Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
415892585
label
George Bush Speeches-State of the Union, 1/29/91
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
415892585
contentType
document
title
George Bush Speeches-State of the Union, 1/29/91
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13871-005
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mark Davis Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
415892585
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
fa0c14a822bb40be
ocrText
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:
Davis, Mark, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1989-1991
OA/ID Number:
13871
Folder ID Number:
13871-005
Folder Title:
George Bush Speeches-State of the Union, 1/29/91
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
19
2
6
4
Annual Messages of the Presidents:
Major Themes of American History
by ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER, JR.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Infor-
mation of the State of the Union, and recommend to
their Consideration such Mcasures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient
The Constitution of the United States
Article II, Section 3
The provision enjoining the President to inform the Congress regard-
ing the state of the American Union and to submit programs and
policies to congressional consideration evidently struck the Constitu-
tional Convention as entirely obvious and sensible. It provoked no re-
corded debate; as Hamilton wrote later in the 77th Federalist, "No
objection has been made to this class of authorities; nor could they pos-
sibly admit of any." Yet these innocuous phrases conferred on the
American President what has become, after vicissitudes, a basic tool in
his management of Congress and a potent instrument of national
leadership.
1
The Annual Message, as it was called through most of American
history, or the State of the Union Message, as it has been known since
1945, owed its origin to the first President of the republic. Washington,
indeed, had even directed his First Inaugural Address to his "Fellow-
Citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives" (all subse-
quent inaugural addresses were directed to the nation as a whole); and
he followed this by the practice of appearing personally each year before
the Congress and offering his account of national problems and
prospects. The Houses of Congress made formal responses to the Presi-
dent, and each such response in due course received formal presidential
acknowledgment.
This ritual derived from the British practice of opening Parlia-
xiv
INTRODUCTION
ment with "a speech from the throne"-a precedent which did not
escape the notice of the zealously Republican party of Jefferson and
Madison. When the Republicans won the Presidency after twelve years,
Jefferson, coming to office in 1801, resolved to suppress what he con-
sidered a quasi-monarchical ceremony; he planned, as he liked to say,
to "put the ship of state on its republican tack." The shift of the seat
of government from Philadelphia to Washington seemed to provide a
pretext, even if John Adams had been able to negotiate the muddy pas-
sage from the White House to the Capitol to deliver his Fourth Mes-
sage in 1800. In any case, Jefferson a year later notified the President of
the Senate, "The circumstances under which we find ourselves at this
place rendering inconvenient the mode heretofore practiced of mak-
ing, by personal address, the first communications between the legisla-
tive and executive branches, I have adopted that by message." In doing
this, Jefferson explained, he had principal regard "to the convenience
of the Legislature, to the economy of their time, to their relief from the
embarrassment of immediate answers, on subjects not yet fully before
them, and to the benefits thence resulting to the public affairs." He
added other explanations privately. "By sending a message, instead of
making a speech at the opening of the session," he told one friend, "I
have prevented the bloody conflict which the making an answer would
have committed them. They consequently were able to set into real
business at once." Above all, he confided to another, his "great anxiety"
was "to avail ourselves of our ascendancy to establish good principles
and good practices; to fortify republicanism behind as many barriers
as possible, that the outworks may give time to rally and save the
citadel."
One inevitable effect of Jefferson's repudiation of Washington's
precedent was to change the character of the Annual Message-and to
set in motion its decay as a literary form. Under the first two Presidents
the Message had been shaped and disciplined by the necessities of per-
sonal delivery. Though neither Washington nor Adams had pretensions
as orators, their addresses nonetheless were composed with some care,
were relatively coherent in structure and agreeably brief in text, and
reflected and conveyed the presidential personalities. At the same time,
they set the canon, passing on to future Presidents a set of standard
genuflections: pious expressions of "profound gratitude to the Author
of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy";
self-congratulatory statements about the national condition-"Is it too
much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness
never surpassed, if ever equaled?"; and a methodical review of out-
standing national issues. The next Presidents kept up the standards of
the Messages for a while: Jefferson through literary grace and philo-
INTRODUCTION
XV
precedent which did not
bublican party of Jefferson and
sophical force; Madison through intellectual cogency; Monroe through
the direct promulgation of policy (as in his celebrated Doctrine); John
he Presidency after twelve years,
olved to suppress what he con-
Quincy Adams through sweeping national vision; Jackson through
bold executive initiative. But in time the Message became increasingly
he planned, as he liked to say,
a perfunctory and bureaucratic document, made up of submissions
can tack." The shift of the seat
from the executive departments lightly bound together by the passages
Vashington seemed to provide a
of piety and self-congratulation.
ble to negotiate the muddy pas-
Occasionally presidential preoccupations broke through and re-
to deliver his Fourth Mes-
later notified the President of
stored a personal tone and rhythm. So John Quincy Adams in 1826
concluded his Message with a reminder that a few months before, on
which we find ourselves at this
the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, "two of the
heretofore practiced of mak-
principal actors in that solemn scene-the hand that penned the ever-
unications between the legisla-
memorable Declaration and the voice that sustained it in debate-were
that by message." In doing
by one summons, at the distance of 700 miles from each other, called
regard "to the convenience
before the Judge of All"; one, of course, was Jefferson, the other his
time, to their relief from the
own father. So Polk inserted into his Fourth Message in 1848 an ex-
subjects not yet fully before
traordinary historical analysis and indictment of the American System
to the public affairs." He
of Adams and Clay. So Pierce in his Fourth Message in 1856 made a
sending a message, instead of
comprehensive and impassioned formulation of the case against the
session," he told one friend, "I
agitation of the slavery question. So Buchanan's messages from "an old
the making an answer would
public functionary" on the eve of the Civil War expressed the an-
atly were able to set into real
guished helplessness of those who could bring themselves neither to
to another, his "great anxiety"
approve nor arrest the drift toward disunion. So the war itself inspired
cy to establish good principles
Lincoln to the highest eloquence of all Annual Messages.
nism behind as many barriers
After the war Andrew Johnson delivered himself of bitter com-
time to rally and save the
plaints about the policies of reconstruction; Grant in his final Message
issued a pathetic defense of his stewardship ("Mistakes have been made,
repudiation of Washington's
as all can see and I admit, but it seems to me oftener in the selections
f the Annual Message-and to
made of assistants appointed to aid in carrying out the various duties of
Under the first two Presidents
administering the Government-in nearly every case selected without
lined by the necessities of per-
a personal acquaintance with the appointee, but upon recommenda-
on nor Adams had pretensions
tions of the representatives chosen directly by the people"); Cleveland
ere composed with some care,
poured out in moving language his sense of the moral decline of the
d agreeably brief in text, and
nation; Theodore Roosevelt set forth with ardor and insight the need
ersonalities. At the same time,
for national regulation of an industrial and urban economy. And from
Presidents a set of standard
time to time Presidents stuck pet personal ideas of their own into their
ound gratitude to the Author
Messages: Jackson's proposal to abolish the electoral college and limit
ordinary blessings we enjoy";
the President to a single term of four or six years; Andrew Johnson's
national condition-"Is it too
desire for the direct election of senators as well as of Presidents and for
pectacle of national happiness
the limitation of the terms of federal judges; Grant's support for the
a methodical review of out-
item veto (renewed by Arthur and again by Eisenhower); Arthur's wish
kept up the standards of
(renewed by Cleveland) to clarify the question of presidential dis-
ugh literary grace and philo-
ability; Theodore Roosevelt's appeal for government subsidization of
xvi
INTRODUCTION
political campaigns, for a national divorce law and for capital punish-
ment for rape; Taft's interest in giving cabinet members seats in each
house of Congress and roles in congressional debates.
2
The day after Wilson's election in 1912 Oliver Newman, the chief
editorial writer for the Washington Times, suggested to him that he
restore the practice of the early republic and deliver his Annual Mes-
sages in person. Wilson at first rejected this idea; he feared it was too
radical and would shock the Congress. Yet it was a logical development
of his own philosophy of presidential leadership and, on reflection, he
changed his mind. "Today I break another precedent by reading my
message to Congress in person," he wrote a friend on April 8, 1913.
"The town is agog about it. It seems I have been smashing precedents
almost daily ever since I got here, chiefly no doubt because I did not
know how it had been the custom to do and was not particularly care-
ful to inquire, and proceeded to do it in the most simple and natural
way-which is always and everywhere contrary to precedent. The Presi-
dent has not addressed Congress in-person since John Adams's day-
and yet what [could bei more natural and dignified? And a President is
likely to read his own message rather better than a clerk would."
The announcement of this intention produced an excited senatorial
reaction. "I am sorry to see revived the old Federalistic custom of
speeches from the throne," said Senator John Sharp Williams of Mis-
sissippi.
I regret this cheap and tawdry imitation of English
royalty." Rather than risk debate over a resolution of unanimous con-
sent for a joint session to hear the address, the Vice President quickly
pronounced it a question of "high privilege on which unanimous con-
sent was not required." When Wilson arrived in the Capitol, the atmos-
phere was tense. "Members of Congress," one cabinet member later
wrote, "appeared to be a trifle nervous
Some
had a sullen
look." Wilson began calmly:
I am very glad indeed to have this opportunity to ad-
dress the two Houses directly and to verify for myself the im-
pression that the President of the United States is a person,
not a mere department of the Government hailing Congress
from some isolated island of jealous power, sending mes-
sages, not speaking naturally and with his own voice-that
he is a human being trying to cooperate with other human
beings in a common service. After this pleasant experience I
shall feel quite normal in all our dealings with one another.
INTRODUCTION
xvii
law and for capital punish-
Driving home, Mrs. Wilson remarked to her husband that this was the
cabinet members seats in each
kind of thing Theodore Roosevelt would have loved to do "if only he
debates.
had thought of it." Wilson replied with a laugh, "Yes, I think I put one
over on Teddy." Roosevelt's probable chagrin is unrecorded, but the
general reaction was highly favorable. As for Oliver Newman, Wilson
in June appointed him to the Board of Commissioners for the District
of Columbia.
1912 Oliver Newman, the chief
Though this first presidential return to the Hill was for a special
suggested to him that he
message, Wilson delivered his Annual Messages in person every year
and deliver his Annual Mes-
except when illness prevented in 1919. His Republican successors fol-
this idea; he feared it was too
lowed this example only intermittently in the twenties (Harding twice,
it was a logical development
Coolidge once, Hoover not at all), but Washington's practice was none-
adership and, on reflection, he
theless reestablished. Franklin Roosevelt seized on the idea with pre-
ther precedent by reading my
dictable relish, nor has any subsequent President foregone the oppor-
a friend on April 8, 1913.
tunity to confront Congress face to face with his annual proposals. It
ave been smashing precedents
is safe to suppose that the age of television has now made the State of
no doubt because I did not
the Union Message an occasion for national display which no future
and was not particularly care-
President will ever deny himself.
the most simple and natural
At the same time, Wilson brought about a revival of the Annual
to precedent. The Presi-
Message as a literary form. He charged his own addresses with an easy
since John Adams's day-
and lofty eloquence. "I have not SO much laid before you a series of
dignified? And a President is
recommendations, gentlemen," as he put it in his final Message, "as
than a clerk would."
sought to utter a confession of faith." Harding gave his messages the
produced an excited senatorial
orotund phraseology of a midwestern newspaper publisher, Coolidge's
old Federalistic custom of
had a dry and engaging terseness, and even Hoover's were embellished
John Sharp Williams of Mis-
with sententious statements of social and economic philosophy. With
tawdry imitation of English
Franklin Roosevelt, the Message became an oral address again and
resolution of unanimous con-
acquired in those skilled hands and with that golden voice new vitality
the Vice President quickly
and power.
on which unanimous con-
The adoption of the 20th Amendment in the Thirties meant that,
in the Capitol, the atmos-
in those years when one President succeeded another by election, there
one cabinet member later
would be two Annual Messages. Roosevelt therefore suggested in 1937
Some
had a sullen
that "under this new constitutional practice" the retiring President
should "review the existing state of our national affairs and outline
broad future problems, leaving specific recommendations for future
this opportunity to ad-
legislation to be made by the President about to be inaugurated." Since
verify for myself the im-
Roosevelt, this situation has arisen only twice. Truman observed Roose-
Inited States is a person,
velt's injunction by making his final message in 1953-one of the most
hailing Congress
remarkable of all Annual Messages-in effect a farewell address. Eisen-
power, sending mes-
hower in 1961, however, preferred to keep his final message relatively
with his own voice-that
routine and, like Washington and Jackson, deliver a separate farewell
with other human
address.
pleasant experience I
The 178 Annual Messages can by no means be relied on for a full
with one another.
and exact record of the state of the Union. Most of the time, as devices
xviii
INTRODUCTION
in the presidential management of Congress, they tended to employ the
rhetoric of consensus, seeking to minimize differences, to mollify oppo-
sition and to court support. Abrasive issues were often swathed and
submerged; thus one will look in vain in Monroe's Message of 1819
for mention of the question which would dominate that session of
Congress and result in the Missouri Compromise, any more than one
can find in Eisenhower's Messages any clear statement of his admin-
istration's policy of massive nuclear retaliation.
Yet, though sometimes in a muted and fitful way, major themes of
American history nevertheless emerge in these texts: the security of
the republic; the internal development of the continent; the place of
ethnic minorities; the evolution of presidential power; and the sig-
nificance of the experiment in democratic government.
3
National security. The preservation of national independence was
the first necessity. The new republic wished to live at peace; but "if we
desire to secure peace," as Washington put it, it must be known
that we are at all times ready for war." The American people, he
warned, could not "indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of
human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals
to arms with which the history of every other nation abounds." Peace
thus required a strong navy and a strong militia: "The safety of the
United States under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of
systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as little as possible to the
hazards of fortuitous circumstances." Nor could "such arrangements,
with such objects, be exposed to the censure or jealousy of the warmest
friends of republic government"; there was no incompatibility between
defense and democracy. The pacific Jefferson soon agreed; writing in
his First Message about Tripoli's requisitions on American commerce,
he laconically said, "The style of the demand admitted but one answer.
I sent a small squadron of frigates into the Mediterranean.
Peace also required a purposeful foreign policy. Safety lay in keep-
ing out of power conflicts abroad. Like new states of Asia and Africa
struggling for survival two centuries later, the young American repub-
lic committed itself to the course of neutralism. "The connection of the
United States with Europe has become extremely interesting," said
Washington in a moment of understatement in his Fifth Message; and
his successors found themselves involved in harsh struggles to preserve
American nonalignment at a time when the Western world was split
into warring blocs. "We have seen with sincere concern," said Jefferson
in his Third Message, "the flames of war lighted up again in Europe,
INTRODUCTION
xix
they tended to employ the
and nations
engaged in mutual destruction." But America was
differences, to mollify oppo-
"separated by a wide ocean from the nations of Europe and from the
issues were often swathed and
political interests which entangle them together," and Jefferson, em-
in Monroe's Message of 1819
phasizing "the singular blessings of the position in which nature has
ould dominate that session of
placed us," instructed his countrymen to look on "the bloody arena"
ompromise, any more than one
with total detachment. Even ideological sympathy could not be per-
clear statement of his admin-
mitted to lead to political involvement. "That the people of the United
aliation.
States should feel an interest in the spread of political institutions as
and fitful way, major themes of
free as they regard their own to be is natural," said Van Buren in his
in these texts: the security of
Second Message; but their becoming "a party to any such struggle" was
of the continent; the place of
another matter.
esidential power; and the sig-
This was true at least for Europe. The western hemisphere was a
government.
different question. The national struggles for independence in Latin
America caused Madison in his Third Message to express a "deep inter-
est" in "the great communities which occupy the southern portion of
our own hemisphere." "We can have no concern in the wars of the
European Governments nor in the causes which produce them," said
of national independence was
Monroe. "The balance of power between them, into whichever scale
to live at peace; but "if we
it may turn in its various vibrations, cannot affect us.
But in re-
it,
it must be known
gard to our neighbors our situation is different." The conviction that
The American people, the
"with the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more im-
that, contrary to the order of
mediately connected' led him to lay down his famous Doctrine in his
distance those painful appeals
Seventh Message.
other nation abounds." Peace
Slowly the horizon of foreign policy enlarged. In becoming a con-
militia: "The safety of the
tinental nation, the United States became a Pacific power. In 1852 Fill-
ought to rest on the basis of
more complained that the office of commissioner to China remained
as little as possible to the
unfilled; everyone had declined "on the ground of the inadequacy of
Jor could "such arrangements,
the compensation. The annual allowance by law is $6,000, and there is
sure or jealousy of the warmest
no provision for any outfit." But, as he insisted the next year, "The
no incompatibility between
general prosperity of our States on the Pacific requires that an attempt
ferson soon agreed; writing in
be made to open the opposite regions of Asia to a mutually beneficial
on American commerce,
intercourse." "The history of the world," added Buchanan, "proves
admitted but one answer.
that the nation which has gained possession of the trade with eastern
the
Mediterranean.
Asia has always become wealthy and powerful. Soon the Far East fell
policy. Safety lay in keep-
into the orbit of American diplomacy.
new states of Asia and Africa
As for the United States itself, Madison in 1816 had identified as
the young American repub-
the "peculiar felicity" of the Constitution that it was capable, "with-
"The connection of the
out losing its vital energies, of expanding itself over a spacious terri-
extremely interesting," said
tory." Such sentiments forecast the age of "manifest destiny." By the
in his Fifth Message; and
Fifties, Pierce could reflect comfortably how the nation had "continued
in harsh struggles to preserve
gradually and steadily to expand through acquisitions of territory,
the Western world was split
which how much soever some of them may have been questioned, are
sincere concern," said Jefferson
now universally seen and admitted to have been wise." Soon Buchanan
lighted up again in Europe,
called for the purchase of Cuba, and Johnson and Grant for the annexa-
XX
INTRODUCTION
tion of San Domingo (which Grant wanted as a home for the ex-slaves
"where their civil rights would not be disputed").
But there were voices of caution. "Maintaining as I do," said Cleve-
land in his First Message, "the tenets of a line of precedents from
Washington's day, which proscribe entangling alliances with foreign
states, I do not favor a policy of acquisition of new and distant territory
or the incorporation of remote interests with our own" or, indeed, even
the assertion of national interest "outside of our own territory, when
coupled with absolute and unlimited engagements to defend the terri-
torial integrity of the state where such interests lie."
Yet the world swept on. In 1899 McKinley justified the annexation
of the Philippines ("They are ours by every title of law and equity.
They cannot be abandoned. If we desert them we leave them at once to
anarchy and finally to barbarism"). Soon Theodore Roosevelt was ex-
plaining that "wars with barbarous or semi-barbarous peoples come in
a different category [from wars between civilized powers], being merely
a most regrettable but necessary international police duty which must
be performed for the sake of the welfare of mankind." Recent events,
Roosevelt declared, had "definitely decided that, for woe or for weal,
our place must be great among the nations. We may either fail greatly
or succeed greatly; but we cannot avoid the endeavor from which either
great failure or great success must come.
The old isolationism thus gave way, in the first instance, to the
new imperialism. "The diplómacy of the present administration," said
Taft in his Fourth Message,
is an effort frankly directed to the
increase of American trade upon the axiomatic principle that the Gov-
ernment of the United States shall extend all proper support to every
legitimate and beneficial American enterprise abroad." But the old
isolationism was also beginning to be challenged by the new inter-
nationalism. The First World War led Wilson to his crusade for "a
peace secure against the violence of irresponsible monarchs and ambi-
tious military coteries and made ready for a new order, for new founda-
tions of justice and fair dealing." "No policy of isolation," he said in
his 1919 Message, "will satisfy the growing needs and opportunities
of America.
The recent war has ended our isolation and thrown
upon us a great duty and responsibility."
The debate nevertheless continued. "Our country," Coolidge an-
nounced in his First Message, "has one cardinal principle to maintain
in its foreign policy.
We attend to our own affairs." But would
this be enough? In a prescient Message thirteen years later Franklin
Roosevelt begged "the people of the Americas" to "take cognizance of
growing ill will, of marked trends toward aggression of increasing
armaments, of shortening tempers-a situation which has in it many of
the elements that lead to the tragedy of general war." What he then
INTRODUCTION
xxi
as a home for the ex-slaves
called the "twin spirits of autocracy and aggression" brought on war
disputed").
soon enough. In 1941, noting that "at no previous time has American
Maintaining as I do," said Cleve-
security been as seriously threatened from without as it is today,"
of a line of precedents from
Roosevelt set forth his Four Freedoms. Three years later, warning
tangling alliances with foreign
against the "tragic errors of ostrich isolationism," he called on the free-
of new and distant territory
dom-loving nations to join "in a just and durable system of peace."
with our own" or, indeed, even
The atomic age gave the quest for peace new urgency. "Lenin,"
of our own territory, when
said Truman in his great Message of 1953, "was a pre-atomic man, who
engagements to defend the terri-
viewed society and history with pre-atomic eyes. Something profound
interests
lie."
has happened since he wrote. War has changed its shape and its dimen-
cKinley justified the annexation
sion." Atomic war, he continued, "is not a possible policy for rational
every title of law and equity.
man." (Eisenhower seven years later called it "the ultimate insanity.")
them we leave them at once to
"I do not know how much time may elapse before the Communist
Theodore Roosevelt was ex-
rulers bring themselves to recognize this truth," Truman added; but
semi-barbarous peoples come in
he held out the hope that "as we continue to confound Soviet expecta-
civilized powers], being merely
tions, as our world grows stronger, more united, more attractive to men
police duty which must
on both sides of the iron curtain, then inevitably there will come a time
of mankind." Recent events,
of change within the Communist world.
It is not too much to
that, for woe or for weal,
expect their world to change its character, moderate its aims, become
We may either fail greatly
more realistic and less implacable, and recede from the cold war." A
the endeavor from which either
decade later Kennedy, noting that "the forces of diversity are at work
inside the Communist camp," could conclude that it was "the closed
in the first instance, to the
Communist societies, not the free and open societies, which carry within
present administration," said
themselves the seeds of internal disintegration." If communism would
effort frankly directed to the
indeed moderate its aims, Kennedy suggested, "then, surely, the areas
iomatic principle that the Gov-
of agreement can be very wide indeed."
nd all proper support to every
Time and space had long since obliterated "the singular blessings
terprise abroad." But the old
of the position in which nature has placed us." America was in the
challenged by the new inter-
great world to stay: it could not escape its destiny. "We seek," said
Wilson to his crusade for "a
Kennedy, "not the worldwide victory of one nation or system but a
esponsible monarchs and ambi-
worldwide victory of men."
a new order, for new founda-
policy of isolation," he said in
needs and opportunities
4
our isolation and thrown
Internal development. "It will not be doubted," said Washington
"Our country," Coolidge an-
in his Message of 1796, "that with reference either to individual or
cardinal principle to maintain
national welfare agriculture is of primary importance." More than a
our own affairs." But would
century later Theodore Roosevelt could note that "nearly half the peo-
thirteen years later Franklin
ple of this country devote their energies to growing things from the
nericas" to "take cognizance of
soil." Yet Washington in his First Message also stressed the importance
aggression of increasing
of "new and useful inventions," and the history of the next century
which has in it many of
was the story of the cascading evolution of the United States from a
general war." What he then
rural republic into an industrial as well as a continental society.
xxii
INTRODUCTION
National growth required the settlement of the public lands and
the development of internal communications; it required the en-
couragement of manufactures; it required the promotion of education;
and for all such purposes it seemed to require an active national gov-
ernment. One is particularly impressed by the immediate recognition
by Presidents of the need for government support for the educational
system. Thus Washington called for the "promotion of science and
literature" and the establishment of a national university. Jefferson,
Madison and John Quincy Adams repeated this recommendation. After
the Civil War, Grant, pointing out that an ignorant electorate would
inevitably be governed "by the demagogue or by priestcraft," declared,
"The education of the masses becomes of the first necessity for the
preservation of our institutions." In this spirit Hayes asked Congress
for programs which would supplement "with national aid the local
systems of education
in all the States"- proposal renewed by
Arthur and Benjamin Harrison. It was only in the 20th century in one
of those curious moments of constitutional regression, that aid for edu-
cation seemed for a season an improper policy for the general govern-
ment.
This spacious view of the role of government received its classic
statement from John Quincy Adams in his First Message. "The great
object of the institution of civil government," Adams wrote
is the improvement of the condition of those who are parties
to the social compact, and no government, in whatever form
constituted, can accomplish the lawful ends of its institu-
tion but in proportion as it improves the condition of those
over whom it is established.
For the fulfillment of those
duties governments are invested with power, and to the
attain:- ent of the end-the progressive improvement of the
condition of the governed-the exercise of delegated powers
is a duty as sacred and indispensable as the usurpation of
powers not granted is criminal and odious.
The conception of affirmative national action commanded increasing
support, even among those who had begun as opponents of a strong
central government. Though Jefferson had said in his First Message,
"Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation, the four pillars
of our prosperity, are then most thriving when left most free to indi-
vidual enterprise," he had quickly added, "Protection from casual em-
barrassments, however, may sometimes be seasonably interposed." By
his Sixth Message he was urging that the budgetary surplus be applied
"to the great purposes of the public education, roads, rivers, canals and
such other objects of public improvement as it may be thought proper
ION
INTRODUCTION
xxiii
ment of the public lands and
to add to the constitutional enumeration of Federal powers.". The Vir-
lications; it required the en-
ginia Presidents did not appear to doubt the wisdom of the policy of
d the promotion of education;
national development; they doubted only that the Constitution gave
equire an active national gov-
the central government the power to carry the policy out, and wished
by the immediate recognition
to clear up the doubt by constitutional amendment.
nt support for the educational
In the meantime, the country grew. It built cities, it began the
e "promotion of science and
process of industrialization, it spilled over into the vacant west. In 1801
national university. Jefferson,
Jefferson predicted that the population would double in another
this recommendation. After
twenty-two years (he was off by a single year). "Within the last half
an ignorant electorate would
century," Fillmore could write in 1852, "the number of States in this
ue or by priestcraft," declared,
Union has nearly doubled, the population has almost quadrupled, and
of the first necessity for the
our boundaries have been extended from the Mississippi to the Pacific.
spirit Hayes asked Congress
Our territory is checkered over with railroads and furrowed with
"with national aid the local
canals." A year later Pierce forecast a population of 100,000,000 in an-
ates"-a proposal renewed by
other half century (he was off by fifteen years). Lincoln was even more
nly in the 20th century in one
extravagant in his Message of 1861: "There are already among us 'those
al regression, that aid for edu-
who if the Union be preserved will live to see it contain 250,000,000."
policy for the general govern-
The next year he announced 1930 as the date at which we would arrive
at this state of beatitude (he was off by 127,000,000).
overnment received its classic
But the country grew in the main without the guiding national
his First Message "The great
hand envisaged by John Quincy Adams: the constitutional doubts were
nent," Adams wrote
still unresolved. So Jackson, coming to office as a champion of strict
economy and strict construction, argued in his First Message that "the
of those who are parties
great mass of legislation relating to our internal affairs was intended to
nment, in whatever form
be left where the Federal Convention found it-in the State govern-
wful ends of its institu-
ments." Van Buren, confronted by a grave national depression, could
the condition of those
only say bleakly in a message to a special session of Congress, "Those
the fulfillment of those
who look to the action of this Government for specific aid to the citizen
with power, and to the
to relieve embarrassments arising from losses by revulsions in com-
improvement of the
merce and credit lose sight of the ends for which it was created and the
of delegated powers
powers with which it was clothed.
All communities are apt to
ble as the usurpation of
look to government for too much." Buchanan repeated the point in the
odious.
midst of the Panic of 1857 twenty years later: "The Federal Govern-
ment can not do much to provide against a recurrence of existing evils."
action commanded increasing
The argument about the role of government swayed back and
gun as opponents of a strong
forth through the century with the tariff and the currency as focal
ad said in his First Message,
points. But in the meantime the economy itself began to acquire a new
nd navigation, the four pillars
structure. Jackson, for all his presumed ideological opposition to cen-
when left most free to indi-
tralized power, had made the national government stronger than ever
"Protection from casual em-
before by asserting the national authority both against the states and
be seasonably interposed." By
against the United States Bank, the symbol of a corporate system tend-
budgetary surplus be applied
ing, as he said in 1832, "to concentrate wealth into a few hands." By
roads, rivers, canals and
1835 he was calling for "an effectual stand against this spirit of monop-
as it may be thought proper
oly." Van Buren in 1837 condemned "the already overgrown influence
xxiv
INTRODUCTION
of corporate authorities," and in 1840 the rise of "a concentrated money
power." Polk, another faithful Jacksonian, rejected the American Sys-
tem in 1848 as a program "to advance the interests of large capitalists
and monopolists at the expense of the great mass of the people
...
[tending] to build up an aristocracy of wealth, to control the masses of
society, and monopolize the political power of the country.
Its
effect was 'to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.'
It
was
an
...
organized money power, which resisted the popular will and sought to
shape and control the public policy."
Andrew Johnson, still another old Jacksonian, resuscitated the
theme after the Civil War: "Monopolies, perpetuities and class legisla-
tion are contrary to the genius of free government." By 1888 Cleveland
was talking in agitated language about "the existence of trusts, com-
binations, and monopolies, while the citizen is struggling far in the rear
or is trampled to death beneath an iron heel. Corporations, which
should be the carefully restrained creatures of the law and the servants
of the people, are fast becoming the people's masters." He turned a
familiar epithet to unfamiliar use:
Communism is a hateful thing and a menace to peace and
organized government; but the communism of combined
wealth and capital, the outgrowth of overweening cupidity
and selfishness, which insidiously undermines the justice
and integrity of free institutions, is not less dangerous than
the communism of oppressed poverty and toil, which, exas-
perated by injustice and discontent, attacks with wild dis-
order the citadel of rule.
Yet, like the old Jeffersonians and Jacksonians, Cleveland was
caught in the dilemma between his social fears and his constitutional
scruples. Ideology blocked him from acting against the situation he
perceived with such vividness. "It is quite doubtful," he said in his
final Message in 1896, "whether the evils of trusts and monopolies can
be adequately treated through Federal action." He stuck to the same
view of the limited federal role through the hard times of the Eighties
and Nineties, brusquely dismissing the notion "that the General Gov-
ernment is the fountain of individual and private aid; that it may be
expected to relieve with paternal care the distress of citizens and com-
munities, and that from the fullness of its Treasury it should, upon the
slightest possible pretext of promoting the general good, apply public
funds to the benefit of localities and individuals." So too McKinley in
his Third Message reinforced Adam Smith by Charles Darwin: "The
doctrine of evolution and the rule of the survival of the fittest are as
inexorable in their operation as they are positive in the results they
bring about."
CTION
INTRODUCTION
XXV
the rise of "a concentrated money
But, as Cleveland himself had said in another connection in his
nian, rejected the American Sys-
1887 Message, "It is a condition which confronts us, not a theory." In
e the interests of large capitalists
the end, it was Theodore Roosevelt who closed the gap between 18th
e great mass of the people
century dogma and 20th century reality by combining the social ends of
wealth, to control the masses of
Jefferson with the constitutional means of John Quincy Adams. The
power of the country.
Its
old laws and customs, T. R. claimed in his First Message, were no
the poor poorer.'
It was an
longer sufficient to regulate the accumulation and distribution of
d the popular will and sought to
wealth. "The tremendous and highly complex industrial development
brings us face to face
old Jacksonian, resuscitated the
with very serious social problems"
the great corporations, the relationship between capital and labor,
ies, perpetuities and class legisla-
the conditions of life of the working class, the exploitation of women
government." By 1888 Cleveland
and children, the overcrowding of cities, the waste and depletion of
It "the existence of trusts, com-
natural resources ("the fundamental problem which underlies almost
itizen is struggling far in the rear
every other problem of our National life"). There seemed only one way
iron heel. Corporations, which
to meet such problems, and Roosevelt expounded it again and again
ures of the law and the servants
in his Messages:
people's masters." He turned a
In order to insure a healthy social and industrial life, every
nd a menace to peace and
big corporation should be held responsible by, and account-
communism of combined
able to, some sovereign strong enough to control its conduct.
