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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Tony Snow Subject Files
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Snow, Tony, Files
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13893
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13893-010
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[Daily News Summaries, 1991]
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18
29
2
1
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
3/7/91
PAGE:
AI
Bush Praises Gulf Forces,
Calls for Mideast Peace
President Urges Hill to Back Domestic Agenda
On the eve of a trip by Secretary
But officials said the administra-
By Dan Balz
of State James A. Baker III to the
Middle East for consultations on the
tion's planning process for a com-
Washington Post Staff Writer
future of the region, Bush said that
prehensive peace plan is less devel-
In a patriotic celebration of the
while U.S. ground forces will not be
oped than its ideas for regional se-
allied victory over Iraq, President
part of the equation, there will be
curity. They said a principal pur-
Bush said last night that "the time
an enhanced American military role
pose of Baker's trip will be to draw
out the ideas of the Israelis and the
has come" to end the Arab-Israeli
there, including "a capable naval
conflict and urged a joint session of
presence" in the Persian Gulf and
Arab members of the coalition be-
Congress to bring the self-discipline
regular exercises by U.S. air and
fore outlining in more specific detail
and urgency of the war effort to the
ground forces.
a U.S. proposal.
problems here at home.
"Let it be clear," he said. "Our
The president's description of
"As commander in chief, I can
vital national interests depend on a
the U.S. military role in the gulf
report to you: Our armed forces
stable and secure gulf."
was his most explicit to date and
fought with honor and valor," Bush
The president also pledged to put
reflects planning underway inside
America's newfound credibility in
the administration for many weeks.
said. "As president, I can report to
the nation: Aggression is defeated.
the region to work in behalf of a
He said the countries of the region
lasting peace there. Saying that
will bear the principal burden of
The war is over."
peacemaking in the Middle East
securing the peace in the wake of
Announcing that the first plane-
load of U.S. soldiers-members of
"requires compromise" among the
the victory over Iraq but said
the 24th Mechanized Infantry Di-
feuding parties, Bush said, "We
"America stands ready" to back up
must do all that we can to close the
any security arrangement of the
vision from Fort Stewart, Ga.-
gap between Israel and the Arab
gulf nations.
were about to leave for home from
states, and between Israelis and
Bush said the plan for a continu-
Saudi Arabia, Bush lavished praise
Palestinians."
ing naval presence extends a policy
on the men and women of Operation
Bush said there can be "no solely
that has existed for 40 years in the
Desert Storm.
American answer" to the problems
gulf. But he offered no details of
"They set out to confront an en-
of the Mideast but said no nation
new plans for air and ground forces
emy abroad," he said, "and in the
"will work harder for a stable peace
to participate in joint exercises
process, they transformed a nation
in the region than we will" and
there. "No one's talking about hav-
at home."
pledged that the United States
ing a permanent [ground] presence
The response to Iraq's invasion
would be a "catalyst for positive
where you have American people
of Kuwait, he said, was the first test
change."
taking a two-year hitch in the Mid-
of a new world order built on the
Bush restated U.S. policy calling
dle East," one administration official
for a comprehensive peace in the
said.
rule of law and resistance to ag-
Middle East built around U.N. Se-
gression. "The gulf war put this
The Iraqi military no longer
new world to its first test," he said,
curity Council resolutions 242 and
threatens the region. Bush said, but
338 "and the principle of territory
the international coalition that de-
"and my fellow Americans, we
for peace." He said any solution
feated that army must now prevent
passed that test."
must provide for Israel's "security
Bush was interrupted a dozen
the Iraqis from rearming until the
and recognition, while giving the
times by standing ovations, as law-
government there shows it has only
Palestinians legitimate political
makers carrying small American
peaceful intentions.
rights." In the past, Israel has re-
He also said the United States
flags and some Republicans bearing
jected this formulation.
must work to prevent spread of
bright yellow buttons saying "I
While the policy appeared un-
weapons of mass destruction and
voted with the president" cheered
changed, the president conveyed a
ballistic missiles. "It would be tragic
him and the troops repeatedly.
new sense of urgency and commit-
if the nations of the Middle East and
ment that he and his advisers feel is
At one point, the president was
Persian Gulf were now, in the wake
nearly overcome with emotion, as
necessary to capitalize on the
he recounted the scene of surren-
changed climate for negotiations as
der by four terrified Iraqi soldiers
a result of the war against Iraq. But
and the reassurances offered to
the U.S. effort IS likely to put new
them by an American soldier, who
pressure on Israel to resolve the
said, "It's okay. You're all right
Palestinian issue and will test the
now." Bush took a drink of water,
diplomatic skills of the administra-
dabbed his face with a handkerchief
tion in a region where others have
and regained his composure.
failed.
At home, he said, his first priority
Bush's speech reflected the belief
is to "get this economy rolling
among administration officials that
again," but he also called on Con-
the United States should pursue a
gress to move quickly on his domes-
two-track strategy in the region,
tic agenda, which faces strong op-
emphasizing relations between Is-
position from the Democrats. In the
rael and individual Arab states as
Middle East, he said that while Iraqi
well as an overall effort on the Is-
President Saddam Hussein "walks
raeli-Palestinian issue.
amidst ruin, his war machine
crushed," the U.S. "commitment to
peace in the Middle East does not
end with the liberation of Kuwait."
page
of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE: 3/7/91
PAGE Alcont.
of war, to embark on a new arms
ing to micromanage diplomacy and
ample, that it will take the 1st Infan-
race," he said.
security assistance policies. Al-
try Division about 30 days to get
He opened the door to a new Iraq,
though he did not say so, that could
home once it receives orders to
under a different government, rejoin-
be interpreted as meaning Con-
move out. Other commanders antic-
ing the world community. "We
gress should not tilt SO strongly to-
ipate an even longer withdrawal pe-
grieve for the people" of that coun-
ward aid to Israel.
riod.
try, he said. But on the question of
Under fire from Democrats for a
But commanders are eager to
Saddam's future, he gave no quarter.
pale and timid domestic agenda,
avoid a prolonged stay in the desert.
"For all that Saddam has done to his
Bush countered by challenging Con-
fearing that the longer U.S. service
own people, to the Kuwaitis, and to
gress to prove it can act quickly on
members are there, the more danger
the entire world, Saddam and those
key problems at home. Calling for
around him are accountable," he said.
enactment of transportation and
they may face from unexploded clus-
At one point in his speech, as Bush
anti-crime measures he has pro-
ter bombs and mines. Having come
delcared "Kuwait is free," the Ku-
posed, Bush said, "If our forces
through the ground war with so few
Gabah,
could win the ground war in 100
casualties, these commanders recoil
waiti ambassador,
1:2
leaped to his feet and saluted the
hours, then surely the Congress can
at the thought of losing American
president to applause.
pass this legislation in 100 days."
lives now.
Bush said the United States
But lawmakers from both parties,
Several thousand troops drawn
accustomed to months-long debates
from various units are scheduled to
would press for economic develop-
over almost all issues, laughed
ment in the Middle East as a means
begin arriving at their home bases
to future peace and security. He
good-naturedly as they applauded
Friday, U.S. Central Command of-
that line.
also pledged that in the new polit-
ficials said yesterday. They are ex-
Bush used his national television
ical climate there, Baker would
pected to participate in an elaborate
audience-and the backdrop of a
press for release of American hos-
stateside homecoming. Bush made
Congress cheering his accomplish-
tages still held in Lebanon. "We
clear he hopes the celebrations last
ments in the gulf-to attempt to
have not forgotten them," he said,
for many months, calling on com-
build support for other programs on
"and we will not forget them."
munities around the country to use
his agenda, including his newly un-
The president demonstrated that
veiled national energy strategy,
the July 4 holiday to honor the vet-
he will attempt to use his prestige
which Democrats say does not go
erans of Operation Desert Storm.
not only to push for peace in the
"Let us honor them with our
far enough to encourage conserva-
Middle East but to battle Demo-
tion; a new civil rights bill that
gratitude," he said. "Let us comfort
Democrats oppose; and choice in
the families of the fallen-and re-
crats at home over the domestic
education, which would give par-
member each precious life lost."
agenda.
ents more freedom to decide where
He called the feeling of patrio-
On the economy, Bush said the
to send their children to school.
tism in the country in the wake of
uncertainty brought on by the war
Noting that U.S. policy in the gulf
the war "noble and majestic." The
was understandable, but should be
was successful in part because
troops return home "proud, confi-
forgotten. "Now that the war is
there were clear objectives, time-
dent, heads held high," he said,
over, oil prices are down, interest
tables and a commitment to win, he
troops that represent "the finest
rates are down, and confidence is
said, "We must bring the same
fighting force this nation has ever
rightly coming back," he said.
sense of self-discipline, that same
known in its history."
"Americans can move forward, to
sense of urgency, to the way we
Last night's speech marked the
lend, spend and invest in this, the
meet challenges here at home."
first time a president has come to
strongest economy on earth."
Bush's announcement of the first
The economy is the most signif-
contingent of U.S. troops returning
Congress to tell of victory in war-
since Woodrow Wilson did so in No-
icant domestic obstacle facing Bush
home brought strong applause and
now, and while he has predicted the
followed two days of rumors that
vember 1918. House Speaker
the withdrawal was about to begin.
Thomas S. Foley (Wash.), one of
recession will end by summer, he
But the first deployments back to
the Democratic leaders who voted
and his advisers recognize the po-
the United States of about 15,000
not to give Bush authority to go to
litical danger it poses.
service men and women represent a
war against Iraq in January, depart-
Bush wasted no time in trying to
largely symbolic-and hastily ar-
ed from the traditional introduction
set the domestic agenda along lines
ranged-step, officials at U.S. Cen-
accorded a president to congra-
favorable to him and the Republi-
tral Command in Riyadh, Saudi Ara-
tualate Bush "on the brilliant vic-
cans, including a challenge on de-
bia, said. Only after the allies and
tory of Operation Desert Storm."
fense and foreign policy issues.
Iraq agree to a permanent cease-
"We cannot lead a new world
fire will the bulk of the half-million
Staff writers Helen Dewar and Tom
abroad if, at home, it's politics as
service members start to move.
Kenworthy in Washington and
usual on defense and diplomacy," he
The entire withdrawal is likely to
correspondent William Branigan in
said. He urged Congress to "turn
last months. One official said, for ex-
Kuwait contributed to this report.
away from the temptation to pro-
tect unneeded weapons systems
and obsolete [military] bases" and
said the lawmakers should quit try-
page 2 of
THE NEW YORK
DATE:
3/7/9
PAGE:
A1
BUSH, PROCLAIMING VICTORY,
SEEKS WIDER MIDEAST PEACE;
HINTS AT PRESSURE ON ISRAEL
beginninfg of a steady flow of Amer-
URGES COMPROMISE
ican troops coming home."
Security Council Resolution 338 of Oc-
The Administration's inclination
tober 1973, after the war of that month,
seems to be to speed up the withdrawal
which called for negotiations between
of American troops, both because they
Israel and the Arabs.
could be a lightning rod for anti-Amer-
Israel did return Sinai, which it had
ican sentiment in the region and be-
Cites U.N. Measures as
captured from Egypt, as part of the Is-
cause the President had promised to
raeli-Egyptian peace treaty of 1979, but
bring the troops home as soon as he
it has generally refused to give the
could.
Basis for Arab-Israeli
Golan Heights back to Syria or the
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have indi-
West Bank to Jordan. Arab nations
cated that they would prefer to see a
Peace Agreement
have refused to sign peace treaties
large contingent of American ground
with Israel unless all the occupied land
forces remain in the region at least for
was returned. The situation has been
the better part of this year, but Mr.
complicated by the Palestinian cam-
Bush is eager to fulfill his pledge that
By MAUREEN DOWD
paign for a state or homeland.
the war was not an excuse to install a
In his nationally televised speech to
Special to The New York Times
permanent, large American ground
Congress, Mr. Bush promised that he
force in the area.
WASHINGTON, March 6 - Presi-
would not back away from America's
He outlined his plan for "the world
dent Bush said tonight that he will im-
difficult new responsibilities in a Mid-
after war" that he will refine in a
mediately begin bringing home Amer-
dle East left roiling and recast by the
series of meetings with allied leaders
ican troops from the Persian Gulf, but
Persian Gulf war.
next week.
he pledged to maintain a strong diplo-
Savoring U.S. Victory
'Darker Side of Human Nature'
matic presence in the Middle East and
The speech, capping a half-year of
redouble efforts to solve the stubborn
"Our uncommon coalition must now
extraordinary diplomatic and military
work in common purpose to forge a fu-
Arab-Israeli conflict.
maneuvers that put the nation on an
ture that should never again be held
"Our commitment to peace in the
emotional roller-coaster, was a time
hostage to the darker side of human na-
Middle East does not end with the liber-
for the President to savor the nearly
ture, he said.
ation of Kuwait," Mr. Bush said in pre-
unanimous accolades for his skill in ce-
While Mr. Bush regards it as un-
pared remarks to a joint session of
menting a disparate coalition and con-
seemly to grab credit, he appears to
Congress, adding: "The time has come
ducting a swift and victorious war.
enjoy getting it as much as anyone else.
to put an end to the Arab-Israeli con-
After resisting the national ebul-
Tonight, he allowed himself to gloat
lience that followed the cease-fire, say-
flict."
just a little, as he basked in the biparti-
ing he wanted to stay apart from the
In remarks almost certain to be per-
heady mood until he could tell the
san applause and the national joy at the
ceived by the Israeli Government as an
way the war cast out the demons of
American people that the last "t" was
Vietnam and restored the luster to
indication that he intended to seek im-
crossed and "i" was dotted, Mr. Bush
finally declared victory.
America's role as the pre-eminent
portant concessions from it, Mr. Bush
world power.
re-emphasized longstanding American
"As Commander in Chief, I can re-
Mr. Bush had been invited to Capitol
policy that Israel must trade territory
port to you: Our armed forces fought
Hill tonight for a celebration; politi-
it seized during Arab-Israeli wars for
with honor and valor," he said. "As
cians here wanted to capture and pro-
peace and secure borders. He said that
President, I can report to the nation,
mote the feeling that the nation had
efforts should be made "to close the
aggression is defeated. The war is
moved beyond the gloomy sense of
over."
gap between Israel and the Arab states
America's decline as a world and eco-
Mr Bush said he had directed Secre-
- and between Israel and Palestin-
nomic power, as well as years stained
tary of Detense Dick Cheney to begin
ians."
by political scandal and marred Presi-
the immediate return of American
dencies.
Mr. Bush said, "By now, it should be
combat units from the Gulf.
"Tonight in Iraq, Saddam walks
plain to all parties that peacemaking in
"Less than two hours from now, the
the Middle East requires compro-
first planeload of American soldiers
amidst ruin," Mr. Bush said, referring
to Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi Presi-
mise." [Text of speech, page A8.]
will lift off from Saudi Arabia headed
dent. "His war machine is crushed. His
Baker Mission to Mideast
for the U.S.A.," he said. "It will carry
ability to threaten mass destruction is
men and women of the 24th Mech-
Coming on the eve of the departure of
anized Infantry Division bound for
itself destroyed. His people have been
lied to, denied the truth. And when his
Secretary of State James A. Baker 3rd
Fort Stewart, Georgia. This is just the
defeated legions come home, all Iraqis
to the Middle East, Mr. Bush's re-
marks seemed likely be read in Israel
as an effort to get Prime Minister Yitz-
hak Shamir to make territorial conces-
sions to the Palestinians.
But it was also a clear signal to Arab
leaders that Washington would encour-
agethem to deal directly with Israel
and to move toward formal recognition
of that nation and its sovereignty. He
skirted any specific plans, and left it
unclear how he foresaw a solution to
the Palestinian problem.
Palestinians have generally sought
either an independent state carved out
of the occupied West Bank of the Jor-
dan and the Gaza Strip, or at the mini-
mum an autonomous homeland some-
how linked to Jordan.
U.N. Resolutions Cited
His comments seemed to mark a
departure from the more incremental
diplomacy the Administration has pur-
sued in the Middle East, with a call for
bolder steps to end the enmity in the re-
gion.
He cited United Nations Security
Council Resolution 242 of November
1967, which called on Israel to give up
unspecified amounts of territory it had
captured during the June 1967 war in
return for recognition by the Arab
countries of its borders. He also cited
page 5 of
THE NEW YURK
DATE: 3/7/91
PAGE: Alcont
will see and feel the havoc he has
ness for Mr. Bush to shift his focus to
"the four key challenges" that need to
wrought."
the domestic economy. Sixty-one per-
be met in the Middle East.
The President made it clear that he
cent said he "should be paying more at-
He said that the allied coalition must
is not yet finished his bout with Mr.
tention to the economy" now than he
work together "to create shared se-
Hussein, when he said: "And this I
has been, while 32 percent said he has
curity arrangements in the region."
promise you: For all that Saddam has
already been paying enough attention.
"Our friends and allies in the Middle
done to his own people, to the Kuwaitis,
Republicans have been prodding
East recognize that they will bear the
and to the entire world, Saddam and
President Bush to capitalize on his suc-
bulk of the responsibility for regional
those around him are accountable."
cess in the Persian Gulf war by moving
security,' he said.
He said that Americans must grieve
boldly on the domestic front, but they
Working to secure the peace in the
not only for the people who suffered in
fear he may squander what they see as
region, he said, "does not mean station-
Kuwait, but for the people of Iraq, "a
a rare opportunity.
ing U.S. ground forces on the Arabian
people who have never been our
While the President emphasized the
Peninsula, but it does mean American
enemy. My hope is that one day we will
need for new attention to the domestic
participation in joint exercises involv-
once again welcome them as friends
front, he merely recapitulated legisla-
ing both air and ground forces. And it
into the community of nations."
tive proposals the Administration has
means maintaining a capable U.S.
Mr. Bush seemed to acknowledge
already put forti
that
the
naval presence in the region, just as we
agenda is unimaginative and meager.
have for over 40 years."
These included grants to local school
Second, he said, the allies must act to
"The time has
boards to encourage programs that
control the proliferation of nuclear
help give parents the choice of sending
weapons and missiles in the region. "It
their children to private or parochial
would be tragic now, in the wake of
come to put an
schools; an energy plan that focuses on
war, to embark on a new arms race,"
the Administration's interest in allow-
he said. "Until Iraq convinces the
end to the Arab-
ing additional oil exploration on Alas-
world of its peaceful intentions that
ka's North Slope; a civil rights bill that
its leaders will not use new revenues to
Israeli conflict.'
has been the center of an angry battle
rearm and rebuild its menacing war
between the White House and civil
machine — Iraq must not have access
rights groups; a crime program that
to the instruments of war."
that, now that he has acted so deci-
includes increased penalties for repeat
sively and effectively abroad, he faces
offenders who use guns, and a new
Arab-Israeli Conflict
new expectations at home. He said that
highway bill.
Third, he said, America must pursue
he hoped that the same sense of "mis-
Many members of Congress contend
new opportunities for peace in the
sion" and "duty" would help America
that civil rights and social welfare
Arab-Israeli conflict.
deal with her domestic problems.
legislation is needed to improve the na-
"All of us know the depth of bitter-
"In the war just ended, there were
tion to which members of the armed
ness that has made the dispute be-
clear-cut objectives, timetables and,
forces will return. Often, they quote
tween Israel and its neighbors so pain-
above all, an overriding imperative to
Lloyd George, the British Prime Minis-
ful and intractable," he said. "Yet, in
achieve results," he said. "We must
ter, who said at the end of World War I
the conflict just concluded, Israel and
bring that same sense of self-discipline,
that he wanted to make Britain "a fit
many of the Arab states have for the
that same sense of urgency, to the way
country for heroes to live in."
first time found themselves confront-
we meet challenges here at home.
While Mr. Bush has been preoccu-
ing the same aggressor.
"Our first priority is to get this econ-
pied with the international response to
"By now, it should be plain to all par-
omy rolling again," Mr. Bush said. He
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, domestic
ties that peacemaking in the Middle
called on Congress to act quickly on
problems have worsened. The number
East requires compromise," he said,
initiatives on transportation and crime.
of jobless workers has increased by
adding that there must be "legitimate
"If our forces could win the ground
700,000, to 7.7 million, since Aug. 2. The
Palestinian political rights."
war in 100 hours, then surely Congress
number of people receiving welfare.
"I guarantee you," he said. "No one
can pass this legislation in 100 days,"
and food stamps has risen sharply.
will work harder for a stable peace in
Mr. Bush said, but the speech lacked
Barbara Bush sat in the balcony as
the region than we will."
any specific new proposals that might
her husband spoke, surrounded by her
Finally, Mr. Bush said, "we must ros-
be read as a concession to the Demo-
daughter, Dorothy LeBlond, her daugh-
ter economic development for the sake
crats criticism that the White House
ter-in-law, Margaret Bush, the Vice
of peace and progress."
lacks interest in domestic policy.
President's wife, Marilyn Quayle, and
"Resources once squandered on
In the latest New York Times/CBS
the spouses of cabinet officers.
military might must be redirected to
News Poll, the public expressed eager-
Mr. Bush outlined what he called
more peaceful ends," he said.
page 6 of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE: 3/7/91
PAGE:
AI
Challenging Democrats, Israelis, Arabs
The suggestion, which the ad-
ministration privately applauded.
By Ann Devroy
Washington Post Staff Writer
was widely seen as an effort to
break the grip Israel, with its
President Bush, at a pinnacle of popularity at home
staunch friends in Congress, has on
and influence abroad, outlined last night how he will
U.S. aid.
employ his new strength: in the Middle East, a nudging
of Israel into compromises that could pro-
The administration just emerged
NEWS
duce a more peaceful region; at home, a
this week from a bruising, behind
ANALYSIS
challenge to the Democratic Congress to
the scenes battle over more aid to
produce on his terms or be blamed for the nation's ills.
Israel. Bush, with some reluctance,
A senior administration official said yesterday that
the Bush address amounted to "the first political rally"
agreed the assistance but not
of the 1992 campaign season, and the domestic chal-
without complaining privately about
lenge to Democrats, amid the flags and yellow ribbons
the aggressive lobbying done by
Israel's friends for what White
produced for the event by the Republicans, was that.
House officials called "grossly ex-
But the 40-minute paean to America's victory over
aggerated" levels of new aid.
Iraq also established some firm foreign policy goals for
Beyond the Arab-Israeli conflict,
the administration in the weeks ahead, including the
Bush sketched a more active U.S.
challenge to Israel, and the commitment to maintain a
military presence in the Persian
larger military presence in the Persian Gulf than before
Gulf than the naval forces there
the war.
before the war. While he said U.S.
As Secretary of State James A. Baker III prepared to
ground forces will not be stationed
leave this morning for a trip to the region that will in-
on the Arabian Peninsula, American
clude his first visit to Israel, Bush put aside praise for
air and ground forces will partici-
the Jewish state's restraint in the Persian Gulf War and
pate in joint exercises in the region
offered instead a challenge to Israel and the Arabs to
and a "capable" naval presence will
accept compromises as the only route to peace.
be maintained.
"By now, it should be plain to all parties that peace-
Defense Secretary Richard B.
making in the Middle, East requires
Cheney said last week that the na-
compromise," Bush said after not-
val presence will be "at a higher
ing that in the gulf conflict, Israel
level for the time being" and that
and many of the Arab states for the
friendly Arab nations had asked the
first time "found themselves con-
United States to participate in joint
fronting the same aggressor."
exercises "so that we may be able
Bush, in a clear commitment,
to rotate units through the area,
pledged that securing the peace in
maybe pre-position some equip-
the Middle East will be a priority
ment" in the region.
On the domestic front, Bush em-
beyond the lip service presidents
often give that complex, unyielding
ployed what one official called "a
good offense is the best defense"
region. "The time has come to put
an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict,"
tactic. He ignored Democratic-
and even some Republican-com-
the president said, and added, "I
guarantee you: No one will work
plaints that he has no domestic pol-
harder for a stable peace in the re-
icy, instead challenging Congress to
gion than we will."
pass in 100 days the programs he
The president reiterated what
has requested to reduce crime, en-
has been basic U.S. policy in the
hance civil rights, rebuild highways,
Arab-Israeli peace process, the re-
and in energy and education policy.
quirement that a comprehensive
Those packages are left over
settlement must be grounded in the
from last year, and they all face the
two key United Nations Security
same problem: the Democrats have
Council resolutions, 242 and 338,
alternative approaches, and have
and in the principle of Israel giving
made a theme of accusing Bush of
up occupied territory for peace.
dabbling at the edges of domestic
Bush also referred to the admin-
policy while his heart and most of
istration's new two-track approach
his attention are overseas.
in the region, an effort to get not
Rather than debate the merits of
only an Israel-Palestinian dialogue
the various approaches, Bush and
started, but also dialogues between
his allies laid out a strategy this
Israel and individual Arab states.
week for portraying the Democrats
In what appeared to be a veiled
as nay-saying dilettantes who with-
threat to Israel, Bush also renewed
held their support from the pres-
complaints about Congress "micro-
ident in war and now are withhold-
managing" foreign aid programs
ing it in peace.
when he said a new world cannot be
Noting the speed with which the
built abroad if at home "it's politics
United States confronted and over-
as usual" on programs such as for-
came the Iraqi challenge in the Per-
eign aid.
sian Gulf region, Bush told the Con-
The issue first surfaced more
gress, "If our forces could win the
than a year ago when Senate Mi-
ground war in 100 hours, then sure-
nority Leader Robert J. Dole (R-
ly the Congress can pass this leg-
Kan.) suggested that Congress
islation in 100 days."
slash 5 percent of the foreign aid of
the top five recipients, Israel and
Staff researcher Mark Stencel
four other nations, to give the ad-
contributed to this report.
ministration some leeway in award-
ing foreign aid.
page 7 of
3/7/9
The Washington Times
DATE:
"We must bring that same sense
PAGE:
A)
of self-discipline, that same sense of
urgency, to the way we meet chal-
"Saddam walks amidst ruin. His
lenges here at home," he said.
Bush
war machine is crushed. His ability
"It's time to rise above the paro-
to threaten mass destruction is itself
chial and the pork barrel, to do what
destroyed," he said.
is necessary, what's right, and what
Congress cheered Mr. Bush as
will enable this nation to play the
never before. The only greeting that
king of
leadership role required of us," Mr.
Bush said.
rivaled last night's was given to Ron-
"If we can selflessly confront evil
ald Reagan after he recovered from
for the sake of good in a land so far
an assassination attempt, but last
night the fervor lasted throughout
the Hill
away, then surely we can make this
land all that it should be," he told a
an address that brought the audi-
ence to its feet 11 times.
congressional audience whose en-
thusiasm belied divisions that led 43
If there is any lasting truth to polls
percent of them to vote against au-
showing Mr. Bush at unparalleled
By Frank J. Murray
thorizing Mr. Bush to use force
popularity, Democrats may have
THE WASHINGTON TIMES.
against Iraq. Manv in the audience
been cheering the instrument of im-
wore large yellow buttons pro-
pending political doom.
President Bush basked in the
whoops and cheers of a Congress
claiming: "I voted with the presi-
The Capitol Hill mood was so re-
united in bipartisan exhilaration last
dent."
ceptive that Mr. Foley and Senate
Mr. Bush seemed to ignore those
Majority Leader George Mitchell of
night, accepting the thanks of the
divided votes - 250-183 in the
Maine did not request time to an-
nation for victory in the Persian
House and 52-47 in the Senate after
swer Mr. Bush, as has been the oppo-
Gulf.
"As a commander in chief," Mr.
three days of debate - when he
sition practice since Republicans
Bush said in a nationally televised
praised lawmakers for their actions
pioneered it after Lyndon Johnson's
after he ordered an air war and
1966 State of the Union speech.
address to a joint session of Con-
gress, "I can report to you: Our
ground invasion. "Support here for
An official in the Democratic
our troops in battle was overwhelm-
leadership office said the decision to
armed forces fought with honor and
ing," he said.
let Mr. Bush's remarks stand alone
valor. As president, I can report to
the nation: Aggression is defeated.
Mr. Bush said the American com-
was based on an "extraordinary sit-
mitment in the Middle East would
uation."
"The war is over."
not end until four goals were met:
The Democratic leaders were
The president told the session,
catching up with public opinion that
meeting in the House chamber, that
Coalition partners must become
already had rocketed Mr. Bush's
Saddam Hussein had been left walk-
ing "amidst ruin" by the crushing
"a force for peace and security in the
popularity to levels no president
ever enjoyed.
feat of allied arms, and he used the
region" but will not include U.S.
The mood was contagious.
rare occasion of bipartisan bon-
ground troops.
Aboard an aircraft carrier at
homie to lay out an agenda seeking
Proliferation of chemical and
Mayport, Fla., Barbara Bush nearly
to use the power displayed in the
nuclear weapons must be controlled
set off a riot by saying, "This country
Arabian desert to improve "the
along with the missiles used to drop
is truly wrapped in yellow ribbons.
world after war" both at home and
them on distant targets.
I'm proud of George Bush."
abroad.
"An end to Arab-Israeli conflict."
Recalling her husband's service
His "new world order," he said,
Economic development must
as a Navy pilot in World War II, she
must include settlement of the an-
peacefully foster prosperity "for all
told the families of present-day
cient Arab-Israeli conflict, based on
people of the region."
Navy airmen, "He's been there and
U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338, to
Mr. Bush noted, however, that "we
he's never forgotten what it's like to
assure Israeli security and a Pales-
cannot lead a world abroad if, at
answer the call for this great coun-
tinian homeland. This was the
home, it's politics as usual on Amer-
try of ours.
strongest statement in that regard
ican defense and diplomacy."
"While the rest of us take quiet
by an American president.
"It's time," he said, "to turn away
pride in the magnificent job they
In a 31-minute speech interrupted
from the temptation to protect
have done, I think it entirely appro-
22 times by applause, Mr. Bush also
unneeded weapons systems and ob-
priate for you their family and
said he had directed Defense Secre-
solete bases. It's time to put an end
friends to shout your heads off
tary Richard Cheney to "begin the
to micromanagement of foreign and
with pride and joy," she said.
immediate return of American com-
security assistance programs,
bat units from the Gulf."
micromanagement that humiliates
He said the first elements of the
our friends and allies and ham-
24th Mechanized Infantry Division
strings our diplomacy."
BUSH AGENDA
were scheduled to leave Saudi Ara-
Calling for a settlement of the
bia at 11 last night Washington time
Israeli-Palestinian issue that he had
In the Middle East
for Fort Stewart, Ga., just seven days
said was not linked to Iraq's surren-
after the tentative cease-fire with
der seemed the main difference in
U.S. and allied security role.
Iraq took effect.
what was otherwise an enthusiastic
Control of weapons.
"This is just the beginning of a
restatement of U.S. policy. He said
An end to Arab-Israeli conflict.
no agreement could stop short of se-
steady flow of American troops
curity and recognition for Israel and
Solutions in Lebanon and a
coming home," the president said,
return of hostages.
"legitimate Palestinian political
calling for a nationwide celebration
rights."
Economic development,
of their return on the Fourth of July.
U.N. Security Council Resolution
freedom and prosperity.
"They may have missed Thanksgiv-
242, passed in 1967, calls for Israel
At Home
ing and Christmas, but I can tell you
to withdraw from occupied Arab ter-
this: For them and their families, we
ritories and the recognition of Isra-
First priority: "get economy
can make this a holiday they'll never
el's right to live in peace within se-
rolling."
forget."
cure boundaries. Resolution 338,
Crime legislation
Before Mr. Bush spoke, House
which called for an end to the 1973
Speaker Thomas Foley of Washing-
Arab-Israeli war, reaffirms that.
A National Energy Strategy
ton broke tradition by postponing
Early in the speech, the president
Civil rights legislation
the introduction to convey "our
praised the wildly popular com-
A new highway bill
warmest congratulations on the bril-
mander of allied forces, Gen. Nor-
liant victory of the Desert Storm op-
man Schwarzkopf, whom he called
Expanded choice in education
eration."
"the tower of calm at the eye of Des-
Mr. Bush said his first priority at
ert Storm."
home was "to get this economy roll-
"The brave men and women of
ing again" but also used the high of
Desert Storm set out to confront
quick victory in the Persian Gulf as
an enemy abroad and in the process
a launching point for his troubled
they transformed a nation at home,"
domestic agenda to promote civil
he said.
rights, highway construction, educa-
"Aggression is defeated. The war
tion choice, an energy strategy and
is over," Mr. Bush told the jubilant
the war on crime.
audience of House and Senate, the
He bluntly called on Congress to
Supreme Court, his Cabinet, and for-
follow the example of his 100-hour
eign diplomats. At one point, he
ground war by acting within 100
singled out Kuwaiti Ambassador
days on new anti-crime and trans-
Saud Nasir Sabah, seated three rows
portation initiatives. That drew a
from the back of the crowded hall.
self-conscious standing ovation that
The ambassador stood, waved and
began on the GOP side and spread
clasped his hands above his head like
across the aisle.
a prizefighter.
8
page
of
The Washington Times
DATE:
3/7/91
PAGE:
AS
Bipartisan audience basks
in Bush's triumph
By Major Garrett
Gephardt, Missouri Democrat, said:
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
"I take him seriously.
I
really
buzzword that sets a lot of people on
think the country is interested in the
edge," said Mr. Smith, an ardent sup-
Congress gave President Bush his
unity and resolve they saw in the
porter of Israel.
most enthusiastic and bipartisan re-
war."
But others foresaw a rare oppor-
ception ever as he delivered a stir-
Senate Minority Leader Robert
for the United State to play a
ring tribute to U.S. troops in the Gulf
Dole, Kansas Republican, said:
leading role in the Middle East.
and a call to arms against nagging
"Congress talks a good game.
"We must move swiftly to ensure
domestic ills.
Now it's up to us to meet our pres-
that the leadership we have provided
Lawmakers applauded as Mr.
ident's domestic challenge."
leaves a constructive imprint on the
Bush announced his top priorities -
Although a crime bill could sail
region," said Sen. Richard Lugar, In-
he wants Congress to pass anti-
through Congress, lawmakers said a
diana Republican.
crime and highway reconstruction
highway bill could easily get tangled
Overall, Congress seemed as
legislation within 100 days.
in regional squabbles that often
caught up in the thrilling aftermath
"I don't think that's too ambitious,"
transcend party lines.
of the war as Mr. Bush.
said Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts
Most lawmakers viewed last
Behind the scenes, however, there
Democrat. "I don't think Congress
night's address as the capstone to
has been partisan skirmishing over
has been pushing this stuff enough."
Mr. Bush's masterful handling of the
which party did more to win the war.
House Majority Leader Richard
war. Many said the president's pop-
Two Republicans who view poli-
tics as a contact sport on par with
ularity would make him a powerful
force in the coming months.
"He's on a roll," said Rep. Larry
rugby, Texas Sen. Phil Gramm and
Smith, Florida Democrat. "If he
Georgia Rep. Newt Gingrich, have
throws his weight around, his bills
wasted no time in criticizing Demo-
will move much more rapidly."
crats who voted against the war res-
"He'll be able to spend some of his
olution. To rub it in, Republicans
popularity on domestic issues, but
wore yellow buttons that read "I
he must select them carefully," said
voted with the president."
a political analyst, James Thurber,
From their point of view, Demo-
director of the Center for Congres-
crats who voted for sanctions came
sional and Presidential Studies at
within an eyelash of undercutting
American University. "The Amer-
Mr. Bush's Gulf policy and thus have
ican people want just a few issues at
no right to celebrate the subsequent
a time."
victory.
Mr. Bush's call for a settlement of
the Arab-Israeli conflict brought
But Congress wanted to bask in
cautionary words from some law-
the president's overflowing pop-
makers. "Territory for peace is a
ularity, which was one reason the
Democratic leadership invited him
to address them.
This act of polite bipartisanship-
engineered by House Speaker
Thomas Foley and Senate Majority
Leader George Mitchell reflected
well on the party generally, and al-
lowed vulnerable Democrats to
share the rare moment with those
back home via the dozens of TV in-
terviews conducted afterward in
Statuary Hall.
Earlier in the day, Sen. Albert
Gore, Tennessee Democrat and one
of the few credible presidential aspi-
rants who voted to use force in the
Gulf, led his party's counteroffen-
sive, asking in a speech on the Senate
floor: "Did Republicans view their
votes as political chips to be cashed
in later?"
page
9
of
The Washington Times
DATE:
3/7/91
PAGE:
AP
HISTORY
Bush
makes
history
on Hill
By Alan McConagha
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
President Bush's speech to a
In the middle of an emotional and
wildly enthusiastic joint session of
political crisis over his removal by
Congress last night was as unprec-
President Truman, the general bid
edented in recent American history
the nation farewell and reminded it
as the swift, decisive victory in the
that "old soldiers never die; they just
Persian Gulf.
fade away."
Historians were hard put to find a
Entirely different in spirit was
precise analogy for last night's mo-
Gen. William C. Westmoreland's ap-
ment of triumph. For one thing, they
pearance on April 28, 1967, in which
said, there has not been such a clear-
he spoke of body counts and the need
cut American military victory since
for a nation united against an elusive
World War II ended in 1945.
enemy in Vietnam.
"Presidents come [to the Capitol]
Reaching more deeply into the
for different reasons," said Raymond
past, historians noted Gen. John J.
Smock, historian for the House of
Pershing received wild applause at
Representatives. "But obviously, we
a joint congressional session on
have not had a war like this to cele-
Sept. 8, 1919, after a triumphant re-
brate before."
turn from World War I.
Richard Baker, historian of the
Congress gave him "a hero's wel-
Senate, said, "In terms of the
come," said Mr. Smock, the House
broader context and whole purpose
historian. "He was the first field
for the visit [to Congress], there is
commander to appear before Con-
nothing to compare" in recent mem-
gress and was incredibly popular all
ory with last night's presidential mo-
around the country."
ment.
Historian James McGregor
President Wilson's appearances
Burns said the period that followed
before Congress at the end of the
the 1962 Cuban missile crisis may
war did not stir the same euphoria,
have produced similar emotions of
at least in part because political op-
relief and victory. President Ken-
position was growing over his vision
nedy, however, did not speak to Con-
for a postwar settlement.
gress at the time.
The practice of presidential visits
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
to Congress generally fell into disuse
did not live to see the end of World
after the presidency of Thomas Jef-
War II. His last speech to a joint ses-
ferson, and Wilson is credited with
sion occurred March 1, 1945. It was
re-establishing the appearances.
a report on the widely criticized
For the most part, presidents used
Yalta Conference.
their speeches before both houses of
Roosevelt's successor, Harry S.
Congress to make an annual report
Truman, was warmly received by
on the state of the nation or to ask for
both houses on April 16, 1945. But
congressional help with some prob-
the war was still on, and he devoted
lem.
himself to a statement on the con-
tinuing prosecution of the conflict.
Abraham Lincoln was assassi-
He was followed to joint sessions
nated just after the end of the Civil
of Congress by the winning military
War. Three days before his death he
leaders. Gens. George Marshall and
made his last public address from a
Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Adm.
White House balcony - a reasoned
Chester Nimitz were hailed in sep-
plea for reacceptance of Louisiana
arate appearances at the war's end.
into the Union to start a new era.
The most famous post-World War
II joint session relating to the armed
forces was the appearance of Gen.
Douglas MacArthur on April 19,
1951, after being relieved of the
command of United Nations forces
fighting in Korea.
page
of
The Washington Times
DATE:
3/7/91
PAGE:
A1
"President Bush has made it clear
Triumph
there will be no gloating, just as
own country."
there will be no more Vietnams,"
William S. Lind, director of the
says James Pinkerton, the White
Center for Cultural Conservatism,
House domestic policy planning
sees another difference.
too spicy
chief. "He is leading the country
"The two sides differ completely
down a middle path of confidence in
in understanding the nature of the
our technology and certitude about
domestic problem," he says. The left,
our global mission: to defend and ex-
including most liberals, sees things
for left
in terms of government-driven solu-
pand the free world."
tions, while the right continues to
Even in the Republican Party
see such statism as part of the prob-
there are some who see implied in
lem.
this formulation what they distrust
"The Old Right sees problems at
By Ralph Z. Hallow
most, the export of democracy as a
home as the collapse of traditional
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
national mission.
Western culture, and I share their
Many liberals sip the heady wine
There's a partial meeting of the
view on that" Mr. Lind says. "The
of America's Persian Gulf triumph
minds on the part of those on the left
and taste only the brackish water of
and those on the right whe-advocate
left sees it as the opposite. We have
not made the transition to the new
defeat.
a more inward-looking America.
"Triumphalism" is the new word
"The left fears the GOP will be-
radical culture that the left is pro-
for what they
come the Pretorian party of Amer-
moting. The code words for the left
see wrong with
are 'injustice and oppression,' and
NEWS
America now.
ican politics, and part of the right
for those on the right, 'decay and
ANALYSIS
They're argu-
fears that, too," says Robert Robins,
decline.'
ing that the easy
a professor of political science at
defeat of Iraq will turn the United
Tulane University in New Orleans.
Mr. Simon, Mr. King and Miss
Goodman also worry about the do-
States toward increased military in-
"Part of the Old Right like myself
mestic effect. But while their con-
terventionism abroad.
find some areas of similarity with
cern is that the effect will be less
"From a purely militàry view-
the Old Left," says Mr. Robins. "Now,
attention and money devoted to edu-
point, we won a substantial victory,"
with the end of the Cold War, there
cation and the homeless, Mr. Robins
says Sen. Paul Simon, Illinois Demo-
should be a decrease of military ex-
worries about increased taxes to fi-
crat. "The real danger is that we
penditure and exercise of military
nance wars and the military ma-
learned the wrong lesson from Iraq.
force."
chine that makes them possible.
We were just incredibly lucky. We
As Mr. Robins sees it, America
fought a fool who made all kinds of
was "always most effective when it
stood as an example. There is a dan-
military errors."
The upshot, he says, will be to dis-
ger we are going to become the new
Rome."
tract from such "pressing domestic
needs as education and infra-
Ronald King, his liberal Demo-
structure"a Republican administra-
cratic colleague at Tulane, picks up
tion that may be all too eager for
on Ellen Goodman's theme: "It is
such distraction in the first place.
somewhat curious that the admin-
Striking a similar theme, syndi-
istration could raise $80 billion for
cated columnist Ellen Goodman of
this war but not a nickel for educa-
the Boston Globe warns that the
tion.
war's "victorious ends will surely be
"It is possible, of course, that
used to justify the peacetime means:
triumphalism could be a spur for
the military budget and the buildup
Bush to address fundamental do-
of the 1980s that came at the cost of
mestic issues, but I see no signs this
bridges and schools and children."
is going to happen. George Bush is
Like many other "peace liberals,"
basically a tréad-water domestic
Miss Goodman worries that victory
president."
in war, any war, teaches bad things
at home.
Conservative opponents of big
She recounts, for example, the ex-
government look at Mr. Bush and see
perience of a third-grade teacher
who, at recess, "stopped a fight on
just the opposite - a president who
the playground with her usual rou-
has shown himself willing to go
tine admonition: "This is not the way
along with the left in generous
we solve problems.' On the faces of
spending on education and other
her children there was a look of dis-
perceived federal needs.
belief."
Borrowing the liberals' "trium-
Not all in Mr. Simon's party see
phalism" but approaching it differ-
the victory over Iraq as quite so
ently, Mr. Robins warns that "trium-
blemished. Former Sen. Gary Hart,
phalism" will have the effect of
a mainstream, big-picture Demo-
corrupting republican institutions.
crat, dismisses those who try to
"The left dislikes foreign adven-
make the case that the only thing
tures for fear of what they will do to
worse than losing a war is winning it.
the foreign countries involved," Mr.
"Any attempt to turn this victory
into a defeat seems like a fool's er-
Robins says. "Conservatives like my-
self are more concerned about what
rand," Mr. Hart says in an interview.
foreign adventures will do to our
"The American people want to ac-
cept things as they appear. They won
a substantial military victory at less
cost than expected. The left, if that's
what it's trying to do, can't take that
away."
Even concern about the adminis-
tration's being distracted from do-
mestic problems is misplaced, says
Mr. Hart. The president will not be
able "to ignore people sleeping in
doorways or the nation's concern
about the quality of its schools."
"Triumphalism will last till the
next powder keg blows up. It's like a
political victory. It's over in a fort-
night. [You] realize you didn't settle
all problems in winning one engage-
ment."
The administration dismisses the
notion that the United States will em-
brace either triumphalism or the
role of global policeman.
page
of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE: 3/7/91
Text of President Bush's Address to Joint Session of Congress
PAGE:
A32
OUSE SPEAKER THOMAS S. FOLEY
that one day we will once again welcome them as
H
(D-Wash.): Mr. President, it is customary
friends into the community of nations.
at joint sessions for the chair to present
Our commitment to peace in the Middle East does
the president to the members of Congress
not end with the liberation of Kuwait. So tonight let me
directly and without further comment.
outline four key challenges to be met.
But I wish to depart from tradition tonight and express
First, we must work together to create shared se-
to you on behalf of the Congress and the country and,
curity arrangements in the region. Our friends and al-
through you, to the members of our armed forces, our
lies in the Middle East recognize that they will bear the
warmest congratulations on the brilliant victory of the
bulk of the responsibility for regional security. But we
Desert Storm operation.
want them to know that just as we stood with them to
Members of the Congress, I now have the high priv-
repel aggression, SO now America stands ready to work
ilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the pres-
with them to secure the peace.
ident of the United States.
This does not mean stationing U.S. ground forces on
the Arabian Peninsula, but it does mean American par-
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President. Mr. Speaker,
ticipation in joint exercises involving both air and
thank you, sir, for those very generous words, spoken
ground forces. It means maintaining a capable U.S. na-
from the heart, about the wonderful performance of our
val presence in the region, just as we have for over 40
military.
years. Let it be clear: Our vital national interests de-
Members of Congress: Five short weeks ago I came
pend on a stable and secure gulf.
to this House to speak to you about the State of the
Second, we must act to control the proliferation of
Union. We met then in time of war. Tonight, we meet
weapons of mass destruction and the missiles used to de-
in a world blessed by the promise of peace.
liver them. It would be tragic if the nations of the Middle
From the moment Operation Desert Storm com-
East and Persian Gulf were now, in the wake of war, to
menced on Jan. 16 until the time the guns fell silent at
embark on a new arms race. Iraq requires special vigi-
midnight one week ago, this nation has watched its sons
lance. Until Iraq convinces the world of its peaceful in-
and daughters with pride, watched over them with
tentions-that its leaders will not use new revenues to
prayer. As commander-in-chief, I can report to you: Our
rearm and rebuild its menacing war machine-Iraq must
armed forces fought with honor and valor. As president,
not have access to the instruments of war.
I can report to the nation: Aggression is defeated. The
And third, we must work to create new opportunities
war is over.
for peace and stability in the Middle East. On the night I
This is a victory for every country in the coalition and
announced Operation Desert Storm, I expressed my
for the United Nations, a victory for unprecedented
hope that out of the horrors of war might come new
international cooperation and diplomacy, so well led by
momentum for peace. We have learned in the modern
our secretary of state, James [A.] Baker [III]. It is a
age geography cannot guarantee security and security
victory for the rule of law and for what is right.
does not come from military power alone.
Desert Storm's success belongs to the team that so
All of us know the depth of bitterness that has made
ably leads our armed forces-our secretary of defense
the dispute between Israel and its neighbors so painful
and our chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Dick Cheney and
and intractable. Yet, in the conflict just concluded, Is-
Colin Powell.
rael and many of the Arab states have for the first time
And, while you're standing, this military victory also
found themselves confronting the same aggressor. By
belongs to the one the British call the "Man of the
now, it should be plain to all parties that peacemaking in
Match"-the tower of calm at the eye of Desert
the Middle East requires compromise. At the same
Storm-Gen. [H.] Norman Schwarzkopf.
time, peace brings real benefits to everyone. We must
And let us-recognizing this was a coalition effort-
do all that we can to close the gap between Israel and
let us not forget Saudi Gen. Khalid [Bin Sultan], or Brit-
the Arab states-and between Israelis and Palestinians.
ain's Gen. [Peter] de la Billiere, or Gen. [Michel] Ro-
The tactics of terror lead nowhere. There can be no
quejoffre of France, and all the others whose leadership
substitute for diplomacy.
played such a vital role. And, most importantly, most
A comprehensive peace must be grounded in United
importantly of all, all those who served in the field.
Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and
I thank the members of this Congress. Support here
the principle of territory for peace. This principle must
for our troops in battle was overwhelming. And, above
be elaborated to provide for Israel's security and rec-
all, I thank those whose unfailing love and support sus-
ognition, and at the same time for legitimate Palestinian
tained our courageous men and women. I thank the
political rights. Anything else would fail the twin tests
American people.
of fairness and security. The time has come to put an
end to Arab-Israeli conflict.
A Common Purpose: 4 Future Challenges
The war with Iraq is over. The quest for solutions to
the problem in Lebanon, in the Arab-Israeli dispute, and
Tonight I come to this House to speak about the
in the gulf must go forward with new vigor and deter-
world-the world after war.
mination. And I guarantee you: No one will work harder
The recent challenge could not have been clearer.
for a stable peace in the region than we will.
[Iraqi President] Saddam Hussein was the villain, Ku-
Fourth, we must foster economic development for the
wait the victim. To the aid of this small country came
sake of peace and progress. The Persian Gulf and Middle
nations from North America and Europe, from Asia and
East form a region rich in natural resources with a wealth
South America, from Africa and the Arab world, all
of untapped human potential. Resources once squandered
united against aggression.
on military might must be redirected to more peaceful
Our uncommon coalition must now work in common
ends. We are already addressing the immediate economic
purpose to forge a future that should never again be
consequences of Iraq's aggression. Now the challenge is
held hostage to the darker side of human nature.
to reach higher-to foster economic freedom and pros-
Tonight in Iraq, Saddam walks amidst ruin. His war
perity for all people of the region.
machine is crushed. His ability to threaten mass de-
By meeting these four challenges, we can build a
struction is itself destroyed. His people have been lied
framework for peace. I've asked Secretary of State Baker
to, denied the truth. And when his defeated legions
to go to the Middle East to begin the process. He will go
come home, all Iraqis will see and feel the havoc he has
to listen, to probe, to offer suggestions and to advance
wrought. And this I promise you: For all that Saddam
the search for peace and stability. I have also asked him
has done to his own people, to the Kuwaitis and to the
to raise the plight of the hostages held in Lebanon. We
entire world, Saddam and those around him are ac-
have not forgotten them, and we will not forget them.
countable.
To all the challenges that confront this region of the
All of us grieve for the victims of war, for the people
world, there is no single solution, no solely American
of Kuwait and the suffering that scars the soul of that
answer. But we can make a difference. America will
proud nation. We grieve for all our fallen soldiers and
work tirelessly as a catalyst for positive change.
their families, for all the innocents caught up in this
But we cannot lead a new world abroad if, at home,
conflict. And, yes, we grieve for the people of Iraq, a
it's politics as usual on American defense and diploma-
people who have never been our enemy. My hope is
cy. It's time to turn away from the temptation to pro-
page 17 of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
3/7/91
PAGE: A32
tect unneeded weapons systems and obsolete bases. It's
evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then
time to put an end to micromanagement of foreign and
surely we can make this land all that it should be. In the
security assistance programs, micromanagement that
time since then, the brave men and women of Desert
humiliates our friends and allies and hamstrings our di-
Storm accomplished more than even they may realize.
plomacy. It's time to rise above the parochial and the
They set out to confront an enemy abroad and, in the
pork barrel, to do what is necessary, what's right and
process, they transformed a nation at home.
what will enable this nation to play the leadership role
Think of the way they went about their mission-
required of us.
with confidence and quiet pride. Think about their
The consequences of the conflict in the gulf reach far
sense of duty, about all they taught us about our values,
beyond the confines of the Middle East. Twice before in
about ourselves.
this century, an entire world was convulsed by war.
We hear so often about our young people in turmoil,
Twice this century, out of the horrors of war hope
how our children fall short, how our schools fail us, how
emerged for enduring peace. Twice before, those hopes
American products and American workers are second
proved to be a distant dream, beyond the grasp of man.
class. Well, don't you believe it. The America we saw in
Until now, the world we've known has been a world
Desert Storm was first-class talent. And they did it us-
divided-a world of barbed wire and concrete block,
ing America's state-of-the-art technology.
conflict and cold war.
We saw the excellence embodied in the Patriot missile
and the patriots who made it work. And we saw soldiers
A New World Order and Enduring Peace
who know about honor and bravery and duty and country
Now, we can see a new world coming into view. A
and the world-shaking power of these simple words.
There is something noble and majestic about the
world in which there is the very real prospect of a new
world order. In the words of Winston Churchill, a
pride, about the patriotism that we feel tonight.
"world order" in which "the principles of justice and fair
So, to everyone here and everyone watching at
"
play
protect the weak against the strong.
A
home, think about the men and women of Desert
Storm. Let us honor them with our gratitude. Let us
world where the United Nations, freed from Cold War
comfort the families of the fallen and remember each
stalemate, is poised to fulfill the historic vision of its:
founders. A world in which freedom and respect for hu-
precious life lost.
Let us learn from them as well. Let us honor those
man rights find a home among all nations.
who have served us by serving others.
The gulf war put this new world to its first test, and,
Let us honor them as individuals-men and women
my fellow Americans, we passed that test.
For the sake of our principles, for the sake of the Ku-
of every race, all creeds and colors-by setting the face
of this nation against discrimination, bigotry and hate.
waiti people, we stood our ground. Because the world
would not look the other way, Ambassador [Saud Nasir]
Eliminate them.
I'm sure many of you saw on television the unforget-
al Sabah, tonight, Kuwait is free.
table scene of four terrified Iraqi soldiers surrendering.
Tonight as our troops begin to come home, let us rec-
ognize that the hard work of freedom still calls us forward.
They emerged from their bunker broken, tears streaming
We've learned the hard lessons of history. The victory
from their eyes, fearing the worst. And then there was
the American soldier. Remember what he said? He said:
over Iraq was not waged as "a war to end all wars." Even
the new world order cannot guarantee an era of perpetual
"It's okay. You're all right now. You're all right now."
That scene says a lot about America, a lot about who
peace. But enduring peace must be our mission.
we are. Americans are a caring people. We are a good
Our success in the gulf will shape not only the new
world order we seek but our mission here at home.
people, a generous people. Let us always be caring and
In the war just ended, there were clear-cut objec-
good and generous in all we do.
tives, timetables and, above all, an- overriding imper-
Coming Home for a Special 4th of July
ative to achieve results. We must bring that same sense
of self-discipline, that same sense of urgency, to the
Soon, very soon, our troops will begin the march
way we meet challenges here at home.
we've all been waiting for-their march home. And I
In my State of the Union address and in my budget, I
have directed Secretary Cheney to begin the immediate
defined a comprehensive agenda to prepare for the next
return of American combat units from the gulf. Less
American century.
than two hours from now, the first planeload of Amer-
Our first priority is to get this economy rolling again.
ican soldiers will lift off from Saudi Arabia, headed for
The fear and uncertainty caused by the gulf crisis is un-
the U.S.A. That plane will carry men and women of the
derstandable. But now that the war is over, oil prices are
24th Mechanized Infantry Division bound for Fort
down. interest rates are down and confidence is rightly
Stewart, Georgia. This is just the beginning of a steady
coming back. Americans can move forward-to lend,
flow of American troops coming home.
spend and invest in this, the strongest economy. on Earth.
Let their return remind us that all those who have
We must also enact the legislation that is key to
gone before are linked with us in the long line of free-
building a better America. For example, in 1990, we
dom's march. Americans have always tried to serve, to
enacted an historic Clean Air Act, and now we've pro-
sacrifice nobly for what we believe to be right.
posed a national energy strategy. We passed a child
Tonight, I ask every community in this country to
care bill that put power in the hands of parents, and to-
make this coming Fourth of July a day of special cele-
day we're ready to do the same thing with our schools
bration for our returning troops. They may have missed
and expand choice in education. We passed a crime bill
Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I can tell you this: For
that made a useful start in fighting crime and drugs.
them and for their families, we can make this a holiday
This year, we're sending to Congress our comprehen-
they'll never forget.
sive crime package to finish the job. We passed the
In a very real sense, this victory belongs to them, to
landmark Americans With Disabilities Act, and now
the privates and the pilots, to the sergeants and the
we've sent forward our civil rights bill. We also passed
supply officers, to the men and women in the machines
the aviation bill. This year, we've sent up our new high-
and the men and women who made them work. It be-
way bill. And these are just a few of our pending pro-
longs to the regulars, to the reserves, to the National
posals for reform and renewal.
Guard. This victory belongs to the finest fighting force
So tonight, I call on the Congress to move forward
this nation has ever known in its history.
aggressively on our domestic front. Let's begin with
We went halfway around the world to do what is mor-
two initiatives we should be able to agree on quickly:
al and just and right. We fought hard and, with others.
transportation and crime. And then, let's build on suc-
we won the war. We lifted the yoke of aggression and
cess with those and enact the rest of our agenda. If our
tyranny from a small country that many Americans had
forces could win the ground war in 100 hours, then
never even heard of, and we ask nothing in return.
surely the Congress can pass this legislation in 100
We're coming home now-proud, confident, heads
days. Let that be a promise we make tonight to the
high. There is much that we must do, at home and
American people.
abroad, and we will do it. We are Americans.
When I spoke in this House about the state of our
May God bless this great nation, the United States of
union, I asked all of you: If we can selflessly confront
America. Thank you all very, very much.
page 18 of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE: 3/7/91
PAGE: PI
the speech many times before deliv-
On the Air
ering it; at several points, he stum-
One in the world again, about her su-
bled over words and botched up
periority and prestige, about the
righteousness and wonderfulness of
phrasing.
Bush,
He pronounced the word "missile"
us.
so deliberately that he sounded like
At the same time, the president
seemed to signal a harder line to-
he was doing an impression of Dana
ward Israel, the ally that repeatedly
Carvey doing his impression of
Leading
turned the other cheek when at-
George Bush.
tacked by Saddam Hussein's Scud
Peter Jennings, in his own awk-
missiles. This newsworthy note was,
ward way, took note of the high
The Cheers
however, ignored by most network
point of the speech on ABC, saying
commentators who were too busy
that Bush was "seeming more than
hailing and praising the speech right
normal to be moved" and "seeming
after it ended. No one wants to be
to just suppress a lumn in his
On the Hill, the
seen trying to lay a glove on a presi-
throat." On CBS, Dan Rather, whose
dent with a 90 percent approval rat-
voice cracked regularly during war
Drumbeat of Victory
ing.
coverage, seemed oblivious to
The best moment of the speech
Bush's best moment, as did corre-
seemed to take even Bush by sur-
spondent Bob Schieffer, who simply
By Tom Shales
prise. Recalling news footage of
gushed that this was "one of the bet-
Washington Post Staff Writer
fearful Iraqi soldiers surrendering to
ter speeches" of the Bush adminis-
George Bush, all but drunk on
American GIs and being told by a
tration. Yes, but is that saying much?
popularity, got a rousing reception
soldier, "It's okay, you're all right
A vaguely ugly jingoistic tone was
from a joint session of Congress for
now," Bush's voice cracked and his
not entirely Bush's fault. His audi-
his speech on the subject of winning
eyes grew moist. The camera
ence in the House of Representa-
the Persian Gulf War last night. But
zoomed in on them.
tives, obviously fearing they might
the television spectacle had a dis-
"That scene says a lot about
not look properly thrilled and elated
tinct sour side, an aura of boastful-
America, a lot about who we are,"
over the popular president's words,
ness and nationalistic bravado that
Bush went on, clearly moved.
played the jolly jump-up game, leap-
seemed inappropriate and ungra-
"Americans are a caring people. We
ing into ovations whenever given
cious.
are a good people, a generous peo-
half a chance. They stood up so
It was as if Bush were trying to
ple. Let us always be caring and
many times you could almost hear
take all the fun out of having won the
good and generous in all we do."
the knees cracking.
war.
It was the most beautifully written
A shot of Mrs. Bush during the
The point of the speech was basi-
passage of the speech by far. And
speech, however, found her looking,
cally to wallow and gloat about the
Bush's show of emotion was refresh-
at one point, rather bored. Maybe
defeat of Iraq and to expand that
ing in a leader who has sometimes
she'd heard it in the car on the way
good news into glittering generali-
seemed to lack it. Of course the rea-
over.
ties about America's being Number
son for the cracking voice and tear-
There's an old high school slogan
ful eyes, the reason even Bush
that goes "Modest in victory, gra-
seemed taken aback by what he said,
cious in defeat." George Bush's
may have been that he hadn't read
speech last night failed that test.
page of
3/7/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: A23
Jim Hoagland
"It was a victory the
'Boosh!
likes of which
Reagan never
Boosh!'
achieved."
national risk-taking that were alien to
PARIS-When Ronald Reagan dis-
Reagan's style of governing.
patched the U.S. Marines to Lebanon
The public images of Reagan and
in 1982, he told congressional leaders
Bush would have it otherwise. Rea-
that the Marines would do their job
gan, as the Great Communicator,
quickly and leave with the cheers of
should have been able to inspire a
that grateful Arab nation ringing in
nation is undertake sacrifice more
their ears. The Lebanese would gath-
easily than Bush, the man of mangled
er on the dockside, wave American
syntax. But appearances deceive.
flags and hail the Americans as libera-
Desert Storm is one of those events
tors. just as Filipinos sent Gen. Doug-
that tell us something we would al-
las MacArthur and his men off as
ready know if we had been paying
heroes, Reagan promised.
more attention.
I witnessed a scene something like
What is striking when you look back
Reagan's fantasy on Sunday. But it
on the memoirs of Stockman,
happened in Kuwait City, not Beirut.
Speakes, Haig, Noonan and the others
And the American president who was
is the lack of confidence the people
exalted by cheering Arabs as their
who worked most closely with Ronald
liberator was not Ronald Reagan. It
Reagan had in their president. They
was George Bush, the once obedient
liked, revered or idolized him. But
sidekick who has just erased any rem-
they never trusted him to undertake
nant of Reagan's shadow on his own
and lead a protracted clash of wills and
presidency with the stunning victory
resources. They never followed him
of Operation Desert Storm.
without thinking they knew better.
It was a victory the likes of which
That is why George Shultz and Cas-
Reagan never achieved. True, cir-
par Weinberger could continue to
cumstances never dealt him quite the
wrangle over whether and how the
same hand. But as I watched joyful
Marines should be in Lebanon long
Kuwaitis dancing on their debris-
after they had been placed in exposed
strewn seafront, wrapped in U.S.
positions by the president. And if we go
flags and shouting "Boosh! Boosh!" it
back and read David Stockman on
struck me that Reagan, a political
James Baker's various schemes to pro-
giant in some respects, could never
tect Reagan from himself, we may gain
have achieved this victory.
insight into why Bush's secretary of
Desert Storm defines the differenc-
state was the only member of this team
es between the 40th and 41st presi-
who conveyed to reporters some un-
dents of the United States as nothing
ease with the president's bold military
else has. And it is a contrast all in
course in confronting Saddam Hussein.
Bush's favor.
Conversations with a few persons in
Reagan went for easy successes
the small circle of people who work or
(Grenada) while walking away from
have worked closely with Bush suggest
challenges that turned out to be diffi-
to me that the president inspires a
cult (Lebanon) by pretending they had
loyalty in and a genuine confidence
never happened. The retreat from
from his staff that are surprising in the
Lebanon was announced by a mimeo-
increasingly hard-bitten, cynical folk-
graphed press release in late evening
ways of official Washington.
while Reagan was incommunicado on
an airliner.
Among his fellow politicians and my
fellow journalists in Washington has
The ill-starred Lebanon adventure,
lingered a distrust of Bush that bor-
which ended with the death on a Sun-
ders on scorn. His actions in the 1988
day of three times as many U.S. ser-
campaign earned him some of that.
vicemen as were killed in the six
months of the Persian Gulf War, illus-
But the distrust, at least until now,
has been both broader and deeper
trated Reagan's lack of patience, inat-
than simple reaction to Willie Horton-
tention to detail and inability to stop
ism. It was the lack of faith in Bush as
destructive infighting within his own
Cabinet even when the president said
a leader that led many in the Federal
City to doubt that Desert Storm
"vital national interests" were at stake.
Patience, attention to detail and
would work in the first place.
teamwork are precisely the qualities
It did, in part because the people
that Bush has shown, particularly in
working for Bush were willing to
follow his lead without second-
the Gulf crisis endgame when he con-
sistently wrong-footed his adversaries
guessing him in public, while he did
abroad and his rivals at home by
the same with them. The quiet com-
never leaving them the initiative.
petence that made Bush a nonentity
Bush doggedly built up a military and
in the Technicolor days of the Reagan
White House serves Bush well in his
diplomatic pincer movement that re-
own White House.
quired a concentration of effort and
page 28 of
DATE: Friday March 8, 1991
CONTACT: STEVE PASTORKOVICH
PRESS: 863-8608
THE
REPUBLICAN
DAILY
COMMITTEE EMITTEE TYNOLLVA
NEWS
FILE
SUMMARY
NATIONAL
DEMOCRATIQ:
The elite Democratic Guard, with no will left to fight,
emerged from their bunkers to surrender in unprecedented numbers.
