Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323153976
label
Coalition for the Restoration of the Black Family 3/26/92 [OA 7570]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323153976
contentType
document
title
Coalition for the Restoration of the Black Family 3/26/92 [OA 7570]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13805-002
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323153976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
905cef40fadd6ecf
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 1999-0285-F
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13805
Folder ID Number:
13805-002
Folder Title:
Coalition for the Restoration of the Black Family 3/26/92 [OA 7570]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
4
2
FACT CHECK COPY
(Crouse/Nix)
March 26, 1992
Draft Seven
blk-fam7
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
COALITION FOR THE RESTORATION
OF THE BLACK FAMILY IN SOCIETY
ROOM 450 EVENT
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1992
3:00 P.M.
Thank you for that wonderful welcome. Meeting with you is always
a memorable event. The kinship we feel grows out of the common values
we share. As President, I've made it my mission to preserve three
significant legacies: peace in the world, productive jobs for all
Americans -- and strong families. I think Barbara said it best.
"What goes on at the White House is not nearly as important as what
goes on in your house."
I don't have to remind this group of deeply committed leaders of
the disturbing trends we are bucking -- your hearts have already been
stirred by the tragic forces which are overwhelming the family in
American society. Let me put it this way -- if our government had set
out determined to destroy the family, it couldn't have done greater
damage than what we see today. Unwittingly, our welfare programs --
which were meant to provide temporary support -- have, instead,
undermined responsibility, eroded dignity and robbed people of
control.
No group in America is more aware of the necessity for character-
based solutions and community-wide efforts than this Coalition. I
want to assure you of my commitment to those same guiding principles.
I want to assure you of my confidence in our partnership and my
support of your leadership on the front-lines of this battle for our
nation's families.
2
When we look to the forces for change -- the family, community
and church -- we can't forget our schools. We've got to create new
incentives for excellence -- like school choice. We have got to give
parents the power to choose which schools serve their children best
-- public, private or religious.
We have shown that when we work together we can get the job done.
Together, we placed Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. Together,
we have seen major walls come tumbling down because we yearn for what
is just and we are determined to do what is right.
Now I want your help on another issue of vital importance to us
all. Last week, Congress tried to push through a massive tax increase
-- the kind that would have stopped our economic recovery dead in its
tracks. I told Congress I'd veto that bill -- and I did. Yesterday,
House Democrats tried to over-ride my veto. You may not have seen
much coverage of this, but what was meant to be a show of strength
simply put a spotlight on disarray. The Democratic leadership
a
couldn't muster enough votes for simple majority. The veto stands.
That is almost unheard of -- that has happened only twice in the last
Reace
60 years. And I want to thank every member of Congress -- from both
parties -- who had the courage of their convictions to say no to more
taxes on the American family.
That's a beginning -- but it's not enough. If Congress really
wants to get this economy moving, create jobs and revive hope, then I
say: pass my plan -- put America back to work.
But we know we can't wait for Congress to see the light. So I've
asked Republican leaders -- beginning today -- I've asked Senator John
Jim Reane
McCain and Representative Harris Fawell to formally introduce our
requests for rescissions: 68 federal projects we don't need, and I
Leg Affairs 111/230
can't ask the American taxpayer to pay for.
3
That gives the Congress 25 days, to uphold the cuts I want to
make -- or to vote in broad daylight to forget about the deficit and
keep the pork. This week the leaders who control Capitol Hill did
something else: they began a new effort to remove the only defense the
taxpayer has against excessive government spending. We will see
Congress resort to all sorts of parliamentary gimmicks, but we owe it
to every American family -- everyone who works hard, and struggles to
make ends meet -- to hold the line on government spending. And we
will.
What we're seeing today is the beginning of the battle -- between
those who want to change things, and those who want to stick with the
status quo. Let the defenders of the status quo be warned: I stand
for change.
America will be restored -- not through government
interference, empty slogans and symbolic gestures -- but by strong,
clear voices of reason and consistent acts of responsibility. America
will be restored -- not by outsiders coming in with a so-called
"better idea" -- but by people who are passionate about reclaiming
their streets and rescuing their children from the forces that would
destroy them. America will be restored -- not by political rhetoric
-- but by people like you -- teachers and pastors, neighbors and
friends who say, "I will answer the crying needs around me. I will do
whatever it takes. I will pay the price of sacrifice and pain."
Today, I want you to know that your President is here as a full
partner with you in caring and concern. Your President is committed
to complete restoration of family -- until once again our families --
all our American families -- are vital and strong havens for those who
will follow after us. May God bless our partnership and our
endeavors.
Latest draft
(Crouse/Nix)
March 26, 1992
blk-fam8
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
COALITION FOR THE RESTORATION
OF THE BLACK FAMILY IN SOCIETY
ROOM 450
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1992
3:00 P.M.
