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South Lawn Address - 100 Days 6/12/91 [OA 8324] [2]
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South Lawn Address - 100 Days 6/12/91 [OA 8324] [2]
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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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South Lawn Address - 100 Days 6/12/91 [OA 8324] [2]
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26
21
4
5
JUNE 12 SPEECH
FACT-CHECK
Goizueta phonetic
w/ders.Ramona younger
GB + Kemp @ charles Houston community
pih tenants are becoming homeowner
Kemp 708-3161
David caprare
Mary fruntle
619-8201
Pat Kirk
Travis lyrics
Mad Dads - event, site, date
D.C. General Hospital, date, activities
Teacher of the Year
Night School
Mrs younger ??
CHECK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
John Bryant, + story
Anthony Henderson
Mack Stolarski, story, + spelling
Dr. Payton, Tuskegee
Goizueta
white House Fellow
Mrs. Floyd, + story
Governors
Justin Dart + Evan Kamp, + story
D.C. central Kitchen
60 Points o' Light
How much has Headstant
expanded?
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, WELCOME]
DRAFT B
Thank you, good evening. Rae Ellen McKee, our National
Teacher of the Year, welcome. Mrs. [Jones] Head Start graduate
and now Head Start Program Chair, welcome. [John Smith] CEO of
the ABC Corporation, welcome to you, sir. And to the rest of
this extraordinary audience -- the governors, [I see Delaware's
Mike Castle], the Cabinet, the fifty Points of Light who have
joined us, the leaders of business and industry and all their
you sounds exclusionary
associations, and all the others who have made America the land
of opportunity, welcome to the South Lawn of the White House.
Over the past thirty months, the world has changed at a
dramatic pace. America has been called upon to meet one
challenge after another. And we met them -- each and every one
of them. From Panama, to Eastern Europe, to Kuwait, our country
stands
has stood as a champion of freedom.
Ninety-eight days ago, I asked Congress to tackle the urgent
problems in our own backyard with the same energy we dedicated to
tackling the crisis in the Gulf. I asked that they pass just two
laws in a hundred days -- a comprehensive anti-crime bill, and a
transportation bill. Neither will be on my desk by Friday, and
that tells us something profound.
It is hard for the American people to understand why a bill
to fight crime cannot be enacted in a hundred days. They don't
understand the complication, the inaction, the bickering --
particularly when they do understand what it takes to solve
problems in their own neighborhoods.
2
I don't mention this to bash the Congress. I don't mention
this to run down government. The government is not the enemy --
in many cases the government is part of the solution. Yet, there
are still those in Congress who think government is the only
solution. The American people disagree. Almost universally,
intuitively, they know that solutions don't begin on Washington
D.C. If politicians would just listen to the people, they would
begin to understand what America is trying to tell us.
Tonight, gathered here in the twilight shadow of
Washington's Monument, are many extraordinary Americans. If you
will permit me, I'd like to share some of your successes with the
rest of America. You have already demonstrated how working
together we can solve acute domestic problems. You already
grasp the need to combine our efforts -- those of a government
properly defined, the marketplace properly understood, and
service to others properly fulfilled. Together we can transform
America, and create communities everywhere that are whole and
good. Tonight I am asking all Americans to lead the way.
We should be confident about what lies ahead. America has a
track record of success. We have shaped that success with our
own hands. Sometimes, in our impatience, we've made mistakes --
but when we do, we dust ourselves off, and go at it again. But
we have always acted out of a conviction to do what's right.
Every American should think about that, just for a moment, and
feel proud. But for all the good we've done, it's time to do
better, and plan for the next American century.
3
For many years I have crisscrossed this nation. As
President, part of my job -- an exciting part -- is getting out
sounds imperious Americans from all walke of life
and talking with
the people
Small towns, big cities, schools,
neighborhoods and playgrounds, factories, farms, and fields --
those are the places where you find out what's good and right
about our country -- and what's going wrong, too.
I grew up blessed with a loving family, a host of friends,
and a lot of breaks. I defined the American Dream as a family, a
career, and a chance to make the world a better place -- and I
believed it was literally around every corner. I believed that
all you had to do to succeed was believe in yourself, work hard,
respect others, and have faith in God. I still try to follow
those principles each day. But now, after a lifetime of
experiences, I think there's more to the American Dream, and more
to achieving it.
It's not as simple as I once thought. Nor is it that
complicated either. The state of our nation is the sum of her
communities. If our communities are in trouble, our nation's in
trouble. So we must seek a nation of communities that are whole
and good. What defines whole and good?
First it is a community that cares for the needs of its
young people by building character, values and good habits for
life. Second, it's a community that provides excellent schools -
- schools that spark a lifelong interest in learning. Next,
there are jobs at respectable wages, and job training too.
Fourth, it's a place with good health care, and a clean
4
environment -- where a sense of well-being and belonging is
nurtured within its people. Finally, its neighborhoods are
decent and safe.
Because thousands of Americans have chosen to lead the way,
there are thousands of communities just like that in America.
They are communities where millions upon millions of Americans
219-1664
Richard
have achieved the American Dream. We should never lose sight of whaten
that. Across the board, America is the most prosperous and
k-Larry Lindsey,
X6402 productive, educated and enlightened nation on earth. And we
-on achievement no
intend it keep it that way.
-but on the broad spectrum-yes
But a great nation must have the courage to be self-
critical. And we are a great nation. No one can deny that we
have enormous problems. Many of our communities are in serious
trouble -- not all Americans are living the American Dream. Many
Americans can't even imagine it.
There is the impoverished America, the poor and the
hopeless, the hungry and the homeless. There are those unable to
read and write. There is the America gone astray, the kids on
drugs, the broken families, the teenage mothers. And then there
is an America uneasy, troubled and bewildered by the dizzying
pace of change.
Over these last twenty or thirty years, despite our best
intentions, the ranks of these Americans have grown. That cannot
continue. The question is, what to do about it. I believe, it
abstract
is time for America to re-invent itself. Time for America to
think and act anew -- and plan for the next American century.
5
Conventional wisdom once held that all solutions were in the
hands of government: call in the best and brightest and hand
over the keys to the national treasury. Bigger government was
our
ago,
better government: compassion measured in dollars and cents;
dec
Wass
sr.
progress by price tag. We tried that course. After twenty
any Lindsey X6402
years, with our economy strangling on inflation, unemployment,
and sky-high interest rates, America turned away from government.
So conventional wisdom then turned to the genius of the free
market. We began a decade of unparalleled economic growth and
created twenty million new jobs. But the rising tide could not
lift all boats. Twenty million new jobs later, our streets are
still not safe, our schools have lost their edge, and millions
still trudge the path of poverty. We tried the marketplace, and
learned that alone, it didn't solve all our problems either.
Will there always be those that are left behind? America
must answer unequivocally. The answer is No.
During this past year we have witnessed America at its best.
The War in the Gulf was not just a military achievement. It was
something much, much more. It was a victory for the parents who
believe in the talent of our young people; a victory for workers
who believe America can produce quality like the Patriot missile;
a victory for neighbors who help neighbors -- the outpouring of
support right here at home for our men and women in the Gulf was
magnificent. It was also our government at its best. America's
triumph was, in short, the conquest of doubt.
6
We can learn from this experience to see how to build
communities that are whole and good all across America. It
requires all three forces of national life. First, there is the
magic of the free market; second, a government that acts
competently and compassionately; third, the ethic of serving
others -- what I call Points of Light -- is vital to America's
future. These three powerful forces worked in common purpose in
the Gulf. Right here at home, each is crucial to creating the
conditions for whole and good communities -- and it's time we
harnessed all of them to transform America.
Power belongs where it will work for the greater good. It
belongs in the hands of people who seize opportunities. It
belongs in the hands of entrepreneurs, like
i in the
hands of [teacher of the year], in the hands of [point of light].
We have within our reach the power to transform America.
Let's start with the force of the free market. The
entrepreneurs who are with us tonight,
know exactly
what I'm talking about.
What so much of the world only covets, we take for granted:
food on the shelves of our supermarkets, and at our shopping
centers, cutting-edge, quality products of infinite variety.
Nothing has proved better than the free market at generating good
jobs at decent wages, in workplaces that are safe and healthy.
The good news is that the free market is now applying its
resources and know-how, its creativity and sense of purpose, to
many of our social problems. Numerous companies, recognizing
7
that tomorrow's workers are today's students, are leaders of a
revolution in American education. They are partners with us in
our Education 2000 strategy. Others are leading the way in
environmental protection, while still others are actively
tangudia) X6563
promoting innovation from health care to child care.
But the market can only go so far by itself. To transform
America, government needs to be dynamic as well. Today our
government guarantees our rights, and our liberties. It provides
an important safety net for the needy. It creates economic
incentives, settles disputes within the marketplace, and supports
our national infrastructure. But to be the government of
Jefferson and Lincoln and Roosevelt -- the instrument of the
people -- it must truly be a force for good. A compassionate and
competent government must help transform America.
I believe in this kind of government. Here tonight, for
example is Mrs.
.
She teaches preschoolers in a marvelous
government program this Administration expanded called "Head
Start." And a year ago I signed our child care bill to make
child care available to those that the market cannot reach. We
fought for a Clean Air Act that puts the free market in the
service of the environment -- and we succeeded. The Americans
with Disabilities Act has brought a new opportunities to our
nation's disabled -- some of you wereright here when I signed it.
Jack Kemp and I stood with Mrs. Gilkey / in Prospect Gardens project
X
Bertha
Cochran
St
Louis
in Missouri, to make America's public housing tenants America's
newest homeowners. And our crime bill will help make America's
8
neighborhoods safe. This is not big government, this is good
government. And it too leads to communities whole and good.
Finally, for America to be a nation of these communities,
the forces of the free market and the government by themselves
are not enough. To them must be added the ethic of voluntary
service -- Points of Light. It is not a phrase about charity.
It is about the light that is within us all -- the light that can
brighten the lives of others -- and make the lives of those who
shine it, complete as well.
Points of Light is a call to every American to serve another
in need. But no one of us can solve big problems like drug abuse
or poverty by ourselves. Only the combined attention from every
school, every business, place of worship, club, group, and
organization can turn the tide.
Whether it's a company's after-hours literacy program for
its workers, or a law firm's mentoring class, a police station's
counseling sessions for tough kids, or third graders who phone
homebound senior citizens, Points of light are giving those in
need a sense that someone cares, that they matter and belong.
When Points of Light join with the power of government and
the awesome power of the marketplace we can truly overwhelm
social problems in America. This is how we must usher in the
next American Century. Every one of us, our businesses, our
school boards, our associations, our clubs, our churches -- all
of us have the responsibility to lead.
Chicago
LA
Luis Nata
Buth are here
Al Vasquez
- producti creft. ed ct.
- comm.
arts gaing
Thentae
health
strington family,
9
Only then, can we truly think and act anew. Our challenge
is to re-invent America -- understand the successes and failures
of the past -- and create an ambitious approach for the future.
We have always been a nation of problem solvers -- a people
aware of the responsibility to live up to our ideals. No one in
America is without a gift to give, a skill to share, a hand to
offer.
The people gathered here tonight represent those who refuse
to rest easy. You represent those millions of Americans who use
power to inspire a greater good. We must carry forward what is
good, and reach out and embrace what is best. I know you will.
I know you have. For that your country is grateful, and for that
your country will endure.
# # #
Head Start
245-0347
Jeff Rosenberg
FY 90
FY 91
$399M increase
$317Mincrease
400
89
91
$1.235B
$1.952B
150,000 kids incr.
89:450,000 89:
91: proj 596,000
CHILD CARE
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Oct. 27
Note: The proclamation was released by the
parents rather than in the hands of bureau-
Office of the Press Secretary on October 27.
crats. So, I'm very pleased about the child-
care provision, something I've been fighting
for.
I intend to sign the agreement. And I will
Exchange With Reporters in
also review closely the various appropria-
Honolulu, Hawaii
tions bills to make sure that they conform
to this new spending agreement. We've
October 27, 1990
made the tough decisions, and now it's time
to move on.
