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Shirley Sagawa's Files
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey to Shirley Sagawa et al. re: Update
09/02/1999
P6/b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Shirley Sagawa
OA/Box Number: 17349
FOLDER TITLE:
Youth Development/Afterschool/Violence
2013-0124-S
rc1197
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA)
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA|
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA|
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA|
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Violent crime by youths declines
Data show blacks' rate off up to 50%; whites' also down
we're better off today than we have
By Ellen Sorokin
in crisis today," said Beverly Mar-
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
been in a long time," Mr. Snyder
shall, the institute's president.
explained.
The conference is being held at
The number of black youths ar-
Mr. Snyder said the numbers
Gallaudet University in Northeast.
rested for violent offenses nation-
have been the lowest since 1980,
According to the newly released
wide has dropped as much as 50
when police arrested 1,100 black
national statistics, police arrested
percent in the last six years, ac-
youths and 180 white teens.
580 black youths per 100,000 for
cording to statistics compiled by
The latest statistics were made
aggravated assault in 1998, a 27.5
the U.S. Department of Justice.
public yesterday at the first of the
percent decrease from 1994 when
Statistics show 1,050 black teens
two-day Black-On-Black Confer-
police arrested 800. Meanwhile,
in every 100,000 black juveniles
ence sponsored by the Institute for
police arrested 180 white youths
between the ages of 10 and 17 were
Social Justice Inc.
per 100,000 in 1998, compared to
arrested for some type of violent
Dozens of black activists and po-
220 in 1994.
offense in 1998, compared to 1,800
lice officials from throughout the
Statistics also show 390 black
in 1994.
country attended yesterday's se-
youths per 100,000 were arrested
"There has been a huge decline
ries of panel discussions, which fo-
for robbery in 1998, a 51 percent
in black arrests," said Howard
cused on finding solutions to crime
drop from 1994's rate of 800 per
Snyder, a researcher with the Of-
in black communities.
100,000. At the same time, 60 white
fice of Juvenile Justice. "The black
Currently, blacks are seven
youths per 100,000 were arrested,
communities that are working
times more likely to be homicide
down from a rate of 90 per 100,000
with kids are doing something
victims than whites and 94 percent
in 1994.
right."
of black victims are killed by other
The number of juveniles ar-
A decline was seen among white
blacks, according to institute offi-
rested on weapons violations and
teens.
cials.
murder charges also fell by as
Statistics show that arrest rates
In addition, black women are al-
much as 60 percent.
for white youths was 270 per
most twice as likely as white
The latest numbers drew praise
100,000 for violent crimes in 1998,
women to be victims of aggravated
from local activists and police offi-
compared with 320 in 1994.
assault, according to the institute.
cials who credit community out-
"These numbers show us that
"Many of our communities are
reach for the drop in youth arrests.
The Washington Times
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2000
Two Columbine students
fatally shot close to school
By Valerie Richardson
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
SUBWAY
LITTLETON, Colo. - Two Col-
umbine High School students were
found shot to death yesterday at a
sandwich shop a few blocks from
the school, bringing yet more grief
to a community best known as the
site of the worst school shooting in
U.S. history.
The victims, Nicholas Kunsel-
man, 15, and Stephanie Hart, 16,
6768
were discovered behind the coun-
ACCEPTING
ter at a Subway sandwich shop at
12:45 a.m. by an unidentified fe-
male employee who stopped to see
why the lights were still on. Inves-
tigators had no motive as of yester-
day evening but ruled out murder-
suicide, said Jefferson County
Denver Rocky Mountain News via AP
sheriff's spokesman Steve Davis.
Jefferson County sheriff's deputies enter the sandwich shop where two
Nicholas was working the clos-
Columbine High School students, a boy and girl, were fatally shot.
ing shift at Subway and Stephanie
was keeping him company. The
two were dating, said Courtney
carbon dioxide bombs, or "crick-
teacher before turning their guns
Scott, Stephanie's cousin, who left
ets," 27 pipe bombs, 11 11/2-gallon
on themselves.
flowers and balloons at the scene.
propane containers, seven incen-
The Subway deaths brought
The grim discovery came on the
diary devices with 40-plus gallons
fresh tears to a school that has en-
heels of a report in the Denver Post
of flammable liquid, and two
that Columbine gunmen Eric Har-
dured more than its share of trag-
duffel-bag bombs with 20-pound
edy. Columbine Principal Frank
ris and Dylan Klebold had planted
gas tanks. The gunmen placed
DeAngelis visited the crime scene
95 bombs, many more than orig-
some of the pipe bombs at a nearby
on West Coal Mine Avenue briefly
inally confirmed by authorities.
intersection, hoping the diversion
before school, but kept classes in
The shocking inventory led inves-
would distract police, but the de-
session. Several students could be
tigators to conclude that the April
vices failed to explode.
20 massacre that left 15 dead had
seen weeping outside the school as
Other explosives were found in-
the news spread, while dozens of
the potential to raze the school and
side and outside the school, in their
others placed flowers and memen-
kill hundreds of students and
parents' homes and in the killers'
tos outside the strip shopping mall.
teachers.
cars, which were found in the
Some teen-agers scrawled mes-
In a meeting with the governor's
school parking lot. Harris and
sages in chalk on the sidewalk out-
Columbine Review Commission,
Klebold planted propane bombs in
side Subway, including "Stop the
Littleton Fire Department chiefs
the school cafeteria at about 11
hate."
said Friday that the bombs mal-
a.m., about 30 minutes before they
Authorities said they had ob-
functioned because of a "very sim-
stormed the school.
tained a videotape from the store's
ple electronic failure," but refused
The cafeteria explosives had
surveillance camera but declined
to elaborate for fear that copycats
been set to detonate at 11:17 a.m.,
to elaborate on its contents. They
might avoid the mistakes made by
which would have created a fire-
were also searching for a white
Harris and Klebold.
ball that would have destroyed the
male in his early 20s wearing a red
"There was no doubt that they
lunchroom and second-floor li-
jacket who was seen leaving the
were trying to destroy the school,'
brary. The killers had then
store last night, but said he was
said Troy Eid, the governor's chief
planned to mow down students and
wanted for questioning and not
counsel. "The bombs were care-
faculty as they fled from the in-
necessarily because he was a sus-
fully placed to do the maximum
ferno.
pect.
amount of human damage."
Harris and Klebold ultimately
This article is based in part on
The deadly arsenal included 48
shot and killed 12 students and one
wire service reports.
The Washington Times
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2000
PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE:
CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP
January 28, 1999
"The new economy and new technologies are creating new opportunities for people who live nowhere near a
city or an interstate, for people with disabilities, for people who work at home. But until every American has a chance to
learn the skills that this new economy rewards, our work is not done."
President Bill Clinton
January 28,1999
Today at the White House, President Clinton will unveil his plan for closing America's skills gap and help
unemployed workers get back on their feet. The President's fiscal year 2000 budget includes a strategy to
close the skills gap by investing in adult education and family literacy, worker training, and an increased
commitment to help disadvantaged youth, reduce teen dropout rates, and help former dropouts complete
their high school degrees.
A Presidential Plan To Close The Skills Gap And Increase Employment. Last year, President Clinton
signed the Workforce Investment Act, transforming the job training system by streamlining services and
empowering workers with a simple skills grant so that they can choose the training they need. However,
more work needs to be done because America still faces a skills gap. To address this challenge, President
Clinton is announcing that his fiscal year 2000 budget includes a $965 million three-part initiative to address
the skills gap.
Improving The Quality Of Adult Education. One of the greatest barriers adults face in gaining
employment are poor reading and writing skills. The President's plan seeks to improve adult education and
family literacy by:
*
Expanding adult education grants so education centers can hire more teachers and invest in computers,
while challenging states and localities to raise the quality of their programs;
*
$70 million to expand access to high quality English language proficiency instruction;
*
$20 million to help develop technology for adult learners, including high quality software and advanced
research and development;
*
A new 10% tax credit for employers who establish certain workplace literacy programs;
*
New initiatives to implement adult education and lifelong learning strategies on the state and local level.
A Universal Re-Employment Initiative. The President's fiscal year 2000 budget makes a five-year
commitment to our nation's reformed job training system. Specifically, President Clinton proposes to put us
on a path that ensures that within five years: (1) all displaced workers will receive training if they need it; (2)
all workers who lost their job due to no fault of their own will get the re-employment services they need; and
(3) all Americans would have access to One-Stop Career Centers, including a nationwide toll-free
employment hotline, and job search information at Community-Based Organizations and mobile One-Stop
Career Centers.
Getting Disadvantaged Youth Into The Workforce. The unemployment rate among disadvantaged
youth, particularly minorities, remains much higher than the national average. To help address this problem
and fund promising approaches to increasing the educational attainment and employment rates of at-risk
youth, the President is proposing:
*
Increased funding for YouthBuild, a program that aids disadvantaged young adults with
education and employments skills;
New "Right-Track" partnerships to reduce the drop-out rate;
*
Doubling the GEAR-UP program, which helps mentor children and prepare them for college;
*
A New Regional Youth Employment Initiative to link the economic strategies of Empowerment
Zones and Enterprise Communities with the need to increase the employment of disadvantaged
youth;
*
An additional $65 million to prepare disadvantaged youth for success in college, including,
expanded outreach, counseling, and educational support, and a new initiative to help disadvantaged
students stay in college.
1. Forgotten Half called for
Increased investment in community schools, solid academic content and accountability in our
nation's high schools, ensuring that young people have affordable, accessible care (health,
transportation) and high quality instruction
2. 21st Century Community Learning Center Program
Has already benefited over 190,000 children in 800 schools in 46 states who are participating
in after school programs that provide them with enrichment activities, tutoring and
recreation; The President's 1/7/99 proposal will help roughly 1.1 million children participate
in these programs
3. Other community based youth initiatives
Supports more after-school, mentoring and conflict resolution programs (4/22)
FY2000 budget requested a new $10mill grant program to school districts to involve the
community in planning and designing new schools (1/11)
Reducing class size in early grades by hiring 100,000 well prepared teachers (1/29)
Connecting children to information age, more e-rate (11/23/98)
FY2000 includes a $965Mill three part initiative to address skills gap in job training ensuring
that all Americans get the skills they need. Consists of: (1) improving the quality of adult ed
[adult ed grants to hire more Ts, for adult ed to invest in computers; expand access to English
lang classes; $20mill to help develop tech for adult learners; 10%tax credit for employer who
establish workplace literacy programs]; (2) a universal re-employment initiative [ensure
displace workers get training, access to career center for all Americans]; (3) getting
disadvantaged youth into the workforce [increased funding for youthbuild, new partnerships
to reduce drop out rate, doubling of Gear Up Mentoring program, a regional youth
employment initiative; $65 mill to help disadvantaged youth prepare for successful college].
(1/28)
4. Number of Young people in college
Among 16-24 year olds those beginning a postsecondary ed program leading to a degree rose
by one third from 1983-96- 35.5 to 47.4% (forgotten half)
HOPE scholarships offer up to a $1,500 tax credit for students starting college.
Lifetime Learning Credits are geared to adults who want to go back to school, change careers
or upgrade skills. They grant up to a $1,000 tax credit for tuition and fees.
Pell Grants were increased (can't find more details thus far)
Gear Up Program gives young people mentors who help them get ready for college.
HEA lowered the interest rate on federal student loans.
PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE:
CLOSING THE LOOPHOLES IN OUR GUN LAWS
May 21, 1999
"There are too many loopholes in the gun control laws we have. Today's vote is a step toward closing
them."
Vice President Al Gore
May 20, 1999
At the White House, President Clinton and Vice President Gore expressed pleasure in Senate passage
yesterday of a number of important proposals the President made to keep guns out of the hands of
criminals and children. The measure that was passed requires background checks at gun shows,
mandates child safety locks for handguns, bans juvenile possession of assault rifles, and bars the
importation of large-capacity ammunition clips.
Making Progress with Common-Sense Gun Laws. President Clinton and Vice President Gore
commended the Senate for passing legislation yesterday which included a number of the President's most
important, common-sense gun control proposals. The legislation which was passed:
closes the gun show loophole by requiring background checks at gun shows;
mandates child safety locks for handguns;
bans juvenile possession of assault rifles; and
bars the importation of large-capacity ammunition clips.
These are significant accomplishments in this Administration's efforts to keep guns out of the hands of
criminals and juveniles.
Challenging Congress to Do Even More. The President challenges the House of Representatives to
pass additional common-sense gun laws and looks forward to working with Speaker Hastert, who has
stated his support for gun show legislation and new provisions to raise the age of handgun sales to 21.
Taking the Lead to Reduce Violence. The President continues to take the lead in pushing for legislation
and other actions to improve the safety of our children, including:
*
fighting for Congress to adopt his proposals to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and
children;
launching a national grassroots campaign on youth violence;
*
challenging the entertainment industry to curb youth exposure to violence; and
*
proposing a stronger Safe and Drug-Free Schools initiative to help schools prevent violence.
Page 1 of 4
From:
[email protected] [email protected]>
To:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
Date:
Tuesday, June 01, 1999 10:30 AM
Subject: HRC column 3/31/99
Forwarded by MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP on
06/01/99 10:29 AM
Noa A. Meyer
04/05/99 09:48:55 AM
Record Type: Record
To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: HRC column 3/31/99
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1999, AND THEREAFTER
During World War II, France's Vichy government asked Morocco's King
Mohammed V for a list of Jews to be handed over to the authorities. He
refused and called on all Muslims to stand together with their Jewish
brothers and sisters -- saying we aren't Jews or Arabs, only Moroccans.
As I've traveled in Morocco this week, I've witnessed many examples of how
this country continues to expand the circle of human dignity. And I've
imagined how life would be different in other parts of the world --
especially in Kosovo -- if all of the world's leaders worked for tolerance
and peace rather than divisiveness and war.
As the United States and its 18 NATO allies try to stop the ethnic
slaughter in Kosovo before it spreads and claims more innocent lives, it is
important to remember how the fighting in that region began.
The former Yugoslavia is home to many ethnic groups, standing as it does
at
the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The ingredients for
conflict have always been present, but for the most part, people of
different religions and ethnic groups have found ways to live together for
generations.
The current violence began 10 years ago, when the leader of Serbia,
Slobodan Milosevic, fanned the flames of ethnic division for his own
personal political advantage and exploited the consequences to wage war on
Page 2 of 4
his neighbors and his own citizens.
What we are seeing now in Kosovo, as was the case earlier in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, is nothing less than ethnic cleansing. Ethnic Albanian
refugees, most of whom are Muslims, are streaming by the tens of thousands
out of their homes, seeking refuge from the Serbian military and police
forces who, they report, are burning homes and entire villages, destroying
Albanian shops, separating men and boys from their families, executing them
in cold blood, and rounding up and murdering community leaders. Those who
are lucky enough to remain alive are told to leave Kosovo and never return
again.
Last year, I met a doctor who worked with the refugees of the violence in
Kosovo. She described what it was like to treat the displaced families as
they came down from the mountains, scared and sick with disease and
malnutrition. Even those who were not physically injured, she told me, bore
the psychological scars of what they had seen and experienced.
All this began long before NATO launched its air strikes against the
forces
involved in the repression of this largely defenseless people. It is now
clear that, while the Kosovars were engaged in peace negotiations in France
with representatives of the Serbian government, President Milosevic was
planning a campaign for the systematic destruction of Kosovo -- a plan that
he is now executing. Had NATO stood by and done nothing, there is no doubt
that he would not only have begun his current offensive, but he would have
continued with impunity until he killed or displaced most of the Albanian
population.
That is why my husband and our NATO allies are determined to persevere
until Milosevic has embraced peace or we have significantly limited his
ability to wage war.
Achieving a permanent peaceful solution to the tragedy in Kosovo will not
come without a price. But we must do whatever it takes to ensure that
ethnic
tensions are resolved by the force of argument, not the force of arms.
It is no easy task to expand the circle of dignity to all people. As we
have learned in the United States, and as I have seen in Morocco this week,
governments can enforce rights and create a fertile climate for tolerance,
but only individuals can decide whether to love or hate. Only individuals
can decide whether there will be genuine harmony between those of different
faiths, nationalities and ethnic groups.
In the last few days, I have asked some of the Moroccans I've met this
question: "How do your children learn tolerance?" In each case, I've
received the same answer: Children learn tolerance in their homes. They
learn it in their schools. They learn it in their places of worship. And
they learn it in their communities every time they see adults who refuse to
stereotype or degrade other human beings.
It is time to learn this lesson and to teach our children to be tolerant
and respectful of all people, to follow leaders who work for peace, and to
make sure that the circle of human dignity is finally wide enough to
include
everyone.
To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns,
Page 1 of 4
From: [email protected][email protected]>
To:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
Date:
Tuesday, June 01, 1999 10:32 AM
Subject: HRC column 5/5/99
Forwarded by MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP on
06/01/99 10:31 AM
Noa A. Meyer
05/05/99 09:00:12 AM
Record Type: Record
To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: HRC column 5/5/99
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1999, AND THEREAFTER
"I'm writing because the faces on the news of the frightened children
fleeing the war in Kosovo are haunting," begins a letter to the White House
from Port Jervis, N.Y. "Our country MUST help these people, and soon."
Here are some of the other letters the President and I have received about
the refugees from Kosovo:
A woman in Pleasanton, Calif., wrote: "Can you tell me what it takes for a
community (like my church) to sponsor a family from Kosovo? I can only
imagine what it must be like for a family with nothing left, in the cold,
hungry and forced to go to a country where they are unfamiliar with the
culture and have no human ties. We can make it better for at least one
family."
This from Sandy, Utah: "We have two extra bedrooms in our home and are
willing to help house a refugee family. We support what you are doing and
want to help in any way we can."
And finally, one from San Diego: "On behalf of my family, I would like to
extend an invitation to host a family from Kosovo. We have been watching
the
news almost around the clock and feel compelled to help in some capacity.
Macedonia has been sending refugees to homes inside their country, and we
would like to provide the same. We believe that humanitarian efforts must
Page 2 of 4
start with the individual. We are hoping that other households will help in
the same manner."
These letters represent just a fraction of the outpouring of support for
the refugees that has come to the White House, and they remind me of one
reason I'm proud to be an American: Whenever and wherever people are in
need, Americans stand ready to help.
This week, I traveled to Fort Dix in New Jersey, to represent the
President
and the people of the United States in welcoming the first group of Kosovar
refugees from Macedonia arriving in our country. Like hundreds of thousands
of others, they've witnessed appalling atrocities.
In Djakovica, in Kosovo, 19 people -- members of three families -- who
were
hiding in the basement of a house were discovered by Serbian authorities.
All were shot, and the house was burned. Bodies littered the streets of
Meja, where the killing of scores of men was reported several days ago. One
woman said, "I have seen so much horror, I just close my eyes."
Everywhere, refugees search for lost loved ones. One desperate, young
couple frantically sought news of their 17-day-old infant, left behind in
the intensive care unit of a local hospital when Serb forces drove them
from
their home. The plight of a 10-year-old girl, who is caring for her infant
brother while authorities try to locate their parents, is not unusual.
In one 24-hour period earlier this week, more than 11,600 Kosovars arrived
in Macedonia, bringing to nearly 700,000 the number of refugees and
displaced persons who have fled the terror that Slobodan Milosevic and his
regime have inflicted on the ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The burden
on the refugee camps in the area is overwhelming, and many countries have
responded by agreeing to house those who are most vulnerable or have family
members to welcome them.
Some of those coming to the United States have relatives anxiously
awaiting
their arrival. Families, churches and agencies around the country will
sponsor housing for others. Literally tens of thousands of Americans have
offered help of some kind. Here's what you can do:
Because of the cost of transporting, storing and distributing unsolicited
goods, clothing and services, relief agencies prefer monetary donations.
For
a list of those accepting contributions, you can call this toll-free
number:
1-800-USAID-RELIEF
(1-800-872-4373). Since this hot line was set up on April 6, operators have
fielded 43,631 calls. You can also get the list at this web site:
www.interaction.org
If you have relatives in the camps in Albania and Macedonia and you want
to
bring them to this country -- or for information about local refugee
resettlement agencies in your area -- you can call this toll-free number:
1-800-727-4420 or e-mail [email protected].
Every offer of help is an offer of hope. The people of America are sending
Page 3 of 4
the people of Kosovo a very strong message: You are not abandoned. You are
not forgotten. Slobodan Milosevic has not succeeded in erasing your
identity
from the pages of history, and he will not succeed in erasing your presence
from the land of your parents and grandparents.
We can provide temporary help, but we know that what the refugees want and
need most is to be able to return to their homeland. That goal is the
reason
the United States and its NATO allies remain committed to the mission they
have undertaken.
To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns,
visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com
COPYRIGHT 1999 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Message Sent
To:
Victoria L. Valentine/WHO/EOP@EOP
Whitney R. Williams/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Jennifer H. Smith/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eric W. Woodard/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jennifer M. Luray/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kelley L. O'Dell/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kathleen W. Casey/WHO/EOP@EOP
Lowell A. Weiss/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jeffrey A. Shesol/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jordan Tamagni/WHO/EOP@EOP
Toby C. Graff/WHO/EOP@EOP
MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP@EOP
Joshua S. Gottheimer/WHO/EOP@EOF
Shirley S. Sagawa/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eugenie Bisulco/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Heather M. Riley/WHO/EOP@EOP
Maureen T. Shea/WHO/EOP@EOP
Margaret L. Buford/WHO/EOP@EOP
Katherine D. Kincaid/WHO/EOP@EOP
Laura E. Schiller/WHO/EOP@EOP
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Neera Tanden/WHO/EOP@EOP
Laura D. Schwartz/WHO/EOP@EOP
Huma M. Abedin/WHO/EOP@EOP
Page 1 of 5
From:
[email protected]<[email protected]
To:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
Date:
Tuesday, June 01, 1999 10:32 AM
Subject: HRC column 5/19/99
Forwarded by MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP on
06/01/99 10:31 AM
Noa A. Meyer
05/19/99 09:04:54 AM
Record Type: Record
To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: HRC column 5/19/99
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1999, AND THEREAFTER
Their faces may no longer appear on the front pages of our newspapers and
magazines, but there are still nearly 750,000 Kosovar Albanians unable to
return to their homes because of the ruthless determination of Serbian
President Slobodan Milosevic. Nearly 250,000 are in Macedonia alone.
Last week, I traveled to Macedonia to visit the Stenkovac I refugee camp,
located outside Skopje in a region of lush, green hills dotted with small
farms. Thousands of tents -- in rows as far as the eye can see -- cover a
dusty expanse about the size of 80 football fields. As many as 31,000
refugees -- most of them children -- have crowded into the camp in the last
six weeks.
It was a hot, dry day when I arrived at Stenkovac to meet some of the men,
women and children who have made this tent city their temporary home. Most
were separated from a family member in the crush to get out of Kosovo
alive,
and everyone is surviving on the hope that one day soon they will return to
their villages and be reunited with their loved ones.
A 63-year-old woman told me she doesn't know where her daughter and
grandchildren are. They were with the daughter's in-laws when Serb police
stormed the house, held guns to their throats and ordered them to leave.
One of the men I met cried when he remembered the funeral of a friend in
his village: Serb police surrounded the mourners as they stood at the
Page 2 of 5
grave,
threatening to kill them all. Then, they stripped the Albanians of their
money and valuables and drove them away.
I also spoke with a man who, in fluent English, told me that his wife and
children were visiting her father when the Serbs arrived, forcing him to
flee without them. Six weeks later, he is still trying to find them.
I will never forget the last story I heard that day. A woman described the
crush of refugees being herded onto trains to leave Kosovo. She held
tightly
to the hand of her oldest daughter who, in turn, held onto the younger
children. Horrified, she felt her daughter's hand slip away. Forced by the
authorities to board a train, she realized that her girls and her husband,
who was trying to find them, were lost. Today, she, too, lives without any
word of where they are or even whether they are still alive.
