“Survival in this era requires us, as those who preceded us, to take freedom in the palm of our hands and never to cower behind a veil of unrealistic optimism.  "

31 years ago history was made as Ronald Wilson Reagan was sworn in as our nation’s 40th president. In his January 1981 Inaugural Address, President Reagan proclaimed, “Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work -- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.”
Watch his inaugural address.