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�5/16/00 Final
Orzulak
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
REMARKS TO
'
THE UNITED STATES
COAST GUARD ACADEMY
COMMENCEMENT
NEW'LONDON, CONNECTICUT
MAY 17,2000
)
�1
Acknowledgements: Secretary Rodney Slater,
·Admiral James Loy; Rear Admiral Douglas Teeson;
D~stinguished
Captain William P. Dillon;
members of
the Diplomatic Corps; Dr. Haas; all the members of
the armed forces who are here; honored guests; family
and friends; and most of all, the class of 2000. Let me
start by saying· congratulations.
'
This is the appropriate place for me to deliver my last
service academy speech as President. This class came
to Washington and marched in my second Inaugural
'
parade. I was honored that day to salute you as
fourth class cadets. And I'll be even prouder at the
end of this ceremony to salute you as officers.
�2
Before we begin, I want to hear you salute the people
who stood behind you the past four years - your
families and friends.
The road between Swab Summer and today has been
'
.
long. You survived the rigors of academic life -- and
the Superintendent's challenge to "Go Books." You
survived countless games of football and volleyball
against the officers -- even though I'm told they
trounced you every time. You even survived golf balls
and dog food in the wardroom. Now, for those ofyou
who don't know what that is, that's cadet-speak for
hard-boiled eggs and corned beef hash.
�3
In an informal poll, it was voted the meal most likely
to make it over the rail of the Eagle. But after four
long years, now comes the hardest part: sitting
through the commencement speech. I will make
on~
promise: I will not speak longer than it takes the
average cadet to complete the spring Road Rallyo
It's not going to be easy, because this class has a lot to
be proud of. You have succeeded in a rigorous
environment, trained to be superb officers. You've
done extraordinary volunteer work, for which I am
grateful.
�4
You placed first among universities at one of
America's most prestigious national science
competitions. You engineered Solar Splash, the topranked solar powered boat in the nation this year.
Four of your classmates were All-American athletes.
And on.e of your classmates even found fame and
fortune on "The Price is Right."
You are also the first class in history to have an
· advisor who had a recurring role on the t.v. show
Baywatch. Such is the love of cadets for New London
that Eric Kowack chose to give up that tour, come
back,. and teach classes on personal finance.
�5
But it is at soccer games where your spirit came out the most. As I understand it, this class received more
'
letters from opposing class Presidents complaining
about heckling at soccer games than any other class in
history. I'm not sure if any of you got in -trouble for
that. But pursuant to longstanding tradition, as
Commander in Chief, I hereby grant amnesty to all
candidates marching tours or serving restrictions for
minor offenses.
This class was destined to be
sp~cial,
because it is the
first Coast Guard class to graduate in the 21st
Century.
�6
Today, I want to talk about the challenges we face
today, about how we can protect our nation and
uphold our values in the face of changing threats to
our national security.
The waters off this shore have seen a lot of history
'
over three centuries. When you walk into the West
Wing of the White House, hanging about 30 feet from
the Oval Office is a painting of the first naval battle of
the War of 1812. It happened off the coast of New
London. That day, a British frigate called the
Belvidera was chased by five American warships.
Interestingly, three of those ships were called the
President, the United States, and Congress.
�7
History tells us the President was the fastest ship. But
'
unfortunately, the Belvidera got away because at a
crucial moment, the President suffered significant
damage. Now, I'm not sure exactly what caused it.
But I am curious to know where Congress was at the
time.
Compare that to the picture that will be painted in
these same waters this summer, when the Eagle leads
ships from more than 60 nations -- including Great
Britain-- into New London Harbor. It will be the
biggest, broadest gathering of its kind in history.
�8
Rather than coming in war, those ships will be sailing
in peace. It is a strong symbol of the age we are living
in today.
This is a time of great hope. For the first time in
history, more than half the people of the world live
under governments of their own choosing. It is a
wonderful sign of the times that two of the cadets who
are graduating today come from nations (Russia and
Bulgaria) that were our.adversaries when they were in
the fifth grade -- and we don't think twice about it.
We are in the midst of a profound revolution, the most
sweeping since the Industrial age.
�9
Globalization is tearing down barriers and building
new networks among nations and people. And
globalization itself is driven by a revolution in
technology, p_articularly information technology. It's
changing the way we all do business - including the
Coast Guard. A decade ago, a cadet assigned to a
buoy tender had to go through an elaborate process to
place buoys. Three people would stand back to back;
tracking horizontal sextant angles and then
comparing those readings to hand-drawn navigational
grids- with a lot of yelling back and forth. Today, all
that work is done instantly by satellites and computers
through the Global Positioning System.
�10
This revolution can empower individuals in incredible
ways. In America today, unemployment is less than
four percent. At the Native. American reservation in
Pine Ridge, South Dakota, it's 70 percent. In part,
this is because the people there don't want to leave the
land of their ancestors. But last Christmas, I bought
some gifts on-line from Pine Ridge. With the Internet,
they have the potential to spread the beauty of their
· . culture without leaving their land.