For 10 years, Milosevic has oppressed the Albanian population in Kosovo.
First, they were forbidden to go to the theater or sporting events, and
their schools were closed. Then, block by block, Milosevic began ordering
families out of their homes, until he was expelling Kosovar Albanians in
the
massive numbers we have witnessed in the last two months.
Once, these people lived in their own homes. Parents worked, and children
went to schools. Today, they huddle in crowded tents. They wait in line for
food -- bread, canned fish, cheese, juice and milk. They wait in line to
use
portable toilets and phones, and to get word of missing loved ones.
And these are the lucky ones.
Although the conditions they live in are unimaginable to most of us, they
have food and rudimentary shelter. A remarkable assemblage of some 20
relief
organizations, led by Catholic Relief Services and under the authority of
the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, runs the Stenkovac I camp,
providing care for the children, medical treatment and social services.
There are two UNICEF schools and a youth center run by an Israeli
organization, where children of all ages can enjoy arts, crafts, games and
music. The German Red Cross has opened a hospital. Medical teams have
arrived from France and as far away as Taiwan. The International Rescue
Committee, an American group, is trying to reunite families. And many of
the
refugees themselves are volunteering their services around the camp.
Every single person I met at Stenkovac has one thing in common: Each one
wants to go home. And, despite the horrors they have endured, they all told
me how grateful they are to the United States and the NATO allies for
standing up to Slobodan Milosevic. As the refugees told me their stories,
their eyes filled with tears, just as their hearts are filled with hope.
Veton Sylejmani, who came to this country with his wife and 7-month-old
son, Albert, summed it up best at the White House this week when he said,
"I
don't know what else to say except God bless America."
We cannot let these people down. We must tell and retell their stories,
because there is no more powerful argument for why the United States and
Page 3 of 5
our
NATO allies are in Kosovo. There is no more powerful justification for why
we will not give up until the evils perpetrated by Milosevic have ended and
these refugees are once again living in their own homes in peace and
security.
***
If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the refugee
effort, you can call 1-800-USAID-RELIEF (1-800-872-4373) for a list of
agencies. For information on helping to bring refugees to this country, the
number is 1-800-727-4420.
To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns,
visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com
COPYRIGHT 1999 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Message Sent
To:
Melissa J. Prober/WHO/EOP@EOP
Cheryl D. Mills/WHO/EOP@EOP
Victoria L. Valentine/WHO/EOP@EOP
Whitney R. Williams/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Jennifer H. Smith/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eric W. Woodard/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jennifer M. Luray/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kelley L. O'Dell/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kathleen W. Casey/WHO/EOP@EOP
Lowell A. Weiss/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jeffrey A. Shesol/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jordan Tamagni/WHO/EOP@EOP
Toby C. Graff/WHO/EOP@EOP
MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP@EOP
Joshua S. Gottheimer/WHO/EOP@EOF
Shirley S. Sagawa/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eugenie Bisulco/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Heather M. Riley/WHO/EOP@EOP
Maureen T. Shea/WHO/EOP@EOP
Margaret L. Buford/WHO/EOP@EOP
Katherine D. Kincaid/WHO/EOP@EOP
Laura E. Schiller/WHO/EOP@EOP
Christine N. Macy/WHO/EOP@EOP
Neera Tanden/WHO/EOP@EOP
<html>
<head>
<title>First Lady's Speeches:
Remarks on Kosovo Relief Effort by First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton</title> </head>
<body bgcolor="#ffffff">
<blockquote>
<center>
Remarks on Kosovo Relief Effort<br>
by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton<br>
</h3>
Dover Air Force Base<br>
Dover, Delaware<br>
April 9, 1999
</center>
<p>
Thank you very much, General McDuffie. I am honored to be here and to
have a chance to see in action just a brief snapshot of what youre doing
on behalf of this mission. Im pleased to be joined here with those who
support our military men and women and their families, and in particular,
this base. I want to thank Governor and Mrs. Carper for joining us. I
want to thank Congressman Castle. And I particularly want to thank
Senator Biden. Because what he said today needs to be said over and over
again to remind us why were doing what were doing and why each of you is
an integral part of fulfilling Americas mission of leadership at this
point in the worlds history.
<p>
Im very grateful for all of the military personnel and the leadership who
have pulled together the humanitarian side of this mission. We know very
well that there are a lot of men and women who are supporting the bombing
and are actually making those flights, and we want to think and pause for
a minute to make sure we remember them and their families as well.
<p>
General McDuffie and General Handy have worked very hard on the military
side to make sure the logistics are handled as well as they can be. And
Brian Atwood, the Administrator of USAID, brings his considerable
experience to bear on making sure the work you do here actually gets
delivered and makes a difference in the lives of the men, women, and
children we are trying to help.
<p>
But none of this would be possible -- none of the planning, none of the
effort if it werent for the men and women on this base. So let me
thank Colonel Grieder and the entire Eagle Wing and Liberty Wing for all
youre doing to bring the food that I saw being flown in to the people of
Kosovo. Your contribution represents almost half of the 1.1 million HDRs
that we are providing now. Theres no way these people we are trying to
help could get a meal because there are no cooking facilities where
theyre being temporarily placed, were it not for these HDRs. So every
time you package one up and load it on a pallet and put it on an
aircraft, I hope youll have in mind the pictures and the faces that I do
of the people who are going to be on the other end and receive this gift
of the American people that youre making possible.
<p>
You know, I went to Bosnia shortly after the peace accords were signed,
when it was safe enough to go to our base in Tuzla, but not very safe to
go anywhere else. I couldnt get in to Sarajevo. But I was able to fly
out of Tuzla into two base camps -- Camp Alicia and Camp Bedrock -- to
visit with the men and women who were there on the front lines of
Americas peace-keeping efforts. And I also had an opportunity to visit
with some of the people, principally women, who had survived that first
of Milosevics attempts to bring to bear the full weight of his
dictatorial powers -- his use of propaganda, disinformation, the stirring
up of ethnic and religious hatred -- for his own personal, political,
partisan advantage. And I remember sitting in a room in Tuzla talking
with a group of Bosnians. There were Serbs and Croats and Muslims. I
couldnt tell who was who based on my observation of them. I listened to
them explain to me how it came to be that all of a sudden, neighbor was
turned against neighbor, and paramilitary units were given free reign to
round up men and boys and put them in camps and summarily execute them.
Or to rape women. Or to turn children into orphans. And one of the
people with whom I was speaking said, You know, when it started in my
village, I went to one of my neighbors and I said, Why is this
happening? Weve known each other, weve known our families so long. Weve
been at each others weddings; weve attended the funerals of our loved
ones. Why is this happening? And the response that I was given, she
told me, is from the voice of an old friend: Well, we were told that if
we didnt do this to you, you would do it to us. And the woman said, Well,
who told you that? And the answer was, Well, we read it in a newspaper
or we heard it on the radio. It was the message of hatred, it was the
message of ethnic cleansing, that Milosevic and his allies were putting
out in order to turn Bosnia into a killing field.
<p>
Now what we saw happen in Bosnia was part of a larger plan on the part of
Milosevic. And this is a continuation of the plan. It didnt just start
a few weeks ago. And these refugees, although they are now coming out in
the tens of thousands, they were coming out in smaller numbers on a
regular basis over the last year. Last Spring, I met in the White House
with a woman who is a pediatrician from Pristina, the capital of Kosova.
And she sat and detailed to me what it meant for her to be taking care of
the women and children who are being driven into the mountains, who are
fleeing before the Serb paramilitary units. She didnt have the medicine
to take care of them. They were dehydrated. They were contracting
diseases. She came to me to tell me what was going on firsthand, and
this was a year ago. And so diplomacy was tried; interventions were
tried; common sense, appeals to humanity were tried. In every way we
knew how to try to talk to a person who wasnt interested in hearing about
the suffering of women and children, but only interested in his own
perverted view of what was a political strategy to keep himself and his
allies in power.
<p>
So the peace efforts were not sufficient. And you know, you learn early
enough in life that sometimes after you try everything you know, whether
you like it or not, you have to use force to try to bring across a
message, and to try to make it clear that you will not tolerate
unacceptable behavior and actions that strike at the very core of what it
means to be a human being.
<p>
So I wanted to come to thank those of you who are on the front lines of
fulfilling the need that we as Americans and as members of the NATO
alliance feel to send that message as forcefully as we possibly can, but
to fulfill also, because of our values, the role of providing
humanitarian relief to those who have been driven out of their homes. I
know that this has been added to your other regular duties. Many of you
have put in enormous extra hours of work in order to make sure that this
mission can be accomplished. Many of you even gave up your Easter
weekend to come in and do the work that needed to be done. A couple of
the people I spoke with earlier told me that it wasnt even hard to get
you to do that. It just took a phone call and you were on your way.
<p>
When you think about it, there would hardly be a more relevant way of
fulfilling the meaning of Easter than trying to turn darkness and despair
into hope and renewal. And that is what you are making possible.
<p>
I sometimes try -- when I visit places where terrible atrocities have
occurred, where people have seemed to have lost all sense of empathy or
compassion with their fellow human beings -- I try to imagine, as hard as
it is for Americans to do that, I try to imagine what it would be like if
something this terrible were to happen here. Instead of the people I
dont know whose faces I see on the television screen, I try to
superimpose the faces of people I do know and love, and imagine them
being forced out of their homes and villages. Imagine them being pushed
at gunpoint to walk into the hills without their belongings or their
identity papers. Imagine children that I love and spend time with having
to endure sub-freezing temperatures, rain, and even snow. And then I
think about all of my friends huddled together in a no mans land, unable
to go back home and unable to go forward into a place of refuge and safety.
<p>
If you think about it that way, then its easier to understand that, as
blessed as we are here in our country, there are countless people who
dont share those blessings and look to us for the very simplest gift,
right now, of survival. And when I met the men and women that I shook
hands with and thanked, who were loading the HDRs and securing the
pallets and getting them on the tonners and getting them into the bellies
and I was able to say thank you, I could imagine this human chain from
hand to hand to hand here at Dover to our personnel who will be unloading
and then distributing this food. And it is such a strong statement
against what we are standing up to fight.
<p>
You are also representing countless other Americans -- the relief
workers, other members of the military, ordinary citizens -- who want to
lend a helping hand as well. The United States has already committed
$150 million to this humanitarian operation, and we will stand by the
Kosovar refugees until they can once again rebuild their own lives in
security. Just this morning the President reiterated that the United
States will not accept as permanent the results of this ethnic cleansing,
not when a quarter of Kosovos people are living in refugee camps beyond
Kosovos borders. And not when hundreds of thousands more are trapped
inside, afraid to go home but unable to leave. This gift from the people
of the United States of America, which is emblazoned on the side of every
box and on every HDR, is the way we can fulfill our own values and reach
out across this vast ocean to try to alleviate the plight of these refugees.
<p>
I know that many Americans are responding. Ive been checking on the
results of the contacts that have been made at the White House. Weve
received countless calls, letters and e-mails from people who want to
know how they can help. A woman from Indiana wrote the White House
saying, Ive watched the refugees on television all evening and Im deeply
concerned. Is there anything the mothers of this country can do to
assist the mothers who have been displaced? A veteran from Ohio wrote, I
spent 25 years helping to defeat the Soviet Union. What can I do now to
help the suffering of the refugees? And a group of junior high students
from Minnesota wrote, We all feel it is horrible what is going on in
Kosovo and we want to help the people who have no food and made it past
the border. But I especially like what a woman from Florida wrote when
she said, Tonight I will close my eyes haunted by the image of the
refugees fleeing, the looks in the eyes of the children and the elderly.
We are so blessed in our beloved country and I really believe the
majority of American folks would like to help these folks in some way but
really dont know how.
<p>
Well, I want Americans to know that you are helping. The relief efforts
that our military and relief agencies are doing is an extension of all of
us as Americans. But there are ways that individuals, who arent members
of our Armed Forces or arent a member of a relief agency, can help as
well. Theres a toll free number that you can call: 1-800-USAID-RELIEF.
Already more than 22,000 people have called. And right after this I will
be filming a PSA to give more Americans this number so that they can call
as well. That is the way to not only help the Kosovar refugees, but to
thank the men and women of this Dover team for what you are doing.
<p>
You know, I mentioned being in Bosnia and talking to the victims of
Milosevics initial effort to dominate other people and to ethnically
cleanse land that he believes should be off limits to them. That made a
very big impression on me, but probably an even bigger impression came
when I looked into the faces of the men and women in our military who are
on the front lines keeping the peace there in Bosnia. I had the same
feeling today when I met the members of the Dover team. You know, you go
down a line of Americans and you shake hands and somebody says, Im from
Pennsylvania; and somebody else says, Im from Oklahoma; and somebody else
says, Im from Hawaii. And you look into faces that are every shape and
color from the whitest white to the darkest black and everything in
between, and you hear different accents of people who grew up in the city
and grew up in the country, grew up in the north, grew up in the south.
And theyre all Americans, and theyre all part of this Dover team, and
theyre all part of the United States military.
<p>
When I was shaking hands today, just like when I was shaking hands in
Bosnia, I couldnt tell you who among those I shook hands with was a
Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew. I couldnt tell you what their political
beliefs were, what their personal experiences were, because thats what
weve worked so hard to overcome in our country. Weve made a lot of
progress. We have some problems, but year after year, decade after
decade, weve tried to fulfill our ideals and values. And here at the end
of this century we are the only remaining superpower. And we are not
just because of our military mind, and not just because of the stock
market going over 10,000. As important as those are, we are because of
what we are inside and what we believe. And so every day when you come
to work here, youre not only doing whats important to be done on this
mission and all the others you are assigned, you are in small ways and
large representing what is best in this country. And you are also
representing what we are fighting to make possible for other people: that
every man, woman, and child can live up to their own God-given dreams and
potential. Thank you for making it possible for these desperate people
to have a belief that there is a tomorrow and that they will be able to
see once again their own dreams.
<p>
Thank you very much.
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Page 1 of 4
From: [email protected] [email protected].
To:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
Date:
Tuesday, June 01, 1999 10:31 AM
Subject: HRC Column 4/7/99
Forwarded by MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP on
06/01/99 10:29 AM
Noa A. Meyer
04/07/99 09:26:31 AM
Record Type: Record
To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: HRC Column 4/7/99
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 1999, AND THEREAFTER
Like many people around the world, I have been haunted in recent days by
the images of ethnic Albanians driven from their homes by Slobodan
Milosevic. Taking place half a world away, their stories can sometimes feel
remote. Tragically, though, they are all too real.
Last week, I wrote about a doctor who has treated refugees in Pristina,
the
capital of Kosovo, for the last year. Imagine the combination of relief and
horror among members of my staff when they saw that doctor, Vjosa Dobruna,
being interviewed on television. This dignified and passionate woman, who
shared tea with me at the White House last spring, is now herself a
refugee.
After a friend of hers, a famous human rights activist, was taken from his
house, Dr. Dobruna went into hiding for seven days. "I slept in different
houses," she explained. When she tried to go back to her apartment, she
encountered police, who beat her driver and forced her to leave Pristina.
Dr. Dobruna laments the deplorable conditions the refugees face. "It's a
catastrophe," she says as she tells the story of a 17-day-old baby who died
in her arms.
We've heard similar stories from other victims of Milosevic's ethnic
cleansing. In the 14 months since he undertook his campaign, more than
800,000 -- one out of three ethnic Albanians in Kosovo -- have been
Page 2 of 4
displaced from their homes. The conditions facing these people are
horrific.
Many have walked miles from their towns and villages, forced at gunpoint
to
leave without belongings or identity papers. They have endured subfreezing
temperatures, rain and snow. Thousands are trapped in a "no man's land"
around the Macedonian border, without food, water or sanitary facilities.
One doctor, who had worked for an international aid agency, reported that
he and his children had been without food for four days and he didn't know
how long they could hold out.
Another refugee said, "My child has been sleeping in the rain for four
nights. Last night, I had to force him to wake up because his body was too
cold, and he had to move to get warm. The blankets got wet, and there was
nowhere to dry them, and our clothes were soaked as well."
Those who have escaped may be the lucky ones. Reports out of Pristina
describe Serb soldiers and police herding Albanians into the center of the
city and lobbing shells at them. And men have been separated from their
families and are being held in factories, stadiums and other locations
within the country.
One refugee said, "They had snipers who shot at us. They killed one of our
neighbors, an old man, 70 years old, and a girl, 16, and a little boy who
was only 5."
A housewife recalled with horror: "They were killing the children. They
were killing the men. They were burning our houses and stealing everything
in them -- TVs, furniture, everything. They took money and jewelry from the
women. They came with guns into houses where we were hiding and ordered us
to get out, and they were holding knives to our children's throats."
As is always the case in these situations, the American people have
responded to the plight of the Kosovar refugees. As they've seen the
all-too-vivid pictures and heard the devastating stories, they have reacted
with customary generosity. Here at the White House, we've had countless
calls offering contributions of money, supplies and services. Many have
even
said they would take refugees into their homes and adopt children orphaned
by the fighting.
Before this latest Serbian offensive began, the United States had
committed
$100 million in humanitarian assistance and sent in enough food to supply
half a million people for three months. Now, the President has committed
another $50 million to the operation and announced the creation of a
special
coordinating committee for the relief effort as well as plans to accept up
to 20,000 refugees on a temporary basis.
When individuals in this country or around the world ask what they can do
to help, there is one single answer: The most important thing is to reach
deep into their pockets and contribute whatever they can to the relief
organizations that are working to provide food, shelter, clothing and
medical care to the refugees.
I hope that people all over the world will look for ways to help victims
of
Page 3 of 4
this vicious aggression. If you would like to make a contribution, there is
a toll-free number you can call for information: 1-800-USAID RELIEF, or
1-800-872-4373. Or if you have access to the Internet, you can go to
USAID's
web site at www.info.usaid.gov.
It's time for us all to find ways to stand up against this terrible
reminder of the violence and hatred that have marked too much of this
century.
To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns,
visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com
COPYRIGHT 1999 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Message Sent
To:
Victoria L. Valentine/WHO/EOP@EOP
Whitney R. Williams/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Jennifer H. Smith/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eric W. Woodard/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jennifer M. Luray/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kelley L. O'Dell/WHO/EOP@EOP
Leela deSouza/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kathleen W. Casey/WHO/EOP@EOP
Lowell A. Weiss/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jeffrey A. Shesol/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jordan Tamagni/WHO/EOP@EOP
Toby C. Graff/WHO/EOP@EOP
MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP@EOP
Joshua S. Gottheimer/WHO/EOP@EOF
Shirley S. Sagawa/WHO/EOP@EOP
Eugenie Bisulco/WHO/EOP@EOP
[email protected]
Heather M. Riley/WHO/EOP@EOP
Maureen T. Shea/WHO/EOP@EOP
Margaret L. Buford/WHO/EOP@EOP
Katherine D. Kincaid/WHO/EOP@EOP
Laura E. Schiller/WHO/EOP@EOP
Christine N. Macy/WHO/EOP@EOP
Neera Tanden/WHO/EOP@EOP
Laura D. Schwartz/WHO/EOP@EOP
Huma M. Abedin/WHO/EOP@EOP
Ellen M. Lovell/WHO/EOP@EOP
Kim B. Widdess/WHO/EOP@EOP
Page 1 of 4
From: [email protected]<[email protected]>
To:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
Date:
Tuesday, June 01, 1999 10:31 AM
Subject: HRC column 4/15/99
Forwarded by MaryEllen C. McGuire/WHO/EOP on
06/01/99 10:30 AM
Noa A. Meyer
04/14/99 08:00:45 PM
Record Type: Record
To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: HRC column 4/15/99
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1999, AND THEREAFTER
"Fifty-four years ago, to the day, a young Jewish boy from a small town in
the Carpathian Mountains woke up in a place of eternal infamy called
Buchenwald. He was finally free, but there was no joy in his heart. He
thought there never would be again."
So began the remarks of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner
Elie Wiesel at the Seventh Millennium Evening at the White House Monday
night, "The Perils of Indifference: Lessons Learned From a Violent
Century."
He went on to describe his reaction to the U.S. troops who freed him from
the horrors of the concentration camp: "Liberated a day earlier by American
soldiers, he remembers their rage at what they saw. And even if he lives to
be a very old man, he will always be grateful to them for that rage and
also
for their compassion. Though he did not understand their language, their
eyes told him what he needed to know: that they too would remember and bear
witness."
I asked Elie Wiesel to participate in a Millennium lecture more than a
year
ago. I never could have imagined then that, this week, as people all over
the world mark Yom Hashoah -- the day set aside to remember the Holocaust
Page 2 of 4
we would be seeing children in Kosovo crowded onto trains, separated from
their homes and families, and robbed of their childhoods.
How could this be happening again?
The Millennium lecture series is intended to offer us an opportunity to
look back on our past and use it as a guide when imagining the future. Our
previous evenings have been celebrations of American history, culture and
scientific discoveries.
But in order to honor the past, we must learn from it. We must look not
just at our noblest achievements but also at our greatest failings. When we
choose the path of indifference, we ignore the lessons of the past.
Elie Wiesel understands the horrors that spring from indifference, and he
has dedicated his life to bearing witness to them, lest they be repeated.
Indifference can be tempting, he warns, even seductive. He senses our
reticence and our hesitation: "It can be much easier to look away from
victims, to avoid such rude interruptions to our work, our dreams, our
hopes. It is, after all, awkward, troublesome, to be involved in another's
pain and despair."
But, he explains, "Indifference is always the friend of the enemy. For it
benefits the aggressor, never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he
feels forgotten. The political prisoners in their cells, the hungry
children, the homeless refugees -- not to respond to their plight, not to
relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them
from human memory. And in denying their humanity, we betray our own.
Indifference, then, is not only sin but also punishment."
In 1999, it isn't enough to refuse to commit crimes against humanity. It
isn't enough to look deep into our hearts and say we find them free of
hatred. We have to do more. Every time we let a religious or racial slur go
unchallenged, or an indignity go unanswered, we are making a choice to be
indifferent. We are making a choice to ignore history -- a choice that
punishes not just us but our children as well.
This is why we are in Kosovo.
If we choose indifference when we see people forced from their homes at
gunpoint and loaded onto train cars, we punish not just them but ourselves.
If we choose indifference when we see their identity papers confiscated,
their very presence blotted from the historical record, we become the
friend
of the enemy.
The President knows that any military action we take cannot put an end to
ancient grudges or heal freshly opened wounds overnight. But our action can
make it more likely that people will resolve their differences by force of
argument rather than by force of arms and, in so doing, will learn to live
together.
When Elie Wiesel accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, he remembered many years
before asking his father how the world could have remained silent. And he
imagined that same young boy asking him today, "What have you done with my
future? What have you done with your life?" I would tell him, Elie says,
that I have tried to keep memory alive and that I have tried to fight those
who would forget.
This is what Elie Wiesel has done. He has taught us never to forget. He
has
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made us listen to the victims of hatred and evil. He has helped us
understand the perils of indifference.
To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns,
visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com
COPYRIGHT 1999 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Office of the Press Secretary
http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/New/html/19990427-3887.html
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 27, 1999
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND THE FIRST LADY
ON GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION
Presidential Hall
1:15 P.M. EDT
MRS. CLINTON: Thank you. Please be seated and good afternoon. It's an honor to join the
President in welcoming all of you to the White House this afternoon. We are especially
honored to be joined by a very large number of senators and representatives from both
parties who are here on the stage for this event.
Also, Secretary Rubin and Attorney General Reno, Secretary Riley, Deputy Attorney
General Eric Holder, Under Secretary of the Treasury Jim Johnson. And you will hear in
just a few minutes from Senator Feinstein, Senator Chafee, Representative Conyers,
Representative McCarthy. Also in the audience is Mayor Paul Helmke from Fort Wayne,
Indiana, and Bob Walker, President of Handgun Control, Inc.
