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Audacity of Truth
Big Government- Hot Air
- Michelle Malkin
- Wheeling & dealing: Snowe pow-wows with Obama; Landrieu, Schumer, Daschle behind the scenes
- Saturday in the Senate: Cash for Cloture; Reid gets 60; Update: 8:15pm Eastern cloture vote – 60-39; Voinovich absent; Dems invoke Teddy Kennedy; Reid: “Ted would be happy.”
- Another day, another Berkeley tantrum
- Jake Tapper
- Lynn Sweet
25th Anniversary of Reagan’s first inauguration
Last Friday marked the 25th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration. To my shame, I neglected to blog about it 
I was in the middle of my move and, oh well – there just isn’t any excuse!
Dr. Sanity, however, was on the ball and wrote this stirring post about the time he met the Gipper:
I vividly recall the day I met President Reagan almost exactly 20 years ago. It was one of the saddest days of my life. I was at the Johnson Space Center memorial service for the Challenger astronauts on the Friday after the Challenger accident. The President had come to JSC to honor the fallen crew and to heal the nation.
As the crew surgeon for that mission, I accompanied the families of the crew to a private meeting with President and Mrs. Reagan before he spoke to the large crowd of employees and officials. I felt a little out of place at this private meeting, so I tried to stay off to the side as, one by one, Reagan greeted all the immediate family members and talked with them.
Much to my surprise, after he visited with them for a while, he walked over to where I was standing. Apparently he had asked who I was, because he addressed me as “Doctor” and held out his hand, saying, “It must be especially hard for you today to have lost those who looked up to you as their doctor and who put their trust in you.” He said it very quietly and his sincerity and genuine concern for what I was experiencing resulted in bringing tears to my eyes. Until that moment, I had managed to keep it all together and not show my feelings in public.
The next thing I knew, the President of the United States had put his hand on my shoulder and was comforting me; telling me that he understood my loss and that he knew I had been trying to be strong and take care of all the family members of the crew; but that he could see I was suffering too.
Read the whole thing – as well as President Reagan’s first inaugural address. A snippet:
So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government–not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our Government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.
Here’s to you, Mr. President – even though you are gone, you will never be forgotten.
(Hat tip: Kobayashi Maru and GM Roper)
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31 Responses to “25th Anniversary of Reagan’s first inauguration”
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It’s Reagan’s fault
that I am an ex-democrat!
RIP
Reagan is the only reason that bush exists and for that he should be held in contempt. Peace
Bush and Reagan BOTH came to the rescue of this country from the likes of you, steve.
Steve I am no super genius but I really do believe that George and Barbara is the only reason, outside of God’s will, that GW exists. Also, didn’t Billy Graham bring GW to the Lord and thus making him part of the Christian Right?? Sooooo are you going to hold Billy in contempt?? Why do you gotta say such stupid stuff?? There is never in the history of man a single reason for why we end up the way we are. Also where is your faith?? Do you think that GW doesn’t fit in Jesus’ plan for America?? Is GW greater than Jesus?? I will never be able to reconcile your logic with reality, even spiritually?? Good Luck – Lorica
Now to my real post. Ronald Reagan is one of the most impressive persons in history. It is a shame that he was taken from us so soon.
Of course he would be 95 this year if I remember correctly. I was too stupid to appreciate him while he was President, but it was because of him that I started leaning right. He was such a great man. I am glad that our current President is molded much like RR. History will show that he too will be considered as one of our greatest Presidents. – Lorica
Lorica,
Reagan
did not get my vote for his first term. I went with John Anderson, a republican running as an independent.
The thought of Peanut Boy (my one wasted vote) getting another term sickened me. And I thought an actor makes his living fooling people so why trust him? Well, I blew it.
Reagan
got my vote in his second term and my respect forever. He shaped everything I believe in today.
I was to young to vote in 1980. But tragically in 1984 i voted for what’s his name democrat. In 88 I voted for the other what’s his name democrat, and then in 92 i voted for the goof ball independant. Didn’t vote in 96 or 00. As I didn’t see a good canidate. I was wrong I voted for GW in 04. Which I am pretty proud of. – Lorica
Peace is Christ and war is the anti-Christ. Which side is bush on? My yardstick is the same for Billy Graham and the rest of the anti-Christians like Dobson and Robertson. Men of Peace, promote Peace, not war and violence. Peace
The Gipper saved America, and at the same time made the people aware that ‘liberal’ is a bad word and a failed concept.
What a guy!
What kinds of missles should we promise the Iranians this time?
The kind that come tipped with bunker busters. I believe Israel is planning to offer delivery of them to various spots in Iran free of charge.
*benning raises his mug of coffee in salute!*
I remember the election of 1980 very well. The fear that Carter would manage to eke out a win and continue to drag the nation down the drain
. The relief when it became clear that Reagan was winning
. The happiness that the Carter regime was over. 
