Allow me a few more thoughts today on Ronald Reagan, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth in Tampico, Illinois.
I wonder if many people under-estimated Reagan? He won his first term as governor in liberal California in 1966, and wound up serving two terms. I believe many Americans were a bit frightened by Reagan’s tough, right wing political views. But in 1980, voters had had enough of Jimmy Carter … and they were looking for change. They got a man who proclaimed it was “sunrise in America”.
He also talked tough to the Russians and was instrumental in ending the Cold War.
Reagan – I think – was also under-estimated as an actor. I thought he was terrific in “King’s Row” … maybe because he knew the subject matter so well; the story of people living in a small Midwestern town.
I am certain there have been greater U.S. presidents, but I doubt we have had one more likable. I think his personal stamp of humor, decency, and fair play convinced many Americans of the value of conservative ideas … even if they didn’t always agree with Reagan.
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Our thought for today is from Ronald Reagan:
“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.”
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