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Ft. Lauderdale Stump 10/3/92 [OA 7581]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Ft. Lauderdale Stump 10/3/92 [OA 7581]
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26
23
1
6
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1992
A21
The 1992 Campaign
"We must have a President who can conduct both a domestic policy and a foreign policy.
BILL CLINTON
Excerpts From Speech
By Clinton on U.S. Role
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Reuters) - Following are excerpts from today's
foreign-policy speech by Gov. Bill Clinton in Milwaukee, as transcribed by
News Transcripts Inc.:
No American foreign policy can
tant to offer Boris Yeltsin, Russia's
succeed if It neglects our domestic
freely elected president, a helping
needs. And no American foreign poli-
hand. It took a chorus of complaints,
cy can succeed if it slights our com-
culminating with the prodding of an-
mitment to democracy.
other Republican, Richard Nixon, to
The President often takes a lot of
move him into action on the Russian
credit- for Communism's downfall,
aid package.
but fails to recognize that the global
Just weeks before the attempted
democratic revolution actually gave
coup in Moscow, President Bush trav-
freedom its birth.
eled to Ukraine. There he lectured a
le simply does not seem at home
people subjected to genocidal starva-
in the mainstream pro-democracy
tion in the Stalin era, warning that
tradition of American foreign policy.
their aspirations for independence
He shows little regard for the idea
constituted, and I quote, "a suicidal
that we must have a principled and
nationalism.
cohefent American purpose in inter-
A few months later, the people of
national affairs, something he calls
Ukraine voted by a huge margin for
"the vision thing.
the immediate and total dissolution of
Instead, President Bush seems too
the Soviet Union.
ofterpto prefer a foreign policy that
ACTION ON THE BALTICS. For over
embraces stability at the expense of
40 years, the United States refused to
freedom, a foreign policy built more
recognize Soviet claims to the Baltic
on personal relationships with foreign
nations: Lithuania, Latvia and Esto-
leaders than on consideration of how
nia. But when at long last, the mo-
those'-leaders acquired and main-
ment of Baltic independence came,
tained-their power.
President Bush suddenly became a
It is almost as if this Administra-
reluctant bridegroom.
Photo Copy Preservation
tion were nostalgic for a world of
The United States was 37th among
times past, when foreign policy was
the world's nations to extend diplo-
the exclusive preserve of a few aris-
matic recognition to these countries.
tocrats. This approach to foreign poli-
We should have been first.
cy is sometimes described as power
politics, to distinguish it from what
contend is sentimentalism and
In the Middle East, I supported the
idealism of a pro-democracy foreign
President when it became necessary
York
policy.
to evict Saddam Hussein from Ku-.
Gov. Bill Clinton speaking yesterday on foreign policy at an event sponsored by the University of Wisconsin at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee.
But in a world where freedom, not
wait, and I support his decision now to
tyranny, is on the march, the cynical
provide air cover to Saddam's Kurd-
The Democrats
calculus of pure power politics simply
ish and Shiite opponents in the north
does not compute. It is ill-suited to a
and the south of Iraq.
new era in which ideas and informa-
But I am angered by the Adminis-
tion are broadcast around the globe
tration's appeasement of Saddam
before ambassadors can read their
Hussein before the war and disap-
Clinton Says Bush Is Too Eager to Befriend Dictators
cable.,
pointed by its callous disregard for
Simple reliance on old balance-of-
democratic principles after the war.
power strategies cannot bring the
Just this week another friend of
Continued From Page Al
The Governor's address here was
same, practical success as a foreign
freedom, my running mate, Senator
Attacking the
alone do not solve every world prob-
before an audience representing 35 eth-
policy that draws more generously
Gore. laid out in precise and devastat-
lem," he refrained from explaining ex-
nic groups in Wisconsin, brought to-
President at what
actly where he-would draw the line or
from American democratic experi-
ing detail the errors of this Adminis-
time and again." The President, he
gether by the Institute of World Affairs
how he would deal with situations -
ence and ideals and lights fires in the
tration in dealing with Saddam Hus-
added, "simply does not seem at home
at the Milwaukee campus of the Uni-
like those Algeria or Georgia, a former
hearts of millions of freedom-loving
sein.
President Bush showered Govern-
in the mainstream pro-democracy tra-
versity of Wisconsin.
was regarded as
Soviet republic - where democratic
peoplé around the world.
dition in American foreign policy."
It was his fourth major foreign poli-
elections have brought anti-democratic
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. Let
ment-backed grain credits and high
To support his initiatives, Mr. Clin-
cy speech since the campaign began.
The underlying theme of all four
his strong point.
forces to power.
there be no mistake, this world is still
technology on a regime that had used
person gas on its own people. After the
ton said he would "reorganize and redi-
While the Bush team believes that
a dangerous place. Military power
speeches is that while Mr. Clinton is,
still matters. And I am committed to
war. Mr. Bush encouraged the Iraqi
rect" American foreign aid, to use it to
the President's record on foreign poli-
like Mr. Bush, an internationalist at
cy is one of his strongest cards, high-
maintaining a strong and ready de-
people to revolt against Saddam Hus-
better support not only democratic de-
heart, he is a different sort of interna-
important initiatives at the United Na-
lighting it reminds many voters of his
fense.;I will use that strength where
sem but then abandoned them.
velopment but also "the skills, values
tionalist and would address world prob-
tions, like the war against Iraq, and
weaknesses in domestic policy, and
necessary to defend our vital inter-
MIDDLE EAST POLICIES. The Ad-
and institutions of free society."
lems differently.
that alienating Beijing would undercut
therefore the President has been virtu-
ests. But power must be accompanied
ministration has sometimes treated
He did not give many details, but he
The speech was also his first full-
efforts to stop it from exporting weap-
ally mum on the subject. This has left
said he would establish a Democracy
scale attack on Mr. Bush's foreign poli-
ons to other countries
the conflict between Israel and the
the field to Mr. Clinton.
by clear purpose.
Mr. Bush's ambivalence about sup-
Arab states as just another quarrel
Corps and reinvigorate the Peace
cy as being out of tune with American
Mr. Clinton addressed some of these
The Arkansas Governor also tried to
between religions and nations, rather
Corps to help create democratic insti-
values. Nevertheless, Mr. Clinton's
issues but also seemed to suggest that
porting democracy, his eagerness to
take the standard argument of Mr.
than one in which the survival of a
tutions in the former Communist lands.
proposals raised many questions. One
it would be possible to change China.
Bush that he did not have much time
defend potentates and dictators, has
shown itself time and again.
democratic ally, Israel, has been at
He said he would also expand Radio
was how he would pay for many of his
"We do not want China to fall apart
for domestic policy because he was too
It has been a disservice not only to
Free Europe to bring information to
programs, given the isolationist mood
or descend into chaos," he said. "Rath-
stake 1 support strongly the peace
busy ending the cold war - and por-
the despotisms that remain in Asia
in Congress.
er, we want to use our relationship and
tray it as a symbol of the President's
our democratic values, but also to our
talks that are under way. and if elect-
in China, Vietnam, Laos, North Korea
influence with the Chinese to work for a
For
without
China's Support of U.S. Noted
general weakness as a leader.
interest
internin.
neaceful
It has been a disservice not only to
stake. I support strongly the peace
Free Europe to bring information to
programs, given the isolationist mood
or descend mo chaos, ne said. "Rath-
in Congress.
busy ending the cold war - and por-
our democratic values, but also to our
talks that are under way, and if elect-
the despotisms that remain in Asia
er, we want to use our relationship and
tray it as a symbol of the President's
in China, Vietnam, Laos, North Korea
influence with the Chinese to work for a
national interest. For in the long run I
ed, I will continue without interrup-
China's Support of U.S. Noted
general weakness as a leader.
believe that Mr. Bush's neglect of our
tion America's role in them.
and Myanmar, formerly Burma.
peaceful transition to democracy and
Speech to Ethnic Groups
Another was the workability of his
the spread of free markets."
democratic ideals abroad could do as
I also believe that America's policy
"In the face of opportunities and
human rights approach. Mr. Bush and
The problem, in the eyes of many
dangers, we must have a President
much harm as our neglect of our
in the Middle East should be guided
Mr. Clinton has been criticized by
many China experts argue that trade
experts, is that the Chinese leadership
economic needs at home.
by a vision of the region in which
who can conduct both a domestic policy
Mr. Bush and the Republicans for his
sanctions against China would simply
is not interested in a peaceful transi-
and a foreign policy, he said. "Frank-
Let us look at the record. It reflects
Israel and Arab partners are secure
lack of experience in foreign policy, but
anger and alienate the Chinese leader-
tion to democracy. In any case, Mr.
lin Roosevelt fought the Great Depres-
an unmistakable pattern in the Bush
in their peace, and where the prac-
the Arkansas Governor's campaign
ship and promote civil strife in the
Clinton refrained from explaining ex-
sion and the rise of fascism at the same
Administration's foreign policy.
tices and principles of the personal
seems to have concluded that foreign
world' most populous country.
actly how he would work for that end
time. Harry Truman carried out the
Fearing attacks by isolationists in his
liberty and governmental account-
affairs may actually be a fertile area
They,say further that China has been
without getting embroiled in a conflict
Fair Deal at home at the same time he
own party, President Bush was reluc-
ability are spreading.
for him to criticize the President.
willing to stand by the United States on
with Beijing or fomenting revolution
moved to contain Communist aggres-
there.
sion in Europe and Korea. They would,
Not by Ballot Boxes Alone
have laughed at the Idea of a conduct-
ing foreign affairs in their first term,
Hillary Clinton
Also, while Mr. Clinton acknowl-
edged that "we know that ballot boxes
and then switching to domestic affairs
in their second."
Talking Up
To Children
Campaign Trail
By MELINDA HENNEBERGER
Raising the Secrecy Curtain
Hillary Clinton fielded a few
tough questions yesterday from
some of the children she has said
On a Bush 'Backgrounder'
she will speak for if her husband is
elected President.
After delivering a speech on edu-
Here's how the system works:
"I'm his dad," Mr. Quayle an-
cation reform at the Bank Street
President Bush says Gov. Bill Clin-
swered.
College, Mrs. Clinton visited an
ton wants to raise taxes on people
"Did you know he was here to-
eighth-grade government class in
who make as little as $20,000 a year.
day?" the waiter asked.
the adjoining Bank Street School
Mr. Clinton counters that only the
"Had no idea," Mr., Quayle re-
for Children, where students asked
very wealthy would pay more.
sponded.
whether the family-leave bill sup-
Then, "senior Administration offi-
So it was that the Quayles joined up
ported by her husband, Gov: Bill
cials" and "senior Treasury offi-
with their son, who, as things turned
Clinton, would hurt businesses,
cials" call reporters to what in Wash-
out, had spent the night at another
whether children should be al-
ington parlance is called a "back-
Rockford hotel. Mom and dad tagged
lowed to divorce their parents and
grounder." Under the condition that
along for a few hours of campaigning
what she would do to improve pub-
their names not be used, these offi-
through Illinois, then broke off and
lic education.
cials offer a flurry of figures fetched
resumed their trip toward home.
In detailed responses, Mrs. Clin-
from the Government computers to
ton did not talk down to her audi-
defend Mr. Bush's charges.
ence.
Again the Governor counters, send-
Clinton's Brass
"I do not believe it would cause
ing forth his aides to ply reporters
an economic drain, especially
with data to back up his position.
On Capital Display
since small business is exempt,
Three things to keep in mind:
she said in explaining her support
Mr. Clinton's staff members do not
Bill Clinton was campaigning in
of the family-leave bill. Her 13-
require anonymity. The Bush defend-
Washington. He finished up one event
year-old questioner nodded grave-
ers are on the Government payroll
at the Corcoran Art Gallery and
ly throughout her answer, in a re-
Only reporters who attend back-
headed for another at the Capitol
Photo Copy Preservation
spectable Imitation of a political
grounders are bound by the back
Hilton Hotel That's à seven-block
reporter who knows he is on cam-
ground rules.
ride by the shortest route, north on
era.
New
Here are the names of the Bush
17th street and then east on K street.
York
Some Friendly Questions
defenders:
Hillary Clinton delivered a speech yesterday on
But it became a 12-block trip, the
in the adjoining school. With her were Joseph
Robert E. Grady, Deputy Director
main part of it a showy detour along
Other questions were friendly,
education reform at the Bank Street College in
Shenker, left, the president of the college, and Toe
of the Office of Management and
Pennsylvania Avenue past the White
and some could have been written
Manhattan and then visited an eighth-grade class
Shumkin, the president of the board of trustees.
Budget; Fred T. Goldberg Jr., Assist-
House, the whole Clinton caravan,
by the Clinton campaign staff:
ant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax
limos and Secret Service vans and
"How do you feel about being at-
Policy; Hollis S. Mcl oughlin, Assist-
press buses and, but of course, those
tacked by the Republican Party for
ant Secretary of the Treasury for
police cruisers with sirens howling.
being a working mother?" one girl,
asked. Another wondered, "Why do
ticipation in "The Jumping Song,"
to take a swipe at Vice President
Policy Management, and Desiree
She recalled a recent conversa
you think Bush and Quayle would
and joined in another tune that
Dan Quayle. "A headline in one of
tion with a homeless woman: "I
Tucker-Sorini, Assistant Secretary of
support their own families having
simulates proper tooth-brushing
the newspapers today: "Well,
the Treasury for Public Affairs and
Mazzoli's March
an abortion but not the rest of
techniques.
asked her if she was talking to her
can't be expected to spell. 1 only
Public Liaison.
baby and she looked at me and
Hears Sour Note
Americans?"
"God, what a sport," muttered
went to public school, she said.
said, !Why? He can't talk back,
But-no. one could accuse Mrs.
an aide to Mrs. Clinton, who looked
Mr. Quayle has said he was joking
Mrs. Clinton, whose own dedica-
Clinton of pandering to her audi-
on as the Democratic candidate's
when he complained that the Dem-
Nothing so invigorates a politician
wife energetically hopped up and
tion as a mother has been ques-
Quayle Families
ocratic Vice-Presidential nominee,
as to march triumphant through the
ence at the school on West 112th
tioned by her Republican detrac-
Street. In response to a question
down in high heels.
Senator AI Gore of Tennessee,
tors, allowed that all parents can
Cross Paths
streets of the old hometown. Take
Representative Romano L. Mazzoli's
about battling the pernicious effect
Swipe at Quayle
would have an unfair advantage in
be intimidated by the school
of television, she said, "I think
debates because he received a su-
march through Louisville with fellow
Only moments earlier Mrs. Clin-
system.
perior, private school education.
On route from Rochester, Minn.,
Democrat and fellow candidate, Bill
schools have to give more home-
ton had told educators, including
"For overeducated parents like
toward home in Huntington, Ind.,
Clinton,
work."
But Mrs. Clinton said teachers
Chancellor Joseph A. Fernandez,
me it's not so easy, either." she
should also be challenged "to
James and Corinne Quayle stopped
Cheers to the right of them! Cheers
During the school tour, Mrs.
that public schools need a stronger
said. "I remember the first time
one night this week at a hotel in
to the left of them!
Clinton also sang, danced and
emphasis on early childhood edu-
change the way they've always
Bill Clinton and I went to a teacher
done things." And she said parents,
Rockford, III. The next morning, after
Then above the din arose a lone
clapped her hands during a short
cation and more resources.
conference for our daughter, when
eating breakfast in the hotel restau-
who should work more closely with
voice, crying "Congressman! Con-
visit with a group of toddlers. She
On her way to expressing
teachers, often need education in
she was in kindergarten, and you
rant, Mr. Quayle presented a credit
gressman!" Mr. Mazzoli: Big grin.
appeared enthusiastic about par-
support for educators. she paused
would have thought we were being
card for payment.
Big wave.
parenting skills and other services.
hauled up before the Inquisition.
"Oh, Quayle," the waiter observed,
Lone Voice: "You're history in four
noticing the name on the card. "Any
months believe it, baby!'
relation to the Vice President?"
B. DRUMMOND AYRES Jr.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
For Immediate Release
October 3, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE COMMUNITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2:25 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks, Colonel Bud Day. And thank
all of you for being here. Let me also single out two Floridians
-- Jeanie Austin, who is the Vice Chairman -- Cochairman of the
Republican National Committee, a great daughter of Florida with
us today; and also the man I want to see elected to the United
States Senate, Bill Grant -- (applause) -- a good Congressman, a
good man. (Applause.)
And may I salute Guy Sanchez and Commander Donald
Freak; and also a couple of friends of mine that came up on the
plane -- Andy Mills and Chris Evert -- (applause) -- two of Fort
Lauderdale's favorites over here. (Applause.) And may I thank
Gerald McRaney, a man of principle who's campaigning. I'm glad
to have Major Dad on my side, I'll tell you. (Applause.)
And I'm sure some of you young ones are wondering
what this 1s. This thing is a TBF Avenger. And I remember the
first time I saw one of these, I could hardly wait to try it out.
And then my flight instructor told me a curious aerodynamic fact.
When the thing was loaded, it could fall faster than it can fly.
And I proved that a couple of times out in the Pacific flying one
of these things. (Applause.) I took my flight training right
here at Fort Lauderdale. It was quite a few years ago.
(Applause.)
I am very pleased to be here to talk about the --
AUDIENCE: Where was Bill! Where was Bill! Where
was Bill! Where was Bill! Where was Bill!
THE PRESIDENT: I am very pleased to be here to talk
about the choice for this November. And this campaign, like
every campaign, is about a simple question: What kind of America
do you want for the young people that are here today?
(Applause.)
My opponent likes to tear America down. He says
that we are -- in his words -- south of Germany, heading toward
Sri Lanka. Well, maybe he ought talk to a few folks in Germany
or Asia, and they' 11 remind him of a few facts. Our people are
the best educated; our economy is still the most dynamic; and our
workers the most productive. (Applause.)
And America is the greatest economic superpower the
world has ever seen. And I intend to keep it that way and make
it better. And I don't like Governor Clinton tearing down the
United States of America. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: We want Bush! We want Bush! We want
Bush! We want Bush!
MORE
- 2 -
THE PRESIDENT: I have laid out a comprehensive
Agenda for American Renewal. It's a comprehensive, integrated
agenda to create -- right here in the United States -- the
world's very first $10-trillion economy. And you go with my
plan, and we can do just that. (Applause.)
And here's what we've got to do. We've got to look
forward to open new markets for our products, because that's the
way we're going to create new jobs and better wages for our
workers.
My agenda charts a way to prepare our young people
to excel in Math and English and science, because that's the way
our kids will beat the socks off the Germans and the Japanese in
economic competition. (Applause.)
This agenda provides ways to strengthen the American
family because families are the foundation of our nation. And
I'm going to keep on talking about strengthening the family.
(Applause.) And, as the Colonel said, Governor Clinton wants to
gut our military forces. He wants to cut $60 billion beyond what
my military experts say is responsible.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: And my Agenda cuts defense, but only
so far. Because the only way America can stay safe is for
America to stay strong. The reason we whipped Saddam Hussein is
we stayed strong. (Applause.)
So here's what I'm fighting for -- is to reinvent
American education -- and give every parent the right to choose
the best school for their kids -- public, private or religious.
(Applause.)
To reform our crazy legal system -- we've got too
many crazy lawsuits -- and it is time that we sue each other
less, and care for each other more in this country. (Applause.)
With the help of that new Congress, I'm determined
to cut the size of government because government is too big
and spends too much of your money. And I want to limit -- limit
the terms --
AUDIENCE: Clean the House!
THE PRESIDENT: -- that's a good idea. The man says
"Clean House." Wait a minute, I'll tell you how to do it.
AUDIENCE: Clean the House! Clean the House! Clean
the House!
THE PRESIDENT: We need to do that, I'll tell you.
We need to do that, and one thing we need to do is limit the
terms for the members of Congress and give Congress back to the
people. The President's terms are limited; limit the Congress.
(Applause.)
These are just some of the things I'm fighting for.
But while I'm talking about the future, Governor Clinton only
wants to talk about the past.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: And if he wants to -- you guys --
Clinton only wants to talk about the past. And I say, 1f you
want to talk about the past, take a look at Arkansas.
(Applause.) These are good people. Good, honorable, patriotic
Americans, and they've had a bad leader. And the more you know
about him, the more you'll understand: Bill Clinton is wrong for
America. (Applause.)
MORE
- 3 -
You know, he says he's for civil rights, but
Arkansas doesn't even have a basic civil rights law. He says
he's for a clean environment, but the Institute of Southern
Studies ranked Arkansas 50th in environmental policies -- right
down to the bottom.
AUDIENCE: Boooool
THE PRESIDENT: Governor Clinton would have you want
us to believe he can walk on water -- and maybe he can, over
there in Arkansas in those rivers, they're so polluted.
(Applause.) The Governor says he's tough on crime, but under
him, Arkansas's crime rate has gone through the roof -- has risen
two times faster than the nation's. And you don't have to take
my word for it. Ask the police officers who know Bill Clinton
the best -- the people in Little Rock, and the police officers in
Little Rock have endorsed me for President of the United states.
(Applause.)
Let me talk for just a minute about the economy.
We've been through some tough economic times. But understand
we're being affected by a global economic slowdown. And our
competitors in Europe would trade places with the United States
in a minute. And, yet, Governor Clinton offers for America --
this kind of European social welfare state with bigger government
and higher taxes. And we don't need it.
AUDIENCE: Boooo!
THE PRESIDENT: And don't listen to what he's saying
today. He is wanting to slap more taxes on the middle class.
AUDIENCE: Boooool
THE PRESIDENT: Let me give you the facts. He is
proposing at least $150 billion in new taxes -- and at least $220
billion in new spending. And, don't worry, he says -- I'll take
it all from the rich -- I'll take it all from those who are the
top two percent.
But the problem is this: to get all the money he
needs for that plan he's come up with -- the $150 billion that
he's promised in new taxes -- Governor Clinton would have to get
his money from every individual with taxable income over $36,600.
And to pay for his other promises, he'll have to sock it to the
cap drivers, the teachers, the nurses and the day-to-day
citizens. And we can't let him do that.
AUDIENCE: Booooo!
THE PRESIDENT: He wants the middle class to sweat
more and send it to the IRS. And I say his ideas deserve a cold
shower. Do not give him a chance. (Applause.)
You know, we had some television ads on posing the
truth about who's going to pay for all Governor Clinton's
promises; and then he gets mad. And even today he's got a new ad
on television trying to fog the issue. He's scared that you're
going to find out the truth before November 3rd.
And his economic plan does not add up. And someone
is going to have to foot the bill. And Governor Clinton says it
won't be the middle-class. But you cannot raise $150 billion in
taxes and pay for at least $220 billion in new spending without
touching the middle-class.
Middle-class tax payers believe that Governor
Clinton won't touch their paychecks like they believe that
Hurricane Andrew was a gentle spring shower. We cannot let him
touch the middle-class on taxes.
MORE
- 4 -
Now, you see he's got a habit of never trying to
take a position on a tough issue. I've finally figured out why
he compares himself to Elvis -- the minute he has to take a stand
on something, he starts wiggling. (Applause.)
One day he looks right in with those blue eyes into
the camera and says he's not going to run for President of the
United States, the next thing you know he announces his campaign.
One day he says he's for a good trade agreement that we want --
the North American Free Trade Agreement; and then he says "I
haven't made up my mind yet." One day he says the middle-class
deserves a tax break, the next day he's piling up spending
programs that the middle-class have to pay for.
And just two days ago in Wisconsin, he read a speech
on foreign policy and it sort of sounded like a college term
paper. Governor Clinton said -- and I quote -- "This has to do
with the war in Iraq." He said, "I supported the President when
it became necessary to evict Saddam Hussein from Kuwait." He
said that the other day. But last year, here's what he said: "I
guess I would have voted with the majority if it was a close
vote, but I agree with the arguments that the minority made."
AUDIENCE: Boooo!
THE PRESIDENT: This is crazy. You cannot act like
that as a Commander-in-Chief. This guy couldn't remember in
detail that he didn't inhale 20 years ago, and he can't remember
what came out of his mouth 20 minutes ago. (Applause.)
I think we've discovered a new disease --
"Clintonesia". (Laughter.) The symptoms: weak knees, sweaty
palms and an incredible desire to say anything on all sides of
every issue, depending on who you are trying to please.
(Applause.)
so let me just comment about the young people here.
You cannot keep everybody happy. You've got to call them as you
see them. You've got to make tough decisions. And we better not
replace the American eagle with a chameleon in the White House.
)
(Applause.)
We still have some very tough problems both at home
and abroad. And I don't think that we ought to put our bet on a
leader with no experience and a sorry record in his home state.
You know this place is special for me. I mention it
because this is where I took that final flight training before I
went overseas at the old Naval Air Station here. And I was just
a kid -- I was 19 at the time. And maybe that's why I've never
forgotten the lessons that military service teaches. It shaped
my character; and I hope that that service to country has made me
a better Commander-In-Chief, because I respect our military and
the veterans -- (applause) -- I respect the military. I do not
loathe them, as Governor Clinton said in that famous letter. I
respect them, I support the veterans, and we have a special trust
with the veterans and we must protect them, and we will always
stand beside the brave men and women who stood up for their
country.
And, by the way, I do believe that serving in
uniform is a good criterion for being Commander-In-Chief of the
Armed Forces. (Applause.)
No, the question between our Agenda for American
Renewal and the Clinton plan is like night and day. But the
fundamental points are two: One, I don't believe we're a country
south of Germany and just above Sri Lanka. I believe we are the
best, fairest, most decent country on the face of the Earth, and
I will never tear down America.
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duty of serving the United States of America as president? I
hope I have earned your trust. Barbara and I have worked very,
very hard -- (applause) -- and I ask for your support for four
more years.
Thank you, and God bless you all. Thank you.
(Applause.)
END
2:40 P.M. EDT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Clearwater, Florida)
For Immediate Release
October 3, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT ON TOP OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY WELCOME
Top of the World Community
Clearwater, Florida
9:25 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very, very much.
Please be seated. At long last he's made his intentions clear.
And I'm delighted that Sidney will not be a candidate for
President of the United States. (Laughter.) It's a confusing
enough year with the way it 1s. (Laughter.)
But thank you, sir -- to you and your family for
this introduction. Sidney and I go back a while. And he's been
a loyal and strong friend and supporter. And he's certainly been
a marvelous citizen of this community and of our great state of
Florida. so thank you very much.
And allow me quickly to single out a couple of
others -- Sandra, thank you, and best of luck to you.
(Applause.) We have Bill Grant with us, another friend. And I
want to see some real changes in the Congress. (Applause.) And
he's running for the Senate. (Applause.)
And Jeannie Austin, the Vice Chairman of the
Republican National Committee, sitting over here -- a Floridian.
(Applause.) And Marian Keith, longtime GOP volunteer and a
resident of On Top of the World. (Applause.) And a special
welcome -- right back there -- and a special welcome to Gerald
McRaney. He's a great campaigner, a man of principle.
