Ask the Scholar

Page 1 of 1
I can add historical knowledge about this page.

Page image

Page 1

OCR

The original documents are located in Box 7, folder "4/4/75 - San Francisco Bay Area Council" of the President's Speeches and Statements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MR. TRA- FETH - THEN MAYOR ALLOTO MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE BAY AREA COUNCIL Digitized from Box 7 of President's Speeches and Statements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library 3. 10:45 am The President boards motorcade. 10:50 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES drilling rig. 11:05 am The President boards Motorcade. 11:12 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES producing well site. 11:22 am The President boards motorcade. 11:30 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES PG&E geothermal 11:40 am The President, escorted by Paul Matthew, proceeds to view cooling towers. 11:50 am The President boards motorcade. 11:55 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES helo Landing zone THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN of SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA COUNCIL a area have the By hast for special SPOT in FRIDAY, APRIL - -Cot-Wat 4, 1975 from Ferglat can inch 2) I - 1 - (ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS) IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO BE ASKED TO SPEAK TO YOUR VERY DISTINGUISHED ORGANIZATION. FOR THE LAST THIRTY YEARS, YOU HAVE BEEN LEADERS IN PRESERVING THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, CIVIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY OF THE BAY AREA. AND THE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF YOUR EFFORTS CAN BE APPLAUDED BY RESIDENT AND VISITOR ALIKE. ON BEHALF OF ALL, I THANK YOU MOST SINCERELY FOR THIS GENERATION OF ACHIEVEMENT. - 2 - FRANKLY, IT NEVER TAKES MUCH PERSUADING TO GET ME TO COME TO THE BAY AREA -- A REGION OF INFINITE CHARM AND BOUNDLESS BEAUTY. 1935 - Ent-West - 2/yr oil Forglast- BART Regar stadement 1945 - Orroseas - lach from Pacific - 3 - AND IT IS ALWAYS A DELIGHT TO VISIT SAN FRANCISCO AGAIN. THE CITY THAT GLISTENS IN THE SUNLIGHT AND SPARKLES AT NIGHT. WHERE LIFE HAS STYLE AND STYLE HAS LIFE -- AND EVEN THE COMMONPLACE BECOMES AN ADVENTURE. ALL I CAN SAY IS: IF TONY BENNETT EVER WANTS TO TAKE HIS HEART BACK -- I'VE GOT ONE TO REPLACE IT. - 4 - AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE BAY AREA HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED ADVERSITY. THIS MONTH MARKS THE SIXTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISASTROUS SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE. IN 1906, SAN FRANCISCO WAS CHALLENGED BY AND PASSED THE ULTIMATE TEST OF ITS RECUPERATIVE VITALITY. LOCAL COURAGE AND LOCAL DETERMINATION PREVAILED. THE BAY AREA NOW OFFERS THE WORLD AN INTERNATIONAL CENTER THAT REPRESENTS THE BEST OF WHAT AMERICANS CAN DO. -5- YOUR COUNCIL IS TYPICAL OF THE GENIUS AND ENERGY THAT PERSONIFY THE STATE OF MIND THAT IS d the By nun. SAN FRANCISCO. YOU ARE A CONSISTENT CONSTRUCTIVE 1 FORCE IN THE NINE COUNTIES OF THE BAY REGION. - 6 - YOU ACT NOT AS SELF-INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS BUT AS A COMMUNITY SEEKING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PROGRESS OF A REGION. AND YOUR REGION IS A GREAT SOURCE OF AMERICA'S PRIDE. - 7 - I COMMEND YOU FOR THIS DEMONSTRATION OF BAY AREA WILL POWER AND BAY AREA KNOW HOW. I COMMEND YOU FOR THE SUCCESS OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES ON A LOCAL LEVEL. 4th Bay Aven THE MAGIC OF SAN FRANCISCO WAS NOT CONJURED UP IN BUREAUS AND AGENCIES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. IT DEVELOPED SPONTANEOUSLY RIGHT HERE ON THE SHORES OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY. IT EMERGED FROM THE PEOPLE, FROM YOUR OPTIMISM AND VISION. - 8 - THE BAY AREA IS A SHOWCASE OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY RETURNING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES TO THE PEOPLE. OUR ECONOMY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD THE WASTE, DUPLICATION, AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS THAT OCCUR WHEN A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TRIES TO DO FOR LOCAL PEOPLE WHAT THEY CAN BEST ACHIEVE FOR THEMSELVES. - 8a - ONLY THIS MORNING, IN SPITE OF A SMALL SNOWSTORM, I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF VISITING BY HELICOPTER THE FASCINATING GEOTHERMAL POWER DEVELOPMENT AT THE GEYSERS. FRED HARTLEY AND SHERM SIBLEY AND OTHERS EXPLAINED HOW THIS NATURAL STEAM FROM INSIDE THE EARTH ALREADY SUPPLIES A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THE BAY AREA'S ENERGY NEEDS, SAVING MILLIONS OF BARRELS OF IMPORTED OIL AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF FOREIGN PAYMENTS. - 8b - GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN THIS PROMISING NEW ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, I WAS TOLD, HAS MOSTLY BEEN ONE OF OBSTRUCTING FASTER PROGRESS. I PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF THE RED TAPE AND I JUST CAME FROM A MEETING WITH WESTERN GOVERNORS WHERE I ASKED GOVERNOR BROWN TO JOIN ME IN CUTTING CALIFORNIA'S SHARE. GEOTHERMAL POWER DISCOVERIES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WEST COULD BE A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN OUR RACE FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE. - 9 - Let monthst me turn effict T infect. CRITICISM I MADE OF THE