1 of overweening cupidity
Only the National Government can in thoroughgoing
y undermines the justice
fashion exercise the needed control
is not less dangerous than
This does not represent centralization. It represents merely
crty and toil, which, exas-
the acknowledgment of the patent fact that centralization
nt, attacks with wild dis-
has already come in business. If this irresponsible outside
business power is to be controlled in the interest of the gen-
id Jacksonians, Cleveland was
eral public it can only be controlled in one way-by giving
cial fears and his constitutional
adequate power of control to the one sovereignty capable of
exercising such power-the National Government.
acting against the situation he
uite doubtful," he said in his
Is of trusts and monopolies can
What Theodore Roosevelt called "the enlargement of scope of the
action." He stuck to the same
functions of the National Government required by our development as
a nation" became the dominating tendency of the domestic policies of
the hard times of the Eighties
notion "that the General Gov-
the 20th century. "My point," said Wilson in his Second Message, "is
that the people of the United States do not wish to curtail the activities
nd private aid; that it may be
he distress of citizens and com-
of this Government; they wish, rather, to enlarge them; and with every
enlargement, with the mere growth, indeed, of the country itself, there
ts Treasury it should, upon the
must come, of course, the inevitable increase of expense.
It is not
the general good, apply public
expenditure but extravagance that we should fear being criticized for."
lividuals." So too McKinley in
Going even farther, Wilson in 1919 called for "a genuine democratiza-
ith by Charles Darwin: "The
tion of industry, based upon the full recognition of the right of those
he survival of the fittest are as
who work, in whatever rank, to participate in some organic way in
re positive in the results they
every decision which directly affects their welfare."
Conservative Presidents tried in the next decade to revive the
xxvi
INTRODUCTION
past. "In my opinion," said Coolidge in 1924, "the Government can do
more to remedy the economic ills of the people by a system of rigid
economy in public expenditure than can be accomplished through any
other action." Confronted by the worst depression in the nation's his-
tory, Hoover in 1930 issued a declaration of governmental impotence:
"Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or execu-
tive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action
of the cells of the economic body-the producers and consumers them-
selves." But Franklin Roosevelt, carrying forward the New Nationalism
of Theodore Roosevelt and the New Freedom of Wilson, held out in
his First Message the prospect of building "on the ruins of the past a
new structure designed better to meet the present problems of modern
civilization." In his next to last Message in 1944, reflecting on the in-
alienable political rights of the American people, "our rights to life
and liberty," he said:
As our Nation has grown in size and stature
-as
our industrial economy expanded-these political rights have
proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of
happiness.
We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true
individual freedom cannot exist without economic security
and independence. 'Necessitous men are not free men.'
He then set forth an "economic bill of rights," thereby preparing a
great part of the agenda for Truman's Fair Deal, Kennedy's New
Frontier and Johnson's Great Society.
To the economic bill of rights Kennedy added a new concern with
"the quality of American life"-"This country cannot afford to be
materially rich and spiritually desperately poor"-and restated the
national interest declared by Washington and Jefferson in the promo-
tions of the arts and sciences. "The Great Society," said Johnson in his
Second Message, "asks not only how much, but how good; not only how
to create wealth, but how to use it; not only how fast we are going but
where we are headed. It proposes as the first test for a nation: the
quality of its people." And so the National Government continued in
a changing world to discharge its responsibility to what John Quincy
Adams had described as its "great object"-"the progressive improve-
ment of the condition of the governed."
5
The place of ethnic minorities. The Constitution was written, in
the main, by a group of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants. But it was
TION
INTRODUCTION
xxvii
1924, "the Government can do
written for all American citizens. The national consciousness has ever
he people by a system of rigid
n be accomplished through any
since been haunted by ethnic minorities-by Uncas and Chingachgook,
depression in the nation's his-
by Queequeg and Nigger Jim-and the gap between the constitutional
promise to all men and the practical exclusion of certain minorities
on of governmental impotence:
has been an abiding problem for American Presidents.
by legislative action or execu-
Through the early years of American history the Indians were the
must be healed by the action
producers and consumers them-
focus of concern. "A system corresponding with the mild principles of
forward the New Nationalism
religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men whose
reedom of Wilson, held out in
happiness depends on the conduct of the United States," as Washing-
ton put it, "would be as honorable to the national character as con-
ng "on the ruins of the past a
formable to the dictates of sound policy." But some "deluded tribes,"
ne present problems of modern
he remarked, were engaged in warfare against the white man; and it
in 1944, reflecting on the in-
can people, "our rights to life
was "necessary to convince the refractory of the power of the United
States to punish their depredations." Yet Washington also noted the
:
need for "the protection of the Indians from the violences of the lawless
size and stature
-as
part of our frontier inhabitants." Jefferson urged that by pursuing a
these political rights have
uniform course of justice toward them and aiding them in all the im-
quality in the pursuit of
provements which may better their condition,
ation of the fact that true
we may render ourselves so necessary to their comfort
ithout economic security
and prosperity that the protection of our citizens from their
en are not free men.'
disorderly members will become their interest and their
voluntary care. Instead, therefore, of the augmentation of
rights," thereby preparing a
military force proportioned to our extension of frontier, I
Fair Deal, Kennedy's New
propose a moderate enlargement of the capital employed in
that commerce as a more effectual, economical, and humane
edy added a new concern with
instrument for preserving peace and good neighborhood
country cannot afford to be
with them.
ately poor"-and restated the
n and Jefferson in the promo-
This early experiment in a "good neighbor" policy was not, alas, that
t Society," said Johnson in his
easy. By 1812, various tribes, stimulated by the British, were on the war-
h, but how good; not only how
path again-"that wretched portion of the human race," said Madison
only how fast we are going but
angrily,
"
armed with the horrors of those instruments of carnage
he first test for a nation: the
and torture which are known to spare neither age nor sex." Monroe
nal Government continued in
offered a stark statement of the white man's philosophy: "To civilize
hsibility to what John Quincy
them, and even to prevent their extinction, it seems to be indispensable
ct"-"the prògressive improve-
that their independence as communities should cease, and that the con-
trol of the United States over them should be complete and undis-
puted.
Left to themselves, their extirpation is inevitable." Later
he proposed that they be induced to migrate to the west, though to
"remove them" from their present lands "by force, even with a view
Constitution was written, in
to their own security and happiness, would be revolting to humanity
and utterly unjustifiable."
axon Protestants. But it was
The white man was not wholly devoid of shame in his treatment of
xxviii
INTRODUCTION
the Indians. "Professing a desire to civilize and settle them," as Jackson
said, "we have at the same time lost no opportunity to purchase their
lands and thrust them farther into the wilderness. By this means they
have not only been kept in a wandering state, but been led to look
upon us as unjust and indifferent to their fate. Thus, though lavish in
its expenditures upon the subject, Government has constantly defeated
its own policy." They were a "much-injured race." "One by one have
many powerful tribes disappeared from the earth.
The fate of the
Mohegan, the Narragansett, and the Delaware is fast overtaking the
Choctaw, the Cherokee and the Creek." Yet Jackson, a son of the fron-
tier, was philosophical about this prospect: "True philanthropy recon-
ciles the mind to these vicissitudes as it does to the extinction of one
generation to make room for another." Their only hope for survival, as
he saw it, was to set apart territory west of the Mississippi, "to be
guaranteed to the Indian tribes" under "governments of their own
choice," and "to send them to a land where their existence may be
prolonged and perhaps made perpetual."
And so, as the white man moved inexorably to the west, he drove
the Indians before him. "From the foundation of the Government to
the present," said Grant forty years after Jackson, "the management of
the original inhabitants of this continent-the Indians-has been a sub-
ject of embarrassment and expense, and has been attended with con-
tinuous robberies, murders and wars." The white man was partly at
fault; "the past, however, cannot be undone, and the question must be
met as we now find it." In 1877 Hayes strengthened the indictment of
the whites:
Many, if not most, of our Indian wars have had their origin
in broken promises and acts of injustice upon our part, and
the advance of the Indians in civilization has been slow be-
cause the treatment they received did not permit it to be
faster and more general. Wc cannot expect them to improve
and to follow our guidance unless we keep faith with them
in respecting the rights they possess.
We owe it to them
as a moral duty to help them in attaining at least that de-
gree of civilization which they may be able to reach.
To this day the debt remains unredeemed.
The Constitution, while avoiding all mention of Negro slavery,
tacitly acquiesced in its existence where sanctioned by state law. It did,
however, require the abolition of the slave trade by 1808, withdrawing,
as Jefferson said in his Sixth Message, American citizens "from all fur-
ther participation in those violations of human rights which have been
so long continued on the unoffending inhabitants of Africa, and which
ION
INTRODUCTION
xxix
and settle them," as Jackson
the morality, the reputation, and the best interests of our country have
opportunity to purchase their
long been eager to proscribe." With this exception, the early Presi-
wilderness. By this means they
dents omitted discussion of slavery, and the rising sectional tension
state, but been led to look
found only fitful reflection in the Annual Messages-as, for example, in
ir fate. Thus, though lavish in
1835 when Jackson urged Congress to pass a law prohibiting the circu-
has constantly defeated
lation in the south through the mail of "inflammatory appeals ad-
race." "One by one have
dressed to the passions of the slaves
calculated to stimulate them
the earth
The fate of the
to insurrection and to produce all the horrors of a servile war."
elaware is fast overtaking the
But the question could not be kept down. In 1847 Polk, in an effort
Yet Jackson, a son of the fron-
to hold together the compromises on which the republic rested, warned
"True philanthropy recon-
that the intensification of sectional politics was threatening the Union:
does to the extinction of one
"How unimportant," he hopefully said, "are all our differences of opin-
Their only hope for survival, as
ion upon minor questions of public policy compared with its preserva-
of the Mississippi, "to be
tion." Yet what he called "the only dangerous question which lies in
"governments of their own.
our path" continued to defy resolution. In 1855 Pierce expressed indig-
where their existence may be
nation that a "considerable portion of the people of this enlightened
country could have so surrendered themselves to the supposed interests
exorably to the west, he drove
of the relatively few Africans in the United States as totally to abandon
adation of the Government to
and disregard the interests of the 25,000,000 Americans." The next year
Jackson, "the management of
he inveighed against the abolitionists for seeking a "revolutionary"
t-the Indians-has been a sub-
goal, which could be accomplished only "through burning cities, and
has been attended with con-
ravaged fields, and slaughtered populations, and all there is most ter-
The white man was partly at
rible and foreign complicated with civil and servile war," driving the
one, and the question must be
nation "into mutual devastation and fratricidal carnage, transforming
trengthened the indictment of
the now peaceful and felicitous brotherhood into a vast permanent
camp of armed men like the rival monarchies of Europe and Asia."
But the moral sense of the nation could no longer tolerate a system
ars have had their origin
by which one man owned another as his personal property. "Without
istice upon our part, and
slavery," said Lincoln in his Second Message, "the rebellion could never
has been slow be-
have existed; without slavery it could not continue." Then, when the
did not permit it to be
Civil War at last ended slavery as a legal system, the problem remained
expect them to improve
of the national responsibility to the freedmen. Johnson, urging in his
we keep faith with them
First Message (written by George Bancroft) a constitutional amend-
We owe it to them
ment abolishing slavery forever, said, "This is the measure which will
ttaining at least that de-
efface the sad memory of the past.
[It] reunites us beyond all
be able to reach.
powers of disruption." As for the ex-slaves, "the career of free industry
must be fairly opened to them, and then their future prosperity and
d.
condition must, after all, rest mainly on themselves. If they fail, and so
all mention of Negro slavery,
perish away, let us be careful that the failure shall not be attributable
sanctioned by state law. It did,
to any denial of justice." Still, though a Unionist, Johnson was a
trade by 1808, withdrawing,
Southerner, and two years later he was denouncing "the subjugation of
merican citizens "from all fur-
the [southern] states to negro domination" and "the effort now making
human rights which have been
to Africanize the half of our country," claiming that "negroes have
habitants of Africa, and which
shown less capacity for government than any other race of persons
XXX
INTRODUCTION
Wherever they have been left to their own devices they have shown a
constant tendency to relapse into barbarism."
Johnson was unquestionably speaking the mood of the white South.
By 1874 Grant noted "decided indications" of a "determination, by
acts of violence and intimidation, to deprive citizens of the freedom of
the ballot." Without federal intervention, he said, "the whole scheme
of colored enfranchisement is worse than a mockery and little better
than a crime." He appealed to the South: "Treat the negro as a citizen
and a voter, as he is and must remain, and soon parties will be divided,
not on the color line, but on principle." Two years later, Hayes, an-
nouncing the end of military occupation, urged southern whites to
respect "the civil and political rights of the colored people." But only a
year after he was obliged to say that, in certain southern states, "the
records of the elections seem to compel the conclusion that the rights
of the colored voters have been overridden and their participation in
the elections not permitted to be either general or free." It was the
executive duty, Hayes went on, "to inquire into and punish violations"
of the law: "It is the right of every citizen possessing the qualifications
prescribed by law to cast one unintimidated ballot and to have his
ballot honestly counted. In another year he called for "a more general
and complete establishment, at whatever cost, of universal security and
freedom in the exercise of the elective franchise" so that "all over our
wide territory the name and character of citizen of the United States
shall mean one and the same thing." In his Fourth Message Hayes once
again condemned the southern states for their success "in defeating the
exercise of the right preservative of all rights-the right of suffrage-
which the Constitution expressly confers upon our enfranchised
citizens."
But the question was receding from the national conscience and
consciousness. Arthur hardly mentioned it; Cleveland ignored it; and it
was not till a decade after Hayes when Benjamin Harrison reopened
the issue with striking moral fervor.
The colored people did not intrude themselves upon us.
They were brought here in chains and held in the communi-
ties where they are now chiefly found by a cruel slave code.
Happily for both races, they are now free. They have from a
standpoint of ignorance and poverty-which was our shame,
not theirs-made remarkable advances in education and in
the acquisition of property.
But notwithstanding all this, in many parts of our
country where the colored population is large the people of
that race are by various devices deprived of any effective
exercise of their political rights and of many of their civil
TION
INTRODUCTION
xxxi
own devices they have shown a
rights. The wrong does not expend itself upon those whose
arism."
votes are suppressed. Every constituency in the Union is
ing the mood of the white South.
wronged.
tions" of a "determination, by
prive citizens of the freedom of
Harrison took note of the southern arguments. "If it is said that these
on, he said, "the whole scheme
communities must work out this problem for themselves, we have a
an a mockery and little better
right to ask whether they are at work upon it. Do they suggest any
h: "Treat the negro as a citizen
solution? When and under what conditions is the black man to have a
nd soon parties will be divided,
free ballot? When is he in fact to have those full civil rights which have
e." Two years later, Hayes, an-
so long been his in law?
This generation should courageously
ion, urged southern whites to
face these grave questions, and not leave them as a heritage of woe to
the colored people." But only a
the next."
in certain southern states, "the
For himself, Harrison recommended enlarged federal intervention.
the conclusion that the rights
"The colored man should be protected in all of his relations to the
Iden and their participation in
Federal Government, whether as litigant, juror, or witness in our
er general or free." It was the
courts, as an elector for members of Congress, or as a peaceful traveler
ire into and punish violations"
upon our interstate railways." In subsequent Messages he renewed his
en possessing the qualifications
appeal for federal supervision of congressional elections, rejecting the
lidated ballot and to have his
idea that the conciliation of the south required "connivance at election
ir he called for "a more general
practices that not only disturb local results, but rob the electors of
r cost, of universal security and
other States. and sections of their most priceless political rights." But
franchise" so that "all over our
Harrison's campaign had no effect on a complacent people. The nation
of citizen of the United States
became increasingly faithless to what he called the "first condition" of
his Fourth Message Hayes once
the government's trust-"the defense of the free and equal influence of
their success "in defeating the
the people in the choice of public officers and in the control of public
rights-the right of suffrage-
affairs." The result was the passing on of the "heritage of woe" to
infers upon our enfranchised
future generations.
After Harrison the question of Negro rights-excepting only the
n the national conscience and
right not to be lynched-disappeared from Annual Messages for many
it; Cleveland ignored it; and it
years; and even Theodore Roosevelt, in a passiorfate condemnation of
Benjamin Harrison reopened
lynching, was moved to add, "Every colored man should realize that the
worst enemy of his race is the negro criminal, and above all the negro
criminal who commits the dreadful crime of rape." Forty years passed
ude themselves upon us.
before Truman revived the issue of civil rights in 1948: "Our first goal
and held in the communi-
is to secure fully the essential human rights of our citizens.
and by a cruel slave code.
Whether discrimination is based on race, or creed, or color, it is utterly
w free. They kave from a
contrary to American ideals of democracy." But what Truman in his
ty-which was our shame,
last Message called "a great awakening of the American conscience on
nces in education and in
the issue of civil rights" was still shamefully slow to take effect. Eisen-
hower, while urging further progress, could as late as 1956 describe
in many parts of our
statements that "Negro citizens are being deprived of their right to
ion is large the people of
vote" as "allegations." With Kennedy and his successor, the Presidency
leprived of any effective
began at last to catch up with the problem. "As far as the writ of Fed-
d of many of their civil
eral law will run," said Lyndon Johnson in his First Message, "we
xxxii
INTRODUCTION
must abolish not some but all racial discrimination. For this is not
merely an economic issue-or a social, political, or international issue.
It is a moral issue."
If Indians and Negroes were people of a different color, the course
of immigration in the 19th century, bringing in members of white
ethnic minorities created another range of problems. "Shall oppressed
(humanity find no asylum on this globe?" Jefferson had asked in his
First Message in recommending a shortening of the time required
for naturalization. As the rate of entry increased, Polk could say
proudly in his Third Message in 1847:
Numerous emigrants, of every lineage and language, at-
tracted by the civil and religious freedom we enjoy and by
our happy condition, annually crowd to our shores, and
transfer their heart, not less than their allegiance, to the
country whose dominion belong alone to the people.
"I regard our immigrants" said Lincoln, urging new measures for the
"encouragement". of immigration in his last Message, "as one of the
principal replenishing streams which are appointed by Providence to
repair the ravages of internal war and its wastes of national strength
and health
But the national mood was beginning to change. The first casual-
ties were the Chinese streaming into the Pacific states. In 1874 Grant
asked for legislation against the import of Chinese contract labor. In
his Third Message Benjamin Harrison, noting the rush of Russian
Jews into the United States because of anti-Semitism in their homeland,
observed, "The sudden transfer of such a multitude under conditions
that tend to strip them of their small accumulations and to depress
their energies and courage is neither good for them nor for us." A year
later he suggested that "admission to our country and to the high
privilege of its citizenship should be more restricted and more care-
ful"; we have a duty "not only to keep out the vicious, the ignorant,
the civil disturber, the pauper, and the contract laborer, but to check
the too great flow of immigration now coming by further limitations."
Theodore Roosevelt proposed educational and economic tests as well
as the absolute exclusion of anarchists: "We cannot have too much
immigration of the right kind, and we should have none at all of the
wrong kind." (He added, however, "Let us remember that the question
of being a good American has nothing whatever to do with a man's
birthplace any more than it has to do with his creed," and he wanted
to change the Chinese exclusion laws to "admit all Chinese, except
Chinese of the coolie class.")
Wilson stood against the campaign for restriction. But by the
INTRODUCTION
xxxiii
discrimination. For this is not
Twenties the struggle appeared lost. Harding called for alien registra-
political, or international issue.
tion, and Coolidge in his First Message crisply summed up the post-
war attitude: "New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb
people of a different color, the course
them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept Ameri-
bringing in members of white
can." It took the Second World War to bring back the views of Jeffer-
of problems. "Shall oppressed
son and Lincoln. "Our democratic ideals," said Truman in his Fifth
globe?" Jefferson had asked in his
Message, "as well as our own best interests, require that we do our fair
a shortening of the time required
share in providing homes for the unfortunate victims of war and
of entry increased, Polk could say
tyranny." Eisenhower and Kennedy moved steadily to reaffirm the
1847:
earlier traditions of the republic-the policy defined by Lyndon John-
son in his Second Message as "an immigration law based on the work
lineage and language, at-
a man can do and not where he was born or how he spells his name."
freedom we enjoy and by
crowd to our shores, and
than their allegiance, to the
6
alone to the people.
The evolution of presidential power. The Annual Message, as an
incoln, urging new measures for the
appointed medium of communication from President to Congress, be-
in his last Message, "as one of the
came both an instrument and an index of presidential leadership.
are appointed by Providence to
When Jefferson ended the practice of personal delivery of the Message,
and its wastes of national strength
he was making a symbolic demonstration of his party's distrust of a
strong executive. "Nothing shall be wanting on my part," he assured
eginning to change. The first casual-
Congress in his own First Message, "to inform as far as in my power the
to the Pacific states. In 1874 Grant
legislative judgment, nor to carry that judgment into faithful execu-
mport of Chinese contract labor. In
tion." This deferential language actually concealed an astute executive
noting the rush of Russian
purpose, but Jefferson's Virginia successors soon subsided into a more
of anti-Semitism in their homeland,
passive conception of the presidential responsibility.
such a multitude under conditions
Then with Jackson the Presidency suddenly acquired new vigor:
small accumulations and to depress
and the Jacksonian theory of the Presidency as the tribune of the peo-
good for them nor for us." A year
ple received its ablest contemporary vindication by Polk in his last
to our country and to the high
Message. Defending the most conspicuous form of Executive aggression
be more restricted and more care-
against the congressional will-the veto power-Polk wrote:
keep out the vicious, the ignorant,
the contract laborer, but to check
If at any time Congress shall, after apparently full delibera-
now coming by further limitations."
tion, resolve on measures which he deems subversive of the
cational and economic tests as well
Constitution or of the vital interests of the country, it is his
chists: "We cannot have too much
solemn duty to stand in the breach and resist them
we should have none at all of the
Any attempt to coerce the President to yield his sanction to
"Let us remember that the question
measures which he cannot approve would be a violation of
whatever to do with a man's
the spirit of the Constitution, palpable and flagrant, and if
do with his creed," and he wanted
successful would break down the independence of the execu-
laws to "admit all Chinese, except
tive department and make the President, elected by the peo-
ple and clothed by the Constitution with power to defend
npaign for restriction. But by the
their rights, the mere instrument of a majority of Congress.
xxxiv
INTRODUCTION
Polk had no patience for the argument that Congress was more repre-
sentative of the people than the President. "The President," he replied
briskly, "represents in the executive department the whole people of
the United States, as each member of the legislative department repre-
sents portions of them." Indeed, "the mere passage of a bill by Con-
gress is no conclusive evidence that those who passed it represent the
majority of the people of the United States or truly reflect their will."
Such statements could not, of course, settle the issue; and the cold
war between the President and the Congress has remained a central
(and wholesome) feature of American political history. It only rarely,
however, reached the point it did in 1855 when Pierce waited a month
for notification from Congress that it was ready to hear from him and,
when no signal was forthcoming, sent his Message over anyway. The
Presidency reached its nadir a few years later with Buchanan. "With-
out the authority of Congress," Buchanan said in his Third Message,
"the President cannot fire a hostile gun in any case except to repel the
attacks of an enemy." "After all," he added the next year, with the
country on the verge of civil war, "he is no more than the chief execu-
tive officer of the Government. His province is not to make but to
execute the laws." And, while he agreed that the southern states had no
constitutional right to secede from the Union ("secession is neither
more nor less than revolution"), he saw nothing that the President
could do about it:
Apart from the execution of the laws, so far as this may be
practicable, the Executive has no authority to decide what
shall be the relations between the Federal Government and
South Carolina.
It is therefore my duty to submit to
Congress the whole question in all its bearings.
Buchanan's successor, recoiling from this theory of executive and
national impotence, returned to the Jacksonian theory of the Presi-
dency. Lincoln, indeed, found in the idea of "the war power," as in-
voked in his Third Message, an apparently inexhaustible excuse for
enlarging the presidential authority. After the war Congress struck
back by passing the tenure-of-office act, requiring senatorial consent to
the removal of all appointees who had senatorial confirmation-an act
of legislative aggression against which Andrew Johnson vainly pro-
tested in his Third Message. Accepting the new mood, Grant told the
Congress in the midst of the Depression of 1873, "It is the duty of
Congress to devise the method of correcting the evils which are
acknowledged to exist, and not mine."
The Buchanan-Grant conception of the Presidency could not
easily survive the challenges placed on national leadership by the coun-
INTRODUCTION
XXXV
that Congress was more repre-
try's growth into an industrial society and a world power. In the -20th
esident. "The President," he replied
century, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt re-
department the whole people of
sumed the path of Jackson and Lincoln. Truman, admonishing his
of the legislative department repre-
successor in his last Message, summed up this evolution:
the mere passage of a bill by Con-
those who passed it represent the
The President-elect is about to take up the greatest burdens,
States or truly reflect their will."
the most compelling responsibilities, given to any man.
course, settle the issue; and the cold
What are these tasks? The President is Chief of State,
Congress has remained a central
elected representative of all the people. He is Commander in
political history. It only rarely,
Chief of our Armed Forces. He is charged with the conduct
1855 when Pierce waited a month
of our foreign relations. He is Chief Executive of the
it was ready to hear from him and,
Nation's largest civilian organization. He must select and
his Message over anyway. The
nominate all top officials of the executive branch and all
years later with Buchanan. "With-
Federal judges. And, on the legislative side, he has the obli-
chanan said in his Third Message,
gation and the opportunity to recommend and to approve
gun in any case except to repel the
or veto legislation. Besides all this, it is to him that a great
he added the next year, with the
political party turns naturally for leadership, and that, too,
he is no more than the chief execu-
he must provide as President.
province is not to make but to
This bundle of burdens is unique; there is nothing like
that the southern states had no
it on the face of the earth.
the Union ("secession is neither
saw nothing that the President
Eisenhower, more attracted by the Buchanan-Grant thesis, responded
in his own last Message: "Earnest and persistent attempts have been
made to strengthen the position of State and local governments and
he laws, so far as this may be
thereby to stop the dangerous drift toward centralization of govern-
no authority to decide what
mental power in Washington." His successors, however, restored the
the Federal Government and
presidential tradition of Jackson and Lincoln.
refore my duty to submit to
Though the Message remained formally an epistle from the Presi-
all its bearings.
dent to Congress, it was a communication which the rest of the nation
was bound to overhear, and this, of course, was one of its points. Wash-
from this theory of executive and
ington in his Second Message thus stressed the proposition that the
Jacksonian theory of the Presi-
Chief Executive must give "the fullest evidence of a disposition as far
idea of "the war power," as in-
as may be practicable to consult the wishes of every part of the com-
parently inexhaustible excuse for
munity and to lay the foundations of the public administration in the
After the war Congress struck
affections of the people." To do this, as Monroe argued thirty years
requiring senatorial consent to
later,
senatorial confirmation-an act
Andrew Johnson vainly pro-
the people being with us exclusively the sovereign, it is indis-
the new mood, Grant told the
pensable that full information be laid before them on all
of 1873, "It is the duty of
important subjects, to enable them to exercise that high
correcting the evils which are
power with complete effect. If kept in the dark, they must
be incompetent to it. We are all liable to error, and those
of the Presidency could not
who are engaged in the management of public affairs are
national leadership by the coun-
more subject to excitement and to be led astray by their par-
xxxvi
INTRODUCTION
ticular interests and passions than the great body of our con-
stituents, who, living at home in the pursuit of their ordinary
avocations, are calm but deeply interested spectators of
events and of the conduct of those who are parties to them.
To the people every department of the Government and
every individual in each are responsible, and the more full
their information the better they can judge of the wisdom
of the policy pursued and of the conduct of each in regard
to it.
This act of presidential communication was not to be exercised lightly.
"In times like the present," said Lincoln in his Second Message, "men
should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible
through time and in eternity."
Nor, in a democracy, could it be a one-way process. The people
through their representatives, their newspapers and their right of
petition had to be free to send back their own state-of-the-union mes-
sages to the President. Thus Washington, noting that provisions in the
postal law might hold up the transmission of newspapers, observed,
"A full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of
political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the
application of a remedy." In spite of this early presidential concern, it
must be conceded, the Bill of Rights as such came in for surprisingly
perfunctory attention in Annual Messages until recent times. Some
Presidents even seemed to feel that liberty might too easily become
license-not only Jackson trying to suppress abolitionist propaganda
in the South, but even the great libertarian Jefferson himself. The law,
Jefferson said in his Sixth Message, provided for the punishment of
crimes against the public peace or authority once they were com-
mitted.
But would it not be salutary to give also the means of pre-
venting their commission? Where an enterprise is meditated
by private individuals against a foreign nation in amity with
the United States, powers of prevention to a certain extent
are given by the laws. Would they not be as reasonable and
useful where the enterprise preparing is against the United
States?
He had in mind, of course, the Burr conspiracy; but he seemed to be
calling for the prosecution of thoughts, in advance of overt acts. The
next year he returned to the theme: "The framers of our Constitution
certainly supposed they had guarded as well their Government against
destruction by treason as their citizens against oppression under pre-
INTRODUCTION
xxxvii
the great body of our con-
the pursuit of their ordinary
tense of it, and if these ends are not attained it is of importance to
interested spectators of
inquire by what means more effectual they may be secured."
hose who are parties to them.
Still another progressive President, Wilson, could in 1919 blame
of the Government and
"the widespread condition of political restlessness in our body politic"
esponsible, and the more full
in part on "the transfusion of radical theories from seething European
can judge of the wisdom
centers" and "the machinations of passionate and malevolent agita-
he conduct of each in regard
tors." Yet, except for wartime, Presidents have been on the whole re-
luctant to abridge the freedoms of expression and conscience pledged
in the First Amendment. And the crusade waged by modern totalitari-
was not to be exercised lightly.
anism against individual freedom in the 20th century compelled an
in his Second Message, "men
increasing recognition of the place of the Bill of Rights in the Ameri-
would not willingly be responsible
can system. So Franklin Roosevelt made "freedom of speech and ex-
pression everywhere in the world" the first of his Four Freedoms. "We
be a one-way process. The people
must take our stand on the Bill of Rights," said Truman in his last
newspapers and their right of
Message. "The inquisition, the star chamber, have no place in a free
their own state-of-the-union mes-
society." Eisenhower saw the problem differently. "Our national secu-
noting that provisions in the
rity demands that the investigation of new employees and the evalua-
smission of newspapers, observed,
tion of derogatory information respecting present employees be ex-
of facilitating the circulation of
pedited," he said in his Second Message. We are dealing here
will, I doubt not, lead to the
with actions akin to treason." Like Jefferson, he sought "additional
this early presidential concern, it
legal weapons with which to combat subversion." Kennedy, on the
as such came in for surprisingly
other hand, in his First Message returned to the spirit of the Bill of
Iessages until recent times. Some
Rights: "Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value
liberty might too easily become
of dissent and daring-that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark
suppress abolitionist propaganda
of healthy change."
Jefferson himself. The law,
7
provided for the punishment of
authority once they were com-
The national experiment. "The preservation of the sacred fire of
liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government," Wash-
give also the means of pre-
ington said in his Inaugural Address, "are justly considered, perhaps,
an enterprise is meditated
as deeply, as finally staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of
foreign nation in amity with
the American people."
evention to a certain extent
His successors watched the progress of this experiment with anxiety
not be as reasonable and
and hope. In his last Message Madison permitted himself to "indulge
paring is against the United
the proud reflection that the American people have reached in safety
and success their fortieth year as an independent nation." This, the
Presidents knew, had more than local significance. "Our institutions,"
conspiracy; but he seemed to be
said Monroe in his own last Message, "form an important epoch in the
in advance of overt acts. The
history of the civilized world. On their preservation and in their ut-
"The framers of our Constitution
most purity everything will depend." "The present year," added Van
as well their Government against
Buren in 1838, "closes the first half century of our Federal institutions.
against oppression under pre-
It was reserved for the American Union to test the advantages of
a government entirely dependent on the continual exercise of the popu-
xxxviii
INTRODUCTION
lar will, and our experience has shown that it is as beneficent in prac-
tice as it is just in theory." Polk made the point even more strongly in
his Third Message:
After an existence of near three-fourths of a century as a free
and independent Republic, the problem no longer remains
to be solved whether man is capable of self-government. The
success of our admirable system is a conclusive refutation of
the theories of those in other countries who maintain that a
'favored few' are born to rule and that the mass of mankind
must be governed by force.