101st Congress
And I am pleased that the Congress also
The President. Let me start with a state-
has passed historic Clean Air Act amend-
ment and then be glad to take some ques-
ments which will reduce acid rain, urban
tions. But I've just been informed that the
smog, and toxic air pollutions. We proposed
United States Senate has just passed the
this far-reaching environmental cleanup
House-Senate conference report on the
legislation some 15 months ago with the
budget. This completes congressional action
hope that this initiative by the administra-
on an agreement to reduce the Federal def-
tion would break the logjam that had pre-
icit by over $490 billion over the next 5
vented a clean air bill from being passed
years.
previously. This is an important milestone
This budget blueprint represents correc-
in preserving and protecting America's nat-
tive action on a pattern of Federal spending
ural resources, and I look forward to signing
gone out of control. We have put on the
the bill.
brakes, and the process has sometimes been
I want to conclude by thanking everyone
painful. But I will sign this legislation be-
involved, including the bipartisan leader-
cause, for the first time, it makes significant
ship in Congress for their tireless efforts in
and long-term cuts in Federal spending that
forging and passing the new budget agree-
should have a positive impact on America's
ment. The Speaker [Thomas S. Foley], Mi-
economic future. All political points of view
nority Leader Bob Michel, the Majority
have sacrificed to bring this agreement
Leader Dick Gephardt, Senator Mitchell,
about. And, needless to say, I don't like rais-
and Senator Dole have all had to compro-
ing taxes and never will, but there is a price
mise some. And they've stayed with it long,
to divided government, and that means that
long hours, trying to hammer out this
I have had to compromise on items that I
agreement, so I want to take this opportuni-
feel strongly about in order to do what I
ty to thank them.
think is best for the country, and that is to
I'll be glad to take a few questions, and
reach an agreement.
then we've got to head on.
At the same time, we've cut Federal
Budget Agreement
spending programs and applied some self-
discipline, steps that also may not be popu-
Q. Mr. President, you signed on to this
lar. But the essential ingredient which has
budget agreement and your negotiators ne-
produced bipartisan agreement is that we
gotiated it with Congress, including the tax
must get the deficit down, get interest rates
increases that you vowed you wouldn't do
down, and keep America moving. And I
when you ran for office. Are you prepared
might add, I'm told that the final enforce-
now to give it a sound endorsement and
ment provisions are very, very strong, so
urge Republican candidates to go out and
that we're guarding against more spend-
sell it to the voters as well-
ing-out-of-control spending next year and
The President. No
into the future, covered by this agreement.
Q. or are you going to turn your back
In addition, I am pleased that many of
on it and blame the Democrats for the tax
my proposals on child care are incorporated
increases that you agreed with?
in this budget reconciliation bill. The legis-
The President. I'm going to say, look, I've
lation provides tax credits, grants, and
reluctantly signed this. There are things in
vouchers that put choice in the hands of
it that if I controlled both Houses of Con-
1677
Nov. 1 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
Republican Party; Steve Pierce, minority
Ron Kaufman, the national committeeman
leader of the State house of representatives
for the State.
and chairman of the Bill Weld campaign;
And now to the team that's ready to run
Andrew H. Card, Jr., Assistant to the Presi-
things for the Commonwealth of Massachu-
dent and Deputy to the Chief of Staff; and
setts: your next Senator, Jim Rappaport. We
Paul Cellucci, candidate for Lieutenant
need him in Washington. Another man I've
Governor.
known for years, a Republican of fine stand-
ing, a leader-I'm talking about Joe Malone,
the next State treasurer.
One of my earliest supporters in poli-
tics-and. some of you all on the Cape
Remarks at a Republican Campaign
might remember this-is the next Lieuten-
Rally in Mashpee, Massachusetts
ant Governor of this State, Paul Cellucci,
November 1, 1990
who is with us today. And then, of course,
the man of the hour, the man we're count-
Thank all of you for this warm welcome.
ing on to turn this State around, Bill Weld,
I'd like to single out all the kids here today
the next Governor. I am for him 100 per-
from Mashpee Middle School-music to my
cent.
ears. You were just great!
You know, this area, I'm told-doing a
And now I have the pleasure, if I haven't
little homework for this visit-I'm told that
fouled this thing up, to ask the Falmouth
Mashpee has a long independent streak, as
High School Band to play the national
long as the winters are out here on the
anthem for us. I think it's most appropriate
Cape. Here in Mashpee, you know better
on a day like this. And if-are you guys
than most that the time has come for a
geared up? Let's fire it up.
change. If there's ever been a State in the
[At this point, the band played the national
Union that has been a playground for one-
anthem.]
party politics, it's Massachusetts. The Demo-
crats are the ones that have every statewide
Great. Thank you so very much, all of
office, and they are the ones that hold all
you.
but one of the congressional seats, and they
Let me say how great it is to be back on
are the ones holding 8 of 10 seats in the
the Cape, to breathe the deep magic of this
statehouse in the senate. And the Massachu-
place. You know, Henry David Thoreau,
setts taxpayers-they're the ones holding
Massachusetts native son, once said about
the bag. We are going to change that by
the Cape: "A man may stand here and put
the election of this outstanding team.
all America behind him." Way back in
I like the way they are campaigning for
1943, in the fall, just about this time in
change, because I believe that one of the
1943, I spent some time at the Cape, sta-
most important things that we can do to-
tioned at the naval air station, then at
gether is to get more Republicans elected
Hyannis. I've never forgotten the joy and
at every level. Because this party is the
the wonder of the Cape. It's great to be
party with an agenda; the party of change,
back, and it's great to be back with these
not the status quo; and the party of new
winners.
ideas with a finger on the pulse of this
Let me first say hello to a friend and a
nation.
candidate I want to see added to the Re-
There is no higher domestic Republican
publican ranks down on Capitol Hill. I'm
agenda item than this nation's economy, be-
talking about John Bryan-whoops, here he
cause America's economy is the job-creating
is. He made it. John Bryan, the right man
engine that every family in the country
for the Cape in the 10th District. Good luck
counts on.
to you.
You know, in the events in Eastern
And of course, I want to mention two
Europe-and I'm sure some of you kids
that are helping me so much in the White
have been reading about these in schools—
House, two of Massachusetts sons: Andy
and around the world-other changes-if
Card, one of our top staff people there, and
they've reminded us of anything, it is that
1716
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Nov. 1
free markets and free enterprise are good
Some in Congress tried to build a bigger
for people. And America still does it better
day-care bureaucracy at double the cost of
than anybody else. Still, in recent months,
our bill. Then the House outdid the
we've seen some uncertainty and some con-
Senate-Democratic-controlled House-by
cern about slower economic growth. And
tripling our request. But we turned the clas-
that's one reason that getting a budget
sic, budget-busting bidding war around and
agreement was crucial, why I was willing to
gave choice back to the families. And we've
go the extra mile.
got a child-care bill that puts dollars in the
I couldn't agree more with Jim; there's an
pockets of low- and middle-income parents,
awful lot of it I don't like. The negotiations
because we know Americans don't want
were difficult; they were tough. But we fi-
government-sponsored day-care centers to
nally reached an agreement with the
warehouse our kids, designed and managed
Democratic majority that controls both
by bureaucrats miles away. Keep the child
Houses of the Congress. And there were
care close to the family. Because-as Bill
clear differences between the parties. They
said and Jim said-because Republicans
wanted to raise taxes, including income tax
care about change, American parents will
rates. I wanted to reduce the deficit in the
now have increased choice in child care.
way my budget called for: reduce it with
There's still more work to be done, lots
spending cuts, not by raising taxes on the
working man and woman of this country.
more on our agenda, the agenda I outlined
We did get a $492 billion, 5-year reduc-
for you several years ago when I was here.
tion program, about a half a trillion dollars.
American education has got to be second to
And $350 billion of that was in spending
none. This party understands that our abili-
cuts-the largest cut in history. And then—
ty to compete demands that our kids' edu-
this is critical-we did manage, through a
cation is nothing less than the very best.
lot of hard work by the Republican leaders,
That's why we sent Congress the Education
to get Congress on a pay-as-you-go plan, the
Excellence Act: for fundamental education
enforcement provision. I'm sure there's a
reform; to reward achievement; to encour-
lot of skepticism anytime that Congress
age accountability; and to give parents
takes action. But the enforcement provi-
more say, more choice in their kids' educa-
sions of this agreement are real, they are
tion.
strong, and no longer will these programs
Where some called for a bigger bureauc-
be funded with red ink, mortgaging the
racy, we called for flexibility. Where the
future of the young people here in Mashpee
liberal Democrats said throw more money
today.
at the status quo-we spend more per
And as we landed at Otis, I thought of
capita than almost any country in the world
another thing. We did hold the line against
on education-we call for reform, finding a
the reckless cuts of our Armed Forces. De-
way to do it better. We need excellence in
fense spending went down; but I can certify
education. This party is committed to fun-
to the American people, I think, given the
damental change in American education. I
changes in the world, I believe we do have
know that Jim Rappaport in the Senate and
proper levels now to sustain United States
Bill Weld right here in the statehouse in
interests around the world. And I am deter-
Massachusetts agree with me: Reform and
mined to ensure that this nation's defense
change is what is needed to make education
remains strong and prepared. And certainly
better for these kids.
we owe that much to our men and women
So, we are at a turning point. There are
now serving with pride in the Persian Gulf.
so many other issues that we are making
And there were some other things in
some progress on. I'll be signing a clean air
there that were good. You know, we're the
bill in a few days. We would never have
party that knows nothing is more precious
done it if we hadn't had Republicans fight-
than the well-being of our children. So,
ing for that legislation.
that's why we called for a child-care bill,
We'll be signing-I think there will be
one that would put the choice in the hands
some kind of crime legislation. But the kind
of the parents, in the hands of the Ameri-
of crime legislation that I want, the one
can family, empowering parents.
that defends the police officers and a little
1717
GB + kemp
Cochran Gardens,
St. Louis, MO
May 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
Bertha Gilkey
On the island, other developments con-
completed within the next few months. The
tributed to a more positive environment be-
United States will continue to do all it can
tween the two communities. First, on Feb-
to facilitate this process.
ruary 12, several Greek Cypriot and Turk-
Sincerely,
ish Cypriot political leaders met jointly for
the first time in almost a year at the Ledra
George Bush
Palace Hotel in the buffer zone. On March
18 several Greek Cypriot political leaders
Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas
crossed the buffer zone to north Nicosia to
S. Foley, Speaker of the House of Represent-
attend an anniversary reception for a Turk-
atives, and Claiborne Pell, chairman of the
ish Cypriot opposition political party. Addi-
Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
tional intercommunal contacts among politi-
cal party delegations followed.
Second, on March 21 the Minister of De-
fense of the Government of Cyprus, Mr.
Andreas Aloneftis, announced that his gov-
Remarks to Cochran Gardens
ernment's defense fund expenditures for
Community Members in St. Louis,
1991 were to be cut in half. This is a wel-
Missouri
come development.
May 3, 1991
With respect to U.S. involvement in the
Cyprus issue, I am pleased to report that
Thank you, Governor, and thank all of
Secretary of State James Baker met on
you. Bertha was telling me you've been out
March 1 with Foreign Minister George Ia-
there in the rain for 2 hours. That's beyond
covou of the Republic of Cyprus for a thor-
the call of duty, as we say over there-as
ough discussion of prospects for movement
General Schwarzkopf would say. But let me
on the Cyprus issue. Foreign Minister Iaco-
just say how pleased I am to be here
vou also met with my Assistant for National
Bertha asked about Barbara Bush, and
Security Affairs, Brent Scowcroft, Assistant
wish she was with me today; she wishes she
Secretary of State Raymond Seitz, and my
were here, too. But she's doing an awful lot
Special Cyprus Coordinator, Ambassador
to help kids learn to read. And I hope all of
Nelson Ledsky.
you kids here today will take a lesson on
In mid-February Foreign Minister Alpte-
that and do your level-best in reading and
mocin visited Washington to continue a dia-
in studying.
logue on Cyprus that he and Secretary
Baker had established through an exchange
Bertha was telling me about the wonder-
of letters in January. He had meetings with
ful spirit here. And I wish I'd heard the
Secretary Baker and me. On March 15,
drum and bugle corps in action. Maybe
during his trip to Ankara, Secretary Baker
we'll get to hear them when we finish here.
discussed the Cyprus question with Turkish
But we congratulate all of you over there.
President Ozal and Foreign Minister Alpte-
Let me salute our two Senators, Senator
mocin.
Bond and Senator Danforth. And of course,
On March 23 I discussed the Cyprus issue
I'm delighted to have with me here today a
with President Ozal during his visit to
man who has been here before, who lives
Camp David. At that time Secretary Baker
this ideal of homeownership, tenant man-
also continued his discussions with the
agement, and that's Jack Kemp, our Secre-
Turkish President. In all of these discussions
tary of HUD. What a job he's doing.
