Speech Exemplifies Reagan’s Faith in Freedom

WASHINGTON — “Freedom,” said President Reagan’s chief speech writer, “is the underlying pillar of his philosophy.”

And, freedom is the theme that Bentley Elliott wove through the President’s State of the Union address.

The words recur:

“We said we would invigorate our economy by giving people greater freedom . . . . We did what we promised.”

“We are here to stand . . . for all who know in their hearts that freedom is the one true path to peace and human happiness.”

“Of all the changes that have swept America the past four years, none brings greater promise than our rediscovery of the values of faith, freedom, family, work and neighborhood.”

“We cannot play innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent, nor can we be passive when freedom is under siege.”

Elliott said that the key speech writer for the State of the Union address was Ronald Reagan.

“The President periodically sends us material he wants incorporated,” he said. As drafts went back and forth, the President marked up the copy, sending along notes saying, “This is good,” and “Let’s keep this in mind,” he said.