THE WASHINGTON POST
3/8/9
For Democrats, '92 Nightmare in Offing
Activity by Would-Be Candidates Bumps Up Against Bush Popularity
Some Democrats, fearing that
Dallas, Bentsen denounced "an ad-
By Thomas B. Edsall
the party could end up with a weak
ministration that is forceful and re-
and E.J. Dionne Jr.
nominee who would drag Demo-
sourceful halfway around the world"
Washington Post Staff Writers
cratic House and Senate candidates
Like Sleeping Beauty, the Dem-
down to defeat, trying to draft a
while showing "little apparent con-
"safe candidate" such as Sen. Lloyd
cern for the millions of our own peo-
ocratic presidential nomination lies
there waiting to be kissed as wary
Bentsen (Tex.), the 1988 vice pres-
ple who fall prey, every day, to re-
idential nominee. The theory be-
cession, despair, ignorance and dis-
politicians hover over her, wonder-
ease."
hind the draft movement is that he
ing whether instead of dozing, she
would provide protection for Senate
Former Democratic National
may be dead.
Still, Democratic suitors circle in
and House candidates, even if he
Committee chairman Robert S.
lost.
Strauss, a fellow Texan, acknowl-
the hope that despite all the signs of
a calamity for their party in 1992,
In an effort to stop the flood of
edges being part of discussions to
their nomination will be worth hav-
pessimism that has engulfed the
build support for Bentsen. Although
Strauss said he thought the odds
ing. In the first week after the allied
party, top congressional Democrats
were against Bentsen running, he
military victory over Iraq produced
and Democratic National Commit-
said he found strong support for
dream-like approval ratings for
tee officials have been lecturing
such a candidacy on Capitol Hill and
President Bush, there has been a
some of the party's political consul-
among Democratic governors.
flurry of political activity, including:
tants on the need to avoid funereal
The Texas senator says he has
Former Massachusetts senator
talk.
"no plans" to seek the 1992 pres-
Paul Tsongas, an unknown com-
Whether as the result of these
idential nomination and a source
modity to much of the nation, say-
entreaties or not, a new line began
close to him said that "if the Dem-
ing yesterday he will enter the con-
emerging from top Democrats yes-
test in a few weeks to run as an "ag-
terday that the party's 1992 nom-
ocrats are looking for a sacrificial
gressively pro-business liberal,"
ination would be very much worth
lamb," who would simply provide
having.
some protection against a rout for
combining strong support for en-
vironmental and social legislation
"The nomination is such a huge
Senate and House candidates, "I can
with a belief that Democrats "must!
prize that it won't go begging," said
tell you Lloyd Bentsen is not inter-
drop the old rhetoric of class war-
Geoff Garin, a Democratic poll-
ested. He is not into resume-
fare and corporate bashing."
taker. "For four or five months, the
building."
In one of those emblematic per-
Democratic nominee for president
New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo
sonnel moves noticed only by the
will be the second most important
(D), for his part, sounded anything
politician in America."
but defensive about his party. In an
most ardent aficionados of presiden-
interview yesterday, he said that
tial politics, House Majority Leader
Not all Democratic consultants,
however, were toeing this line. Poll-
Bush's domestic failures stood in
Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) an-
ster Harrison Hickman said "the
such sharp contrast to his success
nouncing that he has rehired Don
Foley, a key aide in Gephardt's
odds of having a contested presiden-
at war that "the logic here seems so
1988 presidential bid, "to coordi-
tial election in this country are only
clear to me: These people are no
nate political and fund-raising ac-
slightly better than having a con-
good at peace."
tested presidential election in Ku-
tivities."
"The president was greeted as a
wait."
Sen. Albert Gore Jr. (D-Tenn.)
hero. He should be. He earned
One potential candidate who does
that," Cuomo said. "But when he
who voted for the congressiona
turned to the domestic program, he
resolution authorizing the use of
not share that view is Gephardt,
made it apparent that he was not
force against Iraq, trying to build on
who has been quietly assembling a
going to deal with the
this advantage by assailing Repub-
network of experienced advisers
problems.
You cannot stay at
licans for attempting to score po-
and continues to send messages to
91 percent in the polls by cheering
litical points off Democrats who
potential donors to keep their
yesterday's war."
checkbooks ready.
voted against the war. In doing so,
Cuomo, who was quoted before
The possibility of a paucity of
Gore himself has scored points by
the Persian Gulf War as calling for
candidates has stirred speculation
currying favor with those who dis-
concessions of oil and water rights
that a number of long shots may
agreed with his stand on the war.
to Iraq-he insists he was misun-
run, including two from Massachu-
Aides to Gore who once doubted
derstood-contended that Demo-
setts, home state of former govern-
whether he would run in 1992 say
or Michael S. Dukakis, who led the
he is seriously considering the con-
party to defeat in 1988. Besides
test.
Tsongas, Boston University Pres-
Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder,
ident John Silber, who lost a race
who has resolutely refused to raise
for governor last fall, also could be a.
state taxes, pressing his highly un-
candidate. Former senator George
usual message as an anti-tax Dem-
McGovern (S.D.), who in 1972 car-
ocrat, intriguing party strategists
ried just one state as the Democrat-
with the prospect that a black can-
ic nominee, has been counting sup-
didate could also be one of the most
port in Iowa, but friends say he is
conservative in the field.
having second thoughts.
Senate Majority Leader George J.
Bentsen, 70, who first won his
Mitchell (Maine) becoming one of
Senate seat running as a Tory Dem-
the Democrats' most visible spokes-
ocrat against George Bush in 1970,
men and some of his colleagues, par-
has been using public forums to ex-
ticularly such northern liberals as
periment with populist economic
Sen. Paul Simon (D-III.), encouraging
themes: At a recent appearance in
him to consider seeking the 1992
nomination. Still, Simon said yester-
day that "the odds are probably
against" Mitchell running.
page
of
45
DATE: 3/8/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
PAGE: Alcont
crats who voted for economic sanc-
the subject of American politics from
tions as an alternative to war will
foreign to domestic policy-and as
not be hurt by their votes. "Before
quickly as possible.
you go to war, you should pursue
Jesse L. Jackson has already
every reasonable alternative,"
jumped on that bandwagon, traveling
Cuomo said. "That is not called sur-
last weekend to Washington and Or-
render. That is intelligence and ci-
egon in an attempt to negotiate
vility and progress."
peace between unionized lumber
Sen. Sam Nunn (Ga.), who cast
workers and environmentalists
such a vote and has apparently suf-
locked in a bitter dispute over saving
fered political damage as a result,
old growth forests and the spotted
disagreed with Cuomo. "I don't think
owls that live there.
there is any doubt politically right
At a meeting in the Capitol yes-
now that those of us who felt eco-
terday, a group of Democratic strat-
nomic sanctions should be given
egists agreed that while the potential
longer to work are not on the pop-
candidates sort themselves out, one
ular side of the issue," he said.
of the party's priorities is "to engage
The vote in fact appears to have
Bush on education, drugs, crime and
already badly wounded, if not killed
the other things he's talked about,"
outright, Nunn's presidential pros-
said one Democrat who attended.
pects. "I cannot visualize any circum-
"Dealing with domestic issues and
stances under which I would run in
legislation is the work of mere mor-
1992," Nunn told reporters in Bos-
tals, not of commanders in chief."
ton. "Southerners don't like to make
Sherman-like statements, but that is
Staff writer David S. Broder and
pretty close to one."
special correspondent Christopher B.
Cuomo's comments reflected a
Daly in Boston contributed to this
broad desire in the party to change
report.
page 2 0±45
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: 3/8/91
PAGE: ALP
Fine, 100 Days. But for What?
The challenge President Bush put to Congress
that create so much urban carnage. The transporta-
Wednesday could hardly have been plainer. We
tion plan would promote new highways but short-
have won the war in the gulf, he said. Now we must
change mass transit. Given the nation's energy and
apply the same urgency and self-discipline "here at
environmental concerns, Mr. Bush seems to have
home." Then, invoking F.D.R., he sharpened the
his priorities backward.
challenge: "If our forces could win the ground war
Yet even if these were sterling proposals, what
in 100 hours, then surely the Congress can pass this
kind of agenda do they make? True, there's not a lot
legislation in 100 days."
of money lying around for big domestic initiatives.
What legislation? Mr. Bush's roar brought
all the more reason to ask for a sharper
forth two mice: a crime bill that would do little to
sense of priorities from the White House. The big
fight crime. And a proposal to repair old roads and
problems are not hard to identify: a medical care
build new ones. Hardly a vision to send the Congres-
system hopelessly out of control, states and cities
sional troops charging out of the trenches.
staggering under impossible burdens, an education-
al system that leaves the nation increasingly vul-
nerable to international competition.
Nobody could reasonably have denied George
The public sees the discontinuity between Mr.
Bush his night in the sun, his right to savor the
Bush's strength abroad and his diffidence at home.
accolades for orchestrating the Persian Gulf war.
He gets extraordinarily high marks for his handling
And what a night it was: a pep rally and the State of
of foreign policy - 83 percent approval, according
the Union rolled into one, with flag-wearing Republi-
to today's New York Times/CBS Poll. Yet he fails to
cans and even dyspeptic Democrats on their feet,
persuade even a bare majority that he's really
applauding again and again.
interested in doing something about the economy or
Mr. Bush resisted the temptation to criticize
drugs or education.
those in Congress who had opposed the war. He
There was a point in the speech when Mr. Bush,
struck exactly the right notes about converting the
honoring the soldiers, came close to acknowledging
"horrors of war" into a new "momentum for
the discrepancy. "We hear so often about our young
peace," especially peace between Israelis and Ar-
people in turmoil, how our children fall short, how
abs. He was also right to summon Congress to
our schools fail us, how American products and
convert triumph abroad into renewal at home. Yet
American workers are second class. Well don't you
it quickly became clear that Mr. Bush has either no
believe it. The America we saw in Desert Storm was
coherent idea of how to do that or no compelling
first-class talent."
desire to do so.
It was indeed first class. And why? One reason,
The subjects of Mr. Bush's domestic proposals
of course, was the dedication and spirit of the
are worthy enough, although he might have chosen
American forces. But another, surely, was that Mr.
other examples to adumbrate his vision. The crime
Bush gave them conviction, clarity of purpose and a
bill is in part a sop to death penalty advocates, and
gambler's courage. That is the job of a leader. At
does nothing about the availability of the weapons
home, too.
page 26 of 45
3/8/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: A21
Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
On Being Wrong
In the course of 62 columns on the
After the fact, one White House
Persian Gulf crisis since Aug. 3, our
aide said that our columns surely had
failure to support President Bush's
expressed "doubt" about the war. But
march to war with the hawkish views
he was honest enough to add: "I had
our readers would expect derived
the same doubts." He could not pub-
from two miscalculations that deserve
licly express them. Nor could Repub-
explanation.
lican members of Congress, such as
First, we overestimated Saddam
one conservative House GOP leader
Hussein's powers of resistance and
who was haunted by visions of body
underestimated the effectiveness of
bags. He would have voted "no" on
high-tech American arms. Second, we
the war resolution, he told us, had he
overestimated the dangers of negative
had free choice. Luckily for his politi-
reaction by the Arab "street," which
cal future, party discipline bound him.
turned out to be surprisingly subdued.
His early anxiety became jubilation
Now the war has been won with
when Bush brought home his flawless
minimum expenditure of time, for-
victory, destroying the image of help-
tune and blood. Questions remain,
less American giant. The president,
however, about the president's proce-
he rejoiced to us, turned out to be
dures in sending the nation into the
Gulf War, the necessary diplomatic
perfectly correct.
tradeoffs and the overriding reason
We come far closer to that judg-
for war. To be wrong about the out-
ment than to left-wing public critics of
come of the war, we believe, is not
the president who see no vindication
necessarily to be wrong about the
in victory and insist that the Vietnam
necessity of going to war.
Syndrome persists. But we do contin-
We have sought during 28 years of
ue to question the means chosen by
writing our column to buttress our
Bush to go to war: mobilization and
ideological point of view with hard re-
deployment 8,000 miles away of an
porting, and the Gulf crisis was no
immense military force without a sin-
exception. Accordingly, the gap be-
gle vote by Congress; then-at the
tween what our columns reported and
very flash point-the rush on Con-
what then happened is a valid subject
gress to approve it. Under such pro-
for inquiry. The fearful prospect of
cedures, it is hard to imagine any bar
thousands of Americans dead came to
on any president against waging any
us from serious interviews with past
war in the future that he says is
and present Pentagon officials, includ-
required to correct gross injustice.
ing generals and admirals. It was partly
We also question mortgaging U.S.
based on our close-up reporting on
support for freedom movements in the
tough, resolute Iraqi troops in their war
Soviet Union to ensure its forbearance.
against a much more populous Iran.
If democracy and self-determination
Our concern about both Arab and
are only secondary factors, the new
Islamic explosions triggered by
world order is diminished.
America's first war against an Arab
Critics have asked us hard ques-
state was born partly out of our long
tions about our hawkish support of
experience in the Mideast, partly out
U.S. intervention in the Dominican
of on-the-spot talks with Egyptian,
Syrian, Jordanian and other Arab poli-
Republic, Vietnam, El Salvador, Gre-
ticians and diplomats during three
nada, Angola and Afghanistan, but not
separate reporting trips to the Mid-
against Saddam. Did we love Arabs
east after Iraq invaded Kuwait.
too much and respect Israel's case too
little?
We also heard-and reported—
conflicting expert opinion: rosy as-
The difference was that in each
sessments of a quick, relatively blood-
earlier intervention, the United
less victory over Saddam. But here
States fought an undeniable Soviet
we may have been the victim of the
attempt to expand the Communist
Vietnam Syndrome. Our many trips
empire. The issue in Iraq was sim-
to that unhappy conflict bred deep
pier: shut down a tyrant not because
suspicion of any quick, high-tech vic-
he menaced the future of America but
tory over the Third World warriors of
because he posed a regional danger.
Saddam Hussein. One crucial differ-
We cling to that assessment and to
ence between Vietnam and the Gulf,
our procedural concerns over Bush's
which Bush repeatedly has stressed
course to war, while freely admitting
but which we took with a grain of salt,
gross error in miscalculating the
was his pledge of a U.S. military high
war's brilliant outcome and its benefi-
command unfettered by bombing
cial results.
pauses ordered from the Oval Office.
© 1991, Creators Syndicate Inc.
page 27 of 45
3/8/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: A21,A2u
Stephen S. Rosenfeld
The doubters are now being taxed
with their earlier anticipation of high
Put the Knives Away
American casualties-the leading emo-
tional and political index. But was the
anticipation of the commander in chief
Democrats and other derelicts are
sity military campaign, air and
any different? He sent his army into
being invited to render the president
ground, that shortly materialized.
combat having ordered up 16,000 body
praise and credit for a job in Iraq
Neither Pentagon planners nor out-
bags. Only to him this number, appar-
exceptionally well done, something
side defense experts had prepared the
ently, was not forbiddingly high.
that most of them do not need to be
public, even the informed public, for
But this is beside the main point,
prompted to do. They are also being
what was to come. On the contrary, in
which is that the congressional deci-
summoned to acknowledge the error
Congress and elsewhere the prevail-
sion that gave crucial national weight
of their ways in not supporting his
ing assumption was that a fearsome
to President Bush's preparations for
policy before it turned into war, at
and costly struggle lay ahead.
war issued from a debate to do a
which point almost everyone came
The administration presented terse
democracy proud. As it turned out,
aboard. This is quite a different affair.
projections of a quick, violent and
the questioners were wrong, but they
It is not simply that George Bush's
successful conflict but with little of
were wrong for respectable reason.
splendid accomplishments as a wartime
the amplifying detail that would have
Perhaps Democrats will now pay a
president were preceded by his lamen-
imparted understanding or credibility.
political penalty, but it serves no na-
table performance as a peacetime pres-
tional benefit to ask them to wallow
Legislators who voted for the presi-
ident. In the year and a half before
dent did so not on the assumption that
for having participated in good faith in
Saddam Hussein seized Kuwait, Bush
the coalition's victory would be easy
a debate that illuminated the issue,
consistently misread Saddam's strate-
and cheap but that the cause of com-
provided for full participation and pro-
gy and tactics. Whether a more alert
bating Saddam was just and wise.
duced a sound national decision, after
American policy would have obviated
Once war came, those who voted for
which ranks closed in Congress and in
A21
aggression and war is an alternative
the president were no less surprised
the country. This is how it should be.
that history did not have a chance to
by the unfolding of the battle than
disclose. There remains copious presi-
dential error to acknowledge.
those who voted against him.
Recall the circumstances of the key
To this day it is not clear that even
congressional vote on Jan. 12, four
the president and his men had com-
days before President Bush launched
prehended the awesome uses of the
the air war. There had been what was
power at their command. They were
by almost anyone's standards an un-
using weapons and tactics that had
usually serious, probing and civil de-
not been applied in meaningful com-
bate on the litmus issue of whether to
bat before. They could not know how
move beyond sanctions, diplomacy and
the coalition would hold together or
a military buildup into authorizing the
how Saddam might react under du-
president to use force. Heavy hitters
ress. They were fearful of raising the
had stood up on both sides of this issue.
public's expectations to levels they
It was acknowledged in many places
might not be able to meet.
that both had a case and that any
decision would be a judgment call.
So close was the call, in fact, that
CAN LICK ANY MAN IN EITHER HOUSE"
some number of legislators-quite
possibly the number that tipped the
balance-made their decision not on
the basis that war had become neces-
sary and feasible. No, they were
aware that the United Nations' Jan.
15 deadline for Iraqi withdrawal was
coming up fast, and they felt that a
vote to authorize force offered the
only chance remaining to squeeze
Saddam into backing off.
In short, whatever the president
and his advisers may have thought,
the vote in Congress was finally car-
ried not by those who had determined
war was inevitable and who were
ready for it, but by those who hoped
war was still avoidable.
At that moment, moreover, there
was little awareness evident any-
where in Congress that the United
States and its allies were going to
wage the sort of fantastic high-inten-
All
WITH
CASI
WAR
Lite
ALL
THE
KICK
WITH
FEWER
CASUALTIES
page 28 of 45
DATE: 3/8/91
The Washington Times
PAGE: A4
PRUDEN ON
POLITICS
By
Wesley Pruden
All the shed blood
was patriotic red
The Rev. Jesse Jackson owes a few thousand
But in fact it takes no rocket scientist to figure
troopers in Saudi Arabia an apology.
out that many of these young black men volun-
So do a lot of his colleagues who, wittingly or not,
teered for the military services for the same rea-
belittled the contributions of young black men and
sons that young white men volunteered - to serve
women to the American victory in the Persian Gulf.
their country, to wear their country's uniform, and
Mr. Jackson was only the most prominent of the
to use military service as a way to improve their
high-profile black "leaders" to predict that black
lives, just as millions of Americans before them had
soldiers would shed more than their share of blood
done.
for what they depicted as a white man's war.
During "the years between the wars," as the
"If war breaks out," said the District's non-voting,
1920s and '30s were once known, the Army was
non-paid official Senate lobbyist for District state-
greatly and disproportionately white and Southern,
hood on the eve of battle, "our youth will burn first."
as young men left the mean mill towns of Georgia
Well, they didn't, for which we are all thankful,
and the Carolinas, the hardscrabble mountain ham-
but if Mr. Jackson has said he was wrong it has
lets of Tennessee and Arkansas, and the bleak piney
gone unnoticed. He ought to apologize to everyone,
woods of Mississippi and Alabama to try to find for-
but he could start by apologizing to the young black
tune in the ranks.
men who served in Operation Desert Storm. They
Some of their grandsons are in the Arabian des-
did not ask for his buttinsky pity, and from all ac-
ert this morning. "Whatever their race, these small-
counts they nearly all resented it, fiercely.
town youngsters are patriotic, adventurous and anx-
In those early days of the conflict, some anti-war
ious to leave a restricted environment," says Charles
folk vied with one another to say mean and silly
Moskos, a military sociologist at Northwestern Uni-
things. The Persian Gulf war, said Randall Robin-
versity. "They weren't going to be unemployed, but
son, the disproportionately silly man who led the
there was a low opportunity ceiling."
U.S. protests against apartheid in South Africa, "is
These men, says Mr. Moskos, are "the quiet
disproportionately black, disproportionately His-
Americans, who serve disproportionately and suffer
panic and disproportionately poor- a war declared
disproportionately." Whites overwhelmingly pre-
by a government that is disproportionately white
dominate in these numbers, often the poor whites
and disproportionately wealthy."
who do not have either the advantages of member-
Said Martin Luther King III: "Every black soldier
ship in an articulate elite nor the leaders who speak
ought to say: 'You all do what you want to. I'm not
for racial minorities.
going to fight. This is not my war.'
It's too bad that Mr. Jackson and his colleagues
The president of an organization called Black
framed the discussion in racial terms, because to do
Veterans for Social Justice, still mired in the mud of
so risks obscuring the transcendent reality that pa-
the past, seemed to want to blame the infamous
triotism, like blood, comes in only one color. The
Reagan budget cuts, the heartbreak of psoriasis
young men in the Persian Gulf were sent there as
and the New Madrid earthquake of 1799. The dis-
Americans, neither black nor white, and no leader,
proportionate black numbers in the Persian Gulf,
real or so-called, black or white, has the right to put
he says, stem from insensitive domestic policies
an asterisk beside the sacrifice of any one of them.
such as President Bush's veto of a civil rights bill
last year.
He doesn't say how the
president's veto in 1990 in-
duced so many splendid
young black men to volun-
teer for the Army, the
Navy, the Air Force and
the Marines over the pre-
vious decade, when the
military establishment -
lately under the command
of the black general who
has become everybody's
hero- was molding such
a remarkable all-volunteer
Everybody's hero
force.
page 29 of 45
3/8/9
THE WASHINGTON POST
PAGE:
AZ
HAYNES JOHNSON
Multiplying the Divisions
nderstatement is not an American
U
"Pat Moynihan shamefully voted
characteristic, so it's no surprise
against our president," the text read. "If
that the raucous gathering of
Pat Moynihan had his way, our soldiers
lawmakers and president in the House
would still be sitting in the Persian Gulf
Wednesday night to celebrate victory in
waiting for-economic sanctions to fail."
the gulf turned into something more than
It went on, with more invective, to
pride and affirmation of a positive new
say: "Time and again, Pat Moynihan
national spirit. It also was a mass display
voted against a strong America. Pat
of loud self-congratulatory cheering,
Moynihan opposed many of the defense
swaggering, posturing and something
weapons that brought the allied coalition
more. It signaled the reemergence of a
this historic victory. We should never
familiar American trait: the politics of
forget." Then came the penultimate ugly
recrimination and polarization.
political argument equating support for
Those flags sprouting from
the president with patriotism and
congressional breast pockets and those
accompanying large yellow buttons
opposition with appeasement:
affixed to lapels bearing the words "I
"New Yorkers are proud to be
Voted With The President" over
Americans. We should be represented in
smaller depictions of Old Glory were
Washington by men and women who
evidence that good will is being
support our values-not oppose them.
displaced by partisanship, specifically by
Representatives who speak out in favor
finger-pointing about who is patriotic
of our national interest-not spokesmen
and who is not.
for appeasement."
That process was well under way
That kind of political pitch openly
before George Bush, the new American
implies that January's somber, wrenching
Caesar, strode into the congressional
congressional deliberation on granting
chamber amid a rising crescendo of
Bush the right to wage war was not a
sound that marked his triumphal path.
genuinely moving and impressive
Republican operatives already had
example of democratic decision-making
launched their campaign to capitalize on
at its finest, as it certainly was. No, the
the stunning and swift military triumph
cynical patriots-for-political-ga now
in the gulf by politicizing it.
charge, those who voted against war did
Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who
so not as an act of conscience but of
only a few months earlier was
cowardice.
disparaging Bush's leadership qualities
It is to Bush's great credit that he is
publicly, thus intensifying belief that so
not joining the mob. Since war's end, he
"weak" a president would face a strong
has struck a positive tone. He has
conservative GOP renomination
warned, rightly, against the tendency to
challenge, was exhorting Republicans to
gloat over an enemy so thoroughly
turn military rout in the Arabian desert
defeated and humiliated. In his
into a similar debacle for Democrats at
congressional speech, he did not attempt
home. He is urging his party to recruit
to make cheap political capital out of the
Desert Storm veterans to run against
moment. The brief exchange between
pusillanimous Democrats who so
Bush and Speaker Thomas S. Foley
cravenly failed to support the powerful
(D-Wash.) as the president was
president. Similar strategy for the
campaign days to come is being
introduced was as generous as it was
articulated by Sen. Phil Gramm (Tex.),
spontaneous. It signified a reassuring,
chairman of the National Republican
and welcome, cooperative spirit by both
Senatorial Committee.
parties.
Lest there be any doubt as to how
Obviously, some amount of
swiftly the political climate has changed,
partisanship is inevitable and even useful
the morning of the president's speech
in shaping the coming debates about the
was marked by a full-page ad in the New
country's direction at home and abroad
York Times that nakedly spelled out the
after the war. But if those debates
kinds of tactics to be employed. Under
degenerate into mudslinging, character
bold, black headlines demanding to know
assassination, charges of appeasement,
"Where Was Pat Moynihan When
unpatriotic behavior and a search for
America Needed Him?," the New York
scapegoats, the very reason for
State Conservative Party issued an
celebrating the gulf success will be lost.
appeal for contributions to unseat the
The Persian Gulf War was proof that
Democratic senator. The message
America, when united, can accomplish
undoubtedly will be repeated across the
great things. It can achieve similar
country in the 1992 congressional and
success in areas other than military but
presidential campaigns.
not while divided.
page 30 of 45
3/P/91
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
DATE:
PAGE:
A/o
Safe as Kuwait City
"During the first three days of the
people on death row by declaring the
ground offensive more Americans
penalty inherently racist. This despite
were killed in some American cities
the fact that blacks and other minori-
than at the entire Kuwaiti front. Think
ties are disproportionately the victims
of it-one of our brave National
of capital and other serious offenses.
Guardsmen may have actually been
Supreme Court Justice Sandra
safer in the midst of the largest ar-
O'Connor gave an important speech at
mored offensive in history than he
the Justice Department crime confer-
would have been on the streets of his
ence titled, "Local Control of Crime."
own hometown." President Bush
She noted that under our criminal-jus-
made this sobering obs:
an
tice system, 96% of felony convictions
anti-crime conference this week at the
are in state courts, but that increas-
Justice Department. He made a fur-
ingly convicts are making "habeas
ther connection. "The kind of moral
corpus" appeals to the federal courts,
force and national will that freed Ku-
arguing that they were unfairly con-
wait City from abuse can free Ameri-
victed. Many of these appeals are in
ca's cities from crime," he said.
death-penalty cases.
"Among the lessons is that in further-
While the federal courts need to en-
ance of a widely accepted moral
sure that state trials are "fundamen-
value, collective action succeeds."
tally fair," Justice O'Connor also
In his address this week to the
warned, "The delay and uncertainty
joint session, Mr. Bush challenged
that federal relitigation brings frus-
Washington to collectively apply these
trates the states' ability to enforce
lessons learned fighting a criminal ty-
their criminal laws and to control
rant abroad to the battle against crim-
anti-social behavior." She stressed
inals at home. He gave Congress 100
that "certainty and immediacy of
days to pass his anti-crime bill, which
punishment are the most important el-
would start to return to the police and
ements of effective deterrence."
courts the powers they need to make
Last year, six million Americans
the streets safe. The bill, which goes
were the victims of violent crime,
to Congress next week, is similar to
more than the number injured in auto
one legislators rejected last year.
accidents. One reason for record
The bill would make important
levels of crime is precisely that de-
changes in the exclusionary rule,
spite all the filled jail cells, certainty
which since Miranda and related Su-
and immediacy of punishment have
preme Court cases has hindered law
become a joke. Fewer than one arrest
enforcement by suppressing evidence
in 100 in New York City leads to any-
from juries. One proposal would allow
one spending a single day in jail. One
evidence from searches by police offi-
reason is that after Miranda, the per-
cers who acted in good faith, even if
centage of people arrested for felonies
the search warrant turns out to have
who confess fell to 40% from 90%. We
technical problems.
have turned law enforcement into a
Some in the administration are
silly detective game that the detec-
also considering a more far-reaching
tives too often lose.
proposal to abolish the exclusionary
It is now clear that the Vietnam
rule. The idea would be to allow the
Syndrome extended to self-doubts
evidence into court, but also create a
about the moral authority to enforce
new system to directly discipline po-
rules of behavior at home. Volumes of
lice misbehavior. This would be a big
rules now on the books have the ex-
improvement on the exclusionary
press purpose of limiting the ability of
rule's absurdity of banning evidence,
the police to do their job. Indeed, Mi-
letting criminals go free and leaving
randa is the domestic equivalent of
police officers undisciplined for any
the War Powers Resolution. Just as
errors.
Presidents were no longer supposed to
Other provisions would try to limit
have the power to lead the country
the endless appeals of death-penalty
into war, law enforcement was no
convictions, which since the return of
longer considered worthy of the tools
the death penalty in 1973 have made
required to punish wrongdoers at
the average delay from conviction to
home.
execution more than eight years.
The new self-confidence from the
Many prisoners, even those who con-
victory in the Persian Gulf includes a
fessed to murder, get endless appeals
recognition that we can take care of
in state and federal courts. Last year,
serious. problems if we have the re-
Congress sandbagged the Bush crime
solve to get the job done. It's up to
bill when the House inserted provis-
Congress to decide if this time it's go-
ions that would have invalidated the
ing to stand with Mr. Bush or continue
death penalties of the more than 2,300
to let crime take its toll.
page 31 of 45
DATE:
3/2/9
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
PAGE: A/D
Warner's Scudbuster
If Patriot missiles can defend
tries will have ballistic missiles by the
against Scuds in Riyadh and Tel Aviv,
year 2000; at least six will have mis-
why can't the U.S. defend against
siles with a range of 3,400 miles. Even
missiles targeted to land on Cleveland
if a missile is never fired, the mere
or Miami?
threat would enhance a future Sad-
That's the simple question Republi-
dam's influence and leverage over a
can Senator John Warner of Virginia
defenseless United States.
is asking with his just-proposed Mis-
As a response, the ABM Treaty
sile Defense Act of 1991. His bomb-
might as well be the horse cavalry. In
shell would let the U.S. develop and
1972, the U
R. could only
test missile defenses regardless of the
reach an "interim agreement" limit-
restrictions of the Anti-Ballistic Mis-
ing offensive weapons, SO they agreed
sile Treaty. The treaty's ban on de-
to limit defenses permanently. We
ploying large-scale defenses would
never liked this MAD-mutual as-
still stand, but at least the U.S. would
sured destruction-logic, but it's sui-
be able to develop defenses without in-
cide in a world with missiles becom-
terference.
ing as common as aircraft. The idea
The ABM treaty, an artifact of the
that signing a treaty is adequate pro-
Cold War's nuclear neurosis, has
tection against future Saddams is the
-stood in the way of the ability to de-
sort of thing that only the Arms Con-
-fend the U.S. mainland from incoming
trol Association could believe.
missiles since 1972. Mr. Warner, the
The ABM treaty limits the U.S. to
ranking Republican on the Armed
100 interceptors at a single site. It in-
Services Committee, is sensibly say-
hibits, if not proscribes, tests in
ing that a new era demands new
space. It even complicates life for the
thinking.
heroic Patriot. Because of ABM, a
Mr. Warner's proposal has already
U.S. space sensor could be used to de-
sent political debris scattering all
tect a Scud launch, but not to track or
over Washington. Democrats who op-
practice "battle management. Those
pose defending the U.S. mainland
duties now have to be passed down to
against missile attacks have been hid-
a radar on the ground. Space tracking
ing for years behind the ABM Treaty;
and management might have allowed
now they're pleading with Mr. Warner
an earlier Patriot interception and
to kill his bill lest they have to, yikes,
prevented the Dhahran Scud tragedy
vote on it. The White House is also
that killed 28 soldiers.
strangely quiet, though it claims to
Some will ask how the U.S. can ab-
support strategic defense. Mr. Warner
rogate a treaty, but the ABM Treaty
hopes to attach his idea as an amend-
itself says either side can stand down
ment to the Desert Storm financing
from it with only six months' notice.
bill, SO everyone will get a chance to
In fact, the Soviets just might want to
come out of hiding and vote.
stand down themselves. They already
No one doubts that ballistic mis-
have a limited defense deployed
siles are a growing threat, even to the
around Moscow, and they're closer to
continental U.S. Saddam Hussein's
the worst Scud threats than we are.
Scud is primitive compared with fu-
Senior Soviet military men have said
ture varieties. As technology ad-
as much.
vances, SO will range and accuracy.
Senator Warner's bold stroke gets
Nuclear and biological warheads will
past the lawyers' talk about treaty
come sooner or later. The CIA says
"interpretation" to the main point:
between 15 and 20 developing coun-
Will the U.S. be defended, or not?
Asides
Peace Quagmire
to repay Israel for its missile hits and
unprecedented self-restraint by fur-
When President Bush used the
ther endangering the tiny country.
phrase "land for peace" in his speech
Mr. Bush is surely correct that there
to Congress, we quickly dismissed the
are better prospects now than ever be-
possibility that maybe the plan was to
fore for peaceful overtures to Israel
give Israel part of Jordan. Equally
from the Arabs. It's probably also
absurd is the notion that anyone would
true, however, that the Middle East at
think compromise means turning the
all times remains the perfect place to
West Bank into a Scud launching pad.
allow matters to proceed at their own
In fact, we doubt that Mr. Bush meant
pace rather than push too hard.
32
page
of
45
3/P/a)
The Washington Times
DATE:
PAGE:
F2,F4
Be grateful to the president, an experienced hand
We now can see that the dis-
emerging democracies.
1989 and 1990. Now, in a horrific
mantling of the Iron Curtain in
President Bush saw before
but profound way, the crisis we
Eastern Europe was not the begin-
most of us that the United States
have endured creates a new
ning of a new era. It was, rather,
would be called upon in this new
agenda of hope for the Middle
the end of the old era. The new era
era, perhaps as never before, to
East, and the smoke of battle at
was a blank page until given con-
provide leadership in the cause of
last may be cleared away by a
tent by the successful U.S.-led co-
liberty, prosperity and peace. The
fresh breeze of democracy and
alition's restoration of Kuwait's
President said that the challenges
peace in the region. We best can
sovereignty.
and opportunities for the United
honor those who died by provid-
The full implications of this tri-
States to make this world a better
ing leadership in the search for
umph become more clear if
place would be great in this new
peace as we did in war.
viewed in the context of global
era, and that we could forfeit our
We can be grateful to have a
events over the past two years.
chance to influence events if we
president who has delivered on
Winte the values in which we
lacked the political will to meet
his campaign promise to bring his
believe seemed to enjoy global
our responsibilities in the interna-
long experience, and even longer-
popularity as the Berlin Wall
tional arena.
held values, to bear in his service
crumbled in 1989, we soon were
Chapter 1 in the history of the
to the nation - and the world. For
struck with the realization that
new era now has been written. All
giving yourself so completely to
the success of those values in the
Americans, and all the people and
our cause, for taking a righteous
new era was by no means assured.
governments around the world
stand and having the courage to
From Poland to Panama, from
who supported our cause, share
resist a politically safer course,
Managua to Moscow, it became
the credit for success of the val-
for doing what was right: Mr.
clear that translating the global
ues and the vision with which our
President, we salute you.
groundswell of people power into
president led this struggle. Our
democracy and economic oppor-
grief at the loss of human life will
FRED M. ZEDER
tunity would require years of per-
give way, in time, to recognition
President and Chief Executive
severance. Anti-democratic ele-
that there is in this terrible but
Officer
ments in recently liberated
historic episode great hope for the
Overseas Private Investment
societies retrenched and looked
future of civilization.
Corp.
for opportunities to reverse the
The fresh breeze the President
Washington, D.C.
reform process, and economic
spoke of in his inaugural address
benefits failed to keep pace with
was swept through Latin Amer-
political progress in some of the
ica, Africa and the Pacific Rim in
F2
monolithic vision of the world de-
Dellums denies intelligence charge
serve inclusion on the committee is
a frightening testimonial to the ex-
uch ado has been made
vestigate the Intelligence Commu-
tent to which it is willing to subordi-
M
recently about my ap-
nity (the Pike Committee); and the
nate fact to ideological fiction in the
pointment to the House
House Armed Services Committee
pursuit of the nation's foreign af-
Intelligence Commit-
and its super-sensitive Subcommit-
fairs.
tee by U.S. House Speaker Thomas
tee on Research and Development; I
My statement that we should
Foley. Cal Thomas exercised himself
have been chairman of this latter
"dismantle every intelligence
righteously on the subject in "Not-
group for two years.
agency in this country piece by
so-intelligent move," his Feb. 14 col-
Such Republican colleagues as
piece, brick by brick, nail by nail".
umn.
Bill Dickinson, of Alabama; David
continues: "If there was a need for
His basic thrust is that I rep-
O'B. Martin, of New York; and Rob-
us to rebuild such organizations that
resent a threat to the nation gener-
ert W. Davis, of Michigan, repeat-
we should rebuild them with civil
ally and to our intelligence assets
edly have acknowledged my ability
liberties and civil rights and justice
specifically. In what is obviously
to work with members of all ideo-
to people in mind." I reached this
part of an orchestrated campaign
logical and political orientations.
conclusion based upon doc-
designed for expedient political pur-
Even my colleague, Rep. Newt Ging-
umentation available to the Pike
poses, he joins other commentators
rich, Republican of Georgia, has
Committee; the information subse-
in reiterating old, previously dis-
conceded, "First, you believe [David
quently has become known gener-
credited allegations. In fact, these
E.] Bonior [California Democrat]
ally. Our intelligence agencies had
attacks are so similar that my re-
and Dellums are not security risks.
conducted themselves in a fashion
plies to the various forums in which
I agree, they are both honorable men
that exceeded their charters and
they have appeared will seem simi-
and have known and kept secrets for
that was inimical to our Constitu-
lar.
years." This, despite the fact Mr.
tion's guarantees to its citizens.
Two prongs form this attack.
Gingrich is among those leading the
First, that I will reveal secrets vital
charge against my appointment.
Intelligence acquisition enjoys a
to the nation. Second, that the pres-
rightful place; but responsible agen-
ence on the committee of somebody
The second prong of this attack,
cies must be required to respect
with my views will itself disserve
that my political views are too dan-
both the nation's laws and interna-
the nation.
gerous to merit inclusion into the
tional laws that we have, by treaty,
For 20 years I have served in Con-
public debate about the purpose,
incorporated into the body of our
gress on committees that deal with
scope and operations of our intel-
own jurisprudence.
the most sensitive security issues.
ligence agencies, is fundamentally
This service includes two years on
contemptuous of our very form of
RONALD V. DELLUMS
the Foreign Affairs Committee; ser-
government.
Democrat; California, District 8
vice during the complete tenure of
The right wing's insistence that
U.S. House of Representatives
the House Select Committee to In-
only those who share its pessimistic,
Washington
F4
page
37
of
48
DATE: Friday March 15, 1991
CONTACT: STEVE O'PASTORKOVICH
PRESS: 863-8608
HAVE A GREAT ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
THE
DAILY
INVOICE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE WITTER
NEWS
SUMMARY
3/15/41
The Washington Times
DATE:
PAGE:
AI
GOP
figures
to gain
on Hill
By Major Garrett
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
almost continuous campaign adver-
Even if President Bush's pop-
tisement for the GOP.
Sens. Bob Graham of Florida,
ularity recedes, the Democrats' ma-
Nevertheless, the Democrats,
John Breaux of Louisiana and Rich-
jority in Congress is expected to
who hold 264 seats in the House,
ard Shelby of-Alabama might be able
shrink next year because of redis-
have the power of incumbency and a
to scare off potential challengers be-
tricting, vulnerable freshmen, re-
proven ability to run smooth, locally
cause of their vote to authorize
tirements and the Gulf war vote.
oriented campaigns.
force.
That is the view of both Repub-
For their part, Republican strat-
In the House, the GOP has set a
lican and Democratic strategists,
egists can hardly wait to unleash
goal of picking up at least 25 seats
who cite structural political factors
reams of news footage of American
and historical trends.
global ascendency - flags dancing
They say the GOP has its best
over liberated Kuwait and the full-
chance to achieve a majority in the
throttle retreat of communism in
House and retake control of the Sen-
Eastern Europe. Some have come
ate since 1980 when Ronald Rea-
think of the 1992 campaign as
gan's coattails hauled 32 new Repub-
"Morning in America" with sub-
licans into the House and 12 into the
stance.
Senate.
GOP prospects appear best in the
"I think there are a number of
Senate, where it plans to target
factors coming together that present
freshmen in particular.
great opportunities for the Repub-
Several in that class voted against
licans." said Stuart Rothenberg, a
the use of force in the Gulf and now
non-partisan analyst and author of
appear more vulnerable as a result.
the Political Report.
They include Terry Sanford of North
Consider the following:
Carolina, Wyche Fowler of Georgia
Twenty of the 35 senators up for
and Barbara Mikulski of Maryland.
re-election are Democrats, and
Even stalwart Dixie Democrat Er-
many are vulnerable freshman who
nest Hollings of South Carolina has
voted against the war and have seen
seen his poll ratings plummet in re-
their popularity ratings drop by 10
action to his vote against the use of
percent to 20 percent.
force.
"I can't think of an issue that's so
Thirty-three of 50 House mem-
bers who will be older than 65 on
hot," said Merie Black, a political sci-
Election Day and eligible to convert
ence professor at Emory University
campaign funds for personal use are
in Atlanta and an expert on Southern
Democrats.
politics. "There is a very strong sen-
timent for strong military in the
Thirty-five House Democrats
South, and this could be an opening
were re-elected in 1990 with mar-
for Republicans."
gins of 55 percent or less, a
Mr. Sanford's state is home to the
threshold of vulnerability.
Army's 82nd Airborne Division and
Analysts are expecting 50 to 100
harbors strong pro-defense senti-
House members to retire before
ments. He chafed at questions about
1992. and more than half are likely
his vote against the president.
to be Democrats.
"Unlike the Republicans and
Redistricting will expose some
members of the Iraqi National As-
Democrats to new voters, making
sembly, I had a choice about going to
re-election less certain.
war," Mr. Sanford said this week.
Ten times in this century an in-
"I'm proud of my vote. The polls
cumbent president has led his party
don't mean a damn thing."
to an average gain of 25 House seats.
A leading Democratic strategist
The results in 1992 will have a lot
conceded Mr. Sanford and others
to do with the quality of Republican
like him are in "a world of hurt" be-
recruiting this summer. "If the Re-
cause they opposed the president.
publicans play their cards right,
Mr. Black pointed out that in pres-
they can go out now and find good
idential years Southern white con-
candidates - war veterans, mayors
servatives vote Republican and turn
and members of state legislatures,"
out in far larger numbers than in
said William Schneider, a Demo-
off-year elections. Success in the
cratic adviser and analyst with the
Gulf has vindicated their intuitive
American Enterprise Institute.
support for a strong national defense
"If they go on the offensive, they
can make it happen."
and stirred powerful feelings of pa-
triotism.
Democratic hopes that the war
But the war issue cuts both ways
euphoria would soon fade appear
in the South. If Republicans use the
less and less realistic. Local media
war vote as a litmus test, they will
coverage of returning war heroes
weaken Sens. Hollings, Sanford and
and the attendant Flag Day and
Fowler at the expense of elevating
Fourth of July celebrations will, in
three Democrats who voted with the
the eyes of some analysts, become an
president but had been considered
vulnerable before the war.
DATE: Murch 15, 1991
The Washington Times
PAGE: A1-cont. A1
VULNERABLE SENATORS
Mason-Dixon Opinion Research polling of job performance and
re-election ratings for four senators shows declining
performance ratings and particular voter unhappiness with
votes against use of force in the Persian Gulf.
Maryland Sen. Barbara Milkulski, elected 1986
Excellent
24%
Approve or
21%
disapprove
Good
47%
of war vote?
42%
Fair
19%
22%
Approve
Disapprove
Poor
3%
Job performance
24%
8%
65%
June '88
Undecided
7%
Not sure
8%
Jan. '91
11%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Illinois Sen. Alan Dixon, elected 1980
6%
Excellent
5%
Approve or
disapprove
Good
52%
of war vote?
42%
24%
Not sure
Fair
Approve
28%
10%
36%
Poor
8%
Job performance
7%
April '90
Disapprove
Undecided
11%
Jan. '91
54%
18%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
S. Carolina Sen. Emest Hollings, elected 1966
Excellent
18%
8%
Approve or
disapprove
Good
38%
of war vote?
36%
Not sure
Fair
32%
6%
Approve
24%
31%
7%
Poor
Job performance
20%
Oct. '90
Disapprove
Undecided
5%
70%
5%
Jan. '91
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
N. Carolina Sen. Terry Sanford, elected 1986
Excellent
15%
8%
Approve or
disapprove
Good
42%
of war vote?
30%
Not sure
Fair
26%
5%
Approve
37%
30%
Poor
9%
Job performance
14%
Feb. '90
Disapprove
Undecided
8%
65%
11%
Feb. '91
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Note: Numbers may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Chart by Henry Christopher The Washington Times
3/15/1
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
A37
Bush Criticizes Iraq's Use
Of Helicopters on Rebels
President, Mitterrand Confer in Martinique
A senior administration official
Pointing to the meeting that Sec-
By Dan Balz
said tonight that the Iraqis have ig-
Washington Post Staff Writer
retary of State James A. Baker III
nored Bush's warnings and are con-
held with Palestinians this week,
TROIS
ILETS,
Martinique,
tinuing to use the helicopters
Bush said the United States would
March 14-President Bush said
Magainst the insurgents. He added
continue on that track to "see how
here today that the United States is
that the administration has no im-
the healing process goes," adding
not attempting to impose a new
mediate plans to intervene in Iraq's
that without Palestinian involve-
government on Iraq, but he main-
internal battles.
ment, there could be no solution.
tained his pressure on President
It is not clear what options the
Bush said he still opposes "a Pal-
Saddam Hussein by saying Iraq's
United States has, other than rhe-
estinian state, per se," something
use of attack helicopters to sup-
torical pressure on Iraq, to prevent
Mitterrand supports. But he said
press internal rebellion could delay
the helicopters from being used in
Mitterrand "had some very good
the withdrawal of American forces
this way. "This kind of policy-pub-
ideas" that they discussed privately.
from the region.
licly stating concern-is probably
The two still disagreed on the
But Bush added that he has no in-
the best we can do at this point,"
need for an international conference
tention of playing into the hands of
one official said.
on the Middle East, but Mitterrand
those who have suggested the Unit-
While Bush held out the possibil-
clearly did not push hard on that is-
ed States would use the Persian
ity that the permanent cease-fire
sue-and suggested that if a regional
Gulf War to maintain a permanent
military ground presence there and
might be delayed, he made clear he
peace conference among the Arab
said he did not foresee a prolonged
does not want to prolong the with-
states and Israel could produce
drawal of U.S. forces. "We are not
peace, "so much the better."
process of agreeing to a formal
going to permit this to drag on in
Both men praised Syria and Pres-
cease-fire to end the war.
terms of U.S. significant presence a
ident Hafez Assad for the role that
Bush's comments, which came at
a press conference with French
la Korea," he said.
country played in the gulf and said
President Francois Mitterrand, rep-
Mitterrand made clear that while
they hoped Syria would be a con-
resented part of an administration
the Iraqis do not have "a free hand"
structive player in the peace pro-
strategy designed to brand Saddam
to do whatever they want to restore
cess.
as a leader inimical to the interests
order, the issue is an internal mat-
Asked about progress toward free-
of his own country and to encourage
ter and not something for France
ing American hostages in Lebanon,
Bush said, "I don't have any specifics
forces inside Iraq to conclude that
and other members of the interna-
they must remove Saddam to re-
tional coalition to decide.
on that or can I say that there is any
store normal relations with the rest
"We said that it was not our in-
positive points for optimism."
of the world.
tention to conquer Iraq, but to lib-
The Associated Press added:
Bush and Mitterrand met for sev-
erate Kuwait," Mitterrand said. He
Iraq may have violated a cease-
eral hours on this French Caribbean
added later, "We've done our job."
fire agreement with the allies by
island and, while disagreeing on the
Bush said he largely agreed with
flying fixed-wing combat aircraft, a
role of the Palestine Liberation Or-
Mitterrand's analysis. "I am con-
Pentagon official said tonight. The
ganization and on an international
cerned about the instability inside
allies have "some fairly solid evi-
Middle East peace conference, ap-
of Iraq, but I think President Mit-
dence" that Iraqi pilots flew several
peared to begin the process of nar-
terrand put that very well when he
combat planes inside the country in
rowing differences between the two
said that was not an objective for us
the last few days to reposition the
countries on how to solve the Israeli-
to dictate or control the situation in
aircraft, he said.
Palestinian issue and bring about
there," he said.
lasting peace in the Middle East.
Bush called his talks with Mitter-
"We're not in there trying to im-
rand "exceptionally productive," and
pose a solution inside Iraq," Bush
the French leader appeared to go
said today.
out of his way to harmonize his dif-
Bush said Wednesday that Iraqi at-
ferences with Bush on specific steps
tack helicopters were firing on rebel
toward peace in the Middle East.
forces, and he indicated that this
The clearest disagreement in-
could complicate a formal cease-fire.
volves the role of the PLO as the
His statement raised questions about
sole representative of Palestinians
whether the United States had de-
in any talks, and whether its chair-
cided to impose new conditions on
man, Yasser Arafat, who supported
the Iraqis that could make it difficult
Saddam, has any credibility left.
to sign a permanent cease-fire with
Bush reiterated his view that
Saddam still in power.
Arafat has lost considerable author-
There is nothing in the provision-
ity, but Mitterrand suggested he
al cease-fire that explicitly prevents
could see no alternative to dealing
Iraq from using its helicopters in
with the PLO. "Mr. Arafat remains.
combat against rebellious forces, al-
to my knowledge, the leader of the
though Bush said it was not part of
PLO and, to my knowledge. the
the understanding of how those
PLO still appears as the represent-
could be used.
ative organization," Mitterrand
On March 4, Army Lt. Gen.
said. He added, "I just take the facts
Thomas Kelly, then senior opera-
of the situation as they are."
tions officer for the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, said that under the provision-
al accords, Iraq could operate hel-
icopters for administrative pur-
poses within the zone of southern
Iraq controlled by allied forces, but
he did not lay out any prohibitions
on helicopter use outside the zone.
page
3
of
42
DATE: 3/15/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
PAGE: A36
Bush Not Ready to Halt Mideast Arms
By R. Jeffrey Smith
possibly sufficient, in any early agreement on
Washington Post Staff Writer
postwar arms constraints.
But the world summit was to map a more
Sales
When President Bush declined Wednesday
lasting strategy for halting outright sales of
to endorse a Canadian proposal for swift enact-
conventional arms and materials needed for
ment of Middle East arms controls, he effec-
chemical. biological or nuclear weapons under
tively postponed consideration of one of the
a Middle East security strategy to be formally
Altogether
first concrete ideas for a postwar security
adopted at another-summit in 1995. The Ca-
structure raised by a military coalition partner.
nadian secretary of state for external affairs,
rector for Near East and South Asian aftar
The proposal forwarded by Canada to
Joe Clark, suggested such a meeting would be
expressed similar skepticism about developi
Washington before Bush's visit to Ottawa
instrumental in overcoming the "lack of po-
a quick arms control plan for the region at
called for a special summit of
NEWS
litical will or conflicting interests" on arms
U.S. Institute of Peace conference here Mc
world leaders to focus attention
ANALYSIS
limitations among nations outside the region.
day, according to several people who attend
on tens of billions of dollars
Canada also has suggested that the summit
the meeting. Haass said that while vario
worth of arms sales that Canadian officials
endorse a policy of arms sales "transparency,"
"confidence-building" measures could be adop
say have contributed to instability and ag-
or open disclosures, and pledge not to ship
ed to diminish tensions, enhanced defense c
gression throughout the Middle East.
spare European weapons to regions elsewhere.
operation could provide more security th.
Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Bush reacted coolly to these ideas partly
arms control, the participants said.
noted at a joint news conference with Bush
because he favors new sales of arms to some
Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) this we
that most of these arms were sold by the five
U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi
criticized what he characterized as an admit
permanent members of the United Nations
Arabia, Egypt and the less powerful but
istration "retreat" from earlier declarations
Security Council: the United States, Britain,
wealthy members of the Gulf Cooperation
support for arms control in the Middle East.
China. France and the Soviet Union. Officials
Council that historically have been out-
Biden, a member of the Foreign Relation
III Washington said they believe the cooper-
manned and outgunned by Iraq, Iran and Syr-
Committee, said he plans to introduce legisl
stion of these countries will be crucial, and
ia, according to U.S. and diplomatic officials.
tion encouraging major supplier nations
form a "cartel" capable of exchanging arm
The specific idea of a world summit also is
sales data and halting the flow of advanced COI
seen in Washington as a possible finishing
ventional or unconventional weapons to th
touch, not the kickoff, of any new security
region. He also said "future arms sales, foreig
arrangement for the region, the officials said.
assistance, even eligibility for loans from inter
Bush said at the news conference the "idea
national financial institutions, could all b
might have some merit
[but] it's a little
linked
to [the] willingness of nations in th
early." Secretary of State James A. Baker III
region to pursue arms control efforts."
will return Sunday from a 10-day trip to the
Middle East, Turkey and the Soviet Union for
consultations on Mideast security arrange-
ments and Arab-Israeli relations.
While the United States favors less arms
proliferation, Bush said, "that doesn't mean
we're going to refuse to sell anything to any-
body"-a longstanding Canadian military pol-
icy. Bush said the severe blow dealt by the
Western and Arab military coalition to Iraq's
forces meant that "we will not have ever-
increasing arms sales" to Israel or other na-
tions in the region.
But he added that "we don't want to see
the threats to individual countries increase"
because of an existing imbalance among var-
ious military arsenals.
Richard Haass, the White House senior di-
page 4 of 4-
The Washington Times
DATE: March 15,1991
PAGE:
AL
Bush, Mitterrand
at odds over PLO
By Frank J Murray
THE
FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique
craft. The official, speaking on con-
dition of anonymity, told the Asso-
"That's for the Palestinians to an-
- President Bush pledged yester-
day to continue the new course of
ciated Press that the allies have
swer that," Mr. Mitterrand said. "Mr.
talking directly with prominent Pal-
"some fairly solid evidence" that
Arafat remains, to my knowledge,
estinian citizens. but not the PLO -
Iraqi pilots flew several combat
the leader of the PLO, and to my
planes in the past few days.
knowledge the PLO still appears as
even in the unlikely event it dumps
Chairman Yasser Arafat.
Earlier in the day, a Pentagon
the representative organization."
spokesman said the Iraqis had
The French president called for a
Mr. Bush rejected long argu-
ments by French President Francois
agreed not to fly fixed-wing combat
meeting of Security Council heads
Mitterrand for a Palestine Liber-
craft. The 130 or more Iraqi aircraft
of state and for a Middle East peace
ation Organization role in Middle
flown to Iran were not involved. the
conference.
East peace discussions during the
official said, but Iraq still has several
Mr. Bush finessed both issues,
hundred combat aircraft.
saying, "There was no request on his
leaders' third tropical tete-a-tete in
Mr. Bush endorsed Mr. Baker's
part, nor did I state on our part when
15 months.
"We don't have any intention of
meeting Tuesday with 10 indepen-
such a meeting might be timely."
dent Palestinians in Jerusalem, the
A senior White House official was
resuming our dialogue [with the
PLO]." Mr. Bush said when asked if
first such non-PLO high-level con-
more abrupt in explaining the re-
tact, a White House official said. Al-
buff. "The last thing we need is coun-
his repeated criticism of Mr. Arafat
though some in that meeting are
tries like Cuba and Yemen yelling at
signaled that desire.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State
PLO members and met with PLO ap-
us," he said. "We'll do it our way:"
James A. Baker III ended a week-
proval, they came as individuals.
The creation of a Palestinian state
"We'll pursue that track for a
was defended by Mr. Mitterrand.
long tour of the Middle East appar-
while and just see how the healing
who said it was mandated by the
ently no closer to resolution of Arab-
process goes," Mr. Bush said.
United Nations when it designated
Israeli differences and the Palestin-
"There's got to be discussions with
territory for the Israeli state. Mr.
ian issue. Mr. Baker left Syria and
arrived in Moscow, cautioning
Palestinians or you're not going to
Bush stood fast.
against excessive optimism on prog-
get this problem solved."
"Let me repeat it here. A Palestin-
Bassam Abu Sharif, a senior aide
ian state is not the answer.
Clearly
ress toward peace.
In Martinique, both Mr. Bush and
to Mr. Arafat, told Washington Jew-
we're going to have to address our-
ish Week that Mr. Baker's meeting
selves to the homeland question.
Mr. Mitterrand also discussed the
turmoil in Iraq, saying their coun-
with the Palestinians "opened the
some question for a home for Pales-
door widely" to resuming the U.S.
tinians," Mr. Bush said, citing Jordan
tries would not become involved in
restoring peace within that war-torn
dialogue with the PLO. He said the
as having a possible key role in that
outcome.
country. Mr. Mitterrand said his na-
PLO had instructed the Palestinian
group on what to tell Mr. Baker and
"I have used the word 'state' and
tion's job in the Persian Gulf conflict
is done.
had given them a memorandum for
if you like I can repeat it," Mr. Mit-
"As far as France is concerned,
the secretary of state.
terrand responded.
that particular period of our inter-
Mr. Mitterrand called the Pales-
On Monday, French Foreign Min-
tinian dispute "the key problem
ister Roland Dumas said the PLO
vention in the Middle East is now
through which all the other prob-
must be considered a go-between or
terminated." Mr. Mitterrand said.
Mr. Bush also addressed the
lems in fact arise."
interlocutor for any talks to resolve
March 3 cease-fire agreement with
Former Secretary of State
Israeli-Palestinian differences.
Iraq and Iraqi military tactics
George Shultz once tried to set up
Mr. Bush served notice in advance
against insurgents. tactics that ap-
such a meeting but the PLO with-
that he would confront Mr. Mitter-
pear to skirt the accord leading to a
drew its behind-the-scenes sanction
rand on the PLO issue.
and the Palestinians didn't show up.
"I will be probing with him to see
permanent cease-fire.
if we can find a way to be more active
Without giving details, Mr. Bush
A Bush administration official de-
said Iraq had misled the allies on the
scribes those who would be sought
catalysts for peace. I wouldn't ex-
intended use of armed helicopters
out as prominent Palestinians com-
pect to find - I'm anxious to ask him
used to put down insurrection.
fortable enough that they could act
- that President Mitterrand was
without running afoul of the PLO.
elated about the performance of Yas-
"It was not my understanding that
they be used to quash their own citi-
Mr. Bush restated once again his
ser Arafat," Mr. Bush said.
zens." Mr. Bush said at a news con-
biting commentary on Mr. Arafat's
In interviews over the past week.
ference after an afternoon of meet-
support for Iraqi President Saddam
Mr. Bush has gone out of his way to
Hussein. "He simply bet on the
say that the PLO is discredited.
ings with Mr. Mitterrand. "Using
wrong horse," Mr. Bush said.
"Their leader is clean wrong on
helicopters like this to put down
this," Mr. Bush said Wednesday in
one's own people is not helping the
Ottawa after Canadian Prime Minis-
stability of the area."
ter Brian Mulroney said "the cred-
Mr. Bush underlined his commit-
ibility of the leadership of the PLO
ment not to allow a permanent cease-
is zero."
fire until it is stopped. "Clearly those
U.S.) troops are not going to be all
pulled out of there until there's a
cease-fire, a formalized cease-fire,"
he said, adding, "I want our troops
home."
A Pentagon official in Washington
last night also said Iraq may have
violated the cease-fire agreement
by flying fixed-wing combat air-
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE:
3/15/91
PAGE:
Aly
War Has Further Shifted Bush's Focus Abroad,
Away From Domestic Squabbles He Sees as Petty
By GERALD F. SEIB
members to give an update on issues they
the cabinet agencies directly affected-and
are wrestling with.
that there won't be big tears shed if some
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
WASHINGTON-In the midst of the
But the forces unleashed by the war
of the initiatives don't get passed.
showdown with Iraq, squabbling erupted in
with Iraq are SO powerful that they may
But perhaps the strongest sign that Mr.
Washington over who should become the
essentially dictate his agenda for the re-
Bush's focus is elsewhere comes in the fact
new Republican national chairman. The is-
mainder of his term.
that he hasn't yet addressed what many
sue. President Bush confided to a friend,
"I think it changed the world for Bush,
consider the ultimate domestic issue: his
seemed petty indeed, compared with the
and it probably changed people's percep-
own re-election. Mr. Bush hasn't even
grave questions confronting him.
tions of Bush,' says Robert Teeter. Mr.
broached the subject of a campaign organ-
Now that the Gulf war has been won,
Bush's longtime pollster and one of his
ization with some of his closest aides-and
the questions confronting Mr. Bush on the
closest political advisers. "I don't think it
he may not do so until this fall. officials
global stage aren't
changed Bush, [but] he is a more influen-
say.
getting
any
tial figure in the world today than he was
smaller-and those
six months ago."
domestic squabbles
Intensely Focused
are likely to con-
It's evident that Mr. Bush remains in-
tinue looking petty
tensely focused on the Middle East, where
to him for some
Arabs and Israelis alike now look to him
time to come.
for leadership in building a more stable re-
The war with
gion.
Iraq seems to have
His absorption showed itself last week
changed Mr. Bush
when he gave his first postwar interview,
himself only margin-
to four editors of newspapers published in
ally: aides say he
Arab countries that were allied with the
seems slightly more
U.S. against Iraq. Mr. Bush sketched a vi-
confident and sure
George Bush
sion in which the U.S. works actively. not
of himself in its af-
only to set up a security structure to pre-
termath. But it will change fundamentally
vent a recurrence of war in the Persian
the way he does his job for the forseeable
Gulf, but also to try to solve the Arab-Is-
future.
raeli and Palestinian disputes and to stabi-
He emerges from the war facing two gi-
lize Lebanon.
ant foreign-policy challenges-a near-re-
At one point, amid several long an-
making of the Middle East political order
swers. Mr. Bush told the editors: "I'll try
and relations with an increasingly unstable
not to lecture you so much. I get all-I'm
Soviet Union. What's more, by winning the
very enthusiastic about this."
war. Mr. Bush has created obligations and
One reason for his enthusiasm is a deep
expectations that all but force him to act
personal interest in the region that
on those two challenges.
stretches back to his days as a Texas oil-
Mr. Bush suddenly confronts "the possi-
drilling executive and was continued
bility of moving toward a much more radi-
through his relations with Arab diplomats
cal agenda in foreign policy than we've
as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
ever seen before.' says Graham Fuller, a
former top analyst at the Central Intelli-
in the 1970s and his visits with Arab lead-
gence Agency.
ers as vice president. Mr. Bush still talks
The net result. administration officials
frequently of his friendship with Jordan's
King Hussein, though that friendship is
say. is likely to be a heavy focus on foreign
now strained by Jordan's sympathy toward
policy-th part of being president Mr.
Iraq.
Bush always has liked most anyway-and
At the same time. the end of the war
less time and energy devoted to domestic
brings to the forefront concerns about the
affairs.
disintegrating Soviet Union. If anything.
Too Partisan
the war has deepened the desire of the
Although he is riding at a 90% approval
president and his aides to continue dealing
level in the public-opinion polls, Mr. Bush
with a Soviet Union led by Mr. Gorbachev.
shows little sign of willingness to use that
Though he annoyed the U.S. with his last-
popularity to push contentious domestic in-
minute attempts to save Saddam Hussein
itiatives. His postwar speech to a joint ses-
diplomatically from a crushing ground
sion of Congress stressed legislation-on
war, the Soviet leader generally resisted
transportation and crime-that stirs little
pressures from hard-liners to dump his
enthusiasm. He ignored such major issues
close relationship with Mr. Bush and side
as banking reform and a capital-gains tax
more openly with the Iraqi leader.
cut-a subject his aides say was left out
Perhaps more important. Mr. Gorba-
because it was considered too partisan and
chev seems to have demonstrated that his
divisive for the occasion.
ties to Mr. Bush are of paramount impor-
The trend away from domestic issues
tance to him. He apparently avoided giv-
worries some Bush supporters. who say
ing Iraq any intelligence information from
the administration should be looking more
Soviet satellites on U.S. troop movements:
intently at an economic-stimulus package
he also apparently stuck by the U.S.-led
to guarantee that the country pulls out of
arms embargo.
recession by the end of the year. But a look
So now Mr. Bush faces a delicate two-
at the president's travel plans underscores
pronged task. He must try to bolster Mr.
that foreign affairs will remain uppermost
Gorbachev as much as he can, while also
in his mind.
opening lines to opposition figures in case
Mr. Bush is now in the midst of a five-
the Soviet leader falls. Mr. Bush faces
day trip to consult with leaders of Canada,
tough decisions on whether to finish a stra-
Britain and France. all Persian Gulf war
tegic-arms deal with a Soviet state that is
allies. Aides already are planning a trip by
in such turmoil and that already may not
him to the Middle East, perhaps as early
be strictly honoring the just-completed
as this spring. And they still hope to re-
conventional-arms treaty.
schedule the delayed summit meeting with
At home. though. Mr. Bush's war suc-
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev in
Moscow in the next few months. A visit
cess doesn't seem likely to inspire risky
with Mexican President Carlos Salinas de
proposals to attack domestic problems.
