Ronald Reagan actually said...

"I do not believe we can justify locking-in public broadcasting funding levels for 1987-1989 that are so obviously excessive."

"Under S. 2436, however, Federal funding for public broadcasting would be increased by too much too fast."

"In disapproving this bill, therefore, I urge the Congress to consider a revised bill providing more reasonable and moderate increases for the Board for Public Broadcasting along the lines of the Oxley..."

"The most important issue—and it's very obvious that it has taken place here—is this drive for excellence."