Posted on 06/07/2004 6:19:23 AM PDT by dead
From Ireland:
The last Cold War warrior Ronald Reagan received the love of Americans, but the puzzlement of Europeans. On this side of the Atlantic, people found it hard to understand how a President with his folksy manner and his apparently naive political views could be so greatly admired and respected.
On the whole, the Americans had the right of it; and now, following his death aged 93, it is possible to look back and see not not only his good personal qualities and his enormous likeability but also his real achievements.
He came to office following the 1980 election at a time of gloom in the United States. Defeat in Vietnam, the Watergate scandal and the aimlessness and muddle of Jimmy Carter's presidency had undermined the confidence of the elite and the general population.
Reagan gave them back that confidence. He acted according to his own faith in the greatness and destiny of his country. He became the most successful, and in a way the last, of the Cold Warriors. Historians can argue the relative importance of the role he played in the fall of communism, but there is no doubt that his was a major part.
His style of government was eccentric, though not necessarily the worse for that. In an age in which political leaders boast of the amount of time they spend at work, he spent much of his time in bed. He ignored minor issues and was stubborn on the few questions which he regarded as important.
The land of his fathers had mixed feelings. His charm was undeniable, and we took pride in his Irish ancestry.
But his visit here in 1984 was far from a thundering success. He was whisked from location to location to avoid protesters. The main complaint against him was his Latin American policy, based on a ruthless assessment of US interests and an evident lack of the care for democracy and human rights which should have been his country's hallmark.
Ten years ago, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he moved entirely out of the public gaze and into the care of his devoted wife. His last message to the American people was immensely dignified and moving.
His legacy includes the the Cold War victory, but also the less agreeable aspects of "neo-conservatism". The present incumbent is a man somewhat in the Reagan mould, at least in manner. But unlike Reagan, he has not united his people or nurtured their self-belief.
Maybe Danny Ortega objected to Reagan's "lack of the care for democracy" in Latin America but few other Nicaraguans complained.
"...and the aimlessness and muddle of Jimmy Carter's presidency...."
I rejoice in the outpouring of love and respect for Ronald Reagan. I have also taken pleasure in the frequent references to what a mess the Carter administration was.
I couldn't possibly know less about that issue, though I'm sure somebody around here could answer your question.
Background on the question :
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1148395/posts?q=1&&page=57#57
There is no doubt, however, that the Eurinals are not intelligent enough, worldly enough, or brave enough to understand the wisdom, historical worldview, or courage of a great man such as Ronald Reagan. They are provincial little twits who are only allowed to cower in their socialist cesspools due to the protective umbrella of the United States. It comes as no surprise that the Europeans most likely to help us (aside from our cultural cousins in the U.K.) are those that Reagan helped to liberate from the oppression of the evil empire!
Henry Lee II
"Leftists are crazed and violent people,
with the blood of millions on their hands.”
Regards, Ivan
How they have managed to escape ulcers, heart attacks and other stress related illnesses considering their perpetual outrage is something of a mystery.
They spawn replacements before dying off. Much like mold.
Irish-American Rat Kennedys = Saints to the Irish.
There are tourists from Ireland who make a point of going to Hyannis to visit the household. I once saw an Irish tourist friend of a friend get watery-eyed describing the pilgrimage.
Irish-American Republican Ronald Reagan = Chopped liver to the Irish.
Proof that socialism is thicker than blood.
Socialism is a religion.
Socialism is satanism.
Great to see you on FR again Ivan.
Ivan! Welcome back, we've missed you!
I remember Jimmah Cahtah's 21 1/2 percent interest fiasco. He turned dollars into qurters during his 4 year presidency.
You should've tried to sell real estate during that time...I tried. Bad career move-I didn't last long in that occupation.
Welcome back!...
My cousin started a housing development that promised to be a winner just prior to Cahter's term in office. He not only went broke, he lost his house, his cars and his wife at the time--all due to the high interest rates that Cahter did nothing about. It was the worst of times for the American economy, but the libs forget that fact.
This is why Carter took so long to comment. He knows as well as many in the press that all the years of "the rehabilitation of Jimmy Carter" will be set back during the next months of discussing the Reagan years.
Very interesting. I'll bet you are correct. He must cringe everytime he hears them begin with "Remember the terrible state of affairs when he took office...." It is amazing what a man with conviction and courage can do.
My 4 year old son had $100 in coin in his piggy bank in 1979. I'll never forget taking him to the S & L and getting a one year CD paying 20 PERCENT INTEREST.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.