Thank you for that wonderful welcome. Meeting with you is always
a memorable event. The kinship we feel grows out of the common values
we share. As President, I've made it my mission to preserve three
significant legacies: peace in the world, productive jobs for all
Americans -- and strong families. When it comes to family, I think
Barbara said it best: "What goes on at the White House is not nearly
as important as what goes on in your house."
I don't have to remind this group of deeply committed leaders of
the disturbing trends we are bucking -- your hearts have already been
stirred by forces that threaten the family in American society. Let
me put it this way -- in too many cases, if our government had set out
determined to destroy the family, it couldn't have done greater damage
than what we see today. Too often, our welfare programs -- which were
meant to provide temporary support -- have undermined responsibility,
robbed people of control, and destroyed their dignity no hold
No group in America is more aware of the necessity for character-
based solutions and community-wide efforts than this Coalition. I
want to assure you of my commitment to those same guiding principles.
I want to assure you of my confidence in our partnership and my
support of your leadership on the front-lines of this battle for our
nation's families.
When we look to the forces for change -- the family, community
and church -- we can't forget our schools. We've got to create new
incentives for excellence -- like school choice. We have got to give
2
all parents -- not just the wealthy -- the power to choose which
schools serve their children best -- public, private or religious.
We have shown that when we work together we can get the job done.
Together, we placed Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. Together,
we will continue to bring down the walls of intolerance and prejudice
-- because we yearn for what is just and we are determined to do what
is right.
Right now, I need your help on another issue -- an issue that
points out up the urgent need for economic revival and government reform.
Last week, Congress tried to push through a massive tax increase --
the kind that would have stopped our economic recovery dead in its
tracks. I told Congress I'd veto that bill -- and I did. Yesterday,
House Democrats tried to over-ride my veto. You may not have seen
much coverage of this, but what was meant to be a show of strength
simply put a spotlight on disarray. Not only did the Democrats fail
to muster enough votes to override my veto -- they failed to sustain
the simple majority that passed the bill last Friday. // That is
almost unheard of -- it has happened only twice in the last 60 years.
And I want to thank every member of Congress -- from both parties --
who had the courage of their convictions to say no to more taxes on
the American family.
That's a beginning - -- but it's not enough. If Congress really
wants to get this economy moving, create jobs and revive hope, then I
say: pass my plan -- put America back to work.
But we know we can't wait for Congress to see the light. So
beginning today, I've asked Senator John McCain and Representative
Harris Fawell to formally introduce our requests for rescissions: 68
federal projects we don't need, and I can't ask the American taxpayer
to pay for.
3
That gives the Congress 25 days, to uphold the cuts I want to
make -- or to vote in broad daylight to forget about the deficit and
keep the pork. This week the leaders who control Capitol Hill did
something else: they began a new effort to remove the only defense the
taxpayer has against excessive government spending. We may see
Congress resort to all sorts of parliamentary gimmicks, but we owe it
to every American family -- everyone who works hard, and struggles to
make ends meet -- to hold the line on government spending. And we
will.
What we're seeing today is the beginning of the battle -- between
those who want to change things, and those who want to stick with the
status quo. Let the defenders of the status quo be warned: I stand
for change.
America will be restored -- not through government meddling,
empty slogans and symbolic gestures -- but by strong, clear voices of
reason and consistent acts of responsibility. America will be
restored -- not by outsiders coming in with a so-called "better idea"
-- but by people who are passionate about reclaiming their streets and
rescuing their children from the forces that would destroy them.
America will be restored -- not by political rhetoric
-- but by people like you -- teachers and pastors, neighbors and
friends.
Today, I want you to know that your President is here as a full
partner with you in caring and concern. Your President is committed
to complete restoration of family -- until once again our families --
all our American families -- are vital and strong havens for those who
will follow after us. May God bless our partnership and our
endeavors.
# # #
TALKING POINTS
We've had an interesting, but disappointing year in
Congress. When I delivered my State of the Union address in
January, I hoped we could work with Congress to get a good
economic growth package that would create jobs. A strong
economy with good jobs and good opportunities is an
essential foundation for strong families.
Well, we didn't get a good growth package, I'm sorry to say.
What we got from the Democrats was business as usual -- a
huge tax increase. A Democratic tax increase that would
have killed jobs, not created them.
So I had to veto the Democrats' tax increase. And now let
me tell you something about that veto that you probably
didn't hear on the news. The Democratic leadership brought
happened. my veto up for a vote yesterday, but something remarkable
-- Not only did we get the one-third of the votes we needed to
sustain my veto, we got a majority of the votes against a
tax increase. That is almost unheard of -- there have been
only two times in the last 60 years that the House couldn't
muster a simple majority to override a veto.
I think that vote signals that at least some Democrate
realize that business as usual won't work anymore. The
American people don't want to be taxed anymore. They don't
want the federal government to spend anymore.
