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NBC Live Two-Way 5/23/91 [OA 4424]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mary Kate Grant Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
foia Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Grant, Mary Kate, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1988-1991
OA/ID Number:
13882
Folder ID Number:
13882-015
Folder Title:
NBC Live Two-Way, 5/23/91
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
19
2
7
7
Grant/Cawley
May 22, 1991
A:NBC / Draft three
BRIEF REMARKS: NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
Good afternoon. Thank you, Bob.
I want to acknowledge the hard work of the NBC affiliates
around this country -- as vital resources in your local
communities. Whether it's fighting drug abuse and combatting
illiteracy, or promoting pre-natal care and keeping kids in
school, the NBC family is making a difference in the lives of
their fellow Americans.
I was delighted to film a piece for "The More You Know"
campaign -- and now, two years later, your public service ads are
still going strong -- addressing issues, raising awareness, and
enlightening viewers.
The impact has been enormous. You know the issues. You see
and hear the challenges people face. You deal with it all on the
local level: the volunteers, the heroes, the local boy who makes
good. But there's the other side, too. The side nobody wants to
see: the gangs, the drug dealers, the murderers.
And here's the real untold story: we've been arguing over
fundamental, badly needed reforms for years. When we sent our
crime bill up to Congress, we put the Hill on a 100-day clock.
Well, it's been 74 days since we transmitted our legislation.
Most of its core proposals are identical to those we sent up in
- 2 -
THE IMPACT HAS BEEN ENORMOUS. YOU KNOW THE
we're
ISSUES. YOU SEE AND HEAR THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE.
YOU DEAL WITH IT ALL ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE
build
VOLUNTEERS, THE HEROES, THE LOCAL KID WHO MAKES GOOD.
BUT THERE'S THE OTHER SIDE, TOO. THE SIDE NOBODY WANTS
TO SEE: THE GANGS, THE DRUG DEALERS, THE MURDERERS.
taking
AND HERE'S THE REAL UNTOLD STORY: WE'VE BEEN
F.T
of
ARGUING OVER FUNDAMENTAL, BADLY NEEDED REFORMS FOR
YEARS. SO WHEN WE SENT OUR CRIME BILL UP TO CONGRESS,
Cougt is exec
if
WE PUT THE HILL ON A 100-DAY CLOCK. WELL, IT'S BEEN 74
DAYS SINCE WE TRANSMITTED OUR LEGISLATION. MOST OF ITS
CORE PROPOSALS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE WE SENT UP IN
1989. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION. AND THEY'RE
our
NOT GETTING IT FROM CONGRESS.
OAck.
THEY WANT AN END TO THE MURDER AND MAYHEM IN THEIR
Challenged
Ack.
on 100 Days 74 days
NEIGHBORHOODS
TO THE DRUGS AND GUNS IN THE SCHOOLS
give+
TO THE COP-KILLERS AND GANG LEADERS ON THE STREETS.
thru
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION -- ACTION LIKE A SIMPLE
Country
VOTE -- ON PROPOSALS THAT ARE MORE THAN JUST FEEL-GOOD
Shown
RESPONSES.
to this of We need extend kind
coop
on
on move long crime issues edue C.rtz should fourned
for work good ft togerthat
that
of this albate kind descript
coun of coun try
- 3 -
WE'VE PROPOSED STIFF PENALTIES FOR CRIMINALS WHO
USE SEMI AUTOMATIC WEAPONS; TOUGH LAWS TO PROTECT WOMEN
AND CHILDREN FROM ABUSE; AN IMPROVED EXCLUSIONARY RULE
TO PROTECT THE TRUTH AND PUNISH THE GUILTY; AND HABEAS
CORPUS REFORM THAT WOULD STOP FRIVOLOUS APPEALS.
FINALLY, OUR BILL WILL GIVE US A FEDERAL DEATH PENALTY
FOR SOCIETY'S MOST HEINOUS CRIMES. IT'S TIME TO STOP
THE VIOLENCE.
CONGRESS HAS IMPOSED A 74 DAY WAITING PERIOD ON
AMERICANS WHO WANT A COMPREHENSIVE CRIME BILL. I URGE
CONGRESS TO HEED THE VOICES YOU BROADCASTERS HEAR EVERY
DAY -- THOSE OF OUR PEOPLE, OUR POLICE, AND OUR
PROSECUTORS. IT'S TIME TO STOP THE VIOLENCE AND THE
KILLINGS. IT'S TIME TO STOP THE TRAGEDIES. IT'S TIME
FOR SUBSTANTIVE ACTION BY THE CONGRÈSS ON OUR
COMPREHENSIVE CRIME BILL.
