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[JGR/Presidential Interviews and Questionnaires] (09/30/1983-03/31/1984)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: [JGR/Presidential Interviews
and Questionnaires] (09/30/1983-03/31/1984)
Box: 38
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 30, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS 8762
SUBJECT:
Presidential Interview with Spanish Today
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the attached
written interview with the President be sent directly to
Mike Baroody by close of business today. The questions and
answers focus on issues of particular concern to the
Hispanic community, including minority businesses,
immigration legislation, education, and narcotics
trafficking. The draft answer to the question concerning
our position on illegal immigrants living in the United
States omits any reference to the legalization aspect of
Simpson - Mazolli. I think this audience would be pleased
that we are trying to grant legal status to their illegal
amigos. This point, and two minor stylistic ones, are made
in the attached draft memorandum to Baroody.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 30, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Interview with Spanish Today
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
interview. The draft answer to the question concerning the
Administration's position on illegal immigrants fails to
note that the immigration reform legislation we support
would grant legal status to many illegal immigrants
currently residing in the United States. I would think this
aspect of the bill would be favorably received by the
readers of Spanish Today, and consideration should be given
to mentioning it.
The second sentence of the first paragraph of the answer to
the question on Central America is grammatically unsound.
Suggested revision: "The counterfeit revolutionaries, who
must come to power through the barrel of a gun, offer
nothing but empty promises. They are men motivated by
self-interest, not that of the people of Central America."
Also, with respect to the penultimate question, "reverting a
trend" should be "reverting to a trend."
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF: JGR:aea 9/30/83
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 30, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Interview with Spanish Today
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
interview. The draft answer to the question concerning the
Administration's position on illegal immigrants fails to
note that the immigration reform legislation we support
would grant legal status to many illegal immigrants
currently residing in the United States. I would think this
aspect of the bill would be favorably received by the
readers of Spanish Today, and consideration should be given
to mentioning it.
The second sentence of the first paragraph of the answer to
the question on Central America is grammatically unsound.
Suggested revision: "The counterfeit revolutionaries, who
must come to power through the barrel of a gun, offer
nothing but empty promises. They are men motivated by
self-interest, not that of the people of Central America."
Also, with respect to the penultimate question, "reverting a
trend" should be "reverting to a trend."
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF: JGR:aea 9/30/83
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 . OUTGOING
H . INTERNAL
I INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
RICHARD G. DARMAN
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject:
Presidential Interview with
Spanish Today
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
WH011
ORIGINATOR 8309,28
/
/
Referral Note:
CNATI8
X
83,09,28
S 83,09,30
Referral Note:
cob
/ /
/ /
-
-
Referral Note:
/ /
/ /
Referral Note:
/ /
/ /
Referral Note:
:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B Non Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response THE Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
147274SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 9/27/83
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
c.o.b. 9/30/83
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL INTERVIEW WITH SPANISH TODAY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HERRINGTON
MEESE
HICKEY
BAKER
JENKINS
DEAVER
McMANUS
STOCKMAN
MURPHY
CLARK
ROGERS
DARMAN
P
SS
ROLLINS
DUBERSTEIN
SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
GERGEN
BAROODY
REMARKS:
Please forward any edits/comments on the draft Presidential
interview with Spanish Today directly to Mike Baroody
and send an information copy to my office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
SEP 28 1953
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
Mr. President, it is said that you are courting Hispanic
votes; is it true?
Unfortunately, many people insist on viewing any action I
take in this area as being political. I happen to feel that
the Hispanic community in this country -- which really
consists of separate communities of Cuban Americans, Mexican
Americans, Puerto Ricans, and others -- has for too long
been ignored and taken for granted by those in Washington.
I worked closely with the Hispanic community when I was
Governor of California. I campaigned among Hispanics and
received their support in 1976 and 1980, and I am determined
that the Hispanic community's concerns will be heard and
addressed by my Administration. I am trying to ensure that
through meetings with Hispanic leaders on a wide range of
issues, and by getting out into Hispanic communities
wherever I can. We are also bringing large numbers of
Hispanics into the Administration to manage and help set
policy. These efforts did not just start recently; they
have been a constant through my public life. As President,
I met with Hispanic leaders my first month in office to hear
their views, and those types of meetings have gone on
throughout my term. Unfortunately, the media has only now
started paying attention.
If including Hispanics in government, consulting with their
leaders, paying special attention to their needs, and
helping them become more and more a part of American society
is called "courting," then yes, I am courting Hispanics.
Unemployment, education, housing, medical care; these are
some of the areas where Hispanics lag behind. What is your
Administration doing to alleviate this situation?
Well, first of all, by cutting inflation we've limited the
rate of increase of all costs, housing, medical, food and
transportation; this has benefitted all Americans.
