We're approaching the end of a bloody century plagued by a terrible political invention, totalitarianism. Optimism comes less easily today, not because democracy is less vigorous, but because democracy's enemies have refined their instruments of repression.

You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth.

Respect for human rights is not social work; it is not merely an act of compassion. It is the first obligation of government and the source of its legitimacy.

The one thing our Founding Fathers could not foresee - they were farmers, professional men, businessmen giving of their time and effort to an idea that became a country - was a nation governed by professional politicians who had an interest in getting re-elected. They probably envisioned a fellow serving a couple of hitches and then eagerly looking forward to getting back to the farm.

We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added.

Government is the people's business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid.

Stick to your dreams and determine that you're going to make them come true.