Americans need to face the truth about themselves, no matter how pleasant it is.

I don't think the government (of El Salvador) was responsible. The nuns were not just nuns; the nuns were political activists. We ought to be a little more clear-cut about this than we usually are. They were political activists on behalf of the Frente and somebody who is using violence to oppose the Frente killed them.

What takes place in the Security Council more closely resembles a mugging than either a political debate or an effort at problem-solving.

I think that it's always appropriate for Americans and for American foreign policy to make clear why we feel that self-government is most compatible with peace, the well-being of people, and human dignity

The real point is that totalitarian regimes have claimed jurisdiction over the whole person, and the whole society, and they don't at all believe that we should give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's.

Cultural constraints condition and limit our choices, shaping our characters with their imperatives.

And I have no doubt that the American people generally believe the world is safer, and that we are safer, when we are stronger