and thanks for joining us for

c-span's american history series speeches that defined a presidency. tonight, our focus is on two presidents, george h.w. bush and bill clinton. well, in 1991, 12 days after leaving forces against iraq, george bush we bore congress to talk about the hard work of. and in 1995, at the university of texas in austin, bill talked about race relations and the opportunity to improve them. here's president and president clinton.

members of the congress. i have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you, the president of the united states states.

thank you very much. thank you, mr. president. president. mr. president and mr. speaker and members of the united states congress. i come to this house and the people to speak to you and all america make certain that we stand at a defining hour halfway around the world. we are engaged in a great struggle in the skies and on the seas and sands. we know why we're there.

we are americans. part of something larger than ourselves for two centuries. we've done the hard work of freedom. and tonight, we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity. what is at stake is more than one small country. it is a big idea. a new world order where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of. mankind, peace and security. freedom and the rule of law. such is a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our children's future.

the community of nations has resolutely gathered to condemn and repel all lawless aggression. saddam hussein means unprovoked invasion. his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor violate. it everything. the community of nations holds dear. the world has said this aggression would not stand and it will not stand. together. together we have resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism and isolé nation that gives temptation to tyrants. the world has answered saddam's

invasion with 12 of united nations resolutions starting with a demand for iraq's immediate and unconditional withdrawal and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six continents, with exceptions. the world now stands as one. the end. the cold war has been a victory for all humanity. a year and a half ago in germany, i said that our goal was a europe whole and free. tonight, germany, united. europe has become whole and free. and america's was instrumental in making it possible. our. our relationship to the soviet

union is important. not only to us, but to the world. that relationship has helped to shape these and other historic changes. but like many other nations, we have been deeply concerned. the violence in the baltics. we have communicated that that concern to the soviet leadership. the principle that has us is simple. our objective is to help the baltic peoples achieve their aspirations as not to punish the soviet union union. in our recent discussions, the soviet leadership, we have been given representation, which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal of some soviet forces, a reopening of dialog with the republics and a move

away from violence. we will watch carefully as the situation develops and we will maintain our contact with the soviet leadership to encourage continued to democratization and reform. if it is possible. i want to continue to build a lasting basis for us-soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind. the triumph of democratic ideas in eastern europe and latin america and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere. all around the world all confirm the wisdom of our nations founders. tonight, we work to achieve another victory a victory over tyranny and savage aggression.

we in this union enter the last decade of the 20th century century for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware of our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around the world. for two centuries, america has served the world as an inspiring example of freedom and democracy for generations. america has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty. and today in a rapidly changing world, american leadership is indispensable. americans know that leadership brings burdens and sacred. but we also why the hopes of humanity turn to us. we are americans.

we have a unique responsibility to do the hard work of freedom. and when we do, freedom works. the conviction and courage we see in the persian gulf today is simply the american character in action. the indomitable spirit that is contributing this victory for world peace. justice is the same spirit that gives us the and the potential to meet our toughest challenges at home. we are resolute and resourceful if we can selflessly confront the evil for the sake of good in the lands so far away, then surely we can make this land all

that it should be. if anyone tells you that america's best days are behind her, they're looking wrong way. tonight. now i come before this house and the american people with an appeal for renewal. this is not merely a call for new government initiatives. it is a call for a new in government in our communities and from every american to prepare for the next american century. america has led by example. so who among us will set the example? which of our citizens will lead us in this next american century? everyone who steps today to get

one addict off drugs to convince one troubled teenager not to give up on life to comfort one aids patient, to help one hungry child. we have within our reach the promise of a renewed america we can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves. a shining purpose. the illumination of a thousand points of light. and it is expressed by all who know the era's mystical force of a child's hand of a friend who stands by you and stays there. a volunteer's, generous, an idea that is simply right. the problems us may be different, but the key to solving remains the same.

it is the individual. the individual steps forward and the state of our union is the union of each of us. one to the other, the sum of our friendships, marriages, families and communities. we all have something to give. so if you know how to read. find someone who can. if you've got a hammer, find a nail. if you're not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble. seek out someone who is. join the community of conscience. do the hard work of freedom. and that will define the state of our union.