TAX REDUCTION BILL I SIGNED a LAST SATURDAY WAS THAT IT FAILED TO GIVE ADEQUATE RELIEF TO THE MILLIONS OF MIDDLE INCOME TAXPAYERS WHO CONTRIBUTE THE BIGGEST SHARE OF FEDERAL TAXES. IT IS MY FEAR THAT INITIATIVE WILL BE PUNISHED -- AND THE LACK OF INITIATIVE REWARDED -- IF AN EMERGING PHILOSOPHY OF TAXATION KNOWN AS "INCOME REDISTRIBUTION" PREVAILS. IT WOULD TAKE THE FREEDOM OUT OF THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM. - 10 - WHAT INCENTIVE WILL REMAIN FOR UPWARD BOUND PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR STATUS IF THEY ARE ASSESSED AN UNDUE PROPORTION OF TAXES? WE MUST, OF COURSE, HELP THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES. BUT I CANNOT CONCEIVE OF AN AMERICA IN WHICH HALF THE NATION PRODUCES NOTHING AND THE OTHER HALF IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A FREE RIDE. YET THAT IS THE INEVITABLE RESULT, BY THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND, IF WE CONTINUE THE PRESENT PACE OF ESCALATING SOCIAL SPENDING. WE MUST PUT A CURB ON THESE TRANSFER PAYMENTS. AND WE MUST DO IT NOW. everything we want is a Housenment lig everyth To not good us by enough to tahn from no everyth we Keve. - 11 - I AM DETERMINED TO STOP THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT OF RUNAWAY SPENDING. I PREFER CONCILIATION WITH THE CONGRESS. BUT I MUST DRAW THE LINE AT A FISCAL 1976 DEFICIT OF SIXTY BILLION DOLLARS. I WAS ENCOURAGED TO HEAR THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE, SENATOR MUSKIE, WARN THAT A DEFICIT OF ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY BILLION DOLLARS MIGHT ENSUE IF BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED. - 12 - OUR SYSTEM IS FLEXIBLE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH TO WORK UNDER GREAT STRESS. BUT THE GROWTH OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS MUST REMAIN IN A CONTEXT THAT WE CAN MANAGE AND NOT ENTER A NEW DIMENSION THAT MANAGES US. AN EXAMPLE OF HOW SPENDING UNDERMINES A VIABLE SOCIETY CAN BE SEEN IN GREAT BRITAIN. THEY ARE STRIVING TO STOP THE MOMENTUM. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE UNITED STATES IN THAT SITUATION. - 13 - IN THE STRUGGLE TO PRESERVE A FREE ECONOMY, INDIVIDUALS -- NOT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS -- WILL BE THE REAL ALLIES. I REFER TO INDIVIDUAL WORKERS, AND INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE. I AM CONFIDENT THAT AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM WILL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE. - 14 - I DEEPLY BELIEVE IN THE CONCEPT OF DECENTRALIZING GOVERNMENT POWER AND PROVIDING WIDER DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTABILITY TO LOCALLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEIR CONSTITUENCIES. AN EXAMPLE IS THE CONCEPT OF GENERAL REVENUE SHARING. - 15 - ACCORDINGLY, I AM PARTICULARLY PROUD AS ONE OF THIS PROGRAM'S CHIEF PROPONENTS WHEN IN THE CONGRESS, TO REPORT TO YOU THAT PAYMENTS TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FROM THE INCEPTION OF GENERAL REVENUE SHARING -- INCLUDING CHECKS NOW IN THE MAIL -- TOTAL WELL OVER ONE-QUARTER BILLION DOLLARS. - 16 - THE REGION TO WHICH I REFER INCLUDES THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN SAN FRANCISCO, SONOMA, MARIN, CONTRA COSTA, ALAMEDA, SANTA CLARA, SAN MATEO, NAPA, AND SOLANO COUNTIES. THE TOTAL TAXES RETURNED BY WASHINGTON TO THE PEOPLE OF THESE COUNTIES IS TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE MILLION, SIX HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. FORD SUBSTITUTE - 16 - 16 - THE REGION TO WHICH I REFER INCLUDES THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS AND THE NINE COUNTY BAY AREA. LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN S , C. at THE TOTAL TAXES RETURNED BY WASHINGTON TO THE PEOPLE OF THESE COUNTIES IS TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE MILLION, SIX HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. - 16a - THIS MONEY TRANSLATES INTO A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS PLANNED BY LOCAL PEOPLE TO FILL LOCAL NEEDS. IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, FOR INSTANCE, GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUNDS PROVIDE KITCHENS TO FEED SCHOOL CHILDREN AND REHABILITATION OF PLAYGROUNDS. IN OAKLAND REVENUE SHARING FUNDS ARE USED TO PAY THE SALARIES OF CITY FIREMEN. - 160 - SANTA CLARA COUNTY HAS PUT ITS SHARE INTO A NEW PUBLIC PARK. THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA BUYS GASOLINE TO TRANSPORT HANDICAPPED CITIZENS TO THE DOCTOR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROVIDES A HEALTH CARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT, A REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR DRUG USERS, A TREATMENT FACILITY FOR ALCOHOLICS, AND SUBSIDIES TO HOSPITAL OUTPATIENTS UNABLE TO PAY MEDICAL COSTS. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DESIGNATED ITS REVENUE SHARING RETURNS TO COVER PART OF THE COSTS OF THE BAY AREA SEWER SERVICES AGENCY. - 16C- AN EXTENSIVE SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED WITH THIS MONEY IN ALAMEDA COUNTY. IT INCLUDES JOB TRAINING FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS, AID TO THE MENTALLY RETARDED, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF EX-CONVICTS, LEGAL AID AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO MINORITY GROUPS, SUICIDE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES, AND SIMILAR PROGRAMS TO HELP PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES. - 17 - AS AMERICANS EVERYWHERE ARE SHOWING NEW DETERMINATION TO HELP THEMSELVES, OUR ECONOMY IS STARTING TO SHOW TENTATIVE SIGNS THAT THE WORST MAY BE BEHIND US AFTER TOO LONG A PERIOD OF RECESSION AND INFLATION. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL OUR TROUBLES ARE OVER. A FEW FLOWERS DO NOT MEAN THAT SPRING HAS REALLY COME. UNEMPLOYMENT REMAINS TOO HIGH, AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REMAINS TOO SLUGGISH. - 18 - YET THIS SPRING HAS BROUGHT SOME ENCOURAGING INDICATIONS: -- THERE HAS BEEN AN EASING IN PRICE INCREASES SUGGESTING A LESSENING OF INFLATIONARY TENDENCIES. -- INTEREST RATES HAVE MOVED IN A DOWNWARD DIRECTION. -- RETAIL SALES HAVE HELD UP SURPRISINGLY WELL. INVENTORIES ARE RAPIDLY BEING REDUCED. AS THIS REDUCTION PROGRESSES, PRODUCTION AND EMPLOYMENT WILL TURN UPWARD. - 19 - -- AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ARE NOW PLANNING INCREASED PRODUCTION. THEY EXPECT NEW DEMANDS THIS SPRING AND SUMMER. THOUSANDS OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS ARE BEING CALLED BACK. IN TWO PLANTS, WORKERS HAVE GONE ON OVERTIME. PEOPLE ARE SHOWING NEW CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE. - 20 - LAST YEAR, I RECOMMENDED TO THE CONGRESS AND LATER SIGNED INTO LAW TWO NEW MEASURES TO AID UNEMPLOYED WORKERS. ONE OF THESE MEASURES PROVIDED UP TO THIRTEEN ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SYSTEM. THE SECOND MEASURE PROVIDED UP TO TWENTY-SIX WEEKS OF SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO WORKERS WHOSE JOBS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY COVERED. - 21 - PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO EXHAUST BENEFITS IN BOTH NEW PROGRAMS. ACCORDINGLY, I WILL RECOMMEND TO THE CONGRESS AS SOON AS IT RETURNS FROM RECESS, THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: - 22 - AN ADDITIONAL THIRTEEN WEEKS OF BENEFITS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR PRESENT ENTITLEMENT UNDER THE NEW FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PROGRAM. THIS WOULD RAISE THE OVERALL ENTITLEMENT OF MOST WORKERS IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SYSTEM TO A MAXIMUM OF SIXTY-FIVE WEEKS. THE AUTHORIZATION SHOULD CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF 1976. - 23 - FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE TWELVE MILLION INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PROTECTED BY THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM, I AM RECOMMENDING THAT THE PRESENT ONE-YEAR TEMPORARY PROGRAM BE EXTENDED UNTIL THE END OF 1976, AND THAT BENEFITS BE EXTENDED TO THIRTY-NINE WEEKS. - 24 - IN THE EXPECTATION THAT THE ECONOMY WILL SHOW IMPROVEMENT BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT, I AM GOING TO ASK THAT THESE EXTENDED PROGRAMS HAVE A BUILT-IN PROCEDURE TO REDUCE OR TERMINATE THE PROGRAM WHEN THE EMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASES TO A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THE PROCEDURES WILL CONCENTRATE THE LIMITED RESOURCES IN THOSE AREAS EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST UNEMPLOYMENT. - 25 - UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY ARE DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. IN RECENT WEEKS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS SETBACKS IN OUR QUEST FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND, MORE RECENTLY AND MORE TRAGICALLY, IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. - 26 - EVEN AS I SPEAK, THE DIMENSIONS OF THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA INCREASE. I HAVE FRANKLY BEEN DEEPLY MOVED AND TROUBLED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA. I BELIEVE ALL AMERICANS -- REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY MAY HAVE VIEWED THE SITUATION IN YEARS PAST -- ARE SHOCKED AND SADDENED. - 26a - I AM ESPECIALLY DISTRESSED BY THE DEATH OF so MANY LITTLE CHILDREN IN THE CRASH OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MERCY FLIGHT. I WISH TO CONVEY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS AND TO ALL RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN AND THE DEDICATED AMERICAN MILITARY AND CIVILIAN MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED IN THE CRASH. - 26b - MANY OF THE CHILDREN WERE ORPHANS ON THEIR WAY TO NEW HOMES AND A NEW LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES. OUR MISSION OF MERCY IS GOING TO CONTINUE. THE SURVIVORS AND OTHER ORPHANS WILL BE FLOWN HERE. - 27 - OUT OF THIS TRAGEDY MUST COME NEW HOPE FOR THE LIVING. I AM CONFIDENT AMERICANS WILL JOIN TO HELP THESE VIETNAMESE ORPHANS IN THE BEST AND FASTEST WAY. WE ARE TAKING ALL POSSIBLE HUMANITARIAN MEASURES TO RELIEVE THE INNOCENT CIVILIAN REFUGEES IN SOUTH VIETNAM. WE ARE ALSO PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL AMERICANS IN THE BATTLE ZONE. - 28 - WHEN I ADDRESS THE CONGRESS UPON ITS RETURN FROM EASTER RECESS, I WILL ASK FOR A FIRM AMERICAN COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE HELPLESS CIVILIAN REFUGEES. - 29 - THERE IS A SPECIAL POINT I WISH TO RE-EMPHASIZE TONIGHT. LET NO ADVERSARIES OR POTENTIAL ENEMIES OF THE UNITED STATES IMAGINE THAT AMERICA CAN BE SAFELY CHALLENGED; LET NO ALLIES OR FRIENDS FEAR THAT OUR COMMITMENTS WILL NOT BE HONORED. WE STAND READY TO DEFEND OURSELVES AND SUPPORT OUR ALLIES AS SURELY AS WE ALWAYS HAVE -- AND ALWAYS WILL. - 30 - LET US NOT DISPEL OUR ENERGIES IN RECRIMINATIONS OR ASSESSMENTS OF BLAME. THE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, AND HISTORIANS WILL HAVE TIME TO JUDGE LATER. WHAT IS NOW ESSENTIAL IS THAT WE MAINTAIN OUR BALANCE AND UNITY AS A POWERFUL BUT PEACE-LOVING NATION. - 31 - WHILE WE HAVE SUFFERED SETBACKS AT HOME AND ABROAD, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR AMERICANS TO RETAIN THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND PERSPECTIVE. I APPEAL TO ALL AMERICANS TO SHARE MY OPTIMISM IN THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THIS IS A TIME TO RETURN TO FUNDAMENTALS, TO MOBILIZE OUR ASSETS, AND TO BELIEVE IN THE GREAT CAPACITIES OF AMERICA. - 32 - LET US NOT SUCCUMB TO SELF-DOUBTS AND DESPONDENCY. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE POINT IN HISTORY TO DISMANTLE OUR DEFENSES. NOR CAN WE ADOPT SUCH A NAIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD THAT WE CRIPPLE OUR VITAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES. - 33 - I AM CONVINCED THAT AMERICANS ARE DETERMINED TO GO ON HELPING PEOPLE IN LESS FORTUNATE LANDS TO HELP THEMSELVES. WE RETAIN OUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE, OUR DECENCY AS HUMAN BEINGS, AND OUR OWN SELF-INTEREST. WE WILL ASSIST THE REFUGEES OF VIETNAM IN ANY APPROPRIATE WAY. AND WE WILL NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON ANY OTHER PEOPLES WHO ARE VICTIMS OF SUCH DISASTERS. - 34 - - THERE ARE SOME WHO SEE NOTHING BUT A GRIM FUTURE OF DEPRESSION AT HOME AND DISINTEGRATION ABROAD. I REJECT THAT SCENARIO. MY VISION IS ONE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT WORLDWIDE THROUGH INCREASING INTERDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS OF THE WORLD. MY VISION IS ONE OF PEACE. AND MY VISION OF AMERICANS IS OF A PEOPLE WHO WILL RETAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND SELF-DEFENSE so THAT THIS VISION CAN EMERGE. - 35 - DURING MY ADMINISTRATION, AMERICANS WILL NEITHER RESIGN FROM THE WORLD NOR ABANDON HOPE OF PEACEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL PEOPLES. - 36 - WE WILL MAINTAIN CREDIBILITY AND CONSTANCY IN ALL OUR POLICIES, AT HOME AND ABROAD. WE LIVE IN A COMPLICATED AND TENSE MOMENT IN HISTORY. EVENTS ARE MOVING WITH SHOCKING SPEED. BUT WE WILL NOT WITHDRAW INWARD NOR BECOME PARALYZED BY A STATE OF ANXIETY. WE HAVE THE WORLD'S GREATEST CAPACITIES. AND WE WILL MOBILIZE THEM IN THE BEST AMERICAN TRADITION. - 37 - WE CAN MEET THE TEST. IT IS NOT MERELY THE LATEST TEST OF OUR MORAL INFLUENCE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. IT IS A TEST OF OUR WILL TO DEVELOP OUR OWN RESOURCES, TO REDUCE BUREAUCRATIC WASTE, AND TO CONTROL NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING WITH THE SAME VIGILANCE THAT WE MAINTAIN THE POWER OF OUR DEFENSE FORCES. - 38 - THIS TEST CAN BE MET ONLY BY REDUCING VULNERABILITY TO WEAKNESSES IN OUR ECONOMY AND ENERGY CAPACITIES. AN ADEQUATE SECURITY PROGRAM IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT UPON SOUND ECONOMIC AND ENERGY POLICIES. - 39 - IN 1906 SAN FRANCISCO SURVIVED DOOMSDAY. IN 1975 SOME PEOPLE MAY QUAKE BUT THE EARTH WILL REMAIN SOLID UNDER OUR FEET. THE BASIC STRENGTH OF AMERICA IS UNSHAKEN. - 40 - SAN FRANCISCO IS A SHOW CASE OF A CITY THAT ENDURED A DISASTER BUT RETURNED IN GREATER GLORY. AMERICA HAS SUFFERED NOTHING REMOTELY COMPARABLE TO THE DEVASTATION THAT STRUCK SUDDENLY ON APRIL 18, 1906. - 41 - AMERICA HAS THE WILL. AMERICA HAS THE RESOURCES. AMERICA HAS THE KNOW-HOW. AND AMERICA HAS THE FAITH. I SHARE YOUR BELIEF IN AMERICA. IF YOU DESPAIRED OF THIS NATION AND ITS FUTURE, YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE TONIGHT. TOGETHER, WE WILL BUILD A NEW AND BETTER TOMORROW. END OF TEXT

Page data

Page
1
Source index
0
Type
document
Media ID
dedd6c46f4e849df
Size
unknown

Document data

ID
1252275
Core
doc
Type
document
DTO data
{
    "id": "1252275",
    "sourceUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275",
    "contentType": "document",
    "title": "4/4/75 - San Francisco Bay Area Council",
    "citationUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275",
    "collections": [
        "President's Speeches and Statements Reading Copies (Ford Administration)",
        "Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches and Statements"
    ],
    "subjects": [
        "Vietnam (Republic)",
        "Revenue sharing",
        "Economics",
        "Speeches, addresses, etc.",
        "Refugees",
        "Vietnam War, 1961-1975",
        "Vietnamese Americans",
        "Energy policy",
        "Unemployment"
    ],
    "iiifBase": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "thumbnailUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "largeImageUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "imageCount": 1,
    "hasImages": true,
    "source": "import",
    "hasTranscription": false
}

Context sent to Scholar

Document identity
{
    "localId": "1252275",
    "label": "4/4/75 - San Francisco Bay Area Council",
    "core": "doc",
    "dtoType": "document",
    "citationUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275"
}
Document source metadata
{
    "id": "1252275",
    "sourceUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275",
    "contentType": "document",
    "title": "4/4/75 - San Francisco Bay Area Council",
    "citationUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275",
    "collections": [
        "President's Speeches and Statements Reading Copies (Ford Administration)",
        "Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches and Statements"
    ],
    "subjects": [
        "Vietnam (Republic)",