(Applause.) And I'm very proud to have him at my side.
(Applause.) Mac will be traveling with us all across Florida
today. And we love having him along -- except every time I get
going on a little too long, he makes me drop in the aisle of Air
Force One and do 50 push-ups. (Laughter.)
But in honor of the Major's presence, I'd like to
start this morning with an announcement related to the area,
regarding MacDill Air Force Base. And as you know, MacDill
played a big role in bringing an end to the Cold War and
certainly in Desert Storm. And now I'm pleased to announce that
the Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, NOAA, will work together to make MacDill a major
center for NOAA's fleet of research aircraft. (Applause.) This
is a good decision. It represents a big victory for Senator
Connie Mack and Congressman Bill Young, who are both back in
Washington today. (Applause.)
And also to give credit, I want to single out Al
Austin, the Chairman of the MacDill Response Group, a Floridian
who played a big role in finding a use for MacDill that will
serve the national interest and also provide a major boost to the
area's economy. so it's good news, and I'm glad to be able to
announce it here in Florida today. (Applause.)
Now about this little matter of an election -- a
month from today. This campaign, like every campaign, is about a
simple question: What kind of America do we want for our kids
and for our grandkids? And my opponent says that America is over
the hill. And at the Democratic Convention, he said he saw the
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U.S. sliding down the list of nations, somewhere past Germany and
heading for Sri Lanka.
Well, maybe he ought to open his eyes. Maybe he
ought to look at the respect with which we're held all around the
world. And maybe the Governor needs to walk the streets of
Europe and talk to the people of Asia, and they'd remind him of a
few facts: Americans are still the most educated people in the
world. In spite of our difficulties, the American economy is
still the most dynamic in the world. American workers still the
most productive. And any way you measure it, America is still on
top of the world. And that's the way it is. (Applause.)
And so how do we stay number one -- and that's the
question. And I've laid out an Agenda for American Renewal -- a
comprehensive, integrated agenda to create in America the world's
very first $10-trillion economy. And my Agenda for Renewal
demands that we open new markets for American products. Because
that is the way we are going to create the new jobs for American
workers.
My agenda prepares our young people to excel in
science and math and English -- because that's the way they will
outperform the Japanese and the Germans. And my Agenda helps
strengthen the American family because we must never forget:
Family is still the foundation of our nation. (Applause.)
And I might just say -- I'm a little prejudice, but
I think we have one of the great First Ladies of all time. And I
wish -- (applause) -- and I wish Barbara were here, because she
feels as I do on strengthening family. And when she sits there
in the Diplomatic Entrance of the White House and reads to those
kids, it's sending a signal to parents to help your children.
When she holds an AIDS baby in her arms, it sends the compassion
that we all ought to feel -- one for another. And she feels as
strongly as I do that we've got to find ways to strengthen the
fabric of society by strengthening the American family.
(Applause.)
This Agenda for American Renewal promotes savings
and investment, because in America the future is our children's
birthright. And so here's what I'm fighting for: To
reinvent --literally reinvent American education and give every
American the fundamental right to choose the best school for
their children. (Applause.) Fighting to reform our crazy legal
system, because, as a nation, we must sue each other less and
care for each other more. These suits are out of hand.
(Applause.)
And then to use market and competition to cut the
cost of health care and make it available to all of your
neighbors. And it seems to me if you see a doctor once, you
shouldn't have to go back a month later when you get the bill to
be treated for aftershock. (Laughter and applause.) so we have
a good, new health reform program, and I think it's time to bring
some sanity to our health care system.
And I want to bring real change to Washington by
limiting the terms of the members of Congress -- (applause) --
and give the power back to real people. The President's terms
are limited; why not limit the terms of some of those old
geezers up there that have been there for about 50 years?
(Applause.)
And, finally, I'm fighting for economic security,
for every man and woman in America. And I know that Social
Security and Medicare are important to all of you, to all of us.
And I'm sure some of you have heard my opponent's ads on the
subject. Understand, Governor Clinton's a very ambitious
politician. That's fine. But in his first try on the national
scene he's using the oldest trick in the world -- trying to scare
America's seniors.
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And here are the facts: I have proposed a
comprehensive program to reform our health care system, to
improve health care for all Americans. And the only proposal
I've made to -- will affect Medicare benefits is to give people
with highest incomes a smaller government subsidy. But I believe
we can get big savings by cutting the fat out of an inefficient
system, but going after things like the $25 billion in potential
savings in malpractice insurance. But we can reform health care
without cutting your health benefits. I have protected them as
President -- (applause) -- and I'm going to continue to protect
them. (Applause.)
Bill Clinton's got a different idea. He wants the
government to get involved in setting prices -- setting health
care prices. But the experts said it could force people to wait
in line for treatment they want and need. Governor Clinton's
plan would require $218 billion in cuts in Medicaid and Medicare
over the next five years. And so at the same time he's scaring
you, he will not tell the seniors across this state and across
the country where he's going to get the over $200 billion in
savings that he wants. I think you deserve an answer to this.
These are the facts. They are pure and simple
facts. And it's the same with Social Security. In 1983 -- most
people will probably remember this -- in 1983, we took steps to
make sure Social Security would stay financially sound, and we
have kept it that way. And no matter what Governor Clinton says,
as long as I am President, Social Security will remain safe and
sound. And as I said in the State of the Union message -- and I
repeat it here -- I will not mess with Social Security, and I
will not let Congress mess with Social Security. (Applause.)
And I will not let anyone take a knife to your Medicare benefits.
Now, ultimately none of us will be secure without a
strong economy. And that's a fundamental issue of the campaign.
And the differences in approach couldn't be more dramatic.
I know America's endured some very tough economic
times. But understand, we are being affected -- and most people
know this -- by a global economic slowdown. Our competitors in
Europe would trade places with us in a minute. And yet Governor
Clinton offers America the European social welfare state policies
-- more government, more special interest spending, more taxes on
the middle class.
And as Governor, Bill Clinton raised and extended
the sales tax, including a tax on vegetables and other groceries.
He raised the gas tax. He taxed mobile homes. He even taxed
cable TV -- taxes that hit the middle class and seniors the
hardest.
And now in this campaign, he says he's changed his
ways. He's proposing at least $150 billion in new taxes plus at
least $220 billion in new spending. But don't worry, he says,
I'll get it all from the rich -- the people who make over
$200,000 -- that top two percent.
Well, yesterday in The Washington Post, his economic
spokesman was quoted admitting to a reporter that the top two
percent is not people over $200,000. He said that was just
shorthand. Well, he's right. It's shorthand. Governor
Clinton's plan is shorthand for socking it to the nurses and the
teachers and the cab drivers and the middle class people who
always get the shaft. And I am not going to let it happen.
We're going to take this case to the American people.
(Applause.)
To get the money -- to get the money that he needs
for this plan -- the $150 billion that he's promised in new taxes
-- he would have to get his money from every individual with
taxable income over $36,600. And that is a fact. And these
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aren't the folks you see on "Lifestyles of the Rich and the
Famous." They work hard, and they deserve a break.
But that's just a start. Because hardly a day goes
by when candidate Clinton isn't signing on some plea for some new
government spending program. And before he's done, Bill Clinton
is going to need hundreds of billions of dollars more to pay for
all the programs he's promised. You've got every right to say
well, who will pay? And the same people who always pay -- the
people who work hard and sweat it out at tax time. Bill Clinton
wants you to sweat harder for the tax man, and I say his ideas
deserve a cold shower. (Applause.)
Just some examples: Let's say your daughter's a
third grade teacher with about $22,000 a year in taxable income.
She already pays about $1,300 in taxes. And Governor Clinton
could have her fork over another $430 a year to the tax man --
that is, if he's going to pay for all the social programs and pay
for the additional spending that he's already proposed. And I
say that that woman ought to be able to use that money to pay for
the grandkids' education or pay the mortgage on her house, not to
send it back to the IRS.
Bill Clinton can protest all he wants, but his
numbers do not add up. And I'm not going to let him take the
difference out of your income. (Applause.)
And now, whenever I say this, Governor Clinton says
it's outrageous. He'd never considered taxing the middle class.
He's, quote -- here's what he says about himself -- "a different
kind of Democrat." Well, there's nothing different about $150
billion in new taxes right out of the shoot. There's nothing
different about at least $220 billion in new government spending
-- spending he's already proposed. And there's nothing different
in Bill Clinton's record in Arkansas where he's treated the
middle class like a piggy bank to pay for all his programs.
Remember Mike Dukakis, the tank driver? (Laughter.)
Well, Bill Clinton nominated him for President four years ago.
And this year, according to an article in The New York Times, 39
of Governor Clinton's economic proposals are virtually identical
to the ideas Governor Dukakis was pushing -- higher taxes, more
spending, a bigger deficit. And I say, simply: These things are
wrong for America. (Applause.) We've got fundamental
differences here. I'm getting warmed up on you, because I think
we're going to have three debates; so I'm practicing here today.
(Laughter and applause.)
Governor Clinton wants you to believe that the
American economy will improve if you turn full control of your
paycheck over to the crew that already runs the Congress. He
wants the tax-and-spend government planners to have total control
over the Executive Branch, too. And last time they tried this --
we ended up with double-digit inflation and rising interest
rates, and a Misery Index -- inflation and unemployment -- over
20 percent.
Think about what inflation does to people on fixed
incomes. Bill Clinton and his friends in Congress would let the
lion of inflation out of its cage. And I say, let's lock it
away, keep it from your bank account, keep your savings
sacrosanct, not to be wiped out by inflation. (Applause.)
And so my case to the American people is this: At
this time in our history, we simply cannot take the risk on a
President with no national experience and a miserable Arkansas
record to run on. (Applause.)
Since I've been in the Oval office I've faced some
very difficult decisions. That's what you pay me to do. And,
yes, I've made some mistakes; when I make a mistake I'll admit
it. But I believe I've been a good leader. I've tried to make
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the tough calls. (Applause.) I've tried to make the tough
calls, willing to tell people not what they want to hear, but
what they need to hear. And I stand before you today asking for
your support so that we can get to work with a new Congress to
fix the problems that stand in the way of this country; and so
that we reform our health care system; that we literally reinvent
our schools; so that we can retrain workers from one generation
and create jobs for the next; and so that we can cut government
spending and cut taxes to get this economy moving again; and so
that we can limit terms of the Members of the Congress and give
government back to the people. (Applause.)
And if you're looking for a leader of experience and
ideas, a leader who shares your values, a leader who knows that
America's heartbeat can be found not in Washington, but in places
like Clearwater and Largo and St. Pete and Tampa, then I hope I
can count on your support on November 3rd.
Thank you all very, very much, and may God bless the
United States of America. Thank you all. Thank you.
(Applause.)
The meeting is adjourned. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
9:42 A.M. EDT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
October 3, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT CHURCH STREET MARKET RALLY
Church Street Station
Orlando, Florida
6:05 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. All right, you
guys, thank you. Thank you very much.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: What a fantastic rally. And let me say,
I've got great respect for Pat Williams. Wasn't he great up there,
I'll tell you, giving us that warm introduction. (Applause.) And as
for Gerald McRaney, "Major Dad, he's been a great campaigner, and
I'm proud to have him at our side. (Applause.)
I want to salute Congressman Bill McCullem. I'm not
sure he made it. But he's a good man, and he obviously -- if we had
more like him, they wouldn't be yelling, "clean House" all the time.
(Applause.) But we've got the answer to cleaning House. And, John
Mica and Bill Tolley with us here today. And we've got Bill Grant
running for the Senate; and more like that and we are going to get
real advantage here in the Congress and change America. Help me
clean House. (Applause.)
And thank you, everybody, for this great welcome. And
it's wonderful to be back in this City of Light, this city
beautiful.
And before I begin, let me just make a serious comment
on what happened in Tampa this morning. We were followed out of town
by a tornado which devastated some residential areas -- tragically
killed four people. And on behalf of Barbara and me, our hearts and
prayers go out to the family and the victims and all others whose
homes were in that tornado's path. We've seen -- and I saw it again
today in Homestead -- that Floridians are strong and good people.
And you've had your fair share of natural disasters, and I want to
just express my concerns and say, Florida's fighting back; never make
a mistake about that. (Applause.)
And I might say, on a brighter note, I am very pleased
that we have reached agreement with the Clinton campaign to hold
three presidential debates beginning next Sunday. (Applause.) And I
look forward going head-on-head with Governor Clinton and Ross Perot.
And I'm especially pleased that Americans will be able to compare our
ideas side by side without any media filter, and get the facts and
the truth to the American people. (Applause.)
I didn't go to Oxford, so I'm not the world's greatest
debater. But I know how to tell the truth, and that may make a
difference. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more
years! Four more years!
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THE PRESIDENT: Let me say this this election and
what we'll be putting in perspective and the debates out there, is
asking the rhetorical question: What kind of an America do you want
for the young people here today? And my opponent rips our country
down and says that we're a nation in decline somewhere between
Germany and Sri Lanka. And he ought to open his eyes. We are the
most respected nation on the face of the Earth. (Applause.)
And now let's use that leadership to change the world,
and brought democracy and peace to all the countries moving around
the world and bring that same progress and prosperity to every
working man and woman in this country. That's why I want four more
years. (Applause.)
You might say, how do we stay number one economically;
and we are when you look around the world. And we do it this way:
Here's the Agenda for America's Renewal. It is a comprehensive,
factual plan, integrated plan to create the world's first $10-
trillion economy in the next few years. And we can do it because we
are the United States of America. (Applause.)
And one way you do it is to turn away from protection
and open up new markets abroad for American products. We must become
an export superpower. And we can do it if we don't listen to the
siren's call of protection emanating from the other camp.
(Applause.)
This agenda prepares our young people to excel in
science and math and English; and because this is the way we're going
to outcompete the Germans and outcompete the Japanese. And this
agenda helps strengthen the American family, because family is still
the foundation of our nation. (Applause.) And I worry when it's
weak, and I want to see us help strengthen. (Applause.)
We've got to literally reinvent American education and
give every parent a fundamental right to choose the public schools,
private schools or religious schools. (Applause.) Parental choice
will make all the schools better. (Applause.)
One thing that Governor Clinton doesn't want to touch,
and I want to see done and done quickly is to reform our crazy legal
system so that we sue each other less and care for each other more.
(Applause.) He has already advocated spending -- and he hasn't even
started yet already advocated $220 billion in more spending. And
I want to get the spending down and the taxes down.
And here's the way we'll do it: Give me that balanced
budget amendment; give me that check-off; and give me that line-item
veto; and let me do what the Congress can't'do. (Applause.)
And another thing, give us these three good men for the
United States Congress. And then let's say, let's limit the terms
for the members of Congress. A President's terms are limited, limit
the Congress and give it back to the people. (Applause.)
Now these are just some of my ideas -- and I hate to
ruin this program but I think we ought to take a little look at
Arkansas, because this man's trying to get elected by doing one
thing: Tear down the country -- say we're down -- and criticize the
President. If that's fair game, let's take a look at Arkansas.
(Applause.)
Now, first, the people of Arkansas are good and decent.
We live right next door to them in Texas. They are good and decent
people, but there's a lot they don't know about their Governor and a
lot you don't know, and the more you think about it, and the more you
find out, the more you know he is wrong for America.
AUDIENCE: Tell him!
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THE PRESIDENT: I am. (Applause.)
He says he's for civil rights -- he says he's for civil
rights. Arkansas doesn't even have a basic civil rights law. And I
have passed a sound bill -- sound civil rights bill, a sound ADA bill
-- the best creative piece of civil rights legislation in the last
two decades. And he hasn't even done one single thing for fair play
in the state of Arkansas. (Applause.)
He says he's for a clean environment, but the Institute
for Southern Studies ranked Arkansas 50th in environmental policy --
50th.
AUDIENCE: BOOO --
THE PRESIDENT: The Governor sounds like he can walk on
water. Well, you can do it over there in that Arkansas River.
(Laughter and applause.) No, really. There's so much fecal coliform
bacteria in the river that the fish teach their kids to jog rather
than swim. (Laughter.)
Governor Clinton says he's tough on crime, but crime in
Arkansas has increased twice as fast as the rest of the nation. And
the cops who know him best -- the Fraternal Order of Police in Little
Rock, Arkansas -- have endorsed me for President of the United
States. (Applause.)
This guy says he wants to do for the country what he's
done for Arkansas. And I say why in the world would we let him?
AUDIENCE. Booo --
THE PRESIDENT: That is a real threat. We can't let him
do that. Now, look at the economy, a major issue in the campaign --
and, look, I know we've had tough times. Families are worried,
people are out of work. But I'll tell you something: We need to
understand that it's bigger than America. We're feeling a global
economic slowdown. Everybody knows that. It's worse overseas. Not
one single country over there wouldn't trade in a minute for our
economy.
And so, yet, Governor Clinton offers to America that
same kind of tired European social welfare approach to life that has
failed them. We don't need that in this country. He has already
proposed $150 billion in new taxes, $220 billion in new spending.
And don't worry -- don't worry, he says, he'll take it all out of the
top two percent -- everybody making over $200,000. But the truth is,
to get the money for his plan, that $150 billion, Governor Clinton
would have to get his money from every American with taxable income
over $36,600. It's not just the top -- and these people are not
Shaquille O'Neal. They're not rolling in millions. (Applause.)
These are your neighbors. (Applause.)
so I've got an idea, though. We ought to do what
Shaquille would do and stuff the Governor's tax increase right into
the front row. (Applause.) But on top of this -- I hate to ruin
this marvelous rally -- but on top of this, Governor Clinton will
literally need hundreds of billions of dollars more to pay for all
the programs he's promised. And you say, who's going to pay? The
same people who always pay -- those who work hard, pay their bills,
sweat it out at tax time. And he wants you to sweat harder for the
tax man. And I say his ideas deserve a cold shower. We cannot do_
that for this country. (Applause.)
You're a third grade teacher making $22,000 a year in.
taxable income -- he could slap you with another $430 a year in
taxes. And I say you ought to be able to use that money to pay for
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your kids' education, take a shot at the mortgage. And you don't
need to send it up to the IRS in Washington, D.C. And therein lies
the biggest single difference on this election -- tax-and-spend
versus holding down taxes, holding down spending, and return the
power to the people of the United States. (Applause.)
I've got another -- you know, for 11 months this guy --
and bunch of these other Democrats have been around tearing me up,
and I'm having a good time now getting this thing in focus. I enjoy
it. And here's -- one day Bill Clinton says, this guy is on every
side of every issue. You talk about slippery when wet -- (laughter)
-- listen to this: One day, Bill Clinton tells Arkansas he'll never
run for president -- I've seen the tape of it; and eight months
later, he's out there running for president, announcing his campaign.
One day he says, I'm for the North American Free Trade Agreement, and
then he backs away.
And now today the Washington paper reports -- Washington
Post reports that, tomorrow, the Governor is poised to switch again
and support the trade agreement. Watching him go back and forth on
the issues is mind-boggling. It's like watching a Chinese ping-pong
match. (Laughter.)
One day he says the middle class deserves a tax break,
and the next day he's plotting new ways to give the middle class the
greatest honor of paying for all his programs. And if he ever became
President -- and he won't -- we'd have to replace the eagle with a
chameleon. (Applause.)
Now, I'll give you another example. I'll give you
another example. Look at the question of whether to follow my lead
and stand up against saddam. Just two weeks ago in Washington Bill
Clinton read a speech on foreign policy -- it sounded like a college
term paper -- and he said -- and I quote -- (laughter) -- he said
this: "I supported the President when it became necessary to evict
Saddam Hussein from Kuwait" -- end quote. But two years ago, when I
was trying to mobilize the whole country behind it, fighting not only
the demonstrators out there in front of the White House that Saddam
misunderstood -- and a lot in the media, and plenty in the United
States Congress -- here is what Governor Clinton said: "I guess I
would have voted with the majority if it was a close vote, but I
agree with the arguments the minority made." Now, tell me what kind
of leadership that would be for a Commander-in-Chief of the United
States Armed Forces. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Booo --
THE PRESIDENT: No, we've got too much on one side and
then another side. And I've found one thing about the Oval Office:
You can't make everybody happy. You're bound to make mistakes, but
you've got to do like the umpire. You've got to call them as you see
them and stay with it, and tell the truth as you go along.
(Applause.)
I'll tell you why I'm going to win the election.
(Applause.) The first place, we've got a better plan -- an Agenda
for American Renewal. Secondly, the young people in America go to
bed at night without that same fear of nuclear war -- (applause) --
the generations ahead of them had. (Applause.) And thirdly, when
people go into that voting booth, they're going to ask themselves
this question: Who do I trust to be empowered with the dignity,
prescice and the enormous power of President of the United States?
MORE
And I have worked hard to uphold that trust. Yes, I've made
mistakes. But I have not betrayed the public trust. I have been a
strong leader. And now I ask for your support for four more years to
finish the job -- (applause) -- and get this job done. (Applause.)
Thank you all, and God bless you. God bless you all.
(Applause.) Thank you very much.
END
6:22 P.M. EDT
Draft
October 2, 1992
2:00 p.m.
[----]
Presidential Remarks: FLORIDA STUMP
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 3, 1992
2:30 PM
Thanks, Major Dad [Gerald McRaney], for that introduction.
It's great to see this old Avenger. I remember the first time I
saw one of these -- I could hardly wait to try it out. And then
my flight instructor told me a curious aerodynamic fact. When
FLIGHT OF
the thing was loaded up, it could fall faster than it could fly.
THE THE AVENGER
I had some second thoughts.
p.7
I'm told the naval museum over in Pensacola has found one of
my old training planes -- at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Now, I
want to stress that I'm not the one who put it there. I left two
CAPTIMUSEN MISEUM NAVAL
in the Pacific, but not one on the bottom of Lake Michigan.
PENSACRA
Let's keep the record clear.
But I am pleased to be here, to talk about the choice this
November. This campaign, like every campaign, is about a simple
question: what kind of America do we want -- for the young people
here today? //
My opponent likes to cut America down. He says we are
"south of Germany, heading toward Sri Lanka.
Maybe he should talk to a few folks in Germany or Asia.
They' 11 remind him of a few facts. Our economy is still the most
dynamic -- our workers the most productive -- in the entire
world.
2
Anyway you cut it -- America is still the greatest economic
superpower the world has ever seen. And I intend to keep it that
way.
The question is: How? How do we stay Number One? I have
laid out my Agenda for American Renewal -- a specific,
comprehensive, integrated agenda to create -- right here in the
United States -- the world's very first $10 trillion economy. //
My Agenda asks that we look forward
To open new markets for our products -- because that's how
we will create new jobs for our workers.
Sht
To prepare our young people to work -- because that's how
?
they will give them the tools to compete and win.
S the'll get
To strengthen the American family -- because strong families
keep America strong.
To save and invest -- because America will always put
tomorrow ahead of today.
So here's what I'm fighting for:
To reinvent American education -- and give every parent the
fundamental right to choose the best school for their kids.
To reform our crazy legal system -- it's time we sue each
other less, and care for each other more.
To use competition to cut the cost of health care and make
it available to you and your neighbors. I think you should only
have a headache when you go to the doctor -- not two months later
-- when you get the bill.
3
And to cut the size of government -- because government is
too big -- and it spends too much of your money.
Congress has resisted my tough proposals to get a hold on
federal spending. So I want to give each taxpayer the right to
take ten percent of your income tax -- and use it for nothing
else but to reduce the federal deficit. If Congress won't cut
wasteful programs, then you should have your own personal veto
pen.
These are just some of the things I'm fighting for.
But while I'm talking about the future, Governor Clinton
only wants to talk about the past. I say -- okay, let's take a
look at Arkansas. The people there are good people, but they've
had a bad leader. And the more you know about him, the more
you'll understand -- Bill Clinton's wrong for America.
Governor Clinton says he's for civil rights, but Arkansas
doesn't have a basic civil rights law. He says he's for a clean
environment, but the Institute for Southern Studies ranked
Arkansas 50th in environmental policies. Bill Clinton says he's
tough on crime, but under Bill Clinton Arkansas's crime rate has
2 times
&
gone through the roof -- risen faster than the nation's. But you
don't have to take my word for it. Ask the police officers who
know Bill Clinton best -- the police in Little Rock, Arkansas.
They've endorsed me for President of the United States.
Now, how about the economy, the major issue in this
campaign.
ST. LOWS, MO.
CRIME SPRECH IN
From 9/28/92
VIDLENT CRIME.
THE THIRD- BIGLEST IN
IN OVERALL CRIME- AND
THE NATION'S BLEGEST INCREASE
AVERAGE. ARKANSAS HAD
OVER TWICE THE NATIONAL
WENT up ALMOST 60% 60 IN THE 803
VIOLENT CRIME CN ARKANSAS
ALLIVE LOYEARS { 27 OVER " 6
VIOLENT CRIME IN us- GONE up JUST
4
I know America has endured some tough economic times, but
understand, we are being affected by a global economic slowdown.
Our competitors in Europe would trade places with us in a minute.
Yet Governor Clinton offers America -- the European social
welfare=state policies. More government. More special interest
spending. More taxes on the middle class.
As Governor, Bill Clinton raised and extended the sales tax,
including a tax on baby formula, vegetables and other groceries.
He raised the gas tax, he taxed mobile homes, and for you ESPN
watchers -- he even taxed cable TV.
Now, Governor Clinton says he's seen the light. In this
campaign, he's proposing at least $150 billion in new taxes --
plus at least $220 billion in new spending. But don't worry, he
says -- I'll get it all from the rich -- people who make over
$200,000 -- the top 2 percent.
But here's the truth. To get the money he needs for his
plan, the $150 billion he's promised in new taxes, Governor
Clinton would have to get his money from every individual with
taxable income over $36,600.
These people are not on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"
-- they work hard, they deserve a break.
That's just the start of his tax campaign against the
middle-class. Governor Clinton will need hundreds of billions of
dollars more, to pay for all the programs he's promised.
And who's going to pay? Listen to the newspaper from his
own back yard, The Pine Bluff Commercial. Here's what they say:
5
HAS
"If Congress followed the example that Bill Clinton would set as
TAX
Governor of Arkansas, it would pass aV program that hit the
middle-class the hardest."
That's who's going to pay for Bill Clinton's spending wish-
list -- the same people who always pay. The people who work
hard, pay the bills, and sweat it out at tax time.
Bill Clinton wants you to sweat harder. I say he needs a
cold shower.
I say -- the middle-class has been hit hard enough
already. //
Now, that Pine Bluff paper wasn't bluffing. Let me give you
one example. Lets say you are a third-grade teacher -- with
about $22,000 a year in taxable income. Governor Clinton could
have you fork over another $430 bucks a year to the tax man. And
I say you ought to be able to use that money to pay for your
kids' education, or pay the mortgage on the house, not send it
back to the IRS.//
I'm tempted to ask the real Bill Clinton to "please stand
up. But what we really ought to ask is, will he "please stand
still."