In dealing with unemployment, we have to remember that when
we took office, the economic engine of America was stalled,
recessions were becoming a prominent part of the American
economic picture which meant a loss of jobs for many
Americans. We are working to ease unemployment and with
America's economic recovery we are starting to see the
evidence of more jobs. Unemployment is dropping. In the
last five months, Hispanic unemployment has decreased by 20
percent from 15.3 in late 1982 to 12.3 as of July 1983. I
am confident that with continued economic recovery and
growth -- and the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 --
Hispanic unemployment will continue to fall.
In the area of housing, by cutting interest rates in half,
we have made housing more affordable for all Americans. And
for low income Hispanic Americans, the Department of Housing
and Urban Development recently announced the funding of two
major housing projects -- one in New Jersey, the other in
California. These low income projects will provide housing
for Hispanic elderly as well as other needy Americans.
Other such projects are in the planning stages.
In the area of education, we are providing a record $15.3
billion for student aid for the 1982-83 school year.
Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need are
eligible for:
-- up to $1600 in grants per year;
-- up to $2500 in guaranteed loans per year;
-- work-study support averaging $700; and
-- state and private aid.
And finally, we are working to ensure that medical costs do
not rise out of control. Some of my FY 84 proposals, if
enacted, will:
-- provide $74 billion for health care in 1984; and
-- slow health care price increases, thereby making health
care costs more affordable to those who are not covered
by Federal health care programs.
For our children, we will continue to fund the Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program at a level of
$1.1 billion. We will increase funding for child
immunization to $41.8 million. These are just a few of the
initiatives we are undertaking with regard to medical costs.
Our programs are positive programs for all Americans, and
I'm committed to ensure that Hispanics benefit as much as
any other group.
Mr. President, you said recently that Hispanics who are
making it in the business world, "are building a better
America for all of us." What is your Administration doing
to help Hispanics succeed in the business world?
Let me begin by restating my belief that Hispanics making it
in the business world are indeed building a better America
for all of US. Hispanic businesses are making a significant
contribution to our economy and to our economic recovery.
This is something I want very much to see continue. To this
end I have established a goal of awarding $22 billion in
federal contracts and sub-contracts to minority owned
businesses -- including Hispanic firms -- in fiscal years
1983, 1984, and 1985. In the current fiscal year the goal
is $4.8 billion in Federal procurement awards. Through the
third quarter of this year, Federal agencies have purchased
some $2.8 billion in goods and services -- 60% of our goal
-- from minority firms. I am also committed to the creation
of 60,000 new minority-owned businesses, a large number to
be Hispanic, over the next ten years. During that same
period, some 60,000 additional firms will be expanded.
Further, one of my the senior Administration officials on
minority business development initiatives is an Hispanic-
American, Victor Rivera, who is Director of the Commerce
Department's Minority Business Development Agency. The
agency is currently funding 100 minority business
development centers nation-wide. In fact most of these
centers are operated by Hispanic-owned business management
firms that are providing marketing, management, financial,
and technical assistance to Hispanic and other
minority-owned firms. Among the firms assisted by these
centers is Ruiz Food Products, recently named the Nation's
number 1 small business and honored at the White House
during National Small Business Week.
Additionally, just this past May, MBDA conducted one of the
largest trade missions our government has ever sponsored.
The agency organized a trade mission of 450 Hispanic-
American businessmen to Guadalajara, Mexico. The mission
was a complete success, resulting in several business oppor-
tunities for the participating firms and three major trade
agreements between the United States and the Mexican
government.
Education is definitely a way up for Hispanics, maybe the
only way; however, Mr. President, due to budget cuts, funds
to help minority students are very limited. Is your
Administration planning to do something specific to help
Hispanic students get the college money they need?
My Administration has supported, and will continue to
support, set-aside funding for Hispanic college students.
Since 1981, I have included in my budget requests to the
Congress increases for the Title III, Developing Institu-
tions Program, to ensure Federal support for minority
students. Included in this important program, is $5 million
in funds specifically earmarked for awards to predominantly
Hispanic postsecondary institutions. In fact, to date, the
Department of Education has made 24 grant awards to these
institutions, totaling $5.6 million.
In addition to the 24 awards made to date, the Department of
Education has conducted several workshops throughout the
country to provide technical assistance to all interested
predominantly Hispanic institutions. This type of
assistance helps student aid officers prepare their grant
applications. Also, to assist Hispanic students, the
Department of Education makes available its Student
Financial Assistance application forms in Spanish.
My Administration will continue to support this type of
special assistance for minority students, including special
set-aside awards for Hispanic institutions.
Mr. President, you are asking Hispanics everywhere to help
you present to Americans the truth of Central America. What
is that truth? Aren't you really asking Hispanics to be
partisan to your way of viewing things in that region?
