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.

[The American position at the UN is] essentially impotent, without influence, heavily outvoted, and isolated.

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

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

Democrats can't get elected unless things get worse-and things won't get worse unless they get elected.

Power ... is not an end in itself, but is an instrument that must be used toward an end.

There is an absolutely fundamental hostility on the part of totalitarian regimes toward religion.