that the potential workpool of America is everyone, male and female, from the age of 16 all the way and on up, including everyone-the retired and everyone else. Well, today, for the first time in our history, 61.2 percent of that available pool is employed in this country.

The interest rates are down. And let me add that we just did all of this and, at the same time, kept inflation at its lowest level in over 20 years. But we're not finished, and we won't be until inflation is at zero and every American who wants a job has a job.

Now, there are those who would tell you that everything we've accomplished has been a matter of luck, or just a part of an uncontrollable business cycle, or even the result of the celestial effects of Halley's Comet. [Laughter] But, my friends, America's progress can be traced not to personalities, not to chance, but to the dramatic change in philosophy we carried to Washington after the 1980 election-and to you, the American people.

The tax-and-tax and spend-and-spend crowd had bought our country a one-way ticket to economic oblivion. The American people were just hanging on. That reminds me a little of that fellow that fell off a cliff and on the way down, grabbed a branch, a limb that was sticking out from the cliff. And he hung there, and he looked down at the rocks, hundreds of feet below, and he was yelling for help. Then he turned his eyes upward, and he said, "Oh Lord, if you're up there, tell me what to do." And a voice from above said, "If you have faith, let go." And the fellow looked down at those rocks again way below him, looked back up, and says, "Is there anybody else up there?" [Laughter]

Well, by 1980 the American people had lost faith with the liberals who claimed we could spend our way to better times, and if we raised taxes only the other guy would pay. Well, we Republicans believe in a fundamentally different approach. The other party promises to create more government is there an echo in here? You

1 The President was referring to hecklers in the audience.

know, we're out to create more jobs and opportunity. The other party advocates more bureaucratic solutions, central planning, and Federal controls.

We seek to free the creative genius of the American people and unleash the economybuilding power of the marketplace. The other party would raise taxes, because they believe they know how to spend your money better than you do. We say to lower the rates and let people keep more of what they earn.

Now, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Michigan for the great team of Republican House Members you've sent to Washington. They've been real heroes in our battle to invigorate America's economy and rebuild her defenses. And a special thanks for Congressman Bill Broomfield. His leadership in the House Foreign Affairs Committee has been a great service to our country.

And there's another leader that Michigan has loaned to our crusade for whom I'm most grateful, but he had to stay back in Washington-Guy Vander Jagt. As chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, he's been a major player in the Nation's Capital. We depend on him, and thank you for sending him to us.

The individuals I just mentioned, along with Republican activists around this country, share a vision of a strong, prosperous America—a land where people are free to go as far as their talents and hard work will take them. I think it's especially appropriate that I am here, in this city where our dream began in 1980, to support a team which so exemplifies this American dream. I'm talking about Bill Lucas and Colleen Engler, the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan.

Colleen, at 34, represents both youth and experience. I understand that she was first elected to your State house of representatives at age 22. And with a name like Colleen, I'm certain there might be a bit of Irish in this lady. So, take it from a Reagan: This is the one you want for Lieutenant Governor. The GOP is putting Colleen's talents and leadership, like that of women across our country, to work for America. Later today, for example, I'm headed to Nebraska in support of one of the five women

Republican gubernatorial candidates who are running this year-Kay Orr. Women in America are taking on the tough jobs and, at long last, getting the credit they deserve.

You know, if I can refer back to that business I used to be in-it's not like the days of Ginger Rogers. Her male counterpart got the lion's share of the publicity, but Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did and did it with high heels on, and doing it backwards.

In the last few years something wonderful has been happening in America. We're showing as never before that we're truly the land of opportunity. The number of women in elected offices has risen dramatically, now over 18,000 nationwide. In just 6 years the number of elected black officials has risen from under 5,000 to almost 6,500. And not only in politics and government but in every field of endeavor, economic recovery is ushering in a new era of progress and expanding potentials for all Americans.

It's incumbent on all of us who so strongly believe in the opportunity society to be personally involved in campaigns like this one here in Michigan. So, it's a special privilege for me to be here in support of an individual whose life is testimony to the ideals that we hold so dear. I hope that between now and election day, you'll do everything in your power to make certain that Bill Lucas is the next Governor of this State. [Applause] I was going to ask if I could count on you, but you've already answered.