I've finally figured out why he compares himself to Elvis -
- the minute he has to take a stand on something, he starts
wiggling.
One day Bill Clinton tells the people of Arkansas he won't
run for President, next thing you know he announces his campaign.
One day he says he's for the North American Free Trade Agreement,
6
then he says "I haven't made up my mind yet. One day Bill
Clinton says the middle-class deserves a tax break, the next day
he's plotting new ways to hit the middle-class to pay for all his
programs.
And just the other day in Wisconsin, Bill Clinton said --
in january 1991,
get this -- he said he supported the Gulf War. But nine months
ago, when Congress voted to support me in standing up to Saddam
Hussein, he was playing a different tune.
Let's refresh his memory. Back then he said -- and I quote
--
I guess I would have voted with the majority if it was a
close vote. But I agree with the arguments the minority made.
That's not the way it works in the Oval Office. You can't
have it both ways. You have to take a stand.
Governor Clinton's memory lapse amazes me. Think of it: A
man who can remember in great detail that he didn't inhale 20
JAN 1991
in
a year anda half ago.
years ago, forgets the hot air he exhaled just nine months ago.
20
12
10
If Bill Clinton ever became President -- and he won't --
22
we'd have to replace the American Eagle -- with a chameleon.
I'm proud of my record. I stand by it now -- and I'll stand
by it in November. But if Candidate Clinton wants to talk about
the past, I say okay -- fine. Let's look at where we've both
been -- so you can understand the two very different directions
we want to take our country.
I think you know Ft. Lauderdale is a special place for me.
This is where I finished my flight training, at the old Naval Air
7
Station. 1943. I was just a kid. Maybe that's why I've never
forgotten the lessons that military service teaches you.
You veterans know what I mean when I talk about the service
as the great leveler. My squadron included farm boys and city
hustlers, athletes and book worms -- but the differences
disappeared when it came time to make that first carrier landing
in one of these Avengers, or when we shared the horrible,
sickening feeling of watching buddies go down in battle.
So believe me when I tell you: as long as I am commander-
in-chief, America will never turn her back on the military.
America will never turn her back on our nation's veterans.
Yes, the Cold War is over. And I've proposed cuts in our
defense budget -- right in line with what our best military
experts tell us is appropriate. That deep -- and no deeper.
But my opponent wants to go much deeper. He's proposing
another $60 billion in defense cuts beyond what the experts say
we need to keep our servicemen and -women safe. $60 billion --
that's the equivalent of six United (DAN) States Marine Corps. And I
will not let him get away with it.
Let me say a word from the heart. I have a problem with the
Bill Clinton's attitudes on this subject. When he was a young
man, while American kids were risking their lives for a
wash
Times
the wash Times
controversial cause in a faraway country, he was marching on the
9/18/92
Michael
American embassy in a foreign capital. When American troops were
Hedger
laying it on the line, he wrote of "loathing the military."
THE
P.A.
"I AM WRITING THIS Too IN "HOPES THAT my TELLING THIS OWB STORY
letter to
Cal. Holmes
WILLHELP you UNDERSTAND MORE CLEARLY How so MANY FINE
PEOPLE HAVE COME TO FIND THEMSELVES STILL LOVING THEIR
COUNTRY BUT LOTHING THEMICITARY To WHICH JOU AND OTHER
GOOD MEN HALE LEVOTED YEARS, OF THE BEST SERVICE
you COULD GUE."
curnton LED TO COL HOUSES 12/3/69
8
And I'll be as plain as I can: I just don't see how someone
who's felt this way could ever ask to serve as commander in chief
of our armed forces.
You see, I've been in the Oval Office, I've faced the tough
decisions. I've had to shoulder the awful burden of sending
American men and women into battle. And when I made that
decision, I knew that those young people weren't going into
battle with one had tied behind their backs -- because for twelve
years we've kept our military strong -- the best in the world.
And as long as I'm commander in chief it's going to stay that
way.
I believe I've been a good leader -- willing to make the
tough calls -- and willing to admit my mistakes. And I'm a
leader whose ideas -- and experience -- are right for America.
If you are looking for someone who shares your values, a
leader who understands that America's real strength is not in
government, but in places like Ft. Lauderdale -- then I know I
can count on your support -- on November 3rd.
Thank you very much. God Bless the United States of
America.
# # #
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
CHRISS EVERETT/ HUSBAND ANDY MILL
VAN POOLE- STATE CHRM. REPUBLICAN PARTY
Ball BRANT FORMER CONGRESSMAN- RUNNING FOR SENATE
COL. DAY (BUD) GEO.
Draft
will Fly in POTUS
October 2, 1992
PORIS INTRO:
most decorated living war
12:00 p.m.
hero in us (Armerpow)
[----]
Presidential Remarks:
FLORIDA STUMP
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 3, 1992
2:30 PM
2:20-2:45 pm. scheduled in
Gerald McRaney (Major Dad) [No PROMPTER]
Thank you,
,
for those warm words. It's great to see
this old Avenger. I remember the first time I saw one of these -
- I could hardly wait to try it out. And then my flight
instructor told me a curious aerodynamic fact. When the thing
was loaded up, it could fall faster than it could fly. 11 I had
NATI MUSEUM OF NAVAL AVIATION
[
Capt.
some second thoughts. //
AVENGER HE FIEW ON THE WOLVERINE
I'm told they have one of my old training planes on display
want to
over in Pensacola they dredged it up from the bottom of Lake
HAVE NOT
BEEN
Michigan
[this this summer
That's great, but I do want to stress that ABLE TO
I'm not the one who put it at the bottom of Lake Michigan. 11 I
PULL IT
up FROM
left two in the Pacific, but not one on the bottom of Lake
THE LAKE
Michigan. Let's keep the record clear. //
YET- YET-IAPE HOPE
TO BEFORE
But I am pleased to be here, even in the middle of a
DECEMBER
political campaign. This campaign, like every campaign, is about
a
a simple question: what kind of America do we want -- for the
young people here today? //
I want an America that is not just a military superpower --
but the greatest economic superpower in the world. //
I have laid out my Agenda for American Renewal -- a
specific, comprehensive, integrated agenda to create in America -
- the world's very first $10 trillion economy. //
2
Small business is the backbone of what we call the new
American entrepreneurial capitalism -- they will create two-
thirds of the new jobs in the new economy. Governor Clinton
promises small business higher taxes and more red tape -- I
promise small business relief -- from taxation, regulation and
litigation. //
Americans spend almost $200 billion every year -- on direct
costs to lawyers. Japan doesn't pay that, neither do European
countries.
Bill Clinton doesn't think this is a problem -- maybe
because his campaign is in cahoots with all the ambulance-chasing
trial lawyers. They think there's no problem that a good lawsuit
can't solve.
I say: As a nation, we must sue each other less -- and care
for each other more.//
And take a look at the federal budget deficit. I believe
the government is too big and it spends too much of your money.
So I've listed almost 250 separate programs we don't need -
- and I want to get rid of them. 4000 wasteful projects we can't
afford -- I want to get rid of them.
And I think you should have a check-off box on your tax
return, so you can earmark 10 percent of your tax dollars to
reduce the deficit. If Congress won't cut wasteful programs,
then you should have your own private veto pen.
These are just some of the things I'm fighting for.
3
How about Governor Clinton? Where does he stand on the big
issues? Well, take a look at his record in Arkansas.
Governor Clinton says he's for civil rights, but Arkansas
doesn't have a basic civil rights law. He says he's for a clean
environment, but the Institute for Southern Studies ranked
Arkansas 50th in environmental policies. Bill Clinton says he's
for high tech but under Bill Clinton Arkansas has been falling
behind in high school. Three out of every four Arkansas
graduates spend their first year in college -- relearning what
they were supposed to learn in high school.
America deserves better than this.
Look at the economy, the major issue in this campaign.
I know America has endured some tough economic times, but
understand, we are being affected by a global economic slowdown.
Our competitors in Europe would trade places with us in a minute.
Yet Governor Clinton offers America -- the European social
welfare state policies. More government. More special interest
spending. More taxes on the middle class.
As Governor, Bill Clinton raised and extended the sales tax,
including a tax on baby formula, vegetables and other groceries.
He raised the gas tax, he taxed mobile homes, and for you ESPN
watchers -- he even taxed cable TV.
Now, Governor Clinton says he's seen the light. In this
campaign, he's proposing at least $150 billion in new taxes --
plus at least $220 billion in new spending. But don't worry, he
4
says -- I'll get it all from the rich -- people who make over
$200,000 -- the top 2 percent.
But here's the truth. To get the money he needs for his
plan, the $150 billion he's promised in new taxes, Governor
Clinton would have to get his money from every individual with
taxable income over $36,600.
These people are not on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous -
- they work hard, they deserve a break -- not a tax increase.
That's just the start of his tax campaign against the
middle-class. Governor Clinton will need hundreds of billions of
dollars more, to pay for all the programs he's promised.
There's an old saying. "When you hunt ducks, you go where
the ducks are." Bill Clinton is hunting ways to pay for all his
promises -- and he's going to go to the middle class -- because
that's where the bucks are.
Listen to the newspaper from his own back yard, The Pine
Bluff Commercial. Here's what they say: "If Congress followed
the example that Bill Clinton set as Governor of Arkansas, it
would pass a program that hit the middle-class the hardest."
I say -- the middle-class has been hit hard enough
already. //
Now, I don't think that Pine Bluff paper is bluffing. Let
me give you one example. Lets say you are a third-grade teacher
-- with about $22,000 a year in taxable income. Governor Clinton
could have you fork over another $430 bucks a year to the tax
man. And I say you ought to be able to use that money to pay for
5
your kids education, or pay the mortgage on the house, not send
it back to the IRS. / /
I'm tempted to ask the real Bill Clinton to "please stand
up." But what we really ought to ask is, will he "please stand
still. " 11
I've finally figured out why he compares himself to Elvis -
- the minute he has to take a stand on something, he starts
wiggling. //
One day Bill Clinton tells the people of Arkansas he life 11 won't
Inever run for President, the next (year) he announces his
thing you know
campaign. One day he says he's for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, then he says "I haven't made up my mind yet.' One day
Bill Clinton says the middle-class deserves a tax break, the next
day he's plotting new ways to hit the middle-class to pay for all
his programs.
And don't forget his principled stand on both sides of the
Gulf War -- when he said -- and I quote -- "I guess I would have
voted with the majority if it was a close vote, but I agree with
the arguments the minority made."
If Bill Clinton ever became President -- and he won't --
we'd have to replace the American Eagle -- with a chameleon. //
I STAND BUIT NOW-
I'm proud of my record, and I'll stand by it in November.
But if Candidate Clinton wants to talk about the past, I say okay
-- fine. Let's look at where we've both been -- so you can
understand the two very different directions we want to take our
Chris Everett
husband
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CARBONLESS
So believe me when I tell you:
in-chief, America will never turn her back on the military.
America will never turn her back on our nation's veterans.
Yes, the Cold War is over. And I've proposed cuts in our
military budget -- right in line with what our best military
experts tell us is prudent. That deep -- and no deeper.
But my opponent wants to go much deeper. He's proposing
another $60 billion in defense cuts beyond what the experts say
we need to keep our servicemen and women safe. $60 billion --
that's the equivalent of four United States Marine Corps's. And
sowter
6
I will not let him get away with it.
Let me say a word from the heart. I have a problem with the
Bill Clinton's attitudes on this subject. When he was a young
man, while American kids were risking their lives for a
&
is $9.036 B
corps PUDGET
Fy '93 MARINE
WRIGHT MARINE CORPS PuBLIC
ACCORDING to BILL
7
wash Time
Time
controversial cause in a faraway country, he was marching on the
American embassy in a foreign capital. When American troops were
laying it on the line, he wrote of "loathing the military."
the getting letter
And I'll be as plain as I can: I just don't see how someone
who's felt this way could ever ask to serve as commander in chief
of our armed forces.
You see, I've been in the Oval Office, I've faced the tough
decisions. I've had to shoulder that awful burden of sending
American men and women into battle. And I made the decision
knowing that those young people weren't going into battle with
one had tied behind their backs -- because for twelve years we've
kept our military strong - the best in the world. And as long
as I'm commander in chief it's going to stay that way.
I believe I've been a good leader -- willing to make the
tough calls. and willing to admit my mistakes. And I'm a
leader whose ideas - and experience -- are right for America.
If you are looking for someone who shares your values, a
leader who understands that America's real strength is not in
government, but in places like Ft. Lauderdale - -- then I know I
can count on your support - -- on November 3rd.
Thank you very much. God Bless the United States of
America.
# # #
WAY
OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHWRITING
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
8
Number of Pages (Including Cover)
To MARY KATE GRANT
Fax Number 514-2424
Date 10-1-92
From J. BUNTON
Office Number 456-7750
******
COMMENTS
******
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin)
For Immediate Release
September 30, 1992
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
I am pleased to transmit for your immediate consideration
and enactment the "violent Crime Control Act of 1992." Also
transmitted is a section-by-section analysis.
In a speech I delivered recently at the DeSales Catholic
Church in Fox Park, Missouri, I outlined my crime agenda for
the remainder of this Congress and for next year. I discussed
several issues of particular concern to the families of this
country such as carjacking, sexual and domestic assault, and
gang violence. The enclosed legislative proposal addresses
these critical problems.
As you know, I first proposed a comprehensive crime bill
to the Congress on June 15, 1989. I again submitted a bill to
the 102nd Congress on March 11, 1991. That bill, which has yet
to be enacted, includes provisions for restoring and expanding
the Federal death penalty, ending the abuse of habeas corpus,
reforming the exclusionary rule, and establishing additional
crimes and penalties involving the criminal use of firearms.
The failure of the Congress to pass these pro-law enforcement
proposals is particularly frustrating in light of the broad
bipartisan support they enjoy.
I know that there is currently an effort being made to
forge a genuine compromise that would include effective death
penalty provisions and a version of habeas corpus reform that
would be acceptable to me. It is my hope that the Congress will
present me with such a compromise, one that is truly meaningful
for Federal, State, and local law enforcement. This apparent
willingness to work realistically on crime legislation provides
the basis for me to call on this Congress to act quickly in its
final days to pass the additional crime-fighting measures I am
today proposing.
The bill I am transmitting today addresses several of the
most significant current threats to public safety. It includes:
1.
New tools for fighting sexual violence such as
increased penalties, new rules of evidence and conduct
for trial lawyers, expanded restitution for victims,
and grants to State and local law enforcement.
2.
Anti-carjacking provisions in the form of a new
Federal crime, expanded use of law enforcement grants
to the States, and a study of devices to prevent
carjacking.
3.
Provisions for combatting domestic violence such
as a new Federal offense covering spouse abuse,
violations of protective orders, and stalking, and a
comprehensive grant program to fight domestic violence
and enforce child support obligations.
4.
Anti-gang amendments, including a new RICO-type
offense for street gang activities, a new offense
for involving a minor in the commission of a violent
crime, and broadened adult prosecution of violent
juveniles.
more
(OVER)
2
5.
New laws for child support enforcement that will
give the Federal Government the ability to punish
criminally "deadbeat dads" who leave a State in order
to avoid child support or who are significantly late
in the payment of child support obligations. The
legislation will also assist the States in the
enforcement of child support orders.
6.
Increased penalties for crimes against the elderly
that will punish and deter criminals from assaulting
or defrauding senior citizens.
7. New crimes and penalties for the criminal use of
firearms such as a mandatory 10-year sentence for
using a semiautomatic firearm in the course of a
violent or drug trafficking crime, and a mandatory
5-year sentence for possession of a gun by a dangerous
felon.
As the 102nd Congress draws to a close, the Congress has
an opportunity to pass legislation that will have a major impact
on many of the most serious crime problems facing Americans.
The public wants decisive action from government to combat the
menacing presence of violent criminals. Let us address this
unfinished agenda now.
GEORGE BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
September 30, 1992.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(st. Louis, Missouri)
For Immediate Release
September 28, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALES WELCOME
St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church Parish Hall
st. Louis, Missouri
10:21 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much for that kind
introduction, Chief Harmon. Let me say that I've heard a good
deal about the work of this chief and of this police force. And
I salute every man and woman who's out there in the St. Louis
police Force laying their lives on the line for us every single
day of their life. We ought to be grateful to those who wear the
uniform, and I'm certainly grateful to this group. (Applause.)
And may I salute our great Governor, John Ashcroft,
and fantastic Senator, Senator Danforth. (Applause.) It's
delightful to be in Fox Park. St. Louis, a friendly city.
(Applause.) Actually, my mother grew up here. My brother lives
here, cousin lives here. And I love that heartbeat of st. Louis.
so thank you for this welcome. (Applause.)
A word to those in this parish -- I want to
apologize to everyone who was counting on the usual Sunday Bingo
game last night. (Laughter.) I hear that the Secret Service
spoiled your fun when they had to check out the building.
(Laughter.) And I'm sorry you missed the game. It was smart,
though, to stay away. Believe me, you don't want to be jumping
up suddenly and yelling "Bingo!" around these Secret Service
guys. (Applause.)
This has all the earmarks of a political gathering,
but I really want to talk to you today about what I consider a
foremost -- a first and most basic function of government: to
protect every American citizen from violence -- at home and on
the streets.
Now, there's nothing new about that. Security is
one big reason government was created in the very first place.
But what is new are the terrible forms that violence has taken
recently -- beyond anything our founding fathers could have
imagined.
A whole generation has grown up with the threat of
nuclear terror hanging like a sword over its head. And it's been:
horrible. Our kids had nightmares. It seemed like it would
never end. well, it did end. And today I can stand up here and
say something that no other President could ever say before: the
Cold War is over. Freedom finished first. (Applause.)
NOW, we must win the peace. Right here at home, in
the streets of Fox Park. In too many places our grandparents and
grandchildren lock themselves behind the bars on their windows,
afraid to come out from a jail called home. This simply must
end.
We've made progress against violent crime. We've
slowed it dramatically the past 12 years. And we're beginning to
turn the tide on the drugs that so often fuel it. But we got
soft on crime way back in the '60s, and we paid for it. And then
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by the time we cracked down again in the '80s, violent crime had
gone up 400 percent in 20 years. Since we cracked down, it's
gone up just 27 percent in a little over 10 years, and the
overall crime index is actually down.
so we've stemmed the tide, in a sense prevented
millions of crimes. But, of course, that is simply not enough.
It's never enough. The face of crime is changing fast, and we
need our laws to react just as quickly, so that we can beat it.
Let me give you a timely example. Carjacking -- a
brand-new word for a brand-new crime. Someone figured out it's
easy to steal a car when it's already running, with the keys in
the ignition. of course, the owner's behind the wheel. so the
criminal uses a gun. I want to tell you a story that literally
sickens me, as I'm sure it will you -- but describes what we're
up against.
Just a few weeks ago, in a nice neighborhood near
Baltimore, a woman was sitting in her car at a stop sign. In
broad daylight, two men forced her out of her car and drove off.
But she was tangled in the seatbelt trying desperately to save
her baby. The mother was dragged for almost two miles. The
thieves tried to knock her off by banging into a fence. And
tragically, she died.
And you know what they did with her little baby?
They tossed her out of the car like a piece of trash.
Miraculously, that baby survived.
And you know what? America is going to survive,
too. We cannot put up with this kind of animal behavior.
(Applause.) These people have no place in a decent society. And
as far as this President's concerned, they can go to jail, and
they can stay in Jail, and they can rot in jail for crimes like
that. (Applause.)
For that to happen, we need tough laws that don't
bend over backwards protecting the criminal while saying to the
victim, "tough luck, buddy."
Let's look for a minute at the Arkansas record and
see where Governor Clinton stands. (Laughter.) The average
inmate in Arkansas served less than one-fifth of his sentence
last year. Most federal inmates serve at least 85 percent of
their full sentence. Violent crimes in that state, in Arkansas,
went up almost 60 percent in the '80s -- over twice the national
average. Arkansas had the nation's biggest increase in overall
crime -- and the third-biggest in violent crime.
This kind of record is not right for Arkansas and
it is not right for America. If you don't believe me, just ask
the Fraternal Order of Police in Little Rock, Arkansas. They
know Governor Clinton's record best, and they're endorsing me for
President of the United States. (Applause.) The police know
better than anyone that we're all vulnerable: men, women,
children; white, black, brown; young, old; rich and poor. To a
bullet or a blade we all look just the same.
Americans deserve a government that goes after the
problem . that prevents and punishes crime, and helps the
victims, lifts up the victims of crime. That's why I want to see
America make a move at the federal level, to step forward and
support state and local police around the country -- in real,
concrete ways. We need to help them fight.
That's why 1,201 days ago, on June 5, 1989" -- the
same day Mikhail Gorbachev first hinted that the Berlin Wall
might someday fall -- I sent a comprehensive crime bill to
- June 15, 1989
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Capitol Hill, And I offered the hand of partnership to Congress
and asked it to help me fight crime on a national level.
Listen to this: Since I first sent that bill to the
Hill in 1989, here in the United States, we've had almost 60,000
murders, 260,000 rapes, 1,600,000 robberies and 2,500,000
assaults. By the way, 506 of those violent crimes took place
right here in Fox Park.
Think about that. Across America, that's enough
assault victims to fill the city of st. Louis more than six times
over. Victims brutalized while that bill languished on Capitol
Hill.
Now, I know the numbers are staggering. I know that
Americans sit down in front of their TVs at night, watch the news
and say, why doesn't somebody do something about this incredible
mess? People are dying in the streets, for heaven's sake. well,
1,201 days later, Congress still has not acted on my crime bill.
And I think if they had a glacier on Capitol Hill, they'd name it
"speedy." You ought to try and get something done there.
But frustrating as this crime bill has been for me,
it's still my job as President to get results. There are good
people on both sides of the issue, working in good faith for a
compromise. And I will not rest until this matter is settled.
This very week, we are now close to an agreement on
a bill the Congress could send me -- and I'll sign. The
compromise bill should include, for example, a workable death
penalty for horrible murders, committed by terrorists, assassins
and drug lords. It should target the shocking violence we see on
television -- the drive-by shootings and gang turf wars. This
deadly behavior deserves deadly punishment. It should include
provisions recommended by former Supreme Court Justice Powell to
short-circuit an endless process of appeals that make a mockery
of justice. (Applause.)
There are other items prompting strong feelings on
all sides, but we're making a good-faith effort to reach a
compromise.
So I want you to know what's on my crime agenda.
I'm not asking for anything but common sense and reasonable
justice, especially for women, children and the elderly victims
of crime. I think I can get some of these items this year --
then, I'll come back to get more of them next year. (Applause.)
Let me click off about eight key points here.
First, apprehend and severely punish these carjackers, like the
ones I just described. I want to make carjacking a federal
offense with harsh penalties. And I want thugs who take cars at
gunpoint to stay in a cell so long that when they get out they're
too old to drive. (Applause.)
second -- I keep talking about strengthening the
family -- well, here's one for you: call deadbeat dads onto the
carpet. (Applause.) Right now, a single mother here in Missouri
can be struggling to keep the kids fed and clothed on her small
salary, while their father's up in Chicago somewhere, picking out
a new Chevy truck with terrycloth pom-poms and a gun rack. Now,
he could be way behind in child support, but no one can touch him
because he's across the state lines. Well, I think that's a
disgrace, and it's about time the long arm of the law reaches out
over that state line, taps that deadbeat dad on the shoulder and
says loud and clear -- time to pay up. Cough up the cash or go
to jail. (Applause.)
And the third, strengthen the laws dealing with
sexual and domestic violence. For starters, we need to protect
the victim. It is bad enough a rape victim is attacked in the
first place. Then she takes the stand and then she gets worked
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over and attacked by the rapist's lawyers. I say that makes two
too many attacks.
And I want repeat sex and domestic-violence
offenders behind bars until trial. Today, even a repeat offender
can get arrested, be out on bond hours later, stalking his next
victim or beating his wife and kids for turning him in. I want
him detained until trial, and I want the prosecution to be able
to use past convictions against him. (Applause.)
Any law enforcement officer knows this, but right
now, certain details can't even be mentioned in court. So-
called little details -- like the fact that everyone and their
dog within a country mile knows the guy acts this way pretty
regularly. And that's wrong. Let him pay for what he's done.
Fourth, crack down on gang violence. I want gangs
to be treated like the criminal enterprises they are. That way,
we can go after the leaders, and we can deal harshly with them,
and we can untie the hands of good cops so they can clean up
decent neighborhoods. I also want to toughen the penalties for
using juveniles in crimes. Some of the gangs right now can send
under-age kids out to do their dirty work because they're minors
and they'll get off if they're caught. And I think the older
gang members should be punished harshly for treating these little
kids like bullet fodder. (Applause.)
Fifth, protection for the elderly. It is absurd
that the folks who have contributed to this society all through
their lives have to live in terror when they're old and frail,
just because some young punks see them as an easy target.
They're as low as the thugs who pick on children. And I want to
beef up the laws that put these thugs behind bars. (Applause.)
Sixth, the habeas corpus reform. Habeas corpus is
supposed to protect the innocent, but it's turned into a
ridiculous perversion of the law. Can you believe that a lot of
these petitions drag on for more than a decade? Criminal lawyers
use it to postpone justice. A guilty verdict can mean seemingly
endless appeals that choke our courts and delay justice. It's
about time we put a stop to this travesty. Let them have one
habeas corpus petition and be done with it. (Applause.) And
that's what I'm trying to do in that crime bill right now.
(Applause.)
And the seventh, a federal death penalty. I think
certain acts of violence deserve the ultimate penalty. I'm
takking about assassinations, murder for hire, terrorism and
other depraved acts. And add to that the new urban violence we
see with gangs. Drive-by shootings, random violence, gang
massacres -- these people are merchants of death; who trade in
death. And the death penalty is warranted in these cases. And I
wish Congress would move and do about it. (Applause.)
And eighth -- and this one's short -- firearms. I
want much tougher penalties for criminal use of firearms, period.
(Applause.) Tighten up the law and take the risk away from these
law enforcement officers. (Applause.)
NOW, I'm not saying that tougher laws are going to
fix absolutely everything. I'm a firm believer in justice, but I
think punishment is only part of the solution. And the other
part has a more human face. Tomorrow's criminals are still just
kids today. And while I believe in resources for law enforcement
and in reform for law enforcement, I also believe that at some
point early in life, a youngster at a critical juncture can be
steered to a life of right or a life of terrible wrong. And it
all depends on the kind of soil you plant these kids in and how
you nourish them.
I just had a wonderful briefing upstairs by the
Chief and some of our community leaders, including the Pastor of
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this church, and what impressed me is what the community 18 doing
to help these kids before they get caught up in this wave of
criminality.
