Silly Old Bear

Ronald Reagan was arguably one of the best presidents to ever serve the United States of America. He championed conservative political principles such as lower taxes and less government interference in people’s lives. In his inaugural address in January 1981, he made the statement …

“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” (1)

Amen! That sentiment needs to be revived in Washington.

Reagan’s early career days were spent in radio and film. In the 1940 movie, “Knut Rockne, All American”, Reagan played the role of George “The Gipper” Gipp, one of Notre Dame’s most legendary football players. That role earned Reagan the lifelong nickname, “The Gipper”. (2)

Reagan’s impact on America and the world is incalculable. He was plain-spoken and genuine, with a down-to-earth wit and wisdom that endeared him to millions of people, including many leaders of foreign nations. He was firmly committed to conservative moral principles, including a strong opposition to abortion.

I received an e-mail recently, listing a number of quotes attributed to Ronald Reagan. It reminded me what a great leader, and what a great person, Reagan was. So I thought I would share some of those quotes here, along with a few additional golden “Reaganisms”.

Enjoy!

“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.” (3)

“Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” (4)

“With regard to the freedom of the individual for choice with regard to abortion, there’s one individual who’s not being considered at all. That’s the one who is being aborted. And I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.” (5)

“We are a nation that has a government — not the other way around.” (1)

“Our government has no power except that granted it by the people.” (1)

“All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.” (1)

“We are a nation under God, and I believe God intended for us to be free.” (1)

“It’s hard when you’re up to your armpits in alligators to remember you came here to drain the swamp.” (6)

“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” (7)

“The ten most dangerous words in the English language are: ‘Hi, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’” (8)

“I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.” (9)

“… man is not free unless government is limited.” (10)

“‘We the people’ tell the government what to do, it doesn’t tell us.” (10)

“I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and that there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” (11)

Ronald Reagan was truly one-of-a-kind. My prayer is that the spirit of this Great American Hero will inspire future leaders of our country. I pray that those who share Reagan’s values of lower taxes and less government intrusion into people’s lives will rise to power. However, ordinary Americans like you and me must realize that the only way such leaders can rise to power is for us to elect them to public office. After all, ours is still a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” (12). We must never forget that we are “the people”! One of Reagan’s fundamental tenets was that the government exists to serve us, not vice-versa. May that basic principle of human existence be revived in the hearts of those whom we elect to serve.

God bless America!

__________
SOURCES:

1. First Inaugural Address, West Front of the U.S. Capitol (January 20, 1981)
   http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1981/12081a.htm
2. “Ronald Reagan” article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
   http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ronald_Reagan&oldid=244968709
3. Treasury of Wit & Wisdom: 4,000 of the Funniest, Cleverest, Most Insightful Things Ever Said, published 2006 by Reader’s Digest
   http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/7104103/article7104103.html
4. Remarks at a business conference in Los Angeles (March 2, 1977)
   http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan
5. Anderson-Reagan Presidential Debate in Baltimore, MD (September 21, 1980)
   http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29407
6. Remarks at a White House Reception for Women Appointees of the Reagan Administration (February 10, 1982)
   http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1982/21082b.htm
7. Remarks to State Chairpersons of the National White House Conference on Small Business (August 15, 1986)
   http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/081586e.htm
8. Remarks to Representatives of the Future Farmers of America (July 28, 1988)
   http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/072888c.htm
9. Said often during his presidency (1981-1989)
   http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan
10. Farewell Address to the Nation, Oval Office (January 11, 1989)
    http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1989/011189i.htm
11. Ronald Reagan Library Opening Ceremonies, Simi Valley, California (November 4, 1991), recorded for the documentary film “Post No Bills”, transcription by Clay Walker
    http://www.planbproductions.com/postnobills/reagan1.html
12. Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863)
    http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gettysburg_Address

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