        "Revenue sharing",
        "Economics",
        "Speeches, addresses, etc.",
        "Refugees",
        "Vietnam War, 1961-1975",
        "Vietnamese Americans",
        "Energy policy",
        "Unemployment"
    ],
    "iiifBase": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "thumbnailUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "largeImageUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "imageCount": 1,
    "hasImages": true,
    "source": "import",
    "hasTranscription": false
}
Document source extras
{
    "url": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1252275",
    "naId": 1252275,
    "coverageEndDate": {
        "day": 4,
        "logicalDate": "1975-04-04",
        "month": 4,
        "year": 1975
    },
    "coverageStartDate": {
        "day": 4,
        "logicalDate": "1975-04-04",
        "month": 4,
        "year": 1975
    },
    "levelOfDescription": "fileUnit",
    "recordType": "description",
    "ocrSource": "nara-archive"
}
Page context
{
    "seq": 1,
    "pageIndex": 0,
    "type": "document",
    "url": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/75/2522/1252275/content/library/document/0122/1252275.pdf",
    "mediaId": "dedd6c46f4e849df",
    "ocrText": "The original documents are located in Box 7, folder \"4/4/75 - San Francisco Bay Area\nCouncil\" of the President's Speeches and Statements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R.\nFord Presidential Library.\nCopyright Notice\nThe copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of\nphotocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United\nStates of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.\nWorks prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public\ndomain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to\nremain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid\ncopyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.\nACKNOWLEDGEMENTS\nMR. TRA- FETH - THEN\nMAYOR ALLOTO\nMEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE\nBAY AREA COUNCIL\nDigitized from Box 7 of President's Speeches and Statements:\nReading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library\n3.\n10:45 am The President boards\nmotorcade.\n10:50 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES\ndrilling rig.\n11:05 am The President boards\nMotorcade.\n11:12 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES\nproducing well site.\n11:22 am The President boards\nmotorcade.\n11:30 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES\nPG&E geothermal\n11:40 am The President, escorted\nby Paul Matthew,\nproceeds to view\ncooling towers.\n11:50 am The President boards\nmotorcade.\n11:55 am MOTORCADE ARRIVES\nhelo Landing zone\nTHE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN of\nSAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA COUNCIL\na\narea have\nthe By hast\nfor special SPOT in\nFRIDAY, APRIL - -Cot-Wat 4, 1975 from\nFerglat\ncan inch\n2) I\n- 1 -\n(ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS)\nIT IS A GREAT HONOR TO BE ASKED TO SPEAK TO YOUR\nVERY DISTINGUISHED ORGANIZATION.\nFOR THE LAST THIRTY YEARS,\nYOU HAVE BEEN LEADERS IN PRESERVING THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL,\nCIVIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY OF THE BAY AREA.\nAND\nTHE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF YOUR EFFORTS CAN BE APPLAUDED\nBY RESIDENT AND VISITOR ALIKE.\nON BEHALF OF ALL, I THANK\nYOU MOST SINCERELY FOR THIS GENERATION OF ACHIEVEMENT.\n- 2 -\nFRANKLY, IT NEVER TAKES MUCH PERSUADING TO\nGET ME TO COME TO THE BAY AREA -- A REGION OF INFINITE\nCHARM AND BOUNDLESS BEAUTY.\n1935 - Ent-West -\n2/yr oil\nForglast- BART\nRegar stadement\n1945 - Orroseas - lach from\nPacific\n- 3 -\nAND IT IS ALWAYS A DELIGHT TO VISIT SAN FRANCISCO\nAGAIN.\nTHE CITY THAT GLISTENS IN THE SUNLIGHT AND SPARKLES\nAT NIGHT.\nWHERE LIFE HAS STYLE AND STYLE HAS LIFE --\nAND EVEN THE COMMONPLACE BECOMES AN ADVENTURE.\nALL I CAN\nSAY IS: IF TONY BENNETT EVER WANTS TO TAKE HIS HEART BACK --\nI'VE GOT ONE TO REPLACE IT.\n- 4 -\nAS YOU ALL KNOW, THE BAY AREA HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED\nADVERSITY.\nTHIS MONTH MARKS THE SIXTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY\nOF THE DISASTROUS SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE.\nIN 1906,\nSAN FRANCISCO WAS CHALLENGED BY AND PASSED THE ULTIMATE\nTEST OF ITS RECUPERATIVE VITALITY.\nLOCAL COURAGE AND LOCAL\nDETERMINATION PREVAILED.\nTHE BAY AREA NOW OFFERS THE WORLD\nAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER THAT REPRESENTS THE BEST OF WHAT\nAMERICANS CAN DO.\n-5-\nYOUR COUNCIL IS TYPICAL OF THE GENIUS AND\nENERGY THAT PERSONIFY THE STATE OF MIND THAT IS\nd the By nun.\nSAN FRANCISCO.\nYOU ARE A CONSISTENT CONSTRUCTIVE\n1\nFORCE IN THE NINE COUNTIES OF THE BAY REGION.\n- 6 -\nYOU ACT NOT AS SELF-INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS BUT AS A\nCOMMUNITY SEEKING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PROGRESS\nOF A REGION.\nAND YOUR REGION IS A GREAT SOURCE OF\nAMERICA'S PRIDE.\n- 7 -\nI COMMEND YOU FOR THIS DEMONSTRATION OF BAY AREA\nWILL POWER AND BAY AREA KNOW HOW.\nI COMMEND YOU FOR THE\nSUCCESS OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES ON A LOCAL LEVEL.\n4th Bay Aven\nTHE MAGIC OF SAN FRANCISCO WAS NOT CONJURED UP IN BUREAUS\nAND AGENCIES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.\nIT DEVELOPED\nSPONTANEOUSLY RIGHT HERE ON THE SHORES OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY.\nIT EMERGED FROM THE PEOPLE, FROM YOUR OPTIMISM AND VISION.\n- 8 -\nTHE BAY AREA IS A SHOWCASE OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED\nBY RETURNING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES TO THE PEOPLE.\nOUR ECONOMY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD THE WASTE, DUPLICATION,\nAND MISUNDERSTANDINGS THAT OCCUR WHEN A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT\nTRIES TO DO FOR LOCAL PEOPLE WHAT THEY CAN BEST ACHIEVE FOR\nTHEMSELVES.\n- 8a -\nONLY THIS MORNING, IN SPITE OF A SMALL SNOWSTORM,\nI HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF VISITING BY HELICOPTER THE FASCINATING\nGEOTHERMAL POWER DEVELOPMENT AT THE GEYSERS.\nFRED HARTLEY AND SHERM SIBLEY AND OTHERS EXPLAINED\nHOW THIS NATURAL STEAM FROM INSIDE THE EARTH ALREADY SUPPLIES\nA SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THE BAY AREA'S ENERGY NEEDS, SAVING\nMILLIONS OF BARRELS OF IMPORTED OIL AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS\nOF FOREIGN PAYMENTS.\n- 8b -\nGOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN THIS PROMISING NEW ENERGY\nDEVELOPMENT, I WAS TOLD, HAS MOSTLY BEEN ONE OF OBSTRUCTING\nFASTER PROGRESS.\nI PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF THE FEDERAL\nGOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF THE RED TAPE AND I JUST CAME FROM\nA MEETING WITH WESTERN GOVERNORS WHERE I ASKED GOVERNOR BROWN\nTO JOIN ME IN CUTTING CALIFORNIA'S SHARE.\nGEOTHERMAL POWER DISCOVERIES IN OTHER PARTS OF\nTHE WEST COULD BE A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN OUR RACE FOR ENERGY\nINDEPENDENCE.\n- 9 -\nLet monthst me turn effict T infect.\nCRITICISM I MADE OF THE TAX REDUCTION BILL I SIGNED\na\nLAST SATURDAY WAS THAT IT FAILED TO GIVE ADEQUATE RELIEF TO THE\nMILLIONS OF MIDDLE INCOME TAXPAYERS WHO CONTRIBUTE THE BIGGEST\nSHARE OF FEDERAL TAXES.\nIT IS MY FEAR THAT INITIATIVE WILL BE\nPUNISHED -- AND THE LACK OF INITIATIVE REWARDED -- IF AN\nEMERGING PHILOSOPHY OF TAXATION KNOWN AS \"INCOME\nREDISTRIBUTION\" PREVAILS.\nIT WOULD TAKE THE FREEDOM OUT OF\nTHE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM.\n- 10 -\nWHAT INCENTIVE WILL REMAIN FOR UPWARD BOUND PEOPLE\nTO IMPROVE THEIR STATUS IF THEY ARE ASSESSED AN UNDUE PROPORTION\nOF TAXES?\nWE MUST, OF COURSE, HELP THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP\nTHEMSELVES.\nBUT I CANNOT CONCEIVE OF AN AMERICA IN WHICH\nHALF THE NATION PRODUCES NOTHING AND THE OTHER HALF IS EXPECTED\nTO PROVIDE A FREE RIDE.\nYET THAT IS THE INEVITABLE RESULT,\nBY THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND, IF WE CONTINUE THE PRESENT PACE OF\nESCALATING SOCIAL SPENDING.\nWE MUST PUT A CURB ON THESE\nTRANSFER PAYMENTS.\nAND WE MUST DO IT NOW.\neverything we want is a\nHousenment lig everyth To not good us\nby enough to tahn from no everyth\nwe Keve.\n- 11 -\nI AM DETERMINED TO STOP THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT\nOF RUNAWAY SPENDING.\nI PREFER CONCILIATION WITH THE\nCONGRESS.\nBUT I MUST DRAW THE LINE AT A FISCAL 1976 DEFICIT\nOF SIXTY BILLION DOLLARS.\nI WAS ENCOURAGED TO HEAR THE\nDISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE,\nSENATOR MUSKIE, WARN THAT A DEFICIT OF ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY\nBILLION DOLLARS MIGHT ENSUE IF BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED.\n- 12 -\nOUR SYSTEM IS FLEXIBLE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH\nTO WORK UNDER GREAT STRESS.\nBUT THE GROWTH OF SOCIAL\nASSISTANCE PROGRAMS MUST REMAIN IN A CONTEXT THAT WE CAN MANAGE\nAND NOT ENTER A NEW DIMENSION THAT MANAGES US.\nAN EXAMPLE\nOF HOW SPENDING UNDERMINES A VIABLE SOCIETY CAN BE SEEN IN\nGREAT BRITAIN.\nTHEY ARE STRIVING TO STOP THE MOMENTUM.\nI DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE UNITED STATES IN THAT SITUATION.\n- 13 -\nIN THE STRUGGLE TO PRESERVE A FREE ECONOMY,\nINDIVIDUALS -- NOT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS -- WILL BE THE\nREAL ALLIES.\nI REFER TO INDIVIDUAL WORKERS, AND INDIVIDUAL\nPROFESSIONAL PEOPLE.\nI AM CONFIDENT THAT AMERICAN\nINDIVIDUALISM WILL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE.\n- 14 -\nI DEEPLY BELIEVE IN THE CONCEPT OF DECENTRALIZING\nGOVERNMENT POWER AND PROVIDING WIDER DISCRETIONARY\nACCOUNTABILITY TO LOCALLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEIR\nCONSTITUENCIES.\nAN EXAMPLE IS THE CONCEPT OF GENERAL\nREVENUE SHARING.\n- 15 -\nACCORDINGLY, I AM PARTICULARLY PROUD AS ONE OF\nTHIS PROGRAM'S CHIEF PROPONENTS WHEN IN THE CONGRESS, TO REPORT\nTO YOU THAT PAYMENTS TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FROM THE\nINCEPTION OF GENERAL REVENUE SHARING -- INCLUDING CHECKS\nNOW IN THE MAIL -- TOTAL WELL OVER ONE-QUARTER BILLION DOLLARS.\n- 16 -\nTHE REGION TO WHICH I REFER INCLUDES THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS AND\nLOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN SAN FRANCISCO, SONOMA, MARIN,\nCONTRA COSTA, ALAMEDA, SANTA CLARA, SAN MATEO, NAPA,\nAND SOLANO COUNTIES.\nTHE TOTAL TAXES RETURNED BY WASHINGTON\nTO THE PEOPLE OF THESE COUNTIES IS TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE MILLION,\nSIX HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.\nFORD\nSUBSTITUTE\n- 16 - 16 -\nTHE REGION TO WHICH I REFER INCLUDES THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS AND\nTHE NINE COUNTY BAY AREA.\nLOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN\nS\n,\nC.