Free Republic

Thirty years after Jimmy Carter's malaise speech, we return to the days of rising joblessness, an unresponsive economy, deference to dictators, gutting the military and an energy policy tilting at windmills... As history repeats itself on the anniversary of the speech MSNBC's Chris Matthews wrote, we wonder if the "Hardball" host, who has worked for four Democratic politicians, is still getting tingles up his legs. The Democratic Party apparently has learned nothing in the past three decades. Will we see a return of the misery index? The only thing that's different is the sweater.

<p>The FReepers are comparing her to Reagan. I didn’t put too much credibility into it, I mean, you can expect that kind of reaction from the FReepers. But then the people on my dog training forum are comparing her to Reagan. And the people on my cooking forum are comparing her to Reagan.</p>

Why do conservatives and liberals respond so differently to the current war in Georgia? The answer to that question exposes the great political divide separating left and right, Democrats and Republicans, in today’s America. The stark contrast between Barack Obama and John McCain at this weekend’s televised Civil Forum at California’s Saddleback Church further underlined the vast gulf in worldviews when it comes to injecting moral standards or arguments into politics. Conservatives approach every challenge with a determination to approach the question (as far as possible)as a choice between right and wrong, good and evil. Liberals, on the other hand,...

Selected audio from President Reagan's radio spots from 1975 - 1979.

January 1978 “Whatever Happened to Free Enterprise?” Ronald Reagan Most recently known for his bid for the 1976 Republican presidential nomination, Ronald Reagan is distinguished for his successful careers in motion pictures, broadcasting, and politics. Mr. Reagan was a player and production supervisor of television's "General Electric Theater" for eight years and hosted and acted in the "Death Valley Days" television series. For many years he owned and operated a horse breeding and cattle ranch. Elected California's 33rd governor in 1966, he was re-elected in 1970. After leaving office in early 1975, Governor Reagan began a daily radio commentary program,...

Straight From the Gipper's Pen HarperCollins to Publish Reagan's Personal Diary Of His White House Years Ronald Reagan kept a diary -- handwritten, blue-inked reflections and observations of nearly every day of his eight years in the White House -- and now it will be published, executives of HarperCollins and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation announced yesterday. The existence of the five leather-bound volumes embossed with a gold presidential seal was not a secret. Key entries were quoted in the press during the investigation into the Iran-contra arms sale controversy in the mid-1980s: "I agreed to sell TOWs to...

Reagan diaries reveal president's private musings By Daniel Trotta 1 hour, 28 minutes ago NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ronald Reagan saved his most private and dramatic thoughts for a handwritten book -- a diary in which he recalled his running frustration with the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, his fear that Armageddon was near and coughing up blood on the day he was shot. Diary excerpts, released by Vanity Fair magazine on Tuesday, also reflect on the troubled relationship he had with his son Ron, his preoccupation with the "mad clown" Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his personal chemistry with Mikhail...

In recent weeks there has been much commentary about the “War on Christmas.” FOX News host Bill O’Reilly recently spoke up on November 18 saying, “It’s all part of the secular progressive agenda ... to get Christianity and spirituality and Judaism out of the public square.” He then added, “because if you look at what happened in Western Europe and Canada, if you can get religion out, then you can pass secular progressive programs, like legalization of narcotics, euthanasia, abortion at will, gay marriage, because the objection to those things is religious-based, usually.” O’Reilly’s comments on his television show, The...

Reagan Had Supreme Confidence in Rectitude of His Beliefs by Allan H. Ryskind and Terence P. JeffreyPosted Dec 19, 2006This is the seventh in an occasional series of HUMAN EVENTS exclusives in which leading conservatives who served in the Reagan Administration explain how they believe the principles of Reagan conservatism ought to be applied today and in the coming years. This week we publish a conversation with Patrick J. Buchanan about the source of Reagan’s tremendous power as a communicator. Buchanan served as Reagan’s communications director. During your time with President Reagan, do you remember a particular statement, speech or...

