Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 2, 1994 TAG: 9401020087
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From the Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press
DATELINE: HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. LENGTH: Medium
In a radio address taped Friday and broadcast Saturday, the president also spoke of the nation's sense of community and the obligations of its citizens to each other.
"For too long, we've been coming apart rather than coming together," he said. But "in 1993 we've begun to reverse that, and I'm grateful."
He went on to preview his goals for the coming year, predicting passage of his health care reform plan, and calling it "a good deal for our families and our future."
In the Republican Party response, Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole promised that the GOP would work with Clinton where possible. But he cited differences over health care reform, crime legislation and economic policy.
On health care reform, Dole said: "We'll need a different plan taking the best ideas, if any, from all the proposals, but without price controls, employer mandates, mandatory health care alliances and massive overdoses of government control."
Saying that he wanted a system of lifetime education and training, Clinton urged an education program that begins by "setting high standards for our public schools and challenging every state to meet them."
The House and Senate have each passed separate bills to create voluntary academic standards for public schools.
Turning to his developing welfare reform proposal, Clinton stressed work and responsibility: "Those who can work should do so. And both parents must take responsibility for their children because governments don't raise children, parents do."
He called for passage of an anti-crime bill that would put more police officers on the street, ban assault weapons and stiffen sentences for violent repeat offenders.
"Let us resolve to improve the health security, the personal security and the job security of the American people who work hard and play by the rules."
Clinton stressed that government alone cannot solve the country's ills, saying "everyone must play his or her part. In that spirit, let us all make New Year's resolutions today."
The president returns to Washington today after spending four days at this resort island, attending Renaissance Weekend. The invitation-only conference brings together families to talk about personal and public policy matters.
by CNB