Quotes

Reagan on Democracy

“Democracy cannot be imposed from outside and it frequently evolves only after patient, incremental steps.”

November 4, 1982

“Democracy cannot be imposed from outside and it frequently evolves only after patient, incremental steps. It must be the product of free institutions -- churches, labor unions, independent judiciary, and the press -- and its life-giving, rejuvenating process is a citizen placing his vote in a ballot box -- the subject of this Conference.”

— Remarks at a White House Luncheon for Delegates to the Conference on Free Elections