Gortari is also being contemplated for
Rather, one official says, it is more likely
early next month.
to "give us the courage to hold the line"
Mr. Bush doesn't like the perception
against Democratic proposals deemed too
expensive or intrusive.
that he doesn't have much of a domestic
Privately, some administration aides
agenda. The president opened a meeting of
say the burden of pushing the president's
page
6
his cabinet this week, aides say, by ex-
of
modest agenda of domestic initiatives
pressing annoyance at the charge, and
then
went
around
through Congress is going to fall largelv on
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: March
PAGE: A14[1.2]
The Powell-Cheney Relationship:
Blunt Give-and-Take Early in Crisis
By PATRICK E. TYLER
Associates say the conflict lasted
tives, seems at times easily outshone
Special to The New York Times
no more than 24 to 36 hours. Mr.
by General Powell, the Bronx-born
WASHINGTON, March 14 - The
Cheney says he will not discuss it, be-
son of Jamaican immigrants.
low point of the relationship between
cause that would intrude on the heart
After the military victory in the
Dick Cheney and Gen. Colin L. Powell
of the confidentiality in his "good
Persian Gulf, General Powell ad-
came in the first hours after Iraq's in-
close relationship" with General
dressed the Veterans of Foreign
vasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2, as the two
Powell. There was a lot of "intense in-
Wars, who were meeting in Washing-
men and their aides faced a giant
teraction that was even more intense
ton. Here is how he reminded them of
map of the Arabian Peninsula in the
during the period when our forces
the time when he told them that Sad-
Defense Secretary's cavernous office
were engaged in combat," was all he
dam Hussein's threats would never
on the Pentagon's outer ring.
would say in an interview this week.
shake American resolve.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
'Powell Is a Politician'
Staff had privately confided to an as-
Bush's Inner Circle
sociate that he believed that if the
"It gets to be very close," he said.
"Was I right?" the General said,
military was asked to intervene, it
standing before an American flag the
should not go in halfway. General
"We each see more of the other guy
than we do of our families."
size of the one Hollywood put behind
Powell believed he would have to go
"He called me today and we
George C. Scott in the film "Patton."
in big. But because he was skeptical
grabbed lunch together," Mr. Cheney
The crowd erupted.
that the White House was willing to
said," adding "no specific agenda,
"Powell is a politician in the old-
commit the kind of force that would
just a bull session."
fashioned, buy-you-a-hot-dog style,
be required to remove President Sad-
Steeped just last summer in the
that's true," said an Administration
dam Hussein's army from Kuwait,
drudgery of managing the decline of
official who has worked with both
the general presented limited mili-
the American defense establishment,
men. "Colin gets a big charge out of
tary options, like bombing Iraq's oil
pipeline through Saudi Arabia.
on the defensive against Congres-
getting down with the guys, of cheer-
sional attacks for timidity and lack of
ing and roating them on," the official
The Defense Secretary dismissed
vision in the face of the collapse of the
said. "They probably react more vis-
the limited options as inadequate, in-
Soviet empire, Secretary Cheney and
cerally to him than to Cheney, who is
sisting that President Bush have a
General Powell have emerged as two
a little shy in getting in and working
the crowd."
full range of options, including the
of the most visible members of Presi-
maximum use of force.
dent Bush's inner circle. For the Re-
Mr. Cheney's is more self-effacing
Mr. Cheney was blunt in criticizing
publican Party, they are emerging as
image, a hands-shoved-into-the-pock-
the plans. There was a lot of "thrash-
factors in Presidential speculation.
ets Westerner who is ready to tell a
ing around," and the atmosphere was
Mr. Cheney, the career Republican
joke about his former career in Con-
"testy," a senior Administration offi-
Party political operative who spent a
gress and then, with his head sinking
cial said.
decade in the House of Representa-
between hunched shoulders, say
something sincere. But there also is a
hard edge some opponents in Con-
gress call it a mean streak - that can
Colin Luther Powell
Dick Cheney
flare in dealing with an adversary.
Born: April 5, 1937.
This is the rebuke he delivered to
Born: Jan. 30, 1941.
his former colleague, Representative
Hometown: New York City.
Hometown: Casper, Wy.
Peter H. Kostmayer, Democrat of
Pennsylvania, after a challenge to his
Education: B.S., City College,
Education: B.A. and M.A.,
spending plans: "When the Soviets
New York; M.B.A., George
University of Wyoming.
were oppressing Eastern Europe, in-
Washington University.
vading Afghanistan, building and de-
Career Highlights: 1969-70,
ploying massive armaments, engag-
Career Highlights:
Special Assistant to the Director
ing in the largest military buildup.
Commissioned Army second
peacetime, in the history of the world.
of the Office of Economic
supporting third-world revolution in
lieutenant, 1958; Vietnam tours
Opportunity; 1971-73, Assistant
Central America and southern Af-
of duty, 1962 and 1968;
Director of Operations, White
rica, I don't recall that you supported
commander, Second Brigade,
House Cost of Living Council;
the defense budget then, either.
101st Airbome Division, Fort
1973-74, Vice President,
Cheney's Senior Post
Campbell, Ky., 1976 -77;
Bradley, Woods & Company
military assistant to Secretary of
General Powell's instincts seem
Inc., an investment firm; Ford
Defense, 1983-86;
disciplined by his military training.
White House 1974-77, Deputy
From Army fatigues and getting
commander, V Corps, Europe,
Assistant to the President, Chief
down with the troops, he can change
1986; Reagan White House,
of Staff; House of
effortlessly to spit-polish and dress-
deputy national security adviser,
Representatives, Republicán of
greens to discuss international af-
national security adviser 1987-
fairs with diplomats, statesmen and
Wyoming, 1979-89; appointed
royalty.
1989; appointed Chairman of
Secretary of Defense, March
the Joint Chiefs, October 1989.
It is that political-military combi-
1989.
nation in General Powell's resume,
Hobbies: Restoring Volvos.
the four-star warrior who also served
Hobbles: Fly-fishing, horseback.
as President Reagan's last national
riding.
security adviser, that gives him spe-
cial status. In an interview in August.
just two weeks after he had clashed
page 7 of 42
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: March 1941
PAGE: A14 [2.2]
with Mr. Cheney, General Powell
reinforced the restraint he had felt in
Presidential
create a sea change in national poli-
those opening hours of the crisis.
tics," not only by virtue of the racial
"The use of the armed forces of the
speculation about
coup such a draft would represent but
United States is a political matter, not
also because General Powell might
a military matter," he said. "There
two in Bush's
be able to rid the party of its four-dec-
has to be a political objective when
ade shutout on projecting a humane
we use the armed forces. We tend to
domestic agenda.
get in trouble when we forget that."
inner circle.
The biggest problem for Republi-
But Mr. Cheney, almost stately at
cans who lust for a Powell candidacy
50 - nearly four years younger than
is the General's persistance in not de-
General Powell - is the senior part-
become the darling of the Republican
claring his party while in uniform.
ner by virtue of his seat in the Presi-
right wing. He has strong ties to the
In midwar, weeks ago, the General
dent's Cabinet.
West, a perfect conservative voting
called Vice President Quayle and as-
Staff Members Clash
record as a Congressman, skepticism
sured him that any talk of a Bush-
about Soviet intentions, devotion to Is-
Powell ticket was nonsense from his
"They are not equals, and Colin un-
rael's security and unfailing support
perspective.
derstands that," said one associate.
for "Star Wars."
And though they frequently pay
"Cheney is probably the conserva-
Availability for Interviews
tribute to each other - Mr. Cheney
tives' favorite right now," said Rich-
Both men have the relatively thick
refers to the general as "my compa-
ard A. Viguerie, the conservative Re-
hides that only come from years of
triot" and tutor - each man vigor-
publican fund raiser. "He is one of us.
Washington experience.
ously guards the prerogatives of his
We have known him for many years
"Cheney is a little more patient
office.
and fought many battles together."
than Powell in dealing with Congress
Mr. Cheney runs the huge Pentagon
But a Republican media consultant,
and the press," a senior official said.
staff through a small circle of trusted
Robert Goodman, disagreed, arguing
General Powell carefully screens
aides, many of whom have been with
that General Powell and his field
requests for access, and his distance
him since his Congressional or White
commander, Gen. H. Norman
has become all the more acute as his
House days. That inner staff has
Schwarzkopf, have intense political
political future - and his relative at-
clashed from time to time with Gen-
allure for the Republican Party.
tractiveness as a Bush running mate
eral Powell's over Mr. Cheney's in-
"In a nation starved for heros, with
formation-gathering forays into the
politicians generally in low repute,
cussed. in 1992 - are more frequently dis-
military.
with incumbency in some kind of tur-
"Powell is very concerned with
moil right now, a fresh heroic face
"In our free time he likes to fix old
making sure that he is the adviser to
can be very very appealing," Mr.
cars and I like to fly-fish," Mr.
the Secretary and the President," an
Goodman said.
Cheney said. "I'm from the wide-
official said.
open spaces of Wyoming, and he's a
Because he held office, ran Presi-
Mr. Cheney "is the only real politi-
dent Ford's White House staff at the
cian in the crowd," Mr. Goodman
big-city boy from New York, so we
age of 34 and understands party ma-
said. But he said that General Powell,
are very different in that respect. His
chinery intimately, Mr. Cheney has
if he were to replace Dan Quayle on
background is primarily military and
the 1992 Republican ticket "could
mine is political, but they mesh nicely
where they need to mesh."
page of
The Washington Times
DATE: March 15, 1991
PAGE:
A8
Baker wary of over-optimism
as he seeks peace in Mideast
By Warren Strobel
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
MOSCOW Secretary of State
come off [the effort] tomorrow, but
to walk before you run.
James A. Baker III ended a week-
let's give it a chance."
"And we've been at it for maybe
long tour of the Middle East yester-
Syrian President Hafez Assad, in
five or six days, and it's a little bit
day no closer to bridging differences
nearly seven hours of talks with Mr.
premature to be
suggesting that
between Arabs and Israelis and
Baker into the early hours yesterday,
somehow there is no opportunity
warning against over-optimism on
expressed "a commitment to peace
here because we haven't had instant
progress toward peace.
with Israel that we haven't really
peace."
Mr. Baker arrived here yesterday
seen before," a senior official said on
The senior official said Mr. Baker
and is to meet today with radical re-
the flight from Damascus to Mos-
and his aides think they have estab-
former Boris Yeltsin, president of
cow.
lished a consenus about how to pro-
the Russian federation, and leaders
The commitment to a "genuine
ceed.
of the three Baltic republics two
peace" with Israel, rather than hos-
"That's good," the official said,
days before a nationwide referen-
tile coexistence, signified an impor-
speaking on condition of anonymity.
dum on constitutional changes re-
tant "change in lexicon," the official
"That's a first step. There's a long
garding Soviet unity.
said.
way to go. If you can't get over that
Before Mr. Baker left Syria yes-
Other topics of discussion be-
hump, you're not going any-
terday, Syrian Foreign Minister Fa-
tween the two men included Amer-
where."
rouk Shara underscored the diffi-
ican hostages in Lebanon and Syria's
"Can I go beyond that [now]?" he
culty of reaching a Middle East
support for terrorism.
asked rhetorically. "No, I can't."
peace when he acknowledged that
"We have the feeling that the hos-
Israel views the West Bank,
his country recently acquired more
tage issue has to be resolved, and we
seized from Jordan in 1967, as cru-
Scud missiles. He said Syria needs
would exert maximum effort to help
cial to its security because of its
them to balance Israel's high-tech
in securing the release of all the for-
stated need for a strategic territorial
weapons.
eign hostages in Lebanon," Mr. Shara
buffer against a land attack. Israeli
"Syria is still in a state of war with
said. "We are not pessimistic this
officials took Mr. Baker on a helicop-
Israel, and Israel has so many mis-
will happen."
ter tour of the narrowest part of
siles and so many different types of
The major dispute between Israel
pre-1967 Israel, only nine miles
mass-destruction weapons," he said
and Syria focuses on the Golan
wide, to try to prove their point.
"A just and comprehensive peace
Heights, which the Israelis captured
Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia
would solve all these problems."
in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Israel
view the occupied territories as the
Mr. Shara cited the U.S. commit-
returned a slice of it after the 1973
most vital question and want the
ment to basing an Arab-Israeli peace
October War and annexed the re-
West Bank and Gaza Strip to become
on U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338,
mainder in 1981. The windswept
a Palestinian homeland.
which call for Israel's withdrawal
plain is dotted with Jewish settle-
Mr. Baker, careful to avoid putting
from occupied Arab territories, as a
ments.
pressure on Israel, said he and Syr-
reason for being "optimistic for the
Syria has been a major foe of Is-
ian officials agreed on the need to
future. That's why we see a window
rael since the Jewish state was born
seek "a comprehensive settlement,"
of optimism."
in 1948.
with the two U.N. resolutions acting
Mr. Baker, at a news conference
U.S. officials have said their goal
as basis.
with Mr. Shara at Damascus airport,
is to build a consenus on how to move
In response to a question, he said
indicated it is too early to determine
forward in the peace process and not
there was a difference between
whether the latest U.S. attempt to
to demand that specific steps be
Iraq's occupation of Kuwait and Is-
revive the Arab-Israeli peace pro-
taken immediately by Israelis,
rael's military rule of the Arab terri-
cess will take hold.
Arabs or Palestinians.
tories.
"We ought not to let expectations
On those terms, U.S. officials said,
But, he said, "there should be no
get out of control here," Mr. Baker
the mission is a good first start, but
double standard" in implementing
replied when asked if his visits to
only that.
U.N. Security Council directives.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Israel
One element secured by Mr. Ba-
To break the Arab-Israeli dead-
and Syria have changed anything.
ker from Arab and Israeli leaders is
lock and get negotiations started, the
"This is early in the process of try-
their agreement to try Washington's
Unitd States has asked each side to
ing to address this problem."
two-track approach to resolve the
consider confidence-building steps
He emphasized that he had found
problem. But there's been no public
to signal their good faith.
a new desire to resolve regional
change in position by either side.
One such measure, which Mr. Ba-
problems following the anti-Iraq
One track heads toward negoti-
ker brought up with Mr. Assad, is the
alliance forged by the United States.
ations between Israel and the Arab
fate of Israeli prisoners of war cap-
"Now maybe you don't think that's
states, the other aims at starting a
tured in Lebanon, the senior official
progress. and maybe it isn't," Mr. Ba-
dialogue between Israel and the Pal-
said.
ker said of what he described as the
estinians under military rule in the
Another of Mr. Baker's goals in
new mood. "Maybe the wheels will
West Bank and Gaza Strip.
the region is to explore controls on
"You've got to take it a step at a
nuclear, biological and chemical
time," Mr. Baker said. "You have to
weapons, and missiles to deliver
crawl before you walk, and you have
them.
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
3/15/91
PAGE: A34
Cheney Says Guard Units
May Need Reorganizing
Secretary Questions Short-Notice Capability
In fact, the guard's round-out
Cheney's views, disclosed in yes-
brigades sometimes received new-
terday's Los Angeles Times,
generation combat gear before ac-
By Barton Gellman
Washington Post Staff Writer
marked a major change of emphasis
tive units assigned to less vital
from last week's testimony of Gen.
roles. The guard's 48th Infantry
The National Guard's front-line
Edwin H. Burba Jr., head of the Ar-
Brigade (Mechanized) from Geor-
combat brigades, three of which
were activated but never deployed
my's Forces Command, who is re-
gia, for example, was among the
first to receive M-1 tanks and Brad-
to the Persian Gulf, probably cannot
sponsible for meeting manpower
demands of theater commanders in
ley Fighting Vehicles, because it
be made ready to fight on short no-
was intended to deploy with the
tice and should be reorganized into
wartime.
Burba told a House Armed Ser-
24th Infantry Division.
reserve divisions that get three to
vices Committee panel that the
When war came, however, the
four months of training before being
guard brigades could improve their
48th became a symbol of the
sent into battle, Defense Secretary
training enough to be ready for bat-
guard's frustration. The 24th was
Richard B. Cheney said yesterday.
Cheney's tentative conclusion,
tle within 30 days of call-up. He said
among the first rushed to the gulf
among the first declared lessons of
they should continue to function in
after Iraq's Aug. 2 invasion of Ku-
their "round-out" role, assigned to
wait, and it went on to glory in the
the Pentagon's postwar self-
evaluation, carries potentially far-
active-duty divisions that would be
rout of the Republican Guard. More
reaching implications for the "total
the early reinforcements for divi-
than three months passed before
the 48th was even mobilized, and it
force" policy that replaced the draft
sions deployed first in future wars.
in 1973. Analysts inside and outside
Burba rejected the suggestion of
embarked on an embarrassing od-
Committee Chairman Les Aspin
yssey that included removal from
the military said a change of mis-
(D-Wis.) that battle-readiness might
command of Brig. Gen. William A.
sion for the guard brigades would
Holland and a training regimen that
raise questions about the future of
take as long as 90 days.
lasted until Feb. 28-the day the
the reserves and the centuries-old
To those who support combat
ground war ended in the gulf.
ideal of the citizen-soldier.
reserves, their reassignment to
Army and senior civilian officials
second-tier missions would come as
Cheney emphasized in an inter-
a severe disappointment at a time
said the brigade ultimately honed
view yesterday that he regarded
itself into an effective combat force,
the Persian Gulf War as a vindica-
when the U.S. military is remaking
itself to fit the leaner budgets and
but it suffered serious problems
tion of the total force concept, a
reduced threats expected in the
along the way. Accustomed to full-
post-Vietnam creation that inter-
time maintenance help in peace-
weaves active-duty forces with re-
1990s. Because reserve units cost
servists and ensures that no sus-
less to run than their active-duty
time, the brigade could keep only
30 percent to 40 percent of its
tained war can be fought without
counterparts, some advocates saw
tanks running, according to one of-
involving civilians.
the post-Cold War restructuring as
ficial.
Of the 228,561 guardsmen and
an opportunity to expand their role.
Medical examinations of the new-
reservists called to active duty for
The Pentagon's five-year plan to
ly activated civilians turned up
Operation Desert Shield and Desert
cut half a million troops and 25 per-
heart conditions, pregnancies and
Storm, the vast majority were in
cent of its budget now is spread
other problems that disabled some
combat support roles such as trans-
equally across active units and re-
key officers and enlisted soldiers.
portation and logistics. Cheney said
serves. Some proponents of the
The unit's top non-commissioned
"we could not have done the oper-
guard and reserves said they fear
officer, Sgt. Maj. Wesley H. Shep-
ation" without them.
the demise of the "round-out" bri-
pard, was 54 years old; another sen-
But the highest-profile test for
gades will lead inevitably to argu-
ior non-com was 58.
the reservists was their perform-
ments for cutting more deeply into
Guard officials, on the other
ance in three Army National Guard
the reserves.
hand, said the 48th was never given
combat brigades, known as "round-
A senior Pentagon official, al-
a chance and was required to per-
out" brigades because they were
though cautioning that there are no
form to standards that had not been
intended to supplement active-duty
plans to shift the impact of budget
set in peacetime.
brigades in combat divisions. Under
cuts, did not rule out a change in
"What you did is you said, 'You're
the total force plan, a guard brigade
favor of active forces.
going to play on an athletic field,
would join two active-duty brigades
Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery
the game is going to be soccer,' a
to form a division.
(D-Miss.), a longtime proponent of
guard official said. "Then you
The three round-out brigades,
the guard, said any reduction of its
changed it and said, 'The game is
numbering nearly 5,000 soldiers
role would "waste a lot of money
now going to be football.'
each. were activated in November
and a lot of talent."
and December but never sent to the
"They train together. They
gulf with parent divisions. Pentagon
march off together," Mongtomery
officials said they were not ready
said yesterday in an interview, re-
for the complex demands of fast-
ferring to the round-out brigades.
paced maneuver warfare. Cheney
"That's what I've been saying for
said yesterday it was unrealistic to
20 years."
expect part-time soldiers to main-
"If you're going to relegate them
tain readiness rates as high as their
to poorer cousins, if they're not go-
active-duty counterparts.
ing to have proper equipment, then
"I feel very strongly we would
why should anybody join?" asked a
have run the risk of getting a lot of
National Guard official who declined
people killed unnecessarily if we
to be named. "Why not just draft me
sent units [to the gulf] before they
whenever you get the urge?"
were ready," Cheney said.
Martin Binkin, an analyst at the
Instead of using the guard com-
Brookings Institution, said the
bat brigades in future wars "as in-
guard historically sought missions
tegral parts of fast-deploying divi-
in which they wuld be among the
sions," Cheney said, they might bet-
first deployed "because it's the only
ter be organized into their own di-
way you can make a claim on fac-
visions that would be expected to
tory-fresh equipment."
train 90 to 120 days before being
sent into battle. Cheney said, how-
ever. that he had not "drawn final
page
of
4.
conclusions" SO soon after the end
of the war
DATE: Marchis, 1991
The Washington Times
PAGE:
A6
Thornburgh to probe
complaints of brutality
By Jerry Seper
Towns, New York Democrat and chairman of
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
the Black Caucus. They sought an investiga-
tion at the request of both the black and His-
Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, fol-
panic caucuses, saying the public had lost
lowing a closed-door meeting with members
confidence in police in Los Angeles.
of the Congressional Black Caucus yesterday,
Mr. Conyers, Michigan Democrat, said the
ordered a review of allegations of police bru-
Justice review would involve at least 22 al-
tality filed with the Justice Department.
legations of brutality by police agencies
The review, according to Mr. Thornburgh,
across the country, all of which could lead to
will include a look at "official complaints"
criminal indictments. The six-year cutoff pe-
filed with the department's civil rights di-
riod, he said, covers the statute of limitations
vision since 1985 in an effort to determine
on federal civil rights crimes for which police
"whether any pattern of misconduct is appar-
could be prosecuted.
ent" nationwide.
Mr. Conyers' staff will meet with officials
"Those engaged in law enforcement must
be among the first to assure the observance
from the General Accounting Office today to
discuss a. possible GAO investigation of al-
of the civil rights and civil liberties of all
leged police brutality.
citizens," said Mr. Thornburgh.
Mr. Thornburgh also ordered the depart-
The caucus, outraged by the videotaped
beating of a black man by Los Angeles police,
ment's National Institute of Justice to study
the "correlation, if any, between the incidence
had sought a full investigation of the Los An-
of police brutality" and police training and
geles Police Department - amid allegations
internal procedures.
that brutality against minorities in that city
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Police Chief
was "systemic."
Daryl Gates has apologized for the "shame
Yesterday's decision by Mr. Thornburgh to
and dishonor" the beating incident had
limit the Justice Department's response to a
brought on the department, but continued to
review of existing cases was not viewed
resist mounting calls for his resignation.
critically by most caucus members.
"He has promised his troops he is going to
"This is an excellent first step," said an
stay here and provide the leadership to re-
official close to the caucus. "At least we've got
the door open."
store the shine and gleam of that badge," Lt.
Earlier this week, FBI Director William S.
Fred Nixon, a spokesman, said yesterday.
Calls for his resignation, however, have in-
Sessions declined a request by the caucus to
creased dramatically since the March 3 in-
expand an ongoing bureau investigation into
cident.
the Los Angeles beating of Rodney G. King
March 3. He told caucus members the bureau
The American Civil Liberties Union pur-
chased full-page ads in local newspapers and,
was authorized to investigate brutality allega-
tions only on a case-by-case basis.
in conjunction with eight other civil rights
and labor organizations, urged the chief to
Mr. King, 25, was kicked and struck with
quit. In Watts, a Los Angeles suburb that ex-
nightsticks more than 60 times following a
perienced explosive riots in 1965, black lead-
traffic stop. The incident was videotaped by
ers gathered at a Baptist church to demand
an amateur photographer and shown on tele-
his resignation.
vision nationwide.
Mr. Thornburgh's call for a review came
The beating incident is now before a grand
after a breakfast meeting with Rep. John Con-
jury, and felony charges are expected against
at least three of the officers involved. Other
yers, chairman of the House Committee on
charges may be lodged against 11 other of-
Government Operations, and Rep. Edolphus
ficers identified at the scene.
The Washington Times
DATE: March 15 1391
PAGE: A6
Alexander
OK'd for job
at Education
By James W. Brosnan
MEMPHIS COMMERCIAL APPEAL
Lamar Alexander was confirmed as secre-
tary of education yesterday by a voice vote of
the Senate. He will be sworn in on Monday.
The 50-year-old former Tennessee gover-
nor expanded on his views on education in a
series of written question-and-answers re-
leased by the Senate Labor and Human Re-
sources Committee after it voted 16-0
Wednesday to confirm him.
Mr. Alexander said he would oppose a fed-
eral requirement for a single national test for
students, a longer school year or a minimum
pupil-teacher ratio. He said parents, commu-
nity leaders and school officials, not state or
mandatory test.
federal governments, should decide whether
Choice: "It is time for the government to
high school health clinics should dispense
stop dictating to parents where they should
birth control devices.
send their children to school," but school
As governor from 1979 to 1987, Mr. Alex-
choice programs need to protect the rights of
the disabled and minorities.
ander passed a statewide merit pay plan for
teachers and led the education reform efforts
Increasing minorities in college: Schools
of the National Governors' Association.
can do a better job of preparing minorities for
At his confirmation hearing Feb. 6, Mr.
college and colleges need to target more fi-
Alexander said he would rescind the Educa-
nancial aid and assistance to low-income stu-
tion Department's controversial ban on col-
dents regardless of race.
lege scholarships set aside exclusively for
School birth-control clinics: "This is
a
blacks and other minorities.
local issue, to be decided by parents, religious
In the written Q&A, he responded on the
and community groups and school officials."
following issues:
Tracking students into college preparatory
Lengthening the 180-day school year: "If
and non-college courses: Schools should pro-
students are not engaged. lengthening the
vide every student a "good liberal arts educa-
school year would only be a costly and futile
tion" and no student should be "dumped" into
proposition." He said a better alternative may
special education classes because of income
or race.
be keeping schools open all year and spacing
the same number of vacation days throughout
National teacher certification: States
the year instead of in summer.
should set minimum qualifications. A volun-
A national test for all students: Students
tary national system of certification would be
need to be tested against world standards, but
one way to identify "master teachers" for
"I'm not certain we need only one test" and
merit pay plans and to allow people leaving
"goals need to be adopted, not imposed" by a
another profession to become teachers.
Distributed by Scripps Howard.
The Washington Times
DATE:
March
15,
PAGE: A6
Ouster of Robb
attributed to his
conservative views
seph Lieberman of Connecticut
By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
were described by Democratic
Party sources as angered by the ac-
Sen. Charles Robb's ouster from
tion. The senators were unavailable
the Budget Committee is sparking a
for comment.
storm of anger among Democratic
Rep. David McCurdy of Okla-
allies who believe he was purged by
homa, a DLC leader and the newly
party leaders because of his fiscally
named chairman of the House Intel-
conservative views.
ligence Committee, said of the ac-
Some Democrats said the action
tion against Mr. Robb: "If this was
against a party leader of Mr. Robb's
done to punish him, it's almost un-
stature sends a damaging signal that
speakable."
the party is still controlled by spe-
The junior senator from Virginia
Sen. Charles Robb
cial interests. The Virginia senator
"is not only the chairman of the Sen-
is chairman of the Democratic Sen-
ate campaign committee, he is one of
the real reason for the removal was
atorial Campaign Committee.
the most respected members in the
his reluctance to support Demo-
"It's absolutely outrageous," said
Senate. Democrats should be follow-
cratic budget bills.
Al From, executive director of the
ing his leadership on the budget, not
"It's clear to me from what the
Democratic Leadership Council that
ostracizing him. I find that uncon-
chairman said to me, and from what
Mr. Robb founded to move his party
scionable," Mr. McCurdy said.
I learned from others, that the chair-
toward the political center. "Robb
"If what I've heard is factual, then
man felt it would be easier to work
wouldn't play politics as usual, and
it sends a terrible signal to the rest
his will with the committee if I were
they are punishing him for it."
of the country that people who
not a member of the committee," Mr.
"I've been around here a long
believe as Chuck Robb and I do are
Robb said. "There's no question in
time," said Mr. From, who formerly
not welcome in the party," said Rep.
my mind that was the reason."
served as executive director of the
Charles Stenholm, Texas Democrat.
Mr. Sasser has insisted that the
House Democratic Caucus. "This is
"I don't believe that's [the case], but
decision had nothing to do with Mr.
the first time I remember that some-
if it is, that's not a healthy sign."
Robb's views.
one was removed from a committee
Mr. Robb was told last week by
But Mr. Robb, who frequently has
involuntarily for reasons of whether
Budget Committee Chairman James
been mentioned as a future pres-
he supported the committee's chair-
Sasser of Tennessee that he was be-
idential contender, told The New
man."
ing removed from the 23-member
York Times this week that Mr. Sasser
The senator's removal from the
panel in order to reduce its size. The
"admitted to me that although his
committee has since spawned an in-
highly unusual action was done with
public position was to reduce the
traparty squabble, and some of the
the approval of the Senate Demo-
size of the committee if I would
party's moderate Democrats are
cratic Steering Committee, which
have been more willing to cooperate.
said to have made known their con-
oversees committee assignments,
then he would have been more will.
cern to the senator and to their lead-
and Senate Majority Leader George
ing to go to bat for me. It is clear that.
ership.
Mitchell of Maine.
for whatever reason, he viewed me
Both Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia, a
But Mr. Robb has since said that
as an impediment for the way he
co-founder of the DLC, and Sen. Jo-
Mr. Sasser told him privately that
wanted to operate the committee"
13
March 15, 1991
The Washington Times
DATE:
PAGE A6/412
House GOP leaders plan to stay
By Ralph Z. Hallow
ence Chairman Jerry Lewis of Cali-
many expected to take Mr. Michel's
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
fornia also told The Times he be-
job, and other former "young Turks"
lieves Mr. Michel plans to stay.
are also showing traces of that same
The House GOP leadership lineup
isn't likely to change in the foresee-
Even a supporter of Mr. Michel's
go-along, get-along attitude as they
such as Mr. Lewis noted that "our
begin to climb the leadership ladder.
able future, contrary to long-held ex-
numbers have shrunk from 192 to
None of the GOP congressmen in-
pectations of Republican lawmakers
165 in the House, all during the hey-
terviewed would speak for attribu-
frustrated with their leaders' go-
day of the Reagan era." It was also
tion, fearing retaliation by those
along, get-along attitude.
under the Michel-Vander Jagt lead-
above them in the pecking order.
In interviews over the last few
ership.
"In this House, the most timid
weeks, these legislators directed
Leading House Republicans said
among us become king," said a West-
their frustration at Minority Leader
privately they have no doubt the
ern state congressman who repeat-
Robert Michel and National Repub-
White House wants the cooperative
edly has bucked the party leader-
lican Congressional Committee
Mr. Michel to stay on.
ship and the White House on key
Chairman Guy Vander Jagt.
Many GOP lawmakers said they
votes but was not about to slam Mr.
Many colleagues had expected
regard Mr. Michel and Mr. Vander
Michel or Mr. Vander Jagt openly.
both men to leave by 1990 or 1992, at
Jagt as too gentlemanly and too little
Several GOP members com-
the latest.
driven by political philosophy for the
plained that a memo circulated by
Mr. Vander Jagt of Michigan,
bloody task of building a Republican
Rep. Mickey Edwards, House GOP
NRCC chairman since 1975, has told
majority over the bodies of Demo-
Conference Policy chairman, outlin-
The Washington Times he has no in-
crats.
ing a strategy for becoming a major-
tention of relinquishing his
Mr. Michel, in particular, is
ity in the House, was itself symptom-
chairmanship of the House GOP
uncomfortable conducting aggres-
atic of the problem.
Campaign Committee after next
sive air-land war tactics against
"A district that might elect a Dana
year's congressional elections.
Democrats and strongly believes in
Rohrabacher or a Bob Dornan might
"The idea that I would leave in
making his own troops toe the White
not elect a Dan Schaefer or a Jim
1992 was peddled by the Sundquist-
House line. Most House Republi-
Saxton. Nor is there any philosoph-
Livingston group," Mr. Vander Jagt
cans regard that line as insuffi-
ical reason to prefer one over the
said, referring to fellow Republicans
ciently partisan and bereft of do-
other," wrote the Oklahoma con-
who challenged him for the House
mestic vision.
gressman.
campaign committee chair last year.
Many of these same GOP mem-
Mr. Rohrabacher and Mr. Dornan
A spokesman for Mr. Michel of
bers also said younger leaders, led
are conservatives from California-
Illinois, who has been minority
by House Minority Whip Newt Ging-
the American Conservative Union
leader since 1981, said yesterday, "At
rich of Georgia, are proving to be
repeatedly scored Mr. Dornan a per-
this point, he has no plans to retire."
less confrontational toward Demo-
fect 100. Mr. Schaefer of Colorado
And Mr. Vander Jagt said, "Every
crats than expected.
and Mr. Saxton of New Jersey are
clue I get from Bob is that he is going
They said Mr. Gingrich, the for-
GOP moderates the ACU once
to run again." House GOP Confer-
mer conservative firebrand whom
gave Mr. Saxton a failing grade of 52.
der Jagt of Michigan, who has
House GOP chiefs
largely had a free hand in running
the panel.
The proposals come in a time of
transition and turmoil for the NRCC.
weigh war plans
It is soon to be taken over by a new
director, Spencer Abraham, in the
wake of former Co-chairman Ed Rol-
lins' resignation earlier this year.
part of every week's leadership
But Mr. Edwards' call for tighter
By Donald Lambro
meeting agenda."
political control over the NRCC's
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Among other things, he said, the
considerable resources also reflects
House Republican leaders are
House GOP leaders "should know at
a longstanding frustration among
considering a sweeping campaign
all times the status of recruiting, the
many Republicans who believe the
war plan that for the first time would
status of fund raising, the status of
committee has very little to show for
bring the GOP congressional cam-
the campaign committee's finances
the hundreds of millions of dollars it
paign committee under their strict
and the details of all contracts and
has spent over the past decade.
supervision and control.
arrangements into which the NRCC
Other changes in the NRCC's mis-
has entered."
sion would include increased use of
In a memorandum presented to
The Feb. 21 memo, a copy of
focus group and open-ended polling
GOP leaders at a strategy meeting
late last month, Rep. Mickey Ed-
which was made available to The
in "all targeted districts" to identify
wards of Oklahoma outlined an am-
Washington Times, calls for sharply
key issues, and maintaining a data
bitious Campaign '92 battle plan that
reducing the NRCC's consulting ac-
base for GOP candidates on their op-
ponents' voting records.
would give new authority to House
tivities, which have been a lucrative
Minority Leader Robert Michel to
source of business for a number of
The recommendations, which are
GOP strategists. In its place, he pro-
still being considered by Mr. Michel
control virtually every aspect of the
and his deputies, also call for in-
National Republican Congressional
posed that the committee's primary
emphasis should be "on maintaining
creasing the House GOP leader-
Committee.
a competent staff of field personnel"
ship's role in working with state GOP
In a campaign blueprint for "be-
coming a majority in the House," Mr.
with responsibility for targeted con-
chairmen in candidate recruitment.
Edwards proposed that Mr. Michel
gressional districts."
training. fund raising and other sup-
port services.
and a special House Republican task
"The NRCC has done it all wrong
for the past 10 years," Mr. Edwards
Mr. Edwards said his other pro-
force "should exercise greater con-
trol over the NRCC, both in terms of
said in a telephone interview. "In
posals, emphasizing a strategy
based on the ancient wisdom that all
defining its mission and overseeing
fact, I've been saying for years that
its activities."
the Democrats have been winning
politics is local, have been warmly
Mr. Edwards, who chairs the
elections in the House because they
received by his party's leadership.
don't have an NRCC."
He said even House GOP Whip Newt
House GOP Policy Committee, pro-
posed that Mr. Michel and his as-
His proposals are sure to spark
Gingrich. long an exponent of
signed deputies should be intimately
considerable debate among House
stressing national issues in House
involved in every facet of the NRCC
Republicans, especially the NRCC's
races, recently sent him a note "say-
and that its activities "should be a
longtime chairman, Rep. Guy Van-
ing that he had changed his mind and
that I was essentially correct."
page
DATE: 3/14/91
USA TODAY
PAGE: 4A,3A
Dole: War vote
fair political game
By Adam Nagourney
publicans on Social Security or
USA TODAY
civil rights."
Since the war ended, the de-
Weighing into a growing par-
bate has been growing over the
tisan debate, Senate Minority
Jan. 12 vote when only 10 of 55
Leader Robert Dole Wednes-
Senate Democrats voted to au-
day sharply attacked Demo-
thorize war. The resolution
crats who initially opposed
passed 52-47.
President Bush on his handling
Dole said the vote won't be a
of the Persian Gulf war.
major factor in most congres-
AP
The Senate's top Republican
sional elections. But he predict-
DOLE: 'No' vote most damag-
- who had been largely silent
ed it would be "particularly
ing for presidential hopefuls.
on the issue - dismissed Dem-
devastating for any Democrat"
ocratic claims "this is a vote of
who voted against war and
of gas right now."
conscience or this is off-limits."
runs for president.
Dole said the argument by
Expanding on a Wall Street
Democrats, he said, were
some - including New York
Journal column he wrote say-
"just as patriotic as the rest of
Gov. Mario Cuomo - that
ing that "never before have SO
us." But he argued that a shift
sanctions might have worked if
many been so wrong about SO
of three votes could "have
given time was "a hard sell."
much," Dole signaled the
turned this smashing victory
On the Senate floor Wednes-
GOP's intent to hammer Dem-
into a catastrophe."
day, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.,
ocrats with the issue.
He described the vote as "a
accused Republicans of an "un-
"It's a judgment call just like
contest on who was going to
patriotic" and "partisan ap-
any judgment call," Dole said
run this country from a mili-
proach to postwar politics."
in an interview.
tary standpoint - the Demo-
Kerry added: "Some are try-
"I get bashed for some of
crats or Republicans." And he
ing to rewrite history when
mine. President Bush gets
added: "If casualties were real-
they suggest that somehow the
bashed for some of his. I can't
ly heavy, I would have to think
vote on early use of force
remember anybody saying we
a lot of us who voted for the
meant that our country wasn't
ought to stop attacking the Re-
resolution would be taking a lot
united about Iraqi aggression."
4A
DUKE CAMPAIGN:
Louisiana
state Rep. David Duke kicked off
his bid for governor, vowing to
slash taxes and welfare programs.
The ex-Ku Klux Klan leader, run-
ning as a Republican, said his
chances aren't hurt by Gov. Buddy
Roemer's switch to the GOP. Duke
got 44% of the vote in a losing U.S.
Senate bid last year. "I got 100,000
more votes than Buddy Roemer
did when he ran for governor,"
AP
Duke said. Also running: ex-gover-
DUKE:
Ex-KKK
nor Edwin Edwards, a Democrat.
leader runs for gov
3A
3/15/11
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
A14
Panel Votes $16 Billion for War Costs
Aid to Turkey Approved; Mikulski Seeks to Continue F-14 Production
$350,000 for a Memorial Day cel-
By John E. Yang
ebration honoring the U.S. military
Washington Post Staff Writer
men and women who fought in the
The Senate Appropriations Com-
gulf.
mittee voted unanimously yester-
Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-
day to spend nearly $16 billion to
Md.) and Alfonse M. D'Amato (R-
begin paying the U.S. military and
N.Y.) added language to the meas-
civilian costs of the Persian Gulf
ure, identical to a provision in the
War, including $200 million in aid
House bill, ordering Defense Sec-
for Turkey.
retary Richard B. Cheney to con-
The twin supplemental spending
tinue production of 12 F-14 Tomcat
bills, which the panel approved on a
fighter planes this year at a cost of
single 24 to 0 vote, would provide
$987 million. Cheney has been try-
$15 billion to be used to pay the
ing to kill the Navy program for two
military costs of the war until more
years.
of the pledges from foreign allies—
The carrier-based aircraft, which
now in excess of $50 billion-are
flew thousands of missions in the
fulfilled. The bill would limit the
Persian Gulf War, is produced by
Pentagon's war expenditures, fi-
Grumman Corp. on Long Island.
nanced by both U.S. funds and for-
Work on the aircraft is also done at
eign contributions, to $46.2 billion.
a Grumman facility in Salisbury,
The measures also include $975
Md., where Mikulski said 700 jobs
million to pay for various civilian
were at stake.
spending related to the war, includ-
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) added
ing increased security at federal
language, also identical to the
facilities and foreign embassies in
RICHARD G. DARMAN
U.S. "appreciative" toward Turkey
House bill, protecting the V-22 ()s-
the United States. The measure
prey tilt-rotor troop transport air-
also contained $3.6 billion in extra
craft. Work on the craft, produced
fiscal 1991 spending for programs
ing the money. "The United States
by Boeing Co. and Textron Inc., IS
from food stamps to relief for the
is, of course, deeply appreciative of
done in Pennsylvania and Texas.
drought-stricken western states.
the role and conduct of Turkey in
The measures also include $500
The Senate is to consider the
the gulf war," Darman wrote.
bills next week. Lawmakers hope
million to pay for the increased mil-
The Turkish government had.
that both can be given final approval
itary benefits the full Senate ap-
sought at least $650 million to off-
and reconciled with competing
proved yesterday, but directs that
set the additional military expenses
House versions before they begin a
the funds come from foreign con-
two-week recess at the end of next
it incurred during the Persian Gulf
tributions.
War, which it estimated to be more
week.
Of the foreign pledges of cash,
The additional aid to Turkey had
than $7 billion, according to Dar-
services and equipment, only $18.9
been sought by Senate Appropri-
man.
billion has been received, according
ations Committee Chairman Robert
In making its military funding
to Senate Appropriations Committee
C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), a strong sup-
decision, the Senate Appropriations
aides. The U.S. expects to receive
porter of that NATO nation, after
Committee set a slightly higher lim-
$6 billion more from Japan next
the Bush administration supported
it on Pentagon spending to pay the
Monday and another $3 billion from
$650 million for Israel.
war's bills than the House did. The
Tokyo on March 28, Byrd said.
The funding was not in the ad-
panel estimated the cost of just the
The committee's report accom-
ministration's original request. But
combat to be $9.8 billion, $3.5 bil-
panying the legislation said that Con-
Wednesday, Office of Management
lion more than the House did.
gress should not approve the sale of
and Budget Director Richard G.
The Senate committee dropped a
military weapons to any country that
Darman wrote Byrd officially seek-
House
provision
allocating
does not fully deliver on its pledges.
page
of
3/15/11
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: A14
Senate Approves Veterans Benefits
$500 Million Package Would Boost Pay, Education, Housing Funds
ance to active-duty as well as re-
imously approved a nonbinding res-
By Helen Dewar
serve forces, while the Senate ver-
olution urging that the United
Washington Post Staff Writer
sion emphasizes increases for re-
States spend no funds to help re-
The Senate last night gave over-
serve troops, whose benefits would
build Iraq while President Saddam
whelming approval to a $500 mil-
be raised from $140 to $270 per
Hussein remains in power. Another
lion package of pay and other ben-
month for each month a reservist
amendment urges creation of an
efits for troops who fought the Per-
was on active duty.
international tribunal to try Saddam
sian Gulf War and sent it to confer-
The Senate measure would fi-
and others for war crimes.
ence with the House, which has au-
nance the benefits out of contribu-
The Senate-approved benefits
thorized $1.1 billion in benefits for
tions from allied countries to Op-
include a temporary increase in im-
veterans of all wars.
eration Desert Storm. The House
minent-danger pay from $110 a
The vote was 97 to 1, with Sen.
bill would finance them from U.S.
month to $150 a month and in-
Mark 0. Hatfield (R-Ore.) opposing
tax revenue, contingent on a dec-
creased death benefits as well as
the measure because it also author-
laration from President Bush that
other remuneration to survivors of
they are emergency spending and
those killed in the war.
ized $15 billion to cover costs of the
thus fall outside the constraints of
Reservists would receive 60 days
war itself, which Hatfield opposed.
last year's budget agreement.
of transitional medical coverage
Sens. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and
The Senate measure was ap-
after their release from active duty.
James M. Jeffords (R-Vt.) did not
proved after days of intense behind-
Funds for child-care and family-sup-
vote.
the-scenes negotiations aimed at
port services would be increased by
Although the White House raised
keeping it from being swamped by
$50 million. Home-loan guarantees
objections to some provisions in the
amendments from senators eager
for reservists would be extended,
House bill, including new benefits
to promote their pet projects and
and small-business loan repayments
for veterans of wars other than the
win credit for helping Desert Storm
would be deferred. The Veterans
gulf conflict, the Senate measure
troops and their families.
Resource Centers program would
was worked out in consultation with
Dozens of amendments were re-
be open to gulf veterans.
administration officials.
jected by party leaders, and Major-
Money to fund the programs is
Benefits, which would be paid out
ity Leader George J. Mitchell (D-
provided in a supplemental appro-
over five years under both bills,
Maine) and Minority Leader Robert
priations bill now making its way
range from higher combat pay to
J. Dole (R-Kan.) teamed up to keep
through Congress. Congressional
educational and health services and
senators from reviving their pro-
leaders hope that the veterans ben-
aid in coping with loan payments.
posals on the Senate floor.
efit legislation can be approved and
In a major difference, the House
Only a couple of amendments
sent to the White House before
bill would provide more generous
were accepted, and they added no
Congress adjourns for a two-week
increases in higher education assist-
costs to the bill. The Senate unan-
recess at the end of next week.
page
17
of
4:
3/15/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
A4
Warner Drops Effort to Revise ABM Treat
Vunn Outmaneuvers GOP Proponents of Space-Based Anti-Missile Systems
Such a move could provide a pow-
tional security adviser Brent Scow-
By Helen Dewar
erful boost for space-based missile
croft saying Warner's proposal
Washington Post Staff Writer
defenses planned under SDI, which
would send an "unmistakable signal
proponents contend is severely
Senate Republicans yesterday
of our determination to proceed
hampered by testing and deploy-
with ballistic missile defenses that
bandoned an attempt to capitalize
ment constraints in the ABM Trea-
n the success of the Persian Gulf
enhance our national security."
ty. Support for SDI has been losing
In floor speeches and a letter to
Var and champion the cause of anti-
ground in recent years, and sup-
colleagues Wednesday, Warner in-
issile defenses after being out-
porters hope to use the success of
voked the image of the doughty Pa-
anked by Armed Services Com-
the Patriot and other high-tech
triot missile system that brought
littee Chairman Sam Nunn (D-
weaponry in the Persian Gulf War
down Scud missiles fired by Iraq at
a.).
to revive support for the program.
Saudi Arabia and Israel. His amend-
Just as the Senate began final
The nonbinding resolution called
ment, he said, would free American
ebate on the proposal, Sen. John
on the secretary of defense to "un-
genius to devise new, more ad-
V. Warner (R-Va.) withdrew it on
dertake preparations" for develop-
vanced systems to defend U.S. ter-
rounds that it would delay action
ment and testing of the systems
ritory and fighting forces from a
n authorizing $500 million in ben-
during the negotiations. It also stat-
"worldwide proliferation of ballistic
fits for gulf war troops and their
ed that, if modifications were not
missiles, including future genera-
amilies.
negotiated within two years, the
tions of the infamous Scud missile."
But others said Warner's propos-
president should decide whether to
But Nunn did more than invoke
1 would have been rejected in favor
abandon U.S. compliance with the
the image of the Patriot in an alter-
of an alternative drafted by Nunn
treaty.
native to Warner's proposal that he
hat would have promoted the Pa-
Warner proposed the resolution
laid before the Senate late Wednes-
riot missile and other tactical
Wednesday as an amendment to the
day: he proposed to buy more of
ground defenses and put a Demo-
gulf war benefits package and
them-$224 million worth-and
:ratic stamp on the issue.
pushed ahead with it despite Dem-
put them on ships for quick deploy-
"I think we would have prevailed,
ocratic and Republican leaders' at-
ment to trouble spots around the
substantially," said Nunn.
tempts to avoid any moves that
world.
The Republican initiative had the
might trigger an avalanche of
Nunn also proposed to shift $218
support of the White House, and its
amendments to the benefits bill.
million within the SDI budget to
failure represented at least a tem-
Warner won administration bless-
accelerate production of ground-
porary setback for the administra-
ing in the form of a letter from na-
based missile defenses that can be
tion and its Capitol Hill allies in
deployed in the near future at the
their efforts to exploit the war's
expense of more exotic and long-
popularity on behalf of their policy
term space-based systems that are
objectives, including the space-
favored by many of the most ardent
based missile defense envisioned
Republican backers of SDI.
under the Strategic Defense Initi-
Warner's resolution drew fire
ative (SDI).
from Sen. William S. Cohen (R-
The outcome also provided a
Maine), who opposed consideration
boost for Nunn, who has been the
of either the Warner or Nunn pro-
subject of countless political obit-
posals in connection with the ben-
uaries since he joined other Dem-
efits bill. Cohen said he was espe-
ocratic leaders in their unsuccessful
cially troubled by the Warner res-
efforts two months ago to block
olution's suggestion that the de-
congressional authorization for of-
fense secretary "undertake some-
fensive military action to expel Iraq
thing prohibited by law" in prepar-
from Kuwait.
ing for tests banned by the ABM
Long regarded as one of the
Treaty.
Democrats' strongest voices on na-
By late yesterday, the White
tional security issues, Nunn has
House was also distancing itself
more recently been hearing himself
from Warner's proposal. Officials
described by Republicans as a dove
said they supported Warner's effort
because it was in line with their pol-
in hawk's feathers and by political
icy but warned Warner than the
pundits as a spent force.
timing was inappropriate.
Yesterday he seemed revived by
One official said Warner was "all
the results of his maneuver, which
fired up" to embarrass Nunn and to
underscored that the Senate is still
make a mark for himself. The of-
an arena in which foes underesti-
ficial also said Vice President
mate him at their peril.
Quayle enthusiastically supported
"Rigor mortis hasn't set in yet,"
Warner's move.
Nunn quipped to a couple of report-
Talking with reporters after he
ers, smiling more broadly than he
withdrew his proposal, Warner de-
has in weeks.
nied he backed off because of Nunn's
"We resurrected him [Nunn],"
counterattack. He said he welcomed
said a Republican senator who
the contrast between the two plans,
asked not to be quoted by name.
contending it underscored the more
At issue was a proposal from
advanced and far-reaching nature of
Warner, ranking Republican on the
the missile defenses contemplated by
Armed Services Committee, to put
his proposal. But he acknowledged
Congress on record as supporting
he needed more time to marshal
prompt renegotiation of the 1972
Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty
grass-roots support.
to remove U.S.-Soviet restrictions
"Frankly," he said, "I need more
time to take this to hometown
on development and testing of anti-
U.S.A. I dare not take the risk
missile systems.
of leaving this to Beltway arms con-
trol groups."
Staff writer Ann Devroy contributed
page
of
4,
to this report.
DATE: 3/15/11
THE WASHINGTON POST
PAGE: A/D
Plan to Cut
Payroll Tax
Gains Support
By Spencer Rich
Washington Post Staff Writer
A broad political spectrum of sup-
port gathered yesterday behind a
proposal sponsored by Sen. Daniel
Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) to cut
the Social Security payroll tax, with
cosponsor Sen. Robert W. Kasten
Jr. (R-Wis.) promising that the idea
would create at least 299,000 new
jobs by the end of the century.
At a news conference releasing a
study of the plan, Kasten was
flanked by Sen. Malcolm Wallop
(R-Wyo.), Rep. Richard K. Armey
(R-Tex.) and spokesmen for the
National Committee to Preserve
Social Security and Medicare, the
National Federation of Independent
Businesses and the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, among others.
Kasten's list of other backers in-
cluded the AFL-CIO, the Democrat-
ic National Committee, the Dem-
ocratic Leadership Council, the
American Academy of Actuaries,
Citizens for Tax Justice, Citizens for
:
a Sound Economy and the Heritage
Foundation and Cato Institute think
tanks.
Moynihan has said the Social Se-
curity system won't need the huge
surpluses it is now accumulating
until about 2020, so it is safe to give
American workers a break on the
taxes now and raise them again lat-
er. The Bush administration is op-
posed, and many members of Con-
gress are sympathetic but cautious.
The proposal would lower the
Social Security tax rate by 1 per-
centage point on both workers and
employers by 1996 and raise the
amount of wages subject to the tax.
Kasten cited a study by two former
Treasury Department economists,
Aldona and Gary Robbins of the
Institute for Policy Innovation, that
said the change would create
299,000 jobs. If the ceiling is not
raised, the move would create
650,000 jobs, the study said.
The first test vote is expected in
a few weeks when Moynihan plans
to offer an amendment to the bud-
get resolution adjusting govern-
ment revenue estimates to reflect
the proposed change. The actual
change would be made in a tax bill
later.
Last year Moynihan's idea got 54
votes, but needed 60. If the budget
resolution amendment passes, the
plan would need only a majority
vote under new rules.
page 19 of 4-2
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
3/15/91
PAGE:
PI
hard-pressed to come up with an alternative: Most of
of the real estate market, as well as the inevitable
Taking On
the "reforms" its members have proposed would do
nothing to make the RTC more efficient and save
kinks of a new agency. But many of its problems are
taxpayer money. Many, in fact, would cost more.
of its own making: Its strategies for selling assets
have shifted constantly, and stories from would-be
It's a debate that threatens to become almost a
A 'Skunk
buyers and contractors about its unresponsiveness
year-round struggle. In addition to the $30 billion for
are legion.
1991 losses, the Bush administration projects it will
Those problems should be separated from the
need $50 billion in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, a
funding issue, argued Peter Monroe, president of
In a Closet'
request Congress will have to take up this summer.
the cabinet-level RTC oversight board. "You
Estimates of the cleanup's cost have mushroomed
shouldn't punish insured depositors because of this
from $50 billion in 1989 to at least $130 billion to-
other debate about whether the RTC is run in the
day, as have those of the size of the job, which is now
best way possible," he said.
S&L Rescue Becomes
expected to entail closing more than 1,000 institu-
Many Democrats, along with some Republicans,
tions. The cost to taxpayers, when interest on bor-
are determined to keep a close eye on the Resolu-
A Political Quagmire
rowings is included, will reach $500 billion over 10
tion Trust Corp. They want to force the agency to
years by some estimates.
come to Congress frequently for money as a way of
Voting to pay for it is politically painful, so much
keeping it under tight rein.
By Susan Schmidt
so that Congress delayed action on the current fund-
Some experts think they are using the issue as a
Washington Post Staff Writer
ing bill even though doing so has driven costs even
political brickbat, however.
higher. The RTC estimates that $300 million has
"They are trying to keep the S&L issue alive
The House Banking Committee
been lost because it had to hold off closing 125 insol-
as a way to distract attention from the foreign policy
hearing in mid-January was supposed
venethrifts.
successes of the president," said the Brookings Insti-
to be about more money for the sav-
When the House Banking Committee took up the
tution's Litan. In the end, though, said Litan, it's a
ings and loan cleanup, but Rep. Max-
funding request at a 10-hour hearing earlier this
strategy that backfires because the Democrats keep
ine Waters, a newly elected Democrat
month, Rep. Chalmers Wylie (R-Ohio) even suggest-
having to vote to spend huge sums of money.
from Los Angeles, had a few other
ed a voice vote instead of a roll call. "Turn the lights
For their part, the Republicans have tried to avoid
things on her mind.
off too!" quipped Rep. Gerald Kleczka (D-Wis.).
the politically uncomfortable debate over the escaiat-
Staring down at Treasury Secretary
Many members seem to think voting for the mon-
ing cost of the cleanup by asking for an open-ended
Nicholas F. Brady, she demanded to
ey will taint them in the eyes of constituents who
appropriation to take care of it-a "blank check" in
know why more minorities weren't
don't-understand where it is going. New Jersey Re-
the view of many in Congress.
sharing in the billions of dollars in con-
publican Marge Roukema tried to explain it during a
Most of the proposals in Congress to change the
tracts that the thrift cleanup agency
televised floor debate Tuesday. "This does not bail
way the RTC does business have social goals. such
awards? "Have you ever heard of em-
out the crooks; it bails out depositors," she said.
as more affordable housing, but they would do noth-
powerment?" she asked.
It was logic that failed that day, when four sepa-
ing to cut costs or improve efficiency. But larger re-
Other representatives continued
rate versions of the thrift funding bill went down to
form efforts may be ahead.
the barrage of questions: Why wasn't
defeat. Passage came about only after intense nego-
Some in Congress want to reduce the Treasury's
the government making more of its
tiations Wednesday between House leaders and
influence over the agency by streamlining the over-
huge real estate portfolio available to
Treasury Secretary Brady.
lapping boards that run it. And a radical change in
low-income people? Why shouldn't the
"It's sort of like taking medicine; it doesn't taste
the way the cleanup is paid for-a pay-as-you-go
rich be taxed to pay for the whole
good, but you know you have to take it," said Rep.
plan-won surprisingly strong support this week
mess?
from a broad political spectrum.
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
By some accounts, Democrats have
Opponents, including many Democrats, believe
On top of frustration with the spiraling cost, the
been trying to keep the costly S&L
the pay-as-you-go plan, which would eliminate costly
complaints about the RTC's performance are end-
cleanup in the public eye to damage
interest payments, would undermine last year's
less: Every congressional office has heard them from
Republicans, but this week Democrats
budget agreement, and no one wants to have to raise
constituents trying to do business with the agency.
and Republicans alike found them-
taxes or cut programs to pay for the S&L cleanup
selves under an uncomfortable spot-
The RTC has been extremely slow selling assets,
now.
light when it came down to having to
hampered in part by the recession and the collapse
And this week. some in Congress found the pay-
spend more money on it. It was a posi-
as-you-go plan a handy place to take cover. "Some
tion made even more uncomfortable
folks who voted for our [bill] told me they wouldn't
by the notoriety of the recent Keating
Five decision.
vote for anything else," said cosponsor Rep. Jim Slat-
"It's like a skunk in a closet," said
tery (D-Kan.). They voted against adding to the defi-
Brookings Institution economist Rob-
cit and against the funding bill that passed.
But House Minority Leader Robert Michel (R-III.)
ert Litan. "Nobody wants to go near it
and it stinks to high heaven."
warned his colleagues the S&L mess won't disap-
Wednesday. the House finally ap-
pear without money. "It's never going to go away.
proved $30 billion more for 1991 S&L
It'll be here and be here and be here."
losses, nearly six months into the fiscal
year, when thrift closings by the cash-
strapped Resolution Trust Corp. have
all but ground to a halt and a larger
funding request for 1992 is just
months away.
The vote came after weeks of cha-
otic debate and months of collective
hand-wringing over having to spend
much more money than anyone ever
dreamed for something utterly intangi-
ble to most constituents: the govern-
ment's guarantee on insured deposits.
"It is not exactly anybody's idea of
how you would best like to use scarce
resources," said House Speaker
Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.).
And Congress is finding it particu-
larly hard to justify voting more money
for an agency that many believe is
wasting too much already. But it is
20
page
of
4
DATE: March 15, 1991
The Washington Times
PAGE: BI
Senate
panel
OKs aid
for D.C.
By Chris Harvey
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
The Senate Appropriations Com-
mittee yesterday followed the
House's lead and approved $104 mil-
lion in emergency funds for the Dis-
son to Congress, said Mrs. Dixon
trict - a vote described as a tribute
personally visited at least two-thirds
to Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon's ef-
of the Senate's 100 members since
forts to ease the fiscal crisis she in-
Congress convened in January.
herited.
"It was a lot of effort," Mrs. Dixon
Key members of the committee
said yesterday.
predicted the full Senate next week
The mayor has pledged to cut $63
would also approve the money, which
million in employee raises and $137
is needed to prevent city employee
million in agency spending in the
furloughs. Passage could come as
year ending Sept. 30. She has also
early as Tuesday.
committed to raising $12 million in
"One can never be sure," said Ap-
propriations Committee Chairman
revenues including $6.3 million
Robert Byrd of West Virginia, "but
from a telephone surcharge and $2.2
it has a lot of momentum behind it
million from a change in the hotel
here."
occupancy tax.
"We're on third base, and home is
"I have been very much im-
in sight," said an elated Sen. Barbara
pressed with this new mayor," Mr.
Mikulski, Maryland Democrat.
Byrd said, adding he believed she is
Mrs. Dixon said in a telephone in-
trying to instill "discipline" to the
city's budget process. "It's like a
terview that she was cautiously opti-
fresh breath of spring air from the
In a letter sent to Mr. Byrd
mistic the city would win the funds.
mountains of West Virginia."
Wednesday, White House Budget Di-
But, she added, "I know enough
about public life to know you never
Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond,
rector Richard Darman said if the
have anything locked up."
ranking Republican on the Appro-
committee felt compelled to approve
priations subcommittee on the Dis-
the emergency funds for the Dis-
Not one senator spoke out against
trict, said he was persuaded to back
trict, it should at least "tie such a
the D.C. emergency money during
the $104 million request after he was
commitment to some measure of
the committee session, which was
assured the money would not dis-
D.C. government performance."
slightly delayed yesterday while
turb deficit-reduction targets set by
Passage of the $100 million in aid
some members were rounded up
Congress last year. He said he also
is considered the first step on Capi-
from an NCAA basketball game at
sought and was given assurances the
tol Hill toward permanently
the University of Maryland. The
money was approved on a 24-0 vote,
city would live up to its pledge to cut
boosting the annual federal pay-
$212 million of the deficit on its own.
ment, which has been set at $430.5
as part of a roughly $5 billion Gulf
"It's clear the Congress expects
million since fiscal 1988.
war supplemental package.
the cuts to be made," the Missouri
Mrs. Dixon is seeking an addi-
Of the total, $100 million boosts
Republican said.
tional $200 million in fiscal 1992. She
the annual $430.5 million federal
The Senate committee made re-
is also pushing passage of a bill that
payment. given to the city in lieu of
lease of the emergency funds con-
would tie the now-arbitrary federal
taxes on federal property. About $3.6
tingent on the city's follow-through
payment to a formula based on lo-
million is a reimbursement for
cally raised revenues.
stepped-up security measures taken
with those $212 million in spending
Sen. Brock Adams, a Washington
by the city during Operation Desert
cuts and revenue boosts. Mrs. Dixon
Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
said she would have preferred as
Democrat and chairman of the Ap-
"few limits as possible" in the bill,
propriations subcommittee on D.C.,
If the city gets the money, mem-
bers said it will be because of Mrs.
but added the conditional language
said it was too early to speculate if
Dixon's efforts to eliminate most of
"wasn't disturbing to me."
that $200 million request will fly. "I
The language may have been in-
have no idea yet. One day at a time,"
the city's projected $316 million
he said.
serted in an attempt to appease the
deficit for fiscal 1991 without Con-
D.C. congressional Delegate Elea-
White House, which has called the
gress' help.
$100 million increase in the federal
nor Holmes Norton, a Democrat,
Her tireless lobbying this year on
says she and city officials are
Capitol Hill has also been instru-
payment premature without a long-
"strategizing" on the $200 million.
mental. senators and Dixon aides
range plan to restructure local rev-
"We don't anticipate it will be
said. Mimi Mager. the mayor's liai-
enue and spending patterns.
tougher," she said.
The Washington Times
DATE: March
PAGE: C4
Lawmakers besieged
by eager workers
seeking Kuwait jobs
By Joan Mower
Mrs. Bentley said she tells many
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
people it is premature to think about
long-term contracts until the Kuwait
The call Democratic Rep. Byron
clean-up effort is finished.
Dorgan received from the North Da-
Sens. Wendell Ford, Kentucky
kota man was typical: Could the con-
Democrat, and John Warner, Vir-
gressman help find a job in Kuwait
ginia Republican, are leading a Sen-
for his son, a young farmer who
ate delegation to Kuwait and Saudi
doesn't have enough money to plant
Arabia this weekend. A similar
his spring crop?
House delegation is also traveling
Like scores of other lawmakers,
there.
Mr. Dorgan has been besieged by
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, New York
people who want to do business or
work in newly liberated Kuwait.
Dairy farmers in Republican Sen.
"The Kuwaitis have
Bob Kasten's home state of Wiscon-
sin asked if they could ship their sur-
set up a process and
plus to Kuwait, and idle construction
workers sought jobs from Sen. Jo-
if you don't follow
seph Lieberman, Connecticut Dem-
ocrat.
that process, you
Rep. Barbara Kennelly, Con-
necticut Democrat, said one of her
don't get in."
constituents was so convinced she
could land him a job that he asked,
"What are my benefits?"
Republican, has already visited Ku-
Other than to steer people to fed-
wait, where he found "total and com-
eral agencies dealing with Kuwait
plete devastation" of the Persian
and to hand out telephone numbers
Gulf country that once enjoyed one
for Kuwaiti offices, there is little
of the world's highest standards of
lawmakers can do.
living.
"The Kuwaitis have set up a pro-
Mr. D'Amato has also been one of
cess and if you don't follow that pro-
the most aggressive in trying to en-
cess, you don't get in," said Rep.
sure his constituents have an inside
Dante Fascell, Florida Democrat
track on business opportunities. He
and chairman of the House Foreign
was the first to hold a new confer-
Affairs Committee. Kuwaitis will
ence with Mr. Sabah after Kuwait's
pay for and be in charge of the
liberation from Iraq on Feb. 25.
reconstruction, an effort that could
He manned telephones at the
take a decade and cost $100 billion.
Commerce Department's Gulf Re-
Many Americans have the mis-
construction Center clearinghouse,
taken notion that the United States
and he has arranged a trade con-
"will control what happens" in the
ference in New York tomorrow to be
Kuwait rebuilding because Amer-
attended by a high Kuwaiti official.
icans played the lead role in the Per-
"I am not going to look to close any
sian Gulf war, said Sen. John Kerry,
deal," Mr. D'Amato said. "What I
Massachusetts Democrat.
want to do is help New Yorkers get
In the frenzy to help their con-
into the process, call the right
stituents, lawmakers have held hear-
people."
ings; repeatedly contacted Kuwaiti
Finding the right people to call
Ambassador Saud Nasir Sabah; in-
can be a challenge. The main num-
troduced resolutions calling for
ber at the Kuwaiti Embassy is busy
Americans to get a fair share of the
virtually all the time, as is the phone
contracts; printed an information
at the Kuwait Emergency and Re-
packet; and planned trips to war-torn
covery Program.
