Public Safety Forum

President Clinton spoke on AmeriCorps and public safety issues at the Center for Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. The president opened his remarks by thanking members of various service groups present in the audience. He detoured from his remarks to sign the cast of Congressman Chuck Schumer. The congressman broke his arm on the way to a community appreciation event. The president charged the people to “fight to preserve the quality of community” in America. He challenged audience members to “take back our neighborhoods, to take back our future, to take back the basic quality of our lives.” President Clinton suggested that to change not only the laws, but the “basic attitude” of the country. He commended individuals who once touch by violent crime reach out of their tragedies and make “a choice to make a difference.” The president urged Americans not to “underestimate how much ordinary citizens can do.” Following the presidents speech the event continued as an ordinary forum on th close