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem. Ronald Reagan, 1985 ~*~ Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other. Saturday Evening Post, 1965 ~*~ “Trust, but verify“ ~*~ Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born. ~*~ Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men...

Announcing the Death of Ronald Reagan By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES: It is my sad duty to announce officially the death of Ronald Reagan, the fortieth President of the United States, on June 5, 2004. We are blessed to live in a Nation, and a world, that have been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of Ronald Reagan. With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Ronald Reagan renewed America's confidence and restored our Nation. His...

It was St. Patrick's Day, 1988, when an unexpected visitor arrived at Pat Troy's Irish pub: President Ronald Reagan. For more than 20 years, Pat Troy's Old Town, Alexandria, pub has been a favorite watering hole for some Washington insiders seeking a respite from their hectic lives. Some of Mr. Reagan's advance men were regulars. They arranged the president's visit. The pub was half-packed when Mr. Reagan and his entourage arrived just before noon. As news spread that Mr. Reagan was there, the pub quickly filled to capacity. While Mr. Reagan enjoyed a pint of Harp and some corned beef...

He would have turned 95 on Feb. 6 – the most recent former president to die and likely the most popular and inspiring chief executive of the 20th century. Ronald Reagan – known as unflappably pro-defense yet able to forge friendships with his adversaries. Staunchly partisan and loyal to the Republican Party yet deft at crafting compromise with Democratic lawmakers to move his agenda forward. A tax cutter who presided over a significant expansion in revenues to the federal government. Though Reagan's legacy includes accomplishments in all areas of public policy, it is his success in toppling the "Evil Empire"...

Ronald Reagan will be remembered as a great man and a great American leader who personified and advanced the highest ideals of the American people at home and abroad. After eight years of his presidency, the communism of Soviet Russia was collapsing, the American military was rebuilt, the nation’s economy restored and its moral fabric renewed. As he said, himself, President Reagan left America "more prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years" earlier. Many will remember him as the "Great Communicator". But as the President said many times, he wasn't a great communicator, he communicated great things....

Even back in November 1980, a time that seems so far removed from our technological age, political campaigns knew things long before the voters did. Both Ronald Reagan's and Jimmy Carter's insiders understood a day or so before the election that the President was done for. Weekend polling told Patrick Caddell what he needed to know, and he passed the word along to Carter. Reagan was going to become the next president. For all the American people knew, the race was still essentially a toss-up, though it had seemed to be moving slightly in Reagan's direction. The week before, the...

<p>As President of the American Spirit Foundation in Los Angeles in 1991, Peter Paul arranged for Ronald and Nancy Reagan to launch Stan Lee and Peter Paul's Entertainers for Education initiative that gave Stan Lee an elevated profile in front of 125 industry leaders at the 4th Spirit of America Awards Galla conceived and produced by Peter Paul.</p>

It was a year ago that President Ronald Wilson Reagan passed away - at 1:05 p.m., June 5, 2004 - at the age of 93. This Sunday crowds gathered at a special ceremony marking the anniversary at the hilltop burial site of President Reagan, located on the rolling grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., according to a report in the Washington Times. "I am, as I speak, on my way to my father's grave," said Michael Reagan, the president's elder son. "And you know, in the past year I've found out anew that people still...

My son was recently given an assignment to read a biography, and give a report (in numerous formats) to his class and to the parents of his classmates. I am so proud to say that, when given a choice of any person alive or dead, my son chose Ronald Reagan! (I'm doing something right!) My question is this: Does anyone know of a great biography (unbiased) written for elementary school students? I have searched online, but am unfamiliar with the books/authors I have found. I don't know if they are written by real historians or by authors who like to...

There's not much that can be said after the events last week celebrating the life of Ronald Reagan, other than "wow." The processions, the dignitaries, the bands, the military, and the memories all fit together perfectly. There were a few protesters, as could be expected. At first it struck me as repugnant, the very idea of protesting during a funeral, but then the optimism and wit that filled Reagan spilled over and softened my opinion. It occurred to me that, if Ronald Reagan was told that there were a few protesters near his funeral, he'd have said something along the...