All of this is why I believe that our Weed and Seed
program -- the federal program -- is so very crucial. Weed and
Seed -- that means going into a rough neighborhood, eradicating
the "weeds" of violent crime that can choke a young life, and
replacing them with "seeds" of social opportunity and reform.
And that's what Operation Crackdown in St. Louis is all about:
the federal government, working with local law enforcement,
reclaiming crack houses and giving them back to the community.
And that's what your -- the Chief talked about COPS
program, here in Fox Park, is all about, too, on a local level.
Real people making real changes in your own neighborhood.
You know, just the other day, only a few blocks from
here, police officers raided a crack house on Ohio Avenue. And
as those officers came out of the house with those drug dealers
handcuffed, the neighbors -- maybe some of you all were there --
came out to their porches and gave those police a standing
ovation and a cheer. And that's what this country is hungry for.
Americans want to take crime out of their neighborhoods and put
the neighbors back. And we've got to weed the poison growth from
the soil, and in its place, plant the seeds of hope. (Applause.)
I know there's a craving. I know you just want to
be able to walk down to Worth's Market, or down to Fox Park here
for a stroll, or over to Bartlett's Grocery Store for a
newspaper, or Mary's Restaurant for a cup of coffee even if she
is a Democrat -- (laughter) -- and you want to do it knowing
you're safe in your own neighborhood, that you've helped build
and kept alive.
I think John Mirgaux said it best. He lives in this
neighborhood and knows about that old crack house over on Ohio.
And he said he and his wife, Eleanor, had been thinking about
selling their house and just moving out -- moving away from the
drugs and all the ugly crime. But you know, he's lived in Fox
Hill his whole life. It's his neighborhood. And after the raid,
he and Eleanor did some thinking. And he put it this way. He
said, "You know, I've been waiting for this to happen. Now we're
going to make a stand."
Please join us -- join John and Eleanor and Ohio
Avenue and Fox Park and St. Louis and Missouri and this whole
United States -- and make a stand against crime today, because
the people deserve it.
Thank you all so very much for listening.
(Applause.) And may God bless -- (applause) -- may God bless Fox
Park, Missouri. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
10:44 A.M. CDT
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3RD STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1992 Globe Newspaper Company
The Boston Globe
September 24, 1992, Thursday, City Edition
SECTION: NATIONAL/FOREIGN; Pg. 1
LENGTH: 1101 words
HEADLINE: Lone Star vote seen as wild card;
CAMPAIGN '92 / BATTLEGROUND STATES / TEXAS
BYLINE: By Curtis Wilkie, Globe Staff
DATELINE: AUSTIN, Texas
KEYWORD: US POLITIC CAMPAIGN TEXAS STATISTIC
BODY:
The campaign for Texas, a state that is vital to President Bush's reelection
plans, resembles a tense poker game, with its bluffs and early bets to raise the
stakes.
The Clinton campaign's recent declaration that it will "play in Texas in a
big, bad way" had the ring of a bold challenge to Bush in his adopted home
state, but political sources here say it was little more than a gesture to rally
Democratic nominee Gov. Bill Clinton's supporters and to force Bush's hand.
"They're just making a lot of noise," scoffed Brian Berry, Bush's political
director in the region.
At the same time, Democrats are mocking the "September storm" that
Republicans threatened to use to destroy Clinton's candidacy here as quickly
as Michael S. Dukakis was demolished in Texas in 1988.
"If Clinton comes out of the September storm as well as Saddam Hussein came
out of Desert Storm, we'll be in good shape," said Bob Armstrong, a prominent
Democrat.
Every available poll shows that the race here between Bush and Clinton is
extremely close, and the presence of Ross Perot, who refuses to fold, could make
the difference.
Since Texas holds 32 electoral votes, the third most precious prize, the
preliminary skirmishes are expected to lead into a critical battle this fall.
"In my view, Perot has a terrible mad against the president," said Jim
Oberwetter, the chairman of Bush's Texas campaign. "If he reenters the race,
we'll have a substantial problem. Right now, everything tells me it's
neck-and-neck in Texas. We' going to have a helluva fight."
There is a belief among Democrats that if Bush can be beaten here, it will
ensure a national victory for Clinton, and Texas Democrats are urging their
candidate to go for the kill. "The fact is, George Bush has a fight on his hands
in a state that should be a lock," said Kirk Adams, who is running the
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The Boston Globe, September 24, 1992
Democrats' unified campaign for every office on the Texas ballot.
"The race is going to be won or lost in rural Texas, particularly among Anglo
males," said Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, the chairman of Clinton's
campaign here. In 1988, he said, Dukakis won only 33 percent of the votes of
white men in Texas. "If we get over 40 percent this year, we win."
GOP leaders concede that Clinton is their toughest opponent since Jimmy
Carter won the state in 1976. But they say they are prepared to attack
Clinton's vulnerability on the draft issue to bring him down, just as they
crippled Dukakis on issues that were sensitive to white males - gun control, the
Pledge of Allegiance and prison furloughs.
"The draft issue is already moving the veterans' posts. All the Bubbas are
talking about it. Frankly, we don't have to push it a lot," said Berry, the Bush
director. "But if we have to, we'll push it with a bulldozer."
Although Republicans say they will pester Clinton on such substantive
issues as his ambigious position on the North American Free Trade Agreement, a
pact that holds out the prospect for enhanced trade between Texas and Mexico,
they are plotting assaults that may prove more provocative in places like
conservative East Texas.
In the first rumbling of their "September storm," the Bush campaign
circulated a leaflet asking, "Who does Texas trust to be our commander in
chief?" The leaflet highlights, without the full context, passages from
Clinton's 1969 letter to an ROTC adviser in which Clinton wrote "people have
come to find themselves still loving their country but loathing the military.
It
Clinton was a coordinator for Sen. George McGovern's presidential campaign
in Texas in 1972, and he is said to have a strong emotional attachment to the
state. His decision to make an investment in Bush territory came after a direct
appeal by Mauro, his friend and associate from the McGovern days.
Mauro insists that Clinton has an opportunity to beat Bush on his home
ground and needs to "look like a winner" here. By releasing funds to boost his
Texas campaign, Clinton will encourage wealthy Democrats in the state to
contribute to the effort, Mauro said.
Clinton dispatched his top political advisers, James Carville and David
Wilhelm, to meet privately with a few Texas Democrats. The result was a
preliminary agreement to fund a local television campaign, and it led to
headlines that Clinton had thrown down the gauntlet in Texas. In an expression
of bravado, Paul Begala, a senior Clinton aide and Texas native, told The
Dallas Morning News: "We're going to play in Texas in a big, bad way."
But Democratic sources say that Carville, who has run campaigns in the state,
is still dubious that Texas is worth a greater investment than other
battleground states. He was said to have promised only $ 300,000, drawn from the
Clinton account and the Democratic National Committee treasury, to finance a
limited, local television effort that began this week.
The commitment is a fraction of the $ 5 million roughly one-tenth of the
campaign budget - that strategists in Little Rock have suggested is necessary
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The Boston Globe, September 24, 1992
to overcome Bush in the state.
"This is a bluff they're running. We still don't know if we're a target
state," said a Texas Democratic operative who feels the state is winnable if
Clinton leads a full-scale offensive. The Clinton campaign promised to
reassess the situation in early October.
While Clinton wrestles with a major decision involving money, Bush, who won
the state by 13 points in 1988, is confronted not only by his Democratic
opponent, but his Texas nemesis, Perot.
Before Perot announced in July that he would not be a candidate, polls in
Texas found that the state's voters were split almost evenly among Bush,
Clinton and Perot. Following Perot's latest revelations that he might
reactivate his candidacy, Karl Rove, a Republican strategist in Austin,
contended that Perot's move would actually cost Clinton the support of voters
aligned against Bush.
The undecided Perot vote will be driven by economic issues, Rove said. "It's
important for us to tattoo Clinton for being wrong on his prescriptions for
the economy and let the issues of character take a life of their own." He said
"Gennifer Flowers, dodging the draft, conflicts of interest in the Arkansas
government" will have negative impact on "the white, Southern, older Democratic
voters."
But George Shipley, a veteran Democratic consultant, countered that Perot's
presence on the ballot "is why we have a shot here." He said the independent
Texas businessman could attract at least 10 percent of the Texas vote, "and
two-thirds of that comes right out of Bush's hide. There's a firestorm in his
back yard."
GRAPHIC: CHART
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FAX
the
11111
HOUSE,
FAX NUMBER: 202-456-6218
FM: NAVAL AIR STATION FORT LAUDERDALE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
PO BOX 70488, FT LAUDERDALE, FL 33307
SUBJECT: HISTORY OF NAVAL AIR STATION (NAS) FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
THE MERLE FOGG AIRPORT IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, WAS SELECTED BY
THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO BE IMPROVED INTO A NAVAL AVIATION
FACILITY FOR TRAINING NAVAL AVIATOR STUDENTS DURING WORLD WAR II.
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN JULY 1942 AND WAS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1942.
THE NAVAL AVIATION TRAINING COMMAND MADE NAS FORT LAUDERDALE INTO
A TRAINING FACILITY FOR NAVAL AVIATORS, SUPPORTING AIRCREW PERSONNEL
AND GROUND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL ON THE GRUMAN DESIGNED TBF/TBM
AVENGER SINGLE ENGINE TORPEDO BOMBER CARRIER-BASED AIRPLANE.
TRAINING WAS VERY STRENUOUS AND DIFFICULT. MANY INSTRUCTORS WERE
TAKEN RIGHT OUT FROM NAVAL AVIATOR TRAINING IN PENSACOLA, FL,
AFTER AWARD OF PILOT WINGS AND so HAD LITTLE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
AT THE BEGINNING. SOME INSTRUCTORS HAD LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN
TRAINING PILOT STUDENTS, WHICHHELPED THEPROGRAM GREATLY IN THE
INITIAL PHASES. IN 1943, ENSIGN GEORGE H. W. BUSH. USNR, WAS
FORTUNATE TO HAVE LIEUTENANT TEX ELLISON, USN, FOR HIS INSTRUCTOR.
LIEUTENANT ELLISON HAD JUST RETURNED FROM WAR EXPERIENCE IN THE
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA WHEN HE BECAME THE INSTRUCTOR FOR ENSIGN BUSH.
DURING WWII
FROM 1942 THROUGH 1945
NINETY-FOUR (94) INDIVIDUALS
LOST THEIR LIVES WHILE SERVING AT NAS FORT LAUDERDALE, INCLUDING
FOURTEEN (14) ON 5 DECEMBER 1945 WHEN FIVE (5) TBM AVENGER AIRCRAFT
DISAPPEARED AS US NAVYLFLIGHT 19 WHILE ON A NAVIGATON TRAINING
MISSION OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN FROM NAS FORT LAUDERDALE.
LATE IN 1946, THE NAVY CLOSED DOWN NAS FORT LAUDERDALE, AT WHICH
TIME BROWARD COUNTY ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE PROPERTY AND STARTED
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
ONE OF THE FINEST COMMERCIAL AIRLINE AIRPORTS IN THE UNITED STATES
TODAY.
IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, BROWARD COUNTY HAS TRIED TO DESTROY ALL
OF THE WWII BUILDINGS THAT HOUSED NAS FORT LAUDERDALE IN WWII.
AS A NAVAL HISTORIAN. I FORMED AN ORGANIZATION KNOWN AS THE NAVAL
AIR STATION (NAS) FORT LAUDERDALE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATON, INC.,
AND THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF THIS ASSOCIATION IS TO COLLECT AND
PRESERVE INFORMATON, DOCUMENTS AND MEMORABILIA THAT WERE ASSOCIA-
TED WITH NAS FORT LAUDERDALE IN WWII AND PLACE THESE ITEMS IN A
SMALL MUSEUM FOR THE EDUCATION AND REFERENCE MATERIAL THAT IS
OFTEN REQUESTED BY STUDENTS AND VISITORS WHO EITHER SERVED IN THIS
AREA IN WWII OR HAVE HEARD ABOUT IT AND WANT TO KNOW THE FACTS
ABOUT NAS FORT LAUDERDALE. ONE OF THE REMAINING BUILDINGS IS
NUMBER 15, WHICH PRESENTLY HOUSES THE NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER
HERE, BUT WHICH IN WWII SERVED AS A JUNIOR OFFICERS BACHELOR OFFI-
CERS QUARTERS AND IS WHERE PRESIDENT BUSH LIVED WHILE TRAINING
HERE FROM APRIL THROUGH AUGUST 1943.
PREPARED BY= ALLAN F. MCELAINEY, NAVAL HISTORIAN AND PRESIDENT,
OF NAS FORT LAUDERDALE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
PAGE
5
LEVEL 1 - 2 OF 4. STORIES
Copyright 1992 Times Newspapers Limited
The Times
September 15, 1992, Tuesday
SECTION: Features
LENGTH: 1581 words
HEADLINE: A carnival of expats
BYLINE: George Hill
BODY:
Churchill said that one vote could swing an election. George Hill on the
Americans in Britain warming up for the presidential election
No country in the world has set out more zestfully than the United States to
turn the democratic process into a carnival. On presidential election night in
November, Americans in the UK will be separated by the breadth of an ocean from
the nationwide party back home. They must enjoy the climax of the campaign (or
grieve over it) from far off.
But they will be making the best of it. London on November 3 will be full of
election night parties, large and small, ranging from the big traditional
celebrations at the American embassy and the English-Speaking Union to smaller
gatherings around the television screen in hotels and private houses as the
results come in.
For the American political machines, overseas voters are a constituency well
worth wooing. As Churchill said, one vote is enough to clinch an election. That
just might be a postal vote, or today even a fax, from overseas. Several close
results in recent years, including the contest for governorship of California in
1990, are said to have been decided by postal votes.
Nearly 40 per cent of eligible ex-patriates cast their votes at the last
presidential elections in 1988 a rate not far short of the perrenially low rate
in the US itself. Republicans and Democrats alike have active permanent
worldwide associations to make contact with potential supporters, tap them for
contributions, and persuade them to register.
There are at least three million of the United States' citizens abroad at
any one time. In Britain there is a constantly fluctuating population of at
least 250, 000. Only Germany among European countries is host to a larger number
of American citizens. A high proportion of Americans in Germany are there as
members of the forces. The contingent of American civilians in Britain, though
the embassy keeps no exact figures, is almost certainly the most diverse
anywhere outside the US. They include people in almost every area of life
business, the law, education, the arts and the media, as well as tourists, wives
and husbands of Britons, and the retired.
There is no American International Club in London, as there is in many other
European capitals, to make a focus for campaigning. Unlike their compatriots
elsewhere, Americans in the UK feel relatively little need to stick together or
think of themselves as a community.
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Times Newspapers Limited, September 15, 1992
Republicans claim that two out of three expatriates here are supporters of
the Grand Old Party. As they are a relatively wealthy group, many with interests
in business, it is likely that many feel an affinity with the right. Democrats
reply that business people and the middle classes have suffered severely in the
recession, and hazard the guess that party allegiances are more even, broadly
mirroring the balance in the US itself.
Seven weeks before voting day, the rival bandwagons in London are beginning
to roll. The Democrats stole a march on their opponents last week with a
reception at the House of Commons, at which Senator Paul Tsongas, a former
unsuccessful contender for the party's nomination in this year's primaries,
appeared with Professor John Kenneth Galbraith, the veteran gadfly of the
American right, to rally supporters to the flag of Bill Clinton, and
implicitly to put down a marker for Senator Tsongas's own presidential hopes in
1996.
It was a buoyant occasion, where the campaigning wisecracks of Senator
Tsongas and Professor Galbraith raised whoops of glee from a well-heeled
audience, which ranged from young law students, in Britain for only a few
months, to residents with dual citizenship, settled in Britain for as long as 40
years, with Boston and the Home Counties weighing almost equally in their
accents.
As they discussed the intricacies of the electoral college system, and
enumerated the pivotal states where Mr Clinton must win or lose, it was clear
that they had not lost touch with events and feelings at home. However, it was
equally clear, as they applauded Professor Galbraith's donnish ironies, that
they were far from being typical American voters.
For Democrats Abroad, the occasion was something of a windfall. ''It was
organised very fast when we discovered three weeks ago that Senator Tsongas was
coming to Britain, says Sally McNulty, the chair of the organisation in
Britain. ''It is a business visit rather than a political one, but he agreed to
appear, and Professor Galbraith was coming to London too.
John Wood, the chairman of Republicans Abroad in Europe, has to admit that
at present there are not plans for figures of equal stature from his own party
to address supporters in Britain. 'When we heard that Tsongas and Galbraith
were going to be here, he says, 'we tried to find a Republican senator in
town to debate with them, but that did not prove possible. We plan to approach
any of our people who are visiting London before the election, and try to fix up
an appearance.
Mr Wood, an American who has been settled in Britain for more than 20 years,
is hopeful that at least one public debate between the parties will be
organised, if with less notable participants. He says: 'There were four debates
here in the weeks before the 1988 election. At the moment it does not seem
likely that there will be as many this time. But debates, while fun, have little
purpose. They are just a way of getting people's blood up.
One debate at least is already firmly fixed in the calendar. ''We shall
definitely be holding a debate on October 7, between two figures representing
the parties, and two others with more detached positions, says Clare Farrow,
current affairs project coordinator at the English-Speaking Union. ''This year
the motion will be that 'this house would vote Democrat'. The motion
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Times Newspapers Limited, September 15, 1992
alternates between the parties each election year.
The English-Speaking Union will also hold a party on election night,
attended by 500 guests at Pounds 20 a head, and there will be two separate rooms
where screens will report the results, 50 that Republicans and Democrats can
gather to endure their suspense apart.
About 1,500 invited guests, including many British cabinet ministers and
media and show business celebrities, are expected at the big election night
party always held at the American embassy.
By tradition, the third principal election night party in London is held
at the National Liberal Club. This year, however, the event is apparently still
in doubt with only seven weeks to go.
These indications of fewer parties and fewer debates known to the political
organisers suggest that interest may be lower this year than in the past. Mrs
McNulty rejects the thought: ''I was chair of this organisation four years ago,
and there is no comparison with the level of interest then and what we are
seeing now. There was great apathy a few months ago, before Ross Perot came into
the campaign. But he certainly galvanised Democrats into paying attention.
People here are very much in touch with the real anger against George Bush in
the United States over jobs and the economy. Our office is fielding 60 calls a
day now.
Mr Wood is more ready to concede that there may be less interest this time:
People are certainly confused this year, much as they were confused in the UK
at the time of your general election, and for similar reasons. Since the end of
the Cold War, we have moved into a period where people are less focused and more
uncertain. But it is also true that people who are angry do vote, and when they
are happy they are less likely to.
''Mr Bush is not charismatic in the way Ronald Reagan was, but he has a way
of touching people's hearts.
Registration is a constant preoccupation with the overseas organisations or
the political parties. An unregistered supporter is a voteless supporter. The
embassy is providing a telephone service to advise Americans in the UK about how
to register and vote. Americans abroad vote in the state where they last lived,
even if they have not visited it for 50 years. Every state has its own set of
regulations, and some process applications more efficiently than others. For
some Americans in the UK, time to register is already getting short if they want
to be sure of their votes.
Most expatriates will have to make their decision with several campaigning
days still to go. In a closely matched campaign, where the president's health is
already an issue, any faltering or gaffe by one of the candidates could turn the
balance at the last minute.
However, there are a few states where overseas voters are getting the
privilege of waiting until voting day. A few counties in California even accept
faxed voting papers, in spite of authentication problems. California is likely
to prove a crucial state in the national contest, 50 there is a theoretical
possibility that faxed votes there could wing the national result.
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Times Newspapers Limited, September 15, 1992
Some states also accept papers received up to a week after the polls close,
so long as they are postmarked earlier. If the result is a really close one, the
proclaimed winner in November, whether Democrat or Republican, may have to wait
a week in suspense, to find out whether voters from Westminster to Ougadougou
have confirmed or overturned the verdict of metropolitan America.
TERMS:
Modern Times
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LEVEL 1 - 25 OF 83 STORIES
Copyright 1991 Reuters
January 13, 1991, Sunday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 448 words
HEADLINE: CONGRESS APPROVES GULF WAR; SENATE VOTE NARROWEST IN HISTORY
BYLINE: By Jim Adams
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
KEYWORD:
GULF-CONGRESS
BODY:
Congress has authorized President Bush to wage war in the Persian Gulf as
early as this week to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, but by the narrowest Senate war
vote in U.S. history.
The Senate approved the war authority by only five votes Saturday, 52-47, in
a packed chamber that was dead silent, but the House approved it 250-183.
Bush and his backers in Congress said the war authorization was the surest
way to avert war, because it showed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein he faces
devastating war if he does not leave Kuwait peacefully.
"This clear expression of the Congress represents the last best chance for
peace," Bush said.
Rep. Stephen Solarz, D-N.Y., told the House: "By confronting Saddam Hussein
with a choice between leaving and living or staying and dying, (this) represents
the last best chance for peace."
But opponents said Bush and Congress were rushing into an unwise and
unnecessary war.
"President Bush lit the fuse of war on November 8, and the fuse has been
burning steadily for the past two months," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.
"The Middle East may explode in war unless the Senate puts out the fuse."
The opponents pressed instead for approval of resolutions supported by
Democratic leaders that would have urged Bush to give economic sanctions more
time to work to force Iraq from Kuwait peacefully, before asking Congress for
war authority.
Those resolutions were rejected 53-46 in the Senate and 250-183 in the House.
The resolution Congress approved instead authorizes Bush to use U.S.
military forces to carry out U.N. resolutions giving Saddam until midnight
next Tuesday to leave Kuwait or risk war with the U.S.-1ed coalition aligned
against him.
Bush said at a press conference the resolution did not make war inevitable,
but instead was "the last, best hope for peace."
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Reuters, January 13, 1991
But the five-vote Senate margin gave Bush the war authority by the narrowest
U.S. Senate war vote ever, superseding an early Senate's 19-13 approval of the
War of 1812 against England.
Since then, congressional war votes have been overwhelming- with only one
House vote against World War II. Later the Senate approved 88-2 and the House
approval 416-0 the Tonkin Gulf resolution interpreted by then President Lyndon
Johnson as authorization for the Vietnam War.
The Tonkin Gulf resolution was clearly one reason for the close Senate vote
Saturday. Many of the opponents said the deadly Vietnam War must not be repeated
in the Middle East.
Bush's supporters said after a meeting with him earlier in the week that he
would be satisfied to win in the Senate by a single vote, because the important
thing was to win the war authority whatever the vote margin.
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OCT-02-1992 16:37 FROM PT LAUDERDALE STAFF OFC
TO
12024566218
P.01
OFFICE OF
PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
COVER PAGE
Jennie B.
TO:
C.RAY C.
FROM:
W
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES:
(including cover page)
DATE:
TIME:
MESSAGE:
Col Bud DAY
Bio
C
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLEASE CALL
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
OCT-02-1992 16:37 FROM PT LAUDERDALE STAFF OFC
TO
12024566218
P.02
FAX
MR
DAY
Mike Broad
DAY & MEADE P.A.
Kush Quolite
PA#
$04-243-1234
PAX#
900-425-2575
904-664-5720
COLONEL (DOCTOR) GEORGE B. "BUD" DAY (RETIRED)
Colonel George E. Day is & veteran of more than 30 years service in
the Armed Forces of the United States.
Colonel Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 24, 1925. He
holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and Dector of Humane Letters
from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He has also been
awarded a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Juris
Doctor from the University of South Dakota and a Doctor of Law from
Troy State University. He was admitted to the South Dakota Bar in
1949 and the Florida Bar in 1977.
He joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and served 30 months in the
South Pacific AR a noncommissioned officer. He received an
appointment as & Second Dieutenant in The National Guard in 1950.
He was called to active duty in the Air Force in 1951 and entered
jot pilot training. He served two tours in the Far East as a
fighter bomber pilot during the Korean Wor.
In April 1967. Colenel Day was assigned to the 31st Tas Fighter
Wing at Tuy Moa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. He leter moved to
Plau Cal Alt Base, where he viganized and became the first commender
of the "Misty Super FAC's- "a" F-100 squadron.
Shot down over North Vietnam on August 26; 1967, he spent 67 months
as a Frisoner of war. Colonel Day was the only POW to escape from
prison in North Vietnam and then to be recaptured by the Viet Cong
in the South. He is also credited with living through the first
"no chute" bailout from a burning jet fighter in England in 1955.
At the time of his shoot-down, Colonel Day was one of the nation's
most experienced ist fighter pilots. with 4,500 hours of sincle
engine jet time. and more than 5,000 hours of flying time, He has
flown all of the modern ALT Force jet fighters including the F-80,
T-84, F-100, F-101, F-104. F-105. 7-48, A-43 Hongoose. A-7, F-106,
FB-111, A-7, F-15 and F-16.
He holds every significant combat award. Bud is the nation's most
highly decorated officer, as well as the most decorated since
General Douglass MacArthur. We holds nearly seventy military
decorations and awards of which more than fifty are for combat.
Must notable are the Hedal of Honor, the Air force Cross, the
Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver star, the Legion of Merit,
the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf
Clusters, the Bronze Star for valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the
aronze star, and the Purple Heart with three Clusters. He was
presented Vietnam's highest medal by President Thieu. two
Vietnamese Caliantry Crosses, end Vietnamese Wings. He wears
twelve Campaign Battle Stars.
OCT 02 '92 04:08PM DAY AND MEADE P A
P.2/2
He is a member of the Medal of Honor Society, Legion of Valor, was
the first President of NAM-POW's (the Vietnam POW organization).
President of the MISTY SUPER-FAC Association, and a member of
numerous military and fraternal organizations. Colonel Day was a
member of the Code of Conduct Review Board established by the
Department of Defense in 1976 to review POW conduct.
He taught World Politics, International Law and Political Geography
at St. Louis University and Parks College of Aeronautical
Technology. He taught Constitutional Law, Politics of the Middle
East, and Communism in Eastern Europe at Troy State University.
He is a member of the Okaloosa/Walton Bar Association, Academy of
Florida Trial Lawyers, American Bar Association, and American Trial
Lawyers. He is a visiting lecturer at the Freedom's Foundation
program at Valley Forge for both St. Francis college and the
University of Scranton, and lectures young officers at the Air
University at Maxwell AFB, AL several times each year.
Bud is married to his childhood sweetheart Doris Merlene Sorensen
of Sioux City, Iowa, and has four children, Steven Michael of
Destin, Florida, Capt. George Everette, Jr., (Class of '85 Air
Force Academy) F-16 pilot, twin daughters Sonja Smith of Fort
Walton Beach, FL and Sandra Mathers (Husband is Navy Helicopter
pilot). Has two grandsons Jacob and Joshua, two granddaughters
Noel Elizabeth and Victoria Leigh. He resides at Shalimar, Florida
and has a law firm in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he is a
trial lawyer.