We have come together in the wake of a terrible tragedy that has put our entire nation in
mourning, and that has reminded all of us once again that everything in life pales in
comparison to our ability to keep our children safe and out of harm's way. Today, our
thoughts and prayers remain with the families and friends and the citizens of Littleton, as
they bid emotional farewells to their beloved children and a dedicated teacher.
Yet, even in the midst of this terrible tragedy, we also see the people of Littleton pulling
together to pray and comfort and sustain each other. And many of the rest of us are
gathering strength and hope from their example.
There are many people here today, out in the audience and on this stage, who have worked
tirelessly to create the safe schools and communities that we all want for our children. I
particularly want to thank Attorney General Reno and Secretary of Education Dick Riley
and Secretary Bob Rubin, because they have worked together, tirelessly, to try to create
better conditions to provide for the safety of our children. I also want to thank all the
members of Congress who are here who have proved that ending the violence and limiting
access to firearms can be, and should be, a bipartisan goal.
There are many others in this room who are on the frontlines in creating safer communities
-- religious groups, advocates for gun control, victims groups, child advocates, law
enforcement, community and parent organizations -- and we thank you all for coming. You
represent, literally, thousands, if not millions, of your fellow Americans.
All of us here are searching for answers to what happened in Littleton. I don't know that
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anyone will ever be able to explain fully the events of a week ago. Nor, I doubt, can we
create a perfect set of solutions that, if followed, would have prevented what happened at
Columbine High School, or would stop forever acts of violence that occur in our
communities around our country. But that does not mean that we are either hopeless or
helpless in the face of this tragedy. Instead, we have to work together to come up with the
best possible solutions that we can craft, that we believe will make a difference for our
children.
We come here to say simply that there are some tough things we must be willing to say, and
some tough steps we must be willing to take if we are to stop the violence.
Now, I hope that everyone does know that the vast majority of America's schools are safe.
But we also know that these schools in our country are not islands cut off from the rest of
society. No school security system or metal detector can keep out the culture of violence
that dominates the lives of so many of our children.
When our culture romanticizes and glorifies violence on TV, in the movies, on the Internet,
in songs, and when there are video games that you win based on how many people you kill,
then I think the evidence is absolutely clear -- our children become desensitized to violence
and lose their empathy for fellow human beings. Studies show what many of us have
believed, that such exposure causes more aggression and anti-social behavior.
So, today, we must fully acknowledge, once and for all, that America's culture of violence is
having a profound effect on our children, and we must resolve to do what we can to change
that culture.
It will take strong leadership. I remember well when the President convened a 1996 White
House Conference on Children's Television, where television industry leaders joined him in
agreeing to air more educational children shows, and also to work with the administration to
establish a rating system to help parents navigate what's appropriate and what's not for their
kids. And soon we will have the V-chip available for every home in our country.
But it will take more than strong leadership from the media and entertainment world to stop
the culture of violence that surrounds our children. Kids need more caring, responsible
adults in their lives. Yet, when single parenthood and two working parents are on the rise,
too many of America's children are growing up alone. Parents are the central figures in their
children's lives, but parents need help. They need help from the larger community, and that
means all of us -- teachers, police, counselors, community and religious leaders, elected
officials -- all of us have to help parents find the help they need. And we have to work
together to keep our children and our communities safe.
We also know that we have to do everything possible to ensure that young people do not
have easy access to weapons. We now know that includes not only firearms, but
bomb-making materiel.
Now, any one of us that hasn't become completely amnesiac about our own growing-up
years know that children will have disagreements and arguments; they sometimes will even
have fights among themselves. Part of growing up is learning how to control one's impulses,
which is often difficult for young people. But there is a very big difference between a
schoolyard fight that many of us can remember and what happens today, with the access to
the arsenal of guns, rifles and bombs that the two young men in Littleton were able to bring
into their school. It is criminal how easy it is for children in America to obtain guns.
Just last year, 6,000 students were expelled for bringing guns to school. And Littleton is the
latest tragic example of how the availability of those guns can turn a sense of alienation, of
rage, of not belonging, of not fitting in, into a deadly encounter. Every day in America we
lose 13 precious children to gun-related violence. Every two days, therefore, we lose the
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equivalent of a classroom of students.
Guns and children are two words that should never be put together in the same sentence.
And this President and this administration have been working hard and successfully to try to
keep them apart. I think we all in America should take pride in the passage of the Brady
Bill, which has denied handguns to 250,000 felons, fugitives and stalkers. And since the
crime bill was enacted, 19 of the deadliest assault weapons are harder to find on our streets.
We will never know how many tragedies we've avoided because of these efforts. But we do
know how much more remains to be done.
Today, we will hear about further steps that we hope all of us are willing to take to make our
schools and communities places in which all citizens can live in safety, free from violence
and fear. In a few minutes, the people of Littleton, Denver and, indeed, all of Colorado will
be stopping whatever they do for a moment of silence on behalf of those who lost their
lives. I think it would be appropriate, here in the White House, that we join them; and that
we not only use that moment of silence to remember the victims of this tragedy and the
perpetrators, but that we think about all of the other children in America who tell us often
that they're scared they're scared to go outside, they're scared because they know people
who bring guns to school, they're scared because of what they see happening around them.
Our first obligation is to try to make our children free from that kind of fear.
So if we could just take a moment in solidarity with the people not only in Colorado who
have suffered this loss, but people throughout our country, on behalf of our children.
(A moment of silence is observed.)
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Carolyn, John Conyers, Senator Chafee, Senator
Feinstein, all the many members of Congress who are here. I thank the Attorney General,
the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Education. I'm glad to see our old friend,
Mayor Helmke, and Bob Walker, and others here. We have, I think, over 40 members of
Congress here and two senators who went back to the floor to fight for this issue to be put
on the floor today.
I would like to do two things. First, I want to tell you specifically what we are proposing,
and I'll do that. But secondly, I would like to tie what we are proposing to all these culture
arguments, and talk about, if you will, at least two cultures that exist in America, and say
that I think this, in the end, is going to come down to what our conception of America as a
community is and what our responsibilities to one another are.
I want to begin by saying a lot of people have made remarkable contributions I think to this
effort to get us to look at the violence of our culture and how it makes the most vulnerable
of our children, without regard to their income or their social status, closer to the line of
taking violent action, and how it complicates family life for everyone.
I want to thank Hillary for what she's done. I also want to thank Al and Tipper Gore, who
have done enormously important work on this for years, to try to help us deal with the TV
issues, the ratings, the V-chips, and now the new efforts we've been making with the
Internet community to give parents some more control over that and the efforts we have
to make to train the parents to figure out how to do it, since their kids all know more about it
than they do.
But this is very important stuff. In June, Tipper Gore's going to host our White House
Conference on Mental Health. And the Attorney General and Hillary and I were just talking
about some of the things we can do to help to make sure all of our schools have the
adequate mentoring and mediation, and even mental health services our kids need. All this
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is very important. And we have to deal with that.
But if you believe that we have special cultural challenges, it seems to me that that's an
argument -- that we ought to bend over backwards to try to remove the opportunities for bad
things happening, if we have more kids that are vulnerable to doing those things not an
argument that we ought to say, well, we should walk away from that, and just try to make
sure everybody, individually, in the whole country, never does anything wrong.
And what's the real problem here? The problem is, we have another culture in our country,
that I think has gotten confused about its objectives. We have a huge hunting and sport
shooting culture in America, and unlike many of you, I grew up in it. I was 12 years old the
first time I took a .22 and shot it at a can on a fencepost in the country. I know about this.
We always talk about the NRA -- the NRA has been powerful not only because they have a
lot of money, but because they can influence people who vote. And in that culture, people
believe everybody should be personally responsible for their actions; if you just punish
people who do wrong more harshly, fewer people will do wrong; and everybody tells me
I've got a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, so don't fool with me; and every
reasonable restriction is just the camel's nose in the tent, and pretty soon they'll come after
my shotgun, and I'll miss the next duck hunting season.
And we smile about that, but there are some people who would be on this platform today
who lost their seats in 1994 because they voted for the Brady Bill and they voted for the
assault weapons ban, and they did it in areas where people could be frightened. And the
voters had not had enough time, which they did have within two more years, to see that
nobody was going to take their gun away.
So we have more than one cultural problem here. And I want to make a plea to everybody
who is waiting for the next deer season in my home state to think about this in terms of what
our reasonable obligations to the larger community of America are.
Do we know for absolutely certain that if we had every reasonable law and the ones I'm
going to propose here that none of these school violence things would have happened? No.
But we do know one thing for certain; we know there would have been fewer of them, and
there would have been fewer kids killed in the last several years in America. We know that
for certain. We know that. (Applause.)
Cultures are hard to change. And cultures should never be used to avoid individual
responsibility. But we -- when we get to where we change, then we wonder -- we look back
and we say how could we have ever done it otherwise?
Let me ask you something. Next time you get on an airplane, think about how you'd feel if
the headline in the morning paper right before you got on the airplane was "Airport Metal
Detectors and X-Ray Machines Abolished as Infringement on Americans' Constitutional
Right to Travel." Think about it. That's the headline in the morning paper. And right next to
it there is another headline: Terrorist Groups Expanding Operations In The United States.
And you read the two headlines, and you're getting on the airplane exercising your
constitutional right to travel, which is now no longer infringed by the fact that you might
have to go through the metal detector twice and take out your money clip or take off your
heavily metaled belt, and that somebody is X-raying your luggage as it gets on the airplane.
It's unthinkable now, isn't it? This will become unthinkable, too, that we should ever reverse
these things, if we ever have enough sense to do them. (Applause.)
But we still have a cultural and a political argument that says to defend Americans' rights to
reasonable hunting and sport shooting you have to defend the indefensible, as well. This is
-- it doesn't make any sense at all, unless you're caught up in this sort of web of distorted
logic and denial.
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But Carolyn McCarthy may have made the most important point here. We're all in here
preaching to the saved -- you wouldn't be here if you didn't agree. But somebody needs to
call these members that grew up where I grew up, that lived in the same culture I did, that
belonged to both parties, and say, hey, we've got to make this like airport metal detectors
and X-ray machines. This is about our community. This is about our responsibility to our
children. This is about protecting our children and -- the vulnerable children themselves --
from people who are about to go over the line here. And this is crazy that we're living in a
society that takes no reasonable steps to protect the larger community.
So it's not just a culture of violence that has to change, it's the culture of hunting and sport
shooting that has to stop financing efforts to frighten their members, who are good,
God-fearing, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens out there, into believing that every time we try
to save a kid's life, it's a camel's nose in the tent. (Applause.)
I have had to go through those metal detectors as many as three times, back when I had a
real life and I was traveling around, because I had all kinds of stuff in there -- (laughter) --
and every time I start to get a little aggravated, I think, boy, I don't want that plane to blow
up. (Laughter.) You know, make me go through a dozen times if you want to. And the
person behind me.
Now, we've got to think about this in that way. These are the folks we have to reach. When
there are no constituents for this movement, the movement will evaporate. When people
from rural Pennsylvania and rural West Virginia and rural Colorado and Idaho start calling
their congressmen and saying, hey, man, we can live with this, we can live with this, this is
no big deal, you know? I mean, we're just out there doing what we do. We'll gladly put up
with an extra hassle, a little wait, a little this, a little that, because we want to save several
thousand kids a year.
That is my challenge to you. That is what os going on. (Applause.)
Now, here are the things we want to do. A lot of you won't think they're enough, but you
remember the culture. You change the culture, we'll change the laws. You change the
message, we'll do it. And none of them have anything to do with anybody's legitimate right
to hunt.
First of all, we ought to strengthen the Brady law. It's kept 250,000 felons, fugitives and
stalkers -- (applause). The states now have the Insta-Check System, which is good. The
mandatory waiting period has expired -- that's bad, because we need it in addition to the
Insta-Check System to give a cooling-off period to people who are in a fit of rage. It's
important.
The law that we would present, the act will also prevent juveniles who commit violent
crimes from ever buying a gun. It would apply the Brady law's prohibition to juvenile
violence. It would require Brady background checks on anyone who wants to buy
explosives. Very important. (Applause.) And it would abolish, at long last, as Senator
Feinstein said, a dangerous loophole that was likely exploited in Littleton, which allows
people to buy weapons at gun shows without any background checks at all. (Applause.)
Now, you need to go make this case on this gun show deal. I don't know how many of you
have ever been to one of these gun shows. I've been to gun shows in rural America. People
walk around, and they've got their cars and they've got their trunk open, and people walk in
and say, this is nice and that's nice, and this is a 100-year-old rifle, and blah, blah, blah. And
then they say, this is just too much hassle, you know. People pay cash, and nobody, you
know -- so, it's going to be a hassle for them. It's worth it. It's worth it. We're sorry -- it's
worth it. (Applause.)
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You don't have to pretend it won't be a hassle. Tell them you know it will be a hassle, it's
worth it. People's lives are at stake here. What these shows started out doing -- which was a
good way for people who live in rural areas -- it started out primarily in rural ares -- who
enjoy hunting and interested in different kinds of weapons, to have an interesting experience
on a weekend afternoon -- has turned out to be a gaping loophole through which criminals
and deranged people and other people get guns they could not otherwise get.
And so we have to say -- we haven't asked you to abolish your gun shows, but we've asked
you to undergo the inconvenience necessary to save more lives. We don't have to be
insensitive, we just have to be determined. But I'm telling you, if we don't do something
about this gun show loophole, we're going to continue to have serious, serious problems.
And it's very important. (Applause.)
The second thing we've got to do is to strengthen the assault weapons ban, to close the
loophole that allows dealers to sell older, high-capacity ammunition magazines
manufactured abroad. Now, I bet you -- when Senator Feinstein was talking about this she
thought, now, who in the world could be against this? I actually had a conversation with a
member of Congress who said to me -- serious, a good person, it was a really good person,
when we were doing this back in a '94 a really good person, this person I was talking to
who told me -- (laughter) -- let me tell you, I just want you to understand what the argument
was. He said, but you've got to understand, we've got people who use these bigger
magazines for certain kinds of sport contests. And I said, well, so what? (Laughter.)
But he said, they'll beat me if I vote for this. I said, they'll beat you if they think all you're
doing is making their lives miserable because some Washington bureaucrat asked you to do
it. If you can explain to them that it's worth a minor alteration in their sporting habits to save
people's lives, they won't beat you.
But my point is, you've got to help these people. You hear this and you think, God, this is a
no-brainer. This is a hundred-to-nothing deal. Who in the wide world could ever be -- you
have to understand, there is another culture out there. And almost everybody in it is
God-fearing, law-abiding, taxpaying, and they show up when they're needed, and they don't
like this because they don't understand that if they do what you're asking them to do, they
can save a lot of lives. And we have got to fix this. This is just pure mathematics, you're
going to have fewer people die if you get rid of these magazines. So you need to go out
there where the problem is, and debate your fellow citizens, and discuss it with them. It's
important.
The third thing the legislation would do is to raise the legal age of handgun possession from
18 to 21 years. (Applause.) It would also strengthen our zero tolerance for guns in schools --
which, as one of the previous members said, had led us to 6,000 suspensions or expulsions
last year -- by requiring schools to report to the police any student who brings a gun to
school, and requiring that the student get counseling. That, I think, is very important.
The provision holding adults criminally responsible would only apply, but -- this is quite
important -- but it would apply if they recklessly failed to keep firearms out of the reach of
young people. This would mandate a steep increase in penalties for adults who transfer guns
illegally to juveniles. It would require child safety locks to be sold with all new guns.
(Applause.)
Finally, it would crack down on illegal gun trafficking, doubling the number of cities now
working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to trace every gun seized by
the police. I know this is very important to Congresswoman McCarthy. (Applause.)
It would require that dealers submit information not only on the guns they sell, but on used
guns, which are often very hard for law enforcement agencies to trace. It would significantly
increase penalties for gun runners caught trafficking large numbers of firearms. It would
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establish a national system as soon as it's feasible to limit handgun purchases to one a
month, following the lead of Virginia. (Applause.)
You know, I've got to say -- this is very interesting. When we were going over the list of
things we wanted to propose, some people said, well, that might be a loser because it sounds
to people who care about this like that's too many, and what is this. You know, the states
that have had big problems in the past, with lost of illegal gun purchases, and guns then
being used for illegal purposes -- Virginia did this, and it really helped them. This was a big
deal. And I just talked to Senator Robb about this a couple days ago, and he said, you know,
all I can tell you is it's working in our state. So I would ask you to seriously consider what
this might mean for our efforts to control the law enforcement aspects of this.
So these are the things that I wanted to say. But I hope you'll remember what I said to you
about the culture. We do have to keep working on the culture. Hillary's right about it, Al and
Tipper Gore are right about it. We've got a lot of responsibilities. We've got to keep working
on the services for kids. We've even got to work on helping parents actually communicate
with their children.
One senator called me the last before last, and said he'd had a town meeting in his state with
children. And he asked how many of the schoolchildren had actually talked to their parents
about what happened in Littleton. And only 10 percent of the kids raised their hands. And
one child said, I had to go and turn off the television and tell my parents we were going to
talk about it. She said, they're just scared. They're scared, they didn't know how to talk about
it.
So there are all these cultural issues. And then there's this big cultural issue of the gun and
sport hunting culture. And I hope that -- a lot of my folks at home might take offense at
what I said today, but I'm trying to help explain them to you. And I felt comfortable taking
on these issues, and I thought maybe I was in a unique position to take on all these gun
issues all these years because of where I grew up and because I understand how people
think who don't agree with this.
But I'm telling you, we've got to keep working until
people start thinking about this stuff, the same way they think about X-rays and metal
detectors at airports. That's the goal. We have to redefine the national community so that we
have a shared obligation to save children's lives. And we've got to get out of this crazy
denial that this won't make a difference. It's crazy, it won't make -- just because it won't
make all the difference doesn't mean it won't make a difference. It will make a difference.
(Applause.)
I implore you to remember what these members have said. I implore you to go out and get
people going at the grass roots, as Carolyn McCarthy said. We need help. We can pass all
this, if the American people want it bad enough. We can pass it all, if the American people
want it badly enough. And we don't need to go through another Littleton for the American
people to want it badly enough. You can help make sure that happens.
Thank you. (Applause.)
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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 1, 1999
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. CLINTON
ON CHILDREN, VIOLENCE AND MARKETING
The Rose Garden
11:46 A.M. EDT
MRS. CLINTON: Good morning, and please be seated, and thank you for joining us today
in the Rose Garden as we continue a national conversation about how to address the
problems of youth violence in our communities and schools.
I want to thank everyone for coming this morning, and I'd like to acknowledge
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Deedee Corradini, Mayor Timothy Kaine, and
County Executives Wayne Curry and Charles Ruppersburger. In addition to the Chairman
of the FTC, whom you will hear from in a minute, Robert Pitofsky, we also have
Commissioner Sheila Anthony and Commissioner Mozelle Thompson. I'm also pleased that
Pamela Eakes, who led the very innovative group, Mothers Against Violence in America,
has worked with us on this event as she has on past events that are also part of our efforts to
try to create ways in which every American can take his or her part in doing whatever we
can against youth violence.
As a nation, we've reacted to the shootings at Columbine High School like almost no other
event I can remember in recent memory. It has literally pierced the heart of America. Yet, in
my conversations with young people and parents over the past few weeks, I've heard less
talk about people feeling helpless or hopeless and more about a growing consensus that
finger-pointing doesn't lead to solutions and that we have to move forward together to take
steps to end the violence, not only in our schools, but in our broader community. And that it
is time -- some might say past time -- that we all play a role in making a positive difference
in the lives of our children.
I want to thank the Attorney General and the Chair of the FTC for joining us today, as well
as the many parents, educators, religious leaders, members of the media and students who
are here as well. I'm pleased that we will be hearing from a 4th grader this morning who will
tell us how he became part of the solution in his home state of Washington.
I think all of us recognize that there is no single answer or solution to the problem of
violence in our society, but that we must move on many fronts -- from passing
common-sense gun control efforts to helping parents understand better how to exercise
authority over the media that their children are exposed to, and enabling more parents to
spend more time with their own children.
We've come together to talk about some of the ways we can begin to reverse the culture of
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violence that is engulfing American children every day, particularly the role that the media
plays in shaping the lives and values of our children and young people.
In 1972, a Surgeon General report said, and I quote: "We know that children imitate and
learn from everything they see -- parents, fellow children, school, the media. It would be
extraordinary, indeed, if they did not imitate and learn from what they see on television."
The report went on to say that violence on television causes children either to mimic
directly the actions they see or to act generally in a more aggressive way. Yet, today, more
than 25 years after this report was written, our culture is even more saturated with TV
programs, movies and songs that romanticize and glorify violence. What kind of values are
we promoting when a child can walk into a store and find video games where you win based
on how many people you can kill or how many places you can blow up.
We can no longer ignore the well-documented connection between violence in the media
and the effects that it has on children's behavior. One study has found, for example, that if
an actor is rewarded for violent behavior, children are more likely to imitate it. Another tells
us that media violence has a particularly negative effect on children who already have a
tendency toward aggressive or antisocial behavior.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, viewers of violence not only become
desensitized and fearful, they begin to identify with an aggressive solution to their own
personal problems. America's culture of violence is having a profound effect on our
children, and we have to resolve to do all we can to change that culture.
One of the ways we can do that is to give parents the tools they need to control what their
own children are exposed to. And we've already moved forward in that direction. Today's
announcement is another important step in the fight against violence. We know there is a lot
of work to be done. But I'm encouraged that so many leaders and citizens are coming
together and talking honestly not only about the challenges we face, but what we have to do,
together, to meet those challenges.
I'm particularly heartened that as a result of the meeting the President convened at the White
House a few weeks ago, there was general agreement from a broad cross-section of
Americans that we would launch a national grass roots campaign to prevent youth violence.
We would model the campaign on successful national efforts like Mothers Against Drunk
Driving, which showed us that we can change the culture when enough people from all
walks of life say enough is enough. So I look forward to seeing everyone working together
on this new nationwide effort to prevent youth violence.
Now, I'd like to introduce someone who cares deeply about the future of our children and
who has fought tirelessly to create safe schools and communities. Our Attorney General,
Janet Reno. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Give him another hand. He was great. Bravo. (Applause.) Thank you.
When I was listening to Arthur speak, I didn't know whether to offer him a job as a White
House speechwriter -- (laughter) - or just wait for the opportunity to vote for him someday.
Let me say -- (applause) - thank you very much. Thank you.
And we thank your mother for bringing you here, and congratulations. (Applause.) And
Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, thank you; and Pam Eakes, founder of Mothers
Against Violence in America, thank you.
I thank the Attorney General, and Chairman Pitofsky, for their remarks and their
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commitment. I thank Mayor Corradini, Mayor Kaine, County Executive Curry and County
Executive Dutch Ruppersburger for the interest that our local government leaders have. I
thank Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for her passionate commitment to this issue. And,
all of you, welcome to the White House.
And most of all, I want to say again how much I appreciate Arthur Sawe for coming here,
and for sharing a child's perspective. We have other children in this audience today, and we
are really here about them, and their future.
As Hillary said, the tragedy at Littleton had a profound effect on America. It certainly had a
profound effect on us, and on our family -- particularly after we had the chance to go to
Colorado and visit with the families of the children who were killed, and many of the young
children who are still grievously wounded -- and the kids at the school with them, who are
hurting still, and the teachers.
I do think that what Hillary said is right: we sense a determination, not only in that
community but throughout our country, not just to grieve about this, but to do something
about it. The national grassroots campaign against violence against children is rooted in our
faith that we can do better.
We know we can prevent more youth violence if we work together, across all the lines that
divide us. We know we can do it if we're all willing to assume responsibility, and stop
trying to assign blame. Of course, the responsibility begins at home. It must be reinforced
and supported at schools and houses of worship in the community as a whole. Those of us
in public service must also do our part. There is broad and growing consensus for us to do
more.
