President Reagan’s radio address on November 26, 1988, focused on the outcome of the recent Canadian elections and the broader topic of free trade. He congratulates Canada’s Prime Minister Mulroney and emphasizes that both Canadian and American voters have rejected protectionism in favor of expanding trade. Reagan traces free trade’s historical importance, citing America’s founding principles and referencing Adam Smith’s "The Wealth of Nations."
He warns against protectionism by noting its disastrous effect during the Great Depression—specifically the Smoot-Hawley Tariff—and credits open trade policies for America’s prosperity and job growth. Reagan argues that trade should not be viewed as a form of war; rather, he promotes fair trade as mutually beneficial and essential for strengthening alliances.
He criticizes politicians who use protectionist rhetoric as cheap nationalism, saying this weakens both the economy and national security. Reagan celebrates international economic expansion as an American achievement, not a threat, and highlights post-WWII U.S. leadership in dismantling trade barriers.
Looking ahead, Reagan mentions upcoming trade talks in Montreal aiming to improve dispute resolution, agriculture, services, investment, and intellectual property protections. He closes by reaffirming that free trade remains central to peace, freedom, and America’s future prosperity.youtube
Here are the key takeaways from President Reagan's Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade (August 31, 1985):
Reagan rejected tariffs/quotas on foreign shoe imports, arguing protectionism causes more harm than good, even to those intended to benefit.
Estimated hidden costs of shoe import quotas: American consumers would have paid nearly $3 billion extra. Trading partners could demand $2 billion in compensation or retaliate, risking American jobs and a potential trade war.
Protectionism is self-defeating: Historical protection (1977–81) made U.S. footwear companies more vulnerable, not stronger, confirming Reagan's view that it should be called “destructionism.”
Trade deficits vs. employment: Although the U.S. had a trade deficit in 1985, employment reached historic highs. Reagan cited 7.5 million new jobs created since 1980, showing open trade and a growing economy benefit workers.
Risk of trade wars: Starting a trade war would hurt U.S. farmers and throw Americans out of work. Reagan warned against repeating “the most destructive trade bill in history,” the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s, which worsened the Great Depression.
Commitment to fair trade: Reagan pledged to oppose any legislation (tax, trade, or farm) that wasn’t in the nation’s long-term economic interest.
Economic optimism: He highlighted tax cuts, expanding opportunity, and fighting poverty as evidence of U.S. strength, urging further tax reductions rather than returning to failed protectionist or higher-tax policies.
Labor Day challenge: Reagan encouraged Americans to create 10 million new jobs in the next four years, emphasizing courage, hard work, pride, and faith as the foundation for national success.
The message overall promotes free trade, open markets, and economic optimism, warning strongly against protectionist measures and calling for continued support of American workers and industries through competition, not isolation.youtube
Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech (October 27, 1964) is a pivotal moment in American political history, delivered to support Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. Reagan argues passionately for conservative principles and limited government, warning against the rising influence of centralized decision-making and the growth of federal bureaucracy.
Key points of the speech:
Concerns about Government Expansion: Reagan warns that excessive government spending, debt, and taxation threaten American prosperity and that government programs rarely contract or disappear, ultimately leading to the loss of individual freedom.
Choice and Freedom vs. Security: He frames the upcoming election as a choice between self-government and rule by an “intellectual elite” in distant capitals. Reagan asserts there is no left or right, only "up" (individual liberty) or "down" (totalitarianism).
Critique of Welfare and Economic Planning: Reagan criticizes programs like farm subsidies and welfare, arguing that they are inefficient, breed dependency, and undermine personal initiative.
Social Security and Medicare: He addresses the financial instability of Social Security, the deceptive labeling of welfare programs as insurance, and cautions against compulsory government health programs.
International Affairs: Reagan supports international cooperation for peace but cautions against sacrificing American interests or appeasing adversaries. He denounces appeasement, stating that surrender is the only guaranteed peace but at the unacceptable price of freedom.
Endorsement of Barry Goldwater: Reagan describes Goldwater as honorable, compassionate, and dedicated to individual freedoms, contrasting him with negative portrayals by his opponents.
Call to Action: He urges Americans to stand firm for their freedoms, reminding them that America is the last ultimate refuge for liberty and that preserving freedom requires courage, vigilance, and moral fortitude.
The speech is noted for its emphatic defense of liberty, skepticism of big government, and its enduring relevance to American political discourse. It helped launch Reagan’s political career and is often cited as one of the great oratory moments in U.S. history.youtube