The successful prosecution of the Mexican War, Polk added in his last
Message, "evinces beyond all doubt that a popular representative gov-
ernment is equal to any emergency which is likely to arise in the affairs
of a nation." Sixty years after the Constitution, Taylor in his First Mes-
sage pronounced the United States of America "the most stable and
permanent Government on earth."
Stability hardly seemed the most prominent feature of the Ameri-
can polity in the next years. But the nation survived the test of civil
war; and Andrew Johnson could say of the American form of govern-
ment after the three-quarter of a century mark "Experience has proved
its sufficiency in peace and in war; it has vindicated its authority
through dangers and afflictions, and sudden and terrible emergencies.
The experience of centuries has been crowded into a few genera-
tions, and has created an intense, indestructible nationality.
The
latent conviction that our form of government is the best ever known
to the world has enabled us to emerge from civil war within four years
with a complete vindication of the constitutional authority of the Gen-
eral Government and with our local liberties and State institutions
unimpaired."
"Where in past history," Johnson concluded, "does a parallel exist
to the public happiness which is within the reach of the people of the
United States?" Still, the quest for national contentment remained
elusive. A century after the Constitution, Cleveland expressed gloomy
forebodings, reminiscent of nothing so much as Walt Whitman in
Democratic Vistas. The early years of the republic, Cleveland said, had
been marked by the sobriety of "the plain people who, side by side, in
friendly competition wrought for the ennoblement and dignity of man,
for the solution of the problem of free government, and for the achieve-
ment of the grand destiny awaiting the land which God had given
them." Now a century had passed.
Our cities are the abiding places of wealth and luxury; our
manufactories yield fortunes never dreamed of by the fathers
INTRODUCTION
xxxix
ION
hat it is as beneficent in prac-
of the Republic; our business men are madly striving in the
e point even more strongly in
race for riches, and immense aggregations of capital outrun
the imagination in the magnitude of their undertakings.
We view with pride and satisfaction this bright picture
rths of a century as a free
of our country's growth and prosperity, while only a closer
oblem no longer remains
scrutiny develops a somber shading. Upon more careful in-
e of self-government. The
spection we find the wealth and luxury of our cities mingled
a conclusive refutation of
with poverty and wretchedness and unremunerative toil. A
tries who maintain that a
crowded and constantly increasing urban population sug-
that the mass of mankind
gests the impoverishment of rural sections and discontent
with agricultural pursuits. The farmer's son, not satisfied
with his father's simple and laborious life, joins the eager
an War, Polk added in his last
chase for easily acquired wealth.
The gulf between em-
a popular representative gov-
ployers and the employed is constantly widening, the classes
h is likely to arise in the affairs
are rapidly forming, one comprising the very rich and power-
tution, Taylor in his First Mes-
ful, while in another are found the toiling poor.
The
America "the most stable and
existing situation is injurious to the health of our entire
body politic.
It appears in the sordid disregard of all
rominent feature of the Ameri-
but personal interests, in the refusal to abate for the benefit
ation survived the test of civil
of others one iota of selfish advantage, and in combinations
the American form of govern-
to perpetuate such advantages through efforts to control
y mark, "Experience has proved
legislation and improperly influence the suffrages of the
t has vindicated its authority
people.
The-beneficent purposes of our Government,
dden and terrible emergencies.
dependent upon the patriotism and contentment of our peo-
een crowded into a few genera-
ple, are endangered.
structible nationality.
The
ernment is the best ever known
Not everyone shared Cleveland's pessimism. "Popular govern-
from civil war within four years
ment," said McKinley in his last Message, "has demonstrated in its one
stitutional authority of the Gen-
hundred and twenty-four years of trial here its stability and security,
liberties and State institutions
and its efficiency as the best instrument of national development and
the best safeguard to human rights.
Education, religion, and
concluded, "does a parallel exist
morality have kept pace with our advancement in other directions.
the reach of the people of the
A nation so preserved and blessed gives reverent thanks to God."
national contentment remained
But Theodore Roosevelt, less complacent, urged his countrymen to
on, Cleveland expressed gloomy
strive for moral betterment.
SO much as Walt Whitman in
he republic, Cleveland said, had
We have plenty of sins of our own to war against, and under
lain people who, side by side, in
ordinary circumstances we can do more for the general
nnoblement and dignity of man,
uplifting of humanity by striving with heart and soul to put
government, and for the achieve-
a stop to civic corruption, to brutal lawlessness and violent
he land which God had given
race prejudices here at home than by passing resolutions
about wrongdoing elsewhere.
of wealth and luxury; our
The great Presidents of the 20th century agreed much more with
Theodore Roosevelt than with McKinley. As Franklin Roosevelt put
dreamed of by the fathers
xl
INTRODUCTION
it in his Fourth Message, the Depression of 1929 meant something
more than the breakdown of the visible economic mechanism. It was
a supreme test of the democratic system. It meant that
long neglect of the needs of the underprivileged had brought
too many of our people to the verge of doubt as to the suc-
cessful adaptation of our historic traditions to the complex
modern world. In that lay a challenge to our democratic
form of government itself. Ours was the task to prove that
democracy could be made to function in the world of today
as effectively as in the simpler world of a hundred years ago.
Nor was this simply a domestic challenge. "Dictatorships-and the
philosophy of force which justifies and accompanies dictatorships-,"
Roosevelt said three years later, "have originated in almost every case
in the necessity for drastic action to improve internal conditions where
democratic action for one reason or another has failed to respond to
modern needs and modern demands." The republic now faced "a set
of world-wide forces of disintegration." Survival required purpose. "We
have learned by bitter experience," said Truman, combating McKin-
ley's Darwinism in his Fifth Message, "that progress is not automatic
-that wrong policies lead to depression and disaster." Truman's last
Message stated the issue with quiet eloquence:
Let all of us pause now, think back, consider carefully the
meaning of our national experience. Let us draw comfort
from it and faith and confidence in our future as Americans.
The Nation's business is never finished. The basic ques-
tions we have been dealing with, these eight years past, pre-
sent themselves anew. That is the way of our society. Cir-
cumstances change and current questions take on different
forms, new complications, year by year. But underneath the
great issues remain the same-prosperity, welfare, human
rights, effective democracy, and, above all, peace.
So the long labor of liberty continued. Kennedy in his First Mes-
sage asked "whether a nation organized and governed such as ours can
endure" and replied: "The outcome is by no means certain." And in
his Second Message Lyndon Johnson pointed out that the American
people were entering their third century in pursuit of union. In 1765
nine British colonies first joined together to affirm the first continental
union of democracy. In 1865, "following a terrible test of blood and
fire, the compact of union was finally sealed." In the second century
Americans labored to establish a unity of interest and purpose among
the diverse groups making up the national community.
INTRODUCTION
xli
of 1929 meant something
Now, in 1965, we begin a new quest for union. We seek the
economic mechanism. It was
unity of man with the world he has built-with the knowl-
It meant that
edge that can save or destroy him-with the cities which can
stimulate or stifle him-with the wealth and machines which
underprivileged had brought
can enrich or menace his spirit. We seek to establish a har-
of doubt as to the suc-
mony between man and society which will allow each of us
traditions to the complex
to enlarge the meaning of his life and all of us to elevate the
hallenge to our democratic
quality of our civilization.
was the task to prove that
in the world of today
The nation's business, as Truman said, is never finished. And in
orld of a hundred years ago.
the unending quest Americans will always be guided by the most pro-
hallenge. "Dictatorships-and the
found and beautiful passage in all the Annual Messages-the conclu-
nd accompanies dictatorships-,"
sion of Lincoln's Second Message in 1862:
originated in almost every case
mprove internal conditions where
The dogma of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy
another has failed to respond to
present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we
The republic now faced "a set
must rise to the occasion. As our case is new, so we must
Survival required purpose. "We
think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves,
aid Truman, combating McKin-
and then we shall save our country.
"that progress is not automatic
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.
The
and disaster." Truman's last
fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor
loquence:
or dishonor to the latest generation. In giving freedom to
the slave we assure freedom to the free-honorable alike in
back, consider carefully the
what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save or
Let us draw comfort
meanly lose the last best hope of earth. Other means may
in our future as Americans.
succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful,
finished. The basic ques-
generous, just-a way which if followed the world will for-
these eight years past, pre-
ever applaud and God must forever bless.
he way of our society. Cir-
questions take on different
year. But underneath the
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
prosperity, welfare, human
APRIL, 1966
above all, peace.
Kennedy in his First Mes-
and governed such as ours can
is by no means certain." And in
pointed out that the American
in pursuit of union. In 1765
to affirm the first continental
a terrible test of blood and
sealed." In the second century
of interest and purpose among
community.
MARY McGRORY
Martial Arts
G
eorge Bush, who is an inveterate
SDI, whose decline a year ago was a
writer of little notes, is now and
measure of the "new world order" that
again called on to send what Emily
seemed possible after the fall of the
Dickinson called "a letter to the world."
Berlin Wall.
He's never been very good at it, and for
He left the chamber on a carpet of
reasons best known to themselves, his
cheers. It was only later that closer
handlers have not seen fit to engage
inspection showed that the speech had
talented wordsmiths, who could write up
been a kind of empty sandwich, two
a storm on subjects like "Desert Storm."
great chunks of bread about the war,
Even so, his popularity is breaking the
nothing in between.
charts, and doleful Democrats can only
It should be stated that State of the
wonder what further heights it could
Union speeches are rarely memorable.
reach if the man could speak.
Presidents defiantly state their agenda,
His State of the Union address is a
take the plaudits of their party and the
case in point. It was a smashing success
silence of the other and hunker down- for
from the moment he walked into the
the debate to come.
(
packed and roaring House chamber until
But it happens that one State of the
he slowly left it, taking huzzahs every
Union in this century achieved
step of the way.
immortality, and Bush attended the 50th
It was a triumph of context over
anniversary of its delivery the morning
content: We are at war. It was his
after his star turn at the podium.
decision; it was contested in Congress.
Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the Four
He overwhelmed dissent. Now the
Freedoms in the House on Jan. 6, 1941.
presence of troops in peril makes him
-Bush was brought in to Statuary Hall,
Old Glory itself. He has reduced the
a round room full of larger than life
2
Congress to the status of a Legion post,
bronzes of obscure statesmen in capes,
required only to shout and cheer, and
swords and heroic poses, to the strains of
leap to its feet at every mention of our
"Hail to the Chief' played by the Marine
warriors in the sand.
Band. He heard the voice of FDR in full
He began with a report of the war's
splendor; a voice of warmth, assurance
progress. The audience was reverently
and that indescribable complicity that
still. He moved into a dispirited
great orators conjure up between
discussion of a subject that plainly bores
themselves and their audiences.
him, the state of the union. He made
Roosevelt was at home with dreams
passing reference to the recession. The
and vision, as Bush manifestly is not. To
:
American character will solve it, as it will
hear his grand plans for mankind was to
prévail over Saddam Hussein.
realize how strained are comparisons
There were no words that sing or
between the current conflict and the
sting, or sentences that march or
global convulsion of 50 years ago. The
paragraphs that advance like armies.
difference between occupied Europe and
Bush is almost aggressively not the
occupied Kuwait is cosmic. As Senate
orator. He is more at home with the
Majority Leader George J. Mitchell
telephone than the megaphone.
(D-Maine) noted in his response, we have
If there was a theme, it was the
tolerated aggression elsewhere.
plaintive insistence on "a new world
Bush looked weary. Having to endure
order." Bush has yet to define exactly
even unspoken comparisons with
what he means by it. Whatever it is, he
Franklin Roosevelt-Bush's Roosevelt is
has chosen the old order, namely war, to
Theodore-is not easy for any president.
bring it about.
This was a Hill show, with, inescapably, a
strong Democratic flavor. And there was
The Republicans cheered loudly as
their issues went by, new, vague civil
more: there was a reproach from a
Roosevelt.
rights laws, some sort of banking reform,
Anne Roosevelt, James Roosevelt's
diaphanous references to better health
daughter, reminded the president that he
care, the elimination of PACs. It sounded
like the work of a committee.
had spoken of protest in his speech. She
told him of what moved protesters, their
The commander in chief soon
concern about the future "which supports
returned, thankfully, to the martial
the protest and honest objection to this
theme. He ended with a prediction of
war, not anti-patriotism or lack of
victory in the desert, the questionable
respect for the bravery of our troops."
assertion that "most Americans know
It is one thing to say you respect
instinctively why we are in the gulf," an
dissent, but quite another to face it at
expression of tolerance for the few
close quarters, especially SO soon after a
dissenters. He revived the chances of
conquering hero's reception.
Photo Copy Preservation
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 29, 1991
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON THE STATE OF THE UNION
The U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:09 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker, and
members of the United States Congress. I come to this House of the
people to speak to you and all Americans, certain that we stand at a
defining hour. Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great
struggle in the skies and on the seas and sands. We know why we're
there. We are Americans -- part of something larger than ourselves.
For two centuries, we've done the hard work of freedom. And tonight,
we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.
What is at stake is more than one small country; it is a
big idea: a new world order, where diverse nations are drawn
together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of
mankind -- peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is
a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our children's future.
(Applause.)
The community of nations has resolutely gathered to
condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked
invasion -- his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor --
violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world
has said this aggression would not stand -- and it will not stand.
(Applause.)
Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement,
cynicism, and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world
has answered Saddam's invasion with 12 United Nations resolutions,
starting with a demand for Iraq's immediate and unconditional
withdrawal and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six
continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands as one.
The end of the Cold War has been a victory for all
humanity. A year and a half ago, in Germany, I said that our goal
was a Europe whole and free. Tonight, Germany is united. Europe has
become whole and free -- and America's leadership was instrumental in
making it possible. (Applause.)
Our relationship to the Soviet Union is important, not
only to us, but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape|
these and other historic changes. But like many other nations, we
have been deeply concerned by the violence in the Baltics, and we
have communicated that concern to the Soviet leadership.
The principle that has guided us is simple: Our
objective is to help the Baltic peoples achieve their aspirations,
not to punish the Soviet Union. (Applause.) In our recent
discussions with the Soviet leadership, we have been given
representations which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal
of some Soviet forces, a reopening of dialogue with the Republics,
and a move away from violence.
We will watch carefully as the situation develops. And
we will maintain our contact with the Soviet leadership to encourage
MORE
- 2 -
continued commitment to democratization and reform. (Applause.) If
it is possible, I want to continue to build a lasting basis for
U.S. -Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind.
The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and
Latin America, and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere all
around the world all confirm the wisdom of our nation's founders.
Tonight, we work to achieve another victory -- a victory
over tyranny and savage aggression.
We in this Union enter the last decade of the 20th
century thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware
of our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around
the world.
For two centuries, America has served the world as an
inspiring example of freedom and democracy. For generations, America
has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty.
And today, in a rapidly changing world, American leadership is
indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and
sacrifices. But we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us.
We are Americans: we have a unique responsibility to do the hard
work of freedom. And when we do, freedom works. (Applause.)
The conviction and courage we see in the Persian Gulf
today is simply the American character in action. The indomitable
spirit that is contributing to this victory for world peace and
justice is the same spirit that gives us the power and the potential
to meet our toughest challenges at home.
We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly
confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely
we can make this land all that it should be. If anyone tells you
that America's best days are behind her, they're looking the wrong
way. (Applause.)
Tonight, I come before this House and the American people
with an appeal for renewal. This is not merely a call for new
government initiatives; it is a call for new initiative in
government, in our communities, and from every American -- to prepare
for the next American century.
America has always led by example. So who among us will
set this example? Which of our citizens will lead us in this next
American century? Everyone who steps forward today -- to get one
addict off drugs, to convince one troubled teenager not to give up on
life, to comfort one AIDS patient, to help one hungry child.
We have within our reach the promise of a renewed
America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some purpose
higher than ourselves -- a shining purpose, the illumination of a
thousand points of light. And it is expressed by all who know the
irresistible force of a child's hand, of a friend who stands by you
and stays there -- a volunteer's generous gesture, an idea that is
simply right.
The problems before us may be different, but the key to
solving them remains the same. It is the individual -- the
individual who steps forward. And the state of our Union is the
union of each of us, one to the other -- the sum of our friendships,
marriages, families, and communities.
We all have something to give. So if you know how to
read, find someone who can't. If you've got a hammer, find a nail.
If you're not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out someone
who is. Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of
freedom. And that will define the state of our Union. (Applause.)
Since the birth of our nation, "We the people" has been
the source of our strength. What government can do alone is limited
-- but the potential of the American people knows no limits.
MORE
- 3 -
We are a nation of rock-solid realism and clear-eyed
idealism. We are Americans. We are the nation that believes in the
future. We are the nation that can shape the future. And we've
begun to do just that -- by strengthening the power and choice of
individuals and families.
Together, these last two years, we've put dollars for
child care directly in the hands of parents instead of bureaucracies.
(Applause.) Unshackled the potential of Americans with disabilities.
(Applause.) Applied the creativity of the marketplace in the service
of the environment, for clean air; and made home ownership possible
for more Americans. (Applause.)
The strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy. It is
in the people and their communities. In everything we do, let us
unleash the potential of our most precious resource -- our citizens,
our citizens themselves. We must return to families, communities,
counties, cities, states, and institutions of every kind the power to
chart their own destiny, and the freedom and opportunity provided by
strong economic growth. And that's what America is all about.
(Applause.)
I know tonight in some regions of our country, people are
in genuine economic distress. And I hear them.
Earlier this month, Kathy Blackwell, of Massachusetts,
wrote me about what can happen when the economy slows down, saying,
"My heart is aching, and I think that you should know your people out
here are hurting badly."
I understand. And I'm not unrealistic about the future.
But there are reasons to be optimistic about our economy.
First, we don't have to fight double-digit inflation.
Second, most industries won't have to make big cuts in production
because they don't have big inventories piled up. And third, our
exports are running solid and strong. In fact, American businesses
are exporting at a record rate.
So let's put these times in perspective. Together, since
1981, we've created almost 20 million jobs, cut inflation in half,
and cut interest rates in half.
And, yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in
history has been temporarily interrupted. But our economy is still
over twice as large as our closest competitor.
We will get this recession behind us and return to growth
soon. (Applause.) We will get on our way to a new record of
expansion and achieve the competitive strength that will carry us
into the next American century.
We should focus our efforts today on encouraging economic
growth, investing in the future, and giving power and opportunity to
the individual. (Applause.)
We must begin with control of federal spending.
(Applause.) That's why I'm submitting a budget that holds the growth
in spending to less than the rate of inflation. And that's why, amid
all the sound and fury of last year's budget debate, we put into law
new, enforceable spending caps -- so that future spending debates
will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war. (Applause.)
Though controversial, the budget agreement finally put
the federal government on a pay-as-you-go plan and cut the growth of
debt by nearly $500 billion. And that frees funds for saving and
job-creating investment.
Now, let's do more. My budget again includes tax-free
family savings accounts; penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs for
first-time home buyers (applause) -- and to increase jobs and
MORE
growth, a reduced tax for long-term capital gains. (Applause.)
I know there are differences among us -- (laughter) --
about the impact and the effects of a capital gains incentive. So
tonight, I'm asking the congressional leaders and the Federal Reserve
to cooperate with us in a study, led by Chairman Alan Greenspan, to
sort out our technical differences so that we can avoid a return to
unproductive partisan bickering. (Applause.)
But just as our efforts will bring economic growth now
and in the future, they must also be matched by long-term investments
for the next American century.
That requires a forward-looking plan of action -- and
that's exactly what we will be sending to the Congress. We've
prepared a detailed series of proposals that include:
A budget that promotes investment in America's future --
in children, education, infrastructure, space, and high technology;
legislation to achieve excellence in education --
building on the partnership forged with the 50 governors at the
Education Summit, enabling parents to choose their children's schools
and helping to make America number one in math and science; --
(applause) --
a blueprint for a new national highway system -- a
critical investment in our transportation infrastructure; --
(applause) --
a research and development agenda that includes record
levels of federal investment, and a permanent tax credit to
strengthen private R&D and to create jobs; -- (applause) --
a comprehensive national energy strategy that calls for
energy conservation and efficiency, increased development, and
greater use of alternative fuels; -- (applause) --
a banking reform plan to bring America's financial system
into the 21st century so that our banks remain safe and secure and
can continue to make job-creating loans for our factories, our
businesses and home-buyers.
You know, I do think there has been too much pessimism.
Sound banks should be making sound loans now -- and interest rates
should be lower, now. (Applause.)
In addition to these proposals, we must recognize that
our economic strength depends on being competitive in world markets.
We must continue to expand American exports. A successful Uruguay
Round of world trade negotiations will create more real jobs and more
real growth for all nations. You and I know that if the playing
field is level, America's workers and farmers can out-work,
out-produce anyone, anytime, anywhere. (Applause.)
And with a Mexican Free Trade Agreement and our
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, we can help our partners
strengthen their economies and move toward a free trade zone
throughout this entire hemisphere. (Applause.)
The budget also includes a plan of action right here at
home to put more power and opportunity in the hands of the
individual. And that means new incentives to create jobs in our
inner cities, by encouraging investment through enterprise zones. It
also means tenant control and ownership of public housing. Freedom
and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They
are the birthright of every American. (Applause.)
Civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal
opportunity. (Applause.) Every one of us has a responsibility to
speak out against racism, bigotry, and hate. (Applause.) We will
continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statutes, and I will
MORE
once again press the Congress to strengthen the laws against
employment discrimination without resorting to the use of unfair
preferences. (Applause.)
We're determined to protect another fundamental civil
right -- freedom from crime and the fear that stalks our cities. The
Attorney General will soon convene a crime summit of our nation's law
enforcement officials. And to help us support them, we need tough
crime control legislation, and we need it now. (Applause.)
And as we fight crime, we will fully implement our
national strategy for combatting drug abuse. Recent data show that
we are making progress, but much remains to be done. We will not
rest until the day of the dealer is over, forever. (Applause.)
Good health care is every American's right and every
American's responsibility. And so we are proposing an aggressive
program of new prevention initiatives -- for infants, for children,
for adults, and for the elderly -- to promote a healthier America and
to help keep costs from spiralling. (Applause.)
It's time to give people more choice in government, by
reviving the ideal of the citizen politician who comes not to stay,
but to serve. And one of the reasons that there is so much support
across this country for term limitations is that the American people
are increasingly concerned about big-money influence in politics. So
we must look beyond the next election, to the next generation. And
the time has come to put the national interest above the special
interest -- and totally eliminate political action committees.
(Applause.)
And that would truly put more competition in elections,
and more power in the hands of individuals. And where power cannot
be put directly in the hands of the individual, it should be moved
closer to the people -- away from Washington.
The federal government too often treats government
programs as if they are of Washington, by Washington, and for
Washington. Once established, federal programs seem to become
immortal.
It's time for a more dynamic program life cycle: Some
programs should increase. Some should decrease. Some should be
terminated. And some should be consolidated and turned over to the
states. (Applause.)
My budget includes a list of programs for potential
turnover totalling more than $20 billion. Working with Congress and
the governors, I propose we select at least $15 billion in such
programs and turn them over to the states in a single consolidated
grant -- fully funded -- for flexible management by the states.
(Applause.)
The value -- the value of this turnover approach is
straightforward. It allows the federal government to reduce
overhead. It allows states to manage more flexibly and more
efficiently. It moves power and decision-making closer to the
people. And it reinforces a theme of this administration:
appreciation and encouragement of the innovative powers of "States as
Laboratories."
This nation was founded by leaders who understood that
power belongs in the hands of people. And they planned for the
future. And so must we -- here and all around the world.
As Americans, we know that there are times when we must
step forward and accept our responsibility to lead the world away
from the dark chaos of dictators, toward the brighter promise of a
better day.
Almost 50 years ago we began a long struggle against
aggressive totalitarianism. Now we face another defining hour for
MORE
- 6 -
America and the world.
There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard
work of freedom, than every soldier and sailor, every Marine, airman,
and Coastguardsman -- every man and woman now serving in the Persian
Gulf. (Applause.) Oh, how they deserve -- (applause) -- and what a
fitting tribute to them.
You see --- what a wonderful, fitting tribute to them.
Each of them has volunteered -- volunteered to provide for this
nation's defense -- and now they bravely struggle, to earn for
America, for the world, and for future generations, a just and
lasting peace.
Our commitment to them must be equal to their commitment
to their country. They are truly America's finest. (Applause.)
The war in the Gulf is not a war we wanted. We worked
hard to avoid war. For more than five months we, along with the Arab
League, the European Community, the United Nations, tried every
diplomatic avenue. U.N. Secretary General Perez de Cuellar;
Presidents Gorbachev, Mitterrand, Ozal, Mubarak, and Bendjedid; Kings
Fahd and Hassan; Prime Ministers Major and Andreotti -- just to name
a few -- all worked for a solution. But time and again, Saddam
Hussein flatly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace.
The world well knows how this conflict began and when:
It began on August 2nd, when Saddam invaded and sacked a small,
defenseless neighbor. And I am certain of how it will end. So that
peace can prevail, we will prevail. (Applause.) Thank you.
Tonight, I am pleased to report that we are on course.
Iraq's capacity to sustain war is being destroyed. Our investment,
our training, our planning -- all, are paying off. Time will not be
Saddam's salvation.
Our purpose in the Persian Gulf remains constant: to
drive Iraq out of Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legitimate government,
and to ensure the stability and security of this critical region.
Let me make clear what I mean by the region's stability
and security. We do not seek the destruction of Iraq, its culture,
or its people. Rather, we seek an Iraq that uses its great
resources, not to destroy, not to serve the ambitions of a tyrant,
but to build a better life for itself and its neighbors. We seek a
Persian Gulf where conflict is no longer the rule, where the strong
are neither tempted nor able to intimidate the weak.
Most Americans know instinctively why we are in the Gulf.
They know we had to stop Saddam now, not later. They know that this
brutal dictator will do anything; will use any weapon; will commit
any outrage, no matter how many innocents suffer.
They know we must make sure that control of the world's
oil resources does not fall into his hands, only to finance further
aggression. They know that we need to build a new, enduring peace --
based not on arms races and confrontation, but on shared principles
and the rule of law.
And we all realize that our responsibility to be the
catalyst for peace in the region does not end with the successful
conclusion of this war.
Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful
dissent and we've heard some dissenting voices here at home --
some, a handful, reckless -- most responsible. But the fact that all
voices have the right to speak out is one of the reasons we've been
united in purpose and principle for 200 years. (Applause.)
Our progress in this great struggle is the result of
years of vigilance and a steadfast commitment to a strong defense.
Now, with remarkable technological advances like the Patriot missile,
MORE
- 7 -
we can defend against ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocent
civilians.
Looking forward, I have directed that the SDI program be
refocused on providing protection from limited ballistic missile
strikes whatever their source. (Applause.) Let us pursue an SDI
program that can deal with any future threat to the United STates, to
our forces overseas, and to our friends and allies.
The quality of American technology, thanks to the
American worker, has enabled us to successfully deal with difficult
military conditions and help minimize precious loss of life. We have
given our men and women the very best. And they deserve it.
(Applause.)
We all have a special place in our hearts for the
families of our men and women serving in the Gulf. They are
represented here tonight by Mrs. Norman Schwarzkopf. (Applause.) We
are all very grateful to General Schwarzkopf and to all those serving
with him. And I might also recognize one who came with Mrs.
Schwarzkopf Alma Powell, the wife of the distinguished Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs. (Applause.) And to the families, let me say our
forces in the Gulf will not stay there one day longer than is
necessary to complete their mission. (Applause.)
The courage and success of the RAF pilots, of the
Kuwaiti, Saudi, French, the Canadians, the Italians, the pilots of
Qatar and Bahrain -- all are proof that for the first time since
World War II, the international community is united: The leadership
of the United Nations, once only a hoped-for ideal, is now confirming
its founders' vision. (Applause.)
I am heartened that we are not being asked to bear alone
the financial burdens of this struggle. Last year, our friends and
allies provided the bulk of the economic costs of Desert Shield. And
now, having received commitments of over $40 billion for the first
three months of 1991, I am confident they will do no less as we move
through Desert Storm. (Applause.)
But the world has to wonder what the dictator of Iraq is
thinking. If he thinks that by targeting innocent civilians in
Israel and Saudi Arabia, that he will gain advantage, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) If he thinks that he will advance his cause
through tragic and despicable environmental terrorism, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) And if he thinks that by abusing the coalition
prisoners of war he will benefit, he is dead wrong. (Applause.)
We will succeed in the Gulf. And when we do, the world
community will have sent an enduring warning to any dictator or
despot, present or future, who contemplates oulaw aggression.
The world can, therefore, seize this opportunity to
fulfill the long-held promise of a new world order, where brutality
will go unrewarded and aggression will meet collective resistance.
Yes, the United States bears a major share of leadership
in this effort. Among the nations of the world, only the United
States of America has both the moral standing and the means to back
it up. We're the only nation on this Earth that could assemble the
forces of peace. This is the burden of leadership and the strength
that has made America the beacon of freedom in a searching world.
This nation has never found glory in war. Our people
have never wanted to abandon the blessings of home and work for
distant lands and deadly conflict. If we fight in anger, it is only
because we have to fight at all. And all of us yearn for a world
where we will never have to fight again.
Each of us will measure within ourselves the value of
this great struggle. Any cost in lives -- any cost -- is beyond our
power to measure. But the cost of closing our eyes to aggression is
beyond mankind's power to imagine.
MORE
- 8 -
This we do know: Our cause is just. Our cause is moral.
Our cause is: right. (Applause.)
Let future generations understand the burden and the
blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us
to stand.
Let them know that, together, we affirmed America and the
world as a community of conscience.
The winds of change are with us now. The forces of
freedom are together, united. We move toward the next century more
confident than ever that we have the will at home and abroad to do
what must be done, the hard work of freedom.
May God bless the United States of America. Thank you
very, very much. (Applause.)
END
9:57 P.M. EST
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1991
Bush Speech to Urge Bank Law Changes
By ROBERT PEAR
Special to The New York Times
planning, and their philosophical com-
to enroll their children in public or pri-
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 - Although
rades, including Housing Secretary
vate elementary and secondary
the Persian Gulf war will dominate his
Jack F. Kemp, and Representative
schools of their choice.
State of the Union Message on Tues-
Newt Gingrich of Georgia, had advo-
In an effort to underline his concern
day, President Bush will also address
cated the stronger language but lost
for children of the poor, Mr. Bush may
domestic issues and will offer sweep-
out when the final version of the mes-
also mention new proposals to combat
ing proposals to revamp the nation's
sage was drafted for Mr. Bush by
infant mortality by expanding prenatal
White House speech writers.
banking laws, Administration officials
care and other services in cities with
said today.
The main speech writers, Mark
the highest infant death rates.
Lange and David F. Demarest Jr.,
Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, the Secretary
Mr. Bush was still considering today
of Health and Human Services, per-
what to include in the speech. He may
were sympathetic to the conservative
mention proposals to increase educa-
emphasis on economic growth as a
suaded Mr. Bush to include those pro-
means to increase opportunities for
posals in his budget for the fiscal year
tional opportunities for low-income
people, to encourage homeownership
poor people. But White House officials
1992, which is to be submitted to Con-
by poor families and to combat infant
said Mr. Darman and Mr. Sununu di-
gress next week. Public Health Service
luted those themes.
officials have expressed concern that
mortality in about 20 large cities.
the new measures would be financed
While Mr. Bush is not likely to pro-
Last year Mr. Darman publicly ridi-
by taking Federal money from other
pose any major changes in social wel-
culed some of the economic and politi-
maternal and child health projects.
fare programs, he is almost certain to
cal ideas espoused by Mr. Gingrich, the
Proposals on Crime
recommend a comprehensive overhaul
of the nation's banking laws. His pro-
Administration officials said Mr.
posals would make it easier for banks
Bush would make a fresh appeal for
to operate across state lines and would
Congressional approval of proposals to
break down barriers that now separate
The war, not
reduce crime, especially violent crime
commercial banks, investment banks
by drug users and drug dealers. The
and stock brokerage firms.
domestic issues,
proposals call for new sentencing
procedures to permit greater use of the
The Bush proposals would permit in-
will dominate an
death penalty, strict new limits on ap-
vestment banks and industrial corpo-
peals by death row prisoners and
rations to own commercial banks, Ad-
changes in court rules to permit the use
ministration officials said. In addition,
address.
in criminal trials of some evidence ille-
under the proposals, commercial
gally obtained by law-enforcement offi-
banks would be allowed to underwrite
cers.
and deal in corporate securities.