since the birth of our nation. we the people has been the source of our strength. what government can do alone is limited. but the potential of the american people knows no limits. we are a nation of rock solid realism and clear idealism. we americans. we are the nation that believes in the future. we are the nation that can shape the future. and we've begun to do just that by strengthening the power and choice of individuals and families together. these last two years, we dollars for child care directly in the hands of parents instead of bureaucracies.

unshackled the potent skill of americans with disabilities. applied the creative beauty of the marketplace in the survey of the environment for clean air. and made homeownership possible for more americans. the strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy. it is in the people and their communities, in. we do. let us unleash the potential of. our most precious resource, our citizens. our citizens. we return to families, communities, counties, cities, states and institutions of every kind. the power to chart their own

destiny and the freedom opportunity provided by strong economic growth. and that's america is all about. i know tonight in some of our country, people are in genuine economic distress. and i hear them earlier this month, kathy blackwell, massachusetts, wrote me about what can happen. the economy slows down, saying, my, my heart is aching and i think that you should know, your out here are badly. i understand. and i'm not unrealistic. the future. but there are reasons to be optimistic about our economy. first, we have to fight double

digit inflation. second, most industries won't have to make big cuts in production because they don't have big inventories piled up. and third, our exports are running solid and strong. in fact, american businesses are exporting at a record rate. so let's put these times in perspective together. since 1981, we've created 20 million jobs cut in half and cut interest rates in half. and yes, the larger peacetime economic expansion in history has been temporarily. but our economy is still over twice as large as our closest competitor. we will get this recession behind us and to growth soon.

we. we will get on our way to a new record of expansion and and achieve the competitive that will carry us the next american century. we should focus our efforts today on encouraging economic growth, investing in the future and giving power and opportunity to the individual. we must. we must begin with control of federal spending. and that's why. and that's why i'm submitting a budget that holds the growth in

spending to less than the rate of inflation. and that's why amid the sound and fury of last year's budget debate, we put into law new, enforceable spending caps so that future spending debates will mean a battle of ideas. not a bidding war. and don't controversial the agreement finally put the federal government on a pay as you go plan and cut the growth of debt by nearly $500 billion. and frees funds for saving and job creating investment. now let's do more. my budget again includes tax free family savings accounts, penalty free withdrawals from

iras for first time homebuyers. and to increase jobs and growth. a reduced tax, long term capital gains. i know there are differences among us about the. impact and the effects of a capital gains incentive. so tonight, i'm asking the congressional and the federal reserve to cooperate with us in a study led by chairman alan greenspan to sort out our technical differences so that can avoid a return to partizan.

just, as our efforts will bring economic growth and in the future. they must also be matched by long term investment for the next american century, and that requires a forward looking plan of action. and that's exactly what we will be sending to the congress. we've prepared a detailed series of proposals that include a budget that promotes investment in america's future in children, education, infrastructure air space and high technology legislation to achieve excellence in education. building on the partnership forged with the 50 governors at the education summit, enabling

parents to choose their children's schools and helping to make america number in math and science. a blueprint for a new national highway system. a critical investment in our transportation infrastructure future. a a research and development agenda that includes record levels of federal investment and a permanent tax credit to strengthen private r&d and to create jobs. compare offensive national energy strategy that calls for energy conservation and

efficiency. increase development and greater use of alternate fuels. banking reform to bring america the financial system into the first century so that banks remain safe and. and continue. can continue to make job creating loans for our factories. our businesses. and homebuyer. you know i do think that there's been too much pessimism sound should be making sound loans. now and interest rates should be lower. now.

in addition to these proposals must recognize that our economic strength depend on being competitive in world markets. we must continue to expand american. a successful uruguay round of world trade negotiations will more real jobs and more real growth for all nations. and you and i know that if the playing field is level america's workers and farmers can outwork, out, produce anyone, anytime, anywhere to. and with a mexican free trade agreement and our enterprise for the americas initiative. we can help our partners

strengthen their economies and move toward a free trade zone throughout this entire hemisphere. the budget also includes a plan of action right here, home to put more power and in the hands of the individual. and that means new incentives to create jobs in our inner cities by encouraging investment enterprise zones. it also means tenant control over and ownership of public housing. freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. they are the birthright of every american. civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal opportunity.

every. every every one of us has responsibility to speak out against racism, bigotry and hate. we. we will continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statute. and i will once again press the congress to strengthen the laws against employment without resorting to the use of unfair preferences. where determined to protect another fundamental civil right freedom from crime.