But last week, we saw a very different example of how
technology has changed our Rives.
�11
The same Internet that is empowering Pine Ridge also
apparently empowered a student sitting in the
Philippines to launch a computer virus that-- in just a
few hours -- spread through more than 10 million
computers and caused billions in damage. Here is a
central reality of our time: the advent of globalization
and the revolution in technology have magnified both
the creative and the destructive potential of every
individual on the planet.
Most of us have a vision of the 21st century world that
sees the triumph of peace, prosperity and personal
freedotn.
�12
We have amazing new tools like the Human Genome
Project to realize ancient dreams: to lift lives, prevent
disease, and protect our environment.
But we must understand the other side of the coin:
the same advances bringing the world together also
are making the tools of destruction deadlier, cheaper,
and more available to those who wish us harm. They
are making us more vulnerable to problems that arise
half a 'vorld away, to terror, weapons of mass
, destruction, drug trafficking and other organized
crime. Today, we face a fateful struggle between the
forces of integration and the forces of disintegration.
�13
And the phenomenal explosion
of technology can be
the servant of either side -- or both.
Let me be clear: our traditional national security
concerns have by no means vanished. We must
manage our relationships with great and potentially
great powers in ways that protect and advance our
interests. We must continue to maintain strong
alliances, to have the best-trained, best-equipped ·
military in the world, and· to be vigilant that regional
conflicts do not threaten us.
�One of the big question marks of the 21st Century is
~
China. Will China emerge as a partner or an.
adversary, as a society that is opening to the world or
making trouble in the world? Next week, we have an
historic opportunity to influence that question in the
right way. China has agreed to open the largest
market in the world in order to join the World Trade
Organization. We ca.n. accept that opening or reject it.
If Congress votes to normalize trade relations with
China, it will help move China in the right direction.
But if Congress votes no, it would be inviting a future
of dangerous confrontation and constant insecurity
while foregoing an opportunity th_at could keep our
•
economy growing.
�Remember: America has just four percent of the
world's population. Ninety-six percent of our
customers live beyond our borders, and if we are
going to continue to prosper, we must continue to sell
to the world. This agreement with China gives us the
opportunity to sell to a country with
one~ fifth
of the
world's people. For the very first time, our companies
· will be able to sell and distribute goods in China
without having to relocate their factories here. That
will allow us to export products without exporting
jobs.
And what do we give China in return? We do not
lower our tariffs one cent.
�lY b
We do not in any way, shape, or form make it easier
for China to sell products in America. We do not give
up any safeguards that protect our market now. All
we must do is formally grant the same normal trade
relations we give to 132 other countries. If we don't,
China still gets into the WT9. But the benefits of its
open market will flow to our trade competitors.
America will be left behind.
But this is about more than economics. It's about the
kind of world we want to build. This agreement is so
overwhelmingly in our economic interest, if we reject
it, the Chinese will view it as a vote for confrontation
over cooperation.
�IY c
It will set off a downward spiral that could upset
stability in Asia, diminish the chance of dialogue
across the Taiwan Strait, and deflate hopes for a more
constructive relationship between the U.S. and China.
We will find ourselves confronting each other across
Asia and the world. With or without normalized
trade, we must protect our security and defend our
values. But voting to isolate ourselves from a fifth of
the world will make that world a more dangerous
place. I am going to do my best next week to convince
Congress to support this agreement.
�15
While we deal with old threats, over the past eight
years, I have also worked to adapt our national
security strategy to respond to new threats to our
·security. This has required
recognizi~g
that flexibility
is as important in this new world as force.
There is nobody who understands that need better
than the Coast Guard.
�16
Last year, I ordered a task force to conduct a fresh
look at the roles and missions of the Coast Guard. It
found that a flexible, highly motivated Coast Guard
was vital to ensuring the safety and security of the
.
'
American people in the 21st Century.
·It is the Coast Guard ,that we see most- during floods
in North Carolina after· Hurricane Floyd; after the
tragedies of Egypt Air and Air Alaska. Today -- in an
average week -- you and your fellow coasties will seize
more than $60 million worth of dangerous drugs;
board 630 vessels for safety checks; intercept
hundreds of illegal immigrants; investigate 119
marine accidents;
�17
respond to more than 260 hazardous chemical spills;
r
assist more than 2,500 people in distress; and save 100
lives. That's why the American people should be very,
very proud of the United States Coast Guard.
The class of 2000 will play an increasing role in
defending and advancing America's security. It is
important that you understand the new threats we
face.
\
The threat of terrorism is not new. What is new is
that international terrorism is
beco~ing
increasingly
sophisticated. Terrorist networks communicate on
the World Wide Web.
J
�18
Available weapons are more destructive. As borders
fade and ·old regimes struggle through transitions, the
chance for free agents looking to make a profit on
·weapons of destruction is greater.