Kuwait.
"They are overwhelmed. they
Rep. Helen Bentley, Maryland Re-
don't have enough staff," said Ghaleb
publican, said the ambassador is
Fardi, a spokesman for the U.S.-Arab
"aware of the interest" of Maryland-
Chamber of Commerce. "It's going
ers in doing business, including the
to take time for things to clear up."
200 Maryland medical companies
The chamber, meantime, has
that have banded together to try to
land contracts.
added 10 telephone lines to cope with
the influx.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: 3/15/91
PAGE: A14
Alexander Haig, Others, Fly to Kuwait
In Search of Reconstruction Benefits
By JILL ABRAMSON
With Kuwaitis still unable to receive in-
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
coming telephone calls, consultants such
When the emir of Kuwait at last re-
as Mr. Haig are selling themselves as em-
claimed his throne yesterday, a bevy of
issaries to the emir and his aides. Accord-
U.S. dignitaries were on hand to celebrate.
ing to one person in Washington familiar
But this wasn't merely a social occasion.
with some of Mr. Haig's client contacts,
Among those who were flying in for the
the former secretary is aggressively mar-
fete- on an all-expenses-paid flight that
keting himself as someone "who can help
the Bush administration helped to ar-
open the right doors in Kuwait.' Mr. Haig
range-were some of the very consultants
couldn't be reached in Kuwait and an asso-
and lobbyists now lining up to cash in on
ciate didn't return a message left for him,
the reconstruction of the emir's war-rav-
aged country.
although Mr. Haig's secretary confirmed
Take Alexander Haig, the former Secre-
that he was on the trip.
tary of State. He has been busily touting
Some companies are already doing
himself as a matchmaker between corpo-
business in Kuwait without the help of Mr.
rations eager to get a piece of the multibil-
Haig or other consultants. AT&T, for ex-
lion dollar reconstruction and Kuwaiti gov-
ample, has three satellite stations and a
ernment officials, including the emir. Since
fourth on the way that have restored some
leaving the government, Mr. Haig has
outgoing telephone service.
earned millions of dollars in consulting
Not every international business con-
fees from such clients as United Technolo-
sultant who made the cut was able to go
gies Corp., which he once headed, and Boe-
along. Declining invitiations for the flight
ing Co.
were former Secretary of State Henry Kis-
Also departing from Andrews Air Force
singer and former Pentagon official Rich-
Base Wednesday night aboard a chartered
ard Perle.
Kuwaiti Airlines 747 aircraft were former
The Kuwaiti government's offer to pay
Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, an-
for the trip created an ethical minefield for
other highly paid international business
some U.S. officials. While Commerce De-
consultant; former Democratic Rep. Tony
partment ethics guidelines permitted Sec-
Coelho, now an investment banker in New
retary Mosbacher, for one, to accept some
York: and top executives from AT&T
transportation and other gifts from a for-
Corp., Fluor Corp. and Dresser Industries
eign government, members of Congress
Inc. Richard Allen. an international busi-
could not. Several alternatives were ex-
ness consultant who was Ronald Reagan's
plored. Among them: a plan to join the
national security adviser, also was on
caravan in Montreal. because a loophole in
board.
the ethics laws allows for some foreign
Not everyone on the plane is going
trips to be paid for. as long as the law-
gratis. Mort Zuckerman, the developer and
makers don't depart from the U.S.
publisher. is paying his own way, says a
In the end. Fluor, based in Irvine, Ca-
spokeswoman.
lif., saved the day, resolving the ethical
The Kuwaitis dubbed it the Freedom
complication by footing the bill for the 12
Flight. Coveted invitations for the four-day
House members who are on the trip. Such
trip went out last week from Shaikh Saud
donations from U.S. corporations are law-
Nasir al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti ambassador in
ful for "fact finding" missions. Deborah
Washington and a member of the ruling
Land. a Fluor spokesperson, said that her
family. But the Bush administration had a
company received the request from the
hand in picking who would go along.
Commerce Department to pay the law-
Secretary of Commerce Robert Mos-
makers' passage.
bacher. who joined in the trip, spoke for
the administration on which companies
Republican congressmen outnumbered
should receive invitations. As word of the
Democrats by 10 to two. They included
invitation-only trip spread, both the Com-
such hawks as Robert Dornan of California
and such influential committee leaders as
merce Department and the Embassy of
Kuwait were deluged by those begging for
Chalmers P. Wylie and Michael Oxley,
a seat on the plane.
both of Ohio. House Speaker Thomas Foley
Administration officials and some busi-
discouraged Democrats from going along.
ness executives wanted to play down the
Maryland Gov. W. Donald Schaefer was
business aspect of the trip. "It is not a
also there.
trade mission." insisted one Bush adminis-
For its part. Fluor also hopes to mas-
tration official knowledgeable about the
sage its relationship with the Kuwaitis.
trip. The group may, however, meet with
The construction giant has extensive busi-
ness interests in the Middle East and has
Kuwait's interior minister, who will play a
rule in handing out contracts for the re-
done business in Kuwait since the 1960s.
building of the country-a public works
"We certainly are looking for opportunities
project that may approach $100 billion in
there," says Ms. Land.
value. A meeting with the emir was also
-Peter Truell contributed to this arti-
tentative. according to someone familiar
cle.
with the planning for the trip.
Several members of the delegation-in-
cluding Mr. Carlucci, Mr. Coelho and Sam
Zakhem, the former Ambassador to Bah-
rain-were active in the Committee for
Peace and Security in the Gulf. an adhoc
lobby group that supported President
Bush's Gulf war policies. "Most of the peo-
ple on the trip already have established
strong relations with the Kuwaitis," ex-
plained Ron Cathell of the National Council
of Arab-American Relations, whose presi-
dent, John Duke Anthony, is on the trip.
But many of those on the excursion are
hoping to exploit those ties for business.
"They are all over there feeding at the
trough." says Edward von Kloberg, a
Washington lobbyist who once represented
the government of Iraq. "They are promis-
ing the world, but I don't know what any of
these consultants can really deliver.'
page 23 of 42
3/15/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
C\
The Silence of the
Now That the War Is Over, Will April Glaspie Go Public on
By Roxanne Roberts
Washington Post Staff Writer
pril Glaspie is getting a crash course on the ironies of
A
Washington: While her boss, Secretary of State James
Diplomat
Baker, enjoys an 84 percent approval rating, the U.S.
ambassador to Iraq is being singled out for failing to
prevent the Persian Gulf War.
"We have an ambassador who, on the instructions of the State
Her Meeting With Saddam?
Department, virtually gave a green light to Saddam Hussein," as Sen,
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) described it to National Public Radio.
On July 25, 1990, the ambassador
walked into an unexpected encounter
The Loyalty of a Diplomat
Since August, she has been working quietly in the State
with Saddam, her first private meet-
Department. Despite repeated requests by Congress and the press,
"April's holding her peace because
ing with the Iraqi president since she
she has not spoken on the record about her critical meeting with
she's a loyal person-loyal to Bush
arrived in Baghdad two years earlier.
Saddam one week before the invasion of Kuwait. For months, the
and loyal to Baker," said a fellow ca-
Glaspie had been summoned to the
State Department prevented her from speaking; now, according to
reer Foreign Service officer.
Foreign Ministry by Deputy Foreign
Deputy Spokesman Richard Boucher, it is up to Glaspie.
The strained relations between
Minister Nizar Hamdoon, then escort-
Depending on whom you talk to, Glaspie has been under wraps
Baker and the State Department's ca-
ed to a government car and driven to
because:
reer diplomats are no secret; Baker
the Presidential Palace. She was
1. She mishandled the meeting with Saddam.
relies on a small circle of insiders and
alone.
2. She is too closely linked to a conciliatory pre-war policy toward
rarely seeks advice on foreign policy
Just hours before, Glaspie had deliv-
Iraq from which the Bush administration now wants to distance itself.
from career officers. In addition, Bush
ered a statement by State Depart-
3. She is a loyal career diplomat who does not feel it her place to
and Baker often bypass Foreign Ser-
ment spokeswoman Margaret Tutwil-
vice officers in favor of direct contacts
discuss the meeting publicly.
er to Hamdoon in response to the
Unlikely as it may seem, the last explanation is perhaps closest to
massive buildup of Iraqi troops near
the truth about April Glaspie.
Kuwait's border. "There is no place
and personal relationships with othe
Aside from some remarks made by White House Press Secretary
for coercion and intimidation in a civi-
heads of state.
Marlin Fitzwater in September, no one has explicitly defended
lized world," said Tutwiler.
Loyalty is nonetheless one of th
Glaspie's conduct in the meeting-not President Bush, who has met
Glaspie walked into Saddam's office
sacred vows of the Foreign Service
with the ambassador three times since Aug. 2, and not Baker, whose
to find the Iraqi leader wearing a gun
Any public disagreement with the sec
indifference to career diplomats is well known.
on his hip. Did he, she inquired, intend
retary is tantamount to career suicide
But Glaspie, a career Foreign Service officer and the first female
to receive the representative of the
any short-term gains are tempered by
ambassador to an Arab country, hasn't publicly uttered a word of
United States wearing a gun? Saddam,
the prospect of an abrupt and perma-
protest. She herself supports the State Department's decision not to
taken aback, handed the pistol to an
nent transfer to diplomatic limbo.
release her report of the confidential exchange because it would
aide and the meeting began.
Until Aug. 2, the 48-year-old Glas-
undermine the diplomatic process she so fervently believes in. So only
Saddam did most of the talking. Af-
pie was considered one of the rising
a few people know how she disarmed Saddam-literally-by
terward she returned immediately to
stars of the department.
requesting that he remove his gun as they spoke.
the U.S. Embassy and sent a cable re-
Fluent in Arabic and French, Glas-
But assigning blame is a blood sport in Washington politics.
port to Washington detailing her dis-
pie is best known as a workaholic
Congress is now planning hearings, and Glaspie, under subpoena if
cussion with Saddam. The report is
"April has led an anecdote-free life.
necessary, is expected to be the star witness. That will place her
classified and has not been released by
said one colleague from Cairo. Durin;
smack in the middle of a political tug of war, the last place she ever
the State Department.
the rare hours not in the office, Glas
wanted to be.
"I think she was the hapless am-
On July 30, believing the worst of
pie spent her time exploring the cit:
bassador who is clearly the fall guy,"
the crisis was over, Glaspie left Bagh-
and getting to know the people out
said Rep. Dan Glickman (D-Kan.), a
dad for a week of briefings in Wash-
side the embassies.
member of the House Intelligence
ington. She first found out about the
Her personal style runs more to
Committee. "I want to know who she
invasion when she flicked on the tele-
no-nonsense Canadian, where she wa
got her instructions from."
vision in her London hotel room.
born. than Californian, where she wa
Hapless or not, Glaspie will not re-
"Obviously, I didn't think-and no
raised: conservative clothing, simple
turn to Baghdad and sources say she is
one else did-that the Iraqis were go-
gold earrings, little makeup and short
not likely to get another ambassador-
ing to take all of Kuwait," Glaspie told
unpolished nails. Her one vanity is he
ship for some time. The administration
the New York Times in September.
hair-long and flowing.
is thought unlikely to submit her to the
"Every Kuwaiti and Saudi, every ana-
Her personality is equally un
lengthy and highly political confirma-
lyst in the Western world was wrong
adorned-warm, blunt and funny
tion process.
too. That does not excuse me. But
"She's a character in a good sense,
"I doubt that the State Department
people who now claim that all was
said a colleague. "Not a weirdo, just
would want to open up the events lead-
clear were not heard from again."
very appealing person."
ing up to August 2," said Sen. Jesse
Instead of returning to Baghdad,
Glaspie has never married. He:
Helms (R-N.C.), ranking minority
Glaspie was kept in Washington dur-
widowed mother, Margaret, was visit
member of the Senate Foreign Rela-
ing the early weeks of the crisis to in-
ing the Middle East in the mid-'70:
tions Committee. "I would hope that
dicate U.S. displeasure with Saddam's
when everything she owned was los
the State Department would not cause
action.
in a fire back in the United States. She
itself or Ms. Glaspie any further em-
On Sept. 11, Iraq released a tran-
has accompanied Glaspie, who is ar
barrassment."
script of the July 25 meeting, which
only child, on all her postings since.
"They're putting April out to pas-
they had taped. Although a State De-
"I used to ask her why she didn'
ture," said former ambassador to Mau-
partment official later said it was
get married," said Hermann Eilts, the
ritania Edward Peck, who served with
heavily edited by the Iraqis, Glaspie's
U.S. ambassador to Egypt when Glas
her in Cairo. "I just feel so bad about it
published remarks caused an up-
pie was posted in Cairo. "She said she
because she's so damn good."
roar-especially on Capitol Hill.
was going to be a career woman. She
Leaks began filtering out of the
had made that choice years ago."
July 25: The Turning Point
State Department: Some blamed
Glaspie's 25-year diplomatic career
Glaspie for mishandling the meeting
has come down to one day, one two-
with Saddam, others complained she
hour meeting.
was being set up as a scapegoat for
Baker and a breakdown in foreign poli-
cy.
page 27 of 4.
3/15/1
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
Clcont
She entered the Foreign Service in
What April Glaspie Said
Last month on CNN's "Newsmaker
1966 with degrees from Mills College
Little was known about Glaspie's
Sunday," correspondent Ralph Beglei-
and Johns Hopkins's School of Ad-
conversation with Saddam until Sept.
ter confronted Baker with a formal re-
vanced International Studies. Fasci-
11, when the Iraqis released a tran-
quest to interview Glaspie. "Anytime
nated with the Arab world, she began
script, which Glaspie has never read in
you want to, as far as I'm concerned,'
to climb the diplomatic ranks in a se-
its entirety. The document set off a
said Baker. "She's free to talk to you
ries of postings throughout the Middle
furor as Congress and the press at-
anytime you want to talk to her."
East, including stints as a political offi-
tempted to determine exactly what
Begleiter then personally made
cer at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo in
the '70s, director of the Language In-
was said and by whose authorization.
three requests to the State Depart-
stitute at the embassy in Tunis, and
The transcript, according to a State
ment but received no response; other
the deputy chief of mission in Damas-
Department official, was heavily ed-
news organizations also got stone-
cus from 1983 to '85. Glaspie was di-
ited and excludes Glaspie's sharper
walled. One frustrated television crew
rector of the Office of Jordan, Leba-
remarks to Saddam and his assuranc-
ambushed Glaspie in front of her
es that he had no intentions of invad-
Georgetown home in hope of getting
non and Syria Affairs in Washington
ing Kuwait. But Glaspie's critics say
an interview. No luck.
when she was nominated ambassador
the overall tone of her response was
"No one's heard her side of the sto-
to the Republic of Iraq.
too soft-instead of holding Saddam
ry," said one senator on the Foreign
"She's absolutely brilliant," said
in check, she cleared the way for his
Relations Committee. "The very fact
Eilts. "She is one of the very best For-
advance into Kuwait.
that she's not available adds to the
eign Service people I've ever worked
mystery."
with. Her ability to make contacts
One statement was singled out as
with people in the region has always
sending an especially misleading signal
to the Iraqi leader: "We have no opin-
After Baghdad
been remarkable."
In 1987, then-Secretary of State
ion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like
Glaspie's original hope of returning
George Shultz praised Glaspie for hav-
your border disagreement with Ku-
to Baghdad was never realized. In
ing persuaded the Syrians to help free
wait."
September John Kelly was asked by
104 Americans held hostage aboard
Glaspie, however, was reiterating
the House Foreign Affairs subcommit-
TWA Flight 847 in June 1985. Glas-
State Department policy. As late as
tee on Europe and the Middle East
pie was the ranking U.S. envoy in Da-
July 31, two days before the invasion,
who made the decision not to send
mascus during the crisis.
John Kelly, assistant secretary of state
Glaspie back to Iraq. "My understand-
"April Glaspie was just great and
for Near Eastern and South Asian af-
ing is that it was the president," he
she is a little-known but, I think, genu-
fairs, told the House Foreign Affairs
said.
ine heroine of that whole effort," he
subcommittee on Europe and the Mid-
On Jan. 12, the United States with-
said.
dle East, "We have historically avoided
drew the remaining staff from the em-
Her name first surfaced for the
taking a position on border disputes or
bassy in Baghdad. Two weeks later.
posting in Iraq in the fall of 1987.
internal OPEC deliberations, but we
sources at the State Department said
Soon after, Helms called then-Deputy
have certainly, as have all administra-
that A. Peter Burleigh, a career diplo-
Secretary of State John Whitehead-
tions, resoundingly called for the
mat specializing in the Persian Gulf.
as he had with a number of other can-
peaceful settlement of disputes and
had been selected to represent the
didates-and suggested that Glaspie
differences in the area."
United States in postwar Iraq.
was the wrong person for the job in
In October, following testimony by
On Feb. 9, Iraq formally severed
Baghdad. Helms suggested she be
Baker to the Senate Foreign Relations
diplomatic relations with the United
posted to another Middle East coun-
Committee, Sen. Daniel Moynihan
States.
try more suitable to what he termed
(D-N.Y.) submitted questions to Bak-
Glaspie's posting in Baghdad was
her inexperience and her lack of a mil-
er's office concerning the accuracy of
due up this summer under the State
itary or intelligence background.
the transcript; who, if anyone, autho-
Department's three-year rotation poli-
rized Glaspie's remarks; and what
the high regard in which Glaspie
cy. She currently serves as an adviser
was held by the Syrians also caused
conclusions Saddam may have
in the State Department's office of
some concern that she would be
reached.
Near East and South Asian affairs. A
viewed warily by the Iraqi leadership
Two months later the State De
State Department official said Glaspie
because of the deep animosity be-
partment responded generally with a
would be given another position this
tween the two nations.
memo citing U.S. statements before
summer, "something commensurate
Curiously, Glaspie's gender was
the invasion calling for peaceful reso-
with her grade, which is pretty se-
never considered a drawback. Unlike
lution of all disputes. State, however,
nior."
the more religious Arab states that
has never denied the accuracy of the
Her supporters fear Glaspie's op-
frown on women in positions of pow-
statements included in the transcript.
tions in the State Department will be
er, Iraq considered itself a secular
Now that the war is over, Congress
limited to jobs that require no Senate
country where status is more impor-
is turning its attention to whether the
confirmation-a spot at a college, for
tant than gender. In fact, said one fe-
crisis could have been averted.
instance, that would involve no diplo-
male Foreign Service officer, the Eu-
Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.), chair-
matic or policy decisions.
ropean-educated Arab diplomats
man of the House Foreign Affairs sub-
"Even if the administration wanted
"bend over backwards not to be chau-
committee on Europe and the Middle
to name her to another post now, they
vinists."
East, has informally asked that Glas-
would have great difficulties from the
Helms held up Glaspie's confirma-
pie testify for the panel but the State
Senate," said Eilts. "What worries me
tion for four months while he battled
Department has refused. There is
is that they will shunt her off to a
the administration over the closing of
now a formal request pending.
non-policy, non-substantive adminis-
the Palestine Liberation Organiza-
tration position that would cause her
"Where is this hidden person?"
tion's observer mission in New York.
to be forgotten."
asked House Intelligence Committee
When the Justice Department finally
member Glickman. "People want to
But there are those who believe
ordered the mission closed, Helms
know historically what caused us to
that Glaspie's loyalty will be rewarded
withdrew his hold on the nomination
coddle Saddam," he said. "It is impera-
after a cooling-off period as ambassa-
and Glaspie was confirmed in March
tive from the standpoint of congres-
dor-in-residence at a university.
1988.
sional oversight to hear from her to
"Heads roll all the time," said a
She arrived in Baghdad just as the
prevent this thing from happening
State Department colleague. "You fly
eight-year Iran-Iraq war was drawing
again."
up fast and anybody can fall.
to a close. Glaspie had little opportuni-
But hearing from the ambassador is
"But I think in April's case it's a
ty to influence Saddam. The Iraqi
proving more difficult than anyone an-
temporary thing."
leader never met with any foreign am-
ticipated.
bassadors in Baghdad-with the ex-
ception of the Soviet ambassador. In
In a January State Department
addition, Glaspie rarely was allowed
briefing, Tutwiler gave two reasons
any contact with Iraqi officials.
for Glaspie's conspicuous absence:
She was too busy and only Baker
On July 20, Saddam began moving
would speak on behalf of the adminis-
his troops to the Kuwaiti border. Glas-
tration.
pie spent the next week making re-
peated visits to the Foreign Ministry
and was finally ushered into the fateful
meeting with Saddam. She left for
Washington one week later.
page 25 ofth
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
Friday. March 15. 1991
California Prepares for Two-Ring
Political Circus in 1992 Election
Grav Davis and US Rep. Mel
Levine of Los Angeles.
By Scott Armstrong
many GOP stalwarts. But most
"I think it is going to be a com-
Staff writer of The Christion Science Monitor
analysts sav the challenge will
petitive primary." savs Danny
only help the little-known Sey-
Goldberg. a Democratic activist.
LOS ANGELES
mour: He will be forced to set up
"I don't think anvone will be
HE tilt-a-whirl of Califor-
a statewide campaign organiza-
given the seat."
T
nia politics is beginning to
tion earlier and will garner
greater name recognition. Run-
Four Democrats in race
dip and roll for the next
ning against a conservative will
Certainly no one will be given
election cycle - a ride that may
turn out to be the most intense in
also highlight his moderate views.
Mr. Cranston's seat. Already. lour
state history.
the argument goes. aiding his
Democrats have announced in-
With both United States Sen-
general-election chances.
tentions of inhabiting it: I.t. Gov.
On the Democratic side. for-
Leo McCarthy. US Reps. Robert
ate seats open and seven addi-
tional House races next year be-
mer San Francisco Mayor Dianne
Matsui of Sacramento and Bar-
cause of redistricting. California is
Feinstein. fresh from her surf-
bara Boxer of San Francisco. and
board-thin gubernatorial loss to
former Gov. Edmund (Jerry)
bracing for a political season that
will likely set records for cam-
Wilson. is seeking the "short"
Brown Jr. Mr. Brown. who has al
Senate seat. Her early announce-
habit of reinventing himself. has
paign spending and perhaps for
ment was designed to preempt
come up with a new persona for
numbers of candidates running
as well.
the Democratic field. That may or
his bid. The man who most re-
may not work.
cently served as chairman of the
Already, some of the state's
state Democratic Party. with the
biggest names - some familiar.
Recognition factor
task of raising large sums of
some not - are emerging. The
Her historic bid to become
money for the party. is casting
outcomes will help shape the
California's first woman governor
himself as a grass-roots populist
composition of Congress in the
gave her statewide campaign ex-
who won't accept large campaign
1990s.
perience and generated wide-
contributions.
"There has been a glass ceiling
spread enthusiasm. not to men-
In a crowded Democratic pri-
at the top for a long time." savs
tion a formidable donor's list. But
mary Brown would be a formida-
Sherry Bebitch Jeffe. a political
SO many Democrats are lining up
ble candidate. But many analysts
scientist at the Claremont Grad-
for the other Senate seat that she
believe he would be trumped in a
uate School.
seems likely to face competition.
general election against a main-
Never before in state history,
Two prominent Democrats
stream Republican. The GOP
and rarely in American. have two
known to be thinking about a run
pines for a crack at him.
Senate seats been open in the
for the Senate. but who haven't
"If he is the nominee. it will
same year. It is a quirk caused by
vet announced which seat they
prove that God is a Republican."
the election of Republican Sen.
would seek. are state Controller
savs GOP strategist Sal Russo.
Pete Wilson as governor last No-
vember. which opened his Senate
Moderate Republicans men-
seat. and by the decision of Sen.
tioned as possible contenders in-
Alan Cranston (D). for personal
clude former US Reps. Ed Zschau
and political reasons. not to seek
and Rep. Tom Campbell of Palo
Alto. Conservative names that
reelection.
surface: US Reps. David Dreier
Mr. Wilson appointed fellow
and Robert Dornan. and TV
Republican John Seymour. a for-
commentator Bruce Herschen-
mer state legislator. to replace
son. Spending for the TWO Senate
him. Because of state election
contests could top $100 million
laws. Mr. Seymour would have to
a big amount even by California
face the voters next year as well as
standards. Still. pollster Mervin
in 1994.
Field savs: "There is always a new
Two expensive elections in two
clump of financial trees to shake."
years might seem enough to shoo
In addition to the seven new
away even the most ambitious
US House seats that will be cre-
politician. That likely won't be the
ated by population growth. sel-
case. Seymour already has one
eral others will likely be open be-
GOP challenger - US Rep. Wil-
cause of retirements and other
liam Dannemeyer. an Orange
factors. The passage of a term-
County conservative.
limit initiative last year has many
His decision to take on Sev-
state lawmakers looking to move
mour sets up a clash between the
up into these jobs.
conservative and moderate wings
of the party. something that riles
Presidential prospects
If all this isn't enough. there
will be the presidential campaign
- for which there is early maneu-
vering going on. California
Democrats. frustrated over the
state's lack of influence in choos-
ing a presidential nominee be-
cause of a late primary. are push-
ing a new idea: early caucuses.
The plan is to elect about one-
third of the state's delegates at
caucuses in March and most of
the rest in the June primary.
of
42
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE:
3/15/9,
PAGE:
A12
The 'Fairness' Lodestone
"The fairness issue" declares a
about the welfare of the bottom 20%.
spokesman for the Democratic cam-
let alone about the impact of public
paign, "is the Republicans' Achilles'
policy. In trying to develop a yard-
heel." No, that is not today's news.
stick including the impact of taxes
We found it in our clips from the sum-
and all transfer payments, for exam-
mer of 1984, two presidential land-
ple, the Census Bureau found that the
slides ago. Yet the same issue has the
distribution was not affected by in-
Republican Party paralyzed today on
cluding the rental value of owner-oc-
economic policy; tax cuts to spur eco-
cupied housing, because "homeowners
nomic growth are derailed by the ac-
are spread throughout the income dis-
cusation that they would hurt the
tribution." As Heritage analyst Rob-
poor, or at least help the rich.
ert Rector has reported on this page.
Democrats charge that Reagan ad-
the Census numbers show that some
ministration policies made the rich
22,000 "poor" households own heated
richer and the poor poorer. This
swimming pools or Jacuzzis. The
charge has carried the day because
Census also measures the consump-
the Bush administration has offered
tion of households below the poverty
no rebuttal, but a few congressional
line, and finds it runs nearly twice the
Republicans are starting to show
measured income. Whatever you
some spunk. Senators Domenici and
make of these statistics, it's far from
Gramm have offered an analysis
clear they represent an indictment of
demonstrating that the poor benefited
American society.
along with the prosperous during the
Nor are they a portrait of a decade
seven-year economic expansion start-
of greed. While self-evidently a parti-
ing in 1983. Democrats reply that the
san reply to partisan attacks, the Do-
choice of year loads the dice, and that
menici-Gramm analysis makes one
since they last held the presidency in
cardinal point: Once we got the tide
1980 the income distribution has be-
rising, it did indeed lift all boats. One
come more lopsided.
can argue about when to start the
count, or about what causes recession
In our own view, anyone seriously
and what causes boom, but there is no
interested in the statistics behind this
argument about the underlying statis-
battle should start with the Census
tics. They refute rather than support
Bureau reports, the most relevant ex-
the assertion that during the seven-
tracts of which are reprinted along-
year Reagan expansion the rich pros-
side. Yes, by the usual measures the
income distribution did become more
pered at the expense of the poor.
Do the champions of "fairness"
unequal during the 1980s, as for that
really doubt that a growing economy
matter it did during the 1970s. The fig-
is better for the poor than a shrinking
ures are not dramatic, which is to be
one? Would they prefer to live in a so-
expected given the remarkable stabil-
ciety with a shrinking economy and a
ity of such measures over time and
flattening distribution of income, or in
across societies.
a society with increasing disparities
More important, what seems pri-
in the income measures but growing
marily to be happening is less a mat-
per capita income? Do they really
ter of public policy than of sweeping
think this kind of "fairness" is politi-
demographic change. To understand,
cally invincible? As the two presiden-
note the caveat "the usual measures."
tial landslides show, the fairness issue
The usual measure is pre-tax money
is no match for the growth issue. The
income of households. So by definition
fairness issue has arisen only because
tax changes such as the Reagan cuts
the Republicans have more or less
have no direct effect. Money income
abandoned the growth issue, choosing
excludes in-kind transfers to the poor,
instead to emphasize their futile at-
including food stamps, which look and
tempt to close the deficit in a budget
work a lot like money. And households
deal with the Democrats. The most
include both families and individuals
hopeful thing about the Domenici-
living alone.
Gramm initiative is that it suggests
A banker's son leaving home to go
the Republicans may yet return to
to graduate school would leave the top
their good senses.
20% and join the bottom 20%, presum-
One final point on "the poor. We
ably temporarily. Someone retiring to
do not need income statistics to see
live on savings could collect $15,000 in
that our society includes real people
interest and/or Social Security and
with real problems. The homeless are
still be in the bottom 20%. Female-
manifest. Our schools in urban cen-
headed households are especially
ters are performing poorly. We have a
likely to be in the bottom 20%. So if
drug problem. We have a crime prob-
you have fewer people per household,
lem. We should help those suffering
if you have more retired people, if you
from these problems. We should be-
have more female-headed households,
come less permissive toward the men-
the usual statistics will show growing
tally ill. We should let "the pour
income inequality, even if income per
choose their own schools. We should
capita increases handsomely and the
do everything we can to stigmatize
population is quite generally more
drugs. We should make the criminal-
prosperous. As the Census Bureau
justice system work. in particular by
elaborates, this is precisely what hap-
allowing juries access to evidence. It
pened over the past two decades and
is no accident that those who resist
particularly in the 1980s.
these steps are precisely those who
So in themselves the income-distri-
find the lodestone of "fairness" in the
bution numbers tell us very little
pre-tax money income of households.
27
page
of
42
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE:
3/15/91
PAGE: A12
Bush at Home:
Not Exactly
If it doesn't. Mr. Sununu insists the cap-
ital-gains tax cut is still alive. though this
Stormin' Norman
has become truly invisible. One ranking
White House aide says the capital-gains
strategy now is a "Schwarzkopf flanking
It's a canard that President Bush has
maneuver."
no domestic policy. He has plans to spur
The Greenspan study group will move
oil production. remake the Congress, re-
ahead to study the tax cut's effect on reve-
build roads and factories, cut taxes to at-
nue and income. This will give the cut's
tract investment. and clear the country's
supporters covering fire against the Joint
streets of guns and criminals.
Tax Committee's "soak the rich" claims
It's just that the country he has in mind
later in the year. "A lot of Democrats
is Kuwait.
won't go against their leadership until the
OK. that's a joke, but the truth is that
excuse of bad analysis is eliminated," says
most everyone in Washington believes it.
Mr. Sununu.
That doesn't bother White House Chief of
Another good sign is that Treasury Sec-
Staff John Sununu. "People forget that vir-
retary Nicholas Brady has become more
tually everything on our domestic agenda
enthusiastic. And the GOP's twin towers in
was passed in October," says Mr. Bush's
Congress, Rep. Newt Gingrich and Sen.
ranking domestic policy adviser. "It all
Phil Gramm, are jaw-boning the White
came together in that one week, and went
House into combining capital gains with
unnoticed."
more "populist" tax ideas. They're both
Many Republicans would like to forget
optimistic (then again, they were last year
what they noticed, but Mr. Sununu isn't
too).
kidding. The White House is planning to
Their main enemy is Darmanomics,
build on last year's triumph with a similar
which has become Budget Deal Vindica-
stealth strategy this year: The domestic
tion. Anything that tampers with last
agenda will exist, but you might not notice
year's budget deal won't fly. That rules
until it passes, if you're paying attention.
out the Social Security tax cut favored by
President Bush intends to spend his Desert
many Democrats and such pro-growth Re-
Storm domestic capital like a miser, if he
publicans as Minnesota Rep. Vin Weber.
spends it at all.
Mr. Darman's great fiscal policy insight is
That may overstate things a bit, and to
to "means-test" (tax) the Medicare bene-
be fair there's logic in White House cau-
fits of Republican voters.
tion. Democrats still control Congress, and
Stealth also describes the strategy to
pass anti-poverty policies once known as
Potomac Watch
"empowerment." The theme still exists as
"choice and opportunity.' but so far only
as words without political weight. Mr.
By Paul A. Gigot
Bush introduced the proposals in a speech
on Feb. 27. at the height of the ground war.
Of course no one noticed.
as Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says,
Last week. Housing Secretary Jack
"George Bush is now in a sense above poli-
Kemp had a modest ($500 million) housing
tics." His advisers want to sustain his
proposal up for consideration in the House.
commander-in-chief aura as long as possi-
The White House was missing in action.
ble. It's Democrats who want to drag him
Mr. Kemp received a "policy statement"
back into mud-wrestling over "fairness"
of support, but no lobbying, and lost in a
and "unmet needs."
rout. The White House uttered nary a peep
It's also true that here and there the
of protest, so Democrats pocketed a no-
White House has ideas worth the name.
cost win.
Education "choice" and excellence have
One HUD official, sincerely trying to
become consistent presidential themes.
defend the White House, says: "We were
The crime bill is a winner, both for the ad-
worried that they might say they didn't
ministration of justice and against ACLU
care. They didn't do that." This White
Democrats. The White House will push
House will liberate Kuwait City, but don't
hard on free trade. (The less said about
ask it to do much to free the inner-city wel-
"transportation," also known as highway
fare state.
pork-barrel, the better. Mr. Bush is also
Another idea you won't hear much
refreshingly unapologetic about his civil-
about is term limits for members of Con-
rights principles, refusing to hide from the
gress. "Probably the best path for term
"quota" issue.
limits is in the states," says one senior
But don't expect much else. Mr. Bush
White House official. "It passed in Califor-
will wield his veto plenty if he has to, but
nia without our help.' It'll have to pass
don't expect any frontal assaults on Con-
other states that way too.
gress. "Sometimes there are better ways
By winning a war. George Bush has be-
to pass things than heading up the mid-
come more popular than any president
dle." says Mr. Sununu.
since Truman. But Truman's popularity
In particular that describes Bush eco-
fell within a year. until he recovered in
nomic policy. which continues to rely on
1948 by challenging Congress to pass an
hope and Alan Greenspan. The hope is to
agenda of substance. Mr. Bush is running
squeeze easier money from the turnip at
the risk of resembling Richard Nixon, who
the Federal Reserve to float out of reces-
could point to foreign-policy successes. but
sion. And, in the small favors category,
preferred only token domestic ideas to "in-
I
least budget director Dick Darman
oculate himself against democrats.
does.'t have license to trade higher taxes
George Bush could finish his first term
to: higher spending again. It may even
having done more for the world than he
work.
has for his country.
page 28 of 47
The Evening Sun
Baltimore, Wednesday, March 13, 1991
A12
Gulf war vote has Democrats
on the defensive
Washington
them shouldn't be used to suggest ei-
the troops or the president or, as
A
RGUMENTS OVER patriotism
ther a lack of patriotism or personal
Gramm put it, "undercut" the presi-
make for ugly politics. That was
dent, was patent nonsense. If there
courage.
true when candidate George Bush ex-
But American politics today is SO
has been any American politician
ploited the American flag in 1988 to
driven by slogans, shorthand and
who didn't support both Bush and the
suggest that Michael Dukakis was
sound bites that ugly politics is far
troops, it has been a well-kept se-
cret.
lacking in patriotism. And it is true to-
more effective than thoughtful argu-
day when such Republicans as Sen.
But such arguments sound hollow
ment. That has never been more ap-
Phil Gramm seek to exploit the vote
parent than in the current controver-
today. Winners are automatically
so many Demo-
sy over that vote in January.
right because they have won, and
crats
cast
heaven knows no one has won a big-
Jack W.
Nobody ever raises the patriot-
against the war
ism issue explicitly, of course.
ger success than President Bush.
The Democrats have little choice but
authorization
Germond &
Bush's complaint with Dukakis was
resolution in
that the Massachusetts governor had
to try to change the subject to some-
Jules
January.
vetoed a bill that would have re-
thing on which Bush has been less
successful.
It is also
quired teachers to lead their classes
Witcover
true, moreover,
in the pledge of allegiance to the
Chances are, nonetheless, that the
when some
flag. Dukakis protested haplessly
patriotism issue, even if not called
Democrats
that he was acting on a legal opinion
that, will be a major one in the 1992
counter with a
that the legislation would be unlaw-
campaign. The Republicans have
reminder that Gramm and Rep.
ful, and Bush scoffed that it was a
made no bones about targeting sena-
Newt Gingrich, another Republican
question of "judgment" and "values."
tors who voted against the war reso-
leading the charge on the issue,
But Bush was really making a case
lution, including Wyche Fowler of
avoided military service during the
that this liberal Democrat wasn't
Georgia, Terry Sanford of North
war in Vietnam. Draft deferments
sufficiently patriotic to be president.
Carolina and Ernest F. Hollings of
were made available as an expres-
It played like gangbusters.
South Carolina. And they are talking
sion of national policy, and the fact
Similarly, the Gramms and Gin-
about recruiting veterans of the Per-
that someone took advantage of
sian Gulf to run in House races.
griches are braying today that this is
not a question of patriotism but of
There was, of course, a way the
the "judgment" of those who opposed
Democrats might have anticipated
the war resolution. But in a fund-
the political consequences and per-
raising letter written in his capacity
haps forestalled them. After failing
as chairman of the National Repub-
to win approval for the resolution
lican Congressional Committee,
urging continued use of sanctions,
Gramm attacked them as "appease-
they could simply have fallen in line
ment-before-country liberals" - a
behind the president and voted for
phrase that clearly goes beyond
the war authorization.
questions of judgment.
But the atmosphere here when
those votes were taken two months
The problem for the Democrats is
ago was quite different from what it
is today. There was no party position
On Politics Today
as such, and senators and congress-
men made much of the fact that
these were votes of conscience on
which each individual felt obliged to
that the issue is too complex to be
deliver his best judgment.
summarized in a slogan. Although
In that climate voting for both
the war in the Persian Gulf was a
resolutions might have seemed like
howling success, there were sound
the crudest kind of political position-
reasons to be concerned about the
potential cost in casualties when the
ing. But by failing to protect them-
selves, the Democrats are now the
vote to continue the use of sanctions
targets of partisan politics that is
was taken - reasons based on,
equally crude - and, if the George
among other things, the testimony of
Bush precedent is a reliable indica-
United States military leaders.
Moreover, the notion that the
tor - extremely threatening to their
Democrats failed to support either
survival.
42
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: March 15, 1991
PAGE: A33
ON MY MIND
I
A. M. Rosenthal
Democrats: The Burden of Error
miss the Democratic Party, Some-
abroad cannot be trusted to fight evil
simply under the pressure of a few
times I find myself daydreaming
at home. The whole blessed country
more months of continued embargo.
that the party I knew will suddenly
knows it - all except the leadership
Yes, all right, Governor and Sena-
reappear, if only for a minute, so I
of the present Democratic Party.
tors, proof of the unknowable is im-
can introduce it to younger friends
The Democrats made one of the
possible to obtain; terrific point in a
who never got to know it before it
worst errors of American political
high school debating class. But
passed away.
history when all but a handful of them
among grown-ups, it is embarrassing
I am not now, never was and never
voted against allowing President
for its lack of common sense and
will be a member of the Democratic
Bush to use force against Saddam
honesty of hindsight.
or Republican parties. I walk about
Hussein. Only the occasional blow-
These politicians are making fools
ringing my journalistic bell to ward
hard questions their patriotism. And
of themselves, which is their own
off contaminating political associa-
of course, it was the Republican Ad-
business. But it is the country's busi-
tions. I pick and choose from either
ministration and Republican leaders
ness that they are reducing any
party in elections for every office,
of the Senate who slavered over Sad-
chance the Democrats can give the
alderman to President.
dam Hussein until the eve of the
electorate a respectable choice in the
But throughout my youth and early
invasion. But the Republicans and the
1992 Presidential election.
adulthood, the Democratic Party rep-
President finally learned something
Do they really believe that Ameri-
resented those things that were cen-
cans would put their affairs into the
tral to my own life and hopes.
hands of a candidate who not only
Democrats stood for decent breaks
opposed military action against Sad-
for the working man and his family -
Why not
dam Hussein but is too murky-mind-
unemployment benefits, minimum
ed or arrogant to drop the heavy
wages, collective bargaining, at least
baggage of that mistake and goes
some medical insurance, civil liberty.
lay it
staggering on under it, crying "What
All those things - they could be
mistake? What baggage?"
called respect - - had to be fought for,
down?
Elections for Congressional and lo-
hard. Now all American society, in-
cal office prove over and over that on
cluding the Republican Party, takes
domestic matters Democrats hold
them as unquestioned. That is the
out more ideas and more hope for a
triumph and vindication of the old
about appeasement - at least of Sad-
majority of Americans than do the
Democratic Party.
dam Hussein.
Republicans.
I saw Democrats as also fighting to
So we have a right to question the
But they won't get the chance to try
protect this country against dreadful
judgment of those Democrats who
out those ideas in the White House
danger from abroad. They fought
voted against the President. And we
unless they now talk frankly to Amer-
against Fascism before and during
can question the judgment and can-
icans. What's needed is a statement
World War II and against the Com-
dor of those Democrats like Gov.
by the Democratic Congressional
munist takeover of Western Europe
Mario Cuomo and party leaders of
membership and Democratic gover-
afterward.
the House and Senate who now try to
nors on how the majority of them now
For years, many Americans were
justify themselves by saying that we
see the world and this country's place
edgy about the Republican Party be-
will never know if sanctions without
in it.
cause we saw it as isolationist, deny-
force would have worked.
At least it will show that some
ing the fearfulness of the great can-
They expect us to believe that the
Democrats understand that the voter
cer of our time dictatorships me-
same Saddam Hussein who chose
who does not trust a political party
tastasizing through aggression.
war after months of sanctions and
abroad is not likely to entrust it at
That has changed, of course. But
who then withstood the most fero-
home. And it might convince Ameri-
At ericans still know that a party
cious air gombardment in history
cans that the party they knew may
that is not strong enough to fight evil
might have folded and surrendered
one day be more than a memory.
page 30 of 4L
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: March 15,
PAGE: A33
ABROAD AT HOME I Anthony Lewis
A Bush Initiative?
BOSTON
going to Israel or planning to go.
n the explorations under way on the
A meeting on the model suggested
possibilities for Arab-Israeli
would produce face-to-face negotia-
peace, there is one fact of immedi-
tions between Israel and its neigh-
ate importance. President Bush is
bors without preconditions: an object
going to the Middle East next month.
of Israeli policy since the state was
An American President at the
founded in 1948. The role of the con-
height of his powers would not plan
vening powers would be limited, and
such a trip in the expectation of com-
there would be less sense of possible
ing back empty-handed. He will want
pressure from outsiders than at the
a result of some kind. And George
proposed international conference.
Bush has made very clear that he
Prime Minister Shamir might also
wants to breathe light into that hypo-
find it easier to accept the idea of a
thetical creature, the Middle East
Jordanian-Palestinian delegation
peace process.
than one of Palestinians alone. His
What can Mr. Bush do? The famil-
opposition to any role for the P.L.O.
iar obstacles to peace are still there,
helped to wreck Secretary Baker's
as Secretary of State Baker has just
earlier efforts to get talks going.
found. The Shamir Government in
Would Palestinians in the occupied
Israel is dead set against trading
territories be ready to take part in
occupied lands for peace. The Arabs
any delegation with Jordanians?
will only negotiate on that premise.
There can be no certainty. But the
And so on.
Palestinians who met Mr. Baker in
But there is an idea that could get a
Jerusalem this week reportedly were
process started. William Quandt, the
realistic in their tone and gave him
Middle East specialist at the Brook-
some reason to believe that the idea
ings Institution, began talking about
would work.
it several weeks ago. It has found
Would the Saudis agree to take
some resonance in official Washing-
part? It is not yet clear whether the
ton. And it fits President Bush's natu-
Saudi Government is ready to play a
larger diplomatic role after the Per-
sian Gulf war or will revert to its
traditional reserve. But its participa-
The prospect
tion is not essential to the regional
conference idea:
of a Mideast
Egypt would play a critical role as
the host. It is on closer terms with
Syria now than in a very long time,
conference.
and of course it is the one Arab coun-
try that has relations with Israel.
Egypt is also in the best position to
extend a hand to Jordan and the
ral instincts.
Palestinians after their support of
The idea is to hold a conference, in
Saddam Hussein in the war.
Cairo, on peace and security in the
The Cairo conference, as it is envis-
region. The United States and the
aged, would have three distinct
Soviet Union would convene it. The
tracks. One would seek peace be-
participants would be Egypt, Israel,
tween Israel and the Arab states, the
Syria, Saudi Arabia and a Jordanian-
second a solution of the Palestinian
Palestinian delegation.
problem, the third security arrange-
That concept would finesse the
ments for the region.
prickly issue of an international con-
The conference would have no time
ference including the five permanent
limit. It would really be a beginning
members of the U.N. Security Coun-
- a device to start talking. In my
cil, which the Arabs have demanded
judgment that is exactly the right
and Israel rejected.
concept. There can be no instant solu-
Past proposals for joint United
tions to problems so difficult. But
States-Soviet action in the Middle
talking has its own value.
East have aroused strong objections
In the last few days both Egypt and
from some American conservatives
France have pulled back from their
and supporters of Israel. But such
former enthusiasm for the interna-
opposition might be muted if the Is-
tional conference. That may be a sign
raeli Government accepts the idea,
that the regional conference idea is
and there are reasons to believe it
taking hold.
might.
If there is ever to be a real Middle
Moscow would almost certainly re-
East peace process, this is the time
store diplomatic relations with Israel
for it. The cold war is not in the way.
if Israel agreed to go to such a confer-
George Bush is an extraordinarily
ence. Resuming normal Soviet rela-
popular President. He will have wide
tions has long been an Israeli hope,
support abroad for an initiative. And I
and it is the more important now
believe he is really committed to
with large numbers of Soviet Jews
making the effort.
page
31
of
3/15/9
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE:
A23
Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
Iraq and the Ayatollahs
A top-secret "command memorandum" dated
ayatollahs want to control the Islamic holy places in
March 4 ordered Iran's Revolutionary Guards for the
Saudi Arabia's Mecca and Medina and in Iraq's Najaf
first time to give full military support to "cross-bor-
and Karbala. Thus a resurgent Iran would pose a
der activities" against Saddam Hussein by Iraqi
threat to U.S. and Western interests, not limited to
dissidents who sought political asylum in Iran during
oil, surpassing last summer's threat when Saddam
the Iran-Iraq war and are still based there.
seized Kuwait.
Behind this interventionist decision by the legatees
Iran's president, Hashemi Rafsanjani, remained
of the late Ayatoliah Khomeini lies the epicenter of a
something of an enigma to the United States while
political earthquake rumbling through the land of
he gathered most of Khomeini's power into his own
fundamentalist mullahs since the Gulf War started.
hands. Now, however, administration officials worry
The apparent aim of the ayatollahs is an event
that they may have been wrong about early signs
feared by President Bush: destabilize defeated Iraq
that he is a "moderate," the political brand impossible
and replace it with Iran as the Gulf's preeminent
to find during the Iran-contra scandal. Intelligence
power. "There definitely is a stirring of the pot, [and]
specialists here say the order to the Revolutionary
no one knows how it will turn out," an administration
Guards came only with his express approval.
insider told us. To Bush and his advisers, Iran-style
Indeed, Rafsanjani quietly went this week to a key
Shiite fundamentalism is a dangerous threat.
guard base near Kermanshah called the Ramazon
The March 4 order went to all local commanders
Garrison, a principal kickoff point for subversive border
in newly supplied revolutionary guard bases along
crossings by Iraqi dissidents and Revolutionary
Guards. The ostensible reason: to study "reconstruc-
tion" projects. The more likely reason was to hear
"Iran regards the Persian
reports about stepped-up operations across the border.
Once inside Iraq, armed with weapons, food and
Gulf as its own."
one blanket each, these fighters operate as irregulars.
A key target is the so-called National Liberation Army
of Iran, formed four years ago by anti-fundamentalist
the entire Iran-Iraq border. Canceling a Jan. 23 order
Iranian expatriates. The NLA is the sworn enemy of
that barred Iran-backed military operations against
the mullahs. It operates with Saddam's support from
Iraq during the Gulf conflict, it stated that "all
bases inside Iraq. Last Monday an NLA unit was
support necessary" should now be given to military
intercepted by the guards near the border but in Iraq.
and political "cross-border activities." The guards'
There were 150 casualties in the ensuing firefight.
commander, Brig. Gen. Kamal Hedayat, signed it.
But Iran's real target must extend beyond the
The American-led, anti-Saddam coalition main-
NLA. Rafsanjani, the self-styled- Gulf War peace
tained solid cohesion during the six-month military
seeker, suddenly denounced Saddam last week and
buildup and the short, explosive war that began in
demanded he quit. Playing to the majority Shiites in
mid-January. But with victory came division. Backed
southern Iraq, where Khomeini plotted to build an
strongly by non-coalition member Israel, both Saudi
Iraqi Shiite republic, Rafsanjani said in Tehran that "a
Arabia and Egypt thought Saddam should be de-
truly popular [anti-Saddam] movement" was spread-
stroyed before the war ended.
ing from the Shiite south to the Kurdish north.
But Bush, supported by Britain and France, wor-
The Iranian leader is clearly worried that Turkey's
ried more about Iraq's stability than the personal fate
overtures to large Kurdish minorities in Turkey and
of Saddam, despite his repeated attacks on the Iraqi
Iraq will stir up Iran's own huge Kurdish minority.
dictator as "worse than Hitler." Bush's worry was
wisely based on Western fears that a destabilized
Nevertheless, his objective may be to split Iraq in
three: Baghdad and western Iraq, controlled by
Iraq, almost defenseless and wracked by civil war,
successors to Saddam; a Kurdish north; and a Shiite
would inevitably lead to a destabilized Persian Gulf.
south tied to Tehran.
The probable elevation of Iran, by far the largest
Gulf power, would naturally follow.
That is a chilling prospect as militant guards
penetrate an Iraq already in civil chaos.
Iran regards the Persian Gulf as its own. Its
© 1991, Creators Syndicate Inc.
page
32
of
3/15/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: AZ
HAYNES JOHNSON
Images of Harmony and Discord
mong conflicting scenes on
euphoric aftermath during which black
A
television screens in these days of
combat veterans are serving not only as
rapidly shifting emotions as the
role models for other blacks but also for
nation reels between dread of war and
whites.
the jubilation of sudden victory, two
Yet even as these welcome scenes
powerfully address the American
are being shown, the nation has
condition.
witnessed the other side of the saga of
In Bangor, Maine, at one of many
racism in America
joyous homecoming scenes captured by
The same network newscasts that
network television cameras, a high
showed the black sergeant and the
school band gathered at an airport to
young Maine white students in positive
perform for returning Persian Gulf War
juxtaposition also reported on one of the
veterans during a refueling stop. The
most shocking scenes of racial violence
musicians were, as far as one could see,
in years-the savage beating of a black
all white. When they finished their
motorist by white police officers of the
welcoming patriotic medleys, a black
Los Angeles Police Department.
sergeant took a young student's
That nighttime beating, videotaped
saxophone and proceeded to play an
by a witness from a nearby apartment
extraordinarily moving rendition of the
building without police knowledge,
national anthem. It was mournful and
showed the motorist being clubbed
uplifting. A hush settled over the
unmercifully while surrounded by 15
gathering.
Los Angeles Police Department
While he played, with surpassing
officers. He lay handcuffed on the
grace, the cameras panned the
ground after being stopped for speeding
expectant, breathless, admiring faces of
in excess of 100 mph, according to the
the young students. At the end, they
California Highway Patrol. Whatever
spontaneously burst into applause. It
the offense, it in no way justified the
was one of those moments at which
classic example of police brutality:
Never has that term better fit the
words could not do justice to sights and
sounds. "Did you see that black soldier
crime-seen by all of America in
and those white kids?" a family member
horrifying detail even as people were
asked in tones of awe immediately
reacting to the joyous celebrations at
war's end.
afterward in a phone call from New
York. "Something's happening."
Commenting after the videotape was
made available to television stations and
She meant that positive emotions
were being stirred nationally.
broadcast nationally, Los Angeles Police
Chief Daryl F. Gates said: "With those
Nor was that the only such scene
two minutes of videotape, two minutes
recently. Similar televised images have
that will go down in infamy in the
abounded of blacks and whites
history of this department, the work of
exchanging cheers, tears and emotional
thousands of people who have put their
responses of homecoming and
very best efforts forward to make this
well-being. Those scenes also depict
department the very best in the
powerful expressions of black pride in
world-those have shattered that
America.
image."
For example, a heartwarming photo
It wasn't just an image of a police
in the New York Times of a black
force that was being shattered. It was
sergeant enveloping his young daughter
an image of racism that was being
in a tender bear hug at an air base in
reinforced.
Plattsburgh, N.Y., was a testament to
These conflicting scenes come as the
personal joy and unabashed patriotism.
nation and its leaders ponder how to
Both father and daughter had beatific
take advantage of the new optimism
expressions, but something else about
flowing out of the war effort. They also
that picture was even more striking.
come as politicians here threaten to
Clutched tightly in his hand was an
politicize the war effort by leveling false
American flag that framed the
charges of appeasement and to inflame
homecoming picture and symbolized in
racial tension by falsely depicting the
a much larger sense the moment for the
pending civil rights bill on Capitol Hill
nation.
as a racial-quota bill.
These events suggest that, for all of
Positive evidence notwithstanding,
the obvious racial tensions in this
the Kerner Commission findings of a
country, positive elements exist. They
generation ago are still sadly applicable.
also suggest that these elements are
America is two nations racially divided.
potentially strengthened in the war's
Closing that gulf remains only a goal.
page 33 of
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE: 3/15/A
PAGE: A22
Hostages Still
T
HE AMERICAN military prisoners of war
Lebanon. Logic suggested that, with the Daw
in Iraq are coming back home, but a
group now beyond a prisoner exchange, the
half-dozen American civilians and as many
remaining captives in Lebanon would be let go.
Europeans remain hostages in Lebanon. The
Instead, it is reported, they were simply moved
longest held among these veteran prisoners is
from one location to another within Lebanon.
journalist Terry Anderson, who begins his sev-
Lebanon, and that part of Lebanon in particu-
enth year in captivity on Saturday reportedly
lar, is in the orbit of Syria, a country that found
chained to a wall. The terrors endured by these
its way to the American side in the Iraq war and
innocents-assuming they are all still alive-
whose president has just been visited by the
constitute an overwhelming indictment of their
captors. They are prisoners not for any individual
American secretary of state. Syria's repeated
act or alleged offense of their own but simply
professions of incapacity to act in behalf of the
because they are American, British, German,
hostages are one of the great political pretenses
Italian. That imposes on their fellow citizens,
of recent years and, necessarily, a heavy continu-
acting mostly through their governments, a
ing burden on U.S.-Syrian relations. Iran's simi-
grave obligation to do what can be done to set
lar insistence on its inability to bring its political
them free.
progeny to a decent humanitarian concern is
Originally it seemed that their Iranian-backed
another constant of the period-and a high obsta-
fundamentalist Hezbollah kidnappers wanted to
cle to Iran's full participation in new Gulf security
trade them for release of a group of relatives and
arrangements and in the international economy.
comrades of the Iraqi-backed Dawa group con-
In the Gulf and Lebanon, in Iraq and Iran, the
victed of the terrorist bombings of several em-
scene is changing. Perhaps the result will be to
bassies in Kuwait. It is known that the Iraqi
shake out the hostages. Until then, Americans
invaders of Kuwait freed the Dawa prisoners,
will ask why Syria and Lebanon have not acted to
conceivably to let them travel back to Iran or
end their ordeal.
A Test of the House
O
N WEDNESDAY the willingness of the
comes down, all legislated spending increases
House to abide by last year's budget
must be financed. They were flicked aside 248 to
agreement was put to the first of what will
175, members insisting instead that the veter-
be many tests this year. The results were not
ans' benefits be treated as emergency and/or
encouraging. Republicans voted 2 to 1 to uphold
war-related expenditures exempt from the budg-
the spending limitations, but the majority Demo-
et provisions. The House refused even to take
crats voted 3 to 1 to trash them.
responsibility for having evaded its responsibili-
The vote was on a veterans' bill, the rationale
ties. The benefits would be exempt only if the
for which was the war in the Persian Gulf. Some
president declared them to be; otherwise the
Democrats who voted against the war may have
money would not be spent. Let him be the one to
felt they couldn't afford to vote against the
bust the budget or say no.
veterans too, and anyway the vote was free in
The House-passed benefits would cost an esti-
that the administration and Senate were already
mated $1.1 billion over five years. More than
moving to repair the fiscal damage. Still, the
$800 million would be a major increase in the aid
augury was bad. This is the same House which
now offered veterans to attend college. Many
earlier in the week also failed on the first try to
proposals for increased aid to education and
meet its responsibility to fund the savings and
other social purposes are before Congress. They
loan bailout.
range from added funding for Head Start to
The Veterans' Affairs Committee had seized
larger grants to make college accessible to the
on the war as a vehicle to increase benefits not
poor. These would be subject to the budget rules
just for those who fought there but for veterans
and the permanent veterans' benefits would not?
generally. The general increases may or may not
The country indeed has an obligation to make
be justified-veterans' benefits already come to
returning veterans whole, but this would go
$33 billion a year-but if they are justified, they
beyond that, creating two classes of citizens; it is
ought to be paid for. That is what the budget
special-interest politics wrapped in the flag.
agreement to which both parties piously sub-
The administration and Senate support a
scribed last fall requires.
stripped-down version, mainly confined to those
Reps. Leon Panetta and Willis Gradison, chair-
who served in Desert Storm, at less than half the
man and ranking minority member of the House
cost. It isn't perfect, but neither would it shred
Budget Committee, urged their colleagues not to
the budget agreement, which it would rescue
abandon the good rule that, until the deficit
from the House.
page 34054
DATE: March 15, 1991
The Washington Times
PAGE: F2
Colleagues value Ron Dellums' integrity and viewpoint
In his Feb. 14 column "Not-so-
We know from his record as
intelligent move," Cal Thomas
Our country has been strength-
chairman of the key Subcommit-
charges that "America's secrets
ened since our Revolution by our
tee on Research and Development
are likely to be even less safe" be-
diversity of views. During the
that he has scrupulously pro-
cause of the recent appointment
Cold War our national policies
of "ultraliberal House members,"
were tested, refined and tem-
including Rep. Ron Dellums, to
pered in the fire of public debate
the House Permanent Select
while the Soviets' ability to solve
Committee on Intelligence.
their problems withered and died
During the 20 years Mr. Del-
because they distrusted those
lums and I have served together
who disagreed with their party's
policies.
on the House Armed Services
Committee, we have both dis-
We will need all of our Amer-
agreed and agreed in our judg-
ican strengths to rethink our secu-
ments about major security pol-
rity policies so we can deal with
icy questions. For example, in
the new dangers and vulner-
January, he opposed and I sup-
abilities of the post-Cold War
ported authorizing President
world.
Bush to use force in the Persian
Gulf while last year we joined to
Those of us who have worked
stop the B2 bomber.
most closely with Ron Dellums
have learned to trust him and
Yet, even in the heat of our most
value him as a colleague because
intense and consequential de-
he has protected our military se-
bates, senior members of our
crets and challenged our think-
committee of both parties, includ-
tected highly classified informa-
ing.
ing those who have deep philo-
tion about our future military
sophical differences with him,
technologies, about our most sen-
have explicitly celebrated Ron
sitive special-access military pro-
LES ASPIN
Dellums' integrity. We know from
grams and about our future intel-
Chairman
our own direct experience that he
ligence reconnaissance systems
Committee on Armed Services
is trustworthy and that he keeps
that his subcommittee oversees
U.S. House of Representatives
his word.
and funds.
Washington
Save it for later
T
here they go again: Spend, spend, spend. No,
Not really. They're just obeying the tax code dic-
not federal lawmakers, but those spendthrift
tated by you guessed it Congress. It punishes
voters who elected them. Federal Reserve
those who save by taxing dividends twice and savings
Chairman Alan Greenspan says the low Amer-
accounts once and hitting those who invest in busi-
ican savings rate is the most pressing long-term eco-
nesses, already facing high-risk returns, with a capital-
nomic problem facing the country. Texas Sen. Lloyd
gains tax. Such gains aren't indexed for inflation,
Bentsen says our national savings rate is at a record
which means savers are taxed on gains they haven't
low, which means-higher interest rates and trade defi-
actually realized. And capital losses are deductible
cits. The whole thing has got Washington pretty upset.
only up to a point. Meanwhile, the code rewards those
This week Mr. Bentsen, joined by Sen. William Roth
who spend by providing tax deductions for mortgage
and a host of other co-sponsors, introduced legislation
and tax payments and home-equity loans that cover far
to do something about the problem. They want to bring
more than just homes. So why save, especially when
back the once-popular Individual Retirement Account,
citizens know that the federal government sees itself
and not just any IRA, but the super variety. Their bill
as an avuncular saver-of-last-resort? Need retirement
would let people make tax-deductible IRA contribu-
money? Try Social Security. College tuition? Try low-
tions of as much as $2,000 with earnings tax-deferred,
interest. federal loans. Health care? Try Medicare
regardless of their income level or whether they are
Medicaid. Far from saving, citizens have every incen-
covered by a company savings plan. It provides for
tive to spend themselves silly to qualify for Uncle
Sam's handouts.
penalty-free withdrawals to pay the cost of expensive
medical treatment, first-time house purchases or col-
Bentsen-Roth is a government solution to a govern-
lege tuition. It even offers the option of "back-end"
ment problem. Faced with a tax code and a budget that
IRAs, by which you could make non-deductible contri-
do almost everything possible to discourage saving, the
butions but get the earnings tax-free at retirement.
bill lays out industrial policy-style tax relief that dic-
"This Super IRA," beams Mr. Bentsen, "would give
tates people may save money as long as they do so
Americans new incentive to save."
according to congressional preferences.
We're all for tax relief. We're all for savings. The
Mr. Bentsen's right, but these latter-day Ben Frank-
best way to achieve both would be to lower tax rates.
lins ought to ask why Americans are so pound-foolish.
eliminate spending incentives and let people make
Are they really just credit-card-happy caricatures of
their own savings decisions. Short of that, we'll settle
Reagan-style "greed"?
for Bentsen-Roth.
25
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: 7/15/91
PAGE: AZZ
Bush's Domestic Record Is His Achilles' Heel
To the Editor:
To the extent that this Administra-
You quote Jim Ruvolo, former
tion fails to provide strong domestic
chairman of the Ohio Democratic
leadership in the economy, energy,
Party, saying, "My sense is George
education and the environment, Pres-
Bush is getting close to unbeatable"
ident Bush is at risk in 1992.
(Political Memo, front page, Feb. 27).
But if Democrats are buffaloed by
He does not speak for a vast number
Mr. Bush's success today, and fail to
of Democrats who believe Mr. Bush
take our case aggressively to the
will be vulnerable in the fall of 1992,
American public, then 1992 could be a
Persian Gulf war notwithstanding.
tough year indeed.
TODD OTIS
Many of us believe that the Bush
Chairman, Minnesota
Administration's elitist economic pol-
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
icy, barren domestic social program
St. Paul, March 1, 1991
and backward-looking energy and en-
vironmental programs have at least
an even chance of catching up with
the President by November of 1992.
We in Minnesota elected a Demo-
cratic-Farmer-Labor Senator in Paul
Wellstone, who offered better an-
swers for the challenges that face the
country than his conservative, well-
financed and heavily favored oppo-
nent did.
Yes, George Bush would win if the
election were today. He is basking in
the reflected glory our troops and
their leaders have brought to our
country and the international alliance
of which we are a part.
But if he is entitled to share the
triumph, he must also be held respon-
sible for our recession and growing
unemployment.
page 36 of 42
DATE: March 15,
The Washington Times
PAGE: E1
Don Kowet's
Bush outsmarted: "If the Bru-
tal Dictator really is the 'madman'
going to do some nasty things to us,
DESERT STORM
Mr. Bush calls him, how come he
he may pull some surprises. a
keeps outsmarting Mr. Bush?" -
chemical attack, other things he
HALL
Mr. Sobran, Nov. 22.
might have up his sleeve." - Mr.
Shields, Feb. 8.
Festering debate: "There's a
debate festering in the country,
Poisoning George Will's cof-
there's a real debate." - Mr.
fee: "George Will has chosen this
moment to write that nuking Hiro-
SHAME
Shields, Nov. 23.
shima and Nagasaki was 'morally
Bush disavowed: "One way or
correct'
because it saved so
another, everyone disavows George
many lives, military and civilian.
Bush." - Mr. Sobran, Dec. 11.
Will is doing his bit to legitimate
Today's inductees:
Bush bereft: "This is an ad-
such an act against Iraqis. On
ministration in trouble, it really is.
utilitarian reasoning, killing women
It's bereft of ideas, it's bereft of di-
and children can be justified by the
rection. It is, right now, in 1990
lives it saves; but by that utilitarian
George Bush's administration is
reasoning, you can justify poison-
reminiscent of nothing so much as
ing George Will's coffee if you cal-
culate that it will save two more
Jimmy Carter's in 1979, I mean,
[George Bush] is a man without an
lives that might have been ended
idea,
George Bush is dull." -
by actions he was egging on." -
Mr. Sobran, Feb. 14.
Mr. Shields, Dec. 14.