Let me say I am also very grateful that the gun manufacturers came here last month and
voiced their support for common-sense restrictions to make it more difficult for guns to get
into the hands of children and criminals. I'm encouraged that the Senate acted to close the
deadly gun show loophole, to require safety locks to be sold with every handgun, to ban the
importation of large-capacity ammunition clips, and ban violent juveniles from owning guns
as adults. I hope the House of Representatives will pass these common-sense measures as
soon as they return from the Memorial Day recess. (Applause.) We have a lot to do this
year, but this should be put at the top of the agenda, and not put on hold.
As you have already heard, members of the entertainment industry must also do their part.
They, and the rest of us, cannot kid ourselves. Our children are being fed a dependable daily
dose of violence -- and it sells. Now, 30 years of studies have shown that this desensitizes
our children to violence, and to the consequences of it.
We now know that by the time the typical American child reaches the age of 18, he or she
has seen 200,000 dramatized acts of violence, and 40,000 dramatized murders. Kids become
attracted to it, and more numb to its consequences. As their exposure to violence grows, so,
in some deeply troubling cases of particularly vulnerable children, does the taste for it. We
should not be surprised that half the video games a typical seventh-grader plays are violent.
Anyone who doubts the impact of the cultural assault can look at what now, over 30 years,
amounts to somewhere over 300 studies, all of whom show that there is a link between
sustained exposure, hour after hour, day after day, week after week, year after year, to
violent entertainment and violent behavior.
What the studies say, quite simply, is that the boundary between fantasy and reality
violence, which is a clear line for most adults, can become very blurred for vulnerable
children. Kids steeped in the culture of violence do become desensitized to it and more
capable of committing it themselves.
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That is why I have strongly urged people in the entertainment industry to consider the
consequences of what they create and how they advertise it. One can value the First
Amendment right to free speech and at the same time care for and act with restraint. Our
administration has worked to give parents more tools to protect their kids, to block violent
programming from entering their living room with the V-chip and the rating system. We've
made progress on parental screening for Internet and ratings for Internet game sites.
Still, when violent entertainment made for adults is marketed to children, it undermines the
rating system designed to protect them. And if you look at some of these ads, it's hard to
argue with a straight face that the games were made for adults in the first place. Like the one
Arthur mentioned.
Advertisements have a particular role here. They have the power to egg children on and lure
them in. Every parent knows what response a commercial for sugar cereal or the latest Star
Wars toy will get from their children. People advertise because it works. They want that
product and, one way or the other, they're determined to get it. So we ought to think twice
about the impact of ads for so-called "first person shooter video games," like the recent ad
for a game that invites players to -- and I quote "get in touch with your gun-toting,
cold-blooded murdering side."
I was given -- today, Arthur brought me the magazine with the ad that he mentioned, and he
was kind enough to mark it for me. There really is a gun here. It says: More fun than
shooting your neighbor's cat. I was given another ad that says: What kind of psycho drives a
school bus into a war zone? And here's a school bus, heavily armed. This came out right
after the incident in Springfield, Oregon.
Here's an ad that turns the argument 1 just made on its head: Psychiatrists say it's important
to feel something when you kill. And then it goes on to say, you ought to get this
technology because it bumps and you feel it. It says: Every sensation, every vibration, every
mutilation, nine programmable weapons buttons. Customizable feedback software. Push the
stick that pushes back and feel your pain. And here's one that's the most unbelievable of all.
It says: Kill your friends guilt-free.
Now, obviously, Arthur has the inner strength and the good upbringing to reject that kind of
violent appeal. Most of our children do. But not all of our children do. We cannot be
surprised when this kind of thing has an impact on our most vulnerable children. Is it 100
percent to blame? No. It's easier to get guns in this society. Parents on average spend 22
hours a week less with their children than they did 30 years ago because of the demands of
work and commuting, the busyness of daily life.
But when you put it all together, there are bound to be explosive negative consequences.
That's why today I am asking the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission
to study the extent to which the video game, music and movie markets do actually market
violence to children, and whether those industries are abiding by their own voluntary
systems of regulations.
To any company that sells violent products, I say, children are more than consumers. I
understand nobody made anybody buy any of this stuff. But every day, a responsible society
declines to do some things for short-term gain that it can do. And that is what we have to
think about. These children are our future, our most precious resource. Raising them is any
society's most important job.
Don't make young people want what your own rating systems say they shouldn't have. I
might say again, as has already been acknowledged, they shouldn't have. I might say again,
as has already been acknowledged, many, many people in the entertainment industry have
worked with us on this -- on the ratings system, on the V-chip, on the screening technology
for the Internet.
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I noticed one network executive, a few days ago, actually cancelled a program because its
violent content was inappropriate, and I applaud that. But I also read with concern the news
that some of the new programming coming up for this fall on some networks will be even
more violent than last year's. The time has come to show some restraint, even if it has a
short-term impact on the bottom line.
I also want to challenge the owners of movie theaters and video stores, distributors --
anyone at any point of sale -- enforce the rating systems on the products that you sell. Check
the IDs, draw the line. If underage children are buying violent video games or getting into
R-rated movies, the rating system should be enforced to put a stop to it. (Applause.)
And if, as many of us suspect, there is still too much gratuitous violence in PG-13-rated
movies, the rating systems themselves should be re-evaluated.
I want to thank Senators Brownback, Lieberman, Hatch and Kohl, for the bipartisan work
they have done on this issue. Again, I want to commend State Representative Mary Lou
Dickerson from Washington, who read about young Arthur, helped to create a task force on
video game violence, and thanks to her work with Pam and the Mothers Against Violence in
America and the Washington Retailers' Association -- who are all represented here today --
video game retailers in Washington state now voluntarily sign a pledge to parents,
committing themselves to check IDs and block sales of violent games to minors. That's
something that ought to happen in every state in the United States of America. (Applause.)
Again I say, we can do something about this. It will take a grass roots campaign. It will take
everybody doing his or her part. This is a problem we face together, a problem America can
solve together. There is no more urgent task for our future.
You were all looking at this young man speaking today, thinking, what a wonderful thing
that a person that young could speak so clearly, so confidently, about things that are so
right. You look around at the other young people here today who are involved in this effort
in some way or another, and you thank God that we have this legacy of children.
A lot of those kids that haven't made it through all these school violence incidents were just
as good, just as fine, had just as much to give the world. We've got to quit fooling around
with this. We've got a chance. Our hearts are open, our ears are open, are heads are thinking.
I know this stuff sells. But that doesn't make it right.
Thank you, and God bless you. (Applause.)
12:16 P.M. EDT
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Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Corporate Contributions and Social Responsibility
MetLife®
One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010-3690
March 2, 1999
Mr. Doug Harbit
President
National Institute for Dispute Resolution
Conflict Resolution Education Network
1527 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Dear Doug
It was pleasure speaking with you yesterday. I apologize for being so vague about what
MetLife is interested in exploring with National Institute for Dispute Resolution (NIDR).
Following is more information which I hope you find helpful.
Since 1984, the MetLife has produced a document called the Survey of the American Teacher.
The survey is conducted by Louis Harris and Associates and focuses on a different educational
topic each year. The topic of our 1999 survey is Violence in America's Public Schools III
(draft major findings are enclosed). Both in 1994 and 1998, the survey topics also focused on
issues related to violence in the schools.
Annually, to release the findings of the Survey, MetLife hosts an event. The majority of these
events have been panel discussions featuring "experts" in the field giving their viewpoints on
issues raised by the survey. In many cases, we have joined forces with a leading non-profit
organization with expertise in the topical areas of the survey. It is for this reason we want to
explore working with NIDR to craft an event to release the survey or to participate in an
existing event NIDR may be hosting. I am aware of other events such as the upcoming
National Funding Collaborative on Violence Prevention conference. However, the timing of the
conference does not coincide with the release of our survey, which we expect to be printed by
April.
I have enclosed a list of previous surveys and their related release events and would welcome
your suggestions on how we might work with NIDR on a release of the 1999 survey findings.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 212-578-3194. Thank you.
Sincerely
Programs
Enclosures
MetLife Surveys of the American Teacher/Events
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1984 - (Breakfast event -
NYC Hotel)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1985, Strengthening the
Profession - (?)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1986, Restructuring the
Teaching Profession (National Press Club, panel discussion and luncheon)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of Former Teachers in America, 1986 (National Press
Club, panel discussion and luncheon)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1987, Strengthening Links
Between Home and School (National Press Club, panel discussion and luncheon,
Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1988, Strengthening the
Relationship Between Teachers and Students (National Press Club, panel discussion
and luncheon, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1989, Preparing Schools for
the 1990s (National Press Club, panel discussion and luncheon, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1990, New Teachers:
Expectations and Ideals -Part I Entering the Classroom (Event at MetLife Memorial
Hall, panel discussion - educators were brought in by train from Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1991, The First Year: New
Teachers Expectations and Ideals (Media briefing, panel discussion, and reception at
the Rayburn House Office Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1992, The Second Year: New
Teachers' Expectations and Ideals (National Press Club, panel discussion and
luncheon, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1993, Teachers Respond to
President Clinton's Education Proposals (Press package distribution to media)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1993, Violence in America's
Public Schools (Conference at the US Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1994, Violence in America's
Public Schools: The Family Perspective (Conference at the US Chamber of
Commerce, Washington, DC)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1984-1995, Old Problems,
New Challenges (National Press Club--press conference/Education Commission of
the States, panel discussion and luncheon)
The Metropolitan Life survey of the American Teacher 1996, Students Voice Their
Opinions on:
Violence, Social Tension and Equality Among Teens--Part I
Their Education, Teachers and Schools--Part II
Learning About Values and Principles in School--Part III
.Learning About Multiculturalism-Part IV
(Press release and distribution to media)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher, 1997: Examining Gender
Issues in Public Schools (Press release, distribution to media, and distribution through
a major project with a nonprofit organization)
The Metropolitan Life Survey of the American Teacher 1998, Building Family-School
Partnerships: Views of Teachers and Students (Press conference and panel discussion
at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC.)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Violence in schools affects teachers and students, both directly, as victims or aggressors in
violent acts, and indirectly, by contributing to feelings of worry and concern. While there
have been some perceived improvements regarding violence in schools over the last five
years, this problem remains serious and common. The results of this survey of public
school teachers, public school students and law enforcement officials indicate that these
three groups are more likely today than five years ago to perceive general improvements to
the problem of violence in schools. However, their personal experiences do not support
this perception. Compared to five years ago, public school teachers, public school students
and law enforcement officials today are more likely to report that violence in public schools
has decreased in the past year. This trend is particularly true for teachers and students in
urban schools. Furthermore, nearly all public school teachers and students feel safe when
they are at school, with more students in 1998 than in 1993 feeling very safe when they are
at school. However, students in urban schools are less likely than those in suburban or
rural schools to feel safe in school, and substantial minorities of students in urban schools
do not view schools as safe havens. Students in urban schools are more likely than those in
suburban or rural schools to feel less safe in their school building than in their
neighborhood.
Although, overall, these perceptions appear to reflect recent decreases in national crime
rates in communities, key aspects of teachers' and students' personal experiences in schools
tell a different story. As in 1993, one-quarter of public school students have been the victim
of a violent act that occurred in or around school. The experience of teachers has become
worse. One in six public school teachers report having been the victim of violence in or
around school. This represents an increase compared to 1993 when one in nine teachers
reported having been the victim of violence in or around school. Teachers and students in
urban as well as suburban or rural schools are equally likely to have been the victim of
school violence. More teachers in 1998 than in 1993 report that there are students who
regularly carry weapons to their school. In fact, one in eight public school students report
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
DRAFT
3
that they have carried a weapon to school at some point in time. Two percent of public
school teachers have brought something to school with them for protection. Similar
numbers of students and teachers brought weapons to school in 1993.
A closer examination of students who have been victims of school violence reveals several
distinguishing characteristics of this population. Students who have been victims of school
violence are more likely than those who have not been victims to be male, to have poor
grades, and to live in neighborhoods with a lot or some crime. Student victims of violence
are also more likely than those who have not been victims to have hardly any or no
parental involvement with school, and to be alone when they come home from school.
Furthermore, student victims of school violence are more likely than non-victims to have
committed acts of violence themselves, to have been suspended or expelled from school,
and to have carried a weapon to school.
As in 1993, the majority of public school teachers and law enforcement officials believe that
the causes of violence in local public schools center on the family, including lack of parental
supervision at home and lack of family involvement with the school. Students themselves
are most likely to report that parents have a very strong influence as role models for them.
However, teachers are most likely to cite friends as having a very strong influence as role
models for students and secondary school students most frequently cite peer group
pressure as a major cause of violence in schools.
The results of the current study indicate a perception among teachers, students and law
enforcement officials that levels of violence in schools are decreasing and that teachers and
students feel safe at school. The results also demonstrate that teachers' and students'
personal experiences with school violence have not improved over the past five years and
that significant minorities of teachers and students have worries and concerns about school
violence. Violence in schools remains an important issue for teachers, students and law
enforcement officials.
4
DRAFT
MAJOR FINDINGS
I. Defining the Problem
A.
Changes Over Time
Compared to five years ago, public school teachers, public school students and law
enforcement officials today are more likely to report that violence in public schools
has decreased in the past year. However, teachers, students and law enforcement
officials are not necessarily confident about a continuation in this trend - one
quarter of public school teachers, three in ten public school students and three in
ten law enforcement officials think that violence in their school will increase in the
next two years.
One in five public school teachers (21%) report that the level of violence in their
school has decreased in the past year. In 1993, one in ten teachers (11%)
reported a decrease.
Thice in ten public school students (29%) report that the level of violence in
their school has decreased in the past year. In 1993, one in eight (13%) reported
a decrease.
One-quarter of law enforcement officials (26%) report that the level of violence
in local public schools has decreased in the past year. In 1993, one in twelve
(8%) reported a decrease
One quarter of public school teachers (23%) think that violence in their school
will increase in the next two years.
Three in ten public school students (28%) think that violence in their school will
increase in the next two years.
Three in ten law enforcement officials (30%) think that violence in local public
schools will increase in the next two years.
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
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B.
Location of Violence
As they did in 1993, public school teachers, public school students and law
enforcement officials differ in their perspectives on where most acts of
violence in or around their schools occur. Although half of law enforcement
officials report that most acts of school violence occur in the school
neighborhood, one-third of public school teachers and nearly one-third of
public school students report that most acts of violence in or around their
school occur on the school grounds
One-third of public school teachers (32%) report that most acts of
violence in or around their school occur on the school grounds.
Three in ten public school students (30%) report that most acts of
violence in or around their school occur on the school grounds.
Nearly half of law enforcement officials (47%) report that most acts of
violence in or around local public schools occur in the school
neighborhood.
Only one in six officials (16%) report that most acts of violence occur in
the school building.
C.
Student Involvement in Violence
Law enforcement officials in 1998 are more likely than those in 1993 to
report that students are rarely or never involved in acts of violence that take
place in or around the public schools (38% vs. 22%).
D.
Gangs
The influence of gangs involve and concern sizable minorities of public
school students. Teachers and students in urban areas are more likely than
those in suburban or rural areas to report that gangs and gang violence are
particular problems.
6
DRAFT
Three in ten public school students in grades 7 - 12 (30%) think that gang
violence is a very serious problem at their school.
Public school students in urban areas are more likely than those in suburban
or rural areas to consider gang violence a very serious problem (42% vs.
23%).
Two in ten public school students (21%) agree that most students in their
school look up to gang members.
One-quarter of public school teachers (25%) and three in ten law
enforcement officials (30%) agree that most students in their schools look up
to gang members.
One in eight public school students (13%) agree that gangs play a big part in
daily life in and around their school.
One-third of public school teachers (34%) and more than four in ten law
enforcement officers (44%) agree that gangs play a big part in daily life in
and around their schools.
Public school teachers in urban areas are more likely than those in suburban
or rural areas to agree that gangs play a big part in daily life in and around
their schools (53% vs. 25%).
E.
Gender
While only a small minority of public school teachers and law enforcement officials
believe that the level of violence in their school has increased recently, large
proportions of teachers and law enforcement officials report that girls' involvement
as aggressors in violent acts at their school has increased compared to five years
ago. Public school students report that similar, small proportions of girls are
involved in violence, either as aggressors or as victims.
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Nearly half of public school teachers (45%) report that girls' involvement as
aggressors in violent acts at their school has increased as compared to five
years ago.
One in seven public school teachers (14%) report that girls' involvement
with gangs has increased in the past year at their school.
Nearly two-thirds of law enforcement officials (64%) report that girls'
involvement as aggressors in violent acts at local public schools has
increased as compared to five years ago.
Three in ten law enforcement officials (27%) report that girls' involvement
with gangs has increased in the past year at local public schools.
Fifteen percent of public school students report that girls are very often or
often the aggressors in their school.
Fifteen percent of public school students report that girls are very often or
often the victims of violent acts in their school.
Three percent of public school students report that most girls in their school
are involved with gangs.
F.
Impact on Teachers and Students Leaving School
Public school teachers and law enforcement officials report that violence in
their school has a greater effect on students leaving their school than on
teachers leaving their school. However, schools with a fair or poor quality of
education, all or many minority students, or all or many lower income
students increase the likelihood that teachers view the problem of violence
as a factor on teachers leaving their school. The majority of public school
students say that the problem of violence in their school is a factor on
students leaving their school
8
DRAFT
Four in ten public school teachers (41%) say that the problem of violence in
their school is a factor on students leaving their school.
Two in ten public school teachers (19%) say that the problem of violence in
their school is a factor on teachers leaving their school.
Two-thirds of law enforcement officials (67%) say that the problem of
violence in local public schools is a factor on students leaving their schools.
Nearly half of law enforcement officials (46%) say that the problem of
violence in local public schools is a factor on teachers leaving their school.
Six in ten public school students (63%) say that the problem of violence in
their school is a factor on students leaving their school.
IL Teachers' and Students' Experiences
A.
Feeling Safe at School
As in 1993, the majority of public school teachers feel very safe when they are at
school Public school students in 1998 are more likely than public school students in
1993 to feel very safe when they are at school (56% vs. 50%). However, a sizable
minority of students feel less safe in their school building than in their school
neighborhood. Furthermore, both teachers and students who are in urban locations
are less likely than those who are in suburban or rural locations to feel very safe
when they are at school
Three-quarters of public school teachers (75%, 1998; 77%, 1993) feel very safe
when they are at school.
Only one percent of public school teachers do not feel safe when they are at
school.
Six in ten public school students (56%) feel very safe when they are at school.
One in twelve public school students (8%) do not feel safe when they are at
school.
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
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Two in ten public school students (21%) feel less safe in their school building
than in their neighborhood.
Public school teachers who are in urban locations are less likely than those
who are in suburban or rural locations to feel very safe when they are at
school (66% vs. 79%).
Public school students who are in urban locations are less likely than those
who are in suburban or rural locations to feel very safe when they are at
school (44% vs. 61%).
B.
Concerns About School Violence
The majority of public school teachers are not worried about being
physically attacked in or around their school Although the majority of
public school students are not worried about being physically attacked in or
around their school, this number is less than it was five years ago (1998,
67%; 1993, 76%). Furthermore, sizable minorities of students are very
concerned about school shootings and students having easy access to
handguns and other firearms.
Nearly nine in ten public school teachers (85%) are not worried about being
physically attacked in or around their school.
Less than one percent of public school teachers are very worried about being
physically attacked in or around their school.
Two-thirds of public school students (67%) are not worried about being
physically attacked in or around their school.
Fifteen percent of public school students are very worried about being
physically attacked in or around their school.
Three in ten public school students (30%) are very concerned about school
shootings, like those that recently have been in the news, happening in their
school.
10
DRAFT
One-quarter of public school students in grades 7 - 12 (26%) are very
concerned about students at their school having easy access to handguns
and other firearms.
C.
Personal Experiences with Violence
Compared to five years ago, more public school teachers have been the
victim of a violent act that occurred in or around school Students'
experiences have not changed. As in 1993, one-quarter of public school
students have been the victim of a violent act that occurred in or around
school However, the majority of students have had a student verbally
insult them in their school during the past year. As in 1993, very few public
school students have threatened someone with or used a weapon in or
around school Personal violent behavior most frequently reported by
students include verbally insulting someone and pushing, shoving, grabbing
or slapping someone.
One in six public school teachers (16%) has been the victim of a violent act
that occurred in or around school: in school building, 13%, on school
grounds, 2%, in school neighborhood, less than 0.5%. In 1993, one in nine
teachers (11%) was a victim of violence.
Nine in ten public school teachers who have been the victim of a violent act
in or around school (90%) report that a student committed the violent act.
One-quarter of public school students (24%, 1998; 23%, 1993) have been the
victim of a violent act that occurred in or around school: in school building,
8%, on school grounds, 10%, in school neighborhood, 7%.
Four in ten public school students (44%) have verbally insulted someone in
or around school.
Nearly four in ten public school students (36%) have pushed, shoved,
grabbed, or slapped someone else in or around school.
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
DRAFT
Two percent of public school students have threatened someone with a knife
or gun in or around school.
Two percent of students used a knife or fired a gun in or around school.
III. Perspectives on Causes
A. Causes of Violence
As in 1993, the majority of public school teachers and law enforcement officials
believe that the causes of violence in their school center on the family: lack of
parental supervision at home and lack of family involvement. However, for
students in grades 7 - 12, the cause of violence in schools most frequently cited is
peer group pressure. Also, students in 1998 are more likely than students in 1993 to
believe that involvement with drugs or alcohol is a major factor in why violence
occurs at their school (39% vs. 23%).
Public school teachers mention the following as major factors in why
violence occurs at their school: lack of parental supervision at home (77%),
lack of family involvement (69%), peer group pressure (58%), and
involvement with drugs or alcohol (32%).
Law enforcement officials mention the following as major factors in why
violence occurs in local public schools: lack of parental supervision at home
(75%), lack of family involvement (69%), peer group pressure (49%) and
involvement with drugs or alcohol (40%)..
Public school students in grades 7 - 12 mention the following as major
factors in why violence occurs in their school: peer group pressure (50%),
involvement with drugs or alcohol (39%), lack of parental supervision at
home (36%), and lack of family involvement (25%).
12
DRAFT
B. Characteristics of Teacher Victims
Less than half of public school teachers, public school students and law
enforcement officers believe that violence to teachers targets particular groups.
Similar results for teachers and law enforcement officials were found in 1993.
Four in ten public school teachers (37%) believe that there are particular
groups of teachers who are more likely to be victims of violence.
Three in ten public school students (28%) believe that there are particular
groups of teachers who are more likely to be victims of violence.
Nearly one-quarter of law enforcement officials (23%) believe that there are
particular groups of teachers who are more likely to be victims of violence.
C. Characteristics of Student Victims
The majority of public school teachers and public school students believe that there
are particular groups of students who are more likely to be victims. However, only
four in ten law enforcement officials believe that particular groups of students are
targeted for violence.
Six in ten public school teachers (63%) believe that there are particular
groups of students who are more likely to be victims of violence.
Half of public school students (53%) believe that there are particular groups
of students who are more likely to be victims of violence.
Four in ten law enforcement officials (39%) believe that there are particular
groups of students who are more likely to be victims of violence.
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
DRAFT
13
IV. Weapons and Self-Protection
A. Students with Weapons
Public school teachers report that 0.8% (median) of students at their school
regularly carry weapons such as handguns or knives to school Law enforcement
officials (1.8%, median) and public school students in grades 7 - 12 (5%, median)
report slightly higher averages. However, fewer than ten percent of law
enforcement officials believe that no students in their area regularly carry weapons
to school In contrast, two in ten secondary school students and four in ten public
school teachers believe that no students at their school regularly carry weapons to
school.
Public school teachers report that 0.8% (median) of students in their area
regularly carry weapons such as handguns or knives to school.
Furthermore, four in ten public school teachers (40%) believe that no
students at their school regularly carry weapons to school.
Public school teachers in 1998 are more likely than teachers in 1993 to report
that at least some students in their school regularly carry weapons to school
(53% VS. 48%).
