC launched a comprehensive community-action
campaign, called "The More You Know, to increase public
awareness of the issues, problems and opportunities that
face America's teachers and educational systems.
"The More You Know" draws on the resources of the network
and NBC's 208 affiliated stations in an effort to focus
attention on the issues affecting education in America.
Over 60 public service announcements have been produced
featuring NBC talent encouraging kids to stay off drugs and
and stay in school, to avoid peer pressure and appreciate
the important role teachers play in our society. These
PSA's run in fixed positions in primetime and during the
network's Saturday morning programming. The affiliate
stations are provided with all the campaign elements
including PSA copy, news. story suggestions, "how-to"
activities and videos to implement "The More You Know" and
localize the effort. The NBC affiliates generate support
for the campaign by setting up local advisory boards,
establishing partnerships with local businesses and the
educational community and producing programming and PSA's
that address specific community concerns.
"The More You Know" is carried in 165 markets around the
country. Many of those communities have embraced the
effort and implemented "The More You Know" activities such
as homework hotlines, adopt-a-school programs, job fairs,
student assistant projects, substance abuse treatment
centers and education programs. These initiatives in
conjunction with the on-air element provide a comprehensive
public service effort.
"The More You Know" receives guidance and leadership from
the NBC Educational Advisory Board, which includes
representatives of many leading educational organizations,
such as The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching, the Children's Defense Fund, the National
Education Association and the National Parent Teacher
Association. This campaign has been honored with a
Presidental Citation for Private Sector Initiatives and the
National Education Association's award for the Advancement
of Learning through Broadcasting. "The More You Know" has
also been recognized by a number of local educational
organizations for the efforts made by NBC's affiliated
stations.
National Broadcasting Company, Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 212 664 5857
NBC
Grant/Cawley
May 20, 1991
A:NBC / Draft one
BRIEF REMARKS: NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
TIME?
2:45
Good afternoon. Thank you, Jay [Leno]. ((possible joke))
I want to acknowledge the hard work being done by so many
NBC affiliates around this country -- as vital resources in their
local communities. Whether it's fighting drug abuse and
combatting illiteracy, or promoting pre-natal care and keeping
kids in school, NBC broadcasters are making a difference in the
lives of their fellow Americans.
I was delighted to film a piece for "The More You Know"
and now, two years later, your public service campaign is still
going strong -- addressing issues, raising awareness, and
enlightening viewers.
The impact has been enormous. And it's because you know the
issues, you see and hear the challenges people are facing. In
your local programming, you deal with it all: the volunteers, the
heroes, the local boy who makes good. But there's the other
side, too. The side nobody wants to see: the gangs, the drug
dealers, the cop-killers.
And here's the real untold story: fundamental, badly needed
reforms have been argued over for years. But the American people
are not begging for more debate on the issue. They want action.
And they're not getting it from the Congress.
2
Today they're demanding action. They want an end to the
murder and mayhem in their neighborhoods
to the drugs and
guns in the schools
to the cop-killers and gang leaders on
the streets. The American people want action -- action that
translates into a straight up-or-down vote on proposals that are
more than just feel-good responses.
We've proposed stiff penalties for criminals using
semiautomatic weapons, tough laws protecting women and children
from abuse, an improved exclusionary rule to protect the truth
and punish the guilty, and habeas corpus reform that would stop
frivolous appeals. Most important of all, our bill will finally
give us a Federal death penalty for society's most heinous
crimes. It's time to stop the violence.
When we sent our crime bill up to Congress, we said the
clock was ticking -- we put the Hill on a 100-day clock. Well,
it's been been XX days since we transmitted our legislation.
Most of its core proposals are identical to those we sent up in
1989. And today, two years later, ( (number) ) police men and
women are dead -- killed in the line of duty. In those last XX
days alone, another ((number) ) more have died. How many does it
take? How bad do things have to get?
Congress talks a lot about this "seven-day waiting period"
-- but they've given voters a XX day waiting period. And they're
also asking voters to put up with more killings. More violence.
More tragedy.
3
I urge the Congress to heed the voices you broadcasters hear
every day -- those of our people, our police, and our
prosecutors. It's time to stop the violence. It's time for
substantive action by the Congress.