The truth, as I have asked Hispanic-Americans to tell it, is
that Marxism, "revolutions without borders" and unending
subversion against neighbors -- is not the answer for the
future. The empty promises of the counterfeit revolution-
aries, who must come to power through the barrel of a gun,
must be shown for what they are
men motivated by self-
interest, and not that of the people of Central America.
I have not asked Hispanics take a partisan view of things in
the region. I have asked all Americans to reject the hollow
claims and broken promises of those who maintain that
communes, enormous military establishments, state run
economies, and the subjugation of individual freedoms for
"the good of the revolution " is what is best for the people
of Central America.
I have also asked that Hispanics support our four point
program for the region: social reform and human rights,
economic and humanitarian development, diplomatic solutions
to regional problems, and an adequate security shield for
both Central America and the United States; behind which
these improvements can take place. As I said in El Paso,
Texas, a few weeks ago:
"We want to see the peoples of those nations escape
the poverty and oppression of their pasts. We want
to see them move toward societies where democratic
rights are protected and a decent standard of living is
assured
"
These are noble goals, worthy of a great nation such as
ours. I believe that with an awareness of the problem, a
sense of purpose, and a consistent effort we can achieve
them.
Mr. President, are we losing the battle against drug-
traffickers? What else can be done to stop or reduce
considerably the amount of illegal drugs coming in from
South America?
It's just the opposite -- I feel that we are finally turning
the tide. Since 1981, we have established several major
drug enforcement initiatives. The Vice President's efforts
with the South Florida Task Force and the National Narcotics
Border Interdiction System, the Organized Crime/Narcotics
Board Enforcement Task Forces and the major increases in
drug enforcement activities within the United States have
stopped a lot of illegal drugs that otherwise would be on
our streets and in our homes.
However, we must also remember that all our drug enforcement
efforts and border interdiction will only be partially
effective until such time as source countries take vigorous
action to eliminate the cannabis and coca crops. We are
doing what is possible to enlist these countries in a strong
and united front against illegal drugs.
Drug abuse is a world problem, but we in the Americas have
more than our share. It is destructive to our governments
and causes serious health problems to our citizens. The
problems caused by drug abuse, and the trafficking in
illegal drugs must be stopped. We won't rest until we
succeed.
What is the official position of your Administration
regarding illegal immigrants living and working in our
country?
Shortly after taking office, I created a Cabinet-level Task
Force under the leadership of the Attorney General to study
the need for change in our Nation's immigration laws and
policies. After reviewing the Task Force report, I
concluded that the time for comprehensive reform had come,
and for the past two years my Administration has worked with
Congressional leaders of both parties to enact legislation
based on two principles -- to conserve our proud heritage as
a Nation of immigrants, and to enable the government to gain
tighter control over our borders.
Legislation to achieve these goals has twice passed the
Senate, but consensus has not yet been reached in the House
of Representatives. I am hopeful that differences within
Congress can be resolved in a principled way and that a bill
can be passed -- one that is at once workable and fair to
all concerned.
There is a trend all over the country to go back to basics
in school. You have also expressed definite views along
this line in your recent speeches on education. Does this
mean that teaching of foreign languages such as Spanish
7
should disappear from curriculums, thus reverting a trend
that began back in 1957 after the launching of the first
Soviet Sputnik?
In no way should our efforts to improve the quality of
education in this country be mistaken to mean that we are
advocating the dropping, or even the de-emphasis of foreign
language study -- Spanish or any other -- from our schools'
curricula. There is no doubt in my mind that foreign
language study adds to, and in no way detracts from, the
quality of education in our schools. Language study, like
math, science, english and history, is a basic element of a
well-rounded education.
Mr. President, what do you think about bilingual education?
Without hesitation, I believe in a continued Federal role in
bilingual education. I have spoken on this issue in the
past and will continue to express concern for assisting
children with limited English proficiency become proficient.
As a former Governor of this country's most populous state
with a large number of minority language persons, I am
acutely aware of the need for special programs to help those
with limited or no English gain command of the language.
The goal is simple -- to help school districts develop
programs that assist children in developing competency in
English so that they may progress through .the educational
system. One thing that should be clarified is that I do not
embrace one particular method of instruction. There are a
variety of options before us -- whether it be transitional
bilingual instruction, English as a second language, total
immersion into English, as well as a number of other
professionally recognized approaches.
