Posted on 06/13/2004 6:44:52 PM PDT by Jack Bull
I believe there are three people today who best carry the torch of freedom once held by Ronald Reagan. One is a writer, another is a talker and the third is a doer.
The Writer.
Peggy Noonan was a speech writer for President Reagan. Fortunately, she shares her astute political observations with us thanks to the astute business judgment of several print editors.
Make no mistake; Ms. Noonan has strength of character and a firmness of principles equal to anyone in the knock-down, smash-mouth arena we've come to know as politics. Yet, her words are almost poetic, her phrasings so lyrical. Her gift is to allow her political opinions to stay with you like a favorite song.
Ronald Reagan had that gift.
It is no wonder Peggy Noonan and Ronald Reagan enjoyed each other. They shared a deep love for the English language. Romancing words longer than his wife Nancy, Ronald Reagan was a great communicator because he, like Peggy Noonan, was passionate not just for conservative ideals, but for the words and phrases that would best explain and promulgate (an admittedly ugly word) those ideals.
President Reagan loved the phrase, "A shining city on a hill." And I think Peggy Noonan loved him for that. They both believed in the power of words-- what was said and how it was said. They cared so deeply for their beliefs they were willing to toil over their note pads like any great song-writer.
Every column written by Ms. Noonan is a masterpiece. She knows adults are probably too busy to read even one opinion piece during their busy day, so she communicates her ideas in a way to make you feel you're a better person for taking the time.
There's something spiritual about her writing.
To say Peggy Noonan cares for her craft would be accurate, but inadequate. After reading a column, you will realize there is an outpouring of love for her readers. She truly cares about them and the world they live in. She wants desperately to help them manage the difficult task of maintaining the freedoms shared by their parents and grandparents.
It is that same love, and therefore trust, for the American people that partially explains the outpouring of love for Reagan. There is no question Peggy Noonan loves America and Americans. Every week she goes about the task of reminding us why we should too.
Anyone reading her work would say, "Mission Accomplished."
Peggy's style of writing reaches out to political moderates. I did not say her ideas are moderate; it is her delivery that has appeal to moderates. It also has appeal to "Soccer Moms." And Reagan Democrats. And people who have no particular interest in politics. Peggy Noonan connects with people. That's what her former boss did.
Peggy Noonan is a brilliant and graceful lady who's written words impact Americans in a way that I have never experienced...since Ronald Reagan. Both Reagan and Ms. Noonan believe politics, like character, matters. Thankfully, he took and she takes the time to tell us why.
You can read her columns here: http://www.peggynoonan.com
The Talker.
Rush Limbaugh is the Winston Churchill of the private sector. And so much more.
Rush has a massive intellect and a razor-sharp wit. Further, his analytical skills are unsurpassed. Since when does a radio talk show host bring those gifts to the table? The guy is over-qualified for the job and it shows.
Rush has influenced American politics to an extent greater than anyone not in public office. Think about that statement. It's true. Rush Limbaugh has impacted American politics like no other from the private sector. He has changed the course of American history and that fact is undeniable.
What I'm saying is not about whether one should agree or disagree with the man. Put that hysteria aside. What I'm saying is the host of a syndicated talk show has made a dramatic impact on American culture and politics like no one before him. In fact, it's not even close.
Newt Gingrich's "Contract With America" would never have passed had Limbaugh not been broadcasting his show. During the months and days of the elections held in the fall of '93, Professor Limbaugh took the time to instruct his students on what was at stake and what the warring political parties were fighting over.
Never has a non-politician had the ability to communicate about regional and national politics the way Rush Limbaugh did back then and continues doing today. Who ever thought political discussion could be so compelling and so pervasive in every day life? Three hours on the radio five days a week? On a national scale? Holding down number one ratings positions in city after city? Impossible!
No question, the Democrats would have held onto power in the Congress in 1994 had Larry King been the King of Talk Radio. And who honestly believes George Bush would have been elected President had Limbaugh not been on the air in the 2000 election?
The fact is, without The Rush Limbaugh Show explaining conservative views (we all know now they had been distorted by an admittedly liberal press) and inspiring listeners-- millions of them-- Al Gore would be President. He would have been responsible of resurrecting our economy that plunged into recession due to the Dotcom crash. I didn't just say Clinton caused the Dotcom crash that argument is a side issue and off topic. The crash was a certainty, it happened and it had to be dealt with.
Think Gore would have pushed through a massive tax cut package? We know by his own words the answer is a resounding, "No!" Gore is such an alarmist and if he had been President, the sky really would have been falling. Fortunately for our country, a man was on the job who was more worried about fixing the roof than placing or dodging blame.
And where would we be today if Bush had not been elected given the events of 9/11? That's like asking where the country would be today if Jimmy Carter had defeated Ronald Reagan.
Clear-thinking adults know the answer to those questions. It wouldn't have been pretty and Rush Limbaugh was most helpful in getting George Bush elected and therefore putting him in a position to take on the massive crises caused by the Dotcom bust and the terrorist attacks.
