Posted by speedier on February 23, 2000 at 23:50:08:

I thought I would pass this along for others to see. Are we all registered to vote? Will we all
follow through with actually voting?

Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 18:43:49 -0500
From: Jonathan_M._Young@who.eop.gov
Subject: Clinton Video Remarks: Rock the Vote 10th Anniversary

Many of you are actively involved in the issues of registering and
encouraging people with disabilities to vote, and promoting accessibility
of voting places. Below please find the text of President Clinton's
video-taped remarks to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Rock the Vote,
highlighting progress our nation has made in recognizing the right to vote
as well as the importance of voting.

==========================================

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release February 23, 2000

VIDEOTAPED REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
FOR ROCK THE VOTE - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

THE PRESIDENT: 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 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 ten 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.