In a speech last week at the Cato In-
Administration officials acknowl-
edge that there is little new money for
House Republican whip, and Mr. Pink-
stitute, a research and policy center
here, Mr. Pinkerton said: "The war
domestic programs and estimate that
erton. Though they patched up their
personal quarrel, the philosophical dis-
has eclipsed the domestic agenda, at
the Federal budget deficit will soar to
least in the short run. But I don't think
$318 billion this year, more than double
agreements persist.
the debate that really counts, the Intel-
the $153 billion deficit in the 1989 fiscal
Changes in Banking Laws
lectual debate, will be much affected"
Wife of Kentucky Governor Announce
year. But they insist that the gulf war
Treasury Secretary Nicholas F.
by it.
Martha Wilkinson, wife of Gov. Wallace Wilkin-
need not paralyze efforts to deal with
Brady said last month that prospects
Indeed, he said, "the social impact of
domestic problems.
for approval of a comprehensive over-
World War II or the Vietnam War was
son of Kentucky, formally announced her candidacy
Emphasis on Foreign Affairs
haul of the banking laws were "prob-
a transforming experience" for. the
to succeed him yesterday. He is barred by the state
With President Bush and many
ably no better than 50-50." Some mem-
United States, and the Persian Gulf
constitution from a second consecutive term.
Americans preoccupied with war, this
bers of Congress, noting the financial
war "may cause a shake-up here at
Mrs. Wilkinson laughed while her husband
home."
year's State of the Union Message will
problems of many banks, say they
looked for $20 to pay her filing fee, which their son,
emphasize foreign affairs much more
would hesitate to relax Federal re-
than usual.
quirements for the industry.
Mr. Bush is expected to devote more
than half of the speech to reporting on
Administration officials have appar-
the progress of the war and to affirm-
ently not decided how to shore up the
Bank Insurance Fund, which Insures
A.C.L.U. Shifts as Mission Gro
ing his view that it is "a just war" with
a noble aim. He is also expected to de-
deposits at more than 13,000 banks
scribe his ideas for promoting peace in
across the country. The Federal sys-
tem of deposit insurance for commer-
By NEIL A. LEWIS
the Middle East after the war ends.
Special to The New York Times
Dorsen stepping down this week and
cial banks faces greater dangers today
Nadine Strossen, a general counsel at
Administration officials said the do-
than at any time since it was born in
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 Even as
the organization and a law professor at
The A.C
mestic side of the speech has been a
the Great Depression. But in his State
the American Civil Liberties Union un-
New York Law School, taking his place.
subject of intense wrangling inside the
of the Union Message, Mr. Bush is un-
dergoes a change in leadership, an an-
White House, a reflection of the politi-
likely to say much about the Issue be-
nouncement today that it was deploy-
The Skokle Affair
The America
cal struggle between two wings of the
cause Treasury officials and bankers
ing lawyers to deal with potential civil
When Mr. Dorsen, a New York Uni-
with offices
Republican Party.
have yet to reach agreement on spe-
liberties abuses caused by the Persian
versity law professor, became presi-
basi work,
An early draft of Mr. Bush's speech,
cific proposals.
Gulf war typified the approach of the
dent in 1976, the civil liberties union
the Bill of Rk
ringing with statements about the need
nation's oldest civil liberties organiza.
was in one of its periodic crises.
In a gesture to conservatives, Mr.
tion.
to empower poor people with more
Because of its decision to represent a
AIDS Project
choices, was rewritten under the direc-
Bush is expected to reaffirm his sup-
In criticizing the Bush Administra-
group of self-styled American Nazis
Ing and dison
tion of Richard G. Darman, the budget
port for a cut in the capital gains tax,
tion's questioning of Arab-Americans
who wanted to march through Skokie,
director, and John H. Sununu, the White
but he will not make it a centerpiece of
and the restrictions imposed on the
III, the home of many Holocaust survi-
Capital Pud
House chief of staff, to keep it in line
his agenda as he did in the past, Admin-
press in the gulf, the A.C.L.U. was con-
vors, its membership list was hemor-
with traditional Republican themes
istration officials said.
fronting what it said was Government
rhaging and people were questioning
Federal deat
about the need for good government
Mr., Bush also plans to revive a Rea-
overreaching and infringement of civil
its institutional sanity:
and sound management, the officials
gan Administration proposal for educa-
liberties. Just as typically, it was put-
"While it seemed very controversial,
Children's
said.
tion vouchers as a means to expand the
ting itself at the center of a dispute
the leadership was always totally
systems to
"Young Turks" in the Administra-
choices available to low-income fami-
that, for the most part, would not worry
united about taking the Nazi case," Mr.
tion, like James P. Pinkerton, deputy
most Americans.
lies. Parents could use such vouchers,
Dorsen recalled this week. "Although
Immigrants
assistant to the President for policy
Now in its 71st year, the A.C.L.U. is
we lost members in the short run, in the
foreign citizen
which would be a form of Federal aid,
changing presidents, with Norman
long run it emphasized our devotion to
neutral principles. I never had a mo-
Lesblan and
ment's doubt about it."
discrimination
Under Mr. Dorsen, the organization
sharply increased its litigation in his
National Sec
early years.
Americans in
But during his tenure, the organiza-
tion also made two major changes in
GIVE YOUR V.I.P.
National Pr
response to profound changes in the na-
tion's political atmosphere.
seeks change
Inmates.
New
simple test to find out if you
not claim number 3 in
qualify for a well-paying position as
East section - they
an opinion maker in the field of inter-
thought of the possibility
k
national affairs.
missed on a few, don't di
All you have to do is prove that over
could still be one of those
the past 12 months you have publicly
professors who are hired
taken the positions listed below on the
by the networks, or a colui
Soviet Union and the Middle East.
ilitary.
editorial writer, or appear
The Soviet Union:
Media"
grams where everybody
1. Mikhail Gorbachev's survival as
by Dr.
shout at everybody else.
leader of the Soviet Union is essential
fore-
Plenty of all those types
to American interests, the well-being
anywhere from five to n:
of the Soviet people and world peace.
or it is
positions. Some score his
Without him the deluge, never mind
never
category than the other.
what Soviet democrats say to the
is now
which is stronger their
levels,
contrary.
about the Soviet Union, or
L. This
2. Under Mr. Gorbachev, the power
tation of Israel.
et Sad-
of the K.G.B. is finished for good. No
J.C. Suares
But please note the tric
kstore
Soviet citizen will ever again fear the
paragraph. I said you WC
nighttime knock on the door, bless
cess to
as an international expert
him.
feating
actually promised you the
Bush Surrenders at Home
3. The United States must channel
There are four hitches
at the
money, credits, food, everything it
Liver-
can afford right to Mr. Gorbachev.
1. The people who took
those stands are still in the
ion of
We must hurry before we lose our
paint-
But the President's critics are also
pect a public response to social prob-
chance to help him, and establish an
By Alan Brinkley
economic foothold in his new Soviet
This
partly correct when they blame the
lems.
official
Administration's problems on its own
George Bush is now the unhappy
free-market world.
ted be-
f anyone has reason to be grate-
conceptual emptiness. Throughout
legatee of this dubious victory, one he
4. The Baltic nations are making a
Take test
I
ful for the war in the Persian
his nearly three decades in politics,
dutifully supported throughout the
nuisance of themselves by demand-
repre-
used to
Gulf, it is the unfortunate
Mr. Bush has been à man of highly:
1980's but in which he himself appar-
ing independence. One day maybe he
on Kremlin
to the
White House speechwrite
malleable convictions. On domestic.
ently never really believed. Unlike
will give them all the freedom that is
e ends.
sponsible for President Bush's
issues, at he has never given the
Ronald Reagan, he is not inherently
good for them. Until then, they should
and Mideast.
Liver-
State of the Union Address this
slightest hint of a deep commitment
hostile to government; on the con-
shut up and be patient.
I copy.
evening. Without an international cri-
to anything other than his own politi-
trary, he is its creature.
5. That was a nifty decision of the
spens-
SIS, what would the President have to
cal needs He entered office with no
He speaks forlornly of social goals
Nobel people to give Mr. Gorbachev
ilitary
talk about?
ideological base, no natural constitu-
he would like to achieve if only there
the Peace Prize.
were more money, and is unable ef-
On the Middle East:
there are not many ope
hope to
Perhaps no Administration in this
ency and no discernible agenda. The
have no intention of re
1. The real problem of the Middle
:
century has completed two years in
Bush Administration not only lacks a
fectively to challenge the "new para-
East is the struggle between Israel
cause of a few lousy mist
Dr. Li-
office so devoid of domestic accom-
digm" of the Reagan years - that
cutting taxes and undermining gov-
and the Palestinians. If the intransi-
2. To get one of these
for all
plishments and uninterested in
ettable
ting a domestic agenda And there is
emment's ability to act IS the best
gent Israelis would settle that by giv-
you have to know how
By lib-
no suggestion that anything will
change soon. John Sununu captured
Two years
route to success. The President's
ing up land to a new Palestinian state,
history will prove you rig
the threat of any war in the Middle
You need the skill of rewr
power-
feckless performance during the
rly de-
the essence of the Administration's
budget negotiations makes It clear
East would be all over.
- like saying that Gor
in the
emptiness recently when he an-
of domestic
that he has no idea how to make the
2. Saddam Hussein is vital to the
make It only because So
swered a question about what re-
case for increasing public revenues.
stability of peace in the Middle East,
crats pushed him 100 ha
human
mained on the President's domestic
torpor.
Trapped between a deteriorating
to say nothing about the stability of
dom.
agenda with a curt. Not that much
social and economic climate crving
the price of oil. He may be a terrorist,
3. You also have to prec
ay no-
os that
Were It not for Saddam Hussein. the
out for Government intervention. and
but we need him and have to be
that will fit in with your
Bush Presidency would be nearly in..
a deliberately emasculated public
pragmatic.
takes. Like: Total chaos
is last
visible.
domestic mission, if lacks the will to
3. Saddam Hussein will not invade
the Soviet Union without
Break-
sector stripped of most of its tradi-
Trav-
The litany of Mr. Bush's domestic
look for one.
Kuwait.
chev. or the defeat of Iraq
tional tools. the President now little
failures is already painfully familiar:
But Mr. Bush's greatest problem is
more than a not-very-interested ob-
4. Well, all right, he did invade
terrible "power vacuum
blurb
the silly drumbeating for hopeless
precisely what got him elected in the
server of the course of domestic
Kuwait, but the way to get him out IS
4. This is important
could
constitutional amendments, the em-
first place: the hard-won triumph of
events. He has no apparent strategy
to sanction him to death. He is al-
have to hold deep grud
barrassing contortions leading up to a
the right within the Republican Par-
and no visible ideas, only the faint
ready so weak that he couldn't stand
forget that one day the we
budget agreement that the President
ty, a triumph achieved - after years
more than a few more months of it.
will be over and then we
echoes of stale campaign rhetoric
now claims makes him "gag," the
of frustration - by the creation of
We have the kinder. gentler ap-
Forget that scare talk about how he IS
stick It to Israel.
bold promises about education. drugs
what is now being trumpeted as a
proach." President Bush told Time
building up his strength, not fading
So maybe you won't
and homelessness followed by almost
new paradigm. For 30 years after
magazine recently. It is catching on.
away, as we wait.
after all. But there is a
complete inattention
the New Deal, the Republican right
They used to laugh about the thou-
5. Hafez al-Assad of Syria is vital to
prize. If you have take
Not even Ronald Reagan managed
struggled to halt and even reverse the
sand points of light. There are plenty
the stability of peace in the Middle
maybe you won't put SQ
to antagonize black leaders as quick-
growth of the Federal Government.
of areas of this nature that I would
East, to say nothing about the stabil-
dence in the words of all tr
ly as Mr. Bush has done with his
All such efforts ended in futility.
readily concede we have got a long
ity of the price of oil. He may be a
makers who have demons
clumsy veto of the 1990 Civil Rights
Attacking Government programs
way to go (before wel fulfill what I
terrorist, but we need him and have
simple-mindedness abou
bill and his even clumsier handling of
directly, as right-wing Republicans
would like to see done in the next two
to be pragmatic.
nism or their soft-minde
the Education Department's notori-
from Robert Taft to Barry Goldwater
years." That is about as coherent as
Now, if you can prove you support-
Arab dictators. or both.
ous directive on minority scholar-
discovered, does not attract majority
George Bush has ever been on the
ed all 10 positions, there is no limit to
on the job. predicting awa
ships. With the nation heading into
support. Every Federal program has
subject of domestic policy.
the jobs for which you can qualify,
like mad. same as ever.
what could be a major recession and
a political constituency. The biggest
its banking and financial system on
and most expensive programs have
the verge of collapse, the Administra-
the broadest support. Voters might
vorid's
tion has no response other than to
not like government in the abstract,
book.
hope that things will get better soon.
but almost everyone has some stake
itten a
What accounts for this vacuous
in the things the Government does.
"We've all had to work for years to make every surface of the
book.
record? The President blames It on
Not until Howard Jarvis launched a
fresh
NORTHRO
the Democratic Party's control of
tax revolt in 1978 with Proposition 13
B-2 so precise, every curve so carefully complex. Those intricate
it not
Congress. and he is partly correct in
in California did the right discover
curves are part of the secret of Stealth. And in the future. Stealth is
ection?
that. Unlike Ronald Reagan, Mr.
that there was a better way to under-
going to make the difference. so our pilots can get their jobs done.
People making advanced technology
vbe he
Bush inspires no fear - and, if the
mine government than by assailing
blurbs
budget negotiations are any indica-
specific programs: It was assailing
safely. - Janet Toler. flight test engineer.
te new
tion. some contempt - among Con-
taxes. By separating the issue of tax-
nation-
gressional Democrats. who seem ea-
es from the issue of what taxes sup-
column
ger to see him (and his obstreperous
ported, the right achieved the most
taining
aides) fail.
controversial elements of its own
show
agenda (destroying the Govern-
writing
Alan Brinklev IS professor of history
ment's ability to achieve new goals)
at the City University of New York
without openly antagonizing the mil-
in dic.
Graduate Center
lions of voters who continued to ex-
not
that
TheWashington Post
Book World: Jonathan Yardley
on the influence of think tanks
2
3
Dance: At Kennedy Center,
at Wolf Trap in July
Style
Japan's Matsuyama Ballet
Bolshoi Opera to perform
2
7
On the Beat: Country music
attuned to the gulf war
On the Air
George Bush, Stating It Smoothly
President Gives
By Tom Shales
gress. Saddam was rarely. if ever,
speech with the war, a sandwich
Washington Post Staff Writer
mentioned by name, perhaps partly
wrapped around what NBC anchor
because Bush has so much trouble
Tom Brokaw called "a rather rou-
Cape Cod Woman
Okay, 60 he's not a great com-
pronouncing it. He stuck mostly to
tine checklist of domestic issues"
municator. But he's a greater com-
terms like "tyrant," and "brutal dic-
which elicited "a rather routine re-
A Red-Letter
municator than Saddam Hussein!
tator" and "threat to decency and
ception" from the studio audience.
George Bush's State of the Union
humanity."
Brokaw made a big boo-boo. He
speech, televised live from the
We knew who he meant.
identified the chairman of the Joint
Birthday
House of Representatives on four
Bush got his loudest and longest
Chiefs of Staff as "General Clayton
networks last night, was quite sat-
ovation after he paid tribute to "ev-
Powell." No, no; it's Colin Powell,
isfactory, which for Bush is a step
ery man and woman now serving in
as everybody who has been watch-
By Roxanne Roberts
up.
the Persian Gulf." The response
ing TV for the past 13 days knows.
Washington Post Staff Writer
For a wartime president, Bush
pleased him. "What a fitting tribute
Powell came up because Bush
Thousands of people write to the
kept saber-rattling and name-
to them," Bush said as the cheers
had Powell's wife, Alma, and the wife
White House every year. Kathy
calling basically to a minimum, es-
died down. "What a wonderful, fit-
of the allied commander, Gen. Nor-
Blackwell got a personal reply from
pecially considering how well it
ting tribute to them."
man Schwarzkopf, stand up and take
President Bush--on her birthday,
would have played in front of Con-
Bush began and ended the
See ADDRESS, B4, Col. 1
no less-during last night's State
of the Union address.
Blackwell, a 37-year-old mother
On CNN, Waiting for Saddam
of two from Craigville, Mass., shot
off a two-page handwritten letter
By Tom Shales
looked like a throne-or something
to the president a few weeks ago
Washington Post Staff Writer
one would see in the lobby of a Las
after he referred to the current
Vegas hotel. He was wearing a for-
economic slowdown as "a mild re-
For CNN, yesterday was one
mal suit, a moderately festive neck-
cession." Not that she expected a
long chorus of "Saddam That Got
tie and an unmatching silk pocket
response, but she thought he
Away."
handkerchief. He looked creepy but
should know things were pretty se-
The all-news network's much-
calm.
rious in her hometown.
ballyhooed interview with Iraqi
Saddam rambled on to Arnett
"My heart is aching," Blackwell
President Saddam Hussein, video-
about God and war and the coun-
wrote. "And I think that you should
taped by an Iraqi crew in Baghdad
tries allied against him, not making
TAKEN ROM
know: Your people out here are
on Monday with CNN correspon-
a great deal of sense. After the ex-
hurting badly."
dent Peter Arnett asking the ques-
Saddam during the interview.
cerpt was shown, a CNN anchor
Bush quoted those lines during
tions, still hadn't aired more than
trumpeted that this had been "the
There were additional dribs and
his address to the country, which
24 hours after CNN announced it
first video transmission by a West-
had obtained it.
drabs from the interview at 5 and 6
kept the author up past her bed-
em news agency since the war be-
time. Blackwell, who currently jug-
At 4:24 p.m., four minutes of
gan." It was soon interrupted, how-
p.m.
gles the demands of a full-time job
ROM
COD
TIMES
video did show up, with Saddam ait-
ever, by what CNN said was an air
"It's been a nightmare," said Ed
See LETTER, B4, Col. 1
Kathy Blackwell and her 4-month-old daughter, Molly, at home.
ting in a white and gold chair that
raid in Baghdad.
See TAPE, B8, Col. 1
70
Generals With
scowl and this does not serve his pur-
approval for such issues as "control of
State of
poses well.
federal spending" and a reduction in
S
There was some decent phrase-
the capital gains tax.
g
making evident in the 47-minute
When Bush said, "We will get this
th
The Union
speech, as when Bush said, "So that
recession behind us, and return to
19
peace can prevail, we will prevail," or
growth soon," it was the first time the
when he called America "the beacon of
president had conceded the existence
tic
freedom in a searching world." Bush's
of a recession, at least by that name, in
bh
ADDRESS, From B1
seeming paraphrase of Abraham Lin-
a speech, according to Dan Rather of
for
bows in the audience. This was fine,
coln was probably the most potentially
CBS News. Rather anchored a special
m
but if Ronald Reagan were still presi-
lasting refrain: "Our cause is just, our
report on the Persian Gulf War that
ye
dent (if only!), the Reaganauts would
cause is moral, our cause is right." On
followed the Democratic response by
the other hand, certain to be forgotten
his royal dullness Sen. George Mitchell
TI
have had the wives, and maybe a hus-
soon if not already was the allegedly in-
(D-Maine).
band, of regular old enlisted personnel
spiring, "If you've got a hammer, find a
One other detail of last night's pre-
on hand, for that nice warm human
da
nail."
sentation should probably be noted:
touch.
un
The speech was interrupted nearly
Dan Quayle had a brand-new haircut.
Gill
The nice warm human touch usually
40 times for applause, and there were
Indeed, it looked as though he had
the
eludes Bush and the Bushniks.
five standing ovations, not counting
dashed from the barbershop right to
da
those at the opening and close. Mr.
the House.
Bush's speaking style has improved.
the
Bush was clearly on a roll.
The State of the Union was not a
People used to say his voice reminded
art
All the applause stretched the
speech to echo through the ages, but
them of Jack Nicholson's but last night,
the
speech out too much, however, and
how many do anymore? Bush acquitted
Sc
some of the reediness and the dry
sometimes ovations interrupted Bush
himself well, read smoothly, and spoke
ign
phrasing seemed more reminiscent of
when he had a nice rhythm going.
for only about 15 minutes too long. He
sky
Henry Fonda. Unfortunately, Bush still
Those sentimental souls in Congress
looked happier when it was over than
sometimes lapses into a sour Nixonian
saved their second-loudest choruses of
he did when it began, and so were we.
da
The Letter
This is affecting people in the most ba-
doing," she said. "People are afraid the
sic ways."
war is going to make things much
She put it all down in a "passionate"
worse and it's going to take longer for
letter to the president. "I wrote this
the economy to recover."
LETTER, From B1
from my heart as a spokesperson for
Blackwell, for the record, is a regis-
Middle America." And she threw in a
and a 4-month-old daughter, had
tered Democrat who supported Jesse
planned to celebrate her birthday by
"brazen" question: What would happen
Jackson in the last presidential election.
if he lost Kennebunkport? "People are
"I'm pretty liberal, I have to say."
catching up on sleep.
losing their homes," she said. "I don't
Nonetheless, she said she was elated
"I was just hoping he would read the
know if he'd ever thought about that."
that the president read from her letter.
letter," Blackwell said last night. "For
the families and the children I see ev-
Blackwell has thought about it.
"I am very thrilled, very honored,"
ery day, I wanted him to hear their
Three months ago her husband, Paul
she said. "I thought it was an inspira-
Thomas, broke his neck. Thomas, a
tional speech-the things he said about
message. Things aren't going to get
fisherman, was lucky: He was not para-
helping each other. I thought it meant
better tomorrow. And tomorrow and
lyzed in the accident and is currently
a lot. I hope there's something behind
today are what they have to live with."
receiving disability payments. "And I
those words."
Blackwell runs Project Outreach, a
still have my job, so we're doing okay,"
She found out the letter would be
children's program in Sandwich, a
said Blackwell of her $18,000-a-year
quoted only a couple of hours before
small town on Cape Cod. The program,
full-time position. "But we don't know
the speech. "We taped the whole
located in a day-care center, lends toys
if he can go back to fishing. That will
thing," she said. "My friends from
and provides child-care scholarships for
make it very tough because there are
around the country started calling dur-
low-income families.
just no jobs out there."
ing the speech and said, 'Was that
"I'm seeing people getting laid off
Massachusetts in general and her
you?!' "Her 15 minutes of fame contin-
from work and having to pull their chil-
neighbors on the Cape in particular
ue: Blackwell was scheduled to appear
dren out of the center," she said. "Fa-
have been hit hard by the recession.
on ABC's "Good Morning America"
thers who've been laid off coming at
One of her friends just filed for bank-
and "CBS This Morning" today.
the end of the day to pick up their chil-
ruptcy; the rest are barely hanging on.
"People will hear these people's
dren.
This is not a 'mild' recession.
"It's affecting everything everybody's
message," she said. "That's wonderful."
Bush Asks U.S. to Bear "Burden of Leadership';
Superpowers Tell Iraq It Can End War in Gulf
'Commitment'
Tribute to Troops
On Pullout From
Marks Emotional
Kuwait Sought
State of Union
By Rick Atkinson and David Hoffman
By Ann Devroy and Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writers
Washington Post Staff Writers
The United States and the Soviet
President Bush last night summoned the
Union, in a joint statement on the Persian
nation to stand with him in the Persian Gulf
Gulf War last night, told Iraq that hostil-
War, declaring that its cost in lives "is be-
ities could end "if Iraq would make an un-
yond our power to measure, but the cost of
equivocal commitment" to pull out of Ku-
closing our eyes to aggression is beyond
wait and take "immediate, concrete steps"
mankind's power to imagine."
leading to compliance with the United Na-
Speaking to a joint session of Congress
tions resolutions.
13 days after ordering American forces into
The statement, issued by Secretary of
combat against Iraq, Bush said this country
State James A. Baker III and Soviet Foreign
assumed the "burden of leadership" in con-
Minister Alexander Bessmertnykh, also
fronting Iraqi President Saddam Hussein
called for a redoubled effort after the war to
because "among the nations of the world,
resolve broader Middle East issues, includ-
only the United States of America has had
ing the regional arms race and the Arab-Is-
both the moral standing and the means to
raeli conflict.
back it up."
Using expansive language in describing
The president's second State of the
the goals of the two nations for the Middle
Union address turned into an emotional
East, the statement called for a "compre-
tribute to the men and women now serving
hensive settlement," but stopped short of
in the war when the audience rose for a
specifying how this should be carried out. It
rousing, prolonged standing ovation as Bush
included no mention of an international
said no one in America is "more devoted,
peace conference, which the Soviets active-
more committed to the hard work of free-
ly have sought in the past.
dom" than the troops overseas.
The statement represented the first at-
The House chamber was silent as Bush
tempt by the United States and Soviet
said in a firm and measured voice, "Our
Union to spell out how Iraqi President Sad-
cause is just. Our cause is moral. Our cause
dam Hussein might end the war: an ironclad
is right.'
promise to abandon Kuwait and a concerted
The audience of lawmakers and special
effort to do so. Although the two foreign
guests, protected by the tightest security in
ministers reiterated their commitment to
recent memory at the Capitol, also ap-
U.N. resolutions seeking the liberation of
POST
plauded at length when Bush introduced
Kuwait, the statement appeared to mark a
Surrounded by members of Congress, President Bush makes his way through the House chamber to deliver his State of the Union address.
Brenda Schwarzkopf, wife of the command-
shift in tone from President Bush's adamant
er of U.S. forces in the war, and Alma Pow.
declaration as recently as Jan. 23 that there
ell, wife of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs
could be "no pause now that Saddam has
Iran Assures U.S. It Will Hold Iraqi Planes
of Staff. The two women were seated in the
forced the world into war." Bush vowed
gallery with First Lady Barbara Bush.
then, "We will stay the course and
In talking about the twin crises of the war
suc-
ceed, all the way,"
Analysts Harboring of Aircraft as Bid by Tehran for Postwar Influence in Region
in the gulf and the recession at home, Bush
confidently predicted victory, Of
or of U.S. forces in the war, and Alma Pow,
Jan.
that
there
could be "no pause now that Saddam has
then, "We will stay the course and
Iran Assures U.S. It Will Hold Iraqi Planes
ell, wife of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs
forced the world into war." Bush vowed
of Staff. The two women were seated in the
gallery with First Lady Barbara Bush.
suc-
ceed, all the way."
In talking about the twin crises of the war
Administration officials said that neither
Analysts See Harboring of Aircraft as Bid by Tehran for Postwar Influence in Region
in the guif and the recession at home, Bush
Washington nor Moscow expected Saddam
confidently predicted victory. Of the war,
to act on the proposal. But they said the
he said, "I am certain of how it will end. So
statement served the purpose of calming
By Barton Gellman and David Hoffman
refueling the Iraqi fleet or aiding its reentry
atio bombing of a largely grounded air
that peace can prevail. We will prevail."
nervous Arab allies and quelling speculation
Washington Post Staff Writers
into battle, diplomatic sources said.
force. Tehran's offer of sanctuary to a once-
On the economy, Bush said, "We will get
that Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev
Iran's U.N. ambassador, Kamal Kharrazi,
The White House announced yesterday
bitter enemy was generally viewed as a bid
this recession behind us, and return to
was straying from the international coali-
said last night, "These airplanes are seised
growth soon." The president described the
that U.S. officials had received fresh assur-
for power and influence in shaping Persian
tion. Last weekend, Bessmertnykh ques-
and they will be seized until the war is
Gulf security arrangements after the war.
recession as a temporary interruption to the
ances from Iran "within the last 24 hours"
tioned whether allied military forces, with
over." Asked in a televised CBS News in-
The escape of Iraq's aircraft began last
longest peacetime expansion in history.
their extensive air bombardment of Iraq,
that all Iraqi warplanes seeking sanctuary in
terview whether even Israel's entry, into
Iran would remain impounded until the end
week with the flight of a small group that
Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitch-
were expanding the conflict beyond the
the war could change his government's
included the only surviving Iraqi radar early
ell (Maine), delivering the Democratic re-
U.N. goal of freeing Kuwait.
of the Persian Gulf War, and a top Iranian
commitment, he said that "liberation of Pal-
warning plane, known as the Adnan 2, U.S.
sponse, said the United States faces a "cri-
The statement also was significant be-
diplomat said there were no circumstances
estine does not justify occupation of Ku-
and Arab sources said. Even before the war
SIS here at home" as well as abroad and
cause, after months of insisting that broad-
in which Tehran would release the planes
wait." He also rejected Iraqi President Sad-
began, Saddam had flushed some of his
called on the president to "join us in putting
er Middle East issues could not be linked to
before then.
dam Hussein's assertion that the confron-
commercial airliners to Libya, Mauritania
our own house in order" with a broader do-
the gulf conflict. the superpowers ad-
White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwa-
tation over Kuwait is "a war between be-
and, eventually, Iran, the sources added.
mestic agenda.
dressed both in the same document. Both
ter said the Iraqi jets-now numbering
lievers and infidels."
Military transport planes, escorted to the
On behalf of congressional Democrats,
nations signaled they were prepared to
more than 90-"will be watched continu-
U.S. government and allied analysts con-
border by Iraqi fighters, subsequently fled
many of whom voted against an immediate
move quickly after the war on some of the
ally" by the allies, and U.S. military officials
tinued to puzzle over the exodus of Iraqi
to Iran. At first, the fighter escorts turned
authorization for war earlier this month,
most complicated and nettlesome regional
vowed to destroy them if they leave Iranian
Mitchell said they will "work to see that it's
warplanes into Iran, among the most sur-
back before entering Iranian airspace and
disputes, including the Palestinians, arms
sanctuaries. Iran also has been reminded by
prising developments in two weeks of war.
swift and decisive, with the least possible
returned to their bases, the sources said.
control and reconciliation between Israel
Britain and other governments that Teh-
loss of life."
Most of those interviewed saw Baghdad's
and Arab states.
But beginning late last week, the fighters
ran's neutrality in the conflict precludes
But the Democratic leader said the Unit.
motive as desperation in the face of system-
The joint communique was issued on the
See PLANES, A26, Cel. 1
ed States "cannot oppose repression in one
13th day of the war, as public attention fo-
place and overlook it another," a reference
cused on the continuing departure of Iraqi
to the massacre of pro-democracy demon-
warplanes to Iran. U.S. military officials
THE PERSIAN GULF WAR
strators in China in 1989 and the present
said allied aircraft intend to destroy Iraqi
Soviet repression of the Baltic indepen-
jets attempting to enter or leave Iranian
dence movement.
sanctuaries, but the exodus is considered
U.S. Marine jets and other allied aircraft
border in Israel. Palestinian sources in
a war against Iraq, was forced from office
Bush, referring to the turmoil in the Ball-
more a symptom of Baghdad's desperation
attacked a column of Iraqi tanks, armored
southern Lebanon said the rocket firing had
yesterday. He was replaced by President
tics, said that in recent days Soviet officials
than a military threat.
vehicles and trucks-destroying 24 of
been ordered by PLO Chairman Yasser
Francois Mitterrand's close friend Pierre
had assured him they will withdraw some
Fair weather and the apparent disinte-
them-in one of several cross-border skir-
Arafat. Arafat denied it.
Joxe, the interior minister.
forces from those states and reopen a di-
gration of organized Iraqi air defenses al-
mishes reported yesterday. Allied aircraft
alogue with Baltic leaders.
lowed hundreds of allied bombers to criss-
flew 2,600 sorties with no reported losses.