Secretary Baker and I have had as our firm
On the way over here, we passed an ex-
objective the facilitation of the U.N. Secre-
traordinary place-that new children's play-
tary General's good offices mission.
ground and once was called Little Nam-a
I believe these developments provide
war zone of drugs and decay-you've cre-
hope that we are on the right path to com-
ated a field of dreams where dope dealers
pleting a draft outline. I note with pleasure
once roamed, children now can be children.
the cautious optimism of the Secretary Gen-
They can learn, and they can laugh, and
eral that, with the help of the leaders of the
they can play. And you deserve great cred
two Cypriot communities, the task can be
for giving these kids hope.
558
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / May 3
You know, people who have never seen
moderate-income homeowners by the end
housing development don't understand how
of 1992.
significant a small playground can be. But
I also would like to announce two new
this playground is just one of your many
initiatives today, initiatives that honor peo-
achievements. You've shown an entire
ple's dignity and ability. The first is the En-
nation what great things people accomplish
terprise Zone and Jobs-Creation Act of
when they get an opportunity to take con-
1991, which I'm proud to say will be intro-
trol of their own communities, when men
duced in Congress next week by our own
and women seize their homes and streets
Senator John Danforth and by Senator Joe
from drug dealers, when we empower
Lieberman. This act would plant the seeds
people and not the bureaucracy.
for a real urban revival. It designates up to
What a contrast to the dismal legacy of
50 enterprise zones over a 4-year period,
projects like Pruitt-Igoe. Think of how
one of which could very well end up right
Pruitt-Igoe suffocated this community, at-
here in St. Louis.
tracted crime and sheltered drugs and shat-
tered hope. To me-to many of us here-
Now, you all understand the concept
that vacant tract symbolizes the failure of
beside enterprise zones: They convert poor
the past.
neighborhoods into centers of work, centers
And today, more and more Americans
of opportunity, and they ensure that the
know that the solutions of the 1960's can't
most successful entrepreneur in a neighbor-
meet the challenges of the nineties, that a
hood-ensure that that entrepreneur will
system that puts government bureaucracy
not be a crack dealer. It will be that a man
in charge of everything leaves no room for
or woman who starts a business, demon-
individual dignity-the dignity that Bertha's
strates the value of hard work, offers jobs to
fighting for, that all of you believe in-a
local residents.
system that warehouses people, strips them
You also know that you can't start up a
If their humanity. I'm here to say, if the
business without money. This bill also elimi-
system's not helping build a better life, then
nates capital gains taxes on the develop-
we must change the system.
ment in the zone. It tells potential inves-
Last November I signed the National Af-
tors: Put your money right here; put the
fordable Housing Act, the most radical de-
jobs right here. And that's where I need
parture in Federal housing policy in two
your help.
decades. And I want to thank Kit Bond-
It also gives these enterprise zones priori-
Senator Bond-who serves on the Senate
ty as a free-trade area status. That would let
Banking Committee, who worked hard with
businesses in the zone import materials
Secretary Kemp to get that act through the
duty-free if the products are sold abroad.
Congress. Its core is HOPE-you see the
Our Tax Code ought to promote growth. It
sign right there: Homeownership and Op-
ought to promote investment and entrepre-
portunity for People Everywhere. HOPE
neurship and opportunity throughout the
moves policy in a new direction. It lets
land. And that's why I have tried repeated-
public housing residents like you manage
ly to get the Congress to cut the capital
your property and eventually own your
gains tax. That tax is a tax on the American
property.
dream. It is a tax on growth. And we ought
Although I'm proud that under our ad-
to get rid of it so you can have more jobs
ministration the number of residents groups
and opportunity right here in this very
training to become resident managers has
area.
leaped from 13 to 100, we've got to do
You know, the Enterprise and Jobs-Cre-
more. Today-now, listen to these num-
ation Act of '91 makes it possible to turn
bers-three million people live in public
communities that were once riddled with
housing. Yet barely 9,000 units-barely
despair and isolation into neighborhoods
9,000-are managed by their residents. I
that are greenlined for growth and jobs and
call on Congress to give us full funding-
opportunity. And in that spirit, I'm proud to
$855 million in fiscal '92. We don't just
announce a second initiative-the Commu-
vant a piece of the program; we want the
nity Opportunity Act of 1991, which we
whole darn thing: one million new low- and
will transmit to Congress today. This legisla-
559
May 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
tion rejects the idea that Washington knows
bite of the apple, a chance for the great
best. It challenges localities like yours to
American dream to come to everybody.
develop "community opportunity systems."
Thank you all, and God bless you, and
And these would enable poor citizens to
may God bless our great country, the
tailor Federal programs to meet their actual
United States of America. Thank you very
needs. The bill also lets Federal officials set
much.
aside regulations that might otherwise pre-
vent citizens from devising programs that
work.
Note: The President spoke at 12:40 p.m. in
This act shifts power from the heavy
the Cochran Gardens Community Center.
hand of the state to the dedicated hands of
In his remarks, he referred to Gov. John D.
the people. I have enough confidence in
Ashcroft of Missouri; Gen. H. Norman
the American people to believe that they
Schwarzkopf, commander of the U.S. forces
will create new hope and opportunity, that
in the Persian Gulf; and Bertha Gilkey,
they will devise new and effective solutions
president of the National Tenant Union
if they are just given a chance. You don't
and chairperson of the Cochran Gardens
want a crutch. You want a ladder, a ladder
Tenant Management Corp.
of opportunity to a better future. And that
is what we are determined to provide.
Most Members of Congress, you know,
say they want to revive our cities. And now
we can test them. We can put them to the
Message on the Observance of Cinco
test. I call on the Congress to support our
de Mayo
HOPE program fully. I call on the Congress
to pass the Enterprise Zone and Jobs-Cre-
May 3, 1991
ation Act of 1991. And I call on the Con-
I am delighted to send warm greetings
gress to enact the Community Opportunity
all those celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
Act of 1991 right now.
As you recall the events of the Battle of
Bertha-Bertha Gilkey-I've got this
Puebla, it is fitting that you pay tribute to
quote of hers: "We don't want to be taken
the brave individuals whose tenacious love
care of; we want to take care of ourselves."
That is, to be treated like human beings,
of freedom helped to secure independence
for Mexico. Through your parades, festivals,
not numbers in a housing project.
dances, and speeches, you not only cele-
And people all across this country said:
brate their victory but also ensure that
Yes, we want dignity, we want independ-
ence, we want responsibility, and we want
every generation continues to learn about
to own our own homes, and we want to
Mexico's perseverance on the long road to
control our destinies. And I would say to
freedom.
the Congress: Congress, you ought to start
Today, the United States and Mexico are
thinking anew. Give the people a chance
determined to follow a path that will pro-
now, and pass this new legislation, and
mote greater opportunity and prosperity for
don't go back to the old answers that have
our two peoples.
failed the people of St. Louis year in and
As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we reaf-
year out. It's time to think anew. So, I am
firm our friendship and our commitment to
convinced that together we can build upon
the successful conclusion of the North
your success. We can offer. new opportuni-
American Free Trade Agreement. By work-
ty, new optimism, new hope to people con-
ing together to remove barriers to trade
demned to daily bleakness and hardship.
and investment, we can promote growth
So, please join me. You do have some
and prosperity for our countries and
power in your hands. Get ahold of your
throughout this hemisphere.
Congressman; convince him to think anew
Barbara joins me in sending our best
and give these new ideas a chance. Because
wishes for your celebration.
Bertha is right: homeownership builds dig-
nity. Homeownership offers people a real
George Bush
560
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Mar. 6
Appointment of David M. Carney as
campaign, Mr. Kaufman helped direct pri-
Special Assistant to the President and
mary efforts in Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Director of the Office of Political
Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Currently he
Affairs
serves as the Republican national commit-
March 5, 1991
teeman for the State of Massachusetts. Mr.
Kaufman attended Bridgewater State Col-
The President today announced the ap-
lege after graduating from Quincy Junior
pointment of David M. Carney as Special
College in Quincy, MA. In addition, Mr.
Assistant to the President and Director of
Kaufman serves as a member of the board
the Office of Political Affairs at the White
of trustees for Quincy Junior College.
House in Washington, DC.
Mr. Kaufman is a lifelong resident of
Mr. Carney has been the Acting Director
Quincy, MA. He and his wife Alison have
of Political Affairs since June 1, 1990. Prior
two daughters, Carlin, 11, and Kathryn, 10.
to assuming that position, he served as Spe-
cial Assistant to the President and Deputy
Director of the Office of Political Affairs.
Before joining the President's staff, Mr.
Carney was deputy chief of staff to Gover-
Address Before a Joint Session of the
nor John H. Sununu. He served on Gover-
Congress on the Cessation of the
nor Sununu's personal staff for 7 years, and
Persian Gulf Conflict
was the field director for Governor Sun-
March 6, 1991
unu's four statewide campaigns in New
Hampshire. He is a 1982 graduate of New
Speaker Foley. Mr. President, it is cus-
England College in Henniker, NH. Current-
tomary at joint sessions for the Chair to
ly Mr. Carney serves as a member of the
present the President to the Members of
New England College Board of Trustees.
Congress directly and without further com-
Mr. Carney, a resident of Hancock, NH,
ment. But I wish to depart from tradition
resides in Arlington, VA, with his wife,
tonight and express to you on behalf of the
Lauren. The Carneys are expecting their
Congress and the country, and through you
first child this spring.
to the members of our Armed Forces, our
warmest congratulations on the brilliant vic-
tory of the Desert Storm Operation.
Members of the Congress, I now have the
high privilege and distinct honor of present-
Appointment of Ronald C. Kaufman as
ing to you the President of the United
Deputy Assistant to the President for
States.
Political Affairs
The President. Mr. President. And Mr.
March 5, 1991
Speaker, thank you, sir, for those very gen-
erous words spoken from the heart about
The President today announced the ap-
the wonderful performance of our military.
pointment of Ronald C. Kaufman as Deputy
Members of Congress, 5 short weeks ago
Assistant to the President for Political Af-
I came to this House to speak to you about
fairs at the White House in Washington,
the state of the Union. We met then in time
DC.
of war. Tonight, we meet in a world blessed
Mr. Kaufman has served as Deputy Assist-
by the promise of peace.
ant to the President for Presidential Person-
From the moment Operation Desert
nel since February 1989. Prior to joining
Storm commenced on January 16th until
the President's staff, Mr. Kaufman served as
the time the guns fell silent at midnight 1
the northeast regional political director for
week ago, this nation has watched its sons
the 1988 Bush-Quayle campaign. During
and daughters with pride-watched over
President Reagan's first term, Mr. Kaufman
them with prayer. As Commander in Chief,
served as the national political director for
I can report to you our armed forces fought
the Republican National Committee and
with honor and valor. And as President, I
later coordinated Vice President Bush's re-
can report to the Nation aggression is de-
election campaign in 1984. In the 1980
feated. The war is over.
257
Mar. 6 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
This is a victory for every country in the
All of us grieve for the victims of war, for
coalition, for the United Nations. A victory
the people of Kuwait and the suffering that
for unprecedented international coopera-
scars the soul of that proud nation. We
tion and diplomacy, so well led by our Sec-
grieve for all our fallen soldiers and their
retary of State, James Baker. It is a victory
families, for all the innocents caught up in
for the rule of law and for what is right.
this conflict. And, yes, we grieve for the
Desert Storm's success belongs to the
people of Iraq-a people who have never
team that so ably leads our Armed Forces:
been our enemy. My hope is that one day
our Secretary of Defense and our Chairman
we will once again welcome them as friends
of the Joint Chiefs, Dick Cheney and Colin
into the community of nations. Our com-
Powell. And while you're standing-[laugh-
mitment to peace in the Middle East does
ter]-this military victory also belongs to
not end with the liberation of Kuwait. So
the one the British call the "Man of the
tonight, let me outline four key challenges
Match"-the tower of calm at the eye of
to be met.
Desert Storm-General Norman Schwarz-
First, we must work together to create
kopf.
shared security arrangements in the region.
And recognizing this was a coalition
Our friends and allies in the Middle East
effort, let us not forget Saudi General
recognize that they will bear the bulk of
Khalid, Britain's General de la Billiere, or
the responsibility for regional security. But
General Roquejoffre of France-and all the
we want them to know that just as we stood
others whose leadership played such a vital
with them to repel aggression, so now
role. And most importantly, most impor-
America stands ready to work with them to
tantly of all, all those who served in the
secure the peace. This does not mean sta-
field.
tioning U.S. ground forces in the Arabian
I thank the Members of this Congress-
Peninsula, but it does mean American par-
support here for our troops in battle was
ticipation in joint exercises involving both
overwhelming. And above all, I thank those
air and ground forces. It means maintaining
whose unfailing love and support sustained
a capable U.S. naval presence in the
our courageous men and women-I thank
region-just as we have for over 40 years.
the American people.
