As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life.

I put confidence in the American people, in their ability to sort through what is fair and what is unfair, what is ugly and what is un-ugly.

Yogi's been an inspiration to me, not only because of his baseball skills, but of course for the enduring mark he left on the English language. Some in the press corps think he might even be my speechwriter.

I wouldn't answer the marijuana questions. You know why? Because I don't want some little kid doing what I tried.

Over the years, many Americans have made sacrifices in order to promote freedom and human rights around the globe: the heroic actions of our veterans, the lifesaving work of our scientists and physicians, and generosity of countless individuals who voluntarily give of their time, talents, and energy to help others-all have enriched humankind and affirmed the importance of our Judeo-Christian heritage in shaping our government and values.

If the people were to ever find out what we have done, we would be chased down the streets and lynched.

I have just repeated word for word the oath taken by George Washington 200 years ago, and the Bible on which I placed my hand is the Bible on which he placed his. It is right that the memory of Washington be with us today, not only because this is our Bicentennial Inauguration, but because Washington remains the Father of our Country.