Past Florida State Republican Committeeman, and a past member of
the Board of Directors of the Medal of Honor Society. He is past
National Commander of the Legion of Valor. He was a delegate to
the Republican Convention, Chairman of the Reagan Committee in
Okaloosa County, Florida. In 1984, he was National Chairman of
Veteran's for Reagan and campaigned extensively for and with the
President.
Received the BUSINESS ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR 1988 from the American
Business Women's Association.
He has published numerous articles on fighter performance, an
article in the Saturday Evening Post, Air Force Magazine, and is
the author of "RETURN WITH HONOR" his POW autobiography.
Governor Martinez appointed him a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.
Currently serves as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Commission.
Senator Connie Mack placed him on the Defense Advisory Committee
and he serves as a director of the Air Force Armament Museum.
TEL:
May 06'01
16:16 No.012 P.02
RECOMMENDED ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FLORIDA POLITICAL EVENTS
an of
10
OCTOBER 3, 1992
1pm
CLEARWATER
1)
Mac Norcross and Sandy Mortham, Co-Chairmen, Pinellas County Bush-
Quayle '92
2)
Sidney Colen, Manager, "On Top of the World" retirement community
3)
Bill Grant, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
4)
Jeanie Austin, Vice-Chairman, Republican National Committee
5)
Gerald McRaney (Major Dad)
6)
Marian Kelth, longtime GOP volunteer and resident of "On Top of the World"
FT. LAUDERDALE
1)
Van Poole, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida
2)
Jeanie Austin, Vice-Chairman, Republican National Committee
3)
Bill Grant, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
4)
Bill Bucknam and Rita Johnson, Co-Chairmen, Broward County Bush-Quayle
'92
5)
Guy Sanchez, Gulf War veteran, Corporal in the Marine Corps reserves
6)
Commander Donald Feak Commander of VFW post 1968 and army
Sergeant In Korea (marched In Ike's Inaugural parade)
7)
Gerald McRaney (Major Dad)
8)
Chris Evert???
ORLANDO
1)
Pat Williams, General Manager, Orlando Majic Basketball Team
2)
Congressman Bill McCollum
3)
John Mica, Republican candidate for Congress
4)
Bill Tolley, Republican candidate for Congress
5)
Van Poole, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida
8)
Bill Grant, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
7)
Jeanie Austin, Vice-Chairman, Republican National Committee
8)
Ken Wright and Bill Donegan, Co-Chairman, Orange County Bush-Quayle '92
9)
Gerald McRaney (Major Dad)
10) West Orange High School "Marching Warriors"
7697-5131
info offin 1 Marine
what is Marine Coups Budget
-9 billion
what alse Nay spends realy
for Marke n
Budget
Maine Corps
(703)-
public aftairs
614-1492
Stq. yiter
Chiefof.Info @ Pentagon
( Cgst. Mamel
)
2 OCTOBER 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE PROVOST
CHRISTINA MARTIN
FROM:
J. BUNTON
R
SUBJECT:
CLINTON'S WISCONSIN SPEECH QUOTE ON GULF WAR
HERE'S THE QUOTE -- PULLED FROM EXCERPTS OF REUTER'S WIRE IN
TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES
"IN THE MIDDLE EAST, I SUPPORTED THE PRESIDENT WHEN IT BECAME
NECESSARY TO EVICT SADDAM HUSSEIN FROM KUWAIT, AND I SUPPORT HIS
DECISION NOW TO PROVIDE AIR COVER TO SADDAM'S KURDISH AND SHIITE
OPPONENTS IN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH OF IRAQ."
CLINTON FOREIGN POLICY SPEECH
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [10/02/92]
[Steve wanted this for the Ft. Lauderdale speech]
$60B- over 4 yrs.
the equiv. of 4 us
Marine Crps 1
and I will not ht him
get anaynte
D
Biu Richards
d
[ april 9, 1992 file]
Comptroller
Dept.d Havy Plans; operations]
703-697-2332
difense
Marine Corps. operations directorate
budget 4 93- identificable comus to 9 billion
doem't michel t comes under Nary spenton
Marine corps-
Blue- Grun support missing #
perhaps @ 15 billion
September 28, 1992 /
MEMORANDUM
TO:
KATHY SUPER
JOHN KELLER
STEVE PROVOST
FROM:
GARY FOSTER 67
SUBJECT: SITE SURVEYS FOR FT. LAUDERDALE, CLEARWATER & ORLANDO,
FLORIDA
Attached are the site surveys for the President's trip to Ft.
Lauderdale, Clearwater and Orlando Florida on Saturday, October
3. Once Kathy has the sites "scrubbed", implementation can
begin. The first stop of the day will be in Miami to follow-up
on Hurricane Andrew relief efforts. We are waiting for word from
Counsel's Office as to whether that portion of the day will be
considered official. No survey was done in the Miami area.
CC: Bob Zoellick
David Bates
Margaret Tutwiler
Tim McBride
David Demarest
Ede Holliday
Karen Groomes
Andrew Carpendale
Speechwriters
SEP 26 '92 14:28
SCHEDULING OFFICE
15 THE "AVENGER" THE ONE
Craig Ray - lead
PUED FROM Bottom OF LAKE MICHIGAN?
Cell phone
SAME
AVENBER
FROM
museum
September 25, 1992
adhl
Behind POTUS
RISIMENN iN EE
GERALD MCRANEY IS
MEMORANDUM TO:
GARY FOSTER
TRAVELING w/ POTUS
DOUG DUVALL
ACKS: CHRIS EVERETT
FROM:
VAN POOLE ST. CHRM REP. PART
SUBJECT:
SURVEY REPORT FOR FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1992
Bull GRANT- FORM
Sally 904-425 2874
CANDIDATE CONG /senate
PROPOSED EVENT SCENARIO:
-
The second stop of the President's Florida swing would be Ft.
Lauderdale. Air Force One will fly from Miami to Hollywood
International Airport where the President would give a mid morning
address to an outdoor crowd of 5000-8000 people. Hollywood
International Airport is the site of the former Ft. Lauderdale
Naval Air Station where an 18 year old George Bush had his flight
training before he went to the Pacific during World War II.
Air Force One would taxi to a runway parallel to AMR COMBS
hangar. The President would give remarks in front of the Avenger,
the torpedo bomber aircraft the President flew during the war. The
audience for the event would consist of Veterans groups, Republican
invitees, and general public.
After his remarks, the President could then motorcade a short
distance to the building which was formerly the bachelor's officers
quarters when the President did his flight training in 1943. In
?
his official capacity as Commander in Chief, the President would
receive an honorary lifetime membership to the Naval Air Station
Ft. Lauderdale Historical Association and participate in a brief
photo opportunity in front of a mural painted in honor of his
military service. Including the drive times, this entire event
would take no more than 15 minutes. At the conclusion of these
events, the President would motorcade back to Air Force One and
depart for Clearwater, Florida for additional campaign events.
PROPOSED EVENT SITES:
As mentioned, Air Force One would taxi to a runway parallel to
the AMR COMBS hangar. The hangar itself and the AMR COMBS office
building have several areas suitable for holding rooms. They have
hosted the President and Vice President in the past so they are
quite familiar with the requirements.
Air Force One would park on the taxiway and the President
would deplane and walk a short distance to a small dais. I
recommend the dais be placed in front of the Avenger which would be
to the President's right as he deplaned. With this setting, Air
Force One would be in the cut away shot, and the Avenger,
Behind Poius
SEP 26 '92 14:28
SCHEDULING OFFICE
112 P05
surrounded by veterans, would be the primary backdrop. This would
visually reiterate the President's veterans message and depict the
dichotomy between the two Presidential candidates' military
service.
The Republican Party has already started contacting veterans
groups, and they expect to be able to draw several hundred
representatives of the VFW, USO, and the Foreign Legion. Bleachers
filled with veterans could flank the stage. The audience would
also be augmented by Ft. Lauderdale area Republicans and the
general public. Since the event is on a Saturday morning, people
will have no conflict with school or work. Thus, we should be able
to generate a large, family-oriented crowd.
There is enough parking on the airport grounds, but
unfortunately, it is not all in one lot. There are several fields
which can be used, but volunteer parkers would have to be
recruited. Shuttle buses are available but would probably have to
be rented. The main entrance for the public would be in between
the AMR COMBS hangar and office building.
A flatbed truck could be brought in for the press platform,
which would be at a head-on position. A smaller trailer could be
placed stage right of the President's dais for the pool
photographers. The press filing center could be located in the
Employee Break Room, 2nd level of the hangar. Another alternative
would be in a corner of the hangar.
One concern is noise from incoming and departing airplanes.
Fortunately, there is little air traffic during the proposed time
of the event, but it should be addressed with airport management.
Security should not be too much of a problem since AMR COMBS has
hosted several official stops. The commercial airport is
definitely visible across the runway as is the airport's main
access road. However, the road is more than 1000 yds away and the
President's stage would be blocked by Air Force One and the
Avenger.
After his remarks, and while the press are filing stories, the
President could motorcade to what was the Junior Bachelor Officers'
Quarters, where Ensign George Bush lived for two months in 1943
while learning to operate the Avenger torpedo bomber airplane.
Today, the building houses the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Detachment of Ft. Lauderdale.
The President would arrive at the building and participate in
a very brief ceremony outdoors. Allan McElhiney, Naval Historian,
would like to present the President and a few others with an
honorary lifetime membership to the Historical Association. Tex
wrnt
Ellison, the President's training officer in 1943, would also be
be
involved in the ceremony. Capt. Ellison's nephew, Jim Naugle, is
there
now the mayor of Ft. Lauderdale (D). In addition, the Historical
Association would try to locate other members of the President's
training class.
Pharmacist mate from Finntack
John urtave? worked on Boths
SEP 26 '92 14:29
SCHEDULING OFFICE
112 P06
After receiving the plaque outdoors, the President would
proceed inside for a photo op in front of a mural which was
dedicated to George Bush two years ago. Jeb Bush participated in
the dedication ceremony. The mural is 27 feet long and portrays
the Avenger aircraft in the traffic pattern reminiscent of WWII
flying training days. This "museum" is virtually a shrine to
President Bush, with several photos of him in his combat days.
Even though much of the building has been converted into official
office space, the day room of the 1940's is still in tact. The
original pool table which was there in the summer of 1943 has not
moved.
Since the US Navy owns and operates the building, they want to
get clearance fort he President's visit. We are proposing this
event in the President's official capacity as Commander in Chief.
This event would not be open to the public - only to those who are
involved in the ceremony. We could limit the media to an expanded
pool because of the limited space inside for the photo op.
All in all, these two events would certainly highlight the
President's agenda to the citizens of Florida. It would also
target veterans and emphasize the contrast between the President's
and Gov. Clinton's military service. These events would provide a
natural forum for the President to talk about the contributions
veterans have made to this country; our country's military
advances; the success of Desert Storm; and the early age at which
the President decided to serve his country, To this day, George
Bush remains the youngest commissioned Naval Officer in the United
States.
CONTACTS:
Andrew Ballard, BQ - Florida GOP Regional Dir.,
800/373-0436 x5817 voice mail 407/622-9380 home in W Palm
Walt Houghton, Airport Aviation Ops, 305/359-6106 O 726-2914 h
Lt. James Walkup, Airport Security contact, 305/359-1244
Barbara Churchill, AMR COMBS Manager, 305/359-0000
*
Allan McElhiney, Naval Historian, 305/763-5363
[305-647-3052] cell phone
DEDRA FIN
VICT.92 HQ) 305-323-3330
DEIRDRA FIN
305-463-4000 / RM. 2533
26 '92 14:27
SCHEDULING OFFICE
September 25, 1992
MEMORANDUM TO:
GARY FOSTER
FROM:
DOUG DUVALL
SUBJECT:
SURVEY REPORT FOR CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1992
PROPOSED EVENT SCENARIO:
The President would make the third Florida stop in Clearwater
where he will address a group of senior citizens at a retirement
community. Air Force One could land at St. Petersburg/Clearwater
International Airport and motorcade 20 minutes to the Activities
Center of the On Top of the World retirement community, which is
located in Pinellas County. The President would have the
opportunity to speak on issues which directly affect senior
citizens. The audience would be comprised of over 1000 residents
of the retirement community. After remarks, the President would
motorcade back to the airport for his departure to Orlando, where
he will participate in other campaign events.
PROPOSED EVENT SITE:
On Top of the World retirement community has approximately
9000 residents and almost 5000 apartments/condos. Given its size,
the community is virtually a city within itself. There is a golf
course, swimming pool, tennis courts, shuffle board, horseshoe
pits, many service organizations and other organized activities for
the seniors. Their largest meeting area is the Activities Center
which is located in the heart of the development.
The Activities Center can hold a seated crowd of 1000. There
are two partitioned rooms to the rear of the hall which could seat
an additional 300 persons. The hall is very much like a high
school all purpose room. There is a large, curtained stage to the
front of the room. The President could arrive at the Activities
Center at the rear entrance where he would be escorted to a holding
room back stage. There are several offices and dressing rooms
suitable for Presidential and senior staff holds. The President
would be announced into the room from an off stage announce
position.
26 '92 14:27
SCHEDULING OFFICE
112 P03
90% of the audience would be residents of On Top of the World
retirement community. The remainder of the audience would be made
up of Republican invitees from greater Pinellas County.
Given the limited seating, the event would obviously need to be
ticketed. I would recommend that after times are finalized and
tickets have been printed up, the manager's office at the
Activities Center be used as a distribution center.
On Top of the World has its own newspaper, closed circuit
television and bulletin boards to be used for- advertising the
event. The newspaper is bimonthly, so we already missed the
deadline for the next issue. Mr. Sidney Colen, builder and manager
of the community, plans on making a general announcement of the
President's visit this weekend over the television broadcast.
Posters could be placed in the entrance of each residential
building, and if necessary, flyers could be distributed in
everyone's mailbox. A special mailing to those residents who are
registered Republicans could also be considered.
Pinellas County has 225,000 registered Republicans and 190,000
registered Democrats. The DNC has recently launched an aggressive
radio and television advertising campaign in the area which focuses
on Seniors' issues and the economy. The community itself, is in an
area which is strongly Republican, and the majority of the
residents are likely to be very of the President.
CONTACTS:
Sally Harrell, BQ Executive Director for Florida, 904/425-2874
Mac Norcross, Pinellas County GOP Chair,
813/585-3002 o
813/595-5072 h
Sidney Colen, Builder and Manager of On Top of the World
813/799-3417 o
Charles Simmons, Atty. for On Top of the World 914/725-1088
Jan Tipton, Activities Center Manager, 813/799-2734 O 784-2143 h
SEP
28
'92
9:28
FROM
V
E
LLP
31
HOUSTON
PAGE 002
September 28, 1992
Memorandum to: Gary Foster
From:
Pat Mizell
Re:
President's Visit to Orlando, Florida, October 3, 1992
The President would travel to Orlando, Florida to attend a rally.
PROPOSED EVENT SITE:
Church Street Market
The Church Street Market is located in downtown Orlando, Florida. It is an area
of shops and restaurants on a picturesque street.
I propose that the dais be placed on the street, and the crowd be allowed to view
from all four sides of the dais. This achieves a picture of the President talking with the
people. To achieve this affect, the dais will need to be low, and the press platform will
need to be tall, to allow for a shot down on the President surrounded by people. Down
the street approximately eighty feet is a railroad track. I propose an old-fashioned train
be placed across the railroad track as a backdrop. The train will also be needed to block
a line of sight to a freeway which is at the far end of the street.
A chute could be created with barrels and ropes from the dais to one side, which
would allow access to the dais for the President.
There is 8 "Sports Jamboree Weekend" planned that weekend in the Church Street
Market. The organizers of the Jamboree are willing to work with the advance team to
reschedule events currently planned for the late afternoon slots. Although we can take
advantage of the people attending the Sports Jamboree, the President's event should not
be billed as attending the Sports Jamboree.
The attached diagram demonstrates the placement of the dais in relation to the
square.
A fundraiser has been requested, and the Lilly Marlene Room in the Church Street
Station has been identified as a suitable fundraising site.
SEP 28 '92 8:39 FROM U E LLP 31 HOUSTON
PAGE. 002
The Orchid Room in the Church Street Station would be suitable for a press filing
center. The room is available for Saturday, October 3, and has been reserved.
EVENT SCENARIO:
The President would arrive at the Orlando International Airport and proceed via
motorcade to the Church Street Market. Drive time is approximately twenty minutes.
Upon arrival at the Church Street Market the President would proceed to the train station
for holding. The President would be announced onto the dais, and proceed through the
crowd to the dais. The President would make remarks, and on conclusion of remarks the
President would depart the dais to the motorcade. The President would then depart the
Church Street Market to the Orlando International Airport.
Contacts: Ken Wright is the Orlando Bush-Quayle Chairman. His office number
is (407) 423-3200. His home number is (407) 333-9008.
Todd Parish is a Bush-Quayle Assistant. His numbers are (407) 341-3834 and
(407) 648-1970.
The property manager of the Church Street Market is Barbara Muenks. Her office
number is (407) 872-3500. Her home number is (407) 351-5481.
The president of the Church Street Station, which is an adjoining property where
the filing center and the fundraiser will take place, is Robert E. Windham. His office
number is (407) 422-2434. The food and beverage director is John Rodriguez, and his
number is (407) 422-2434.
SEP 26 '92 8:39 FROM VE LLP 31 HOUSTON
PAGE. 003
Freeway
Crosswalk
Fundraising site
Filing center
shops:
,,,
shops:
Restaurant
Street
Restaurant
Train
o
Train Station
(shops)
Shops
Crowd
DAIS
crowd
Crowd
Shops
Crowd
SEP
28
'92
8:40
FROM V E LLP 31 HOUSTON
PAGE 004
our
CHURCH STREET MARKET PRESENTS
Goma
SPORTS
JAMBOREE
WEEKEND
are
in
800->
1000
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Join us for a jam packed weekend of sports, food and fun!
56 arroug cro enso
It's a whole weekend of fun for everyone from Slam Dunk
Contests, Mascots and Cheerleaders to Card Shows, Food and Fun!
Just look at our game plan:
Saturday, October 3
Sunday, October 4
9:00 am-5:00 pm
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
American Heart Walk
3 on 3 Basketball Games
3 on 3 Basketball Games
Sports Card Show
Sports Card Show
Food and Shopping
Food and Shopping
Clowns and Mascots
Clowns and Mascots
Variety 101 Radio Remote with Prizes
Noon-1:00 pm
ene or serrers CROGUUS 00000
Mascot Basketball Game
Noon - 2.00 pm
(with Stuff)
Slam Dunk Contest
(Stanley Roberts, Judge)
Noon - 5:00 pm
Variety 101 Radio Remote
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
with Prizes
Magic Cheerleaders
CHURCH STREET
DOWNTOWN
ORLANDO
Convenient covered parking in the SunBank Center Garage on South Street
or the Market Garage on Pine Street
on GUNNA
NAVAL AVTATIONMUSEUM
FOUNDATION
VOLUME10
NUMBER2
FALL 1989
page 7
GEORGE BUSH
NK-1
The Planes George Bush Flew
George Bush's flight log shows his first flight took place in Minneapolis on Nov 10, 1942,
in NK-1, BuNo 3787. His last Navy flight was on Sept. 3, 1945, in SNJ BuNo 26867 out
of NAS Norfolk. Altogether, his total Navy time was 1228.3 hours and 126 carrier
landings.
He piloted six different Navy type planes:
1. NK-1 "Spartan"
2. N2S-3/4 "Keydet" (better remembered as the "Yellow Peril")
3. SNV-1 "Valiant" (nicknamed "Vibrator")
4. SNJ-3/4/5 "Texan"
5. TBF-1 "Avenger"; TBM-1c/3c "Avenger"
6. F4U-4 "Corsair"
RIM
43156
"
N2S-5
CONTENTS
NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM
COUNDATION
TOUNDATION
Three
George Bush, Naval Aviator
VADM M.W. Cagle. USN (Ret.)
Fourteen
Volume 10, Number 2
Back to the Farm
ADM M.F. Weisner. USN (Ret.)
Fall 1989
Fifteen
The Ascent
VADM Jim Stockdale, USN (Ret.)
Twenty-Five
Nancys, Lindy, Kites, WEFT,
Editor
and Smithsonian
VADM Malcolm W. Cagle
CDR Paul E. Garber, USNR (Ret.)
USN (Ret.)
Thirty-Six
Senior Vice President
"Crutch"
Rt. 1 Box 345
CAPT Charles E. Roemer. USN (Ret.)
Roseland, VA 22967
804-277-5146
Forty-Three
Mr. Wu (Part II)
VADM M.W. Cagle, USN (Ret.)
Fifty-Three
Fighting Lady
LCDR Byron Morgan, USNA (Ret.)
Fifty-Seven
Cdr. George Cook Sweet
CAPT John E. Lacoutre, USN (Ret.)
Sixty-Five
Days of the Seaplane
RADM Edward H. Eckelmeyer, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Seventy
NAVAL
AVIATION
Incredible Rescue
VADM M.W. Cagle, USN (Ret.)
Seventy-Six
The Unforgettable Instructor
CAPT Edward H. Bayers, USN (Ret.)
WISSIN
PRESERVE
Eighty-Four
NATIONAL
FOUNDATI
Monterey's Moment of
Gridiron Greatness
LCDR Joseph T. Stanik, USN
Ninety-One
PROGREP - SITREP
RADM George M. Furlong, Jr., USN (Ret.)
The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc. is a charitable, educational foundation under Article 501(c)3 of the Internal
Revenue Code. The organization's magazine, FOUNDATION, will be published semi-annually. Material (articles and
photographs concerning the history and heritage of naval aviation) is needed for future issues of FOUNDATION.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc., NAS Pensacola, Florida 32508.
1
George Bush-Naval Aviator
by VADM M. W. Cagle, USN (Ret.)
n the spring and summer of 1944, as the
For the flat-top aviators leading the way,
Navy and US Marine Corps smashed their
the risks of damage and death in these cam-
way across the central Pacific spear-
paigns were high. While the Japanese carriers
headed by carrier aviation, some of the tough-
had been plastered, many of them sunk or
est and bloodiest island-hopping and fighting
out of action, the Japanese air units based
would be encountered-the invasion of Sai-
on the assorted islands were loaded and
pan, the strikes and invasion of Guam, Palau,
locked and amply supplied. The first Kami-
the Bonins (Iwo Jima, Chi-Chi Jima) and
kaze pilots were about to be used. So the
the first raids on Formosa, Okinawa and the
risks to our carriers and to low-flying, heavy-
Philippines.
laden TBMs were particularly high.
3
The following account of the training and
he had grown almost 2 inches taller.¹
combat experiences of one 20-year-old tor-
George Bush was always a good athlete.
pedo bomber pilot named George Bush is
and his cadet physical training record shows
extracted from official records, war diaries,
it. The Aviation Cadet physical entry stand-
combat reports, and the President's own log
ards were: 5 chin-ups, 15 push-ups, jump-
book as well as his aviation student flight
reach 16 inches, speed and agility (over a
jacket-some of them not before analyzed.
short course of turns, climbs and jumps)
The President also answered our questions
was 35 seconds. Bush's record shows that he
about his volunteering for naval aviation,
did 6 chin-ups, 18 push-ups, jump-reached
his training and his Pacific war tour. In his
23 inches, and ran the course in 31.6 seconds.
teens, Bush had considered trying for the
Moreover, in the 8-month period, his overall
U.S. Naval Academy. Even as a boy, he was
fitness score rose from 77 points (60 was
fascinated by the lore of the sea. And he
standard) to 103. His cadet sports record
loved sailing and deep sea fishing.
gave him "S" for "superior" in basketball and
By the time he volunteered for World War
soccer, "average" in aquatics, boxing, wres-
II in 1943, United States victories at Coral
tling and football.
Sea and Midway had just occurred. Naval
George Bush went down the normal war-
aviation had become the decisive factor in
time training track from aviation cadet to
the Pacific war, and flying from an aircraft
ensign between August 5, 1942 until June 9,
carrier was the type of demanding and daunt-
1943 when he was commissioned and re-
ing challenge that appealed to George Bush.
ceived his "Wings of Gold" the same day.
George Bush wasn't unique-hundreds of
That track was in three major parts:
others just like him-the young men who
1. U.S. Navy Pre-flight School at Chapel
manned the airplanes of the Pacific fleet.
Hill, North Carolina.
Many of them were shot down, lost at sea,
2. Pre-flight training at Naval Air Station,
wounded or captured. Indeed, of the original
Wold-Chamberlain Airfield, Minneapo-
eighteen pilots in Bush's Torpedo Squadron
lis, Minnesota.
51, three pilots and eight air crewman were
3. Ground school NAS Corpus Christi,
lost in combat.
Texas followed by flight training in SNVs
Bush took his share of the knocks. He had
and SNJs.
a pre-dawn landing emergency back on
The fourth part was Fleet training at Naval
board on 13 June 1944 near Saipan due to
Air Station, Fort Lauderdale, Florida in
hydraulic failure. On 19 June he made a
TBMs and TBFs.
smooth, controlled forced landing in the sea
At Chapel Hill, his ground school training
near Guam. He and his crew were rescued
marks for the 11 weeks based on the 4.0
by the destroyer USS C.K. Bronson. He was
grading system were quite high:
back in action five days later for the remain-
Math
3.8
der of June, July and August. He was shot
Physical Training
3.6
down by the Japanese over Chi-Chi Jima in
Recognition
3.6
the Bonin Islands on. September 2nd. Bush
Officer Training
3.4
parachuted to safety at low altitude (details
George Bush was always a good student
of these episodes later).
and conscientious about doing well with the
Altogether, when VT-51 left SAN JACINTO
books. He had graduated from Phillips Acad-
on 29 November 1944, Bush's log book
emy at Andover, Massachusetts, a top-notch
showed him with 924.8 hours and 116 carrier
school which was equivalent to high school,
landings.
and his marks there were average to above.
He joined the Navy upon completing Phillips
NAVAL AVIATION TRAINING
Academy and left immediately for service.
When Bush took his first physical fitness
After the war's end, he attended Yale Uni-
test as an aviation cadet on November 5,
versity, completed a degree in economics in
1942, he was 1/4 inch over 6 feet in height
1948, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
and weighed 161 pounds. When he took his
Bush moved from the October Indian
final fitness test on June 18, 1943, about
eight months later. he had lost 1 pound but
Today he is 6'2" and weighs 184 lbs. How many of us naval
aviators in his age group can say that!
summer of North Carolina to the rigors of
learns well. Has difficulty in maintaining
winter at Wold-Chamberlain Airfield, NAS
altitude. Tends to make all turns in a
Minneapolis, arriving November 5, 1942. He
slight skid. Took off several times with
completed his training there on February
right wing low. Got onto flaps and prop
19, 1943 in the worst of Minnesota's snow
pitch. Judged his first emergency
and ice.
well
Instructed in stall and spin re-
Bush flew his first seven hops in an NP-1
covery."