- 4 -
I'VE CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE URGENT
ISSUES FACING THIS NATION. WITH 26 DAYS LEFT, CONGRESS
HAS HAD TOO LONG A WAITING PERIOD. AND IT'S NOT JUST
ON OUR CRIME BILL. I WANT TO SIGN A GOOD CIVIL RIGHTS
BILL THIS YEAR, AND I'VE SENT A GOOD STRONG PROPOSAL UP
TO THE HILL. UNFORTUNATELY, MY BILL IS BEING HELD
HOSTAGE WHILE THE OTHER SIDE PUSHES A BILL THAT IS
ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I VETOED LAST YEAR.
ON TUESDAY, WE HAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC
[
COMPROMISE. BUT IT WAS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT -- NO BILL
-- NO EXACT LANGUAGE. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM THEIR
SUMMARY, THE CHANGES THEY'RE PROPOSING SEEM TO BE
PURELY COSMETIC.
- 5 -
I DO NOT WANT TO VETO ANOTHER BILL WITH THE NAME
"CIVIL RIGHTS" ON IT. BUT I WILL NOT SIGN A BILL THAT
WILL FOSTER QUOTAS AND UNFAIR PREFERENCES AND PROMOTE A
LITIGATION EXPLOSION FOR THE BENEFIT OF LAWYERS. IF
CONGRESS IS SERIOUS ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS, THEY WILL PASS
MY BILL. WE THEN CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
AND BIPARTISAN FASHION TO ADDRESS THE OTHER ELEMENTS OF
MY PROGRAM FOR EXPANDING CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITY.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, AND NOW I THINK WE HAVE
TIME FOR TWO QUESTIONS.
((SEE QUESTIONS NEXT PAGE))
- 6 -
FIRST QUESTION ((TO BE ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT, PRESIDENT
AND CEO OF NBC) )
-- WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE
WE SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
WHILE EXPERTS DISAGREE ABOUT THE LENGTH AND DEPTH
OF THE RECESSION, I THINK WE'RE ALREADY SEEING SOME
ENCOURAGING SIGNS. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WE'VE SEEN
RISES IN BOTH HOUSING STARTS AND CONSUMER SPENDING.
BOTH OF THESE ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO AN ECONOMIC
RECOVERY. OUR EXPORT MARKETS ARE GOING STRONG -- LAST
MONTH WAS OUR BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MONTH IN ALMOST
A DECADE.
BUT LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T IN THE
BUSINESS OF PICKING WINNERS OR LOSERS IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WE SERVE BEST WHEN WE TRY TO STIMULATE
ECONOMIC GROWTH -- AND LET AMERICAN WORKERS AND
INNOVATORS PUSH US FORWARD. I'M REALLY VERY ENCOURAGED
ABOUT THE ECONOMY, AND WE'VE SENT AN ECONOMIC GROWTH
PACKAGE TO THE CONGRESS THAT WILL STIMULATE GROWTH,
CREATE JOBS, AND ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
- 7 -
SECOND QUESTION ((ALSO ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT)):
-- IS THERE AN APPROPRIATE ROLE FOR THE AMERICAN
TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN RESPONDING TO THE "NEW WORLD
ORDER"?
I THINK TELEVISION IS ALREADY PLAYING A VERY LARGE
ROLE. NOT LONG AGO, TELEVISION HELPED BRING A NEW
WORLD INTO THE LIVING ROOMS OF PEOPLE IN EASTERN
EUROPE. IT BROUGHT NEWS, IT BROUGHT ENTERTAINMENT, IT
BROUGHT GLIMPSES OF THE KINDS OF PLACES THEIR COUNTRIES
COULD BECOME. THE REVOLUTION OF '89 TOOK PLACE BECAUSE
COMMUNISM NO LONGER COULD RESTRAIN THE POWER OF IDEAS.
YOU STILL FULFILL THAT KIND OF ROLE. YOU PROVIDE
INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT -- TWO FORCES THAT WILL
CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE THE WORLD. TODAY, IN SO MANY
CITIES AND VILLAGES AROUND THE WORLD, YOUR CAMERAS HAVE
HELPED IGNITE THE FIRES OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM. THANKS
TO THE SCRUTINY THAT NO GOVERNMENT CAN NOW ESCAPE, THE
SPIRIT IS CATCHING.
- 8 -
NOW, I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT I DON'T ALWAYS LIKE WHAT
I SEE ON TELEVISION. BUT I UNDERSTAND ITS IMPORTANCE.