Nancy finds place in nation's heart 11:54 PM CDT on Friday, June 11, 2004By ROBERT DODGE / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON – After a week of pomp, pageantry and processions, all designed as a tribute and farewell to Ronald Reagan, one of the most memorable images will be Nancy Reagan. They were historic images, but also ones of devotion, love and strength. There was Mrs. Reagan placing her head on the former president's flag-draped coffin. There was Mrs. Reagan waving to admirers during the procession to Capitol Hill. And there was Mrs. Reagan blowing a kiss as she boarded...

http://www.georgewbush.com/news/VideoLauncher.aspx?id=869

Q: You knew him well, right? Even back when he was still a Democrat? A: Yes. It happened one night. It was his job to introduce me, as the evening's speaker, to a group of California doctors. He acted like a gymnast out of Barnum and Bailey. The control room for the loudspeakers had been left locked. Nobody could find the janitor. So he cat-walked above the traffic to the window of the control room and smashed it open with his elbow, turning on the juice, the show must go on. Nice preview of Reagan, policymaker. Q: You became friends...

It was a moving and awesome experience today at the Reagan Library. In the FReeper motorhome were BobJ,Dio, Mr. & Mrs. Doughty One, RonC, and Bob. Who did I miss? I was off the FReeway at about noon and finally mad it into the line at about 1:20. I made it to the rotunda at about 4pm. The reports on the news are lying. If you are there now, your wait will be a minimum of 5 hours. People just kept coming and coming and coming. Did anyone watch KTLA tonight? They interviewed me on camera and I gave them...

DUTCH: A Tribute to a Great Illinoisan There are so many Reagan tribute threads on FR after his recent death, that I decided mine better be pretty unique. After all, we've seen the same photos, quotes, and highlights over and over again. This is a special thread dedicated to my fellow Illinois freepers and to all Illinois conservatives. People often think of Reagan as a "Californian" -- simply because he rose to power in Hollywood. But the first -- and ONLY -- President born in the great state of Illinois was Ronald Wilson Reagan. Throughout his life, he lived...

Sen. John Kerry's former presidential campaign manager said Monday that he'd been "dreading" the prospect of Ronald Reagan's death because it was likely to give President Bush a major political boost. "I've been dreading this every election year for three cycles," said Jim Jordan, who resigned from the Kerry campaign last year, in comments to the New York Times. "Bush has totally attached himself to Ronald Reagan. He's going to turn Reagan into his own verifier." Kerry campaign aides said they hoped the political impact of Reagan's death would fade by the summer, but top Republicans believe that many Americans...

Would Ronald Reagan have appreciated FreeRepublic? I've thought about this for the past few days and I have to answer no. We have gotten too negative, too nasty, and too petty and small-minded. I've been registered as PolitBase since March but have followed the discussion since 1999. Every now and again -- particularly with people such as OWK (when was he finally punted off anyway?) I have thought that we reach for something better in ourselves. But too often it is hatred and pettiness. Do you think Ronald Reagan would ever have said or thought the ugly things that are...

Reporters who regularly slammed Ronald Reagan while he was president are quietly seething now that they're forced to mouth platitudes about the man's greatness, former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan said Sunday night. "[Journalists] are willing, over the next few days, to concede what is so obvious that they have to concede it - his personal goodness, etc.," Noonan told Matt Drudge on his radio show. But with a solid week of commemorations for the conservative icon still ahead, liberal reporters will barely be able to contain themselves, she predicted. "I'll bet they start pulling a few political [stunts] - kind...

"The Great Communicator" was effective because what he was communicating was self-evident to all but our dessicated elites: "We are a nation that has a government - not the other way around." And at the end of a grim, grey decade -- Vietnam, Watergate, energy crises, Iranian hostages -- Americans decided they wanted a President who looked like the nation, not like its failed government. Thanks to his clarity, around the world, governments that had nations have been replaced by nations that have governments. Most of the Warsaw Pact countries are now members of Nato, with free markets and freely...