I don’t know if Reagan was truly great, but I know he was more an American than the Democrats have produced in decades. GOD Bless Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Thanks, ST!
Sooooo Steve when Jesus comes to “Make War” is He being Christ or Anti-Christ??
Also is war to stop genocide Christ or Anti-Christ. What about WW2. Now we were sort of forced into that one so were we being Christ or Anti-Christ?? This is a very confusing theology. But keep the faith – Lorica
Reagan, like Bush 43, was genuinely hated and derided as stupid by his political foes. Whom he frequently outmaneuvered and defeated.
So how stupid does that make his enemies? If you hang your politics on how smart you are and how stupid anyone on the other side is, you’re ill equippped to take defeat or setback with any grace. As we see now from the left.
And steve, you have my condolences at the loss of the USSR. It must sting to have such a noble assemblage of peaceful saints gone. You know that line about all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing? Keep doing nothing, there are plenty of others to pick up the slack. You’re still allowed to bask in the shade of freedom even if you’re too pure to defend it.
I’m a fan of Bush, but he is not even close to being as great a president as Reagan. I was just a kid when Reagan was president, but I can clearly remember the change from the “America is worthless” opinion we all had in the Carter years, to “America Rocks” opinion Reagan gave us.
I don’t come from a family that this affected, but he ended the 77% tax bracket (I’m not making this up!). He cut taxes for all of us, and began the golden age of America. Unfortunately, he could not get his gov’t spending cuts passed in a Democrat controlled congress, but the fact that he got tax cuts in that same congress is very respectable.
This was at a time where if we got attacked by someone, Carter would have tried to understand WHY they killed thousands of Americans, instead of doing something about it (like he did with the hostage crisis). By simply ascending to the presidency, Reagan solved that crisis, because Iran knew full well what he would do to resolve it. I have more respect for no one.
Reagan may not have been ‘a god’, but he was pretty damned close.
blogagog – (What does that mean?) Baklava is a tasty treat.
Just wanted to follow up that the tax cuts that were passed under Reagan were nothing short of Amazing and increased revenues into the government from 550 Billion to 990 Billion during the 8 years from 1982-1989.
Lefties somehow believe that if you cut tax rates that revenues into the government fall. I used to believe it before I was converted in 1991. That year I wwent to the library 3 times a week for a year while I did a complete conversion on every subject including the science based not scare mongering environmental issues.
Revenues doubled and unemployment dropped and most dramatically for non-whites. Makes me think Carter wanted to keep people down — that was a little leftist argumentation coming out of me.
I learn new things about people everyday. I thought you were an extremist Lorica!
Baklava, you have my utmost respect for putting in the effort to actually go the library (gasp, you mean there are places where the govt gives out information about anything for free?!?!!!) and research the truth about these issues. That is such a noble and admirable thing, to actually try and better yourself by increasing your knowledge and understanding. If most people had a quarter of your ambition, we’d all be better off. Instead, most prefer to simply sit on the butts wrapped in their own ignorance and preconceptions rather than learn the truth. More power to you!
They used to sell little diamond shaped pieces of baklava in every pizza place in Boston when I was in college. I agree, it’s very tasty!
Blogagog is actually a combination of words from different cultures. “Blo” is a greek word meaning “this is” or “the item in question is”. “Ga” is yiddish for “very dumb” or “idiotic”. “Gog” is from the ancient Sumerian word “goga”, meaning “nickname”.
(Some information in this post may not be entirely accurate
)
Baklava & Severian, How about this: revenue from the federal income tax dropped from $994 billion to $809 billion in 2004 from 2003. That even with a growing economy. Clearly you are both wrong. Peace
Would love a link to check that out Steve. OHhh Shoot I forgot who I was posting to. Sorry to attempt to make you back something up there Steve. I bet your numbers are backwards, but thanks for the info. – Lorica
Total Revenue into the government increased 5% from 2003 to 2004. From 2004 through 2005 it is about 14% increase. These increases wouldn’t have happened with a continued recession or elongated recession due to the government not allowing people to keep more of what they earned. When people keep more of what they earn they generally have more to spend which boosts economic activity and boosts revenue into the government and boosts employment.
Do you have any evidence that boosting tax rates helps people Steve? How does keeping more of what they earn help people, help employment rates, etc.
Thank you Severian. I think it just means I’m a geek.
So, Steve pulls some numbers directly out of his butt and thinks that will convince anyone. Baklava’s numbers are the ones I’ve heard reported elsewhere, where did you get yours Steve? How far in did you have to go, up to your wrist, or the elbow?
Lying isn’t ethical Steve. But then, the end justifies the means for you and your ilk doesn’t it?
Decreasing taxes has increased revenues everytime it’s been done, even when Kennedy did it. Reagan did it. Bush is doing it now. But then, to many on the left it’s morally wrong to let some “evil rich” person (meaning someone more successful and ambitious and harder working then they are) keep their money.