OUR AIRWAVES ARE THE HIGHWAYS FOR FREE IDEAS. THEY
EXPOSE PEOPLE TO NEW CHALLENGES AND WONDERS. THEY
BRING THE ENTIRE WORLD INTO LIVING ROOMS. so, LIKE IT
OR NOT, YOU ARE SHAPING THE POST COLD WAR WORLD, AND
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE IT. YOUR CHALLENGE
TOMORROW WILL BE THE ONE YOU WRESTLE WITH EVERY DAY: TO
PROVIDE HONEST NEWS, GOOD ENTERTAINMENT, AND TO HONOR
THE TRUST THE PUBLIC PLACES IN YOU.
# # #
- 2 -
THE IMPACT HAS BEEN ENORMOUS. YOU KNOW THE
ISSUES. YOU SEE AND HEAR THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE.
YOU DEAL WITH IT ALL ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE
VOLUNTEERS, THE HEROES, THE LOCAL KID WHO MAKES GOOD.
BUT THERE'S THE OTHER SIDE, TOO. THE SIDE NOBODY WANTS
TO SEE: THE GANGS, THE DRUG DEALERS, THE MURDERERS.
AND HERE'S THE REAL UNTOLD STORY: WE'VE BEEN
ARGUING OVER FUNDAMENTAL, BADLY NEEDED REFORMS FOR
YEARS. so WHEN WE SENT OUR CRIME BILL UP TO CONGRESS,
WE PUT THE HILL ON A 100-DAY CLOCK. WELL, IT'S BEEN 74
DAYS SINCE WE TRANSMITTED OUR LEGISLATION. MOST OF ITS
CORE PROPOSALS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE WE SENT UP IN
1989. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION. AND WE IN THE
EXECUTIVE BRANCH WANT ACTION, TOO -- BUT WE CAN'T DO IT
WITHOUT THE HELP OF CONGRESS.
THE DEBATE OVER THE FAST TRACK VOTE TAKING PLACE
TODAY IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF COOPERATION WE NEED.
LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WORKED TOGETHER
FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY, IN A TRULY BIPARTISAN
SPIRIT. AFTER A FULL AND FAIR DEBATE ON THE ISSUES,
CONGRESS WILL EITHER TAKE A STEP BACKWARD -- OR FORWARD
-- TOWARD FREE AND FAIR TRADE IN THE GLOBAL
MARKETPLACE. THE FAST TRACK VOTE WILL BE A TREMENDOUS
- 3 -
STATEMENT TO THE WORLD AS TO WHETHER AMERICA IS READY
TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES
OF THE AISLE WHO LED THE BIPARTISAN DEBATE. THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE THIS KIND OF GIVE-AND-TAKE ON
THE ISSUES. AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF
COOPERATION EXTENDED TO OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE
CONGRESS. OUR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION,
CRIME, TRANSPORTATION, AND CIVIL RIGHTS -- TO NAME ONLY
A FEW -- HAVE BEEN SITTING AND GATHERING DUST, SOME FOR
OVER TWO YEARS NOW. IT'S TIME CONGRESS MOVED FORWARD
ON THESE VITAL ISSUES, TOO.
I'VE CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE URGENT
ISSUES FACING THIS NATION. CONGRESS IS RUNNING OUT OF
TIME. AND IT'S NOT JUST ON OUR CRIME BILL. I WANT TO
SIGN A GOOD CIVIL RIGHTS BILL THIS YEAR, AND I'VE SENT
A GOOD STRONG PROPOSAL UP TO THE HILL. UNFORTUNATELY,
MY BILL IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE WHILE CONGRESS PUSHES A
BILL THAT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I VETOED LAST
YEAR.
ON TUESDAY, WE HAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC
COMPROMISE. BUT IT WAS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT -- NO BILL
-- NO EXACT LANGUAGE. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM THEIR
- 2 -
THE IMPACT HAS BEEN ENORMOUS. YOU KNOW THE
ISSUES. YOU SEE AND HEAR THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE.
YOU DEAL WITH IT ALL ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE
VOLUNTEERS, THE HEROES, THE LOCAL KID WHO MAKES GOOD.
BUT THERE'S THE OTHER SIDE, TOO. THE SIDE NOBODY WANTS
TO SEE: THE GANGS, THE DRUG DEALERS, THE MURDERERS.
AND HERE'S THE REAL UNTOLD STORY: WE'VE BEEN
ARGUING OVER FUNDAMENTAL, BADLY NEEDED REFORMS FOR
YEARS. so WHEN WE SENT OUR CRIME BILL UP TO CONGRESS,
WE PUT THE HILL ON A 100-DAY CLOCK. WELL, IT'S BEEN 74
DAYS SINCE WE TRANSMITTED OUR LEGISLATION. MOST OF ITS
CORE PROPOSALS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE WE SENT UP IN
1989. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION. AND TODAY,
THEY'VE SEEN THE KIND OF ACTION WE CAN GET WHEN THE
@
CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH WORK TOGETHER.
