Clinton Appeals For Globalization
For the first time, President Clinton can say he's visited all 50 states during his eight years in office.
In his first presidential visit to Nebraska, he told students at the University of Nebrasksa in Kearney that Americans must keep actively engaged with the rest of the world. He said the United States cannot reject globalization and expect to live in peace, reports CBS News Correspondent Mark Knoller.
"People say I'm a pretty good talker but I don't think I've pursuaded the American people by a big majority that you really ought to care a lot about foreign policy," Mr. Clinton said.
"There is no longer a clear, bright line dividing America's domestic concerns and America's foreign policy concerns. Every American who wants to be a good citizen, who wants to vote in every election, should know more about the rest of the world and have a clearer idea about what we're supposed to be doing out there."
He borrowed the words of Nebraska's own William Jennings Bryan, saying the United States' destiny to be a leader in the world "is not a choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." He called for his successor to continue efforts to unify Europe, saying that "takes a big burden off America" in international peacekeeping.
He urged continued overtures to Russia and China, because the direction those countries take will have a direct impact on U.S. defense budget decisions and, ultimately, the lives of young Americans.
Mr. Clinton also said he hopes the United States will pay its long-withheld dues to the United Nations and hold up its own racial and ethnic diversity as an example for strife-torn nations to follow.
"I'll be gone in a few weeks. America will have a new president and a new Congress. You ought to support them if they want to do these things,"he said. "America cannot lead if we walk away from our friends and neighbors."
Afterward, the president helped to unveil a plaque and toured the Great Platte River Road Archway monument. He was traveling on to Omaha for a Nebraska Democratic Party fundraiser before returning to Washington.
Mr. Clinton flew in early Friday morningh, accompanied by Nebraska's Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey and former Rep. Peter Hoagland. He was met outside a faded red hangar at the Kearney Municipal Airport by GOP Gov. Mike Johanns, Lt. Gov. David Maurtstad and about 30 well-wishers.
Local residents didn't seem to mind that Nebraska is the last of the 50 states to be visited by the president during his eight years in office. They lined the streets of his motorcade route to catch a glimpse of him. Some recorded the moment with video cameras while others waved poster-sized signs and small American flags.
"Saving the Best for Last," one sign read. But there were other sentiments too: "Ashamed of Bill," "Clinton Rapist," "Clinton 2004" and "Proud Supporter of 'The Man'."
Inside te arena, the crowd sat silently waiting while President Clinton hurriedly donned an academic robe and took the stage with local dignitaries. They applauded politely when Mr. Clinton accepted an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Chancellor Gladys Johnston, his black, gold and white sash askew across his shoulders.
The White House billed the speech as a precursor to President Clinton's upcoming three-day visit to Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. He departs Monday.
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