And I'll promise you something. We are going to force a
change in attitude and a change in habit. We've also been
fighting with the Congressional Democratic leadership about
the best tool for fiscal discipline we have -- the so-
called "caps" on discretionary spending in the budget law.
:
The Democratic leadership wants to kill those caps 50
Congress can spend more of taxpayer's dollars on more
federally run programs. I say ... NO WAY!
You see, we just can't stand for the status quo. I have
sent up a batch of line item rescissions -- spending cuts on
pork barrel programs -- for Congress to act on. More will
be coming.
:
And that battle has been joined as of today. My cuts have
been introduced as legislation and we're going to try to get
votes on each and every one.
SENT BY:ine TICKET VENTER
LEGISLATIVE
AFFAIRS
-2-
:
That might sound easy. It won't be. It seems pretty clear
already that there are some Democrate in Congress who want
to block these initiatives. To do so, they're going to
resort to parliamentary gimmicks.
-- If that's the case, we will fight them. We are going to
make a change in attitude about federal spending. And even
if they win the votes now, they won't win the long-term
battle because the public understands what's going on here.
(Crouse/Nix)
March 26, 1992
Draft Seven
blk-fam7
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
COALITION FOR THE RESTORATION
OF THE BLACK FAMILY IN SOCIETY
ROOM 450 EVENT
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1992
3:00 P.M.
Thank you for that wonderful welcome. Meeting with you is always
a memorable event. The kinship we feel grows out of the common values
we share. As President, I've made it my mission to preserve three
significant legacies: peace in the world, productive jobs for all
Americans -- and strong families. I think Barbara said it best.
"What goes on at the White House is not nearly as important as what
goes on in your house."
I don't have to remind this group of deeply committed leaders of
the disturbing trends we are bucking -- your hearts have already been
stirred by the tragic forces which are overwhelming the family in
American society. Let me put it this way -- if our government had set
out determined to destroy the family, it couldn't have done greater
damage than what we see today. Unwittingly, our welfare programs --
which were meant to provide temporary support -- have, instead,
undermined responsibility, eroded dignity and robbed people of
control.
No group in America is more aware of the necessity for character-
based solutions and community-wide efforts than this Coalition. I
want to assure you of my commitment to those same guiding principles.
I want to assure you of my confidence in our partnership and my
support of your leadership on the front-lines of this battle for our
nation's families.
2
When we look to the forces for change -- the family, community
and church -- we can't forget our schools. We've got to create new
incentives for excellence -- like school choice. We have got to give
parents the power to choose which schools serve their children best
-- public, private or religious.
We have shown that when we work together we can get the job done.
Together, we placed Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. Together,
we have seen major walls come tumbling down because we yearn for what
is just and we are determined to do what is right.
Now I want your help on another issue of vital importance to us
all. Last week, Congress tried to push through a massive tax increase
-- the kind that would have stopped our economic recovery dead in its
tracks. I told Congress I'd veto that bill -- and I did. Yesterday,
House Democrats tried to over-ride my veto. You may not have seen
much coverage of this, but what was meant to be a show of strength
simply put a spotlight on disarray. The Democratic leadership
couldn't muster enough votes for simple majority. The veto stands.
That is almost unheard of -- that has happened only twice in the last
60 years. And I want to thank every member of Congress -- from both
parties -- who had the courage of their convictions to say no to more
taxes on the American family.
That's a beginning -- but it's not enough. If Congress really
wants to get this economy moving, create jobs and revive hope, then I
say: pass my plan -- put America back to work.
But we know we can't wait for Congress to see the light. So I've
asked Republican leaders -- beginning today -- I've asked Senator John
McCain and Representative Harris Fawell to formally introduce our
requests for rescissions: 68 federal projects we don't need, and I
can't ask the American taxpayer to pay for.
3
That gives the Congress 25 days, to uphold the cuts I want to
make -- or to vote in broad daylight to forget about the deficit and
keep the pork. This week the leaders who control Capitol Hill did
something else: they began a new effort to remove the only defense the
taxpayer has against excessive government spending. We will see
Congress resort to all sorts of parliamentary gimmicks, but we owe it
to every American family -- everyone who works hard, and struggles to
make ends meet -- to hold the line on government spending. And we
will.
What we're seeing today is the beginning of the battle -- between
those who want to change things, and those who want to stick with the
status quo. Let the defenders of the status quo be warned: I stand
for change.
America will be restored -- not through government
interference, empty slogans and symbolic gestures -- but by strong,
clear voices of reason and consistent acts of responsibility. America
will be restored -- not by outsiders coming in with a so-called
"better idea" -- but by people who are passionate about reclaiming
their streets and rescuing their children from the forces that would
destroy them. America will be restored -- not by political rhetoric
-- but by people like you -- teachers and pastors, neighbors and
friends who say, "I will answer the crying needs around me. I will do
whatever it takes. I will pay the price of sacrifice and pain."