WITH TODAY'S FAST TRACK VOTE, THE CONGRESS HAS
SHOWN THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE
COUNTRY, IN A TRULY BIPARTISAN SPIRIT. AFTER A FULL
AND FAIR DEBATE ON THE ISSUES, CONGRESS IS TAKING A
STEP FORWARD -- NOT BACKWARD -- TOWARD FREE AND FAIR
TRADE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE. THE FAST TRACK VOTE
IS A TREMENDOUS STATEMENT TO THE WORLD THAT AMERICA IS
READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
- 3 -
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES
OF THE AISLE WHO LED THE BIPARTISAN DEBATE. THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE THIS KIND OF GIVE-AND-TAKE ON
THE ISSUES. AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF
COOPERATION EXTENDED TO OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE
CONGRESS. OUR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION,
CRIME, TRANSPORTATION, AND CIVIL RIGHTS -- TO NAME ONLY
A FEW -- HAVE BEEN SITTING AND GATHERING DUST, SOME FOR
OVER TWO YEARS NOW. IT'S TIME CONGRESS MOVED FORWARD
ON THESE VITAL ISSUES, TOO.
I'VE CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE URGENT
ISSUES FACING THIS NATION. CONGRESS IS RUNNING OUT OF
TIME. AND IT'S NOT JUST ON OUR CRIME BILL. I WANT TO
SIGN A GOOD CIVIL RIGHTS BILL THIS YEAR, AND I'VE SENT
A GOOD STRONG PROPOSAL UP TO THE HILL. UNFORTUNATELY,
MY BILL IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE WHILE CONGRESS PUSHES A
BILL THAT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I VETOED LAST
YEAR.
ON TUESDAY, WE HAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC
COMPROMISE. BUT IT WAS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT -- NO BILL
-- NO EXACT LANGUAGE. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM THEIR
SUMMARY, THE CHANGES THEY'RE PROPOSING SEEM TO BE
PURELY COSMETIC.
- 4 -
I DO NOT WANT TO VETO ANOTHER BILL WITH THE NAME
"CIVIL RIGHTS" ON IT. BUT I WILL NOT SIGN A BILL THAT
WILL FOSTER QUOTAS AND UNFAIR PREFERENCES AND PROMOTE A
LITIGATION EXPLOSION FOR THE BENEFIT OF LAWYERS. IF
CONGRESS IS SERIOUS ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS, THEY WILL PASS
MY BILL. WE THEN CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
AND BIPARTISAN FASHION TO ADDRESS THE OTHER ELEMENTS OF
MY PROGRAM FOR EXPANDING CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITY.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, AND NOW I THINK WE HAVE
TIME FOR TWO QUESTIONS.
( (SEE QUESTIONS NEXT PAGE) )
- 5 -
FIRST QUESTION (TO BE ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT, PRESIDENT
AND CEO OF NBC) ) :
-- WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE
WE SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
WHILE EXPERTS DISAGREE ABOUT THE LENGTH AND DEPTH
OF THE RECESSION, I THINK WE'RE ALREADY SEEING SOME
ENCOURAGING SIGNS. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WE'VE SEEN
RISES IN BOTH HOUSING STARTS AND CONSUMER SPENDING.
BOTH OF THESE ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO AN ECONOMIC
RECOVERY. OUR EXPORT MARKETS ARE GOING STRONG -- LAST
MONTH WAS OUR BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MONTH IN ALMOST
A DECADE.
BUT LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T IN THE
BUSINESS OF PICKING WINNERS OR LOSERS IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WE SERVE BEST WHEN WE TRY TO STIMULATE
ECONOMIC GROWTH -- AND LET AMERICAN WORKERS AND
INNOVATORS PUSH US FORWARD. I'M REALLY VERY ENCOURAGED
ABOUT THE ECONOMY, AND WE'VE SENT AN ECONOMIC GROWTH
PACKAGE TO THE CONGRESS THAT WILL STIMULATE GROWTH,
CREATE JOBS, AND ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
- 6 -
SECOND QUESTION ( (ALSO ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT) ) :
-- IS THERE AN APPROPRIATE ROLE FOR THE AMERICAN
TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN RESPONDING TO THE "NEW WORLD
ORDER"?
I THINK TELEVISION IS ALREADY PLAYING A VERY LARGE
ROLE. NOT LONG AGO, TELEVISION HELPED BRING A NEW
WORLD INTO THE LIVING ROOMS OF PEOPLE IN EASTERN
EUROPE. IT BROUGHT NEWS, IT BROUGHT ENTERTAINMENT, IT
BROUGHT GLIMPSES OF THE KINDS OF PLACES THEIR COUNTRIES
COULD BECOME. THE REVOLUTION OF '89 TOOK PLACE BECAUSE
COMMUNISM NO LONGER COULD RESTRAIN THE POWER OF IDEAS.
