[THIS IS THE DAILY BRIEFING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS PROMOTING ITS PLAN. THIS ITEM WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME SUBJECT LINE (WITH DIFFERENT DATES) SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP IT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ IT.] The White House Health Care Reform Today September 23, 1993 * "Now, it is our turn to strike a blow for freedom in this country. The freedom of Americans to live without fear that their own nation's health care system won't be there for them when they need it. It's hard to believe that there was once a time in this century when that kind of fear gripped old age. When retirement was nearly synonymous with poverty, and older Americans died in the street. That's unthinkable today, because over a half a century ago Americans had the courage to change -- to create a Social Security system that ensures that no Americans will be forgotten in their later years." * "Forty years from now, our grandchildren will also find it unthinkable that there was a time in this country when hardworking families lost their homes, their savings, their businesses, lost everything simply because their children got sick or because they had to change jobs. Our grandchildren will find such things unthinkable tomorrow if we have the courage to change today." * "This is our chance. This is our journey. And when our work is done, we will know that we have answered the call of history and met the challenge of our time." With that...President Clinton began a historic debate with the American people...a debate to reform health care. * The Republican's who responded to the President's speech must not have been listening. As the President made a national call to arms and a bi-partisan appeal to join together to solve this crisis, the Republicans failed to respond in the same spirit. That is disappointing and unfortunate. We know there are many Republicans who want to work with the President and have heard the public demand that health care form take place now. Today, we start that process.