    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 23, 2000]
    [Pages 294-295]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Videotaped Remarks on Rock the Vote's 10th Anniversary
    February 23, 2000

        I am honored to be a part of Rock the Vote's 10th anniversary
    celebration. And it is with great pride and appreciation that I accept
    this year's Rock the Vote award. Thank you.
        From our first days as a nation, the right to vote meant the right
    to participate and to be heard, although it's often taken for granted.
    We must not forget that generations of Americans before us had to fight
    to gain that right. When blacks and women won the right to vote, when we
    outlawed the poll tax and literacy tests in the South, when the voting
    age was lowered to 18, and when we finally recognized the voting rights
    of the disabled, more Americans gained the opportunity to realize what
    Lyndon Johnson once told us: ``Voting is the first duty of democracy.''
        That's why Rock the Vote was founded and why you're all here today,
    to help more young Americans fulfill that right and to recognize the
    power and the impact of their votes. Your dedication to protecting
    freedom of speech, educating people about the issues that affect them,
    and motivating them to register and vote has helped countless young
    people across our country.
        With your help, we've transformed voices into action. Year after
    year, starting with the motor voter bill, which you first championed,
    you've worked with our administration to make sure that young people get
    involved and stay involved and to remind them that voting is not only a
    right, it is a solemn, profound responsibility. Now, we approach the
    first election of the 21st

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    century, and it is more important than ever that young people get out
    and vote.
        I congratulate all tonight's award recipients. And I thank Rock the
    Vote for all you have done in these 10 years. Thank you for the work you
    do every day, still, to help young people build the more perfect Union
    of our Founders' dreams.
        This is the most hopeful moment in the history of America in terms
    of our ability to shape the future. It will only be done in a right and
    helpful way if the young people of America seize their opportunity to
    have their voices be heard. You can take a lot of pride in your
    contribution to that great moment.
        Good night, and God bless you.

    Note: The President remarks were recorded at approximately 5:50 p.m. on
    February 10 in the Cabinet Room at the White House for later broadcast.
    A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.