Governments which rest upon the consent of the governed do not wage war on their neighbors.  Only when people are given a personal stake in deciding their own destiny, benefiting from their own risks, do they create societies that are prosperous, progressive, and free.  Tonight, it is democracies that offer hope by feeding the hungry, prolonging life, and eliminating drudgery.

When it comes to keeping America strong, free, and at peace, there should be no Republicans or Democrats, just patriotic Americans.  We can decide the tough issues not by who is right, but by what is right.

Together, we can continue to advance our agenda for peace.  We can establish a more stable basis for peaceful relations with the Soviet Union; strengthen allied relations across the board; achieve real and equitable reductions in the levels of nuclear arms; reinforce our peacemaking efforts in the Middle East, Central America, and southern Africa; or assist developing countries, particularly our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere; and assist in the development of democratic institutions throughout the world.

The wisdom of our bipartisan cooperation was seen in the work of the Scowcroft commission, which strengthened our ability to deter war and protect peace.  In that same spirit, I urge you to move forward with the Henry Jackson plan to implement the recommendations of the Bipartisan Commission on Central America.

Your joint resolution on the multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon is also serving the cause of peace.  We are making progress in Lebanon.  For nearly 10 years, the Lebanese have lived from tragedy to tragedy with no hope for their future.  Now the multinational peacekeeping force and our marines are helping them break their cycle of despair.  There is hope for a free, independent, and sovereign Lebanon.  We must have the courage to give peace a chance.  And we must not be driven from our objectives for peace in Lebanon by state-sponsored terrorism.  We have seen this ugly specter in Beirut, Kuwait, and Rangoon.  It demands international attention.  I will forward shortly legislative proposals to help combat terrorism.  And I will be seeking support from our allies for concerted action.

Our NATO alliance is strong. 1983 was a banner year for political courage.  And we have strengthened our partnerships and our friendships in the Far East.  We’re committed to dialog, deterrence, and promoting prosperity.  We’ll work with our trading partners for a new round of negotiations in support of freer world trade, greater competition, and more open markets.

A rebirth of bipartisan cooperation, of economic growth, and military deterrence, and a growing spirit of unity among our people at home and our allies abroad underline a fundamental and far-reaching change:  The United States is safer, stronger, and more secure in 1984 than before.  We can now move with confidence to seize the opportunities for peace, and we will.