"Spartan," one in an N2S-3 "Yellow Peril," for
8 March 1943. "Has three main faults:
a total of 11.3 hours.
(1) leveling off too high; (2) overshooting;
His first instructor was J. C. Crume, who
(3) traffic pattern downwind of touch
gave him his first eight hops, and pronounced
and go landing circle with the fieldward
him "safe for solo." His ninth hop was a half-
wing dipped down. therefore in a skid."
hour pre-solo check by a different instructor,
11 March 1943. "Corrected all three
J. A. Boyle, who made these comments in his
faults. Approaches were all on the head
jacket:
but did not have the knack of setting
"Satisfactory check. Taxied a little fast.
three wheels on the ground at the same
Landings were average to above with
time. Bounced on his takeoffs. Safe for
the exception of one almost ground
solo."
loop. Safe for solo."
Bush soloed in the "Vibrator" on March
Thus, Bush soloed after 11.8 hours, flying
11th. Some random comments by his in-
on NP-1 Spartan, Bureau Number 3820 on
structors during this period of instrument
21 November 1943. Many of his fellow cadets
flying and formation flying:
took more hours and some went before a
3/14/43. "Oriented himself on three prob-
board to request even more time. Quite a
lems. Bracketing too steep near cone."
few dropped out of the program and never
3/15/43. "Crossovers fair; roughly con-
soloed.
trolled. Wing position unsteady:"
His first nighttime flight was on February
1st, and his night solos on February 2 and
3/17/43. (Three flights, same day.) "Av-
February 4.
erage to above. Wing position okay."
Bush well remembers the ice and snow of
"Good work for this period. Rough in
his early flights from the frozen Minnesota
holding position. Takeoff good.
turf which increased the risk of ground loops.
3/20/43. "Student did above average
He still recalls the bitter cold and the need to
work leading the formation."
wear a face mask against the icy chill of the
3/21/43. "Average to slightly above. Good
open, no-heat cockpit of the "Yellow Perils."
control of cross maneuvers."
By the time Bush departed NAS Minnea-
Other comments in April:
polis, he had made 61 flights and his total
24 April-Instructor Lt. Sorenson-SNJ
flight time was 82.5 hours, of which 24.7
Checkout-2.1 hours, (his first flight in
hours were solo time. He had passed every
the SNJ-4):
flight check-no downs, no extra time, no
"Student's approaches were wide. Land-
boards, and no rechecks.
ings standard. Student's drift correction
He now headed for sunny Texas-NAS
was not very good. Safe for solo."
Corpus Christi-to begin his check-out in
the SNV-1 Vultee "Vibrator."
27 April-Instructor Hendrickson. (The
There were several "stages" of training at
second period of acrobatics in Stage B.)
NAS Corpus Christi: familiarization and pre-
"Had trouble getting the stick forward in
cision landings; acrobatic flying; division tac-
slow rolls but was getting the idea later in
tics, basic tactics; gunnery; advanced fixed
the period."
gunnery, including camera gunnery; free gun-
LINK TRAINER INSTRUCTION
nery and free camera; night flying; glide bomb-
Bush passed the Civil Air Regulations Test
ing; and torpedo bombing.
with a mark of 3.16. In his first few "hops in
On March 5, 8 and 11, Ensign E. C. Fritz
the box," instructors commented that he
gave him his first three "Vibrator" flights:
had trouble holding his altitude, or that he
5 March 1943. "Student serious and
missed a high cone. Still, his work as a whole
5
for the 15 hops steadily improved. By the
Honke: "Cadet Bush is pleasant and
end of Link instruction, his letdowns were
ambitious. He does his work willingly
now good and his missed low cone procedure
and well. He is good officer material"
was also good. "Student seems to understand
McAfee: "Cadet Bush is a very likeble
all the procedures given thus far and he
person and a hard worker. With expe-
handles the trainer nicely," saíd instructor J.
rience, he should develop into an above
L. Kopple.
average officer. All his duties, regular
Overall, Lt. Cmdr. J. R. Dickle, Pre-Flight
and additional, have been handled
skipper of VN13-D8B, rated Bush as "fitted
well."
for commission" and judged him "fair" as
instructor material.
ADVANCED TRAINING AND
SQUADRON TRAINING
BUSH'S STUDENT FITNESS REPORTS
After winging and commissioning, Bush
Bush received three "student fitness re-
headed for the Aviation Training Department
ports" during his time in flight training. These
at NAS Fort Lauderdale, Florida to learn to
reports used the standard 4.0 marking sys-
fly and operate the Gruman TBF torpedo
tem and there were twelve categories such
plane known as the "Avenger." His "Avenger"
as intelligence, judgment, initiative, reaction
flight training began on 11 June 1943, in-
to emergencies, etc.
cluding an goodly amount of Field Carrier
The first of the three reports was prepared
Landing Practice (FCLP) in SNJ-3s or 4s.
by Ensign E. C. Fritz, USNR, who had flown
His TBF time from June 18 to August 23 was
three instrument hops in the SNV Vultee, as
91 hours, while his SNJ time was 38 hours.
recorded on p. 5. His fitness report is dated
The payoff came on 24 August 1943 on
March 21st. Bush's average mark was 3.26.
Lake Michigan when Bush qualified aboard
His two highest marks were 3.6-one in "in-
the paddlewheel carrier USS Sable. He made
dustry, the other in "military bearing, neat-
six carrier landings and deck-run takeoffs
ness of dress and person." Five other marks
in TBF-1, Bureau No. 00416. This qualifica-
were 3.3-intelligence, initiative, persever-
tion period took only 2.1 hours. As of that
ance, reaction in emergencies and endurance.
date, his total flight time stood at 334.7
His lowest two marks-3.0-were in loyalty
hours. In September, he continued TBF in-
and cooperation. (As far as can be deter-
struction in Carrier Aircraft Service Unit
mined, Fritz was an ex-AVCAD himself, re-
(CASU) 26.
tained at NAS Corpus Christi as an instruc-
A careful review of Mr. Bush's aviation
tor.) He concluded his fitness report with
these comments:
training jacket from his cadet days to his
"winging" clearly shows that his overall per-
"Aviation Cadet Bush is an upstanding
lad with great self-confidence. It ap-
formance improved in every stage-pre-flight
school, pre-flight, Link training, flight train-
pears, however, that he may be some-
what eccentric."
ing, and fleet training. He never got a "down,"
never needed extra time, never went before
In standard Navy fitness report lingo in
the "remarks" section, the use of a word
a review board, never had a disciplinary
such as "eccentric" would appear to be in-
problem-just a steady, average to above
consistent with the marks.
record, improving as he matured. As he
(When President Bush was shown this
began fleet training and then served in com-
entry a few months ago, he laughed heartily
bat, his record again showed stability, growth,
and said jokingly, "Maybe someone should
maturity and a skill and a willingness to
find Mr. Fritz for me.")
withstand pressure and the ability to over-
come problems.
The two other fitness reports are quite
different.
YOUNGEST AVIATOR IN
These two were written on March 31, and
THE WORLD WAR II NAVY?
May 28. His average rose from Fritz's 3.26 to
Many articles and accounts have described
M. M. Honke's 3.40 and LTjg Frank M. Mc-
George Bush as the "youngest aviator in the
Afee's (USNR) mark of 3.43.
Navy." Was he?
The remarks of these last two student
The facts are:
reports:
(1) Bush gained his "Wings of Gold" on
6
June 9, 1943 (the same day he received
controlled a 50 caliber forward-firing ma-
his commission as Ensign).
chine gun in the cowling while the radioman
(2) He was born in Milton, Massachusetts
manned a 30 caliber machine gun in the
on June 12, 1924. Thus Mr. Bush was 18
"tunnel" of the lower section of the plane.
years, 11 months and 27 days old when he
The TBM-1Cs which Bush flew in VT-51 were
officially became a "naval aviator." (Some
built on the Grumman design by the Eastern
writers erroneously start their age count
Aircraft Division of the General Motors Cor-
when Bush began pre-flight training at
poration. The TBM-1C had two 50 caliber
NAS Minneapolis on November 5, 1942.
machine guns in its wings. He was assigned
Obviously, Bush was not then a naval avi-
the job as the squadron photographic officer.
ator, only an aviation cadet in training.)
(VC-51 had been commissioned on 22 Sep-
tember 1943 at NAS Norfolk under the com-
The Navy has never computed or tried to
mand of Lt. Cmdr. Donald J. Melvin, USNR.
compute who was the Navy's youngest avia-
who would remain Bush's superior officer
tor. To do this, the records of every aviator
during the coming months of combat.) Bush
winged at age 20 or younger during the
began squadron flying September 19, getting
entirety of WW II would need to be examined
11.7 hours in September and 40.3 hours in
to compute "years, months and days"-a
October.
long. laborious, costly and perhaps impossi-
The squadron VC designation (Composite)
ble search of several thousand jackets.
was changed to VT-51 (Torpedo) on 8 No-
During the 1988 campaign, President Bush
vember 43 at a time when the squadron was
was asked about being the youngest. His
moving from Norfolk to various east coast
usual answer was "I was told I could be the
bases for additional training: Chincoteague,
youngest." He never claimed to have been
Maryland on 27 September for glide bombing.
the youngest. He only said he believed he
night flying involving radar tactics: then to
was one of the youngest. Current Biography,
Hyannis, Massachusetts where each pilot
1972, page 11 states: "Bush was reportedly,
made four torpedo drops on a destroyer
for a time, the youngest pilot in the naval air
escort target. The squadron also flew out of
service." Young he certainly was-and per-
Charlestown, Rhode Island for joint training
haps the youngest. So any WWII naval aviator
with VF-51.
who can prove that he got his Navy wings at
It was on 1 November at Hyannis that
18 years, 11 months and 26 days can proceed
Bush suffered his first aircraft accident while
to claim that he got his wings younger than
flying TBF-1 Bureau No. 47275. It was the
Bush.
fourth flight of a busy day. All four were in
And so what?2
the same airplane. each just under an hour
FLEET DUTY
in length. The second and third hops were
Bush now reported to his first fleet squad-
Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) hops.
ron-VC-51 (Composite Squadron 51)³
After the fourth flight. Bush's flight log book
based at NAS Norfolk, flying TBFs and TBM-
entry reads: "The wheels collapsed on land-
1Cs. The TBF "Avenger" was a Grumman
ing."
design and product, and six of them saw
At the time Bush completed flight training
early action at the Battle of Midway. The
and headed for a fleet assignment, there
Avenger was a mid-wing monoplane which
were five classes for such assignments: VO-
could carry either a torpedo, a single 2,000
VCS, VP, VF, VB and VT. He opted for VT.
lb. bomb, or four 500 lb. bombs or depth
On 15 November, Bush was joined by Ra-
charges. There was a dorsal turret for the
dioman Second Class Jack Delaney, a Rhode
gunner at the rear of the cockpit greenhouse
Island sailor who would fly as his radioman.
with a 50 caliber machine gun. The pilot
Two days later, Leo W. Nadeau also joined
Regrettably. a few of the press during the 1988 presidential
the Bush crew as his gunner. It proved to be
campaign tried to "prove" that Mr. Bush was not the youngest,
an excellent three-man team, eager and co-
so it might be said he was claiming to be something he was
not. The editor of Foundation magazine was asked to respond
operative, who would fly together in combat
to one such instance himself.
for several months.
Enter now into Bush's career the "light"
in 1943. A "Composite" Squadron was usually an even mix of
dive-bombers and torpedo airplanes.
aircraft carrier San Jacinto (CVL-30), A fast,
7
14,399 ton ship built on a cruiser hull, "San
San Jacinto was part of Task Force 58
Jack" as it was termed, got its name from the
which commenced air operation against the
battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836 when
Marianas on 11 June. At dusk on the 15th of
General Sam Houston's small army of Texans,
June, Task Group 58, part of Task Force 58.
greatly outnumbered, defeated Mexican Gen-
was subjected to its first intensive attack by
eral Santa Anna. The money to build the
a large group of enemy aircraft. San Jacinto
Sun Jacinto came from a bond purchasing
had a combat air patrol airborne at the time
drive by the citizens of Houston to pay for a
and shot down seven of the Japanese planes.
new cruiser Houston to replace the old Hous-
probably destroying two more. Eight Japa-
ton which had been sunk by the Japanese
nese planes broke through the screen and
off Java in 1942. So enthusiastic was the
made a determined torpedo attack, concen-
fund drive that a new Houston was funded
trating on the two large carriers. All eight
with enough extra money to pay for the San
were shot down by anti-aircraft fire, most of
Jacinto as well. The first skipper of San Ja-
them within the screen. San Jacinto went
cinto was Capt. Harold M. "Beauty" Martin.
unscathed and assisted in repulsing this at-
Bush had his first look at the new ship on
tack by shooting down one plane and assist-
January 24 when he made three carrier land-
ing in the downing of another.
ings, two more the following day, and still
While the the Marines were landing on the
another on January 28. In February the
island of Saipan, Task Force 58 raced west-
work-up by VT-51 and Sun Jacinto began in
ward hoping to engage the approaching Jap-
earnest with a shakedown cruise to Trinidad,
anese fleet which was crossing the Philippine
returning to Norfolk early in March 1944.
sea. Thus occurred on 19 June the famous
Bush had made 34 carrier landings by the
"Mariannas Turkey Shoot" when more than
end of March.
300 Japanese aircraft attacked Task Force
His next challenge came on 24 March when
58. Nearly all of them were shot down.
he made two night carrier landings on the
During this period, Ensign Bush made his
small escort carrier USS Charger. Air Group
first crash landing in the sea near Guam. His
51 (VF-51 flying F6Fs and VT-51 flying TBFs)
airplane had taxied to the catapult for
now moved aboard San Jacinto for the long
launch, loaded with four 500 pound depth
trip through the Panama Canal to the Pacific,
charges. While sitting on the cat awaiting
arriving in the Hawaii area on April 20 where
launch, with the "San Jack" still steaming
Bush flew off to Kaneohe via Ford Island.
downwind, a Japanesee attack came near.
On 15 May the "San Jack" sortied with the
Bush, Delaney and Nadeau sat on the ex-
Essex and Wasp and supporting cruisers
posed catapult with the engine running. Sev-
and destroyers to undertake her first combat
eral anxious minutes passed while San Ja-
mission-strikes against Marcus and Wake
cinto's guns blazed away at the Japanese
Island. While enroute. VT-51 suffered its first
meatballs.
operational loss in the combat area. Ensign
Finally the attack passed, the ship began
J. J. Wykes and air crewmen R. E. Whelan
turning into the wind to launch Bush and
and C. I. Haggard were declared missing in
his crew. Bush looked at his instrument
action when their Avenger failed to return
panel. No oil pressure! At some time during
from an anti- submarine patrol on 15 May.
the attack, his plane had been hit, either by
All searches proved fruitless.
the Japanese airplanes or a stray projectile
Bush made his first combat flights on 18
from the carrier's own guns. Bush frantically
and 19 May, attacking targets on Marcus
tried to abort the cat shot, but couldn't.
Island and on 23 May on targets on Wake
Airborne only a few minutes, with the engine
Island.
losing power and unable to land back aboard.
On 13 June 1944 in a pre-dawn launch
there was no place to land except the ocean.
from the "San Jack," Bush experienced a
He flew ahead of the fleet, warned Delaney
complete hydraulic failure and had to make
and Nadeau to prepare for ditching.
an emergency landing back on board.4
Bush made a smooth landing in the calm
sea except for the final seconds when the
The President said his "hydraulic failure" might have been
Avenger's nose plowed under the surface.
caused by a leak in the wing guns charging mechanism.
Bush and Nadeau unstrapped and exited
8
the sinking plane, but Delaney had been
of the searchlight his red meatball markings
injured. Nadeau scrambled back on the wing
were clearly visible. It was a "Judy" Jap-
and into the plane to help Delaney get out.
anese dive-bomber. The enemy pilot made
Manning their raft, they began to frantically
no attempt to strafe or bomb the ship. but
paddle away from the sinking plane, aware
flew down the port side and turned west-
that the four depth charges might soon det-
ward. He was tracked by radar to a distance
onate as the plane sank. In a few minutes,
of 50 miles, then disappeared.
USS San Jacinto (CVL 30) underway off the U.S. east coast on January 23, 1944.
the destroyer Bronson pulled alongside their
BUSH GETS SHOT DOWN
raft to take them aboard.
San Jacinto sortied from Eniwetok on 28
Bush's commanding officer, LCDR Melvin,
August to join operations against the Palau
also landed in the ocean the next day. Melvin
Islands to make diversionary strikes against
and Ensign Guy had participated in the
the Bonin and Volcano Islands on 31 August
search for and the attack on the Japanese
and 1 and 2 September. Flak was as intense
fleet. Both were later awarded the Navy
and accurate as in earlier raids.
Cross for attacking and setting fire to a
In the Ready Room that morning. Lt. M. E.
Japanese CVL. Theirs was a return flight of
Kilpatrick, the Air Combat Intelligence (ACI)
350 miles in the dark, but Melvin's accurate
Officer, briefed the four pilots. The raids of
navigation brought them directly to "San
the previous day on Chi-Chi Jima's radio
Jack." Guy and his crew were recovered and
stations had not been successful. While Kil-
returned to their own carrier, while Melvin
patrick reminded the four of the heavy flak
was forced to make a landing near a des-
they could expect, Lt.jg. William G. (Ted)
troyer and he and his crew were promptly
White approached Bush to ask if he could go
recovered and returned to their own carrier
with him on the mission. White suggested
the next day.
that he take Leo Nadeau's spot as gunner.
It was during this wild night that a strange
Bush said if Melvin would approve. it was all
aircraft entered the "San Jack's" landing cir-
right with him. Approval was granted. SO
cle in the darkness and made not one, but
White strapped himself into the seat behind
two, excellent approaches but was waved
Bush.
off each time because his tail hook was not
Twelve fighters from VF-20 and eight
down. After the second wave-off, he flew
SB2Cs from VB-20 (all Enterprise aircraft)
down the entire length of "San Jack's" flight
would participate in the attack with the
deck, about 50 feet above it, and in the glare
four VT-51 aircraft. The main targets would
9
be the four buildings of the radio station
farther away from Chi-Chi Jima. The
and one radio tower. This station allowed
chute of the other person (either Lt.jg.
the Japanese to transmit critical information
White or J.L. Delaney, ARM 2/c) who
about the numbers and route of American
bailed out did not open. Bush has not
bombers being launched from Saipan and
yet been returned to the squadron by
Tinian.
rescue sub, so this information is in-
The four VT-51 torpedo planes were led
complete. The rescue sub promptly ef-
by Lt. Cmdr: D. J. Melvin, accompanied by
fected the rescue of Lt.jg. Bush who
Lt.jg. D. H. West, Lt.jg. G. H. W. Bush, and
was unhurt, planes of VF-20 remaining
Ensign M. G. Moore, USNR:
over Bush's raft to protect him.
The attack
employed normal
"While Lt.jg. White and J. L. Delaney
glide bombing tactics in an attack from
are reported missing in action, it is
South to North encountering in the
believed that both were killed as a re-
area intense, heavy and medium A/A
sult of the above described action.
fire of accurate variety from areas sur-
"It should be noted that VT-51 has
rounding the target.⁵
established a standard doctrine when-
"Lt. Cmdr. Melvin and Lt.jg. West put
ever wind and other conditions permit
all of their bombs on the radio station
to make bombing runs on targets near
building and towers to destroy the
water so as to retire over the water
tower and destroy or badly damage
This puts the pilot and crew in position
the buildings. Debris in large quantity
for water rescue in the event of forced
was seen to arise from these hits.
landing such as that described here-
"Lt.jg. Bush was piloting the third
in
"
plane over the target. Bush's plane was
Milt Moore, flying directly behind Bush.
hit in the engine shortly after the final
remembers: "He got hit and went down smok-
pushover at 8,000 ft. In spite of this hit
ing. I pulled up to him, then he lost power
which caused his engine to smoke and
and I went sailing by him. My gunner was
catch on fire, Lt.jg. Bush continued in
the only one who could see behind us and he
his dive. releasing his bomb on the radio
called out "Chutes!"
station to score damaging hits. Ensign
When Bush bailed out of the smoke-filled
Moore in the fourth plane likewise
cockpit, uncertain of his altitude. he yanked
dropped his bombs on the latter in-
the parachute rip chord immediately and
stallations.
banged the top of his head on the doomed
"After releasing his bombs, Lt.jg.
plane's tail. The chute caught momentarily
Bush turned sharply to the east to
on the tail but broke free. Stunned by the
clear the island of Chi-Chi Jima, smoke
blow to his head, Bush still managed to un-
and flames enveloping his engine and
snap his harness just before he hit the water
spreading aft as he did so, and his
His seapack life raft fell free. When an Enter-
plane losing altitude. He advised the
prise Hellcat swooped down and drew at-
C.O. by radio that it was necessary to
tention to the raft's location, Bush swam for
bail out. At a point approximately nine
it.
miles bearing 045°T from Minami Jima,
Bush did not know that the Japanese had
Bush and one other person were seen
put out two boats from shore only two miles
to bail out from about 3,000 ft. Bush's
away and were heading out to pick him up.
chute opened and he landed safely in
Doug West, the fourth VT-51 pilot. aided by
the water. inflated his raft and paddled
some of the Enterprise Hellcats. strafed the
Japanese boats and drove them back.
From Section B of Lt.( Cmdr. Melvin's squadron history dated
20 December 1944. he recommended:
Bush was now alone. Using his hands. he
that the TBM should be used mainly for area bombing
paddled furiously to move the raft farther
and should not be expected to obtain pinpoint accuracy
expected of dive-bombers. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft
away from the enemy island. He kept at it
fire. the TBM is extremely vulnerable in low attacks due to its
for two hours-tired and vomiting-wond-
shallow dive. lack of maneuverability: and speed. It is consid-
ering what had happened to White and Del-
cred that under similar conditions rocket equipped fighters
and dive-bombers would be more effective as to results and
aney.
our own losses."
Then out of the depths, only 100 yards
10
away. rose a periscope, followed by a shiny
black conning tower. For a moment Bush
feared it might be Japanese. Suddenly the
entire hull surfaced with American sailors
running on the submarine's deck. Within
minutes he was aboard, then the sub, the
USS Finback (SS230), slid silently below the
water.
Bush was delighted to be rescued, of
course, but he was unhappy to learn once
aboard the submarine Finback that she was
on an extended war patrol and it would be
many weeks before he would be able to leave
the ship.
The report of that war patrol (#10) is by
LCDR R. R. Williams, CO, USS Finback
(SS230). His war log of 2 September 1944
reads as follows:
Entry
Log
Comments
0645 Two F6Fs overhead as escort. Headed
November 1944. Joe Reichert (L) and Leo
east for island. Closed to nine miles
Nadeau (R) on San Jack. Bush's crewmen of the
and maintained this position.
November 1944 raids on Japanese shipping in
the Manila-Luzon area. Nadeau had flown 58
0933 Received word of plane down nine
combat missions with Bush and might have been
miles northeast of Minami Jima. Start-
lost had not LTJG White taken his seat on the
ed around southern end of Chi-Chi
September 2nd shootdown. Reichert flew eight
Jima maintaining a minimum range
missions with Bush, as Delaney's replacement.
of 7½ miles to the island.
Haha." This was at least as good as
1156 Picked up Lt.jg. George H. W. Bush, file
#173464 USNR, pilot of plane T-3 of
any dope we had SO we headed for a
VT-51 USS San Jacinto who stated that
position about nine miles west of Haha
Jima. This seemed to make our cover
he failed to see his crew's parachute
feel better although they tried to con
and believed they had jumped when
his plane was still over Chi-Chi Jima
us through the island a few times. Plane
or that they had gone down with the
reported that the raft about 1½ miles
plane. Commenced search of area on
off the beach was being shelled. Spirits
of all hands went (down) to 300 ft.
chance they had jumped over water.6
1236 Received word of rubber boat seen
1505 Dived to 55 ft. with planes in sight,
from the air. Position given was in the
zooming a spot in the water one mile
hills of Haha Jima but started south
west southwest of Megane Iwa.
anyway, asking for jigs, repetitions, and
1530 Sighted rubber boat.
confirmations, until we heard one
1550 Roared by the rubber boat, backing
plane state he was circling over the
full and still making 4 knots. We must
boat. An unknown plane on the circuit
have misjudged his masthead height a
was heard to mention a spot "west of
bit. We twisted around and started
stalking him.
6In one newspaper account of Bush's rescue many years later,
a Finback sailor said that on reaching him, Bush had tied his
1620 Pilot hooked on and we headed out
rubber raft to the submarine's periscope and had been
dragged seaward to prevent any Japanese shore fire from
away from the beach. Tried to make
hitting the sub. Not so. Finback did make such a rescue the
2/3 speed, but the pilot had one arm
same afternoon and the following Finback logbook entries
will reveal the risk and effort which all our subs made to
around the periscope and the other
rescue downed aviators.
around the life raft with a bailing buck-
11
et bringing up the rear. Stopped to see
of rotating home. But after a rest and recu-
if he would get in the boat. This took
peration period in Hawaii and some refresher
about ten minutes during which a dis-
flights on the TBM, Bush chose to island-hop
cussion developed below concerning
back to Guam and then to Ulithi where he
the precedence of simultaneous orders
joined VT-51 aboard San Jacinto on 30 Oc-
to blow, pump, and flood. Finally got
tober, eight weeks from the day that he was
way on towing pilot in his boat. 2/3
shot down. He was flying in combat again on
speed filled the boat and there he was
6 November with Leo Nadeau and a new
in the water again. Finally came up to
gunner by the name of Reichert.
38 ft. to keep him out of the water
Bush made his final strikes on Japanese
until at range five miles from the beach.
shipping in Manila Bay on 11, 12 and 19
Planed up and opened the hatch. Got
November.
on four engines and cleared to west-
VT-51 squadron history states as follows:
ward. The pilot was James W. Beck-
"13-19 November-Total of eighteen sor-
man, file #301442 USNR, USS Enter-
ties against shipping in Manila Bay
prise who stated that it was known
and Luzon Bay in which four torpedo
that only one man had parachuted
hits were scored on a Japanese floating
from Bush's plane. This decided us to
dry dock, sinking same. Two bombs on
discontinue any further search of that
a medium AK and one DE fired and
area, particularly as our air cover had
left dead in the water."
left.
The squadron's log book also contains this
George Bush was not happy being aboard
entry:
the submarine and in the claustrophobic life
"Again on 13 November in Manila and
of the submarine.
