It is insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization.

We cannot expect that everyone, to use the phrase of a decade ago, will talk sense to the American people. But we can hope that fewer people will listen to nonsense. And the notion that this Nation is headed for defeat through deficit, or that strength is but a matter of slogans, is nothing but just plain nonsense.

We must recognize that every nation determines its policies in terms of its own interests.

We also need the provisions in the tax bill that will permit working mothers to increase the deduction from income tax liability for costs incurred in providing care for their children while the mothers are working. In October the Commission on the Status of Women will report to me. This problem should have a high priority, and I think that whatever we leave undone this year we must move on this in January.

If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be of no help.

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.

There are three things in life which are real: God, human folly and laughter. Since the first two are beyond our comprehension, we must do what we can with the third.