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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: President, Office of the: Presidential
Briefing Papers: Records, 1981-1989
Folder Title: 10/05/1981 (Case File:
043558)(2)
Box: 7
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
F
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 2, 1981
MEETING WITH SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, SENATOR
JENNINGS RANDOLPH, CONGRESSMAN CLEVE BENEDICT
AND THE 1980 AND 1981 WEST VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY
QUEENS
DATE:
Monday, October 5, 1981
LOCATION:
The Oval Office
TIME:
4:15 p.m. (5 minutes)
THRU:
Max L. Friedersdorf
FROM:
Powell A. Moore M.
I.
PURPOSE
To respond to a request from Senator Robert Byrd for a meeting
and photo session with the 1980 and 1981 West Virginia Straw-
berry Queens.
II.
BACKGROUND
Senator Byrd's active support of the air defense sale to
Saudi Arabia is extremely important to us and we have been
highly cooperative with him recently as a consequence.
Senator Randolph is also undecided.
The request for this meeting with the West Virginia Strawberry
Queens has been a longstanding one. The first request came
from Congressman Benedict and was turned down. We resurrected
the event recently after Byrd requested it for the reason
stated above.
Congressman Benedict is the probable GOP candidate against
Senator Robert Byrd in 1982. He is a first-term Republican
representing the 2nd District, in the eastern part of
West Virginia, which was represented for 32 years by a Democrat.
Benedict serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and has
been a solid supporter of the Administration.
The West Virginia Strawberry Festival and Pageant is an annual
event held in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The Strawberry Queen
is eligible for competition in the Miss West Virginia Beauty
Pageant. The 1980 Strawberry Queen, Miss Cynthia McWhorter,
is a student at Fairmont State College. The 1981 Strawberry
Queen, Miss Sherree Evangelist, is a dental hygienist.
-2-
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
Cynthia L. McWhorter, 1980 Strawberry Queen
Sherree A. Evangelist, 1981 Strawberry Queen
Gary A. Frush, Director, West Virginia Strawberry Festival
Association
Richard D. Jenkins, President and Executive Director, West
Virginia Strawberry Festival
Senator Robert Byrd
Senator Jennings Randolph
Congressman Cleve Benedict
Staff
Powell A. Moore
IV.
PRESS PLAN
White House photographer and photo opportunity for the press.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
A.
Participants enter Oval Office from the West Lobby.
B.
Brief introduction and greeting by the President.
C.
The President and participants move to front of fireplace.
D. Media enters for still photographs and silent footage.
E.
After media departs, participants depart.
Attachment: Talking Points
TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING WITH 1980 AND
1981 WEST VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY QUEENS
-- Thank Senator Byrd for bringing these two lovely young
women to see you.
-- Thank Senator Randolph and Congressman Benedict for
coming to the White House for this occasion.
-- Ask the two young women to tell you about the pageants
and what being the Strawberry Queen involves.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE LARRY
McDONALD (D-GEORGIA)
DATE:
October 5, 1981
LOCATION:
The Oval Office
TIME:
4:30 P.M. (5 minutes)
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF
I.
PURPOSE
To express special thanks to Congressman Larry McDonald, who
supported the economic package 100%; and to express apprec-
iation for his ongoing counsel and friendship.
II.
BACKGROUND
Larry McDonald represents the 7th Congressional District of
Georgia (northwest corner of the state). Now serving in his
third term, Larry is a member of the Armed Services Committee.
The Almanac of American Politics 1982 characterizes Larry as
"one of the nation's most unusual Congressmen", presumably
because he is a medical doctor (urologist) by profession, has
been a member of the John Birch Society, and maintains one of
the most conservative voting records in the House (e.g.,
American Conservative Union rating of 100%).
Larry McDonald is the only House Democrat with a 100% voting
record in favor of the economic package who is not also a
member of the Conservative Democratic Forum (CDF). The other
nineteen House Democrats with perfect voting records--all
CDFers--were invited to meet with the President in the Oval
Office on September 14th. At that time they received the
President's special thanks and presented him with a "boll
weevil" tie and other memorabilia.
Taken together, Larry McDonald and the 19 CDF 100%ers constitute
the core of the Administration's Democratic support in the House.
Although Larry has met with the President on numerous occasions
in conjunction with the economic recovery package, he has not
yet received the special recognition afforded his CDF counter-
parts.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
OMB Director Stockman
2
III.
PARTICIPANTS (cont.)
Representative Larry McDonald (D-Georgia)
Max L. Friedersdorf
Kenneth M. Duberstein
IV.
PRESS PLAN
White House photographer only.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
No set schedule
Attachment: Talking Points
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING WITH
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY McDONALD (D-GEORGIA)
--
Express special thanks to Larry for his 100% support of
the economic package.
--
Indicate your awareness of Larry's medical background
(medical doctor with a specialty in urology) and applaud
his outstanding efforts to help restore the nation to
sound "economic health" as well.
Ask Larry for his advice on how best to achieve the needed
"second round" Budget cuts.
--
Express your intention to continue to work closely with
Larry and stress that you are counting on his help.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN RON MOTTL (D-OHIO)
AND HIS SON, RON MOTTL, JR.
DATE:
October 5, 1981
LOCATION:
The Oval Office
TIME:
4:35 p.m. (5 minutes)
FROM:
Max L. Friedersdorf
w-G.
I. PURPOSE
To have a photo opportunity with Congressman Ron Mottl and
his son, Ron Mottl, Jr. This fulfills a commitment to the
Congressman.
II. BACKGROUND
Congressman Mottl voted with the President on all but one
key vote on the economic package. He was one of the two
Northeast-Midwest Democrats that provided key support. His
19-year old son, Ron, Jr., is running as an Independent
candidate for President of the Parma, Ohio City Council
against an incumbent Democrat. Congressman Mottl has re-
quested that the President endorse his son's candidacy. This
photo opportunity will fulfill this request.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
The Vice-President
Congressman Ron Mottl
Ron Mottl, Jr.
Max L. Friedersdorf
2
IV. PRESS PLAN
White House Photographer only.
V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
No specific agenda.
Attachment A: Talking Points
ATTACHMENT A
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING WITH
CONGRESSMAN RON MOTTL AND RON MOTTL, JR.
-- Thank Ron Mottl for his support for your economic package.
-- Stress that if Congress is concerned about interest rates
then Congress is going to have to help restrain government
spending.
-- Ask Mottl for his support for your continuing efforts to
reduce federal deficits.
-- Point out to the Mottls that you are also trying to reduce
the federal government's interference in state and local
matters.
-- Congratulate Ron Mottl, Jr. for his interest in government
and wish him luck in his candidacy for the President of the
Parma City Council.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 2, 1981
MEETING WITH SENATOR TED STEVENS, MR. WILLIAM
H. PERKINS AND HIS SON, GARY PERKINS
DATE:
Monday, October 5, 1981
LOCATION:
The Oval Office
TIME:
4:40 p.m. (5 minutes)
THRU:
Max L. Friedersdorf
FROM:
Powell A. Moore P.m
I. PURPOSE
To respond to a request of Senator Ted Stevens for a
meeting and photo opportunity for Mr. William H. Perkins
and his son, Mr. Gary Perkins.
II. BACKGROUND
Senator Stevens has had a longstanding request for a
meeting and photo opportunity for Mr. William H. Perkins
and his son, Gary. Bill Perkins and his son have had
their pictures taken with every President since Harry
Truman, and would like to continue this tradition by
having a photograph taken with you. Mr. Bill Perkins
is prominent in Illinois legislative circles and is
a key Republican Party financial supporter. He is a
public affairs/legislative consultant and has his own
firm in Chicago.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
Mr. William H. Perkins, Jr.
Mr. Gary D. Perkins
Senator Ted Stevens
Staff
Powell A. Moore
IV.
PRESS PLAN
White House photographer only.
-2-
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
A.
Senator Stevens, Mr. William Perkins and Mr. Gary
Perkins enter the Oval Office from the West Lobby.
B.
Brief introduction and greeting by the President.
C.
Participants move to the front of the fireplace
for photographs.