YOU STILL FULFILL THAT KIND OF ROLE. YOU PROVIDE
INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT -- TWO FORCES THAT WILL
CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE THE WORLD. TODAY, IN so MANY
CITIES AND VILLAGES AROUND THE WORLD, YOUR CAMERAS HAVE
HELPED IGNITE THE FIRES OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM. THANKS
TO THE SCRUTINY THAT NO GOVERNMENT CAN NOW ESCAPE, THE
SPIRIT IS CATCHING.
- 7 -
NOW, I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT I DON'T ALWAYS LIKE WHAT
I SEE ON TELEVISION. BUT I UNDERSTAND ITS IMPORTANCE.
OUR AIRWAVES ARE THE HIGHWAYS FOR FREE IDEAS. THEY
EXPOSE PEOPLE TO NEW CHALLENGES AND WONDERS. THEY
BRING THE ENTIRE WORLD INTO LIVING ROOMS. so, LIKE IT
OR NOT, YOU ARE SHAPING THE POST COLD WAR WORLD, AND
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE IT. YOUR CHALLENGE
TOMORROW WILL BE THE ONE YOU WRESTLE WITH EVERY DAY: TO
PROVIDE HONEST NEWS, GOOD ENTERTAINMENT, AND TO HONOR
THE TRUST THE PUBLIC PLACES IN YOU.
# # #
NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU, BOB -- NOT JUST FOR
THAT KIND INTRODUCTION, BUT FOR YOUR WORK AS A FOUNDING
MEMBER OF THE POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION. IN THAT
REGARD, I WANT TO THANK ADVERTISING AGENCIES -- SAATCHI
AND SAATCHI IN PARTICULAR -- FOR THEIR HELP IN
DEVELOPING THE POINTS OF LIGHT MESSAGE, AND THE NBC
AFFILIATES, WHO ARE NOW BEGINNING TO AIR OUR MESSAGES.
OF COURSE, YOU AT NBC ALSO HAVE YOUR OWN VERY
IMPRESSIVE TRADITION OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMING.
WHETHER YOU'RE FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE OR COMBATTING
ILLITERACY, PROMOTING PRE-NATAL CARE OR KEEPING KIDS IN
SCHOOL, THE NBC FAMILY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO
COMMUNITIES AND TO THE NATION.
I WAS DELIGHTED TO FILM A PIECE FOR "THE MORE YOU
KNOW" CAMPAIGN -- AND NOW, TWO YEARS LATER, YOUR PUBLIC
SERVICE ADS ARE STILL GOING STRONG -- ADDRESSING
ISSUES, PROVOKING THOUGHT AND ACTION, AND ENLIGHTENING
VIEWERS.
NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU, BOB -- NOT JUST FOR
THAT KIND INTRODUCTION, BUT FOR YOUR WORK AS A FOUNDING
MEMBER OF THE POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION. IN THAT
REGARD, I WANT TO THANK ADVERTISING AGENCIES -- SAATCHI
AND SAATCHI IN PARTICULAR -- FOR THEIR HELP IN
DEVELOPING THE POINTS OF LIGHT MESSAGE, AND THE NBC
AFFILIATES, WHO ARE NOW BEGINNING TO AIR OUR MESSAGES.
OF COURSE, YOU AT NBC ALSO HAVE YOUR OWN VERY
IMPRESSIVE TRADITION OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMING.
WHETHER YOU'RE FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE OR COMBATTING
ILLITERACY, PROMOTING PRE-NATAL CARE OR KEEPING KIDS IN
SCHOOL, THE NBC FAMILY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO
COMMUNITIES AND TO THE NATION.
I WAS DELIGHTED TO FILM A PIECE FOR "THE MORE YOU
KNOW" CAMPAIGN -- AND NOW, TWO YEARS LATER, YOUR PUBLIC
SERVICE ADS ARE STILL GOING STRONG -- ADDRESSING
ISSUES, PROVOKING THOUGHT AND ACTION, AND ENLIGHTENING
VIEWERS.
- 2 -
AGAIN, LET ME ACKNOWLEDGE BOTH THE REPUBLICAN AND
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS GREAT SHOW OF
BIPARTISAN COOPERATION. THIS VOTE TELLS THE WORLD THAT
AMERICANS ARE NOT AFRAID OF COMPETITION, AND THAT WE
ARE READY TO BOLDLY FACE THE 21st CENTURY.
Now, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION SPECIFICALLY ....