and the fear that stalks our cities. the attorney general will soon convene a crime summit of our nation's law enforcement officials and to help us support them, we need tough crime control legislation and we need it now. and as we fight crime, we will fully implement our national strategy for combating drug abuse. recent data show that we are making progress, but much remains to be done. we will not rest until the day of the dealer is over forever. good health care is every

american's right and every american has responsibility. and so we are proposing an aggressive program of new prevention initiatives for infants, for children, for adults and the elderly. to promote a healthier america. and to help costs from spiraling. it's time to give people more choice in government by reviving the ideal of the citizen politician who comes not to stay, but to serve. and one of the reasons that there is so much support across this country for term limitations is that the american people are increasingly concerned learned about big money influence in politics. so we must look the next election to the next generation and the time has come to put the national interest above the

special interests and to totally eliminate political action committees. and that would truly put more competition in elections and more power in the hands of individuals. and where power cannot be put directly in the hands of the individual. it should be moved closer to the people away from washington. the federal government too often treats programs as if they are of washington, by washington and for washington. once established, federal programs seem become immortal. it's time for a more dynamic program cycle.

some should increase. some should decrease. some should be terminated. and some and some should be consolidated and turned over to the states. my budget. a list of programs for potential turnover totaling more than $20 billion. working with congress and the governors i propose we select at least. $15 billion in such programs and turn them over to the states in a single consolidated ated grant fully funded for flexible management by the states. the value, the value of this turnover approach is

straightforward. it allows the federal government to reduce overhead. it states to manage more flexibly and more efficiently. it moves power and decision making closer to the people, and it reinforces the theme of this administration appreciation and encouragement of the innovative powers of states as laboratories. this nation was founded by leaders who, understood that power belongs in the hands of people, and they plan for the future. and so must we. here and all around the world. as americans, we know there are times when we must step and accept our responsibility to lead the world away from the dark chaos of dictators, toward

the brighter promise of a better day. almost 50 years ago, we began a long struggle against aggressive totalitarianism. now we face another defining for america and for the world. there is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard work of freedom than. every soldier and sailor, every marine, airman and guardsmen, every man and woman now serving in the persian gulf gulf.

know how they deserve deserve.

and. and and. what a fitting tribute them. to see. what a wonderful fitting tribute to them. each of them has volunteered. volunteered to provide for this nation's defense. and now they bravely struggle to earn for america, for the world and for future generations, a just and lasting peace.

our to them must equal to their commitment to their country. they are truly america's finest and. the war in the gulf is not a war we wanted. we worked hard to avoid war for more than five months. we, along with the arab league, the european community, the united nations, tried every diplomatic avenue u.n. secretary general perez, decoy our presidents gorbachev, mr. ozil, mubarak and benjy, kings fahd and hassan, prime ministers, major and andreotti

just to name a few. all worked for a solution. but and again, saddam hussein flatly rejected, the path of diplomacy and peace. the world well knows how this conflict began and when it began on august 2nd, when saddam and sacked a small, defenseless neighbor. and i am certain of how it will end so that peace can. we will prevail. tonight.

thank you. tonight. tonight, am pleased to report that we are on course. iraq's capacity to sustain war is being destroyed. investment. our training. our planning. all are paying off. time will not. saddam's salvation. our purpose in the persian gulf remains constant to drive out of kuwait, to restore kuwait's legitimate government and ensure the stability and of this

region. let me make clear what i mean by the region's and security. we do not seek. the destruction of iraq. its culture or its people. rather, we seek an iraq that uses its resources not to destroy, not to serve the ambitions of a tyrant, but to build a better life for itself and its neighbors. we seek a persian gulf where conflict is no longer the rule or the strong or neither tempted nor able to intimidate the weak. most americans know instinctively why we are in the gulf. they know we had to stop saddam now, not later. they know that this brutal dictator will do anything and will use any weapon will commit

any outrage, no matter how many innocent suffer. they know we must make sure that control of the world's oil resources does not into his hands. only to finance further aggression. they know that we need to build a new enduring peace based not on arms races and confrontation, but on shared principles and the rule of law. and we all realize that our responsibility be the catalyst for peace and in the region does not end with the successful conclusion of this war. democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful dissent. and we've heard some dissenting voices here at home, some handful reckless, most