It is a fact not worth arguing that without Rush, Fox News would not be what it is today. In fact, it probably wouldn't "be". Same goes for Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. Now, if you want to argue with me, try this: Without Rush Limbaugh, sports talk radio would not be 1/100th what it is today. Hey, without the balance sheets for A.M. radio stations created by Limbaugh, there might not be A.M. stations for the local or syndicated shows. The fact is, Rush made it ok-- even hip-- to deliver strong opinions with gusto. He showed the way and many talented people have followed. He made it look easy.
I have never heard a passion for politics or for inspiring every day Americans like Rush Limbaugh has since...Ronald Reagan. The power of their words cannot be denied. They both connect with people about ideas and issues once thought to be too boring for classrooms, much less radio programs or prime time speeches. Adults enjoy being respected for their intelligence and both Reagan and Limbaugh had/have immense respect for their audiences. This is key. Neither one of these men would ever think to talk down or try to slip one by their audience. That kind of short-term thinking is anathema to them.
You can agree or disagree with Rush-- either way he still makes his money. But if you argue his stature, reach, impact or relevance to America and American politics, you are in denial. You just have to deal with it. You can do that here:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com
The Doer.
President Bush is not a writer of the caliber of Reagan/Noonan. Nor is he likely to speak off-the-cuff with the flair and persuasiveness of Reagan/Limbaugh (although "I can hear you, the rest of the world can hear you and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon," was pretty damn powerful). But, our current President is without peer when it comes to taking action. He is a lion for liberty and relentless in his determination to preserve what our Founders bequeathed to us.
President Bush inherited a declining economy headed for recession. The over-hyping and over-pricing of Dotcom companies proved the old theorem, "What goes too far up, must come crashing down." President Bush wasn't responsible for that inevitable disaster, but he didn't shy away from taking responsibility for saving the country from tremendous economic harm.
His across-the-board tax cut package was the right legislation at the right time. Time has proven that fact. Even though Bush was lambasted by the left with lies about how the economy was in decline and the impact of his tax cuts (the equivalent of predicting massive numbers of American soldiers coming back in body bags from the Middle East), he met the hysteria and slander with grace and never veered off the course he knew to be the right one for the country.
I haven't witnessed principled behavior such as that since...Ronald Reagan.
And then, to make a bitter political fight worse, terrorists struck our country like we have never seen before. 9/11 was much worse than Pearl Harbor. Men without countries proclaiming an intellectually corrupt rationalization for their twisted so-called religious views were threatening to do more of the same and more often for no reason other than they shared a hatred of civilization and those who lived in it.
In response to this massive barbarism and the fear-- no, the terror-- it created, President Bush set about the task of defeating the enemies of freedom. His efforts freed the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. And, as a bonus, his efforts kept our country safe from what was believed to be certain and even more extensive harm.
Kind of reminds one of what happened when President Reagan determined the only way to deal with Communism was to defeat it. Victory was the only option in the Cold War and it is the only option in the War Against Terror.
Not bad for a cowboy. Not bad for a guy who is a bit uncomfortable when speaking to the most hostile group of reporters I can ever remember. Not bad for a guy who has said time and again, Ronald Reagan was his most significant source of political inspiration. Not bad for a man who delivered freedom to millions of people because it was the right thing to do. That's Lincoln and Reaganesque.
To face your enemies with calm and a gentlemanly manner is almost inhuman. Or, extra-human. It is a gift every President should have.
Strange how Bush and Reagan detractors have gone out of their way to describe these men as war-mongers and partisans. These men value freedom and are quintessential gentlemen. And it shows. Their deeds connect with Americans. Their actions are respected.
Both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush freed millions of non-registered Republicans. In fact, they freed millions of men, women and children who have never set foot on American soil.
It has been said Ronald Reagan was a giant. A man who lifted the economy and the spirits of Americans because of the force of his principles, words and deeds. So, if three people-- Peggy Noonan, Rush Limbaugh and President Bush-- are needed to do the much-needed heavy-lifting of one, so be it. These people are carrying on Reagan's legacy at a critical and most dangerous time for our country. Thank God we have a country that seeks out those who bring out the best in us.
(Excerpt) Read more at thinkbeforeyouvote.com ...
You made some excellent points.
Ping! Be sure the read the whole article. Good stuff.
Yes, I agree. Bush isn't perfect, but he's the next best thing in this imperfect world. And I have often described him as a doer, not a talker--though he talks much better than he is credited with doing.
Peggy Noonan isn't as spectacular a writer as, say, Mark Steyn. But she does indeed have a gift of writing simply and directly from the heart in a way that appeals to moderates.
No need to say much about Ronald Reagan. That would be preaching to the choir.
The mark of a consummate professional.
I'm going to have to disagree with Noonan's inclusion. Reagan's eloquence was expressed through the spoken, not written, word. Noonan was his speechwriter, yes; but the words were Reagan's. When I think of "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" I don't think of Noonan.
Bush and Limbaugh being on the list are perfectly suited, though. Actually, I've had the same thought on my mind since last Thursday.
ping
Yes, but Peggy's ability to communicate with non-conservatives is sorely needed. She is a great teacher and reaches across the aisle-- I would guess many, many liberals-- unlike most well-known conservatives. IMHO.
Brevity.
IMO, Limbaugh communicates with non-conservatives far more often and far better than Noonan does.
After all, I was a liberal 2 years ago until I started listening to Limbaugh.
Great read! Thanks for the ping.
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