Bush silly: "George Bush
Golden opportunity: "Politi-
looked silly. I thought all his
cally, America's military success in
the Persian Gulf constitutes a
Joseph
Mark
swaggering bluster about kicking
ass, as he [told] a group of congres-
golden opportunity, maybe a once-
Sobran
Shields
sional members who were down at
in-a-lifetime chance, and an unex-
the White House yesterday, was un-
pected advantage for the Demo-
natural. It's contrived. It's artificial.
crats." - Mr. Shields, March 9.
During the Persian Gulf war,
It's not believable
and I don't
America's pundits, journalists and
And - pass the envelope, please
politicians barraged the public with
think it's going to convince Saddam
- today's prize-winning prediction
hysterical opinions and predictions.
Hussein or anybody else." - Mr.
is:
In commemoration, each day "Des-
Shields, Dec. 21.
Our trembling troops: "Re-
ert Storm Hall of Shame" honors
Massive conflagration: "Now
ports from the front indicate. de-
one or more sages whose pro-
if Israel's attacked, Israel will re-
spite attempts to conceal the facts,
nouncements proved preposterous.
spond, as Sen. [George] Mitchell
that our boys are sick with fear.
pointed out. You're talking about
They don't know why they're there.
Today's inductees are columnists
a massive conflagration and the en-
They dread the outbreak of vio-
Mark Shields and Joseph Sobran.
tire region going up." - Mr.
lence, in which they'll be as help-
Here are their comments and pre-
Shields, Dec. 21.
less as SO many cockroaches being
dictions:
sprayed with Raid." - Mr. Sobran.
Hall of Shame: "I've spent a
Hawkspeak: "Ignoring the
Jan. 24.
holiday weekend clipping the last
hard truth that faith in a short, de-
month's newspapers, and I've gath-
cisive war remains the most persis-
ered a nice little file for future ref-
tent of human illusions, the hawks
erence. If American boys start dy-
now speak of a short, successful
ing in the desert, I'll know whom to
battle with very limited American
quote." - Mr. Sobran, Sept. 26,
casualties." - Mr. Shields, Dec. 25.
1990.
Patriots protesting: "The anti-
Very, very costly: "[Rep.] Lee
war movement this time is distin-
Hamilton is not only a prominent
guished by its evident patriotism.
Democrat, he's an important Demo-
And it will spread as the war
crat. He's very respected He
stretches out and Americans die in
said this week to a group of report-
large numbers." - Mr. Sobran. Jan.
ers, which I was a member of, that
2, 1991.
a land invasion would be very, very
Leftists protesting: "Anti-war
costly in American lives." - Mr.
demonstrations are already going
Shields, Sept. 21.
on across the nation. The core of
the movement is the reactivated
Some Illusion: "There's a man
nameo Robert Lind, an Irish essay-
left, some of it reflexively and
ist, who said the most persistent
repellantly anti-American." - Mr.
Sobran, Jan. 24.
and dangerous illusion that human-
kind .nds itself plagued with is
Gen. Agreement: "By general
that of a quick and decisive war."
agreement this week, the war will
Mr. Sinelds, Nov. 2.
stretch on at least for months."
Mr. Sobran, Feb. 7.
Bush destroyed: "You don't
have to live in Washington to see
Jews and prostitutes: "Since
that Mr. Bush is, politically speak-
my position has been so often as-
ing. destroying himself. And his
sailed as anti-Jewish, I want to add
party:' Mr. Sobran, Nov. 6.
a few observations. First, a Wash-
Brits' big bark, no bite: "Mar-
ington Post poll of anti-war demon-
garet Thatcher talked awfully
strators in the capital the last week-
tough today. [but] those aren't Brit-
end of January found a
ish soldiers who are lined up ready
disproportionate number of Jews
to die in the Persian Gulf." - Mr.
among them; and I'd be very sur-
Shields, Nov. 7.
prised if this weren't true nation-
wide. Second, the pro-Israel pun-
Bush bluffing: "The duel be-
dits urging war include a number
tween Mr. Bush and Iraqi strong-
of Gentiles, whom, having enough
man Saddam Hussein is like a
enemies already, I won't list; but
poker game. Mr. Bush has been do-
some of them are no better than
ing a lot of bluffing. Mr. Bush
prostitutes." - Mr. Sobran, Feb. 7.
may decide. when the chips are
down. to fold." - Mr. Sobran,
Up Saddam's sleeve: "The
Nov. 20.
worst is coming. There's no ques-
tion, the number of casualties is go-
ing to go up. That's clearly go-
ing to go up. and there is clearly a
concern that [Saddam Hussein) is
page
37
of
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE:
3/15/11
PAGE:
A)
Washington Wire
To show that Bush's popularity
doesn't sway domestic issues, House
Democrats plan a vote soon that, with
bipartisan support, would kill his fiscal
A Special Weekly Report From
1992 budget.
The Wall Street Journal's
A FEDERAL INDICTMENT is near in
Capital Bureau
the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103. The
FBI will pin most of the blame on Syrian-
PROGRESS ON PEACE in the Mideast
backed terrorists. Some Libyan operatives
moves slowly, despite hints of optimism.
will also be charged. But it is doubtful that
Gulf states' attitudes have improved, but
Syria's Assad. who became a U.S. ally dur-
neither the Arabs nor Israelis are ready to
ing the Gulf war, will turn over any of the
compromise. Baker finds both feel the U.S.
major participants.
first owes them favors for their conduct dur-
ing the Gulf war. Palestinians aren't likely
FLANKING MOVE? The military serv-
to adopt a new leader, which the U.S.
ices, citing the "residual" costs of the Gulf
wants; the PLO executes West Bank Arabs
war, press for added spending beyond defi-
who challenge its authority.
cit-reduction targets. The Army looks for as
A turnaround in the region may rest with
much as $10 billion more in spending author-
the Syrians. "Syria is the heart of it," says
ity by 1996. But Cheney and the White House
Graham Fuller, a former CIA analyst. But
resist for fear of reopening the deficit de-
Damascus's candidate to succeed Arafat as
bate.
the Palestinian leader is Ahmed Jibril, the
terrorist who is believed to have engineered
LUCKY LAPSE: Pentagon officials say
the bombing of Pan Am flight 103.
that during the Gulf war the U.S. inter-
Some Israeli hardliners will act coop-
cepted communications in which Iraqi army
erative now, convinced that the peace is-
officials told field commanders to disregard
sue will fade as the U.S. presidential
the idea of a flanking attack by the allies.
campaign nears.
One message even asserted that U.S. media
reports of such a possible move were Ameri-
DAMPING THE DOLLAR: The U.S.
can "disinformation."
Treasury moves back into the market.
In the most recent action, the govern-
TWO CHANCES: California Democrats.
ment begins selling dollars to try to stop the
with the national party's blessing. will pro-
currency's sharp rise. Treasury chief Brady.
pose to allow voting on the Saturday before
after ending intervention last year, has
elections, as well as on the first Tuesday in
changed policy in response to urgent pleas
November. Democrats. who could gain a
from Germany. By holding down the dollar
bigger turnout of working people, hope to
against the mark. U.S. officials hope to per-
get the idea on the state ballot in June 1992,
suade the Germans not to raise interest
in time for the presidential election.
rates to protect their sagging currency.
Some economists worry that the dollar's
BREEDEN'S AMBITIONS at the SEC
recent rise may cut off the export boom that
ruffle feathers in and out of government.
has been the one bright spot in the U.S.
The SEC chairman pushes hard to take
economy recently. But officials at the White
away CFTC territory, sparring openly with
House and Federal Reserve complain that
CFTC Chairman Gramm at hearings. An-
intervention in the dollar market is a waste
other assault focuses on squeezing out state
of time. Indeed. Fed officials say if the dol-
securities regulators. He also starts a major
lar continues to go up. it may provide more
drive to reform bank accounting, which a
room to ease credit further.
Fed official complains Breeden proposed
without consulting bank regulators.
DON'T EXPECT major legislation in 100
John Damgard, the chief futures-industry
days, despite Bush's challenge.
lobbyist, snipes that Breeden "loses sight of
His demand to Congress aims mainly to
reality in an effort to get enough attention to
counter Democratic attacks on the adminis-
be considered for a higher position." But de-
tration's domestic agenda, Bush advisers
fenders say the SEC chief is just addressing
concede. But agreement on a transportation
broader issues affecting securities markets.
bill isn't expected until fall at the soonest.
Fed Vice Chairman Mullins says "some of
Democrats will "tamper just short of pro-
the charge of being turf motivated is mis-
voking a veto, because they'd lose a confron-
placed.'
tation." predicts William Schneider of the
House Commerce Chairman Dingell,
American Enterprise Institute.
once a Breeden backer, orders an in-
Bush's crime bill also will be slowed by
quiry into possible inaccuracies in sev.
stiff Democratic opposition. Democrats will
eral SEC reports.
push for a seven-day "cooling-off" period
for handgun sales and assault-weapons pro-
MINOR MEMOS: The Democrats still
hibitions. What the president might get in
have some friends. Comedian Bill Cosby
100 days are two bills he vetoed before: one
gives the Democratic National Committee
on civil rights and another on parental job
$50,000
All in the family: Patton, Boggs
leave.
& Blow and two other lobbying firms invite
congressional staffers in their 20s to join
"Twenty Something." a social group of
those who work on and "with" Capitol Hill.
From this year's Hexagon satirical re-
view: Before the war, Iraq had the fourth
largest army in the world. Now it has the
second largest army in Iraq.
-Compiled by RONALD G. SHAFER
page
38
of
42
3/15/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
DATE:
PAGE: ALI A 9
Children to Get Second Chance for Aid
Social Security to Review 400,000 Benefit Denials After Court Ruling
Associated Press
The court voided a government
medical conditions did not meet re-
The Bush administration said
regulation that gave children seek-
quirements.
yesterday it will reconsider the
ing disability benefits less protec-
But yesterday's agreement to he-
cases of more than 400,000 chil-
tion than adults. The Department of
gin the "class" at 1980, instead of
dren denied Social Security disabil-
Health and Human Services rule
1983, represented a compromise.
ity benefits under criteria struck
had applied a rigid list of disorders
Stein said. Stein and Battistelli said
down last year by the Supreme
to children, while permitting adults
the agreement was signed by U.S.
Court.
to be judged individually on their
District Judge John Fullam in Phil-
The administration, which re-
ability to work.
adelphia.
cently developed new criteria,
Jonathan Stein, the children's
The children's cases will h..
pledged in federal court papers
attorney in the class-action lawsuit,
judged under new criteria drawn up
signed by a judge yesterday to re-
said in an interview that the court
by Social Security this year. For the
hear rejections dating to Jan. 1,
decision could have forced officials
first time, the government will con-
1980.
to reevaluate nearly 600,000 de-
sider not only children's medical
That amounts to 400.000 to
nials going back to program's be-
problems, but also the effects those
450.000 reviews, Social Security
ginning in 1974.
conditions have on walking, eating
Administration spokesman Frank
The Social Security Administra-
and other daily activities.
Battistelli said.
tion argued that legal precedent
About 312,000 needy. disabled
The agreement with Philadel-
required that it go back only to
children receive SSI benefits. which
phia-based attorneys for the chil-
1983, when the case was originally
average $387 per month. About 50
dren resolves the most important
filed on behalf of Brian Zebley, then
percent of the applicants now qual-
remaining issue arising from a Su-
5, of Upland, Pa. Brian, who suffers
ify, but the administration expects
preme Court ruling on the Supple-
from congenital brain damage, lost
the success rate to rise to as high as
mental Security Income (SSI) pro-
his SSI benefits when an adminis-
65 percent under the new guide-
gram on Feb. 20, 1990.
trative law judge concluded that his
lines.
TALKING POINTS
TODAY IN CONGRES
White House Drops Curtain
The change in NRC chairmanship comes as the
agency is facing a number of challenges, including
SENATE
On Information Agency Epic
streamlining the way new atomic power plants are
Meets at 10 a.m.
licensed, dealing with nuclear wastes, shutting down
Committees:
The Bush administration, preparing to write the
a growing number of aging nuclear plants, and ap-
Appropriations-10 a.m. Open.
Agriculture, rural development and
final chapter in a two-year saga of turmoil, will nom-
proving the next generation of power plant designs.
related agencies subc. On FY'92
mate Voice of America chief Richard Carlson to be
Also at the State Department, word is that Ed-
appropriations for the Animal and Plant
ambassador to Seychelles.
ward P. Djerejian, now U.S. ambassador to Syria, is
Health Inspection Service, Food Safety
The nomination will conclude the two-step effort
and Inspection Service and Agricultural
a leading candidate to replace Assistant Secretary
Marketing Service. 138 Dirksen Office
by the White House to restore stability to the U.S.
of State John H. Kelly later this year.
Building.
Information Agency by ousting both the head of
Banking, Housing and Urban
USIA. Bruce S. Gelb. and Carlson, his nemesis.
Presidential Lobbying Team Revamped
Affairs-9:30 a.m. Housing and urbar
affairs subc. On reauthorization of the
Gelb was formally nominated this week to be am-
At the White House, Gary Andres, now a deputy
Urban Mass Transit Act. 538 DOB.
bassador to Belgium and will be replaced at USIA by
in the legislative operation, is considered the likely
Labor and Human Resources-10
Henry Catto. who had been ambassador to Britain.
a.m. Aging subc. On reauthorization of
candidate to take over as chief House lobbyist for
the Older Americans Act. 192 DOB.
The White House worked for more than a year to
the administration, replacing Nick Calio, one of the
Labor and Human Resources-9:30
negotiate a cease-fire between Carlson and Gelb,
administration's top legislative strategists.
a.m. Open. Disability policy subc. On
but finally gave up this winter, fed up with the con-
Calio is scheduled to leave the White House May
reauthorization of Part H of IDEA. 430
stant disputes that made their way into print with
DOB.
15 to join the consulting firm run by Kenneth Du-
regularity. Gelb refused to accept a new post unless
berstein, former chief of staff to Reagan and one of
HOUSE
Carlson was asked to exit VOA as well and the
the GOP's outside brain trust of advisers who have
Not in session.
White House completed the package this week.
Committees. none
been involved in prior Republican administrations.
Carlson's tenure at VOA during its turmoil may
Another likely addition to the legislative shop at the
be good training for his diplomatic post in Sey-
White House is Randy Urban, who ran the Wash-
chelles, a socialist one-party republic made up of
ington office for the state of Texas when Republican
more than 90 islands in the Indian Ocean where po-
William Clements was governor.
litical upheavals, coup attempts and exiles have
characterized its political life the past decade.
Senate Approves Education Nominee
State Department Changes in Works
On a voice vote without dissent, the Senate yes-
terday confirmed former Tennessee governor La-
At the State Department. Undersecretary for
mar Alexander as secretary of education.
Management Ivan Selin is reportedly leaving to be-
During confirmation hearings by the Senate La-
come chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commis-
bor and Human Resources Committee, some sen-
sion this summer. Chairman Kenneth Carr's term
ators criticized Alexander's business dealings. Com-
expires on June 30.
mittee Chairman Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) oh-
Before joining the State Department. Selin was
served that Alexander had created "the appearance
the chairman of the board of American Management
of using his high public office for
private
finan-
Systems Inc., a computer systems. services and
cial benefit."
consulting firm that he founded II) 1970.
In a statement after the vote, Alexander said he
Carr. a retired vice admiral and veteran of the
hoped "to be a sparkplug for change to help Pres.
Navy's nuclear program. was appointed to the com-
ident Bush be the Education President." He sue-
mission by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and
ceeds Lauro Cavazos.
ame its chairman three years later.
-Ann Devroy and Al Kamen
page 39 of 4
THE WASHINGTON Posr
R
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1991 C3
Personalities
By Chuck Conconi
Washington Post Staff Writer
As part of the National Gallery of Art's
50th-anniversary celebration, First Lady Bar-
bara Bush invited some of the gallery's more
generous benefactors to the White House for
ea yesterday. They were all members of the
$1 million-plus club who over the years have
helped build the gallery's collection. Among
them were artists Jasper Johns and Roy Lich-
tenstein and his wife, Dorothy; Pamela Harri-
man; Robert and Jane Meyerhoff; Nancy
Dickerson Whitehead; and Betsy Whitney,
widow of former National Gallery trustee John
Hay Whitney. National Gallery Director J.
Carter Brown presented the First Lady with
the first bound copy of the gallery's 50th-anni-
versary book, "America's National Gallery of
Art: A Gift to the Nation," written by Philip
Kopper, with a foreword by President Bush.
Out and About
Kuwaiti Ambassador Sheik Saud Nasir Sa-
BARBARA BUSH
PETER ARNETT
bah has donated $300,000 so 4,000 Operation
Desert Storm service members and their
Walt Disney's nephew says his uncle never
brating St. Patrick's Day that way at Domi-
spouses can attend the Wayne Newton Las
shared profits with such voice performers as
nique's restaurant. There's a new "traditional
Vegas show at the Patriot Center in Fairfax
the great singer Peggy Lee, who wrote songs
Irish" dish there this week: alligator and cab-
County March 27. Newton is donating the
and performed four of the voices in the 1955
bage. It would take a French restaurant to
proceeds from the concert to the Joe Gibbs
cartoon classic hit "Lady and the Tramp." Lee
think up something like that
Charities spring benefit for Youth for Tomor-
has filed a lawsuit seeking a share of videocas-
row, a home for troubled boys near Manas-
You can bet that the guests at Wednesday
sette royalties from the animated film. She
night's Chieftains and James Galway concert
sas
was paid $3,500 for her work, and the distribu-
In 1984, Sen. Rudy Boschwitz began hold-
at the Kennedy Center wouldn't consider cele-
tors' gross from the videocassette release has
ing a series of parties where Jewish singles
brating with alligator and cabbage. Irish For-
could meet. The parties were so successful
totaled $72.2 million. That aside, Roy Disney,
eign Minister Gerry Collins was in the audi-
that nine marriages resulted, his staff reports.
who heads Disney Studios' animation depart-
ence as well as Irish Ambassador Padraic
Now, according to Congressional Quarterly,
ment, argued in Superior Court in Los Angeles
MacKernan and former U.S. ambassador to
Rep. Larry Smith has decided he will continue
that Uncle Walt always paid voice performers
Ireland Margaret Heckler
the tradition, holding three parties a year, the
flat fees only. "This goes back to policies that
It's this kind of talk that makes Democrats
first on April 14
existed from the beginning, and it hasn't
want to cry: "Experts are saying that Presi-
CNN celebrity Peter Arnett is scheduled to
changed," he said.
dent Bush's goal now is to politically humiliate
speak at a National Press Club luncheon Tues-
There may be a lot of green beer, corned
Saddam Hussein. Why don't we just make
day, but apparently there will not be any room
beef and cabbage, and even green bagels
him the next Democratic presidential nomi-
at the head table for Sen. Alan Simpson
served around town, but they won't be cele-
nee?"-Jay Leno
DOONESBURY
By G.B. Trudeau
100 HOURS FLAT! CAN YOU
THERE'S GONNA BE A
BEAT THAT? THANK GOD
LOT OF SOUL-SEARCHING
A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO
"COULD I HAVE
WE DON'T HAVE TO MOP
YEAH,
IN AMERICA'S IVORY TOWERS,
CUTIT AS A
WATCHED THIS WAR FROM THE
WELL
IPAFTER THE CONVEN-
I'LL GUARANTEE YOU THAT!
SAFETY OF THEIR CAMPUSES WILL
WAR CORRE-
TIONAL WISDOM, EH,
SPONDENT?"
BE FORCED TOASK THEM
SERGEANT?
SELVES A TOUGH QUESTION..
B Tundeau
CALVIN AND HOBBES BILL WATTERSON
TODAY FOR SHOW AND TELL
I HAVE IN MY HAND AN
OH SURE, CALVIN!
AS RONALD PROVES,
I BROUGHT ONE OF MY
INVISIBLE CRETINIZER.
GIVE US A BREAK
ITS QUITE EFFECTIVE,
OWN PATENT PENDING
ONE SHOT RENDERS THE
EVEN AT LONG RANGE
INVENTIONS!
VICTIM A BABBLING SIMP,
A DOLT, AN UTTER MORON!
HEY!
Universal
page
40
of
42
DATE: March 15, 1991
The Washington Times
PAGE A6
Fun in the sun
Forbes magazine will be raising
INSIDE THE
questions on a sweetheart of a deal
involving a Caribbean paradise and
the eight members of Congress
who own it with some of their
friends. Pierres Island, a 17-acre
hideaway 55 miles north of Nassau,
Bahamas, was purchased by the
the Beltway, and maybe even in
AID Foreign Service officer for
group in 1988 for $475,000 after in-
America at large. And there are
submitting false expense claims.
spection by Reps. Robert J. Mrazek
other questions. John M. Slye, a re-
and Tom Downey, New York Demo-
search assistant at the Heritage
crats. Those who jumped into the
Foundation, has written a letter to
purchasing pool also included fel-
NEA's general counsel inquiring as
low Democrats Sen. Al Gore of Ten-
to why the March 7 forum was not
nessee, Rep. William Lehman of
open to the public. The forum, ac-
Florida, Rep. Butler Derrick of
cording to an NEA announcement,
South Carolina, Rep. John Bryant
was designed to "promote coopera-
of Texas, Rep. Edward Feighan of
tion in shaping public awareness of
Ohio, Rep. Tom McMillan of Mary-
the epidemic and its impact on the
land and Rep. Matthew McHugh of
arts." It brought together officials
New York.
of private and public organizations
Now the group plans to sell for
around the country concerned
twice what they paid. But there's a
about AIDS.
catch. "A number of coincidences
In preparation for the meeting,
regarding the sale have caught the
held at the NEA's offices in Wash-
attention of lawyers at the Justice
ington, participants were asked to
Department and Department of
"send a brief description of the
Energy," according to an article to
work that his or her orgnization is
be published in Forbes. Among the
doing in the areas of AIDS/HIV
questions being asked is one con-
eductation, prevention, public
cerning the involvement of fugitive
awareness, health insurance, assis-
oil financier Bartlett B. Chamber-
tance for persons living with AIDS,
lain Jr., who owes the federal gov-
preservation of works by artists
Wyoming Sen. Malcolm Wallop
ernment $26 million plus interest
with AIDS and any other relevant
enjoyed the mistaken identity.
accumulating at $5,000 a day. And
activities."
he maintains a mansion just five
Mr. Slye said yesterday that he
miles from the Pierres Island prop-
hadn't received a reply from NEA
Signing off now
erty.
but that his request to attend the
Radio South Africa thought
So investigators find it curious
conference was accommodated.
they'd lined up an interview with
that the corporation formed by Mr.
an opponent of lifting sanctions. In
Mrazek is "Douglas & Chamberlain
Ltd." The congressman said it's
Listen up, crooks
response to the call, a staffer for
Sen. Malcolm Wallop, Wyoming Re-
named for a couple of Civil War he-
"Politicians often call it fraud,
publican, made it clear that the
roes. There are other coinci-
abuse and waste; program officials
senator wants sanctions repealed.
dences, but Mr. Mrazek insists it's
would rather call it mismanage-
Apparently the message got diluted
just a simple real estate deal.
ment and inefficiency," said Gene
as it was transmitted across the
Richardson, an assistant inspector
miles.
The AIDS question
general at the U.S. Agency for In-
Well, when the interviewer got
ternational Development. "Down in
on the line with Mr. Wallop, he
"Why did the National Endow-
Texas where I come from, we call it
asked: "Do you prefer the pronun-
ment for the Arts host a conference
just plain lyin', stealin' and
ciation of your name Walpey or
on AIDS? Isn't that a job for Health
cheatin'."
Wolpe?"
and Human Services?"
That commendable pro-
Rep. Howard Wolpe, Michigan
That's a question that apparently
nouncement accompanied an an-
Democrat, is strongly opposed to
intrigues a number of folks inside
nouncement of the indictment of an
lifting sanctions. Mr. Wallop said he
preferred "Wallop." There was a
pause, and then a highly amused
Hey, hey, ho, ho
Mr. Wallop was heard to say, as he
The overbilling of the federal
hung up, "Quite all right, thank
government by Stanford University
you."
is much in the news of late. In testi-
mony before the House Energy
An ancient proverb
and Commerce Committee, Stan-
Wasn't it heartwarming to see all
ford representatives answered
those pictures of surrendering
questions about billings involving a
Iraqi soldiers kissing the hands of
72-foot yacht, a university-owned
their captors? Those boys know
shopping center, a wedding recep-
how to show humility. The New Re-
tion for the univerity's president,
public carried one of the photos.
an early-19th-century fruitwood
TNR has a fairly elite audience,
commode and other luxurious ex-
you know, including a few learned
penses.
Arabists. Those readers informed
Some background seems in or-
TNR editors of an old Arab saying:
der. Stanford, as we recall, recently
"Kiss the hand you cannot bite, and
decided to move away from teach-
pray that God will break it."
ing traditional Western civilization
- John Elvin
in order to provide a more multi-
cultural approach, right? In fact,
Jesse Jackson was on the campus
at one point leading the chant:
"Hey, hey, ho, ho; Western culture's
got to go!"
During the House hearing, one
Republican committee member
was overheard remarking: "I know
that double-entry accounting was
invented sometime around the 15th
century in Italy, but I had no idea
that this was the sort of 'Western
traditional value' that Stanford was
to away
THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATE: 3/15/91
PAGE:
Al
World-Wide
KUWAIT'S EMIR RETURNED as U.S.
officials pursued postwar diplomacy.
The Kuwaiti ruler flew home after seven
months in exile during Iraq's occupation of
Angry Slovak nationalists shouted abuse
his country. Meanwhile, Bush met in Marti-
at Czechoslovakia's president, who visited
nique with France's Mitterrand, and the two
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and
leaders later said they weren't interested in
urged the five million Slovaks not to secede.
getting involved militarily in the current vi-
Earlier, Havel warned Slovak army officers
olence inside Iraq. Secretary of State Baker
that they should stay out of the dispute over
held talks in Moscow with Bessmertnykh to
whether Slovakia should split with the
brief the Soviet foreign minister on his five-
Czechs and become a separate state.
nation Middle East trip and prospects for
peace. (Stories on Pages A4 and A9)
Computer hackers have been stealing
Kurdish rebels charged that Iraqi
phone records and using local and toll-free
troops rounded up civilians yesterday in
phone numbers to gain access to office
the northern city of Kirkuk and then
voice-mail systems around the country, al-
massacred them by firing weapons from
lowing them to use the office phones for
helicopter gunships.
their own purposes. The extent of the intru-
sion is still being gauged by the Secret Serv-
Baker plans to meet today in Moscow
ice and the FBI. (Story on Page B1)
with the Russian republic's president. Yelt-
sin, and other Soviet progressives pressing
Honecker has been taken to Moscow for
Gorbachev for economic and political re-
medical treatment, a Soviet official said,
forms. The rivalry between Yeltsin and Gor-
prompting a demand from Germany for the
bachev has sharpened-i advance of Sun-
return of the former East German leader.
day's vote on preserving the Soviet Union.
Honecker, facing German manslaughter
(Related stories on Page A8)
charges over the killing of people trying to
*
flee East Germany, had spent nearly a year
Thornburgh announced that in response
in a Soviet hospital outside Berlin.
to allegations of police brutality in Los An-
geles, the Justice Department will review
Aid totaling $850 million was approved by
all "official complaints" of such police ac-
the Senate Appropriations Committee for
tions nationwide over the past six years. The
Turkey and Israel as part of two spending
attorney general said the purpose of the re-
bills covering the initial costs of the Gulf
view is "to discern whether any pattern of
crisis and increased benefits for veterans of
misconduct is apparent."
the war with Iraq. (Story on Page C16)
A federal appeals court ruled that local
*
*
*
governments and law enforcement agencies
Serbian protesters ended five days of
can be held liable for failing to train officers
anti-Communist rallies but threatened to re-
on the legal limits of the use of force. The
turn to Belgrade's streets if the government
decision appears to broaden the grounds un-
of Yugoslavia's biggest republic doesn't re-
der which officials can be sanctioned for
sign. The country's eight-member presi-
brutality. (Story on Page B3)
dency. meanwhile, met in closed session
*
with army officials to discuss security.
Six Irishmen were freed after spending
16 years in prison after Britain's Court of
Malawi's President Banda toured the
Appeal reversed their convictions for Irish
flood-stricken southern area of his country
Republican Army bombings in 1974 that
where at least 472 people died when their
killed 21 people. The decision had been ex:
villages were washed away. Several hun-
pected after prosecutors said they could nc
dred people are still missing and an esti-
longer rely on scientific and police evidence
mated 150,000. people have been left home-
in the "Birmingham Six" case.
less by the floods, caused by torrential
*
downpours Sunday in the African nation.
Scientists found a gene that appears to
trigger the initial transformation of a
Britain's Major is expected to announce a
healthy cell into cancer. The discovery by
drastic change in the unpopular poll tax
Johns Hopkins University researchers may
next week to ease pressure on his three-
soon help doctors tell whether a tumor is be-
month-old government, politicians said.
ginning to rise amid the normal tissue cells
in the human colon. (Story on Page B1)
page
2/1
of
42
schools.
assigning issues;
schedule?
manpower.
DATE: Thursday, September 12, 1991
CONTACT: Scot Montrey
PRESS: 863-8608
THE
REPUBLICAN
DAILY
INTERNAL COMMITTED
NEWS
SUMMARY
The Orlando Sentinel (9-11-91)
Letters to the editor
Thomas has detractors, supporters
THE SENATE Judiciary Com-
High-caliber nominee
mittee is considering Judge Clar-
ence Thomas for the position of
PEOLA butler Dews' op-ed
U.S. Supreme Court justice
a
column titled "Is Thomas too black
lifetime appointment.
for whites and too conservative for
While chair of the Equal Employ-
blacks?" is by far one of
ment Opportunity Com-
the most eloquently ar-
mission, Thomas ignored
ticulated essays I have
thousands of age-dis-
seen regarding the Clar-
crimination complaints.
ence Thomas nomination.
While assistant secretary
I strongly share Dews'
of education for civil
opinion that Thomas
rights, he admitted violat-
should be judged by the
ing a court order for time-
merits of his legal qualifi-
ly investigation of dis-
cations, and not by an ar-
crimination in education.
bitrarily institutionalized
set of "racially correct"
Thomas supports the
standards created by
"natural law" theory; in
Thomas
some of his detractors.
the past, "natural law" was
used by the Supreme Court to deny
As Dews correctly pointed out, the
a woman the license to practice law
judge's predicament lies in that he
and to limit women's work hours.
"seems to be too black for white
people, and too conservative for
Thomas has little more than a
black people." This, however, should
year's experience as a federal
not be the criterion that we ought to
judge. Twice, the American Bar As-
use in order to gauge Judge Thom-
sociation has rated him "qualified"
as' judicial qualifications.
(its lowest qualified assessment).
I commend Dews on taking a
After reviewing this sad record,
courageous stance in expressing
the bipartisan National Women's
her support of Thomas, and I hope
Polítical Caucus voted unanimous-
that many more will come out in
ly in convention to oppose his con-
support of this high-caliber nomi-
urmanon. we nope others join us
nee. I am convinced that Thomas'
in urging senators to withhold con-
impressive credentials and experi-
firmation until a qualified nominee
ence would make him an excellent
is proposed that mainstream
Supreme Court justice, and the na-
Americans can trust.
tion would benefit immensely from
Lynda Van Scoyoe
his services.
National Steering Delegata-at-Large Committee
Jeanie Austin
Co-Chainaten
National Women's Political Causes
Republican National Committee
ORLANDO
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Thomas Refuses to State
The Washington Post
DATE:
9/12/91
to "revisit this subject a tad more."
PAGE:
1A
View on Abortion Issue
Asked whether the fetus is a per-
son protected by the Constitution,
Thomas, following a lengthy pause,
tion of church and state, an issue
said the Supreme Court had never
that the court has agreed to decide
Nominee Steadfast Amid Senators' Questions
found such protection, adding, "I
in the coming term and on which
would have to go back and rethink
the justices are closely divided.
as
and
that
natural
law
"has
been
that." The court in Roe held that
Thomas said he had no "personal
selected as an issue to try to con- "the word 'person,' as used in the
disagreement" with the current test
By Ruth Marcus
Washington Post Staff Writer
found
people
because
natural
law
is
the court uses, although he noted it
14th Amendment, does not include
an inherently vague concept."
had been difficult to apply. The
Supreme Court nominee Clar-
the unborn."
Thomas tangled with Sens. How-
Bush administration is backing the
ence Thomas yesterday said he had
At various points in his testimo-
ard M. Metzenbaum (D-Ohio) and
side in the case that has asked the
no opinion on whether the Consti-
ny, Thomas said he had not read the
Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) over his re-
court to adopt a new test.
tution protects the right to abortion
White House report on the family,
fusal to discuss the issue of abortion
Simon asked about the childhood
and had not discussed the issue,
even after it surfaced as an issue in
rights. Thomas-comparing his sit-
experience of Rep. Dan Glickman
even in a private setting, in the 18
news reports concerning his nom-
uation to that of a football referee-
(D-Kan.), who is Jewish. As a boy,
years since the court decided it.
ination this summer. He said his
Glickman was escorted from his
Elaborating on his views on the
insisted it would violate his impar-
only interest in the White House
tiality as a sitting federal judge.
fourth-grade class each day while his
right to privacy, the legal underpin-
working group on policy had been
When Metzenbaum invoked the
Christian schoolmates prayed. In re-
ning for the court's recognition of a
on the issue of low-income families.
specter that American women "will
sponse, Thomas noted his own feel-
constitutional guarantee to abortion,
He said he had only "skimmed" the
once again be forced to resort to
ings of exclusion when white south-
Thomas said he believed the right to
article on natural law and the fetus's
ern classmates had talked about the
privacy for married couples is a fun-
brutal and illegal abortions" if the
right to life before praising it in a
Roe v. Wade abortion ruling is over-
Civil War, and he said. "My concern
damental constitutional right, mean-
1987 speech as a "splendid example"
turned,
Thomas
came
closest
to
would be with someone like Danny
ing that government can interfere
of applying natural law, and had not
Glickman that
with it only in extreme cases.
expressing some thoughts on the
we understand the
reread the article, written by con-
question.
effects of the government's per-
But he did not say whether that
servative businessman Lewis Lehr-
"I guess as a kid we heard the
ceived endorsement of one religion
right extends beyond the marital
man, since being nominated. The ar-
hushed whispers about illegal abor-
over another," suggesting his poten-
setting. He steadfastly refused at-
ticle has been a central part of the
tions
and
individuals
performing
tial agreement with a middle-ground
tempts to pin him down on the abor-
debate about Thomas's nomination.
tion issue, despite complaints by
them in less than safe environments,
standard adopted by Justice Sandra
Leahy and Metzenbaum both con-
but they were whispers," he said.
Day O'Connor.
frustrated Democrats that he was
trasted Thomas's reticence on the
Of course, if a woman is sub-
In other testimony and comments
discussing other cases and consti-
subject of abortion with his willing-
tutional doctrines likely to come
jected to the agony of an environ-
yesterday:
ness to discuss other legal issues.
before the court.
ment like that, on a personal level,
Thomas told Sen. Dennis DeCon-
For example, Thomas, in answer-
certainly, I am very, very pained by
cini (D-Ariz.) he "had no reason to
Four of the five Democratic sen-
ing questions Tuesday from Sen.
that. I think any of us would be. I
question or to disagree with" the
ators who questioned Thomas on
Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), talked
would not want to see people sub-
approach the court currently uses
the second day of his confirmation
about habeas corpus reform to ex-
jected to torture of that nature."
in protecting women from sex dis-
hearings before the Senate Judicia-
pedite handling of death row cases;
crimination.
ry Committee expressed varying
But, he said, "as difficult as it is
commented on a Supreme Court
for me to anticipate or to want to
DeConcini said he was troubled
degrees of concern that the nom-
decision in June protecting victims'
see that kind of illegal activity, I
by Thomas's record with regard to
inee was backtracking from or con-
rights; and discussed the good-faith
tradicting earlier statements, pri-
think it would undermine my ability
Hispanics while head of the Equal
exception to the rule excluding il-
marily about the role of natural law
to sit in an impartial way on an im-
Employment Opportunity Commis-
legally seized evidence from use in
portant case like that."
sion. "The feeling I have is you re-
in interpreting the Constitution.
criminal trials.
Sen. Howell T. Heflin (D-Ala.), a
Later, in an exchange with
ally were not paying attention to
Leahy, Thomas said he had never
He also said he thought the Su- Hispanics," said DeConcini, another
swing vote on the committee, told
preme Court was correct during the potential swing vote on the commit-
Thomas that there was "an appear-
discussed Roe v. Wade, a decision
that Thomas described as "one of
New Deal when it abandoned its tee. "I get that feeling, and from the
ance of a confirmation conversion,"
the more important, as well as one
practice of striking down social wel- opposition that has come forward
an issue, Heflin pointedly noted,
"that can affect the evaluation that
that has been one of the more high-
fare legislation as violative of eco- from the Hispanic community, you
ly publicized and debated cases."
nomic rights, and he stated his flat certainly didn't leave them with any
members of the committee may
Thomas said that when the case
agreement with a 1977 case, Moore great impression you were inter-
give as to integrity and tempera-
was decided in 1973, he was a mar-
v. East Cleveland, invalidating a city ested in their problems, Judge."
ment." Heflin devoted his entire
ried law student who was also work-
zoning ordinance that defined fam-
By yesterday evening, the White
half-hour of questioning to asking
ing, and "I did not spend a lot of
ilies because it barred a grandmoth- House had provided DeConcini with
the nominee to square his previous
time around the law school doing
er from living with her two grand- a list he had requested of the meet-
statements with his current position
what all the other students enjoyed
sons, who were first cousins.
ings Thomas held with Hispanic
that natural law plays no role in
so much, and that is debating all the
Thomas and his defenders said groups while at the EEOC.
constitutional adjudication.
current cases."
his comments involved either set-
Thomas expressed a view on the
"What I read is somewhat differ-
"Judge Thomas, I was a married
tled areas of the law, such as the importance of upholding Supreme
ent from the tone" of earlier re-
law student who also worked. but I
right to privacy or the post-New Court precedents that appeared
marks, said Sen. Paul Simon (D-III.).
also found at least between classes
Deal cases, or situations in which he different from that endorsed by a
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) also
that we did discuss some of the
simply offered his comments on is- majority of the justices on the last
said that Thomas, before the con-
law," Leahy responded.
sues without stating how he would day of the term this year. The court
firmation hearings, had "shifted"
come down on them.
In the years since the ruling,
said it would be more reluctant to
position several times on the legal-
Thomas told Leahy, his only expe-
Thomas also invoked his status as overturn precedents in property
ity of minority preference programs
rience in discussing the case was "in
a sitting federal judge, contasting it rights and other economic rights
and set-asides.
the most general sense that other
to his freedom to comment on is- cases than in those concerning in-
Thomas, backed by Republicans
individuals express concerns one
sues while he was an official of the vidual rights.
on the committee, sought to defuse
executive branch.
way or the other and you listen and
The standard for overturning pre-
that concern, saying he had been
you try to be thoughtful. If you are
"I think it is important that when cedents "should be as uniform as pos-
"consistent on this issue of natural asking me whether or not I have
one becomes a member of the ju- sible," Thomas said, not "less for in-
law" and pointing repeatedly to a ever debated the contents of it, the
diciary that one ceases to accumu- dividual rights than for commercial
statement at his confirmation hear- answer to that is no, senator."
late strong viewpoints and to cases." He said it "seems to me the
ings for the federal appeals court in Leahy pointed out that Thomas
maintain and secure that level of cases in the individual rights area
February 1990 at which he sug- had participated in a White House
impartiality and objectivity neces- deserve the greatest protection."
gested he would follow a more tra- report on the family that criticized
sary for judging cases," he said.
Toward the close of the session
ditional approach to constitutional Roe, cited the case in a footnote to a
interpretation.
yesterday, Thomas commented ex-
law review article, mentioned the
He also distinguished between abortion issue in a reference to an
tensively on the proper test to be
his roles as administration policy- article about natural law and a fetal
used in cases involving the separa-
maker and jurist. "I advocated as an right to life and discussed black vot-
advocate, and now I will rule as a ers' views on abortion in a newspa-
judge," he said.
per article.
Sen. Alan K. Simpson (R-Wyo.) "I cannot believe that all of this
said suggestions of a confirmation was done in a vacuum, absent some
PAGE
2
OF
40
conversion were "an act of desper- very clear considerations of Roe V.
ation" by groups opposed to Thom- Wade," said Leahy. who promised
he chose the 43-year-old jurist without
THOMAS UNDERGOES
regard to his views on Roe V. Wade, the
The New York Times
1973 ruling that established a constitu-
tional right to abortion.
TOUGH QUESTIONING
Judge Thomas today repeated that
DATE:
9/12/91
he believed the Constitution provides
PAGE:
for some right of privacy but would not
say whether that meant a constitution-
ON PAST REMARKS
al right to an abortion because that
would "leave the impression that I've
prejudged the case."
All he would say about his personal
views about abortion in response to a
OPENNESS IS CHALLENGED
question was that he was "very, very
pained" by the thought of back-alley
abortions which resulted in the death
and disfigurement of women. "I would-
Committee Democrats Express
n't want to see people subjected to that
end of the day, the table held copies of
kind of torture," he said but again
several of the Judge's articles and
Concern That the Nominee
declined to say if that influenced his
speeches; copies delivered to him by
constitutional view of abortion.
Senators, who were pressing him to
Is Tailoring Testimony
Several of the committee's Republi-
read his own words and be prepared to
can members were clearly uncomfort-
answer further questions about them.
able with the aggressive questioning of
Judge Thomas is expected to testify
By NEIL A. LEWIS
Judge Thomas. Senator Strom Thur-
through Friday. Next week will be de-
Special to The New York Times
mond of South Carolina, the commit-
voted to hearing witnesses for and
tee's ranking Republican, broke into
against the nomination.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 - Judge
Mr. Metzenbaum's questioning to de-
Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Dela-
Clarence Thomas faced stiff question-
fend Judge Thomas against a com-
ware, the committee chairman, is ex-
ing today in his second day of testimo-
plaint that he was willing to answer
pected to schedule a vote sometime
ny before the Senate Judiciary Com-
questions on other cases that might
later in the month.
mittee, with some Democratic Sena-
come before the Court but not abortion
After Mr. Metzenbaum's persistent
tors questioning whether he was tailor-
because that would harm his chances
questions about abortions led off the
ing his comments and repudiating his
of confirmation.
hearing, the same issue was sharply
earlier writings and speeches to win a
Despite the tough questions and the
pressed in the afternoon by Senator
seat on the Supreme Court.
annoyance Judge Thomas's answers
Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Ver-
Senator Howell Heflin, an Alabama
produced among some members, it re-
mont. The Senator sought to question
mains unclear whether his chances at
Judge Thomas again on what he meant
Democrat whose support to Judge
winning confirmation will be seriously
in 1987 when he briefly but pointedly
Thomas's nomination is crucial, told
affected. But the contest is clearly not
praised an article that argued Roe V.
the nominee he was concerned that
over; by the second day of hearings
Wade was immoral and a violation of
"there appears to be a conflict between
last year on the nomination of Judge
natural law. Judge Thomas's writings
what you've said in the past and what
David H. Souter to the Supreme Court,
in support of natural law, the concept
you've told us here."
any opposition on the committee had
that there is a higher, more fundamen-
he said this gave the appearance
evaporated. Members were referring
tal law that transcends any written
that Judge Thomas was undergoing a
to him respectfully as "Justice-to-be"
law, has been the focus of much ques-
"confirmation conversion" and said;
and recommending what he do with his
tioning.
such an approach could raise questions
vacation time when he joined the
Mr. Leahy seemed annoyed when
Court.
Judge Thomas said for the first time
about the nominee's integrity and tem-
perament.
A Record of Comments
today that he may never have read the
article by Lewis Lehrman, a New York
Speeches and Writings
But unlike Judge Souter who had not
businessman and patron of conserva-
written or spoken publicly much, Judge
tive causes. In his 1987 speech entitled,
At issue are Judge Thomas's state-
Thomas has an extensive record of
"Why Black Americans Should Look to
ments on Tuesday before the commit-
comments suggesting, some highly
Conservative Policies," he praised the
tee, in which he sought to dismiss the
critical of Congress and certain Su-
Lehrman article "on the meaning of
significance of a series of speeches and
preme Court opinions.
the right to life is a splendid example of
writings over the years. Opponents
Judge Thomas said today that his
applying natural law."
have argued that the writings and
wife had remarked that if Judge Souter
Judge Thomas said he might have
speeches demonstrate Judge Thomas,
was known as the "stealth" nominee,
only skimmed the piece before he
has a strong conservative agenda.
he should be known as "Bigfoot."
spoke and had not looked at it in years.
Judge Thomas insisted on both days
Republican strategists said that de-
Judge Thomas said he disavowed the
that he would bring no ideological
spite the skepticism that his answers
message in the article insofar as it
agenda to the court and said he be-
produced among some committee
meant that natural law should be a
members he performed well and gave
basis for a court's ruling.
lieved that a judge should approach a
no cause for any momentum to oppose
When Mr. Leahy asked Judge Thom-
case by shedding all his preconceptions
him. One said that he and his advisers
as if a fetus has any constitutional
the way a runner strips down for a
were willing to have him "take his
rights, he paused for several seconds
race. [Excerpts, page A20.]
lumps" over whether his answers were
before saying that he did not believe
Contentious Tone
annoyingly repetive or even implausi-
there were any cases that took that
ble.
view but he would have to check. In
The contentious tone of the hearing
The alternative, the strategist said,
fact, Roe V. Wade explicitly holds that a
was set in today's opening colloquy
was for him to engage in an open-ended
fetus does not have constitutional
with Senator Howard Metzenbaum, an
debate that could prove perilous.
rights.
Ohio Democrat, the only committee
Still, there was anxiety over the
Under repeated questioning from
member to have voted against Judge
charge that in explaining away his past
Mr. Leahy, Judge Thomas said that he
Thomas's confirmation to the United
comments he was tailoring his re-
did not believe he had ever expressed
States Court of Appeals for the District
marks to win confirmation. The charge
an opinion about Roe even in private
of Columbia Cicuit last year.
of a confirmation conversion had
nor had he ever formulated a personal
Mr. Metzenbaum said he was greatly
proved devastating in 1987 to Judge
opinion on the case in the 18 years since
it was decided.
concerned about Judge Thomas's ex-
Robert H. Bork who was rejected for a
Supreme Court seat after a bruising
In Roe, the Court held that a right of
planations on Tuesday of his earlier
political fight.
privacy could be found in the 14th
speeches and writings. "Your complete
repudiation of your past record makes
Affirmative Action Opponent
Amendment, the post-Civil War
amendment that guarantees citizens of
our job very difficult," he said.
Although Judge Thomas has gained
all the states a range of liberties, in-
a reputation as an outspoken opponent
Over the next half hour, Mr. Metzen-
cluding due process.
of affirmative action, the subject has
baum asked Judge Thomas 13 times,
been little discussed so far. Today he
and in as many ways, to indicate
told Senator Hank Brown, a Colorado
whether he believed there was any
Republican, that he opposed timeta-
constitutional right of privacy that
bles, preferences or quotas but said he
would give a woman a right to abortion.
supported efforts to seek out and enlist
Each time Judge Thomas responded it
fully qualified minorities. Under such a
would be inappropriate to answer be-
program, he said, he was able to attend
Yale Law School.
cause it would compromise his ability
to sit on a Supreme Court that is cer-
"The effort on the part of Yale dur-
tain to consider the issue.
ing my years there was to reach out
"I don't have an ideology to take to
and open its doors to minorities whom
the Court to do all sorts of things,"
it felt were qualified, and I took them at
Judge Thomas said. "I'm there to take
their word on that," he said. "And I
the cases that come before me and to
have advocated that very kind of affir-
mative action."
do the fairest, most open-minded, de-
cent job I can as a judge."
While Judge Thomas sat alone at a
President Bush, who nominated
green-baize table in the Senate Caucus
Judge Thomas to replace Thurgood
room with nothing before him on Tues-
Marshall on the Supreme Court, said
day, today he fingered a pocket-sized
booklet of the Constitution. And by the
PAGE
3
OF
40
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
Democrats Accuse Thomas of Changing
DATE: 9/12/91
Positions to Win Confirmation as Justice
PAGE:
AZO
By PAUL M. BARRETT
cies to help move large numbers of blacks
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
into: the work force. The nominee re-
WASHINGTON - Some Senate Demo-
sponded that such policies lead to reverse
crats began to focus on Clarence Thomas's
discrimination against whites and other ra-
integrity, accusing the Supreme Court
cial groups and also "undermine the dig-
nominee of trying to get confirmed by re-
nity" of those who are helped.
pudiating his past positions on such topics
Judge Thomas instead stressed that in-
as the right to privacy and natural law.
dividual cases of discrimination deserved
Judge Thomas, in his second day of tes-
government attention and that employers
timony before the Senate Judiciary Com-
found guilty of purposeful bias should face
mittee, insisted he hadn't changed his
tougher punishment, including potential
views and also resisted Democrats' contin-
jail terms and multimillion-dollar criminal
ued efforts to elicit his opinion on Roe VS.
fines.
Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court
In an earlier exchange with Sen. DeCon-
decision that recognized a constitutional
cini. the nominee said somewhat enigmati-
right to abortion.
cally that for some types of discrimination,
Under sharp questioning by Sen. Pat-
he might endorse a "more exacting" level
rick Leahy (D., Vt.), the nominee said he
of analysis than is now employed by the
has never formed an opinion of any kind
Supreme Court. Judge Thomas didn't elab-
about Roe VS. Wade and couldn't even re-
orate on when he would consider such a
call discussing the controversial case in
"ratcheting up" of the high court's dis-
the 18 years since he graduated from law
crimination test, making it easier to prove
school. Judge Thomas, who sits on the fed-
illegal bias.
eral appeals court here, reiterated that, in
Responding to questions from Sen. Paul
any case, he wouldn't comment directly on
Simon (D., III.), Judge Thomas made his
the abortion-rights issue because it would
first comments on another issue that
"undermine" his impartiality as a judge.
comes before the Supreme Court fre-
He did say that, if confirmed, he would
quently, prayer in school. The nominee
keep an open mind on abortion cases and
said that a policy that resulted in a stu-
would rely on precedent and medical sci-
dent's being excluded from any activity
ence in deciding them.
because of religion "should be considered
Continued Questioning on Abortion
inappropriate."
Expressing skepticism, Sen. Leahy indi-
The issue Democrats pursued with en-
cated that he would continue to press the
thusiasm was whether Judge Thomas has
nominee on the issue. Republicans. mean-
been conveniently disavowing past state-
while. charged that Judge Thomas was be-
ments and positions to improve his
ing held to a tougher standard than Justice
chances of being confirmed. Sen. Howell
David Souter, who was easily confirmed
Heflin (D., Ala. ) noted "an appearance of
last year despite his refusal to discuss Roe
confirmation conversion," a clear refer-
VS. Wade.
ence to the 1987 defeat Robert Bork. a Su-
Overall, Judge Thomas maintained a
preme Court nominee of former President
calm demeanor under Democratic fire,
Reagan. Some Democrats charged four
and at least one influential committee
years ago that Mr. Bork had undergone
member, Sen. Dennis DeConcini (D.
such a conversion when he tried to temper
Ariz. ), said he was "pleased" with his tes-
some of his controversial views, and the
timony on some issues. Committee Chair-
accusation helped doom his nomination.
man Joseph Biden of Delaware told the
Sen. Heflin, who provided a key vote
nominee, "Do not count me às one of your
against Mr. Bork, said a confirmation con-
detractors because I ask you tough ques-
version raised the issue of a nominee's "in-
tions."
tegrity and temperament" to sit on the Su-
Even the nominee's staunchest liberal
preme Court.
opponents conceded that he went into the
Focus on Natural Law
hearings a strong favorite to be confirmed
Specifically, the Alabama lawmaker
and probably could be defeated only if he
questioned whether Judge Thomas had
blundered badly at the witness table. So
backed off his earlier endorsements of nat-
far, at least, he hasn't.
ural law. This somewhat esoteric legal phi-
Responding to questions on abortion, for
losophy, which has become a central issue
example, he acknowledged the potential
in the Thomas hearings, assumes the exis-
human toll of making the procedure ille-
tence of certain fundamental rights, such
gal. as many of his conservative allies ad-
as liberty and equality, regardless of
vocate. He recalled that as a child he had
whether those rights are included in writ-
heard "hushed whispers" about illegal
ten laws.
abortions performed under unsafe condi-
In response to questions from several
tions. "On a personal level," he added, "I
Democrats, Judge Thomas has tried to
wouldn't want to see people subjected to
soften and clarify some of his natural-law
torture of that nature."
beliefs. For example, he has distanced
Aside from his own performance, Judge
himself from natural-law thinkers who
Thomas has benefited from the difficult po-
would declare abortion unconstitutional or
sition in which his nomination has put lib-
assert property rights as a means of roll-
erals. Among his most controversial posi-
ing back government regulation of busi-
tions is the steadfast opposition to most
ness. But the nominee insisted yesterday
forms of racial preferences, which he
that he wasn't abandoning natural law al-
turned into federal policy as chairman of
together: instead, he stressed that he
the Equal Employment Opportunity Com-
views it as more of a political theory than
mission during the 1980s. But Democrats
a basis for deciding constitutional cases.
have hesitated to raise race relations, ap-
It wasn't clear whether this answer
parently because they don't relish criticiz-
completely satisfied Sen. Heflin. But the
ing a black man who overcame segrega-
lawmaker eventually qualified his attack
tion and poverty and bases his self-help
by acknowledging that Judge Thomas's
philosophy on those compelling experi-
past pronouncements on natural law were
ences.
"subject to interpretation.' Sen. Heflin
It was a Republican, Arlen Specter of
also said he hadn't decided how he would
Pennsylvania. who persistently questioned
vote on the nomination.
Judge Thomas yesterday on why he
Raquel Santiago contributed to this
doesn't favor broad affirmative-action poli-
article.
PAGE
4
OF
The Washington Times
Thomas holds firm
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
on 'impartiality'
Senators
"If you're asking me whether or
"At
no
time
did
I
adopt
or
endorse
not I've ever debated the contents of the substance of the [Lehrman] arti-
it, the answer to that is no, Senator," cle," Judge Thomas said, adding that
said Judge Thomas, a member of the he had praised it during a speech at
press on
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District
the Heritage Foundation to illustrate
of Columbia.
to conservatives that natural law
"Have you made any decision in
was a good reason "to be more re-
abortion
your mind whether you feel Roe VS.
Wade was properly decided
with-
ceptive
and to be more aggres-
out stating what that decision is?"
sive" on civil rights enforcement.
By Dawn Ceol
Mr. Leahy asked.
Mr. Metzenbaum said he was not
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
"I have not made, Senator, a de-
satisfied with Judge Thomas' testi-
cision one way or the other with re-
mony that his earlier writings on
Supreme Court nominee Clarence spect to that important decision," the
natural law were mere philosophical
Thomas yesterday deflected re- judge responded.
musings that he would not apply on
peated attempts by Senate liberals to Sen. Dennis DeConcini, an Ari-
the bench and charged the nominee
force him to reveal his views on abor- zona Democrat and a swing vote in
with tailoring his answers to ensure
tion, insisting that he had "not made the closely contested nomination
confirmation.
a decision" on the issue and would battles, said Judge Thomas "han-
"We don't know if the Judge
keep an open mind.
dled the privacy questions very
Thomas who has been speaking and
"As a kid we heard the hushed well."
writing throughout his adult life is
whispers about illegal abortions, "I don't see how you could ask him
the same man up for confirmation
and individuals performing them in to do anything more," Mr. DeConcini
before us today, and I must tell you it
less-than-safe environments." Judge said.
gives me a great deal of concern,"
Thomas told the Senate Judiciary Sen. John Danforth, a Missouri
Mr. Metzenbaum said.
Committee. "If a woman had been Republican and Judge Thomas'
Sen. Alan Simpson, Wyoming Re-
subjected to the agony of an environ- strongest Senate supporter, chas-
publican, quoted passages from
ment like that, on a personal level tised his colleagues for a "litmus
Judge Thomas' 1990 hearings for a
certainly I am very, very pained by test" approach.
seat on the federal appeals court in
that."
"It really is wrong to say that we
which the nominee said: "Recogniz-
But divulging an opinion on abor- are only going to confirm people
ing that natural rights is a philosoph-
tion "would undermine my ability to who are going to vote our way on any
ical, historical context of the Consti-
sit in an impartial way on an impor- issue, whether it's Roe V. Wade or
tution is not to say that I have
tant case like that," the nominee said. anything else?" Mr. Danforth said.
abandoned the methodology of con-
Judge
Thomas'
second
day
of tes- "Continually, people bark up the
stitutional interpretation used by
timony covered a variety of topics he same tree: Will Clarence Thomas
the Supreme Court."
had treated in numerous speeches prejudge the abortion issue? He says
Mr. Simpson dismissed charges of
during his career, including affirm- no, he will not," he said. "Does he
a "confirmation conversion" on the
ative action and judicial restraint. have a view of abortion that prede-
natural law issue as "a bit of an over-
Pressed by Sen. Paul Simon, Il- termines how he would vote on the
reaction
an act of desperation, if
linois Democrat, for his views on Supreme Court? No. he does not.
you will."
school prayer, Judge Thomas said he Won't he please tell us how he would
Several times during the day,
was "sensitive to our desire in this prejudge abortion? No, he won't.
Judge Thomas repeated his belief
country to keep government and re-
"And no matter how many times
that judges should divorce them-
ligion separated."
the same question comes up, I think selves from opinions on contentious
But the testiest exchanges in- his answer is appropriate."
issues.
volved the abortion question and Mr. Metzenbaum said that he
He assured Sen. Arlen Specter,
Judge Thomas' refusal to state his would not continue to press Judge Pennsylvania Republican, that al-
position.
Thomas on the abortion question but though he had criticized race-
Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, Ohio that his reluctance to reveal his posi- conscious policies while EEOC
Democrat, used his half-hour of tion "certainly makes it more dif- chairman, he had put those opinions
questioning to press the black con- ficult to vote for him."
aside in his role as a judge. In one
servative nominee at least 10-times
Sen. Herb Kohl, Wisconsin Demo-
exchange about the correct role of
for his views on Roe vs. Wade, the crat, said he was bothered by Judge judges, the nominee used football to
1973 decision that recognized a con- Thomas' testimony: "I'm concerned illustrate his contention that judges
stitutional right to abortion.
about his candor, his willingness to must be impartial in all things.
"Frankly, I'm terrified that if we be forthcoming."
"My Dallas Cowboys, for exam-
turn the clock back on legal abortion Mr. Metzenbaum, who had voted ple, played the Redskins this Mon-
services, women will once again be to confirm Justice David Souter last day night. And I am totally con-
forced to resort to brutal and illegal year despite his refusal to answer vinced that every referee in those
abortions, the kinds of abortions questions on abortion, denied that games is a Redskins fan, but none
where coat hangers substitute for liberals were applying a different would admit to it," the nominee said.
surgical instruments," Mr. Metzen- standard to Judge Thomas, former "I think that in something as sim-
baum said.
chairman of the Equal Employment ple as that, even though we have
"I fear that you, like other nomi- Opportunity Commission.
strong views about who should win
nees before the committee, could "Souter had not written or made we'd want to feel that the referees
assure us that you support a fun- as many speeches as has Judge - and judges are, to a large extent,
damental right to privacy but could Thomas," he said. "Judge Thomas referees - are fair and impartial,
also decline to find that a woman's has spoken and talked about the sub- even when we don't agree with the
right to choose is protected by the ject of a woman's right to choose, calls."
Constitution."
although not in those quite specific Noting the judge's admission that
Sen. Patrick Leahy, Vermont words. But he certainly has much he had been a Cowboys fan for 25
Democrat, continued that theme, more of a record than did have years, Mr. Simpson said: "I think
quizzing Judge Thomas about Souter."
that will create more concern than
whether he had discussed the Roe Liberals had used as proof of anything thus far. To have you in this
decision. or even thought about it, in Judge Thomas' pro-life views on nest of Redskin fans to be a Dallas
the 18 years since his graduation abortion his praise of an article by Cowboy fan certainly discloses a de-
from Yale law school.
conservative businessman Lewis gree of independence which will
"He's doing a superb job; he
Judge Thomas, 43, said he had dis- Lehrman attacking the Roe decision serve you very well on the court."
knows exactly how to handle himself
cussed abortion "only in the most as "a splendid example of the ap- The full Senate will vote on confir- and that's what's coming through,"
general sense, that other individuals plication of natural law."
mation
after
the
committee
has
Mr. Bush said of Judge Thomas per-
express concerns one way or the Discussions on "natural law," a made its recommendation on Pres- formance.
other and you listen and you try to be philosophy that holds certain rights ident Bush's choice to succeed retir-
thoughtful."
to be above governmental interfer- ing Justice Thurgood Marshall, the
ence, also played a leading role in only black member in the high
yesterdav's session.
court's history.
PACE
or
40
The Washington Post
For Committee Democrats, Nominee's
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A5
Lack of Views Can Be a Target Too
By Fred Barbash
tral to the confirmation hearings-
Washington Post Staff Writer
is whether Thomas's disinclination
becomes a judge, that's what one
to claim controversial views, or any
starts doing.
I think it's impor-
Unable to make an effective issue
views at all on a subject like abor-
tant for judges not to have strong
so far of Clarence Thomas's views,
tion, is disturbingly disingenuous.
ideological views."
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary
The Democrats are picking their
Republicans on the committee,
Committee tried yesterday to focus issues carefully. Although Thomas
for the most part, tried to make
attention on his professed lack of is expected to be before the com-
sure Thomas stayed stripped down
them.
mittee at least into Friday, they so
yesterday. Sen. Alan K. Simpson
After
repeatedly
asserting-in
far have asked relatively few ques-
(R-Wyo.) talked for most of his al-
response to at least 30 questions on tions on subjects that could be po- lotted half hour of question time.
whether a woman has a constitu-
litically controversial for them, as
Sen. Hank Brown (R-Colo.) ques-
tional right to termi-
NEWS
well as for the nominee. Although tioned Thomas about such hot-but-
nate a pregnancy-
ANALYSIS
Thomas has been most outspoken ton items as the computer system
that he could not an-
during his career on affirmative ac- and database he had installed as
swer lest he compromise his impar- tion programs and the use of hiring chairman of the Equal Employment
tiality, Thomas told an incredulous quotas, those issues have barely Opportunity Commission.
Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) that, come up.
Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-
in fact, he hadn't really formed an Instead they have pounded away Iowa) complimented Thomas on his
opinion on the matter.
at natural law-a juridical theory
fine family, gave readings from the
"With all due respect, Judge, I that most constituents know little
Federalist Papers and Thomas's
have some difficulty with your an- about and care about even less-
last confirmation hearing (to be a
swer," said Leahy, pointing out that and, most repetitively, at abortion.
federal appeals court judge), and
Thomas had been immersed in a Abortion is relatively easy for the quoted the late Justice Harlan Fiske
wide variety of conservative policy Democrats, most of whom are on
Stone before turning Thomas's at-
debates over the past 18 years and record with one position or another,
tention to an Interstate Commerce
had on one occasion cited Roe v. and potentially dangerous territory
Commission case he had voted on
Wade-the 1973 Supreme Court for Thomas.
recently concerning ferry operators
decision on abortion-in a footnote Despite attempts to make him ap-
on Long Island.
to a scholarly paper.
pear less than candid, Thomas doubt-
On those issues about which the less knows that expressing an opin-
Supreme Court nominee's views ion on Roe v. Wade-if, indeed, he
seemed to be an undeniable matter has one-could cost him the confir-
of record in speeches and writings, mation by alienating one side or the
the Democratic senators implied other. Not surprisingly, he chose—
that Thomas had had some sudden, as have most recent nominees-to
politically expedient changes of decline to answer.
opinion.
It was too much for Sen. Howard
In particular, they contrasted his M. Metzenbaum (D-Ohio), who
previously expressed views on the pointed out that both on Tuesday
subject of "natural law," indicating and yesterday, Thomas showed lit-
he thought it was a good basis for tle hesitation in answering ques-
making judicial decisions, with his tions about currently hot judicial
repeated insistence during a day issues such as sex discrimination,
and a half of hearings that he church-state relations, victim im-
thought it was not.
pact statements and capital punish-
Perhaps Thomas had undergone a ment appeals.
"confirmation conversion," Sen. "Senator," Thomas said, I do
Howell T. Heflin (D-Ala.) suggested, not believe that I either indicated
indicating such a strategy could that I agreed with the outcome in
"raise issues that can affect the eval- those cases or not."
uation that [we] may give as to in- Thomas sought to make a virtue of
tegrity and temperament."
a lack of strong opinions. "One of the
The question thus far-or at justices once spoke of having to strip
least the question that the Demo- down like a runner to eliminate agen-
crats would like to see become cen- das, to eliminate ideology. When one
PAGE 6 OF 40
The New York Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A21
Sticking to the Script
Confirmation Process Lets Judge Say
As Much, or as Little, as He Chooses
By LINDA GREENHOUSE
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 - Judge
ovérwhelmingly confirmed to an im-
Clarence Thomas's second day before
portant Federal appeals court just last
The relative handful of unscripted,
the Senate Judiciary Committee of-
year and who has been found "quali-
unrehearsed moments during today's
fered a graphic display of the limits of
fied" by the American Bar Association
proceeding offered a hint that if he is
the modern Supreme Court confirma-
to sit on the Supreme Court.
confirmed Judge Thomas might not
tion process.
Or the Senators could simply refuse
necessarily be as predictable as some
As part of the Senate's
to confirm him on the ground that he
of his conservative supporters might
constitutional role of ad-
has not been forthcoming enough for
hope.