Let it be clear: Our vital national interests
Tonight, I come to this House to speak
depend on a stable and secure Gulf.
about the world-the world after war. The
Second, we must act to control the prolif-
recent challenge could not have been clear-
eration of weapons of mass destruction and
er. Saddam Hussein was the villain; Kuwait,
the missiles used to deliver them. It would
the victim. To the aid of this small country
be tragic if the nations of the Middle East
came nations from North America and
and Persian Gulf were now, in the wake of
Europe, from Asia and South America, from
war, to embark on a new arms race. Iraq
Africa and the Arab world-all united
requires special vigilance. Until Iraq con-
against aggression. Our uncommon coalition
vinces the world of its peaceful intentions—
must now work in common purpose: to
that its leaders will not use new revenues to
forge a future that should never again be
rearm and rebuild its menacing war ma-
held hostage to the darker side of human
chine-Iraq must not have access to the in-
nature.
struments of war.
Tonight in Iraq, Saddam walks amidst
And third, we must work to create new
ruin. His war machine is crushed. His ability
opportunities for peace and stability in the
to threaten mass destruction is itself de-
Middle East. On the night I announced Op-
stroyed. His people have been lied to-
eration Desert Storm, I expressed my hope
denied the truth. And when his defeated
that out of the horrors of war might come
legions come home, all Iraqis will see and
new momentum for peace. We've learned
feel the havoc he has wrought. And this I
in the modern age geography cannot guar-
promise you: For all that Saddam has done
antee security and security does not come
to his own people, to the Kuwaitis, and to
from military power alone.
the entire world, Saddam and those around
All of us know the depth of bitterness
him are accountable.
that has made the dispute between Israel
258
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Mar. 6
and its neighbors so painful and intractable.
can make a difference. America will work
Yet, in the conflict just concluded, Israel
tirelessly as a catalyst for positive change.
and many of the Arab States have for the
But we cannot lead a new world abroad
first time found themselves confronting the
if, at home, it's politics as usual on Ameri-
same aggressor. By now, it should be plain
can defense and diplomacy. It's time to turn
to all parties that peacemaking in the
away from the temptation to protect un-
Middle East requires compromise. At the
needed weapons systems and obsolete
same time, peace brings real benefits to ev-
bases. It's time to put an end to micromana-
eryone. We must do all that we can to close
gement of foreign and security assistance
the gap between Israel and the Arab
programs-micromanagement that humili-
states-and between Israelis and Palestin-
ates our friends and allies and hamstrings
ians. The tactics of terror lead absolutely
our diplomacy. It's time to rise above the
nowhere. There can be no substitute for
parochial and the pork barrel, to do what is
diplomacy.
necessary, what's right, and what will
A comprehensive peace must be ground-
enable this nation to play the leadership
ed in United Nations Security Council Reso-
role required of us.
lutions 242 and 338 and the principle of
The consequences of the conflict in the
territory for peace. This principle must be
Gulf reach far beyond the confines of the
elaborated to provide for Israel's security
Middle East. Twice before in this century,
and recognition and at the same time for
legitimate Palestinian political rights. Any-
an entire world was convulsed by war.
thing else would fail the twin test of fairness
Twice this century, out of the horrors of
and security. The time has come to put an
war hope emerged for enduring peace.
end to Arab-Israeli conflict.
Twice before, those hopes proved to be a
The war with Iraq is over. The quest for
distant dream, beyond the grasp of man.
solutions to the problems in Lebanon, in
Until now, the world we've known has been
the Arab-Israeli dispute, and in the Gulf
a world divided-a world of barbed wire
must go forward with new vigor and deter-
and concrete block, conflict, and cold war.
mination. And I guarantee you: No one will
Now, we can see a new world coming
work harder for a stable peace in the region
into view. A world in which there is the
than we will.
very real prospect of a new world order. In
Fourth, we must foster economic devel-
the words of Winston Churchill, a world
opment for the sake of peace and progress.
order in which "the principles of justice and
The Persian Gulf and Middle East form a
fair play protect the weak against the
region rich in natural resources-with a
strong.
A world where the United Na-
wealth of untapped human potential. Re-
tions-freed from cold war stalemate-is
sources once squandered on military might
poised to fulfill the historic vision of its
must be redirected to more peaceful ends.
founders. A world in which freedom and
We are already addressing the immediate
respect for human rights find a home
economic consequences of Iraq's aggression.
among all nations. The Gulf war put this
Now, the challenge is to reach higher-to
new world to its first test. And my fellow
foster economic freedom and prosperity for
Americans, we passed that test.
all the people of the region.
For the sake of our principles-for the
By meeting these four challenges we can
sake of the Kuwaiti people-we stood our
build a framework for peace. I've asked
ground. Because the world would not look
Secretary of State Baker to go to the Middle
the other way, Ambassador al-Sabah, to-
East to begin the process. He will go to
night, Kuwait is free. And we're very happy
listen, to probe, to offer suggestions-to ad-
about that.
vance the search for peace and stability.
Tonight, as our troops begin to come
I've also asked him to raise the plight of the
home, let us recognize that the hard work
hostages held in Lebanon. We have not for-
of freedom still calls us forward. We've
gotten them, and we will not forget them.
learned the hard lessons of history. The vic-
To all the challenges that confront this
tory over Iraq was not waged as "a war to
region of the world there is no single solu-
end all wars." Even the new world order
tion-no solely American answer. But we
cannot guarantee an era of perpetual peace.
259
Mar. 6 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
But enduring peace must be our mission.
good in a land so far away, then surely we
Our success in the Gulf will shape not only
can make this land all that it should be. In
the world order we seek, but our mission
the time since then, the brave men and
here at home.
women of Desert Storm accomplished more
In the war just ended, there were clear-
than even they may realize. They set out to
cut objectives-timetables-and, above all,
confront an enemy abroad, and in the proc-
an overriding imperative to achieve results.
ess, they transformed a nation at home.
We must bring that same sense of self-disci-
Think of the way they went about their
pline, that same sense of urgency, to the
mission-with confidence and quiet pride.
way we meet challenges here at home. In
Think about their sense of duty, about all
my State of the Union Address and in my
they taught us about our values, about our-
budget, I defined a comprehensive agenda
selves.
to prepare for the next American century.
We hear so often about our young people
Our first priority is to get this economy
in turmoil-how our children fall short, how
rolling again. The fear and uncertainty
our schools fail us, how American products
caused by the Gulf crisis were understand-
and American workers are second-class.
able. But now that the war is over, oil
Well, don't you believe it. The America we
prices are down, interest rates are down,
saw in Desert Storm was first-class talent.
and confidence is rightly coming back.
And they did it using America's state-of-the-
Americans can move forward to lend,
art technology. We saw the excellence em-
spend, and invest in this, the strongest
bodied in the Patriot missile and the patri-
economy on Earth.
ots who made it work. And we saw soldiers
We must also enact the legislation that is
who know about honor and bravery and
key to building a better America. For exam-
ple, in 1990, we enacted an historic Clean
duty and country and the world-shaking
Air Act. And now we've proposed a nation-
power of these simple words. There is
al energy strategy. We passed a child care
something noble and majestic about the
bill that put power in the hands of parents.
pride, about the patriotism that we feel to-
And today, we're ready to do the same
night.
thing with our schools and expand choice in
So, to everyone here-and everyone
education. We passed a crime bill that
watching at home-think about the men
made a useful start in fighting crime and
and women of Desert Storm. Let us honor
drugs. This year, we're sending to Congress
them with our gratitude. Let us comfort the
our comprehensive crime package to finish
families of the fallen and remember each
the job. We passed the landmark Americans
precious life lost.
with Disabilities Act. And now we've sent
Let us learn from them as well. Let us
forward our civil rights bill. We also passed
honor those who have served us by serving
the aviation bill. This year, we've sent up
others. Let us honor them as individuals—
our new highway bill. And these are just a
men and women of every race, all creeds
few of our pending proposals for reform
and colors-by setting the face of this
and renewal.
nation against discrimination, bigotry, and
So, tonight I call on Congress to move
hate. Eliminate them.
forward aggressively on our domestic front.
I'm sure that many of you saw on the
Let's begin with two initiatives we should
television the unforgettable scene of four
be able to agree on quickly-transportation
terrified Iraqi soldiers surrendering. They
and crime. And then, let's build on success
emerged from their bunker-broken, tears
100 DAYS
with those and enact the rest of our agenda.
streaming from their eyes, fearing the
If our forces could win the ground war in
worst. And then there was an American sol-
100
100 hours, then surely the Congress can
dier. Remember what he said? He said: "It's
pass this legislation in 100 days. Let that be
okay. You're all right now. You're all right
a promise we make tonight to the American
now." That scene says a lot about America,
people.
a lot about who we are. Americans are a
When I spoke in this House about the
caring people. We are a good people, a gen-
state of our Union, I asked all of you: If we
erous people. Let us always be caring and
can selflessly confront evil for the sake of
good and generous in all we do.
260
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Mar. 7
Soon, very soon, our troops will begin the
and radio. A tape was not available for
march we've all been waiting for-their
verification of the content of the address.
march home. And I have directed Secretary
Cheney to begin the immediate return of
American combat units from the Gulf. Less
than 2 hours from now, the first planeload
of American soldiers will lift off from Saudi
White House Statement on Weapons of
Arabia, headed for the U.S.A. It will carry
Mass Destruction
men and women of the 24th Mechanized
March 7, 1991
Infantry Division bound for Fort Stewart,
Georgia. This is just the beginning of a
The United States has taken a major step
steady flow of American troops coming
in its continuing efforts to halt the spread of
home. Let their return remind us that all
weapons of mass destruction with the issu-
those who have gone before are linked with
ance of regulations extending export con-
us in the long line of freedom's march.
trols over chemicals, equipment, and other
Americans have always tried to serve, to
assistance that can contribute to the spread
sacrifice nobly for what we believe to be
of missiles and chemical and biological
right. Tonight, I ask every community in
weapons.
this country to make this coming Fourth of
Saddam Hussein's use of chemical weap-
July a day of special celebration for our re-
ons against his own citizens, his use of Scud
turning troops. They may have missed
missiles to terrorize civilian populations,
Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I can tell
and the chilling specter of germ warfare
you this: For them and for their families,
and nuclear weapons have brought home
we can make this a holiday they'l never
the dangers proliferation poses to American
forget.
interests and global peace and stability.
In a very real sense, this victory belongs
to them-to the privates and the pilots, to
Our continuing efforts to stem the spread
the sergeants and the supply officers, to the
of weapons of mass destruction will contrib-
ute to the construction of a new world
men and women in the machines, and the
men and women who made them work. It
order. The new regulations will enhance
belongs to the regulars, to the reserves, to
our ability to head off these dangers so that
in the future we will not be forced to con-
the National Guard. This victory belongs to
the finest fighting force this nation has ever
front them militarily as we have in Iraq. At
known in its history.
the same time, the new regulations are sen-
sitive to the importance of U.S. exports to
We went halfway around the world to do
our economic vitality and will not unfairly
what is moral and just and right. We fought
hard and, with others, we won the war. We
restrict legitimate commerce.
lifted the yoke of aggression and tyranny
The expanded U.S. export controls apply
from a small country that many Americans
to equipment, chemicals, and whole plants
had never even heard of, and we shall ask
that can be used to manufacture chemical
nothing in return.
or biological weapons, as well as to activities
We're coming home now-proud, confi-
of U.S. exporters or citizens when they
dent, heads high. There is much that we
know or are informed that their efforts will
must do, at home and abroad. And we will
assist in a foreign missile or chemical or
do it. We are Americans.
biological weapon program.