D.
Participants depart.
Attachment: Talking Points
ATTACHMENT B
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON CONGRESSMEN
COATS, HOPKINS, McEWEN, MARLENEE, AND MARRIOTT
Congressman Dan Coats, Republican representing north-
east Indiana, 1st term, member of Energy and Commerce
Committee.
Congressman Larry Hopkins, Republican representing
north-central (Frankfort and Lexington) Kentucky,
2nd term, member of Agriculture and Armed Services
Committees.
Congressman Bob McEwen, Republican representing
southwest Ohio, 1st term, member of Public Works
and Transportation and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
Congressman Ron Marlenee, Republican representing
central and eastern (Great Falls and Billings) Montana,
3rd term, member of Agriculture and Interior and
Insular Affairs Committees.
Congressman Dan Marriott, Republican representing
west (Salt Lake City) Utah, 3rd term, member of
Interior and Insular Affairs and Small Business
Committees. Marriott is very supportive of the
decision to initially base the MX in existing Titan
and Minuteman sites.
ATTACHMENT A
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING
WITH CONGRESSMEN COATS, HOPKINS, MARLENEE,
McEWEN, AND MARRIOTT
Thank you for your help in enacting the budget cuts
and tax reductions.
However, additional spending cuts are necessary if
the economic recovery program is to succeed.
I am confident that because of strong Republican
support for my proposal, the Congress will approve
the additional cuts.
G
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEETING WITH LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY GROUP
DATE:
October 5, 1981
TIME:
5:00 p.m. (20 minutes)
LOCATION:
The Oval Office
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY
RE CONTINUING RESOLUTION (S)
DEFERRALS/BUDGET
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss selected
sensitive issues of legislative strategy. These
relate to operations under the continuing resolution,
the possibility of advancing a set of "deferrals,"
and associated issues which may affect the ability
to achieve your deficit targets.
II. PARTICIPANTS
David A. Stockman
Edwin Meese III
James A. Baker III
Michael K. Deaver
Richard G. Darman
Max L. Friedersdorf
Craig L. Fuller
David R. Gergen
III. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
Dave Stockman will introduce the issues. Following
group discussion, he will seek your guidance.
(Dolan)
October 4, 1981
OUT OF TOWN MEDIA BRIEFING -- 9:30 a.m. - Monday, October 5, 1981
First, let me welcome you today to the White House.
The opportunity to meet and talk with you in these special
HAVE
briefings is something all of us in the Administration looken
forward to and hold in very high regard.
It reminds me of a remark attributed some years ago to
a New York City educator during the newspaper strike in that
city. This particular educator, who lived near Washington
Square Park, supposedly noted the absence of the Times from
the newstands and said this had two primary effects:
first, the park was much cleaner; second, there was a new
diversity of opinion at cocktail parties.
you DONTIME NEED to TELL you OF
Well, that story illustrates the tremendous influence
these of you OF the press and media have on public
opinion. I think you're the first to agree that diversity
of interpretation and opinion is very important to your work
and to our robust tradition of press freedom. This diversity,
as you know, has been threatened recently with the sad
demise of several important institutions in the newspaper
field. This came home to us in Washington recently when the
SHOP
Washington Star closed up office after more than a century
of publication.
So we do look forward to this opportunity to talk with
you you all know the fresh perspective that a new reporter
can bring to an old beat. That's why we hope these briefings
HANDWRITING FILE
Page 2
will lead to some new insights and perspectives -- for both
of us
and that the ultimate beneficiaries will be the
readers, listeners and viewers in your hometowns.
This last month has been an extremely busy one. But
it's also been a very satisfying time.
think
we have brought about a sea change in national policy.
MAY
***hink
you
detect a feeling of zest and buoyancy around
the White House. For all of us here, this has been an
exciting and invigorating 9 months.
THERE WAS
In the last month a made a radio address to
the Nation on Labor Day, a television address on the economy,
and hold a news conference that covered the waterfront of
issues. I've had an opportunity to do some traveling
--
to talk about the housing industry to union members in
Chicago, to help get Westway underway in New York City,
assist at the dedication of President Ford's museum in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, and to talk to Republican women leaders in
Denver about Wall Street and Main Street.
Last week, in New Orleans, we announced some major
initiatives on crime and I hope, talked some much needed
sense about that problem. We also spoke to the World Bank
conference about our new development policy and
g
WHEN r LEAVE You I'M TALKING
pportunity to convey to the National Alliance of
Business some thoughts about mobilizing the private sector
to assist the underprivileged.
During all of this, we've had the usual round of White
House activities ranging from a luncheon for Black
Page 3
college leaders to some very fruitful diplomatic discussions
including
a visit with Prime Minister Begin of Israel.
hour Think mention that's all this good for I a think gory when it is only important works 2am to 3 Bours a day.
note that while We have made economic recovery a first
priority BUT the approach of this Administration is hardly
one-dimensional. We have been moving systematically to deal
with that broad range of problems we promised to do something
about in the campaign last year.
There's a good bit of discussion now about our plans to
sell the AWACS system to Saudi Arabia.
As
E-pointed
out
in
my press conference last this issue is not simply a
question of balancing the interests of two nations in the
Middle East. It has to be seen in the larger context of the
strategic importance of the Persian Gulf area. I think this
BEGINNINGTO
message IS get through to key members of Congress. The
truth is: we intend to stand by our old and trusted allies
but we also intend to look for new and dramatic ways to
protect and solidify the security and peace in the Middle
East.
In our recent decision to rebuild our strategic force,
we have also attempted to show some balance and flexibility.
Our plans for the MX and B-1 have these advantages: we can
afford them; we keep our options open -- so that we can
respond adequately and in time to any new Soviet build-ups;
and we send to the Soviets that signal that Winston Churchill
Page 4
once said was critical for any successful negotiations with
the U.S.S.R. -- strength of purpose, strength of resolve.
In the area of the economy, we are now pressing for the
additional budget cuts needed to keep our promise of a
balanced budget. I think we have managed to take the Social
Security problem out of partisan politics with the appointment
of a bipartisan commission charged with one task: finding
a solution to Social Security's deep financial problems.
These two initiatives should be seen in the context of
WE'VE DONE
what else
in the last 9 months.
When this Administration entered office, the Federal
budget was growing by some 14 percent a year. That growth
has now been cut in half.
When
this
Administration
took
Federal tax revenues were scheduled to increase by
more than $300 billion over 3 years' time. We have now
RATE
passed the largest taxreduction in history and almost
entirely thwarted this increase. We have also indexed
taxation to the rate of inflation -- another historic reform.
On the regulatory front, more than 180 Federal regulations
have been modified or cancelled with an estimated savings of
more than $15 billion. The flow of new regulations has been
cut in half. And we have also worked hard to assure a
stable monetary policy.
If
you
times
It has been an
exciting time -- and I admit sometimes a painful and difficult
one.
Page 5
This came home to me when I was discussing our belt
tightening measures with President Ford while we were also
talking about his new library and museum in Michigan. I
with an on the
confess I felt a little envy about it all,
with
Dave
1 spoke to o are Streeman He of thed me his been serving
Steckmen Inteld lucky to
bookmobiles named after me THE should settle for that though
the
way
things
looknow
nobody
an
in my
Well, I've greatly enjoyed these few minutes with you.
I hope you will find your day here a productive one. I hope
too you will relax and enjoy yourselves.
(Although
L
saution
Dont
relax too much -- as you know, my staff doesn't
like waking people up.)
Dave Stockman and Don Regan are here to talk with you,
too. But before we hear from them -- let me take a few
questions.
OCTOBER 5, 1981
2:30
SIGNING CEREMONY: RAOUL WALLENBERG BILL
-- TODAY I AM SIGNING A BILL TO MAKE RAOUL
WALLENBERG AN HONORARY CITIZEN OF THE
UNITED STATES.
BUT IN MAKING HIM A U.S.
CITIZEN, TRULY WE ARE THE ONES BEING
HONORED.
RAOUL WALLENBERG IS THE SWEDISH
SAVIOR OF ALMOST 100,000 JEWISH MEN,
WOMEN, AND CHILDREN.