Public school students in grades 7 - 12 report that 5% (median) of students in
their area regularly carry weapons such as handguns or knives to school.
Furthermore, two in ten public school students in grades 7 - 12 (22%) believe
that no students at their school regularly carry weapons to school. Eight in
ten public school students in grades 3 - 6 (79%) believe that no students at
their school regularly carry weapons such as handguns or knives to school.
Law enforcement officials report that 2% (median) of students in their area
regularly carry weapons such as handguns or knives to school. However,
one in eleven law enforcement officials (9%) believe that no students in their
area regularly carry weapons to school.
14
DRAFT
B. Types of Weapons Carried by Students
Knives are the type of weapon most frequently mentioned by law enforcement
officers, teachers, and students who report that at least some students in their
schools regularly carry weapons to school Although half of teachers mention
handguns, students and law enforcement officials are less likely to mention this
weapon as the type of weapon that students tend to carry.
Nine in ten law enforcement officials who report that at least some students
in local schools regularly carry weapons (92%) mention knives as the type of
weapon that students tend to carry. Two in ten law enforcement officials
(22%) mention handguns.
Eight in ten public school teachers whose schools have some students who
regularly carry weapons (79%) mention knives as the type of weapon that
students tend to carry. Half of teachers (49%) mention handguns.
Six in ten public school students who report that at least some students in
their school regularly carry weapons (59%) mention knives as the type of
weapon that students tend to carry. One in seven students (14%) mention
handguns.
C. Self-Reported Weapons Carried by Students
As in 1993, one in eight public school students (12%) have carried a weapon to
school at some point in time. Students in urban areas as well as suburban or rural
areas are equally likely to have carried a weapon to school (15% vs. 11%).
D. Student Access to Weapons
Although few students regularly carry any weapons to school, half of public school
teachers (53%), students (47%) and law énforcement officers (51%) believe that
students have easy access to handguns or other firearms.
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
DRAFT
15
E. Teachers' Self-Protection
As in 1993, two percent of public school teachers have brought something to school
with them for protection. Teachers in urban areas as well as suburban or rural areas
are equally likely to have brought something to school with them for protection (3%
vs. 1%).
V. Examining Some Solutions
A. Personal Participation in Programs
Nearly half of public school teachers (47%) have participated in a violence
prevention program to help teachers deal effectively with or reduce violence in
school Teachers who have been victims of school violence are more likely than
those who have not been victims to have participated in such a program (58% vs.
44%). Teaching in an urban location does not increase the likelihood that a teacher
participated in a program. Nearly two-thirds of law enforcement officials (65%)
have participated in a school violence prevention program to help teachers and
students deal effectively with or reduce violence in school
B. Schools' Steps to Stop or Reduce Violence and their Evaluation
The steps taken by schools to stop or reduce violence most frequently reported by
public school teachers include: security guards or police in or around the school
(23%), classes on how to talk about problems rather than fight (18%), safety or anti-
violence programs (17%), meetings for individual classes or the entire school to
address violence (16%), and monitors in the hallways (16%). Teachers in urban
locations are more likely than those in suburban or rural locations to have security
guards or police (31% vs. 20%). Nearly four in ten teachers (36%) believe that the
steps taken by their school have helped to reduce violence a great deal
16
DRAFT
C. Adequacy of Schools' Efforts
The majority of public school teachers (66%), public school students in grades 7 - 12
(62%), and law enforcement officials (60%) believe that the amount of effort spent
on addressing violence in their schools is adequate.
D. Typical Responses When a Student Commits Violence
Public school teachers most frequently mention suspension (57%) and expulsion
(31%) as the typical punishment for a student who has physically attacked someone
or threatened someone with a weapon.
VI. A Picture of Students' Lives
A. Student Profiles
Although the large majority of students live in households with two parents
(including step-parents) (71%), where there is no problem buying things they need
(54%), and in neighborhoods with hardly any or no crime (78%), substantial
minorities of students' lives do not reflect these situations. Two in ten students
(17%) live in a single parent household, one in eleven students (9%) live in
households where they have a hard time buying needed things, and two in ten
students (21%) live in neighborhoods where there is a lot or some crime.
Victims of school violence are more likely than those who have not been victims to
have been suspended or expelled from school (41% vs. 9%), live in neighborhoods
with a lot or some crime (31% vs. 17%) and have hardly any or no parental
involvement with school (35% vs. 24%).
Louis Harris & Associates, Inc.
DRAFT
17
B. Role Models
Two times as many public school teachers believe that friends have a very strong
influence as role models for students as believe that parents or teachers have a very
strong influence. Students, however, are most likely to report that parents have a
very strong influence on them.
Teachers are most likely to report that the following people have a very
strong influence on students in their school: friends (62%), entertainment
stars or professional athletes (32%), parents (29%), and teachers (25%).
Students are most likely to report that the following people have a very
strong influence on them: parents (65%), friends (37%), entertainment stars
or professional athletes (33%), teachers (33%), and community leaders or
clergy (32%).
VII.
Teacher Profiles
Teachers who have been victims of school violence do not differ from those who
have not been victims by gender, race, or proportion of minority or lower income
students in their schools. Teachers who have been victims of school violence are
slightly more likely than those who have not been victims to teach in a school in an
urban location (38% VS. 30%). Teachers with more than fifteen years of teaching
experience are more likely than those with less experience to have participated in a
violence prevention program (61% vs. 52%).
18
DRAFT
TOTAL P.21
MAY-06-1999 09:38
SAVE THE CHILDREN
203 221 4082
P.01/02
AMT
Save the Children U.S. Programs
Date
May 5, 1999
Number of pages including cover sheet
2
TO:
Ms. Shirley Sagawa
FROM:
Catherine Milton
Executive Director
Phone
202-456-6266
Phone
203-221-3730
Fax
202-456-6244
Fax Phone
203-221-4082
REMARKS:
Urgent
[]
For your review
[]
Reply
[]
Please Comment
ASAP
MAY-06-1999 09:38
SAVE THE CHILDREN
203 221 4082
P.02/02
Save the Children.
WEB OF SUPPORT FOR U.S. CHILDREN™
Catherine Millon
Executive Director
May 5, 1999
Ms. Neera Tanden
Office of the First Lady
Old Executive Office Building, Room 100
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms. Tanden:
I write in reference to your upcoming White House Summit Meeting on Youth and Violence that will
take place next Monday. I commend your decision to convene the summit. However, there is one
constituency that I think has been overlooked, the youth of America.
Adults acting out of adult concerns about teen-agers is not enough. We must listen to the young people
of America to learn from them what is happening in their world. We need to know the pressures they
face, their fears, and what they think their parents, schools, and legislators should do about it. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. said so simply, "Violence, at its root, is the voice of the unheard. We must hear the
voice of youth.
Just last week, Save the Children gathered some 100 young people together for a Youth Summit Meeting
on Capitol Hill. The theme of the day, "Ask Me Please!! I'm Part of the Solution," is illustrative of
Save the Children's belief that young people's opinions must be heard and weighed when decision-
makers are designing legislation affecting children, Coming from big cities or small, urban centers or
rural settings, the youth found that no matter their background, they were all facing similar challenges.
The youth poignantly reminded senators, their staff and the media that adults and youth must work
together if we hope to create a better society for all."
We urge you, to include young people in this historic meeting. We can work with you to bring to the
meeting a representative cross-section of teens, the same kind of demographically and geographically
diverse group that attended our conference. Invited youth might include:
Jahmy Hines, Los Angeles, Jocelyn Billy, Chinle, AZ, Jared Pyle, White Oak, Tennessee
Kelvia Flores, Bridgeport, CT, Audrey Ingalls, San Francisco, CA, Theressa Lee, Dermott, Arkansas
We can also provide adults skilled in facilitating sessions with youth. 1 will contact your office
tomorrow to see if we can be of assistance. Thank you for your consideration and for taking leadership
in this manner.
Catherme Mith Sincerely,
Catherine Milton
Executive Director
54 Willon Road, Westport, Connecticut 06880
tel 203-221-3730 / fax 203-221-4082 / email [email protected]
TOTAL P. 02
5/6/99 12:12 PM.
White House Strategy Session on
Children, Violence, and Responsibility
May 10, 1999
DRAFT
Proposed Participants
1. The President
2. The Vice President
crosedress.
3. The First Lady
4. Mrs. Gore
5. The Attorney General
6. The Secretary of the Treasury -(T) HOLD
7. The Secretary of Education
8. The Secretary of Health and Human Services - (T) HOLD
9. General Barry McCaffrey -(T) HOLD
10. Television Slot: Les Moonves, President, CBS Television or Bob Iger, CEO, ABC or Robert
Wright, CEO, NBC
11. Motion Picture Slot: Edgar Bronfman, Jr., CEO, Seagrams (Universal/MCA) or Howard
Stringer, President, Sony USA or Michael Eisner, CEO, Disney
12. Steven Spielberg, Dreamworks or Robert Redford (Klain)
13. Gary Ross or Screen-writer
14. Steve Case, CEO, America On-Line
15. Doug Lowenstein, President, Interactive Digital Software Association
16. Jack Valenti, President, MPAA
Only people
17. Hilary Rosen, President, RIAA
18. Edward Fritts, President, NAB
19. Decker Anstrom, President, NCTA
20. Roxanne Spillett, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
21. Sandra Feldman, President, AFT
22. Bob Chase, President, NEA
23. Ginny Markill, President-Elect of the Parents-Teacher Association
-Atill
others
24. Pam Eakes, Mothers Against Violence
25. T.C. Williams, peer mediator
26. Youth -TBD --KK
27. Youth -TBD --KK
28. Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis, CEO, YWCA of USA
29. Abraham Foxman, National Director, ADL
30. Rev. Thomas McDade, Secretary of Education, US Catholic Conference
31. Reverend Eugene Rivers
32. Robert Ricker, Executive Director, American Shooting Sports Council
33. Robert Delfay, President and CEO, National Shooting Sports Foundation
34. L.E. (Ed) Schultz, President and CEO, Smith and Wesson
35. Paul Glock, Gun Manufacturer
36. Sarah Brady, Handgun Control, Inc. (HCI) --JC
37. Gil Gallegos- National President, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Deputy Chief
Albuquerque Police Department
38. Carl Bell, M.D.
39. Robert Pynoos, M.D.
40. James Garbarino, PhD.
41. Nancy Dickey, President, American Medical Association
42. Dr. Maya Angelou
43. Oprah Winfrey
44. Eli Segal
45. Judge Alan Page
46. Ken Salazar, Colorado, Attorney General
47. Judy McGrath, President, MTV
48. Recording Artist - TBD
49. Drew Altman, President and CEO, Kaiser Foundation
50. Governor Tom Keane or Susan Baker
51. Members of Congress -- Leadership or designee --JM
52. Members of Congress -- Leadership or designee --JM
53. Members of Congress -- Leadership or designee --JM
54. Members of Congress -- Leadership or designee --JM
Skilley
'99 MAY 6 PM8:41
Draft 5/06/99 8:00pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
DEPARTURE STATEMENT ON YOUTH VIOLENCE
THE WHITE HOUSE
May 7, 1999
Good morning. This weekend, I will be visiting the communities so terribly damaged by
tornadoes this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oklahoma, and with the
people of Tennessee, who also endured terrible storms and destruction.
Before I depart, I want to say a few words about something else that is on all our minds in
the wake of the tragedy in Littleton, Colorado: what we can do to keep our children safe from
violence.
For years, it seemed that many of our most troubling social problems were
insurmountable that the teen pregnancy rate could not be reduced, that drunk drivers were
immune to social pressure, that traffic fatalities were unavoidable. But the American people
knew better. Working together with national, state, and local leaders, in their communities, their
schools, and their homes, they are solving these problems from the grassroots up. Teen
pregnancy is down. Drunk driving is socially unacceptable and criminally prosecuted. And the
use of seat belts and child safety seats is nearly universal.
To protect our children and turn them away from violence, we need the same kind of
grass roots effort -- a national campaign that draws on all of our commitment, all of our
resources, and depends on all of us taking responsibility.
On Monday, we will begin laying the groundwork for that campaign, at a White House
strategy session that includes the people who can really make a difference: parents and young
people, teachers and religious leaders, law enforcement, [gun manufacturers], and representatives
of the entertainment industry. Together, we will talk about how we can take responsibility -- to
shield children from gratuitous violence, to keep parents involved in their children's lives, to
reach out to troubled young people and do more to keep guns out of their reach.
Today, I am pleased to announce Eli Segal, one of my closest advisors, will lead our
national campaign. Under Eli's leadership, AmeriCorps grew into a volunteer army that has
already helped 100,000 young people serve their communities and earn money for college.
Under Eli's leadership, the Welfare-to-Work Partnership has grown from just five companies two
years ago to more than 10,000 companies who have helped us move more than 400,000 people
off the welfare rolls. And under Eli's leadership, our national campaign for youth violence will
help us fight the culture of hate and turn around the terrible trend of youth violence.
I am looking forward to our meeting on Monday, and to working together with the
American people to give our children the childhood they deserve. Thank you.
White House Strategy Session on
Children, Violence, and Responsibility
May 10, 1999
Mission Statement
The purpose of this meeting is to lay the groundwork for a national campaign to reduce youth
violence, in the same way that we have been able to reduce drunk driving and teen pregnancy
and increase seatbelt use. The campaign will elicit and coordinate efforts from all sectors of
society, including the entertainment industry, gun manufacturers and gun control advocates,
educators, parents, and young people. The White House meeting on May 10 will be a two-hour,
closed-door, brainstorming session to discuss new and creative ways for all of us to take
responsibility -- by reducing youth exposure to gratuitous violence, increasing parental
involvement and supervision, and decreasing youth access to guns.
May 9, 1999
HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE FROM GUNS
Date:
Saturday, May 8
Time:
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location:
The White House
Washington, D.C.
From:
Neera Tanden and
Ruby Shamir
I.
PURPOSE
To highlight the importance of keeping children safe from guns as part of efforts to honor
families for Mother's Day.
II.
BACKGROUND
Overview
This event focuses on the problem of children's easy access to guns. At the event, you will
announce a Mother's Day pledge intended for all - those who own guns and those who do not.
We developed this pledge with Handgun Control Inc. as a vehicle to focus attention on this issue.
The pledge will also appear on your web site, Lifetime Television's web site, and Handgun
Control's web site.
The majority of the people in the audience are parents and roughly 30 are parents who lost
children to gun violence. You will participate in a photo receiving line with these families at the
end of the event (list attached). The speakers at the event have each been personally affected by
gun violence; they are Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Rebecca Lynn, Catherine
Murphy, and Tom Mauser (see section on bios).
Gun Legislation
The Youth Gun Crime Enforcement Act, recently introduced by the President, will strengthen
the Brady Law and the assault weapons ban, restrict access to guns by youth and crack down on
illegal gun traffickers. The President's proposed bill will: (1) raise the age of the youth handgun
ban from 18 to 21 years of age; (2) ban youth possession of semi-automatic assault rifles; (3)
prohibit violent juveniles from ever owning guns; (4) require child safety locking devices for
guns; (5) reduce illegal gun running by limiting the purchase of handguns to no more than one
per month; (6) halt the importation of large capacity ammunition magazines; (7) require Brady
background checks for the purchase of explosives and at gun shows; and (8) help law
enforcement trace more crime guns to their source.
Senator Schumer is the bill's main sponsor on the Senate side and we expect him to introduce the
bill next week. Senator Lott has indicated that the Senate would move to Juvenile Crime
legislation next week, and while some Senate Democrats are doubtful that this will happen, they
are preparing amendments on school safety and on guns. The Administration's efforts are
focused on three particular amendments: (1) child access protection; (2) regulation of gun shows;
and (3) raising the age of the youth handgun ban to 21.
Statistics on Gun Violence
According to a 1996 Department of Justice report, there are approximately 200 million guns in
private hands even though only 25 % of all adults in America own guns. The study found that
20% of all gun-owning households had a loaded, unlocked gun in the home, a figure that was
significantly higher among households that had a handgun, as opposed to a long gun. Further,
the study found that 53% of long guns and 57% of handguns are usually kept unlocked.
Additionally, 26% of all guns and 55% of handguns are usually kept loaded. Loaded guns of
either type are more likely to be unlocked than are unloaded guns. The result is that one in three
handguns, and one in six long guns, is kept loaded and unlocked.
Gun violence is also on the rise, as the firearm injury rate is ten times higher than the polio
epidemic in the first half of the century. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that by 2003
the leading cause of death from injury will be from gunshots.
In 1996, 4,643 children and teenagers were killed by firearms in murders, suicides, and
unintentional shootings.
Gunshot wounds are the second leading cause of death for all people aged 10-34.
According to a February 1997 report by the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of firearm
deaths among children 0-14 years old is nearly twelve times higher in the United States than
in 25 other industrialized countries combined.
Bios of Speakers
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in
1996 and was re-elected for her second term in 1998. A life-long resident of Mineola, New York,
she is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with over 30 years experience in the health care field.
Carolyn married Dennis McCarthy in 1967 and they raised one son, Kevin. On December 7,
1993 her husband was killed and her son was injured when a crazed gunman randomly shot into
a rush hour commuter train returning from New York City to Long Island. Rather than allow this
tragedy to defeat her, Rep. McCarthy turned the incident into a public campaign against gun
violence. She began by speaking across the country on the roots and causes of gun violence and
she soon became a vocal advocate for commonsense laws to reduce gun violence in New York
State and on a national level. Rep. McCarthy introduced an omnibus guns bill and we have
incorporated a number of her provisions in our bill.
Rebecca A. Lynn is an admissions evaluator for the Admissions Office at the University of
Oregon. Born in Long Beach, California, she has one sister and three brothers, one deceased. A
divorced mother, she has two children, Mike J. Dohner, age 17; and Betina A. Lynn, age 19. Her
daughter Betina was shot twice, once in the back and once in the foot, in last year's school
shooting in Springfield, Oregon that left 2 dead and 22 injured. Since the shooting, she and her
daughter Betina have been fighting for common sense gun laws in Oregon. Earlier this year in
Oregon, they helped rally support for a child access prevention bill and a measure that would
require background checks at local gun shows in Oregon. Both measures are still pending before
the Oregon legislature. When the Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act was reintroduced in
March of this year, Rebecca and Betina appeared at a Capitol Hill press conference with Senator
Ted Kennedy and Representative Carolyn McCarthy.
Catherine Murphy is a New York City policewoman married to another law enforcement
officer. They have always stressed gun safety, and disarmed and locked up their service weapons
when at home. That did not help their eleven-year-old son, Christopher, who was accidentally
shot and killed in December of 1997 by a friend playing with his older brother's illegal gun.
Since the shooting, Catherine has become a leading gun safety advocate. Last year, the City of
New York adopted a child safety lock ordinance measure, known as Christopher's law, in
memory of her son. Last year she also became a leading advocate for the Children's Gun
Violence Prevention Act, a bill sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative Carolyn
McCarthy.
Tom Mauser, who works for the Colorado Department of Transportation, is the father of 15
year old Daniel Mauser, a Columbine High School sophomore who was killed two and a half
weeks ago. Daniel Mauser, who excelled in math and science and earned straight A's, was
studying through his lunch hour in the library in the school library when he was ambushed and
killed. Tom Mauser and his wife, Linda, have one other child, 13-year-old Christie. Mr.
Mauser led the protests against the NRA when the organization held its Denver convention
about a week ago.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
Speaking Program
- Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)
- Rebecca Lynn
- Catherine Murphy
- Thomas Mauser
- The First Lady
IV.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
You will greet Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Rebecca Lynn, her daughter
Betina Lynn, Catherine Murphy, Thomas Mauser, and President of Handgun Control Inc.
Bob Walker in the Blue Room.
You will proceed to a speaking program in the East Room.
You will make brief welcoming remarks and introduce Representative Carolyn
McCarthy.
Representative Carolyn McCarthy will make remarks and introduce Rebecca Lynn.
Rebecca Lynn will make remarks and introduce Catherine Murphy.
Catherine Murphy will make remarks and introduce Thomas Mauser.
Thomas Mauser will make remarks and introduce you.
You will make remarks and close the program.
V.
PRESS PLAN
- Open Press.
VI. REMARKS
- Provided by Lowell Weiss
Mother's Day Event Guest List: Survivors
May 8, 1999
Mary Leigh and Charlie Blek, Laguna Hills, CA
Their 21-year-old son, Matthew, was shot and killed in New York City by a teen with a junk
gun. The Bleks founded Orange County Citizens for the Prevention of Gun Violence in 1995,
and are leading advocates for responsible gun laws in California.
Katina Johnstone, Staten Island, NY
Ian Johnstone, Staten Island, NY (16-year-old son of David)
Her 43-year-old husband, David, was shot and killed in San Francisco by a teen. She founded
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence in 1993, and has organized three national Silent Marches.
She was a plaintiff in Hamilton V. Accutek, a successful lawsuit against the gun industry.
Tom Vanden Berk, Chicago IL
His 15-year-old son, Tommy, was shot and killed by a teen in Chicago. Tom is an executive
director of the Uhlich Children's Home in Chicago and a founder of Help for Survivors.
Alfredo Valentin, New York City, NY
His seventeen-year-old son, Derek, was shot and killed by a teen in New York City. Alfredo is
an active member of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.
Lynn Dix, Berkeley, CA
Lynn's son, Kenzo, was shot and killed by accident when his friend showed him his father's gun.
Lynn sued the gun-maker, Berretta, for failing to design the gun with a device to prominently
indicate that a round is loaded in the chamber.
Kimberly Rowland, Pleasanton, CA
Kimberly lost a dear friend in the 101 California massacre. She has organized memorial marches
on the anniversary of the 101 California and two local ballot initiatives to reduce access to guns.
Freddie Hamilton
Freddie Hamilton lost her youngest child, a 17-year-old son. She is the founder and ex-director
of the "Child Development Corporation" in Brooklyn.
Jean Jamata
Jean Jamata's 19-year-old daughter shot and killed herself.
Yvonne Pope
Yvonne Pope's 20-year-old son was shot and killed on the basketball court by an 18-year-old.
Ann Cargill
Ann Cargill's son was shot by a carload of kids armed with an assault weapon.
Francis Davis
Francis Davis lost all three of her sons during different shootings.
Alice McEnaney
Alice McEnaney's son has survived with permanent damage from a shooting at the State
University of New York at Albany. He tried to disarm at fellow student.
Geraldine Rodriquez
Geraldine Rodriquez lost her 17-year-old son.
Andrea Slade-Lewis
Andrea Slade-Lewis lost her son.
Caron Brock
Caron Brock lost her 19-year-old son. He was an exceptional basketball player with many
awards.
Kay King
Kay King lost her son, Police Sergeant Patrick King, when he was shot from behind in a New
Jersey restaurant by a killer who had said he wanted to "take out" a police officer. The shooter
then killed himself. Patrick's wife Maureen and sons Patrick and Todd are also attending.
Rebecca Lynn
Rebecca Lynn (speaker) is from Springfield, Oregon. Her daughter, Betina, was seriously
wounded in the school shooting there on May 14, 1998. Her son Mikel Dohner and Betina are
accompanying her.
Tom Mauser
Tom Mauser's (speaker) son Daniel was killed in the Columbine High School shooting at
Littleton, C olorado on April 20.
Patty May
Patty May, of Fairfax, Virginia lost her son to an unintentional shooting by his friend. Her
daughter, who mistakenly felt herself responsible for the shooting killed herself with a gun three
weeks later.
Tamara Mechem
Tamara Mechem of Littleton, Colorado lost her son to an unintentional shooting by his friend.
Her daughter, who mistakenly felt herself responsible for the shooting, killed herself with
another gun three weeks later.
Catherine Murphy
Catherine Murphy, (speaker) and her husband Pedro, two New York City police officers lost her
12-year-old son, Christopher, to an unintentional shooting by another teenager who lived next
door. The New York City law mandating the sale of trigger locks is named Christopher's Law in
his honor. Cathy's son, Justin, who will be with her, misses his brother very much.