May God bless this great nation, the
But the United States cannot do the job
United States of America. Thank you all
alone. Our experience in the Gulf has rein-
very, very much.
forced the lesson that the most effective
export controls are those imposed multilat-
Note: The President spoke at 9:12 p.m. in
erally. The administration has therefore ini-
the House Chamber at the Capitol. He was
tiated vigorous efforts to obtain allied sup-
introduced by Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of
port for chemical and biological weapon
the House of Representatives. The address
export controls in the Australia Group, mis-
was broadcast live on nationwide television
sile export controls in the Missile Technolo-
261
Nov. 5 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
enable low-income persons to take control
H.R. 5835, and the discretionary spending
of their lives through homeownership. We
caps associated with it, will achieve nearly
must use available Federal housing funds
$500 billion-almost half a trillion dollars—
more effectively to provide opportunity and
in deficit reduction over the next 5 years.
hope for low-income Americans. I am also
Over 70 percent of that deficit reduction
disappointed that the Congress has chosen
derives from outlay reductions; less than 30
to impose new restrictions on the ability of
percent from revenue increases. In addi-
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel-
tion, the Act enacts significant budget proc-
opment to manage his Department. It
ess reforms to ensure that the agreement is
would be much better for the Congress to
fulfilled and that budgetary discipline is ex-
work cooperatively with the Administration
tended and strengthened.
to overcome previous HUD management
Entitlement Reforms. The Act provides
problems.
for the most comprehensive and substantial
I am also disappointed that the Congress
reform of mandatory "entitlement" pro-
failed to provide an adequate increase for
grams ever-about $100 billion in savings
the research activities of the National Sci-
from restructuring and reforms in the fol-
ence Foundation. Support for basic re-
lowing major programs:
search, particularly individual researchers,
Farm programs;
underlies the Nation's long-term economic
Federal housing programs;
growth. The reductions made by the Con-
Student loan programs;
gress are regrettable and will certainly con-
Veterans programs;
tribute to the decline in support for individ-
Postal subsidies;
ual investigators.
Federal employee benefits; and
The Congress has an especially difficult
Medicare.
task balancing the competing priorities
Discretionary Program Caps. The Act es-
funded in this diverse Act with the re-
tablishes 5-year caps on overall discretion-
sources available. I appreciate their efforts.
ary spending that will result in savings of
We will continue to work with the Congress
over $180 billion. To keep domestic and
to seek solutions for the deficiencies I have
international spending from growing any
noted.
faster than inflation, the Act creates new
George Bush
automatic "mini-sequesters." The Act also
provides for an orderly defense reduction
The White House,
without threatening national security.
November 5, 1990.
Energy Security. The Act provides incen-
tives for energy conservation and for explo-
Note: H.R. 5158, approved November 5, was
ration and development of domestic energy
assigned Public Law No. 101-507.
resources.
Social Security. Social Security is fully
protected and taken off-budget.
Enforcement and Process Reform. The
Statement on Signing the Omnibus
Act contains the toughest enforcement
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
system ever. The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
November 5, 1990
sequester process is extended and strength-
ened with caps, mini-sequesters, and a new
Today I am signing H.R. 5835, the "Om-
"pay-as-you-go" system.
nibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990,"
Credit Reform. The Act implements a
the centerpiece of the largest deficit reduc-
new Federal accounting and budgeting
tion package in history and an important
system to expose and limit previously
measure for ensuring America's long-term
hidden (and rapidly growing) liabilities.
economic growth. This Act is the result of
Tax Changes. The Act includes a tax rate
long, hard work by the Administration and
cut from 33 percent to 31 percent for about
the Congress. No one got everything he or
3.5 million middle and upper-middle
she wanted, but the end product is a com-
income taxpayers and an overall decrease in
promise that merits enactment.
taxes paid by those with incomes under
1764
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Nov. 5
$20,000. There are higher excise taxes on
drugs or alcohol. As I understand it, the
luxury items and limitations on itemized de-
term "sectarian organization" in this provi-
ductions and the personal exemption for
sion includes religious organizations gener-
higher income taxpayers. The total net tax
ally.
changes comprise 28 percent of the deficit
Third, as used in sections 658N(a)(2)(B)
reduction package.
and 658N(a)(3)(B), the term "organization"
This Act creates the conditions that
means not only the particular provider but
should allow future interest rates to be
also a broader association with which that
lower than they would be otherwise. Lower
provider may be identified.
interest rates can benefit the entire econo-
Finally, all of the provisions of the Child
my. They can mean more housing starts;
Care and Development Block Grant pro-
more Americans driving new cars; reduc-
gram will be interpreted in light of the re-
tions in mortgage payments for homeown-
quirements of the establishment and free
ers; more long-term investment; greater
exercise clauses of the First Amendment.
productivity; and increased numbers of
I would also note certain constitutional
jobs.
difficulties in other titles of the Omnibus
In signing this landmark Act, I pledge the
continuing best efforts of my Administra-
Budget Reconciliation Act. In particular,
tion to maintain not only the letter, but the
section 4117 of the Act requires the Secre-
spirit of the new fiscal order for the Federal
tary of Health and Human Services, in cer-
Government that is embodied in this agree-
tain conditions, to treat the States of Ne-
ment.
braska and Oklahoma as single fee schedule
H.R. 5835 also contains Child care provi-
areas for purposes of determining the ad-
sions, strongly supported by this Adminis-
justed historical payment basis and the fee
tration, that will enlarge the opportunities
schedule amount for physicians' services
of parents to obtain the child care they
furnished on or after January 1, 1992. Such
desire, including care that is provided by
treatment is made to depend on the Secre-
sectarian institutions if the parents so
tary's receiving written expressions of sup-
choose. The largest portion of this new
port for treatment of the State as a single
child care program will come from tax
fee schedule area from each member of the
credits to people-as requested by the Ad-
congressional delegation from the State and
ministration. In addition, a Child Care and
from organizations representing urban and
Development Block Grant program in-
rural physicians in the State. This provision
cludes provisions for the issuance of child
requires the Secretary to base a substantive
care certificates or vouchers that would
decision on the allocation of Federal bene-
enable parents to exercise their own judg-
fits on the statements of members of con-
ment as to what type of child care best suits
gressional delegations and other persons
the particular needs of their own child.
who are not appointed by the President.
I note my understanding of these child
Therefore, it must be understood either (1)
care provisions and sign the bill based on
as an attempt to vest significant authority to
that understanding, as follows:
execute Federal law in those persons, in
First, I understand that the definition of
which case it violates the Appointments
child care certificates in section 658P(2) en-
Clause, Article II, section 2; see Buckley V.
sures that States may not restrict parental
Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1975); or (2) as an at-
choice by limiting the range of providers
tempt to confer lawmaking power on indi-
from whom parents may seek child care,
vidual members of the Congress and others,
using certificates as payment, and that such
in which case it violates Article I, section 7;
certificates shall not be considered to be
see INS V. Chadha, 462 U.S. 919 (1983).
grants or contracts.
Accordingly, this requirement is without
Second, section 658N(a)(1)(B) specifically
legal force, and I am so instructing the Sec-
permits sectarian organizations that are
retary of Health and Human Services. I am
child care providers to require that all of
also instructing the Attorney General and
their employees adhere to the religious
the Secretary of Health and Human Serv-
tenets and teachings of the organization
ices to prepare remedial legislation to
and comply with rules forbidding the use of
amend this section for submission to the
1765
Nov. 5 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
next session of the Congress, so that the Act
100-202), raised profound constitutional
can be brought into compliance with the
concerns and resulted in lengthy litigation.
Constitution's requirements.
Section 617 of H.R. 5241 accommodates the
Further, the Constitution empowers the
concerns of the executive branch, provided
President to "recommend to [Congress]
that it is not construed in a manner that
such Measures as he shall judge necessary
interferes with my constitutional authority
and expedient." U.S. Const. Art. II, Sec. 3.
to protect national security information. In
Several sections of the Act raise constitu-
this connection, F note that nothing in sec-
tional difficulties by appearing or purport-
tion 617 purports to interfere with the au-
ing to impose requirements that the execu-
thority of executive branch agencies to im-
tive branch submit legislative proposals of a
plement and enforce the prepublication
predetermined kind. The executive branch
review clause included in many of their
has consistently treated provisions of this
nondisclosure forms.
type as advisory rather than as mandatory,
Finally, I note that the provisions of H.R.
and to avoid a constitutional question will
5241 authorizing appropriations for the
so construe the provisions at issue here.
Office of Management and Budget forbid
the expenditure of those funds "for the pur-
George Bush
pose of reviewing any agricultural market-
The White House,
ing orders or any activities or regulations
November 5, 1990.
under the provisions of the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C.
Note: H.R. 5835, approved November 5, was
601 et seq.)." These restrictions raise consti-
assigned Public Law No. 101-508.
tutional concerns because they impair my
ability as President to supervise the execu-
tive branch.
George Bush
Statement on Signing the Treasury,
The White House,
Postal Service and General Government
November 5, 1990.
Appropriations Act, 1991
November 5, 1990
Note: H.R. 5241, approved November 5, was
assigned Public Law No:, 101-509.
Today, I have signed into law H.R. 5241,
the "Treasury, Postal Service and General
Government Appropriations Act, 1991.
This Act provides appropriations for a
number of critical programs under the De-
Statement on Signing the National
partment of the Treasury, the General
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Services Administration, the Office of Per-
Year 1991
sonnel Management, the Executive Office
November 5, 1990
of the President, and several other inde-
pendent agencies. Funding for these central
Today I have signed into law H.R. 4739,
management agencies is essential to carry
the "National Defense Authorization Act
out the primary financial and administrative
for Fiscal Year 1991." This Act authorizes
functions of the Federal Government.
appropriations for Department of Defense
I want to take this opportunity to thank
and Department of Energy national securi-
the Congress for addressing objections
ty activities and extends and amends other
raised by the Administration concerning
programs. This Act, which reflects most of
provisions that purported to forbid the im-
the Administration's major defense prior-
plementation or enforcement of certain
ities, will provide for a strong national de-
nondisclosure agreements required of Gov-
fense during fiscal year 1991.
ernment employees with access to classified
I have signed this Act notwithstanding
information. These provisions, which were
the reservations that I have regarding cer-
first enacted in the omnibus continuing res-
tain of its provisions. I am particularly con-
olution for fiscal year 1988 (Public Law No.
cerned about those provisions that derogate
1766
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. List
Re: South Lawn Event Attendees; personal information. (1
06/12/91
P-6, (b)(6)
pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
South Lawn Address - 100 Days 6/12/91 [2]
Date Closed:
10/28/2004
OA/ID Number:
08324
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 11, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR DEBRA ANDERSON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
FROM: 6597
WILLIAM J. CANARY, JR.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Priglamg
RE:
JUNE 12TH, SOUTH LAWN EVENT
The following is our list of attendees for the President's speech
on the South Lawn, tomorrow night the 12th, as of this morning:
cty
criming
Ed Ferguson
Acting Executive Director of NACo
Mast Asses the
Ann Klinger
Merced County-Commissioner, CA
Shis been supporting
and Immediate Past President of NACo
of POTUS initiatives
Kaye Braaten
Richland County Commissioner, ND
and 1st Vice President of NACo
high profilslocal
elected official
The Honorable Sue Myrick
Mayor
Repub, Health Repub
city of Charlotte, NC
Gov in
The Honorable Richard Hackett
not
Mayor
Housing
the
city of Memphis, TN
problem,
Richard D. Martin
Retired U.S. Army Colonel
they
all or nothing.
symbol
what
cc: Bobbie Kilberg and Molly Osborne
is Might
about 80u
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
11-Jun-1991 02:58pm
TO:
Barbara G. Kilberg
FROM:
Mary A. McClure Mary
Intergovernmental Affairs
SUBJECT: 100 DAYS EVENT
state
Suggested legislators for inclusion in the President's speech are:
Delegate Ellen Sauerbrey, Chairman
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
Ellen is a Republican from Maryland.
Representative Betsy Millard (Mil-lard), Chairman
Eastern Regional Conference
Council of State Governments (CSG)
Betsy is a Republican from New Hampshire
IV
JOST porson stage
Governer Castle,
Bill Comy
chich other Governers**
Has of
who DC kitu
June 10, 1991
= Gov a POC mayor
another knd of traer
MEMORANDUM FOR MOLLY OSBORNE
-who
62
or
FROM:
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
Delavae
College Presidents
1
of
0 can's
pto
vor
SUBJECT:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/EXAMPLES FOR JUNE 12 SPEECH
innovative ?
scheals?
?
The following should illustrate the various blanks we're trying
to fill:
Helen Taylor
Heal
DD sand NO n/c.
1)
Model entrepreneur: "Power belongs in the hands of people
who will seize opportunities. It belongs in the hands of
entrepreneurs, like
" JOHN BRYANT 7ammy leader P
2)
Teacher of the year: "in the hands of
"
STUART LEVIN
3)
Exemplary point of light: "in the hands of
" MACK STOLARSIN
Robato
4)
Another entrepreneur: "Let's start with the force of the GOIZUETA
free market. The entrepreneurs who are with us tonight 7604 suetta
know exactly what I'm talking about. "
we
Paul O'Neil Jim Bu to 04 chm of Coca
5)
Head Start teacher: "Here tonight is Mrs.