Germany dramatically increased its con-
- Two senior U.S. officers responsible for
"Our objective is to help the Baltic peo+
cross southern Iraq and Kuwait with virtual
tribution to the Persian Guif War effort,
shipping weapons and supplies to the Per-
ples achieve their aspirations, not to punish
- Israel attacked a Palestinian refugee
impunity. In one of the most successful as-
promising to give the United States $5.5
camp in Lebanon yesterday with helicopters
sian Gulf said yesterday the U.S. should
the Soviet Union," the president said. Main-
saults to date against Iraqi ground forces,
billion and to send military aid to Israel and
consider reopening production lines for cer-
taining a relationship with the Soviets, he
and gunboats after a barrage of rockets ex-
Marine Harrier jets and other allied war-
ploded in the Israeli "security zone" near the
Turkey. The Germans also will dispatch
tain military hardware to ensure against
added, "is important, not only to us, but to
planes swooped down on an Iraqi convoy
Israel-Lebanon border. Israel said it sus-
another 600 soldiers to Turkey.
shortages in case the war is prolonged.
the world."
near the Kuwaiti-Saudi border, destroying
Bush devoted a significant part of his
pected that soldiers affiliated with the Pal-
24 tanks, armored personnel carriers and
Jean-Pierre Chevenement, the French
- Security precautions at the Capitol for
speech to domestic policy initiatives, but
estine Liberation Organization had fired the
trucks, U.S. military officials said.
defense minister who had openly expressed
last night's State of the Union address were
nearly all of them were offered last year or
rockets, intending them to fall across the
Targeting this week has focused with
his doubts about allied strategy in initiating
the tightest in recent memory.
See PRESIDENT, A16, Col. I
See WAR, A24, Col. 3
Stories in the Persian Gulf War section, Style, Metro and Business
Bush's State of the Union text. Page A14
Black Factions Reach Accord
INSIDE
Is Coastal Pollution Ebbing?
Mandela, Buthelezi Vow End to Bloodshed
New Gene Therapy Test
Firefighter Raise Killed
Two patients with a lethal
The D.C. Council yesterday
Some U.S. Waters Reported Cleaner in 1980s
form of skin cancer began re-
rejected a proposed 3 percent
By David B. Ottaway
policy differences between the two
ceiving treatments yesterday
pay raise for firefighters that
Washington Post Poreign Service
men "there was no acrimony what-
with their own white blood cells,
Marion Barry had approved be-
By William Booth
spheric Administration, which re-
soever" during their discussions.
which have been genetically en-
leased its results yesterday.
DURBAN, South Africa, Jan.
fore leaving office. Council
Washington Post Staff Writer
Mandela said that the problems that
gineered to produce a protein
"It's good news. If the data are
29-African National Congress
Chairman John A. Wilson called
In a major reassessment of the
had kept the ANC and Buthelezi's
that kills cancer cells. Page A2
accurate, this is a really hopeful
leader Nelson Mandela and Zulu
the raise unrealistic. Page D1
health of U.S. coastal waters, fed-
Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party
sign," said Elliott Norse, a marine
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, meet-
at loggerheads for the past 12 years
Somali Capital Sacked
Food
eral scientists reported yesterday
ecologist and chief scientist at the
ing today for the first time in more
that overall the nation's marine en-
had been "fully addressed" and dis-
- The fall of Somalia's ruler to
Center for Marine Conservation, an
than 30 years, issued a dramatic
# Catching up with an interna-
vironment may be less polluted now
cussed "in a very cordial spirit."
rebel forces has resulted in the
environmental advocacy group
joint appeal for an immediate end to
tional plant sleuth; belt tighten-
than a decade ago.
While it had been impossible for
sacking of the capital, Mo-
here. "I say three cheers."
the bloody rivalry among their foi-
ing-how we are economising on
Contrary to the popular belief that
the two powerful black political or-
gadishu, where the stench of
Norse, however, said that despite
food; shellfish mussels no longer
lowers that has taken more than
death lingers and looters keep
the nation's waters grow more pol-
ganizations to reach agreement on
some gains, the United States still
neglected; bearing up to winter
5,000 lives in the last five years.
luted each year, scientists monitor-
all issues dividing them, Mandela
busy while automatic-weapon
with comfort foods; Spain's
has a large marine pollution prob-
Appearing together at a press
said, "we can only hope that [a re-
fire continues.
Page A7
ing toxic compounds and trace met-
lem. Moreover. the federal scien-
Torres Coronas wine. Page E1
als in fish
conference after a daylong meeting
duction in violence! will he the
Idend of the war, the performance
of the Patriot anti-missile defense
saystem. He announced he had di-
rected that the moribund Strategic
Defense Initiative, under almost
constant siege in Congress, be re-
focused to concentrate on such anti-
Anissile systems, a move aimed at
assuring its funding.
In sketching out broad themes
your few details-of domestic policy,
Bush borrowed some of Reagan's
oft-used rhetoric in calling for a "Ye
newal" of America's spirit and says.
ing, "If anyone tells you America's
best days are behind her, they
"looking the wrong way."
He portrayed his domestic initi-
atives as an investment in the "next
American century." and said he
would submit legislation that would
"expand educational vouchers for
public school children to attend
schools of their choice: offer a blue-
print for a new national highway
system; provide record levels of
funding and new tax credits for re-
search and development, and pro-
No one has flown you to the warmth of the sun
pose a national energy strategy and
banking reform plan. All of those
proposals, at least in general form,
and the sounds of the ocean longer than we have.
have been announced before.
The energy strategy and highway
plan are both called for by Congress
"and will be detailed later this year,
.the latter when the old highway
laws are up for renewal. A banking
reform plan, which the Treasury
"Department announced in concept
Jast year, is expected to be unveiled
in detail later this week.
Bush made only passing refer-
And now we have more destinations in Latin America,
ence to the recession, acknowledg-
Jing in reading a letter from a wo-
the Caribbean and Florida than ever before.
man from Massachusetts an old
Reagan device that he understood
the pain a bad economy brings to
Fares are eachway based
In 1927, when Pan Am made
destinations worldwide.
Fares are each way based
on roundtrip purchase
NEW DESTINATIONS
on roundtrip purchase
Andividual Americans. But, said the
the first scheduled interna-
Earn Triple Miles with
Each way based on roundtrip purchase.
COMPLETE
president, "We will get this reces-
Antigna MHREA
$217
tional flight by any U.S. airline, it
Pan Am WorldPass.
*Naples VLE7SPNR
$100
sion behind us and return to growth
"soon."
Barbados
MHXEA,
$217
was from Florida to the Carib-
Cancun VXENR
$14750
off
Fly anywhere on Pan Am
Nassau QXENR
$152
He defined his economic goals as
Belize City
bean. We 've been serving Latin
*Marsh Harbour BHXE
*268
except South America between
*Orlando VEOWKDMR
$79
Socusing on encouraging economic
PURCHASE
QSALERR
2/8
$168
America almost as long. And
1/3 and 3/28/91. Or to South
Port-au-Prince MHXEA
$234
growth, investing in the future and
Recife BLAPM
$681
giving power and opportunity to the
Bermuda MLXR
*135
today, we 've grown to serve 20
all MI
America between 3/1 and
Port of Spain MHXEA
$217
individual That reference to pow-
Buenos Aires MLAPSM
$68550
destinations in the Caribbean
"Treasure Cay MAE
$21750
4/30/91. And you'll earn triple
Puerto Plata
$22850
or was about as close as Bush was
*194
and the Bahamas, and 17 in
WorldPass miles. Of course,
Rio de Janeiro MLAP3M
$67950
willing to come to the so-called
Caracas QAE21
""empowerment" agenda being
*Daytona Beach VEOWKONR.
$79
Latin America.
you have to be a Pan Am WorldPass member
St. Croix MHXEA
$215
"pushed on him by conservatives
Miami grows nonstop.
before you begin any travel, but that's easy.
St. Maarten MHXEA
$217
within the administration such as
Freeport (TXEMR.
$152
Pan Am is now the largest international
For instant WorldPass enrollment and 3,000
St. Thomas MHXEA
$215
Housing and Urban Development
Ft. Myers VEOWKDNIR
$79
Secretary Jack Kemp and outside it
carrier at Miami Airport. We've added daily
bonus miles just for signing up, simply call
San José QSALENR
PURCHASE
$208
*such as House Minority Whip Newt
Grand Cayman QKNR
$177
nonstops to Miami from Newark. And
1-800-348-8000.
San Juan VHKNR
$19150
Gingrich (R-Ga.).
Guatemala City
PURCHASE
Pan Am Express links seven Florida cities
So if you re heading for the sun, call your
San Pedro Sula
Bush did give a nod to some pieces
QSALENR
2/8
*208
to Miami. Which means we now serve over
Travel Agent or Pan Am at 1-800-221-1111.
PURCHASE
QBALEMR
BY
$208
of that agenda: efforts to encourage
*Jacksonville VEOWRDAR
$79
tenants to buy their own homes and
30 US. cities out of Miami. And a total of 110
Chances are, we're growing there.
San Salvador
to give parents vouchers so they can
*Key West VLE7SPNR
COMPLETE
BY 2/13
*100
Some important conditions to read before you call: All fares-are each way based on roundtrip economy purchase. Fares may not
PURCHASE
QSALENR
$228
choose schools for their children
Kingston MHXEA
$20750
be available on all flights, are subject to government approval, change without notice, and certain fares are nonrefundable. Varying
effective dates, blackout dates, advance purchase dates, and-min/max stay requirements apply. There is a surcharge for weekend
Santiago MLAP3M
$68550
but he described no agenda of "em-
Managua QSALEMR
PURCHASE
powerment" or a "new paradigm,"
BY
$228
travel and a penalty for cancellation in some instances. U.S.: Purchase tickets no later than 24 hours after making reservations. Carib-
Santo Domingo MHXEA
$217
the conservative code words.
Melbourne VEOWHONR.
$79
bean and Latin America: Various security surcharges apply to all fares. A $10 customs fee applies to all Latin American destinations.
Does not include $6 international departure tax. Triple Miles: Triple miles apply to travel on Pan Am and Pan Am Express (but not the
'Sarasota/
annly
for
Standard
WorldPass
terms
Bradenton VEOWKDHR
$79
16 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1991
THE WASHINGTON POST
THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
President Asks Nation to Unite on War, Bear 'Burden of Leadership'
PRESIDENT, From A1
America and demonstrators in Lith-
policy," Mitchell said. The nation has
heading upward by the time any
On capital gains, the officials said
nue loss, but the administration has
uania "are as wrong as Iraqi soldiers
had no energy policy for a decade
legislative proposals take effect.
Bush's proposal to have Greenspan
been chafing over this for months.
have been previously announced.
killing civilians" and asserted: "We
and "we need a new energy program
Bush is laying out "a growth agen-
De offered a scaled-down version of
referee the longstanding dispute
Bush's one new idea-a proposal
cannot oppose repression in one
which encourages conservation, pro-
da
geared for the long term," a
between the White House and Con-
to turn some federal programs over
former president Ronald Reagan's
place and overlook it in another."
motes the use of alternative fuels
senior official said. He added that the
New Federalism initiative in the
gress over whether the tax cut
to the states-calls for the White
Moving to seize the offensive for
and reduces our dependence on im-
administration's approach to the re-
form of turning over to the states
raises or loses revenue "doesn't in
House and Congress to select $15
Democrats on domestic issues,
ported oil," he added.
cession is "no heavy [government]
about $15 billion in unspecified fed-
Mitchell said the nation's needs
any way violate the rules of the bud-
billion in programs and turn them
While Bush's program included
spending programs
no shock
into a single block grant for the
ocal programs and money to pay for
cannot go unmet until the war is
no anti-recession progams, admin-
treatment." Instead, he said contin-
get agreement."
states, with no strings attached. Ad-
them.
over. "The president says he seeks
istration officials said the president
ued pressure on spending and sev-
The administration has long ar-
ministration officials said that the
"-But conservatives' dreams of a
a new world order. We ask him to
advocates a number of initiatives
eral previously offered ideas-tax-
gued that a capital gains tax cut
call to arms around the theme of
programs would be fully funded, but
join us in putting our own house in
that have a longer term goal of as-
free family savings accounts, penal-
would increase taxes by stimulating
that the block grant proposal, which
granting more power to individuals
order. We have a crisis abroad. But
suring economic expansion. A sen-
ty-free withdrawal of money in In-
investment and economic growth.
dates back to the Nixon administra-
were dashed by a speech that side-
we also have a crisis here at home."
ior administration official said that,
dividual Retirement Accounts for
Democrats say it cost the govern-
stepped most ideological flash-
tion, would give governors flexibility
The first priority must be econom-
because many economists believe
purchases of a first home and a cut in.
ment money. During the budget
points. A senior White House offi-
in spending the money. The officials
ic growth and the first step toward
the recession will be short and not
capital gains taxes-would help aar
debate last year, the two sides
refused to provide examples of pro-
clal said the president "has no stom-
that goal must be "a sensible energy
too severe, the economy may be
sure economic growth
ach" for major battles with Con-
agreed that it would mean a reve-
grams that might be affected.
gress when the nation is at war.
That strategy was evident in
Bush's handling of the capital gains
pax proposal, which generated
months of controversy and chaos in
Washington last year. The presi-
dent said he would renew his call
(dr the tax cut but effectively put it
do the back burner by proposing
that a commission of White House
and congressional leaders headed
by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan
Greenspan first study its impact.
On the guif war, Bush said the
nation stands at "a defining hour,"
picking up a burden of leadership
that no other nation can shoulder.
"We are Americans. We have a
Imique responsibility to do the hard
work of freedom," he said. "We are
the only nation on this earth that
could assemble the forces of peace."
Bush portrayed the effort to stop
fraqi President Saddam Hussein as
burden that comes with the
Blessings of freedom." Future gen-
erations. he said, should say of this
effort: "We stood where duty re-
quired us to stand."
In a brief progress report on the
War, the president offered little be-
frond what he has said since the sec-
bed day of the war. "We are on
"course. Iraq's capacity to sustain
war is being destroyed," he said.
The nation's investment in defense,
he said, is "paying off."
Bush quickly cashed in one div-
THE WASHINGTON POST
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1991 A15
THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Assuming Mantle of War, Bush Signals New Course in U.S. Destiny
"only nation on this Earth that could
Checkpoints stopped people yards
Television Age that viewers today
in this place so often derisively dis-
it faced "as grave a task as any Con-
By Haynes Johnson
assemble the forces of peace" and
before the Capitol. They were
are accustomed to seeing politicians
missed as "the cave of the winds."
gress in the history of our Republic"
Washington Post Staff Writer
searched-and then stopped and
dozing, daydreaming or even, on
War had produced such emotions in
in order to meet the challenges of a
assume "the burden of leadership."
occasion, napping during delivery of
that chamber in the past, and war
Cold War turned hot.
At 9:05 last night, George Bush
There was much more than or-
searched again------as they passed, one
again reignited them last night.
Later, Lyndon B. Johnson still
strolled into a packed congressional
dinary political rhetoric in those
by one, inside. Still again, before tak-
the presidential address.
ing seats in the galleries, they were
That was not so last night. The
There was, however, a difference
held out hope that America could
chamber amid thunderous cheers to
words, and the solemn setting re-
searched once more.
predictable political boilerplate ex-
between Bush, the war president,
have a Great Society at home and
take a place previously occupied by
inforced them. This, everyone
and his four presidential predeces-
win a war abroad when he delivered
present understood, was a moment
All these scenes contributed to
pressions about checking bureau-
only a few other presidents.
that people would remember.
the sense of history last night.
cracy, turning government over to
sors who articulated war messages
his first message of the Vietnam era
At that moment, as cheers
the people and producing other
and expressed war aims in that
that began in 1965.
rocked the house, Bush became in
Once again, America was at war,
Normally, these State of the
same place in this century.
George Bush's words sought to
history's book a true war presi-
and once again a president had
Union messages are synthetic af-
promised wonders, were present,
but they were not what riveted the
Woodrow Wilson, in 1917, struck
signal the end of a period of Amer-
dent-a leader who in an hour of
made the short journey from' the
fairs, canned presidential speeches
a typical note of missionary idealism
ican failure-failure in Vietnam,
White House to Capitol Hill to tell
hall and everyone in it.
national danger and uncertainty
presenting a predictable laundry list
When Bush turned to the war and
as America entered World War I. A
failure in a hostage rescue mission,
leaders of the other branches of the
would be linked in public memory
from a chief executive's legislative
the future, a deathly silence hung
quarter of a century later, Franklin
failure even in domestic economic
American government what he
with his ability to rally government
wish book, greeted by canned ap-
over the chamber. His remarks of
D. Roosevelt, speaking scarcely a
planning-and held out an almost
thought about the state of the
and country in prosecution of a ma-
plause from presidential partisans
praise for American combat forces
month after Pearl Harbor, sounded
fervent belief in a resurgent Amer-
Union.
jor war.
Outside, the Capitol was an island,
and polite response-or stony si-
deployed in the Persian Gulf drew a
the imperial war commander as he
ican future.
His theme last night was an
lence-from political opponents.
thunderous standing ovation that
spelled out his plans for total mo-
It was the burden of leadership
a throbbing political center sur-
America in peril, standing at a de-
rounded by a moat of security. The
So dull were these addresses con-
roared through the room. It was
bilization of America's personal and
that he expressed last night, and if
fining moment in its history and
grounds were still, their silence bro-
sidered in past decades that from
followed, in quick order, by more
material resources, even citing ex-
taken at face value, it symbolized an
representing something "larger
ken by the sound of barking police
the beginning until Woodrow Wil-
moments of absolute silence-and
act numbers of tanks, planes and
America that is further willing to
than ourselves."
dogs. The shadowy figures of armed
son, no president personally deliv-
more standing ovations when Bush
ships to be produced in order for
take on global burdens rather than
And something more: a hint, in
police flitted through the night, their
ered his address; instead, they sent
reiterated his conviction that the
the nation to win victory in World
retreat from them.
his repeated evocation of the chal-
surreal presence contrasted by the
written messages up to the Hill to
war would be won and that then
War II.
Whether the country will share
Harry S. Truman's tone at the
that vision as this war proceeds is
lenges and burdens of "the next
brightly illuminated Capitol dome
be read aloud by droning clerks be-
peace would prevail.
American century," of America's
above. Inside, it was a hothouse of
fore benumbed legislators. So or-
Here, without doubt, was genu-
advent of the Korean War, was more
the question that history will later
destiny as the world's leader, the
expectations and emotions.
dinary have they become in the
ine emotion, of a kind seldom seen
somber as he warned Congress that
have to judge.
Mitchell Urges Support
For War, Action at Home
Democratic Leader Asks Bush to Rethink
Economic, Energy, Health, Aid Policies
By Helen Dewar
Bush for failing to prepare the na-
and Tom Kenworthy
tion for what could be a protracted,
Washington Post Staff Writers
bloody war. "He wanted to retain
the optimism that this is going to be
Senate Majority Leader George
short.
The opportunity was lost
J. Mitchell (Maine) last night
to talk about the difficult days
pledged the Democrats' support for
ahead." Senate Armed Services
a "swift and decisive" conclusion of
Committee Chairman Sam Nunn
the Persian Gulf War but asserted
(D-Ga.), who helped lead the fight
that the nation faces "a crisis here
against the war authorization, said
at home" that cannot be ignored
Bush's comments on the gulf con-
while the war is being fought.
flict were "unifying and uplifting."
In the formal Democratic reply to
But some Democrats also praised
President Bush's State of the Union
Bush for emphasizing domestic
Bush says war
will result in
W.T. 1/30/91
lasting peace
By Frank J. Murray
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ON THE STATE
President Bush last night prom-
ised the nation enduring peace in the
OF THE UNION
Middle East, greater rapport with
Moscow, and rélief from economic
and social pain at home
"If we can selflessly confront evil
for the sake of good in a land so far
away, then surely we can make this
land all that It should be he said in
a confident State of the Union thes-
sage before a joint session of Con-
Recalled the Gulf war a "delining
the Gulf
hour for America and the world and
Siraq'e capacity to sustain swar
offered & package of proposals.to
being destroyed Our investment
deal with crime and drugs and pay
our training at
city and disease in this country, and
are paying office be
promised victory onall fronts;
Saddam's salvalion
Iraq's capacity to sustain war is
being destroyed Time will not be
Saddam's salvation." Mr. Bush said
The economy
"We will get this
in a Capitol sealed off to the public
recession behind
and guarded against war-linked ter-
US and return to
rorism. Only one person in the line
growth-soon."
of succession to the presidency was
absent, Interior Secretary Manuel
We should focus put blords
Lujan, who was under Secret Ser-
today on encouraging economic
vice guard elsewhere in case a disas-
growth, investing in the future
ter struck Congress
and giving power and opportunity
to the individual."
Mr. Bush received a prolonged
standing ovation from both sides of
the aisle as be entered and again
The budget
when he was introduced. His words
I'm submitting a
were applauded 50 times in the 47.
budget that holds
minute speech, but partisanship oc-
the growth in
casionally led to a laugh or one-sided
spending to less
applause.
than the rate of inflation
There was nothing one-sided
budget again includes tax-free
about the response to his praisé for
family savings accounts)
"every man and woman now serving
penalty-free withdrawals from
in the Persian Gulf," which brought
IRAs for first-time home buyers;
the audience to its feet for two min-
and to increase jobs and growth,
utes. A similar welcome followed the
8 reduced tax for long-term
president's introduction of Brends
capital gains."
Schwarzkopf, wife of the com-
mander of Operation Desert Storm,
Crime
and Alma Powell, wife of the chair-
"The attorney
man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
general will soon
The official opposition response
convene a crime
was delivered by Senate Majority
summit of our
Leader George Mitchell, who fo-
nation's top law enforcement
cused most criticism on domestic is-
officials. And to help US support
sues.
them, we need tough crime
"Our troops deserve our full sup-
control legislation, and we need it
port," Mr. Mitchell said. "They have
now."
mine and that of the Congress." But
he linked to the war Mr. Bush's call
Civil rights
for lower taxes on capital gains,
"We will continue
which Mr. Mitchell bitterly opposes.
our vigorous
"Not many kids whose famílies earn
enforcement of
more than $200,000 a year volunteer
existing statutes,
to join the Army," be said.
and I will once again press the
Mr. Bush said he would seek a ma-
Congress to strengthen the laws
jor change in the "star wars" missile
against employment
defense program because of the
discrimination without resorting
successes of the Patriot missile in
to the use of unfair preferences."
the Gulf war.
"I have directed that the SDI
Politics - "The time has come
[Strategic Defense Initiative) pro-
to put the national interest above
gram be refocused on providing pro-
the special interest - and totally
eliminate political action
see BUSH, page A7
committees."
gton Times
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1991 / PAGE A7
NION ADDRESS
BUSH
control of federal spending and
promised to submit a budget with
increases smaller than the rate of
From page Al
inflation.
tection from limited ballistic missile
The president proposed a new na-
strikes, whatever their source," Mr.
tional highway system, the first
Bush said.
since 1956, which a senior official
A senior administration official
said would rival the vast interstate
called the proposal "a fairly big
highway system in cost. It would be
change" from a deterrent to all-out
financed from the Highway Trust
Soviet attack and protection against
Fund, which held $17.9 billion at the
accidental launch of interconti-
start of the year and typically has a
nental ballistic missiles." The offi-
surplus.
cial said SDI still would have that
Without spelling out their prices
space-based role as new land-based
or a plan to pay for them, Mr. Bush
components could defend against
also proposed to:
shorter-range missiles from Third
Stop taxing family savings ac-
World powers.
counts and waive penalties on IRA
In another foreign policy issue,
withdrawals for first-time home
Mr. Bush said the Soviets had given
buyers.
assurances troops would withdraw
Transfer to the states, along with
from the Baltics and talks would re-
money to pay for them, $15 billion in
sume there.
grant programs. Officials would not
He said the U.S.-Soviet relation-
identify specifics, but such pro-
ship was vital and said continued co-
grams include sewer and mass tran-
operation promised a more peaceful
sit construction and rural electrifi-
future for the world.
cation.
The major thrust on domestic is-
Make permanent the tax credit
sues was a thematic "appeal for re-
for research and development and
newal" aimed at reversing what ad-
renew his call for a reduced capital
visers consider a growing pessi-
gains tax. proposed a joint study
mism in the nation.
by Congress, Federal Reserve
"We have within our reach the
Chairman Alan Greenspan, and the
promise of a renewed America," Mr.
administration to resolve a fight
Bush said. "If anyone tells you Amer-
over how to count its impact on the
ica's best days are behind her,
budget. Mr. Greenspan is a longtime
they're looking the wrong way."
advocate of such a tax cut.
He talked of recession and bank-
Add health protection measures
ers and also spoke emotionally to in-
for all ages, including immunization
dividuals less able to help them-
and nutrition programs.
selves.
Abolish all political action com-
"I know, tonight, in some regions
mittees.
of our country, people are in genuine
Hold a crime summit of law en-
economic distress. I hear them," Mr.
forcement officials throughout the
Bush said in one of several powerful
nation.
passages he had rehearsed at mid-
His war rhetoric repeatedly
afternoon in the White House the-
stirred the lawmakers and he played
ater. He was coached there by Chief
to that by repeating his guarantee of
of Staff John Sununu, Communica-
victory in the war they so narrowly
tions Director David Demarest and
endorsed.
campaign media adviser Roger
"Our cause is just. Our cause is
Ailes.
moral. Our cause is right," he said. "I
"We will get this recession behind
am certain of how it will end. So that
us, and return to growth soon," he
peace can prevail, we will prevail,"
promised and administration offi-
he said.
Photo by Don Preisler/The Washington Times
cials said the end may be closer than
Karen Riley contributed to this
ession of Congress.
predicted. Mr. Bush called again for
report.
W world order' - Bush
of alternative fuels.
Coast Guardsman — every man and
affirmed America, and the world, as
A banking reform plan to bring
woman now serving in the Persian
a community of conscience.
York Times
New York: Today, gray, rainy. High
48. Tonight, rain ending, then cloudy,
mild breezes. Low 39. Tomorrow, sun
and high clouds. High 45. Yesterday,
high 51, low 38. Details are on page C&
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1991
so creats beyond 75 miles from New York City, except - Long Island
40 CENTS
ONS
IRAN PROMISES IRAQ! PLANES
FRICA
WON'T REJOIN THE FIGHTING;
VALRY
BUSH SAYS U.S. IS PREVAILING
ACCORD
thief Meet
BUSY DAY IN THE AIR
Energy
theid
Allies Fly 2,600 Missions
WREN
and Pledge to Attack
Jan. 29
Any Returning Jets
black politi-
hight to set
put an end
By R. APPLE Jr.
cost thou-
Special to The New York Times
DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29
Mrican Na-
On one of the heaviest days of the air
Inkatha
war in the Persian Gulf, with allied
arough for
d. followed
pilots flying more than 2,600 missions,
American officials said the number of
three dec-
Na. the Con-
Iraqi warplanes fleeing to Iran reached
90 today, up from 80-odd on Monday.
and Chief
It is still not clear exactly why the
Inka-
pilots have sought refuge. In a letter to
the United Nations, Iran insisted that in
nation and
accordance with its neutral status It
met to
had impounded the planes for the dura-
mittees in
tion of the war, but President Saddam
to dis-
Hussein of Iraq suggested in an inter-
Bence.
view with the Cable News Network that
Iran might permit the aircraft to re-
to their
turn to the war later on.
Congress
Both the American command here
both politi-
and the White House pledged again
to exist
that if the planes re-entered the com-
or mutual
bat zone, they would be attacked, but
intimida-
Lieut. Gen. Thomas Kelly, the Penta-
apporters
NBC
gon's operations chief, asserted that
President Bush before his State of the Union Message. At rear were
the mass departure of many of the
monitor
and to
Vice President Dan Quayle, left, and House Speaker Thomas S. Foley.
Iraqi Air Force's best craft constituted
a "net plus" for the United States.
Bally And
Iraqi Convoy Attacked
odela and
tour all
President, in State of Union Talk,
In a major engagement, allied planes
spotted an Iraqi military convoy mov-
purpose
ing across the desert in southern Iraq
be no
Dwells on War and the Economy
late Monday night and destroyed 24
A.N.C.
tanks, armored personnel carriers and
said this
supply vehicles, according to reports
Stanst be the
By MAUREEN DOWD
from American reporters who saw the
should be
action from across the Saudi border.
Special 10 The New York Times
served
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 - In a State
conflict, the President harkened back
"They were sloppy and they were
of the Union address to a nation bur-
to images of the years leading up to
caught," said Col. Ron Richard of the
dened with war and recession, Presi-
World War IL
Second Marine Division.
Congress,
dent Bush promised tonight that the
"Together, we have resisted the trap
With the air war once again gaming
tunity to
"indomitable" American character
of appeasement, cynicism and isolation
intensity, the Baghdad radio asserted
would overcome Saddam Hussein
that gives temptation to tyrants," he
this afternoon that an allied pilot held
its at-
abroad and economic troubles at home.
said.
as a prisoner of war his name and
against
Mr. Bush offered economic reassur-
nationality were not given - had been
katha, it
If we can selflessly confront evil for
ance by referring to the recession as a
killed in an allied air raid.
the Con-
the sake of good in a land 30 far away,
kindred
then surely we can make this land all
temporary interruption of economic
Industry Department Hit
that it should be,' the President said in
growth. Among the few domestic initia-
Monitored here, the Iraqi broadcast
Preement
remarks prepared for delivery to a
tives in a speech of unusual restraint
said allied bombers had "hit one of the
joint session of Congress. "If anyone
for such an occasion were a proposal to
potiations
eliminate the political action commit-
departments of the Ministry of Indus-
ament of
tells you America's best days are be-
tees that provide a large measure of
try, killing one of the captured foreign
the fu-
hind her, they're looking the wrong
Chief Bu-
way." (Text of the address, page A13.)
the money for election campaigns, a
pilots, who had been evacuated to that
In a speech intended less to offer new
promise to offer legislation that would
department." It said that the prisoner,
villing to
reform the nation's banking system,
apparently used as a "human shield,"
Inkatha
domestic proposals than to explain the
war with Iraq and give courage to
and a renewal of efforts to reduce the
died on Monday night or this morning.
unn 1
Americans fearful of a long and bloody
tax rate on profits from investments.
American spokesmen said they could
not confirm the report.
Measuring the Worth of the War
The immense slick formed by the
For Mr. Bush, who generally shuns
crude oil that the United States accuses
the formality of prime-time appear-
Mr. Hussein of releasing from Iraqi oc-
ances, the nationally televised speech
cupied Kuwait continued its slow
had political significance beyond the
progress southward toward the world's
annual ritual of giving & report on the
largest desalting plant at Jubail, but
condition of the nation. He became the
Brig. Gen. Pat Stevens 4th, today's
first President since the Vietnam war
American military briefer, said it had
to deliver the State of the Union Mes-
broken into two big pieces.
sage while the country was at war.
American officials said without
"Each of us will measure, within our-
qualification that Saturday's American
selves, the value of this great strug-
bombing of the pipe complex through
gle," Mr. Bush said. "Any cost in lives
which much of the crude had been flow-
is beyond our power to measure. But
ing had shut it off, and they reported
Continued on Page A13, Column 5
Continued on Page A8, Column I
War Refugees Flood Jordan,
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1991
A13
aying Out the Case for War
The President
Security
Bush Sees U.S. Prevailing
on at War
In the Economy and the War
Continued From Page Al
replied that it was "concervable, how-
R
ever, undesirable."
nes
The official also asserted, despite
argued, the nation would be
the cost of closing our eyes to aggres-
published reports to the contrary, that
to move on them. The seeming
sion is beyond mankind's power to
President Hussein was not personally a
the cold war and the buoyant
imagine."
target even though he has "violated in-
1 a "peace dividend" fed the
For Americans who worry that the
ternational rules violating the treat-
rats' hope.
United States is shouldering too much
ment of prisoners of war."
hat has been overshadowed by
of the burden of expelling Iraq from
"What we do about the whole issue of
iT in the Persian Gulf, and the
Kuwait, Mr. Bush said that such a re-
war crimes is an open question now,"
ent's State of the Union Message
nderscored that. "When you're
sponsibility is "the burden of leader-
the official said, when asked if the Ad-
ship."
ministration wanted to put the Iraqi
about 500,000 people and the en-
r-making capacity of the coun-
"This we do know," he concluded.
President on trial.
The speech marked a dramatic
ng mobilized, there's not much
"Our cause is just. Our cause is moral.
change from last year's State of the
u can focus on," said Represent-
Our cause is right."