News
vice and consent, the com-
them to make a judgment. That is a
mittee can summon nomi-
One example was his discussion with
Analysis
difficult option because a number of
nees, sit them down before
other recent Supreme Court nominees
Senator Hank Brown, Republican of
the glare of television
have been permitted by the Senate to
Colorado, of the role of precedent in the
lights, probe their records and pepper
say almost nothing of substance. An-
Court's decision-making process.
them with questions. The one thing the
tonin Scalia was confirmed unanimous-
Precedent was "important," Judge
committee cannot do is make nomi-
ly in 1986 despite refusing to give his
Thomas said, not surprisingly.
nees provide substantive answers.
views on Marbury V. Madison, the deci-
Might some types of precedents be
Judge Thomas stuck doggedly to his
sion, nearly 200 years old, that estab-
more important than others, Senator
script today, a script that called for
lished the basis for the Supreme
Brown asked.
him to refuse to discuss abortion on the
Court's exercise of the power of judi-
Judge Thomas replied that he had
ground that he did not want to compro-
cial review.
"read somewhere" that the Court
mise his ability to decide an abortion
And a year ago, David H. Souter was
should treat precedents governing
case impartially.
confirmed to the Supreme Court de-
commercial relationships as more sta-
Questioned Repeatedly
spite his refusal to give his views on
ble than those dealing with individual
Questioned repeatedly about his
abortion and other pressing subjects.
rights. He did not understand that ap-
many speeches and articles advocating
Several of Judge Thomas's supporters,
proach and did not agree with it, he
that the Constitution be understood in
including his principal patron, Senator
said, adding that he would give equal
light of the framers' belief in a higher
John C. Danforth of Missouri, have
hinted that for the Senate to hold this
weight to precedents concerning indi-
or "natural" law, he insisted he had
vidual rights and commercial relation-
been speaking only about a political
nominee to a higher standard might
ships.
theory and not as a judge who would
give an appearance of racism.
actually decide cases by reference to
Strict Constructionist Approach
The "somewhere" in which the con-
trary view appeared was the Court's
natural law.
Judge Thomas took a strict construc-
majority opinion last June in Payne V.
Democratic Senators who found
tionist approach to his own writings
Tennessee, written by Chief Justice
these answers either uninformative or
and speeches, ascribing narrow mean-
William H. Rehnquist. Over a vigorous
inconsistent with the written record
ings to statements that sounded sweep-
disssent by Justice Thurgood Marshall,
ing when Senators read them aloud in
whose seat Judge Thomas would fill,
the hearing room. For example, Sena-
Chief Justice Rehnquist essentially set
The unrehearsed
tor Howell Heflin, Democrat of Ala-
out guidelines for overturning existing
bama, read from a 1988 speech in
precedents, with cases on individual
which Judge Thomas had declared that
moments hint
rights among the most vulnerable.
"the higher law background of the Con-
stitution, whether explicitly appealed
That decision was evidently not cov-
that Thomas
to or not, provides the only firm basis
ered during Judge Thomas's prepara-
for a just, wise, and constitutional deci-
tion sessions for his confirmation hear-
might be
sion.'
ing. His spontaneous response to Sena-
The nominee insisted, with reference
tor Brown's question perhaps said
unpredictable.
to this and other similar passages, that
more about his judicial instincts than
he had been speaking as a "part-time
his carefully crafted and repetitively
political theorist" who was trying to
delivered answers to the questions he
help conservative audiences become
and his team did expect. More such
were left writhing in frustration. Sena-
more receptive to aggressive civil
spontaneity during the remainder of
tor Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont was
rights enforcement. He said he had
the proceedings would be enlightening.
hoped that conservatives would under-
But, given the way the confirmation
openly incredulous in the face of Judge
Thomas's assertion that in the 18 years
stand that natural law was the basis for
process has evolved, it is not particu-
the opposition to slavery.
larly likely.
since the Supreme Court established a
constitutional right to abortion in the
"I'm not saying it worked," he re-
Roe V. Wade decision he had never
marked to Senator Heflin about those
expressed a view, even in conversation,
efforts. He added: "I certainly never
about the case.
thought I'd be having this discussion."
Yet as a practical matter, the options
Judge Thomas's adherence to his
are fairly limited for Senators who
strategy of refusing to discuss abortion
believe they are not getting the full
on the ground that he would otherwise
story from the nominee.
compromise his impartiality led him to
They could call him a liar, an unpal-
make the surprising suggestion that
atable option that would involve not
sitting Justices who had written opin-
only a breach of protocol but also a
ions on abortion might not be impartial
credibility contest that the Senators
enough to decide future abortion cases.
would have no assurance of winning.
That suggestion came in answer to a
question from Senator Leahy, who not-
An Unattractive Option
ed that Justice Scalia has expressed
opposition to Roe V. Wade, while Jus-
Or they could credit his sincerity but
tice Harry A. Blackmun, the opinion's
challenge his competence, on the
author, has expressed his continued
ground that he must not have under-
support for it. Should those Justices be
stood the implications of what he was
disqualified from sitting in future abor-
saying in his past speeches and articles
tion cases, Senator Leahy asked.
if he now believes that he was not
advocating the use of natural law as a,
"Each of them has to determine in,
his mind at what point they have com-
tool for deciding constitutional cases.
promised their objectivity or their abil-
That, too, is an unattractive option in
the case of a nominee whom the Senate: Thomas replied.
ity to sit fairly on those cases," Judge
PAGE
7
OF
40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
Panel tries to catch Thomas
shifting on issues
By Ronald A. Taylor
"You've got 'em," Mr. Simpson told
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
the nominee. "They're very frus-
a single legal scholar in America,
Supreme Court nominee Clarence
trated by you."
and I hope you meet that test or you
Some of the most pointed ques-
shouldn't be on the Supreme Court,"
Thomas faced intense queries yes-
Mr. Biden said.
terday as members of the Senate Ju-
tions came from Sen. Howard Met-
diciary Committee probed to see
zenbaum, Ohio Democrat, and Mr.
Mr. Leahy expressed surprise at
Leahy on the abortion and natural-
Judge Thomas' assertion that he had
whether President Bush nominated
law issues.
not discussed the celebrated Roe vs.
an inconsistent, possibly opportunis-
"Judge, does a fetus have a consti-
Wade abortion ruling.
tic replacement for Justice Thur-
good Marshall.
tutional status as a person?" Mr.
Leahy asked.
"I have never heard anybody who
The black conservative had to
"I can't think of any cases that
does know him here that they have
handle pointed questions about ap-
have held that," Judge Thomas re-
heard him state a position on Roe V.
parent inconsistencies in his current
sponded.
Wade, and I think he's very truthful
positions and previously expressed
in saying that," said Sen. John C.
attitudes about privacy, abortion
During questioning by Mr. Leahy
Danforth, Missouri Republican and
rights, natural law, anti-discrim-
on whether Judge Thomas em-
ination remedies and Congress' abil-
braces the idea of natural law as a
the judge's chief sponsor. "I think
ity to spell out its legislative inten-
basis for judicial rulings, Judge
that there are, believe it or not, a lot
of people in the country who don't go
tions.
Thomas said he had only skimmed around spending their time talking
Sen. Howell Heflin, Alabama
an article by conservative Lewis about Supreme Court cases, even
Democrat, said Judge Thomas gives
Lehrman before praising it as a one as controversial as Roe V. Wade."
the "appearance of confirmation
"splendid example" of the use of nat-
conversion," using a phrase coined
ural law.
There were occasional points won
by the questioners.
by Sen. Patrick Leahy, Vermont
"Sometime between now and the
Democrat, during 1987 hearings for
next go-around, could you please
Sen. Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania
Judge Robert Bork.
find the time to read it, and if you get
Republican, cited two decades of
So far, Judge Thomas appears "to
crammed with too many things be-
foot-dragging by a union to avoid a
change his mind or give answers that
tween now and then when I get my
court order to end racial discrimina-
won't hurt him in regards to the con-
next turnaround, I'll just stop and
tion. Citing the nominee's stated
firmation," Mr. Heflin said.
give you time to read it right then,"
aversion to race-based hiring rem-
"I'm concerned about his candor,
Mr. Leahy said.
edies, he asked the judge to explain
his willingness to be forthcoming,"
"Do not count me as one of your
why the Equal Employment Oppor-
said Sen. Herb Kohl, Wisconsin
detractors because I ask you tough
tunity Commission argued against
Democrat.
questions," said committee Chair-
penalizing the union for contempt of
Sen. Alan Simpson, Wyoming Re-
man Joseph Biden Jr., Delaware
court.
publican. dismissed such remarks
Democrat. He noted that definitions
as "an act of desperation" by liberals
of the concept of natural law are at
"It was a point well taken," Judge
best elusive.
Thomas said of the senator's obser-
worried that Judge Thomas will be
Defining and applying that idea same kind of fines that are available the
vation. "There should be
confirmed.
"may confound the people
but not in antitrust litigation."
PAGE 8 or 40
The Washington Times
Nominee wins fans
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
AI
beyond the Beltway
By Joyce Price
"Everybody in Pin Point's trying
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
to get off work so they can watch the
hearings or are calling home to find
Clarence Thomas may not be
black businessman who owns a fur-
out what's going on." said George An-
drawing Middle America to its TV
niture store in Pine Bluff, said he's
derson, a lifelong resident and dis-
sets like Norman Schwarzkopf - or
been watching the hearings on a TV
tant relative of Judge Thomas. "I
even Robert Bork - but the conser-
in his store.
think he's doing pretty good. Some
vative black Supreme Court nomi-
nee seems to have made a good im-
"Quite a few customers have
of the questions he's been asked are
purely political."
pression on many outside the
paused and watched the hearings
and made comments," he said. "The
Mr. Anderson commended the
Beltway who have been following his
general feeling is that he's done
judge for not answering questions
confirmation hearings.
fairly well. All of us could relate to
related to abortion, saying: "As a
"I think he has done extremely
what he was saying with regard to
judge, he shouldn't make a decision
well, and I'm an ultraliberal," Jim
Buist, owner of Buist's Barbershop
his background and experiences."
before he hears a case. He's got to
maintain impartiality."
in Kalamazoo, Mich., said in a tele-
But Mr. Toney said he's unhappy
phone interview yesterday.
Judge Thomas has not answered
Jannel Starling, owner of Marsh
questions about abortion. "I would
Point Florists just outside Pin Point,
Judge Thomas also won good rat-
ings from viewers in Pin Point, Ga.,
hope he'd give his views on abortion,
said: "We watched the hearings yes-
rather than evade the issue," he said.
terday and are pleased with how he's
his hometown, mixed reviews in
Public opinion on the nomination
done so far. Everybody's for him, be-
Pine Bluff, Ark., and Peoria, III., and
in Pine Bluff is mixed, he said.
cause he put Pin Point on the map.
negatives in Detroit for his conser-
"Some feel he'll be confirmed. Oth-
But it really angers me that the
Democrats are so biased."
vative record. Elsewhere, a random
ers feel he shouldn't be confirmed.
It's about 50-50."
Judge Thomas' conservative
telephone survey found, the Senate
views don't play as well in urban De-
Judiciary Committee hearings were
making little headway against the
In Peoria, customers at George's
troit, says Gerald Harrington, man-
soaps, talk shows and other daytime
Shoeshine and Hattery downtown
aging editor of "Detroit Daily," a talk
television standards.
also are split down the middle on the
show on WGPR-TV, whose audience
Keith Winn, an employee at Mac's
nomination. "It was much worse
is predominantly black. "Most folk
during the Bork hearings," said
out here don't care for Clarence
Bar and Grill in Oakland, Calif.,
Thomas," he said.
laughed when asked if any of the
George Manias, who has been shin-
ing shoes at that spot for 45 years.
But Ed Hudson, a salesman from
televisions in the place were tuned to
the hearings. "Washington, D.C., is
"Everybody was against Bork."
suburban Detroit, was an exception.
Customers at Steve's Barbershop,
"The first day he appeared to be rat-
the only place I can think of where
they'd have the Clarence Thomas
across the street from the Peoria
tled, but he seems to have settled into
hearings on in a bar." he said.
City Hall, have had little to say about
something of a rhythm today," Mr.
"My customers really aren't talk-
the Thomas hearings, owner Steve
Hudson said yesterday.
ing about the Clarence Thomas
Bainter said. Those who have com-
His only criticism of Judge
mented, he said, "feel he's going to
Thomas' performance yesterday fo-
hearings." said John Pierorazio,
be confirmed and that these hear-
cused on some "vague" answers to
owner of Uncle Eddie's restaurant in
Essex, a blue-collar community east
ings are just a formality."
questions about a doubling of com-
of Baltimore. "The Supreme Court
One community that has been
plaints by Hispanics during his ten-
really is too esoteric for most people,
paying understandably close atten-
ure as director of the Equal Employ-
I think."
tion to the hearings is Pin Point, a
ment Opportunity Commission. "He
town of about 175 residents just
didn't really seem to know what his
Mr. Pierorazio said he could not
watch the hearings even if he wanted
south of Savannah.
[staff] people were doing," Mr. Hud-
son said.
to, because his establishment does
not have cable TV. But he said he's
seen some news clips of Judge
Thomas at the hearings and com-
mented, "Overall, I think he's avoid-
ing the issues pretty well."
Mr. Buist, who has been catching
the hearings between customers in
his barbershop, had critical words
for Judge Thomas' questioners.
"I was sorry to hear [Sen. How-
ard] Metzenbaum [Ohio Democrat]
grinding him today on his philosoph-
ical and ideological positions," he
said. "They have to look at his quali-
fications but are way out in left
field [in their approach]."
His customers have had little to
say about Judge Thomas, he said.
The nomination has "not been a par-
ticularly big issue here," Mr. Buist
said. "It hasn't caught hold or
grabbed the conscience of the pop-
ulace to any extent at all."
He added: "But there was some
discussion about those ads the con-
servatives ran, including the one on
[Sen. Edward] Kennedy [Massachu-
setts Democrat]. I think the ad gave
people a more negative impression
of him, along with those events" in
Florida.
Interest in the Thomas hearings
seems to be a little keener in Pine
Bluff, a city whose population is 55
percent black. Clyde N. Toney: a
PACE
9
or
40
The New York Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A21
Specter Dons Mantle of Republican Maverick
By RICHARD L. BERKE
Special to The New York Times
at Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 - While his
With moderates like Charles McC.
cross-examination of Judge Clarence
Mathias Jr. of Maryland now retired,
him from voting on Judge Thomas's
Thomas today was by no means harsh,
Mr. Specter is the only Republican on
confirmation last year to the United
Senator Arlen Specter sounded like the
the committee who is viewed as a
States Court of Appeals for the District
grand inquisitor compared with other
possible swing vote on the Thomas
of Columbia Circuit, insists that he has
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary
nomination.
not decided.
Committee.
The role of Republican maverick is
"I'm really not leaning," he said.
Polite yet insistent, Mr. Specter put
not new for the onetime prosecutor
"I'm here to listen."
the Supreme Court nominee on notice
from Pennsylvania.
But Mr. Specter is known less as a
that he had problems with aspects of
In 1987, after a tense 90-minute collo-
listener than as a legal pontificator. His
his record, particularly his view of the
quy with Judge Robert H. Bork, Mr.
questions today for Judge Thomas
role and performance of Congress.
Specter was the sole Republican on the
were a lot longer than most of the
"You have repeatedly, over such a
panel who voted against his confirma-
answers. And they tended to ramble.
long period of time, expressed a very
tion to the High Court. That vote helped
strong view as to Congressional inepti-
set off the burst of opposition that
To his credit, Mr. Specter is widely
tude," Mr. Specter told the nominee.
spelled Judge Bork's spectacular de-
respected for his knowledge of Consti-
feat and turned the national spotlight
tutional issues. As in the Bork case, he
on Mr. Specter.
has immersed himself in Judge Thom-
It is a vote that Mr. Specter could
as's writings and rulings. Even during
never forget - even though it often
a vacation at the beach last month, his
seems as if he wants to.
aides said, they delivered materials on
"There's been hardly a day since the
Judge Thomas to the Senator every
Bork hearings that I have not heard
day. And he returned to Washington a
about it," Mr. Specter said in an inter-
week early to prepare for the hearings.
view today. "Judge Bork was more
But his detractors say that Mr. Spec-
than just another nominee. He was a
ter is more of a show horse than many
philosophical standard-bearer."
of his colleagues, and that his demean-
No Regrets on Bork Vote
or sometimes borders on arrogant.
Still, Mr. Specter wins plaudits from
His daily reminders about Judge
people who are often at odds with Re-
Bork are usually not complimentary.
publican lawmakers.
Many Republicans are still infuriated
with Mr. Specter's vote, and the Sena-
"Senator Specter always plays an
tor says he expects conservative Re-
important role with respect to champi-
oning civil rights," said Ralph Neas,
publicans who plan to run against him
in next year's primary election to
executive director of the Leadership
Conference on Civil Rights, which op-
make the Bork vote a centerpiece of
posed Judge Bork in 1987 and is now
their campaigns.
lobbying against Judge Thomas.
Mr. Specter insists that he does not
regret his vote against Judge Bork, but
Senator Dennis DeConcini of Ari-
acknowledges that it wounded him po-
zona, considered a possible swing vote
litically. How much? "I'll let you know
on Judge Thomas on the Democratic
after 1992," he said.
side, described Mr. Specter as one of
But the 61-year-old Senator, a one-
the most conscientious members of the
time Democrat who was first elected in
panel.
1980, says he can already envision the
"We all have the propensity to want
attacks in commercials on his vote on
to listen to ourselves," Mr. DeConcini
Judge Bork. He has a ready response.
said. "Maybe he takes a little longer to
"I'm going to say that Judge Bork had
get his questions out. But I think he's a
the most extreme views of anyone ever
very thoughtful guy. Some of my Re-
nominated to the Court," he said.
publican colleagues feel they have to go
In part because of the continued fall-
with the President, whoever is sent up
out on the Bork vote, and because he
here. Life would be much easier for
faces re-election, it is perhaps improb-
him if he were an Alan Simpson and
able that Mr. Specter will ultimately
just went along with everyone they
oppose Judge Thomas. Letters to his
sent up here."
office are overwhelmingly in favor of
Gary Bauer, chairman of the Citi-
confirmation, his aides say, but the
zens Committee to Confirm Clarence
telephone calls are overwhelmingly
Thomas and a former Reagan Admin-
against it.
istration official, called Mr. Specter's
Mr. Specter, whose staff members
vote on Judge Bork "irritating at
say a scheduling conflict prevented
best."
"But," he said, "the good thing about
Washington is you get other chances.
And he's got a chance now to redeem
himself on Judge Thomas."
PAGE
10
OF
41
Washington
Privy to a
added. "If you went to an outhouse,
DATE: 9/12/91
there would not be toilet paper, but
PAGE:
01
Man's Soul
there would be Sears Roebuck and
Montgomery Ward catalogues, and
you'd rip the pages out as necessary.
I joke you not. Some of these cata-
Clarence Thomas &
logues also had lingerie ads, and some
young men would go in there and-"
The Outhouse Effect
But enough of that.
Brookings Institution fellow Ste-
phen Hess recalled a political cartoon,
By Lloyd Grove
from a 1936 edition of the New York
Washington Post Staff Writer
Herald Tribune, in which Franklin
The Clarence Thomas Story, being told
Roosevelt, Harry Hopkins and James
this week in the Senate Judiciary Commit-
Farley were portrayed as young
tee, has already toppled a towering edifice
pranksters stealing an outhouse la-
of American political iconography-the log
beled "Private Rights."
cabin-and replaced it with something com-
"In 1936, outhouses were enough a
part of one's environment, a common
pletely different.
utility, that people could laugh at it,"
The outhouse.
Hess said. "I have a feeling that today
"In 1955, my brother and I went to live
if you did the same cartoon with
with my mother in Savannah," Thomas told
George Bush, John Sununu and Clay-
the panel Tuesday as it began considering
ton Yeutter, stealing an outhouse
his nomination to the Supreme Court. "We marked "Private Rights," no one
lived in one room in a tenement. We shared would quite get it. You'd have to
a
kitchen with other tenants and we had a show them hot-wiring a BMW."
common bathroom in the back yard which
"Outhouses were very typical, ac-
tually, of World War II America," said
was unworkable and unusable. It was hard,
University of New Orleans historian
but it was all we had and all there was."
Stephen Ambrose, biographer of
"He grew up without material comforts Richard Nixon and Dwight D. Eisen-
and even conveniences," Sen. Charles hower. "Outside of the cities, a major-
Grassley (R-Iowa), a Thomas supporter, ity of houses did not have indoor
thought it important to point out. "We have plumbing. Having grown up on a farm
heard from him and people who have known in Illinois, I myself was in that situa-
him well that it wasn't until he was 7 years tion."
old that he lived in a home with indoor
The young Ike made do without in-
plumbing."
door plumbing, as did Nixon, who
"I understand this," Sen. Orrin Hatch (R- probably had it as a teenager, Am-
Utah), another partisan of the nomi-
nee, chimed in significantly. "I was
brose said. He cited figures from the
born into a family where we didn't
1940 Census indicating that of 35 mil-
have indoor facilities either during the
lion households in the United States,
early years of my life
And I have
33 million boasted radios but only 20
to tell you, Judge Thomas, I am so
million had flush toilets.
doggone proud of you I can hardly
"I don't think anybody imagined
stand it."
then," said political sage Robert
Arguably, the above has implica-
Shrum, a -Democratic media consul-
tions for natural law and the right of
tant, "that this would someday be
privacy. But mainly it's supposed to
be proof of character-even a win-
used for political fertilizer."
dow on the soul, if only outhouses had
"I actually built an outhouse," said
windows. Clarence Thomas-and, ap-
Williams College historian James
parently, Orrin Hatch too-are thus
MacGregor Burns, upping the ante.
salt of the earth, men of the people,
"It was for our summer place on Mar-
not the sort of moral weaklings to be
tha's Vineyard, and I built it with my
pampered by the extravagance of a
two sons, out among the trees,"
flush toilet.
FDR's biographer went on. "One
"It seems to be part of the agrarian
thing about an outhouse that might
myth," said historian William Leuch-
relate to politics is that, unlike indoor
tenburg, president of the American
plumbing or a log cabin, if you sit in
Historical Association, when reached
an outhouse with the door open-
yesterday at the University of North
which is usually a good idea-you get
Carolina. "It isn't simply that one was
a certain perspective. You can sit
poor. It's that one knew what the
there and look into the distance and
countryside was like."
Leuchtenburg waxed nostalgic.
philosophize. And since we want our
"When I was a boy in the 1930s, we
politicians to have perspective, maybe
had almost no books in the house.
the outhouse is a natural solution.
One of the few books we possessed
With that comment, I think I'll con-
was by Chic Sale, an altogether for-
clude my groping around to say some-
gotten figure now, but a well-known
thing on this unexpected subject."
figure then, who specialized in out-
"I had outdoor plumbing when I
house humor. It was the entire corpus was growing up, because I came from
of my literary education in those days.
a Depression-ridden poor white fami-
"The other piece of literature asso-
ly in North Carolina," said Eloise
ciated with outhouses was the Sears
Smith, who tackled the subject yes-
Roebuck catalogue," Leuchtenburg
terday in the absence of her husband,
the eminent historian Page Smith,
who was out playing tennis. "But I
think for this to have come up in the
hearings was undignified. I mean, is it
relevant? Maybe I should be consid-
ered for some important post."
PAGE OF 40
The Washington Post
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: ZA
Bush Presses Gates Nomination
Amid Fear Vote May Be Delayed
THE WALL
By Ann Devroy and Walter Pincus
said-meaning his conduct remains subject
Washington Post Staff Writers
to review by the grand jury but he does not
necessarily face indictment. Gates's status
President Bush yesterday renewed his
as a subject of the Walsh inquiry is a "legit-
STREET JOURNAL.
public campaign to gain Senate approval of
imate concern," Murkowski said, "and a le-
Robert M. Gates to head the CIA, but sen-
gitimate question to be posed to Gates."
ior officials expressed fear the Senate will
Murkowski said that although there was no
try to kill the nomination by delaying a vote
reason to believe Gates would become a
on it.
Walsh target, "there is no assurance he
DATE: 9/12/91
One senior official said the White House
won't"-as "remote" a possibility as that
is "confident [Gates] will get approved if he
might be. "Bob Gates will be prepared to re-
PAGE:
B6
gets to a vote," but said he feared Demo-
spond" to questions about his status, Mur-
cratic leaders "will leave him twisting in the
kowski added.
Top Aide to Casey at CIA
wind" with the hope Gates will withdraw his
The senator noted that last week's indict-
nomination in frustration.
Backs Gates Nomination
ment of Clair E. George, the former head of
But the official said Gates, who withdrew
CIA covert operations, means the Walsh
By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
once before in 1987 under similar circum-
inquiry into the activities of senior agency
WASHINGTON - John McMahon, a
stances, would not do so again. "It's the only
officials "will proceed for an unknown
former top Central Intelligence Agency
job he wants and this is his last chance."
amount of time." George, who was subor-
officer with broad respect in Congress,
Sen. Frank H. Murkowski (R-Alaska),
dinate to Gates but reported directly on
said he will testify next week in support
vice chairman of the Senate intelligence
most matters to then-CIA Director William
of Robert Gates's nomination as director
committee that will open confirmation hear-
of the CIA.
J. Casey, is alleged to have illegally withheld
Mr. McMahon's support is a major
ings on Gates on Monday, said yesterday he
information on the Iran-contra affair from
boost for Mr. Gates, whose credibility
does not expect the Democrats to hold up
congressional committees.
with lawmakers suffers as a result of his
the nomination. Murkowski said he plans to
What George might have discussed with
performance as deputy director during
push for a committee vote "upon conclusion
Gates about the affair as it was unfolding is
the Iran-Contra scandal in 1986. "It's
of the hearing process" and expects the
a question of considerable interest. The
very plausible that Gates didn't know
Senate Democratic leadership to "expedite"
committee is making an effort to get
what was going on." said Mr. McMahon,
bringing the nomination to the Senate floor.
George to testify or respond to written
who had held the same post under Di-
Bush discussed the nomination with GOP
questions, Murkowski said, but there has
rector William Casey. "I think he's
leaders at the White House, opening the
yet to be a response.
pretty clean on this. I'm going to push
for Gates."
meeting with a statement that included
Gates will be the panel's first witness
Among major CIA veterans, few
praise for Gates, currently his deputy na-
when the hearings open Monday, Murkowski
have the same standing in Congress as
tional security adviser. "He's the right man
said. Among the six or seven witnesses, Mur-
Mr. McMahon. who preserved close ties
to run the intelligence community," he said
kowski said, will be Alan D. Fiers, former
with senior lawmakers even as he
as Gates looked on.
head of the CIA's Central American Task
served in the stormy period of covert ac-
Later, Bush conferred with senior Senate
Force who pleaded guilty in July to withhold-
tion in the early 1980s. His forceful im-
Republicans, urging them to be vocal in their
ing information from Congress and has co-
age presents a striking contrast to Mr.
support for Gates and to push for swift con-
operated with Walsh's investigation. Other
Gates's failure to more aggressively
firmation; participants said. The White House
witnesses were not identified.
pursue warnings of the Iran-Contra op-
has begun daily strategy sessions to deal with
eration.
Mr. McMahon defends Mr. Gates in
issues raised in the Gates confirmation.
large part because the Iran-Contra oper-
The Republican lawmakers echoed the
ation was run more from the White
administration's concern that Democrats
House than from the CIA. But his
might further delay action on Gates's nom-
broader account of the deputy's job is at
ination by citing the continuing criminal in-
odds with those who now argue that Mr.
vestigation into the Iran-contra affair, which
Casey SO compartmentalized informa-
developed in the mid-1980s when Gates
tion that he prevented his deputies from
was the CIA's deputy director.
knowing what was going on in the
Murkowski and Senate intelligence com-
agency.
mittee Chairman David L. Boren (D-Okla.)
A former special. assistant to Mr.
met for about an hour Tuesday with Inde-
Casey, now posted overseas by the CIA,
has been interviewed by the Senate In-
pendent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh in an
telligence Committee in regard to Mr.
effort to determine what more might
Casey's administrative style. But Mr.
emerge from the Iran-contra investigation
McMahon said again yesterday: "We
that would relate to Gates. A surprise guilty
had a swinging door between us. I knew
plea in July by a former senior CIA official,
everything I wanted to know."
who implicated other top agency officials in
a coverup of the Iran-contra affair,
prompted the Senate committee to delay
the confirmation hearings until this month.
Gates "remains a subject" of Walsh's in-
vestigation, "but not a target," Murkowski
PAGE 12 OF 40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A3
Bush bolsters
drive for Gates'
confirmation
By Paul Bedard
"Chains of command and dia-
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
grams didn't fit with Bill Casey."
Mr. Chafee's comment came after
The White House yesterday
he attended the White House strat-
stepped up its campaign to win Sen-
egy session.
ate confirmation of Robert Gates as
Mr. Gates was questioned on Iran-
CIA director.
Contra when he was nominated in
During a White House strategy
1987 to replace Mr. Casey, who died.
session, President Bush called on
Sen. Frank Murkowski, Alaska
supporters of his deputy national se-
Republican and vice chairman of the
curity adviser to speak up for Mr.
committee, said Mr. Gates will also
Gates, who faces tough questions
be asked. about his knowledge of the
about his claim he had no role in the
evolving fraud case of the Bank of
Iran-Contra scandal when he was
Credit and Commerce International.
deputy CIA director in 1986-87.
The White House has led a low-
During the session it was agreed
key campaign to win Mr. Gates' con-
that Mr. Gates would tell his Senate
firmation.
Intelligence Committee confirma-
"Gates has been around a long
tion hearing next week that former
time and is well known in the agency
CIA Director William Casey never
and well known by virtually every-
revealed the Iran-Contra scandal to
body in Washington, so I don't think
him, according to White House and
there's a need" for special prepara-
congressional sources.
tions, said Mr. Murkowski, who also
The strategy is intended to
attended the White House meeting.
counter charges that Mr. Gates must
Presidential spokesman Marlin
have known of the cover-up since it
Fitzwater said the administration
was controlled by Mr. Casey and the
has embarked on a "very, very con-
CIA's No. 3 official, Clair George,
centrated effort on his behalf."
then deputy director for clandestine
But he said few special interest
operations. Mr. George, who was in-
groups will get involved and added:
dicted last week for his role in the
"My PR answer to that is, The PR
scandal, is not expected to testify at
that's not seen is the best kind.' So,
the Gates hearing.
it's going very well."
But Alan Fiers, former chief of
Mr. Gates also expects to be at-
the CIA's Central American Task
tacked by CIA insiders, according to
Force, will be testifying. He pleaded
Mr. Murkowski.
guilty to two counts in the scandal
"There are certain people that
and has been cooperating with fed-
probably will speak against Mr.
eral prosecutors.
Gates," the senator said. "That's
Critics of Mr. Gates have ex-
quite understandable for a man who
pressed amazement at his claims
spent as much time in the agency
that he didn't know of the Iran-
and who has moved as rapidly as Mr.
Contra affair even though he held
Gates. There is some jealousy."
the top deputy job.
At the strategy session, Mr. Bush
But Sen. John Chafee, Rhode Is-
asked senators supporting Mr. Gates
land Republican and a member of
to shepherd his nomination through
the Intelligence Committee, said Mr.
the committee. "Those who are in
Casey did not run a typical bu-
favor of Gates should speak up -
reaucracy.
don't be blushing violets," he said,
"Bill Casey ran the outfit in a man-
according to Mr. Chafee.
ner that jump-changed the com-
The president said Mr. Gates is
mand," he said. "In other words,
"doing a superb job and knows ex-
some people will say Bill Casey was
actly how to handle himself and I
above Bob Gates and Clair George
think that's what's coming through,"
was below him, therefore the man in
Mr. Chafee said.
between must have known a lot. I
Major Garrett contributed to
don't think that follows at all.
this report.
P.13 OF 40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A3
Bush angry at Hill's,
By Paul Bedard and Major Gari
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Israel's defiance on
The White House attacked Con-
gress and Israel yesterday for trying
to push through $10 billion in loan
guarantees, and President Bush de-
aid
nied reports he promised the aid to
Israeli leaders.
"I'm calling the shots," said Mr.
Bush, who has asked Congress to de-
lay action on the unprecedented aid
request for 120 days. The Bush ad-
ministration fears debate on the loan
guarantees could derail plans for an
Arab-Israeli peace conference next
SIX-POINT
month.
Mr. Bush bristled at reports from
DEAL
Israel that he intended to provide
In a letter to Congress, President
$10 billion in loan guarantees over
Bush has outlined his plan to help
five years for construction of homes
Israel but only after the Mideast
and roads for emigrating Jews from
peace talks. He would:
the Soviet Union and Ethiopia.
1. Guarantee a loan deal after
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak
120-day delay ends.
Shamir requested the $10 billion in
2. Promise no more delays in
guarantees last week. The Jewish
considering housing aid.
state received $400 million in guar-
antees last year, the largest amount
3. Restate support to help Israel
in the 31-year history of the State
pay for absorbing Soviet Jews
Department program.
4. Pledge to keep aid within the
"I'm not committed to any num-
budget-deal limits set last year.
bers and never have been," Mr. Bush
5. Offer to seek international
said.
assistance for Israel.
Meanwhile, Senate supporters of
6. Pledge to absorb Israel's costs
the loan guarantees sought to out-
due to the aid delay.
flank the president by introducing a
loan guarantee amendment the
The Washington Times
chamber could take up at any time
- should a compromise prove elu-
"some deadline" set by the presi-
roughshod over the president," said
sive.
dent. Mr. Bush asked congressional
Sen. Richard G. Lugar, Indiana Re-
leaders to promise to postpone ac-
Sens. Bob Kasten, Wisconsin Re-
tion on the guarantees as Secretary
publican and key administration ally
publican, and Daniel Inouye, Hawaii
on the Foreign Relations Committee.
of State James A. Baker III arrives
Democrat, submitted the amend-
in Israel next week.
Mr. Lugar said the president may
ment late Tuesday night SO as to at-
have to lobby "senator to senator" to
The Kasten-Inouye plan would
tract minimal attention. Both are
prevail.
provide $2 billion in loan guarantees
key members of the Senate Appro-
each year until 1996. The amend-
But a key House Democrat said
priations subcommittee on foreign
ment contains two controversial pro-
Congress could pass the guarantees
aid, which is scheduled to debate the
visions. One requires Congress to
- regardless of White House pres-
sure.
guarantees in two weeks.
dispense the guarantees 60 days
Supporters of the guarantees have
after receiving Israel's request.
"Nobody believes [loan guaran-
kept an unusually low profile in the
That would prevent the Bush ad-
tees] would not pass in the House
belief that publicity over a foreign
ministration from using the guaran-
and Senate," said Florida Rep. Larry
tees as a tool to extract political con-
Smith, a member of the Appropri-
aid package of this size would only
cessions from Israel, as happened
ations subcommittee on foreign aid.
undermine public support.
last year in a dispute over placing
"Our goal is to consolidate our sup-
"Everything is the same," Mr. Kas-
settlements in the occupied territor-
port to defeat a veto."
ten said, referring to ongoing discus-
ies.
Mr. Bush outlined a six-point plan
sions on Capitol Hill. "We're still de-
It also proposes Israel pay $100
in a letter to Congress yesterday, of-
laying."
million as insurance against possi-
fering to consider the aid package
House Speaker Thomas S. Foley
ble loan defaults. Congress is re-
but only after the peace conference
said he opposed delaying loan guar-
quired to provide a certain amount
occurs. He said he would appeal to
antees and felt no need to meet
of money each year as insurance
the American people if congres-
against default. On Tuesday, the Sen-
sional resistance intensifies.
ate Budget Committee's Republican
staff fixed those costs between $200
"I'm going to fight for it and I
million and $2 billion.
think the American people will back
Support for Mr. Bush among Re-
me on it when I take - if we take the
publicans appeared to be slipping. A
case to the people," said Mr. Bush.
source in the House Republican
In return for the delay, Mr. Bush
leadership said not one of the 20 law-
has promised to move on the aid pro-
makers present at a leadership
posal in January and provide Israel
meeting yesterday backed Mr.
funds to cover any costs associated
Bush's request for a delay.
with the delay.
Similar opposition faces the pres-
ident in the Senate.
Israeli lobby groups planned to
send 1,000 Jewish leaders to Capitol
"An attempt is being made to see
Hill today. Pro-Arab groups will
if members of Congress can run
lobby as well.
PAGE
or
40
Los Angeles Times
cuts for the middle class and health
parties, I don't think Democrats
care for 33 million uninsured
will be unhappy with it."
Americans, Democrats are deeply
Rep. Robert T. Matsui (D-Sac-
split on whether and how to do it.
DATE:
9/10/91
ramento), who sits on two House
Reaching a position that most in
panels involved in the emerging
the party can support will not be
PAGE:
IA
veto strategy, is promoting it ag-
easy.
Democrats Plan
gressively in his new role as trea-
The Democrats' biggest problem
surer of the Democratic National
may be that they will be picking
Committee.
fights with a President whose ap-
to Fight Bush by
"We have to stop worrying
proval ratings soared during the
about passing bills that the Presi-
Persian Gulf crisis and stayed high
dent will sign," he said. "We need
during the recent upheavals in the
Forcing Vetoes
to focus more on presenting a
Soviet Union. Bush could be the
vision of the Democratic Party."
one who profits the most from
An aide to House Democratic
showdowns.
leaders put it even more pungent-
By PAUL HOUSTON
However, Rep. David E. Bonior
ly: "One thing Democrats have to
and MICHAEL ROSS
(D-Mich.), the newly elected
learn and relearn is that winning is
TIMES STAFF WRITERS
House Democratic whip, sees little
not everything. The important
risk.
WASHINGTON-Congressional
thing is to state clearly what we
"The American people want us
Democrats, frustrated at being un-
stand for. We have to lay the
to do these things. Even at the
able to focus attention on domestic
groundwork for the 1992 cam-
height of the Soviet crisis and
concerns as President Bush strides
paign."
peace initiative in the Middle East,
the world stage, have a new strate-
gy: winning by losing.
T
he first shot will be fired today
which was well-handled, [Bush's]
in the Senate, which will take
approval rating dropped because
When Congress returns from its
up a money bill that would allow
he's ignoring the folks at home. I
summer recess today, Democratic
abortion counseling at federally
see just up-sides to this, substan-
leaders will begin pushing a series
funded family planning clinics. The
tively and politically."
of bills-on issues ranging from
measure, strongly opposed by
Bush's approval rating in Los
abortion rights and student loans to
Bush, would lift an Administration
Angeles Times polls did fall from
income tax cuts and unemployment
ban against such counseling.
85% in January to 73% on Aug. 20
benefits-that Bush is expected to
The House will consider a second
(and to 67% in an ABC poll on
veto.
piece of veto bait next week. It is a
Aug. 28). But even that lowest
The Democrats concede that
bill that would provide $5.2 billion
approval rating is considered high
they will lose most if not all
for additional aid to jobless workers
by many observers.
who have exhausted their benefits.
Some Democratic leaders who
attempts to override the vetoes
that they provoke. Congress has
Bush signed but refused to im-
have been reluctant to confront
yet to overturn any of Bush's 22
plement a similar measure last
Bush in the past-including House
vetoes.
month, saying that it cost too much
Speaker Thomas S. Foley (D-
and that the recession was coming
Wash.) and Senate Finance Com-
But the Democratic leaders hope
to an end. The new bill is con-
mittee Chairman Lloyd Bentsen
that the expected veto fights will
win votes in next year's elections
structed so that he will have to sign
(D-Tex.)- signed on to the
by highlighting Democratic differ-
it and trigger the spending or he
veto strategy.
will have to veto it.
ences with Bush and his Republi-
F
oley aide Jeffrey Biggs said
can allies.
Democrats are also working on a
Monday that "there are some
proposal that would lower taxes for
"I can see Democrats passing
issues coming up that will obvious-
middle-income Americans while
bills that the President might feel
ly be major tests where the Demo-
raising taxes on the rich, as well as
compelled to veto." Senate Budget
crats will seek to provoke a veto.
Committee Chairman Jim Sasser
a plan that would grant student
We're not going to do this on a
loans without regard to income.
(D-Tenn.) said. "If that sharpens
routine basis. But there will be an
The President, in contrast, has
the distinction between the
effort to find issues that indicate a
consistently opposed such tax in-
clear demarcation between George
creases and would cut off student
Bush and the Democrats."
loan availability at income levels
Rep. Leon E. Panetta (D-Carmel
above $30,000.
Valley), chairman of the House
Republican leaders warned that
Budget Committee and another
the Democrats' veto strategy could
legislator who generally seeks bi-
backfire.
partisan cooperation, is also sound-
"These are volatile issues and
ing more militant now.
could create quite a quagmire,"
said Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Red-
lands), the third-ranking House
GOP leader. "They [the Demo-
crats] face a popular President and,
in many cases, a new set of voters
in reapportioned districts. They'd
better be careful about the way
they dance."
According to an aide, Senate
Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-
Kan.) believes that the veto strat-
egy "reflects the realities of 1992."
"The Democrats are without a
strong candidate," Walt Riker said,
"and they are looking for some
way to shape the debate. It may
make some good headlines, but the
bottom line is getting bills signed
into law. That is going to take
teamwork."
The Democrats' plan to profit
politically by lobbing hot potatoes
at Bush could be risky and difficult
for a party that has been in disar-
ray for much of the 102nd Con-
gress.
One problem is that drawing
contrasts can be tricky on issues in
which some Republicans are lined
up with Democrats-for example.
on protecting a woman's right to an
abortion.
Also, on key proposals like tax
PAGE
OF
40
The Washington Post
White House Urges Action
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: BI
On Soviet Trade Treaty
By Stuart Auerbach
now a set of obligations to govern
them with strict controls against pi-
Washington Post Staff Writer
our trade relations, which can also
racy of patented products.
serve as a road map for the central
The Bush administration urged
But Assistant Commerce Secre-
and republic governments" on what
Congress yesterday to quickly ap-
they have to do to develop free and
tary Thomas Duesterberg said an
prove a trade agreement that would
open market economies, said Deputy
agreement was unlikely to signifi-
grant most-favored-nation (MFN)
U.S. Trade Representative Julius
cantly boost the present low level of
trade status to the Soviet Union,
Katz.
U.S.-Soviet trade in the near future.
brushing aside concerns from mem-
"This agreement fits" with the
Even with substantially lower tariffs
bers of the Senate Finance Commit-
tee that Washington should deal with
changes that have occurred in the
as a result of MFN status, Soviet
individual republics instead of the
Soviet Union as a result of last
sales in the United States, which
disintegrating central government.
month's failed attempt by hard-
amounted to about $1 billion last
Administration witnesses said that
liners to unseat Soviet President
year, are expected to grow by $100
if individual republics become inde-
Mikhail Gorbachev, Katz added.
million to $400 million as a result of
pendent states, the republics would
The administration witnesses also
the agreement, he said.
have to agree to the pact's terms to
said that President Bush is seeking
Over the long term, though,
gain the benefits of MFN status,
ways to grant MFN status quickly to
Duesterberg said the Soviet Union
which allows the lowest possible tar-
the newly independent Baltic repub-
has "enormous potential" for U.S.
iffs on imports to the United States.
lics of Latvia, Lithuania and Esto-
exports, and American companies
"It is important to put into place
ma-a goal the president reiterated
doing business there are looking for
in White House remarks yesterday
the "reassurance" that the trade
to leaders of the Baltic-American
agreement provides.
community.
Committee members chided the
But Deputy Assistant Secretary of
administration for moving so slowly
State Curtis W. Kamman said that
on the trade agreement, which was
granting MFN status to the Baltic
signed 14 months ago but sent to
republics is complicated by decades-
Congress only on Aug. 2, before the
old U.S. laws requiring them to do
attempted coup.
what the Soviet Union already has
"I don't know what the trade
done-pass laws allowing free emi-
agreement means now, but it surely
gration of their citizens. Secretary of
means something different than it
State James A. Baker III will be dis-
meant August 2," said Chairman
cussing the issue with leaders of the
Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.).
Baltic states during his visit there
Saturday.
"We are considering a trade
agreement with a state that in es-
"We realize that a completely dif-
sence no longer exists
which
ferent situation for the Baltic states
might present some problems," said
exists now," said Kamman, "and we
Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.).
want to move as effectively as we
can to put them on a completely nor-
malized footing with the U.S."
Diplomats from the Ukrainian re-
public, which also declared its inde-
pendence, and from Lithuania will
testify before the committee today.
In their testimony yesterday, ad-
ministration witnesses said the trade
agreement would help move the So-
viet Union and its republics from the
centrally planned Communist system
to an economy driven by market
forces. It would also make it easier
for American companies to do busi-
ness in the Soviet Union and provide
PAGE 16 OF 40
The Washington Times
DATE:
9/12/91
PAGE:
A3
Bush, conservatives clash
By Frank J. Murray
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
over Soviet aid
President Bush found himself tions," he will not toughen his efforts
publicly at odds yesterday with con- to get Mr. Castro's hands out of Mos-
servative
congressional
allies
on
cow's pockets, White House press
by those who choose to be of assis-
helping the Soviet Union financially
secretary
Marlin
Fitzwater
said
yes-
tance, and that certainly would in-
before Moscow casts Cuba com-
terday.
clude the United States," Mr. Madi-
pletely adrift.
"It's our policy that the quickest
gan said at a news conference.
Mr. Bush did not hedge on Baltic
and best way to get money is to take
Although U.S. guarantees for 98
aid, announcing that the Peace
some of that Cuban aid and apply it
percent of feed grain loans were ac-
Corps will begin operating immedi-
to their own economy," Mr. Fitzwater
celerated by Mr. Bush just two
ately in all three nations, most-
said, estimating that aid's value at $5
weeks ago, private banks in the
favored-nation trade status will be
billion, not including the troops.
United States have refused to extend
granted to the Baltics shortly, gold
Other U.S. estimates peg the figure
loans because they would have to
and other assets held since before
at $3.5 billion.
shoulder the risk for the other 2 per-
World War II will be unfrozen
When a reporter suggested that
cent, a $30 million risk under the
quickly, and a request for member-
sounded more like a truism than a
current three-year program.
ship in the International Monetary policy, he replied, "We haven't tried
At the same time, as he hosted a
Fund will be made.
to lay down threats or specific guide-
celebration of Baltic freedom to
The White House would not budge
lines."
honor the exiles and activists who
on its policy of persuasion for Mos-
cow, which officials saw bearing
And the president's response to
kept the pressure on for half a cen-
fruit when Mikhail Gorbachev yes-
the Gramm-Gingrich all-or-nothing
tury, Mr. Bush was confronted by a
plan?
demand to link Soviet aid to with-
terday ordered the withdrawal of
11,000 troops from Cuba.
"We feel the same way, that a good
drawal of all Soviet troops from Es-
place for them to get money is in aid
tonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
"I wish they'd hurry up," Mr. Bush
said of the troop pullout.
to Cuba and it looks like that's the
"Let me say in closing that as the
direction they're moving in," Mr.
United States was true to the Baltic
But there was an ultimatum to
block Soviet aid from Sen. Phil
Fitzwater said, asserting that has
states in captivity, we will continue
Gramm, Texas Republican, and
been reiterated more often than any
to be true to them as democratic
House Minority Whip Newt Ging-
other U.S.-Soviet policy in the past
partners in the months and the years
six months.
ahead," Mr. Bush said.
rich of Georgia as they emerged
In Kennebunkport, Maine, last
Peace Corps planners began con-
from a presidential meeting.
month, a senior Bush administration
tingency planning a year ago and
"We're not going to pass any kind
of significant aid that helps the Rus-
official listed a cutoff of foreign aid
can provide 100 volunteers within
weeks after formal requests are re-
sians while that aid is still being sent to Cuba and Afghanistan among six
ceived, Director Paul Coverdell said
to Cuba," Mr. Gingrich told report- "expectations" for Mr. Gorbachev
in an interview yesterday.
ers, insisting he would not vote for and his ally Boris Yeltsin, Russian
"Once that contact is made with
any Soviet aid until Cuba is entirely republic president.
cut off.
us, you'll see this thing move very
Mr. Gramm was more blunt: "We
Despite that expectation, reality
quickly," Mr. Coverdell said, saying
yesterday came in the form of assur-
can't let this freedom tide wash over
informal discussions began a year
the world and not drown Fidel Cas-
ances by Agriculture Secretary Ed-
ago.
tro."
ward Madigan, who said Western
"Promises are not enough. After a
countries will be able to meet Soviet
half-century you can understand
Despite signals about Mr. Bush's food aid needs this winter. He is
why we are leery of accepting Soviet
personal sympathies and "expecta- scheduled to visit the Soviet Union
promises," said a letter from Angela
later this month to assess those
Nelsas, president of the Baltic
needs.
American Freedom League.
"I feel quite secure in saying the
She asked that Mr. Bush go fur-
needs of the Soviet Union will be met
ther on trade and silence anonymous
Yeltsin critics in his administration.
PAGE
or
40
The Washington
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: AIY
Senate Reaches Compromise on Abortion Notification
Proposal, Approved 92 to 8, Sets Circumstances Under Which Parents Need Not Be Informed
By Helen Dewar
spread desire on the part of sena-
tions to the requirement that anti-
waiting in the wings, the Senate
Washington Post Staff Writer
tors on both sides of the notification
abortion forces said it amounted to
rejected the stronger alternative
issue to put it behind them, at least
an "abortionists" consent" bill.
proposed by Sen. Don Nickles (R-
The Senate, brushing aside ob-
for this year. "It's a classic compro-
Kassebaum was among those
Okla.), which would have created
jections from both sides in the abor-
mise," said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-
who voted for both provisions in
far fewer exceptions than Kasse-
tion debate, last night overwhelm-
Utah), a leader of antiabortion
July, hoping to strike the kind of
baum's proposal.
ingly approved a compromise that
forces in the Senate. "It basically
compromise she offered yesterday.
Nickles subsequently endorsed
would establish some circumstances
pleases no one. But it's better than
"I think people really wanted to find
Kassebaum's proposal as "better
under which federally funded clinics
having a political morass here."
a genuine compromise.
I
was
than nothing."
would have to notify parents when
Kassebaum's proposal was ap-
just trying to find language that
All the senators who opposed
minors seek abortions.
proved as part of the labor, health
made sense," she said after the
Kassebaum were abortion-rights
The proposal, drafted by Sen.
and human services appropriations
vote.
supporters.
Nancy L. Kassebaum (R-Kan.), was
bill, which the Senate also amended
But her proposal drew immediate
The new AIDS-related rules,
approved by a vote of 92 to 8 after
to increase education spending a
fire from lobbying groups on both
which have been under study by the
a broader and more stringent no-
year from now and to force the gov-
sides of the abortion argument. Su-
Occupational Safety and Heath Ad-
tification requirement was rejected,
ernment to impose new rules aimed
san Smith, representing the Nation-
ministration (OSHA) for five years,
45 to 55.
at curbing the spread of AIDS and
al Right to Life Committee, said it
cover sterilization of equipment,
The proposal requires notifica-
other blood-borne diseases.
"had so many loopholes it would
use of protective gloves and gowns,
tion of parents or guardians by a
For the second time this year,
apply in only nine states."
safe disposal of waste and other
clinic's attending physician within
the Senate rejected a proposal from
Judy Crockett, legislative repre-
steps to protect health-care work-
48 hours of an abortion for women
Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) to ban
sentative of the American Civil Lib-
ers and patients. OSHA would be
under age 18 but then spells out a
quotas and other preferential hiring
erties Union, said it created a dan-
empowered to enforce the new
variety of circumstances under
and promotion practices. Helms's
gerous precedent by restricting
standards and impose civil penal-
latest proposal, which would have
which notification would not be re-
recipients of federal funds from us-
ities for violations. Jail terms could
allowed preferential practices only
quired.
ing private funds for separate pro-
be imposed in cases where deaths
when used to expand an employer's
jects.
result.
These include medical emergen-
pool of job applicants, was defeated,
While federal funds cannot be
cies, a judicial order granting the
Voting 99 to 1, the Senate gave
67 to 33.
used to conduct abortions at feder-
OSHA until Dec. 1 to put the new
minor's right to an abortion, a pro-
Approval of Kassebaum's propos-
ally funded family planning clinics,
rules into effect or face automatic
fessional counselor's certification
al followed a fence-straddling vote
the clinics can perform them with
implementation of them until the
that notification could result in
last July in which the Senate voted
private or other non-federal funds
agency acts on its own. The propos-
physical abuse or emotional harm or
for two starkly conflicting positions.
in separate facilities run under the
al was jointly sponsored by leaders
when states have laws covering the
It voted both to require parental
clinic's auspices. Kassebaum's re-
of both parties and was supported
issue.
consent in nearly all cases of abor-
strictions would affect these non-
by Labor Secretary Lynn Martin,
Approval of the Kassebaum pro-
tions for minors at federally funded
federally funded abortions.
according to Minority Leader Rob-
posal appeared to reflect a wide-
clinics and to create so many excep-
With Kassebaum's compromise
ert J. Dole (R-Kan.).
PAGE 18 OF 40
The Washington Times
Opportunities, not victimization,
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A4
are new focus of Black Caucus
By Ralph Z. Hallow
being "very good at evading and
timization and suggested that
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
avoiding" questions about his views
traditonal civil rights leaders have
on abortion.
been part of the problem because
The Congressional Black Caucus
Mr. Espy said he didn't know of
they "wallowed in victimization."
kicked off its 21st annual conference
any demonstration or assembly that
Republican-bashing and traces of
yesterday with a conscious shift of
the Black Caucus might lead against
the victimization theme could still
focus away from the idea that black
Judge Thomas today or later in the
be found at the conference during
crime, poverty and health problems
week. "But I would say, keep your
some workshop sessions. Raymond
are mainly the fault of whites.
eyes open, there might be one," he
M. Brown, a Newark, N.J., lawyer,
"African-Americans in this coun-
added with a smile.
accused Mr. Bush, like President
try have suffered from racism and
The caucus, whose chairman is
Reagan before him, of trying to use
exploitation [and] servitude," said
New York Rep. Edolphus Towns,
fear of crime as well as the criminal
Mississippi Rep. Mike Espy. "We all
overwhelmingly voted to oppose Mr.
justice system as "a lever
to incite
know the statistics.
Thomas in July, soon after his nomi-
poeple to support programs that
"But also we want to get away
nation. Mr. Franks was the only cau-
squander resources."
from victimization, and talk about
cus member to speak up for the con-
Don Jackson, a black former po-
expanding the opportunities."
servative black federal appeals
lice officer from Long Beach, Calif.,
Mr. Espy is this year's conference
judge.
explained why black police officers
chairman and one of 26 caucus
Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry
"jumped to the support of [Los An-
members. All are Democrats except
came late in the afternoon but re-
geles Police Chief] Daryl Gates" by
for Rep. Gary Franks, a Connecticut
fused to comment on Judge Thomas'
arguing that black police officers of-
Republican.
confirmation.
ten adopt the brutal behavior of the
Caucus officials hoped to attract
Retiring Supreme Court Justice
white police because the police force
20,000 supporters from throughout
Thurgood Marshall will receive the
itself is a "closed, secret society"
the country and raise money for the
liberal-dominated caucus' highest
constituting a "subculture."
non-profit Congressional Black Cau-
award at a banquet Saturday night.
One of those attending yesterday's
cus Foundation, which provides
Retiring House Majority Whip Wil-
sessions was Willie Clemons of At-
scholarships and other aid to black
liam Gray of Pennsylvania will also
lanta, special events chairman of 100
students.
receive the award.
Black Men of America, a com-
Reporters, pressing Mr. Espy on
Asked if black lawmakers were
munity-based group with 22 chap-
the issue of the week - Supreme
backing away from the victimization
ters across the country that helps
Court nominee Judge Clarence
theme, Mr. Espy said: "The Black
Thomas' Senate confirmation hear-
provide education and mentoring to
Caucus is not monolithic, because
black students.
ings - weren't disappointed.
the African-American community is
He accused Judge Thomas of
Caucus officials said the banquet
not monolithic."
"running away from his record so
Saturday night is sold out, with sev-
Black conservatives such as
fast that he's out of breath," and of
eral hundred tables going for $1,500
Shelby Steel have used the word vic-
to $10,000.
PACE
19
or
40
USA
The Washington Times
TODAY
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
C3
DATE: 9/11/91
PAGE: IA
House bill threatens
GOP links
Bush's banking plan
Clifford to
mittee has sole jurisdiction over the
By Dave Skidmore
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
bill, so the key elements of its ver-
sion, which are more acceptable to
BCCI plan
The House Energy and Com-
the banking industry, likely will
merce Committee yesterday re-
emerge from the full chamber.
By Chuck Raasch
leased draft legislation that if
Meanwhile, administration offi-
and John Hanchette
adopted could scuttle the Bush ad-
cials sought to reassure rural legist
USA TODAY
ministration's plan to restructure
lators who fear President Bush's
the banking system.
banking reform proposal will choke
Democratic insider Clark
The bill, proposed by Democratic
off credit to farmers and small-town
Clifford knew 13 years ago that
Reps. John D. Dingell of Michigan
businesspeople.
scandal-plagued BCCI planned
and Edward J. Markey of Massachu-
"I'm worried about Congress
to secretly control a U.S. bank
setts, would block the administra-
rushing in a knee-jerk fashion to
he would later run, says a GOP
tion's proposal to allow commercial
banking reform that will have an
report prepared for congres-
companies such as General Motors
adverse effect on rural and small-
sional hearings starting today.
Corp. and Sears, Roebuck & Co. to
town America," said Rep. Pat Rob-
The Bank of Credit and Com-
own banks. It also would bar banks'
erts, Kansas Republican.
merce International is the sub-
expansion into insurance.
He was one of a half-dozen mem-
ject of international probes for
Mr. Dingell is chairman of the
bers of the House Agriculture Com-
alleged money laundering,
committee and Mr. Markey is chair-
mittee - Democrats and Republf-
drug deals and arms deals.
man of its finance and telecommuni-
cans - from such farm states as
Clifford, 84, an adviser to
cations subcommittee, which is
Wisconsin, Missouri, Oregon and
Democratic presidents since
scheduled Monday to start consider-
Oklahoma who said provisions in
Harry Truman and former
ing amendments to the draft bill.
the bill permitting banks to establish
chairman of First American
As the administration urged, Mr.
branches across state lines could re-
bank, has denied knowing of
Dingell and Mr. Markey would re-
sult in rural and small-town deposits
BCCI's plans or its alleged 1982
peal the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.
being invested in big cities.
takeover of First American of
It separated banking from the secu-
Mr. Roberts predicted that
Washington, D.C..
rities industry in response to abuses
branch-bank lending decisions
Also denying previous
before the 1929 stock-market crash.
would be made by "a 26-year-old
knowledge: Robert Altman, 44,
However, they would place strin-
with a laptop computer" instead of
Clifford's protege and former
gent restrictions on dealings be-
experienced country bankers.
First American president.
tween affiliated banks and securities
Treasury Undersecretary Robert
Their lawyer, Robert Ben-
firms. The restrictions, called
R. Glauber told the committee that
nett, called documents cited in
"firewalls," may make the new secu-
the administration proposal would
the report "gross distortions" of
rities powers not worth having,
help banks by allowing them to di-
their relationship with BCCI,
which he says was First Ameri-
many bankers say.
versify their loan portfolios.
can's investment adviser.
Also. the bill would expand the
He said community banks would
The documents, in a Repub-
regulatory power of the Securities
continue to prosper because they
lican House investigative re-
and Exchange Commission, an
know their customers better than an
port, quote BCCI officials as
agency their panels oversee.
out-of-town bank could.
saying in 1978 Clifford "was
The banking committees in both
happy to know the details and
the House and Senate have passed
Agriculture Assistant Secretary
Bruce L. Gardner predicted the ad-
has blessed the acquisition" of
versions of the banking legislation
the bank by BCCI.
repealing Glass-Steagall. However,
ministration's plan would increase
Gannett News Service ob-
only the House version opens bank
the number of banks operating in
tained the report.
ownership to commercial firms.
rural areas.
Clifford "adamantly denies
The Energy and Commerce bill, if
"From a rural community's per-
ever having any kind of con-
it emerges from the full committee
spective, being served by both large
versation like that," lawyer
by the Sept. 27 deadline set by House
banks, with their greater array of
Bennett says.
Speaker Thomas Foley, Washington
financial products, and small inde-
The report also says:
Democrat, would serve as a rival
pendent banks, with their greater
"BCCI reviewed (First
version in the House.
knowledge of local conditions, is de-
American's) financial perfor-
In the Senate, the banking com-
sirable," he said.
mance on a periodic basis."
A July 7, 1982, memo to
the chairman of BCCI from an
associate discussed BCCI's
dealings with Altman about the
operation of First American.
PAGE 20.40
Senate OKs
want a larger federal role in shoring up
The Washington Post
the U.S. position in the world econo-
my. The White House has generally
DATE: 9/12/91
Information
opposed programs that it believes
PAGE:
BI
would favor one industry over another.
searchers to trade findings freely, per-
However, the computer network, por-
haps sending in a second data that now
Network Bill
trayed as a public infrastructure pro-
might take hours.
ject similar in principle to the federal
The new system also would be able
highway system, has won Bush admin-
to carry video conferencing, enabling
istration approval as a legitimate area
scientists to work "as though we were
Five- Plan
for government spending.
all in the same room," said Lawrence
The network would enable the Unit-
Lee, executive director of the North
Would Aid Research
ed States to "leap-frog competitors
Carolina Supercomputing Center in
like the Japanese in a number of key
Research Triangle Park, N.C.
areas and make the most productive
Gore and other senators earlier had
By John Burgess
use of the talents of our people," said
clashed over which federal agency
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sen. Al Gore (D-Tenn.), the bill's au-
would run the program. A compromise
thor.
alls for the White House's Office of
The Senate yesterday passed legis-
Supercomputers, the most ad-
Science and Technology Policy to
lation to create a national "information
nake the decision.
vanced computers in existence, can
superhighway" of fiber optic cables
conduct billions of calculations per sec-
that advanced research computers
ond. They are used in scientific re-
would use to transmit billions of bits of
search and, increasingly, in the design
information per second.
of products as diverse as airplanes,
The House has already passed a
cars and drugs.
version of the five-year, $1 billion bill.
A single supercomputer's output,
The White House has given a prelimi-
however, may consist of many billions
nary green light to the program, which
of bits of information. Delays in mov-
also would increase federal research
ing that information between laborato-
into supercomputers and the software
ries using today's low-capacity lines
they use. Senate aides said yesterday
has been called a drag on the speed of
that differences in the two versions of
research.
the bill are minor.
The program would help set up a
In years of debate over how to fos-
network of high-capacity communica-
ter U.S. economic competitiveness,
tions lines between computers in gov-
the computer network is one of the
ernment and private labs throughout
few areas of common ground found by
the country. This would allow re-
the White House and legislators who
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
muzzled by the White House.
Fight to Expand
At today's hearing, Rep. Dingell, chair-
man of the House Energy and Commerce
subcommittee on oversight and investiga-
FDA Role Puts
DATE: 9/12/91
tions, will put into the Congressional Rec-
PAGE:
ord testimony that Dr. Kessler was to have
A6
given, but didn't. Even that planned testi-
Chief in Middle
mony had been edited and watered down
in the administration.
He had planned to testify that the power
By BRUCE INGERSOLL
to recall and detain products would im-
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
prove the understaffed FDA's efficiency,
WASHINGTON Lawmakers are taking
according to a copy of his undelivered tes-
the first steps toward rewriting the half-
timony, obtained yesterday by The Wall
century-old federal Food, Drug and Cos-
Street Journal. Currently, the agency must
metic Act. a prospect that has the industry
rely on moral persuasion to induce compa-
prodding the Bush administration to op-
nies to recall tainted food or defective
pose stronger regulation.
products. He also was to have pointed out
House Democrats. backed by consumer
that some other federal agencies can im-
advocates. are intent on expanding the
pose fines under certain circumstances. In
Food and Drug Administration's enforce-
addition, he would have recounted how
ment powers over food processors, drug
three distributors refused to let FDA in-
makers and medical-device manufac-
spectors examine records of where canned
turers. A bill introduced by Representa-
mushrooms tainted with the deadly botu-
tives Henry Waxman (D., Calif. ) and John
lism toxin had been shipped.
Dingell D.. Mich. would empower the
Administration officials acknowledge
FDA to impose civil fines for certain viola-
that Dr. Kessler's proposed testimony was
tions, subpoena witnesses, inspect corpo-
reviewed as a matter of course by staff
rate records, destroy contaminated food
members of the White House budget office,
imports, recall unsafe products from the
the Council on Competitiveness and other
marketplace and embargo defective prod-
agencies. Because of the heavy editing and
ucts until it can obtain a seizure order
internal disagreement on the question of
from a court. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum
expanded powers, Dr. Kessler opted for
(D., Ohio) is expected to introduce a sim-
giving the brief statement.
ilar measure on the Senate side.
Trying to thwart the Waxman-Dingell
At a House hearing today, lawmakers
initiative is a well-financed coalition of
are expected to question FDA Commis-
more than 20 powerful trade associations,
sioner David Kessler closely on his views
led by the food industry, which fears that
on the adequacy of the agency's statutory
its enterprises would bear the brunt of
powers and attempt to determine whether
beefed-up FDA enforcement. The bill
the Bush administration has. as some fear,
would turn the agency into "Big Brother,"
thrown in with industry on this issue.
warned John Cady. president of the Na-
Last June. Health and Human Services
tional Food Processors Association.
