Aug. 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1992

Audience members. Barbara! Barbara! Note: The President spoke at 2:55 p.m. at Barbara! the Riverchase Galleria shopping mall. In The President. You tell them we stand his remarks, he referred to Emory Fowler, for family and faith and one Nation under Mayor of Montgomery. A tape was not avail- God. And then go tell the gridlocked Con- able for verification of the content of these gress and Governor Clinton: If you can’t remarks. run with the big dogs, stay under the porch. Thank you all very much.

Remarks at the National Affairs Briefing in Dallas, August 22, 1992

Thank you very much. Hey, listen, this missed Dr. E.V. Hill. I was with him in is a nonpolitical gathering. Thank you. Life his church in South Central out there in is not fair. For me to get up here after Los Angeles. I understand he just wowed Dr. Adrian Rogers, one of the great reli- them here tonight. But here’s a real man gious leaders of this country, it just doesn’t of the cloth and a man I respect enor- seem fair. Adrian, thank you, sir, for that mously. I wish he were here now. introduction. I mean, seven standing ova- Of course, special thanks to our organizer tions in the introduction, my heavens, and wonderfully dedicated chairman, Ed what’s going on here? [Laughter] McAteer; a man who I was sitting next to, But I am so pleased to be here. I have he and I go back many, many years out great respect for the man that did the intro- here in Texas, and he was reminding me ducing and so many here with us tonight. of a meeting we had some 36 years ago I’d like to recognize a true fighter for the out in west Texas, Ed Drake, chairman of American family. I heard him when Barbara the national NAB. Or is he the local chair- and I were standing in the wings; we heard man? Which are you? Local chairman, all him. I’m talking about one of this Nation’s right. And Dr. Jack Graham, the chairman truly great and, I would say, spiritual Gov- of the ministerial committee. ernors, Governor John Ashcroft from Mis- Let me just say it’s a pleasure to be here. souri. He gets it on his own and also from I’ve got a very difficult assignment. I plan his wonderful dad that is so well known to fulfill it to the letter. I was told that to, I’m sure, many people here. Thanks to Denee Varnum for that singing this is a nonpolitical event. We’re just com- and the First Baptist Church choir and or- ing off of a fantastic campaign swing, so chestra for that assist on ‘‘The Battle Hymn I’m going to cool it down, though, and talk of the Republic.’’ May I salute—I think about things that I think are near and dear Congressmen Sam Johnson of Dallas and to our hearts. Dick Armey of a neighboring district are You see, we meet tonight at a time of here with us tonight, both doing a superb great change. It’s exciting change; makes me job. wish I were about 40 years younger at times. Of course, another old friend for Barbara In both the world and our Nation this and me, now doing a superb job for this change is exciting. Changes are taking place, city, Mayor Steve Bartlett. You’re lucky to and they literally defy the imagination. I have him. You Dallas folks are lucky to remember 10 years ago when one of God’s have him as your leader. great soldiers, a friend to all here, I’m sure, In my line of work, loyalty and friendship visited Europe and the Soviet Union. Re- really count, and I want to single out Dr. turning to America, Dr. Billy Graham pre- Jerry Falwell, who is with us tonight, be- dicted that freedom would outlast tyranny. cause he sure fits that description as far He’d sensed something as he traveled across as the Bush family goes. I’m sorry that I that monolithic Communist empire.

1400

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 11:06 Aug 15, 2003 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\PAPERS2\92PAP2.012 APPS10 PsN: 92PAP2 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 22

