concern this fantastic turnout of young people that are here today-demand action without delay, issues where having people like Tom in the Congress can help make things happen.

Tom touched on it. It's on the minds of every American: illegal drug use. He's a veteran of this war on drugs. Five years ago, at the tender age of 37, he was nominated as a U.S. Ambassador to those eastern Caribbean nations, point man in that drug interdiction effort; and he knows what it is to stop those drug runners from reaching our shores. We are together, Mr. Anderson and I, on the need to stop these drugs from coming into this country.

And, Tom, knowing of your interest, being on the front line in this war on drugs, this is the perfect opportunity for me to announce personally that I have accepted the invitation of those three Andean nations to attend a very important international drug summit. I've instructed my administration to prepare for a summit that will bring us to a new level of international cooperation in this war that we must win. And as long as I am President, I will give as much support as he needs to President Barco of Colombia, who is waging an all-out fight against the narcotrafficker.

But there's another part of waging this war: Part of getting tough on drugs is getting tough on crime itself. And I've sent a strong crime package to the Capitol Hill, and I want to see action on that crime package now. And with Tom in the House, I know he would be pushing hard to get that crime bill to the floor. And I've called for it to my desk in the Oval Office soon. And I want to thank, again, Thad and Trent for their all-out support for this process that will strengthen the laws in this country. against those who are trafficking in narcotics.

Then there's the environment. You can't help but sense it and feel it when you're here in Gulfport-new consensus-building for action on this issue. Environmentalism is a commonsense issue that concerns all of us. And living here on this beautiful gulf coast teaches a lesson every day on what it means to preserve our natural heritage. And I've urged the Congress to act on a number of environmental initiatives, including the first amendments in more than a decade to the

Clean Air Act. And I want to see action on the environment, and I know that Tom Anderson would support a strong advocacy, an advocacy for change in the Congress. We owe it to the young people of southern Mississippi to protect our environment and leave this Earth a little bit better as we go

on.

And finally-first let me say, God bless the teachers. And Katherine, you can take a bow, too. We need people that understand this profession. But finally, there is education. And no single issue today says more about our commitment to the future. Just last month, I met with 49 of our 50 Governors to renew our resolve and explore new ways that we can make our schools better. Our aim has got to be quality education: teachers and students working to the best of their abilities. And I know I can count on Tom to speak out on Capitol Hill for a higher standard of excellence in schools-more accountability, support for our teachers, a national goals program. But we need people like Tom that understand this in Washington.

our

So, there are some of them: the war on drugs and crime and the environment and education. And every one of these issues is a matter of urgent concern, and every one of them is one more good reason to send this good man to the Congress to help me get the job done. But the best reason to send Tom to Congress may just be this one: Whatever the issue, you know where he's coming from philosophically. You know where his heart is: right here in Gulfport-a willingness to represent the will of the people and not to forget who sent him to Washington, DC.

Not far-maybe we can see it from here; we'd have to take this thing down I thinkthe steeple of the First Presbyterian Church, where Tom and Katherine were married, a few blocks from the Hancock Bank, where this guy worked during high school and college. And of course he went to school here at Gulfport High. It takes courage, it takes a little guts, to run in a place where there are still living high school teachers who can tell tales about you. [Laughter] Mercer Miller, who was principal back when Tom was at Gulfport, likes to tell how Tom hid behind the hedges when

it was his time for lessons with Mrs. Baxley, the speech teacher. [Laughter] Well, you heard him, she must have done something right. Well, Tom, there's nothing shy anymore about your public speaking. And Mrs. Baxley, if you're out there somewhere: Tom has learned his lesson. And now I hope he can still count on your vote because that's what it's all about.

You know, I know what makes this State click: Mississippi values, traditional values, Tommy Anderson's values. And you need a man in Washington who makes sure the voice of southern Mississippi is heard in the halls of Congress. You need Tom Anderson.