Luzon Bay, Phillippines Lt.jg. Bush and
"We got depth charged," he remembers,
several other members of VT-51 were
"and we got bombed by a night bomber while
credited with scoring four torpedo hits
we were running on the surface. Finback
and sinking a floating dry dock. two
sank a lot of enemy tonnage and Cdr. Willi-
bomb hits on a medium AK and four
ams got a Silver Star for the sub's perfor-
torpedo hits on two Japanese AKs."
mance on that patrol. But all that depth
CONCLUSION
charging got to me. It just shook the boat
Those of us in naval aviation from the
and those submariners would just say 'Oh,
World War II era who have devoted 20. 30 or
that wasn't SO close.' It didn't bother them,
more years to our military profession. can
but it sure bothered me. They thought it was
certainly relate to George Bush's youth, train-
awful to be flying a plane, but I thought it
ing, and combat. From his own records. with
was awful just sitting in one dark underwater
their cryptic and terse comments, marks
place. On an airplane, I could see and do
and remarks, it is easy to trace his steady
something-move the stick. But down there,
but rapid growth from a bright-eyed, eager.
something was always happening."
patriotic 18-year-old high school lad to an
Living at close quarters, wanting to feel
experienced, battle-tested man in a little
part of the team, Bush volunteered to censor
over two years. He had been anxious to
outgoing mail. "I'd never done that," he says,
prove himself, to risk danger, to take the
"and I learned a lot. You shared the other
high and hard road, to fly with eagles. But
fellows' joys and sorrows, you saw what they
that three years was a series of searing.
were thinking. Human friendships came
"sobering" (his word) experiences which
through. Making and keeping friends and
brought rapid maturity and clearheaded rec-
understanding people have always been im-
ognition of the meaning and cost of conflict
portant to me."
and war and its long-range and often lasting
Bush also took his turn standing night
consequences. Like all of us who engaged
watches while the sub ran surfaced to re-
the Japanese, his heart was once full of fear
charge its batteries.
and hatred. Some of us still harbor that
Finback finally reached Midway after the
hatred. George Bush has conquered his, as
end of its cruise and Bush was flown on to
shown in his participation in Emperor Hiro-
Pearl Harbor. Here he was given the option
hito's funeral only weeks after his inaugura-
12
tion. That was the right thing to do. He also
and family, his high standards of conduct.
learned "prudence"-his word-that military
You can be sure when he looks at the
force must always be available and ready to
world of 1989-the Pacific Rim nations of
use but always with recognition that it has
the Orient, the fantastic growth of Japan to
its limits, its cost and must have the support
economic hegemony; the always troubled Mid-
of the American people.
dle East with its Arab-Israeli hatreds of
Moreover, his Navy record at age 18-21
centuries, the unending hostage crisis, the
shows clearly the man's character and the
problems of overseas oil and raw materials,
principles he lived by. What his character
the rumbling dangers within a troubled So-
was in 1943-45 remains his character today.
viet empire, the course of communism in
What his principles were in 1943-45 remain
Central America and Cuba-that his war-
his principles today-a strong religious faith,
time experiences in Torpedo 51 aboard the
his patriotism, his devotion to shipmates
"San Jack" are never far from his mind.
"LEFTIES IN NAVAL AVIATION"
As the reader can see, President
Bush is left-handed. As I re-
searched his cadet, flight, and com-
bat records, there was nothing in
any of these to indicate he'd had
trouble learning to fly, to fly for-
mation, do aerobatics, and partic-
ularly, to land a heavy, somewhat
cumbersome torpedo bomber like
the TBM on the small and rolling
decks of CVEs or CVLs. I had gone through flight training at
about the same time as Mr. Bush, had been VF trained in
F4Fs and F6Fs, but I'd also had the chance to fly the TBF on
several occasions. Later I commanded two VF squadrons,
flew on and off most of our bigger carriers, and for a brief period was Chief of Naval Air
Training.
In all of this, I'd never come across any problems or reports concerned about left-
handed pilots, or indeed whether there was a problem, or any safety implications.
In the middle of my research, a study by the American Journal of Public Health came
to my attention, which the Washington Times bannered "For Southpaws. Life's an
Accident Waiting to Happen." This study examined frequency of serious accidents
among 1896 university students. Left-handers had a 20% higher risk in sports, a 54%
higher risk while using tools and an 85% higher risk while driving an automobile!
So I phoned NAMI in Pensacola. Did they have any records on left-handed pilots? No.
they did not. So I called the Naval Safety Center at NAS Norfolk. Maybe they had some
records or studies on aviator lefties. The editor of Approach Magazine, The Aviation
Safety Journal, responded. No, the Safety Center had no data and no study, old or new.
had ever been done.
Obviously, in naval aviation, the southpaw was a non-problem. The editor suggested I
ask NASA, the US Air Force, the airlines-but by now, press time for this issue was near.
With that background, I asked the President if he was ambidextrous. No. he said. Had
he had any left-handed related problems in training or combat? Again his answer was
no. Certainly there was no air incident or accident in his entire record.
But he did remind me that he had been a leftie first baseman (at Yale, where he
captained the team), but that he did swing a bat right-handed.
So, no problems, lefties.
Chris Cagle
13
San Jacinto were made
ober Taylor. These copies
tion Gift Shop: The image is
free of his VI 5 squadron
USS San Jacinto after an
ident's autograph the prints
price per copy as $550, of
atton is tax exempt [501C3].]
On September 1, 1939, the German Army marched into neighbor-
ing Poland, igniting World War II. When it was over, in August
ANNIVERSARY
1945, 59 nations had been drawn into the struggle. The unprece-
dented carnage extended from Europe and the Soriet Union to Afri-
ca and Asia. In six years more than 45 million were killed, and the
lives of millions more were calastrophically disrupted The war's
immediate aftermath saw a shift in the international balance of
power and a reconstitution of the political map. On the anniversary
of this last great war, a notable U.S. veteran recalls his experiences.
A BOY
by GEORGE BUSH
December 7, 1941
I was walking across the campus at Andover when I heard the
news. I was 17. It came as a shock-a jolt-an awakening. I
did not fully comprehend world affairs. My interests were our
undefeated soccer season just finished, basketball-baseball
GOES
coming up. Christmas vacation only a couple of weeks away,
graduation, then college. Things changed instantly. I knew
right then that I wanted to go into the service.
December 8, 1941
Our headmaster, a great historian and tough disciplinarian,
summoned us all into George Washington Hall. the school's
assembly place. There was the normal joking, kidding, sloppy
TO WA
posture. Dr. Claude M. Fuess called to order the 800 students
by saying something like this: "Your country is at war. We
have just played 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' From now on
when 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is played you will stand at
attention, hands at your sides, and you will show respect."
From that day on, without fail, I have stood at attention
when the national anthem is played.
June 12, 1942
Secretary of War Henry Stimson, an alumnus of Andover,
spoke at our commencement. He encouraged the graduating
class to get some college education before serving. I was deter-
mined not to go on to college but to become a Navy pilot. Sec-
retary Stimson was a towering world figure, but I wondered
about this call of his.
On the same day, my 18th birthday, I was sworn into
the Navy as a Seaman Second Class, the first step toward
becoming a pilot. I was a scared, nervous kid. The Navy had
just changed the rules. It no longer required two years of col-
lege before becoming a pilot; pilots were urgently needed.
Walter Levering, Lieutenant USNR, swore me in at Boston.
FIFTY YEARS AGO WWII
I went on active duty as an aviation cadet August 6. 1942.
August 6, 1942
BEGAN. PROBABLY
I climbed on a southbound train at Penn Station. My dad was
a big, strong guy. He put his arm around me and said good-
bye. I'd never seen my dad shed a tear before. We arrived in
THE LAST U.S. PRESIDENT
Chapel Hill, N.C., and I met "The Splendid Splinter," Ted
Williams of the Boston Red Sox, who later became a great
friend. We all stood in awe of the famous hitter who was in
TO FIGHT IN IT LOOKS BA
the same program.
June 1943
Having been stationed at Chapel Hill for preflight, Minne-
apolis for primary training and Corpus Christi for advanced.
I received my Navy wings and ensign's commission June 9. I
was still 18 years old. I wanted to Ay in combat. All my class.
mates wanted to as well. I fell in love early on with the "low
and slow" torpedo bombers. The Grumman Avenger carried
2,000 pounds of bombs, the biggest single-engine aircraft in
the fleet. It had a crew of three. I went off to Fort Lauder-
Opposite: Late in 1944 Lieutenant (18.) George Bush,
dale to learn to fly it. Training up and down the East Coast.
combat crewmen Leo Nadeau (right) and Joe Reichert
dropping torpedoes off Cape Cod, dummy bombs and torpe-
was part of a naval air squadron in the Pacific. Above:
filled out his flight log aboard the U.S.S. San Jacinto.
ANDOVER
A
does in Lake Okeechobee, Fla., Chincoteague, Va., Charles-
town. R.I., Miami I saw 'em all. I had an ensign's stripe
tack on the target, followed by Doug West and then me.
At Andover prep in 1942, senior
and an admiral's confidence. I was a Navy pilot.
At about 0830, and moments after pushing over into my
George "Poppy" Bush was
dive at 8,000 feet, I felt a jolt as if a giant fist had rammed into
captain of the baseball team and
Spring-Summer 1944
the belly of the plane. We'd been hit in the engine area. Smoke
I was assigned to Air Group 51, the first to be aboard the new
George L. "Flop" Follansbee,
poured into the cockpit and flames were spreading aft toward
the coach. Bush's torpedo bomber
fast carrier San Jacinto, CVL 30. We went on a shakedown
the fuel tanks in the wings. Navy training had taught us to
was named "Barbara." His
cruise to Trinidad, put San Jac into commission
complete the mission. I instinctively continued in the dive.
at Philadelphia, headed for the Pacific via the
homed in on the target, unloaded our four 500-
Panama Canal, touched the U.S. one last time at
pound bombs, pulled away heading east toward
San Diego and then went west.
the sea. A few miles from shore I told my crew-
Many of the air group and ship's company had
men, Ted White and John Delaney, to bail out.
spent no time at sea. One roommate, subsequent-
As I bailed out, my head struck the tail of the
ly killed, Tom Waters. had a red face, but the seas
plane, momentarily knocking me out. I was land-
were so bad that his face literally turned green.
ing in the water when the Japanese sent two
We struck Wake Island on May 23, 1944. My
boats out after me. Melvin, West and Moore
close friend and other roommate Jim Wykes went
along with our Helicat fighter escorts drove the
off on a search mission and never came back. I lay
boats away.
in my upper bunk and cried for my friend. No one
I was in the life raft about two hours. wonder-
saw me-that wouldn't do.
ing if my life would be spared. I prayed to God: I
was sick to my stomach and again I cried. I was a
September 2, 1944
very scared kid, just 20, away from his mother
On this day at 0715, a division of VT-51, com-
and dad. paddling against the wind trying
posed of Commander Don Melvin, Doug West,
to get farther from the Japanese-held island.
Milt Moore and myself, took off from the San Jacinto
I later learned that my crewmen had been killed.
was the number "two" plane in the
(my 50th combat mission), flying about 70 miles to destroy
Observers said that two persons were seen leaving the
squadron. His other three
two radio stations at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands.
plane. The parachute of the other never opened, but mine
aircraft were named
At the target area, the sky was thick with black clouds of
did. God had spared me from that fate for whatever reason.
after his fiancée too.
exploding enemy antiaircraft fire. Don Melvin led the at-
Helicat fighter pilots flew over my raft until I was rescued
by the submarine U.S.S. Finback around noon.
72
for the 15 hops steadily improved. By the
Honke: "Cadet Bush is pleasant and
end of Link instruction, his letdowns were
ambitious. He does his work willingly
now good and his missed low cone procedure
and well. He is good officer material"
was also good. "Student seems to understand
McAfee: "Cadet Bush is a very likeble
all the procedures given thus far and he
person and a hard worker. With expe-
handles the trainer nicely," said instructor J.
rience. he should develop into an above
L. Kopple.
average officer. All his duties, regular
Overall, Lt. Cmdr. J. R. Dickle, Pre-Flight
and additional, have been handled
skipper of VN13-D8B, rated Bush as "fitted
well."
for commission" and judged him "fair" as
instructor material.
ADVANCED TRAINING AND
BUSH'S STUDENT FITNESS REPORTS
SQUADRON TRAINING
Bush received three "student fitness re-
After winging and commissioning, Bush
ports" during his time in flight training. These
headed for the Aviation Training Department
reports used the standard 4.0 marking sys-
at NAS Fort Lauderdale, Florida to learn to
tem and there were twelve categories such
fly and operate the Gruman TBF torpedo
as intelligence, judgment. initiative, reaction
plane known as the "Avenger." His "Avenger"
to emergencies, etc.
flight training began on 11 June 1943. in-
The first of the three reports was prepared
cluding an goodly amount of Field Carrier
by Ensign E. C. Fritz, USNR, who had flown
Landing Practice (FCLP) in SNJ-3s or 4s.
three instrument hops in the SNV Vultee, as
His TBF time from June 18 to August 23 was
recorded on p. 5. His fitness report is dated
91 hours, while his SNJ time was 38 hours.
March 21st. Bush's average mark was 3.26.
The payoff came on 24 August 1943 on
His two highest marks were 3.6-one in "in-
Lake Michigan when Bush qualified aboard
dustry," the other in "military bearing, neat-
the paddlewheel carrier USS Sable. He made
ness of dress and person." Five other marks
six carrier landings and deck-run takeoffs
were 3.3-intelligence. initiative, persever-
in TBF-1, Bureau No. 00416. This qualifica-
ance. reaction in emergencies and endurance.
tion period took only 2.1 hours. As of that
His lowest two marks-3.0-were in loyalty
date, his total flight time stood at 334.7
and cooperation. (As far as can be deter-
hours. In September, he continued TBF in-
mined, Fritz was an ex-AVCAD himself, re-
struction in Carrier Aircraft Service Unit
tained at NAS Corpus Christi as an instruc-
(CASU) 26.
tor.) He concluded his fitness report with
A careful review of Mr. Bush's aviation
these comments:
training jacket from his cadet days to his
"Aviation Cadet Bush is an upstanding
"winging" clearly shows that his overall per-
lad with great self-confidence. It ap-
formance improved in every stage-pre-flight
pears, however, that he may be some-
school, pre-flight, Link training, flight train-
what eccentric."
ing, and fleet training. He never got a "down."
In standard Navy fitness report lingo in
never needed extra time, never went before
the "remarks" section, the use of a word
a review board, never had a disciplinary
such as "eccentric" would appear to be in-
problem-just a steady, average to above
consistent with the marks.
record, improving as he matured. As he
(When President Bush was shown this
began fleet training and then served in com-
entry a few months ago, he laughed heartily
bat, his record again showed stability, growth,
and said jokingly, "Maybe someone should
maturity and a skill and a willingness to
find Mr. Fritz for me.")
withstand pressure and the ability to over-
The two other fitness reports are quite
come problems.
different.
YOUNGEST AVIATOR IN
These two were written on March 31, and
THE WORLD WAR II NAVY?
May 28. His average rose from Fritz's 3.26 to
Many articles and accounts have described
M. M. Honke's 3.40 and LTjg Frank M. Mc-
George Bush as the "youngest aviator in the
Afee's (USNR) mark of 3.43.
Navy." Was he?
The remarks of these last two student
The facts are:
reports:
(1) Bush gained his "Wings of Gold" on
6
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH'S NAVY DAYS
in chronological
order
Drafted by: Desiree Thompson, updated by: Don Rhodes & Lt. Curry Graham
6/12/42
George Bush's 18th birth date. GB signed up for the Nava
reserves. Sworn in by Walter Levering in Boston. He was
home for the summer.
8/5/42 - to
Reported for pre-flight training at Chapel Hill North
11/1/42
Carolinia. Lived on University of North Carolina Campus
in Lewis Hall.
11/2/42
Took 3 days for rest and travel for next assignment.
11/5/42
Was sent to Wold Chamberlain Field in Minneapolis, MN
for flight training.
11/10/42
1st flight took place in Minnesota.
2/1/43
1st night-time solo flight.
2/19/43
Total flying hours out of MN 82.5 hours and 61 flights.
3/43 - to
Advanced flight training in Texas NAS Corpus Christi-
6/9/43
to begin checkout in SNV-1 Vultee AKA "Vibrator".
Practiced: precision landings, acrobatic flying, division
tactics, gunnery, advanced fixed gunnery, etc.
3/11/43
Soloed in the SNC-1 Vultee "Vibrator".
6/9/43
Received his Gold Wings and officially became a Naval
Aviator at age: 18 years, 11 months, 27 days.
6/11/43 - to
Was sent to Aviation Training Department at NAS Fort
8/23/43
Lauderdale, FL. There he learned to fly and operate
Gruman TBF torpedo "Avenger". He was with flight squadro:
44.
6/18/43 - to
Accumulated 91 hours of TBF "Avenger" training.
8/43
8/24/43
With in a 2 day period, GB was qualified for carrier land-
ings aboard a paddlewheel carrier called the USS Sable, or
Lake Michigan. There he practiced deck - run takeoffs and
carrier landings. Total flight hours were 234.7 hours.
con't
Page 2
9/19/43
Assigned to VC-51 (VC stands for Aviation Composite),
and VF ( Aviation Fighter) 13 pilots - 32 total enlisted
men.
9/43
Reported to his 1st Fleet Squadron VC-51 based at NAS
Norfolk, flying TBF's - TBM-IC's - TMB "Avenger". Assign
as Photo Graphic Officer during coming months of combat.
9/19/43
Under command of Lt. Commander Donald J. Melvin USNR.
GB began Squadron Flying.
9/43 - to
VT-51 Torpedo Squadron was moving from Norfolk to various
11/43
set east coast bases for additional training: Chincoteagu
Virginia on 9/27. Hyannis, MA and Charlstown RI.
11/1/43
While flying in Hyannis MA (?), GB had his first aircraft
accident. "The wheels collapsed upon landing".
11/15/43
GB was joined by radioman Second Class Jack Delaney from
Rhode Island who would fly as his radioman.
11/17/43
Leo W. Nadeau also joined the George Bush crew as his
gunner.
12/43
VT-51 was assigned to fast light carrier the USS San Jaci.
1/24/44
Made 3 carrier landings on San Jacinto, two more the
following day and another Jan. 28th.
3/24/44
Returned to Norfolk, Virginia.
3/44
Made 2 night carrier landings on small escort carrier
called USS Charger.
3/44
VT-51 was then moved aboard San Jacinto through Panama
Canal to Pacific arriving in Hawaii.
4/20/44
GB flew to Kaneohe, via Ford Islands.
5/15/44
Returned to San Jacinto to under take first combat mission
The Essex and Wasp were supporting cruisers and destroyers
5/15/44
Enroute, VT-51 suffered first operational loss in combat
area. Ensign J.J. Wykes and Air Crewman R.E. Whelan and
C.I. Haggard declared MIA when their "Avernger" failed
to return.
5/18&19/44
GB made 1st combat flights attacking targets on Marcus
Island and May 23rd targets on Wake Island.
6/13/44
Pre-dawn lanch from San Jacinto, GB experienced a complete
board. hydraulic failure and made and emergency landing back on
Cont
Page 3
6/19/44
Ensign Bush made first crash landing near the Sea of Guam
Bush, Delaney and Nadeau made an escape and the USS
Bronson pulled them aboard. The plane was hit waiting fo
the OK to take off from the carrier. The carrier had bee
involved in shooting and GB was caught in the crossfire.
Unfortunatley it drained his plane of any oil pressure.
9/2/44
GB along with Lt. j.g. White and J.L. Delaney the crew
on "Barbara II", a TBM "Avenger" was hit while on a
mission to destroy radio transmitter on Chi Chi Jima.
GB was the sole survivor. It is not known who because
the bodies were never recovered, but one of the crews
chute did not open, and the other went down in the plane.
9/2/44
2 hours later, GB was rescued by Submarine USS Finback
at 1156 hours. He spent one month aboard as the USS
Finback finished it's mission.
9/44
While on board USS Finback, GB spent time censoring
outgoing mail and took his turn standing nightwatches.
1944
The USS Finback reached Midway after the end of it's
cruise, GB was flown on to Pearl Harbor.
1944
GB was offered to rotate home. But after R&R in Hawaii
and refresher flights on TBM "Avenger" he chose to island
hop back to Guam and them Ulithi where
10/30/44
GB joined VT-51 aboard the San Jacinto to continue duty.
11/6/44
Flying in combat with Leo Nadeau and new gunner Reichert.
11/12-19/44
GB made his final strikes on Japanese shipping port in
Manta Bay.
11/30/44
GB left San Jacinto and arrived in Greenwich, Connecticut
on Christmas Eve 1944.
1/6/45
George H.W. Bush and Barbara Pierce of Rye New York were
married.
2/6/45
After their honeymoon at Sea Island, GA, the Bushes went
to Grosse Point Michigan, for additional training.
They remained there until March 22, 1945.
3/45
After Michigan they went to the Naval Station in Maine for
additional training. They moved to Virginia Beach (Norfoll
Virginia where he became a member of VT-153 where he
remained until the end of the war.
9/3/45
Lt. j.g. George Bush's last flight.
9/5/45
Lt. j.g. George H.W. Bush was discharged from the USNR.
you yus for that wonderful postane
sent us and that special little
you write. We have it in a beautiful foyer
donble you frame. It is in our who comes
where you house in Clorado Springs
greet every one
into our One, editor of the Parts City Record
write Terri the enclosed after I shand your we
picture were in Park City, at where we
and letter with her while spend
a couple of months sking each year.
Best regard h you and his Bush.
Bonts Ellisor
To Tex and Boots Ellison
NEBBER
with best wishes,
GaBl
Tex Ellison
Best wishes, George
Book Ellisor
CERT
Boots Ellison thought it might be
Had Boots and Tex voted for his
fun if her husband exchanged cur-
285 Doral Way
SPRINGS. PM CO
former student? "We did. At first
rent photos with one of his former
like a lot of people, I guess he seem-
flight students from the Navy. The
ed to be a bit of a wimp. But during
the course of the campaign I felt like
Clorado Springs
Co
man's son turned up working at the
1984
608
same television station in Denver as
he became his own man."
8092F
her daughter so she got the current
Boots and Tex have split their
address and she drafted a little let-
year between Park City and Col-
ter and on Jan 19, the day before he
orado Springs, Colorado for the past
was inaugurated President of the
11 years. They are part of the Over
United States, George Bush sent
70 Ski Club.
along a little note and photo of his
"We love Park City. We looked at
own.
other ski resorts but the people here
The slick four-color keepsake has
are just SO friendly we can't break
the Presi,
a handwritten inscription To Tex
the habit. We stay at the Treasure
and Boots Ellison with best wishes,
Mountain Inn and we can walk to the
united Se
Geo Bush.
post office and the theatre and ride
"We were thrilled," said parttime
the Town Lift up the mountain. It's
Parkite Boots. "It had been a lot of
just the perfect place to spend the
Washington
years since Tex and George had
winter."
trained together. I wans't entirely
certain he'd remember; but I sent
As to their continued support of
along a photo of Tex who was his ad-
Tex's former student, Boots said she
vance flight instructor and he sent
thinks given a chance, "He's going
the note and the photo back. It was
do just fine."
awfully nice of him."
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
the Solomon group and were steadily heading toward the
Japanese homeland.
instructor and torpedo training officer was Lt. (jg) Thomas
From each training base George wrote letters almost daily
B. "Tex" Ellison, who had flown an Avenger the previous
to Barbara, telling her that he was all right, that he loved
year in the very first navy raids on the Marshall and Gilbert
her, and that he looked forward impatiently to the day when
islands. Ellison does not have a clear recollection of young
"all this will be over and we can be together." Asked recently
George Bush, but he says, "All the students were qualified
if she had saved any of George's letters, Barbara said, "Sadly,
pilots. Our job was to give them advanced training and
tactics."
no," nor had she copies of any of her letters written to him
that expressed basically the same sentiments.
It was at Lauderdale, with the steaming summer air sending
The gold wings and bars George Bush now wore on his
shimmering waves of heat across the two runways, that Bush
saw close up for the first time the plane he would ultimately
new green uniform validated him as a naval aviator. But he
still had a lot more to learn about flying before he would be
fly in combat.
judged capable of taking off from an aircraft carrier and then
Called the Avenger, the TBF, which means "Torpedo
landing on it at night. If he failed that test, he would un-
Bomber built by Grumman" (later built by General Motors
doubtedly join the other washouts assigned to fly target
and designated TBM), was a huge plane-the biggest single-
planes for night fighter training, and his dreams of being in
engine carrier-based plane in the navy. George's first impres-
a combat squadron would end. If successful in his training,
sion was awe at its sheer size: it dwarfed almost every other
however, he would be ready for the ultimate test of his skill
plane he had seen. Tall as he was, he had to extend himself
and mettle-combat.
to full height to pull himself onto the wing and then into the
The pressure on the young pilots was relentless. They were
cockpit, which loomed more than eighteen feet off the
in competition not only with themselves but with every other
ground.
would-be combat flier. But, as George said in his letters home
On the ground the Avenger, its huge belly bulging with a
to his parents, he was happy. He loved flying and was in the
ton of bombs, looked like some aberrant barnyard fowl. For
air almost every day. He had made friends, and he was part
that reason it was known throughout the navy as the Pregnant
of a team. The most important thing to him was that for the
Turkey.
first time in his young life he was totally on his own.
Bush's flight log for June 18, 1943, records that after a
At night before going to bed he sat in his quarters with his
week of becoming familiar with the bewildering array of
levers, switches, and dials in the cockpit, and the flight char-
roommates, each of them polishing their shiny new gold bars
with steel wool to make them look salt-pocked so it would
acteristics of the huge plane, he made his first solo flight for
not be obvious they were newly commissioned officers.
"familiarization." He made eight more solo flights that
In mid-June 1943 he was assigned to Fort Lauderdale,
month: following an instructor in the air, then flying with
Florida, an established navy flying base, where he would learn
the instructor on his wing, and then flying wing on the
instructor.
to fly torpedo bombers in a class of ten pilots. The senior
Bush soon came to love the Avenger. Despite its awkward
50
51
Grumman Invents the Avenger
Like other pilots, Ensign Bush was offered a choice
of either carrier or land-based naval aviation assign-
ments. He chose aircraft carriers and began operational
training at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as a pilot of
torpedo bombers. He selected the TBM Avenger
bomber, largely because of its reputation as the big-
gest, best single-engine bomber in the Navy's carrier-
based air arsenal.
The Avenger was designed by Leroy Grumman at
his Bethpage, Long Island plant. Wartime production
of the Avenger started in January 1942 as the TBF.
In naval parlance, "TB" stood for torpedo bomber, "F"
for Grumman. As wartime needs generated demand
for larger production, Grumman licensed the manu-
facturer of the Avenger to General Motors which con-
verted its east coast Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile
assembly plants to naval aircraft production. The GM-
produced Avengers were known as "TBM's," the "M"
being the designator for the Eastern Aircraft Division
of General Motors. Almost all Avengers used by the
Navy in the Pacific War from 1943 onward were built
by General Motors. The Avenger became Bush's
mobile combat home during his nearly three-year stint
as a Navy bomber pilot. The aircraft required a three
Leroy Grumman.
man crew-pilot, turret gunner and radio-radar man in
the tail gunner position. The plane could carry a 2,000
pound bomb load, or equivalent, of depth charges or
torpedoes for attacking Japanese targets.
