Clinton: Time To Stop Violence

President Clinton said Friday there needs to be a national commitment to protect children from violence, reports CBS News Correspondent Mark Knoller.

Mr. Clinton spoke in advance of a White House strategy session Monday on youth violence, which some gun manufacturers are expected to attend, reports CBS White House Correspondent Bill Plante.

The National Rifle Association has also been invited, but there is no word on whether the NRA will accept the invitation.

"I'm very much looking forward to this meeting and to getting to work with Americans all over the country, to give our children the safe childhoods they deserve," the president said.

Mr. Clinton added that Americans have to do more in the aftermath of the Littleton, Colo., shootings.

"I believe—more than anything else—we need a grass roots effort, which involves every single American from the White House down to the smallest community," Mr. Clinton said.

He said there needs to be a national campaign that draws out everyoneÂ's commitment and resources and that depends upon everyone taking responsibility.

"We've seen when we take responsibility, we can overcome any challenge," Mr. Clinton said. "WeÂ're turning the tide on all sorts of social problems. Now we must turn our intense efforts to this issue of violence."

The president made his remarks before leaving the White House for two Texas fundraising appearances for Democrats—one in Houston, one in Austin. This is a trip he postponed in the wake of the Littleton massacre.