Peggy Noonan: The Right Man

Opinion Journal ^ | 01/30/03 | Peggy Noonan

[beachn4fun]

Well, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Reagan's predecessor(s) do most of the work in ending the Cold War? It was not ALL his success.

And, even though he put through "true" tax reform, how many "tax" cuts did he give back to people?

Also, as I can see by your screen name, there is not use arguing as to why Reagan should be considered better than the others.

So, you are welcome to your opinion on the matter, and I to mine.

[Reagan Man]

>>>So, you are welcome to your opinion on the matter, and I to mine.

You're entitled to your opinion, but you're not entitled to your own facts.

As I said, PresBush is using the Reagan Presidency as a model for his own Presidential administration. PresBush recognizes the great achievements of the Reagan Presidency and greatly admires PresReagan. The fact you don't agree with PresBush, is your problem.

In 1980 when Reagan was elected President, the USSR was a military equal to the United States. The Cold War was still going strong and a huge threat to world peace and security.

Presidents from Truman to Carter fought a cold war of mainly appeasement and detente for 35 years until Reagan came along and took decisive action. His first term military build up and Strategic Defense Initiative backed up with the resolution of "the" ultimate cold warrior, eventually lead to the break up of the USSR and the downfall of European communism.

These are the basic facts that history will judge Ronald Reagan on. He gave us a tough foreign policy agenda and had the guts and determination to follow through with it.

On the home front Reagan inherited, from President Carter, the worst economic conditions America had seen since the Great Depression of the 1930`s. Reagan's economic policies turned things around and America became a stronger nation because of Reagan's leadership.

In Reagan's first round of tax reform, he lowered the top tax rates on American workers, from 70% down to 50%. Interests rate came tumbling down, inflation was brought under control and almost 20 million new jobs were created during Reagan`s eight years in office. The economy stabilized, the military was back on track and the world respected America once again.

In the Tax Refrom Act of 1986, Reagan created a two tier tax rate structure. He took the top tax rate of 50% and lowered it to 28%, while creating a second tax rate of 15%. That's real tax reform, my dear!

I really like PresBush and believe he is on the right track. May be one day, he will be considered a "great" president. If that day comes, I will be the first to recognize George W.Bush for his historical accomplishments and acheivements. So far, so good.

[Mustang]

Joe...I'm just so thrilled to see and read you here on FR. I've been through several "down checks" the last 18 months...but none like yours. You've been in our prayers since day one. Guess our "Higher Power" still doesn't mind hearing from us savageable sinners!

We are in extremely difficult and hazardous times. Every patriotic American and freedom loving soul should thank God we have President G.W. Bush at the helm.

Mustang..(John) sends w/ Best FReegards and happy tears for your recovery.

[Rightone]

All Freepers need to read this ping. Awesome.

[Gritty]

We can do nothing more powerful for our President than to pray for him - in faith, with Thanksgiving and Praise to God who once again has brought HIS MAN into high office in this country at just the right time.

This call to action bears repeating!

[McGavin999]

The speech was unrelentingly serious, and assumed a seriousness in its audience. It assumed also a high degree of personal compassion and courage on the part of those watching.

This was a president who was addressing a people he has ABSOLUTE faith in. You could hear it in his words, see it in his faith. He believes in us and in our goodness and in our courage. That came across loud and clear and the people heard him.

[Victoria Delsoul]

We have had many unusual men as president and some seemed like a gift and some didn't. Mr. Bush seems uniquely resolved to be as courageous as the times require and as helpful as they allow. There is a profound authenticity to him, and a fearlessness too.

I feel the same way.

Good article, John. Thank you.

[NordP]

"More and more this presidency is feeling like a gift."

WELL PUT! My feelings exactly!!!

Thanks for the ping, Wphile!

[wingnuts'nbolts]

These little children will forever be influenced by this sincere farsighted man. He has raised the bar for all the little children. They will grow up to be proud of their country, just keep them out of governmetn funded schools.

[ClancyJ]

I am beginning to see the purpose of having a Clinton for president. It turned off so many, that they voted in a George Bush.

I feel Bush will go down in history as a great president. I cannot help but believe that God is leading that angel in the whirlwind.