Jacqueline and Michael Peranio
Jacqueline and Michael Peranio of Florida lost their eleven-year-old daughter when their
thirteen-year-old son Christopher shot her unintentionally. Christopher will also be attending the
event.
Judy Soto
Judy Soto's eleven-year-old son, Omar, was killed unintentionally by a friend who found his
family's firearm. Judy was a leader in passing one of the first Child Access Prevention laws, in
Florida in 1989.
David and Dottie Whitt
David and Dottie Whitt's son Lance was unintentionally shot by a friend who thought he was
playing with an unloaded gun. They live in Springfield, Virginia.
Virginia and Marvin Miller
Virginia and Marvin Miller are the parents of FBI agent Michael Miller, killed in a shootout at
DC Police Headquarters. Their surviving son, Bryan, is Executive Director of Ceasefire New
Jersey, the largest gun control advocacy group in the state.
Veronica Trott
Veronica Trott lost her 17-year-old son. No one was ever convicted.
Julia Dunkin
Julia Dunkin, the Executive Director of Survivors of Homicide in Washington, lost her husband
and son to gun violence. Her organization provides support and financial assistance to families to
families who suffer the same tragedy.
Shirley and Terrica Gibson
Shirley and Terrica Gibson are the mother and sister of Capital Police Officer Brian T. Gibson,
who was killed last summer by a mentally disturbed gunman at the U.S. Capitol.
Ed and Marsha Simon
Ed and Marsha Simon of Cederhurst, New York, lost their son, Matthew, when he committed
suicide with a rifle he had just purchased at Wal-Mart.
Patrice Daly
Patrice Daly's 14 year old son was shot when he went to a friend's house. There was a loaded
gun in the friend's room.
PROMOTING SCHOOL SAFETY & PREVENTING YOUTH VIOLENCE
President Clinton's Record
SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Hosting the White House Conference on School Safety. Convening experts, parents,
principals, students, law enforcement and local community leaders, the President and First Lady
held the first-ever White House Conference on School Safety on October 15, 1998, to provide an
opportunity for Americans to learn more about how they can make their own schools and
communities safer. The Conference focused both on the recent incidents of extreme violence as
well as the causes of youth violence more generally. It included members of communities
affected by school shootings and was linked by satellite to schools and communities across the
nation.
Launching a Community-Wide Response to School Safety and Youth Violence. Last
month, the President launched the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, which will provide
up to $180 million this year -- and a total of $380 million over the next three years -- to help 50
communities develop and implement community-wide responses to school safety and youth
violence. This initiative, which was also a product of the White House School Safety
Conference, represents an unprecedented collaboration between the Departments of Justice,
Education and Health and Human Services to provide comprehensive educational, law
enforcement, mental health, juvenile justice, and other services to help communities prevent
youth violence and drug abuse, in and out of school. Communities have until June 1, 1999 to
apply for as much as $3 million each through this initiative.
Helping to Make All Schools Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free. In 1994, President Clinton
expanded the Drug-Free Schools Act into the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Act, making violence
prevention a key part of this program. Safe and Drug-Free Schools provides support for violence
and drug prevention programs to 97 percent of the nation's school districts. At the White House
Conference on School Safety, President Clinton announced his plan for a significant overhaul of
the nearly $600 million Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program to focus more on
effective violence prevention initiatives. Under the President's proposal, schools will be required
to adopt rigorous, comprehensive school safety plans that include: tough, but fair, discipline
policies; safe passage to and from schools; effective drug and violence policies and programs;
annual school safety and drug use report cards; funding for mental health services; links to after
school programs; efforts to involve parents; and crisis management plans.
Responding to the Early Warning Signs of Troubled Youth. President Clinton directed the
Secretary of Education and the Attorney General to develop a guide to help teachers and
principals identify and respond to the early warning signs of troubled youth that can lead to
school violence. In August 1998, the Departments of Justice and Education released Early
Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools. The guide, aimed at teachers, principals,
parents, and others who work with young people, provides information on how to identify and
respond to the early warning signs of troubled youth that can lead to violence in schools. In
addition, the guide also instructs schools on how to develop a violence prevention plan and
provides a crisis procedure checklist for schools to use if violence occurs. Finally, the guide lists
actions students can take -- such as listening to troubled friends, involving trusted adults, and
asking law enforcement to conduct school safety audits -- to help create safer schools. More than
200,000 guides already have been distributed to schools across the nation, and 150,000
additional copies will be distributed next week.
Creating a New Federal Response for Violent Deaths in Schools. President Clinton has
proposed a $12 million School Emergency Response to Violence -- or Project SERV -- in his FY
2000 budget to help schools and local communities respond to school-related violent deaths,
such as those that occurred last school year in Jonesboro, Arkansas; Paducah, Kentucky; Pearl,
Mississippi; and Springfield, Oregon. Developed with input from local officials and educators in
these and other communities, Project SERV will enable the federal government to assist local
communities in much the same way that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
assists in response to natural disasters. The program will also help communities build the
infrastructure necessary to bring more mental health services into their schools.
Hiring School Resource Officers, Targeting Assistance to Schools with Serious Crime
Problems. To help give schools with crime problems the tools they need to put the security of
our children first, at the White House Conference on School Safety, the President announced a
new $65 million initiative to hire up to 2,000 community police and School Resource Officers to
work in schools -- and to train police, educators and other members of the community to help
recognize the early warning signs of violence.
Forging School-Based Partnerships Between Schools and Law Enforcement. Under the
School-Based Partnerships grant program, the Clinton Administration released $16.4 million in
grants to 155 law enforcement agencies in September 1998. The School-Based Partnerships
grants will be used by policing agencies to work with schools and community-based
organizations to address crime at and around schools. This initiative emphasizes using principles
of community policing and problem-solving methods to address the causes of school-related
crime. The grants will help forge or strengthen partnerships between local law enforcement and
schools to focus on school crime, drug use and discipline problems.
Issuing the First Annual Report on School Safety. In December 1997, President Clinton
called for an Annual Report on School Safety, which was released on October 15, 1998 and sent
to every school in the nation. The report includes: an analysis of all existing national school
crime data and an overview of state and local crime reporting; examples of schools and strategies
that are successfully reducing school violence, drug use and class disruption; actions that parents
can take locally to combat school crime; and resources available to schools and communities to
help create safe, disciplined and drug-free schools.
GUN CONTROL
Keeping Guns Out of the Hands of Children. A number of laws and initiatives are keeping
guns out of the hands of children and away from criminals. For instance, since the Brady Law's
enactment, over 250,000 felons, fugitives and stalkers have been denied handguns, and the 1994
Crime Bill banned 19 of the deadliest assault weapons and their copies -- keeping assault
weapons off America's streets. The Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) is cracking
down on the illegal gun markets that supply firearms to juveniles and criminals in 37 target
cities. The ATF has already traced more than 77,000 crime guns in the YCGII cities, which has
led to the investigation and arrest of hundreds of illegal gun traffickers supplying guns to
juveniles and criminals. The Administration's FY 2000 budget proposal proposes adding ATF
agents to new YCGII cities to assist in gun trafficking investigations. In addition to these
programs, President Clinton signed a directive to every federal agency, requiring child safety
locking devices with every handgun issued to federal law enforcement officers. And, in an
historic agreement, eight major gun manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to provide child
safety locking devices with all their handguns, helping to protect our children.
Enforcing Zero Tolerance for Guns and Other Weapons in Schools. In October 1994,
President Clinton signed into law the Gun-Free Schools Act, requiring states to have in effect a
law requiring local education agencies (LEAs) to expel students who bring guns to school. The
President issued a Presidential Directive later that month to enforce "zero tolerance" for guns in
schools, a policy requiring the expulsion of students who bring guns to schools. In school year
1996-97, the U.S. Department of Education estimates that, under zero tolerance policies, 6,093
students were expelled from public schools for bringing a firearm to school.
CULTURE
Giving Families A New Tool -- A Content-Based Television Ratings System. Striving to
protect children from violence and adult content on television, the President and Vice President
garnered a breakthrough agreement from the television industry to create a content-based
voluntary ratings system. The new system went into effect October 1, 1997, giving parents the
information they need to determine if TV shows are appropriate for viewing by their children and
identifying which programs they want to block from their homes through screening technology
(the V-chip). The voluntary rating system includes age- and content-based ratings.
Helping Parents Control What Comes Into Their Living Room with the V-Chip. Four years
ago, President Clinton and Vice President Gore used the Family Policy Conference in Nashville
to call for V-chip legislation -- to give parents new tools to help them screen out television
programs that are not fit for their kids. Under strong leadership from the White House, the
following year saw Congress enact the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which included V-chip
legislation. Now, by January 2000, all new televisions are scheduled to include this screening
technology.
Hosting the White House Conference on Children's Television. In July 1996, the President,
Vice President, and First Lady convened the White House Conference on Children's Television
to improve and expand education television for children. Conference participants included
parents, industry representatives, advocates, experts and advertisers. At the Conference, the
television industry joined with the President and agreed to air more educational and instructional
children's shows.
Encouraging More Educational Television. At the President's urging, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted clear and concrete rules to encourage the
development and promotion of TV programming that would be both welcomed by parents and
watched by children. The rules require three hours of regularly scheduled, half-hour weekly
educational and instructional programming as a requirement for license renewal.
Promoting a "Family Friendly" Internet. The President and Vice President have worked to
make cyberspace a safe place for children. The Administration has enlisted the assistance of
numerous stakeholders, including industry leaders, teachers, parents, Internet users and librarians
to work towards the creation of a "family friendly" Internet. The Administration's three part
strategy includes: 1) industry commitments to provide blocking, filtering and labeling technology
for use by parents and teachers using the 'Net; 2) effective enforcement of existing laws; and 3)
increased parental awareness and involvement. This strategy is designed to give parents and
teachers the tools they need to prevent children from getting access to inappropriate material on
the Internet, and to guide them towards high-quality educational resources.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Increased Funding for Children's Mental Health Services: From 1993 to 1999, the President
has increased funding for children's mental health services from just $5 million to $78 million.
Significant parts of this funding will be used to provide link schools with mental health services.
Substantial New Increases to Improve Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. In
1999, the Congress responded to the Administration's proposal to substantially increase
substance abuse prevention and treatment activities. Congress has approved a critical $275
million increase in the Substance Abuse Block Grant at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMSHA). With this increase, over $1.5 billion will be allocated to the
block grant in FY1999 enabling tens of thousands of high-risk youth, pregnant women, and other
underserved Americans to get much-needed drug treatment and prevention services.
New Investments in Mental Health Services at SAMHSA. The President's FY 99 budget
included a new $13 million increase in mental health block grant. With this increase, the block
grant will contain $288 million in mental health spending this year. These services provide
much needed treatment, counseling and services for thousands of people with mental illnesses.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Providing Safe After-School Opportunities for More than a Million Children a Year. Last
year (FY98), the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was expanded to $200
million. This funding is already supporting hundreds of school-based after-school programs in
rural and urban schools in 44 states and the District of Columbia, including weekend and
summer programs. This year, the President proposed to triple this initiative to $600 million
to provide safe and educational after-school opportunities for up to 1.1 million school-age
children in communities across the country. In addition, the Education Department released a
report in June 1998, titled Safe and Smart: Making the After-School Hours Work for Kid. This
report shows that after-school programs can lower juvenile crime and improve academic
performance. Safe and Smart was sent to every school district in the country.
Cracking Down on Truancy. Truancy prevention initiatives have been shown to keep more
children in school and dramatically reduce daytime crime. The Education Department issued a
guidebook to the 15,000 school districts nationwide which outlines the central characteristics of a
comprehensive truancy prevention policy and highlights model initiatives in cities and towns
across the country. Since then, the Education Department has provided grants to local school
d stricts to develop innovative truancy prevention programs of the kind described in the
guidebook.
Encouraging Schools to Adopt School Uniform Policies. School uniforms have been found to
be a promising strategy to reduce violence while promoting discipline and respect in school.
Because of this, the Clinton Administration has encouraged schools to consider adopting school
uniform policies by sharing with every school district a school uniforms manual prepared by the
Department of Education in consultation with local communities and the Department of Justice.
Since the President highlighted school uniforms, a growing number of schools have adopted
these policies including: New York City, Dade County, San Antonio, Houston, Chicago and
Boston.
Supporting Curfews at the Local Level. Community curfews are designed to help keep
children out of harm's way and enhance community safety. Because of their success, President
Clinton has encouraged communities to adopt curfew policies. A 1997 survey by the U.S.
Conference of Mayors has shown that 276 of 347 cities surveyed -- or 80 percent -- had youth
curfew laws, up from 70 percent in 1995.
Developing a Comprehensive Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Strategy. President Clinton has
proposed a comprehensive strategy to (1) target gangs and violent youths with tougher
punishments and by expanding anti-gang task forces and the use of racketeering statutes (i.e.,
RICO) for gang-related offenses; (2) crack down on kids and guns by prohibiting violent
juveniles from buying guns and increasing penalties for selling handguns to youths; and (3) keep
kids off the streets and out of trouble by expanding after-school programs and promoting anti-
truancy initiatives and youth curfews.
Supporting Civic, Community and Faith-Based Organizations. Recognizing the important
role that civic, community and faith-based organizations can play in reducing crime, the
Administration launched a new Values-Based Violence Prevention Initiative to make $2.2
million in grants available to 16 community-based collaboratives, including religiously-affiliated
organizations, that target youth violence, gangs, truancy, and other juvenile problems by
promoting common-sense values and responsibility.
Encouraging Conflict Resolution. The Departments of Education and Justice have developed
and distributed 40,000 conflict resolution guides to schools and community organizations,
providing guidance on how to develop effective conflict resolution programs; Education and
Justice are training community officials and educators on these conflict resolution measures.
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002
Congress of the United States
Mashington, BC 20515
May 6, 1999
The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House
H-232 Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Hastert,
On the eve of Mother's Day, a celebration that honors the contribution mothers make to
their children and their families, we are writing to ask that the House of Representatives honor all
of our mothers by scheduling a vote on gun safety legislation by the end of June.
In the wake of the Littleton shootings, mothers and fathers across the country are facing
new concerns about their children's safety and access to gums. A 1993 Harris survey found that
59% of schoolchildren in grades six through twelve said they "could get a handgun if they wanted
one," and a third of those polled said they could get one "within an hour."
Moreover, between the years 1987 and 1993, juvenile homicides involving a firearm grew
by 182%. Children are getting guns and children are using guns in violent crimes. Clearly, the
laws that we have on the books are not working.
What can Congress do? There are a range of gun safety legislative proposals that have
been introduced in the House, and we believe they all deserve a fair and public hearing, including:
closing the loophole on gun show sales;
raising the eligibility age on gun ownership from 18 to 21;
requiring child safety locks; and
holding guns to consumer safety standards like other products.
We know that guns are not the single cause of the increase in juvenile violence. Our
culture has become awash in violence. From television to video games to the Internet, our
children are inundated with violent imagery that can have a damaging effect on their psychological
well-being. However, we must recognize that it is access to guns that can turn a disturbed
teenager into a mass murderer. It's time to strengthen our gun laws to keep firearms out of the
hands of children
Mr. Speaker, we ask you to schedule two days of debate on gun safety by June 20th,
05/07/99 FRI 23:42 FAX
X
003
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Father's Day. Let's devote a few days of our lives to save the lives of children. This Mother's
Day, it's the greatest gift we could give to America's moms.
Sincerely,
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004
Members Signed on to Gun Safety Legislation Letter to Speaker Hastert
5/6/99
1. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI)
2. Rep. Corrine Brown (FL)
3. Rep. Julia Carson (IN)
4. Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen (VI)
5. Rep. Eva Clayton (NC)
6. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO)
7. Rep. Rosa DeLanro (CT)
8. Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA)
9. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX)
10. Rep. Eddie Bemice Johnson (TX)
11. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH)
12. Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI)
13. Rep. Barbara Lee (CA)
14. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA)
15. Rep. Nita Lowey (NY)
16. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY)
17. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY)
18. Rep. Cynthia McKinney (GA)
19. Rep. Carrie Meek (FL)
20. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (CA)
21. Rep. Patsy Mink (HI)
22. Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA)
23. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)
24. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA)
25. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA)
26. Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL)
27. Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY)
28. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA)
29. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY)
30. Rep. Maxine Waters (CA)
31. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA)
05/07/99 FRI 23:42 FAX
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0
005
425 CANNON BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-0703
ASSISTANT TO THE MINDRITY LEADER
(202) 226-3661
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
B9 SLM STREET
SECOND FLOOR
SUBCOMMITTEES:
NEW HAVEN, CT 08670
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.
(203) 562-371
AND EDUCATION
KILLINOWARTIH/CLINTON
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AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
(203) 689-1 "
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,
AND RELATED AGENCIES
STRATFORD
(203) 370-9005
ROSA L DELAURO
30 DISTRICT, CONNECTICUT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
G. James Papa
Thursday, May 6, 1999
202/225-3661
DELAURO: GUN SAFETY DESERVES DEBATE
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) was joined by women
Democra today as she released a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) that calls
for broad and open discussion of gun safety legislation. On the eve of Mother's Day, the
women members implored Hastert to schedule two days of debate on gun safety before
Father's Day, June 20.
"Mothers and fathers across the country are facing new concerns about their children's
safety and access to guns," said DeLauro. "Children are getting guns and children are using
guns in violent critnes. We are asking that the House take the time to look at all the major
gun safety proposals."
The letter, signed by thirty-one women members, simply calls for a fair and public hearing
on gun safety legislation. including proposals that:
close the loophole on gun show sales
raise the eligibility age for gun ownership from 18 to 21
require child safety locks
hold guns to consumer safety standards
"In America, we take all kinds of precautions to protect our children," " said DeLauro. "We
ensure the safety of everything from baby rattles to strollers to car seats. But, when it
comes to our most dangerous and deadly product - a gun - there are no protections for
children. We protect our kids from rattles, but not from guns? There is something wrong
with this picture."
DeLauro is a co-sponsor of the Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act (H.R. 1342), which
would make guns safer by requiring handguns to 1) have a minimum trigger resistance SQ
children under five cannot pull it; 2) pass a "drop test" designed to prevent accidental firing;
3) have a manual safety; and 4) be sold with qualified child safety locks.
"This Mother's Day, mothers across this country are asking us to take common sense steps
to protect their families," said DeLauro. "As mothers and daughters and sisters, we're
calling for a chance to debate common sense gun safety measures."
DeLauro was joined at the press conference by Congresswomen' Carolyn McCarthy (NY),
Julia Carson (IN), Nita Lowey (NY), Carolyn Maloney (NY), Juanita Millender-McDonald
(CA), Grace Napolitano (CA), Ellen Tauscher (CA), and Lynn Woolsey (CA).
-30-
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Lost Boys : Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save
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by James Garbarino
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From Kirkus Reviews , April 12, 1999
Explore
An impressively well researched, thoughtful, and helpful study of why some
Amazon.com
American boys become violent, even murderous, and about what can be done,
Auctions!
beyond the simpleminded response of building more prisons, to prevent such
9.BEAN SPROUT
BEANNIE KEY
behavior and to help boys when preventive efforts fail. Garbarino (Human
CHAINS WHOL ESALE
Development/Cornell.) delves into the confluence of psychological, social,
(ends 5 days,
existential, and spiritual factors that make some acting out boys become
11:07:53)
violent. These include lack of sufficient attachment to at least one loving and
Anne Geddes MOUSE
reliable adult, living in drug- and crime-infested neighborhoods, suffering
PAD Tariq-NEW (ends
abuse or some other trauma, and lacking the kind of a spiritual anchor that
in Fdays, 16:19:34)
provides a system of meaning beyond the self. In the last quarter of his book,
Framed MARY
ENGELBREIT
Garbarino proposes a variety of responses (he doesnt believe in a single magic
Print Believe NEW
bullet solution) to aid at-risk and violent boys. His ideas are often innovative
(ends in 2 days,
and generally involve the boys families as well as social institutions. For
(5:12:53)
example, he recommends that incarcerated juvenile offenders be placed in
ANNOUNCING
institutions more akin to monasteries than the boot camps that are the rage
today. Garbarino bases his findings on both an extensive review of the
literature and wide-ranging discussions with a significant number of boys in
prison. With the exception of occasional meaningless statistics (television
allegedly accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of the variation in violent
behavior) and a few hyperbolic generalizations (being a boy is inherently
traumatic in our culture), his writing is straightforward, clear, and engaging. At
a time when too many policy makers look at juvenile offenders with a
combination of contempt and rage, Garbarinos important book offers them, and
those who work with adolescent and pre-adolescent boys, a far more
sophisticated and socially constructive approach. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus
Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Synopsis
A leading psychologist examines the recent explosion of adolescent violence,
identifies children at risk, and offers proven methods to prevent aggressive
1 of 4
4/22/99 12:41 PM
Amazon.com: A Glance: Lost Boys : n Violent and How We tpwwamazon.com/exec/obidos/.4799059/sr=1-4/002-6970306-8279600
behavior.
The author, Jim Garbarino [email protected] , April 16, 1999
Putting a human face on youth violence is my goal.
My work as a professor at Cornell University and as an invited lecturer at
conferences and meetings all over the country means that virtually every single
week I have a chance to talk to groups of people about issues affecting
children, youth, and families. However, one of the highlights of these
situations is the opportunity to talk directly to individuals who come up after
the lecture or after class and to hear what they have to say. This is why I am
pleased to be able to speak to individuals who have come to Amazon. for
information about my new book Lost Boys. If we were sitting down for a chat
this is what I would say to you about the book: For the past 25 years I have
been searching for answers to three questions: "why do human beings hurt each
other?" "what effect does this hurt have on the development of children and
adolescents?" and "how can we transform our lives to heal the hurt?" This
work has taken has taken me to war zones around the world to understand the
impact of political violence. This work has taken me all over the world, from
Yugoslavia to Mozambique, from Cambodia to Nicaragua, from Israel and
Palestine to Northern Ireland. For example, in the wake of the Gulf War I was
sent to Kuwait and Iraq on behalf of UNICEF to assess the impact of the
violence on children there. In my work here at home as a psychologist and a
researcher I go to neighborhoods, schools, and prisons all over North America,
where I try to understand how violence at home compares with violence abroad
and what lessons we can learn from the one to help us deal with the other. For
the last four years I have been focusing my work on the problem of lethal
youth violence in America: kids who kill. This means that I sit down hour after
hour with violent boys and young men to hear their stories. I have learned a
great deal from these hours spent listening. I have learned to see beyond the
outside toughness so many violent youth project to glimpse their inner sadness
and pain. And I have come to see the central importance of spiritual
development in understanding and dealing with the issue of youth violence--
preventing it and curing it. This is what Lost Boys is all about. I think it has
something to offer to every adult who cares about kids -- as the parent,
grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend or neighbor of a particular boy or in some
general way as a teacher, a counselor, a coach, a police officer, a lawyer or a
therapist. I hope readers will come away from Lost Boys with a renewed sense
of hope and sympathy for the difficulties many boys face in growing up in our
society and the devestating costs to all of us when boys grow up hurt and sad,
costs that take the form of violence directed at self or others. Remember that
about the same number of boys kill themselves as kill other people in our
society. In many ways Lost Boys is a work of love. It reflects my love for the
boys in my life-- my son, my step-son, and my nephews. Learning how to love
them has taught me a great deal. And it reflects my love for the girls in my life
-- my daughter and my niece-- because the quality of the lives "my girls" will
live depends to a great extent upon the relationships they will have with the
boys of today who will become the men of tomorrow. Lost Boys is also a work
of love in that it reflects the love I have found in my own spiritual life. This
recognition of the central importance of spirituality runs through the book as a
complement to all the psychology, sociology, biology, and anthropology I use
to make sense of violence in the lives of boys. If you find Lost Boys helpful
and want to share your experience or if you simply want to be in touch because
you have something to say to me you can reach me via e-mail at
[email protected]
Customer Comments
2 of 4
4/22/99 12:41 PM
Amazon.com: A Glance: Lost Boys : Violent and How We ttpSavehmazon.com/exec/obidos/.4799059/sr=1-4/002-6970306-8279600
Average Customer Review:
Number of Reviews: 1
[email protected] from United States , April 16, 1999
Extremely timely and enlightening book about youth violence.