Union Message, in which Mr. Bush
C Fazio of California, chairman
In the Democratic response that foi-
spoke triumphantly of "Communism
Democratic Congressional Cam-
lowed Mr. Bush's speech, Senator
crumbling" and of a new relationship
Committee.
George Mitchell, the Majority Leader,
between the United States and the
resentative Louise M. Slaughter,
struck right at what the Democrats
Soviet Union.
ocrat from upstate New York,
consider the great vulnerability of the
Nobody's talking about savings
ins, or that more manufacturing
President, that he is too consumed by
Relationship With Moscow
the Persian Gulf to pay attention to
This year, Mr. Bush spoke of the
re going. We're just not really
ring on the economic situation
"the crisis" on the domestic front.
challenges to the new superpower un-
derstanding that have arisen from the
Trying to Quell Recession Fears
Kremlin's crackdown on the independ-
easingly, Democrats are making
ase for domestic programs by
In the face of criticism that the costly
ence movements in the Baltic repub-
war is taking resources away from do-
lics.
about the troops and what will
them when they return.
mestic matters, President Bush tried
The President, who has been criti-
don't want the war to cripple the
to outline domestic programs that
cized for not speaking out more
nic capacity of the country to
would provide a "forward-looking plan
strongly on the Baltic issue for fear of
out of this recession or to become
of action" and sought to quell fears
erful engine of growth and per-
about a prolonged recession.
nce in the decade ahead,"
Speaking of the recession, Mr. Bush
er Thomas S. Foley said. "Our
said that "the largest peacetime eco-
The recession is
are going to come home, and
nomic expansion in history has been
don't want to come home to a
temporarily interrupted." But he
y that isn't adequately prepared
vowed that "we will get this recession
called a
forward economically.'
behind us and return to growth -
in his response to the Presi-
soon."
temporary
speech tonight, George J. Mitch-
Mr. Bush tried to mitigate the politi-
Maine, the Senate majority lead-
Reuters
cal impact of the capital gains tax-cut
interruption.
id: "The President says he seeks
Security was intense yesterday as Washington prepared for President
issue, which sharply divided Demo-
world order. We ask him to join
Bush's State of the Union Message. A bomb-sniffing dog was used to
crats and Republicans last year, by
putting our own house in order.
calling for the formation of a commis-
ave a crisis abroad. But we also
check automobiles entering the Capitol Hill parking lot.
sion headed by the chairman of the
upsetting the Soviet arm of the interna-
1 crisis here at home."
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Green-
tional alliance against Iraq, said to-
span, that would resolve differences
night that "we have been deeply con-
Ritual
On second
thereby demonstrating superior com-
over the economic impact of such a tax
cerned by the violence in the Baltics
mitment to the cause.
cut.
and we have communicated that con-
State of the Union Message has
It is generally understood that one
thought, better
should applaud. One aide to the Demo-
Deliberate Domestic Ambiguity
cern to the Soviet leadership."
ts in the Constitution, which pro-
But he made it clear that he did not
that the President "shall from
cratic leadership described the plight
Administration officials said the
0 time give to the Congress infor-
of frustrated liberals like this: "You
intend to forsake the personal relation-
not wear the
speech was made deliberately ambigu-
ship with President Mikhail S. Gorba-
n of the state of the union, and
can't applaud. You can't be seen not ap-
ous on domestic policy in an effort to
chev, which Mr. Bush values so highly
mend to their consideration such
watch that beeps.
plauding. Why show?"
continue to put off debates between the
and which is critical to his concept of
ures as he shall judge necessary
Another part of the ritual is the mass
White House and the Democrats in
the "new world order."
xpedient."
reaction to the President's speech in
Congress, and within the Republican
orge Washington and John Adams
the otherwise dignified Statuary Hall in
"We will watch carefully as the
Party, and to straddle differences on
delivered State of the Union
the Capitol. Herds of reporters line up,
situation develops and we will main-
Democrats assert that in the years
the nation's direction.
tain our contact with the Soviet leader-
hes to Congress, but Thomas Jef-
when Ronald Reagan delivered his ad-
and lawmakers are taken from one re-
The speech also reflected the victory
n chose to make a written report,
dress, Republican lawmakers were
porter to another by their press secre-
of Richard G. Darman, the White
ship to encourage continued commit-
ment to democratization and reform."
ard Baker, the Senate historian,
prepped for spontaneous demonstra-
taries. Some are urgently sought;
House budget director, in a power
Mr. Bush said. "If it is possible, I want
It was Woodrow Wilson who rein-
tions at the President's applause lines.
some are not. "There's an interesting
struggle with junior White House staff
ed the practice of the State of the
contrast between the members in de-
to continue to build a lasting basis for
Democrats countered by trying to beat
members who wanted the President to
speech, Mr. Baker said.
them to the punch, for example leaping
mand and the warina-be's," said an-
reach out in a more dramatic way to of
U.S.-Soviet cooperation, for a more
er the years, the ritual has grown
to applaud when the President de-
other aide to the Democratic leader-
fer the nation's poor ways to help them-
peaceful future for all mankind."
asingly elaborate. For example,
nounced the burgeoning deficit,
ship.
selves.
The speech contained one paragraph
Security Extremely Tight
of vague references to what the junior
Because of fears of terrorism, se-
staff members call "empowerment"
curity measures at the Capitol were ex-
programs, but Mr. Bush did not use the
traordinarily tight. The Capitol
word "empowerment," which is cur-
grounds were shut at 5 P.M. to the pub-
rently fashionable among some young
lic and pedestrians. At 7 P.M., all
conservatives. He called for "a plan of
streets in a four-block radius of Con-
action right here at home to put more
gress were closed.
power and opportunity in the hands of
Machines designed to detect explo-
the individual," but the President of-
sive devices were installed at the
fered only general descriptions of pro-
doors, and those entering the Capitol or
grams that would offer incentives to
other Congressional buildings were
create jobs and help tenants buy public
asked to take off their overcoats so the
housing
linings and pockets could be searched
Weapons Highlighted
by guards.
In a letter to lawmakers and Con-
In the sections of his speech refer-
gressional staff members, the Ser-
ring to the war, Mr. Bush highlighted
geant-at-Arms, Jack Russ, urged that
the performance of the high-tech weap-
everyone park in the underground ga-
ons tonight as a way of rallying Amer-
rages and use the subway tunnels in
icans to the cause. White House offi-
the Capitol basement rather than walk
cials, obsessively watching the course
outside on foot through the complex.
of the war, have tried to present all
Mr. Bush said that America is a
developments in the best possible light.
strong nation that can withstand the
The public has clearly been gratified to
current economic downturn and
see the costly Pentagon arsenal per-
emerge with a health economy once
forming well.
again.
Noting the success of the Patriot
"The conviction and courage we see
missile in shooting down Tragi Scud
in the Persian Gulf today is simply the
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Green-
tional alliance against Iraq, said to-
demonstrating
superior
span, that would resolve differences
com-
night that "we have been deeply con-
the
over the economic impact of such a tax
cerned by the violence in the Baltics
to
cause.
CUL
and we have communicated that con-
generally understood that one
applaud. One aide to the Demo-
Deliberate Domestic Ambiguity
cern to the Soviet leadership."
But he made it clear that he did not
leadership described the plight
Administration efficials said the
intend to forsake the personal relation-
rated liberals like this: 'You
speech was made deliberately ambigu-
applaud. You can't be seen not ap-
ous on domestic policy in an effort to
ship with President Mikhail S. Gorba-
Why
show?"
chev, which Mr. Bush values so highly
continue to put off debates between the
ther part of the ritual is the mass
White House and the Democrats in
and which is critical to his concept of
the "new world order."
to
the
President's
speech
in
Congress, and within the Republican
herwise dignified Statuary Hall in
"We will watch carefully as the
Party, and to straddle differences on
apitol. Herds of reporters line up,
situation develops and we will main-
the nation's direction.
tain our contact with the Soviet leader-
awmakers are taken from one re-
The speech also reflected the victory
to another by their press secre-
of Richard G. Darman, the White
ship to encourage continued commit-
ment to democratization and reform,"
Some are urgently sought;
House budget director, in a power
are not. "There's an interesting
struggle with junior White House staff
Mr. Bush said. "If it is possible, I want
between the members in de-
members who wanted the President to
to continue to build a lasting basis for
and
the
wanna-be's,"
said
an-
reach out in a more dramatic way to of-
U.S.-Soviet cooperation, for a more
aide to the Democratic leader-
fer the nation's poor ways to help them-
peaceful future for all mankind."
selves.
The speech contained one paragraph
Security Extremely Tight
of vague references to what the junior
Because of fears of terrorism, se-
staff members call "empowerment"
curity measures at the Capitol were ex-
programs, but Mr. Bush did not use the
traordinarily tight. The Capitol
word "empowerment," which is cur-
grounds were shut at 5 P.M. to the pub-
rently fashionable among some young
lic and pedestrians. At 7 P.M., all
conservatives. He called for "a plan of
streets in a four-block radius of Con-
action right here at home to put more
gress were closed.
power and opportunity in the hands of
Machines designed to detect explo-
the individual," but the President of-
sive devices were installed at the
fered only general descriptions of pro-
doors, and those entering the Capitol or
grams that would offer incentives to
other Congressional buildings were
create jobs and help tenants buy public
asked to take off their overcoats so the
housing.
linings and pockets could be searched
Weapons Highlighted
by guards.
In a letter to lawmakers and Con-
In the sections of his speech refer-
gressional staff members, the Ser-
ring to the war, Mr. Bush highlighted
geant-at-Arms, Jack Russ, urged that
the performance of the high-tech weap-
everyone park in the underground ga-
ons tonight as a way of rallying Amer-
rages and use the subway tunnels in
Icans to the cause. White House offi-
the Capitol basement rather than walk
cials, obsessively watching the course
outside on foot through the complex.
of the war, have tried to present all
Mr. Bush said that America is a
developments in the best possible light.
strong nation that can withstand the
The public has clearly been gratified to
current economic downturn and
see the costly Pentagon arsenal per-
emerge with a health economy once
forming well
again.
Noting the success of the Patriot
"The conviction and courage we see
missile in shooting down Iraqi Scud
in the Persian Gulf today is simply the
missiles, President Bush proposed a
American character in action," he
major shift in emphasis of the Strate-
said. "The indomitable spirit that is
gic Defense Initiative program, the
contributing to this victory for world
space-oriented missile defense known
peace and justice is the same spirit
as "Star Wars." He said that It should
that gives us the power and the poten-
be designed not only to protect against
tial to meet our toughest challenges at
intercontinental ballistic missiles but
home."
also to shoot down shorter-range mis-
In the Democratic response, Senator
siles like the Iraqi Scuds.
Mitchell offered support for the Presi-
"Looking forward, I have directed
dent's Persian Gulf policies but added:
that the S.D.I. program be refocused on
"As critical as the Gulf conflict is, the
providing protection from limited
other business of the nation won't wait.
ballistic missile strikes - whatever
The President says he seeks a new
their source," Mr. Bush said. "Let us
world order. We ask him to join us in
pursue an S.D.I. program that can deal
putting our own house in order. We
with any future threat to the United
have a crisis abroad but we also have a
States, to our forces overseas, and to
crisis here at home."
our friends and allies."
Special-Interest groups were quick to
A senior Administration official said,
say that the gulf war is consuming
"It's a fairly big change from deter-
what was left of an already depleted
rence of an all-out Soviet attack to deal
federal treasury.
with an accidental Soviet launch" to
Rae Grad, the executive director of
focus the Strategic Defense Initiative
the National Commission to Prevent
Program on protection against "short-
Infant Mortality, urged Mr. Bush not to
er-range missile threats around the
allow the health of children and preg-
world"
nant mothers to be lost "in the shuffle
as
In response to a question about
of international policy."
whether Saddam Hussein could stay in
"And we want to remind everyone
S.
power in Iraq if Iraq pulled out of Ku-
that we must defend our country from
wait, an Administration official deliv-
the enemy outside, certainly, but also
ering a briefing on the speech tonight
from the enemy within," she said.
Amazing.
Every day, thousands of people
work together toward one end:
to bring you as complete and accurate
a report as possible of what happened
during one day in the life of the world.
it's done just for you and it is
waiting for you every morning.
You can read as much or as little as you want.
The New York Times
at your local newsstand. Or, for
home delivery, call 1-800-631-2500
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUAR
State of the Union: Laying Out the Case for War
The Capitol Scene
Extraordinary Security
Befits a Nation at War
By ROBIN TONER
Special 10 The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 - There was
crats argued, the nation would be
little doubt at the Capitol today that the
ready to move on them. The seeming
state of the union was one of war.
end of the cold war and the buoyant
It did not compare to 1861, of course,
talk of a "peace dividend" fed the
when the Capitol was very much at risk
Democrats' hope.
and lawmakers in the Senate chamber
All that has been overshadowed by
could hear troops drilling outside. But
the war in the Persian Gulf, and the
security was extraordinarily intense
President's State of the Union Message
around Congress today as President
only underscored that. "When you're
Bush prepared to deliver his State of
talking about 500,000 people and the en-
the Union Message.
tire war-making capacity of the coun-
"We have 1,265 officers in our de-
try being mobilized, there's not much
partment, and it's safe to say that
else you can focus on," said Represent-
everyone is deployed for this," said a
tive Vic Fazio of California, chairman
spokesman for the Capitol Police.
of the Democratic Congressional Cam-
Those officers would close the Capi-
paign Committee.
tol grounds at 5 P.M. They would close
Representative Louise M. Slaughter,
all the streets in a four-block radius at
a Democrat from upstate New York,
7 P.M., two hours before the Presi-
said: "Nobody's talking about savings
dent's address. Lawmakers were
and loans, or that more manufacturing
urged to use the Capitol's system of un-
jobs are going. We're just not really
derground tunnels to get around. New
registering on the economic situation
security measures were imposed at the
here."
doors, including the use of machines in-
Increasingly, Democrats are making
tended to detect explosives. When a
their case for domestic programs by
visitor's digital watch started to beep,
talking about the troops and what will
a doorkeeper in the House looked up
await them when they return.
"We don't want the war to cripple the
economic capacity of the country to
come out of this recession or to become
'It's safe to say
a powerful engine of growth and per-
formance in the decade ahead,"
that everyone is
Speaker Thomas S. Foley said. "Our
troops are going to come home, and
deployed for this,'
they don't want to come home to a
country that isn't adequately prepared
a police aide says.
to look forward economically.'
And in his response to the Presi-
dent's speech tonight, George J. Mitch-
ell of Maine, the Senate majority lead-
Reuters
nervously, realized what it was, then
er, said: "The President says he seeks
Security was intense yesterday as Washington prepared for President
advised, "I'd leave that at home to-
a new world order. We ask him to join
night if I were you."
us in putting our own house in order.
Bush's State of the Union Message. A bomb-sniffing dog was used to
When the House recessed this after-
We have a crisis abroad. But we also
check automobiles entering the Capitol Hill parking lot.
noon, one Congressman said, "I would
have a crisis here at home."
like to go home until the speech, but I
guess I'd never get back in.'
The Ritual
On second
thereby demonstrating superior com-
Another House member, Represent-
mitment to the cause.
The State of the Union Message has
ative Ben Jones of Georgia, said: "It
It is generally understood that one
its roots in the Constitution, which pro-
seems to me that this will be the safest
thought, better
should applaud. One aide to the Demo-
vides that the President "shall from
place in the cosmos. The real danger
cratic leadership described the plight
time to time give to the Congress infor-
will come when folks are walking
not wear the
of frustrated liberals like this: "You
mation of the state of the union, and
home."
can't applaud. You can't be seen not ap-
recommend to their consideration such
The Capitol Police declined to dis-
measures as he shall judge necessary
watch that beeps.
plauding. Why show?"
cuss the subject of threats, but the
Another part of the ritual is the mass
and expedient."
measures themselves seemed to raise
reaction to the President's speech in
George Washington and John Adams
Capitol Hill's anxiety level, which was
the otherwise dignified Statuary Hall in
both delivered State of the Union
already high in these days of war.
Democrats assert that in the years
the Capitol. Herds of reporters line up
speeches to Congress, but Thomas Jef-
when Ronald Reagan delivered his ad-
and lawmakers are taken from one re-
Hopes Overshadowed
ferson chose to make a written report,
dress, Republican lawmakers were
porter to another by their press secre-
Richard Baker, the Senate historian,
prepped for spontaneous demonstra-
taries. Some are urgently sought;
Since the waning days of the Reagan
said. It was Woodrow Wilson who rein-
tions at the President's applause lines.
some are not. "There's an interesting
era, Democrats have talked about the
stituted the practice of the State of the
Democrats countered by trying to beat
contrast between the members in de
rise of a new domestic agenda. After a
Union speech, Mr. Baker said.
them to the punch, for example leaping
mand and the warina-be's," said an
decade of neglecting issues like educa-
Over the years, the ritual has grown
to applaud when the President de-
other aide to the Democratic leader
tion and the environment, these Demo-
increasingly elaborate. For example,
nounced the burgeoning deficit,
ship.
Bush Vows Victory in Gulf War;
U.S., Soviets Seek Pullout Pledge
State of Union Puts
Greenspan to Play Role
On Capital-Gains Tax Issue
Aides Say Tehran
War in Moral Terms,
By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
Has Given Assurances
WASHINGTON - President Bush is
Recasts SDI Plans
turning to Federal Reserve Board Chair-
man Alan Greenspan to try to settle the
Over Iraqi Planes
debate over the merits of cutting capi-
By MICHEL MCQUEEN
tal-gains taxes.
By GERALD F. SEIB
And GERALD F. SEIB
Confirming that his fiscal 1992 budget
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNA
Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
will again propose reducing the capital-
WASHINGTON-The U.S. and the Sc
WASHINGTON - Calling the war
gains tax rate, Mr. Bush said in his
viet Union declared that the war agains
against Iraq part of the hard work of
State of the Union Address last night
Iraq could end if Saddam Hussein make
freedom" Americans are obliged to do,
that he is asking congressional leaders
an "unequivocal commitment" to with
President Bush promised the nation vic-
to cooperate with a study, to be led by
draw from Kuwait.
tory in the Persian Gulf.
Mr. Greenspan, "to sort out our techni-
The joint statement, issued last night
In his third State of the Union address
cal differences so that we can avoid a
after talks between Secretary of State
last night, Mr. Bush cast the war in moral
return to unproductive partisan bicker-
James Baker and Soviet Foreign Minister
terms, saying it rep-
ing."
Alexander Bessmertnykh, appeared to rep-
resented an effort to
Mr. Greenspan is a partisan in the
resent a slight softening of the U.S. posi-
'confront evil for
capital-gains debate. Just last week, he
tion, which has been that the war can't
the sake of good in a
told a congressional committee: "I've
stop merely with an Iraqi promise of a
land so far away.
always been supportive of lowering the
pullout but only with an actual with-
He said flatly "we
capital-gains tax or preferably eliminat-
drawal.
will prevail" in forc-
ing it." He added that "there's no doubt
But U.S. officials insisted that the state-
ing Iraq out of
in my mind that a capital-gains tax cut
ment doesn't represent a fundamental
neighboring Kuwait,
would be helpful with respect to
shift. They said the statement asserted
and insisted he
property values and economic
that the commitment to withdraw "must
hasn't expanded his
growth."
be backed by immediate, concrete steps
goals to include the
The long-running dispute over cutting
leading to full compliance with the [United
destruction of Iraq.
capital-gains taxes centers on how
Nations] Security Council resolutions."
In addition to res-
much, if at all, a cut spurs economic
That means that the U.S. still would insist
tating his goals for
President Bush
growth, what impact it has on federal
on a quick, sweeping exit by Iraqi troops,
the war, Mr. Bush
revenues and how much of it goes to the
officials said.
unveiled one concrete policy change stem-
richest Americans.
However, the statement seems to be a
ming directly from the conflict. In an at-
Bush administration officials said the
result of Soviet efforts in recent days to try
tempt to capitalize on the spectacular suc-
president will renew a proposal he made
to generate some diplomatic effort to halt
cess U.S. missile defenses have had in the
last January to reduce the top tax rate
the fighting. Toward that end, the state-
war, he announced that he is altering the
on capital gains, currently 28%, to 19.6%
ment also attempted to address frequent
Strategic Defense Initiative to focus on the
on assets held for three years and to of-
kind of "limited ballistic missile strikes"
Iraqi charges that the world is ignoring the
fer less of a tax break on assets held for
Palestinian issue by promising "mutual
Iraq has been launching on Saudi Arabia
two years and a still smaller break for
U.S. Soviet efforts to promote Arab-Israeli
and Israel.
assets held only one year.
peace" once the war is over.
Mr. Bush also defended his continued
Though the Bush administration in-
close ties with Soviet leaders despite their
in confronting domestic problems as It has
crackdown in the Baltics, asserting that
sisted that this was simply a restatement
in dealing with the Gulf.
of its promises to work on the Palestinian
the U.S. has received indications that the
Saying that if the nation can "sel-
Kremlin plans to pull some troops out of
question, there is a risk of igniting a storm
flessly" confront Iraq for the "sake of
the area and to resume talks with Baltic
of protest from Israel. The U.S. has prom-
good.
then surely we can make this
ised Israel that it won't "link" the Pales-
leaders. Other officials said those signals
land all that it should be. If anyone tells
came from the Soviet foreign minister in
tinian question and the war with Iraq, and
you America's best days are behind her,
talks here this week.
those assurances have helped persuade Is-
they're looking the wrong way," Mr. Bush
rael to heed America's pleas to shrug off
Domestic Concerns Cited
said. In addressing the problems of the
Iraqi missile attacks and not get involved
The president's speech, to a joint ses-
poor, Mr. Bush adopted the language fa-
in the war. Now Israel may worry that the
sion of Congress, amounted to the first
vored by a group of activist conservatives
U.S. is inching away from its commitment,
wartime State of the Union address in a
within his administration who have been
which could lessen Israeli willingness to
generation. But he also used it to empha-
calling for a new emphasis on choice. Mr.
cooperate.
size an often-repeated appeal that the na-
Bush said his programs would work by
Meanwhile, U.S. officials said they have
tion's other business go on. To that end he
'strengthening the power and choice of in-
received new private assurances that Iran
devoted more than half the speech to a dis-
dividuals, and families."
will ground the Iraqi planes that continue
cussion of domestic concerns and said he
While eschewing the need for more "bu-
to flee to Iranian air bases. But officials
will propose a handful of new programs,
reaucracy," Mr. Bush said the fiscal 1992
remain confused and concerned about how
including an overhaul of the banking sys-
budget he will announce next week will
much Iran is cooperating with Saddam
tem and a National Energy Strategy to
call for new incentives to create jobs in in-
Hussein.
promote energy efficiency, development,
ner cities, so-called enterprise zones, a
The
and conservation
program
to
promote energy efficiency,
program
a
and conservation.
and control of public housing, and a plan to
to save Iraq's best aerial
The president acknowledged the reces-
give parents more leeway in choosing their
destruction while retaining
sion, but made clear that he isn't suggest-
children's public schools.
ing any specific response to it. "We will
planes that could be useful In future
Saudi pe
'Freedom and Choice'
ground battles with the U.S. and its al-
tained recer
get this recession behind us, and return to
Fréédom and the power to choose
lies.
only briefly
growth be said. Aides said the re-
should not be the privilege, of wealth," Mr.
About 90 Iraqi planes now have flown to
cession probably will be over before the
Bush said. "They are the birthright of ev-
safety in Iran, an increase of 10 from the
federal government could attack it. How-
ery American."
estimate Monday, the Pentagon said.
ever, the president did revive proposals to
foster long-term growth, such as lower
Good health care is every American's
Pentagon officials said the planes that
capital-gains tax rates and tax incentives
right, and every American's responsibil-
have left include Iraq's top-flight F1 Mi-
Ity". Mr. Bush asserted, though he offered
rage fighters and its SU-24 bombers, as
for personal savings and research and de-
velopment.
no plan to provide health care to those
well as some transport planes and support
without insurance. Instead, he promised
aircraft. Iraq also is known to have evacu-
In this part of his speech, however, Mr.
new programs for preventive health care,
ated an airborne radar plane, known as the
Bush mostly called for some of the pro-
grams he introduced in his first two years
which aides said include money to reduce
Adnan. Iraq is believed to have only two
in office. Making what he called "an ap-
infant mortality in big cities and a new
such planes.
program to detect breast and cervical can-
But, Pentagon officials said, Iraq
peal for renewal," Mr. Bush asked Con-
cer.
doesn't appear to have sent any close-in
gress to pass, and the American people to
Mr. Bush also promised to send Con-
support aircraft to Iran, suggesting those
support, previous proposals to improve ed-
ucation, fight crime, and eliminate politi-
gress his own version of a new Civil Rights
are being kept for a coming ground war.
Act, a variation of which he vetoed last
"This looks fairly well coordinated," said
cal action committees.
year, saying it would impose hiring quotas
Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams.
Mr. Bush also dusted off a concept from
in the workplace. And he again sounded
That leaves U.S. officials questioning
his eight years as vice president in the
the call for volunteerism with which he
whether Iran is actively participating in
Reagan administration. He suggested
opened his administration two years ago.
this Iraqi reconfiguring of its air forces,
scrapping scores of federal programs and
turning over $15 billion a year from these
"We have within our reach the promise of
or is reluctantly cooperating as part of its
programs to the states "for flexible man-
a renewed America," he said. "We can
overall effort to play both sides in the war
between Iraq and U.S.-led allied forces.
agement." He said he will send Congress a
find meaning and reward by serving some
Iran continues to suggest, both publicly
list of $20 billion in specific federal grants
purpose higher than ourselves- shining
and in private messages to a variety of na-
to states from which the administration
purpose, the illumination of a thousand
tions, that it isn't cooperating militarily
and Congress would jointly select the grant
points of light."
with Iraq and doesn't welcome the large
programs to be killed. Mr. Bush asserted
Mr. Bush's passing reference to bank-
influx of planes. But U.S. officials acknowl-
that federal programs are too often treated
ing reform did little to build momentum
edge it's impossible to know whether Iran
as if they are "immortal" and added: "It's
time for a more dynamic program life cy-
for a program that will be difficult to push
is telling the truth.
through Congress. The proposal, which the
Iran's ambassador to the United Na-
cle." Unlike President Reagan, Mr. Bush
administration intends to announce next
tions has delivered a letter to U.N. Secre-
promised that the consolidated programs
0
would be "fully funded."
week, will call for changing the deposit in-
tary General Javier Perez de Cuellar de-
or
claring that Iran has protested to Iraq over
In his comments about the domestic
surance system, augmenting bank capital,
e
the movement of planes and declaring that
)
agenda, Mr. Bush seemed to answer critics
allowing banks to combine with other busi-
the planes will be impounded until after
who have questioned whether his adminis-
nesses within new financial services hold-
0
the war.
tration has shown the same determination
Please Turn to Page A4, Column 3
In the Iranian letter, made public at the
are
U.N., the government repeated its position
pl
Geneva Conventions: Rules for War
"that in the event of emergency landing of
G
any aircraft of either side in the territory
en
of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the air-
10
The Geneva Conventions are much on
intention to prosecute. The International
craft would be seized and held until the
43
President Bush's mind as he does battle
Committee of the Red Cross, which
termination of hostilities." White House
ВЛ
with Saddam Hussein.
monitors compliance with the Geneva
spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said the U.S.
Al
The 1949 agreements, signed by 164
Conventions, has said it is "making rep-
had received a similar assurance from
of
nations, including the U.S. and Iraq, es-
resentations" to Baghdad over its al-
Iran through diplomatic channels, and
tablish rules on
leged violations.
Arab diplomats said Iran was giving them
'XU
MIDDLE EAST
how to wage war
The problem with the conventions is
the same message.
.0 S
BRIEFING
in a humane fash-
that there isn't a practical way to en-
Senior U.S. officials said there wasn't
LMO
ion. As contradic-
force them. The International Court of
any sign that Iran was cooperating in other
tory as that notion
Justice in the Netherlands handles only
ways with Iraq. And they discount the
tod
may seem, the
disputes between nations. War-related
chance that the Iraqi planes, having fled to
u.Su
four conventions
prosecutions historically have taken
Iranian air fields where they don't have lo-
we
"have been re-
place under the national laws of one na-
gistical support, could launch mass strikes
01
spected in many
tion or, as occurred at Nuremberg, un-
on allied forces.
uno
instances
by
der special procedures crafted by an ad
Many analysts think there's little
many countries,"
hoc tribunal. In fact, the Geneva Con-
chance Iran wants to engage openly in mil-
e
says Ralph Steinhardt, an international
ventions never have been enforced
itary action with Iraq, which it fought in a
law professor at George Washington
against an individual.
war through most of the 1980s. "I think
ALL
University.
Still, the conventions could provide
their becoming a co-belligerent in this by
President Bush has declared that his
the basic principles for any trials after
allowing the Iraqis to conduct military op-
pasn
Iraqi adversary has committed "a di-
the war, according to Mr. Steinhardt.
erations from Iran would be insane," says
'S
rect violation" of the Geneva Conven-
The conventions cover many topics, in-
William Quandt, a Middle East analyst at
tions by his "brutal parading" on televi-
cluding the treatment of shipwrecked
the Brookings Institution.
an
sion of captured, apparently beaten pl-
sailors and the protection of civilians.
Still, the organized nature of the Iraqi
0.3.18
lots and by his threat to use prisoners as
Here are some of the prisoner-of-war
air exodus suggests Iran is cooperating
crew
human shields at potential U.S. bombing
targets. Yesterday, Iraq said some al-
provisions that the U.S. accuses Iraq of
more than its public statements suggest.
violating:
Shaul Bakhash, a professor at George Ma-
lied prisoners were injured and at least
one was killed during air raids on a
-POWs must be treated "humanely"
son University and an Iran analyst, said
Baghdad government building.
and in particular be protected from ridi-
that Iran might be offering some limited
cooperation with Iraq to increase its lever-
"Remember when Hitler's war
cule, intimidation or torture.
-POWs, when questioned, are
age in continuing peace talks between the
Nuremberg
two nations, to demonstrate that it is will-
only
their
name.
help a brother Islamic state or to
Bush Pledges Victory
Treasury Loans, Higher
By U.S. in Gulf War,
Can Restore Deposit Fu
Plans to Refine SDI
By KENNETH H. BACON
respor
to
indust
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
WASHINGTON-Although the bank de-
bolste
Continued From Page A3
ing companies and simplifying bank regu-
posit-insurance fund is nearing insolvency,
fund
and
Treasury loans and higher payments from
vowed
lation.
banks could rebuild the fund as it meets its
payer
The president also addressed the credit
obligations, the Congressional Budget Of-
Congr
the
crunch by calling for lower interest rates
fice said.
which
and urging banks to make more loans.
Delivering the Democratic response,
With banks failing because of recession
failed
off
Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of
and bad real estate loans, "within a year
Th
Maine sought to put aside past differences
or so, the fund will be out of cash and
suran
over U.S. policy in the Gulf, but his re-
insolvent without some form of cash or
the g
marks were implicitly critical of the ad-
capital infusion," CBO Director Robert
plish
De-
Reischauer told the Senate Banking Com-
admi
at
ministration for not doing more to address
bank
of
wrongs elsewhere in the world as well as
mittee.
Sen. Donald Riegle (D., Mich.), the
tione
at
at home.
"Students massacred in China, priests
panel's chairman, said that whatever tem-
tem
at
murdered in Central America, demonstra-
porary problems the fund encounters, "it's
night
tors gunned down in Lithuania-these acts
important for people to know that their
detai
acili-
savings are insured in federally insured in-
M
Yash-
of violence are as wrong as Iraqi soldiers
killing civilians," said the Maine Demo-
stitutions up to the $100,000 level."
row
crat. "We cannot oppose repression in one
The CBO's projection is the latest warn-
get il
ing that the fund is facing insolvency. In
pect
gov-
place and overlook it in another."
pect
de-
As if mindful of the politics of the war,
the I
Democrats gave some of the best seats in
Efforts to Track
four
the chamber to defense industry execu-
depo
less
tives or businessmen who actively sup-
19.5
ported the president's decision to use force
against Iraq.