Thank you all very much, and now I think we have time for a
few questions.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
BULLETIN
BULLETIN BROADFAXING NETWORK, 308 CAMERON ST., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 703/684-2020 (FAX) 703/684-6860
MEMORANDUM FOR WINSTON/AMEND
KILBERG/METZGER/TRON
THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT:
TODAY'S BRIEFING
DATE:
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1991 - 12:00 NOON EDT
SINCE THE MORNING PAPERS:
0
A bomb exploded last night in the Moscow headquarters of a leading Soviet reform organization.
The bomb reportedly went off in a room full of petitions supporting the candidacy of Boris Yeltsin for the
Russian presidency, which recently was made an elective office. No injuries were reported.
0
A Palestinian man stabbed three Israelis at a bus stop in downtown Jerusalem today and was then
beaten by bystanders. Police say the Palestinian's motive was political, and they immediately sent forces
into the area to head off revenge attacks against Arabs.
0
A Kurdish rebel leader said today he is close to reaching an accord with the Baghdad
government. Massoud Barzani of the Kurdish Democratic Party gave no specifics, but said that "we
passed a very important step" toward an agreement. News reports from Baghdad also say that leaders
of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, another rebel group, have arrived in Baghdad to join negotiations.
o
About 200 student protestors firebombed the US military housing complex in Seoul today. No
injuries were reported. The students are demanding that the US withdraw its troops from South Korea.
Police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
0
Japan announced today it intends to impose a ban on importing shells of an endangered sea
turtle. The US had threatened to place trade sanctions on Japan if it did not stop importing the shells,
which are carved into jewelry, combs, and eyeglass frames. The ban is to be phased in during a three-
year period.
o
Financial News as of 11:40 AM EDT:
-
DOW (30 Industrials): down over 16 points to 2877 on a volume of 62 million shares.
--
The US merchandise trade deficit shrank nearly 27% in March to its lowest level in eight
years, the Commerce Department reported today. The gap between imports and exports fell
to $4.05 billion, a much better performance than most analysts had anticipated. Economists say
the good news is due in part to a drop in imports and improved US exports to Europe.
IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND AROUND THE ADMINISTRATION:
0
Today's scuttlebutt from a number of sources is that Attorney General Richard Thornburgh has
The White House Bulletin is a fax-delivered bulletin board reaching over 1,000 of Washington's influential offices, including
70 media organizations. The Bulletin welcomes information from Administration officials and observers. 703-684-2020.
decided to leave the Bush Administration and make a run for the Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
According to inside sources, the announcement will likely come within 10 days. Edith Jones is another
name that has been added to the mix of potential successors should Thornburgh leave. Jones, a favorite
of conservatives for a seat on the Supreme Court, is a judge on the Fifth Circuit Court in Texas. Prior
to her appointment to the court by President Reagan. Jones worked in Secretary Baker's old law firm,
where she specialized in commercial and bankruptcy litigation. Another name said to be near the top of
the list of possible replacements. former California governor Deukmejian, may be opposed by gun
organizations, reports an Administration official this morning.
O
Vice President Quayle and Republicans on Capitol Hill are preparing to wage a fight over a House
Appropriations subcommittee's having defunded the space station. On Tuesday, the VA, HUD. and
independent agency subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee voted to cut everything but
the shut-down costs for Space Station Freedom. A number of officials in the Administration and on
Capital Hill are saying that, if strong measures are not taken to reverse the subcommittee vote, the
Administration's push for a manned space station may be lost. Launching a manned space station has
been a favorite project of Quayle. and Republicans in the House believe the issue illustrates a key
difference between the two parties. As of this morning, the Vice President had not nailed down a strategy
for restoring the funding for the space station, according to an aide. but a plan is forthcoming.
Congressman Robert Walker, who is the ranking Republican on the House Committee on Science Space
and Technology, told the Bulletin the vote demonstrates that "all the Democratic talk you hear on the
need for high technology to promote our competitiveness is empty rhetoric. They'd rather fund the past
than invest in the future. You see this in their tax decisions, spending decisions, and policy decisions.
They are content to stick with the welfare state of the past rather than invest in the entrepreneuriai
economy of the future." Walker said the manned space program has given the country a nine-to-one
return on its money. "You only get that kind of money in high-risk ventures," Walker said. One NASA
official told the Bulletin that space agency officials "were very surprised" by the vote and do not yet know
what to expect from the Senate.