In this environment, international cooperation is more
vital than ever. We saw an example in the days
leading up to the Millennium. We are joined today by
Jordan's Ambassador to the United States, Dr.
WarwanMuasher. Last December, working with
Jordan, we shut down a plotto place large bombs at
locations where Americans might gather on New
Year's Eve.
�19
<'
We then learned that this plot was linked to the
terrorist camps in Afghanistan and the organization
created by 9sama bin Ladin, the man responsible for
the 1998 bombings of our embassies in Tanzania and
Kenya. A short time later, a customs agent in Seattle
discovered bomb materials being smuggled into the
US -- - the same materials used by bin Ladin ·
elsewhere. Thankfully, New Year's passed without an
attack. But the threat was real. Such cooperation
must continue.
In responding to terrorist threats, our strategy is
identical ~o the Coast Guard motto - "semper
paratus"- always ready.
�20
Today, I am sending Congress a
~equest
for an
'
additional $230 million to protect our citizens from
terrorist threats. These new funds will expand our
efforts to collect information about potential terrorist
activity; improve our ability to use forensic evidence
to track terrorists, and improve our coordination with
state and local officials- as we did over New Year'sto defend our nation against possible attacks. This
request comes on top of the $9 billion in additional
funding I requested for counter.;.terrorism in my 2001
budget, which is an increase of more than 40 percent
from just three years ago.
�21
· The message is clear: if you try to bring your terror
to these borders, we will findl you, we will arrest you,
and we will make you pay.
We've also done all we can to prevent old weapons
from finding new champions. To keep nuclear
weapons and materials secure at the source, we've
helped Russia deactivate almost 5,000 nuclear
warheads; to strengthen border controls, and keep
weapons expertise from spreading. Do you know
what the average salary of a highly-trained weapons
scientist in Russia is today? ._Less than $100 a month.
�22
We have a choice: we can do even more to help them
turn that expertise to peaceful projects, or pray that
all of them resist the temptation to market their
expertise to those who wish us harm. Common sense
says to help them. That's why we have asked
Congress for additional funding to help Russia keep
its arsenal of weapons secure.
But the possibility that a hostile nation may acquire
weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to
deliver them to our shores is becoming real. So later
this year, I will decide whether we should begin
-'
deployment of a limited national missile defense
system next spring.
�23
I. will base that decision on four factors: First, is the
technology sound and has it been demonstrated to
work? Second, what does it cost and how does that
· balance against other defense priorities? Third, what
is the state of the threat, the likelihood that another
nation could deliver long-range ballistic missiles to our
shore? And fourth, what impact will it have on our
overall security, including arms control and our
relationships with our allies and others around the
world?
There is also the threat of biological and chemical
weapons.
�- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
24
The terrorist attack we saw in Japan four years agowhen sarin gas was dropped in a subway of innocent
0
people - underscored this danger. That is why we
have established a national defense preparedness
office to train the first responders· to such an attack,
and why we're using new technology to improve our
ability to detect these agents quickly should they ever
be released. It's why we've done all we can to see that
poison gas and biological weapons are eliminated from
the face of the earth.
The same vigilance is required for cyber-security ~
�25
Fifteen years ago, critical systems like our power
structures, nuclear plants, air traffic control, and
computer networks were separate and manually
operated. There actually was a man in overalls sitting
in a shed working the valves for the local reservoir.
Today, all of these systems are connected and run by
computers. Two years ago, we saw the enormous
impact of a single failed electronics link when one
satellite malfunction disabled pagers, ATM's, credit
card systems, TV and radio networks worldwide.
That was an accident- but the Love Bug doesn't seem
to be an accident.
�26
I
The destruction one person can bring about today
using a computer is virtually unlimited. So we have
been working to build·a public-private partnership to
protect America. We have developed a national plan
for cyber-security. At the White House, we have
brought together top minds from both the public and
private sector. And I have sought increased funding
.to protect out vital networks. I hope Congress helps
us pass it, because we must continue to stay ahead of
the game.
Not all of the new threats we face come from
individuals or nations that wish us harm.
�27
We've talked about new viruses- but the whole world
today still is threatened by age-old infections like
malaria and TB, and new ones like AIDS. In Africa
alone, some countries are actually hiring two
employees for every job on the assumption that one of
them will die of AIDS. In other countries, 30 percent
of the teachers and 40 percent of the soldiers have the
HIV/AIDS virus. And it's not just AIDS- TB has
infected one third of the world - two billion people and the disease can reach our shores at the speed of jet
travel.
These diseases threaten the survival of entire nations
and societies. They can ruin economies.
�28
Meeting the· global public health crisis is a moral
imperative. And given the risk of instability and
turmoil it poses to entire regions, it is a national
security concern.
Last week, I issued an Executive Order that will help
make AIDS drugs more affordable to people in
impoverished .countries. But the ultimate solution to
this crisis must include the development of vaccines.