Bill was born in Harlem and is an example to every young person in this country, of every race, of what an individual can accomplish if he lives right, works hard, and sets his sights high. Bill was a social worker and a teacher in New York, an investigator for the Civil Rights Commission, and an agent for the FBI. He has dedicated his life to this country, seeing to it that America is the land that God intended her to be.

This is a man who has put his life on the line to make our streets safe and secure. Three times during his law enforcement career, when he was a policeman in New York, a gun was aimed at him, the trigger pulled, and then the gun misfired. So, when I say thank God we've got a man like Bill Lucas around, I really mean it.

As sheriff of Wayne County, Bill demonstrated his management skills and championed the battle against crime. He then went on to his current position as Wayne County's executive. And incidentally, Wayne County is the fourth largest county in the United States. We have at least two former Governors here on the platform, Governor Romney and myself, and we both know that the Wayne County executive's job is about as close to a Governor's job as you can get. He took over this county when it was on the verge of bankruptcy. He's been doing a terrific job since, hasn't he? [Applause]

Now, some people think that Bill Lucas is unique because he is profamily, because he is conservative, and because he balanced Wayne County's budget without raising taxes. Now, I don't think that's unique; I think that's the way government ought to

be run.

And about those taxes, Bill says the people of this State deserve a tax cut. His opponent has done everything in his power to get his hands in your pockets. It's a classic contest between the old liberal ideas of tax and spend versus the vibrant, new philosophy that has pushed America into an era of growth and economic expansion. Of course, I know there are those who claim that all the progress we've had nationally is a spillover from developments here in Michigan. [Laughter] Well, I can only say that it's pretty clear Michigan would be doing a lot better if it had a Governor who believes in high growth and low taxes, a Governor like Bill Lucas. Let the others talk about a comeback State; Bill Lucas will make this a go-ahead State.

He offers the kind of strong moral leadership that will make a difference. He is a family man of deep religious conviction. He's seen the ravages of drugs and crime and knows that if we're to tackle these serious problems, it means more than just throwing tax dollars at them and issuing a press release. Bill is the kind of man who will make it his personal crusade to mobilize the people in the fight against the evil of drugs, to help those who are taking drugs to get off, and to encourage our young people not to get started in the first place. By the way, when she heard I was coming

here, Nancy asked me to pass on a message. When it comes to drugs-for your families, for your communities, for your countryplease, she asked, "Just say no."

Bill and I have much in common. We share the values of hard work, family, God, and love of country. And he was a Democrat and switched, and so was I. You know, it's a cliche, but you've heard it before, but it's true. You know, the Democratic Party didn't we didn't really leave it, it left us a long time ago. I'm sure there must be some Democrats in an audience like this or some who have been and switched.

The truth of the matter is, there are millions of patriotic Democrats across this country who are totally out of step with the leadership of their party, which is still going down that old-fashioned road of taking your money and giving you orders. I—having been Governor of California and knowing that Bill wants to be Governor-I can tell you, he'll make a heck of a chief executive for this State. So, tell your neighbors and friends: Come November 4th, it's Colleen Engler for Lieutenant Governor and "Cool Hand" Luke for Governor.

I just have one last thought for you. There's a young fellow memorialized here in your Hall of Champions for whom I feel a special kinship. His name was George Gipp. He was a great Michigander who played football for Notre Dame. And all I ask you as we head toward election day is, let's win this one-do it for Michigan, and, yes, win one for the Gipper.

Thank you all. Thank you all, and God bless you.

Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. in Cobo Arena. He was introduced by gubernatorial candidate William Lucas.