Mammoth Oil Spill
repa
The
then
Book-
Senior Executives
Speaker Thomas Foley's guest list, for
Are Being Impeded
A S
the
1
example, included senior executives from
som
At-
Raytheon Co. and General Dynamics
has
many
Corp., which manufacture the Patriot and
By BOB DAVIS
How
to
Tomahawk cruise missiles respectively, as
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
ment
crea
well as Time Warner co-chairman Steve
DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia-Efforts to
hatic
track the world's largest oil spill are being
"Th
Ross, who had actively supported congres-
of r
car-
sional action this month authorizing the
severely hampered by confusion, security
whe
an-
U.S. attack on Iraq.
concerns and a lack of accurate satellite
the
cap
Closer to home, Mr. Mitchell empha-
data.
Officials at a meeting yesterday at King
tor
sized the need for a more aggressive fed-
of /
ange-
eral role in energy and health policy. "The
Fahd University of Petroleum and Min-
1
party
president says he seeks a new world order.
erals said their efforts have been ham-
me
At-
We ask him to join us in putting our own
pered by shortage of weather information,
of
able,
house in order. We have a crisis abroad.
including satellite data from the U.S. Na-
ould
and
But we also have a crisis here at
tional Oceanographic and Atmospheric Ad-
Chi-
lish
home."
ministration. Members of the university's
der
ment
Mr. Mitchell also specifically attacked
research institute said that a satellite-re-
dra
the president's proposal to cut the capital-
ceiving station in Riyadh had broken down,
the
gains tax rate, saying it would chiefly ben-
and that they had been unsuccessful in get-
in
efit those with incomes over $200,000 a
ting NOAA data directly from the U.S.
year, and he pointedly noted that "not
The war has also cut the research insti-
On
sol
many kids whose families earn more than
tute's faculty by a third. Ala Al-Rabeh,
$200,000 a year volunteer to join the
who directs the institute's computer-model-
ma
OC
Army."
ing efforts, said meteorological agencies
Mr. Bush devoted much of his speech to
are even withholding information on wind
speed and direction because, he suspects,
scl
a general, almost philosophical, explana-
they fear the information could be used by
da
tion to Americans of why he thinks U.S.
Iraq to better plan missile attacks. The in-
Mi
armed forces should be leading the fight to
evict Iraqi troops from Kuwait. He re-
stitute has its own weather station in the
ba
turned again and again to the theme that
Gulf, but can't reach it by boat during the
ter
success in the battle will ensure a more
war. As a result, he said he has had to use
tranquil world for decades to come.
approximations and historical data in his
fo
"We will succeed in the Gulf," he said.
models instead of accurate, up-to-the min-
is
"And when we do, the world community
ute information.
m
will have sent an enduring warning to any
During yesterday's meeting at the uni-
S
dictator or despot, present or future, who
versity, which a reporter was permitted to
contemplates outlaw aggression.
attend, institute members tried to per-
th
dme
Douting
During
dictator or despot, present or future, who
versity, which a reporter was permitted to
contemplates outlaw aggression."
attend, institute members tried to per-
In his testimony,
Mr. Bush argued that the U.S. has a
suade Saudi government and industry offi-
the nation has "two separate banking
special responsibility to accomplish such
cials, as well as the U.S. Marines and
dustries." More than 11,000 banks of the
lofty goals because of America's powerful
Navy, to pool information on the spill.
nation's nearly 13,000 banks have equity-to-
A
"Saudi Arabia has been dealing with oil
asset ratios of more than 6% and are mak-
position in the world. "This is the burden
speaking workforce
slicks for a long time," said Abdalla E.
ing money. "These banks account for
of leadership, and the strength that has
made America the beacon of freedom in a
Dabbagh, the institute's director, "but we
nearly half of the industry's assets and
Unlimited investment potential
searching world."
have never been able to deal with some-
show every sign of being able to survive
thing of this magnitude."
the recession,' be said.
Stable labor-management
The chamber was unusually crowded in
anticipation of the president's speech, but
At an estimated 11 million barrels-
"At the other end of the spectrum are
relations.
s at-
it was not until he spoke directly of the
forming a slick 60 miles long and up to 20
fewer than 600 banks with equity-to-asset
A reputation for quality and
pped
troops in the Gulf that he touched a chord
miles wide-the spill is now estimated by
ratios of less than 6% that reported net
ace,
with the members. His warning to Iraq
institute officials to wash up at the city of
losses for the first six months of 1990.
advanced technology.
against mistreating allied prisoners-of-war
Jubail by next Wednesday. Jubail is the
These institutions account for only about
one-tenth of the industry's assets, and
An extremely competitive "cost
again brought the room to its feet led by
home of the world's largest desalination
of
Senate Republican Leader Robert Dole,
plant, which supplies 90% of the drinking
many of them are likely to fail by the end
of doing business."
mp-
who was severely wounded in World War
water for Riyadh, the capital city. Private
of 1993," he maintained. He also said that
In
II.
a number of large banks are vulnerable to
Easy access to all of Europe.
U.S. forecasters had predicted the oil
S of
Administration officials who helped pre-
would reach Jubail a bit sooner, while the
an economic downturn.
ars,
pare the speech said Mr. Bush was at-
Saudis had been more optimistic, suggest-
Separately. the comptroller of the cur-
See for yourself how Denmark
bout
tempting to give a confident appraisal of
ing that winds would blow the oil away
rency issued an expected bulletin encour-
fits into your corporate picture.
Write or call:
ajor
the war effort, without engaging in any
from shore.
aging 4,200 national banks to disclose more
13%
bravado. The president left little doubt that
U.S. Marine officials at the conference
information on nonperforming loans. "This
The Danish Investment Bureau
be is sure the U.S. will defeat Iraq militar-
said the spill would force them to move
information will improve understanding of
Consulate General of Denmark
ore
ily but was careful to avoid promising
their portable purification systems out to
the impact of nonaccrual loans on a bank's
825 Third Avenue
ver
when victory would come.
sea on barges to draw uncontaminated wa-
financial condition," the Treasury agency
New York, NY 10022
that
But he appeared to suggest that Ameri-
ter. The oil spill also produces problems
said.
(212) 223-4545
il is
cans won't have to wait long. The war is
for smaller ships, such as tugboats, which
and
"on course," he declared, adding: "Iraq's
have water intake valves for water-cooled
cor-
capacity to sustain war is being destroyed.
engines near the surface, Marine officials
Chrysler Extends Military Pay
live
Our investment, our training, our plan-
said.
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. - Chrysler
y."
Corp. said it is extending military-leave
Remington Bronco Buster
also
&
ning-all are paying off. Time will not be
pay to six months from one month for em-
Cast from 1895 original, 24". $600
reg. $1377 each.
*299
ert
Saddam's salvation."
Aides Say Tehran
Sale
ing
ployees who are called to active duty.
including extra $89 discount now on
fig-
Mr. Bush also appeared eager to douse
General Motors Corp. on Monday be-
premium quality pure bronze Remington
authorized recast originals. No risk. 7 day
congressional worries that his bitter asser-
Has Given Assurances
came the first of the U.S. Big Three to say
approval. 100% guaranty.
free sale
re-
tions that Saddam Hussein is committing
It would bridge, for longer than one month,
800-435-3545/714-831-7031
catalog
Whittsker/Remington Bronzes
arly
war crimes and will be brought to justice
the
reflect a decision to expand America's war
Over Iraqi Planes
the gap between its employee's regular
23772 Brant, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
pay and the military salary paid to reserv-
'no
goals to include a drive to get the Iraqi
ists on active duty. Ford Motor Co. has
rs,
leader himself. "Our purpose in the Per-
Continued From Page A3
said it may review its policy.
INSIST ON
Ad-
sian Gulf remains constant: To drive Iraq
moving across the open desert in southern
Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Corp.
pile
out of Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legiti-
Kuwalt and destroyed 24 tanks, armored
and Toyota Motor Corp., have said they
AUTOLOG™
for
mate government, and to ensure the stabil-
personnel carriers and supply vehicles, ac-
will pay reservist employees for as long as
ity and security of this critical region,"
cording to press pool reports. Col. Ron
the war keeps them away from the job.
Business Use
Personal
Use
sen
Richard, spokesman for the Marine 2nd Di-
he said.
About 80 Chrysler employees are listed
BEACH EXPENSE BOOKS
tly
29651 Greenfield Rd.
Southfield, MI 48078
vision, said Iraqi armored units frequently
as being on military leave.
313-559-6123
rs
"We do not seek the destruction of Iraq,
travel along the border on routine maneu-
ew
its culture or its people," Mr. Bush de-
vers.
len
clared.
In France, Defense Minister Jean-
ap-
In his remarks, President Bush gave
Pierre Chevenement resigned, soothing a
ng
only a passing nod to anti-war demonstra-
sore spot between France and its allies,
TheSix Earrings Every
rs
tors in the U.S. "Democracy brings the un-
who were annoyed at Mr. Chevenement's
er
deniable value of thoughtful dissent-and
open opposition to war. Mr. Chevenement,
LC-
we have heard some dissenting voices here
a founding member of the Franco-Iraqi
at home, some, a handful, reckless, but
Friendship Society, said the heavy allied
Woman Should Own
on
bombing goes beyond the goals of U.N.
most responsible," he said. "But the fact
resolutions, which call for Iraqi troops to
(the perfect Valentine gift, all for only $2950)
se
that all voices have the right to speak out
leave occupied Kuwait.
ist
is one of the reasons we've been united in
At the same time, Germany moved to
n-
purpose and principle for 200 years."
try to shake its Image as a lukewarm ally
ult
In one somber note, Mr. Bush also re-
of the U.S.-led fight against Iraq. The Ger-
ud
ferred to the turmoll in the Soviet Union
man government pledged an extra $5.5 bil-
Love Knot
fic
and the recent violent crackdown on Inde-
lion to help pay the costs of the war, on top
at
pendence movements there. Mr. Bush de-
of $3.3 billion previously committed. Ger-
Wedding Band
Shell
er
fended his decision to maintain close con-
many also pledged to send anti-aircraft
a-
batteries to help defend Turkey, a neighbor
tact with the Soviet leadership despite
y
of Iraq. Germany has been criticized in the
some domestic pressure to react more
SI-
U.S. Congress for failing to do more in the
harshly to the Soviet crackdown, saying:
war effort, particularly because German
er,
"Our relationship with the Soviet Union is
companies played a large role in helping
Pearl Button
Sphere
&
important, not only to us, but to the
Iraq build up its chemical, biological and
S.
world."
nuclear weapons capabilities.
Cascade
re
He said dialogue between the two coun-
-Bruce Ingersoll contributed to this ar-
18 karas gold embellished (shown actual size)
tries is important to encouraging Increas-
ticle.
of
ing democracy in the U.S.S.R. And Mr.
F
IRST LADIES, royalty, and movie stars all six pairs (clip or pierced) for only $29.50.
CORRECTIONS
wear jewelry created by Kenneth Jay Lane,
30-day money-back guarantee. Lifetime
Bush also said that in his recent talks with
"The King of Costume Jewelry".
warranty against breakage or tarnishing.
10
Soviet leadership-he met with new Soviet
& AMPLIFICATIONS
This Wardrobe Collection contains
T
Call Toll-Free (24 hrs., 7 days)
Foreign Minister Alexander Bessmertnykh
FERRO Corp. said Adolph Posnick will
Mr. Lane's six most-wanted styles in a com-
y
1-800-233-3489, ext. C88
on Monday-he has been given "represen-
be retiring as chief executive officer and
pact travel case. The earrings are lavishly
S,
to order with VISA or MasterCard Or mail check
tations" that, if acted upon, could lead to
chairman, effective May 1. The company
embellished with 18 karat gold. The pearl is
for $29 plus $3 shpg/hdle (NY & RI res. add sales
the withdrawal of some Soviet forces from
said the chief executive post will be filled
imported alabaster enrobed in genuine
tax) to KJL (Dept. C88). Specify Chip or Pierced
n
the Baltics and "a reopening of dialogue"
by Albert C. Bersticker, president and
pearlescence.
--
between the Soviet government and the
chief operating officer, and the chairman
If real, this set would cost $5,000. But
KJL by Kenneth Jay Lane
Jeweler to the World's Most Admired Women™
it
Baltic states.
post-won't be immediately filled. Yester-
like the most famous women, you can buy
417 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
K
David Rogers and David Wessel con-
day's edition incorrectly stated that Mr.
tributed to this article.
Posnick would remain chairman.
3 STAR
FINAL
DAILY NEWS
35C 7504 Beyond 75 miles of N.Y.C. (Except L.T.)
NEW YORK'S PICTURE NEWSPAPER
Wednesday, January 30, 1991
'We will
prevail.'
GEORGE BUSH'S
STATE OF THE
UNION ADDRESS
DAY 14
GULF
He tells of
Baltic VOW
By MAURIEN SANTINI
News Washington Bureeu
OTHER
WASHINGTON Presi-
STORIES
dent Bush last night declared
America "will prevail" la the
She took her cigarets and
went to Israel
war against Traq and will
Page 14
"lead the world away from
Tehren's visted interest in
Saddem's doom.
the dark chaos of dictators"
Page 15
in the Persian Gulf.
N War briefing, including a MD-
"We are the only nation on
dated map.
Page 18
this Earth that could assem-
24 Iraqi tanks and personnel
ble the forces of peace," Bush
carriers blasted.
Page 17
told a joint session of Coo-
a You won't hear complaints
gress in his annual State of
about the Patriot missiles.
the Union address.
Editorial Page 24
"American leadership is
What the President didn't
indispensable," be said, "We
speak about last night.
stand at a defining hour."
Linrs-Erik Nalson Page 28
The President also di-
vulged that he has received
assurances from the Soviet
would be a presidential sue-
Union that It Intends to ease
cessor in case of attack on the
up on its repression in the in-
House of Representatives,
dependence-minded Baltie
where Bush, Vice President
states.
Quayle and the rest of the
cabinet assembled.
Withdrawal of forces
Though his message was
"We have been given repre-
being rewritten right up to
sentations, which, if fulfilled,
the last minute, Bush offered
would result in the withdraw-
al of some Soviet forces, a re-
opening of dialogué with the
INFANT MORTALITY
republies (Lithuania, Latvia
Bush has a proposal.
and Estonia), and a move
see PAGE 18
away from violence," Bush
said in remarks prepared for
his belief that as spokes-
delivery.
man Marlin Fitzwater said in
Bush, who has been ac-
advance "America is in a
cused of not doing enough to
very strong position with re-
help the Balties, said he
gard to the conflict in the guif
would watch the situation
and that the war is going ac-
carefully. Despite Monday's
cording to schedule.
postponement of a U.S.-Sovi-
et summit, Bush said he
Domestic agenda tame
would maintain contact with
There was no sweeping
Soviet leadership "to encour-
new domestic agenda con-
age continued commitment to
tained in the speech or an ac-
democratization and re-
companying "fact sheet" dis-
form."
tributed by the White House.
Most on war
But Bush was set to pro-
Amid extraordinary securi-
pose the most sweeping over
ty, Bush devoted the bulk of
haul of the banking system
his address to the Persian
since the Depression, with
Gulf war - and he an-
banks, instead of taxpayers,
nounced a few domestic ini-
forced to pay for Federal De-
tiatives.
posit Insurance Corp. protec-
tion.
For those who have
watched on TV as U.S. Patriot
Bush also was proposing a
missiles destroyed Iraqi
$200 million project to en-
SCUDS, Bush announced be
courage school districts to ai-
would redirect the Star Wars
low parents to choose their
Strategic Defense Initiative
children's school.
to focus on "providing protec-
tion from limited ballistic
'With strength'
missile strikes."
Worried about terrorism,
Also on the President's
police closed all streets in a
agenda was a new civil-rights
four-block area around the
bill, an attack on infant mor-
Capitol two hours in advance.
tality, tougher crime legisla-
In keeping with tradition,
tion and a new energy policy.
He was seeking again to al-
one of the junior members of
low first-time home buyers to
Bush's cabinet was designat-
withdraw money from Indi-
ed to stay away from the joint
vidual Retirement Accounts
session to insure that there
without penalty
THE NATION'S NEWSPAPER
50 CENTS
USA
COUNTRY's
RISING
STARS 4D
WRITERS-TURNED-SINGERS
TODAY
PAM TILLIS AND MIKE REID
ARE SCORING BIG WITH
NEW TUNES - THEIR OWN
CHEAP MORTGAGES,
FALLING PRICES
SPARK MORE BUYING
Arists Records
NO. 1 IN THE USA
NEARLY 6 MILLION READERS A DAY
OF HOMES 18
PAM TILLIS: Taking her
own song up charts, 4D
Bush: 'We will prevail'
Seeks end
U.S., Soviet
to recession,
HOME FRONT
FRONT LINES
"We will get this
66Let future genera-
cease-fire
aggression
recession behind us,
tions
say we stood
plan offered
and return to growth
where duty required
By Jessica Lee
By Bill Nichols
USA TODAY
- - soon."
us to stand."
and Johanna Neuman
USA TODAY
President Bush in the first
wartime State of the Union
On the same day allied
message since the Vletnam era
troops unleashed the flercest
- vowed Tuesday the nation
ground attacks of the gulf war,
will Nck the aggression in the
the United States and Soviet
guif and the recession at home.
Union Tuesday said a cease-
"We stand at a defining
fire in the conflict is "possible."
hour," Bush said, urging the
But the offer came with con-
public to shoulder "a unique re-
ditions Iraq taking "con-
sponsibility to do the hard
crete steps" to withdraw from
work of freedom"
Kuwait that Saddam Hus-
He declared, "There is no
sein has previously rejected.
one more devoted, more com-
The joint statement, issued
mitted" to freedom than U.S.
by Secretary of State James
forces in the gulf. That salute
Baker and Soviet Foreign Min-
brought a two-minute-plus
ister Alexander Bessmertnykh,
standing ovation from the
is the first U.S.-backed cease-
packed House chamber.
fire offer since the war began
Praising the Patriot missile
14 days ago.
system, Bush said he's ordered
The two men also agreed it
the Strategic Defense Initiative
"will be especially important"
"refocused" to provide protec-
to work to end Arab-Israeli hos-
tion from ground-based mis-
tilities after the war ends.
siles such as the Scud.
On the Saudi-Kuwait border
He gave no timetable for the
Tuesday, allied aircraft de-
war, but said: "I am certain of
stroyed a convoy of 24 Iraqi
how It will end. So that peace
tanks, trucks and armored car-
can prevail, we will prevail."
riers, U.S. officials said.
And be warned Iraqi Presi-
And U.S. Marines fired more
dent Seddam Hussein "he is
than 300 rounds of artillery,
dead wrong" to expect any
mortars and TOW missiles in a
payoff for invading Kuwait.
15-minute barrage that brought
In other areas, Bush called
no return fire.
U.S.-Soviet ties "Important," a
"I don't know what their
statement that underscored a
strategy is," said Lt. Gen.
report Tuesday that the Soviets
Thomas Kelly. Iraqi forces
plan to remove some troops
"are sitting out in the open.
from the embattled Baltics.
They're being pounded every
Extending his upbeat out-
day." Allied air sorties Tues-
look to problems at home,
day: more than 2,600.
Bush promised to unvell sever-
By The Dillon, USA TODAY
al initiatives as investments in
ECONOMY: Bush's propcsals include tax-free family savings accounts. (Excerpts, TA)
A dozen Iraqi soldiers did
slip into Saudi Arabia Monday,
"the next American century."
wounding three Saudis. But
One surprise proposal calls
Among his new proposals:
Saudi officials said the Iraqis
for the federal government to
An energy strategy focus-
give states a $15 billion block-
ing on conservation and less re-
COVER STORY
killed their officer in a botched
ambush. Other developments:
grant to pay for a range of envi-
liance on foreign supplies.
Israeli Defense Minister
ronmental, transportation,
Shoring up the bank de-
health and welfare programs.
Iran's move
Moshe Arens said Israel would
posit insurance fund.
retallate for Iraq's Scud missile
attacks within a month if allied
raids haven't stopped them.
THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS
Capitol became
Congress united on war,
fortress during
divided on domestic front
State of Union
By Richard Wolf
blanks at domestic problems,"
the upbeat speech needed to
USA TODAY
summed up House Majority
shore up support for what
By Leslie Phillips
Whip William Gray, D-Pa.
could be a long, bloody conflict.
USA TODAY
Congress greeted President
Democratic leaders criti-
"The nation and the world
Bush's dramatic State of the
cized Bush's vagueness on do-
community are fortunate in
An air of disquiet seemed to engulf the
Union address with one voice
mestic Issues and said one of
having George Bush as presi-
Capitol Tuesday as President Bush gave
on the war abroad but a ca-
his few concrete proposals
dent at this time," said House
his State of the Union address.
cophony of division about the
for a lower capital gains tax
Minority Leader Robert MH
"There's a real feeling of deep anxiety,"
problems at home.
would benefit the wealthy rath-
chel, R-III. "His quiet confi-
said Sen. Donald Riegle, D-Mich. "You feel
The unity over the war was
er than "the soldiers' families."
dence is reassuring."
it all day. You feel it walking in. You feel It
reflected by the longest stand-
Senate Majority Leader
Senate Minority Leader
walking out The clock is ticking."
As the country completed its 13th day at
ing ovation in most lawmakers'
George Mitchell, D-Maine,
Robert Dole, R-Kan., called the
memory - when Bush cited
struck the Democratic theme
speech "what our troops ex-
war in the Middle East, the threat of a ter-
the sacrifices of the troops.
in his televised response by In-
pected to hear from their com-
rorist attack on the Capitol - and the secu-
"The response from Con-
sisting the troops abroad de-
mander in chief," adding, "As
rity ordered to deter it added to the
By Tim Dillon,USA Today
gress makes It clear to the
serve a stronger nation to re-
long as casualties are light, you
weight of the evening
Almost every member of the 1,265-
STANDING OVATION: Members of Congress applaud Brenda Schwarzkopf, right, wife
world that our men and wom-
turn to after the war.
aren't going to find any waver-
en in uniform, and the presi-
"The president says he seeks
ing of support."
strong Capitol Police force was on duty.
of the commander of U.S. forces in the gulf, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, during the
State of the Union address. With her is first lady Barbara Bush and Alma Powell, left,
dent, have our nation solidly
a new world order," he said.
Several Democrats who op-
Outside, officers stood every 20 feet.
wife of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell.
behind them," said Senate
"We ask him to join us in put-
posed the use of force in cru-
"It really is kind of a shame it's come to
Armed Services Committee
ting our own house in order."
cial votes earlier this month
this," said guest William Anders, chairman
of General Dynamics. "It does remind you
Norman Schwarzkopf; and Alma Powell,
"There was such an obvious outpouring
Chairman Sam Nunn, D-Ga.,
Other Democrats cited the
applauded Bush's words on the
there's a lot of unrest in the world."
wife of Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the
of emotional support for the troops," said
who opposed the use of force
absence of a defined energy
guif and defended the absence
Anders and his wife Valerie were Invit-
Joint Chiefs of Staff. Both received stand-
Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss. "You could
earlier this month.
policy in Bush's speech and
of a specific domestic agenda.
just feel It."
"Tonight was a night for the
what they called only lip ser-
"The speech railied the
ed by House Speaker Thomas Foley, D-
ing ovations when introduced by Bush.
Wash., perhaps, not in small part, because
One of the longest standing ovations of
A new $40,000 bomb-sniffing machine
men and women in the gulf,"
vice toward improved health
troops, and that had to be done
the speech came when he recognized Mrs.
made its debut at one of the main en-
said Sen. John Warner, R-Va.
and education policies.
at this point in time," said Rep.
General Dynamics makes some of the so-
phisticated weapons being used in the Gulf
Schwarzkopf as a representative of "our
trances to the Capitol. Two technicians fa-
But while Bush's defense of
"Support for our troops also
Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "It
men and women serving in the gulf."
miliar with the Entry-Scan Mark II hov-
the war won praise, his stacca-
means support for the kind of
was a little short on details on
including the F-16 fighter and Tomahawk
cruise missile. Anders gave out tie pins in
She looked pleased, then slightly embar-
ered nearby assessing their product.
to list of domestic priorities
America they are fighting for,"
domestic policy, but you have
the shape of a Tomahawk.
rassed as the applause in the House cham-
"We don't want (the Capitol) to just look
was panned by Democrats.
said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-
to expect that in time of war."
Other notable guests: Brenda Schwarz-
ber lingered on for two, three, then four
fortified," said Capitol Police spokesman
"We're going to shoot real
Mass.
Contributing: Adam Na-
Dan Nichols, "but to be fortified."
bullets at Saddam Hussein and
Republicans said Bush gave
gourney and Paul Clancy
kopf, wife of Desert Storm commander
minutes.
Bush uses address to rally, reassure nation
Americans watch in gulf, home
By Richard Benedetto
hear them," be said.
foreign policy by admitting
tic part of the speech of "no
$15 billion in federal programs
President Bush's State of
teacher Kathy Blackwell,
USA TODAY
He also admitted for the first
that "If we're going to have a
substance" and said, "We can't
to the states, with full funding,
the Union speech touched
celebrating her 37th birth-
time, without qualification, that
better world, we're going to
rely on 1,000 points of light to
is sure to touch off heavy de-
people from Saidi Arabia
day, heard the president
solve the problems of home-
bate in Congress.
Cape Cod.
quote from her letter to
President Bush used his
the USA is in a recession.
have to make It ourselves.
State of the Union address
Inspirational appeals have
The 47-minute speech also
lessness, joblessness and lack
An ABC News-Washington
In Saudi Arabia, Air
him about the recession.
not been Bush's strength he
outlined serious domestic prob-
of health care."
Post poll Tuesday found 45%
Force Sgt. William Resides
felt like be had heard
Tuesday to make an Impas-
sioned plea for support of the
flopped trying to sell his budget
lems which critics say Bush
Most of Bush's initiatives in
approve Bush's handling of the
watched on TV as Congress
me, which was wonderful
deal last fall. But Tuesday he
has neglected.
education, crime, housing and
economy. But the war boosted
give the U.S. troops a pro-
feeling." she asid. "And I
Persian Gulf war, and to look
ahead to a world free and at
upheld the nation's traditional
But with war costs running
health care and campaign re-
his overall approval rating to a
longed standing ovation.
felt somewhat helpful for
role of guardian of freedom as
near $500 million a day, a pro-
form are refinements of last
new high 79%: 81% ap-
I've never seen so many
the people that spoke for."
peace, led by the United States.
reason to stand against Iraq's
jected budget deficit of $318
year's proposals, most of which
prove his handling of the war.
formal people cut loose like
Blackwell wrote after
"Such is a world worthy of
our struggle and worthy of our
invasion of Kuwait.
billion and an economy in re-
were either ignored by Con-
So In his speech, Bush
that." said Resides of Roch-
hearing a Bush reference
children's future," he said.
"We are Americans," he
cession, his proposals were
gress or significantly altered.
played his strong sult.
ester, N.Y. You see a
to a "mild recession."
said. "We have a unique re-
modest. Yet Bush, appealing to
New programs in banking
He repeated his reasons for
bunch of men in sults stand
"It's anything but mild
Bush's tone was firm, his out-
the war, and said, "Let future
and clap for you like that. It
here." said Blackwell, is
look optimistic, as he vowed to
sponsibility to do the hard
all to volunteer and do their
reform, energy conservation,
win the war and help lead the
work of freedom. And when
share, was upbeat.
highway maintenance and eco-
generations understand the
gives you 6 serious or pride,
mother of five. "People are
we do, freedom works."
"The state of our union is the
nomic growth were sketchy,
burden and the blessings of
It brings # tear to your
losing their homes, getting
nation to economic renewal.
"I know, tonight, in some re-
Republican consultant Rob-
union of each of us," he said.
and await details in next
freedom. Let them say, we
eye,"
laid off, filing for bankrupt-
gions of the country, people are
ert Goodman said the speech
Democratic consultant
week's budget proposal.
stood where duty required us
And in Sandwich, Mess.,
cy all over the place."
in genuine economic distress. I
marked a turning point In U.S.
Frank Greer called the domes-
And a new plan to turn over
to stand."
B2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1991
THE WASHINGTON POST
JONATHAN YARDLEY
The Sad State of the Presidential Address
"
oud and clear": That, in the
oratory were meant to move and inspire,
Speaking of whom: America is "an
collective judgment of the
and were couched in the grand language of
inspiring example of freedom and
editorial board of the Wall
the public forum.
democracy," which is why "the hopes of
Street Journal, is how the president of the
But that same language, read (or,
humanity turn to us." We Americans have
United States "came through" in his
worse, shouted) through the television
"a unique responsibility to do the hard
address last week on the state of the
screen, loses its grandeur and seems
work of freedom," which we do with our
Union. It was a theme echoed in other
merely overblown, if not downright
"indomitable spirit" because "America has
editorial columns and other spaces devoted
embarrassing. The culprit isn't
broadcasting per se; as Roosevelt and
always led by example." That is why "if
to the expression of opinion: George Bush
"came through loud and clear."
innumerable others proved beyond doubt,
anyone tells you America's best days are
Maybe it's a matter of definition. As an
radio is a singularly effective médium not
behind her, they're looking the wrong
expression of American war aims in the
merely for conversational fireside chats
way." America is "the beacon of freedom in
Persian Gulf and of support for the troops
but also for powerful, calculatedly
a searching world."
engaged in combat there, the speech was
rhetorical speechifying. Rather it seems to
As for America at home, it is reaching
indeed loud and generally, if not entirely,
be that when television shrinks the image
for "the promise of a renewed America,"
clear. But as an exercise in oratory it was
of a person addressing a crowd, it
one in which each of us joins "the
something else altogether: a bromidic
somehow shrinks his words as well; what
community of conscience," does "the hard
homily distinguished only for its utter
is meant to be hortatory comes through as
work of freedom," serves shining
poverty of language and imagination.
thin, wheezy, inadequate.
purpose, the illumination of a thousand
That this was SO is not entirely the fault
Certainly that was the case with George
points of light." It is time to "unleash the
of George Bush. The art of presidential
Bush's address last Tuesday night.
potential of our most precious resource,
utterance, rarely an especially exalted one,
Leaving aside his own inadequacies as an
our citizens, our citizens themselves." "We
has fallen on hard times in the postwar
orator, which it is pointless to hold against
him, the speech simply failed to do what its
all have something to give," we citizens of
years. How many presidential speeches of
authors clearly intended: It didn't inspire
this "nation of rock-solid realism and
this period do more than a handful of
Americans remember? Dwight
and it didn't clarify. If it was interrupted on
clear-eyed idealism," qualities that have so
Eisenhower's farewell warning against the
numerous occasions by applause, that had
much to do with "what America is all
influence of the "military-industrial
nothing to do with its language and
about." We can make an "investment in
complex"; John Kennedy's inaugural
everything to do with its sentiments,
America's future," we can achieve
address; Lyndon Johnson's impassioned
which SO far as the troops overseas are
"excellence in education," we can "put
plea for the enactment of civil rights
concerned were utterly unexceptionable; it
more power and opportunity in the hands
legislation; Ronald Reagan's brief remarks
would have been truly astonishing if
of the individual," we can achieve "freedom
after the explosion of the Challenger space
Congress, which claps automatically when
from crime and the fear that stalks our
shuttle-that's just about it. The rest is
it hears the right buzzwords, had declined
cities," we can even "look beyond the next
to applaud.
lost, perhaps mercifully so, in a fog of
election, to the next generation."