Today, I want you to know that your President is here as a full
partner with you in caring and concern. Your President is committed
to complete restoration of family -- until once again our families --
all our American families -- are vital and strong havens for those who
will follow after us. May God bless our partnership and our
endeavors.
434
Mar. 9 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
fighting against crime by trying to get some
ington or any State capitol or any city hall
reasonable crime bill passed, winning the
Your message was simply this: The enormous
fight against drugs where we've made a good
problems facing cities today, from infant
start. There are so many issues, but they're
mortality to high dropout rates to runaway
all obscured by the noise of the campaign.
crime, are partly, at least, symptoms of one
But that will be in focus in the fall; you watch.
larger problem, the deterioration of the
American family.
Note: The President spoke at 7:58 a.m. on
Now, I understand the breadth of the is-
the South Lawn at the White House. A tape
sues that you deal with daily, poverty to pot-
was not available for verification of the con-
holes to property taxes. And in addressing
tent of this exchange.
myself to this one subject, I don't want you
to think that we are less concerned about
these enormous problems you face every day.
But this morning, I would like to discuss that
Remarks to the National League of
same serious issue that you all raised with
Cities
me, the family. The restoration of the Amer-
March 9, 1992
ican family is at the heart of much of what
we have done these last 3 years. Leaving
Thank you very much. Glenda, thank you
aside for a moment the enormous costs, the
so much for that kind introduction. And to
wasted human resources or the billions spent
all of you-and may I salute the Members
to repair the damage of broken homes, family
of Congress that have been with us here. Let
breakdown ultimately endangers our position
me say good morning to them, and please
in a world increasingly driven by economic
do us right up on Capitol Hill. My greetings
competition.
to all the special guests here at the head
Certainly, the integrity of the family is crit-
table; to Don Borut and Wallace Stickney,
ical on its own merit. As Barbara Bush, my
who is with us.
favorite philosopher, says, "What goes on at
Let me just say that I'm very pleased to
the White House is not nearly as important
join you today. I enjoyed, Glenda referred
as what goes on in your house." And there's
to it, I enjoyed speaking to you over the tele-
a lot of truth in that. But particularly at a
vision hookup in December. It's much better
time when our efforts must focus on eco-
face to face. And I hear that you have had
nomic growth, the family's disintegration en-
a very energetic, very well attended series
dangers, for all of us, our ability to create
of meetings. And I salute your leadership,
and to preserve jobs, and to create an econ-
present leadership; and then, of course, an
omy open to participation by all our citizens.
old former colleague of mine, or put it this
So we must start with a clear-eyed look
way, a still young but former colleague of
at what is really happening to the family in
mine in the House of Representatives who
American communities today, not just in
will be your leader-what, starting next No-
poor urban neighborhoods but all across
vember, is it-Don Fraser.
America. And then we've got to look inside
In January, as Glenda said, I had a follow-
ourselves, to establish the principles that will
up meeting with 10 of your members. And
shape our approach. And then we must act.
like your organization as a whole, they rep-
The urgency is clear. We all know the sta-
resented a broad cross section of urban
tistics, perhaps you know them better than
America's leadership, Republicans and
most Americans, the dreary drumbeat that
Democrats, liberals, conservatives, officials
tells of family breakdown. Today, one out of
from large and small and midsized cities.
every four American children is born out of
And of course, we're all concerned, all of
wedlock; in some areas the illegitimacy rate
us here, about the big issues: jobs and family
tops 80 percent. A quarter of our children
and world peace. And even so, I was struck
grow up in households headed by a single
at this meeting by the unanimity of the mes-
parent. More than 2 million are called latch-
sage that your members wanted to deliver.
key kids, who come home from school each
It can't be repeated often enough in Wash-
afternoon to an empty house. And a large
Bush,
1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Mar. 9
435
number of our children grow up without the
Let's face it. We can only change things
city
hall
enormous
love of parents at all, with nobody knowing
if we work in common purpose. We must
their name.
call a cease-fire in the war of words that too
infant
runaway
We know from experience the con-
often consumes us. Casting blame brings no
of
one
sequences of family decline. Neglected chil-
solutions, nor will questioning each other's
of
dren are more susceptible to the lure of
motives. We have got to focus every ounce
the
crime and drugs; they're more likely to have
of our energy to turn back this assault upon
of
the
is
poor health, drop out of school early, more
the American family and act as one nation
to
pot-
likely to lead a life without hope. Each of
to defend and strengthen it. As public serv-
ddressing
you is in a position to know the human costs
ants, we must never forget that the best De-
want
you
that these statistics can only dimly sketch.
partment of HHS, of Health and Human
about
You know, as I do, that for every blip on
Services, is, indeed, the family. In restoring
day
a chart or dot on a graph, there is a human
the family, we restore to coming generations
that
story to tell, and too often the story is a trag-
the values, the sense of right and wrong, the
with
edy.
will and confidence to succeed that only a
Amer-
About 10 days ago, I was in Bexar County,
family can provide a child. And in doing this,
of
what
Texas, in San Antonio, meeting with Latin
we will reinvigorate our cities and our com-
munities as well.