Detroit, Michigan

Remarks at a Republican Party Fundraiser. September 24, 1986

Thank you, Bill, Colleen. Being here with you on this occasion, and in view of the fact that I know that you have already had closed-circuit television in here, this all re

minds me of a story about an event in ancient Rome. Apparently, a group of Christians were thrown into the coliseum with a pack of hungry lions. And before the lions could attack, however, a Christian jumped up and said something and the lions immediately laid down, refusing to go anywhere near the Christians, and much less eat them. And the crowd hooted and hollered. They threw rocks at the lions, but to no avail. And finally, Nero called the Christian leader, asked him just what he had said to the lions. He said, “I only told them there'd be speeches after the meal." [Laughter]

Seriously, though, it's a pleasure to have this chance to speak with you and to be in a State that has meant so much to the Republican Party and the success that we've enjoyed in these last 6 years. Let me just say that your GOP delegation to Congress is terrific. I owe a great debt to each and every one of them. And that's especially true for Bill Broomfield, the dean of the GOP's Michigan delegation. And one other individual I rely on, would be remiss if I didn't single him out-Guy Vander Jagt. And I thank you for lending him to the country. These are true champions of our

cause.

The measure of their success can be found in the change that's now taking place in the Republican Party. It wasn't that long ago when party ranks were dwindling and registrations were down. And after being over there in that rally just a short time ago, and seeing the young people that were there I remember right after I became a Republican, I commented to Nancy once after coming back from an affair that the only young people we saw there looked like they couldn't join anything else. [Laughter] Well, that's not so anymore.

As America drifted into the second half of the 1970's, liberal power reached its zenith. Our opponents gained full control of both Houses of Congress, and they'd held it for almost 30 years. The Presidency, all of the executive departments and agencies and, at the same time, they held all of those and dominated much of the State and local government throughout the Nation.

The liberal agenda only had one flaw: It didn't work. High taxes, central planning, and heavyhanded Federal controls were

about as good for America as Mrs. O'Leary's cow was for Chicago. [Laughter] As our country sank into decline and uncertainty, a revitalized Republican Party-dedicated to building a free, prosperous, and secure America-emerged to meet the challenge.

We met here in Detroit in 1980, as I've told you, and then we reached out to our fellow countrymen under the banner: Together, a new beginning. And it was a new beginning, for our country and for the Republican Party. In Michigan this new day began when the GOP took control of the State senate. Isn't it great that the chairman of today's event, John Engler, is the senate majority leader. Today we're the party of new ideas and open doors; we're the party of opportunity and freedom, of strength and ideals.

And today, as I said before, young people are joining our party as never before. And I've been meeting them all over the country-in schools, in universities and college campuses, in shops and factories, and above all, on our military bases. This generation is the best darn group of young people we've seen in a long, long time.

And I understand that we have with us a courageous young heroine, Meenu Sundareson, who risked her life to rescue an infant on board the plane in the recent hijacking in Pakistan. And, Meenu, I just want to thank you personally, and to say how proud we all are of you. There she is. God bless

you.

Well, along with young voters, more and more people are leaving their old party affiliation behind and joining our ranks. After much soul searching, they come to the conclusion that the leadership that dominates the other party no longer reflects their interests or their concerns or their values.

And this reminds me of a story maybe some of you've heard about that kid that was outside a Democratic fundraising dinner. And as those in attendance filed out, he started hawking them, and he told us he had puppies. He held them up and gave the pitch, "Democrat puppies for sale. Anybody want a Democrat puppy?" Two weeks later, the Republicans happened to hold a fundraiser at the same restaurant. And there was the same kid with the same batch of puppies. Only this time, his pitch was changed, "Republican puppies for sale.

Anyone want to buy a Republican puppy?” A reporter noticed this, that had been at the other meeting, and he said, "Wait a minute, kid. How come this same bunch of puppies were Democratic puppies 2 weeks ago, and now they're Republicans?" The kid wasn't stopped for a minute. He said, "Now they've got their eyes open." [Laughter]

Well, as Bill Lucas and I can both tell you, even once you've got your eyes open, making that change in registration is the most difficult hurdle to jump. And yet so many are jumping over and joining us. They know that today ours is the party of all the people, while the leadership of the other side remains paralyzed by a dependency on special interests and tied to the failed ideas of the past.

There is no better symbol of the realignment taking place in our country than your ticket here in Michigan. Colleen Engler has both youth and experience on her side. She knows that women are not just welcome in the Republican Party; they're welcome in the leadership of the Republican Party. The days of looking for the best man are over. What we Republicans are looking for now is the best candidate, period.

