George H.W. Bush

To Belle and to all of you, we wish you Godspeed in this very important journey and wisdom and strength in the challenges ahead.

After all the debate, no real need to repeal the existing Hatch Act has been demonstrated.

H.R. 20 would effectively repeal the Hatch Act's essential prohibitions on partisan political activity by Federal civil servants.

History shows that such a reversal in the role of partisan politics in the ethic of public service would inevitably lead to repoliticizing the Federal work force.

The Hatch Act has upheld the integrity of the civil service by assuring that Federal employees are hired and promoted based upon their qualifications and not their political loyalties.

I take great pride in the integrity of our Federal work force.

I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 20, the 'Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1990.'

I am firmly convinced that any appreciable lessening of the current protections afforded to Federal civil servants by the Hatch Act will lead to the repoliticization of the civil service and of the programs it administers.

The United States has been a world leader in efforts to control emissions that adversely affect the ozone layer.

Our mission, our desire for peace, knows no political or geographic boundaries.

Your investment is America's investment in the consolidation of democracy and independence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Thailand is now enjoying a diversified and rapidly expanding economy, a stable government, and a business community attractive to foreign investors.

This objective can be best achieved voluntarily through employee-employer negotiations.

What unites us is our commitment to peace, prosperity, and to the freedom that makes peace and prosperity possible.

We become ever more grateful for our father's love and discipline, and for the many sacrifices he has made for our sake.

America is proud of her role in the Pacific -- a commitment that has fostered peace and freedom and economic development among democratic friends like Thailand.

I also urge the American people to celebrate those days from Flag Day through Independence Day as a time to honor America.

I direct government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings.

I urge all Americans to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.

I do hereby proclaim June 14, 1990, as Flag Day, and the week beginning June 10, 1990, as National Flag Week.

I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day, June 14, and Flag Week, by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other suitable places.

I expressed our profound appreciation for Thailand's long cooperation in providing asylum to Indochinese refugees.

Relations between our countries now span some 150 years, and we share many goals in common.

I have every reason to believe that Cuban people would have a right to achieve the freedom that other countries have achieved.

I think that would be enormously helpful to get for the Cuban people what most every other country in this hemisphere has and clearly what many in Eastern Europe are enjoying -- democracy and freedom.