This book by Dr. James Garbarino comes at a time when a lot of Americans
wonder: What will happen next with youth violence? How far is this going to
go? Are youth becoming monsters?
Like many Americans and others from around the world, I have been asking
myself these questions. I have been horrified by the incomprehensible crimes
committed by such young boys as the ones we all watched in replays of
horrifying school shootings. "Lost Boys" is the first book I have read which
really helped me understand how kids can commit "senseless" crimes. It also
gave me hope that we, as members of society, do not need to be helpless
witnesses of this madness. I recommend this book to anyone living in a violent
society.
Customers who bought titles by James Garbarino also
bought titles by these authors:
Joy D. Osofsky
Robin Karr-Morse
Charles Lemert
Leslie Atkinson
David Elkind
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3 of 4
4/22/99 12:41 PM
AUG-13-1999 17:35
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.04/04
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
DATE:
August 13, 1999
FAX:
See Below
FROM:
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey (assistants to Peter Yarrow)
RE:
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" Project
Total Pages To Follow:
3
Please contact (212) 580-5308 if there are any problems with this transmission
NAME
FAX
Rob Mayer (Nathan Cummings Foundation)
212-787-7377
Stan Reynolds (Variety Clubs)
515-243-6664
Walk Street
310-399-6350
Charlotte Frank & Vince Lawrence
212-512-4769
(McGraw Hill)
Joe Levine (Southern Poverty Law Center)
334-262-2419
Marguerite Leishman (NAESP)
703-518-6281
Dawn Weiner (Enchanted Rock Films)
512-472-9386
Dennis Fogerty (Screen Visions)
212-752-0086
Janet Reno (Attorney General)
202-307-6777
John Garamendi (Yucaipa Company)
202-857-8068
Genet Garamendi (TLC)
301-771-4053
Roy Elvove (BBDO)
212-459-6861
Melanne Verveer & Shirley Sigawa
202-456-6244
(Office of the First Lady)
Linda Lantieri (Resolving Conflict Creatively)
212-509-1095
Tim Shriver & Charmaine Dittmar
202-628-0067
(Special Olympics)
George Guimaries (Save The Children)
203-222-1067
Carol Blymire (Discovery Networks)
301-771-4064
Bob Morrison (VH1)
212-846-1827
Lara Bertgthold (Lear Family Foundation)
310-551-4070
Shelia Cosper (Austin Music Network)
512-322-0947
Victor Kovner (Davis Wright Tremaine)
212-489-8340
Smith & Betsy Bagley
202-785-1446
Senator John Kerry (c/o Tricia Ferrone)
202-224-8525
Senator Ted Kennedy
202-224-2417
TOTAL P.04
AUG-13-1999 17:34
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973 P.01/04
Jim Hirsch (Old Town School of Folk Music)
773-525-7842
Perry Steinberg (APB)
617-243-9037
Don Graham (Progressive Music Marketing)
323-969-0272
Chick Watkins (Westwood One Radio)
805-294-9384
Fred Tarter (Stagebill)
212-679-3816
Marian Wright Edelman & Jodi Torkelson
202-662-3580
(Children's Defense Fund)
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-7665
Hank Kashiwa (Volant Sport)
303-456-7810
Murray Gaylord (The Ad Council)
212-922-1676
Margie Tabankin
310-395-9676
Larry Dieringer
617-864-5164
(Educators for Social Responsibility)
Tom Asher (Proteus Fund)
413-256-0069
Don Biederman (& MaID ma)
310-470-2875
Jack Calhoun & Jacqueline Aker
202-296-1356
(National Crime Prevention Council)
Charles Benton (Benton Foundation)
773-878-2895
Paula Antonovich (Benton Foundation, DC)
202-638-5771
AUG-13-1999 17:34
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.02/04
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
August 13, 1999
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" PSA/Teacher's Guide Project
Note: Conversations and developments occur each day and progress in each of the areas
listed below if very rapid at this point.
Screen Vision
Screen Vision is a company that places on-screen advertising in over 10,000 movie
theaters throughout America. Screen Vision does a nationwide, yearly campaign with
an on-screen Public Service Ad and audience collection in movie theaters for the Variety
Clubs. Dennis Fogerty, President of Screen Vision ; is cementing a commitment from
the ad agency Doyle, Dane & Burbank (DDB) to create a 30- to 45-second film version of
"Don't Laugh At Me" for a solicitation on behalf of Variety Clubs.
Clint Eastwood was the on-screen celebrity for such a campaign last year. Peter, Paul &
Mary may be asked to be included, on screen, for the "Don't Laugh" PSA. Fred Tarter,
who introduced Peter to Dennis Fogerty, is a dear friend of Peter's and will help in any
way he can. He is also co-owner of Screen Vision , with Mr. Fogerty. The team at DDB
who might create the film PSA is headed by Greg Popp, Executive Director and Head of
Production, Adam Glickman, Writer, and Craig Feigen, Art Director. The budget for the
production of such a project (which will be created pro-bono by DDB) is estimated to be
around $600,000.
Office of the First Lady
Melanne Verveer, Chief of Staff for the First Lady, Hillary Clinton, informed us that the
First Lady had watched the "Don't Laugh At Me" video and we should soon be receiving
a letter of support.
1
AUG-13-1999 17:34
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.03/04
Educators for Social Responsibility
Larry Dieringer, National President of Educators for Social Responsibility (ESR) is fully
behind the "Don't Laugh At Me" project and will be working with Linda Lantieri of
Resolving Conflict Creatively (RCC) to develop the "Don't Laugh" Teacher's Guide. Mr.
Dieringer is currently working on a budget for the Teacher's Guide.
501 (C) 3 Umbrella
Tom Asher, an attorney who represents Norman Lear's personal foundation will be
handling the 501 C3 for the "Don't Laugh" Project. He is hoping to structure the project
in such a way that there can be an assured stream of income to support the project
beyond the initial $60,000 launch money that Peter is in the process of raising. The
project may run through the Proteus Fund, an umbrella 501 C3 that has the specific
mandate for shepherding such projects, or through a special "Operation Respect" or
"Don't Laugh At Me" 501 C3. Tom is extremely well respected and extraordinarily
knowledgeable in this area, and a good friend of Peter's.
Milt Glaser
Milt Glaser, the world-renowned graphic designer, has been sent the video and written
materials on the "Don't Laugh" Project. Peter will shortly be conferring with him about
doing artwork for the package and maybe a classroom poster. Paul Davis, another
renowned graphic artist, may also be approached to consider making a poster.
Pro-Bono Song Permission
Peter spoke to Steve Seskin who will coordinate the obtaining of pro-bono publishing
rights of "Don't Laugh At Me" for all aspects of the campaign. Steve Seskin and Allen
Shamblin are co-writers and their publishing companies are Sony/ATV Tunes LLC and
Davis Aaron Music/Built On Rock Music respectively.
2
AUG-20-1999 16:08
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.01/03
Shuten
PY Productions
Jul
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
DATE:
August 20, 1999
TO:
See Below
FROM:
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey (assistants to Peter Yarrow)
RE:
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" Project
Total Pages To Follow:
2
Please contact (212) 580-5308 if there are any problems with this transmission
NAME
FAX
Rob Mayer (Nathan Cummings Foundation)
212-787-7377
Stan Reynolds (Variety Clubs)
515-243-6664
Walk Street
310-399-6350
Charlotte Frank & Vince Lawrence
212-512-4769
(McGraw Hill)
Joseph Levine & Jim Carnes
334-262-2419
(Southern Poverty Law Center)
Marguerite Leishman (NAESP)
703-518-6281
Dawn Weiner (Enchanted Rock Films)
512-472-9386
Dennis Fogerty (Screen Visions)
212-752-0086
Janet Reno (Attorney General)
202-307-6777
John Garamendi (Yucaipa Company)
202-857-8068
Genet Garamendi (TLC)
301-771-4053
Roy Elvove (BBDO)
212-459-6861
Melanne Verveer & Shirley Sigawa
202-456-6244
(Office of the First Lady)
Linda Lantieri (Resolving Conflict Creatively)
212-509-1095
Tim Shriver & Charmaine Dittmar
202-628-0067
(Special Olympics)
George Guimaries (Save The Children)
203-222-1067
Carol Blymire (Discovery Networks)
301-771-4064
Bob Morrison (VH1)
212-846-1827
Lara Bertgthold (Lear Family Foundation)
310-551-4070
Shelia Cosper (Austin Music Network)
512-322-0947
Victor Kovner (Davis Wright Tremaine)
212-489-8340
Smith & Betsy Bagley
202-785-1446
Senator John Kerry (c/o Tricia Ferrone)
202-224-8525
AUG-20-1999 16:08
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.02/03
Senator Ted Kennedy
202-224-2417
Jim Hirsch (Old Town School of Folk Music)
773-525-7842
Perry Steinberg (APB)
617-243-9037
Don Graham (Progressive Music Marketing)
323-969-0272
Chick Watkins (Westwood One Radio)
805-294-9384
Fred Tarter (Stagebill)
212-679-3816
Marian Wright Edelman & Jodi Torkelson
202-662-3580
(Children's Defense Fund)
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-7665
Hank Kashiwa (Volant Sport)
303-456-7810
Murray Gaylord & Lynn Lee (The Ad Council)
212-922-1676
Margie Tabankin
310-395-9676
Larry Dieringer
617-864-5164
(Educators for Social Responsibility)
Tom Asher (Proteus Fund)
413-256-0069
Don Biederman (& Marna)
310-470-2875
Jack Calhoun & Jacqueline Aker
202-296-1356
(National Crime Prevention Council)
Charles Benton (Benton Foundation)
773-878-2895
Paula Antonovich (Benton Foundation, DC)
202-638-5771
David Altschul (Warner Brothers)
818-953-3276
Phillip Self (Sony Publishing)
615-244-6387
Allen Shamblin
615-591-9860
Jacquie Turner
516-431-2954
Steve Seskin
Dear everyone associated with the "Don't Laugh At Me" project,
We just got this wonderfully supportive letter from first lady Hillary
Clinton. Her help with this project, and its possible inclusion in the
Presidential initiative that she mentioned, I feel sure will underscore
and broaden our mandate and efforts.
All The Best,
With Thanks,
Peter Yarrow.
PS Another update with further outreach efforts will be coming to
you next week.
PPS please email or fax your email address to us at [email protected]
so that future correspondence that can be easily sent by email will be
forwarded in that fashion. Other correpondences, with images,
letterheads, etc. will be faxed as before.
AUG-20-1999 16:09
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973 P.03/03
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 17, 1999
Peter Yarrow
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
Dear Peter:
I had the opportunity to view your moving video, "Don't Laugh At Me," last weekend. What an
effective way to reach into the hearts of young people and teach them the lessons of tolerance
and kindness. I was pleased to hear of your plans to distribute the video through children's and
education organizations, and hope that it will receive the wide audience that it deserves. If you
send another copy, I will share it with the new nonprofit organization being formed to address
the problem of youth violence which the President will announce August 27th.
As always, you have found a way to use music to teach us all important lessons about our times,
and how we can make a difference. Thank you for this piece, and for all you have done and will
continue to do.
Sincerely,
Hillary Hillany Rodham Clinton
TOTAL P.03
SEP-02-1999 17:02
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.01/15
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
DATE:
September 2, 1999
TO:
See Below
FROM:
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey (assistants to Peter Yarrow)
RE:
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" Project
Total Pages To Follow:
14
Please contact (212) 580-5308 if there are any problems with this transmission
NAME
FAX
Rob Mayer (Nathan Cummings Foundation)
773-929-3292
Stan Reynolds (Variety Clubs)
515-243-6664
Walk Street
310-399-6350
Charlotte Frank & Vincent Lawrence
212-512-4769
(McGraw Hill)
Joseph Levine (Southern Poverty Law Center)
334-262-2419
Jim Carnes (Southern Poverty Law Center)
334-264-3121
Marguerite Leishman (NAESP)
703-518-6281
Dawn Weiner (Enchanted Rock Films)
512-472-9386
Dennis Fogerty (Screen Visions)
212-752-0086
Janet Reno (Attorney General)
202-307-6777
John Garamendi (Yucaipa Company)
202-857-8068
Genet Garamendi (TLC)
301-771-4053
Roy Elvove (BBDO)
212-459-6861
Melanne Verveer & Shirley Sigawa
202-456-6244
(Office of the First Lady)
Linda Lantieri (Resolving Conflict Creatively)
212-509-1095
Tim Shriver & Charmaine Dittmar
202-628-0067
(Special Olympics)
George Guimaries (Save The Children)
203-222-1067
Carol Blymire (Discovery Networks)
301-771-4064
Bob Morrison (VH1)
212-846-1827
Lara Bertgthold (Lear Family Foundation)
310-551-4070
Shelia Cosper (Austin Music Network)
512-322-0947
Victor Kovner (Davis Wright Tremaine)
212-489-8340
Smith & Betsy Bagley
202-785-1446/508-228-7602
Senator John Kerry (c/o Tricia Ferrone)
202-224-8525
SEP-02-1999 17:02
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.02/15
Senator Ted Kennedy
202-224-2417
Jim Hirsch (Old Town School of Folk Music)
773-506-2414
Perry Steinberg & Nancy Eisenstein(APB)
617-243-9037
Don Graham (Progressive Music Marketing)
323-969-0272
Chick Watkins (Westwood One Radio)
805-294-9384
Fred Tarter (Stagebill)
212-679-3816
Marian Wright Edelman & Jodi Torkelson
202-662-3580
(Children's Defense Fund)
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-7665
Hank Kashiwa (Volant Sport)
303-456-7810
Murray Gaylord & Lynn Lee (The Ad Council)
212-922-1676
Margie Tabankin
310-395-9676
Larry Dieringer
617-864-5164
(Educators for Social Responsibility)
Tom Asher (Proteus Fund)
413-256-0069
Don Biederman (& Marna)
310-470-2875
Jack Calhoun & Jacqueline Aker
202-296-1356
(National Crime Prevention Council)
Marge & Charles Benton (Benton Foundation)
773-878-2895
Paula Antonovich (Benton Foundation, DC)
202-638-5771
David Altschul (Warner Brothers)
818-953-3276
Phillip Self (Sony Publishing)
615-244-6387
Allen Shamblin
615-591-9860
Jacquie Turner
516-431-2954
Steve Seskin
Dear friends and supporters of the "Don't Laugh At Me" project,
It has been a very productive time for the "Don't Laugh At Me" project. Included in this
update is information about lots of exciting new outreach possibilities as well as encouraging
expressions of support. During the next week we will begin the process of creating the
Teacher's Guide which will actually be a series of exercises and dialogues for a class to
perform, led by a teacher, social worker, psychologist, etc. (depending upon the
circumstance in which the video and Teacher's Guide are used).
One exciting development is that Milt Glaser, perhaps the most eminent graphic artist in the
world, has volunteered to create the graphics for the "Don't Laugh At Me" packet, pro-
bono. In fact, many people, including the esteemed attorneys Victor Kovner and Tom
Asher, are volunteering time and talent because of their enthusiasm for the project, and their
belief that it can truly make a difference.
Please feel free to call me with any thoughts or further connections that we might consider
as we broaden the network of potential participants in the 'Don't Laugh At Me" project.
I send my best, and thanks to all.
Peter Yarrow
PY/sb
SEP-02-1999 17:02
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973
P.03/15
?do!
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
September 2, 1999
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" PSA/Teacher's Guide Project
Note: Conversations and developments occur each day and progress in each of the areas
listed below if very rapid at this point.
First Lady Hillary Clinton
Letter of support received from First Lady, Hillary Clinton (you may already have
received a faxed copy). Additional copies of the video and synopsis of "Don't Laugh"
outreach efforts were sent as per request of the First Lady for potential interface with the
new Presidential non-profit organization mentioned in the her letter of support.
Attorney General Janet Reno: Justice Department and the
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Peter Yarrow and the Attorney General spoke on Monday, August 23rd after she had
viewed the "Don't Laugh At Me" video and written material. Her response was very
enthusiastic and resulted in a meaningful, exploratory conversation with Donni LeBoeuf,
of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, who reviewed the video and
written materials with Sarah Ingersoll, Special Assistant to Mr. Shay Bilchik,
Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice. Ms. LeBoeuf will review possible "Don't
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey to Shirley Sagawa et al. re: Update
09/02/1999
P6/b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Shirley Sagawa
OA/Box Number: 17349
FOLDER TITLE:
Youth Development/Afterschool/Violence
2013-0124-S
rc1197
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
SEP-02-1999 17:02
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973 P.04/15
Laugh" project interfaces with Mr. Bilchik regarding programs linked to the Justice
Department such as:
1)
"Hate Crimes Prevention Center", Middle School program.
2)
"Flashpoint"; a juvenile offenders program in Boston that utilizes film clips in the
public school context.
3)
"Bullying Prevention"; a program in South Carolina's Elementary and Middle
Schools.
4)
The National Youth Network works in conjunction with organizations like the
Boys & Girls Clubs, 4H Clubs, etc. Possible interfaces with the National Youth
Network; regional meetings, adult sponsors program and newsletter alerts.
Peter Yarrow and Ms. LeBoeuf discussed other possible connections Γe the Office of
Juvenile Justice website, mailing list, clearing house, etc. Evaluation by Mr. Bilchik and
other staff will precede further discussions anticipated in about a week.
Ad Council Endorsement of the "Don't Laugh" PSA
Peter Yarrow submitted an application for Ad Council endorsement of the "Don't Laugh"
30-second video PSA. A one-minute PSA is also being discussed. Murray Gaylord,
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Ad Council, requested some
changes; blurring of advertising signage during a shot of a Special Olympic athlete,
extension of the end shot of the four logos to 3.5 seconds (of the Special Olympics,
Variety Clubs, Children's Defense Fund and Save the Children) and the creation and
inclusion of a slogan for the "Don't Laugh" project PSA at the end of the video. Roy
Elvove of BBDO, who produced Peter, Paul & Mary's "Where Have All The Children
Gone" spot (for the National Crime Prevention Council) created a "Don't Laugh" slogan
that has met with great enthusiasm from the Ad Council. "RIDICULE IS NO
LAUGHING MATTER" will be placed at the end of the 30-second (and 60-second PSA, if
it is created), and possibly the three and a half minute video that will be distributed in
schools across America.
Fundraising Efforts to Complete the $60,000 Needed
for Initial Launch of the "Don't Laugh" Project
1)
The Lear Family Foundation has committed to a $20,000 grant.
2)
[001]
(b)(6)
2
SEP-02-1999 17:03
PETER YARROW PROD.
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3)
A grant proposal for $10,000 has been submitted the Nathan Cummings Foundation.
4)
Preliminary "packets" (videos and written material) have been sent to twelve other
potential funding sources. Note: no one yet approached has turned down the request to
fund the project. Peter Yarrow will follow up with those twelve potential donor sources,
starting this week.
5)
Smaller personal donations have been promised from a couple of other sources.
"Character Education", a National Initiative
(linked to McGraw Hill Publishing)
Charlotte Frank, Vice President of Research and Development at McGraw Hill Publishing
facilitated a phone meeting between Esther Schaeffer, Executive Director and CEO of
Character Education, one of the many remarkable programs we are approaching that are
dedicated to purposes similar to that of the "Don't Laugh" project. After an in depth
discussion with Peter, Ms. Schaeffer invited Peter to attend the Character Education
Conference on October 23rd honoring Sandy McDonald, one of the creators of Character
Education. They discussed Peter's presenting the "Don't Laugh" project in the context of
a mini-concert during the awards dinner. Peter accepted (pro-bono). Ms. Schaeffer
believes that the "Don't Laugh" project could bring increased visibility and public
awareness to their "Character Education" initiative as well as other excellent sensitization
and education programs that foster tolerance, non-violent and creative conflict
resolution (all aspects of which need to be addressed if a classroom is to change its
interactive norms relating to self-generated mandates for an elimination of ridicule,
ostracism, shaming, etc.).
Note: We anticipate the linkage of the "Don't Laugh" project to other programs,
whereby, synergistically, the "Don't Laugh" project either amplifies or underscores a
project already in place or encourages the exploration of a new follow-up program after
exposure of the "Don't Laugh" project to a class.
Additionally, Ms. Schaeffer of Character Education expressed the opinion that the
visibility of Peter might offer an important new element, focusing attention on many
programs including Character Education, that deserve broader visibility, public
awareness, and utilization.
Cross-pollination of many tolerance/sensitization projects might be encouraged by the
"Don't Laugh" project.
3
SEP-02-1999 17:03
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Peter Yarrow Appearances for Networking the "Don't Laugh" Project
Peter will appear at the October 22ⁿᵈ Character Education Conference in Charlotte, NC,
the Urban Music Educator's Conference in New York City (also on October 22ⁿᵈ) and at
the Whole Life Expo in Austin, TX on October 7th.
Creation and Writing of the Teacher's Guide to Accompany the Video
Discussions with Linda Lantieri of Resolving Conflict Creatively (RCC) and Larry
Dieringer, President of Educators for Social Responsibility (ESR) have resulted in an
immediate start date for the creation of the Teacher's Guide. Conferences are being
scheduled this week among Ms. Lantieri, Mr. Dieringer, Jim Carnes of the Southern
Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and Vincent Lawrence, Manager of Music Products at
McGraw Hill Publishing, to specify process, responsibilities, tasks and timeline for the
writing of the Teacher's Guide. All the above representatives will have input.
Westwood One/Radio "Don't Laugh" PSA
Stan Reynolds, past President of Variety Clubs and main organizer of the "Westwood
One" campaign has successfully raised the funding (up to $50,000 if necessary) for the
toll free, call in, telephone technology for the "Westwood One" national PSA campaign.
We await approval of an easy to remember phrase corresponding to a 1-800 number
before we produce/record the first PSAs (for example, 1-800-RESPECT is not available,
among many others). Peter Yarrow will record the first spot. Stan Reynolds and Peter
will make a list of, and contact, other media-visible people to record spots that will be
appropriate for the various formats of the Westwood One Networks (Adult Standard,
Adult Contemporary - younger -, Country, etc.). We expect to go on-air in late
September. Bravo and congratulations to Stan.
Screen Vision Progress Report
Dennis Fogerty, President of Screen Vision has written a letter of intent (you may already
have received a faxed copy) to pursue the placing of a "Don't Laugh" 45-60 second PSA in
10,000 movie theaters, thereby generating donations for the Variety Clubs. Doyle, Dane
& Burbank, the nationally known, Chicago based advertising firm, intends to shoot a new
video for this theater presentation. The production will be pro-bono but the impressive
budget (that DDB will absorb) is anticipated to be as high as $600,000. The video will
be screened in movie theaters between January 1, 2000 and Valentine's Day.
4
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McGraw Hill Distribution of Video and Teacher's Guide (the Package)
Progress Report
Charlotte Frank and Vincent Lawrence of McGraw Hill Publishing have confirmed that
McGraw Hill will distribute "the packet". They are also comfortable with other sources of
distribution such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and Educators for Social
Responsibility (ESR). This essential and labor intensive task will be performed pro-bono
by McGraw Hill.
Also, discussions are underway to consider distribution via the internet, downloading the
video and Teacher's Guide free to all who want it. Sources for such internet downloading
may be websites at McGraw Hill, SPLC, ESC. Other organizations such as the National
Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will be approached for possible website downloading
of "the packet".