Today's, there's no incentive to make costly
investments in vaccines for people who cannot afford .
to buy them.
�29
That is why I have proposed that we provide a
generous tax credit that would enable us to say to
private industry, if you develop vaccines for AIDS,
malaria, and TB, we will help to pay for them. If we.
do that, we'll save millions of lives.
There's another global challenge that will greatly
affect the 21st Century: the challenge of climate
change. Nine of the 10 warmest years since the 15th
century were all recorded in the 1990s. And if you ,
think that's a coincidence, I'm sending you back for
an extra year's study of statistics and logic. Unless we
change course, most scientists are convinced both
storms and droughts will intensify.
�30
Crop patterns will be severely disrupted, affecting
fool;~
supplies. And the seas will rise so high that they
will swallow islands and coastal areas. If that
happens, all the Luders [LOO-Ders] training in the
world won't save us. If we value our coastlines and
farm lands, we must work at home and with other
nations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Finally, if Americans are to be secure in the new
century, we must win the war against drugs. Most of
that work must be done here at home, with zero
tolerance for drug use, treatment for those who suffer ·
and punishment for those who profit.
�31
But we must also fight international drug cartels and
the criminal empires they finance.
Today, 90 percent of the coca,ine consumed here and
two-thirds of the heroin seized on our streets comes
from or through one country, Colombia. Now,
Colombia has a courageous new President, President
Andreas Pastrana. He is asking for our help. He has
worked with experts to·put together what he calls
"Plan Colombia." It's a comprehensive plan to fight
drugs, build the economy, and deepen democracy.
I've asked Congress to give it $1.6 billion over two
years. The House has passed this bill and today I call
on the Senate to do the same as soon as possible.
�32
For Colombia is not just fighting for its people's lives;
it is fighting for our lives. If that's not worth the .
investment, I don't know what is.
On all of these issues, as one of America's five armed
services, the Coast Guard has a vital role. Each time
America has been challenged by new threats, the
Coast Guard has met them. In the eighteenth
Cent~ry,
the predecessor to today's Coast Guard manned antislavery patrols and coordinated tariff collection for
our young nation. In the 19th Century, you assumed
responsibility for search and rescue, marine
inspection, and quarantine laws.
�33
In the 20th Century, you arrested rum runners during
Prohibition, enforced environmental laws, interdicted
drugs, and even delivered marines to the beaches of
/
Normandy.
That's why we are working with Congress to secure
I
additional supplemental funds for this year to enhance
readiness. That's why my 2001 budget requests an
additional $376 million for the Coast Guard- which
represents the largest one-year increase in Coast
Guard funding in 20 years - including a 34 percent
increase in the money you need to buy new shipso
�---
- - - -
--
--
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
34
And that's why I am going to recommend to the next
President that America continue to support the Coast
Guard's Deep Water Project, so you have the ships
and planes you need to meet the challenges that face
us. We can't meet the threats of the future with a
Coast Guard fleet from the past. This is an investment
we must make to ensure our security in the 21st
Century.
We must also ensure that the burden of protecting
America's security doesn't fall solely. on the shoulders
of those who stand watch on our borders and
coastlines. I've mentioned quite a few new threats to
our security today.
�35
But there is another threat as old as our country itself.
It is the risk that we will see the world beyond our
borders only as a source of danger and therefore to be
avoided, that we will fail to see the extraordinary
opportunities of an age in which our values of
democracy and free markets are finally ascendant.
With the Cold War over, some people say we don't
need to play an active role in the world, or to worry
about distant conflicts, or play our part in
· international institutions like the UN.
�36
Their alternative is either a survivalist foreign policy - build a fence around America and retreat behind it · or a "go-it-alone" foreign policy, where we do it our
way or we won't do it at all. I profoundly disagree
with both. America has been called a shining city on a
Hill, but that doesn't mean our oceans are moats, and
it doesn't mean our country is a fortress - nor should
· it be.
If we wait to act until problems come home to
America, they are far more likely to come home to
America. And so the new threats we face are not an
argument from pulling back from the world.
�37
No less than any time in our history-- perhaps more-.America must be engaged in the world, working with
others to secure peace and prosperity where we can,
leading where we must, and standing up for what we
believe.
Nearly 40 years ago, John F. Kennedy stood on the
deck of the Eagle, and reminded cadets that there is
not a single person "who has sailed any of our lakes or
oceans who has not at one time or another been the
beneficiary of the faithful service of the Coast Guard."
Today, that great tradition falls to all of you.
�38
Think about it: for the thousands of cadets who went
before you, who served our nation in times of war and
in times of peace, you are the generation that has been
chosen by Providence to lead this Coast Guard and
this nation into a new century. Your class motto says
it all: "Ducentes viam en millennium." Leading the
way into the new millennium. Take that motto and
make it yours. Good luck and God bless you.
�,.