To this end, this Administration has recently introduced the
Bilingual Education Improvements Act of 1983. Our proposal
is designed to strengthen and expand upon existing bilingual
education programs, by permitting greater flexibility for
local school districts to deal with needs specific to their
systems. Additionally, our amendments, for the first time,
extend bilingual education to vocational programs for out of
school youth.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 20, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS the
SUBJECT:
"Good Morning America" Interview with
the President - Issue here: Education
Talking Points
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the above-
referenced talking points be sent directly to Michael
Baroody by noon today. The talking points review
Administration policies and programs in the education area,
stressing merit pay, return to basics, partnerships in
education, and tuition tax credits. The points review
statistics to demonstrate that we have not cut back
education funding, while at the same time emphasizing that
more money is not the answer. I have no objections.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 20, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
"Good Morning America" Interview with
the President - Issue here: Education
Talking Points
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced talking
points, and finds no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 10/20/83
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 20, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
"Good Morning America" Interview with
the President - Issue here: Education
Talking Points
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced talking
points, and finds no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF: JGR:aea 10/20/83
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
ID #.
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o * OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
I . INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Richard G. DARMAN
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: "good morning america " interview with
the President Issue here education
talking points
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
WHOLL
ORIGINATOR 83,10,20
/ /
Referral Note:
CUAT18
D 83,10,20
583110120 5
NOON
Referral Note:
/
/
/ /
I
Referral Note:
/ /
/
/
I
Referral Note:
/ /
/
/
I
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C - Comment/Recommendation
R . Direct Reply w/Copy
B - * Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F . Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
167922SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
October 19
NOON TOMORROW
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: "Good Morning America" interview with the President
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HICKEY
MEESE
JENKINS
BAKER
McFARLANE
DEAVER
McMANUS
STOCKMAN
MURPHY
DARMAN
P
55
ROGERS
DUBERSTEIN
SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
GERGEN
BAROODY
HERRINGTON
REMARKS:
Please provide any edits/comments on the attached briefing
materials for GMA interviw with the President directly to
Mike Baroody in room 160 by NOON TOMORROW, Thursday, October 20,
with an information copy to my office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
20
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
KEY POINTS
Commission on Excellence report provides great oppor-
tunity to work together as a nation to improve our
schools.
Educational system got off track in the '60s and '70s.
More money is not the answer. Not getting our money's
worth on what we're spending. (20 fold increase in
Federal spending for 1960 to 1983).
Solution is back to basics and more parental and
community involvement.
RR role is to lead national debate.
Administration education initiatives include: Commis-
sion on Excellence, block grants, math and science
initiative, tuition tax credit, vouchers and support
for merit pay.
Nation is already responding. Many states have or are
planning reforms -- Florida, Virginia and California
have already. San Diego requires "C" to do extra-
curricular activities and 2 hours of homework a night.
Business responding with partnerships in education --
1,000 businesses with 140 schools in Dallas.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF NATIONAL COMMISSION ON EXCELLENCE
High school graduation criteria should be strengthened
by requiring at least five new basics:
-- Four years of English
-- Three years each of math, science, and social
studies; and,
-- One-half year of computer science.
The teaching profession should be strengthened by:
-- Making teachers' salaries competitive and
performance based (merit pay) ;
-- Lengthening the work year to 11 months and
establishing positions which distinguish between
beginning, experienced, and master teachers.
SPENDING FOR EDUCATION
Government at all levels spent $215.3 billion for
education in '82-'83 school year.
O
Federal spending for education has not been cut under
Reagan Administration.
-- $14.1 billion in 1980
-- $14.8 billion in 1981
-- $14.8 billion in 1982
-- $15.3 billion in 1983
In past 10 years spending per pupil has nearly doubled.
At the same time, the number of pupils has dropped by
14 percent.
Federal spending for DOE programs has increased 20 fold
since 1960 ($760 million to $15.3 billion).
RR'S VIEWS ON EDUCATION
U.S. has the best public school system in the world. RR
is confident that with parents, teachers and communi-
ties working together America can meet the challenge to
get it back on track.
When RR came to office, our educational system had
problems. Average student was not competitive with
those of other industrialized nations:
-- Between 1963 and 1980 SAT's were in unbroken
decline.
-- Too little was demanded of students.
Graduation requirements were lax.
-- Thirteen percent of 17-year olds were
functional illiterates.
-- Most students had less than 1 hour of homework.
Commission on Excellence report is good news. Serving
to energize and mobilize country to improve education.
RR believes excellence in education requires greater
emphasis on basics and broader vision for education --
involvement of parents, communities, churches and work
place.
More money is not the answer. Federal spending boom
(20 fold increase in 20 years) began at the same time
SAT's started dropping.
We don't have an education problem because we're not
spending enough. We have an education problem because
we're not getting our money's worth for what we spend.
Nation has already begun to respond to the challenge.
-- Since 1980, 20 states have passed tougher
certification laws so only qualified teachers
can enter classrooms.
-- More than half the school districts have raised
the number of credits required in basics of
English, science and math.
-- Thirty-eight percent more school districts will
upgrade standards by '85.
-- Florida has enacted major educational reforms.
Goal is to raise student achievement to
upper quarter of states by 1986.