Leaving
American leaders to intensify our war on
the
We needn't look far for principles to guide
drugs. And while there, I saw a front-page
story in the San Antonio Light. A cabdriver
us. They are old home truths: Rely on what
spent
works; discard what doesn't. Never be afraid
family
had been murdered last September, another
to innovate. Remember that Government
position
act of random, selfless violence, and his mur-
conomic
closest to the people responds best to the
derer had just been found guilty. But what
needs of the people. And let's not forget this
was truly horrifying, what would horrify any
is
as a guiding principle: If people are to be
crit-
American, was this: The murderer was a 12-
Bush,
responsible, they must be given responsibil-
my
year-old boy. And as the deputies took the
at
ity.
on
boy from the courtroom, according to the
The Government's first duty is like that
nportant
newspaper story, they had trouble fitting him
there's
of the physician: Do no harm. But the fact
with shackles and handcuffs, so slender were
is, with the best of intentions, many past Gov-
at
a
his wrists. This youngster was four feet tall,
ernment policies have worked against the in-
on
eco-
not yet a teenager but now a convicted mur-
stitution of the family, undermined young
en-
derer.
create
people's desire to marry and stay married,
The drumbeat continues: two teenagers
econ-
to provide for their children, to plan for their
shot dead in a New York public school, an
citizens.
future. As a practical matter, doing no harm
look
LSD ring busted up in an affluent northern
means in part that we ensure parents retain
in
Virginia suburb, or the harrowing stories of
the authority to make the big decisions for
just
in
runaway kids and the horrors that befall
their families. This doesn't absolve parents
them.
of responsibility; it's just the opposite.
across
inside
I know that almost all of you could tell
For example, even if we're able to reform
that
will
stories equally distressing, stories from your
our education system-and I am determined
neighborhoods in your cities where the un-
that the Federal Government assist all of you
act.
the
sta-
thinkable has become the commonplace. I
in every way in revolutionizing the education
than
am sure that many of you here took office
system-but even if we are, parents must still
that
with high confidence in the power to solve
read to their children. The point is that Gov-
out
of
these problems, only to discover, sooner rath-
ernment harms the family when it restricts
out
of
er than later, I suspect, that they were far
its autonomy or usurps the authority of re-
rate
more stubborn than we could imagine. Let's
sponsible parents.
hildren
not forget that the trials our citizens face
Let me give you another example. Those
single
each and every day were generations in the
of us in Government can never plausibly
latch-
making. We can't expect change overnight.
claim to fight for families if we insist that
each
But make no mistake: Change will come be-
Government, not parents, must choose who
large
cause change simply must come.
cares for their children. So 2 years ago our
436
Mar. 9 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
administration waged a fight in Congress
creased the funding for WIC, the supple-
over this very issue, and we won. We kept
mentary food program for women, infants,
choice of child care out of the hands of Gov-
and children, by 47 percent to $2.8 billion
ernment and put it where it belongs, in the
next year. We've increased other nutritional
hands of parents.
programs by similar percentages. And this
And now we're engaged in a similar fight
year Federal support for childhood immuni-
over whether parents should have the right
zation grants will top $340 million, an in-
to choose their children's schools. We know
crease of 18 percent over last year's level.
the benefits of competition; it is the linchpin
So all told, funding for children's programs,
of American prosperity. And competition
from nutrition and education to foster care
among schools will be the linchpin of edu-
and child immunization, has increased 66
cation excellence, too. From Minnesota to
percent since we took office.
Milwaukee to east Harlem, school choice
But look, we will never measure, and I
works.
think you all would be the first to agree with
But you see, it's important for other rea-
this, we would never measure our compas-
sons: It restores authority and responsibility
sion simply in dollars spent. We will measure
to parents. And just as it makes our schools
it by results. The test will be the health and
accountable, it also makes parents account-
happiness of our children and, most impor-
able for the decisions they make. Not only
tant of all, the sense of well-being and self-
in child care and school choice but in other
reliance instilled by our families. Our admin-
areas as well, a key to healing the American
istration has targeted funding to programs
family will be restoring parental authority
that efficiently fulfill Government's role in
and accountability.
supporting families and keeping them to-
Another example, the initiative that we call
gether, programs that work for the family.
