Posted on 08/07/2007 6:51:18 AM PDT by LS
Well, this just went to the top of my list. Thanks for the post, LS.
Also, please read Paul Kengor’s other book, “Crusader.” It’s the most in-depth look at how Reagan won the Cold War of any I’ve seen, including Peter Schweizer’s more famous “Reagan’s War.”
I bought it and am very slowly reading it. Unlike other books I’d finish in a weekend, the size is 650+ pages, and small print to boot, so it is going to take a while, and I often find myself jumping onto the ‘net to see who/what he is concerning himself about (scandals, news events, people).
So this’ll take a while, and well worth it.
I wondered when somebody here at Free Republic would do a review of this facinating book. I read it last month while on a business trip.
It documents something many of us have stated was true for decades, the media flat out lies, and intentionally misrepresents things based on ITS POLITICAL DESIRES.
The review is very good. I would add one more quote from the book that was very revealing to me, in today’s context.
‘Jim Webb resigned as under secretary of the Navy. I don’t think anybody at Navy will miss him.’
Paraphrased from memory, and I don’t remember the page number. But I had to laugh recall Webb trying to hang his hat on being in the Reagan administration for nine months. Pity the WaPo reinforced that misrepresentation.
Other interesting comments that surface repeatedly deal with Reagan's sense that the conservative establishment thought him too liberal
History repeats itself with the current President George W Bush.
A few years ago there was a book, “Reagan: In his own hand,” or something similar. Is this book different writings, or is there a lot of overlap....or are you unfamiliar with the previous?
I have Reagan’s War, but not Crusader. Both will be great to take when visiting the granddaughter next month. There ya go, spending my money again :)
BTW, I’m going to a Republican event in Rockford (IL) tonight to meet with some of the state representatives, possibly including our congressional rep. Don Manzullo. It should be a VERY interesting affair.
My agenda: 1) Reclaim the governorship; 2) Increase representation in the legislature; 3) Send Turban Durbin packing; 4) Border security (should Manzullo be there).
I’m spending the day arming myself with facts. HA!
‘Reagan In His Own Hand’ was a compilation of Ronald Reagan’s writings over the course of years. It included a forward by George Schultz. I have it in my library. The book includes letters, articles, radio scripts, etc. It is not (as I recall) a collection of his diary entries.
can’t quite get why they let Brinkley write it, but nevertheless it’s great stuff and a joy to read.
I believe he was asked by Nancy Reagan to write the book. She had contacted him about the diaries the Gipper had kept. Apparently she didn’t trust Reagan’s official biographer, Edmund Morris, with the material.
So, does this mean I'm now spending your money while LS is spending mine? :)
Yup!
I just purchased this book and am looking forward to starting it at the beach in Cape Hatteras next month. Right now am still reading Patrtiots History of the US (shameless plug for you LS!)
Ask and you shall receive: (580) “Present Sec. Webb resigned over Navy budget cuts. I don’t think Navy was sorry to see him go.”
Yes. Much, much different writings, quite similar in content. “In His Own Hand” were the edited speeches that RR gave on his weekly radio addresses. More content in those. The diaries are much briefer (naturally) but offer a daily glimpse of what he was thinking.
Good luck. Quite ambitious. Have to admit I’m seriously depressed here in OH. Strickland has screwed up a little with the accidental release of all the state employees’ names, but he’s hitting a lot of hot-button, feel-good issues that are winning him points as gov.
The whole Reagan biography thing was so ridiculous: Morris had unfettered access---you can see in the "Diaries" how many times RR sat down with him, and even let him follow the Pres. around (even in meetings!) for an entire day). And that idiot blew it. Now, no one else will ever get the same chance.
Ask and you shall receive: (580) “Present Sec. Webb resigned over Navy budget cuts. I don’t think Navy was sorry to see him go.”
Thanks LS.
Its a facinating glimpse behind the scenes. I was surprised to learn that only four other President’s in history have made daily entries, and the last one was a more than a century ago.
What I also found interesting was Reagan didn’t ‘beat his chest’ in those entries about the things we all remember and cite as ‘Why I loved Reagan as President’. He barely mentioned the behind the scenes debate about ‘Tear down this Wall!’ for example.
And he was remarkably candid about his first debate with Mondale in the 84 race.
Also, btw, I too found it to be great, especially because I bought and read the hit piece titled ‘Dutch’.
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