The doubters said he’d been tricked. But member appear on television and talk to Dr. Graham, Billy, knew something they the Nation. I’m speaking, of course, of our didn’t. He knew the chains of oppression First Lady, Barbara. By the way, I recall forged by men were no match for the keys the Book of Proverbs said that ‘‘Grand- to salvation forged by God. children are the crown of the aged.’’ Well, Over the past 31⁄2 years, bayonets have while I wouldn’t quite put myself up there been no match for the righteousness of with the aged yet—some will, but I don’t God. Now, look to Bulgaria, where at last put myself there—I must tell you I felt people wish Merry Christmas not only in like I was wearing a crown the other night the privacy of their homes but in public, when I listened to one of our grandkids, in the streets. Look to Russia, where a ca- George P., speak to this Nation. This is thedral that was called the All Union Mu- a family night here, and I hope you’ll under- seum of Religion and Atheism now houses stand how emotional Barbara and I felt God’s apostles, or the former East Ger- when we saw this little guy get up. I asked many, where Bible studies are like bluebonnets in Texas in the spring, they’re him ahead of time, ‘‘Are you scared?’’ Oh, busting out all over. no, no, he wasn’t scared at all. But he car- In a season of thanksgiving the world says ried it off well, and he spoke from the heart. grace. And by God’s providence the cold Then yesterday, we were over in Gulf- war is over, and freedom finished first. Be- port, , and then at this marvelous cause of the changes that have been country music town of Branson, Missouri, wrought outside our Nation, our children and we saw a sign, ‘‘George P. in 2024. and our grandchildren now sleep in the Viva Bush.’’ It’s wonderful, this politics. But sweet sunshine of peace. And now it is our you know, in a tough political year—it’s challenge, it is our sacred challenge, to build been pretty tough, let’s face it, and all the for them a nation that is as secure from criticism, but it all subsides. It all gets into the inside as it is safe from the outside. proper perspective when you see your own I met not long ago with some of the may- grandkid up there and can take pride in ors of our great cities in this country. It what your family does. was the directors or the executive board You know, Barbara in her speech said of the National League of Cities. I asked something I remember. She said, ‘‘To us, what was the root of the ills with which family means putting your arms around they are afflicted in these cities, problems each other and being there.’’ Now, those like crime, drug abuse, unemployment. are truly words of insight and wisdom. They could have complained of the lack When I speak of family values, of restoring of Government money, but they didn’t. a little moral and religious fiber to our Na- They could have complained at the lack tion’s diet, my opponents accuse me of of Government programs, but they didn’t. mouthing slogans. But it is no slogan that These mayors, including those from the other party, liberal, conservative, Repub- America remains the most resolutely reli- lican, Democrat, large city, small city, said gious nation on God’s great Earth. It is that all their problems could be traced to no slogan to say that America will always the breakdown of the American family. I occupy a special place in God’s heart. But would simply add to that, an erosion of that is true only as long as we keep Him traditional moral and religious values on in a special place in our hearts. So I believe which our very Nation was founded. that now that the world has become more Some want us to get away from that. like America, it is time for America to be- Some want us to get off of that theme, come more like herself. That means get away from that. I simply cannot do it. strengthening the American family, and yes, It is too fundamental. Leave out the elec- it means increasing our faith in God. tion. It is fundamental that we restore and Government policy can make a dif- strengthen the American family. ference. That’s why I fought for changes— Now, this week you saw a very char- some that Steve was generous enough to ismatic, dynamic, insightful Bush family talk about—in our welfare laws to encour-

1401

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 07:28 May 21, 2003 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\PAPERS2\92PAP2.012 APPS10 PsN: 92PAP2 Aug. 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1992

age families to stay together, fathers to stick life is precious, born or unborn. I think around, children to be able to save a little it’s ridiculous that a 13-year-old girl here money when their mother’s on welfare so in Dallas has to get her mother’s permission they can get themselves educated. We’ve to get her ears pierced in a mall but can got to change the way the old welfare sys- get an abortion without telling her mom tem has worked. and dad. That doesn’t make sense to me. When Congress was considering a new I don’t believe it makes sense to most Amer- law giving parents help with child care, I icans. fought to make sure that parents would be Something’s wrong when kids can get able to choose the child care provider of birth control in school but can’t say a prayer their choice. I fought especially hard, and in school. If Congress can debate the merits we were successful on this one, to allow of Vanna White appearing on the Home care provided in religious settings. We had Shopping Network, surely Congress can to fight, but we won that fight. You see, find enough time to pass an amendment when it comes to deciding who should care to allow our kids to thank God. So I call for children when parents are working, I on the Congress again, and I’ll keep calling believe Government doesn’t know best; par- on them to pass a constitutional amendment ents know best. Parents should choose. allowing voluntary prayer. Let us bring the The same is true of education. I have faith of our fathers back to schools. spoken often of roots and wings. Wings, These are the kinds of issues that I care of course, are the subjects our children about and, certainly, I know you care about. learn, math, science, English, that allow So I’m not going to be dissuaded by the them to make their way in our complex critics who call family values a cliche, who world economy. But just as important are say that family values have no place in our the roots, the moral values taught around national debate. I will ignore those who the kitchen table or in our churches, and would rather not talk about a moral revival yes, as Dr. Rogers said, I believe, in our in America because I believe it is as impor- schools. For without roots our children will never fly in a moral and good direction. tant as any other challenge that we face. Many parents want their children to at- Barbara and I have crisscrossed the coun- tend religious schools, but they simply can’t try today, started out in Missouri, went to afford it. So I am fighting for a ‘‘GI bill’’ Georgia, spent our afternoon in Bir- for children. It will give Federal money to mingham, Alabama, where a crowd of working parents so that they can choose 20,000 people were kind enough to wait the best school for their children. The in the rain to see us. As we came out on choice should include all schools, public, the stage, singer Lee Greenwood was just private, and religious. beginning that marvelous anthem you know, I happen to believe that just as we fix a beautiful version of the song ‘‘I’m Proud our economy and improve our schools, To Be an American.’’ we’ve got to strengthen our moral founda- As I looked over the crowd, the rain was tion. If I could make one political comment, pouring down, falling, and I saw a little I was struck by the fact that the other party girl with blond ringlets perched upon her took words to put together their platform dad’s shoulders. She had a little ball cap but left out three simple letters, G–O–D. on her head, an American flag in one hand. As you may have heard, Governor Casey As Lee Greenwood began to sing she began of Pennsylvania was also shut out of the to wave the flag, and I looked and in her convention because he wanted to talk about other hand she had scrawled a sign. All the rights of the unborn. At least he’s in the rain had smudged the ink, but I could good company. My party’s platform is dif- still make out the words ‘‘I love America. ferent. We are proud to celebrate our coun- America loves God.’’ try’s Judeo-Christian heritage unrivaled in That little girl will grow up in a world the world. [Applause] filled with miracle medicines, a world where While you’re still standing may I say, as all the volumes of all the books in the Li- I said, I happen to believe that all human brary of Congress will be able to be