HOPE, H-O-P-E. It took more than a year
Yet, at the same time, we must face an-
to get that program through Congress and
other fact. Government can sometimes be a
another year to get even partial funding for
burden as well as a boon. Over the past 40
it. But HOPE will be crucial to our success
years, the child tax exemption has lagged far
by offering low-income families a greater op-
behind the soaring costs of childrearing. And
portunity to own their own homes. HOPE
I have asked Congress to increase the exemp-
is based on a simple principle: To survive,
tion by $500 per child. For a family with four
people need the intangible values of dignity
children that's an increase of $2000. And it's
and self-respect. Government can't provide
a crucial first step toward redressing the im-
those, but homeownership can, an education
balance, and it's what we can afford to do
can, a job can, and being part of a family
right now.
can.
And now I come to perhaps the most cru-
The Federal Government has a positive
cial matter of all. One that concerns you all.
role in preserving the family, and we wel-
We must reform our Nation's welfare system.
come that role. It's guided the decisions that
Americans are the most generous people on
we make every single day. Since 1989, for
Earth, but they want to see, and they are
example, we have more than doubled the
entitled to see some relationship between
funding for the program that I bet everybody
welfare and work. Welfare must never be
in this room supports, Head Start, a program
what Franklin Delano Roosevelt warned it
that brings children and parents into the
might become, "a subtle destroyer of the
classroom, strengthens family ties and rein-
spirit." It is not meant to be a way of life
forces parental responsibility. For the first
or a family legacy passed from one genera-
time in the program's history, we can support
tion to the next. Welfare can eat away at the
now Head Start for all eligible 4-year-old
ties that bind a family together.
children whose parents choose to have them
And State and local governments are un-
participate.
dertaking the brave work of reform:
There are many other examples. We've in-
Learnfare in Wisconsin; REACH, Realizing
creased the earned income tax credit for low-
Economic Achievement in New Jersey;
income families. And since '89, we've in-
Washington State's FIP, Family Independ-
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Mar. 9
437
ence Program. These are all demonstration
woman who also cares deeply, to lead the
WIC, the supple-
rojects that we support. And my administra-
Commission and fulfill its mandate: To iden-
or women, infants,
tion is committed to reform, and we are act-
tify those government programs, at all levels,
ent to $2.8 billion
ing now on waivers, to loosen up on waivers,
that weaken or strengthen urban families; to
d other nutritional
to waive unnecessary redtape that impedes
analyze ways to improve private efforts to
centages. And this
childhood immuni-
reform.
strengthen urban families; and to rec-
There's no hidden agenda here. This ad-
ommend new policies to help families in our
40 million, an in-
ministration, the mayors, the State leaders
cities.
r last year's level.
who press for drastic reform of welfare aren't
I am convinced that we can correct our
ildren's programs,
tion to foster care
modern-day Scrooges chiseling one more
mistakes, that we can learn from our failures
has increased 66
dime out of some poor family. Democrat or
and build on our successes. I do not exagger-
e.
Republican, California, New Jersey, Federal
ate when I say that the future of America
or State: In our heart of hearts, we really
depends on our efforts. The family is the irre-
er measure, and I
believe reforming the welfare system is the
ducible unit of comfort and love. And from
first to agree with
best way to serve people. Break this sorry
families radiate neighborhoods, from neigh-
sure our compas-
cycle of despair. Give people real hope. And
borhoods come towns and cities, and their
t. We will measure
be the health and
we're going to keep on trying to do just that
health determines the health of our country,
and, most impor-
because every single American deserves to
for better or for worse. And like you, I am
ell-being and self-
believe in the American dream.
committed to making our health whole and
nilies. Our admin-
Today with family as the center I've high-
to ensuring that our cities, as Theodore
lighted the role of government, both positive
Parker said, "remain the fireplaces of Amer-
ding to programs
and negative, because we're men and women
ica, radiating warmth and light against the
ernment's role in
keeping them to-
of government. But let's never forget the
darkness."
rk for the family.
work of private Americans dedicating them-
Thank you all very much for giving me this
we must face an-
selves to the voluntary service of others, who
opportunity to visit with you today. And may
reate an environment where families can
God bless our great country. Thank you so
in sometimes be a
flourish. Each is a Point of Light, offering
much.
Over the past 40
tion has lagged far
service with no thought of reward, though
childrearing. And
the reward will be reaped by every single
Note: The President spoke at 11:36 a.m. at
American.
the Washington Hilton Hotel. In his remarks,
icrease the exemp-
a family with four
And let me be very clear. When I talk
he referred to Glenda E. Hood, president,
of $2000. And it's
about Points of Light, they are not a sub-
and Donald J. Borut, executive director of
redressing the im-
stitute for the good that government can do,
the National League of Cities; and Wallace
but it's more this: We will simply not solve
E. Stickney, Director of the Federal Emer-
can afford to do
our most pressing problems without the
gency Management Agency.
aps the most cru-
dedication of those Points of Light, of those
concerns you all.
volunteers. And I urge all of you, when you
n's welfare system.
return to your cities, to do all in your power
nerous people on
to encourage these caring men and women,
Letter to Congressional Leaders on
see, and they are
to make yours a community of light.