0
NASA Administrator Richard Truly told the Bulletin this morning that the subcommittee vote to
kill the space station "if carried to its conclusion, would represent a disastrous backing away from
the manned space program." Truly, who arrived in Washington late last night from Europe, said the
timing of the subcommittee vote was ironic, because "at the time the subcommittee was making its
decision, I was in Europe dealing with the European space agency regarding their contribution to the
space station, which is very large." In last year's deliberations, the subcommittee gave NASA very
specific direction in funding and technical choices, Truly added, noting that NASA has been as
cooperative as possible in meeting their directives. Asked why manned space flight is so important to
the overall US space program, Truly said: "There are certain missions that can be met very well by
unmanned space probes. But the leadership quality that comes to a nation that has the ability to put men
and women in space cannot be achieved through unmanned probes. You only need to imagine where
the space program would be if, instead of sending Neil Armstrong to the moon 30 years ago, we had sent
some robot instead."
0
If the US forgoes its leadership in manned space flight, other countries or a consortium thereof
are poised to move into that role, according to Capitol Hill and Administration officials involved with the
space program. A source on Capitol Hill told the Bulletin that the space station and the Superconducting
Super Collider. both high-tech projects which receive funding from international partners, are at risk of
2
losing the confidence of those partners, who will now question the US commitment to those projects.
Senator Jake Garn (R-UT), who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee
on HUD and independent agencies and a staunch supporter of the manned space program. said
yesterday that "canceling the space station at this point would erode our credibility with our international
partners who consider our pursuing the program tantamount to a treaty obligation." An aide to Vice
President Quayle told the Bulletin that their office had received several calls from international space
agencies yesterday. Asked which countries are moving most aggressively into manned space programs,
Truly said: "Certainly the Europeans would be there. The Japanese have invested very heavily in a
space program. And the Soviets, of course will be there, depending on their larger economic
considerations." Truly observed that, "compared to 30 years ago, the space program is really an
international game involving many nations, not just a couple of superpowers like America and Soviet
Union. That is why Space Station Freedom has been such an international success, because these
nations which could be our adversaries are our partners. I am speaking of the consortium of European
nations in the European space agency, Canada, and Japan. We have pulled this project together with
them. They are partners. They are putting in their dollars. and a lot of them."
The mark up of national energy legislation taking place in the Senate Energy and Natural
Resources Committee continues to please the Bush Administration. according Administration
officials close to the process. On Wednesday, the committee, in a couple of votes, decided not to put
any recommended numbers in its bill for a new CAFE standard. The Administration is against an
increase in the CAFE standard at this time and supported the committee votes. Yesterday's Washington
Post's story on the votes, entitled "Fuel Economy Measure Seems to Win by Losing; Arctic Drilling
Prospects Also Said to Wane," was dismissed by a senior Administration official as "a lot of great spin
control here by the environmentalists who have done a marvelous job of turning a defeat into a victory.
It is good to lose two votes and still end up winning. We should take lessons from them." The official
added: "The environmental community would like to see this whole bill go away. [It includes a] number
of good things such as nuclear licensing and hydroelectric reform that they don't support. They want to
create the impression that the whole bill is irrelevant." Reportedly. Senate sponsors of Senator Bryan's
bill -- which would dramatically increase the CAFE standard over the next ten years -- now hope to move
the legislation to the floor soon. According to the Administration official: "This would be a high risk
strategy for them because the numbers in that bill were repudiated [on Wednesday] by the committee.
I don't think the Bryan bill has the support it had last year." As for the prospects of drilling in the Arctic,
the official said: "There were a couple votes on amendments relating to ANWR that were successfully
dealt with [yesterday] morning. We are still confident that this committee is going to authorize the leasing
of ANWR. It will unquestionably be a very close vote on the floor. I can't see which way it is going to
go yet." The committee recessed yesterday for the Joint Address by the Queen, and plans to return to
work on Tuesday.
Congresswoman Pat Schroeder will offer an amendment to the House leadership's new
compromise civil rights legislation which will remove the $150,000 cap on punitive damages in
discrimination cases brought by women, reports one of her aides. According to the aide: "By so
compromising on the caps, the leadership is going to jeopardize the core of liberal support behind the
bill. She will offer an amendment to take it out of the final version of the bill She genuinely is
disgusted with how women have been left out of these ongoing negotiations My gut feeling is she
will
vote against the leadership substitute unless the cap is take out. She is really frustrated with the whole
process." As for how the legislation will fare, the aide said: "Any lobbyist will tell you that the vote totals
3
are lower this year than last. We are farther away from the two thirds override. Each day, it loses
strength, and with the leadership offering the substitute on Monday, it may lose a lot more strength. This
substitute will alienate the liberal wing of the Democratic party -- a good 80 to 100 Members."