You want buzzwords? Bush had
cliches and platitudes, most of them
buzzwords. The principal of the
On and on it went, banality following
manufactured by the White House speech
banality in a succession not once
factory.
speech were, in foreign-affairs, "a new
world order" and "the hard work of
interrupted by an original or interesting
The very existence of that factory is
freedom," and, in domestic affairs, "the
phrase or idea. To be sure this is scarcely
part of the problem; speechwriting by
power and choice of individuals." Subject.
unusual for the State of the Union address,
committee is an inherently reductive
any of these to moderately close scrutiny
the underlying purpose of which seems to
process in which life and energy are
and what becomes immediately clear is
be the presentation of a presidential
squeezed out in the interests of consensus
that none of them means anything, or, to
shopping list to which no one pays any
and compromise. But the larger difficulty
put it another way, all of them mean
attention once its delivery is completed.
lies in the constraints on oratory that have
whatever anyone wants them to mean
But we expect, and deserve, more than
been imposed by television. This
They' empty words, devoid of real
mere bromides at what Bush himself
inherently intimate medium provides rich
meaning and clarity.
called, however unimaginatively, "a
opportunities for the speaker who is able
Thus it went throughout the speech. If
defining hour" in American history; but
to master the conversational style, but
it sounded banal over the air, try reading
when television moves into the arena
bromides are what we got, and little more.
it. The war is "a great struggle in the skies
where declamation customarily has been
Yes, it is true that bromides and cliches
and on the seas and sands," waged against
employed, both the medium and the
often get that way because they give voice
a man who "violated everything the
person using it are far less comfortable.
community of nations holds dear," its
to truths; the sentiments Bush expressed
Think back to the great presidential
ultimate purpose "a world worthy of our
about the country, its people and its
speeches, most of which were given by
struggle and worthy of our children's
purposes are shared by most of us, and
Abraham Lincoln or Franklin Roosevelt,
future," a world led "away from the dark
there are only so many ways they can be
and the first quality you notice about them
chaos of dictators, toward the brighter
put into words. But spare us, if you will,
is their elocutionary style; they were
promise of a better day Negotiations
the pretense that reiteration of the most
written to be presented in spacious public
between the United States and the Soviet
conventional wisdom in the most
places and thus to be delivered in what
Union are being conducted in the hope of
conventional language is either eloquent or
used to be called "ringing" voices.
"a more peaceful future for all mankind,"
profound, not to mention "loud and clear."
Lincoln's second inaugural address,
while "the triumph of democratic ideas"
It's merely speechwriting on automatic
Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor address to
around the world confirms "the wisdom of
pilot,which is exactly what George Bush
Congress: These benchmarks of American
our nation's founders."
served last Tuesday night.
Photo Copy Preservation
(Lange/Grossman)
January 14, 1991
9:30 A.M.
[ONION11.DOC]
DRAFT ELEVEN
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
THE STATE OF THE UNION, 1991
THE CAPITOL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1991
I come to this House of the people, to speak to you and all
Americans, certain that we stand at a defining hour.
We are engaged in a great struggle in the skies, and on the
seas and sands halfway around the world. We fight in a faraway
land, for a reason that is immediate, straightforward and clear.
We 11 are Americans: part of something larger than
ourselves. 11
For two centuries, we have done the hard work of freedom.
And tonight, we lead the world in facing down a threat to
something we have sought for generations.
What is at stake is not one small country, it is a big idea:
a new world order -- where diverse nations are drawn together in
common cause, to fulfill the universal values of mankind: peace
and security, freedom and the rule of law. This is a world
worthy of our struggle, and worthy of our children. 11
The community of nations is now resolutely gathered to
condemn lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked invasion
-- his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor --
violated everything the community of nations stands for. We said
it would not stand -- and it will not stand. 11
The world resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism, and
isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world answered
2
Saddam's invasion with twelve United Nations resolutions; forces
from 28 countries on five continents; and an unprecedented degree
of international solidarity. The world now stands as one. 11
The end of the Cold War has been a victory for all humanity.
In Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, Latin America, Asia, Africa
-- all who now struggle confirm the wisdom of our forefathers.
This is the hope of mankind: to achieve a victory, not over
another nation, but over war itself.
We in this Union enter the last decade of this century
thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware of
our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around
the world. We know why the hopes of humanity turn to us.
We are Americans. Part of something larger than ourselves.
And when we do the hard work of freedom, freedom works.
\
The courage and conviction we see in the Persian Gulf today
is simply the American character in action. The indomitable
American spirit that is winning this victory for world peace and
justice, is the same spirit that gives us the power and the
potential to meet our toughest challenges at home.
If we have the resourcefulness and the resolve to confront
evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we
can dare to make our America all that it can and should be.
We are Americans -- a community of conscience. And if
anyone tells you America's best days are behind her, they're
looking the wrong way.
3
So tonight, I come before this House, and the American
people, with an appeal for change. Tonight will be more than a
call for new government initiatives. It is a call for new
initiative in government, in our communities, and from every
American -- to prepare for the next American century.
We have within our reach the promise of a new and more
ennobling age. An age with no dark corners, no forgotten places,
no one lost in the dreamless sleep of indifference, or the
nightmare of despair.
And who will lead us toward the next American century?
Everyone who steps forward, today. To get one addict off drugs.
Convince one troubled teenager not to give up on life. Comfort
one AIDS patient. Teach one farmer in Africa how to feed his
village. Help one hungry child, anywhere in the world.
The problems may be different, but the source of all
solutions remains the same: it's the individual who steps
forward. And the state of our Union, is the union of each of us,
one to the other: the sum of our friendships, marriages,
families, and communities.
This has been the source of our strength since the birth of
this nation. Government's potential to solve problems alone will
be limited -- but America's potential knows no limits. 11
To find meaning and reward by serving some purpose higher
and broader than ourselves -- it is to know the irresistible
force of a child's hand, of a friend who stands by you and stays
there -- of an idea that is simply right.
4
So if you've got a hammer, find a nail. If you know how to
read, find someone who can't. If you're not hungry, not lonely,
not in trouble -- seek out someone who is.
Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of
freedom. For there lies the state of our union. 11
We have always been a nation of rock-solid realism, and
clear-eyed idealism. We are Americans: Part of something larger
than ourselves.
We are the nation that believes in the future. And
together, we have begun working for it, instead of against it:
by putting dollars for child care directly in the hands of
parents, instead of bureaucrats. By unshackling the potential of
Americans with disabilities. By applying the creativity of the
marketplace in the service of the environment, for clean air. By
making affordable housing available to more Americans.
These legislative accomplishments of the past year represent
government on a human scale: putting power and freedom of choice
at ground level -- with the individual, and the community. The
strength of a democracy is not the bureaucracy. It is the
people. Let us give them the tools they need to succeed, now. \\
Right now, in some regions of our country, people are in
genuine economic pain. I talk with them, see them -- and I hear
them. Earlier this month, a woman named Kathy Blackwell of
Sandwich, Massachusetts wrote me -- asking, "Can you begin to
imagine the loss of confidence, the shame, the family arguments,
5
the problems that all of this causes for people?"
Kathy, I can. And I'm not about to paint you some rosy
scenario for the future. But Americans have never followed false
prophets of doom -- and I don't think they'll follow them now.
So let me share some reasons why I think our economy as a whole
will rebound quickly:
First, we don't have to drive enormous inflation out of the
economy. Second, most industries don't have big inventories
piled up, so they won't have to make big cuts in production. And
third, exports are running solid and strong. In fact, American
businesses are exporting at a record rate. 11
So let's put these hard times in perspective. Together,
since 1981, we've created 22 million jobs, cut inflation in half,
cut unemployment by half, and cut interest rates in half.
Yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in history has
been temporarily interrupted. But we can return to growth --
soon -- and get on our way to a new record of expansion, for
competitive strength that will carry us into the next American
century. We must focus our efforts on encouraging economic
growth today, investing in the future, and always, giving power
and opportunity to the individual.
Strong economic growth today begins by cutting the federal
spending that adds to the deficit, and takes money out of
circulation where it does the most good.
That's why, amid all the sound and the fury of the budget
debate, we established new, enforceable spending caps and put
6
government on the pay-as-you-go plan -- so that future spending
debates will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war.
Along the way, we saved the taxpayer nearly 500 billion
dollars, freeing those funds for savings and job-creating private
investment. To encourage further savings and investment,
[growth package -- cap gains, FSP, IRA]
But these incentives for economic growth today must be
matched by long-term investments for the next American century.
Our first investment is first-class talent. That means an
education system second to none. Our historic partnership with
the governors has already galvanized a revolution in education.
Let's work for higher education reform, and pass a new
Educational Excellence Act. And let's give schools a reason to
run better -- by allowing parents the power of choice in where to
send their kids, so all have access to the best. 11 We can turn
out the brightest and the best in the world. And we will. 11
The future calls for first-class financial security. I know
people worry about our banking system. We will continue to make
sure banks are safe, sound, and able to provide adequate credit.
[FIX:] I will soon submit [banking reform proposals] No American
should ever fear for the security of their savings. 11
Technology and the American future go hand in hand. So let
us strengthen our research and development capability -- and
commercialize the results of important federal research, to help
our entrepreneurs do what they do best: create jobs. 11
7
Our future can never again be held hostage to foreign energy
suppliers. We must and will we must reduce our energy
vulnerability, once and for all. Therefore, on [date certain?],
I will present a comprehensive National Energy Strategy.
Our forefathers built our future on mobility, and so must we
-- by investing in our transportation infrastructure. I will
soon propose a new National Highway System. If we want to keep
America on the rise, let's keep America on the move. 11
And now that exports are our strong suit, let's continue to
expand world trade with a successful Uruguay Round. And through
a Mexican Free Trade Agreement, and our Enterprise for the
Americas Initiative, let us build the foundation for the world's
first hemispheric free trade zone. Because on a level playing
field, Americans can outwit, outwork, outproduce and outperform
anyone, any time, anywhere. 11
Putting more power in the hands of individuals, communities,
and institutions will be crucial to the next American century --
breaking the bondage of dependency, and building the bonds of
community in neighborhoods that need help, and above all, hope.
That means new incentives to create jobs in our inner
cities, by encouraging investment through enterprise zones. 11
It also means tenant control and ownership of public housing. 11
Freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege
of wealth. So tonight I ask the Congress to join me in drafting
an economic bill of rights, for all Americans. [specs to come]
Let us also protect a fundamental civil right -- freedom
8
from the crime and fear that stalks our cities. I will soon
convene a Crime Conference, for action at street level. And from
the Congress, we need tough crime control legislation. 11
The heart of our ability to compete depends on how we enlist
a large, untapped source of talent -- among the young and
unskilled, who need training. The disadvantaged, whose lives can
be turned to advantage. Older, more experienced Americans, who
want to work but are trapped by social security earnings caps.
All who want to work should be able to work. 11
So let no senseless racism or rivalry divide us. Let us
confirm America as a nation of principle, through civil rights
that abolish all barriers, bias, inside tracks, two-tiered
systems, glass ceilings, rungless ladders and unfair breaks --
for all Americans, for good, forever. No one is unnecessary.
We don't have a soul to waste -- or a minute to lose. 11
Finally, let us revive the ideal of the citizen politician
who comes not to stay, but to serve. Washington, once a
wilderness of swamps and fields, is now a wilderness of special
interests. It's time for election reform. 11
Let's eliminate PACs -- and put the national interest over
the special interests. 11 Plan not for the next election, but
the next generation.
In all of our progress for the present and investments for
the future, let us strive always to put power in the hands of
people. That was the spirit that drove our forefathers. So let
9
us fulfill the promise of the future that posterity deserves.
We are Americans. Part of something larger than ourselves.
We know that there are times when we must step forward, and
accept our responsibility to lead the world away from the dark
chaos of dictators, toward the brighter promise of a better day
for all God's children.
This is one such time: an hour of great struggle and
greater hope -- a defining hour for America and all free nations.
And there is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard
work of freedom, than every airman and Coastguardsman, every
soldier, sailor and marine now serving in the Persian Gulf. III
Each of them has stepped forward freely, to provide for this
nation's defense -- and now they struggle bravely, to earn for
America, for the world, and for future generations a just and
lasting peace.
They are truly America's finest. And our commitment to them
must be the equal of their commitment to their country. 11
Our purpose in the Persian Gulf remains constant: to drive
Iraq out of Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legitimate government, to
ensure the stability and security of the Gulf region.
Most Americans know instinctively why we are in Kuwait.
They know that we cannot leave the well-being of the world to the
might-makes-right of dictators like Saddam. 11
They know our challenge is to secure a bright and prosperous
future for the free world and the fledgling democracies. They
10
know we must make sure that the lion's share of the world's oil
resources don't finance the further aggressions of a tyrant. And
they know that we cannot close our eyes to the dawn of a more
stable world order.
Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful dissent
-- and we have heard dissenting voices. They confirm the rights
we love, and live by -- and by reason of those rights alone, we
are united in purpose, and in principle. 11
The course of our struggle in the Gulf is well known to all.
It was never expected to be easy, but it goes according to plan.
Our progress in this great struggle is the result of years
of preparedness. It is the cutting edge of American technology
-- our research and development, our manufacturing, our quality
control, our innovation -- that now allow us to engage in
difficult and hostile conditions with minimum loss of life. Our
men and women have the best. And they deserve it. 11
They deserve it, because they're the best. No nation could
ever ask for men and women of greater courage and valor than
these. May God bring them safely home, and soon.
The world well knows how this conflict began. And while I
won't predict how long it will take, I'm certain of how it will
end. The world community is about to win its first collective
victory for mankind. We will prevail, so that peace can prevail.
Tonight in the Gulf, the principles that have defined our
history and will determine our future are at stake.
For the first time in the post-war era, the international
11
community is united. The leadership of the United Nations, once
a hoped-for ideal, has become real. And Israel has shown heroic
restraint in the face of Saddam's cynical attempts to divide and
conquer. 11
Now the world has an opportunity to fulfill the long-held
promise of a new world order -- where the resort to force goes
unrewarded, and aggression meets collective resistance.
When we succeed in the Gulf -- as I know we will -- the
world community will have sent an enduring warning to any
dictator or despot, present or future, who contemplates outlaw
aggression. May the line now drawn in the sand be cast in stone.
America is a force for conquest, never. A force for liberation,
forever.
Saddam's first and final miscalculation was thinking that
this conflict would be seen as Iraq against America. Indeed, as
28 countries from five continents are proving, it is Iraq against
the world. 11
Yes, the United States bears a major share, not only of
costs but of leadership in this effort. And that's how it should
be. The United States is unique. For 45 years, only the United
States could shoulder this kind of responsibility -- not Europe,
not the Soviet Union, not Japan.
We are the only nation on this earth that could assemble the
forces of peace. Among the nations of the world, only the United
States of America has had the moral standing and the means to
12
back it up. And now at last, the United Nations is able to
fulfill its promise. So must we. And so we will. 11
This is the burden of leadership -- and it's the blessing
that has made America freedom's beacon in a searching world.
This nation long ago ceased to find glory in war. It is a
brutal business. We fight in anger, for the fact that we have to
fight. And each of us will measure, among ourselves and within
our souls, the losses of this great struggle.
Any cost in lives is beyond mankind's power to measure.
But this we know: Our cause is just. And the cost of closing
our eyes is beyond mankind's power to imagine.
Let future generations understand the burden and the
blessing of freedom. And let them say, we stood where duty
required us to stand.
When history looks back upon us, let 1991 be the year that
we affirmed America as a community of conscience -- willing and
able to do the hard work of freedom.
Let them say that together, we climbed the hill. We stood
our ground. We did what had to be done.
The winds of change are with us now. The forces of freedom
are united. Let us end this century more confident than ever,
that we have the will -- at home and abroad -- to do what must be
done.
May God bless the United States of America.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 29, 1991
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON THE STATE OF THE UNION
The U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:09 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker, and
members of the United States Congress. I come to this House of the
people to speak to you and all Americans, certain that we stand at a
defining hour. Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great
struggle in the skies and on the seas and sands. We know why we're
there. We are Americans -- part of something larger than ourselves.
For two centuries, we've done the hard work of freedom. And tonight,
we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.
What is at stake is more than one small country; it is a
big idea: a new world order, where diverse nations are drawn
together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of
mankind -- peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is
a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our children's future.
(Applause.)
The community of nations has resolutely gathered to
condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked
invasion -- his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor --
violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world
has said this aggression would not stand -- and it will not stand.
(Applause.)
Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement,
cynicism, and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world
has answered Saddam's invasion with 12 United Nations resolutions,
starting with a demand for Iraq's immediate and unconditional
withdrawal and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six
continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands as one.
The end of the Cold War has been a victory for all
humanity. A year and a half ago, in Germany, I said that our goal
was a Europe whole and free. Tonight, Germany is united. Europe has
become whole and free -- and America's leadership was instrumental in
making it possible. (Applause.)
Our relationship to the Soviet Union is important, not
only to us, but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape
these and other historic changes. But like many other nations; we
have been deeply concerned by the violence in the Baltics, and we
have communicated that concern to the Soviet leadership.
The principle that has guided us is simple: Our
objective is to help the Baltic peoples achieve their aspirations,
not to punish the Soviet Union. (Applause.) In our recent
discussions with the Soviet leadership, we have been given
representations which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal
of some Soviet forces, a reopening of dialogue with the Republics,
and a move away from violence.
We will watch carefully as the situation develops. And
we will maintain our contact with the Soviet leadership to encourage
MORE
- 2 -
continued commitment to democratization and reform. (Applause.) If
it is possible, I want to continue to build a lasting basis for
U.S. -Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind.
The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and
Latin America, and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere all
around the world all confirm the wisdom of our nation's founders.
Tonight, we work to achieve another victory -- a victory
over tyranny and savage aggression.
We in this Union enter the last decade of the 20th
century thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware
of our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around
the world.
For two centuries, America has served the world as an
inspiring example of freedom and democracy. For generations, America
has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty.
And today, in a rapidly changing world, American leadership is
indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and
sacrifices. But we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us.
We are Americans: we have a unique responsibility to do the hard
work of freedom. And when we do, freedom works. (Applause.)
The conviction and courage we see in the Persian Gulf
today is simply the American character in action. The indomitable
spirit that is contributing to this victory for world peace and
justice is the same spirit that gives us the power and the potential
to meet our toughest challenges at home.
We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly
confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely
we can make this land all that it should be. If anyone tells you
that America's best days are behind her, they're looking the wrong
way. (Applause.)
Tonight, I come before this House and the American people
with an appeal for renewal. This is not merely a call for new
government initiatives; it is a call for new initiative in
government, in our communities, and from every American -- to prepare
for the next American century.
America has always led by example. So who among us will
set this example? Which of our citizens will lead us in this next
American century? Everyone who steps forward today -- to get one
addict off drugs, to convince one troubled teenager not to give up on
life, to comfort one AIDS patient, to help one hungry child.
We have within our reach the promise of a renewed
America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some purpose
higher than ourselves -- a shining purpose, the illumination of a
thousand points of light. And it is expressed by all who know the
irresistible force of a child's hand, of a friend who stands by you
and stays there -- a volunteer's generous gesture, an idea that is
simply right.
The problems before us may be different, but the key to
solving them remains the same. It is the individual -- the
individual who steps forward. And the state of our Union is the
union of each of us, one to the other -- the sum of our friendships,
marriages, families, and communities.
We all have something to give. So if you know how to
read, find someone who can't. If you've got a hammer, find a nail.
If you're not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out someone
who is. Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of
freedom. And that will define the state of our Union. (Applause.)
Since the birth of our nation, "We the people" has been
the source of our strength. What government can do alone is limited
-- but the potential of the American people knows no limits.
MORE
- 3 -
We are a nation of rock-solid realism and clear-eyed
idealism. We are Americans. We are the nation that believes in the
future. We are the nation that can shape the future. And we've
begun to do just that -- by strengthening the power and choice of
individuals and families.
Together, these last two years, we've put dollars for
child care directly in the hands of parents instead of bureaucracies.
(Applause.) Unshackled the potential of Americans with disabilities.
(Applause.) Applied the creativity of the marketplace in the service
of the environment, for clean air; and made home ownership possible
for more Americans. (Applause.)
The strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy. It is
in the people and their communities. In everything we do, let us
unleash the potential of our most precious resource -- our citizens,
our citizens themselves. We must return to families, communities,
counties, cities, states, and institutions of every kind the power to
chart their own destiny, and the freedom and opportunity provided by
strong economic growth. And that's what America is all about.
(Applause.)
I know tonight in some regions of our country, people are
in genuine economic distress. And I hear them.
Earlier this month, Kathy Blackwell, of Massachusetts,
wrote me about what can happen when the economy slows down, saying,
"My heart is aching, and I think that you should know your people out
here are hurting badly."
I understand. And I'm not unrealistic about the future.
But there are reasons to be optimistic about our economy.
First, we don't have to fight double-digit inflation.
Second, most industries won't have to make big cuts in production
because they don't have big inventories piled up. And third, our
exports are running solid and strong. In fact, American businesses
are exporting at a record rate.
So let's put these times in perspective. Together, since
1981, we've created almost 20 million jobs, cut inflation in half,
and cut interest rates in half.
And, yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in
history has been temporarily interrupted. But our economy is still
over twice as large as our closest competitor.
We will get this recession behind us and return to growth
soon. (Applause.) We will get on our way to a new record of
expansion and achieve the competitive strength that will carry us
into the next American century.
We should focus our efforts today on encouraging economic
growth, investing in the future, and giving power and opportunity to
the individual. (Applause.)
We must begin with control of federal spending.
(Applause.) That's why I'm submitting a budget that holds the growth
in spending to less than the rate of inflation. And that's why, amid
all the sound and fury of last year's budget debate, we put into law
new, enforceable spending caps so that future spending debates
will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war. (Applause.)
Though controversial, the budget agreement finally put
the federal government on a pay-as-you-go plan and cut the growth of
debt by nearly $500 billion. And that frees funds for saving and
job-creating investment.
Now, let's do more. My budget again includes tax-free
family savings accounts; penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs for
first-time home buyers -- (applause) -- and to increase jobs and
MORE
4
growth, a reduced tax for long-term capital gains. (Applause.)
I know there are differences among us -- (laughter) --
about the impact and the effects of a capital gains incentive. So
tonight, I'm asking the congressional leaders and the Federal Reserve
to cooperate with us in a study, led by Chairman Alan Greenspan, to
sort out our technical differences so that we can avoid a return to
unproductive partisan bickering. (Applause.)
But just as our efforts will bring economic growth now
and in the future, they must also be matched by long-term investments
for the next American century.
That requires a forward-looking plan of action -- and
that's exactly what we will be sending to the Congress. We've
prepared a detailed series of proposals that include:
A budget that promotes investment in America's future --
in children, education, infrastructure, space, and high technology;
legislation to achieve excellence in education --
building on the partnership forged with the 50 governors at the
Education Summit, enabling parents to choose their children's schools
and helping to make America number one in math and science; --
(applause) --
a blueprint for a new national highway system -- a
critical investment in our transportation infrastructure; --
(applause) --
a research and development agenda that includes record
levels of federal investment, and a permanent tax credit to
strengthen private R&D and to create jobs; -- (applause) --
a comprehensive national energy strategy that calls for.
energy conservation and efficiency, increased development, and
greater use of alternative fuels; -- (applause) --
a banking reform plan to bring America's financial system
into the 21st century so that our banks remain safe and secure and
can continue to make job-creating loans for our factories, our
businesses and home-buyers.
You know, I do think there has been too much pessimism.
Sound banks should be making sound loans now -- and interest rates
should be lower, now. (Applause.)
In addition to these proposals, we must recognize that
our economic strength depends on being competitive in world markets.
We must continue to expand American exports. A successful Uruguay
Round of world trade negotiations will create more real jobs and more
real growth for all nations. You and I know that if the playing
field is level, America's workers and farmers can out-work,
out-produce anyone, anytime, anywhere. (Applause.)
And with a Mexican Free Trade Agreement and our
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, we can help our partners
strengthen their economies and move toward a free trade zone
throughout this entire hemisphere. (Applause.)
The budget also includes a plan of action right here at
home to put more power and opportunity in the hands of the
individual. And that means new incentives to create jobs in our
inner cities, by encouraging investment through enterprise zones. It
also means tenant control and ownership of public housing. Freedom
and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They
are the birthright of every American. (Applause.)
Civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal
opportunity. (Applause.) Every one of us has a responsibility to
speak out against racism, bigotry, and hate. (Applause.) We will
continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statutes, and I will
MORE
once again press the Congress to strengthen the laws against
employment discrimination without resorting to the use of unfair
preferences. (Applause.)
We're determined to protect another fundamental civil
right -- freedom from crime and the fear that stalks our cities. The
Attorney General will soon convene a crime summit of our nation's law
enforcement officials. And to help us support them, we need tough
crime control legislation, and we need it now. (Applause.)
And as we fight crime, we will fully implement our
national strategy for combatting drug abuse. Recent data show that
we are making progress, but much remains to be done. We will not
rest until the day of the dealer is over, forever. (Applause.)
Good health care is every American's right and every
American's responsibility. And so we are proposing an aggressive
program of new prevention initiatives -- for infants, for children,
for adults, and for the elderly -- to promote a healthier America and
to help keep costs from spiralling. (Applause.)
It's time to give people more choice in government, by
reviving the ideal of the citizen politician who comes not to stay,
but to serve. And one of the reasons that there is so much support
across this country for term limitations is that the American people
are increasingly concerned about big-money influence in politics. So
we must look beyond the next election, to the next generation. And
the time has come to put the national interest above the special
interest -- and totally eliminate political action committees.
(Applause.)
And that would truly put more competition in elections,
and more power in the hands of individuals. And where power cannot
be put directly in the hands of the individual, it should be moved
closer to the people -- away from Washington.
The federal government too often treats government
programs as if they are of Washington, by Washington, and for
Washington. Once established, federal programs seem to become
immortal.
It's time for a more dynamic program life cycle: Some
programs should increase. Some should decrease. Some should be
terminated. And some should be consolidated and turned over to the
states. (Applause.)
My budget includes a list of programs for potential
turnover totalling more than $20 billion. Working with Congress and
the governors, I propose we select at least $15 billion in such
programs and turn them over to the states in a single consolidated
grant -- fully funded -- for flexible management by the states.
(Applause.)
The value -- the value of this turnover approach is
straightforward. It allows the federal government to reduce
overhead. It allows states to manage more flexibly and more
efficiently. It moves power and decision-making closer to the
people. And it reinforces a theme of this administration:
appreciation and encouragement of the innovative powers of "States as
Laboratories.
This nation was founded by leaders who understood that
power belongs in the hands of people. And they planned for the
future. And so must we -- here and all around the world.
As Americans, we know that there are times when we must
step forward and accept our responsibility to lead the world away
from the dark chaos of dictators, toward the brighter promise of a
better day.
Almost 50 years ago we began a long struggle against
aggressive totalitarianism. Now we face another defining hour for
MORE
- 6 -
America and the world.
There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard
work of freedom, than every soldier and sailor, every Marine, airman,
and Coastguardsman -- every man and woman now serving in the Persian
Gulf. (Applause.) Oh, how they deserve -- (applause) -- and what a
fitting tribute to them.
You see -- what a wonderful, fitting tribute to them.
Each of them has volunteered -- volunteered to provide for this
nation's defense and now they bravely struggle, to earn for
America, for the world, and for future generations, a just and
lasting peace.
Our commitment to them must be equal to their commitment
to their country. They are truly America's finest. (Applause.)
The war in the Gulf is not a war we wanted. We worked
hard to avoid war. For more than five months we, along with the Arab
League, the European Community, the United Nations, tried every
diplomatic avenue. U.N. Secretary General Perez de Cuellar;
Presidents Gorbachev, Mitterrand, Ozal, Mubarak, and Bendjedid; Kings
Fahd and Hassan; Prime Ministers Major and Andreotti -- just to name
a few -- all worked for a solution. But time and again, Saddam
Hussein flatly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace.
The world well knows how this conflict began and when:
It began on August 2nd, when Saddam invaded and sacked a small,
defenseless neighbor. And I am certain of how it will end. So that
peace can prevail, we will prevail. (Applause.) Thank you.
Tonight, I am pleased to report that we are on course.
Iraq's capacity to sustain war is being destroyed. Our investment,
our training, our planning --- all, are paying off. Time will not be
Saddam's salvation.
Our purpose in the Persian Gulf remains constant: to
drive Iraq out of Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legitimate government,
and to ensure the stability and security of this critical region.
Let me make clear what I mean by the region's stability
and security. We do not seek the destruction of Iraq, its culture,
or its people. Rather, we seek an Iraq that uses its great
resources, not to destroy, not to serve the ambitions of a tyrant,
but to build a better life for itself and its neighbors. We seek a
Persian Gulf where conflict is no longer the rule, where the strong
are neither tempted nor able to intimidate the weak.
Most Americans know instinctively why we are in the Gulf.
They know we had to stop Saddam now, not later. They know that this
brutal dictator will do anything; will use any weapon; will commit
any outrage, no matter how many innocents suffer.
They know we must make sure that control of the world's
oil resources does not fall into his hands, only to finance further
aggression. They know that we need to build a new, enduring peace --
based not on arms races and confrontation, but on shared principles
and the rule of law.
And we all realize that our responsibility to be the
catalyst for peace in the region does not end with the successful
conclusion of this war.
Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful
dissent and we've heard some dissenting voices here at home --
some, a handful, reckless most responsible. But the fact that all
voices have the right to speak out is one of the reasons we've been
united in purpose and principle for 200 years. (Applause.)
Our progress in this great struggle is the result of
years of vigilance and a steadfast commitment to a strong defense.
Now, with remarkable technological advances like the Patriot missile,
MORE
- 7 -
we can defend against ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocent
civilians.
Looking forward, I have directed that the SDI program be
refocused on providing protection from limited ballistic missile
strikes whatever their source. (Applause.) Let us pursue an SDI
program that can deal with any future threat to the United STates, to
our forces overseas, and to our friends and allies.
The quality of American technology, thanks to the
American worker, has enabled us to successfully deal with difficult
military conditions and help minimize precious loss of life. We have
given our men and women the very best. And they deserve it.
(Applause.)
We all have a special place in our hearts for the
families of our men and women serving in the Gulf. They are
represented here tonight by Mrs. Norman Schwarzkopf. (Applause.) We
are all very grateful to General Schwarzkopf and to all those serving
with him. And I might also recognize one who came with Mrs.
Schwarzkopf Alma Powell, the wife of the distinguished Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs. (Applause.) And to the families, let me say our
forces in the Gulf will not stay there one day longer than is.
necessary to complete their mission. (Applause.)
The courage and success of the RAF pilots, of the
Kuwaiti, Saudi, French, the Canadians, the Italians, the pilots of
Qatar and Bahrain -- all are proof that for the first time since
World War II, the international community is united: The leadership
of the United Nations, once only a hoped-for ideal, is now confirming
its founders' vision. (Applause.)
I am heartened that we are not being asked to bear alone
the financial burdens of this struggle. Last year, our friends and
allies provided the bulk of the economic costs of Desert Shield. And
now, having received commitments of over $40 billion for the first
three months of 1991, I am confident they will do no less as we move
through Desert Storm. (Applause.)
But the world has to wonder what the dictator of Iraq is
thinking. If he thinks that by targeting innocent civilians in
Israel and Saudi Arabia, that he will gain advantage, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) If he thinks that he will advance his cause
through tragic and despicable environmental terrorism, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) And if he thinks that by abusing the coalition
prisoners of war he will benefit, he is dead wrong. (Applause.)
We will succeed in the Gulf. And when we do, the world
community will have sent an enduring warning to any dictator or
despot, present or future, who contemplates oulaw aggression.
The world can, therefore, seize this opportunity to
fulfill the long-held promise of a new world order, where brutality
will go unrewarded and aggression will meet collective resistance.
Yes, the United States bears a major share of leadership
in this effort. Among the nations of the world, only the United
States of America has both the moral standing and the means to back
it up. We're the only nation on this Earth that could assemble the
forces of peace. This is the burden of leadership and the strength
that has made America the beacon of freedom in a searching world.
This nation has never found glory in war. Our people
have never wanted to abandon the blessings of home and work for
distant lands and deadly conflict. If we fight in anger, it is only
because we have to fight at all. And all of us yearn for a world
where we will never have to fight again.
Each of us will measure within ourselves the value of
this great struggle. Any cost in lives -- any cost -- is beyond our
power to measure. But the cost of closing our eyes to aggression is
beyond mankind's power to imagine.
MORE
- 8 -
This we do know: Our cause is just. Our cause is moral.
Our cause is: right. (Applause.)
Let future generations understand the burden and the
blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us
to stand.
Let them know that, together, we affirmed America and the
world as a community of conscience.
The winds of change are with us now. The forces of
freedom are together, united. We move toward the next century more
confident than ever that we have the will at home and abroad to do
what must be done, the hard work of freedom.
May God bless the United States of America. Thank you
very, very much. (Applause.)
END
9:57 P.M. EST