,,
5/16/00 Final
Orzulak
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
REMARKS TO
THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY COMMENCEMENT
NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT
MAY 17,2000
Acknowledgements: Secretary Rodney Slater, Admiral James Loy; Rear Admiral Douglas
Teeson; Captain William P. Dillon; Distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps; Dr. Haas;
all the members of the armed forces who are here; honored guests; family and friends; and most
of all, the class of 2000. Let me start by saying congratulations.
This is the appropriate place for me to deliver my last service academy speech as President. This
class came to Washington and marched in my second Inaugural parade. I was honored that day
to salute you as fourth class cadets. And I'll be even prouder at the end of this ceremony to
salute you as officers. Before we begin, I want to hear you salute the people who stood behind
you the past four years - your families and friends.
The road between Swab Summer and today has been long. You survived the rigors of academic
life --and the Superintendent's challenge to "Go Books." 1 You survived countless games of
football and volleyball against the officers -- even though I'm told they trounced you every
time. 2 You even survived golfballs and dog food in the wardroom. Now, for those of you who
don't know what that is, that's cadet-speak for liard-boiled eggs and corned beefhash. In an
informal poll, it was voted the meal most likely to make it over the rail of the Eagle. 3 But after
four long years, now comes the hardest part: sitting through the commencement speech. I will
make one promise: I will not speak longer than it takes the average cadet to complete the spring
Road Rally.
It's not going to be easy, because this class has a lot to be proud of. You have succeeded in a
rigorous environment, trained to be superb officers. You've done extraordinary volunteer w.ork,
for which I am grateful. You placed first among universities at one of America's most
prestigious national science competitions. You engineered Solar Splash, the top-ranked solar
powered boat in the nation this year. Four of your classmates were All-American athletes. And
one of your classmates even found fame and fortune on "The Price is Right."
You are also the first class in history to have an advisor who had a recurring role on the t.v. show
Baywatch. Such is the love of cadets for New London that Eric Kowack chose to give up that
tour, come back, and teach classes on personal finance.
But it is at soccer games where your spirit came out the most. As I understand it, this class
received more letters from opposing class Presidents complaining about heckling at soccer
games than any other class in history. I'm not sure if any of you got in trouble for that. But
1
"Go Bears" is the school's rallying cry at sports games, but the Superintendent likes to say "Go Books."
At a dinner-dance this past weekend for graduating seniors, class advisor Eric Kowack told cadets that the officers
"trounced the cadets every time" they played pick-up games together.
3
The Eagle is the tallest ship flying the Stars and Stripes in America. It's the ship all cadets train on, and earn their
"sea legs" on.
2
�2
pursuant to longstanding tradition, as Commander in Chief, I hereby grant amnesty to all
candidates marching tours or serving restrictions for minor offenses.
'
This class was destined to be special, because it is the first Coast Guard class to graduate in the
21st Century. Today, I want to talk about the challenges we face today, about how we can
protect our nation and uphold our values in the face of changing threats to our national security.
The waters off this shore have seen a lot of history over three centuries. When you walk into the
West Wing of the White House, hanging about 30 feet from the Oval Officeis a painting of the
first naval battle of the War of 1812. It happened off the coast ofNew London. That day, a
British frigate called the Belvidera was chased by five American warships. Interestingly, three of
those ships were called the President, the United States, and Congress. History tells us the ·
President was the fastest ship. But unfortunately, the Belvidera got away because at a crucial
moment, the President suffered significant damage. Now, I'm not sure exactly what caused it.
But I am curious to know where Congress was at the time.
'
Compare that to the picture that will be painted in these same waters this summer, when the
Eagle leads ships from more than 60 nations-- including Great Britain-- into New London
Harbor. It will be the biggest, broadest gathering of its kind in history. Rather than coming in
war, those ships will be sailing in peace. It is a strong symbol of the age we are living in today.
This is a time of great hope. For the first time in history, more than half the people of the world
live under governments of their own choosing .. It is a wonderful sign of the times that two of the
cadets who are graduating today come from nations (Russia and Bulgaria) that were our
adversaries when they were in the fifth grade-- and we don't think twice about it.
We are in the midst of a profound revolution, the most sweeping since the Industrial age.
Globalization is tearing down barriers and building new networks among nations and people.
And globalization itself is driven by a revolution in technology, particularly information
technology. It's changing the way we all do business- including the Coast Guard. A decade
ago, a cadet assigned to a buoy terider had to go through an elaborate process to place buoys.
Three people would stand back to back, tracking horizontal sextant angles and then comparing
those readings to hand-drawn navigational grids- with a lot of yelling back and forth. Today, all
that work is done instantly by satellites and computers through the Global Positioning System.
This revolution can empower individuals in incredible ways. In America today, unemployment
is less than four percent. At the Native American reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, it's
70 percent. In part, this is because the people there don't want to leave the land of their
ancestors. But last Christmas, I bought some gifts on-line from Pine Ridge. With the Internet,
they have the potential to spread the beauty of their. culture without leaving their land.