And let me stress: The difference between our parties is clear on this front as well. We don't choose someone based on his or her race or sex in an attempt to curry favor from this or that particular group. We're looking for leaders who share our ideals and have the talent necessary to get the job done. And again, we Republicans are looking for the best candidate, period. And the best candidate for Governor of Michigan is Bill Lucas, period.

Bill's a man who has gained the respect of anyone who's ever known him. Born and raised-as I've already told you in that televised account-he was raised in Harlem, and after his parents died, his aunt cared for him as her own child. And this honest compassion and example of family responsibility, no doubt, made a lasting impression.

Early on, Bill learned what commitment and the desire to achieve are all about. There's a story that Bill's college track team was up for the championship. He was in the 3-mile race. But on the first lap around the track, he lost a shoe. Maybe other runners might have quit. Bill kept going. He fin

ished that race with a foot that was bloody and torn, but he had come in third. And those extra points for third place added enough to the rest of the team's scorewere enough to win the championship for his school. Now, that's the kind of man we Republicans want on our team. I chose a shorter distance. I ran the quarter mile. [Laughter]

But I want to thank you for having me with you here today. And I hope you'll do all you can to see to it that Bill and Colleen and the other Republican candidates are elected and reelected. And there's no way to say how rewarding all of this has been for me to come here and to see you. You know, sometimes in Washington, you kind of lose track of what the real Americans are doing across the Potomac and outside the District. But it's wonderful to be here with you, and, please, send these two people to the statehouse. We need them.

God bless you. Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 12:58 p.m. in Cobo Hall. He was introduced by gubernatorial candidate William Lucas. Following the President's remarks, he attended a reception for major donors in Cobo Hall.

Following the reception, the President traveled to Omaha, NE.

Omaha, Nebraska

Remarks at a Rally for Gubernatorial Candidate Kay Orr. September 24, 1986

Thank you, Kay, and thank you all. You know, if I'd gotten receptions like this in my former career, I never would have left Hollywood. But it's great to be here in the Cornhusker State. And greetings to your fine GOP State party chairman, John Gale; and, of course, to your outstanding candidate for Governor, Kay Orr, and Bill Nichol for Lieutenant Governor.

You know, before I say anything else, flying in here today and seeing that good earth and that good Nebraska land, I was reminded of a story. I find that as time goes on a lot of things remind me of stories. But, anyway, in case it's new to you, this was an

old fellow that had a patch of land and it included some creek bottom land that was all scrub, brush, and rocks. And finally, he set out, and he started clearing and hauling the rocks away and clearing the brush and everything. And then he started fertilizing and cultivating and planting, until he had a real gardenspot there. And he was pretty proud of it. And one morning after the church service on a Sunday morning, he asked the preacher if he wouldn't stop by and see what he'd accomplished and what he'd done.

Well, the preacher came out and he looked at this, and he said, “Oh,” he said, "I've just never seen anything like it." He said, "The Lord has certainly blessed this land. Look at those melons. I've never seen anything so big." And then, he said, "That corn, I've never seen corn taller than that." Well, he went on about this and everything was, "The Lord has been good to this place, and bless the Lord and what he has done." And finally, the old boy was getting a little more fidgety, and finally, he said, "Reverend, I wish you could have seen it when the Lord was doing it by himself."

But there's a moral to that. Because just as the creek bottom land required the farmer's hard work to make it flourish, so this vast and beautiful land that God has given us requires our diligence to keep it great. And I'd like you to consider with me for a moment how much better things are for America because you and I and millions of others chose to believe the simple truth, and rejected the notion that somehow our country's best days were behind her.

You remember 1980: the worst economic mess since the Great Depression, foreign governments that routinely insulted our proud country and her citizens, and leadership in Washington that blamed the American people, instead of itself, for all our problems.

Remember, we were told it was a malaise, and we just had to get used to doing with less. Well, the people knew different. Somebody once put it: "Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard-working, honest Americans." But then to rub it in, the quotation goes on to say: "It's the other lousy 2 percent that