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Home , Chita Rivera, James Levine, Kennedy Center Honors

Dec. 8 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

Remarks at the Reception December 8, 2002

Welcome to the East Room of the White By his own will and God-given talent, House. We are glad you’re here. Laura and gained breakthrough roles I are so pleased to join you in honoring on the stage and in some of the finest the achievements of five great Americans. films of recent decades, from ‘‘The Great We welcome the honorees, and we wel- White Hope’’ to the ‘‘Field of Dreams.’’ come their families and friends who share Along the way, Americans have come to the pride of this special day. know an artist of seriousness and skill. Each new group of Kennedy Center hon- They’ve also come to know a man of great orees presents a picture to remember. This dignity whose voice we hope to hear for year we’ve brought together in one room many years to come. Congratulations. a legend of Broadway, the conductor of It is not commonly known, but Paul the Met, the composer of ‘‘Mrs. Robin- Simon got his start on the stage as well, son’’—[laughter]—the face of Cleopatra— as the White Rabbit—[laughter]—in a sixth [laughter]—and the voice of Darth Vader. grade production of ‘‘Alice in Wonderland.’’ [Laughter] [Laughter] Playing the Cheshire Cat was We’re all looking forward to a fine show his new friend Art Garfunkel. this evening at the Kennedy Center, pro- still thinks of himself as a boy from Queens. America thinks of Paul duced once again by George Stevens. To- Simon as the writer of some of the most night’s event recognizes lives of high memorable songs of our times and a singer achievement in the cultural arts. Each one of eloquence and integrity. From collabo- of you is known to the American people rative works such as ‘‘Bridge Over Troubled in a way that runs deeper than fame. Waters’’ to the groundbreaking rhythms of You’ve each made a place of your own in ‘‘Graceland,’’ Paul has defied musical the culture of our Nation. And tonight you boundaries, appealed to all generations, and can know that you are appreciated as well expressed the ideals and hopes of mankind. as being admired. He once studied to be a lawyer. When People say that the voice of the President he chose another path, the legal profession is the most easily recognized voice in missed out on volumes of moving and lyr- America. Well—[laughter]—I’m not going ical briefs. [Laughter] His decision to be to make that claim in the presence of a performer led him to Paris, where in James Earl Jones. And that commanding the early 1960’s you could have seen Paul voice belongs to one of the finest, most Simon performing alone, for anyone who respected actors in this generation. cared to stop and listen could have not There was a time when his voice was known then that he would one day draw seldom heard. You see, as a boy, Jimmy some of the largest live audiences ever. Jones struggled with a speech impediment. When you listen to Paul Simon’s songs, Often he could communicate with his you hear a gentle and truthful voice from teachers only in writing. This young man a gifted man with a good heart. For the had a heart full of courage and determina- words and music he’s brought to all our tion. And so, he learned debating and pub- lives, America today honors Paul Simon. lic speaking, and he read Shakespeare aloud knew from his earliest to master the feel and rhythm of language. years that he was destined for a life in Later, he cleaned offices while learning the music. In the decades since, he has con- actor’s craft. ducted major orchestras around the world