-- Washington is starting a loan forgiveness
program for students and teachers who plan
to teach math and science.
-- California is reforming its educational system,
including increased graduation requirements,
a longer school day and year, and loan forgive-
ness for students who plan to teach math and
science.
-- In San Diego, students must have at least 2
hours of homework every night. And they need
a "C" average to participate in extra-
curricular activities.
-- Memphis now requires its students to have at
least a "C" average to graduate.
-- Forty states have formed task forces on educa-
tion.
-- Forty states plan to or have already increased
graduation requirements.
-- Thirty-one states are working on teacher
certification.
-- Three states have enacted math-science teacher
programs; eight more are in the process.
Civic and business organizations are working to improve
our schools.
RR set '83-'84 school year goal for all 110,000 U.S.
schools to have formed a "partnership in education.' "
-- In Dallas, over 1,000 businesses have formed
partnerships with 140 schools.
-- In Chicago, 133 businesses are partners with
140 schools.
-- San Diego schools are partners with the
Chargers, the Padres and the Navy.
-- White House has adopted inner-city D.C. grade
school.
RR'S EDUCATION POLICIES
o
RR's goal: To have the best possible education for all
our citizens.
Appropriate role for federal government is to
strengthen local school districts, to help states carry
out their responsibilities, and to help meet the
special needs of certain groups, including the
handicapped, the disadvantaged and minorities.
Specifics of the Reagan record on education include:
-- Leadership. Appointed national commission to report
on state of American education. RR has used Presi-
dency as "bully pulpit" to lead national debate on
education.
-- State and local flexibility. Enacted a block grant
program in 1981 which consolidated 29 narrow, cate-
gorical grants into a single, flexible state and
local grant. Helps school districts meet locally
defined needs. So far has saved state and local
governments $1.8 million in administrative costs
and 191,000 person hours in paperwork.
-- Meet need for more math and science teachers. RR
has proposed a $200 million 4-year block grant to
train 10,000 math and science teachers each year.
-- Increase parental freedom of choice. Administration
proposals for tuition tax credits and education
vouchers would give parents greater freedom to
choose best schools for their children. Would give
choice -- for first time -- to low and middle income
parents.
-- Student aid. Proposed spending $5.9 billion on
guaranteed student loans in '84 -- a 22% increase in
2 years.
-- Special Needs Children. Maintained commitment to
special needs children by proposing $4.1 billion for
disadvantaged and handicapped students in '84 --
highest level ever.
-- Teacher Incentives. RR has supported the concept
of recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers
through Master Teacher/Merit Pay plans.
-- Partnerships in Education. RR directed federal
government to promote partnerships in education.
Every agency (including the White House) is to
adopt a school. White House Office of Private
Sector Initiatives is working with state govern-
ments and industry groups SO that all 110,000
schools can be "adopted" in '83-'84 school year.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 22, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
are
SUBJECT:
Draft Material for Interview
With Wire Services
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the attached
briefing material be sent directly to Michael Baroody by
2:00 p.m. today. The material, for the President's year-end
interview with the wire services, focuses on the progress of
the economic recovery and the improvement of America's
position in foreign affairs. I see no legal objections.
The material ends with a list of items on which the
President hopes to see Congress act. Two high-priority
legal reform items are not listed and, in my view, should
be. I would add "tougher criminal laws" (an understandable
shorthand for our pending proposals concerning the death
penalty, exclusionary rule reform, abolition of parole,
limitation of the insanity defense, stronger forfeiture and
sentencing laws, etc.) and "immigration reform" to the list
of legislative priorities.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 22, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Material for Interview
With Wire Services
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
briefing material, and finds no objection to it from a legal
perspective. I would, however, consider adding "tougher
criminal laws" (an understandable shorthand for our pending
proposals concerning the death penalty, exclusionary rule
reform, abolition of parole, limitation of the insanity
defense, stronger forfeiture and sentencing laws, etc.) and
"immigration reform" to the list of legislative priorities
appearing at the end of the briefing materials.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 12/22/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
ID #
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S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
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to be used as Enclosure
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Code = "A"
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Comments:
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Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
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5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/22/83
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 12/22 - 2:00 p.m.
SUBJECT: DRAFT MATERIAL FOR INTERVIEW WITH WIRE SERVICES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
JENKINS
MEESE
McFARLANE
BAKER
McMANUS
DEAVER
MURPHY
STOCKMAN
OGLESBY
DARMAN
P
85
ROGERS
FELDSTEIN
SPEAKES
FIELDING
SVAHN
>
FULLER
VERSTANDIG
GERGEN
WHITTLESEY
BAROODY
HERRINGTON
HICKEY
REMARKS:
Please provide any edits/comments directly to Mike Baroody, with a
copy to my office, by 2:00 p.m. today. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
Receive SS
THE WHITE HOUSE
1983 DEC 22 AM 11: 55
WASHINGTON
December 22, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD DARMAN
FROM:
MIKE BAROODY
SUBJECT:
WIRE SERVICES INTERVIEW
Attached is the draft material for the Presidential year-end
interview with the wires on Friday.
