Leadership is about having a vision, being trusted and enrolling followship.
Reagan, better than any President in recent history, exuded those traits. That's why he won re-election with such a huge majority and why the America people loved him so much. Despite the constant assault by the liberal press.
Socialism and the march toward the socialistic model in America, was forever changed by the force of his personality and the strength of his leadership. Many people believed in the vision that America "still had it's greatest days ahead". So they followed Reagan and renewed America again. The success of the American economy the last 19 years is a testament to the importance of a nation having a "shared vision".
Tip O'neil and the ridiculous path the Democrats in congress had this country on were peeled open for all to see like a soggy overripe orange. The answers were not to be found in the halls of congress, or in new programs designed by the elite Democrats who won re-election at a rate greater than the Soviet Politboro. The answers, were to be found in the *people*, America's greatest asset. So, many people started anew in small businesses, helping there neighbor, giving to charity, or taking care of their own family. All the while building the mightiest military the world had ever seen. So we would never again look like a "paper tiger" floundering without adequate helicopters or trained people to rescue Americans held hostage abroad.
This change has been so dramatic, that after he has been out of office for nearly 11 years, the liberal press is still desperately trying to rewrite the success of his legacy.
The only thing I regret is we never had a conservative congress to go along with a conservative President. So Tip O'neil (spend as much money as you can) was left unchecked.
I also believe, that after nearly 20 years, many people forget what awful economic shape this country was in in the late 70's early 80's. 13% unemployment, 15% interest rates and the unions screaming for protection from foreign products. Without Reagan and his "vision", I have little doubt we would have followed Europe down the protectionistic path of slow decay. And Terry would probably be living in the Caymen Islands. :-)
Michael |
