 I thought they'd never go on. Well, Nancy and I are delighted to welcome you to the White House. We're pleased and honored to have all of you here tonight. This room is often used for state dinners honoring visiting heads of state. And it's fitting that we too share this room in recognition that you are also heads of sovereign states. Our federal system of sovereign states is today as vital to the preservation of freedom as it was in the time of Jefferson, Adams, and those other far-sighted individuals would be revered as our founding fathers. They envisioned a system that would secure the greatest degree of liberty while at the same time be functional and efficient. They knew well that if too much power and authority were vested in the central government, even if intended for a noble purpose, not only would liberty be threatened, but it just wouldn't work. Jefferson warned, were we directed from Washington, when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want for bread. I think during the last decade and before we've gotten a taste of just what it was that Jefferson was warning us about. So much power had centralized in Washington that frustration and stagnation ruled the day. The federal government taxed away the available revenue and set up a confusing web of regulations and bureaucratic controls to be complied with in order to get these resources back. Furthermore, the rules and restrictions to a large degree were coming from far away, unelected officials. This neither worked nor was it consistent with principles of American freedom. Over the last three years, we put a stop to this ever-increasing centralization of power. Through our block grant programs, through our efforts to get control of federal spending and taxing, we've halted what I consider to be a very ominous trend. People are no longer looking to Washington to solve every problem. As a result, we're seeing a renaissance of direct involvement, whether in the local schools or in neighborhood watch programs, and the reemergence of state and local government as significant forces in determining the future of our country and the quality of life of our people. This has been accomplished with close consultation and cooperation with you and with other state and local officials. I want each of you to know I deeply appreciate the responsible, and in most cases, nonpartisan way that we have worked together to ensure progress in the area of federalism. There's still much to be done, and I hope we can build on the working relationship that we've already established. Technology today is opening up new opportunities at the state and local level, state government as some of the most competent and hardworking employees to be found in government at any level. And in the last few years, we've seen creativity and innovation as never before in the state houses throughout the country. Today, that vision of our founding fathers of a federal system of states is as viable, if not more so, than at any time in our history. So let us continue working together to keep faith with that dream. And now, would you please join me as I toast you, the governors of the states of the Union, and you can toast each other, and we can toast also to our freedom and to strong and efficient state government. We elected you, too. And though you are formally now engaged in a contest to retain that office, we still look upon you as a brother. And we're glad of the opportunity to come with you once a year in this formal setting. And I must say, in my experience, and perhaps in the experience of every governor in this room, you have extended the hospitality, the warmth, and, most importantly, the interest of your office to us, your brothers. On so many more occasions, whether in the Oval Office or in our states, then we might reasonably expect, for we know you have to deal with mayors and legislators, county executives, business people, and labor people, and just all sorts of people that it's somewhat remarkable how much time you spend with governors. I think perhaps there is a bias there. At least we hope so. The issues which concern us, Mr. President, and about which even we differ among ourselves and within our states are only as good as the men and women who enliven them. There is justice or no justice depending upon the passions and the caring of men and women, not just on the pages of a book or in the words on those pages. There will be a better education for our children than we had for ourselves, not only because that is important, but because it is necessary, but only achievable if we care to make it so and invest the time and the resources to achieve it. And whether it's the infrastructure of our country, our roads, our highways, our bridges, our dams, our buildings, sewer systems, our water systems, or it's our responsibility for the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens through law enforcement, for public health, or care for abused or neglected children, or infant mortality rates, words are words, pages are pages, and laws are laws unless we, the governors, infuse them with our care. We know how hard it is to be a president and a First Lady. And because all of us in this room have experienced at least a portion of that which you live. We know there are many nights where you must feel frustrated, tired, mad, but many more where you feel satisfied, glad, challenged. We do too. Or we would not be with you tonight. When we leave this city and go back to our states and try and infuse our political, governmental, and personal lives with renewed vigor and caring, in part because we were here, we will remember you and Mrs. Reagan, and wish for you the same. And we know it will be achieved. And so tonight, Mr. President, from your brothers, and I am pleased to say from one sister who has now joined the ranks, on behalf of the governors, I propose a toast to the lady who guides you, sustains you, passionately loves you, and to the President of the United States.