She
Floynead
.
teaches preschoolers in a marvelous government program this
Administration has expanded called 'Head Start. III
St a bro a stnds 65
6)
ADA: "The Americans with Disabilities ACT has brought new
1st
pos now she's
Seach
opportunities to our nation's disabled -- some of you like
were here when I signed it. " Justin Don't (AND
?
vades of disability carly
Evan Kemp canf
7
Tenant management activist: "Jack Kepm and I stood with Mrs.
in the Prospect Gardens project in Missouri, to make
America's , public housing tenants America's newest (public housingth
homeowners "Ramone " Mrs. younger Hapkins House in Alexania,
Charles Houston Ctn,
no
bade
8)
Head Start honcho: "Mrs.
,
Head Start graduate and now
VA
like that
Head Start Program Chair, welcome. "
9)
CEO of the ABC Corporation: Daniel Bunke two
OTHER:
Presion
dontful another
10) Is there a Neighborhood Watch/Take Back the Streets type
activist in the audience?
as
up
11)
dial
A community activist? Paul Cerry condinate of Patiol
Nerghborter
FIND Joseph, heigh Ann
12) Anyone who embodies any of America 2000's four tracks?
Intergenerational tutor? Business organization donating
time, training? Adult high school graduate? These are just
a few examples; I'm open to ideas.
13) Do we have an entrepreneur whose work exemplifies making
market forces work in the service of the environmnet.
14) Finally, any outstanding guests who you feel we should try
to work into the speech in some way?
Barcnoft Elem School
ANGLE state theory an CMP
CRIME
- -POTUS visited
ArthonyHenderson
- for suc suscaped in for jast skilled
English
shot 5.0
Dobson wat
be coming
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 6-11-91 :12:31PM ;
12024561647->
4562983;# 2
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Andrew L. Batavia ("Drew") is a 1990-91 White House Fellow and is
assigned to Attorney General Dick Thornburgh at the Department of
Justice. He holds a masters degree from Stanford Medical School
and a law degree from Harvard. In 1988, Drew received the
Distinguished Disabled American Award from the President's
Committee on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities.
Recently, he served as associate director of the National
Rehabilitation Hospital Research Center and as a member of the
faculty of the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Last
month, Drew achieved a personal goal when he visited the top of
the Great Wall in China with his White House Fellows Class during
their international trip.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 6-11-91 :12:30PM ;
12024561647-
4562983:# 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER
DATE
TO
David Demarest
FAX NUMBER
OFFICE NUMBER
OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON
FROM
Bobbie Kilberg
COMMENTS
OFFICE NUMBER
FAX NUMBER
(202) 456-1647
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, WELCOME]
DRAFT B
Thank you, good evening. Rae Ellen-McKee, our National
Lauren Floyd
Teacher of the Year, welcome. Mrs [Jones] Head Start graduate
and now Head Start Program Chair, welcome [John Smith] CEO of
no Ro barto Goizereta
the ABC Corporation, welcome to you, sir. And to the rest of
this extraordinary audience -- the governors, [I see Delaware's
cheak
Mike Castle], the Cabinet, the fifty Points of Light who have
joined us, the leaders of business and industry and all their
associations, and all the others who have made America the land
of opportunity, welcome to the South Lawn of the White House.
Over the past thirty months, the world has changed at a
dramatic pace. America has been called upon to meet one
challenge after another. And we met them -- each and every one
of them. From Panama, to Eastern Europe, to Kuwait, our country
has stood as a champion of freedom.
Ninety-eight days ago, I asked Congress to tackle the urgent
problems in our own backyard with the same energy we dedicated to
tackling the crisis in the Gulf. I asked that they pass just two
laws in a hundred days -- a comprehensive anti-crime bill, and a
transportation bill. Neither will be on my desk by Friday, and
that tells us something profound.
It is hard for the American people to understand why a bill
to fight crime cannot be enacted in a hundred days. They don't
understand the complication, the inaction, the bickering --
particularly when they do understand what it takes to solve
problems in their own neighborhoods .K Neighborhood control type."
Paul Cever,
2
I don't mention this to bash the Congress. I don't mention
this to run down government. The government is not the enemy --
in many cases the government is part of the solution. Yet, there
are still those in Congress who think government is the only
solution. The American people disagree. lmost universally,
intuitively, they know that solutions don't begin on Washington
D.C.
Space If politicians would just listen to the people, they would/
begin to understand what America is trying to tell us.
Tonight, gathered here in the twilight shadow of
Washington's Monument, are many extraordinary Americans. If you
will permit me, I'd like to share some of your successes with the
rest of America. You have already demonstrated how working
together we can solve acute domestic problems. You already
grasp the need to combine our efforts -- those of a government
properly defined, the marketplace properly understood, and
service to others properly fulfilled. Together we can transform
America, and create communities everywhere that are whole
good. Tonight I am asking all Americans to lead the way.
and Commany
We should be confident about what lies ahead. America has a
track record of success. We have shaped that success with our
own hands. Sometimes, in our impatience, we've made mistakes --
but when we do, we dust ourselves off, and go at it again. But
we have always acted out of a conviction to do what's right.
Every American should think about that, just for a moment, and
feel proud. But for all the good we've done, it's time to do
better, and plan for the next American century.
3
For many years I have crisscrossed this nation. As
President, part of my job -- an exciting part -- is getting out
and talking with the people. Small towns, big cities, schools,
neighborhoods and playgrounds, factories, farms, and fields --
those are the places where you find out what's good and right
about our country -- and what's going wrong, too.
I grew up blessed with a loving family, a host of friends,
and a lot of breaks. I defined the American Dream as a family, a
career, and a chance to make the world a better place -- and I
believed it was literally around every corner. I believed that
all you had to do to succeed was believe in yourself, work hard,
respect others, and have faith in God. I still try to follow
those principles each day. But now, after a lifetime of
experiences, I think there's more to the American Dream, and more
to achieving it.
It's not as simple as I once thought. Nor is it that
complicated either. The state of our nation is the sum of her
communities. If our communities are in trouble, our nation's in
trouble. So we must seek a nation of communities that are whole
of
and good. What defines whole and good?
First it is a community that cares for the needs of its
young people by building character, values and good habits for
life. Second, it's a community that provides excellent schools -
S.O.
who
- schools that spark a lifelong interest in learning.
Next,
embodies
there are jobs at respectable wages, and job training too.
one
of
Fourth, it's a place with good health care, and a clean
4 tracks?
4
environment -- where a sense of well-being and belonging is
nurtured within its people. Finally, its neighborhoods are
decent and safe.
Because thousands of Americans have chosen to lead the way,
there are thousands of communities just like that in America.
They are communities where millions upon millions of Americans
have achieved the American Dream. We should never lose sight of
that. Across the board, America is the most prosperous and
productive, educated and enlightened nation on earth. And we
intend it keep it that way.
But a great nation must have the courage to be self-
critical. And we are a great nation. No one can deny that we
have enormous problems. Many of our communities are in serious
trouble -- not all Americans are living the American Dream. Many
Americans can't even imagine it.
There is the impoverished America, the poor and the
probs hilp prist unled
hopeless, the hungry and the homeless. There are those unable to
read and write. There is the America gone astray, the kids on
drugs, the broken families, the teenage mothers. And then there
is an America uneasy, troubled and bewildered by the dizzying
pace of change.
Over these last twenty or thirty years, despite our best
intentions, the ranks of these Americans have grown. That cannot
continue. The question is, what to do about it. I believe, it
is time for America to re-invent itself. Time for America to
think and act anew -- and plan for the next American century.
5
Conventional wisdom once held that all solutions were in the
hands of government: call in the best and brightest and hand
over the keys to the national treasury. Bigger government was
better government: compassion measured in dollars and cents;
progress by price tag. We tried that course. After twenty
years, with our economy strangling on inflation, unemployment,
and sky-high interest rates, America turned away from government.
So conventional wisdom then turned to the genius of the free
market. We began a decade of unparalleled economic growth -- and
created twenty million new jobs. But the rising tide could not
lift all boats. Twenty million new jobs later, our streets are
still not safe, our schools have lost their edge, and millions
still trudge the path of poverty. We tried the marketplace, and
learned that alone, it didn't solve all our problems either.
Will there always be those that are left behind? America
must answer unequivocally. The answer is No.
During this past year we have witnessed America at its best.
The War in the Gulf was not just a military achievement. It was
something much, much more. It was a victory for the parents who
believe in the talent of our young people; a victory for workers
who believe America can produce quality like the Patriot missile;
a victory for neighbors who help neighbors -- the outpouring of
support right here at home for our men and women in the Gulf was
magnificent. It was also our government at its best. America's
triumph was, in short, the conquest of doubt.
6
We can learn from this experience to see how to build
communities that are whole and good all across America. It
requires all three forces of national life. First, there is the
magic of the free market; second, a government that acts
competently and compassionately; third, the ethic of serving
others -- what I call Points of Light -- is vital to America's
future. These three powerful forces worked in common purpose in
the Gulf. Right here at home, each is crucial to creating the
conditions for whole and good communities -- and it's time we
harnessed all of them to transform America.
Power belongs where it will work for the greater good. It
belongs in the hands of people who seize opportunities. It
belongs in the hands of entrepreneurs, like
i in the
hands of [teacher of the year], in the hands of [point of light].
We have within our reach the power to transform America.
of
Let's start with the force of the free market. The
beal
govt
entrepreneurs who are with us tonight,
know exactly
what I'm talking about.
What so much of the world only covets, we take for granted:
food on the shelves of our supermarkets, and at our shopping
centers, cutting-edge, quality products of infinite variety.
Nothing has proved better than the free market at generating good
jobs at decent wages, in workplaces that are safe and healthy.
The good news is that the free market is now applying its
resources and know-how, its creativity and sense of purpose, to
many of our social problems. Numerous companies, recognizing
7
that tomorrow's workers are today's students, are leaders of a
revolution in American education, They are partners with us in
? ey?
corp
our Education 2000 strategy. Others are leading the way in
environmental protection, 7th while still others are actively
wetplance
promoting innovation from health care to child care.
But the market can only go so far by itself. To transform
America, government needs to be dynamic as well. Today our
government guarantees our rights, and our liberties. It provides
an important safety net for the needy. It creates economic
incentives, settles disputes within the marketplace, and supports
our national infrastructure. But to be the government of
Jefferson and Lincoln and Roosevelt -- the instrument of the
people -- it must truly be a force for good. A compassionate and
competent government must help transform America.
I believe in this kind of government. Here tonight, for
Head st. teach
example is Mrs.
.
She teaches preschoolers in a marvelous
government program this Administration expanded called "Head
Start." And a year ago I signed our child care bill to make
child care available to those that the market cannot reach. We
fought for a Clean Air Act that puts the free market in the
service of the environment -- and we succeeded. The Americans
with Disabilities Act has brought a new opportunities to our
nation's disabled -- some of you wer right here when I signed it.
mgmt.
Jack Kemp and I stood with Mrs.
,
in Prospect Gardens project
the
in Missouri, to make America's public housing tenants America's
newest homeowners. And our crime bill will help make America's
8
neighborhoods safe. This is not big government, this is good
government. And it too leads to communities whole and good.
Finally, for America to be a nation of these communities,
the forces of the free market and the government by themselves
are not enough. To them must be added the ethic of voluntary
service -- Points of Light. It is not a phrase about charity.
It is about the light that is within us all -- the light that can
brighten the lives of others -- and make the lives of those who
shine it, complete as well.
Points of Light is a call to every American to serve another
in need. But no one of us can solve big problems like drug abuse
or poverty by ourselves. Only the combined attention from every
school, every business, place of worship, club, group, and
organization can turn the tide.
Whether it's a company's after-hours literacy program for
its workers, or a law firm's mentoring class, a police station's
counseling sessions for tough kids, or third graders who phone
homebound senior citizens, Points of light are giving those in
need a sense that someone cares, that they matter and belong.
When Points of Light join with the power of government and
the awesome power of the marketplace we can truly overwhelm
social problems in America. This is how we must usher in the
next American Century. Every one of us, our businesses, our
school boards, our associations, our clubs, our churches -- all
of us have the responsibility to lead.
9
Only then, can we truly think and act anew. Our challenge
is to re-invent America -- understand the successes and failures
of the past -- and create an ambitious approach for the future.
We have always been a nation of problem solvers -- a people
aware of the responsibility to live up to our ideals. No one in
America is without a gift to give, a skill to share, a hand to
offer.
The people gathered here tonight represent those who refuse
to rest easy. You represent those millions of Americans who use
power to inspire a greater good. We must carry forward what is
good, and reach out and embrace what is best. I know you will.