WHAT HE DID, WHAT
HE ACCOMPLISHED IS OF BIBLICAL
PROPORTIONS.
-- SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, ANOTHER MAN OF
FORCE AND FORTITUDE, IS THE ONLY OTHER
PERSON WHO HAS RECEIVED HONORARY U.S.
CITIZENSHIP AS JOHN F. KENNEDY SAID
AT THAT SIGNING CEREMONY, "INDIFFERENT
HIMSELF TO DANGER, HE WEPT OVER THE
SORROWS OF OTHERS."
THAT COMPASSION
ALSO EXEMPLIFIES THE MAN WE GATHER FOR
TODAY.
PAGE 2
--
IN 1944, THE U.S. REQUESTED SWEDEN'S
COOPERATION IN PROTECTING THE LIVES OF
HUNGARIAN JEWS FACING EXTERMINATION AT
THE HANDS OF THE NAZIS.
IN THE MONTHS
THAT FOLLOWED, THE U.S. SUPPLIED THE
FUNDS AND THE DIRECTIVES, AND RAOUL
WALLENBERG SUPPLIED THE COURAGE AND THE
PASSION.
HOW CAN WE COMPREHEND THE MORAL
WORTH OF A MAN WHO SAVED TENS OF
THOUSANDS OF LIVES, INCLUDING THOSE OF
CONGRESSMAN AND MRS. LANTOS?
|
IN 1945, IN VIOLATION OF DIPLOMATIC
IMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL LAW, HE WAS
SEIZED BY THE SOVIET UNION;
TODAY
THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT HE IS STILL
IMPRISONED BY THE SOVIETS.
WHEREVER
HE IS, HIS HUMANITY BURNS LIKE A TORCH.
PAGE 3
--
I HEARD SOMEONE ONCE SAY THAT A MAN HAS
MADE AT LEAST A START ON UNDERSTANDING
THE MEANING OF HUMAN LIFE WHEN HE PLANTS
SHADE TREES UNDER WHICH HE KNOWS HE
WILL NEVER SIT
RAOUL WALLENBERG IS
JUST SUCH A MAN.
HE NURTURED THE LIVES
OF THOSE HE NEVER KNEW AT THE RISK OF
HIS OWN.
--
THEN, JUST RECENTLY, I WAS TOLD THAT IN
A SPECIAL AREA BEHIND THE HOLOCAUST
MEMORIAL IN ISRAEL, HUNGARIAN JEWS NOW
LIVING IN SWEDEN PLANTED 10,000 TREES
IN RAOUL'S HONOR.
MRS. LAGERGREN,
MR. VON DARDEL, WE ARE GOING TO DO
EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER SO THAT YOUR
BROTHER CAN SIT BENEATH THE SHADE OF
THOSE TREES AND ENJOY THE RESPECT AND
LOVE SO MANY HOLD FOR HIM.
#
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS FOLLOWING LUNCHEON
OCTOBER 5, 1981
THIS DISTINGUISHED BIPARTISAN GROUP
OF FORMER NAT'L SECURITY OFFICIALS HAVE
AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
FOR THE SALE OF AWACS & OTHER AIR DEFENSE
EQUIPMENT TO SAUDI ARABIA.
AFTER READING
THIS STATEMENT, BOTH HAROLD BROWN & HENRY
KISSINGER WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A FURTHER
STATEMENT OF THEIR OWN.
"THE SALE OF AWACS & OTHER AIR DEFENSE
EQUIPMENT TO SAUDI ARABIA WOULD MAKE A
SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL
SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE U.S. IN A VITAL
PART OF THE WORLD.
THE REJECTION OF THIS SALE
WOULD DAMAGE THE ABILITY OF THE U.S. TO
CONDUCT A CREDIBLE & EFFECTIVE FOREIGN
POLICY, NOT ONLY IN THE GULF REGION, BUT
ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF ISSUES."
020
I WISH TO PERSONALLY THANK EACH FOR
THEIR RECOGNITION THAT THIS SALE IS IN THE
NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS OF THIS NATION.
THEIR PUBLIC APPEARANCE AT THIS TIME IS AN
INDICATION OF THE BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
THIS SALE HAS AMONG KNOWLEDGEABLE FORMER
NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS FROM BOTH
REPUBLICAN & DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS.
(DOLAN)
OCTOBER 5, 1981
OUT OF TOWN MEDIA BRIEFING
FIRST, LET ME WELCOME U TODAY TO THE
W.H. THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET & TALK WITH U IN
THESE SPECIAL BRIEFINGS IS SOMETHING ALL OF US
IN THE ADMIN. HAVE LOOKED FORWARD To.
U DON'T NEED ME TO TELL U OF THE
TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE U OF THE PRESS & MEDIA
HAVE ON PUBLIC OPINION. I THINK YOU'RE THE
FIRST TO AGREE THAT DIVERSITY OF INTERPRETATION
& OPINION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO YOUR WORK &
TO OUR ROBUST TRADITION OF PRESS FREEDOM.
THIS DIVERSITY, AS U KNOW, HAS BEEN THREATENED
RECENTLY WITH THE SAD DEMISE OF SEVERAL
IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS IN THE NEWSPAPER FIELD.
THIS CAME HOME TO US IN WASH. RECENTLY WHEN
THE WASH. STAR CLOSED UP SHOP AFTER MORE THAN
A CENTURY OF PUBLICATION.
-2-
SO WE DO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO TALK WITH U -- U ALL KNOW THE FRESH
PERSPECTIVE THAT A NEW REPORTER CAN BRING TO
AN OLD BEAT. THAT'S WHY WE HOPE THESE
BRIEFINGS WILL LEAD TO SOME NEW INSIGHTS &
PERSPECTIVES -- FOR BOTH OF US
& THAT THE
ULTIMATE BENEFICIARIES WILL BE THE READERS,
LISTENERS & VIEWERS IN YOUR HOMETOWNS.
THIS LAST MONTH HAS BEEN AN EXTREMELY
BUSY ONE.
BUT IT'S ALSO BEEN A VERY SATISFYING
TIME.
WE THINK WE HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT A
SEA CHANGE IN NAT'L POLICY.
U
MAY DETECT A
FEELING OF ZEST & BUOYANCY AROUND THE W.H.
FOR ALL OF US HERE, THIS HAS BEEN AN EXCITING &
INVIGORATING 9 MONTHS.
IN THE LAST MONTH THERE WAS A RADIO
ADDRESS TO THE NATN ON LABOR DAY, A TV ADDRESS
ON THE ECONOMY, & A NEWS CONFERENCE THAT
COVERED THE WATERFRONT OF ISSUES.
-3-
I'VE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOME TRAVELING --
TO TALK TO UNION MEMBERS IN CHICAGO ABOUT THE
HOUSING INDUSTRY TO HELP GET WESTWAY UNDERWAY
IN N.Y.C.
ASSIST AT THE DEDICATION OF
PRES. FORD'S MUSEUM IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.,
& TO TALK TO REPUB. WOMEN LEADERS IN DENVER
ABOUT WALL STREET & MAIN STREET.
LAST WEEK, IN NEW ORLEANS, I ANNOUNCED
SOME MAJOR INITIATIVES ON CRIME & ALSO SPOKE
TO THE WORLD BANK CONFERENCE ABOUT OUR NEW
DEVELOPMENT POLICY.
WHEN I LEAVE YOU, I'M
TALKING TO THE NAT'L ALLIANCE OF BUSINESS
ABOUT MOBILIZING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ASSIST
THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.
DURING ALL OF THIS, WE'VE HAD THE USUAL
ROUND OF W.H. ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM A
LUNCHEON FOR BLACK COLLEGE LEADERS TO SOME VERY
FRUITFUL DIPLOMATIC DISCUSSIONS INCLUDING A
VISIT FROM P.M. BEGIN OF ISRAEL.
NOW I THINK
THAT'S PRETTY GOOD FOR A GUY WHO ONLY WORKS
2 OR 3 HOURS A DAY.
-4-
WE HAVE MADE EC. RECOVERY A 1ST PRIORITY
BUT THE APPROACH OF THIS ADMIN IS HARDLY
1-DIMENSIONAL.