But last week, we saw a very different example of how technology has changed our lives. The
same Internet that is empowering Pine Ridge also apparently empowered a student sitting in the
Philippines to launch a computer virus that -- in just a few hours -- spread through more than 10
million computers and caused billions in damage. Here is a· central reality of our time: the
advent of globalization and the revolution in technology have magnified both the creative and the
destructive potential of every individual on the planet.
�3
Most of us have a vision ofthe 21st century world that sees the triumph ofpeac~e, prosperity and
personal freedom. We have amazing new tools like the Human Genome Projec.t to realize
ancient dreams: to lift lives, prevent disease, and protect our environment.
But we must understand the other side of the coin: the same advances bringing the world
together also are making the tools of destruction deadlier, cheaper, and mote available to those
who wish us harm. They are making us more vulnerable to problems that arise half a world
away, to terror, weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking and other organized crime~ Today,
we face a fateful struggle between the forces of integration and the forces of disintegration. And
the phenomenal explosion of technology can be the servant of either side -- or both.
Let me be clear: our traditional national security concerns have by no means vanished. We must
manage our relationships with great and potentially great powers in way:s that protect and
advance our interests. We must continue to maintain strong alliances, to have the best-trained,
best-equipped military in the world, and to be vigilant that regional conflicts do not threaten us.
On~ of the big q~estion marks of the 21st Century is China. Will China emerge as a partner or an
adversary, as a society that is opening to the world or lashing out at the world? Next week, we
have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influe'nce that question in the right way. There are
people within China today who are working to open their economy- even if it risks unleashing
forces' of change they cannot control. If Congress votes to normalize trade relations with China,
it will help move China in the right direction. But if Congress votes no, it will strengthen the
hand of those hard-liners in China who are opposed to change at any cost. It would be inviting a
future of dangerous confrontation and constant insecurity. And we would be turning over to our
competitors in Europe and Japan the largest market in the world for our products and services,
foregoing an opportunity that could keep our economy growing.
While we deal with old threats, over the past eight years, I have also worked to adapt our
national security strategy to respond to new threats to our security. This has required recognizing
that flexibility is as important in this new world as force.
There is nobody who understands that need better than the Coast Guard. Last year, I ordered a
task force to conduct a fresh look at the roles and missions of the Coast Guard. It found that a
flexible, highly motivated Coast Guard was vital to ensuring the safety and security of the
American people in the 21st Century.
It is the Coast Guard that we see most·-· during floods in North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd; ·
after the tragedies of Egypt Air and Air Alaska. Today-- in an average week-- you and your
fellow coasties will seize more than $60 million worth of dangerous drugs; board 630 vessels for
safety checks; intercept hundreds of illegal immigrants; investigate 119 mari'ne accidents;
respond to more than 260 hazardous chemical spills; assist more than 2,500 people in distress;
and save 100 lives. That's why the American people should be very, very proud of the United
· States Coast Guard.
The class of2000 will play an increasing role in defending and advancing America's security. It
is important that you understand the new threats we face.
�~
,I
.,-· '·0:•
•
.. •
,I
·,
4
The threat of terrorism is not new. What is new is that international terrorism is-becoming
increasingly sophisticated. Terrorist networks communicate on the World w·ide Web. Available
weapons are more destructive. As borders faqe and old regimes struggle through transitions, the
chance for free agents looking to make a profit on weapons of destruction is greater.
In this environment, international cooperation is more vital than ever. We saw an example in the
days leading up to the Millemiium. We are joined today by Jordan's Ambassador to. the United
States, Dr. Warwan Muasher. Last December, working with Jordan, we shut down a plotto place
large bombs at locations where Americans might gather on New Year's Eve .. We then learned
that this plot was linked to the terrorist camps in Afghanistan and the organization created by
Osama bin Ladin, the man responsible for the 1998 bombings of our embassies in Tanzania and
Kenya. A short time later, a customs agent in Seattle discovered bomb materials being smuggled
into the US ---the same materials used by bin Ladin elsewhere. Thankfully, New Year's passed
without an attack. But the threat was real. Such cooperation must continue.
In responding to terrorist threats, our strategy is identical to the Coast Guard motto·- "semper
paratus"- always ready. Today, I am sending Congress a request for an additional $230 million
to protect our citizens from terrorist threats. These new funds will expand our efforts to collect
information about potential terrorist activity; improve our ability to use forensic evidence to
track terrorists, and improve our coordination with state and local officials -- as we did over New
Year's- to defend our nation against po~sible attacks. This request comes on top ofthe $9
billion in additional funding I requested for counter-terrorism in my 2001 budget, which is an
increase of more than 40 percent from just three years ago. The message is clear:·· if you try to
bring your terror to these borders, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we· will make you .
pay.
We've also done all we can to prevent old weapons from finding new champions. To keep
nuclear weapons and materials secure at the source, we've helped Russia deactivate almost 5,000
nuclear warheads; to strengthen border controls, and keep weapons expertise from spreading.