I know you have. For that your country is grateful, and for that
your country will endure.
carb
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
who?
?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 1990
The President today named the D.C. Central Kitchen, of
Washington, D.C., as the 275th "Daily Point of Light." The D.C.
Central Kitchen ensures that leftover food does not go to waste,
offering it to those who are hungry.
?
Founded in 1989 by Robert Egger, the D.C. Central Kitchen
collects leftover food from local restaurants, hotels, and
caterers for distribution to the homeless, the elderly, and
after-school programs. Through this effort, the food service
industry helps ensure that those in need can obtain proper
nourishment.
In 1989 alone, more than 40 tons of food were donated to the
Central Kitchen and an estimated 80 tons will be donated this
year. Unemployed homeless people are invited to attend an eight
week training program, during which they learn how to properly
handle food and complete a CPR (Cardio Pulminary Resusitation)
course, skills which helps them obtain employment in the food
service industry. Seven individuals who have been trained by the
D.C. Central Kitchen currently have full-time employment in the
food service industry.
The President salutes the D.C. Central Kitchen as the 275th
"Daily Point of Light." Daily Point of Light recognition is
intended to call every individual, group, and organization in
America to claim society's problems as their own by taking direct
and consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like the D.C. Central Kitchen; and to
discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community
service, reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on
in America, any definition of a successful life must include
serving others."
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
RIMCO/NATW
TEL No.
215 649 5456 Jun 11,91 12:12 P.03
Community watch
Paul E. Cevey
is he the
DOB: 11/8/19
Retired Col./US Army
best example for so in SO know
on are bill
Coordinator of Camelot Community Patrol Neighborhood Watch Group. Mason
nake
District of Fairfax County.
Has been involved for 14 years.
Edits newsletter. Handles scheduling volunteers for Neigh Watch patrols.
Assist Fairfax County Police in organizing watch groups throughout County.
Has developed a Speakers Bureau to assist Police in promoting/training new
Watch groups.
Member of Mason District Citizens Advisory Committee
Member of National Association of Town Watch.
Coordinates annual "National Night Out" (NNO) crime prevention activities in
Mason District and has helped promote NNO celebrations county wide.
Member of Fairfax County Police/Citizens Advisory Council.
Board Member: Northern VA Crime Prevention Association
Member: VA Crime Prevention Association.
Has received Fairfax County Human Rights Award.
See accompanying article for stats on Fairfax County crime watch and crime
prevention programs, involvement, etc.
Matt Peskin
NATW
Jennifes molly.- pls give & David - to -
RIMCO/NATW
TEL No.
215 649 5456 Jun 11,91 12:11 P.02
THE WASHINGTON POST
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1991 Va. 3
NEIGHBORS
Watch Volunteers
Camelot volunteers also found,
within a few minutes, a small boy
Thanked by Police
who had disappeared while trick-or-
treating last Halloween.
Fairfax County Police thanked
Police estimate that the number
309 volunteers from 12 neighbor-
hood watches last weekend for
of burglaries per 100,000 county
keeping eyes and ears alert for sus-
residents dropped from 1,133 in
1980 to 355 in 1989.
picious activity in the Mason police
district for at least 10 years.
Other watch groups honored in-
"According to statistical informa-
cluded Broyhill Crest, Columbia
tion, the average life of a neighbor-
Pines, Glen, Forest, Holmes Run
hood watch is 18 months," said
Acres, Holmes Run Valley, Mantua,
Capt. David Franklin, commander
Pine Ridge, Ravensworth-Bristow,
of the Mason district police station,
Sleepy Hollow, South Woodley and
who helped give out lapel pins to
Sutton Place.
the veteran crime watchers at a
ceremony at Annandale High
School. "It's just phenomenal to
have over 300" active participants
"in an area this size," he said.
Neighborhood patrol groups
started forming in the county about
12 years ago, There. are now about
750 watch groups with about 35,000
volunteers, including about 150
groups in the Mason police district.
The secret to a successful crime-
watch group is strong leadership
and organization and the ability to
keep the community cohesive and
on its toes, said Larry Clark, a
crime prevention officer.
Clark said the Camelot Commu-
nity Patrol is an example of a strong
neighborhood watch. Some Camelot
volunteers have donated several
thousand hours each to patrolling
their community. Last year, with
the Broyhill Crest neighborhood
watch, Camelot members helped
police reroute traffic after a tanker
truck exploded on Interstate 495.
We don't want handouts. we wam access.
a
a
By Leslie Phillips
owners fear the civil rights
he sees as the lack of pro-
ay
USA TODAY
bills - to be debated by the
grams to promote the eco-
vil
House today - will force
nomic prosperity of minority
ate
When John Bryant was 10
them to hire by quotas to
and female business owners.
years old in Compton, Calif.,
avoid expensive discrimina-
"Economically," he says,
ric
he realized he could save the
tion suits.
blacks "are in the Dark Ages
m-
neighborhood children a trip
But Bryant says a civil
a $250 billion buying force
Il's
to the candy store if he
rights bill - without quotas
that doesn't own anything."
est
opened one of his own.
- is needed.
Bryant says he's usually
er-
He made $300 a week buy-
"We don't want charity,"
the "first black" or the "only
all-
ing candy wholesale and sell-
he says. "We don't want
black" at business functions.
itly
ing it retail. He's been a suc-
handouts. We want programs
And he knows why he gets
an
cess ever since.
that allow minorities to ac-
seated at front-row tables as
in
Now, at 25, he's the owner
cess capital markets and
he did Monday during Presi-
of a small, multimillion-dol-
commerce."
dent Bush's address on the
at-
lar financial holding compa-
Bryant, who voted for
civil rights bill.
ny and works with Los Ange-
Bush in 1988, believes the
By Tim Dillon, USA TODAY
The fact that he's getting
has
les Mayor Tom Bradley on
president cares about minor-
BRYANT: 'Quotas have not
used to such treatment de-
ure
inner city development.
ities and that Democrats
helped to put me where I am.'
presses him.
be
"Quotas have not helped to
think their bill avoids quotas.
"The big problem with
own
put me where I am," he said
"Neither side is malicious,
cial issues, I instinctively
black America is self-es-
rty
Monday as the National Fed-
or trying to conceal or mis-
trust Democrats. When it
teem," Bryant says. "It's very
nen
eration of Independent Busi-
represent information," he
comes to business, I trust Re-
important, from a psychologi-
ari-
ness met in Washington.
says.
publicans."
cal standpoint that some bill
Bryant and other business
But "when it comes to so-
But he's frustrated by what
passes."
the
sse
tion, has little to lose. He vetoed
the Civil Rights Act of 1990 and
THREE PLANS UNDER CONSIDERATION
USA TODAY TUESDAY 4A
red nothing politically.
"nuse Majority Leader
The House will consider
sary for "effective job perfor-
Democratic leadership:
hardt, D-Mo., ac-
three civil rights plans:
mance."
Awards of up to $150,000 for
ing the inflam-
Women, Black Caucus:
Republican substitute:
women, religious minorities
"lotas as a
Unlimited monetary awards
A $150,000 award to victims
and disabled people who
us"
for women, religious minor-
of workplace harassment;
prove intentional discrimina-
ities and disabled people who
employers must meet a
tion; explicit ban on quotas
prove intentional discrimina-
more lenient standard to de-
and a more rigid standard
tion; employers must prove
fend their hiring and promo-
for employers to defend hir-
ng and promotion prac-
tion practices; forbids scor-
ing and promotion practices;
at may unintentional-
ing employment aptitude
bans scoring job tests by race
inate are neces-
tests according to race.
and "unfair" tests.
Comb
untergeberational
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 1990
The President today named Mack Stolarski, of Williamsburg,
Virginia, as the one hundred forty-fourth "Daily Point of Light."
Mr. Stolarski, 77, has literally hammered, sawed, and drilled the
dreams of many disadvantaged individuals into reality.
Mr. Stolarski answered the President's call, "if you have a
hammer, find a nail." He has been a part-time carpenter
throughout his life and owns equipment for almost any
construction job. Upon retirement, he became active with "Some
Young Carpenters," an initiative of the Catholic Student
Association at the College of William and Mary. On any given
Saturday, Mr. Stolarski and his student apprentices can be found
building a new house or repairing a dilapidated one for low-
income and disabled individuals. They fix plumbing and
ULT
electrical problems, lay roofing, construct siding, and build
steps.
As a result of Mr. Stolarski's work, a group of concerned
citizens established the Housing Partnership, a non-profit
organization which uses volunteer labor to rebuild houses for the
disadvantaged. Mr. Stolarski and his team of students comprise
70 percent of the work force for the Housing Partnership.
The President salutes Mack Stolarski as the one hundred forty-
fourth "Daily Point of Light." Daily Point of Light recognition
is intended to call every individual, group, and organization in
America to claim society's problems as their own by taking direct
and consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like the efforts of Mr. Stolarski; and to
discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community
service, reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on
in America, any definition of a successful life must include
serving others."
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Robert Marbut
(202) 456-6266
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Education - Teacher of the Year
Pres. Hampton Sydney
Pres. Commencement address
GED graduate
ADA
Mentor Programs
Crime - Police officer
Drug Program
Community Activist
Business Community - Budget, Clean Air, Fast Track
Housing - Tenant ownership
Environment
Health
"Points of Light"
Foundations - "Cities-in-Schools"
"One-on-One"
Religious Leader
card
intergenerational
tutor
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 1991
The President today named Stuart Levin, of New York, New York, as
the 475th "Daily Point of Light" for the nation. Mr. Levin, a 61-
year old retired restauranteur, left behind a fast paced life as
a business executive to teach employable skills to young people who
are recovering from drug addictions.
After learning in 1986 that he has multiple sclerosis and retiring
from his successful career, Mr. Levin decided he did not want to
waste his skills. He recalled having once catered a fundraising
dinner for Phoenix House and Phoenix Academy, residential
facilities devoted to counseling young people who are addicted to
drugs. Mr. Levin, who must use a wheelchair or walker to move,
decided to dedicate his life to sharing his culinary talents with
the young people who live at the two facilities.
In 1987, Mr. Levin started teaching culinary arts and restaurant
service one day a week. Today, he spends five days a week
voluntarily teaching ten-week elective courses for the young
residents of both facilities. He teaches the students menu
planning and writing, setting a formal table, cooking, and proper
service techniques. He also offers interesting stories on the
history of food. Many of Mr. Levin's friends in the food industry
invite the young people to tour their restaurant facilities and
some even give the youngsters a chance to prove their new skills,
eventually working into a full-time job. Some of the students have
been accepted by reputable culinary schools. In addition, many of
the young people maintain contact with Mr. Levin, calling on him
when they are in need.
The President salutes Stuart Levin as the 475th "Daily Point of
Light" for the nation. Daily Point of Light recognition is
intended to call every individual, group, and organization in
America to claim society's problems as their own by taking direct
and consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like the efforts of Stuart Levin; and to
discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community service,
reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include serving
others.
=
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
comb
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 1990
The President today named SCALE (Student Coalition for Action in
Literacy Education), of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as the 270th
"Daily Point of Light." SCALE, founded in 1988 by University of
North Carolina students Lisa Madry and Clay Thorpe, unites
students nationwide in the fight for literacy.
Ms. Madry and Mr. Thorpe both were actively involved with a
campus literacy project when they realized the need for
coordination of college literacy programs at a national level.
They combined their experience to establish SCALE, a national
network of college and university students, administrators, and
faculty, working together to combat illiteracy.
Ms. Madry and Mr. Thorpe administer a variety of programs to
recruit literacy volunteers. The team publishes a newsletter
which profiles existing literacy efforts to stimulate their
replication by other student groups across the country. They
coordinate a nationwide literacy awareness day, assist colleges
with program development, and train new volunteers. Their work
has infused the literacy movement with youthful vitality and
vigor and has contributed to the effectiveness of literacy
attainment nationwide.
The President salutes SCALE as the 270th "Daily Point of Light." "
Daily Point of Light recognition is intended to call every
individual, group, and organization in America to claim society's
problems as their own by taking direct and consequential action;
to identify, enlarge, and multiply successful initiatives, like
the efforts of SCALE; and to discover, encourage, and develop new
leaders in community service, reflecting the President's
conviction that, "From now on in America, any definition of a
successful life must include serving others."
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
corb
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 1991
The President today named the volunteers of Shipleys Choice
Elementary School's BUDDY-BUDDY Program, of Millersville, Maryland,
as the 476th "Daily Point of Light. Through the BUDDY-BUDDY
Program, students in grades 2 - 6 are learning that everyone has
a gift to give.