responsible. but the fact that all voices, the right to speak out is of the reasons we've been united in purpose principle for 200 years. our progress in this great struggle is the result of years of vigilance and a steadfast commitment to a strong defense. and now with remarque about technological advances like the patriot missile, we can against ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocents, civilians. looking forward, i have directed that the sdi program be refocused on providing protection from limited ballistic missile strikes,

whatever their source. let us pursue an sdi that can deal with any future threat to the united to our forces overseas and to our friends and allies. the quality of american technology. thanks to the american worker, has enabled us to successful deal with difficult military conditions and help minimize these precious loss of life. we have given our and women the very best and they deserve it. we all have a special place in

our hearts for the families of our men and women serving in the gulf. they are represented here tonight by norman schwarzkopf. we're all very grateful.

to general schwarzkopf, to all those serving with him. and i might also recognize one who came with with message schwarzkopf, alma powell, the wife of the distinguished chairman of the joint chiefs, and. and to the families and to the families, let me say our forces in the gulf will not stay there one day longer than is necessary to complete their mission.

the courage and the success of the raaf pilots of the kuwaiti, saudi, french the canadians, the italians, the pilots of gutter and bahrain. all are proof that for the first time since world war two, the international community is united. the leadership of the united nations once only a hope for ideal, is now confirming its founders vision. and i am heartened we are not being asked to bear the financial burdens of this struggle. last year, our friends and allies provide the bulk of the economic costs desert shield,

and now having received commitments over $40 billion for the first three months of 1991, i am confident. they will do no less as we move through desert storm. but the world has to wonder what the dictator of iraq is thinking. if he thinks it by targeting innocent civilians in israel and saudi arabia, that he will gain advantage. he is dead wrong and. and if he thinks that he will

advance his cause through tragic and despair, global environmental terrorism, he is dead wrong. and if he thinks that by abusing the coalition prisoners of war, he will benefit, he is dead wrong.

we will succeed in the gulf. and when we do, the world community will have sent an enduring warning to any dictator or present or future who contemplates outlaw aggression. the world can therefore seize this opportunity to fulfill the long held promise of a new world order where brutality will go unrewarded and aggression will meet collective resistance. yes yes, the united states bears a major share of leadership in this effort among the nations of the world. only the united states of america needs to back it up. we're the only nation on this

that could assemble the forces of peace. this is the burden of leadership and the strength that has made america the beacon of freedom in a searching world. this nation has never found glory in war. our people have never wanted to abandon the blessings of home and work for distant lands and deadly conflict. if we fight in anger, it is only because we have to fight at all. and all of us. yearn for a world where we will never have to fight again. each of us will measure within ourselves the value of this great struggle. any cost in lives, any cost is beyond our power to measure that the cost of closing our eyes to

aggression is beyond power. to imagine. this we do know. our cause is just. our cause is moral. our cause is right. let. that future generations understand the burden and blessings of freedom.

let them say we stood. we're duty required us to stand. let them know that together we affirmed america and the world as a community of conscience. the winds of are with us now. the forces of freedom are together and we move the next century. more than ever that, we have the will at home and abroad to do what must be done. the hard work of freedom. may god bless the united states of america. thank you very, very much. thank you all. thank you. thank. and you're watching american

history series speeches that defined the presidency. now we're going to turn from george h.w. bush to his successor, bill clinton, at the university of texas, talking about race relations. it's 1995. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you very much. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you.

thank you. thank you very much. thank you. thank you. you know, when i was a boy growing up in arkansas, i thought it highly i thought it highly unlikely that i would ever become president. the united states. perhaps the only thing even more unlikely was that i should ever have the opportunity to be cheered at the university of texas. and. i must say, i am grateful for both of them. president chancellor cunningham, dean olson olson to the texas

longhorn band. thank you for playing hail to the chief. you magnificent. to my long time friend of. nearly 25 years now, bernard rapoport, thank you for your statement and, your inspiration and your life of generous giving to this great university and so many other good causes. all the distinguished guests in the audience. i hesitate to start. but i thank my friend and father and your fellow texan henry cisneros, for coming down here with me and his magnificent work as secretary of hud. i thank, your congressman, lloyd doggett, and his wife, libby, for flying down with me. and i'm glad to see, my dear friend, congressman jake pickle here. i miss you.

