We have before us the opportunity to forge for ourselves and for future generations a new world order—a world where the rule of law, not the law of the jungle, governs the conduct of nations.

 

[ Of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait :] This will not stand.

 

[ Referring to United States actions against Iraq :] A line has been drawn in the sand.

 

Time and again in this century, the political map of the world was transformed. And in each instance, a new world order came about through the advent of a new tyrant, or the outbreak of a bloody global war, or its end. Now the world has undergone another upheaval, but this time, there’s no war.

 

America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral purpose. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.

 

I want a kinder, gentler nation.

 

We are a nation of communities, of tens and tens of thousands of ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional, and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary, and unique . . . a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.

 

[ Of Ronald Reagan’s proposals to increase government revenues by reducing taxes :] Voodoo economics.

 

[ On the Iran-Contra scandal :] Clearly, mistakes were made.

 

Surely a tired woman on her way to work at six in the morning on a subway deserves the right to get there safely.