Secretary Louis Sullivan told Congress that
Despite the administration's waffling.
he had signed off on an FDA-drafted en-
advocates of stronger enforcement believe
forcement bill that was almost identical to
they will prevail in the coming political
the Waxman-Dingell proposal. On July 17.
battle. They say the measure would only
however. Dr. Kessler appeared before a
confer on the FDA powers that other fed-
subcommittee headed by Rep. Waxman
eral and state agencies wield. The objec-
and read a noncommittal. one-page state-
tive, said Rep. Waxman. is to modernize
ment. raising fears that he may have been
the 1938 law. which has been updated "only
in piecemeal fashion" in recent vears.
PAGE 21 OF 40
The Washington Post
Tribute to
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
01
A Friend &
dent of Miller Brewing Co. "What
UNCF provides is the opportunity
for people to meet the challenges
Inspiration
that face us in the world. Stan Scott
represents someone who has taken
advantage of opportunity in govern-
ment and in the private sector."
Bush Joins in Salute to
The guest of honor credited his
success to his family, friends and "a
Businessman Stan Scott
conviction that we make our own
good luck."
Scott said he was "kind of ahead of
By Roxanne Roberts
spent two years at the State Depart-
my time. Ahead of affirmative ac-
Washington Post Staff Writer
ment, then "recycled"-to use his
tion." And he supports both Thom-
Certainly, last night's "All-Star Sa-
term- to the private sector-first
as's nomination and affirmative ac-
lute to Stan Scott" was a well-de-
at Philip Morris and then as owner
tion.
served tribute to an accomplished
of Crescent Distributing in New Or-
and well-loved man: award-winning
leans, a Miller Beer franchise and
journalist, White House adviser, cor-
the largest black-owned business in
porate executive and philanthropist.
the state.
"Stan Scott
"Stan offers living proof that love
Along the way, he gathered an im-
nourishes virtue, that hard work
pressive array of friends and admir-
represents someone
pays, and that good things happen to
ers-many of whom attended the
good people," said President Bush,
dinner, including the Bushes; Roe-
who has taken
an old friend. "And most impressive:
mer; former representative William
that some journalists can turn to
Gray (as of 4 p.m. yesterday presi-
advantage of
honest work."
dent of the United Negro College
But perhaps in a larger sense it
Fund); New Orleans Mayor Sid Bar-
opportunity in
was about black achievement-or at
thelemy; attorney Vernon Jordan;
least one definition of it. In a week
Connie Newman, director of the Of-
government and in
when the life of Judge Clarence
fice of Personnel Management; mu-
Thomas is under intense scrutiny
sician Lionel Hampton; and corpo-
the private sector. "
and as the Congressional Black Cau-
rate bigwigs from across the
-Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer
cus opens its annual legislative
country.
weekend focusing on its opposition
"It's not an ideological crowd,"
"I personally feel that we as a peo-
to the nomination-the tribute to
said Gray. "It's a Stan Scott crowd."
ple are wasting a lot of good energy.
Scott, a prominent black Republican,
They were there to honor their
and resources on this nomination,"
seemed to underscore the debate
about affirmative action.
friend for his numerous contribu-
said Scott, "energy that could be bet-
"Many of us will disagree over
tions-and also to support him
ter used in terms of securing ad-
through his battle against cancer.
vancement in a wide spectrum of ar-
particulars of social policy," said
"Stan, we love you," said Bush,
eas for our people. Good people may
Bush, "but we have only ourselves to
whose voice broke during his
disagree on that.
blame if we fail to promote a Good
Society."
speech. The president sat between
"We don't have enough of any-
Scott and his wife, Bettye, during
thing as a people.
"I don't see this as some philo-
We don't enjoy
sophical outreach program to entre-
dinner and-spent more than a half-
the respect we require to enjoy our
preneurship," said Gov. Buddy Roe-
hour at a VIP reception before the
fair share of the great American
mer of Louisiana, one of 600
dinner posing with corporate execu-
promise."
corporate and political friends at the
tives who donated more than
But certainly, respect-and
$100,000 to establish a United Ne-
Sheraton Washington last night. "If
love-filled the room last night.
gro College Fund scholarship in
there is a political meaning-and
"Thanks," Scott told the audience,
Scott's name.
there probably is-it's the Republi-
"for caring about a guy who never
can Party trying to incorporate, in-
"I think it's necessary to provide
wanted anything more out of life
everybody the opportunity to suc-
clude and show a cooperative spirit.
than to do his best and try his best to
That's Stan Scott."
ceed," said Leonard Goldstein, presi-
make life better for all of us."
Certainly Scott, 58, boasts im-
pressive credentials. He was the
first black reporter for United Press
International, served in the White
House from 1972 to 1975 as special
assistant for domestic affairs during
the Nixon and Ford administrations,
PAGE 22 OF 40
The Washington Post
DATE: 9/12/9
California
PAGE: A21
The adjusted figures,
Loses Fight
based on a national survey,
put the state's population at
30.8 million, compared to the
On Census
census count of 29.7 million.
"Clearly we're disappoint-
ed that it requires that we
Court Denies Use
proceed with unadjusted
data," said Michael Reese, a
spokesman for Brown.
Of Revised Tally
The asembly had argued
that, under the Freedom of
Information Act, it had a
By Barbara Vobejda
right to see the numbers. In
Washington Post Staff Writer
a separate suit, the state
Despite the legal efforts
Senate had argued that the
of its Democratic leaders,
federal government's refusal
the California legislature will
to provide the adjusted fig-
not have access to the ad-
ures unfairly denied repre-
justed 1990 census figures
sentation to those residents
before it redraws its political
missed in the head count.
boundaries this fall.
In both cases, the Com-
Two federal judges in Cal-
merce Department and the
ifornia agreed with the
Census Bureau, represented
state's Assembly and Senate
by the Justice Department,
that the federal government
appealed the judges' orders
should be forced to release
to release the figures. The
the revised figures. But the
9th U.S. Circuit Court of
Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3
Appeals upheld the judge's
Tuesday that the Census
order in the assembly suit,
Bureau and Commerce De-
but overturned the lower
partment could withhold the
court in the Senate suit.
adjusted population counts
It was the government's
pending a hearing before a
appeal in the assembly's
federal appeals court.
case that went to the Su-
That hearing likely will
preme Court.
occur next year, but the state
Charles Marson, the as-
must meet a Friday deadline
sembly's attorney said the
for redistricting. Before the
legislature will continue to
Supreme Court ruling, As-
pursue the adjusted figures,
sembly Speaker Willie Brown
not only for purposes of re-
(D) had said the legislature
districting, but with the pos-
may base its new political
sibility that they would be
districts on the revised fig-
used for other population-
ures, which have been sta-
based funding and policy de-
cisions.
tistically adjusted to compen-
sate for those people who
were missed in the census.
OF
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: B3
New bill
deletes
city-paid
trict didn't have the clout to override
abortions
a presidential veto," said Rosann
Wisman, president of Planned Par-
enthood of Metropolitan Washing-
ton, D.C. "Even though poor women's
By Chris Harvey
lives were at stake, that was not
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
enough to muster a two-thirds vote."
Mr. Dixon said he saw no sense in
Rep. Julian Dixon yesterday intro-
duced a stripped-down version of
"beating a dead horse" and pressing
the issue with the president. He said
the District's $3.9 billion spending
he spoke with city officials and was
bill, leaving out the prickly language
told "they need the money" in the
on abortion funding that prompted a
bill.
presidential veto last month.
The new fiscal 1992 bill could be
"The longer the delays, the more
approved by the House as early as
short-term debt they incur," he said.
Tuesday, putting the measure on a
Douglas Johnson, legislative di-
fast track for Senate passage before
rector for the National Right to Life
the 1991 bill expires at the end of the
Committee, said the president's ac-
month.
tion will save the lives of about 1,000
The Dixon bill reinstates lan-
infants a year. He said that's how
guage in effect since fiscal 1989,
much the overall abortion rate in the
which says that no city or federal
city has dropped since the strict lan-
funds can be used to pay for an abor-
guage was enacted.
tion unless the mother's life is endan-
Ms. Wisman said yesterday she is
gered.
not certain that figure is accurate.
The vetoed bill would have re-
She did say, however, that she is sure
moved all restrictions on city-
about what the continued funding
funded abortions, but kept the life-
restriction will mean to poor women.
of-the-mother restriction on federal
"A lot of women will have babies
funds.
they are not financially or emotion-
Mr. Dixon, a California Democrat
ally or physically able to have," Ms.
and chairman of the House appro-
Wisman said. "Or, there will be some
priations subcommittee on the Dis-
women who will scrape together the
trict, said yesterday he anticipated
money, which is an incredible hard-
no trouble with the new bill. "The
ship to them."
major issue [of contention] was the
The funding bill also includes a
abortion language, and I don't see
record-high federal payment of
anyone now raising the issue," he
said.
$630.5 million. The payment - made
in lieu of taxes on federal property
Pro-choice advocates admitted
- held steady at $430.5 million from
they did not have the votes to over-
fiscal 1988 to 1990. It increased to
ride President Bush's veto. "The Dis-
$530.5 million in fiscal 1991.
OF
40
SHORT TAKES
The Washington Post
DATE: 9/12/91
White House Seeks Disapproval
pleaded guilty to stealing about $1.4 million from
PAGE: AZI
Of Grant for Welk's Hometown
the agency by falsifying travel vouchers.
William J. Burns admitted in August 1988 to
The White House is pressing the Agriculture De-
stealing the money over an eight-year period, a time
in which he was responsible for certifying travel and
partment to reverse low-level approval for a
$500,000 grant to develop a tourist industry in
expense vouchers for AID employees. Federal sen-
Lawrence Welk's hometown.
tencing guidelines called for a maximum sentence of
"Disapproval of the grant would clearly be in ac-
three years and one month, but U.S. District Judge
cord with the intent of both the president and Con-
Norma Holloway Johnson departed from those
gress," Robert Grady, an associate director of the
guidelines to give Burns a five-year sentence.
Office of Management and Budget, recently wrote
Yesterday, she again imposed a more severe sen-
Roland Vautour, an undersecretary of agriculture.
tence-but instead of adding 23 extra months to
The money would be used to build a German-Rus-
the more than three years he has already served,
sian museum in Strasburg, N.D., and provide loans
she added only 13, reducing Burns's prison time to
four years and two months.
for economic development in the community.
Congress earmarked the money in the Farmers
The extra prison time, she told Burns, was jus-
Home Administration's 1991 budget but voted this
tified because he "persisted in
criminal
activity"
year to bar any federal funds from being spent on
over such a long period of time.
the band leader's birthplace after reports about the
grant embarrassed lawmakers.
GAO Says Medicare Fails to Follow Rules
FmHA officials in North Dakota recently approved
The General Accounting Office said yesterday
the grant. They said the congressional action was
that Medicare has failed to comply with rules re-
irrelevant because the money would be spent in
quiring hospitals to be thrown out of the program if
Strasburg, not at the band leader's rural boyhood
they fail to correct health, safety and organizational
house, which was renovated with private gifts.
deficiences within 90 days of discovery.
But the White House isn't buying that argument.
In a report to Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-
"The proximity of the proposed construction to the
Calif.), chairman of the House Ways and Means
Welk birthplace, the fact that the museum will help
Medicare subcommittee, the GAO said it looked at
support restorations of the Welk birthplace by at-
195 hospitals that were not complying with various
tracting tourists to the area is more than coinci-
rules from Oct. 1, 1986, to Oct. 31, 1989. It said
dence would allow," Grady said in Friday's letter.
147 corrected the problems and two were excluded
The Agriculture Department is expected to de-
from the program within the required 90 days.
cide this month whether to release the money.
But of the remaining 46, none was certified as fix-
ing the problem within 90 days, and only one was ul-
Ex-AID Employee Gets Reduced Sentence
timately tossed out of the program. Two-thirds of the
A federal judge yesterday reduced by 10 months
46 were reported to have from two to nine violations.
a five-year sentence she had given a former Agency
Stark said he will pursue legislation for more ef-
for International Development employee who
fective enforcement.
From staff reports and news services
TODAY IN CONGRESS
SENATE
enterprise legis. 1300 LHOB.
Meets at 9:20 a.m.
Armed Services-9 a.m. Seapower subc.
Committees:
Hearing and mark up. 2212 Rayburn House
Agriculture-9 a.m. Mark up
Office Bldg.
govt.-sponsored enterprise legis. 332
Banking-10 a.m. Financial institutions
Russell Office Bldg.
subc. RTC refinancing & restructuring.
Appropriations-10 a.m. Transportation &
2128 RHOB.
related agencies subc. Mark up DOT &
Education-10 a.m. Comp. Occupational
related agencies FY 92 appropriations.
Safety & Health Reform Act, and N.C.
S-126, Capitol.
factory fire. 2175 RHOB.
Appropriations-1 p.m. Mark up DOT
Energy-9:30 a.m. Oversight subc. FDA
appropriations & FY 92 appropriation for
enforcement. 2123 RHOB.
military construction projects. S-128, Cap.
Energy-12:15 p.m. Energy subc. National
Armed Services-10 a.m. Closure of
energy policy legis., global warming. 2322
Loring Air Force Base in Maine. 222 ROB.
RHOB.
Banking-9:30 a.m. Securities subc.
Energy-1 p.m. Commerce subc. Sports
Trading violations by Salomon Bros. 538
exposure & revenues & historically black
Dirksen Office Bldg.
universities. 2154 RHOB.
Budget-10 a.m. Suspension of
Energy-1:15 p.m. Transportation subc.
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings deficit reduction
Oil & gas exploration, production waste &
law budget restraints. 608 DOB.
mining & mineral proc. waste under RCRA.
Commerce- a.m. Consumer subc.
2167 RHOB.
Product Liability Fairness Act. Commerce
Foreign Affairs-10 a.m. Internati.
Secretary Mosbacher. 253 ROB.
narcotics control task force, human rights
Energy-2 p.m. Water & power subc.
subc. & Western Hemisphere affairs subc.
Reclamation Projects Auth. Act of '91, &
Narcotics control & human rights in Peru.
Reclamation Reform Act of '91. 366 DOB.
2172 RHOB.
Environment-10 a.m. Environmental
Interior-10 a.m. Parks subc. Mark up.
protection subc. Municipal & Native
2167 RHOB.
American waste mgmnt provisions of '91
Interior-1:30 p.m. Energy subc.
RCRA amendments. 406 DOB.
Radiation Protection Act of 1991. 1324
Finance-11 a.m. MFN status for USSR.
LHOB.
215 DOB.
Judiciary-9:30 a.m. Economic subc.
Finance-2 p.m. Taxation subc. Tax
Professional, amateur Sports Protection
simplification. 215 DOB.
Act. 2141 RHOB.
Judiciary-10 a.m. Nomination of
Judiclary-9:30 a.m. Internati. law subc.
Clarence Thomas to Supreme Court. 325
Mark up. B352 RHOB.
ROB.
Judiciary-11 a.m. Admin. law subc.
Small Business-10:30 a.m. Pension
Ethics in Govt. Act of '78, ban on
expansion & simplification. Labor Secretary
honoraria. 2226 RHOB.
Martin. 428A ROB.
Merchant Marine-2 p.m. Coast Guard
Veterans Affairs-9:30 a.m. Auth. for
subc. Bridge alteration & navigation
marriage & family counseling for Gulf war
improvement, Truman-Hobbs Act. 1334
veterans. 418 ROB.
LHOB.
POW-MIA Affairs-3 p.m. Closed.
Rules-11 a.m. Unemployment Insurance
Organization. S-116 Cap.
Reform Act of '91. H-313, Cap.
Ways & Means-10 a.m. U.S.
HOUSE
competitiveness. 1100 LHOB.
Meets at noon.
Hunger-9:30 a.m. Pre- & postnatal care
Committees:
for high-risk women & infants. 222 RHOB.
Agriculture-9:30 a.m. Forests subc.
Joint Economic-9:15 a.m. Technology &
Auth. & direct exchange of lands in
economic performance, focusing on
Colorado. 1302 Longworth House Office
Carnegie Comm. report. 2318 RHOB.
Bldg.
Joint Economic-11 a.m. Roundtable disc.
Agriculture-10 a.m. Govt.-sponsored
2318 RHOB.
PAGE 25 OF
The New York Times
Natural Law, Then and Now
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A24
Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court nominee,
overruling Roe V. Wade, the landmark abortion
has not so far been credible in his Senate testimony
decision, and they surely open him to broad com-
on a point of considerable concern. Judge Thomas is
mittee questioning.
trying to minimize speeches in which he extolled
In one 1987 speech to an audience hostile to Roe,
natural law, sometimes described as a "higher
he praised an article by Lewis Lehrman that called
law" than the Constitution.
the decision an illegitimate violation of a fetus's
He characterizes those speeches now merely as
right to life under the author's view of natural law.
musings in political theory that had nothing to do
Mr. Thomas called the article "a splendid example
with his view of how a judge should decide hard
of applying natural law."
constitutional cases.
He now tells the Senate that he never endorsed
Examination of those speeches, whose views
the article and in fact disagrees with it. Natural law,
are likely to have attracted him to the Bush Admin-
he maintains, is only a political theory and he
istration, shows this explanation to be inadequate.
rejects it as a judicial tool to help decide constitu-
Unless the Senate Judiciary Committee can elicit
tional cases.
better answers, it may be forced to conclude that he
Yet he told a law school audience in 1988:
harbors a view of judging that is wide of what most
"Without recourse to higher law, we abandon our
lawyers and citizens regard as the mainstream of
best defense of a Court that is active in defending
American law.
the Constitution but judicious in its restraint and
moderation. Higher law is the only alternative to the
willfulness of both runamok majorities and runa-
Natural law, a concept of inherent rights that
mok judges."
animated the Revolution, still has respected adher-
In the same year he praised a strong, lone
ents who argue for a moral basis for American law.
judicial dissent by Justice Antonin Scalia from the
But the concept is nevertheless vague and subjec-
Supreme Court's upholding of the statute establish-
tive. It has been used both to defend and oppose
ing Federal independent counsels. He said Justice
slavery, sex discrimination and other evils now
Scalia's opinion - which was delivered from the
banned by positively enacted constitutional amend-
bench and not in a political science seminar -
ments and statutes.
"indicates how again we might relate natural rights
Judge Thomas's speeches on the subject have
to democratic self-government and thus protect a
raised pointed questions about which brand of high-
regime of individual rights."
er law he favors. Now, in his answers to the Senate
Those remarks and a host of others were about
Judiciary Committee, he seeks to distance himself
judicial decision-making, not political science or
from those speeches. He disavows reliance on any-
political philosophy. Judge Thomas's answers are
thing but the Constitution and laws, but several
so far unpersuasive.
senators rightly complain that his new disclaimers
What gives skeptical senators, mostly Demo-
fall short.
crats, even stronger grounds for hesitation is the
The nominee, who has sat for only a matter of
belief that President Bush knows, if only from these
months on the United States Court of Appeals in
speeches, that his nominee satisfies the Republican
Washington D.C., refuses to discuss issues of abor-
platform's demand for pro-life judges.
tion, citing the need to remain publicly impartial.
Inspired by a natural or higher law or not,
It's generally important to guard against public
Judge Thomas has the burden of explaining better
prejudgment, and the Senate usually honors a nomi-
when his expressed philosophy raises serious ques-
nee's reticence.
tions. The doubting senators are right to persist, and
But Judge Thomas's speeches about natural
they are entitled to hold his non-answers against
law and abortion strongly suggest a predilection for
him.
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: GZ
The opponents of Judge Thomas
A
Clarence Thomas finishes testifying before the
sons to oppose Mr. Rehnquist something about a.
august panel of lawgivers who will decide
restrictive covenant in the deed to his house as well
whether to lift him to the nation's highest
some other unsupported charge about challenging vot-
court, it might be instructive to look at the
ers at polling stations - but in truth they opposed him
list of his opponents. Why, one might ask, do they
on grounds of political ideology.
oppose Judge Thomas? Well, for much the same reason
they opposed Robert Bork, Antonin Scalia, William
When Mr. Souter showed up for confirmation, the
Rehnquist, David Souter and Anthony Kennedy -
Leadership Conference merely wanted the Judiciary
which they did. The nominees are conservative, the
Committee to "recall" him to explain some of his posi-
opponents are liberal.
tions more thoroughly, but the other groups PAW,
The Congressional Quarterly ran a pretty compre-
Alliance for Justice, NOW, NARAL, NAACP - came
hensive list of those who oppose Judge Thomas: the
down against him.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored
Move back to Mr. Scalia, and you find the usual
People, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the
suspects: the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights,
AFL-CIO, the Alliance for Justice, People for the Amer-
Americans for Democratic Action and NOW.
ican Way, the National Abortion Rights Action League,
Anthony Kennedy was the one guy they couldn't do
the Congressional Black Caucus, American Federation
much with, although the Leadership Conference put a
of State, County and Municipal Employees and the
24-man team of lawyers into action checking his back-
American Federation of Teachers.
ground. Mr. Kennedy, you see, was the Reagan admin-
But take a look back through the files, and guess
istration's choice after the left got through with Mr.
who shows up in opposition to Mr. Bork? The same
Bork, and the Leadership Conference, NAACP and
collection of groups. And Mr. Rehnquist, when he was
NOW knew its friends on the Judiciary Committee
up for chief justice? The NAACP, the National Organi-
couldn't get away with murder twice. So Mr. Kennedy
zation for Women, the National Women's Political Cau-
slipped by.
cus, the Americans for Democratic Action, etc., etc.,
Fact is, these groups oppose Judge Thomas for one
etc. Admittedly, they came up with two ancillary rea-
reason, and it has nothing to do with his qualifications.
PAGE 26 off
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A18
Biden Meets Epstein
The main lesson so far of the hear-
philosophy to protect these rights.
ings for Clarence Thomas is that the
Mr. Biden unintentionally did the
World's Greatest Deliberative Body
country a service by waving around a
knows no limits when it comes to hy-
copy of University of Chicago Law
pocrisy. The stubborn fact of Judge
Prof. Richard Epstein's "Takings"
Thomas's impressive qualifications
(Harvard University Press, 1985). He
for the job forces his opponents to say
asked incredulously if Judge Thomas
some of the most amazing things.
believed in this economic-liberty talk.
There's the hypocrisy of Howard
"There's a whole new school of
Metzenbaum's litmus test that Judge
thought," Mr. Biden intoned, "that up
Thomas must agree to vote to uphold
until about five years ago only spoke
Roe v. Wade after accusing President
to one another that is now receiving
Bush of having the opposite litmus.
wider credence and credibility."
But probably the most hilarious hy-
Well, the Founding Fathers memo-
pocrisy is this running-joke discussion
rialized economic rights in the Consti-
about "natural law," a phrase that no
tution itself. The Fifth Amendment
Senator can define.
says the government can take private
The unseriousness of the natural-
property only for a "public purpose"
law issue is clear by remembering the
and only if "just compensation" is
accolades liberals gave Justices Bren-
paid. The Contracts Clause bars any
nan and Marshall when they advanced
"law impairing the obligation of con-
their common political agenda by
tracts." The Fifth and Fourteenth
ditching original intent and instead in-
Amendments protect due process for
voking "the constitutional ideal of hu-
life, liberty and property. Judge
man dignity" to find new rights hiding
Thomas reminded Mr. Biden, "there
in the penumbras and shadows.
is a Takings Clause in the Constitution
Maybe liberals worry that a conserva-
and there's also a reference to prop-
tive nominee could cite natural law to
erty in our Constitution."
make opposing arguments from the
same playbook, but they also know
These rights, which are explicit
that Judge Thomas was selected for
and require no invocation of natural
his adherence to judicial restraint.
rights or penumbras, have gone
When Senator Biden asked Judge
largely unprotected since FDR told
Thomas if he would use ambiguous
the Justices he'd pack their court if
natural law instead of applying the
they interfered with the New Deal.
written Constitution, Judge Thomas
The failure to protect the property
gave the answer liberals supposedly
right to the product of one's work, in-
wanted to hear. He said he would not,
cidentally, made Jim Crow possible.
that his interest in natural law was
As Judge Thomas said, segregation
limited to political arguments he
laws "did not allow my grandfather to
could use when he ran the EEOC to
enjoy the fruits of his labor."
broaden the inalienable rights of mi-
By now, the failure to enforce the
norities. Does Mr. Biden wish Judge
Takings Clause is an epidemic. Ex-
Thomas still counted as only three-
propriation by rent control and abu-
fifths of an American?
sive zoning is common. Environmen-
Whatever the reason, Mr. Biden
tal regulations in particular routinely
has now decided he doesn't like Judge
amount to takings. Wetlands rules
Thomas's answer and chooses not to
turn valuable property into land that
believe it. This is despite the fact that
can't be developed. Timber compa-
not one of Judge Thomas's opinions
nies unlucky enough to own trees that
for the federal appeals court in Wash-
attract Spotted Owls have had their
ington mentions natural law. So ex-
business outlawed. Congress can pass
pect more newfound high dudgeon
these regulations, but the Takings
about the dangers of judicial activ-
Clause was supposed to require com-
ism.
pensation. This is about more than
This criticism of what Judge
fairness. The Founders also insisted
Thomas does not believe would be be-
on the Takings Clause as a limit on
nign nonsense except for a danger
the amount of government regulation
that should worry people who are
by making sure taxpayers would bear
more serious than the Members of the
the costs of regulations that hurt prop-
Judiciary Committee. We have in
erty values.
mind Mr. Biden's attempt to ostracize
Mr. Biden is right; there is a
proponents of economic liberties.
"whole new school of thought" on the
He asked Judge Thomas whether
proper relationship between the state
he thought there was a natural right
and private property. We know that
to property and contracts. John Locke
Mr. Biden possesses a copy of Rich-
and John Stuart Mill would say yes.
ard Epstein's "Takings." When he's
but there is no reason for a judge in
done waving it. we recommend that
this country to reach for natural-law
he open it and read it.
PAGE 270.40
Los Angeles Times
DATE: 9/14/91
PAGE:
B4
A Process as Near
Perfect as Possible
Is Senate up to handling Thomas nomination?
C
larence Thomas, Presi-
and leave the politics to lesser
dent Bush's nominee for
forms of political life. Bush
the Supreme Court, fac-
has properly condemned ex-
es the Senate Judiciary Com-
treme right-wing "attack ads"
mittee today. Thus begins
against Democratic Sens. Alan
what could be a weeks-long
Cranston, Edward M. Kenne-
probe of the nominee. How
dy and Joseph R. Biden Jr.,
this constitutionally mandated
the latter two members of the
process will end is unclear.
Judiciary Committee. But the
But current odds favor confir-
Conservative Victory Com-
mation.
mittee's TV ads, centering on
Thomas, a black man, is
personal blotches in the sena-
proposed to replace Thurgood
tors' backgrounds, have al-
Marshall, also black. It will be
ready polluted the atmos-
difficult for the Senate to deny
phere inside the beltway.
confirmation to a minority
Perhaps solace can be taken in
nominee without clear and
the thought that the ads might
compelling reasons.
backfire.
The Thomas controversy
THE MUDDINESS: An at-
arises because, in respects
tack from the other side, by
other than race, Thomas and
the liberal-minded People for
Marshall could not be less
the American Way, does not
alike. Thomas bridles at ac-
merit comparable outrage and
cepting the whole medicine
condemnation. But it's not
bag of affirmative-action
clear that the issue it is raising
remedies advanced by the
contributes much to the pro-
civil rights Establishment.
cess. The group maintains
The National Assn. for the
that when Thomas was chair-
Advancement of Colored Peo-
man of the federal Equal Em-
ple has recommended against
ployment Opportunity Com-
confirmation. If Thomas were
mission he billed the
more like Marshall, he un-
government for trips that
doubtedly would sail through
were unrelated to official
the Democratically controlled
business. It's possible that the
Senate panel; on the other
allegations might prove a
hand, he would never have
genuine issue by raising ques-
been nominated by the Re-
tions of character. But one
publican White House.
senses the drumming up of
THE PROCESS: The hope
elements not central to the
is that the Senate will rise
matter at hand.
above politics and conduct a
Of greater gravity, we
dignified and intelligent con-
think, is the American Bar
firmation hearing that goes
Assn.'s finding that the nomi-
beyond politics to determine
nee-a circuit judge on the
what this man stands for and
U.S. Court of Appeals for more
what his judicial philosophy is.
than a year-is "qualified" but
The committee needs to dis-
not "well qualified." The issue
cover whether he is inde-
of judicial competence is the
pendent and open or a closed-
one the Senate panel must
minded ideologue who will
firmly-but professionally-
destroy any semblance of
explore. The issue of Clarence
court balance needed to afford
Thomas is complex. It will test
legal issues a thorough airing.
the ability of the Senate panel
The panel needs to focus
to be a thorough and fair judge
high-mindedly on legal issues
of a judge.
D.280F40
The Thomas hearings begin
NEW YORK POST
Readers of this page know we wel-
DATE: 9/11/91
Thomas' refusal to succumb to ideo-
come President Bush's nomination of
logical coercion to adopt the liberal-
PAGE: 22
Judge Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Su-
left politics that are "expected" of
preme Court. Throughout his Washing-
blacks in public life - is further testi-
ton career, Thomas whose confirma-
mony to his strength of character.
tion hearings began yesterday - has
While he undoubtedly knows that there
been a forceful champion of ideas in
is no internal contradiction between the
which we believe.
A consistent critic of "race-based"
color of his skin and his ideological ori-
entation - that vast numbers of Ameri-
remedies for discrimination, a vigorous
can blacks don't want their own
proponent of the view that individual
Americans should be protected by law
achievements diluted by the stigma of
against discrimination, rather than
affirmative action and identify readily
whole classes of alleged "victims" -
with the principles of self-help and indi-
vidual responsibility - it remains that
many of whom may never actually
have suffered from discrimination -
it cannot have been easy for Clarence
Thomas to swim against the tide and
Thomas is also an articulate advocate
reject the views held by most of the es-
for judicial restraint. This doctrine has
tablished black organizations.
informed his rulings as a circuit-court
How many of us manifest the kind of
judge and it played a clear role in his
intellectual courage to which his career
tenure as a ranking Reagan adminis-
gives evidence?
tration official.
Needless to say, we hope, in the days
On a personal level, Clarence Thomas'
ahead, that the Judiciary Committee
stunning rise from the depths of poverty
and state-sanctioned discrimination to
hearings afford Judge Thomas the op-
portunity to elaborate on his views in a
the threshold of the high court strikes
climate defined by dignity and deco-
us as evidence of exceptional fortitude
rum. If history is any guide, it should
and strength of character. As Sen. How-
be possible for both senators and wit-
ell Heflin put it on the eve of the confir-
nesses to take issue with Judge
mation hearings, "There are those who
Thomas' past positions while refrain-
believe he is the very embodiment of
the American dream
ing from slander, misrepresentation
and vilification.
By virtue of his very career, Clarence
Indeed, were it not for the experience
Thomas is a strong argument for the
Judge Robert Bork endured at the
view that the dream is very much alive,
and accessible to all Americans, not-
hands of his foes just a few years ago, it
would scarcely be necessary to address
withstanding race or creed or class.
this issue.
Thomas is black. Insofar as ideologi-
We hope, when all is said and done,
cal labels are appropriate, he is also a
that Clarence Thomas is speedily con-
conservative. Many Americans, white
and black, appear to view the notion of a
firmed - so he can begin making his
full contribution to American life and
black conservative as oxymoronic.
American law.
P.290F40
DAILY@NEWS
DATE: 9/11/91
PAGE:
15
Thomas may be best man
Washington -
which objected to paying ever higher taxes
Why are Demo-
to finance services that benefited chiefly
for Dems
crats SO hostile
- and in some cases only black people.
to Clarence
And it lured the Democrats, in reaction
cratic presidential candidates find them-
Thomas? He
against these crypto-racist policies, into
selves compelled to support the same
may be just the
embracing a "black agenda" that has been
failed programs. They think they have no
man to let them
limited to failed and expensive - social
choice. Nearly 90% of black voters cast
LARS-ERIK
out of their box.
programs. The Democrats' solution to their
their ballots for Walter Mondale in 1984
NELSON
The box is
persistent failure to improve the lives of
and for Michael Dukakis in 1988. No Dem-
this: Since the
black people: Give us more money. Voters
ocratic presidential candidate can, in good
1964 Barry Goldwater campaign, Republi-
said No, and since 1964, the Democrats
conscience, turn his back on black needs
can conservatives have managed to trans-
have won one - count it, one - presiden-
- and blacks appear to be calling with one
form the GOP into the white man's party.
tial election, in 1976.
unanimous voice for affirmative action,
Democrats, partly in reaction, partly by
Is race the only reason for the Democrat-
poverty programs, public housing, more
design. and partly out of stupidity, let
ic failure? Surely not. George McGovern,
government spending, higher taxes, more
themselves be portrayed as the party of
Jimmy Carter and Michael Dukakis were
breaks.
black people as well as the party of
weak candidates. But race is certainly a
And now comes Clarence Thomas. a
women. homosexuals. criminals, the dis-
major reason for the Republicans' success.
black nominee to the Supreme Court who
abled, the unemployed, pornographers,
As Thomas Byrne Edsall points out in
wants none of the above. Thomas surely
abortionists and the mentally ill.
his latest cold-blooded analysis of Ameri-
wants the same result the Democrats advo-
The two boxes were neat, clean and con-
can politics, "Chain Reaction, '(Norton,
cate: a more prosperous. juster, safer life
fining. Ronald Reagan carved them quite
$22.95), white working-class backlash
for black people. But he disdains the Dem-
deftly. For the last 27 years, he and other
against the Democrats has allowed rich
ocrats' means.
Republican conservatives fought civil
white Republicans like President Bush to
Rather than government programs.
rights legislation, busing. affirmative ac-
pose as populist friends of the working
Thomas believes in self-help. hard work.
tion. welfare, public housing. food stamps
man. Meanwhile, Republicans cut taxes
strong families, no special favors because
and Medicaid.
for the rich and raise taxes for working
of skin color. There is an element of hypoc-
This stance won the Republicans a dou-
people.
risy in this, for Thomas - as first reported
ble victory. It secured the loyalty of the
Yet every four years, with a persistence
here - benefited from an affirmative-ac-
once-Democratic white working class,
that borders on bone-headedness, Demo-
tion program at Yale Law School in 1971.
But. for Democrats, Thomas opens the
box. Here is the first highly visible, highly
successful black man who says there is a
way to help black people that differs from
the Democrats losing poverty politics
agenda. Thomas may not be wholly right.
but large numbers of black people are will-
ing to listen. A Business Week poll of 500
black adults showed that 60% thought he
should be confirmed - and that 5367 dis-
agreed with the proposition that he should
be rejected because he opposed affirma-
tive action.
Thomas also tells black people that
there may be, at long last, a welcome for
them in the Republican Party. True, they
would have to be conservatives - and they
would have to enter the conservative Re-
publican ideological box: pro-Star Wars.
anti-abortion. pro-school prayer. anti-
union, anti-welfare, anti-government
spending. But if blacks are welcome in the
Republican Party, Republicans are going
to have to start caring about black people's
problems instead of writing blacks off as a
problem for Democrats.
Thomas may not be the best candidate
for the Supreme Court. Some of his judi-
cial views seem weird. But if his views
help to break down the racial divide be-
tween the two parties. he could be the best
thing that has happened to the American
political debate since 1964.
D.30
OF
40
The Washington Post
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A23
George F. Will
The Modest Significance of the Modern Court
The Clarence Thomas contretemps
dential politics, have been reduced to a
era featured enactment of legislation
inaugurates the post-civil rights era.
merely blocking agenda, and to ideo-
opening access to schools, voting
The primary significance of the Thom-
logical grandstanding against the judi-
booths, workplaces and public accom-
as nomination is its merely modest
cial consequences of their protracted
modations. The defining principle of
significance: it does not matter mighti-
irrelevancy in presidential politics.
the era was that blacks and whites
ly to the course of the Supreme Court,
But the primary reason for fierce
should be treated alike and as equals.
and the court matters decreasingly to
liberal opposition to Thomas is that his
The moral and intellectual decline of
the solution of serious social problems.
nomination comes at a moment when
the civil rights impulse was signaled in
Never before has there been such a
the intellectual balance of American
1968 when the Kerner Commission,
disproportion between the controversy
politics regarding social reform gener-
appointed in response to the urban
surrounding a judicial nominee and the
ally, and race in particular, is changing.
riots, declared that blacks, unlike the
probable consequences of his confir-
The focus of thoughtful people is shift-
immigrants who prospered in earlier
mation. Of the Supreme Court's 64
ing away from the strategy of estab-
times, could not achieve unassisted up-
decisions last term involving substan-
lishing new individual and group rights
ward mobility because entry-level jobs
tial written opinions, only 11 were by
by litigation and judicial fiat, and to-
were disappearing. That false prognosis
5-4 votes. Justice Marshall, whom
ward the political process of creating
bred a disastrous moral stance.
Thomas will replace, voted with the
social settings that nurture character.
The prognosis was refuted, as Mi-
four-person liberal minority in six. Re-
Never before has a Supreme Court
chael Barone of U.S. News & World
placing him with a liberal rather than
nominee been so much defined by his
Report notes, by the most prodigious
Thomas would not alter the pattern of
persona-by his biography more than
job creation in world history. In the 20
liberal defeats in this era when 5-4
his philosophy. Some previous nomi-
years after the Kerner Commission,
liberal victories are rare.
nees have carried powerful symbolic
the number of American jobs in-
When Robert Bork was nominated
significance-Marshall, nominated in
creased 50 percent and waves of Asian
in 1987 to replace Justice Powell, who
1966, was the first black; Louis Bran-
and Hispanic immigrants began rising
often was a swing vote in crucial
deis, in 1916, was the first Jew. Thom-
through entry-level jobs.
decisions of the closely divided court,
as's nomination is highly charged with
The Kerner Commission's moral
the court's composition hung in the
balance, and Democrats could hope
symbolic meaning because of the rela-
stance was, implicitly, that blacks
that the conservative era in presiden-
tionship between what he is and what
should be treated as a crippled commu-
he thinks.
tial politics would end when the Rea-
nity, as dependent wards of a govern-
gan administration did. Today, howev-
He is a product of remarkable up-
ment dispensing racial preferences and
er, political probabilities indicate five
ward mobility. He thinks there is only
other group rights and entitlements.
more years of a Republican adminis-
modest potential for judicial remedy of
Today's civil rights lobby, which is
tration, and actuarial tables indicate
social ills, because courts are instru-
leading the charge against Thomas, is
that the administration will have an
ments of limited utility, and because
composed of people comfortably situat-
opportunity to make additional conser-
judges' powers, properly understood,
ed as brokers of these benefits.
vative nominations. The court's shape
are more narrow than many recent
Whatever the reason why a majority
is set for the foreseeable future.
justices have thought.
of black babies are born to single
Why, then, the sound and fury
The civil rights era, accurately de-
women, the reason is not the econo-
against Thomas? What does it signify
scribed, featured attacks on legal im-
my's failure to produce jobs. And
about him and these times? One an-
pediments to black participation in the
whatever the cure for this crisis of
swer is that liberals, impotent in presi-
nation's civic and economic life. The
family decomposition might be, the
cure is not more litigation about indi-
vidual rights.
Laws can contribute to the creation
of the complex social ecology of nur-
turing families and civic habituation. But
that is primarily the business of political
policy, and of persuasion, not of the
adversarial clash of competing claims to
rights, resulting in judicial fiat.
The fierce contention about Thom-
as' confirmation reflects the unwhole-
some centrality of courts in America's
recent governance. The importance of
Thomas is that he knows better
P.31 0F40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
CAL THOMAS
PAGE:
GI
rom violence in the
F
Crown Heights section
of the Bronx to heated
debates over a civil
Bridging the racial
rights bill in Congress,
it is clear that the dis-
tance between the races is widening.
The confirmation hearings for
legal gimmicks are necessary to
Judge Clarence Thomas present a
overcome past and present discrimi-
divide
rare opportunity for conservative
nation.
Americans to take the initiative to
Some whites have countered that
they are not responsible for what
established between individual
bridge the racial divide. Leadership
happened a century ago, and that
whites and blacks. A ripple effect
from this unlikely quarter could pro-
duce dynamic social and political
blacks want to reverse the discrimi-
could touch entire families, even
benefits unique in black-white rela-
nation process in their favor by de-
whole neighborhoods. The racial
tions.
nying whites jobs and promotions.
animosity SO prevalent today would
The twain shall never meet - un-
be markedly diminished.
Judge Thomas represents values
that most conservatives cherish:
less there is another way.
The political benefits might also
The answer, I think, lies with
be considerable. Conservatives
hard working, self-sufficient, per-
sonally accountable.
black children who have, like Cla-
could break the hold liberals have
rence Thomas, demonstrated moti-
had on the "black" vote for the last
If there are to be many more Cla-
rence Thomases, it is up to those who
vation but lack the means to make
half-century. This is not the highest
admire what he has done to show the
their dreams come true. With these
motivation for involvement in such a
way for others to emulate his accom-
young people, conservatives have an
project, but if that's what it takes for
opportunity to produce a whole gen--
some conservatives to act, they can
plishments.
eration of Clarence Thomases if
grow from the bottom motivation
Across a wide chasm of misun-
they seize the moment now.
up.
derstanding, whites and blacks have
hurled their ideological and political
A private national campaign
In an address to the-conservative
mortars. Much of America's black
should be launched by conserva-
Heritage Foundation in 1987, Cla-
leadership has practiced the politics
tives, apart from other programs, to
rence Thomas said, "Conservatives
of grievance. They say whites owe
raise college scholarship money for
must open the door and lay out the
black students in need of financial
welcome mat if there is ever going
them because of slavery, and that
quotas, affirmative action and other
assistance. In addition, conserva-
to be a chance of attracting black
tives should become personally in-
Americans. There need be no ideo-
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndi-
volved in the lives of these young
logical concessions, just a major at-
people, particularly young black
titudinal change. Conservatives
cated columnist.
must show that they care."
men, serving as mentors and role
Closing the gap between black
models. The personal relationship
factor is critical to the success of
and white, between poor and non-
poor in America is a job that can
such a project because it offers en-
begin with the initiative of conserva-
richment that is often denied to poor
tives reaching out to the children of
children, many of whom come from
broken families and suffer other so-
poor blacks to help them become
self-sufficient. The potential to
cial and environmental hardships.
A foundation with specific by-
transform black America is great.
The potential to transform white
laws and tight controls should be
America may be even greater.
created to find scholarship benefi-
ciaries and regulate the flow of
funds to protect the program's integ-
rity. Criteria would need to be well
defined. Not only good students
would be helped, but anyone with the
desire and potential to succeed
might qualify.
To fund such a program, corpora-
tions and conservative political
groups would contribute money,
time and expertise. The program's
foundation would be a "domestic
World Vision," patterned after World,
Vision International, a humanitarian
organization that assists poor chil-
dren around the world through spon-
sors who donate money every
month.
Ideally sponsors would be linked
to poor black American children in
their city or region and would re-
main in close touch with their
"adopted" children by telephone, let-
ters and personal visits.
Corporations could provide for
selected young people short courses
on how businesses are run, eco-
nomic independence through self-
help, cultural appreciation and aca-
demic tutoring. Perhaps a child who
had been sponsored by a corporation
or business would have an inside
track on a job after graduation and
a relationship with his or her mentor
that would serve both well.
The personal. cultural and politi-
cal benefits of such a program are
potentially enormous. Personal rela-
tionships on a new level would be
PAGE 320.40
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
Robert Gates, a Case Worth Investigating
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A12
The nomination of Clarence Thomas to
Even more disturbing is the fact that
the Supreme Court is dominating the news.
Mr. Gates was sandwiched between sev-
but another important nomination with
eral officials-Casey; Clair George, the
For years it was conservatives who
constitutional overtones will come before
deputy director for covert operations who
fought to prevent the consolidation of
the Senate on Monday-that of Robert
was indicted Friday: Jerry Gruner, chief
power in the federal government and the
Gates as CIA director. The Journal, of
of the agency's Latin American division;
executive branch. Yet the failure of Repub-
course, has long dismissed the significance
and Alan Fiers. head of CIA operations in
licans to win control of the House in nearly
of the Iran-Contra scandal to which Mr.
Central America-who were running the
four decades has increasingly led many of
Gates is linked. In flip tones, this paper's
extraconstitutional Contra project. Al-
them to long for American-style Gaul-
editors have written: "We admit to not
lism.
though that doesn't mean Mr. Gates neces-
knowing how much Mr. Gates knew, and
sarily knew about the secret aid, it does re-
Last fall numerous conservatives
especially to not caring." Columnist Ken
quire that his claim be carefully scrutin-
backed George Bush's claim that he could
Adelman went even further in the Wash-
ized.
unilaterally transfer one-fourth of the U.S.
ington Times, arguing that because Mr.
Mr. Gates's story has become slightly military thousands of miles from home and
less believable with the recent revelation launch a full-scale war on another sover-
Counterpoint
that, contrary to his original assertion, he eign state. The Journal has championed
in fact met several times with Mr. Fiers in the idea that the president has an inherent
By Doug Bandow
1986 and served as interagency coordina- line-item veto power. Some analysts now
tor of the limited, legal assistance pro- argue that the Constitution prevents Con-
gram for the Contras. That aid, empha- gress from limiting the activities that ap-
sizes the administration, was approved by propriated funds may be used for and al-
Gates's connection to Iran-Contra is trivial
Congress. But Mr. Gates's involvement in lows the president to fire the heads of inde-
the Democratic opposition to him must
the Nicaraguan issue and his meetings pendent agencies. In short. today many
also be based on the idea that Mr. Gates
with a subordinate who knew about Col. conservatives want their presidents to be
"is less risk-averse and more strongly
North's operation add power to the argu- like the liberal activists of yore: Woodrow
identified with presidential leadership"
ment that he either knew or should have Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Harry
than some senators would like.
known about Iran-Contra.
Truman and Lyndon Johnson, who all ex-
But what Mr. Gates knew and should
Computer messages moreover indicate panded executive power.
have known should decide whether he is
that Mr. Gates talked with National Secu-
But there were good reasons why con-
confirmed. Mr. Gates, who served as the
rity Council Director John Poindexter, an servatives were the sharpest critics of
agency's deputy director under William
active participant in the scheme, about a these "strong" presidents-that "Mr. Re-
Casey, says he was unaware of the bizarre
proposal to lease a cargo ship to transfer publican" Robert Taft, for instance, ar-
scheme orchestrated by Oliver North to
arms to the Contras and the possibility of gued that Truman did not have the consti-
use the proceeds of the sale of weapons to
the agency purchasing the entire resupply tutional authority to take the country into
Iran to fund Nicaragua's Contras.
system for the Contras if Congress ap- war in Korea. These conservatives' con-
Perhaps Mr. Casey did cut him out of
proved more aid. Finally, there is a refer- cerns over concentrated executive power
the illicit program. Mr. Gates, however,
ence in Col. North's office diary that sug- remain equally valid today. Indeed, Taft,
admits that he had heard some rumors of
gests he discussed his activities at a lunch along with any number of believers in lim-
the North operation before it became pub-
with the CIA director and Mr. Gates, ited government, would have been dis-
lic. but disregarded what he termed the
though the latter says Col. North assured mayed at the argument that someone
"flimsy" evidence. He also acknowledges
him the CIA was not involved.
should be confirmed as CIA director even
that Col. North once mentioned Swiss bank
The many supporters of Mr. Gates who though he aided or ignored a scheme that
accounts and the Contras. but Mr. Gates
don't believe he knew about Col. North's improperly circumvented Congress.
ignored the comment because "I didn't
operation may be right. But certainly there What did Robert Gates know and what
know what he was talking about." Indeed,
is enough evidence to warrant investigat- should he have known? Congress has a
in 1987 Mr. Gates admitted to congres-
ing the charge-unless one doesn't believe duty to find out. If it turns out that Mr.
sional investigators that "we actively dis-
involvement in Iran-Contra should bar a Gates was involved in, or consciously ig-
couraged people from telling us things,"
person from heading the CIA. In Patrick nored, the Iran-Contra operation, his nomi-
Buchanan's view. for instance, Congress
nation should be rejected by conservatives
was guilty of a "criminal betrayal" in cut-
and liberals alike. Our system of constitu-
ting off money to the Contras, while "the
tional liberty is too important to sacrifice
CIA men who discovered Ollie's diversion
for temporary partisan gain. On the Gates
and did not report it, were loyal to a cause
question, the Journal wonders, "Don't
that was just. If they dissembled, it was
these people have anything better to ask
"perhaps because they came to believe
about?" The answer is no.
Congress was on the other side."
That Congress leaves much to be de-
Mr. Bandow is a fellow at the Cato In-
sired goes without saying. But the relative
stitute and served as a special assistant to
courage of Col. North and the average leg-
President Reagan.
islator does not change the fact that the di-
version scheme was a direct assault on our
system of constitutional liberty. A small
group of men apparently bypassed the
president, lied to Congress, and used part
of the proceeds of the sale of weapons paid
for by taxpayers to implement their own
private foreign policy. That these people
may have been well-meaning doesn't mat-
ter: the Constitution places the power of
the purse in Congress, not with a handful
of executive appointees. It is for the
voters, not the CIA director and a Marines
Corps detailee to the NSC, to decide that
Congress is "on the other side.'
And there's a reason for that. The
American government was not intended to
be dominated by the executive. Instead.
the Founders hoped to protect individual
liberty by creating a system that dispersed
power to different levels and branches of
government. The drafters even chopped
the authority to conduct foreign affairs into
several different powers and gave many of
them-most important, the authority to
raise armies, declare war and approve
treaties, as well as the power to appropri-
ate money-to Congress.
PAGE
33
OF
40
Los Angeles Times
PERSPECTIVE ON ISRAEL
DATE: 9/10/91
PAGE:
B5
Bush Can Call Shamir's Bluff
within 30 days of signing the
If the Likud ranks the
represent the most powerful potential
accords, then-Prime Minister
leverage Bush has over Shamir. The
freedom of Soviet Jews
Menachem Begin decided,
reason is this: For most Israelis, the
over American objections, to
above negotiating a
immigration and successful absorption
continue expanding existing
of the Soviet Jews is the most important
Mideast peace, invite
settlements. The signing of
issue facing their country today.
them to emigrate here.
the actual peace treaty with
This is much more than a matter of
Egypt was still months away,
saving Jews from possible repercussions
By JEROME M. SEGAL
and yet the Likud govern-
as the Soviet Union disintegrates; that
ment was prepared to risk
could be accomplished by lifting the
derailing it.
quota that restricts the number emigrat-
T
he fight is on in Washington.
If there are negotiations on an overall
ing to the United States. But their
President Bush has called for Con-
Middle East peace, they will be long and
coming to Israel is a validation of
gress to hold off on Israel's request
difficult. Over the next five years, Presi-
Zionism itself. It is the raison d'etre of
for $10 billion in loan guarantees to
dent Bush will be eyeball to eyeball with
the Jewish state, and if they do not
facilitate absorption of Soviet Jews.
Prime Minister Shamir time and again.
come, or if they come and then leave
AIPAC, the powerful lobby that repre-
This cannot be avoided. Ever since
because Israel cannot provide jobs and
sents many in the American Jewish
Israel occupied the West Bank during
housing, then Zionism itself will have
community, is determined to push for
the 1967 war, the United States has
failed.
early passage of the legislation-with-
maintained that a peace settlement will
The aliyah of the Soviet Jews is a
out conditions requiring that Israel halt
require a significant Israeli withdrawal.
one-time historical possibility. The issue
settlement activity in the occupied terri-
Nothing has happened in the last 24
of land may never be permanently
tories. If AIPAC succeeds in this, Middle
years to cast doubt on the soundness of
resolved, but if the Soviet Jews reject
East peace nego-
Israel, they will
tiations will be
be lost to Israel
doomed before
forever.
they begin.
Polls show
AIPAC-the
that, faced with a
American Israel
U.S.
determined
Public Affairs
Committee-ar-
ECONOMIC
American ad-
PRESSURE
ministration, on-
gues that the
West
Bank,
ly 16% of Israelis
settlement issue
Settlements
would give up
can be resolved
the loan guaran-
in the negotia-
tees rather than
tions. But the
give in to Ameri-
truth is the re-
can demands on
verse: Failure to
settlement. The
solve the settle-
Israeli people
ment issue will
will demand a
destroy the ne-
new government
gotiations-if
rather than allow
they ever begin.
the absorption
The Arab states,
effort to fail.
with their shaky
Me.
Since Israel can-
claims to legiti-
not carry out the
macy, will be ac-
absorption pro-
cused by funda-
gram without the
mentalists and other opponents of
that proposition. But ever since the
loan guarantees, Bush has the leverage
negotiations of giving Israel recognition
1920s, the revisionist wing of the Zionist
he needs, unless Congress comes to
at the conference table and of partici-
movement, from Vladimir Jabotinsky to
Shamir's rescue.
pating in a charade behind which Israel
Menachem Begin and then to Yitzhak
But what about the Soviet Jews?
solidifies its de facto annexation of the
Shamir, has never wavered in its deter-
Shamir treats them as pawns when he
territories.
mination to extend Israel's borders to
gambles that Congress will break with
Undoubtedly, both the Arab states
include the West Bank. Shamir has been
the President; but they are also treated
and the Palestinians have told Secretary
single-minded on this for more than 50
as pawns if we rely solely on the belief
of State James A. Baker III that they
years, and he is prepared to wait out a
that the Likud will back down on the
will need a settlement freeze in order to
second Bush Administration if he has to.
settlements or be replaced by a new
stay in the negotiations, and Baker
knows that the loan guarantees are the
From the standpoint of the Israeli right
government. Something more is needed:
wing, with the reduction of the Arab
a U.S. safety net for Soviet Jews. If
key to his ability to halt the settlement
capability to threaten Israel, the Ameri-
Shamir does not relent, and thus forgoes
drive.
can problem is all that now blocks the
the loan guarantees, then the United
On this point, the Camp David experi-
way to "Greater Israel."
States should open its doors to the
ence is instructive. Even the forceful
Soviet Jews, giving them freedom to
face-to-face involvement of an Ameri-
The issue of the loan guarantees is
choose.
can President failed to produce more
more than Round 1 in the Bush-Shamir
than a momentary halt to Israel's con-
contest; for Bush, this is a make-it-or-
Jerome M. Segal is president of the
struction of new settlements. Indeed,
break-it fight. The loan guarantees
Jewish Peace Lobby based in Washington.
PAGE 34 or 40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
G4
WALTER WILLIAMS
but how much can we blame them?
M
y grandmother used to
say, "Nothing good is
going to come of no
Standard Hill fare
Yes, they ought to have the decency
and backbone to be statesmen in-
stead of hustlers; however, the lion's
good." That admonition
share of the blame rests with you
is just as relevant for a nation as an
and me. Congressmen are doing pre-
individual. As a nation, we are Mr. Burdick's appropriation. How-
nois Democrat, had $8 million, from
cisely what Americans vote them
headed into an ever-deepening mess ever, before the vote, a member of
a $5.4 billion appropriations bill to
into office to do: use the power of
because of our increasing disre- Mr. Burdick's staff telephoned the
cover the non-military costs of the
their office to confiscate that which
spect for morality, rule of law and dean of Kansas State University (in
Gulf war, transferred to the Educa-
belongs to one American and give it
the principles expressed in the Dec- Mr. Slattery's district), suggesting
tion Department budget SO that it
to another. Any politician who cam-
laration of Independence and codi- that the university's $5.3 million
could be given to his alma mater,
paigned on the promise not to get
fied in our Constitution.
grant application might have trouble
Loyola University of Chicago. The
federal money for projects in his dis-
In its September issue, Reader's
getting past Mr. Burdick.
Pentagon requested $500 million to trict or state simply would not be
Digest's senior editor, Ralph Ben-
This is standard fare in Congress,
overhaul the USS Kennedy aircraft
elected to office.
even though we face massive debt
nett, gives us a peek at the tip of the and deficits, higher taxes and talk
carrier. But since the bid went to the
Most Americans think that their
iceberg through an article titled about increasing them even more.
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Sen. favorite spending project is vital.
"Pig Tales for Taxpayers." Remem- There are billions of dollars of pork
Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania Repub- However, if each politician provides
ber last year's public outrage when in the 1992 budget: Rep. Bob Traxler,
lican, ran it up to $1.2 billion to basi- what his constituency deems vital, it
Sen. Quentin N. Burdick, North Da-
cally gut the ship and rebuild it. adds up to something none of us
Michigan Democrat, put $94,000
kota Democrat, got a half-million- into the budget to study "apple qual-
This is just a sample of how Con- want: increasing debt and deficits,
dollar appropriation to build a mu-
gress works. Congressmen who competitive weakness and moral
ity." His colleague, Martin Olav
seum at Lawrence Welk's birth-
don't go along are in deep political and national decline.
Sabo, Minnesota Democrat-Farmer-
place? Rep. Jim Slattery, Kansas
Labor,
trouble. This year, Sen. Robert Byrd, Congressmen have little or no
put
in
$1
million
to
Democrat, introduced an amend-
see
why
West Virginia Democrat, warned principle. As such, they are like
ment that successfully rescinded
people don't use bicycling or walk-
two congressmen, "If you rock the prostitutes doing what customers
ing as a means of transportation.
Rep. David Bonior, Michigan Demo-
boat or support a line-item veto, we want. That being the case, it is up to
have a special chute that goes down you and me to let them know that
crat, calls for $37,000 to develop
to the Potomac."
Walter Williams, an economics "comprehensive management tech-
they cannot buy our votes by de-
professor at George Mason Univer- nologies" for handling animal ma-
In the pursuit of political power, stroying our nation. We must tell
umnist. sity, is a nationally syndicated col- nure. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, Illi-
congressmen are destroying our them what they're selling is dis-
great nation. That makes me mad; eased, and we don't want it.
PAGE 35 or 40
Michael Kinsley
The Washington
Bush's Biggest Shame
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: A23
One of the most mendacious chapters of the
Reagan administration was the Bob Jones Uni-
versity episode of 1982. That was when the
"Is it really possible that federal judges lack the
Justice Department reversed a longstanding
government policy denying tax-exempt status to
authority to protect citizens from organized mobs?"
private schools that exclude blacks. Although
the reversal was in response to a campaign by
way out the door to run for the Senate, claimed
Not all of them can be dismissed out of hand.
southern conservatives, the administration pi-
the Justice Department action had nothing to do
There is a question whether the Klan Act
ously insisted that its action implied no en-
with abortion, which is still for the moment a
protects any groups other than blacks. There is
dorsement of tax exemptions for racist schools.
constitutional right, or with support for Opera-
a question whether the group being oppressed
They would sincerely like to deny these tax
tion Rescue's tactics, which are uncontestably
in this case should be defined as "women" or as
exemptions, Reagan officials maintained, but the
illegal. After a day of bad press, Bush even
"women seeking abortions," and whether the
law gave them no such authority. The Supreme
remarked that protests "ought to be done within
latter category is acceptable. One side says: Not
Court soon ruled otherwise, 8-1.
the law." But what good is the law if it can't be
all women want abortions, or even support
The current controversy over Operation Res-
enforced, and what good are constitutional
abortion. The other side replies: Not all blacks
cue is the Bush administration's Bob Jones case.
rights if they can't be protected?
tried to vote back in 1871, but the law protected
As in that earlier disgrace, the president and his
The power of federal judges to restrain Oper-
those who did.
associates are pandering to extremists while
ation Rescue will be debated at the Supreme
The Justice Department emphasizes, as if it
pretending with wide-eyed innocence that they
Court next month in Bray V. Alexandria Wom-
were a virtue, that Operation Rescue does not
are merely upholding the technicalities of the law.
en's Health Clinic. In this case, too, the Justice
merely aim to oppress women: "Petitioners
Operation Rescue is the antiabortion group
Department has intervened on the side of Oper-
direct their actions at anyone, whether male or
that physically shuts down abortion clinics by
ation Rescue. At issue is a long tangle of
female, who assists or is involved in the abortion
blocking the entrances, lying under cars, sur-
constipated legal prose known as the Klu Klux
process-doctors, nurses, counsellors, boy-
rounding and heckling patients and so on. Last
Klan Act of 1871. The Klan Act was originally
friends, husbands and family members, staff and
month in Witchita, Kan., Operation Rescue shut
intended to authorize lawsuits against Klan per-
others." Oh well, in that case go right ahead.
down three abortion clinics. A federal judge
secution of blacks in the Reconstruction South,
There is a question whether the law, which
ordered the group to stop and threatened to
but it speaks more generally of conspiracies to
refers to suing for damages, authorizes judges
have its leaders arrested if they didn't. The
deprive "any person or class of persons of the
to issue injunctions as well. Since most consti-
Bush Justice Department then entered the case
equal protection of the laws."
tutional rights protect you only against depriva-
on the side of Operation Rescue, saying Judge
In their briefs, Operation Rescue and the
tion by the government itself, not by private
Kelly had no authority to make this order.
Justice Department offer half a dozen reasons
individuals, there is a question whether this
Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, on his
why the Klan Act may not apply in this situation.
limit also applies to the Klan Act. Lower courts
have avoided this particular complication by
holding that Operation Rescue is violating not
the right to choose abortion but the right to
interstate travel, which does not require gov-
ernment involvement. But then there is a ques-
tion whether the mere fact that many clinic
patients come from out of state is enough to
establish that this right is being violated.
My own conclusion, after reading the briefs,
is one of impatience. Is it really possible that
federal judges lack the authority to protect
citizens from organized mobs systematically de-
nying them the ability to exercise their constitu-
tional rights? If so, the law ought to be changed.
President Bush does not believe in abortion
rights, or claims not to. But as president he
cannot openly endorse mob action to deprive
people of rights that are still the law of the land.
So he and his administration resort to technicali-
ties. The solution is simple. The Klu Klux Klan
Act is only a statute, not a constitutional provi-
sion. Congress ought to pass a new statute,
stripped of all the complications. If Bush were
presented with the bald proposition, in the form
of a bill, that the federal government ought to
be able to protect people in the exercise of their
federal constitutional rights, would he dare to
veto it? If the Democrats were a bit faster on
their feet, they could have a bill like this on
Bush's desk in a week. It would leave him in a
bind he truly deserves.
© 1991, UFS/The New Republic Inc.
PAGE 36.40 OF 40
Los Angeles Times
DATE: 9/10/91
PAGE: A4
considered a viable candidate (Part A,
Beleaguered
Sept. 4)? The same Jerry Brown who
never enforced the death penalty that the
Democrats
voters overwhelmingly supported.
Come on, Democrats, give us some good
candidates and less giveaways and molly-
It seems apparent to everyone that the
coddling of criminals SO people like myself
Democratic Party is in trouble. None of the
won't continue to leave the party of the
Democratic candidates running for Presi-
little guy to join the party of the privileged.
dent are being taken seriously. Spokesmen
GRANT R. IRVIN
from several important constituents of the
Ontario
party have suggested splitting off and
The Democrats are fools if they continue
starting their own parties. Young people
to participate in the existing presidential
who are polled find no particular use for
the Democrats.
primary system: Having their presidential
candidate selected by the Republican
Not that I feel any great liking for the
states of New Hampshire, Iowa, etc., is
Democratic politicians. I've never met one,
stupid. Better the candidate be selected at
nor ever felt one was especially speaking
the national convention.
to my concerns even when I was a
ROBERT L. GEORGE
registered Democrat. (I registered Green
Goleta
Party last year.) But all along I have felt
the Democratic Party represented an im-
Conrad's cartoon (Aug. 23) comparing
portant resource for the American people:
Paul Tsongas and several unannounced but
a source of protection against the exploita-
possible Democratic presidential candi-
tion of the moneyed classes and for the
dates to the Soviet "gang of eight" seems
expansion of civil rights to a greater
off the mark to me both in fact and in spirit.
variety of individuals.
The Soviet coup plotters were a group of
So why aren't the leaders of the Demo-
high government and military officials
cratic Party visible on every channel on
trying to stave off what has become a
TV and the radio discussing political phi-
radical insurgency movement. This de-
losophy and trying to whip up public
scription doesn't fit ex-Sen. Paul Tsongas
debate on the role of the party in these
or any other possible Democratic candi-
trying times? Why aren't there Democrats
date; the goal of all of them is replace an
with clipboards walking around my neigh-
existing government. It's a fact that they
borhood trying to find out what people
are the outsiders, not the insiders.
want? I'd feel more reassured about the
The plotters were reactionaries opposing
future of the average citizen if I heard a
a liberalizing tide in their society. The
few Democrats express concern that the
Democrats are liberals trying to arouse a
party had lost its way. If they started to
long-dormant spirit of liberalism in Ameri-
organize, I might even re-register.
ca, without any success so far.
TOM PLISKA
If we are going to compare our politics to
Long Beach
Soviet politics, it seems to me that a better
The reason there are few Democrats
comparison would be our present circum-
running for the presidency is because none
stances to the Soviet Union during the
of them want to have to straighten out the
Brezhnev years. The Soviet Union in those
big mess Ronald Reagan and George Bush
years had a self-satisfied government with
have gotten this country into. This way the
no effective political opposition; the Brezh-
Republicans can't blame the Democrats for
nev government refused to address the
the Republicans' stupidity.
problem of underlying decay throughout
Soviet society. Sound familiar?
OLY ROOT
WILL NETTLESHIP
Whittier
Fullerton
As a lifelong Democrat and longtime
union, member, who has never voted
I agree absolutely with F. Sopper (Com-
Republican, I must say I can no longer vote
mentary, Sept. 2) that what this country
Democratic because of the party's liberal
needs is a bigger-than-life President, "a
giveaway policies and softness on crime.
caped crusader." I am sick of these medio-
cre politicians.