the attorney general, dan morales. the land commissioner, gary morrow. i thank of them for being here. thank you, lucy johnson, for being here. and. please give my regards to wonderful mother. i. i have not seen her here. there she is. and i have to recognize and. your former congresswoman and, now distinguished professor barbara jordan for, the magnificent job you did on the immigration issue. thank you so much. thank you. thank you. my wife told me about coming so much. i wanted to come and see for myself. i also know, as all of you do

that there is no such thing as saying no to liz carpenter. i drag it out as long as i could just to a few more jokes. my fellow americans. i want to begin by telling you that i am hopeful about america. when i looked at in the cabal up here introducing me and i shook with these other young, young students, i looked into their eyes, i saw the american button on that gentleman's shirt. i am. i was reminded as i talk about this thorny subject of race today, i was reminded of what winston churchill said about. the united states, when president roosevelt was trying to pass the lend-lease act so that we could britain in their war against nazi germany before we ourselves were involved. and for a good while, the issue

was hanging fire. and it was unclear whether the congress would permit us to help britain, who at that time was the only bulwark against tyranny in europe. winston churchill said, i have great confidence in the judgment and the common sense of the american people and their leaders. they invariably do right thing after. they have examined every other alternative. so i say to you, let me begin by saying that i can see, in the eyes of the students and in the spirit this moment, we will do the right thing. in recent weeks, every one of us has been made aware a simple truth white americans and black americans often see the same world and grasp directly different ways.

ways that go beyond and beneath the simpson trial and its aftermath, which brought these perceptions so starkly into the open. the rift we see before us that is tearing at the heart of america exist. in spite of the remarkable progress black americans have made in the last since martin luther king swept america up in his dream and president johnson spoke so powerfully for the dignity of man and the destiny of democracy. see, in demanding that congress guarantee for voting rights to blacks. the rift between blacks and whites exists still in a very special way in america, in spite of the fact that we have become much more racially and ethnically diverse and that hispanic americans themselves are no strangers to discrimination, are now almost 10% of our national.

the reasons for this divide are many. some are rooted in the awful history and stubborn persistence of racism. some are rooted in the different ways we experience the threats of modern life to personal security, family values, and strong communities. some are rooted in the fact that we still haven't learned to talk. frankly, to listen carefully, and to work together across racial lines almost 30 years ago, dr. martin luther king took his last march sanitation workers in memphis. they marched for dignity, equality and economic justice. many carried placards that read simply i, a man man. the throngs of men marching in washington today, almost all of them are doing so for the same

stated reason. but there is profound difference between this march and those of 30 years ago. 30 years ago, the marchers were demanding the dignity and opportunity they were due because in the face of terrible discrimination they had worked hard, raise their children, paid their taxes, obey the laws and fought our wars. well, today's marches also about pride and dignity and respect. but after a of deepening social problems that disproportionately impact black americans, it is also about black men taking renewed responsibility for themselves, their families and their communities. it's about saying to crime and drugs and violence.

it's about standing up for atonement and reconciliation. it's about insisting that others do the same and offering help them. it's about frank admission that unless black men shoulder their load no one else can help them or their brothers, their sisters and their children escape. the hard, bleak that too many of them still face. of course, some of those in the march do have a history that is far from its message of atonement and reconciliation. 1 million men are right to be standing up for personal responsibility, but 1 million men do not make right. one man's message of malice and division.

no good house was built on a bad foundation. nothing good ever came of hate. so let us pray today that all who march, all who speak will, stand for atonement, for reconciliation, for responsibility. let us pray that those who have spoken for hatred division in the past will turn away from that past and give voice to the true of those ordinary american boys who march. if that happens. if that happens, the men and the women who are there with them will be marching in better lives for themselves and their families. and they could be marching into a better future for america. today we face a choice. one way leads to further

separation, bitterness and more lost futures. the other, the path of courage and wisdom leads to unity, to reconciliation, to a rich opportunity. all americans to make the most of the lives god gave them. this moment in which the racial divide is so clearly out in the open need not a setback for us. it presents us with a great opportunity. and we dare not let it pass us by. in the past, when we've the courage to face the truth about our failure to live up to our own best ideals, we've grown stronger, moved forward and restored. proud american optimism. at such turning points, america to preserve the union and abolish slavery. to embrace women's suffrage, to guarantee basic legal rights to america without regard to race.