Do you know what the average salary of a highly-trained weapons scientist in Russia is today?
Less than $100 a month. We have a choice: we can do even more to help them tum that
expertise to peaceful projects, or P,ray that all of them resist the temptation to market their
expertise to those who wish us harm .. Common sense says to help them. That's why we have
asked Congress for additional funding to help Russia keep its nuclear weapons materials secure.
But the possibility that a hostile nation may acquire weapons of mass destruction and the
missiles to deliver them to our shores is becoming real. So later this year, I will decide whether
we should begin deployment of a limited national missile defense system next spring. I will base
that decision on four factors: First, is the technology sound and has it been demonstrated to
work? Second, what does it cost and how does that balance against other defense priorities?
Third, what is the state of the threat, the likelihood that another nation could deliver long-range
ballistic missiles to our shore? And fourth, what impact will it have on our overall security,
including arms control and our relationships with our allies and others around the world?
There is also the threat of biological and chemical weapons. The terrorist attack we saw in Japan
four years ago -when sarin gas was dropped in a subway of innocent people-- underscored this
danger. Thatis why we have established a national defense preparedness office to' train the first
responders to such an attack, and why we're using new technology to improve our ability to
�':•
5·
detect these agents quickly should they ever be released. It's why we've done all we can to see
that poison gas and biological weapons are eliminated from the face of the earth.
I
The same vigilance is required for cyber-security .. Fifteen years ago, critical systems like our
power structures, nuclear plants, air traffic control, and computer networks were separate and
manually operated. There actually was. a man in overalls sitting in a shed working the valves for
the local reservoir. Today, all of these systems are connected and run by computers: Two years
ago, we saw the enormous impact of a single failed electronics link when one satellite
malfunction disabled pagers, ATM's, credit card systems, TV and radio networks worldwide.
That was an accident- but theLove Bug doesn't seem to be an accident. The destruction one
person can bring about today using a computer is virtually unlimited. So we have been working
to build a public-private partnership to protect America. We have developed a national plan for
cyber-security. At the White House, we have brought together top minds from both the.public
and private sector. And I have sought increased funding to protect our vital networks. I hope
Congress helps us pass it, because we must continue to stay ahead of the game ..
Not all of the new threats we face come from individuals or nations that wish us·harm. We've
talked about new viruses - but the whole world today still is threatened by age-old infections like
malaria and TB, and new ones like AIDS. In Africa alone, some countries are actually hiring two
employees for every job on the assumption that one of them will die of AIDS. In other countries,
3,0 percent of the teachers and 40 percent of the soldiers have the HIVI AIDS virus. And it's not
just AIDS- TB has infected one third of the world- two billion people- arid the disease can
reach our shores at the speed of jet travel.
These diseases threaten the surviva_l of entire nations and societies. They can ruin economies.
Meeting the global public health crisis is a moral imperative. And given the risk of instability
and turmoil it poses to entire regions, it is a national security concern.
Last week, I issued an Executive Order that will help make AIDS drugs more affordable to
people in impoverished countries. But the ultimate solution to this crisis must include the
development of vaccines. Today, there's no incentive to make costly investments in vaccines for
people who cannot afford to buy them. That is why I have proposed that we provide a· generous
tax credit that would enable us to say to private industry, if you develop vacCines for AIDS,
malaria, and TB, we will help to pay for them. If we do that, we'll save millions oflives.
There's another global challenge that will greatly affect the 21st Century: the challenge of
climate change. Nine of the 10 warmest years since the 15th century were all recorded inthe
1990s. And if you think that's a coincidence, I'm sending you back for an extra year's study of
statistics and logic. Unless we change course, most scientists are convinced both storms and
droughts will intensify. Crop patterns will be severely disrupted, affecting food supplies. And
the seas will rise so high that they will swallow islands and coastal areas. If that happens, all the
Luders [LOO-Ders] training 4 in the world won't save us. Ifwe value our coastlines and farm
lands, we must work at home and with other nations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
4
Ocean sailing training all cadets receive in third class year
�6
Finally, if Americans are to be secure in the new century, we must win the war against drugs.
Most of that work must be done here at home, with zero tolerance for drug use, treatment for
those who suffer and punishment for. those who profit. But we must also fight international drug
cartels and the criminal empires they finance.
·
Today, 90 percent ofthe cocaine consumed here and two-thirds of the heroin seized on our
streets comes from or through one country, Colombia. Now, Colombia has a courageous new
President, President Andreas Pastrana. He is asking for our help. He has worked with experts to
put together what he calls "Plan Colombia." It's a comprehensive plan to fight drugs, build the
economy, and deepen democracy. I've asked Congress to give it $1.6 billion over two years.
The House has passed this bill and today I call on the· Senate to do the same as soon as possible.
