Posted on 05/01/2006 7:09:36 PM PDT by Xing Daorong
What did president Reagan do that made him one of the greatest conservative icons in American history? Personally, I did not agree with some of his moves but his cutbacks on the size of the federal government made sense to me.
But what about you?
Great Pix!
This has been a very pleasant walk down memory lane.
Times are again very tough, but we have two great men to emulate.
I would have loved to see a Presidential debate with Reagan with Gore or Kerry ( or even Edwards ) it would have been a classic, Reagan would have beaten them hands down.
Reagan: step across that line and I will kick your ass! And he did.
The man meant what he said and followed up, not like the Jackasses and Rino's we have in congress today.
Arsenio Hall had a funny bit about the difference between Jimmah and Ronald, wrt to the hostages in Iran: "Tou know, it's funny. The Iranians said "We yearn to be martyrs!" But as soon as Reagan was sworn in, they said "Let 'em go!"
From my personal perspective, before Reagan came into office interest rates were pushing 20%, jobs were scarce and poor paying, and money was tight. We had to line up our cars at gas stations to get gas, every other day, depending on your license plate number. It was a depressing time before Reagain came into office.
After Reagan came into office, and it seemed immediately to me, the economy boomed. There was so much abundance it was almost unseemly. It literally felt like the country burst forth in productivity and positiveness (not counting the dismal press which couldn't seem to say anything nice about Reagan).
Interestingly, after Reagan came into office and the changes had started taking place, I remember standing in line to go into Hearst's Castle (a tourist attraction) and talking with some Canadians. They just LOVED Carter and thought Reagan was horrible. I brought up how much better our country was and they just couldn't see it. I found it hard to understand their thinking as it was incredibly obvious our country was 1,000 times better off under Reagan. You'd have to be blind not to see it and feel it.
Discompassionate Conservatism - The man knew how to browbeat the 'Rats!
He ended sex integrated basic training in the Army. He instituted the "We Ask, Don't Join" policy for homosexuals in the military. It was a good start. Should've followed up by eliminating all lowered standards for females; especially body fat.
He cut taxes, creating a 20-year wave of prosperity adn opening the way for 25 million new jobs. He won the Cold War, defying the liberals to defeat the Soviets.
I do wish he had done more to reduce government domestically, however.
p.s. My favorite 'Dutch' moment: "I have just signed legislation outlawing the Soviet Union. The bombing starts in five minutes."
Priceless.
His optimism.
I still tear up when I read his last speech. Thanks for posting it.
Amen Thinkin' Gal.
President Reagan will live in my heart forever!
God bless him eternally!!!
I met Pres. Reagan when my husband was base commander at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Reagan came to the Academy for a graduation ceremony and shook the hands of over 1000 graduating cadets. I sat on the platform with him and spoke to him after the ceremony. I told him that he was handsomer in person than on television. He laughed his signature laugh and kissed me on the cheek. Being in his presence was unforgettable. What grace and sincerity!
He will go down in history as being one of our greatest Presidents, right along with President Bush.
It's simple: he said no to communism, and freed hundreds of millions (with the help of Thatcher, John Paul, and our military standing between us and the Red flag).
Optimism
He also said to the doctors in the ER, "I hope you guys are Republicans"
Man! You lucky dog!!!!
I'd never wash my cheek again!!!!
Man!!
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