WE HAVE BEEN MOVING
SYSTEMATICALLY TO DEAL WITH THAT BROAD RANGE
OF PROBLEMS WE PROMISED TO DO SOMETHING
ABOUT IN THE CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR.
THERE'S A GOOD BIT OF DISCUSSION NOW
ABOUT OUR PLANS TO SELL THE "AWACS" SYSTEM
TO SAUDI ARABIA.
THIS ISSUE IS NOT SIMPLY A
QUESTION OF BALANCING THE INTERESTS OF
2 NATNs IN THE MID. EAST.
IT HAS TO BE SEEN
IN THE LARGER CONTEXT OF THE STRATEGIC
IMPORTANCE OF THE PERSIAN GULF AREA.
I THINK
THIS MESSAGE IS BEGINNING TO GET THROUGH TO
KEY MEMBERS OF CONG.
THE TRUTH IS: WE INTEND
TO STAND BY OUR OLD & TRUSTED ALLIES BUT WE
ALSO INTEND TO LOOK FOR NEW & DRAMATIC WAYS
TO PROTECT & SOLIDIFY THE SECURITY & PEACE
IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
-5-
IN OUR RECENT DECISION TO REBUILD OUR
STRATEGIC FORCE, WE HAVE ALSO ATTEMPTED TO
SHOW SOME BALANCE & FLEXIBILITY.
OUR PLANS FOR
THE MX & B-1 HAVE THESE ADVANTAGES
WE CAN
AFFORD THEM; WE KEEP OUR OPTIONS OPEN
I
SO THAT WE CAN RESPOND ADEQUATELY & IN TIME
TO ANY NEW SOVIET BUILD-UPS;
& WE SEND TO THE
SOVIETS THAT SIGNAL THAT WINSTON CHURCHILL
ONCE SAID WAS CRITICAL FOR ANY SUCCESSFUL
NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE USSR -- STRENGTH OF
PURPOSE, STRENGTH OF RESOLVE.
IN THE AREA OF THE ECONOMY, WE ARE NOW
PRESSING FOR THE ADDITIONAL BUDGET CUTS
NEEDED TO KEEP OUR PROMISE OF A BALANCED BUDGT.
I THINK WE HAVE MANAGED TO TAKE THE SOC. SEC.
PROBLEM OUT OF PARTISAN POLITICS WITH THE
APPT. OF A BIPARTISAN COMMISSION CHARGED WITH
1 TASK
FINDING A SOLUTION TO SOC. SEC.'s
DEEP FINANCIAL PROBLEMS.
-6-
THESE 2 INITIATIVES SHOULD BE SEEN IN
THE CONTEXT OF WHAT ELSE WE'VE DONE IN THE
LAST 9 MONTHS.
WHEN THIS ADMIN. ENTERED OFFICE, THE
FED'L BUDGET WAS GROWING BY SOME 14% A YEAR.
THAT GROWTH HAS NOW BEEN CUT IN HALF.
FED'L
TAX REVENUES WERE SCHEDULED TO INCREASE BY
MORE THAN $300 BIL. OVER 3 YEARS TIME.
WE
HAVE NOW PASSED THE LARGEST TAX RATE REDUCTION
IN HISTORY & ALMOST ENTIRELY THWARTED THIS
INCREASE.
WE HAVE ALSO INDEXED TAXATION
TO THE RATE OF INFLATION -- ANOTHER HISTORIC
REFORM.
ON THE REGULATORY FRONT, MORE THAN
180 FED'L REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED OR
CANCELLED WITH AN ESTIMATED SAVINGS OF MORE
THAN $15 BIL.
THE FLOW OF NEW REGs HAS BEEN
CUT IN HALF.
& WE HAVE ALSO WORKED HARD TO
ASSURE A STABLE MONETARY POLICY.
-7-
IT HAS BEEN AN EXCITING TIME -- & I ADMIT
SOMETIMES A PAINFUL & DIFFICULT ONE.
THIS CAME HOME TO ME WHEN I WAS
DISCUSSING OUR BELT TIGHTENING MEASURES WITH
PRES. FORD WHILE WE WERE ALSO TALKING ABOUT
HIS NEW LIBRARY & MUSEUM IN MICH.
I CONFESS
I FELT A LITTLE ENVY ABOUT IT ALL.
WITH AN
EYE ON THE FUTURE I SPOKE TO DAVE STOCKMAN.
HE
TOLD ME HE'S BEEN PRICING BOOKMOBILES.
I HOPE U WILL FIND YOUR DAY HERE A
PRODUCTIVE ONE.
I HOPE TOO YOU WILL RELAX &
ENJOY YOURSELVES.
(DON'T RELAX TOO MUCH --
AS U KNOW, MY STAFF DOESN'T LIKE WAKING
PEOPLE UP.)
DAVE STOCKMAN & DON REGAN ARE HERE TO
TALK WITH U, TOO. BUT BEFORE WE HEAR FROM THEM
LET ME TAKE A FEW QUESTIONS.
(PARVIN/TD)
OCTOBER 5, 1981
PRESIDENT'S BACKUP COPY FOR NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BUSINESS
THANK YOU FOR THAT
WARM WELCOME.
I KNOW YOUR ORGANIZATION IS CONCERNED WITH JOBS,
I HEARD
OF A FELLOW WHO HAS BEEN UNEMPLOYED A LONG TIME.
A FEW
DAYS AGO HE FOUND A JOB IN A CHINA WAREHOUSE.
HE'D ONLY
WORKED A COUPLE OF DAYS WHEN HE SMASHED A LARGE ORIENTAL
VASE.
THE BOSS TOLD HIM IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THE MONEY
WOULD BE DEDUCTED FROM HIS WAGES EVERY WEEK UNTIL THE VASE
WAS PAID FOR.
THE FELLOW ASKED, "HOW MUCH IT COST?"
THE BOSS TOLD HIM, "$300!"
THE FELLOW SAID, "AT LAST, I'VE GOT A STEADY JOB."
SERIOUSLY, I'M AWARE THAT THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF
BUSINESS WAS FORMED TO REDUCE THE DESPAIR OF UNEMPLOYMENT &
TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES WHERE THEY WOULD OTHERWISE NOT
EXIST.
YOU HAVE SET FOR YOURSELVES A NOBLE & NECESSARY
GOAL.
YOU KNOW THAT A JOB AT $4 AN HOUR IS PRICELESS IN
TERMS OF THE SELF-RESPECT IT CAN BUY.
MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE ECONOMICALLY TRAPPED IN WELFARE.
THEY WOULD LIKE NOTHING BETTER THAN TO BE OUT IN THE WORK-A-
DAY WORLD WITH THE REST OF US, INDEPENDENT & SELF-SUFFICIENT.
THEY AREN'T LAZY OR UNWILLING TO WORK -- THEY JUST DON'T
KNOW HOW TO FREE THEMSELVES FROM THAT WELFARE SECURITY
BLANKET.
HANDWRITING FILE
PAGE 2
AFTER WE UNDERTOOK OUR WELFARE REFORMS IN CALIFORNIA, I
RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A WOMAN WITH SEVERAL CHILDREN WHO HAD
BEEN ON WELFARE. SHE WROTE THAT SHE HAD BECOME SO DEPENDENT
ON THE WELFARE CHECK SHE EVEN TURNED DOWN OFFERS OF MARRIAGE
RATHER THAN GIVE UP THE SECURITY IT SEEMED TO REPRESENT.
BUT SHE SAID SHE ALWAYS KNEW IT COULDN'T LAST FOREVER, SO
WHEN OUR REFORMS BEGAN SHE JUST ASSUMED THE TIME HAD COME.
SHE TOOK THE KIDS & THE $600 SHE HAD SAVED FROM HER, AS SHE
PUT IT, "SO CALLED POVERTY" & WENT TO ALASKA WHERE SHE HAD
RELATIVES. SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE NOW HAD A GOOD JOB & THAT
WORKING HAD GIVEN HER A GREAT DEAL OF SELF-RESPECT FOR WHICH
SHE THANKED ME. AND THEN ONE LINE I'LL NEVER FORGET; SHE
SAID, "IT SURE BEATS DAYTIME TELEVISION."