under the leadership of president johnson, at each of these moments, we looked in the national mirror and were brave enough to say this is not who we are. we are better than that. abraham lincoln reminded us that a house divided against itself cannot stand when divisions have threatened to bring our house down. somehow, we have always moved together to shore it up. my fellow americans, our house is the greatest democracy in all human history. and with its racial and ethnic diversity, it has beaten the odds of human history. but we know that divisions remain. and we still have work to do.

the two worlds we see now, each can contain both truths and distortion. both black and white americans must face this more honest is the only gateway to the many acts of reconciliation that unite our worlds. at last. and the one america white america must understand and acknowledge the roots of black pain. it began with unequal treatment. first in law and later, in fact, african-americans indeed have lived too long with a justice system that in too many cases has been and continues to be less than just just. the record abuses extends from lynchings and trumped up charges to false arrest and police brutality. the tragedies of emmett till and

rodney king are bloody markers on the same road. still today, too many of our officers play by the rules of the battle old days. it is beyond wrong when law abiding black parents have to tell their law abiding children to fear police who salaries are paid by their own taxes. and blacks are right to think is terribly wrong. when african-american men are many times more likely to be victims of than any other group in this country. when there are more african-american men in our corrections system, in our colleges, when almost one in three african-american men in their are either in jail, on parole, or otherwise under the supervision of the criminal justice system. nearly one in three. and that is a disproportionate percentage in comparison to the percentage blacks who use drugs in our society.

now i would like every white person here and in america to take a moment, think how he or she would feel if one in three white men were in similar circumstances and there is still unacceptable economic disparity between blacks and whites. it is so fashionable to talk today about african-americans as if they had been some sort of protected class. many whites think blacks are getting more than their fair share in terms of jobs and promotions. that is not true. that is not true. the truth is that african-americans still make on average about 60% of what white people do. more than half of african-american children live in poverty. and at the very time our young americans need access to college, more than ever before,

black college enrollment is dropping in america. on the other hand, blacks must understand and the roots of white in america. there is a legitimate fear of the violence is too prevalent in our urban and often by experience, or at least what see on the news at night. violence for those white people too often has a black face. it isn't racist for a parent to pull his or her child close when walking through a high crime neighborhood or to wish to stay away from neighborhoods where innocent children can be shot in school or standing at bus stops by thugs driving by assault weapons are toting handguns like old west desperadoes. it isn't racist for parents to

recall in disgust when they read about a national survey of gang members saying that two thirds of them feel justified in shooting someone simply for showing disrespect. it isn't racist for whites to say they don't understand. why people put up with gangs on the corner or in the projects or with drugs sold in the schools or in the open. it's not racist for whites assert that the culture of welfare dependency out of wedlock pregnancy and fatherhood cannot be by social programs. on there is first more personal responsibility. the great potential for this march. beyond the black community is that whites will come to see a larger truth that blacks their fears and embrace their convictions openly, assert that

without changes in the black community and within individuals real change for our society will not come. this march could remind people that most black people share their old fashioned american values values. for for most black americans do work hard, care for their families, their taxes, and the law, often under which are far more difficult than those they're white counterparts faced. imagine how you would feel if you were a young parent in, your twenties, with a young child living in a housing project, working somewhere for $5 an hour with no health insurance, passing day, people on the

street selling drugs making 100 times what you make. those people are the real heroes of america today. and we should recognize that. and white people too often forget that they are not immune to the problems black americans face crime, drugs, domestic abuse and teen pregnancy. they are too prevalent among whites as well. some of those problems are growing faster in our white population than in our minority population. so we all have a stake in solving these common problems together. it is therefore wrong for white americans to do what they have done too often simply to further away from the problems and support policies that will only make them worse.

finally, both sides to fear deep down that they'll never quite be able to see other as more than enemy all of carry at least a sliver of bigotry, in their hearts. differences of opinion rooted in different experi ences are healthy indeed essential for democracies. but difference is so and so rooted in race threatened to divide the house. mr. lincoln gave his life to save as dr. king said, we must learn to together as brothers. or we will perish. as.