Nuclear Cooperation With
tionship between
In my State of the Union Address, I an-
EURATOM
e must never be
nounced that we would soon institute a Com-
March 9, 1992
osevelt warned it
mission on America's Urban Families. Your
destroyer of the
executive board or directors or whatever
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
be a way of life
group it was-I've never been sure with
The United States has been engaged in nu-
from one genera-
whom I was dealing, but they were all big
clear cooperation with the European Com-
an eat away at the
thots, believe me-[laughter]-came to-
munity for many years. This cooperation was
'rer.
ether. And their work will be one result of
initiated under agreements that were con-
my meetings in January with some of your
cluded over 3 decades ago between the Unit-
ernments are un-
ork of reform:
leaders.
ed States and the European Atomic Energy
And I have asked Governor Ashcroft of
EACH, Realizing
Community (EURATOM) and that extend
in New Jersey;
Missouri, a very caring man, Annette Strauss,
until December 31, 1995. Since the incep-
Family Independ-
the former mayor of Dallas, a very able
tion of this cooperation, the Community has
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 26, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE COALITION FOR THE RESTORATION
OF THE BLACK FAMILY AND SOCIETY
Old Executive Office Building
3:11 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome, everybody. Please be seated
now and relax here. First, let me just say how pleased I am -- and I
know you'll be to hear from Lamar Alexander -- but pleased I am that
he's here. And you talk about something important for our nation --
what he is doing in working for a program that I'll. just touch on
today, but that I feel -- think about every single day, our program
America 2000 is a chance to revolutionize, literally revolutionize
American schools to give these kids a break, make them competitive in
the future is just wonderful. So I know you're going to enjoy
hearing from this former Governor who is now working so hard as a
Cabinet member to do something for the kids, and also, I might say
for the teachers -- those of you who teach. And so he's here and
you'll be hearing from him.
This, for me, is a very wonderful occasion. I'm looking
forward to it. It's not just that I passed my physical a few minutes
ago with flying colors, but -- (applause.) You always wonder about
those things, you know, when you go out to get all this probing and
checking, et cetera. But in any event, I feel blessed in that sense.
And let me just -- a few serious comments. I have tried
as President to preserve and strengthen three significant legacies:
world peace, productive jobs for all here in this country, and then
strong families. And when it comes to family, I think maybe Barbara
said it the best. She said, "What goes on at the White House is not
nearly as important as what goes on in your house." And what she was
saying was emphasizing the importance of family, the importance of
parents reading to kids, families staying together in these troubled
times.
And I don't have to remind this group of committed
leaders of the disturbing trends that we are bucking. You're
fighting them in your neighborhoods, in your churches, and in your
communities every single day -- with broken hearts. And your hearts
have already been stirred by the forces that threaten the American
family and society.
And so let me put it this way: In too many cases, if
our government had set out determined to destroy the family, it
couldn't have done greater damage than some of what we see today.
Too often these programs, well-intentioned -- welfare programs, for
example, which were meant to provide for temporary support have
undermined responsibility. They've robbed people of control of their
lives; destroyed their dignity; in some cases -- and we've tried hard
to change this -- encouraged people, man and wife, to live apart
because they might just get a little bit more to put in their
pockets.
We've got to do better. (Applause.) No group -- I know
we've got a lot of reverends here and I know I'm preaching to the
MORE
- 2 -
choir (laughter) but let me just say this: No group is more
aware of the necessity for character-based solutions in community-
wide efforts than this coalition. And I want to assure you of our
commitment to those same guiding principles, the principles that you
try to inculcate into your parishes, into your schools, into your
neighborhoods. No one cares more about it than we do. And I just
want you to know we are committed.
And I want to assure you of my confidence in this
partnership, my support for your leadership out there, as I say, on
the front lines of the battle for our nation's families. I have
appointed a commission -- you sometimes hear, oh, there he goes, one
more commission. But when -- the mayors came to see me from the
League of Cities large cities like Los Angeles; small cities like
a small community out in North Carolina; Plano, Texas -- a wide
variety of mayors. And they said, the one thing that we think really
gets to the fundamentals of the deterioration in the cities is the
deterioration of the American family.
So we put together this commission to take a hard look
at how do you strengthen the family; what legislation do you take
away that may be dividing families; what legislation can we encourage
to help the families and those that are trying to educate their kids
and keep things together. And that commission I look forward to
hearing from. The chairman of it is Governor Ashcroft out there in
Missouri. Mayor Strauss, Annette Strauss, former Mayor of Dallas is
co-chair. And we've got a good commission who share your vies on
family. I think the commission will help a lot.
We've got to create new incentives for excellence. And
Lamar will talk to you about that as how it fits into our education
program. One incentive school choice. (Applause.) We have to
give all parents, not just the wealthy, the power to choose. And the
schools that aren't chosen, as Lamar will explain, then improve
themselves. There's a great record of that.
