    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 22, 1998]
    [Page 265]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the National Governors' Association Dinner
    February 22, 1998

        Good evening. Governor and
    Mrs. Voinovich, Governor and Mrs. Carper, ladies and
    gentlemen, welcome again to the White House. Hillary and I always look
    forward to this night every year. It brings back a lot of happy
    memories. And I'm especially glad to have you here this year.
        I want to begin by thanking you, all of you, for the contributions
    that you have made to the success that the United States is now
    enjoying. The American people have the lowest unemployment rate in 24
    years, the lowest crime rate in 24 years, the lowest welfare rolls in 27
    years, the lowest inflation rate in 30 years. And a lot of that credit
    goes to you and the people with whom you work and the commitments that
    you have made to forge the right kind of government for this new era in
    which we live. A lot of you work every day at building a government that
    is smaller but more effective, that works as a catalyst and a partner,
    does actually give our people the tools they need to make the most of
    this remarkable time in which we're living.
        I also want to say I looked at the document you prepared for your
    meeting; I read it this afternoon while I was thinking about a few other
    things, but I enjoyed it very much. And I think it shows that you agree
    with me that these good times impose upon us a special obligation to
    make the most of them, to strengthen our country for the century ahead.
        You know, this country was founded by people who came here seeking
    relief from the arbitrary exercise of absolute power. They thought they
    had a better idea. They thought that when free people were able to
    pursue happiness and work to form a more perfect Union, they could build
    a truly remarkable society. And more than 200 years later, I think we'd
    all have to admit that they were right.
        I have said many times, but I would like to say again, that it seems
    to me that at every important time in our country's history we have been
    faithful to the basic ideas of our Founders, no matter what the
    challenge was. We have always improved America when we deepen the
    meaning of our freedom, widen the circle of opportunity, and strengthen
    the bonds of our Union.
        For your contributions to that, I am profoundly grateful. I hope you
    enjoy this evening. I look forward to tomorrow. And I'd like to ask
    everyone here to join me in a toast to the Governors of the 50 States
    and all the territories--[laughter]--and everybody else who is here.

    [At this point, a toast was offered.]

    Note: The President spoke at 10:30 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. George V. Voinovich of
    Ohio, association chairman, and his wife, Janet; and Gov. Tom Carper of
    Delaware, association vice chairman, and his wife, Martha.