And, Tom, as you pointed out, and I expect it's hard for you and your beautiful, wonderful Katherine to believe, only 5 more days until the Fifth District goes to the polls. It's been great to see you here, and I am proud to be here; but it'll be even better, with your help, to see this man on Capitol Hill.

With your help it will happen. And once again, let me thank all of you for this warm welcome back to a State I love. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America, and God bless the State of Mississippi. Thank you all very much.

Note: The President spoke at 11:33 a.m. at Jones Park.

Proclamation 6045-Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, 1989 October 12, 1989

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

This month, we celebrate the rich ethnic heritage of Italian-Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture. Throughout our Nation's history, men and women of Italian descent have made outstanding contributions in business and the arts, education, and government, as well as in athletics and military service. Virtually every aspect of our life as a Nation has been enriched by their unique talents and hard work.

Italian-Americans share with us not only the colorful traditions of their ancestral homeland, but also its proud history. It was a brave son of Genoa, Christopher Columbus, who first discovered the New World nearly half a millennium ago and, in so doing, forged the path that millions of immigrants have since followed to the United States. Italy has also given the world the great works of Dante, the breathtaking art of Giotto and Michelangelo, and the inspirational music of Antonio Vivaldi and Domenico Scarlatti. Italian-Americans enjoy a rich cultural heritage, indeed.

Many outstanding men and women of Italian descent have enriched our Nation's own history. All Americans take great pride in the accomplishments of individuals such as Fiorello La Guardia, the beloved Mayor of New York City; Enrico Fermi, who won the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics; Paolo Soleri, the celebrated architect; and baseball hero Joe DiMaggio. They and other Italian-Americans throughout the United States have made extraordinary contributions to our life as a Nation.

Whether defending freedom on the front lines of battle or participating in the daily workings of our democracy, Italian-Americans have clearly demonstrated their love of freedom and self-government and their profound respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. Their patriotism-coupled with their deep faith and devotion to family life-has truly strengthened the fabric of our society.

In recognition of the many contributions Italian-Americans have made and continue to make to our Nation, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 392, has designated the month of October 1989 as "ItalianAmerican Heritage and Culture Month" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month.

Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1989 "Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month." I urge all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the

year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

George Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:23 a.m., October 13, 1989]

Remarks at a Fundraising Dinner for Rudolph W. Giuliani in New York City October 12, 1989

Thank you very much. Bill, you did a first-class job. And thank you-please be seated and thank you for those warm words and, most important, for all your hard work in working for Rudy and making this a tremendously successful evening.

And it's always good to see our outstanding political leaders. the chairman of our party, Pat Barrett, is here; Ralph Marino and Rap Rappleyea and, with a certain pride, a former finance chairman of the State of New York, my brother, John. And last, but not least, are two of my best friends in the State: Senator Roy Goodman and one of the great movers and out-front people in my own election over a year ago, Guy Molinari, who's here. And Al is here. And my pal, Al D'Amato-Al, welcome. I didn't see you come in. I'll tell you something: When we get into the tough scrapes down there in the Senate, it is a joy to have this Senator on our side. And he's doing a fine job. Welcome.

I hear that a guy went to Rudy a few weeks ago and said, "Good news. I've got you the most powerful man in America for your fundraiser." Rudy told him, “Look, we've already had Donald Trump." [Laughter] But he asked me to come and speak on his behalf, in a city that I lost in last year's election. People say he has no sense of humor? [Laughter]

My staff called Rudy's office last week, asking if there was anything in particular the campaign would like me to say here. And they came back with a one-word memo. True story. A phonetic guide to pronouncing the word: Joo-lee-ah-nee. [Laughter]

So, I've come here for two reasons. The first is to endorse as strongly and as enthusiastically as I can the next mayor of the City of New York: Rudy Giuliani. Number one. And secondly, I urge every single one of you to support Rudy's candidacy as energetically and as generously as you possibly can because he deserves the backing of everyone who really wants to bring this city totally back and everyone who wants a mayor who knows how to fight crime, crack, and corruption-and win. And that's why we need your help here.