President Ronald Wilson Reagan 1911-2004

My Tribute to Ronlad Reagan, The Gipper These are my feelings at the passing of a truly great American...one that history will show whose life and service to this nation we were all tremendously priveleged to have personally witnessed. Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was simply the greatest President in my lifetime, and I believe the greatest President of the 1900's. Probably among the greatest three Presidents this nation has ever had. He epitomized the traditional American spirit of positive, can-do attitude, reliance on fundamental moral principle eminating from faith in God, dedication to the principles of individual liberty and a commitment...

Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate West Berlin, Germany June 12, 1987 This speech was delivered to the people of West Berlin, yet it was also audible on the East side of the Berlin wall. 2,703 words Thank you very much. Chancellor Kohl, Governing Mayor Diepgen, ladies and gentlemen: Twenty-four years ago, President John F. Kennedy visited Berlin, speaking to the people of this city and the world at the City Hall. Well, since then two other presidents have come, each in his turn, to Berlin. And today I, myself, make my second visit to your city. We come to...

From the archives, a birthday tribute to THE GIPPER. MIDI - DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING Every now and then we find that a great leader comes along One who has greatness that we celebrate in poetry and song He grew up in the Midwest and he had learned his lessons well But how far he would go nobody could really tell His accomplishments were growing but he’s not one who would boast He learned that a man’s character is what is valued most And he’s led his life with an honor that we can admire Ronald Reagan we...

THIS SITE has some wonderful clips of The Gipper. Even though I couldn't get all of the video because of software requirements, but I did get TEAR DOWN THIS WALL in audio. Don't miss "I was once a Democrat." Have fun.

Is anyone listening to Hannity out there? A caller said that she'd heard someone blame Rush Limbaugh for getting the Reagans off the air. Did anyone catch who said it and is there an article?

It strikes me as revealing that California conservatives, regardless of party affiliation, have maneuvered themselves into a position that they must now choose between a cultural separatists running on a socialist platform and a liberal running on his personal fame. The greater irony is that these conservatives are now willing to follow the liberal to hell for fear of the socialist.

Al Rantel on KABC is nailing the RATS big time regarding Star Wars. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the RATS have always mocked the idea of a missile defense shield. Well, how many of them are laughing now? If we had a missile defense shield, those on the West Coast would be a little less worried about Korea. In case you missed it, CIA Director George Tenet confirmed that the maniacs of North Korea have a missile that can reach the West Coast. When President Bush spoke of it in the SOTU, Republicans cheered and RATS sat on their hands. I'll...

NOTE: this is No. 2 in a series in which we look at the highlights of the greatest president of the 20th century, Ronald W. Reagan. During the summer of 1984, America was filled with patriotic fervor. American Olympians in Los Angeles dressed in uniforms bearing the Stars and Stripes. The Soviets boycotted the Games, and the United States dominated them. President Ronald Reagan was very popular in his own party and with "Reagan Democrats," those who saw the light and deserted their party to vote for The Gipper. There were two presidential debates that year between President Reagan...

NOTE: this is No. 1 in a series in which we look at the highlights of the greatest president of the 20th century, Ronald W. Reagan. Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate West Berlin, Germany June 12, 1987 This speech was delivered to the people of West Berlin, yet it was also audible on the East side of the Berlin wall. 2,703 words Thank you very much. Chancellor Kohl, Governing Mayor Diepgen, ladies and gentlemen: Twenty-four years ago, President John F. Kennedy visited Berlin, speaking to the people of this city and the world at the City Hall. Well, since then...

Now that Secretary of State Colin Powell has returned from his disastrous "peace" mission to the Middle East, perhaps it's time for the Bush administration to get back to Bush basics and return to its previously-successful America-first, "go-it-alone-if-necessary" foreign policy. Based on various "insider" news reports, it appears that President George W. Bush's instinctive response in these matters has always been to go after the "evil" guys, whoever they are and wherever they are, regardless of what America's erstwhile European and Arab "allies" think. However, lately the Euro-obsessed Mr. Powell, and the arabist-loving bureaucratic dandies in the U.S. state department,...