GRUMMAN
-12-
Bush Joins the Bombers
1943
THE
Special training in Avenger flight techniques took
AVENGER
19-year-old Bush to the Naval Air Station, Fort Laud-
erdale, in June 1943. Fellow trainee Louis Grab recalled
the instruction: "We were all teenagers or barely into
our 20's, totally naive to the ways of the world. Our
91
patriotic goal was to get even for Pearl Harbor. We
all regarded the December 7 raid as an unprovoked
sneak attack by Japan on a peaceful United States. We
were determined to take revenge. We had no idea what
awaited us. All 48 states were united. Aviators would
be needed to defeat Japan. We were the fly boys. It
was going to be an easy life. The dangers lurking in
the combat areas of the Pacific were unfathomable to
NAVAL AIR
us. The glamour attached to the aviator wings pinned
on our chest jackets opened every door imaginable.
STATION
The glamour only lasted a few months. Japanese anti-
FORT LAUDE RDALE, FLORIDA/
aircraft fire turned us into survivors."
Nearly all World War II aviation training for the
Avenger torpedo-bomber was conducted at the NAS
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The air station's newspaper
was entitled THE AVENGER. Courtesy, Lou Grab.
George Bush chose to get even for the Day of Infamy. The US Navy's Avenger torpedo-bomber was Bush's choice and he
received indoctrination at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bush is shown in back row (hatless) second from right.
Ensign Lou Grab (standing on Bush's left), along with Bush, was assigned to Torpedo Squadron 51 and the USS SAN JACINTO.
Others are: (kneeling left to right): Mike Goldsmith, Leslie Mokry, Bill Shawcross, Tom Campanion, Tex Ellison. (back
row left to right): Bill Donovan, Ralph Cole, Mort Landsburg, Bush and Grab. Photo courtesy, The White House.
-16-
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
course with turns, climbs, and hurdles within 35 seconds
literally holds the plane in the air. The angle at which the
(Bush did the course in 31.6 seconds). The standard fitness
wing meets the wind is known as the angle of attack. The
score was 60 points. His score was 77.
instructor demonstrated this by reminding the cadets that if
Meanwhile Barbara wrote to say she was coming to visit
they stuck their hand out the window of a moving car and
him en route to Ashley Hall in Charleston. Earlier George
angled the palm upward, the wind forced their hand higher;
had asked Pauline Pierce for a picture of Barbara, and she'd
if they angled the palm downward, the wind forced the hand
sent an old one of Barbara with her cairn terrier dog, Sandy.
lower.
Barbara still remembers that visit. "George asked me to tell
Bush was taught how to quickly recognize the fighter
people that I was eighteen although I was really seventeen,
planes, battleships, cruisers, and carriers being used by the
because he thought he'd be teased about being young himself
various combatant countries. He had signal flag practice, lec-
and having a young friend."
tures on saluting, and the rules of prisoner-of-war resistance.
George, looking handsome in his immaculate, newly issued
He learned to tap ten words a minute using Morse Code and
whites, was waiting for Barbara at the railroad station. He
viewed the mandatory films on venereal disease.
gave her a hearty hug and then, discreetly holding her hand,
He learned about the structure of the aerial torpedo, the
proudly showed her around the campus and introduced her
technique of torpedo attack, and the elements of antisub-
to his friends. "We walked around the campus, and I believe
marine warfare. He was also taught the basics of discipline:
that I got on the train and continued on to Charleston," says
to "brace the bulkhead," to jump to attention when the in-
Barbara, adding, "No one asked me how old I was."
structor entered the classroom. He learned to preface answers
George completed his preflight training at Chapel Hill in
to questions from the instructor with a shouted "Sir!" and
the Sixth Battalion. Upgraded to aviation cadet status, he was
to sit rigidly at attention at mealtimes and eat only when
ordered to continue his flight training with Class 11A-42 at
given permission to do so by the ranking cadet.
Wold-Chamberlain Naval Airfield in Minneapolis, Minne-
In this first stage of training he spent hours plotting and
sota. He would be learning to fly in one of the most northerly
triangulating courses. Step by step, with lectures, theory, and
states, a region famous for its bitter cold and deep snow.
physical fitness, he was being prepared to pilot an airplane,
When he took his first physical-fitness test at Wold on
but as yet he had not been near one. It was weeks before he
November 5, 1942, he was a quarter-inch over six feet in
was ready to take his first flight in an NP-1 Spartan, a rugged-
height and weighed 161 pounds, but he was still growing.
fabric biplane with fixed landing gear. The Spartan had an
At Wold, Bush was instructed in subjects considered nec-
open two-seater cockpit, with the instructor sitting in front
essary for pilots-military history, physics, and aerology. He
and the student in back. It was a slow plane but responsive
learned about Bernoulli's principle, which explains (indi-
and forgiving, an ideal aircraft in which to learn to fly. His
rectly) that an airplane can fly because the wing is shaped to
instructor was Ens. James Charles Crume, Jr.
produce more air pressure on its lower surface than its upper
Like most cadets going up for their first flight, Bush was
surface, thus providing lift; the flow of air over the wing
nervous, worried about the impression he would make on
38
39
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
the instructor, and tense. 'Excited' is the best word to de-
than made up for whatever natural talent he may have lacked,
scribe the way I felt," he said recently. "All the training led
and he continued to get above-average marks in his reports.
up to this moment, and I was looking forward to learning
In a letter to his mother dated November 21, 1942, George
how to fly." The first entry in his flight log and his first actual
wrote: "I sure am lucky for Ensign Crume hasn't sworn at
flight were dated November 10, 1942. Crume recalls the day
me yet-something few others can say. He is a tall, thin, very
as being bitter cold, down to zero with light snow. He and
young fellow and very quiet."
Bush were both wearing navy cold-weather flying gear: cum-
After ten hours of instruction George was ready to take
bersome sheepskin-lined leather flying suits and heavy boots.
his first solo flight in a Stearman N2S-3 trainer, an open-
With Crume at the controls they were in the air for more
cockpit biplane painted yellow and known throughout the
than an hour. Crume's report noted that the flight was for
navy as "The Yellow Peril," although the flying cadets some-
"instruction only
student shown area. Demonstration of
times called it "The Washing Machine" because of the large
climbing, glides, turns. Student shows normal reaction and
numbers of cadets who washed out of training because of
appears interested."
their inability to handle it properly. Nevertheless, it was prob-
Bush discovered that, as a left-hander, he had special prob-
ably one of the safest and strongest airplanes ever built. In
lems because most of a stick aircraft's controls-propeller,
its open cockpit students and instructors constantly wore
throttle, fuel mixture-are on the left side of the cockpit and
their Gosport helmets (used for intercommunication) and
manipulated with the left hand, while the right hand controls
chamois masks essential to guard against the bitter Minnesota
the joy stick, which determines the airplane's movements in
cold. Even so, some suffered frostbitten faces. But Bush loved
flight. He had to train himself to use his right hand for all
the open cockpit-he relished the sound of air rushing
of the delicate nuances of flying.
through the struts and the wind streaming past and around
During that first week Crume showed him how to take off
him, reminding him of the rush of air and sense of speed he'd
and land and demonstrated basic turns and climbs. Once
had in fast boats in Maine.
George could perform those simple flying movements, Crume
On the morning of November 21, Lt. J. A. Boyle, another
went on to the next step-stalls and spins. The first time
instructor, checked Bush's first solo flight and noted: "Sat-
Crume stalled and spun and the plane plunged toward earth
isfactory check. Taxied a little fast. Landings were average
George was frightened, but Crume pulled it out of the stall
to above with exception of one almost ground looped [Bush
safely. "Bush was an outstanding student," Crume recalls.
lost directional control of the aircraft]. Safe for solo." Bush
Although a natural athlete, Bush was not a natural pilot.
was given a mark of 3.08, which was average. Recalling that
He had to learn to control the plane and his own fears and
first solo flight some forty-eight years later, Bush said, "It is
apprehensions and work hard to do what some of the cadets
hard for nonpilots to understand the joy of a first solo flight.
in his class did with ease. He was often frustrated-there
All of us who soloed thought we were twenty feet tall."
were times when it seemed he could do nothing right in the
George was then ready for the next stage of training, which
air-but he was persistent and determined. Those traits more
meant that, weather permitting, he would be flying almost
40
41
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
every day. By then he had fallen in love with flying in an
horizon for reference, -he had difficulty retaining his spatial
open plane, which gave him a pure sensation of flight: all his
orientation. In the past he'd always had an instructor in the
senses were alive and in harmony with his body. The airplane
air or on the ground to coach him by radio, but now he was
soon became an extension of his own being-flying was be-
flying by instruments, and it was a lonely feeling. The runway
coming as natural to him as driving a car. He began to relish
had lights only along the sides. Approaching it was like en-
the sounds and smells as well as the feeling of joyous freedom
tering the mouth of a coal mine. But he made a perfect land-
from being earthbound, an experience unique to flying. Sus-
ing. As he removed his flying helmet and walked off the field,
pended in the sky, he saw the earth below as an exciting,
and his instructor gave a subtle affirmative nod, he breathed
multidimensional tableau. Most important, he even began to
an aspirant sigh of relief.
relax occasionally at the controls instead of fiercely concen-
"I was thrilled," Bush still recalls. "Night flying was darn
trating on them and the instrument panel. As Crume warned
good fun. After my first solo, all my nervousness left."
him, "If you concentrate on one thing only, you'll soon lose
To this day, however, Bush remembers a very dark night
awareness of the others, and that's when you'll get in
when he came in too low and the landing gear scraped the
trouble."
tops of some trees. "I was gripped with fear, but thirty sec-
For six weeks Bush flew almost every day, logging more
onds later, after making a successful landing, I was overcome
than forty-three hours, many of them solo. And with an
with gratitude. A few feet lower and that would have been
instructor by his side he began to learn the pilot's basic ac-
the end."
robatic vocabulary, including loops, split S, left and right
On February 6 his instructor noted: "All work average
snap rolls, Emmelman turns, falling leaf, inverted spins, and
except stunts are a trifle weak." George later admitted to his
wingovers.
friends that he did not really like acrobatics.
After each stage of training there were check flights with
Three days later George took a check flight with an in-
an instructor to determine whether the cadet was ready for
structor, was again graded "average," and was judged to have
the next stage. There was no way to prepare for a check
completed his primary flight training. By this time he had
flight: he was either "up to snuff" or not.
made sixty-one flights as a student. His total flight time when
Crume, who was his instructor much of the time, wrote
he left Minnesota was 82.5 hours, of which 24.7 hours were
on December 27: "Stage 'B' work reviewed
Student shows
solo. Having successfully passed every check flight, he was
average to above reaction to stunts [acrobatic maneuvers]
ready for the next stage of training.
and instruction." George was judged ready to commence his
He headed next for Gulf sunshine and Corpus Christi,
Stage C training.
Texas, for further advanced training. The changes in weather
On February 1 George made his first nighttime flight with
meant pleasant changes in flying conditions. "Until I got
an instructor. The following evening he completed his first
there," he has said, "I don't think I'd ever landed except on
solo night flight. It was a moonless night-not even the stars
snow and ice."
were visible-and ground fog covered the field. Without the
On February 18 George joined Class 2C-43C at Corpus
42
43
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
Christi, where, if he had the right stuff, he would eventually
make all turns in a tight skid. Took off several times with
earn his wings. From that point on, his days were devoted
right wing low. Got onto flaps and prop pitch. Judged his
to reviewing everything he had learned. His "Fitness Report
first emergency [a spin or stall suddenly induced by Fritz]
for Student Officers and Cadets," dated from March 1 to 21
well
Instructed in stall and spin recovery." Of the March 8
and signed by Ens. Edward C. Fritz, shows above-average
flight Fritz wrote: "Has three main faults: (1) leveling off too
I
marks in every department, including intelligence, judgment,
high; (2) overshooting; (3) traffic pattern downwind of touch
F
moral courage, loyalty, and endurance. His highest scores
and go landing with the fieldward wing dipped down, there-
were for military bearing and industry. The report concluded
fore in a skid." By his third flight George had corrected his
with this note: "Aviation Cadet Bush is an upstanding lad
faults, and Fritz's comment reads: "Approaches were all on
with great self-confidence. It appears, however, that he may
the head but did not have the knack of setting three wheels
be somewhat eccentric." Asked recently what may have
on the ground at the same time. Bounced on his takeoffs.
prompted that remark from his instructor, Bush laughed and
Safe for solo."
jokingly replied, "I think Mr. Fritz meant erratic and not
Fritz occasionally commented on George's check flights,
eccentric, but you would have to ask him."
pointing out errors George might have made or giving him
Mr. Fritz, a lawyer before going into the navy, recalls
a pat on the back if warranted. But George would have to
George at the time as "outstanding and mature for his age,"
wait until later that day or the following morning when,
and he likes to believe that he was one of the first to see
pulses racing, he would join the other cadets in front of the
something special about the young cadet. "My definition of
scheduling board at the ready room and look for an arrow
'eccentric,' he claims, "was taken from Webster's Inter-
in front of his name. An up arrow meant he had passed his
national Dictionary and means 'divergence from the usual.'
check flight; a down arrow meant failure. The cadets with
Events since we flew together have certainly proven me right."
too many down arrows were washed out of the course and
Ensign Fritz next taught George how to fly the Vultee
reassigned. Their luckier friends commiserated with the
Vibrator, a dependable but underpowered, noisy, low-wing
washouts.
training airplane with retractable landing gear. The Vultee
Bush then learned to fly by instruments in the Link Trainer,
was aptly named: it vibrated when airborne. Fritz's task was
a simulated aircraft cockpit devised by George Link with all
to guide George through the stages of the training program
the controls and instruments of an airplane. It was designed
and to prepare him for the periodic check flights with an
to do a good job of simulating anything that a plane could
instructor. George had to learn to get the plane in the air fast
do, including taking off and crashing. Errors were recorded
and master the technique of making a three-point landing
by the instructors, who sat outside the trainer at a long table
(wheels and tail touching the ground simultaneously).
with charts. It was they who determined whether the trainee
On March 5, 8, and 11, Fritz checked George out in the
passed or failed.
Vibrator. After the first flight he noted: "Student serious and
George spent more than thirteen hours in "the box" during
learns well. Has difficulty in maintaining altitude. Tends to
the last week of March and passed the course with an above-
44
45
JOE HYAMS
FLIGHT OF THE AVENGER
average rating. The last note in his final check sheet reads:
to be a pilot. It proved the same thing to Bush himself, and
"Student did good work this period. Orientation good. Let
perhaps something more. During the eight months of training
down was fair. Bracketing [flying around simulated pylons]
his skills as an aviator had steadily improved, and he had
good."
gained confidence in himself and his ability to fly an airplane.
Overall, Lt. Comdr. J. R. Dickey, skipper of Bush's training
Since enlisting, he had grown mentally and physically-he
group, rated George as "fitted for commission" and judged
had lost one pound and was almost two inches taller. He had
him "fair" as instructor material.
passed the first hurdle, the one purposely devised to identify
On March 31, 1943, one of George's instructors, M. M.
only the very best, and he now sensed himself ready in all
Honke, noted in his fitness report that "Cadet Bush is pleasant
ways for the next.
and ambitious. He does his work willingly and well. He is
Aviation Cadet Bush received his wings of gold (really,
good officer material."
gold plate over silver) and gold ensign's bars June 9, 1943,
During the month of April, George spent more hours in
at Corpus Christi. Payton "Pat" Harwell, one of his class-
the air with another instructor learning to do advanced aero-
mates, recalls it as a "simple ceremony": Capt. G. T. Owen,
batics in the SNJ-North America's AT-6 Texan-a plane
commander of the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, said
later to become familiar to decades of moviegoers because
only, "You have completed the prescribed course for naval
film producers discovered it could be used to simulate Jap-
aviators. Congratulations and good luck."
anese Zero fighter planes. He soon became more confident
Hats were flung in the air, and the graduates shook hands
of his ability to fly a plane rather than just drive it. When he
all around. For George, the ceremony was a time of "emo-
wasn't flying, he was at ground school learning, among other
tional and total excitement. I had an ensign's stripe and an
things, celestial navigation, strategy and tactics, practical nav-
admiral's confidence. I was a navy pilot." It was also a sad
igation, and airplane identification, a subject at which he
time for him because a few of his friends had washed out
excelled.
and some had been killed in accidents.
Meanwhile he was continually being pushed to his physical
Although Barbara and his family were not at the ceremony,
limit to toughen him up. With his sports squad, called the
his parents sent him "lovely wings-now lost-real nice gold
Wildcats, he ran in the sand, did pushups by the score, boxed,
ones." They also gave him a set of gold cufflinks with navy
wrestled, practiced hand-to-hand combat, and continued
wings, which he still treasures.
with tumbling. His "Physical Training Record Card" rated
Ens. George Herbert Walker Bush was eighteen years,
him above average. His overall fitness score rose from 77
eleven months, and twenty-seven days old: if not the youngest
points when he was inducted into the navy to 103.
commissioned pilot in the naval air service, he was certainly
The training-the most difficult and comprehensive the
a front runner for that distinction.
U.S. Navy could formulate-had lasted eight months. The
simple fact that Bush had successfully completed it proved
to his instructor and to the navy that he had what was needed
46
47
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 2, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE PROVOST
FROM:
DAN MC GROARTY Dm. r
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENT'S NAVY SERVICE
The last line in the site survey for Ft. Lauderdale states
that "To this day, George Bush remains the youngest commissioned
Naval officer in the United States." (Youngest ever??)
We ought to encourage speakers who introduce the President
to reference this fact.
I will ask Jeannie Bunton to run a fact check.
# # #
Jan - 2708 - he was@ the time- there have been others
since -
Mil.office
Bill Donoran trainal a/ Porus
WOBASSO, Rl.
(Ime 12,1943 - Aug. 23, 1943)
San Jacinto
Draft
October 1, 1992
1:00 p.m.
[----]
Presidential Remarks: FLORIDA STUMP
-----,
FLORIDA
OCTOBER 3, 1992
TIME -- T.B.D.
Thank you,
,
for those warm words.
[Acknowledgements/local color/humor.]
This campaign, like every campaign, is about a simple
question: what kind of America do we want -- for the young people
here today? 11
I want an America that is not just a military superpower --
but the greatest economic superpower in the world. //
I have laid out my Agenda for American Renewal -- a
specific, comprehensive, integrated agenda to create in America -
- the world's very first $10 trillion economy. 11
[My opponent's international experience consists of leading
demonstrations leading demonstrations in a foreign country
against his own government. I want to lead the way to new
markets for American products -- because that is how we will
create good jobs for American workers. //]
Small business is the backbone of what we call the new
American entrepreneurial capitalism -- they will create 2/3rds of
the new jobs in the new economy. Governor Clinton promises small
2
business higher taxes and more red tape -- I promise small
business relief -- from taxation, regulation and litigation. //
Americans spend almost $200 billion every year -- on direct
costs to lawyers. Japan doesn't pay that, neither do European
countries.
My opponent doesn't think this is a problem. He is in
cahoots with all the ambulance-chasing trial lawyers. As a
nation, we must sue each other less -- and care for each other
more.//
ADD ONE GRAPH ON: MEDICARE/CLEARWATER -- TERM LIMITS/MIAMI -
- 10 PERCENT CHECKOFF/FT. LAUDERDALE -- SCHOOL CHOICE/ORLANDO
These are just some of my ideas -- some of what I'm fighting
for.
I'm proud of my record, and I'll stand by it in November.
But if Candidate Clinton wants to talk about the past, I say okay
-- let's look at what's been going on in Arkansas. The people
there are decent and hard working. But there's a lot you don't
know about their Governor. And the more you find out, the more
you find out that he's wrong for America. //
SECTION ON CLINTON RECORD: HEALTH CARE/CLEARWATER -- CRIME
(SEE BELOW) /MIAMI FT. LAUDERDALE/ENVIRONMENT -- DEFENSE
ORLANDO/EDUCATION
Look at the issue of crime. We must take back our streets
from the crackheads and the criminals./ /
3
Candidate Clinton talks tough, but in Arkansas, the average
criminal serves just one-fifth of his sentence -- then he's back
out on the streets.
Compare that to our federal prisons today. The average
inmate serves 85 percent of his sentence. When it comes to
crime, I'm not much for leniency and compassion. If you steal a
car or beat an elderly woman -- you ought to go to jail. I say
you shouldn't be let out, until you're eligible for a birthday
salute from Willard Scott.//
But don't ask me who's tough on crime. Ask the police in
Little Rock, Arkansas. The cops who know Bill Clinton best, have
endorsed me -- as the best candidate for President of the United
States. //
It's the same thing on every issue. Governor Clinton says
he's for civil rights, but Arkansas doesn't have a basic civil
rights law. He says he's for a clean environment, but the
Institute for Southern Studies ranked Arkansas 50th in
environmental policies. Bill Clinton says he's for high tech --
but under Bill Clinton Arkansas has been falling behind in high
school. Three out of every four Arkansas graduates spend their
first year in college --- relearning what they were supposed to
learn in high school.
America deserves better than this.
Look at the economy, the major issue in this campaign.
4
I know America has endured some tough economic times, but
understand, we are being affected by a global economic slowdown.
Our competitors in Europe would trade places with us in a minute.
Yet Governor Clinton offers America -- the European social
welfare state policies. More government. More special interest
spending. More taxes on the middle class.
As Governor, Bill Clinton raised and extended the sales tax,
including a tax on baby formula, vegetables and other groceries.
He raised the gas tax, he taxed mobile homes, and for those of
you ESPN watchers -- he even taxed cable TV.
Now, Governor Clinton says he's seen the light. In this
campaign, he's proposing at least $150 billion in new taxes --
plus at least $220 billion in new spending. But don't worry, he
says --I'll get it all from the rich -- people who make it over
$200,000 -- the top 2 percent.
But here's the truth. To get the money he needs for his
plan, the $150 billion he's promised in new taxes, Governor
Clinton would have to get his money from every individual with
taxable income over $36,600.
These people are not on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous -
- they work hard, they deserve a break.
That's just the start of his tax campaign against the
middle-class. Governor Clinton will need hundreds of billions of
dollars more, to pay for all the programs he's promised.
There's an old saying. "When you hunt ducks, you go where
the ducks are." Bill Clinton is hunting ways for pay for all his
5
promises -- and he's going to go to the middle class -- because
that's where the bucks are.
Listen to the newspaper from his own back yard, The Pine
Bluff Commercial. Here's what they say: "If Congress followed
the example that Bill Clinton set as Governor of Arkansas, it
would pass a program that hit the middle-class the hardest."
I say -- the middle-class has been hit hard enough
already./
Now, I don't think that Pine Bluff paper is bluffing. Let
me give you one example. Lets say you are a third grade teacher
-- with about $22,000 a year in taxable income. Governor Clinton
could have you fork over another $430 bucks a year to the tax
man. And I say you ought to be able to use that money to pay for
your kids education, or pay the mortgage on the house, not send
it back to the IRS.//
Now, when I add up all Governor Clinton's promises and point
out the truth -- he says, "hey, forget my record. Forget the
facts. I'm a different kind of Democrat."
But what's different about him? George McGovern -- Bill
Clinton ran Texas for him in 72, and learned his liberalism in
that campaign. Jimmy Carter -- (Bill Clinton wore the same
moderate costume, but at least President Carter meant it.)
Michael Dukakis -- Bill Clinton nominated him, and praised the
Massachusetts Miracle -- right before the Massachusetts economy
collapsed. //
That doesn't sound different to me!//
6
(It explains his principled stand on both sides of the Gulf
War -- when he said -- and I quote -- "I guess I would have voted
with the majority if it was a close vote, but I agree with the
arguments the minority made."
One day Bill Clinton tells the people of Arkansas he'll
never run for President, the next (year) he announces his
campaign. One day he says he's for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, then he says I haven't made up my mind yet. One day
Bill Clinton says the middle-class deserves a tax break, the next
day he's plotting new ways to hit the middle-class to pay for all
his programs.)
If Bill Clinton ever became President -- and he won't --
we'd have to replace the American Eagle -- with a chameleon.
Now, Bill Clinton wants you to believe that the American
economy will improve if you turn full control of your paycheck
over to the crew that already runs the Congress -- he wants the
tax and spend government planners to have total control over the
Executive Branch, too.
Last time they tried this, we ended up with double-digit
inflation -- and rising interest rates -- and a misery index over
21 percent.
It took years to ring inflation and high interest out of the
American economy. Our workers and business paid the price.
At this time in our history, we can't take that risk again.
You see, I've been in the Oval Office, I've faced the tough
decisions.
7
I've made some mistakes and I've admitted them.
But I believe I've been a good leader -- willing to make the
tough calls -- I'm a leader whose ideas are right for America.
I stand before you today, asking for your support so that we
can get to work with a new Congress to fix the problems that
stand in the way of this country.
So that we reform our health care system, and reinvent our
schools. So that we can retrain the workers from one generation,
and create jobs for the next. So that we can cut government
spending and cut taxes -- to get this economy moving again. So
that we can limit the terms of members of Congress -- and give
government back to the people.
This is the Agenda I have to offer.
If you want someone who has more plans than there are
problems -- cast your vote for the other guy.
But if you are looking for a leader of experience, a leader
of ideas, a leader who shares your values, a leader who
understands that America's real strength is not in government,
but in places like
--
then I know I can count on your
support -- on November 3rd.
Thank you very much. God Bless the United States of
America.
# # #
for Paturday
stump
(12 mins)
called
issue
end of speech
stay u/ close or
build left out 2) local color
mostly wear the uniform
free trade
sm, bis
Clinton;
- med soc Dec -
u clea
Handucan
ten Units
miam
crime
10 chuch 11
H. landenled defense
Scoth cloin
arcando diducation
Cluton Record
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
01-Oct-1992 01:07pm
TO:
Steven D. Provost
TO:
Daniel B. McGroarty
FROM:
Christina M. Martin
Office of Communications
CC:
Linda R. Tripp
SUBJECT: Current Assignments
Friday Events:
Appropriation Signing -- Ferguson/Nix
Boston Police Endorsement -- Askew/Bunton
KATE MORAN 7730 170
RON KAUFFMAN RM. 176
Satruday Events:
Clearwater McGroarty/Nix ED CONCING
Miami Smith/Walters
Ft. Lauderdale -- Ferguson/Bunton CRAE
Orlando -- Askew/Grossman
DAVE ANDERSON
To Be Assigned For Next Week:
Wednesday:
NAFTA Ceremony, TX
Thursday:
Nat'l Victory '92, OH