You know, Barbara and I lived not far from here when I served as U.N. Ambassador. And we had a terrific time. And flying in today on Air Force One, seeing the magnificent skyline, I remembered many of the wonderful things the city offers: the sports and, of course, the arts and music and dance. There's a certain pace to New York life, an exciting, vibrant atmosphere that no place else can match.

And in some ways, I'm thinking of the impacts that drugs have had on this and other cities. And New York City isn't the city in this regard that it used to be. But Rudy holds out the hope that it can again become the city that it once was.

And most of us know him as America's great crimefighter. I told that to one of my grandkids. I said I'm going up to meet America's greatest crimefighter. He thought I was going to New York to meet Batman. [Laughter]

But seriously, to try to pigeonhole this guy as just one more crimefighter would be like dismissing Chuck Yeager as just another test pilot, calling Teddy Roosevelt a former police commissioner. Rudy's the real thing. And I'm not talking about quality of prosecutor; I'm talking about the quality and heart of the person. As one New York columnist put it—a Democrat put it: "In an era of lawlessness, he stood for law. In an era of private greed, he stood for public service."

Born in Brooklyn of Italian parents who ran a local bar and grill, while still in his twenties he fought police corruption. His cases literally became the stuff of movies. And what happened in his next big case wouldn't be believed if Hollywood tried to put it into a movie. It was Rudy versus

Goliath: an unknown Brooklyn kid, barely 30 years old, against the United States Congressman accused of bribery. And the Congressman broke down under Rudy's crossexamination, stopped the trial, and confessed on the spot. And it really happened. The newspapers were in awe, and Rudy's too modest to brag about it. But every generation or so, there emerges a larger-thanlife crimebuster who captures the public imagination. And Teddy Roosevelt was one, and Thom Dewey and Elliot Ness were others. And Rudy won his reputation, as they say, the old-fashioned way: He earned it. And his secret has been hard work, an innovative mind, unflagging idealism, and then this flair for leadership. And he has imagination and energy. And he's a man of ideas.

It was his brainstorm to use the existing RICO [racketeering, influence, and corrupt organizations] law and use it in a way that had never been tried: to attack the ruling board of New York's crime families. And he did it without new legislation. He did it without new resources. And he did it by seeing what no one else had seen-and by making it work.

And he has all the right instincts. He's fought not only for criminal justice but also social justice. Some years ago, the ranks of the homeless here swelled when hundreds of mentally ill people were stripped of Social Security benefits. But Rudy did the right thing. He refused to go along. And the New York Times called it, “one of his finest hours." And he took a stand for New York and for the homeless.

And his leadership really and truly has earned respect across America. In a recent letter, former Attorney General William French Smith said without qualification that Rudy Giuliani has "done more than any individual I know to extinguish the myth that crime is an unconquerable and somehow tolerable presence in our society."

Rudy demonstrated to a skeptical nation that one man with courage and conviction can make a difference. As U.S. attorney, he commanded about 160 troops. And think what he can do from City Hall. Think of the energy, the renaissance, that this young and imaginative leader can bring to New York. In the war on drugs, no man in America has a better chance of succeeding. Let's take

back the streets. Let's bring back New York.

Like many of us, Rudy knows what it's like to meet a payroll, to run a business. In 1978 he was appointed by a court to take over a bankrupt, strike-threatened coal company in Kentucky. And he saved hundreds of jobs, got the miners a raise, paid off the creditors 100 cents on the dollar. And he was the one to turn it around, and I honestly believe that he's the one to turn around New York City.

People do get tired. They're tired of a city that can't cope with New York's problems: the shortage of affordable housing and the decline of the school system and neighborhood tensions and the homeless and the crumbling highways and bridges and tunnels. And Rudy has the energy, the intelligence, and the will to solve New York's problems. He knows that when he becomes mayor he'll have the second toughest job in America. The first, of course, is managing the New York Yankees. [Laughter]

No, but this guy cares about New York. People always wonder whether New York politicians are using their jobs as stepping stones to Washington. But Rudy's the one who left Washington to help clean up New York City, the city of his birth, his hometown.

