“We don’t hide our space program. We don’t keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That’s the way freedom is, and we wouldn’t change it for a minute.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“We don’t hide our space program. We don’t keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That’s the way freedom is, and we wouldn’t change it for a minute.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Ronald Reagan’s pride in the transparency and openness of American democracy, especially in contrast to the secrecy of authoritarian regimes. By pointing to the U.S. space program as a symbol of this openness, Reagan emphasizes that freedom includes accountability, public visibility, and a willingness to face both success and failure in full view of the world. The phrase “we wouldn’t change it for a minute” underscores a deep conviction that the risks of openness are outweighed by the moral strength it represents.
The historical context of this quote likely surrounds the Challenger disaster in 1986, a moment of national tragedy when the U.S. space shuttle exploded on live television. While the disaster was painful and public, Reagan used it as an opportunity to reaffirm the values of transparency, courage, and democratic principle. His message was clear: free nations do not conceal their challenges or achievements—they share them, because truth and public engagement are central to liberty.
Today, the quote remains relevant amid debates over government transparency, scientific openness, and the public’s right to know. Whether addressing space exploration, public health, or national security, Reagan’s words serve as a powerful reminder that freedom thrives in the light, and that a society committed to truth must be willing to face its trials openly and honestly.
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