For Colombia i's not just fighting for its people's lives; it is fighting for our lives. Ifthat's not
worth the investment, I don't know what is.
On all of these issues, as one of America's five armed services, the Coast Guard has a vital role.
Each time America has been challenged by new threats, the Coast Guard has met them. In the
eighteenth Century, the predecessor to today's Coast Guard manned anti-slavery patrols and
coordinated tariff collection for our young nation. In the 19th Century, you assumed
responsibility for search and rescue, marine inspection, and quarantine laws. In the 20th
Century, you arrested rum runners during Prohibition, enforced environmental laws, interdicted
drugs, and even delivered marines to the beaches ofNormandy.
That's why we are working with Congress to secure additional supplemental funds for this year
to enhance readiness. That's why my 2001 budget requests an additional $376 million for the
Coast Guard - which represents the largest one-year increase in Coast Guard funding in 20 years
-including a 34 percent increase in the money you need to buy new ships. And that's why 'ram
going to recommend to the next President that America continue to support the Coast Guard's
Deep Water Project, so you have the ships and planes you need to meet the challenges that face
us. We can't meet the threats of the future with a Coast Guard fleet from the past. This is an
investment we must make to ensure our security in the 21st Century.
We must also ensure that the burden of protecting America's security doesn't fall solely on the
shoulders of those who stand watch on our borders and coastlines. I've mentioned quite a few
new threats to our security today. But there is another threat as old as our country .itself. It is the
risk that we will see the world beyond our borders only as a source of danger and therefore to be
avoided·, that we will fail to see the extraordinary opportunities of an age in which our values of
democracy and free markets are finally. ascendant.
With the Cold War over, some people say we don't need to play an active role in the world, or to
worry ab_out distant conflicts, or play our part in international institutions like the UN. Their
alternative is either a survivalist foreign policy -- build a fence around America and retreat
behind it- or a "go-it-alone" foreign policy, where we do it our way or we won't do it at all. I
profoundly disagree with both. America has been called a shining cityon a Hiq, but that doesn't
mean our oceans are moats, and it doesn't mean our country is a fortress- nor should it be.
If we wait to act until problems come home to America, they are far more likely to come home to
America. And so the new threats we. face are not an argument from pulling back from the
world. No less than any time in our history-- perhaps more -- America rriust be engaged in the
�7
world, working with others to secure peace and prosperity where we can, leading where we must,
and standing up for what we believe.
Nearly 40 years ago, John F. Kennedy stood on the deck of the Eagle, and reminded cadets that
there is not a single person "who has sailed any of our lakes or oceans who has not at one time or
another been the beneficiary of the faithful service of the Coast Guard." Today, that great·
tradition falls to all ofyou.
·
Think about it: for the thousands of cadets who went before you, who served our nation in times
of war and in times of peace, you are the generation that has been chosen by Providence to lead
this Coast Guard and this nation into a new century. Your class motto says it all: "Ducentes
viam en millennium." Leading the way into the new millennium. Take that motto and make it
yours. Good luck and God bless you.
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Speechwriting Office - Paul Orzulak
Creator
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National Security Council
Speechwriting Office
Paul Orzulak
Date
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1999-2000
Is Part Of
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<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36267" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="http://catalog.archives.gov/id/7585791" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Identifier
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2008-0702-F
Description
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<p>Orzulak served as speechwriter for President William J. Clinton and National Security Advisor Samuel R. Berger in 1999 and 2000.</p>
<p>Orzulak authored speeches for President Clinton concerning permanent normal trade relations with China; the United States Coast Guard Academy commencement; the role of computer technology in India; the defense of American cyberspace; the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award; the memorial service for Former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi of Japan; the Charlemagne Prize in Germany; the presentation of the Medal of Freedom to President James E. Carter and Rosalyn Carter in Atlanta; the Millennium Around the World Celebration in Washington, DC; the Cornerstone of Peace Park in Japan; the role of scientific research and the European Union while in Portugal; sustainable development in India; armed forces training on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico; and the funeral services for Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. in Annapolis. Orzulak’s speechwriting for National Security Advisor Berger concerned Senator Joseph R. Biden, China’s trade status, Kosovo, and challenges facing American foreign policy.</p>
<p>This collection was made available through a <a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/freedom-of-information-act-requests">Freedom of Information Act</a> request. For more information concerning this collection view the complete finding aid.</p>
Provenance
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Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
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Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
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Adobe Acrobat Document
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82 folders in 7 boxes
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Paper
Dublin Core
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Title
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Old - [Coast Guard Academy] [2]
Creator
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National Security Council
Speechwriting Office
Paul Orzulak
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2008-0702-F
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Box 6
<a href="http://clintonlibrary.gov/assets/Documents/Finding-Aids/2008/2008-0702-F.pdf" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="http://catalog.archives.gov/id/7585791" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
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Adobe Acrobat Document
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Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
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Reproduction-Reference
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5/19/2014
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42-t-7585791-20080702f-006-013-2014
7585791