1402

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 07:28 May 21, 2003 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\PAPERS2\92PAP2.012 APPS10 PsN: 92PAP2 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 23

stored on one tiny little disk. While sci- Thank you very, very much. entific progress is good, it is my fervent hope that she will also come of age in a Note: The President spoke at 9:25 p.m. at nation where family is always first and the Dallas Convention Center. In his re- where the Creator is worshipped above all marks, he referred to Adrian Rogers, pastor, else. That is what has made America the , Memphis, TN; greatest nation on God’s Earth. It is our evangelists Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham; faith which will guarantee that the Sun Edward V. Hill, pastor, Mount Zion Mission- never sets on our Nation. ary Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA; and I’m just delighted to have been with you. National Affairs Briefing officers Ed Thank you for inviting us. And may God McAteer, national chairman, Ed Drake, Dal- bless this most wondrous land on the face las steering committee chairman, and Jack of the Earth, the of America. Graham, ministerial committee chairman.

Remarks to the Community in Springfield, Illinois August 23, 1992

The President. Thank you, thank you. I get through with them. But here’s what Thank you, Jim Edgar. You in Illinois are it is. Look, I’ll tell you why I’m going to lucky to have Jim Edgar and Brenda here do it this way. For months, I’ve held out in Springfield, I’ll tell you. And of course, my hand to the Congress only to have it I’m very pleased that Illinois’ own Ed Mad- bitten off. And now I am starting right here igan is our Secretary of Agriculture. He un- in Illinois. The Congressman from this dis- derstands it, and he’s doing a great job. trict voted against us on Desert Storm. He May I salute Bob Kustra, the Lieutenant tried to bring legal papers against me. He Governor, and his wife, Kathy; an old friend is against the balanced budget amendment. of mine, the secretary of state, George And I want John Shimkus to replace him Ryan, and Lura Lynn. George has been in the United States Congress. at my side through a lot of political battles, We’ve had it. We’ve had it with this grid- and I’m very grateful to him. locked Congress. The American people May I salute a good Member of Congress; have told Barbara and me, ‘‘Here are our if we had more like him we wouldn’t need values.’’ And they’ve said, agreed with me to clean House. I’m talking about Rep- in the election, ‘‘Here’s want we want to resentative Thomas Ewing here. And two do.’’ And it hasn’t worked because the Con- others that I want to single out because gress blocks us at every turn. You’ve got as we talk about change, real change to to turn out these—no matter how nice they help this country, we’ve got to change the are, how kind they talk about the farmer Clinton-Gore gridlock Congress. We’ve got to change it. And in Rich Williamson run- when they come back here, look at the ning for the Senate, we have a man that record. Don’t let them talk one way in Illi- can do just exactly that. He’s with you on nois and vote differently in Washington, the values. He’s with us on taxing less and DC. spending less. He’s with us on the fun- And let me just say it is really great to damentals, and we must have him in the be back in Springfield. Lincoln, you recall, United States Senate. And I want to see Abraham that is, said of this, he said, ‘‘To John Shimkus elected from the 20th Dis- this place and the kindness of these people trict. I owe everything.’’ I think he had good I am going to do what Harry Truman taste in political parties. I think he had great did in this campaign. No, it’s not give ’em taste in hometowns. hell, but they’re going to think it’s hell when

1403

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 07:28 May 21, 2003 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\PAPERS2\92PAP2.012 APPS10 PsN: 92PAP2