OUR ECONOMIC PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR THE VERY PURPOSE
OF CREATING JOBS. AS I SAID ON LABOR DAY, LET ME MAKE OUR
GOAL IN THIS PROGRAM VERY CLEAR: JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, & MORE
JOBS. AND WHAT IS MORE, OUR PROGRAM WILL REDUCE INFLATION
SO THE WAGES FROM THESE JOBS WILL NOT DECREASE IN EARNING
POWER.
PART OF THAT ECONOMIC PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES BUDGET
CUTS. SOME OF THESE CUTS WILL PINCH -- WHICH UPSETS THOSE
WHO BELIEVE THE LESS FORTUNATE DESERVE MORE THAN THE BASIC
SUBSISTENCE WHICH THE GOVERNMENTAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS
PROVIDE. THE FACT IS, I AGREE. MORE CAN BE DONE. MORE
SHOULD BE DONE. BUT DOING MORE DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN SIMPLY
SPENDING MORE. THE SIZE OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET IS NOT AN
APPROPRIATE BAROMETER OF SOCIAL CONSCIENCE OR CHARITABLE
CONCERN.
PAGE 3
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OR NOT, ISN'T IT TIME TO TAKE A FRESH
LOOK AT THE WAY WE PROVIDE SOCIAL SERVICES? NOT JUST
BECAUSE THEY COST SO MUCH & WASTE SO MUCH, BUT BECAUSE T00
MANY OF THEM JUST DON'T WORK.
EVEN IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD ALL THE MONEY IT
WISHED TO SPEND ON SOCIAL PROGRAMS, WOULD WE STILL WANT TO
SPEND IT THE WAY WE HAVE IN THE PAST? IN ALL MY YEARS AS
GOVERNOR, & NOW AS PRESIDENT, I HAVE NEVER FOUND AN AGENCY,
A PROGRAM, A PIECE OF LEGISLATION
OR A BUDGET
THAT WAS
ADEQUATE TO MEET THE TOTAL NEEDS OF HUMAN BEINGS. SOMETHING
IS MISSING FROM SUCH AN EQUATION. I BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING
IS PRIVATE INITIATIVE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -- THE KIND
THE NAB EXEMPLIFIES.
THERE IS A LEGITIMATE ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT, BUT WE MUST
NOT FORGET THAT BEFORE THE IDEA GOT AROUND THAT GOVERNMENT
WAS THE PRINCIPAL VEHICLE OF SOCIAL CHANGE, IT WAS UNDERSTOOD
THAT THE REAL SOURCE OF OUR PROGRESS AS A PEOPLE WAS THE
PRIVATE SECTOR. THE PRIVATE SECTOR STILL OFFERS CREATIVE,
LESS EXPENSIVE, & MORE EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVES TO SOLVING OUR
SOCIAL PROBLEMS. NOW, WE ARE NOT ADVOCATING PRIVATE INITIATIVES
& VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES AS A HALF-HEARTED REPLACEMENT FOR
BUDGET CUTS. WE ADVOCATE THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE RIGHT IN
THEIR OWN REGARD. THEY ARE A PART OF WHAT WE CAN PROUDLY
CALL "THE AMERICAN PERSONALITY.
PAGE 4
THE ROLE OF VOLUNTARISM & INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE HAS
BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD. FEDERAL LOAN GUARANTEES WILL NOT BE
BY
CHAR
TY
ALONE
RESTORED
BY
WEALTHY
PEOPLE
DANCING
TILL
DAWN
#1
CHARITY
BALLS. NOR WILL WE REPLACE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH &
HUMAN SERVICES. WITH THE JUNIOR LEASUE. VOLUNTARISM IS A
MEANS OF DELIVERING SOCIAL SERVICES MORE EFFECTIVELY & OF
PRESERVING OUR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS. JOHN F. KENNEDY KNEW
THIS WHEN HE SAID:
11
ONLY BY DOING THE WORK OURSELVES -- BY GIVING
GENEROUSLY OUT OF OUR OWN POCKETS -- CAN WE HOPE IN THE LONG
RUN TO MAINTAIN THE AUTHORITY OF THE PEOPLE OVER THE STATE --
TO INSURE THAT THE PEOPLE REMAIN THE MASTER -- THE STATE,
THE SERVANT
"EVERY TIME THAT WE TRY TO LIFT A PROBLEM FROM OUR OWN
SHOULDERS, & SHIFT THAT PROBLEM TO THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT,
TO THE SAME EXTENT WE ARE SACRIFICING THE LIBERTIES OF OUR
PEOPLE.
II
THERE ARE HARD-HEADED, NO-NONSENSE MEASURES BY WHICH
THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN MEET THOSE NEEDS OF SOCIETY THAT THE
GOVERNMENT HAS NOT, CANNOT OR WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FILL.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES & PHILANTHROPY PLAY A ROLE AS WELL AS
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. TO BE
CERTAIN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AMERICA'S DEEP SPIRIT OF
GENEROSITY BUT WE ARE ALSO TALKING ABOUT A BUCK FOR BUSINESS
IF IT HELPS TO SOLVE OUR SOCIAL ILLS.
PAGE 5
WITH THE SAME ENERGY THAT FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT SOUGHT
GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS, WE WILL SEEK PRIVATE
SOLUTIONS. THE CHALLENGE BEFORE US IS TO FIND WAYS ONCE
AGAIN TO UNLEASH THE INDEPENDENT SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE &
THEIR COMMUNITIES. THAT ENERGY WILL ACCOMPLISH FAR, FAR
MORE THAN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS EVER COULD. WHAT FEDERALISM
IS TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR, VOLUNTARISM & PRIVATE INITIATIVE
ARE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THIS COUNTRY IS BURSTING WITH
IDEAS & CREATIVITY, BUT A GOVERNMENT RUN BY CENTRAL DECREE
HAS NO WAY TO RESPOND.
HAVING BEEN A GOVERNOR FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT KNEW SOMETHING
OF THE DANGERS OF OVER-CENTRALIZATION. IN A MESSAGE TO THE
CONGRESS, HE WROTE, "CONTINUED DEPENDENCE UPON RELIEF (IT
HADN'T YET BEEN GIVEN THE NAME WELFARE) INDUCES A SPIRITUAL
& MORAL DISINTEGRATION FUNDAMENTALLY DESTRUCTIVE TO THE
NATIONAL FIBRE. TO DOLE OUT RELIEF IN THIS WAY IS TO
ADMINISTER A NARCOTIC, A SUBTLE DESTROYER OF THE HUMAN
SPIRIT... THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST & SHALL QUIT THIS
BUSINESS OF RELIEF."
WHAT EXACTLY IS VOLUNTARISM? I GUESS GARY COOPER DID
ABOUT THE BEST JOB DESCRIBING IT IN THE MOVIE "MR. DEEDS
GOES TO TOWN. II
PAGE 6
"FROM WHAT I CAN SEE," HE SAID, "NO MATTER WHAT SYSTEM
OF GOVERNMENT WE HAVE, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE LEADERS & ALWAYS
BE FOLLOWERS. IT'S LIKE THE ROAD OUT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
IT'S ON A STEEP HILL. & EVERY DAY I WATCH THE CARS CLIMBING
UP. SOME GO LICKETY-SPLIT UP THAT HILL ON HIGH -- SOME
HAVE TO SHIFT INTO SECOND -- & SOME SPUTTER & SHAKE & SLIP
BACK TO THE BOTTOM AGAIN. SAME CARS -- SAME GASOLINE --
YET SOME MAKE IT & SOME DON'T. AND I SAY THE FELLAS WHO
CAN MAKE THE HILL ON HIGH SHOULD STOP ONCE IN A WHILE & HELP
THOSE WHO CAN'T."