Next week, President Bush plans to travel to the Midwest to push his America 2000 education
strategy. The President will visit an experimental magnet school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Yesterday,
during an Senate Policy luncheon, the President told Republican Senators: "I would make a pitch for our
education program, America 2000. Actually, this is being received very, very well across the country.
And the governors. regardless of party, are extraordinarily supportive. And I think at the grassroots level
people are beginning to understand that it isn't just trying to add more money to a program in
Washington, that we've got to revolutionize these schools, create brand new schools." Later in the week.
the President plans to travel to Boston to meet with the President's Export Council and attend a
fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Steve Pierce, who is running to replace the late Silvio
Conte.
There will be an interesting exchange this weekend on the McLaughlin "One on One" show
between the host and Jack Kemp. In answer to a question about Most Favored Nation Status (MFN)
for China. Kemp appears to stray from Administration policy. which sparks to following exchange:
McLaughlin: "Well, Jack, this is what's happening. What you're doing is you are now involved in a public
breach in a third area."
Kemp: "No, I'm not. No. I'm not. No, no __"
McLaughlin: "You breached from the Administration __"
Kemp: no, no, no. no."
McLaughlin: "Let me give you the list."
Kemp: "You can't --"
McLaughlin: "First of all you disapproved of the President --"
Kemp: "Everybody knows that |--"
McLaughlin: - calling for new taxes on the
Kamp: "Look. Carla Hills __"
McLaughlin: secondly, on the Ariel Sharon matter __"
Kemp: "No, I'm not -- no, no."
McLaughlin: "And now we have you breaching from the Administration on the MFN status because the
President wants to restore MFN. He wants to renew MFN for China."
Kemp: "Look, Oprah -- Geraido -- I'm not going to let you do that to me. Everybody knows that I'm the
HUD Secretary. and everybody knows that John McLaughlin asked me a very provecative question. I
gave him a general answer about my principles. But I'm the HUD Secretary, and I enjoy my job. and the
unity in an administration does not require unanimity, and I am expressing a heartfelt view that this
country and the new world order should be predicated upon Pax Americana, not the UN or some type
of bipolar relationship with the Soviet Union. But that doesn't mean I'm conducting foreign policy. it just
means I'm expressing heartfelt views. Everybody knows I'm not Carla Hills, or I'm not Bob Mosbacher,
and I'm not Nick Brady, and Jim Baker, and I'm not George Bush. I'm the HUD Secretary. But when
you ask me a principle, I'm going to answer it. But don't try to separate me from President Bush because
| think he's doing a great job and I'm going to support him until he and my friend Dan Quayle get re-
elected."
McLaughlin: "Well, I'm greatly reassured by that."
Kemp: "I mean I'm going to support them beyond that."
4
McLaughlin: "I'm glad you set the record straight. I think we're all greatly reassured."
Kemp: (Laughs.)
O
Today, President Bush meets with Peter Graves for National Police Week: participates in a proclamation
signing ceremony for National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week; lunches
with Secretary Baker: and travels to Camp David for the weekend.
POLL WATCH:
o
According to an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll of 1,508 registered voters conducted May 10-14:
--
44% approve of the job George Bush is doing in handling the economy: 44% disapprove.
--
76% approve of the job George Bush is doing in handling our foreign policy; 18% disapprove.
--
2% rate their feelings toward John Sununu as very positive; 12% as somewhat positive; 19% as
neutral: 20% as somewhat negative; and 18% as very negative.
--
77% think it is not appropriate for John Sununu to use US military planes for non-official trips:
6% think it is appropriate.
POLITICAL ANALYSIS:
This morning. the Bulletin invites Ambassador Arthur Hummel, US Ambassador to China from 1981 to 1985,
to discuss President Bush's push to re-extend Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to the People's Republic of China.
Hummel, who was born in China, has also served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs and as US
Ambassador to Burma. Ethiopia, and Pakistan.
BULLETIN: in general. what do you think of re-extending Most Favored Nation status to the People's Republic of
China (PRC)?
HUMMEL: I think it should be continued and that the consequences of not continuing MFN would be inimical to
American interests in the sense that we would be punishing not the leadership in Beijing, but the people of China
and Hong Kong. The burden of decreased exports and closed plants would fall precisely on that sector of the
population which has been most open and most subject to influences from the West. It would seem to be a tragic
mistake to penalize these people.
