Saturday, June 22, 1996

Bush delivers impassioned plea to Republicans at state convention

By ANNA M. TINSLEY and STEVE RAY
Harte-Hanks Austin Bureau

SAN ANTONIO - Texas' top elected official on Friday called for a spiritual revival across America that would renew old-fashioned values and encourage Texans to take responsibility for themselves, their children - and the state's future.

Gov. George W. Bush, in an impassioned plea to more than 15,000 Republicans at the political party's state convention, asked Texans to fight what he said was a steady decline of personal responsibility.

And he said the warning signs - the number of babies born out of wedlock, random violent juvenile crime and a growing number of Texans depending on welfare - are everywhere.

"We must change this culture so our young children and our little girls can grow up and live in a peaceful world," said Bush, to a standing ovation. "It won't be easy, but it has to happen."

Bush steered clear of major differences with this mostly religious right crowd, pushing adoption instead of abortion and praising probable Republican Presidential nominee Bob Dole as a man of integrity.

But Bush drew the most applause when he hit on religious themes, calling for a push for individual responsibility "from the pulpits of our churches to the bully pulpits of our government."

First and foremost, the governor said, there must be a renewal of faith.

"I am convinced we need a spiritual renewal in America," Bush said, as delegates waved handmade posters promoting the governor. "Government can hand out money, but it cannot put hope in our hearts or a sense of purpose in our lives. It cannot fill the spiritual well from which we draw strength day to day. Only faith can do that."

In addition to a revival of faith, Bush called for a renewal of basic, old-fashioned values - those Texans were raised on - including loving your neighbor, giving an honest day's work for an honest day's wages, refusing to lie, cheat or steal, respecting others and claiming personal responsibility.

"We know we need a new culture - a culture that says to each and every Texan: You are responsible - for yourselves, for your families, for your neighbors and for the communities in which you live," Bush said.

That includes taking care of Texas' children - by preparing and protecting them for the future.
Education should be a priority, especially in making sure every child can read. But a priority also should be protecting their lives.

And that could be done by opposing abortion.

"I am convinced that most Republicans and most Texans worry that there are too many abortions in our state of Texas," Bush said. "We must discourage abortion by encouraging adoption, emphasizing abstinence, and insisting that parents must be allowed to participate in their minor daughter's decisions."

Republicans are expected to add a statement to the abortion plank urging state legislators, when they convene in January, to require parental consent for minors' abortions. Throughout the convention, delegates wore buttons proclaiming "No conception/no abortion."

"I seek ways to encourage and speed up adoption in Texas," Bush said. "Adoption - the loving option."

The call for personal responsibility was taken up by other Republicans at the convention.
"We need to send a signal: you don't want to get caught committing a crime in Texas," Railroad Commissioner Barry Williamson told delegates. "There should be no parole for murderers, rapists, child molesters or people who prey on the elderly.

"We must put the family and our children first. I have a message for the deadbeat dads in Texas - listen up: If you father them, you feed them, or you're going to lose your freedom."
And Bush urged Republicans to help children to read and volunteer time to help the sick or disabled.
"We must lead by example. We must be good citizens and good neighbors," he said. "We must promote values in our homes and not be ashamed to promote them in our communities."