The BUDDY-BUDDY Program is promoting friendships between the
general education and special education students. The benefits of
the BUDDY-BUDDY Program are two-fold: the disabled youngsters who
were once shunned by their peers now develop close relationships
with other young people, and students who were once reluctant to
befriend disabled individuals now realize the special gifts that
their new friends have to share. While there are only 25 special
education students at the school, more than 130 students have
volunteered. In order to ensure that each student can participate,
four volunteers are matched to one special education child, serving
as a buddy on an assigned day.
The youngsters who participate in the BUDDY-BUDDY Program serve as
a buddy or a peer-tutor, sometimes as both. As a buddy, the
friends spend lunch and recess time together. The student
volunteers ensure their friend is included in recess activities and
games. As a peer-tutor, students forego their recess period to
visit their buddy in class. They engage in learning activities
which reinforce motor sensory skills, such as balance and eye/hand
coordination. Many of the students have requested to be matched
with the same friend during the next school year.
The President salutes the volunteers of Shipleys Choice Elementary
School's BUDDY-BUDDY Program as the 476th "Daily Point of Light"
for the nation. Daily Point of Light recognition is intended to
call every individual, group, and organization in America to claim
society's problems as their own by taking direct and consequential
action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply successful initiatives,
like the efforts of the volunteers of the BUDDY-BUDDY Program; and
to discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community
service, reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on
in America, any definition of a successful life must include
serving others."
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
conf
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 1991
The President today named Baker Industries, of Paoli,
Pennsylvania, as the 347th "Daily Point of Light." Baker
Industries employs those who are disabled or homeless, training
them so they may obtain permanent employment in the future.
Founded in 1980, Baker Industries was established in response to
the Bakers' frustrating search to find employment for their son
who is afflicted with severe epilepsy. Baker Industries, located
in Paoli and Philadelphia, specializes in bulk mailing and
product packaging. The Paoli facility employs individuals with
severe epilepsy, emotional disabilities, physical disabilities,
memory impairments, and head injuries, and the Philadelphia
facility employs the homeless.
A variety of community members, including retired business
professionals, help operate the business. They serve as the
sales force, obtaining job contracts for the firm. They also
train and supervise the employees, teaching them good work
habits, such as punctuality, cleanliness, enthusiasm, and self-
esteem. In addition, the staff and volunteers of Baker
Industries assist the homeless employees in obtaining permanent
housing.
The President salutes Baker Industries as the 347th "Daily Point
of Light." Daily Point of Light recognition is intended to call
every individual, group, and organization in America to claim
society's problems as their own by taking direct and
consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like the efforts of Baker Industries; and
to discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community
service, reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on
in America, any definition of a successful life must include
serving others."
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, WELCOME]
DRAFT B
Thank you, good evening. Rae Ellen McKee, our National
Teacher of the Year, welcome. Mrs. [Jones] Head Start graduate
and now Head Start Program Chair, welcome. [John Smith] CEO of
the ABC Corporation, welcome to you, sir. And to the rest of
this extraordinary audience -- the governors, [I see Delaware's
Mike Castle], the Cabinet, the fifty Points of Light who have
joined us, the leaders of business and industry and all their
associations, and all the others who have made America the land
of opportunity, welcome to the South Lawn of the White House.
Over the past thirty months, the world has changed at a
dramatic pace. America has been called upon to meet one
challenge after another. And we met them -- each and every one
of them. From Panama, to Eastern Europe, to Kuwait, our country
has stood as a champion of freedom.
Ninety-eight days ago, I asked Congress to tackle the urgent
problems in our own backyard with the same energy we dedicated to
tackling the crisis in the Gulf. I asked that they pass just two
laws in a hundred days -- a comprehensive anti-crime bill, and a
transportation bill. Neither will be on my desk by Friday, and
that tells us something profound.
It is hard for the American people to understand why a bill
to fight crime cannot be enacted in a hundred days. They don't
understand the complication, the inaction, the bickering --
particularly when they do understand what it takes to solve
problems in their own neighborhoods.
2
I don't mention this to bash the Congress. I don't mention
this to run down government. The government is not the enemy --
in many cases the government is part of the solution. Yet, there
are still those in Congress who think government is the only
solution. The American people disagree. Almost universally,
intuitively, they know that solutions don't begin on Washington
D.C. If politicians would just listen to the people, they would
begin to understand what America is trying to tell us.
Tonight, gathered here in the twilight shadow of
Washington's Monument, are many extraordinary Americans. If you
will permit me, I'd like to share some of your successes with the
rest of America. You have already demonstrated how working
together we can solve acute domestic problems. You already
grasp the need to combine our efforts -- those of a government
properly defined, the marketplace properly understood, and
service to others properly fulfilled. Together we can transform
America, and create communities everywhere that are whole and
good. Tonight I am asking all Americans to lead the way.
We should be confident about what lies ahead. America has a
track record of success. We have shaped that success with our
own hands. Sometimes, in our impatience, we've made mistakes --
but when we do, we dust ourselves off, and go at it again. But
we have always acted out of a conviction to do what's right.
Every American should think about that, just for a moment, and
feel proud. But for all the good we've done, it's time to do
better, and plan for the next American century.
3
For many years I have crisscrossed this nation. As
President, part of my job -- an exciting part -- is getting out
and talking with the people. Small towns, big cities, schools,
neighborhoods and playgrounds, factories, farms, and fields --
those are the places where you find out what's good and right
about our country -- and what's going wrong, too.
I grew up blessed with a loving family, a host of friends,
and a lot of breaks. I defined the American Dream as a family, a
career, and a chance to make the world a better place -- and I
believed it was literally around every corner. I believed that
all you had to do to succeed was believe in yourself, work hard,
respect others, and have faith in God. I still try to follow
those principles each day. But now, after a lifetime of
experiences, I think there's more to the American Dream, and more
to achieving it.
It's not as simple as I once thought. Nor is it that
complicated either. The state of our nation is the sum of her
communities. If our communities are in trouble, our nation's in
trouble. So we must seek a nation of communities that are whole
and good. What defines whole and good?
First it is a community that cares for the needs of its
young people by building character, values and good habits for
life. Second, it's a community that provides excellent schools -
- schools that spark a lifelong interest in learning. Next,
there are jobs at respectable wages, and job training too.
Fourth, it's a place with good health care, and a clean
4
environment -- where a sense of well-being and belonging is
nurtured within its people. Finally, its neighborhoods are
decent and safe.
Because thousands of Americans have chosen to lead the way,
there are thousands of communities just like that in America.
They are communities where millions upon millions of Americans
have achieved the American Dream. We should never lose sight of
that. Across the board, America is the most prosperous and
productive, educated and enlightened nation on earth. And we
intend it keep it that way.
But a great nation must have the courage to be self-
critical. And we are a great nation. No one can deny that we
have enormous problems. Many of our communities are in serious
trouble -- not all Americans are living the American Dream. Many
Americans can't even imagine it.
There is the impoverished America, the poor and the
hopeless, the hungry and the homeless. There are those unable to
read and write. There is the America gone astray, the kids on
drugs, the broken families, the teenage mothers. And then there
is an America uneasy, troubled and bewildered by the dizzying
pace of change.
Over these last twenty or thirty years, despite our best
intentions, the ranks of these Americans have grown. That cannot
continue. The question is, what to do about it. I believe, it
is time for America to re-invent itself. Time for America to
think and act anew -- and plan for the next American century.
5
Conventional wisdom once held that all solutions were in the
hands of government: call in the best and brightest and hand
over the keys to the national treasury. Bigger government was
better government: compassion measured in dollars and cents;
progress by price tag. We tried that course. After twenty
years, with our economy strangling on inflation, unemployment,
and sky-high interest rates, America turned away from government.
So conventional wisdom then turned to the genius of the free
market. We began a decade of unparalleled economic growth -- and
created twenty million new jobs. But the rising tide could not
lift all boats. Twenty million new jobs later, our streets are
still not safe, our schools have lost their edge, and millions
still trudge the path of poverty. We tried the marketplace, and
learned that alone, it didn't solve all our problems either.
Will there always be those that are left behind? America
must answer unequivocally. The answer is No.
During this past year we have witnessed America at its best.
The War in the Gulf was not just a military achievement. It was
something much, much more. It was a victory for the parents who
believe in the talent of our young people; a victory for workers
who believe America can produce quality like the Patriot missile;
a victory for neighbors who help neighbors -- the outpouring of
support right here at home for our men and women in the Gulf was
magnificent. It was also our government at its best. America's
triumph was, in short, the conquest of doubt.
6
We can learn from this experience to see how to build
communities that are whole and good all across America. It
requires all three forces of national life. First, there is the
magic of the free market; second, a government that acts
competently and compassionately; third, the ethic of serving
others -- what I call Points of Light -- is vital to America's
future. These three powerful forces worked in common purpose in
the Gulf. Right here at home, each is crucial to creating the
conditions for whole and good communities -- and it's time we
harnessed all of them to transform America.
Power belongs where it will work for the greater good. It
belongs in the hands of people who seize opportunities. It
belongs in the hands of entrepreneurs, like
; in the
hands of [teacher of the year], in the hands of [point of light].
We have within our reach the power to transform America.
Let's start with the force of the free market. The
entrepreneurs who are with us tonight,
know exactly
what I'm talking about.
What so much of the world only covets, we take for granted:
food on the shelves of our supermarkets, and at our shopping
centers, cutting-edge, quality products of infinite variety.
Nothing has proved better than the free market at generating good
jobs at decent wages, in workplaces that are safe and healthy.
The good news is that the free market is now applying its
resources and know-how, its creativity and sense of purpose, to
many of our social problems. Numerous companies, recognizing
7
that tomorrow's workers are today's students, are leaders of a
revolution in American education. They are partners with us in
our Education 2000 strategy. Others are leading the way in
environmental protection, while still others are actively
promoting innovation from health care to child care.
But the market can only go so far by itself. To transform
America, government needs to be dynamic as well. Today our
government guarantees our rights, and our liberties. It provides
an important safety net for the needy. It creates economic
incentives, settles disputes within the marketplace, and supports
our national infrastructure. But to be the government of
Jefferson and Lincoln and Roosevelt -- the instrument of the
people -- it must truly be a force for good. A compassionate and
competent government must help transform America.
I believe in this kind of government. Here tonight, for
example is Mrs.
.
She teaches preschoolers in a marvelous
government program this Administration expanded called "Head
Start." And a year ago I signed our child care bill to make
child care available to those that the market cannot reach. We
fought for a Clean Air Act that puts the free market in the
service of the environment -- and we succeeded. The Americans
with Disabilities Act has brought a new opportunities to our
nation's disabled -- some of you wer right here when I signed it.
Jack Kemp and I stood with Mrs. , in Prospect Gardens project
in Missouri, to make America's public housing tenants America's
newest homeowners. And our crime bill will help make America's
8
neighborhoods safe. This is not big government, this is good
government. And it too leads to communities whole and good.
Finally, for America to be a nation of these communities,
the forces of the free market and the government by themselves
are not enough. To them must be added the ethic of voluntary
service -- Points of Light. It is not a phrase about charity.
It is about the light that is within us all -- the light that can
brighten the lives of others -- and make the lives of those who
shine it, complete as well.
Points of Light is a call to every American to serve another
in need. But no one of us can solve big problems like drug abuse
or poverty by ourselves. Only the combined attention from every
school, every business, place of worship, club, group, and
organization can turn the tide.
Whether it's a company's after-hours literacy program for
its workers, or a law firm's mentoring class, a police station's
counseling sessions for tough kids, or third graders who phone
homebound senior citizens, Points of light are giving those in
need a sense that someone cares, that they matter and belong.
When Points of Light join with the power of government and
the awesome power of the marketplace we can truly overwhelm
social problems in America. This is how we must usher in the
next American Century. Every one of us, our businesses, our
school boards, our associations, our clubs, our churches -- all
of us have the responsibility to lead.
9
Only then, can we truly think and act anew. Our challenge
is to re-invent America -- understand the successes and failures
of the past -- and create an ambitious approach for the future.
We have always been a nation of problem solvers -- a people
aware of the responsibility to live up to our ideals. No one in
America is without a gift to give, a skill to share, a hand to
offer.
The people gathered here tonight represent those who refuse
to rest easy. You represent those millions of Americans who use
power to inspire a greater good. We must carry forward what is
good, and reach out and embrace what is best. I know you will.
I know you have. For that your country is grateful, and for that
your country will endure.