And so we need your help there -- the power to choose
which schools serve the kids the best. And that means public; it
means private; it means religious. And I don't believe that's
against the Constitution. (Applause.) We have shown that when we
work together we can get the job done. And I want to thank everybody
here that helped on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme
Court. He will be an outstanding justice. (Applause.)
I know you can't do it alone, and I can't do it alone.
But I want you to know I am going to continue to do what I can to
bring down the walls of intolerance and prejudice in this country. I
spoke out about it, will continue to speak out about.
I got a great joy in standing on the steps of the
Mississippi capitol and saying in front of -- whatever it was --
5,000-10,000 people, that there is no place for anti-Semitism or for
racial bigotry or prejudice in this country. (Applause.) It is not
regional. This is a national thing. And there's just as much
tolerance or intolerance in states in the north or south or east or
west. This is a national problem. And we've got to do what we can
to make things better, to make things a little less ugly.
When economic conditions are tough, then we find people
resorting to prejudice. We find neighbor looking at neighbor
suspiciously. And we've got to try to change this. And so I will
-- I just wanted you all to know not only am I aware of the problem,
but I want to do my level best to be a constructive influence for
change.
One thing that's vital to the family is a strong
economy. And we've working to improve it. And I need your help on
MORE
- 3 -
another issue, an issue that points out the urgent need for economic
revival and government reform.
Last week the Congress tried to put through a massive
tax increase, the kind that would have stopped -- in my view --
stopped our economic recovery that's starting dead in the tracks.
And I told Congress I'd veto that bill, and I did it. And yesterday
the House leadership -- Democrats -- tried to override my veto. You
may not have seen much on this, but what was meant to be a show of
strength simply put a spotlight on disarray up there. Not only did
the Democrats fail to muster enough votes to override that veto, but
they failed to sustain the simply majority that passed the bill last
Friday in the first place. And that is almost unheard of. I'm told
this is the third time that's happened this century, first time since
1972 -- twice in the last 60 years.
So I want to thank those members of Congress from both
parties who had the courage of their convictions to say no to more
taxes on the American family. (Applause.)
That is a beginning. It is not enough. And if Congress
really wants to help get this economy moving now, now that we've
gotten this underbrush out of the way, to help me create jobs and
revive hope, then I say pass this incentive plan that I have up there
and to put America back to work.
We know we can't wait for Congress to see the light.
And so, beginning today, I've asked a couple of congressmen --
Senator McCain of Arizona, Congressman Harris Fawell of Illinois --
to formally introduce our request for rescissions. There are 68
federal projects that we don't need. They are not related to jobs,
and we simply cannot ask the taxpayers, given the needs that you all
are aware of, to pay for things that aren't necessary in these
troubled times.
So under the rules, what I've proposed now gives
Congress 25 days to act, to uphold the cuts that we want to make, or
they have to then stand up in broad daylight in front of you, their
constituents, to go ahead with a vote, up or down, on spending that
we simply don't need. We may see Congress resort to a lot of
political gimmickry to get away from having to cast such a vote in
the sunlight, but I think we owe it to the American family and
everyone who works hard and struggles to make ends meet, to hold the
line on spending that is unnecessary; and we're going to keep doing
that.
Also this week, the leaders who control Capitol Hill did
something else: They began a new effort to remove the spending caps.
That's the only protection the taxpayer has, the only defense he has
against the excesses of government spending -- these enormous
deficits that add to the mortgage on the future of my grandchildren
and your children you're all younger. (Laughter.) So the
Democratic leadership wants to kill those caps so Congress can then
go ahead and spend more. And we simply cannot let that happen.
What we're seeing today is the beginning of a battle
between those who want to change things up there and those who want
to stick with the status quo. And I say, let the status quo people
be warned: We are going to be making these changes, taking the case
to the American people. (Applause.)
You see, I am very confident about this country. I know
we've been through an awful lot. But America will be restored not
just through government, not government meddling -- empty slogans,
symbolic gestures -- but by strong, clear voices of reason, and then
consistent acts of responsibility. And we are going to be restored
not by outsiders coming in with a better idea, but by people who are
passionate about -- and this is where you all fit in passionate
MORE
- 4 -
about reclaiming your streets, rescuing the kids from the forces that
literally would destroy them. And we will be restored. We've got to
see our drug program succeed. We've got to see Lamar's program and
mine, America 2000, be a success. And there's the challenge.
I thank you for what you've done -- teachers, pastors,
neighbors, friends. We are not about to give up on the United
States. And, you know, we've got a lot of blessings out there. Your
kids and mine go to sleep at night with a little less fear of nuclear
war. That's good. That's a good thing.
Now, let's take what we did to change the world and use
it working with you all to constructively change America. Thank you
very, very much for what you're doing. Good luck. (Applause.)
END
3:30 P.M. EST