\nat\nTHE TOTAL TAXES RETURNED BY WASHINGTON\nTO THE PEOPLE OF THESE COUNTIES IS TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE MILLION,\nSIX HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.\n- 16a -\nTHIS MONEY TRANSLATES INTO A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY\nPROGRAMS PLANNED BY LOCAL PEOPLE TO FILL LOCAL NEEDS.\nIN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, FOR INSTANCE, GENERAL REVENUE\nSHARING FUNDS PROVIDE KITCHENS TO FEED SCHOOL CHILDREN AND\nREHABILITATION OF PLAYGROUNDS.\nIN OAKLAND REVENUE\nSHARING FUNDS ARE USED TO PAY THE SALARIES OF CITY FIREMEN.\n- 160 -\nSANTA CLARA COUNTY HAS PUT ITS SHARE INTO A NEW\nPUBLIC PARK.\nTHE CITY OF SANTA ROSA BUYS GASOLINE TO\nTRANSPORT HANDICAPPED CITIZENS TO THE DOCTOR.\nSAN MATEO\nCOUNTY PROVIDES A HEALTH CARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT,\nA REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR DRUG USERS, A TREATMENT FACILITY\nFOR ALCOHOLICS, AND SUBSIDIES TO HOSPITAL OUTPATIENTS UNABLE\nTO PAY MEDICAL COSTS.\nCONTRA COSTA COUNTY DESIGNATED ITS\nREVENUE SHARING RETURNS TO COVER PART OF THE COSTS OF THE\nBAY AREA SEWER SERVICES AGENCY.\n- 16C-\nAN EXTENSIVE SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED WITH\nTHIS MONEY IN ALAMEDA COUNTY.\nIT INCLUDES JOB TRAINING\nFOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS, AID TO THE MENTALLY RETARDED,\nVOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF EX-CONVICTS, LEGAL AID AND\nEMERGENCY SERVICES TO MINORITY GROUPS, SUICIDE PREVENTION\nACTIVITIES, AND SIMILAR PROGRAMS TO HELP PEOPLE HELP\nTHEMSELVES.\n- 17 -\nAS AMERICANS EVERYWHERE ARE SHOWING NEW\nDETERMINATION TO HELP THEMSELVES, OUR ECONOMY IS STARTING\nTO SHOW TENTATIVE SIGNS THAT THE WORST MAY BE BEHIND US\nAFTER TOO LONG A PERIOD OF RECESSION AND INFLATION.\nTHIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL OUR TROUBLES ARE OVER.\nA FEW FLOWERS DO NOT MEAN THAT SPRING HAS REALLY COME.\nUNEMPLOYMENT REMAINS TOO HIGH, AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION\nREMAINS TOO SLUGGISH.\n- 18 -\nYET THIS SPRING HAS BROUGHT SOME ENCOURAGING\nINDICATIONS:\n-- THERE HAS BEEN AN EASING IN PRICE INCREASES\nSUGGESTING A LESSENING OF INFLATIONARY TENDENCIES.\n-- INTEREST RATES HAVE MOVED IN A DOWNWARD DIRECTION.\n-- RETAIL SALES HAVE HELD UP SURPRISINGLY WELL.\nINVENTORIES ARE RAPIDLY BEING REDUCED.\nAS THIS REDUCTION\nPROGRESSES, PRODUCTION AND EMPLOYMENT WILL TURN UPWARD.\n- 19 -\n-- AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ARE NOW PLANNING\nINCREASED PRODUCTION.\nTHEY EXPECT NEW DEMANDS THIS SPRING\nAND SUMMER.\nTHOUSANDS OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS ARE BEING\nCALLED BACK.\nIN TWO PLANTS, WORKERS HAVE GONE ON OVERTIME.\nPEOPLE ARE SHOWING NEW CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.\n- 20 -\nLAST YEAR, I RECOMMENDED TO THE CONGRESS AND LATER\nSIGNED INTO LAW TWO NEW MEASURES TO AID UNEMPLOYED WORKERS.\nONE OF THESE MEASURES PROVIDED UP TO THIRTEEN ADDITIONAL WEEKS\nOF BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION\nSYSTEM.\nTHE SECOND MEASURE PROVIDED UP TO TWENTY-SIX WEEKS\nOF SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO WORKERS WHOSE JOBS HAD\nNOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY COVERED.\n- 21 -\nPEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO EXHAUST BENEFITS IN BOTH NEW\nPROGRAMS.\nACCORDINGLY, I WILL RECOMMEND TO THE CONGRESS\nAS SOON AS IT RETURNS FROM RECESS, THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:\n- 22 -\nAN ADDITIONAL THIRTEEN WEEKS OF BENEFITS TO BE MADE\nAVAILABLE TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR PRESENT\nENTITLEMENT UNDER THE NEW FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PROGRAM.\nTHIS WOULD RAISE THE OVERALL ENTITLEMENT OF MOST WORKERS IN THE\nUNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SYSTEM TO A MAXIMUM OF SIXTY-FIVE\nWEEKS.\nTHE AUTHORIZATION SHOULD CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF 1976.\n- 23 -\nFOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE TWELVE MILLION INDIVIDUALS\nWHO HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PROTECTED BY THE UNEMPLOYMENT\nCOMPENSATION PROGRAM, I AM RECOMMENDING THAT THE PRESENT\nONE-YEAR TEMPORARY PROGRAM BE EXTENDED UNTIL THE END OF 1976,\nAND THAT BENEFITS BE EXTENDED TO THIRTY-NINE WEEKS.\n- 24 -\nIN THE EXPECTATION THAT THE ECONOMY WILL SHOW\nIMPROVEMENT BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT, I AM GOING TO ASK THAT THESE\nEXTENDED PROGRAMS HAVE A BUILT-IN PROCEDURE TO REDUCE OR TERMINATE\nTHE PROGRAM WHEN THE EMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASES TO A SPECIFIED\nLEVEL.\nTHE PROCEDURES WILL CONCENTRATE THE LIMITED RESOURCES\nIN THOSE AREAS EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST UNEMPLOYMENT.\n- 25 -\nUNEMPLOYMENT AND THE GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY\nARE DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.\nIN RECENT WEEKS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS SETBACKS\nIN OUR QUEST FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND, MORE RECENTLY\nAND MORE TRAGICALLY, IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.\n- 26 -\nEVEN AS I SPEAK, THE DIMENSIONS OF THE HUMAN\nCATASTROPHE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA INCREASE.\nI HAVE FRANKLY\nBEEN DEEPLY MOVED AND TROUBLED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH\nVIETNAM AND CAMBODIA.\nI BELIEVE ALL AMERICANS --\nREGARDLESS OF HOW THEY MAY HAVE VIEWED THE SITUATION\nIN YEARS PAST -- ARE SHOCKED AND SADDENED.