State of the Union 1984

The 1984 State of the Union address, delivered January 25, 1984, praises “bipartisan cooperation” and says: “For a time we forgot the American dream isn't one of making government bigger; it's keeping faith with the mighty spirit of free people under God.” “Inflation has been beaten down from 12.4 to 3.2 percent…” “Real after-tax income increased 5 percent last year.” “We're seeing rededication to bedrock values of faith, family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom…”

Let us agree on goals to keep America free and secure. Our first goal is vigorous economic growth. “We can begin by limiting the size and scope of government.” The Grace Commission has 2500 recommendations to reduce wasteful spending. Also, the line-item veto which 43 of the 50 States, including California, grant their Governors is a powerful tool against wasteful spending.

Additional programs are proposed including a permanently manned space station. Tuition tax credits are recommended for parents who pay private school tuition to improve education by increasing competition among schools. School prayer and a law to protect unborn children from abortion are advocated, as are enterprise zones for high-unemployment areas.

Finally, peace is our great goal and highest aspiration. “The future is best decided by ballots, not bullets.” We will seek concerted action to combat terrorism, and work for “freer world trade, greater competition, and more open markets.” “A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”

Carl Sandburg said, “I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God… I see great days ahead for men and women of will and vision.''

Audio recording courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

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