recognizing one another's real grievances is only the first step. we all take responsibility for our conduct and our attitudes. america, we must clean our house of racism. to our white citizens, i say, i know most of you every day. do your very best. buy your own lights to live a life free of discrimination. nevertheless, too many destructive ideas gaining currency in our midst. the tape voice. one policeman should fill you with outrage. so say we must clean the house of white america, of racism.

americans who are in the white should be proud to stand up and be heard denouncing the sort of racist rhetoric we heard on that tape. so loudly and clearly denouncing it that our black fellow citizens can hear us. white racism may be black people's burden, but its white people's problem. we must clean house. who are black citizens. i honor the presence. hundreds of thousands of men in washington today committed to atonement, to personal responsibility, and the commitment of millions of other men and women who are african-americans to this cause. i call upon you to build on this effort to share equally in the promise of america. but to do that, your house, too, must be cleaned of racism. there are too many today.

there are too many today. white and black on the left and the right, the street corners, in a way, to the airwaves who seek to sow division for their own purposes. to them, i say no more. we must be one. long before we are so diverse. our nation's motto was a pluribus unum. out of many, we are one. we must be one. as as fellow citizens. not separate camps, but family. white, black, latino. all of us. no matter how different, who share american values and are willing to live by them. when a child is gunned down on a street in the bronx, no matter what our race, he is our

american child. when a woman dies from a beating, no matter what our race are hers. she is our american sister. and every time drugs coursing through the veins of another child, it clouds the future of all our american children. whether we like it or not, we are one nation, one family, indivisible and for us, divorce or separation are not options. here. and 1995, on the edge of the 21st century, we dare not tolerate the existence of two americas under my watch.

i will do everything i can to see that as soon as. there is only one. one america. under the rule of law. one social contract committed not to winner take all, but to giving all americans a chance to win together. one america. well, how do we get there? first, today, i every governor, every mayor, business leader, every church leader, every civic leader, every unions steward, every student leader, most important citizen in every workplace and learning place and meeting place all across america to take personal responsibility for reaching out to people of different races, for taking time to sit down and talk through this issue, to have the courage

to speak honestly and frankly, and then to have the discipline to listen quietly with an open mind and open heart as others do the same. this may seem like a simple request, but for tens of millions of americans, this has never been a reality. they have never spoken and. they have never listened. not. not really. i am convinced, based on a rich lifetime of friendships and common endeavors with people of different, that the american will find out they have a lot more in common than they think they do.

the thing we have to do is to defend and real opportunity. i'm not talking about opportunity for black americans or opportunity for white americans. i'm talking about opportunity for all americans. sooner or later, all speaking, all our listening, all our caring has to lead to constructive action together for our words and our intentions to have meaning. we can do this first by truly reward work and family and government policies and employment and community practice. we also have to realize that there are some areas of our country, whether in urban areas or poor rural areas like south texas or eastern arkansas, where

these problems are going to be more prevalent just because there is no opportunity. there is only so much temptation. people can stand when they turn up against a brick wall. day after day after day. and if we can spread the benefits of education and free enterprise to those who have been denied them too long and who are isolated and enclaves in this country, then we have moral obligation to do. it will be good for our country country. third, and perhaps most important, all we have to give every child in this country and every adult who still needs it the opportunity to get good education.

president johnson understood that. and now that i am privileged, have this job and to look back across the whole sweep of american history, i can appreciate how truly historic it is commitment to the simple idea that every child in this country ought to have opportunity to get a good safe, decent, fulfilling education. was it was revolutionary then and it is revolutionary today. today that matters more than ever. i'm trying to do my. i am fighting hard efforts to roll back families security aid to distressed communities and support for education. want it to be easier for poor children to get off to a good start school? not harder. i want it to be easier for

everybody to go to college and stay there. not harder. i want to mend affirmative action, but i not think america is at a place today where we can end it. the evidence the last several weeks shows that. but let us remember the people marching in washington today are right about one fundamental thing. at its base, this issue of race is not about government. our political leaders. it is about what is in the heart and minds and life of the american people. there will be no progress in the absence of real responsibility on the part of all americans.