BULLETIN: Could you elaborate on the effect ending China's MFN status would have on Hong Kong?
HUMMEL: The Hong Kong authorities and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong have gone on
record recently as indicating that the economy of Hong Kong would be affected if exports that go through Hong
Kong as an entrepot - would be radically reduced. And Hong Kong enterprises would also be adversely affected.
BULLETIN: Could you also elaborate on the elements in the PRC that might be lost if MFN status were to be
ended?
HUMMEL: China is a developing country that has, in the short space of 10 years, enormously increased its export
trade. And they have done this by giving Western-style monetary incentives and opening up. to a large extent.
market forces in China. These are the Westernizing types of things which we wish to promote. And it is precisely
the manufacturing sector that produces goods for exports that is most inclined to the West and toward more
5
openness economically and politically. So to penalize that sector, whose goals are parallel to ours in many
respects. makes no sense.
BULLETIN: The argument has been made that the current leadership in Beijing, simply by virtue of their age. will
not be around too much longer. Would the younger leaders be friendlier to US interests and their own people?
HUMMEL: The younger generation is certainly more flexible than the older generation. Additional flexibility in
domestic and international affairs is precisely what we are looking for. So. it is fair to say that generational change
would be in the interests of the United States.
BULLETIN: Judging from your experience in China, would you say that reform in China will come very slowly and
that we should prepare ourselves for slow-paced improvement? Or, would you leave open the possibility that an
occurrence such as the death of one or more of China's octogenarian leaders could bring about faster change?
HUMMEL: I don't think we should expect rapid change. I wish it were otherwise, but the Chinese people whom.
I have seen on the mainland, as well as many government officials, predict gradual change rather than revolutionary
change. The truth is that there are many Chinese who are quite weary of revolution and chaos. Although they may
dislike their own government, they think gradual change is preferable.
LAST LAUGHS:
0
Michael Boskin, the President's chief economist: An economist, an engineer and a doctor show up at the
pearly gates waiting to gain admission to heaven. And, unfortunately, there is a temporary housing
shortage. There is only one unit, and the other two people will have to wait until new housing can be
constructed. And the rule is. you can get in [according to] inverse order of the age of your profession. The
doctor steps forward and says, "Adam's rib, the creation of Eve and all that - that was a medical act.
Obviously. medicine is the oldest profession." And that seemed convincing until the engineer stepped
forward and said, "No. before You created Adam and Eve, You created the universe. That's an
engineering feat. Engineering's older than medicine." And that seemed convincing until the economist
stepped forward and said, "Harrumph. Before God created the universe, what was there? Chaos. Who
do you think created all the chaos?" (5/16/91)
o
David Letterman: Top Ten Things Overheard At The Ballpark
10)
I'm sorry, Your Majesty, you're not allowed to bring coolers into the stadium.
9)
Look! She's trying to get the wave started again!
8)
Don't worry, beer won't stain ermine.
7)
Hey Queen! Will you autograph my stomach?
6)
Where's Quayle with the nachos?
5)
What excitement! Our first ballgame! And tomorrow - Motorhead on Letterman!
4)
Hey! Your Majesty! You want to pass me my change?
3)
For a small woman, you can sure hold a lot of beer.
2)
I don't care if you're the Queen of England -- you're in my seat.
1)
Ooh! That foul tip bent her tiara! (NBC Late Night With David Letterman, 5/16/91)
Copyright 0 1991 by the Builctin Broadfaxing Network. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
The White House Bulletin Is published business days by the Bulletin Broadfaxing Network, Alexandrla, Virginia.
-- END OF FAX -
6
MAY 15 '91 13:24 212 757 5367
P.3
The More You Know
THE MORE YOU KNOW, Phase II
PSA #1/VOLUNTEERISM
TALENT: President Bush
TV :30
RECORDED COPY
SUPER
The President of the
United States
PRESIDENT BUSH
If you've been out of school
for ten, twenty, even fifty
years, it's time you went
back.
Not as a student, but as a
volunteer.
Your knowledge, your concern,
your love might make the
difference between a
youngster going wrong or
going on to a successful and
productive life.
The more you know, the more
your schools need you. So
find out what you can
do...and then do it.
END FILM, MUSIC, SUPER