Remarks to students at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Oct 31, 1994

And if you watched President Aristide back in Haiti, perhaps the most gripping thing was when he stood there having had many of his friends killed, having had children that he tried to help, terrorized, standing there saying to the masses of his people: "No to violence, no to retribution. Yes to peace; yes to reconciliation." And if they are saying that inside their heart, that will do more than any law.

So I say to you, as your principal said, we've done some tough things to try to give you a bright future. And we're not ashamed of them; we're proud of them. If we can think of other things to do, we will do them as well. But in the end what you say inside is even more important. You must say no to guns, no to gangs, no to drugs; yes to education, yes to hope, yes to your own future.

The 21st century can be the best time this country and this State ever knew because of all of you, because of our diversity, because in a global society we will be the great global nation, because everybody can be an American. You don't have to be of a certain race or ethnic background or religious conviction. You just have to come here and share our land and share our values and make the most of your own life. That is what you have to do.

But in the end you will have to do it. So I say to you, I'm proud to sign this order to give you the chance to say yes to your future. And I hope and pray you will do it.

Thank you, and Cod bless you all.

NOTE: The President spoke at 12:11 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to Carlmont High School principal Michael Johnson, Mayor Pam Rianda of Belmont, CA, and Mayor Tom Davids of San Carlos, CA. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks. The memorandum on implementation of safe schools legislation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on October 25.