Is the Democratic Party so bankrupt that
Jerry Brown, a.k.a. Gov. Moonbeam, is
President Bush puts me to sleep when he
talks on TV. He told us today (Sept. 2)
what we had learned from the news
services two hours before. The fact that he
has Gorbachev's ear on the telephone, as
always, thrills me not at all.
Communism is dying, but not yet dead in
the world and the United States should
have a leader who realizes this and many
other things of which George Bush is
woefully ignorant.
We need someone electrifying, who can
raise us above the mundane and still be
cognizant of our dreary everyday prob-
lems. Above all, he must be interesting and
a decent speaker.
MILDRED CAMERON
Lake Elsinore
D.37 40
Personalities
The Washington Post
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
03
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev ex-
fall session of Congress with a message for
changed gifts in Moscow yesterday with
his colleagues: Get a checkup! Stevens, who
visiting Secretary of State James Baker that
last month underwent successful prostate
were reminders of the failed coup attempt
surgery at the Walter Reed Army Medical
against him three weeks ago. Gorbachev
Center, sent a letter this week to all male
presented Baker with a copy of the tape he
senators exhorting them to have regular
made with his home video camera while
physicals. He enclosed an article on cancer
being held in the Crimea, in an attempt to
detection and, referring to two recently de-
alert the world to the truth about the coup
ceased Hill colleagues, said, "If Sparky Mat-
plotters. He thanked the United States for
sunaga or Silvio Conte had read it-and had
siding with those who "suppressed that
their annual physical
they would probably
putsch." Baker in turn presented Gorbachev
be with us today"
Legendary jazzman
and Russian President Boris Yeltsin with
Miles Davis has been hospitalized for an
flags flown over the U.S. Capitol on the day
undisclosed illness at St. John's Hospital and
the coup failed. Yeltsin gave Baker a photo
Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., since
taken of the front of the white Russian
Federation building at the time the coup
early this month, according to the Los Ange-
failed as people held up an insignia of the
les Times. Davis's attorney, Dorothy Weber,
republic.
said yesterday that the 65-year-old trumpet-
er's family has asked that no information be
Out on the Town
released. Weber said only that Davis was
"getting better" and could be released soon
Now that William Webster is no longer
After a two week stay in the same Santa
director of the CIA, he has to make do
Monica hospital, actor Ralph Bellamy, 87,
without a government-supplied chauffeur and
was released Tuesday after being treated for
he is struggling with Washington streets,
SEN. TED STEVENS
a respiratory infection, according to spokes-
according to the Knight-Ridder news service.
woman Patricia Kirk.
"I'm his human map," laughs his wife Lynda,
of their parents and the cold-blooded murder
who gets calls from Webster's car phone
Ban on Polisar Lifted
of their father as the centerpiece of a produc-
asking things like "How do I get to the
tion that appears to us to be antisemitic.
Watergate?" Webster, who headed Central
Author-singer Barry Louis Polisar of Sil-
Intelligence from 1987 until the first of this
Moreover the juxtaposition of the plight of
ver Spring bid fair to join the ranks of James
month, had to ask how to tip a cabbie,
the Palestinian people with the cold-blooded
Joyce and 2 Live Crew when Anne Arundel
according to his wife. "He'd never been in a
murder of an innocent, disabled American
County school officials last year banned his
Washington cab; he'd never seen the sub-
Jew is both historically naive and appalling."
playfully subversive children's books, record-
way," she said.
Librettist Alice Goodman issued a statement
ings and performances. Now Polisar, whose
in response saying, "Anyone who attends this
songs include "My Brother Threw Up on My
Klinghoffers Denounce Opera
opera with an unprejudiced mind will per-
Stuffed Toy Bunny" and "Never Cook Your
ceive that it does honor to the destiny of the
Sister in a Frying Pan," has signed a treaty
The family of Leon and Marilyn Klinghof-
Jewish people and to the memory of Leon and
with the school system that effectively lifts
fer have denounced the opera "The Death of
Marilyn Klinghoffer. To those who come
whatever ban has been in place. Polisar's
Klinghoffer," about the 1985 terrorist attack
prepared to see and hear only what they
books will remain on school library shelves,
in which their father was killed, as "antisemi-
want to see and hear, nothing one can say is
his recordings will be submitted to a neutral
tic." The opera received its U.S. premiere
last week at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
of any use."
committee that reviews instructional materi-
als, and he is free again to perform in Anne
and Lisa and Ilsa Klinghoffer released a
Hospital Report
Arundel schools that choose to book him.
statement after seeing a performance. They
-Compiled from staff and wire reports
said they were "outraged at the exploitation
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens returned to the
by Eric Brace
DOONESBURY
By G.B. Trudeau
YOU KNOW WHAT
I KEEP THINKING IT'S
HE DID TODAY? HE
INCREDIBLE.
SOME SORT OF STAGE.
THERE MUST
BROUGHT HOME
HE JUST
BUT HE'S A MAN IN HIS
NINE OFHIS SURF-
DOESN'T
I'M
BE SOME
THIRTIES. HE SHOULD BE
HOTLINE
ER BUDDIES FOR
GET
MOM!
WHAT
THIRSTY.
THROUGH HIS STAGES.
LUNCH!
ISIT,
WE CAN
DEAR?
CALL
UNAN-
NOUNCED!
9-12
CALVIN AND HOBBES BILL WATTERSON
EVERYBODY I KNOW HAS
BUT ME? I HAVE TO WATCH
HOW CRUELLY
.SO THEN HE
RATS....AND
EITHER CABLE TV OR A VCR!
DUMB OL' SUMMER REPEATS!
WE MISTREAT
GAVE ME OLIVER
SORORITY
THEY CAN WATCH ANYTHING
HAVE TO WATCH THE SAME
YOU, CALVIN
TWIST" TO READ,
ROW HORROR"
THEY WANT.
GARBAGE OVER AND OVER!
AND SAID I
IS ON CABLE
MIGHT IDENTIFY
TONIGHT.
WITH IT.
3.
986 universal Press Sundicare
PAGE
38 or40
The Washington Times
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE:
A6
Reactionary ellte
outbursts might be less dramatic
Rep. Newt Gingrich, Georgia Re-
INSIDE THE
or violent if a little steam was occa-
sionally vented harmlessly."
publican, subjected a conference
on taxation convenèd by Citizens
for a Sound Economy to a bit of po-
BELTWAY
Prediction!
litical insight earlier this week. He
No, we're not flacking for those
said he finds it "wonderful that the
potbellied windbag talking heads
Democrats are going to New York
on TV. This is the real stuff, from
City for their national convention."
Figures provided by the group
"I think that will create more
futurist Marvin Cetron and his
"I can't imagine a better symbol
indicate that the value of household
concern than anything thus far," re-
wizardly computer. Mr. Cetron,
of a reactionary left," he said. "This
work performed in the United
sponded Sen. Alan Simpson, Wy-
working with former Omni mag-
is a bureaucratic welfare state
States is $1,462 billion a year. For
oming Republican. But Mr. Simp-
azine Editor Owen Davies, has a
doomed to fail, and you now live in
the whole world, it is $4 trillion. Ini-
son was able to spin a silver lining
new book on the market, "Crystal
a world where the mayor of Mos-
tially, the group expects legislation
for this ominous dark cloud: "To
Globe." The World Future Society
cow is to the right of the mayor of
to be introduced in Congress to get
have you in this nest of Redskin
has sent around a selection from
New York."
unpaid work recognized as part of
fans to be a Dallas Cowboy fan cer-
the book outlining 50 trends that
What will come of the Demo-
the gross national product; from
tainly discloses a degree of inde-
will shape the world of tomorrow.
cratic convention? "I am certain
there, figures would be used to es-
pendence which will serve you very
A sampling:
that the Democrats will nominate
tablish the right to welfare, equal
well."
Washington, D.C., will supplant
somebody who will try to run as a
pay, child care, Social Security
New York as the world financial
populist," Mr. Gingrich said. "I
credits, peace, a clean environ-
capital. The stock exchanges and
mean
it is impossible to be an
ment, health care, social services,
other financial institutions, espe-
elected member of the reactionary
educational opportunities and
cially those involved with interna-
elite and run as a populist. I mean,
more, the group states.
tional transactions, will move south
they'll try, and they'l use all the
While the idea may seem a bit
to be near Congress, the World
code words
ahead of its time, the group points
Bank and key regulatory bodies.
For all the mirrors and smoke,
to two historic events as evidence
Quebec will secede from
the result will be business as usual.
that its day is coming. For one
Canada, probably in 1996. Canada's
The nominee will be selected from
thing, it takes heart from a strike
four Atlantic provinces will be
among candidates who "are all go-
against household duties by the
absorbed into the United States by
ing to be people who believe in
women of Iceland on Oct. 24, 1975.
2004, and the other Canadian pro-
much bigger bureaucracy, they be-
Also, there was the statement is-
vinces will follow suit by 2010.
lieve in much bigger centralized
sued by Leticia Shahani of the Phil-
Overall, the world will be a
government, they believe in very
ippines, an official of the United
more peaceful and prosperous
strong unions and they believe in
Nations Decade for Women assess-
place in the 1990s than it has been
an ability to coerce ordinary people
ment conference held in Nairobi,
in the decades since World War II
through government, and all of
Kenya, in 1985. One of the main ac-
because ideological and military
them want to raise taxes," Mr.
complishments of the decade, she
conflicts will be replaced by par-
Gingrich said.
assessed, "was a recognition that
ticipation in the global economy. A
household work has to be paid."
few despots will provoke regional
New world attitude
conflicts, but the international trad-
Speaking of the doomed bureau-
Thomas, ya bum
The Princess of Wales says it's
ers will respond as in Desert
healthy to vent steam occasionally.
Storm.
cratic welfare state, a conference
"I am a lifetime
I have been a
starting today in Washington will
Dallas Cowboy fan for 25 years,"
focus on how women do two-thirds
Judge Clarence Thomas confessed
Let 'er rip
That's politics
of the world's work for 5 percent of
yesterday. The Supreme Court
It's all right to cry and otherwise
Jay Leno seems not to view At-
the wages. Most of those women
nominee compounded the damage
carry on if you feel like it, Diana,
torney General Dick Thornburgh's
are black or "of color" and most of
done by this revelation by admit-
Princess of Wales, told a convention
decision to go after a U.S. Senate
them are part of the Third World,
ting that, as he watched games
of psychiatrists and psychologists
seat in Pennsylvania as a positive
according to Black Women for
such as the latest trouncing of the
in London. "I am not advocating a
move. "As attorney general, Thorn-
Wages for Housework. The group,
Cowboys, 33-31, he is "totally con-
general wailing and gnashing of
burgh's job was to fight crime. So I
based in Los Angeles. will be meet-
vinced that every referee in those
teeth or sackcloth and ashes," said
guess he figured, if you can't beat
ing with the Congressional Black
games is a Redskins fan, but none
the wife of Prince Charles, heir to
'em, join 'em."
Caucus at the Washington Hilton.
would admit to it."
the British throne, "but emotional
John Elvin
KUDZU DOUG MARLETTE
I AM A RECOVERING
IT'S JUST A
DEMOCRAT!
I VOTED DEMOCRATIC
SICKNESS OR A
I JUST CALL A FELLOW
FOR OVER TWENTY
DISEASE LIKE
RECOVERING DEMOCRAT
BUT I'VE
YEARS AND NOW
FOR SUPPORT AND
DIABETES
EVERY TIME I FEEL
LEARNED
ENCOURAGEMENT
ATAX AND SPEND
IT'S NOTHING
TO BE ASHAMED
AMEN!
URGE OR NEW DEAL
OF!
NOSTALGIA
FOUB!
TELL
HALLE-
m
LUJAH!
DEMOCRATS ANONYMOLIS!
MARLENE
HOPEFOR THE HOPELESS!
PACE 39 or 40
What's News-
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
***
World-Wide
DATE: 9/12/91
PAGE: 1A
GORBACHEV SAID he would withdraw
thousands of Soviet troops from Cuba.
The unexpected announcement, appar-
ently aimed at clearing the way for further
U.S. economic aid, came after a Moscow
meeting with Baker. Gorbachev said he in-
tends to begin talks with Cuba on the pullout
of a Soviet training brigade. He said the
barracks within 48 hours as ethnic violence
move would involve 11,000 Soviet personnel,
raged in a dozen towns in the republic. A
but U.S. officials said it wasn't clear what
mortar barrage by Serb guerrillas forced
that figure comprised. In their talks, Gorba-
Croat commanders to close a bridge in Mas-
chev and Baker apparently discussed Soviet
linica that was central Croatia's last direct
military aid and arms sales to Havana, as
link with the Adriatic coast.
well as plans to eventually end Soviet subsi-
*
*
dies for Cuba. (Story on Page A13)
The Cuban Foreign Ministry reacted
National standards were set for landfills
angrily, saying that Gorbachev's an-
by the EPA, but environmental and industry
nouncement constituted "inappropriate
groups said the rules won't go far enough in
behavior" and wasn't preceded by any
closing substandard dumps and protecting
consultations with Havana.
drinking water. (Story on Page A8)
*
*
*
Israel released 51 Arab prisoners and re-
The Senate voted to order the govern-
turned the remains of nine Lebanese guer-
ment to require that steps be taken by doc-
rillas, and an influential pro-Iranian Muslim
tors and other medical workers for prevent-
leader predicted Western hostages would be
ing the spread of AIDS. The proposal could
freed in return. The Israeli action was wel-
supplant a tougher Senate measure adopted
comed by Washington and by U.N. chief
in July imposing prison terms and fines on
Perez de Cuellar, who said he would redou-
doctors who know they have the AIDS virus
ble his efforts to end the hostage impasse.
but don't tell patients.
Shiite Muslim kidnappers offered assur-
*
ances that British hostage Jack Mann was
An alcoholism study challenges the belief
alive and well. and said Israel's release of
that inpatient hospital treatment for
prisoners raised hopes of a "happy ending"
workers with drinking problems is a waste
for Western hostages. The Revolutionary
of money. Researchers at Harvard and Bos-
Justice Organization's statement was ac-
ton University said such workers are less
companied by a photo of Mann. No group
likely to resume drinking if they are treated
previously had claimed his abduction.
in the hospital before being referred to a
*
*
self-help program. (Story on Page B1)
Some Democrats accused Clarence Tho-
mas of repudiating his past positions on nat-
ural law and the right to privacy. The Su-
preme Court nominee, in testimony before
the Senate Judiciary Committee, insisted he
hadn't changed his views and resisted ef-
forts to elicit his opinion on abortion rights.
THE FAR SIDE
GARY LARSON
(Story on Page A20)
*
Robert McFarlane said his testimony at
Oliver North's 1989 trial was influenced by
North's televised appearance on Capitol
Hill. But the former national security ad-
viser couldn't cite examples. McFarlane's
testimony opened what may be months of
hearings as Iran-Contra prosecutors try to
have North's felony convictions reinstated.
*
Taking estrogen pills can cut the risk of
heart attacks in the first decade after me-
nopause by 40% to 50%, according to a new
study. Earlier research showed estrogen
also reduces bone loss in women after meno-
pause. But some studies indicate the treat-
ments might increase the risk of breast and
endometrial cancer. (Story on Page B1)
U.N. arms inspectors believe they
haven't discovered all of Iraq's Scud mis-
siles, the head of a U.N. commission said.
Rolf Ekeus, chairman of the panel in charge
of scrapping Baghdad's chemical. biological
and nuclear weapons, said more inspections
will have to be carried out because "we
have great concerns in this field.'
9 1991 Universal Press Syndicate
Lawn
*
*
A commuter plane crashed in southeast
In its typical defensive behavior, the arctic clown
Texas, killing all 14 people aboard. The
remained motionless and concealed-betrayed only by
twin-engine Continental Express plane went
its nose.
down 60 miles west of Houston. Some wit-
nesses said they heard explosions and saw a
fireball. but the president of the commuter
airline-a unit of Continental Airlines-said
those reports were unconfirmed.
*
*
*
Yugoslav President Stipe Mesic ordered
federal army units in Croatia to return to
un
E: 3/7/91
The Washington Times
PAGE:
63
PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS
S hiring by race to achieve the
Mary Frances Berry, a black wom-
I
right statistics the same as hir-
ing by quota?
Playing
an, let the real truth out of the bag
when she claimed that "civil rights
Liberals who favor the re-
laws were not passed to give civil
vived Kennedy-Hawkins racial
rights protections to all Americans."
quota bill now known as the Civil
quotas
She derided the Supreme Court's
Rights Act of 1991 - pretend that it
1989 rulings in favor of equal civil
isn't. That's the root of their disin-
rights by saying, "The clear mes-
genuous claim that the bill's quota
sage is that they oppose the imple-
label is a "red herring."
With California Democrat Au-
games
mentation of plans for women and
minorities if it works to the disad-
gustus Hawkins retired, the quota
vantage of some white male."
bill has been revived in the House by
54 percent used the euphemism
Texas Democrat Jack Brooks. The
"goals." Only 14 percent of the CEOs
Liberals don't like the fact that
bill seeks to reverse a set of 1989
claimed to hire on merit and talent
the Supreme Court has recognized
that civil rights laws give civil rights
Supreme Court decisions. In par-
alone.
protections to all Americans, includ-
ticular, it wants to overturn Wards
Mr. Dunne also described how one
ing white males. The purpose of the
Cove Packing Company vs. Atonio,
fire chief hired firefighters: "Each
quota bill is to strip white males of
that limited a 1971 decision, Griggs
time he had to hire someone, he
vs. Duke Power, which allowed em-
legal protection from civil rights
would look at the race of the last
laws and make them second-class
ployers to be held liable for discrimi-
person hired. If he had hired a black
citizens under the law.
nation for having the wrong racial
yesterday, he hired a white today. If
statistics, even in the absence of in-
Midge Decter notes in the March
it was a white yesterday, then a black
1991 issue of Commentary magazine
tentionally discriminatory prac-
would be chosen today." Mr. Dunne
that "the proposition at the heart of
tices.
concluded: "Race was the single
Lawsuits based on mere statistics
late-20th-century American liberal-
most important factor because his
are called "disparate impact suits,"
ism is that, when it comes to rights,
primary concern was maintàining a
and they have been the means by
some individuals and groups are
50 percent hiring rate for blacks."
which sleazy plaintiffs' lawyers and
more 'equal' than others." As if to
uninjured parties have been allowed
Instead of challenging Mr.
prove her point, law professor
to rob company treasuries. As Su-
Dunne's description, one of the bill's
Michel Rosenfeld devotes an entire
preme Court Justice Harry Black-
sponsors took his cue from the Red
chapter of his new book, "Affirm-
mun wrote in 1975, the costs of de-
Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" and
ative Action & Justice," published by
fending a disparate impact suit often
said: "Our definitions of quotas are
Yale University Press, to dealing
"leave the employer little choice
different." In other words, "Quotas
with the Problem of the Innocent
but to engage in a subjective quota
are not quotas unless we say they are
White Male
quotas." With this denial came an im-
Mr. Rosenfeld claims that even
system of employment selection."
This result, Mr. Blackmun admitted,
plicit admission. Liberals want race
though affirmative action "deprives
"is far from the intent of" the 1964
to be a factor in employment deci-
certain innocent white males of an
Civil Rights Act. Nevertheless, apol-
sions.
education, or of an employment po-
ogists for the new racial privileges,
Mr. Dunne could well have mar-
sition or a business opportunity," it
such as New York Times columnist
shaled the proliferation of "racially
"does not violate" their rights "to
Anthony Lewis, erroneously claim
normed" employment tests as evi-
equal dignity and respect or equal
that Griggs did not lead to racial
dence of how Griggs promoted quo-
opportunity," because "remedial af-
quotas.
tas. Racially normed tests transpose
firmative action" does not take away
John Dunne, assistant attorney
the same raw scores into different
"anything that they have rightfully
general for civil rights, recently
final scores based on race. Blacks
earned or that they should be en-
went to Capitol Hill to prove to a
and Hispanics get their scores
titled to keep." It couldn't be put any
House Committee that Griggs did.
boosted by virtue of their race. As
plainer that white males have no
lead to quotas. He cited a newspaper
University of Delaware Scholars
right to equal treatment under the
article in which the governor of
Jan Blits and Linda Gottfredson
law.
Maryland admitted hiring by race in
have documented, "Race-norming is
When President Johnson signed
order to avoid being sued. He also
particularly attractive to employers
the 1964 Civil Rights Act, he said
quoted a survey of Fortune 500 CEOs
because it enables them to select the
that "it does not give special treat-
in which 18 percent flatly admitted
best workers from each racial
ment to any citizen." Congress made
having specific quotas and another
group" as they fill quotas to avoid
the same unequivocal declaration.
being sued or picketed.
However, "civil rights advocates"
have worked overtime to make the
If the revived Kennedy-Hawkins
promise of equal rights a mockery.
Paul Craig Roberts, an economist
bill is not a quota bill, what is its
Next will be racial identity cards to
at the Center for Strategic and Inter-
purpose? Why is it trying to overturn
keep people from claiming to be
national Studies, is a columnist for
Supreme Court rulings against quo-
black or Hispanic in order to benefit
The Washington Times.
tas? Civil Rights Commissioner
from quotas.
CIVIL RTS
QUOTAS
page 38 of
DATE:
3/8/91
The Washington Times
PAGE:
Don
Abandoning America's chil-
Desert Storm becomes Desert
dren: Miss Quindlen, Nov. 15:
DESERT STORM
Party - is a new twist in the busi-
"When the police arrived they
ness of organized slaughter. It is a
found the three children alone.
HALL
party - a drunken one turning sa-
They were wearing dirty clothes
distic.
After a month of obliter-
because they hadn't figured out
ating Iraq, and now downtown
how to do the laundry
they
were
Baghdad, the U.S. air war has been
hungry. There was no food in the
revealed as a coward's war."
SHA
house. Their father had been gone
a week.
Anti-war movement fizzles:
"He'd left for the Persian Gulf."
Miss Quindlen, Feb. 24: "From the
Saddam, wealthy white man:
beginning, it has been difficult to
Today's
Miss Quindlen, Nov. 25: "Can we
publicly oppose this war.
There
were anti-war demonstrations. But
inductees:
live as a country with the knowl-
edge that once again the Chick on
mostly there was the majority
of the poor and of people of color
rallying around the President."
will be killed for the convictions of
Patriotism: Miss Quindlen,
well-to-do white men?"
March 1: "Euphoria has been one
Massive anti-war movement:
of the war's buzzwords. We have
Miss Quindlen, Jan. 13: "The anti-
been repeatedly cautioned not to
war effort now is immediate and
feel it. The president said the other
powerful.
This time, the activ-
night this was not the time for it. It
ists seem to be saying, we will get it
has never crossed my mind."
right. There are marches and vigils
Why we shouldn't support
planned aplenty."
them: Mr. McCarthy, March 3:
Anna
Colman
Why the U.S. went to war:
"The reason for not supporting U.S.
Miss Quindlen, Jan. 15: "We are go-
troops was the same for not sup-
Quindlen
McCarthy
ing to war for oil,
The president
porting Iraqi troops, or any troops
trots out his Hitler similes to con-
anywhere for any reason. They are
vince us otherwise."
anti-life."
During the Persian Gulf war this
country's pundits, journalists and
Wounded women: Miss
Smashing success: Miss
politicians barraged the public with
Quindlen, Feb. 3: "If heavy fighting
Quindlen, March 1: "The lesson we
learned from Vietnam was that it
hysterical opinions and predictions.
begins, a significant number of the
In commemoration, each day the
casualties will be women. People
was possible for the United States
"Desert Storm Hall of Shame" hon-
who yearn for the good old days are
to be an abject failure in the the-
ater of war. The lesson we've
ors one or more sages whose pro-
sure that women in body bags will
learned from this is that we are a
nouncements proved preposterous.
convince us that women have
smashing success.
We have
overstepped their bounds."
Today we honor the Persian Gulf
learned that we do this super-
war's Heckle-and-Jeckle "Poets
Laureate" - New York Times col-
Dr. Seuss meets Dr. Strange-
latively. And that frightens me."
love: Mr. McCarthy, Feb. 3: "Were
umnist Anna Quindlen and Wash-
Draft dodgers Quayle and
ington Post columnist Colman
America's kiddies watching TV the
Cheney: Mr. McCarthy, March 3:
day Gen. Colin Powell came on vow-
McCarthy. Here are their prize-
"All the yellow ribbons, all the
winning profundities:
ing to isolate the Iraqi army and
warm puppy stories of soldiers hi-
'kill it? Instead of Dr. Seuss at bed-
momming from the desert and all
Pentagon's slaughter: Mr.
time, comfort them with Dr.
the pseudo-patriotic posturings of
McCarthy, Sept. 9: "In the Middle
Strangelove, currently played by
former draft dodgers Quayle and
East, the Pentagon, ordered by
Colin Powell."
Cheney can't obscure, much less
Bush and praised by Congress, is
beautify, what U.S. troops were
ready to kill all the men, women
Equal pay for equal punish-
hired to do in the Gulf."
and children unlucky enough to be
ment: Miss Quindlen, Feb. 3: "Any
in harm's way on the trajectory of
heightened horror at [beaten and
And finally - pass the envelope
slaughter leading to Saddam Hus-
tortured POW] women warriors is
please - the award-winning pro-
sein."
tinged with a double standard. It
fundity:
What soldiers do: Miss
assumes that the travails of men
War, war: Mr. McCarthy, Feb.
Quindlen, Sept. 13: "Soldiers go to
are less heartbreaking than those
10: "A first linguistic shifting would
war, and sometimes they-kill and
of women. That is insulting to men,
be dropping the word 'war' itself.
die."
and to the people who love them."
Replace it with the more accu-
Notre Dame says no: Mr.
rate word - 'slaughter.' CNN would
Pentagon war party: Mr.
change its "War in the Gulf' pro-
McCarthy. Sept. 25: "On the most
McCarthy, Feb. 17: "Pentagon
grams to "Slaughter in the Gulf.'
militarized campus in America,
smugness, never in short supply
some University of Notre Dame
even between wars, hit a sewer-line
students are saying no to George
low when a smiling Gen. Colin
Bush and his threats of war. Other
Powell said that his forces have
campuses are stirring.
Those
'Lots of tools. And I brought them
are worthy beginnings. Follow-
all to the party.' War as fun-time -
through is now the challenge. Up-
heavals, not dust-ups, are needed."
Whoop, whoop!: Mr.
McCarthy, Oct. 13: "A war-whooping
moment when the U.S. military is
poised to carry out orders for mass
slaughter in the Persian Gulf to
keep America well-oiled
"
Moments of national pride:
Mr. McCarthy, Oct. 21: "The U.S.
rapes of Panama, Libya and Gre-
nada, seen as gratifying by most in
Congress and the media, were pre-
sented as moments of national
pride."
page
39
of
DATE: 3/21/91
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
PAGE: A)
World-Wide
*
*
U.S. JETS SHOT DOWN an Iraqi war-
Bush agreed to cancel 70% of the $2.9 bil-
plane and forced another to land.
lion debt Poland owes to the U.S., as he wel-
The action, which took place near Sad-
comed Lech Walesa on the first state visit of
dam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, under-
a Polish president to Washington. Bush also
scores the Bush administration's determina-
announced other aid initiatives for Eastern
tion to help rebels fighting the Baghdad gov-
Europe and urged other Western nations,
ernment and force Iraq to adhere to a cease-
which have agreed to cancel 50% of the debt
fire agreement banning flights by Iraqi mili-
Poland owes them, to match the U.S. cut.
tary aircraft. The White House, however, re-
iterated that the U.S. isn't ready to resume
The new U.S. education chief told col-
the Gulf war in order to topple the Iraqi
leges and universities to ignore recent Edu-
leader. (Story on Page A20)
cation Department positions barring schol-
April Glaspie, former U.S. envoy to
arships aimed at minority students until the
Iraq, told a Senate panel the administra-
issue is reviewed. Lamar Alexander, on his
tion sent clear signals to Saddam Hus-
third day in office, sought to quell a furor
sein not to invade Kuwait. She said, "we
touched off in December by the decision.
foolishly didn't realize he was stupid."
Yugoslavia's Jovic withdrew his resigna-
Cheney decided to allow the Army some
relief from troop cuts through late 1992, but
tion as head of the country's collective presi-
dency, signaling a possible easing of a con-
rejected proposals to slow down personnel
reductions scheduled for later years. The
stitutional crisis. Jovic, the Serbian delegate
to the presidency, announced last week that
Pentagon chief's decision makes It clear the
administration doesn't intend a major fight
he was stepping down in a dispute with se-
cession-minded republics. The Serbian Par-
on spending cuts imposed by last year's def-
icit accord. (Story on Page C9)
liament refused to accept his resignation.
*
Moscow's deputy premier warned that
The State Department said that while the
price increases scheduled to take effect next
number of new Israeli settlements in the oc-
month could spark a wave of strikes. The
cupied territories has leveled off in recent
Kremlin was moving to soften the blow by
years, Israeli population in the territories
handing out subsidies to students, families
continues to grow by 10% a year and has
and the elderly. Meanwhile, striking miners
passed 200,000. The report also said about
in the largest Soviet coal field agreed to
4% of recently arrived Soviet immigrants
talks with the Ukrainian government.
have been settled in the territories.
The National Football League dropped
A car bomb in Beirut killed eight people
and injured 38 when it exploded near a mo-
Phoenix, Ariz., as the site of the 1993 Super
torcade carrying Lebanese Defense Minister
Bowl, citing the state's refusal to institute a
Michel al-Murr to a cabinet meeting. The
paid holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.'s
minister was slightly injured in the attack,
birthday. The switching of the site to Pasa-
the first bombing in Beirut since the Leba-
dena, Calif., is expected to cost Phoenix $200
million in lost revenue.
nese army, backed by Syrian troops, suc-
*
*
*
ceeded in uniting the capital in December.
*
*
*
A Cuban major defected to the U.S. by
Five New York police officers face mur-,
flying his MiG fighter jet to a naval air base
der charges after a Queens man was found
in Key West, Fla. A Navy statement initially
to have been beaten and choked to death
identified the plane as a late-model MiG-27.
during an arrest for car theft. An initial in-
a jet Cuba was not believed to have, but the
ternal police inquiry decided the officers
Pentagon said the fighter was a MiG-23.
acted properly. The city's medical exam-
*
iner later ruled the death a homicide.
Died: E. Paul Charlap, 67, chairman of
*
Hem Pharmaceuticals and former chairman
NASA plans to cut $8.3 billion from its
of Savin Corp., in Philadelphia, of cancer.
space-station project through 1999. Congress
had ordered the space agency to redesign
the station, and an agency document showed
it plans to reduce the length by 30%, slash
the number of shuttle flights needed for as-
sembly and delay the start of construction
by eight months. (Story on Page B4)
page 49 of 41
vision-
Michigan
HISPANIC HAMPTON on demo, change
9 Mile of law- -
democ. blug. in
E.E.
1) bamdment of sulf-doutt,
2) volum
Then W. of apportunity.
4/23/91
The Washington Times
DATE:
PAGE:
62
The left targets Sununu
A
Christmas, The Washington Post lined up a little
Mr. Sununu had reimbursed on some trips, and Mr.
present for White House Chief of Staff John
Fitzwater noted that "when travel is for personal or
Sununu. "Kinder? Gentler? John Sununu?"
political reasons, the government is always reim-
read the subtitle on a Sunday magazine
bursed at full commercial passenger rates." Yesterday,
piece. "Who does George Bush think he's trying to kid?
Mr. Fitzwater strengthened that statement. Mr. Sununu
The president's chief of staff has toughed it out so far
has "reimbursed for all of his trips on a continuing
- but his enemies are lining up to hit him when he's
basis as he's taken them," he said.
down." The Post, of course, should have known. They
End of story, right? Not quite.
were the first in line.
If the story was about whether Mr. Sununu had
Sunday they came round for a second hit. A front-
actually done something wrong, the White House could
page story screamed the horrible truth: "Sununu: Fre-
release his reimbursement records and be done with
quent Flier On Military Aircraft" "White House Chief
it. If the story was about the policy of making the
of Staff John H. Sununu has used military jets for more
president's chief of staff fly on military jets even when
than 60 trips over the past two years," read the lead
he goes on a vacation, there may never have been a
paragraph, "in many instances for what appears to be
story in the first place. But the real story is the political
personal or partisan political travel, including flights
assassination of Mr. Sununu. And even if this "ethics"
to Colorado ski resorts, to his home state of New
piece is just a near miss and doesn't stir up much
Hampshire and to Republican fund-raising events."
outrage in the heartland, where most Americans prob-
Now if there were a real ethical problem here, The
ably just assumed that the commander in chief's right-
Post would have had a scoop. But what would that
hand man flew on secure planes (especially when the
ethical problem be? We can think of two possibilities:
nation's at war), there will be future potshots from The
Mr. Sununu 1) was not reimbursing the government for
Post and other friends of ethics in high places.
personal and political travel, or 2) had arrogated to
himself the privilege of flying on military aircraft
One such friend, Congress, has declared it will in-
when it was official policy that the chief of staff should
vestigate Mr. Sununu. Democratic Rep. John Conyers,
fly commercial.
chairman of the House Government Operations Com-
The Post itself answered the first question in the
mittee, has asked the General Accounting Office to see
second paragraph of its own story. "A presidential
what it can dig up on the chief of staff. "These were
spokesman said White House policy requires Sununu
public funds that paid for the White House chief of
to use military planes in order to stay in 'immediate
staff to go on vacations and fund-raising trips for the
voice contact with the White House at all times."
Republican Party," said Rep. Vic Fazio, a tax-and-
Seventeen paragraphs of speculation later, The Post
spendocrat who's never seen a social-welfare program
returned to the issue with a statement from White
he thought couldn't use a few billion dollars more. Mr.
House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater. The national secu-
Fazio is now following in the footsteps of disgraced
rity adviser and the White House chief of staff, he said,
former congressman Tony Coelho as chairman of the
travel under a directive that "for a number of commu-
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
nications and security reasons requires them to have
If Mr. Fitzwater is lying and Mr. Sununu really did
immediate voice contact with the White House at all
not reimburse, then they both should be fired. But this
times." Okay, so Mr. Sununu didn't fly military because
story was not about ethics. It was about the three
he wanted to, but because the president told him to.
reasons the left doesn't like John Sununu: 1) He works
But did he pay for personal and political trips? Mr.
for a Republican president, 2) he's to the right of what
Sununu made a tactical political error in refusing to
The Post and congressmen like Mr. Conyers and Mr.
discuss this question with The Post or open to them his
Fazio & Co. favor and 3) he's a hardball politician. We
own records of the trips for which he reimbursed the
hope Mr. Sununu retains his rightful claim to all three
government. But The Post had its own evidence that
distinctions.
Go to the back of the class
A
merican education, says President Bush, is too
Beyond putting $6 billion in Chapter 1 funds behind
much like a "manufacturing process." It
the concept, Mr. Bush's advocacy serves a bully-pulpit
churns out students by complex ratio and by
function. It takes the concept of free markets and
formula, then hopes for the best. Our own
competition to places unfamiliar with it, notably the
view is that education ought to be more like manufac-
front page of the New York Times. And it forces people
turing. Or a hardware store. Or a gas station. Until the
like Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, chairman of the key
people who run government schools understand why,
Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, ei-
merely changing the formulas or the people who come
ther to accept parental choice or to defend a govern-
with the formulas won't get American education a
ment monopoly that most of all hurts the very low-
passing grade.
income groups and minorities he claims to represent.
The manufacturer can use whatever formula he
wants, but if he doesn't please his customers, he goes
But the Bush plan is also loaded down with lots of
out of business. The same goes for the guy who pumps
new government formulas for education, including vol-
gas down the street and the one who stocks 16-penny
untary nationwide examinations, federally funded
nails and claw hammers. No service, no business. But
academies to help teachers and others redo the
government-run schools that turn out people who think
schools, $535 million in pork-barrel schools - $1 mil-
El Salvador is a utility infielder for the Atlanta Braves
lion for each congressional jurisdiction job-related
and the Battle of the Bulge is some kind of new weight-
skill standards and a pot of business money for re-
loss plan go right on turning out more of the same.
search into innovative schooling. And so on. Some of
Service or no, they get their dough. Parents concerned
these ideas are dumber than others: The pork may
about this mess are up against a government monopoly
simply be the cost of doing business with Congress.
of Postal Service proportions, but the consequences of
Others we agree with wholeheartedly: advocating
which go beyond lost letters. Constrained by the loss
changes in teacher certification requirements that
of tax dollars to government schools on the one hand
teachers unions wield to exclude the competition.
and the high cost of private schools on the other, they
The larger point is that none of this baggage would
have no choice in where they send their children.
be necessary if schools were competing to serve par-
Fortunately, there is some recognition of this prob-
ents and pupils. There's a good reason we don't have
lem in the new education plan handed down last week
535 model federal gas stations or voluntary national
by Mr. Bush and education czar Lamar Alexander. One
examinations for people who make hammers. We don't
of the 44 provisions in the plan would make federal
need the requirements because these businesses
Chapter 1 funds, which go to schools serving poor
aren't government monopolies immune to citizen pres-
students, portable. If a student benefiting from the aid
sure. They compete, they serve or they shut down. If
at one school decides to go elsewhere for an education,
the states and localities that control education don't
the federal money goes with him to the new school.
grasp that concept, Mr. Bush's education revolution
That goes for private and parochial institutions too.
will never have enough ammunition to do the job.
page 21 C:
THE NEW YORK TIMES
ATE:
4/28/41
PAGE:
Elb
School Choice, Without Harm
President Bush wholeheartedly supports "pa-
equal opportunity for students who are economical-
rental choice" as a way to improve America's
ly and educationally at risk through the Chapter 1
public schools. In announcing his new education
program. Money is given to schools that serve a
plan, he said that giving parents more flexibility to
high proportion of poor students. It is generally
choose schools "will create the competitive climate
spent on the lowest achievers, who receive remedial
that stimulates excellence in our private and paro-
help in subjects like reading and math.
chial schools as well."
Recently, Federal rules have allowed any
This is a revolutionary change from the tradi-
school where poor children constitute 75 percent of
tion of assigning pupils to public schools based on
enrollment to use Chapter 1 funds for schoolwide
where they live. But thus far Mr. Bush has been
services, like lowering class sizes in all grades,
remarkably vague about how he envisions such
hiring reading teachers or guidance counselors.
"choice" plans in practice. The idea is outlined
Thus, many schools, particularly in low-income
sketchily in three sentences in a strategy document,
urban areas, now rely on Chapter 1 funds to im-
amplified by five sentences in a fact sheet.
prove instruction for all students.
There one learns that the President would
Mr. Bush now proposes to convert Chapter 1,
provide $230 million for demonstrations and incen-
allowing eligible students to choose any school they
tive grants and would incorporate choice into the
wish to attend, whether public, private or parochial,
largest Federal school aid program - the $6 billion
and their pro-rated share of the program's funds
Chapter 1 program providing desperately needed
would follow.
remedial education to disadvantaged children.
Giving bright, highly motivated low-income
students more educational options is not only desir-
able, but imperative. Too many of these students
The choice approach has some attractions. It
are trapped in public schools that continue to oper-
would provide a way out for bright or ambitious
ate despite poor performance.
students currently trapped in inferior neighborhood
But what about the less motivated, most trou-
schools, who might well blossom if allowed to
bled students, who are ill equipped to exercise
choose a better school. And, if applied successfully,
choice and might be rejected if they did? Washing-
it might force weak schools to improve lest they
ton's emphasis ought to be on improving the weak
lose their students to better schools.
public schools for them, or on attaching enough
But the Administration ought not embark on
money to each student so that better schools would
such radical change unles. it can insure that the
want to compete for even the dullest and most
neediest students won't be left even worse off than
poorly behaved. Unless the Administration is will-
before, in disintegrating schools that have been
ing to promote quality education for all students, its
stripped of their best and brightest.
plan will be little more than a publicly funded
Since 1965, Washington has tried to provide
scholarship program for the bright and restless.
Too-Frequent Fliers
John Sununu, the President's chief of staff, isn't
the only abuser of taxpayer-subsidized travel in Air
Trips to Colorado ski slopes don't look very official,
Force planes. Junketing members of Congress are
either. And it is galling that even for truly personal
the unrivaled champs. The military indulges, too; a
trips to his Boston dentist, Mr. Sununu pays the Air
Marine Corps general who suspended two colonels
Force only coach fare. Properly embarrassed, the
at the El Toro Air Station in California for taking
White House is now reviewing its V.I.P. transporta-
tion policy.
unauthorized jaunts is now under investigation him-
elf for possibly doing the same.
But the chief of staff's bills pale beside the
Mr. Sununu's flights for personal or political
costly coddling of senators and Congressmen who
convenience - some mislabeled "official" - are
jet around the planet on official surveys that are
especially unseemly- because of his superior rank
often as much fun as work. He costs thousands;
and his role as Lord High Executioner in axing
they cost millions. Things are tight enough at
funds for the truly needy.
the U.S. Treasury without these stewards of the
It's hard to believe he has to be in New Hamp-
nation's welfare wasting public funds on them-
selves.
shire for official reasons as often as his log shows.
There ought to be a law. But who's to write it'
TE: 5/29/91
THE WASHINGTON POST
PAGE:
A19
Charles Fried
Juotas:
The Smoking Gun
above a determined race-normed
score must as a matter of mathemati-
cal necessity hire in strict proportion
The Kennedy-Hawkins bill (the Civ-
to the race of the persons taking the
il Rights Act of 1990 and now of
test-that is, quota hiring.
1991) is supposed to restore the law
Now it will be said that no employ-
regarding employer practices that
er hires only according to perfor-
have the unintended effect of dis-
mance on an objective employment
advantaging minorities to the state in
test. Probably not. The chances are
which it was before a 1989 Supreme
that employers seeking to avoid legal
Court decision. It is these "restor-
liability will give some preference
ative" provisions that have been criti-
(recognizing "subjective factors") to
cized as creating powerful pressures
on employers to engage in racially
take this "no evidence" argument off
minority applicants with the same
preferential hiring-in the presi-
the air for good.
score. Can you imagine an employer
dent's words, it is a "quota bill." The
In a race-normed test, the score
so foolish as to prefer a non-minority
bill's fans have responded every time
assigned to an individual is not the
candidate with a lower score? But the
that there is no evidence that employ-
raw score reflecting the number of
point is that any such preference is an
ers before 1989 engaged in quota
right answers but a percentile
additional preference. since the
hiring, and SO the president's misgiv-
score-a score of 89 means that the
"same" score is not really the same
ings are dismissed with dark hints
candidate did as well as the top 11 out
that the president is playing racial
of every 100 test takers. When a test
score at all but a race-normed score
politics.
is race-normed, the percentile score
that masks the actual achievement on
The widespread use, particularly
is assigned not according to the raw
the test.
by large employers, of "race-normed"
scores of all test takers but rather
A lawyer for the NAACP Legal
employment tests is as good evidence
according to the scores of those in the
Defense Fund has defended race-
as any objective person should want.
same racial group (black, Hispanic,
norming as "a necessary tool" that
Rep. Henry Hyde (R-III.) has pro-
and white or Asian). The employer
"corrects for the bias that's in the
posed legislation to restrict the use of
often does not even know what the
test." This reasoning is circular. The
race-normed tests. Out of that debate
raw scores of each candidate are.
bias, apparently, is nothing other than
has come the kind of smoking gun
This means that a large employer
that undoctored test scores do not
evidence that should, but will not,
accepting all qualified candidates
yield racially proportional results. But
a conception of "bias" that takes as its
premise that everything must be dis-
tributed strictly according to race is
exactly the quota mentality that many
see lurking behind the soothing eu-
phemisms used to support Kennedy-
Hawkins and race-norming both. That
race-norming has nothing to do with
some kind of cultural bias in the
content of the test is amply demon-
strated by the grouping of Asians with
whites-not because of a similarity of
cultural background but because
Asians do as well or better than
whites on the test. Thus do we penal-
ize achievement and ability in the
name of equality.
It may be that employers and uni-
versities and broadcasters are some-
times justified in giving preferences
along racial lines. That is a different
question from whether the law-di-
rectly or indirectly, but unmistakably
as in Kennedy-Hawkins-should com-
pel them to do so. It is sad and ironic
that the Democratic leadership, in its
eagerness to be seen as triumphing
over a reluctant president, has reject-
ed the administration's recent concil-
iatory compromise bill, and at the last
minute has added to Kennedy-Haw-
kins a provision purporting to prohibit
quota hiring. If this is meant to have
teeth in it and to prohibit all racial and
gender preferences, it will deny the
private sector a form of discretion it
has enjoyed for two generations. The
only beneficiaries of this double bind
will be the trial lawyers, the one
group in society no one believes de-
serves affirmative action.
The writer, a professor at Harvard
Law School, was solicitor general in
the Reagan administration.
page 38 of49
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
Education's Golden Rule
DATE:
8/2/91
The 1980s saw American business
in an Indianapolis private school, with
PAGE:
AB
get involved in public education in a
a cap of $800 per year. Most private
big way. Spurred by the 1983 "Amer-
schools in the city charge less than
ica at Risk" report that warned of a
$1,600 a year. Golden Rule will back
"rising tide of mediocrity" in educa-
the Trust for at least three years and
tion, business has spent billions of dol-
expects to continue doing SO after that
lars to make public schools work bet-
with the help of other corporations.
ter. But 200,000 public-private partner-
ships, computers in the classroom and
Mr. Rooney says Golden Rule isn't
similar programs haven't done all
abandoning the public schools but
that much to improve overall student
challenging them. "If inner-city stu-
performance.
dents do better when they are em-
J. Patrick Rooney, chairman of the
powered to choose their own schools,
Lawrenceville, Illinois-based Golden
then public education funds should be
Rule Insurance Co., has decided the
redirected to parents," he told us.
time to apply Band-Aids to public
"When all families, no matter how
schools is over. He's decided that
poor, have the freedom to walk away
business must support a fundamental
from bad schools, competition will
restructuring of the educational sys-
force the public schools to improve."
tem. Golden Rule is announcing today
Mr. Rooney doesn't want to take only
that it will begin a $1.2 million
the best or most well-off students out
voucher program to enable low-in-
of failing public schools. He says low-
come parents to send their children to
income families are the only ones who
private schools.
don't already have choice in educa-
The program, roughly patterned
tion, and that's an effective barrier
after Wisconsin state Rep. Polly Wil-
to upward mobility.
liams' choice plan in Milwaukee, is a
Polly Williams, who supports
breakthrough in corporate support for
Golden Rule's efforts, says choice in
educational choice. "This is the first
education is "coming no matter how
time a company has empowered low-
much the bureaucracy tries to stop
income parents on a large scale to
it." She told us that "if legislatures
let their children escape bad city
won't allow choice then maybe co-
schools," says Patrick Keleher of
porate America can support it and
TEACH America, a pro-choice educa-
shame the politicians into letting my
tion group in Chicago.
people go.
Mr. Rooney says the program will
We hope corporate America takes
be in Indianapolis, with Golden Rule
a look at Golden Rule's school-choice
executives on hand to monitor the
plan. There's no reason why other cor-
money. In the first year, a Choice
porations can't mount similar choice
Charitable Trust will award scholar-
efforts in their cities. It's potentially
ships to 500 students whose family in-
an opportunity to help create the kind
come makes them eligible for the fed-
of work force that so many managers
eral school-lunch program. Each
say they're looking for-well-edu-
voucher will pay up to 50% of tuition
cated, diverse, motivated.
PAGE
260Γ
37
The Washington Times
Aug. 2, 1990 - Aug. 2, 1991
DATE: 8/2/91
PAGE:
F2
year ago today, George Bush's presidency faced
nothing less than unconditional withdrawal and setting
A
its most serious test. Saddam Hussein's
a Jan. 15 deadline for compliance. A round of diplo-
army had marched into Kuwait and stood
matic activity between Secretary of State James Baker
poised to continue into Saudi Arabia. U.S.
and Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz may, according
diplomats had failed to convey any strong message
to some observers, have had the opposite effect from
warning the Iraqi leader of how seriously the United
the one intended. Saddam remained convinced that the
States would take such a move. And so a peaceful -
United States was bluffing. The president insisted oth-
and by Middle East standards, a relatively decent -
erwise. After debates remarkable for their seriousness
country had been wiped off the face of the map by a
and passion, the Senate and House finally approved
brutal aggressor bent on further conquest and sub-
resolutions authorizing Mr. Bush to use force - res-
jugation in an area that provides the bulk of the indus-
olutions he welcomed, but did not feel he needed. The
trial world's most critical resource, oil.
deadline passed, and the United States and its allies
Mr. Bush responded swiftly and effectively. His
went to war.
quick pledge of support for Saudi Arabia seems to have
The day after the first air strikes on Baghdad, the
been the main reason Saddam stopped at the border of
price of oil, which had skyrocketed after Iraq's inva-
Kuwait. The U.S. generals who initially convened with
sion of Kuwait much to the further distress of a falter-
Saudi officials in the kingdom have described their
ing U.S. economy, collapsed. U.S. warplanes, in an
combined arms in the early days as amounting to one
amazing display of technological superiority and of the
pocketknife. Had the president reacted with even the
supreme competence of U.S. fliers, quickly gained con-
slightest hesitation and Iraqi armor moved on, the task
trol of the skies. Sáddam was capable of doing little
U.S. forces eventually faced would have been incalcula-
more than unleashing militarily insignificant terror
bly more difficult.
missiles at the population of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The president then proceeded to assemble an extra-
The Patriot missile system became a hero of the war,
ordinary international coalition against Iraq. The de-
an example of the need to do something to defend
ployment of U.S. forces to the region went quickly, and
civilian populations against missile attack. The pres-
despite problems relating to lift capabilities, relatively
ident ably kept the coalition united despite widespread
smoothly. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, with consid-
expectations of its fragility. At the most remarkable
erable prescience, had already begun to reorient his
point, on the eve of the launch of the ground offensive,
Central Command planning away from the likelihood
he even summarily dismissed a Soviet effort to broker
of a Soviet incursion into the Gulf area and toward the
peace.
possible emergence of a threat from a country within
The ground campaign that began six weeks after
the region. By November, the generals felt confident
the start of the air war was a rout. U.S. and coalition
that Saudi Arabia was well defended.
forces achieved their objectives ahead of schedule.
And still Saddam would not leave Kuwait. The pres-
Iraq's capacity to make further trouble in the region
ident announced he would double the U.S. troop com-
was dramatically reduced. The low level of U.S. casual-
mitment, a move designed to give the coalition forces
ties was nothing short of miraculous, in Gen. Schwarz-
the capability to eject Saddam from Kuwait if neces-
kopf's judgment.
sary. In the United States, opposition mounted in Con-
Five months later, Saddam is still in power; coalition
gress as politicians took what turned out to be a blip in
forces did not completely eliminate Iraq's weapons of
support for the president in opinion polls as a sign of
mass destruction; the president's decision to end the
mounting public opposition to his policy. The pres-
ground campaign allowed a significant part of Iraq's
ident's opponents rapped him hard (and disingen-
military to escape destruction, a part sufficient to put
uously) for an alleged failure to state the objectives of
down uprisings by Kurds and Shi'ites against Saddam.
his policy and the reasons behind them. In fact, he and
In retrospect, the United States might have pressed on
other officials of the administration had made their
and pressed harder, and should have. But in the year
case forcefully, and the erosion of public support -
since Aug. 2, 1990, President Bush crippled a brutal
much of which was the result of people who had begun
aggressor, ensured the free flow of oil to the industrial
to think that the United States was acting too slowly -
world, restored a legitimate government and lifted the
soon turned around.
spirit of Americans who had too long been weighed
The president relied on the United Nations to set the
down by memories of the defeat in Vietnam. That the
terms for Saddam. The Security Council, with Soviet
president has more to do should not detract from the
support, passed a number of resolutions demanding
amazing quality of what he has done.
For
Pol
PAGE
2703
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
News-
***
PAGE: DATE: 3/30/92
World-Wide
BUSH SAID he was preparing a compre-
hensive plan to aid former Soviet states.
Jewish leaders condemned German
The package includes a $1 billion contri-
Chancellor Kohl's meeting with Austrian
bution to a ruble-stabilization fund, as well
President Waldheim, who has generally been
as $12 billion to replenish the IMF. With the
shunned by Western leaders over allegations
president personally promoting the package.
that he hides a Nazi past. Separately, Polish
the plan stands a better chance of passage in
President Walesa arrived in Germany yes-
Congress. though Bush noted some elements
terday for a five-day visit, the first by a
wouldn't require legislative approval. The
Polish president since World War II.
administration last week eased restrictions
on advanced-technology exports to the for-
Refugees fled fighting in Bosnia-Hercego-
mer Soviet Union. (Story on Page A3)
vina as sniper fire killed three people despite
Conflict in the former Soviet states
a truce agreement by Serbs, Croats and
continued, with Georgian rebels captur-
Muslims. At least 40 people have died in the
ing three towns and Moldovan authori-
past week in ethnic fighting around the
ties mourna to crush separatist forces.
industrial town of Bosanski Brod in the
north of the secessionist Yugoslav republic.
ISRAEL'S FOREIGN MINISTER SAID
French police arrested three top offi-
he would resign. dealing Shamir a setback.
cials of the Spanish Basque separatist group
The announcement by Levy. the cabinet's
ETA, which has vowed to disrupt the World's
strongest champion of the U.S.-brokered
Fair in Seville and the Summer Olympics in
Arab-Israeli peace talks. comes three
Barcelona. Attacks by the ETA have esca-
months before national elections. The resig-
lated recently. claiming 18 lives this year.
nation won't take effect for more than a
week. and a compromise giving Levy's fac-
tion more power in the ruling Likud party
Died: James E. Webb, 85, the National
remains possible. Separately. Baker pro-
Aeronautics and Space Administration's
posed resuming the peace talks in April.
chief from its infancy to the moon program,
AUS team completed its investiga-
Friday in Washington, of a heart attack.
tion of charges Israel sold U.S. missile
technology to China. The White House
said It was awaiting the findings.
Both Democratic candidates became en-
snared in new flaps involving their past
actions. Brown defended his affiliation with a
THE FAR SIDE GARY LARSON
firm accused of making excessive claims for
an AIDS treatment. Clinton defended his
involvement in the drafting of an ethics-re-
form law and admitted experimenting with
marıjuana. Story on Page A12
France's ruling Socialists suffered an
other electoral setback. intensifying specula-
tion that Prime Minister Cresson could be
fired by President Mitterrand as early as this
week Early returns in the final round of
local elections at the provincial level showed
the Socialists losing majority control in five
of the 21 councils they had controlled.
House Speaker Foley said all special
privileges enjoyed by House members would
be reviewed and may be eliminated. Foley
also said he intends to seek re-election as
speaker. denying speculation that House
members have urged him to resign because
of his handling of inquiries into irregularities
at the House bank and post office.
Egypt's foreign minister said last-minute
proposals by a Libyan delegation that met
yesterday with Mubarak were unlikely to
avert a confrontation over Western demands
for the surrender of two suspects in the
1988 Lockerbie bombing. The U.N. Security
Council IS set to vote on sanctions against
"Well, here we are, my little chickadee."
Libya for refusing to turn over the suspects.
The FDA ousted its head of medical-de-
vice evaluation. Robert Sheridan. in a
shakeup designed to put new-device ap-
provals on a more scientific basis. The
agency also proposed requiring more than
370 manufacturers to begin tracking 35
classes of devices, including heart valves
and breast implants. (Story on Page A3
Cambodia's government launched an of
fensive against Khmer Rouge guerrillas in
the country's north, threatening a U.N.-spon-
sored peace accord. The announcement of
the new campaign by the Vietnam-backed
government came on the eve
opera-
tion to begin repatriatin
es
from camp
PAGE 53053
(HAPPY MONDAY)
3% of 6N on lampers!
1) Drafted mudel leques you
2) introduced fed legislation
for state law,
tort (valishty reform
change S tandard
3) ever order.)
subse
for damages for
4) working w/Counts a other reforms.
product libility
W
state a to suits
not c silver bullet.
medical malpractice.
also- much is state level.
Hol
limits damages, etc.
loser pays" onle - in om stodel St. legislation.
(Lawn a game
limited the disconsly".
cynicism
hidden
lomprotax,
have huren
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what would be "Lest vote?"
[
at current rates - when would lawyers GNP
surport defense GNP
ex tra medical two - induect cort.
Dem Senatorical Comm:
Lategators to defend the status guo.
The Washington Post
DATE: 4/15/92
No Pain, No Gain
PAGE:
A23
T
HE OTHER DAY, H. Ross Perot was
billion federal spending cut in order to "balance
asked how he would balance the federal
the federal budget, make an initial $5 billion
budget if elected president. "Easy," he said.
payment on the national debt and cut the federal
First he'd wipe out $180 billion a year in "waste
personal income tax
of every American by an
and abuse" (the "president's own comptroller
average of 23 percent." The proposal would have
says we waste $180 billion a year"). Second, he'd
a "beneficial impact on every aspect of our daily
collect the $100 billion a year in taxes now lost
lives," the candidate said, but then it turned out
because the Internal Revenue Service has out-
that after a couple of exemptions he was propos-
worn computers ("we're talking major antiquat-
ing cutting the federal government in half, and he
ed"). Third, he'd save $100 billion a year by
spent the rest of an unsuccessful campaign back-
going to the Europeans and Japanese and asking
pedaling. In that same year Jimmy Carter said
each "in a very nice diplomatic way" to reimburse
that it would be possible to increase spending for
us $50 billion a year for their defense ("certainly
various purposes without increasing the deficit
they're going to be willing").
because of the growth and revenues the spending
"Now we're up to $380 billion" of the $400
would stimulate; it would pay for itself.
billion deficit, he said, at which point "you
get
That's what Mr. Reagan then said would hap-
the folks like me who don't need Medicare and
pen if taxes were cut in 1980. He also kept
Social Security to give it up." That produces the
saying that billions were there to be saved in
remaining $20 billion "and you haven't even
waste, fraud and abuse, but he never found it.
broken a sweat." Just as important in a political
Instead, he and George Bush-whose view it was
year, you haven't inflicted any pain either; surely
in 1988 that a "flexible freeze" would make it
it's not the average citizen who's guilty of waste,
possible to balance the budget without a tax
abuse and tax evasion. No wonder Mr. Perot has
increase-have presided over a four-fold in-
a reputation as a financial genius.
crease in the national debt in just 12 years.
The painless promises-so at odds with the
The candidates this year are doing no better.
demi-candidate's carefully cultivated image as a
This is a pain-averse government, but no painless
major-league, no-nonsense problem-solver-are
way exists to reduce the deficit that has choked
themselves part of an ageless political tradition.
off the ability to govern. You knew it already, but
Our own instant memory was of the speech
that's the hard lesson. There's no better day than
Ronald Reagan gave in 1976 suggesting a $90
today, Tax Day, to remember it.
The New York Times
DATE: 4/15/92
PAGE:
A26
Mr. Bush Pays His Campaign Dues
Bowing right and punching left, President Bush
has attacked organized labor with orders aimed at
contracts may insist on not paying any share of
political expenditures.
separating the unions from some of their money.
It's not clear that President Bush has all the
His principal order tells Federal contractors to
authority he claims to compel contractors to issue
notify non-union employees that they cannot be
forced to contribute fees to a union's political
such notices. But even if his authority were
causes. Now, unless a worker objects, some portion
undisputed, his executive order is dismayingly
of fees paid in lieu of dues goes to support political
biased. It requires contractors to point out
workers' rights not to join a union, but not their
campaigns or lobbying.
rights to join.
By diminishing labor's fee collection, Mr. Bush
is paying some political dues of his own. His right
In the wake of the 1988 court ruling, some
wing and the National Right to Work Committee
unions have begun to issue the advice Mr. Bush now
have long urged him to take this step. But only now
orders contractors to promulgate, sometimes in
does the President oblige, waxing poetic about
ways that discourage workers from exercising their
workers' liberty. If that hassles unions opposed to
rights. So far, only a small minority of non-union
Mr. Bush's re-election, why, that seems fine to the
members has called for pro rata deductions or
refunds.
White House.
Candidate Bush has every right to tell non-
But any shortcomings can be corrected. Like
union workers everywhere that Federal law, as
the power of large corporations to influence the
interpreted by the Supreme Court in 1988, safe-
political activity of their managers, union political
guards their right not to be compelled to make
power needs checking and vigilance to protect
political contributions.
individual rights.
Union members have no such protection; their
Leaders of organized labor were quick to de-
objections to political spending are deemed internal
nounce the President's partisanship - and just as
matters in an organization they joined voluntarily.
quick to announce that top officials of the A.F.L.-
But non-members who pay so-called agency fees to
C.I.O. had endorsed Bill Clinton for the Democratic
the union to avoid being "free riders" on labor
nomination. How timely of Mr. Bush to remind non-
union workers that they need not agree.
PAGE 13 OF 19
Lamar Alexander
The Washington Post
Better Schools From Scratch
DATE: 4/15/92
PAGE:
Albert Shanker's column opposing help for
to jump-start the process. Albert Shanker had
his own break-the-mold idea ["Progress-by
reason to feel proud as a Founding Father.
Public Schools," op-ed, March 24] shows why
At the president's request, bipartisan busi-
real change in education is so hard.
ness leaders created the New American Schools
Shanker is president of the American Federa-
Development Corp. and began raising $200
tion of Teachers and one of the country's best
million in private dollars to fund design teams
education thinkers. In 1986, he was thinking
whose mission would be to help communities
about Saturn's plan to build the best cars in the
create break-the-mold schools. Hundreds of
world from scratch. Why not Saturn schools, he
schools, 226 corporate partnerships, 140 uni-
asked in a New York Times column. "Isn't it
versities and 136 think tanks, associations and
time we had an educational Saturn project, a
foundations joined the design competition.
time to pretend we haven't had schools or an
The president stipulated that all the money
educational system before and act as if we're
should be spent on break-the-mold ideas. No
putting one together for the first time?"
business as usual. Anyone's great idea would be
This put to educators the bold question Peter
welcome.
Drucker puts to business leaders: "If you
weren't already doing it, would you start?" The
Anyone's idea? Shanker stomped on his brakes
idea caught on. School leaders in St. Paul, Minn.,
and took a hard U-turn, away from his own idea.
began the Saturn School of Tomorrow. In Dade
Sen. Ted Kennedy made sure that the half-billion
County, Fla., Shanker's union helped to create a
federal dollars for New American Schools would
Saturn School project for 49 schools. Shanker
go only to the powers that be, those who have
was enthusiastic: "If you have a great idea
given us the troubled schools we have.
you don't have to remake anything because you
David Broder, in a March 1 column [op-ed],
start with a clean slate."
chastised "Kennedy and the Senate Democrats
Ted Sizer of Brown University, James Comer
[who] have decreed that only the most timid
of Yale, Henry Levin of Stanford accelerated
experiments, those the bureaucracy finds least
their school-by-school mold-breaking. Minnesota
threatening will be attempted."
passed a law to charter new independent public
Broder was right. America's school system is
schools. RJR Nabisco Inc. offered $30 million to
a monopoly: One group takes your money, runs
schools willing to rethink from top to bottom,
all the schools and assigns each child to one of
but warned: "No prizes for predicting rain, only
those schools. Only the rich can opt for other
for building arks." Then, one year ago, President
choices (by moving across town) or opt out (to a
Bush proposed "a new generation of thousands
private school). David Osborne and Ted Gaebler
of break-the-mold New American Schools" and
have written about the irony: "It is one of the
asked Congress for a half-billion federal dollars
enduring paradoxes of American ideology that
we attack private monopolies so fervently but
dealers have customers waiting for cars. Saturn
embrace public monopolies so warmly."
engineers are designing a right-side steering
What has this monopoly produced to deserve
wheel to attract Japanese drivers.
such protection? Too often the answer is schools
Can you imagine America in the year 2000 with
designed for our grandfathers' day, schools so
your tax money following children to Saturn-type
unacquainted with technology that it's hard for
schools known for "breakthrough reliability,"
teachers to make a telephone call, schools still
schools open overtime for working families, schools
organized to give teachers summer vacations for
with waiting lists causing more schools to be
bringing in crops, schools that send children home
created, schools designed to meet the needs of
at 3 p.m. when no one is home, schools that
children of every background, schools gathering the
suffocate creativity, schools that spend more per
best ideas from anyone-New American Schools
student than any country but Switzerland.
that the Japanese want to copy?
Teachers and principals I meet from Fresno to
Boston to San Antonio are mostly hard-working,
The first Saturn car planners broke a crusty
General Motors tradition. They drove Hon-
Taking Exception
das-so they could learn to make a better
Saturn. America's school monopoly must climb
out of its ruts and welcome ideas, even from the
competition-and then create a better school.
often downright inspiring. But most of the schools
If Americans can put missiles down smoke-
in which they struggle to help our children learn
stacks, we can create the best schools in the
do not fit today's family or today's world. Because
world. But it will not happen rapidly enough if all
of this-and because of inattentive parents and
those who seem threatening to the school mo-
communities-American 13-year-olds know just a
nopoly-governors, mayors, corporations, par-
little more math than children in Jordan, about the
ents, churches, museums, education secretaries,
same as children in Slovenia and less than children
independent-minded educators-are kept out.
in Korea and Taiwan.
Results matter, not the author.
Consumer Reports says this about Saturn
I'm hoping Al Shanker will. make another
cars: "Exceptional first year reliability, a break-
U-turn
back in support of his break-the-mold
through for a car designed and built in the U.S."
idea. America needs everyone involved in creat-
Saturn workers are collecting overtime pay,
ing tens of thousands of New American Schools
while other General Motors plants are closing.
on the fastest track possible if our children are
In 1991 Saturn sold more cars per dealership
than any import car-the first time that had
to live, work and compete in the next century.
happened in America in 15 years. Many Saturn
The writer is secretary of education.
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