179. Editorial Note
On December 16, 1983, President Ronald Reagan offered remarks at a White House ceremony celebrating and launching the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). He spoke at 11:39 a.m. in Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. The President had proposed the creation of such an institute within the context of his June 8, 1982, address before the British Parliament (see Document 104). Referencing the address, the President recalled: “Last year in London I spoke of the need and obligation to assist democratic development. My hope then was that America would make clear to those who cherish democracy throughout the world that we mean what we say.
“What had been preying on my mind that prompted me to say that in that speech to the Parliament was that in my lifetime, my adult lifetime, the world has been beset by ‘-isms’. And we remember one of those -isms that plunged us into a war. And it suddenly dawned on me that we, with this system that so apparently works and is successful, have just assumed that the people would look at it and see that it was the way to go. And then I realized, but all those -isms, they also are missionaries for their cause, and they’re out worldwide trying to sell it. And I just decided that this nation, with its heritage of Yankee traders, we ought to do a little selling of the principles of democracy.
“Speaking out for human rights and individual liberty and for the rule of law and the peaceful reconciliation of differences, for democratic values and principles, is good and right. But it’s not just good enough. We must work hard for democracy and freedom, and that means putting our resources—organizations, sweat, and dollars—behind a long-term program.
“Well, the hope is now a reality. The National Endowment for Democracy, a private, nonprofit corporation funded by the Congress, will be the centerpiece of this effort. All Americans can be proud of this initiative and the congressional action which made it possible.”
The President then outlined the organizational and programmatic aspects of the Endowment. He noted the limitations of democracy promotion, asserting:
“Now, we’re not naïve. We’re not trying to create imitations of the American system around the world. There’s no simple cookbook recipe for political development that is right for all people, and there’s no timetable. While democratic principles and basic institutions are universal, democratic development must take into account historic, cultural, and social conditions.
“Each nation, each movement will find its own route. And, in the process, we’ll learn much of value for ourselves. Patience and respect for different political and cultural traditions will be the hallmark of our [Page 746] effort. But the combination of our ideas is healthy. And it’s in this spirit that the National Endowment reaches out to people everywhere—and will reach out to those who can make a difference now and to those who will guide the destiny of their people in the future.”
After noting an emerging democratic trend, the President concluded his remarks: “The National Endowment for Democracy can make lasting and important contributions. It’s up to all of us to make it happen, to harness the resources, experiences, and wisdom of both the public and the private sectors. It’s up to us to broaden our efforts, make them grow. And with the people in this room, I know we can, and I know we will.
“So, again, thank you, good luck, and God bless all of you.” (Public Papers: Reagan, 1983, Book II, pages 1708–1709)