For Immediate Release
October 10, 2003

Clark Outlines New American Patriotism To NAACP. Talks Issues, Not Politics at "Carolina Roundtable."

Charlotte - Today, General Wesley Clark presented his vision on how he would lead America at the 2003 South Carolina NAACP presidential "Carolina Roundtable."

"This campaign is about a New American Patriotism, one in which all members of our society are active participants," General Clark said. "The stakes are high and a lot will be required of us all. While every American will be called upon to do their part in service of our country, Washington must also do its part to lay the foundation for us to succeed as individuals and ultimately as a nation."

Clark hammered in on what he believes to be a chief failure of the Bush administration, "Since the onset of the Bush recession, the American workforce has lost over three million jobs. And while the current administration was sitting in the Oval Office planning tax cuts for the rich, Americans were sitting at the kitchen table trying to develop a plan to survive. This is just wrong and we can and we must do better."

Providing specifics on the direction that he would lead the nation as president, Clark outlined his job creation plan. The plan would direct, over two years, $100 billion to effectively stimulate the economy, creating jobs and making America safer. It also includes $40 billion over two years to meet urgent homeland security needs, like training first responders and securing America's ports. An additional $40 billion would go into a State and Local Tax Rebate Fund to help keep college tuition affordable and lessen the need for property tax increases. An additional $20 billion over two years would provide incentives for firms to hire more workers and small businesses to expand investment.

The plan would not increase the deficit, and instead would stimulate the economy by redirecting the Bush tax cuts from families with annual incomes of over $200,000.

In noting his backing and signature on the amicus brief presented to the US Supreme Court in support of the University of Michigan's affirmative action program, Clark reiterated his commitment to affirmative action.