- 3 -
((IF VOTE HAS NOT TAKEN PLACE))
BoB -- BEFORE I BEGIN -- LET ME SAY THAT WE ARE
STILL WAITING FOR WORD ON THE FAST TRACK VOTE IN THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANYBODY WHO SAYS WE'VE GOT
THE VOTE IN THE BAG IS DEAD WRONG. WE'RE DOWN To THE
WIRE, AND EVERY VOTE COUNTS.
- 4 -
CONGRESS HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO SEND A MESSAGE TO
OUR TRADING PARTNERS -- THAT AMERICA IS READY FOR THE
21st CENTURY -- AND TO STAND ON THE SIDE OF FREE
MARKETS AND FREE PEOPLE. I URGE CONGRESS TO TAKE THE
OPPORTUNITY AND VOTE FOR FAST TRACK. Now, TO ANSWER
YOUR QUESTION SPECIFICALLY
...
3 \ 231 192
- 3 -
TODAY'S DEBATE OVER THE FAST TRACK VOTE IS AN
EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF COOPERATION WE NEED. LEADERS
FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WORKED TOGETHER FOR THE
GOOD OF THE COUNTRY, IN A TRULY BIPARTISAN SPIRIT.
AFTER A FULL AND FAIR DEBATE ON THE ISSUES, CONGRESS
[WILL EITHER TAKE A STEP BACKWARD ww OR FORWARD --]
CHAS TAKEN A MAJOR STEP] TOWARD FREE AND FAIR TRADE IN
THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE. THE FAST TRACK VOTE [WILL BE]
[WAS] A TREMENDOUS STATEMENT TO THE WORLD EAS TO
WHETHER] [THAT] AMERICA IS READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES
OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES
OF THE AISLE WHO LED THE BIPARTISAN DEBATE. THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE THIS KIND OF GIVE-AND-TAKE ON
THE ISSUES. AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF
COOPERATION EXTENDED TO OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE
CONGRESS. OUR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION,
CRIME, TRANSPORTATION, AND CIVIL RIGHTS - TO NAME ONLY
A FEW -- HAVE BEEN SITTING AND GATHERING DUST, SOME FOR
OVER TWO YEARS NOW. IT'S TIME CONGRESS MOVED FORWARD
ON THESE VITAL ISSUES, TOO.
- 4 -
I'VE CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE URGENT
ISSUES FACING THIS NATION. CONGRESS IS RUNNING OUT OF
TIME. AND IT'S NOT JUST ON OUR CRIME BILL. I WANT TO
SIGN A GOOD CIVIL RIGHTS BILL THIS YEAR, AND I'VE SENT
A GOOD STRONG PROPOSAL UP TO THE HILL. UNFORTUNATELY,
MY BILL IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE WHILE CONGRESS PUSHES A
BILL THAT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I VETOED LAST
YEAR.
ON TUESDAY, WE HAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC
COMPROMISE. BUT IT WAS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT -- NO BILL
-- NO EXACT LANGUAGE. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM THEIR
SUMMARY, THE CHANGES THEY'RE PROPOSING SEEM TO BE
PURELY COSMETIC.
- 5 -
I DO NOT WANT TO VETO ANOTHER BILL WITH THE NAME
"CIVIL RIGHTS" ON IT. BUT I WILL NOT SIGN A BILL THAT
WILL FOSTER QUOTAS AND UNFAIR PREFERENCES AND PROMOTE A
LITIGATION EXPLOSION FOR THE BENEFIT OF LAWYERS. IF
CONGRESS IS SERIOUS ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS, THEY WILL PASS
MY BILL. WE THEN CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
AND BIPARTISAN FASHION TO ADDRESS THE OTHER ELEMENTS OF
MY PROGRAM FOR EXPANDING CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITY.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, AND NOW I THINK WE HAVE
TIME FOR A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
((SEE QUESTIONS NEXT PAGE))
- 6 -
FIRST QUESTION ((TO BE ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT, PRESIDENT
AND CEO OF NBC)):
-- WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE
WE SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
WHILE EXPERTS DISAGREE ABOUT THE LENGTH AND DEPTH
OF THE RECESSION, I THINK WE'RE ALREADY SEEING SOME
ENCOURAGING SIGNS. IN THE LAST MONTH, WE'VE SEEN RISES
IN BOTH HOUSING STARTS AND CONSUMER SPENDING. BOTH OF
THESE ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY.
OUR EXPORT MARKETS ARE GOING STRONG -- LAST MONTH WAS
OUR BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MONTH IN ALMOST A DECADE.