501(C)(3) Status of "Don't Laugh" Project Progress Report
Donations can be sent to the Proteus Fund/Don't Laugh Project at 264 North Pleasant
Street, Amherst, MA 01002. Proteus Fund, the project's fiscal sponsor, is a section
501(C)(3) public charity that supports an array of charitable and educational programs
throughout the United States and abroad. Operation Respect is a Delaware non-profit
corporation which will operate the project and has been approved for grants by Proteus
Fund. In time, Operation Respect may acquire its own 501(C)(3) status.
Late Breaking Developments
1)
The Video Software Dealer's Association (VSDA)
is anxious to explore the display of the "Don't Laugh At Me" video for inclusion on
entry display video loops in retail video stores. They might also provide another vehicle
for distribution to schools (loan or free of charge). (Please see the attached letter from
Carrie Dieterich, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the VSDA and
dated August 30, 1999.)
2)
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
John A. Calhoun, President and CEO of NCPC, is extremly supportive of the project. He
has offered to "spread the word" to NCPC's 130-member coalition and hundreds of
schools teaching their Teens, Crime and Community currículum. (Please see attached
letter and list of 130-member coalition from John A. Calhoun, dated August 26, 1999.)
5
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3)
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
is very interested in exploring collaborations with the "Don't Laugh" project. They are
interested in arranging for an appearance by Peter and Linda Lantieri of Resolving
Conflict Creatively, at their NAESP Convention, March 18-21, to introduce the "Don't
Laugh" project. They wish to review the Teacher's Guide materials (currently being
conceived/created under the leadership of Ms. Lantieri) for a feasibility and point of
departure perspective on collaborative efforts. (Please see attached letter from
Marguerite Leishman, dated August 17, 1999.)
4)
BBD&O Outreach
Roy Elvove of BBD&O is approaching MGM Home Entertainment with the idea of
placing the "Don't Laugh At Me" PSA at the end of upcoming home video releases. (Of
course, we would only attach the PSA to appropriate films). (Please see attached letter
from Roy Elvove, dated August 9, 1999.)
5)
Screen Vision
Progress and commercials should be ready by December of 1999. A 10,000 movie theater
fundraising drive utilizing the "Don't Laugh At Me" PSA is anticipated for a January
2000 start with Variety Clubs as the beneficiary. (Please see attached memorandum from
Screen Vision.)
6)
Huckleberry Youth Programs
A strong letter of support from Lisa Graham, Community Relations Director of
Huckleberry Youth Programs, was received. Ms. Graham believes that the video should
"be in every school across the country". (Please see attached letter from Lisa Graham
dated August 30, 1999.)
6
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Video Software
VSDA
Dealers Association
Carrie Disterich
Vice Provident of Marketing & Public Relations
August 30, 1999
Via Fax
Ms. Dawn Wiener
Enchanted Rock Productions
503 W. 13* Street
Austin, TX 78701
Re: Perer Yarrow - "Don't Laugh A Me"
Dear Dawn:
The VSDA would like to support Poter Yarrow's message of tolerance among young people (and
all of us) and his video "Don't Laugh Al Me". We have looked at various ways we can do this and
feel that the most effective ways are:
1.
Approach the in-store loop production companies to add this song to their monthly reel for
retail stores. This is probably the fastest and most effective way to reach 3 large number of
consumers through video stores.
2.
Provided we can obtain affordable copies of the video, we would provide one copy to all
VSDA retail members and include an order form for them 10 order additional capies.
3.
Provide our retailers with a "Tip sheet" on using the video within the community. For
example, they could contact their local schools and let them know the video is available for
rent or sale in their More or they may wish to loan it free of charge to schools and youth
groups. We would leave that docision up to each member
I know you were anxious to hear back from us because his schedule is filling up, so I hope this helps.
Please give me a call when you have a monent and we can discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Came
cc:
B. Anderson
16530 Ventura Boulevard, Suire 400
Encino. California 91436
Voice (818) 385-1500
Fax [818] 385-0567
http://www.vsda.org
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National Crime Prevention Council
To forge a nationwide commitment by people acting individually and
TAKE A BITE OUT OF
CRIME
together to prevent crime and build safer, more caring communities.
August 26, 1999
Officers/Exeputive Committee
Peter Yarrow
President
U.J Brusidi, Jr.
27 West 67th Street
Return President & CEO
ADT Security Systems, Inc. FL
New York, NY 10023
Executive - President
Mrs. And G. Whyse
Care Lander. CT
Re: Don't Laugh at Me
Submitary
Report F. Disgelman
CMC Lander. VA
Dear Peter:
TreasuredFinance
Eaward L. Misisters. Co-Charman
Couglas Eliman, NY
David A. Disan, EAC., CED
I had the pleasure this weekend of reviewing "Don't Laugh at Me." When one considers the
David A Dean and Associates, P.C.
Dear Insurnational. inc. TX
terrible aloneness of so many of our kids, the disconnection from family, school,
Mire Potter Stewart
neighborhood, and hope, we know all too well the tragic implications of ridicule, shaming,
Chec Leader. 8
"dissing."
Executive Director
Jann A. Calhoun
National Crime Provention Counce, DC
There are many curricula out there that attempt to deal with this particular subject, but few
Directors
Thomas W. adder. Principal
Clavers Red Estate Partners, OH
can open the discussion as well as this poignant and pointed piece, "Don't Laugh at Me"
Jean Agrical Associate Professor
can. In the hands of the committed teacher, accompanied by a teaching guide, I think we
Yale allo Study Center, GT
can dramatically reduce the incidence of shaming and ridicule, and more importantly, create
Rusty M. Demorra
Assistant Vice President
a positive, supportive classroom atmosphere.
The Coca-Cole Company. GA
Ordway P. Burown, President
Law Enternament
Assistance Foundation, NY
As you know, I run the National Crime Prevention Council, the nation's focal point for
George K Compbell, President
crime prevention, whose work includes award-winning public service advertising, training
Security Services. LAC. MA
and technical assistance, publications, and major demonstration programs in numerous
George Crawley
Executive Dream
cities and crime-besieged neighborhoods, and youth groups and schools throughout the
Restrvelopment &
Housing Authority, VA
country.
Gennes Clibes
Director of Business Development
Motorcia, IL
I'd be more than delighted to spread the word about "Don't Laugh at Me" to our 130-
Cardle Histerd
Governor, SD
member coalition (see attached listing) and the hundreds of schools teaching our Teens,
Robert Kewn. Pressient Emeritual
Crime, and the Community curriculum.
The Advertising Council. inc. NY
Phillip Lowell, Co-Chartt
National Touth Nework, DC
Peter, again, I commend you for your wonderful missionary efforts and look forward to
William F May. Chairman & CE01
working with you. You have my commitment.
Status of Liberty/Ells island
Foundation, NY
J. Ban Miller, Principal
Collent Turley Marth. MO
With every good wish,
Chanes A - Chief
Portand Posice Burnett OR
Reshead Newson "
Program Additional
John A. Calhoun
Center 10 Youth as Resources, DC
President & CEO
Leanard M. Reserts
of Redu Sheck
CEO Elect. Terry Corp. TX
E. Robinaon
JAC/adf
Division administrator
Wissingin Department of
encl.
Administration, WI
F Snyber. President
ADT Security Services. Inc. FL
CC:
James E. Copple
Public Welson Stewart. Pregram
Jean F. O'Neil
Stewarts United SC
Joseph V. Vinoria 1
Jacqueline Aker
Reared Charman 4 CEO
Ams Reni A Cal System, Inc
, Advisory Director
" Your advisory Director
1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20006-3817 202-466-6272 Fax 202-296-1356 http://www.weprevent.org
SEP-02-1999 17:05
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CRIME PREVENTION COALITION OF AMERICA
Last Modified: June 30, 1999
State Members
North Carolina Department of Crime Control
International Society of Crime Prevention
Alabama Crime Prevention Clearinghouse
and Public Safety
Practitioners
Arizona Crime Prevention Association
North Dakota Office of the Anomey General
International Union of Police Associations
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Ohio Crime Prevention Association
National Association of Attorneys General
California Anomey General's Office
Ohio Governor's Office of Criminal Justice
National Association of Broadcasters
California Crime Prevention Officers
Services
National Association of Counties
Association
Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center
National Association of Elementary School
California Governor's Office of Criminal
Crime Prevention Association of Oregon
Principals
Justice Planning
Oregon Board on Public Safety Standards
National Association of Police Athletic
Colorado Crime Prevention Association
and Training
Leagues
Cnme Prevention Association of
Crime Prevention Association of Western
National Association of Town Watch
Connecticut
Pennsylvania
National Council of La Raza
Florida Bureau of Criminal Justice
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and
National Council on Crime and Delinquency
Delinquency
National Crime Prevention Council
Programs
Florida Crime Prevention Association
Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Officers
National Crime Prevention Institute
Georgia Crime Prevention Association
Association
National Criminal Justice Association
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Rhode Island Crime Prevention Association
National District Attorneys Association
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Rhode Island Governor's Justice Commission
National Exchange Club
Idaho Crime Prevention Association
Texas Crime Prevention Association
National Family Partnership
Idaho Department of Law Enforcement
Texas Governor's Office
National 4-H Council
Illinois Attorney General's Office
Utah Council for Crime Prevention
National Governors' Association
Illinois Crime Prevention Association
Vermont State Police
National League of Cities
Indiana Crime Prevention Coalition
Virginia Crime Prevention Association
National Network for Youth
Iowa Crime Prevention Association
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice
National Organization of Black Law
lowa Department of Public Safety
Services
Enforcement Executives
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Washington Crime Prevention Association
National Organization for Victim Assistance
Kentucky Crime Prevention Coalition
Washington State Attorney General's Office
National Peer Helpers Association
Maryland Crime Prevention Association
West Virginia Criminal Justice and Highway
National Recreation and Park Association
Maryland Community Crime Prevention
Safety Office
National Sheriffs' Association
Institute
Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners
National Urban League, Inc.
Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training
Association, Inc.
National Victim Center
Council
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Police Executive Research Forum
Crime Prevention Association of Michigan
Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance
U.S. Conference of Mayors
Minnesota Crime Prevention Association
Minnesota Office of Drug Policy and
National Agencies
Federal Agencies
Violence Prevention
The Advertising Council, Inc.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Mississippi Crime Prevention Association
American Association of Retired Persons
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Mississippi Division of Public Safery
American Crime Prevention Association
General Services Administration
Planning
American Probation and Parole Association
U.S. Department of Air Force
Missouri Crime Prevention Association
American School Counselor Association
U.S. Department of Army
Missouri Department of Public Safety
American Society for Industrial Security
U.S. Department of Justice
Ncbraska Crime Prevention Association
Boy Scouts of America
Office of Justice Programs
Nevada Office of the Anomey General
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Bureau of Justice Assistance
New England Community-Police Partnership
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Bureau of Justice Statistics
New Jersey Crime Prevention Officers'
Corporation for National Service
National Institute of Justice
Association, Inc.
General Federation of Women's Clubs
Office of Juvenile Justice and
New Jersey Department of Law and Public
Girl Scouts of the USA
Delinquency Prevention
Safety
Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Office for Victims of Crime
New Mexico Crime Prevention Association
International Association of Campus Law
U.S. Department of Navy
New York Division of Criminal Justice
Enforcement Administrators
U.S. Forest Service, Law Enforcement and
Services
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Investigations Division
New York State Crime Prevention Coalition
International Association of Directors of
U.S. Marine Corps
North Carolina Crime Prevention Officers'
Enforcement Standards and Training
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Association
International City/County Management
Association
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NEESP
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
Serving All Elementary and Middle School Principals
August 17, 1999
Peter Yarrow
PY Productions
27 West 6741 Street
New York NY 10023
Dear Peter:
Thanks for sharing your project, "Don't Laugh at Me" with me and the National Association of
Elementary School Principals.
As we have discussed, NAESP is interested in the possibility of collaborating with you to
distribute the video and teacher guide to our members. There are a number of ways we could
reach our members with the information about the free video and teacher guide. including
through our newsletter.
Charlotte Frank has talked with our executive director, Vincent Ferrandino about the project.
Before we can move forward with an endorsement or promotion about the project, we would like
10 review the teacher guide and curriculum.
Once we have had the opportunity to review the curriculum materials, We can discuss the
feasibility of a presentation by you and perhaps Linda Lantieri at the NAESP Convention in New
Orleans next March. One possibility would be to include the song and & short presentation during
one of the General Sessions. The dates of the meeting are March 18-21, at the Emest N. Morial
Convention Center. If Linda would like to make a presentation during one of our concurrent
breakout sessions, she would be welcome to do 50,
I look forward to talking with you again. Please send any further information about the project to
my attention at NAESP. My mailing address is: Marguerite Leishman, Director of Conventions,
NAESP, 1615 Duke Street, Alexandria VA 22314.
Best regards:
Marguent heishmae
Marguerite Leishman
Director of Conventions
1615 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-3483
TELEPHONE: (703)684-3345
FAX: (703)548-6021
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BBDO
NEW YORK
August 9, 1999
Mr. David Bishop
President
MGM Home Entertainment
2500 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Dear Mr. Bishop:
We are writing to you at the suggestion of Chris Saito, Executive Director of Marketing
for MGM Home Entertainment, with the hope that you might consider placing the
enclosed public service ad (PSA), created by the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul &
Mary, at the end of any upcoming/appropriate home video releases.
As you will see, the PSA, entitled "Don't Laugh At Me," is designed to diminish the
epidemic of ridicule, shaming and disrespect among our children that too often leads
to depression, suicide and violence, such as we've tragically seen at Littleton, CO.
The message is simple: in place of ridicule, shame and disrespect, practice
compassion, generosity and respect. In so doing, the PSA hopes to encourage the
consideration of alternatives to violence. The ad has been endorsed by Special
Olympics, Save The Children, the Children's Defense Fund and Variety Clubs.
Distribution of this video is planned for every school in America, with a teacher's guide
for discussion of these issues. However, with Hollywood under siege as politicians
seek to place blame on the film studios for many of today's violence-related problems,
we thought that inclusion of this PSA on soon-to-be-released home videos would be
rightly seen as a positive, proactive step to address the root problems which may have
contributed to the shooting at Colombine. And, MGM Home Entertainment would be
seen as a leader in Hollywood in spearheading this initiative.
I have enclosed additional background materials, including a letter written by Peter
Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary) to First Lady Hillary Clinton, to help illustrate the size
and scope of this effort. Needless to say, should you agree to support this project,
MGM Home Entertainment would be widely credited.
I will be in touch to follow up. In the meantime, thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Roy Elvove
Senior Vice President
Communications Director
212/459-5797
An Agency of the BBDO Worldwide Network
A Division of BBDO Worldwide Inc. - 1285 Avenue of the Americas . New York, NY 10019-6095
Tel: (212) 459-5000 . Telex: 175423 Facsimile: (212) 459-6645
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SCREENVISION
CINEMA NE TWORK
Screenvision Cinema Network
"Don't Laugh At Me" Project
Background:
Screenvision Cinema Network is America's largest cinema advertising
company. Long ago, the cinema industry adopted Variety Clubs The
Children's Charity. Screenvision's roll in supporting Variety Clubs has been
to create and distribute advertising for the charity to movie theaters. For the
last four years, Screenvision's advertising messages for Variety have played
before hundred's of millions of movie patrons. In looking for a new theme
for the creation of the next advertising in the series, Screenvision was
introduced to Peter Yarrow and the song, "Don't Laugh At Me".
Screenvision recognized the relevance of the song for its strategy to help the
children of America. Peter agreed to be a part of the new advertising.
The Project:
Screenvision has secured the commitment of a creative team and the
production staff of DDB, one of the world's largest advertising agency
groups, to create the new advertising on a pro bono basis. DDB and
Screenvision will gather writers, art directors, a commercial production
company, an editorial facility and the other partners necessary to fulfill the
project. Together a professional commercial film will be created using
vignettes shot to sync with the song. In fact a new verse may be created
specially to highlight the work of Variety.
We are looking to create a few versions of the commercial. One which will
be 60 seconds to play in movie theaters to support Variety's Gold Heart
promotion in January/February 2000 and another which will be 30 seconds
that will be a more general support piece that can run on television and on
closed circuit TV systems.
These efforts are in progress and the commercials should be ready by
December of 1999.
SCREENVISION CINEMA NETWORK, LLC
597 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10017 PHONE:(2 1 2 ) 7 5 2 5774 FA X : ( 2 1 2 ) 7 5 2-0086
[email protected]
NEW YORK LOS ANGELES CHICAGO DETROIT SAN FRANCISCO
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GYOUTH
PROGRAMS
ADMINISTRATIVE BITIGHT
August 30, 1999
3310 Carry Boulevard
Peter Yarrow
Sin Transis. CA 94118.
FY Productions
618 868 7622
27 West 67th Street
Fax 0631
New York, NY 10023
Dear Mr. Yarrow:
1
I just received a copy of your video, "Don't Laugh At Me." and 1 must say that it WAS one of
SAN FRANCISCO STRVICES
the most moving videos I have seen in quite some time
Hyuse
1292 Past Street
I work for Huckleberry Youth Programs in San Francisco and our mission is to reach out to
San Francisco, CA 94111
homeless, runaway and other at-risk youth throughout our community. Our agency began in
315 621.7929
the Haight Ashbury district in 1967 with the opening of the nation's first ninaway shelter,
Huokleberry House. Most of the young people who come to us struggle with depression,
fax: ⑆ 921 USS
emotional abuse, family violence, abandonment and poor academic performance. This
encourages them to engage in risky behaviors such as drug/alcohol abuse, unprotected sex
Cols Street YOUTH Clinic
and running away, most frequently as a means to escape feelings of hopelessness and
595 Can Street
helplessness. Since our inception, over 30, 000 teens and their families have benefited from
San CA 54117
our 24-hour crisis shelter and adolescent health services
186.9.NW
POR. 415 386 6212
I plan to share this video with our Executive Director, Bruce Fisher and with other members
of the youth non-profit community in San Francisco. I believe this video should be in every
MANIM SERVICES
school across the country helping to teach young people to respect and understand the many
differences of others.
Nine Crove Lone Challer
, Drave Lane
Thank you for including me in your distribution and I look forward to keeping in touch. As
San Accolina. 3 94960
ideas or suggestions arise, I will gladly forward them 10 you.
as AST 3200
Far: 415 2418
All the best in your outstanding effort!
Muclieten) lean
Warmest regards,
Medith Program
Mantacito Mea
361 Thue Street Bulls n
Lisa Graham
Jan Ro'adi. 94001
Community Relations Director
415,268 434d
cc:
100 ns 258.4043
Don Graham
providing crisis. health and support services to youth and their families in out community,
TOTAL P. 15
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PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
DATE:
August 20, 1999
TO:
Melanne Verveer, Shirley Sigawa
Ruby Shamir
COMPANY:
Office Of The First Lady
FAX:
202-456-6244
202-456-6687
FROM:
Salome Brant (assistant to Peter Yarrow)
RE:
Thank You From Peter Yarrow
Total Pages To Follow:
0
Please contact (212) 580-5308 if there are any problems with this transmission
Dear Melanne, Shirley and Ruby,
I cannot tell you how pleased and proud I am to have received the
letter of support from First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for the "Don't
Laugh At Me" project. Your efforts and heart-felt encouragement have
been an important part of evolving this exciting project. I feel we are at
the threshold of making a significant contribution, of making a wake up
call to all Americans that could begin to shift the National perspective of
children and adults relative to issues of respect, tolerance and its
absence; ridicule, scorn and shaming. Please know how grateful I,
Salome and Gigi are and that Noel Paul and Mary join me in our most
sincere thanks to you all.
Warmest Personal Regards,
Peter Yarrow
PY/sb (dictated but not read)
TOTAL P.01
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PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-5308
(212) 874-1973 fax
DATE:
August 20, 1999
TO:
See Below
FROM:
Salome Brant and Gigi Causey (assistants to Peter Yarrow)
RE:
UPDATE: "Don't Laugh At Me" Project
Total Pages To Follow:
2
Please contact (212) 580-5308 if there are any problems with this transmission
NAME
FAX
Rob Mayer (Nathan Cummings Foundation)
212-787-7377
Stan Reynolds (Variety Clubs)
515-243-6664
Walk Street
310-399-6350
Charlotte Frank & Vince Lawrence
212-512-4769
(McGraw Hill)
Joseph Levine & Jim Carnes
334-262-2419
(Southern Poverty Law Center)
Marguerite Leishman (NAESP)
703-518-6281
Dawn Weiner (Enchanted Rock Films)
512-472-9386
Dennis Fogerty (Screen Visions)
212-752-0086
Janet Reno (Attorney General)
202-307-6777
John Garamendi (Yucaipa Company)
202-857-8068
Genet Garamendi (TLC)
301-771-4053
Roy Elvove (BBDO)
212-459-6861
Melanne Verveer & Shirley Sigawa
202-456-6244
(Office of the First Lady)
Linda Lantieri (Resolving Conflict Creatively)
212-509-1095
Tim Shriver & Charmaine Dittmar
202-628-0067
(Special Olympics)
George Guimaries (Save The Children)
203-222-1067
Carol Blymire (Discovery Networks)
301-771-4064
Bob Morrison (VH1)
212-846-1827
Lara Bertgthold (Lear Family Foundation)
310-551-4070
Shelia Cosper (Austin Music Network)
512-322-0947
Victor Kovner (Davis Wright Tremaine)
212-489-8340
Smith & Betsy Bagley
202-785-1446
Senator John Kerry (c/o Tricia Ferrone)
202-224-8525
AUG-20-1999 16:08
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Senator Ted Kennedy
202-224-2417
Jim Hirsch (Old Town School of Folk Music)
773-525-7842
Perry Steinberg (APB)
617-243-9037
Don Graham (Progressive Music Marketing)
323-969-0272
Chick Watkins (Westwood One Radio)
805-294-9384
Fred Tarter (Stagebill)
212-679-3816
Marian Wright Edelman & Jodi Torkelson
202-662-3580
(Children's Defense Fund)
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-7665
Hank Kashiwa (Volant Sport)
303-456-7810
Murray Gaylord & Lynn Lee (The Ad Council)
212-922-1676
Margie Tabankin
310-395-9676
Larry Dieringer
617-864-5164
(Educators for Social Responsibility)
Tom Asher (Proteus Fund)
413-256-0069
Don Biederman (& Marna)
310-470-2875
Jack Calhoun & Jacqueline Aker
202-296-1356
(National Crime Prevention Council)
Charles Benton (Benton Foundation)
773-878-2895
Paula Antonovich (Benton Foundation, DC)
202-638-5771
David Altschul (Warner Brothers)
818-953-3276
Phillip Self (Sony Publishing)
615-244-6387
Allen Shamblin
615-591-9860
Jacquie Turner
516-431-2954
Steve Seskin
Dear everyone associated with the "Don't Laugh At Me" project,
We just got this wonderfully supportive letter from first lady Hillary
Clinton. Her help with this project, and its possible inclusion in the
Presidential initiative that she mentioned, I feel sure will underscore
and broaden our mandate and efforts.
All The Best,
With Thanks,
Peter Yarrow.
PS Another update with further outreach efforts will be coming to
you next week.
PPS please email or fax your email address to us at [email protected]
so that future correspondence that can be easily sent by email will be
forwarded in that fashion. Other correpondences, with images,
letterheads, etc. will be faxed as before.
AUG-20-1999 16:09
PETER YARROW PROD.
2128741973 P.03/03
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 17, 1999
Peter Yarrow
PY Productions
27 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
Dear Peter:
I had the opportunity to view your moving video, "Don't Laugh At Me," last weekend. What an
effective way to reach into the hearts of young people and teach them the lessons of tolerance
and kindness. I was pleased to hear of your plans to distribute the video through children's and
education organizations, and hope that it will receive the wide audience that it deserves. If you
send another copy, I will share it with the new nonprofit organization being formed to address
the problem of youth violence which the President will announce August 27th.
As always, you have found a way to use music to teach us all important lessons about our times,
and how we can make a difference. Thank you for this piece, and for all you have done and will
continue to do.
Sincerely,
Hillany Hillary Rodham Clinton
TOTAL P.03