Dukakis’ Anti-Gun Stand Stressed by Bush in Texas

Vice President George Bush, infusing his words with appeals to the patriotism and independence of Texans, Thursday belittled Democratic nominee Michael S. Dukakis as a man soft on defense and crime and opposed to the pro-gun fervor of this former frontier state.

At an outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the San Antonio River here, Bush also made a special bow to the multi-ethnic fabric of his adopted home state.

“I support affirmative action so that all minorities have a better shot at the American dream,” Bush told a crowd of 1,000 people, drenched in sweat from the 98-degree heat.

Hammers Away at Veto

Bush continued to hammer away at Dukakis for his veto of a 1977 Massachusetts bill ordering teachers to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance.

At one point, Bush joined that issue with another familiar battering ram--Dukakis’ support for a furlough program for state prisoners. The Massachusetts program was suspended after a murderer fled when on furlough and attacked a Maryland couple.

“I think it’s time he let the Pledge of Allegiance out on furlough,” Bush declared.

Although Dukakis has defended his veto as necessary because of a state court advisory opinion that the bill was unconstitutional, the Bush campaign has signaled that it intends to keep the pressure up.

“I would be willing to fight those liberal judges who say our kids can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance,” Bush said. “I don’t know what his problem is with the Pledge of Allegiance. I can’t help but feel that his fervent opposition to the pledge is symbolic of an entire attitude best summed up in four little letters--ACLU.”

Dukakis’ ACLU membership is frequently used by Bush in his attempts to define the Massachusetts governor as more liberal than the electorate.

Plays to Texas Themes

In his comments about Dukakis’ stands on guns and defense, Bush was playing to favorite themes in this state, where the frontier spirit rides high and where defense industries provide a stable oasis in a stumbling state economy.

“I don’t understand why my opponent seems to oppose the development of every new weapons system since the sling shot,” Bush said, ticking off the names of systems opposed by Dukakis.

“What kind of defense policy is that for the strongest, most honorable, most freedom-loving country in the world?” he asked.

“It’s one thing to give peace a chance--but we cannot afford a President who would take a chance with peace.”

One of the crowd’s largest rounds of applause occurred when Bush repeated a Dukakis quote in which the Massachusetts governor was cited as opposing gun ownership for all but police officers and the military.

‘Not the Texas Way!’

“That is not the American way!” Bush shouted. “That is not the Texas way! And I feel just the opposite!”

Bush approached the amphitheater in a two-barge flotilla that traveled down the river through downtown San Antonio.

Crowds lining the river greeted the vice president with cheers.