BUT LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T IN THE
BUSINESS OF PICKING WINNERS OR LOSERS IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WE SERVE BEST WHEN WE TRY TO STIMULATE
ECONOMIC GROWTH -- AND LET AMERICAN WORKERS AND
INNOVATORS PUSH US FORWARD. WE'VE SENT AN ECONOMIC
GROWTH PACKAGE TO THE CONGRESS THAT WILL STIMULATE
GROWTH, CREATE JOBS, AND ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
so, BOB, I'M REALLY VERY ENCOURAGED ABOUT THE ECONOMY.
- 7 -
SECOND QUESTION ((ALSO ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT)):
-- IS THERE AN APPROPRIATE ROLE FOR THE AMERICAN
TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN RESPONDING TO THE "NEW WORLD
ORDER"?
THAT'S AN EXCELLENT QUESTION. I THINK TELEVISION
IS ALREADY PLAYING A VERY LARGE ROLE. NOT LONG AGO,
TELEVISION HELPED BRING A NEW WORLD INTO THE LIVING
ROOMS OF PEOPLE IN EASTERN EUROPE. IT BROUGHT NEWS, IT
BROUGHT ENTERTAINMENT, IT BROUGHT GLIMPSES OF THE KINDS
OF PLACES THEIR COUNTRIES COULD BECOME. THE REVOLUTION
OF '89 TOOK PLACE BECAUSE COMMUNISM NO LONGER COULD
RESTRAIN THE POWER OF IDEAS.
YOU STILL FULFILL THAT KIND OF ROLE. YOU PROVIDE
INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT -- TWO FORCES THAT WILL
CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE THE WORLD. TODAY, IN SO MANY
CITIES AND VILLAGES AROUND THE WORLD, YOUR CAMERAS HAVE
HELPED IGNITE THE FIRES OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM. THANKS
TO THE SCRUTINY THAT NO GOVERNMENT CAN NOW ESCAPE, THE
SPIRIT IS CATCHING.
- 8 -
NOW, I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT I DON'T ALWAYS LIKE WHAT
I SEE ON TELEVISION. BUT I UNDERSTAND ITS IMPORTANCE.
OUR AIRWAVES ARE THE HIGHWAYS FOR FREE IDEAS. THEY
EXPOSE PEOPLE TO NEW CHALLENGES AND WONDERS. THEY
BRING THE ENTIRE WORLD INTO LIVING ROOMS. so, LIKE IT
OR NOT, YOU ARE SHAPING THE POST COLD WAR WORLD, AND
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HELP SHAPE IT. YOUR CHALLENGE
TOMORROW WILL BE THE ONE YOU WRESTLE WITH EVERY DAY: TO
PROVIDE HONEST NEWS, GOOD ENTERTAINMENT, AND TO HONOR
THE TRUST THE PUBLIC PLACES IN YOU.
BOB, I ENJOYED DOING THIS WITH YOU TODAY ... NOW I
CAN TELL MY WIFE THAT I FINALLY PLAYED CARNEGIE HALL.
GOOD TO SEE YOU AND THANKS AGAIN.
# # #
NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
2:25 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU, BOB -- NOT JUST FOR
THAT KIND INTRODUCTION, BUT FOR YOUR WORK AS A FOUNDING
MEMBER OF THE POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION. IN THAT
REGARD, I WANT TO THANK ADVERTISING AGENCIES -- SAATCHI
AND SAATCHI IN PARTICULAR -- FOR THEIR HELP IN
DEVELOPING THE POINTS OF LIGHT MESSAGE, AND THE NBC
AFFILIATES, WHO ARE NOW BEGINNING TO AIR OUR MESSAGES.
OF COURSE, YOU AT NBC ALSO HAVE YOUR OWN VERY
IMPRESSIVE TRADITION OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMING.
WHETHER YOU'RE FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE OR COMBATTING
ILLITERACY, PROMOTING PRE-NATAL CARE OR KEEPING KIDS IN
SCHOOL, THE NBC FAMILY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO
COMMUNITIES AND TO THE NATION.
I WAS DELIGHTED TO FILM A PIECE FOR "THE MORE YOU
KNOW" CAMPAIGN -- AND NOW, TWO YEARS LATER, YOUR PUBLIC
SERVICE ADS ARE STILL GOING STRONG -- ADDRESSING
ISSUES, PROVOKING THOUGHT AND ACTION, AND ENLIGHTENING
VIEWERS.
- 2 -
THE IMPACT HAS BEEN ENORMOUS. YOU KNOW THE
ISSUES. YOU SEE AND HEAR THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE.
YOU DEAL WITH IT ALL ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE
VOLUNTEERS, THE HEROES, THE LOCAL KID WHO MAKES GOOD.
BUT THERE'S THE OTHER SIDE, TOO. THE SIDE NOBODY WANTS
TO SEE: THE GANGS, THE DRUG DEALERS, THE MURDERERS.
