Bill Clinton: “Thank you very much, Chief. He's come a long way from Wisconsin to bring a little Middle Western common sense to the…”

“Thank you very much, Chief. He's come a long way from Wisconsin to bring a little Middle Western common sense to the Nation's Capital. When the House of Representatives votes this week on Thursday, they shouldn't forget the tragedy that the chief just talked about. Think about it, a 30-year veteran of the police department killed by an M1-A1 assault rifle after a bank robbery, two other police officers and a hostage also wounded. These things can be prevented. I also want to thank John Magaw for what he's said. He's done a fine job as Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division. And before that he was the Director of the Secret Service. I think you could tell his heartfelt concern there. He has two sons and a son-in-law, all in law enforcement. They deserve a chance to do their job with less danger, not more. I thank Secretary Bentsen for his sterling leadership. We joked a lot of times about whether there will be somebody blocking his entrance to his ranch when he goes quail hunting this fall--[laughter]--but I don't really think so. One of the things that I've learned since I've been here, even more than when I was a Governor, is that very often a lot of these organized interest groups don't always represent the members, their unorganized members, and what they really feel in their heart of hearts.…”