December 22, 1983
NOTES FOR YEAR-END INTERVIEW WITH AP AND UPI
Biggest accomplishments of last 3 years?
Recovery -- our major objective on taking office.
Renewing respect for America abroad.
Restoring military's strength -- and morale.
Showing people that government could respond to their
wishes -- Congress and President could enact a program.
Americans getting their confidence in government back
as we try to get government off their backs and on
their side, again.
What about this year -- 1983?
1983 was a good year -- and 1984 should be, too.
Specifically:
-- Recovery began;
-- Social Security reform was passed;
-- full tax rate cut took effect;
-- focused education debate on excellence, not money;
-- Grenada rescue succeeded;
All through 1983 we had positive GNP growth, falling
unemployment, and low inflation. Haven't seen that
kind of positive combination since 1972. Really was a
banner year.
-- growth for year was healthy 6.1% (based on 4th
quarter "flash" of 4.5% -- could change some);
-- CPI up 3.2% for last 12 months;
-- Unemployment fell to 8.4%.
Economists inside and outside government almost unani-
mous that recovery will continue thoughout 1984. Our
goal was sustainable growth with low inflation -- and
we can have it well past 1984, provided Congress works
with us on controlling spending.
Now, 3.6 million more Americans working than a year
ago. That's what growth means -- jobs -- and that's
why recovery was our top priority.
There are 102.7 million working. That's a record --
but it's a record RR expects to see broken several
times in 1984 as growth leads to even more jobs.
Have achieved what many in 1980 thought impossible -- at
least this soon.
Inflation: CPI rose only 3.2% from a year ago. Some
said we might not see it so low until 1990 or SO.
Economy growing again: From start of 1979 to end of
1982, there was virtually no growth (some quarterly ups
and downs, but GNP basically stagnated over that 4 year
period). Some then were saying we'd have to learn to
live without growth in an "era of limits" but RR thinks
what's happening now to economy is proving them wrong.
Growth of spending cut: Spending rose more than 17% in
1980. The rate's now about half that.
Taxes: Many said Congress would never go along with
lower tax rates and certainly never pass indexing (and
give up the automatic revenue bonus from inflation).
Energy: Many thought prices, shortages and U.S. depen-
dence on imported oil could only get worse. But, 2
days after taking office, RR ordered decontrol and now:
-- prices are down -- actually lower than on
inauguration day.
-- U.S. importing only half the oil it did in 1977.
Social Security: Retirement fund saved from bankrupt-
cy. Also, since RR took office, benefits for average
retired couple rose $170 a month.
Education: Now discussion centers on how much children
should learn, not how much government should spend.
That's a result of the Administration's leadership in
commissioning Excellence report.
U.S defenses, America's leadership role being restored.
The declining U.S. commitment to adequate defense
spending has been reversed under RR and funding for
needed strategic and conventional weaponry is being
passed by Congress.
Morale in the armed services is up; quality of men and
women in uniform should be source of pride to all
Americans.
Have followed firm, realistic policy in U.S.- - Soviet
relations.
Put forward comprehensive set of proposals for nuclear
arms reductions. Hopeful Soviets will return to talks
and U.S. ready to resume negotiations. Believe it's in
Soviet interest to return to table.
Had successful summit in Williamsburg. Leaders of
industrial nations struck broad agreement on basic
Western economic goals. (Note OECD report, out Wed-
nesday, was more optimistic about prospects for world
economy than any in several years. OECD is Organiza-
tion for Economic Cooperation and Development -- group
of economists of leading industrialized nations.)
Action in Grenada, efforts to strengthen alliances,
have demonstrated new U.S. resolve to protect and
further her national interests and resume rightful
place of leadership in the world.
Disappointments?
Biggest is loss of brave young men in uniform.
Decision to send men into danger toughest any President
has to make. Was the right decision, but wish it
didn't have to be made.
Deficits, of course, but RR's determined to get them
down. Budget for FY85 will show how we can reduce the
deficit in coming years -- and we're going to work hard
to get Congress on our side.
Legislatively, still looking for progress on many
fronts:
-- Enterprise Zones;
-- Tuition tax credits;
-- school prayer;
-- budget restraint;
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 1, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Wall Street Journal Interview --
Scheduled for February 2, 1984
With the President
Richard Darman has asked that we send any comments on the
attached interview briefing materials directly to Mike
Baroody by 3:30 p.m. today. The bulk of the materials
concerns the progress of the economic recovery. There is a
question and answer on the line-item veto, in which the
President states he would welcome even the one-year
experiment proposed by some Democrats. He expresses a
preference for a Constitutional amendment, to effect
permanent structural change, but nothing in the draft answer
precludes acceptance of our suggested statutory approach of
enhanced Presidential authority not to spend individual
items of appropriation.