BUT HERE'S THE REAL UNTOLD STORY: WE'VE BEEN
ARGUING OVER FUNDAMENTAL, BADLY NEEDED REFORMS FOR
YEARS. so WHEN WE SENT OUR CRIME BILL UP TO CONGRESS,
WE PUT THE HILL ON A 100-DAY CLOCK. WELL, IT'S BEEN 74
DAYS SINCE WE TRANSMITTED OUR LEGISLATION. MOST OF ITS
CORE PROPOSALS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE WE SENT UP IN
1989. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT ACTION. AND SO DO I
-- BUT WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE HELP OF CONGRESS.
Grant/Cawley
May 20, 1991
A:NBC / Draft one
BRIEF REMARKS: NBC AFFILIATES MEETING TELECONFERENCE
ROOM 459 EOB
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991
TIME?
Good afternoon. Thank you, Jay [Leno]. ((possible joke)).
I want to acknowledge the hard work being done by so many
NBC affiliates around this country -- as vital resources in their
local communities. Whether it's fighting drug abuse and
combatting illiteracy, or promoting pre-natal care and keeping
kids in school, NBC broadcasters are making a difference in the
lives of their fellow Americans.
I was delighted to film a piece for "The More You Know"
campaign -- and now, two years later, your public service ads are
still going strong --- addressing issues, raising awareness, and
enlightening viewers.
The impact has been enormous. And it's because you know the
face
issues Q you see and hear the challenges people are facing. -In
on the local level
your local programming you deal with it all: the volunteers, the
heroes, the local boy who makes good. But there's the other
side, too. The side nobody wants to see: the gangs, the drug
dealers, the cop-killers.
And here's the real untold story: fundamental, badly needed
passive
/
reforms have been argued over for years. But the American people
are not begging for more debate on the issue. They want action.
And they're not getting it from the Congress.
3
I urge the Congress to heed the voices you broadcasters hear
every day -- those of our people, our police, and our
prosecutors. It's time to stop the violence. It's time for
substantive action by the Congress.
Thank you all very much, and now I think we have time for a
few questions.
# # #
very short riff on trans. bill
2
Today they're demanding action. They want an end to the
murder and mayhem in their neighborhoods
to the drugs and
guns in the schools
to the cop-killers and gang leaders on
the streets. The American people want action -- action that
translates into a straight up-or-down vote on proposals that are
more than just feel-good responses.
who USE
We've proposed stiff penalties for criminals using
to protect
semiautomatic weapons, tough laws protecting women and children
from abuse, an improved exclusionary rule to protect the truth
and punish the guilty; and habeas corpus reform that would stop
frivolous appeals. Most important of all, our bill will finally
Finally pur bill will
give us a Federal death penalty for society's most heinous
crimes. It's time to stop the violence.
When we sent our crime bill up to Congress, we said the
clock was ticking we put the Hill on a 100-day clock. Well,
it's been been XX days since we transmitted our legislation.
Most of its core proposals are identical to those we sent up in
1989. And today, two years later, ((number)) police men and
women are dead -- killed in the line of duty. In those last XX
days alone, another ((number)) more have died. How many does it
take? How bad do things have to get?
a
Congress talks a lot about this "seven-day waiting period" for
but it has imposed a
on Americans who want
guns,
-- but they ve given voters a XX day waiting period. And they
It is
also asking voters to put up with more killings. More violence.
More tragedy.
a comprehiasive crime bill
- 6 -
FIRST QUESTION ((TO BE ASKED BY BOB WRIGHT, PRESIDENT
AND CEO OF NBC)):
-- WHAT INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER BEFORE
WE SEE AN UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY?
Before get to
to
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WHILE EXPERTS DISAGREE ABOUT THE LENGTH AND DEPTH
SEEING
OF THE RECESSION, I THINK WE'RE ALREADY V SOME
forward
ENCOURAGING SIGNS. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WE'VE SEEN
RISES IN BOTH HOUSING STARTS AND CONSUMER SPENDING.
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not
BOTH OF THESE ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO AN ECONOMIC
AR GOING
RECOVERY. OUR EXPORT MARKETS CONTINUE STRONG -- LAST
MONTH WAS OUR BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MONTH IN ALMOST
2 happy
A DECADE.
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BUT LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T IN THE
tremendous statement
BUSINESS OF PICKING WINNERS OR LOSERS IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WE SERVE BEST WHEN WE TRY TO STIMULATE
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ECONOMIC GROWTH -- AND LET AMERICAN WORKERS AND
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INNOVATORS PUSH US FORWARD. I'M REALLY VERY ENCOURAGED
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