OVER OUR HISTORY, AMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS EXTENDED THEIR
HANDS IN GESTURES OF ASSISTANCE. THEY HELPED BUILD A
NEIGHBOR'S BARN WHEN IT BURNED DOWN, THEN FORMED A VOLUNTEER
FIRE DEPARTMENT SO IT WOULDN'T BURN DOWN AGAIN. THEY
HARVESTED THE NEXT FELLOW'S CROP WHEN HE WAS INJURED OR ILL
& RAISED SCHOOL FUNDS AT QUILTING BEES & CHURCH SOCIALS.
THEY TOOK FOR GRANTED THAT NEIGHBOR WOULD CARE FOR NEIGHBOR.
WHEN THE CITY OF CHICAGO WAS LEVELED BY FIRE, URBAN
RENEWAL PROGRAMS DIDN'T EXIST; THE PEOPLE SIMPLY GOT TOGETHER
& REBUILT THE CITY. THE GREAT FRENCH OBSERVER OF AMERICA,
DE TOCQUEVILLE, WROTE, "WHENEVER AT THE HEAD OF SOME NEW
UNDERTAKING YOU SEE THE GOVERNMENT IN FRANCE, OR A MAN OF
RANK IN ENGLAND, IN THE UNITED STATES YOU WILL BE SURE TO
FIND AN ASSOCIATION OF INDIVIDUALS."
PAGE 7
THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICANS HAS DONE SO MUCH & IS SO
RICH IN VARIETY. CHURCHES ONCE LOOKED AFTER THEIR OWN
MEMBERS & DURING THE DEPRESSION THE MORMON CHURCH UNDERTOOK
ITS OWN WELFARE PLAN BASED ON THE WORK ETHIC -- A PLAN THAT
IS STILL SUCCESSFUL TODAY. WITH NO DISRESPECT INTENDED ONE
CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF GOVERNMENT WELFARE WOULD EXIST IF
ALL OUR CHURCHES HAD PICKED UP THAT TASK. BEFORE WORLD
WAR I, THE ROCKEFELLER & CARNEGIE FOUNDATIONS TOGETHER SPENT
TWICE AS MUCH AS THE GOVERNMENT FOR EDUCATION & SOCIAL
SERVICES -- SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE WAS A NEED. THE NATIONAL
FOUNDATION FOR INFANTILE PARALYSIS SET OUT TO CONQUER POLIO
WITH DIMES & DID IT. IN A FITTING SYMBOL OF AMERICA,
OUR OWN STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS BUILT WITH THE NICKELS & DIMES
OF FRENCH SCHOOLCHILDREN & THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THEIR
PARENTS.
WE ALL KNOW COUNTLESS STORIES OF INDIVIDUAL & PERSONAL
GENEROSITY. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT IN LOS ANGELES A COUPLE
OF YEARS AGO INVOLVING A MAN NAMED JOSE SALCIDO WHOSE WIFE
HAD DIED OF CANCER, LEAVING HIM BOTH THE FATHER & MOTHER OF
13 CHILDREN. IN AN ACCIDENT ONLY THE LORD CAN EXPLAIN, ONE
DAY THE BRAKES ON HIS TRUCK DID NOT HOLD & HE WAS CRUSHED
AGAINST A BRICK WALL AS HE WALKED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
THE CHILDREN WHO HAD LOST THEIR MOTHER NOW HAD LOST THEIR
FATHER. BUT THEY WERE NOT ORPHANED BY THEIR NEIGHBORS OR
EVEN COMPLETE STRANGERS WHO IMMEDIATELY BEGAN COLLECTING
CONTRIBUTIONS. THE PARISH CHURCH STARTED A DRIVE. FINALLY
A FUND WAS SET UP AT THE BANK & A COMMITTEE WAS FORMED TO
TAKE CARE OF IT. THEY ALSO DISCOVERED HOW KIND THE PEOPLE
OF THIS LAND CAN BE.
PAGE 8
ONE LETTER ACCOMPANYING A CHECK SAID IT ALL.
"THIS IS
FOR THE CHILDREN OF JOSE SALCIDO. IT IS FOR THEM TO KNOW
THERE ARE ALWAYS OTHERS WHO CARE; THAT DESPITE PERSONAL
TRAGEDY, THE WORLD IS NOT ALWAYS THE DARK PLACE IT SEEMS TO
BE; THAT THEIR FATHER WOULD HAVE WANTED FOR THEM TO GO ON
WITH COURAGE & STRENGTH, & STILL OPEN HEARTS.
I KNOW THERE ARE CYNICS WHO DISMISS THE NOTION OF
AMERICANS HELPING OTHER AMERICANS. THEY SAY THAT I SPEAK
OF AN AMERICA THAT NEVER WAS & NEVER CAN BE. THEY BELIEVE
VOLUNTARISM IS A MUSHY IDEA & THE PRODUCT OF MUSHY THINKING.
THEY SAY OUR SOCIETY TODAY IS TOO COMPLEX OR THAT WE ARE
TRYING TO REPEAL THE 20TH CENTURY. THE CYNICS WHO SAY
THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN SO BUSY INCREASING WASHINGTON'S
POWER -- THAT THEY HAVE LOST SIGHT OF AMERICA. HAVE THEY
FORGOTTEN THE GREAT NATIONAL EFFORTS BEFORE THERE EVER WAS A
THING CALLED "FOREIGN AID"? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ORGANIZED
TO HELP JAPAN IN THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE, FAMINE IN INDIA,
BUNDLES FOR BRITAIN. THE SPIRIT IS NOT DEAD.
I WISH THE CYNICS WOULD VISIT DAVID & FALAKA FATTAH IN
PHILADELPHIA. THE FATTAHS DECIDED TO PUT THEIR HEARTS &
MINDS INTO REDUCING THE GANG VIOLENCE IN WEST PHILADELPHIA,
WHICH KILLED UP TO 40 PERSONS A YEAR IN THE EARLY 1970's.
THEY WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN NEGOTIATING A CITY-WIDE PEACE
TREATY AMONG GANGS THAT REDUCED THE NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM 40
TO ABOUT 1 A YEAR.
PAGE 9
THIS ONE COUPLE DID SOMETHING THAT ALL THE SOCIAL
WELFARE & LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TOGETHER HAD BEEN UNABLE
TO ACCOMPLISH. THEY REPLACED THE GANG STRUCTURE WITH A
FAMILY STRUCTURE. THEIR HOUSE OF - (YOU-MOW-JAH) - HAS
HELPED MORE THAN 500 BOYS DEVELOP INTO SELF-SUFFICIENT &
PRODUCTIVE YOUNG MEN. AND TODAY THEY ARE ESTABLISHING WHAT
MIGHT BE CALLED AN URBAN BOYS TOWN.
I WISH THE DOUBTERS WOULD VISIT DETROIT WHERE A FEW
YEARS AGO HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION WERE IN THE
FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. POTENTIAL BLACK PARENTS WERE JUDGED BY
ARBITRARY INCOME STANDARDS & NOT BY WHETHER THEY COULD OFFER
A WARM, LOVING, SECURE FAMILY TO A HOMELESS CHILD.
BUT A COMMUNITY GROUP CALLED HOMES FOR BLACK CHILDREN
CHALLENGED THE ADOPTION PRACTICES OF THE LOCAL AGENCIES WITH
ASTOUNDING RESULTS. IN ITS FIRST YEAR, HOMES FOR BLACK
CHILDREN PLACED MORE KIDS IN PERMANENT HOMES THAN ALL 13 OF
THE TRADITIONAL PLACEMENT AGENCIES COMBINED. THERE IS THE
DEBOLT FAMILY IN CALIFORNIA THAT BEGAN ADOPTING ONLY CHILDREN
WHO WERE GRIEVOUSLY HANDICAPPED.
I WISH THE CYNICS WOULD CALL ON THE NEW YORK CITY
PARTNERSHIP, AN ASSOCIATION OF 100 BUSINESS & CIVIC LEADERS,
WHICH THIS PAST SUMMER FOUND JOBS FOR ABOUT 14,000 DISADVANTAGED
YOUTHS, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM WOULD NOT HAVE OTHERWISE FOUND
JOBS. OR MAYBE THEY SHOULD TALK TO THE HONEYWELL PEOPLE,
WHO ARE TRAINING PRISON INMATES IN COMPUTER PROGRAMMING.