And he's a family man. Just a few weeks ago my beautiful dinner partner, Donna, gave birth to a daughter, Caroline. Son Andrew, three and a half, now has a little sister. And wouldn't it be nice to see those kids playing on the lawn at Gracie Mansion? We'll send him 11 grandchildren to play with them.

Now I've known Rudy for years, and he's fiercely proud of this town. And he has a dream for New York. The dream is of a city that gives everybody a chance, in which everybody is free to make the most of himself or herself. Rudy will create a New York where that is possible. And he'll bring everyone together in this city because he's running for mayor of all New York.

Half a century ago, Mayor La Guardia inherited a city bled by a decade of mismanagement and knavery. And on his first day in office he swore in a new police commissioner with a single, blunt message: "Drive out the racketeers or get out your

selves." And at city hall he bounded past a gauntlet of shouting reporters, giving them only a four-word comment, in Italian. "What the hell does that mean?" someone asked. "It means," said a newsman who knew both Italian and La Guardia, "no more free lunch." And with those words, Mayor La Guardia launched what many consider 12 years of the best reform government in American urban history. And it helped that his 3 terms as mayor coincided closely with F.D.R.'s 12 years in the White House. And they forged an undeclared alliance that lifted New York up and brought back the lost respect of the Nation.

It's time to bring the Big Apple all the way back. And I want Rudy to know, and I want New York to know, that Mayor Giuliani will have a friend in the Oval Office that looks forward to working with him for the benefit of New York City.

As I thought back of the history of the city, I thought that like La Guardia, our man is an American original, an American hero. And a world-class city deserves a world-class mayor. And time's running out. Resources are scarce. The stakes are high. And if the problems are to be solved-and not simply put off, postponed-Rudy is the leader New York City needs in City Hall.

You see, he's right on the issues. And he's ready to debate them one on one with his opponent. And frankly, debates are good for democracy, and I think they'd be very good for New York City, too. So, my words, as one who loves this city, lived here for a couple of fascinating years: New York, don't postpone your return to good government, your return to greatness. Don't wait another 4 years.

Okay, at this moment, Rudy's an underdog. But he reminds me of Yogi Berra's description of the Miracle Mets of '69. Sure, Yogi admitted, they were underdogs. But they were overwhelming underdogs. [Laughter]

Look, I've got a sense things are moving in this campaign. Ever since I've come today, you can feel it, and all the pros are telling me it's happening. So, take your polls and do what you want with them. [Laughter] He may be an underdog at this moment, but New York loves an underdog. And he's a fighter with overwhelming character. So, let's start now. Let's bring back

New York. And let's elect a winner, the next mayor of the city, Rudy Giuliani.

Thank you, and God bless you. And God bless the city of New York.

Note: The President spoke at 7:34 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel. He was introduced by William Koeppel, chairman of the fundraising dinner. In his remarks, the President referred to State Senator Ralph Marino and State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence D. Rappleyea. Following the dinner, the President returned to Washington, DC.

The President's News Conference October 13, 1989

Flag Desecration Legislation

The President. I have a statement I'd like to make, and then-some time constraintsI'd be glad to answer a few questions.

I believe that the American flag is a unique and special symbol of our nation and it should be protected from desecration. And our administration has proposed a constitutional amendment to protect the flag because we believe that is the most lasting and legally correct means of protection—a constitutional amendment. And yesterday the House of Representatives agreed to a Senate bill providing statutory protection for the flag. And when this measure comes to the House, I will allow the bill to become law, but without my signature. And I'm withholding that signature to signal our belief that a constitutional amendment is the best way to provide lasting protection for the flag.

Now, we will continue to work for such an amendment. And I can understand the rationale of those who voted for this legislation. But in my view, it is not the ultimate answer, and therefore, I will not put my signature on the legislation.

I would now be glad to take questions, all of which I'm sure will be on the flag. [Laughter]