There is also a question and answer on resistance to
protectionist pressures, in which the President reiterates
his commitment to free trade but, appropriately, notes that
we will enforce the law with respect to subsidization or
other unfair trade practices. Nothing in the draft answer
compromises the pending applications for protection under
§ 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. $ 2251.
I have no legal objections.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 1, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Wall Street Journal Interview --
Scheduled for February 2, 1984
With the President
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced briefing
materials, and finds no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 2/1/84
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 1, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL E. BAROODY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Wall Street Journal Interview --
Scheduled for February 2, 1984
With the President
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced briefing
materials, and finds no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 2/1/84
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
ID #.
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WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
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3:30PM
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S For Signature
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X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code
=
"A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/1/84
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
3:30 p.m. TODAY
SUBJECT:
WALL STREET JOURNAL INTERVIEW -- SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, 2/2
WITH THE PRESIDENT
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
McFARLANE
MEESE
>
McMANUS
BAKER
MURPHY
DEAVER
OGLESBY
STOCKMAN
ROGERS
DARMAN
P
85
SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
HERRINGTON
Baroody
HICKEY
Tutwiler
JENKINS
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Mike Baroody, with a copy to
my office, by 3:30 p.m. TODAY. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
1984 FEB -1 PM /: 48
Ext. 2702
ReceivedSS
THE WHITE HOUSE
1984 FEB - I PM 1: 27
WASHINGTON
February 1, 1984
MEMORANDUM TO RICHARD DARMAN
FROM:
MIKE BAROODY
MB
SUBJECT:
WALL STREET JOURNAL INTERVIEW / RR
Attached for your staffing are draft materials for the
President's Wall Street Journal interview scheduled for
tomorrow, Thursday.
February 1, 1983
NOTES FOR WALL STREET JOURNAL INTERVIEW
General Points
Program working: 1983 first year since 1972 with:
-- consistent growth (up over 6%) ;
-- low inflation (2nd straight year under 4%) ;
-- falling unemployment (down 2.5 points).
Economic outlook: can have prolonged expansion, not
just cyclical recovery, if Congress cooperates.
Fairness charges:
-- Democrats' double-digit inflation most unfair to
poor. Stole more than $1000 from family on $5000
fixed income in 1979-80.
-- Unfair to whom? Not to taxpayers with lower rates,
or to workers with higher real wages, or to fixed
income poor and elderly with lower inflation.
Jobs: no clearer contrast with Dems than here. They
proposed one "jobs" bill they claimed would create
300,000 public works jobs. Would have spent $3.5 bil-
lion. But without that costly pork-barrel, a growing
economy put more than 300,000 a month to work in 1983.
Politics
Expect hard fought campaign but that's good -- people
deserve full airing of issues.
Democrat contenders: Lots of talk about new ideas
coming from them, but they aren't offering any.
Why the focus on Mondale already?
-- RR not singling him out. Just seems that whenever
RR mentions overpromising to special interests,
people seem to think of him first.
-- To RR, all eight sound pretty much the same now.
--
Happy to leave the choice to Democrats.
--
Whichever of the eight is nominated, the voters'
in 1984 have same basic choice as in 1980: Go
forward to era of opportunity or back to era of
limits.
Q & A
1.
If deficit reduction panel (on downpayment) fails, how
long do you think it will take before the deficits
start crowding out private borrowing and hurting the
recovery?
Too soon to talk about failure. Budget just went to
Hill Wednesday.
Effort shouldn't fail. Democrats (and Republicans)
both called for similar bipartisan talks.
Even before SOTU, majority leader Wright, Gillis Long,
many other Hill Democrats, asked for such talks.
So shouldn't write off the effort before it's really
even gotten started.
So the question's hypothetical -- but can say this:
-- Recovery still looks solid. Good news of the past
week shows that's true:
New home sales at 5 year high;
Productivity up 3.1% in 1983, most since '76;
Leading indicators up almost 16% in a year;
-- The pace has slowed somewhat from last summer, but
that's not bad. We don't want a boom that will
lead to a bust -- we want sustainable growth with
low inflation.
- We have that now, and we can keep it for the
future if Congress will work with us to maintain
restraint and bring the deficit down.
-- If we can't get solid bipartisan cooperation on
spending, there's always the veto.
- But, to go back to the point your question raises,
RR's hopeful we can get some agreement, even in an
election year -- and make the deficit an object of
cooperation with Congress, not confrontation.
2.
Is Reaganomics responsible for the recovery?
O
In a word -- yes.