THOSE INMATES WHO REACH AN EMPLOYABLE SKILL LEVEL BEFORE LEAVING
PRISON HAVE A RECIDIVISM RATE OF LESS THAN 3%, COMPARED TO
A NATIONAL RATE ESTIMATED AT 70%.
PAGE 10
OR LOOK AT THE MARVELOUS WORK McDONALD'S IS DOING WITH
ITS RONALD McDONALD HOUSES, THESE ARE PLACES -- HOMES
REALLY -- USUALLY NEAR CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS WHERE FAMILIES
CAN STAY WHILE THEIR CHILDREN ARE TREATED FOR SERIOUS DISEASES.
CURRENTLY, 28 HOMES ARE OPEN & ANOTHER 32 ARE IN SOME STAGE
OF DEVELOPMENT. SINCE THE HOMES ARE FUNDED MAINLY BY THE
LOCAL McDONALD OPERATORS & THE STAFF IS ALL VOLUNTEER, NO
TAXPAYER MONEY IS SPENT.
THE CYNICS SHOULD ASK THE FATTAHS IF THE SPIRIT IS
DEAD. THEY SHOULD ASK THE FAMILIES WHO'VE BEEN HELPED BY
THE McDONALD HOUSES & THE HOMES FOR BLACK CHILDREN IF THE
SPIRIT IS DEAD. THEY SHOULD ASK THE DISADVANTAGED NEW YORK
YOUTHS WHO HAD SUMMER JOBS OR THE PRISON INMATES WHO ARE
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR THE OUTSIDE WORLD. WHY CAN'T THE
SKEPTICS SEE THE SPIRIT IS THERE -- WHERE IT HAS ALWAYS
BEEN -- INSIDE INDIVIDUAL AMERICANS?
INSIDE INDIVIDUAL AMERICANS LIKE FATHER BRUCE RITTER.
FATHER RITTER'S COVENANT HOUSE IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE
OFFERS YOUTHS WHO ARE RUNAWAY OR EXPLOITED A SANCTUARY FROM
THE PRESSURES OF MODERN LIFE & AN ESCAPE FROM THOSE WHO
WOULD PREY ON THEM. WITH THE HELP OF 200 PART-TIME & 65
FULL-TIME VOLUNTEERS, FATHER RITTER LAST YEAR AIDED NEARLY
12,000 YOUTHS,
PAGE 11
PERHAPS THE DOUBTERS SHOULD CONSIDER HOW EMPTY & GRAY
OUR SOCIETY WOULD BE IF RIGHT NOW THERE WERE NO SUCH THING
AS VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY. ERMA BOMBECK, THAT WITTY WOMAN WHO
APPEARS IN OUR NEWSPAPERS, ONCE WROTE A MORE SOBER ARTICLE
ON WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IF THE VOLUNTEERS ALL SET SAIL FOR
ANOTHER COUNTRY. LET ME READ PART OF WHAT SHE SAID:
"THE HOSPITAL WAS QUIET AS I PASSED IT. ROOMS WERE
VOID OF BOOKS, FLOWERS & VOICES. THE CHILDREN'S WING HELD
NO CLOWNS NO LAUGHTER. THE RECEPTION DESK WAS VACANT.
"THE HOME FOR THE AGED WAS LIKE A TOMB, THE BLIND
LISTENED FOR A VOICE THAT NEVER CAME. THE INFIRM WERE
IMPRISONED BY WHEELS ON A CHAIR THAT NEVER MOVED. FOOD
GREW COLD ON TRAYS THAT WOULD NEVER REACH THE MOUTHS OF THE
HUNGRY.
"ALL THE SOCIAL AGENCIES HAD CLOSED THEIR DOORS, UNABLE
TO IMPLEMENT THEIR PROGRAMS OF SCOUTING, RECREATION, DRUG
CONTROL, BIG SISTERS, BIG BROTHERS, YW, YM, THE RETARDED,
THE CRIPPLED, THE LONELY, & THE ABANDONED.
"THE HEALTH AGENCIES HAD A SIGN IN THE WINDOW 'CURES
FOR CANCER, MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, BIRTH DEFECTS, MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS, EMPHYSEMA, SICKLE CELL ANEMIA, KIDNEY DISORDERS,
HEART DISEASES, HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST.
"THE SCHOOLS WERE STRANGELY QUIET WITH NO FIELD TRIPS,
NO VOLUNTEER AIDS ON THE PLAYGROUND OR IN THE CLASSROOMS.
AS WERE THE COLLEGES WHERE SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
WERE NO MORE.
PAGE 12
"THE FLOWERS ON CHURCH ALTARS WITHERED & DIED. CHILDREN
IN DAY NURSERIES LIFTED THEIR ARMS BUT THERE WAS NO ONE TO
HOLD THEM IN LOVE."
HER ARTICLE TOLD A VERY MUCH UNRECOGNIZED TRUTH:
VOLUNTEER CUTS WOULD BE MUCH MORE DISRUPTIVE TO THE NATION
THAN FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS. BECAUSE THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT,
THIS ADMINISTRATION SEEKS TO ELEVATE VOLUNTARY ACTION &
PRIVATE INITIATIVE TO THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE. WE
SEEK TO INCREASE THEIR INFLUENCE ON OUR DAILY LIVES & THEIR
ROLES IN MEETING OUR SOCIAL NEEDS. FOR TOO LONG THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY ARE RELIEVED OF RESPONSIBILITY
FOR HELPING THEIR FELLOW MAN BECAUSE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN
OVER THE JOB.
WE SEEK TO PROVIDE AS MUCH SUPPORT AS POSSIBLE FOR
VOLUNTARISM WITHOUT FEDERALIZING IT. TODAY I AM ANNOUNCING
THE CREATION OF A PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON PRIVATE SECTOR
INITIATIVES, COMPRISED OF 35 LEADERS FROM CORPORATIONS,
FOUNDATIONS, & VOLUNTARY & RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. ITS
PURPOSE WILL BE TO PROMOTE PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERSHIP &
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOLVING PUBLIC NEEDS & TO RECOMMEND WAYS
OF FOSTERING GREATER PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
I HAVE ASKED BILL VERITY, THE CHAIRMAN OF ARMCO STEEL,
TO CHAIR THE TASK FORCE & ACT AS MY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
IN EXPANDING PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES & IN RECOGNIZING
OUTSTANDING EXAMPLES OF CORPORATE & COMMUNITY EFFORTS.
of He HAS AGREED TO Do so.
PAGE 13
I AM INSTRUCTING THE CABINET TO REVIEW AGENCY PROCEDURES
& REGULATIONS & IDENTIFY BARRIERS TO PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT.
WE WANT TO DEREGULATE COMMUNITY SERVICE. FOR EXAMPLE,
MOTHERS & GRANDMOTHERS HAVE BEEN TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN FOR
THOUSANDS OF YEARS WITHOUT SPECIAL COLLEGE TRAINING. WHY
IS IT CERTAIN STATES PROHIBIT ANYONE WITHOUT A COLLEGE
DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FROM OPERATING A DAY-
CARE FACILITY?
I AM ALSO ASKING THE CABINET TO DEVELOP PUMP PRIMING &
SEED MONEY PROGRAMS THAT OFFER INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR
INVESTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE CABINET WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL
KNOWLEDGE TO DEVELOP PRIVATE INCENTIVES. FURTHERMORE,
EXISTING PROGRAMS WILL BE EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THOSE WHICH
COULD BE MORE PRODUCTIVELY CARRIED OUT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,
VOLUNTARISM IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR PLAN TO GIVE
THE GOVERNMENT BACK TO THE PEOPLE.
I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE
ARE ANXIOUS FOR THIS RESPONSIBILITY. I BELIEVE THEY WANT
TO BE ENLISTED IN THIS CAUSE, WE HAVE AN UNPRECEDENTED
OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA IN THE DAYS AHEAD TO BUILD ON OUR
PAST TRADITIONS AND THE RAW RESOURCES WITHIN OUR PEOPLE.