\n- 26a -\nI AM ESPECIALLY DISTRESSED BY THE DEATH OF so MANY\nLITTLE CHILDREN IN THE CRASH OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MERCY\nFLIGHT.\nI WISH TO CONVEY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE\nPROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS AND TO ALL RELATIVES AND FRIENDS\nOF THE CHILDREN AND THE DEDICATED AMERICAN MILITARY AND\nCIVILIAN MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED IN THE CRASH.\n- 26b -\nMANY OF THE CHILDREN WERE ORPHANS ON THEIR WAY\nTO NEW HOMES AND A NEW LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES.\nOUR\nMISSION OF MERCY IS GOING TO CONTINUE.\nTHE SURVIVORS\nAND OTHER ORPHANS WILL BE FLOWN HERE.\n- 27 -\nOUT OF THIS TRAGEDY MUST COME NEW HOPE FOR THE\nLIVING.\nI AM CONFIDENT AMERICANS WILL JOIN TO HELP THESE\nVIETNAMESE ORPHANS IN THE BEST AND FASTEST WAY.\nWE ARE TAKING ALL POSSIBLE HUMANITARIAN MEASURES\nTO RELIEVE THE INNOCENT CIVILIAN REFUGEES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.\nWE ARE ALSO PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL AMERICANS IN THE\nBATTLE ZONE.\n- 28 -\nWHEN I ADDRESS THE CONGRESS UPON ITS RETURN FROM\nEASTER RECESS, I WILL ASK FOR A FIRM AMERICAN COMMITMENT\nTO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE HELPLESS CIVILIAN REFUGEES.\n- 29 -\nTHERE IS A SPECIAL POINT I WISH TO RE-EMPHASIZE\nTONIGHT.\nLET NO ADVERSARIES OR POTENTIAL ENEMIES OF THE\nUNITED STATES IMAGINE THAT AMERICA CAN BE SAFELY CHALLENGED;\nLET NO ALLIES OR FRIENDS FEAR THAT OUR COMMITMENTS WILL NOT\nBE HONORED.\nWE STAND READY TO DEFEND OURSELVES AND SUPPORT\nOUR ALLIES AS SURELY AS WE ALWAYS HAVE -- AND ALWAYS WILL.\n- 30 -\nLET US NOT DISPEL OUR ENERGIES IN RECRIMINATIONS\nOR ASSESSMENTS OF BLAME.\nTHE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES,\nAND HISTORIANS WILL HAVE TIME TO JUDGE LATER.\nWHAT IS NOW\nESSENTIAL IS THAT WE MAINTAIN OUR BALANCE AND UNITY AS A\nPOWERFUL BUT PEACE-LOVING NATION.\n- 31 -\nWHILE WE HAVE SUFFERED SETBACKS AT HOME AND ABROAD,\nIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR AMERICANS TO RETAIN THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE\nAND PERSPECTIVE.\nI APPEAL TO ALL AMERICANS TO SHARE MY\nOPTIMISM IN THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.\nTHIS IS A TIME TO RETURN TO FUNDAMENTALS, TO MOBILIZE OUR\nASSETS, AND TO BELIEVE IN THE GREAT CAPACITIES OF AMERICA.\n- 32 -\nLET US NOT SUCCUMB TO SELF-DOUBTS AND DESPONDENCY.\nTHIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE POINT IN HISTORY TO DISMANTLE OUR\nDEFENSES.\nNOR CAN WE ADOPT SUCH A NAIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD\nTHAT WE CRIPPLE OUR VITAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES.\n- 33 -\nI AM CONVINCED THAT AMERICANS ARE DETERMINED\nTO GO ON HELPING PEOPLE IN LESS FORTUNATE LANDS TO HELP\nTHEMSELVES.\nWE RETAIN OUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE, OUR DECENCY\nAS HUMAN BEINGS, AND OUR OWN SELF-INTEREST.\nWE WILL\nASSIST THE REFUGEES OF VIETNAM IN ANY APPROPRIATE WAY.\nAND WE WILL NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON ANY OTHER PEOPLES WHO ARE\nVICTIMS OF SUCH DISASTERS.\n- 34 - -\nTHERE ARE SOME WHO SEE NOTHING BUT A GRIM FUTURE\nOF DEPRESSION AT HOME AND DISINTEGRATION ABROAD.\nI REJECT\nTHAT SCENARIO.\nMY VISION IS ONE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT\nWORLDWIDE THROUGH INCREASING INTERDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS\nOF THE WORLD.\nMY VISION IS ONE OF PEACE.\nAND MY VISION\nOF AMERICANS IS OF A PEOPLE WHO WILL RETAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT\nAND SELF-DEFENSE so THAT THIS VISION CAN EMERGE.\n- 35 -\nDURING MY ADMINISTRATION, AMERICANS WILL NEITHER\nRESIGN FROM THE WORLD NOR ABANDON HOPE OF PEACEFUL AND\nCONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL PEOPLES.\n- 36 -\nWE WILL MAINTAIN CREDIBILITY AND CONSTANCY IN\nALL OUR POLICIES, AT HOME AND ABROAD.\nWE LIVE IN A\nCOMPLICATED AND TENSE MOMENT IN HISTORY.\nEVENTS ARE\nMOVING WITH SHOCKING SPEED.\nBUT WE WILL NOT WITHDRAW\nINWARD NOR BECOME PARALYZED BY A STATE OF ANXIETY.\nWE HAVE THE WORLD'S GREATEST CAPACITIES.\nAND WE WILL\nMOBILIZE THEM IN THE BEST AMERICAN TRADITION.\n- 37 -\nWE CAN MEET THE TEST.\nIT IS NOT MERELY THE LATEST\nTEST OF OUR MORAL INFLUENCE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.\nIT IS A\nTEST OF OUR WILL TO DEVELOP OUR OWN RESOURCES, TO REDUCE\nBUREAUCRATIC WASTE, AND TO CONTROL NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING\nWITH THE SAME VIGILANCE THAT WE MAINTAIN THE POWER OF OUR\nDEFENSE FORCES.\n- 38 -\nTHIS TEST CAN BE MET ONLY BY REDUCING VULNERABILITY\nTO WEAKNESSES IN OUR ECONOMY AND ENERGY CAPACITIES.\nAN ADEQUATE SECURITY PROGRAM IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT UPON\nSOUND ECONOMIC AND ENERGY POLICIES.\n- 39 -\nIN 1906 SAN FRANCISCO SURVIVED DOOMSDAY.\nIN 1975 SOME PEOPLE MAY QUAKE BUT THE EARTH WILL REMAIN SOLID\nUNDER OUR FEET.\nTHE BASIC STRENGTH OF AMERICA IS\nUNSHAKEN.\n- 40 -\nSAN FRANCISCO IS A SHOW CASE OF A CITY THAT\nENDURED A DISASTER BUT RETURNED IN GREATER GLORY.\nAMERICA HAS SUFFERED NOTHING REMOTELY COMPARABLE TO THE\nDEVASTATION THAT STRUCK SUDDENLY ON APRIL 18, 1906.\n- 41 -\nAMERICA HAS THE WILL.\nAMERICA HAS THE RESOURCES.\nAMERICA HAS THE KNOW-HOW.\nAND AMERICA HAS THE FAITH.\nI SHARE YOUR BELIEF IN AMERICA.\nIF YOU DESPAIRED\nOF THIS NATION AND ITS FUTURE, YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE TONIGHT.\nTOGETHER, WE WILL BUILD A NEW AND BETTER TOMORROW.\nEND OF TEXT"
}