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and is himself an institution as the maestro Government, remains her inspiration in life. of the New York . Chita said, ‘‘I am only an extension of my At the age of 3, he was playing melodies mother. I look like her. I think like her. on the . His mother and father took Every step I do on that stage is for her.’’ him to symphonies where he would sit with And I know, Chita, that your mother would the open score on his lap, with also be proud of you today as America pays a knitting needle. [Laughter] By age 9, he tribute to your distinguished career and was producing full operas on a puppet stage your wonderful spirit. at home. Helen and Lawrence Levine en- On a fall afternoon in 1951, President couraged their son’s extraordinary talent, Harry Truman welcomed a group of young while letting nobody exploit him. This prod- actresses to the . [Laughter] igy matured into one of the most influential Among them was . At that conductors America has ever produced. event, Truman wondered aloud what the James Levine is known for an under- next 50 years would bring in the film indus- stated style, drawing attention to the music try. He added, ‘‘I know some of these itself, with his vivid and precise interpreta- young ladies will see that day.’’ Well, stand- tions. And his artistic vision has preserved ing here in 2002, we are honored to wel- and advanced the unmatched reputation of come back that lovely girl who became one the Metropolitan Opera. of the most accomplished and compelling James Levine has said that ‘‘music chose actresses in movie history. me, because I can’t remember life without Elizabeth Taylor’s early pictures, like it.’’ For the rest of us, it is hard to think ‘‘National Velvet’’ and ‘‘Lassie Come of American classical music without him. Home,’’ turned many reviewers into fans. So tonight, the music world is grateful for One wrote, ‘‘Her face is alive with youthful the disciplined artistry and joyful presence spirit. Her voice has the softness of sweet of maestro James Levine. song, and her whole manner is one of re- Our fourth honoree has been described freshing grace.’’ Through the years, her by one theater critic as ‘‘20,000 volts of performances in such films as ‘‘Giant’’ and untamed electricity.’’ [Laughter] Anyone ‘‘Butterfield 8’’ and ‘‘Cat on a Hot Tin who has seen on the stage Roof’’ showed a depth and intensity that or screen knows what that critic means. set her apart. Her face is one of the most Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and style memorable ever captured on film, and for have set a Broadway standard that few have millions of Americans, Elizabeth Taylor is ever reached. the very definition of acting talent and Chita began her training in classical bal- movie stardom. let and became a star in ‘‘.’’ She has also given her heart to important She went on to acclaimed performances in causes, especially the defeat of AIDS. For ‘‘,’’ ‘‘,’’ ‘‘Chi- her compassionate life and for a film career cago,’’ and many other great shows. She’s like no other, the Kennedy Center and the the owner of two and has American people honor Elizabeth Taylor. been nominated for five more. Her hard Each of our five honorees has shared work and personal warmth have gained her great gifts and has enriched the life of our the respect of her peers and the affection Nation. They have given us all many fond of the American people. memories, and I hope these distinguished It is fitting we recognize these accom- Americans and their families and friends plishments here in her hometown. Her will cherish the memory of this evening. family lived on Buchanan Street. Chita’s fa- Thank you all for coming. May God bless ther played in the Navy Band. Her late you all, and may God continue to bless mother, Katherine, who worked for the America.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 5:22 p.m. in the East Room at the White House.

Remarks Announcing the Nomination of John Snow To Be Secretary of the Treasury December 9, 2002

The President. Thank you. Please be seat- is firmly under control, which keeps the ed. Good morning. Today I’m pleased to cost of food, clothing, and other necessities announce my nominee for the Secretary of more affordable. Mortgage rates interest re- the Treasury. John Snow has excelled as main at historic lows, making home prices a business leader, an expert on economic more reasonable for millions of Americans. policy, an academic, and as a public serv- A 5.6-percent increase in productivity over ant. He’ll be a superb member of my Cabi- the last four quarters is the biggest of any net. comparable period since 1973. And growth I also want to welcome Carolyn here has returned to the American economy. today. Thank you for coming. I’m honored Yet, we also face specific challenges that you’re here. could slow the recovery and limit future As we look to a new year and a new growth. Parts of America are expecting— Congress, John Snow will be a key adviser are experiencing persistent unemployment. on the economy and a key advocate for Many Americans have very little money my administration’s agenda for growth, new leftover after taxes. Some struggle under jobs, and wider and more international trade. I’ll be proposing specific steps to in- a weight of debt that makes is difficult to crease the momentum of our economic re- save for retirement. Investor confidence covery, and the Treasury Secretary will be needs to be strengthened in practical ways. at the center of this effort. I appreciate The new Congress will have a responsi- John’s willingness to serve our country. bility to address these challenges. My ad- In a varied and productive career, John ministration will make specific proposals as Snow has shown consistent qualities of how best to address these challenges. I look foresight and integrity and public spirit. forward to working with John Snow, as we He’s led one of our Nation’s largest rail- move forward on a growth-and-jobs pack- roads with skill and success. He knows first- age. He and I share a basic conviction: hand how the economy works. His peers We believe the strength of our economy elected him to lead the Business Round- lies in the unmatched enterprise and cre- table, where he was an articulate voice for ativity and hard work of the America peo- pro-growth policies. ple. John has a deep, longstanding commit- It is the task of Government to create ment to ethical corporate governance. And an environment in which these qualities are as the cochairman of an important commis- rewarded and where jobs are generated, sion on public trust and private enterprise, especially by small businesses in America. he holds a Ph.D. in economics and has My administration has acted on these prin- taught in the field. He served in the execu- ciples, and we will continue to do so. John tive branch under two Presidents. will be the senior member of a new eco- John returns to public service at an im- nomic team. portant moment for our economy. Inflation

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