WE CAN SHOW THE WORLD HOW TO CONSTRUCT A SOCIAL SYSTEM MORE
HUMANE, MORE COMPASSIONATE & MORE EFFECTIVE IN MEETING ITS
MEMBERS NEEDS THAN ANY EVER KNOWN.
PAGE 14
AFTER I SPOKE OF VOLUNTARISM SEVERAL DAYS AGO, I RECEIVED
THIS MAILGRAM:
"AT A BREAKFAST MEETING THIS MORNING, 35 CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
OF SAN ANTONIO MET & COMMITTED TO:
1. SUPPORT OF YOU & YOUR COMMITMENT OF RETURNING THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPPORT OF MANY WORTHY PREVIOUSLY FEDERALLY
FUNDED PROGRAMS TO THE LOCAL LEVEL.
2. COMMITTING THEMSELVES INDIVIDUALLY & CORPORATELY TO
DO MORE IN BEING A PART OF CONTINUING OR ESTABLISHING THAT
SAFETY NET OF SERVICES EACH COMMUNITY NEEDS.
3. AS A FIRST STEP, COMMITTING TO ACHIEVING A MINIMUM
20% INCREASE IN OUR LOCAL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN WHICH REPRESENTS
60 AGENCIES INCLUDED WITHIN THAT SAFETY NET.
AND FINALLY, COMMITTING THEMSELVES THAT THE PROGRAMS
SUPPORTED ARE NEEDED & EFFICIENTLY & EFFECTIVELY ADMINISTERED.
YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT.
HAROLD E. O'KELLEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & PRESIDENT,
DATAPOINT CORPORATION.
TOM E. TURNER, SR., CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & PRESIDENT,
SIGMOR CORPORATION.
DR. ROBERT V. WEST, JR., CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, TESORO
PETROLEUM CORPORATION.
H. B. ZACHRY, SR., CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, H.B. ZACHRY
COMPANY."
PAGE 15
AND JUST THIS WEEKEND I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE
INSURANCE INDUSTRY PROMISING TO UNDERTAKE NEW & URGENT
INITIATIVES TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT, ESPECIALLY AMONG MINORITY
YOUTHS. THE INSURANCE COMPANIES PLAN TO DIRECT THEIR
FINANCIAL RESOURCES -- WHICH ARE IN THE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS
OF DOLLARS -- TO FURTHER THIS GOAL. THEY ALSO PLAN TO
INCREASE THEIR DOLLAR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THOSE PROGRAMS AFFECTING
BASIC HUMAN NEEDS. THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN ADDRESS THE
TOUGH SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF SPECIAL CONCERN TO MINORITY AMERICANS.
AND I BELIEVE WE WILL SOON SEE A TORRENT OF PRIVATE INITIATIVES
THAT WILL ASTOUND THE ADVOCATES OF BIG GOVERNMENT.
THE EFFORTS OF YOU AT THIS CONFERENCE ALSO SHOW WHAT
CAN BE DONE WHEN CONCERNED PEOPLE & BUSINESSES JOIN IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT. YOU ARE A MODEL OF FUTURE
ACTION.
I AM CALLING UPON YOU TODAY TO HELP IN THE CAUSE TO
ENLARGE THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR CITIZENS. THE
SPIRIT THAT BUILT THIS COUNTRY STILL DWELLS IN OUR PEOPLE.
THEY WANT TO HELP -- WE ONLY NEED TO ASK THEM.
ALL OF US AND PARTICULARLY WE WHO ARE PARENTS HAVE
WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER THE YOUTH OF TODAY HAVE ABSORBED SOME
OF THE TRADITIONS WITH WHICH WE ARE SO INDOCTRINATED. WELL
A FEW YEARS AGO IN NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF., OCEAN FRONT HOMES
WERE THREATENED BY AN ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDE & STORM GENERATED
HEAVY SURF. ALL THROUGH THE DAY & COLD WINTER NIGHT,
VOLUNTEERS WORKED FILLING & PILING SANDBAGS IN AN EFFORT TO
SAVE THESE HOMES.
PAGE 16
LOCAL TV STATIONS, AWARE OF THE DRAMA OF THE SITUATION,
COVERED THE STRUGGLE. IT WAS ABOUT 2 A.M. WHEN ONE NEWSCASTER
GRABBED A YOUNG FELLOW IN HIS TEENS, ATTIRED ONLY IN WET
TRUNKS. HE HAD BEEN WORKING ALL DAY & NIGHT - ONE OF
SEVERAL HUNDRED OF HIS AGE GROUP. NO, HE DID NOT LIVE IN
ONE OF THE HOMES THEY WERE TRYING TO SAVE. HE WAS COLD &
TIRED. THE NEWSCASTER WANTED TO KNOW WHY HE & HIS FRIENDS
WERE DOING THIS. THE ANSWER WAS SO POIGNANT BUT TELLS US
SOMETHING SO TRUE -- IT SHOULD BE PRINTED ON A BILLBOARD.
"WELL," HE SAID, "I GUESS, IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE EVER FELT
LIKE WE WERE NEEDED."
AMERICANS ARE NEEDED. THEY ARE NEEDED TO KEEP THIS
COUNTRY TRUE TO THE TRADITION OF VOLUNTARISM THAT HAS SERVED
US SO WELL. AND THEY ARE NEEDED TO KEEP AMERICA TRUE TO
HER VALUES. IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING WORLD WAR II WHEN A WAR
RAVAGED WORLD COULD HAVE SLIPPED BACK INTO THE DARK AGES,
POPE PIUS THE 12TH SAID: "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE A GENIUS
FOR GREAT & UNSELFISH DEEDS. INTO THE HANDS OF AMERICA GOD
HAS PLACED AN AFFLICTED MANKIND." LET THOSE WORDS BE TRUE
OF US TODAY. LET US GO FORTH FROM THIS CONFERENCE & SAY TO
THE PEOPLE: JOIN US IN HELPING AMERICANS HELP EACH OTHER.
###
(Parvin)
CARDS
October 2, 1981
WALLENBERG BILL SIGNING CEREMONY -- OCTOBER 5, 1981
--
Today I am signing a bill to make Raoul Wallenberg an
honorary citizen of the United States. But in making
him a U.S. citizen, truly we are the ones being honored.
Raoul Wallenberg is the Swedish savior of almost 100,000
Jewish men, women, and children. What he did, what he
accomplished is of biblical proportions.
--
Sir Winston Churchill, another man of force and fortitude,
is the only other person who has received honorary U.S.
citizenship. As John F. Kennedy said at that signing
ceremony, "Indifferent himself to danger, he wept over
the sorrows of others." That compassion also exemplifies
the man we gather for today.
:
In 1944, the United States requested Sweden's cooperation
in protecting the lives of Hungarian Jews facing extinction
at the hands of the Nazis. In the months that followed,
the U.S. supplied the funds and the directives, and
Raoul Wallenberg supplied the courage and the passion.
How can we comprehend the moral worth of a man who
saved tens of thousands of lives, including those of
Congressman and Mrs. Lantos?
HANDWRITING FILE
Page 2
In 1945, in violation of diplomatic immunity and
international law, he was seized by the Soviet Union;
THERE ISQUIDENCE THEY
today he is still imprisoned by the Soviets. But the
glow of his goodness cannot be darkened by the brutality
of the Soviet prison system. Wherever he is, his
humanity burns like a torch.
I heard someone once say that a man has made at least
a start on understanding the meaning of human life when
he plants shade trees under which he knows he will
never sit. Raoul Wallenberg is just such a man. He
nurtured the lives of those he never knew at the risk
of his own.
--
Then, just recently, I was told that in a special area
behind the Holocaust Memorial in Israel, Hungarian Jews
now living in Sweden planted 10,000 trees in Raoul's
honor. Mrs. Lagergren, Mr. von Dandel, we are going to
do everything in our power so that your brother can sit
beneath the shade of those trees and enjoy the respect
and love so many hold for him.