From the time that I was aware of all things political my father would endlessly claim that Ronald Reagan would one day be remembered as the most influential and important President in United States history. I would usually just nod my head and agree not really ever taking it upon myself to find out why my father thought he was so great. In school Reagan's presidency was glossed over and portrayed as anything but glorious. Teachers attacked his economic policies, making a mockery of the so called "trickle down". They somehow avoided the fact that his policies were generally successful and that he ended the threat of communism. Though my point is not to attack poorly written text books and the oftentimes overwhelming bias of secondary educators, their impacts are something worth considering.
It wasn't until last year that I actually began to learn more about his tremendous impact. I watched clips of his speech given in West Berlin. His powerful words still echo "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" With those words and his dedication to securing freedom worldwide he proved himself to be a worthy leader.
He believed in our country in a way that few politicians ever have. His actions were aimed beyond his eight years in office, his vision something unique and truly reassuring. As I've witnessed America embrace and revel in his Presidency this last week I have come to recognize the true greatness and importance of leaders like Reagan. He governed with grace, humility, and faith. I laugh at those teachers who tried to distract from his inspiration as America has proved their loyalty and thankfulness through their warm remembrances of the great man that was President Ronald Reagan.
I can't help but draw parallels between the problems that Reagan tackled and those that President George W. Bush faces. I have a tremendous faith in President Bush because he too shares a unique vision for the future of our country and the world. We as a world must forge against terrorism and support the spread of democracy. I hope that Reagan's death has reminded the American people of our potential for greatness. I pray that during this week others have found a renewed faith in the country that is ours. Some argue that the death of our former President in one that is quite timely and I would reply that like much of life, everything happens for some reason.
Recommending; When Character Was King - A story of Ronald Reagan by Peggy Noonan.
5 comments:
Reagan was a great communicator and a fabulous actor, however, as a president the man was certainly not cut out for the job. Sure he defeated communism, but what does that matter? Unless of course you are so concerned with America's emperialism, which in most case, most Americans are. What about Reagan's policy to shut down social security for college funding to "fatherless children" (prime example me). I'm fatherless, and suffering from Reagan's policies daily. Reagan's administration also was the year that Al Queda formed. Isn't that ironic. As we wave our flags so highly in the air we fight non threatening battles to advance each day towards our mark as an Empire. *yay*
I appreciate your comments, as I do find them intriguing. However, I believe that your argument against Reagan is slightly misguided. First of all you assume that the defeat of communism was merely an effort to advance American imperialism when in fact communism legitimately threatened much more than our own economic status. The human rights violations and infringements upon basic freedoms under communist regimes are things which cannot be merely ignored.
I am also assuming that you expect that the government provides higher education for its citizens, and while such a plan sounds appetizing the tax burdens would be undeniably overwhelming. And like Reagan I believe that by cutting taxes we enable each citizen to fund their own educations and endeavors. All irony aside, the formation of groups like Al Qaeda is inevitable, I’m not so sure that who was in office really matters as they will still and always hate the American way of life because we are non believers. I entreat you to reply, gettrivial@yahoo.com if you dare.
I see your arguments as we disagree on many issues. Americas policies and agendas are outrageous. I am a furiated American as our government does things in our name that half the time we have no idea. You being a huge Bush fan have been mis guided as well. We encourage and promote, and fight wars over democracy and pushing our agendas on ever country in this world. We are occupied in over 120 countires spreading ourselves so far all over this world. What for> A little FYI Al Queda could care less if we are believers or non-believers or about the freedoms that we "think" we have. American foreign policy has damaged their lives. Surely their agenda includes other aspects but overall our policy has threatend the Middle East for the past 60 years.
I do not expect the government to pay for my education. That is the first lesson you learn. I do however, when they say they will provide, I expect them to live up to their word. Will they do that? No. Reagan's administration spent the most money where it didn't matter, and cut the most money where it matter. If you look at budgets Reagan's was the highest!
People are being treated unjust, and unfair, and the US has its hand in everything. We are the big dogs when it comes to dirty work and it is highly upsetting.
Recommending: Richard Clarke's "Against All Enemies"
If there is one thing I do a lot of, it is reading. I have yet to expose myself to the literary endeavors of Richard Clarke but I'll for sure stop by the book store and take a look. While we're recommending books here, I'd like to mention Fareed Zakaria's "The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at home and abroad", which I believe I've written about before. Additionally Amy Chua provides an interesting perspective in "World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability".
I don't claim to be an aficionado of any kind but I don't mind exposing myself to both sides of the issues. So thanks for your enthusiasm and passion.
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