Posted on 06/22/2009 10:36:03 AM PDT by SJackson
GDANSK, Poland--When talking about Ronald Reagan, I have to be personal. We in Poland took him so personally. Why? Because we owe him our liberty. This can't be said often enough by people who lived under oppression for half a century, until communism fell in 1989.
Poles fought for their freedom for so many years that they hold in special esteem those who backed them in their struggle. Support was the test of friendship. President Reagan was such a friend. His policy of aiding democratic movements in Central and Eastern Europe in the dark days of the Cold War meant a lot to us. We knew he believed in a few simple principles such as human rights, democracy and civil society. He was someone who was convinced that the citizen is not for the state, but vice-versa, and that freedom is an innate right.
I often wondered why Ronald Reagan did this, taking the risks he did, in supporting us at Solidarity, as well as dissident movements in other countries behind the Iron Curtain, while pushing a defense buildup that pushed the Soviet economy over the brink. Let's remember that it was a time of recession in the U.S. and a time when the American public was more interested in their own domestic affairs. It took a leader with a vision to convince them that there are greater things worth fighting for. Did he seek any profit in such a policy? Though our freedom movements were in line with the foreign policy of the United States, I doubt it.
(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...
Balance of editorial at source
Reagan always put the people first and respected the citizenry. Obama and Carter talked to Americans like we are/were serfs. Sorry Obama - you may be a Kenyan citizen but I am not.
The Poles saved Europe from Islam in 1683 AD - I think they along with the Germans, northern Italians and Austrians may have to save Europe from Islam once again.
A couple years old, but might be of interest to your list.
Wonder what’ll happen to Poland?
Caption:
High Noon
4 June 1989
The piece of paper he is holding is inscribed "Election".
They’ll be fine without a missle defense. Beyond that, I doubt they expect much from us.
Ronaldus Magnus ping.
The Great Communicator never needed a teleprompter. He spoke from the heart.
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