Ronald Reagan: “Government has grown like a patchwork quilt.”

This is a great day.

We must and will dedicate ourselves as a Nation to continue this effort, and to stand in solidarity with those who resist, until the blessings of democracy, freedom, and respect for human dignity are assured throughout the world.

I am delighted that later today I'll have the opportunity to welcome President Gorbachev to the United States and extend to him the hospitality and good wishes of the American people.

If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.