There was nothing automatic about this recovery or the
progress against inflation that contributed so much to
it. Our policy changes made the big difference.
Monetary policy also played a large role, as we said it
would -- but it also helped that we tried to work with
the Fed and not against it. (Fed policy was stymied by
Carter Administration on-and-off policies --- like the
ill-fated try at credit controls.)
O
Let me put is this way. Do you think recovery could
have happened if:
-- inflation were still in double-digits?
-- tax rates had not been cut?
--
federal spending was still rising 17% a year?
--
regulatory burdens were still growing like they
were? (VP's task force cut regulation costs to
business, consumers by $150 billion in next 10
years -- frees that money for investment.)
O
If we hadn't brought interest rates down, would home
sales be at five-year peak?
We've tried to be consistent - - we set our economic
policy and economic goals right at the start and stuck
to them. That consistency -- in contrast to stop and
start policies that preceeded us -- was a major factor
in turning the economy around.
Key Point: Growth was the major objective. It had
basically come to a halt at the start of 1979 and (with
some ups and downs) stayed that way for four years. RR
rejected "era of limits" talk and, by the start of
1983, the economy began growing. There's enough momen-
tum for it to continue through the '80s if we can keep
Congress from stunting its growth.
O
Said it couldn't be done: Three years ago, almost no
one thought we'd come this far this fast.
-- Inflation was expected to stay high for years.
-- Energy shortages, rising costs, were said to be
permanent.
-- Growth was said to be a thing of the past.
3.
If the money supply is too tight and leads to an eco-
nomic downturn in mid-year, are there steps you could
take to maintain the recovery?
No reason to expect down-turn -- recovery's going well.
Fed within its targets for growth in money supply and
we expect they will try to stay there.
Have learned one lesson well from last 10-20 years of
experience: Can't fine tune the economy with any pre-
cision. Important to maintain steady course over the
longer term.
Can't expect every economic. sign to be up every month
-- and must not panic or change course if some are not.
Example: Leading indicators index went down in
November. But, that didn't change long-term outlook.
Back up in December, the index has risen 15 out of last
16 months. Overall, the index' performance strongly
suggests continued growth in future.
4.
What are prospects for the line-item veto and would you
accept the one-year experiment being suggested by Con-
gressional Democrats?
Prospects for passage have improved.
Last year in the Senate, the Armstrong-Long amendment
to give the President "enhanced recission authority"
(not a line-item veto but similar in concept) was
tabled by a very close vote of 49-46.
Can't predict Congress will pass, but the odds may be
better now than ever in the 100+ year history of the
idea. RR intends to push for it.
As for the one-year experiment -- we'd welcome it.
Can't say just how it might be used this year. (Frankly
an election year may not be best time to give it a fair
trial -- but RR willing to give it a try if Congress
acts)
Of course, would prefer permanent structural change
that only a Constitutional amendment can give -- rather
than statutory authority that Congress can give one
year and take away the next.
But if RR had the authority last year, might have used
it, for example, against provision of Energy Department
money bill that requires DoE to have certain number of
employees to run programs - whether they re all needed
or not.
5.
Can you continue to resist protectionist pressures,
especially in steel and other heavy metal industries?
RR firmly committed to free trade principles.
Must try to avoid temptation to raise more barriers to
trade -- and keep focus on trying to bring them down.
Consumers would be first to suffer from protectionism.
American industry being hurt by unfair foreign compe-
tition can expect we will take appropriate actions to
offest subsidazation or other unfair trade practises by
other countries. We will enforce the law.
6.
What will be the major areas of concern at the economic
summit in June?
Our British hosts are working with the Allies to
establish the agenda for the London summit.
Would be premature to talk now as if the agenda were
set in concrete. It's not.
Obviously, will want to build on the many positive
points of agreement struck at Williamsburg and at
previous summits.
Expect we will also seek to expand cooperation on
economic policy consultation and on international trade
and debt strategies.
7.
Will RR have to raise taxes in a second Administration?
Will have to raise revenues but believe we can do that
without raising tax rates. Combination of broader tax
base (by getting at underground economy), tax simplifi-
cation, and continued growth would be a better way.
RR hopes that Treasury review announced in SOTU will
let us bring rates down, not raise them.
RR's losing patience with those who still criticize the
tax cuts, in light of the economic progress we've seen
since they took effect -- and the obligation in fair-
ness we had to American taxpayers to lighten the rising
tax burden.
O
It's clear tax policy is a major point of difference
in this campaign year. Contenders for the Democratic
nomination say they'll raise taxes, one way or the
other. (Some of them talk about spending cuts, too,
but you can sense their hearts aren't in it.)
Key point: As RR said in SOTU, real question is how to
get the deficit down. Simply must not be done the
wrong way -- by wiping out incentive tax cuts we worked
so hard for.