George H.W. Bush: “May 12, 1992 Today I am discussing with Congress a strategy to bring hope and opportunity to distressed communities. Our…”

“May 12, 1992 Today I am discussing with Congress a strategy to bring hope and opportunity to distressed communities. Our action is based on bedrock American values: personal responsibility, work, and family. We must end the cycle of dependency and give all Americans a place at the table of economic opportunity. Clearly, the time has come to set aside old ideas and try something new. We in Government have a responsibility to act now to guarantee a hopeful future for the children of this Nation, a future where people are safe, neighborhoods can flourish, children can learn, and jobs can be created. All Americans share the common goals of equal opportunity, advancement, and upward mobility. But the American dream is hindered by too many obstacles: unsafe cities, slow economic growth, an out-of-date education system, and dependency-creating Government programs. We must start with policies that refocus programs to serve those who are most needy and increase the effectiveness of Government services through innovation, competition, and choice. Our approach is a radical break with the policies of the past. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, ``It is time to think and act anew.'' My action plan consists of six core components: (1) ``Weed and Seed'': Our families cannot thrive and jobs cannot flourish in a climate of lawlessness and fear.…”