Warlady
03-08-2001, 11:18 AM
Dear President Reagan,
Sorry I missed your birthday. But as your old colleague's son settles in at your home on Pennsylvania Avenue, I hope he has time to reflect on your remarkable two terms there.
In recognizing the service you provided this country, it all comes back to one word: Confidence. The greatest leaders have been able to rally the nation by building a collective sense of confidence where conditions required it. And, boy, did we need a shot of confidence 20 years ago.
Patriotism was a dirty word in 1980 popular culture, which had institutionalized the worst anti-military prejudices of the Vietnam era. The Soviets translated our self-doubt as weakness and challenged us in this hemisphere and in Europe. Meanwhile, every two-bit dictator on the planet sent out their goons to beat up our citizens and threaten our Embassies.
On the home front, the "limits to growth" crowd controlled the debate, suggesting the days of growth and prosperity were over. The general economy was in shambles. Double-digit inflation and interest rates crippled most opportunities in the marketplace and placed an unfair burden on a highly taxed electorate. Success was punished and laziness rewarded.
The confidence that slipped from our grasp in the 1970s, re-emerged in the '80s and guides us even today. You, Mr. President, are responsible for restoring that confidence.
In general, our nation's greatness was buried in an avalanche of negativity. Our blazing can-do spirit, which had seen us through a Great Depression and two world wars, had faded to a flicker.
Many of those who believed in Ronald Reagan's ideas doubted one man could turn the nation around. Perhaps even those who knew you, Mr. President, wondered whether you were up to the task. But what came through, almost from the moment you were sworn in, was the strength and depth of your character.
For the rest of the story click the link...
http://www.foxnews.com/views/asman/index.sml
Sorry I missed your birthday. But as your old colleague's son settles in at your home on Pennsylvania Avenue, I hope he has time to reflect on your remarkable two terms there.
In recognizing the service you provided this country, it all comes back to one word: Confidence. The greatest leaders have been able to rally the nation by building a collective sense of confidence where conditions required it. And, boy, did we need a shot of confidence 20 years ago.
Patriotism was a dirty word in 1980 popular culture, which had institutionalized the worst anti-military prejudices of the Vietnam era. The Soviets translated our self-doubt as weakness and challenged us in this hemisphere and in Europe. Meanwhile, every two-bit dictator on the planet sent out their goons to beat up our citizens and threaten our Embassies.
On the home front, the "limits to growth" crowd controlled the debate, suggesting the days of growth and prosperity were over. The general economy was in shambles. Double-digit inflation and interest rates crippled most opportunities in the marketplace and placed an unfair burden on a highly taxed electorate. Success was punished and laziness rewarded.
The confidence that slipped from our grasp in the 1970s, re-emerged in the '80s and guides us even today. You, Mr. President, are responsible for restoring that confidence.
In general, our nation's greatness was buried in an avalanche of negativity. Our blazing can-do spirit, which had seen us through a Great Depression and two world wars, had faded to a flicker.
Many of those who believed in Ronald Reagan's ideas doubted one man could turn the nation around. Perhaps even those who knew you, Mr. President, wondered whether you were up to the task. But what came through, almost from the moment you were sworn in, was the strength and depth of your character.
For the rest of the story click the link...
http://www.foxnews.com/views/asman/index.sml