My Tribute to Ronald Reagan, The Gipper

JEFFHEAD.COM ^ | June 5, 2004 | Jeff Head

[snopercod]

I drove into town (Brevard, NC) today, and I'll be dipped if there weren't a couple of businesses with their American flags flying at full staff. Arby's and Centura Bank.

Naturally I stopped in at each establishment and straightened them out.

At both places, I got the same lame excuse: "The boss is on vacation". I'll withhold comment on that for now.

[American Sovereignty Defender]

Here are some of my thoughts about Reagan:

President Reagan and his leadership deserves our greatest respect. His leadership is a model for all to follow. Even Bill Clinton studied him thoroughly. However, Reagan will never be matched by anyone since he had such a high standard. He was known for integrity, boldness, and conviction based on principle and faith in God. His leadership was not led by selfish desire; rather it was about serving our nation to make it much better than we ever dreamed.

Reagan was the dreamer who orchestrated an economic boom with a magnitude that was incredible and will most likely remain unsurpassed. He began his life wearing hand-me-downs but didn't let that define him. I dare say he refitted a discouraged America. He executed plans to reverse our sinking economy, and that action paved the way for entrepreneurs to excel in business and to again realize their own dreams. Reagan busted down the wall of government restrictions to allow Americans to dream once again. Such insight and courage to do what many said could not be done. He amounted to an incredible leader in many ways.

And Reagan's magnificent contributions are still recognized even now. However, much of his economic improvements lasted only until America became once again overburdened by taxation in the late '90's, when revenues dried up as business prudently sheltered their assets from taxation. And that led to the latest recession, which is finally again reversed by tax cuts imposed by President Bush.

The lesson learned is this: When business booms then business is less likely to shelter plentiful assets, hence government revenues multiplied. And America thrived almost as vibrantly as Reagan lived life. Reagan is an astonishing example to follow.

His leadership didn't just address domestic issues with great results. He stemmed the rising tide of communism. In Berlin, and on many occasions, he demanded that Soviet leader Gorbechov, "tear down this wall!" His bold approach to confront the Soviet Union, which he correctly named the "evil empire", was vital in the liberation of hundreds of millions from communist oppression. Most Polish and East Germans who lived under Soviet tyranny recognize how Reagan was the leader that helped release them.

I served in the military for 13 years, and I experienced how Reagan valued our service. However, I noticed that President Clinton didn't have that same leadership and our military suffered, both in hardware and in soldier morale. I know now that morale makes all the difference and Reagan was special for inspiring us the way he did.

He is most certainly a Great American Hero. He is my hero, my role model and my favorite president. He should be considered a Great American President, and deserves a place at Mount Rushmore.

Shame on those, particularly the left-wing (socialist/communist) liberals, who disparage such a great President because they disagree with his politics. Those who attack his character must not appreciate this gentleman who happened to be a conservative. He eventually proved them wrong and I'm convinced no one could have done it better. And he never did retaliate when attacked, but had enough class to optimistically express his plans for improving the living standard for all.

Reagan skillfully articulated a successful conservative message and led America in rebuilding a country of confidence and hope for the future. Only a true American legend could have made such huge strides for freedom and free enterprise.

[Jeff Head]

Thank you so much for that very detailed and moving tribute. I agree with you across the board. Ronald Reagan will be remembered as one of the three greatest Presidents in this nation's history. I personally believe, for all the same reasons you mentioned, that George Washington holds, and will hold the pole position...after that, the Gipper is right in there IMHO.

...also, than you sincerely, from myself and my entire family, for your own service to our Republic.

[Jeff Head]

Here's a big BUMP and PING to you my friend.

Hope you are feeling better and will soon be out and about. We are praying for you and yours and know God's Hand is watching over you.

Here' my tribute to the Gipper.

[Jeff Head]

Another FYI

[Lurking in Kansas]

Bookmarked. Thanks..........

[Jeff Head]

You are welcome. I will ping you to another post I made today regarding my own prayer for Ronald Reagan's viewing.

[Jeff Head]

Another FYI...my tribute to Ronald Reagan.

[cyn]

thanks, Jeff -- he is most worthy. What a man, what an answer to our needs and prayers, then and now.

[Jeff Head]

He was an answer to the prayers of millions...and his impact continues through this day. The spontaneous display of admiration, love, respect and honor are witness to that. I pray that spirit will sweep the country and awaken in many hearts the commitment to liberty and the morality on which it rests that we so desperately need.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

I am personally impressed by how the top marginal tax rate went from 77 to 38.5 percent during his first term, and from 38.5 to 28 percent (with a 33 percent bubble) during his second term.

I have mixed feelings on how he got the Middle East to glut the oil market to deprive the Soviets of hard currency from oil exports. It was a clever move; however, I suspect the low prices hurt our own budding oil industry. I guess the most optimistic way to look at that was that the low oil prices surely benefited the rest of our economy.

[mattdono]

Here is what I think is my tribute to this great man. This is exactly how I felt during the President's final ceremony.

The saddness. The agony of loss. But, pride and honor shines through.

[Jeff Head]

I know exactly which picture you mean...even though for some reason it is not showing up on my browser on this thread. I'll try to repost:

I had to include that picture of the Marine at the burial ceremony. It epitomizes what so many feel.

I shall never forget that week...and the memories and feelings it invoked for that great man. The services in DC at the National Cathedral were inspiring and left us all with great hope regarding our nation and its underlying moral and faith foundation.

May God rest Rinald Reagan's soul and may God help us each to live such a life so as to allow us to be reunited with President Reagan some day at our Savior's side.

[mattdono]

Jeff....you're absolutley right. In fact, I shed a tear or two (or 100) during that week, but when I saw that picture this morning, it totally brought me back to that week.

Thanks for sharing.

[Jeff Head]

You are welcome. We shed our share of tears in Idaho as well.

I pray we are true to Ronald Reagan's legacy by taking upon ourselves the task of influencing, communicating with, and educating as many within our own spheres of influence as possible about the true underlying moral foundations of our republic.