Editorial

Reagan's centennial

Today marks the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birthday. The late former president is an icon in American history and to many, a modern-day presidential standard by which future presidents will be compared.

A trait of Reagan's that individuals on both sides of the political aisle admire was his mastery of the spoken word. On today's perspective's page on 7A, 10 memorable excerpts from Reagan speeches are listed. And while the 40th president's speeches are something in themselves, his rhetorical genius was not limited to speechmaking.

When shot in an attempted assassination, Reagan never lost his wit and good nature. When first lady Nancy Reagan arrived at the hospital, Reagan greeted her with a line formerly used by boxer Jack Dempsey, "Honey, I forgot to duck." His humor extended to the medical staff, saying to one doctor, "I hope you're a Republican."

In today's 24/7 news cycle, politicians must be able to not only develop their message but quickly craft it in a way that connects with voters. This was a strength of Reagan's. From broadcasting Chicago Cubs baseball to a career in acting to hosting "General Electric Theater," Reagan had years to learn the critical issues facing the nation and how best to communicate his vision with the public.

However, Reagan was more than a gifted and clever wordsmith. When the nation needed leadership, he didn't hesitate to call things like he saw them.

Paul Kengor wrote a column earlier this week for the Wall Street Journal titled, "When Reagan spoke truth to Soviet power." In the column, Kengor recalled a news conference in which Reagan stunned the press corps by calling out the Soviet leadership, saying they had "openly and publicly declared that the only morality they recognize is what will further their cause, meaning they reserve unto themselves the right to commit any crime, to lie, to cheat."

There is no doubt that Ronald Reagan was committed to spreading freedom. Perhaps his most well-known speech was the one given at the Brandenburg Gate to the people of West Berlin in 1987 where he made the famous statement: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" We know now that his advisers urged him not to use this line, among others. Yet Reagan, strong in his conviction, refused to take out a line we now know changed history.

Another quality of Reagan's was his work ethic and will to succeed. Growing up in humble circumstances, Reagan earned an athletic scholarship to attend college and graduated with a degree in economics -- a background that served him well as president.

As time has passed, Reagan's presidency has gained even greater recognition from individuals on all sides of the political equation. And today, as we face many of the same issues that Reagan addressed during his time in the Oval Office, it's never been a better time to recognize the country's 40th president.

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