Not understanding what your looking at makes a person dangerous, not more informed. Total tax revenues always rise with increased population, trade and incorporations. The tax cuts 0f 2001 reduced federal income tax by $185 billion dollars. Do your own research. That’s the problem with the Rightwing Socialists, they never checkout what the pill popper Limbaugh and Opus Dei Hannity tell them. They just believe what they hear. Sad. Peace
Whoa, steve’s up to his *shoulder* now!!!
And what do you think causes those “increased trade and incorporations” steve? Could it be, oh, decreased taxes leading to a stronger economy? So, you say 185 billion was lost, so what, the economy has a certain fidicuary inertia, it takes time for a tax cut to stimulate the economy.
But hey, it’s all about ideology with you aint’ it? It’s morally wrong to let the evil rich keep their money, and if that leads to reduced tax revenues as compared with lowering taxes, well, that’s alright if it punishes the successful.
Since total tax revenue “always rise with increased population, trade and incorporations” than the third world economy must be booming.
Politicians may promise the best of intentions, but economic reality can prevent promises from producing positive results.
Bakalava,
I know you like to brag about how smart you are and how much you educate yourself by visiting your local library. But what I have not heard from you is any thing regarding the “increased tax revenue” in ratio to inflation and the average annual wage for each American. This is the true test of economic growth because it represents the buying or commerce power of the average American.
Can the average American afford the American dream? House, 2.5 children, 2 vehicles, insurance, pension, college funds and 2 vacation per year. The Basics.
I am not making any statements but I am extremely curious where in the world you get numbers from.
Nope. I like to say that I converted from liberalism. It’s a proud moment in my life. Anyone who made the conversion will tell you that (look at the biography here). Others have have complimented and I am flattered. Really. Humbled. And thank you again Severian.
The average annual wage for each American has gone up. No need to attack me to get the answer. I was reading about it last night.
The average American may or may not be able to afford the American dream but it also is imperative on each American’s part to spend wisely. As more than 51% of Ford Expedition buyers are single without kids and don’t need it for snow or 4 wheeling you can see what I mean. I don’t attack those Americans as the American left would I only recognize that people’s decisions result in consequences. People need to have personal responsibility. I had friends who were liberal and bought a new house and 2 new cars and had a kid and wanted government to provide them daycare. At the time I was married with children and “we” were sacrificing with just one income and not buying a bunch of new stuff.
You won’t afford everything in the first few years after college. That’s never been the case. We have become an IMMEDIATE gratification type society. We want everything and want it now. You want to know where I get numbers from. From responsible people who have extensive bibliography’s citing lots of governemnt sources. And it all adds up with common sense
Who are the poor
Scorecard on the economy
Baklava,
I have never been impressed with info from the Heritage Foundation. Sorry. Research for rich people by rich people generally holds alot too much bias to be accurate.
Great info at firstgov…census bureau,d.o.l, i.r.s, g.a.o ect. Between FirstGov and the Library of Congress you could read nothing but facts for the rest of your life. It’s staggering.
I thought you liked to study.
If you want people to give credibility to your postion you have to learn to go to the source for your info.
Anyone can regurgitate someone elses work.
And my query was not about poor people. I am not sure how you got there.
And I believe you gave a fair answer outside the attached reports.
And the answer is clear. That what I call “the basics” is not realistically attainable for the vast majority of Americans. I guess that’s why they refer to it as a dream.
What’s with all this “American left” business.
I am a Libertarian just like you.
Are Libertarians now left and liberal?
GBA wrote, “I have never been impressed with info from the Heritage Foundation. Sorry. Research for rich people by rich people generally holds alot too much bias to be accurate.”
Until you refute substance anything you say is discounted. You cannot simply wave your hand and act like all of thier substance complete with bibliography’s based on facts are not true. You offer whimsical opinion based rhetoric not based on facts with no links and any links you have to offer will be dealt with just like you did. You either treat people respectfully or you will be treated with no respect or credebility. You either make serious charges that are untrue in a time of war or you realize personal responsibility and due diligence in researching the facts. I’ve read tons (1,000’s) of pages of information from both sides. I used to be like you. I don’t need to deal with folks like you who don’t offer substantive debate and wave hands of dismissal and make serious erroneous judgemental allegations/accusations. Bye.
BTW, Libertarians are extreme !! Conservatives are centrist. On a scale of -10 to +10 Liberals are near -8 to -5. Conservatives are between -1 to +2 and libertarians are about a +8 because they want an 80% cut in government. Cutting government to the tune of 80% would really throw the left in a tizzy. And the fact is that government has grown every year for over 6 decades. How in the heck do you think it’ll shrink by a factor of 80% anytime soon?
The basics are attainable to the vast majority of americans.
I refuted your charge with substantive work by the Heritage Foundation that shows that the average poor American has a better standard of living than the average European. Our poor have it better than their average. Read and weap or discount. Your choice. I’m done. You can continue to be down on American. Peace.