While scrutiny of any two-term president will reveal mistakes and flaws, the simple fact is that there are great lessons to be learned from Ronald Reagan. Few would argue that President Reagan was a true statesman, and most would also concur he was one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of the modern era. He overcame critics who thought him to be little more than an actor who was in over his head to bring down the Berlin Wall and end the Cold War, to create one of the most robust economies in recent history, and he even survived a point-blank assassination attempt. Virtually every politician, republicans and democrats alike, have fondly referred to him on many occasions. Our 40th President served during a challenging time in history, but he overcame even the harshest of critics and adversaries in proving himself as a determined and capable leader.
President Reagan is often referred to as the great communicator. His timing, clarity, eloquence, and self-deprecating humor were known to all who observed him speak. However, it was the fact that he meant what he said that made him a force to be reckoned with. He understood the difference between rhetoric and diplomacy, and he most certainly understood the difference between pontificating and advancing a cause or protecting our interests. He knew that a steadfast commitment to principles of freedom and democracy, along with a focus on a strong economy and a strong defense made for a strong country. He was a faithful steward of the people’s trust and served our nation well.
I’m not going to provide a commentary on the differences between Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan other than to wonder why our current president doesn’t spend as much time learning from Ronald Reagan as he does compare himself to him. In the text that follows I’ll do no editorializing whatsoever, as I believe President Reagan’s words speak volumes on their own accord…The following quotes from President Reagan are just a few of my favorites and given today’s environment, they provide more than sufficient food for thought:
“Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.”
“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”
“The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.”
“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
“Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them.”
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
“It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.”
“No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”
“One way to make sure that crime doesn’t pay would be to let the government run it.”
“Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.”
“The best minds are not in government. If any were, the business would steal them away.”
“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
“Democracy is worth dying for because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”
“Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States.”
“Government always finds a need for whatever money it gets.”
“Man is not free unless government is limited.”
As always, I welcome your comments below…