nowhere is that responsible any more important than our efforts to promote public safety and preserve the rule of law. law and order is the responsibility of government. our citizens must respect the law and those who enforce it. police have a life and death responsibility never, never to abuse the power granted them by the people. we know, by the way, what works in fighting crime also happens to improve relationships between the. what works in crime is community policing. we have seen it working all across america. the crime rate is down. the murder rate is down where people to each other across the lines of police and community in an open, honest, respectful and supportive way. we can lower crime and raise the state race relations in america. if we will remember this simple

truth. but if this going to work, police departments have to be fair and engaged with not estranged from their communities. i am committed to making kind of community policing a reality all across our country. but you must be committed to making it a reality in your communities. we have to root out the remnants of racism in our police departments. we've got to get it out of our entire criminal justice system. but just as the police have a sacred duty to protect the community fairly. all of our have a sacred responsibility to respect the police, to teach our young people, to respect and then to support them and work with them so that they can succeed in making us safer.

let's not forget most police officers of race are people who love the law and put their lives on the lines so that the citizens that they are protecting can lead secure lives and so that their children can grow to do the same for finally, i want to say on the day this march, i'm a moment about a crucial area of responsive ability. the responsibility of fatherhood, the single biggest social problem in our society may be the growing absence of fathers from their children's homes because it contributes to so many other social problems. one child in four grows up in a fatherless home without a father to guide, without a father to care, without a father to teach boys, to be managed to teach girls expect respect from men.

it's harder. there are a lot of mothers out there doing a magnificent job alone. a magnificent job alone. but it is harder. it is harder. this, of course, is not a black problem or a latino problem or a white problem. it is american problem. but it the conditions of the racial divide. i know from my own life it is harder because my father died before i was born and my stepfather's battle with alcohol kept him from being the father he might have been. but for all fathers, parenting is not easy. and every parent makes mistakes. know that, too. from my own experience. the point is that we need people to be there, their children, day after day, building a family.

the hardest job a man can do. but also the most important to those who are neglecting children. i say it is not too late. your children still need you to. those who only send money in the form of child support? i say keep sending the checks. your kids count on them and we'll catch you and enforce the law if you stop. but the message of this march today. one message is that your money is no replacement for your guiding, caring, your loving, the children brought into this world. we can only build strong families when men and women each other, when they have partnerships. when men are as involved in the

home place. as women have become involved in the workplace, it means. among other things that we must keep working until we end domestic violence against women, children. i hope men in washington today pledge among things to never, never raise their hand in violence against woman. so today my fellow americans, i honor the black men marching in washington to demonstrate their commitment themselves, their families, and their communities. i honor the millions of men, women in america, the vast majority of every color who without fanfare or do what it

takes to be good fathers and good mothers, good workers and good citizens. they deserve the thanks of america. but when we leave here today, what are you going to do. what are you going to do. let all of us who want to stand against racism do our part to roll back, divide, begin seeking out people in the workplace. the class from the community, the neighborhood across the places of worship actually sit down and have those honest conversations i talked about conversations where speak openly and listen and understand how others view this world of ours. make no mistake about it.

we can bridge this great divide. this is, after all, a very great country. and we have become great by we have overcome. we have the world economy and it's on the move. but we've really lasted. we have understood that our success could never be measured solely by the size of our gross national product. i believe the margin washington today spawned such an outpouring and because it is a reflection of something deeper and stronger that is running throughout our american community, i believe that in millions and millions of different ways, our entire country is reasserting commitment to the bedrock that made our country great and that make life worth living. the great divides of the past called for and were addressed by legal and legislative changes. they were addressed by leaders

like lyndon johnson, who passed civil rights act and the voting rights. and to be sure this great divide requires, a public response by democratically elected leaders. but today we are really and we know it with problems that grow in large measure out of the way. all of us look at world with our minds and the way we feel about the world with our hearts. and therefore, while and legislation may be important, this is work that has to be done by every single one of you. and this is the ultimate test of our democracy. for today, the house divided exists largely in the minds and

hearts of the american people, and it must be united in there, in the minds and hearts of our people. yes, there are some who would poison our progress by selling short the great of our people and our enormous capacity to change grow. but they will win the day. we will win the day. with your help, with your help. that day will come a lot sooner. i will do my part. but you, fellow citizens, must do yours. thank you. and god bless you.

and next week, on speeches that defined a presidency, george w in 2000, two, five months after the 911 attacks. a reminder that all of the speeches that we're showing you on this series are available. watch online at c-span dot org. org's