Happy Birthday, President Reagan
posted at 1:09 pm on February 6, 2007 by Ian
For many of you, he’s the reason why you’re a conservative. Preisdent Reagan would have been 96 years old today.
Below is my favorite Reagan tribute on the web:
You can find more video tributes to President Reagan here.
Two years ago my friend Trey Jackson posted a large Reagan tribute full of photos, information and several videos.
Update: Statements by Nancy Reagan and President Bush 41.
Blowback
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The conservative movement sure could use the Gipper right about now. Sigh…
robblefarian on February 6, 2007 at 1:13 PM
Yes, Reagan is the reason why I am a conservative today! I hope one day there will be another like him.
Rest in peace, Ronnie. You’ve done well!
SpiritOfCartman on February 6, 2007 at 1:13 PM
RR’s diaries have been edited by Brinkley and should be available shortly. He apparently kept a diary every day during his presidency.
honora on February 6, 2007 at 1:15 PM
Worth repeating.
thirteen28 on February 6, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Amen to that!
Lonevoice on February 6, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Can’t say it better, especially because he IS the reason I’m a conservative (long before the Churchill Progression curve).
steveegg on February 6, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Ditto.
.
GT on February 6, 2007 at 1:39 PM
He should be on Mount Rushmore.
joeswampy on February 6, 2007 at 1:43 PM
The last great president this country will ever see. Good night, and GOD bless!
BigOrangeAxe on February 6, 2007 at 1:47 PM
With a tear in my eye I say, happy birthday and rest well our good and faithful servant!
And may you continue to inspire those of us who seek to keep your dream alive!
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on February 6, 2007 at 1:50 PM
The greatest president in my life time, and probably greatest of the last century.
There is not point in wishing for him, but I believe when the nation needs it, someone even greater will emerge on the political right, to remind America that its conservative values are its great strength.
doufree on February 6, 2007 at 1:53 PM
Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
In the 1980s, I was a Donk who thought Reagan was going to blow up the world. After he left office and saw his leagacy unfolding, I realized that “damn, he was right all along.” Because of President Reagan and, negatively, Bill Clinton, I completed the transformation to a conservative.
Mallard T. Drake on February 6, 2007 at 2:22 PM
A great Man, a great President and a great Commander-in-Chief. I was proud to serve under him for 8 years. He brought strength and technological advancement to the military that we haven’t seen since.
Sven on February 6, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Dittos!
Kini on February 6, 2007 at 2:36 PM
Amen, joeswampy, he’s the reason I joined the Corps.
Alden Pyle on February 6, 2007 at 2:36 PM
I found the man truly inspiring. He was the greatest President of my lifetime. I miss him dearly.
voiceofreason on February 6, 2007 at 2:37 PM
Best dayum president ever PERIOD
lsutiger on February 6, 2007 at 2:45 PM
All hail Ronaldus Maximus.
Kid from Brooklyn on February 6, 2007 at 3:00 PM
The best reason to be a conservative, and the best reason to hate the liberals.
He was the first who was too stupid, too old, too uninformed, too un-caring, too inexperienced, too “cowboy”, and too loving to his wife.
The liberals couldn’t find enough ugly descriptive words to bash him. If they could do that to the best…
He remains a hero, and a thorn in the side of all liberals.
right2bright on February 6, 2007 at 3:20 PM
In the book “Epicenter” the author talks about how President Reagan looked at the world through the “3rd lense of Scripture” which is why he turned out to be so right about facing down the Soviets.
As conservatives, there are many issues that we disagree with GWB on, but I believe that he also views the world the way Reagan did and that he too will be vindicated by history as was Reagan.
As joeswampy said … Rushmore.
Tony737 on February 6, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Just to clarify my above comment, the author of the book “Epicenter” is Joel Rosenberg, an evangelical Christian, the “1st Lense” to view the world through is political and the “2 Lense” is economic.
Tony737 on February 6, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Well, Reagan was a lot of things to a lot of people. Both good and bad.
But History is proving that he was right on many fronts.
To say he was the one of the greatest presidents though? Well, I have to agree, He was.
Wyrd on February 6, 2007 at 3:25 PM
you took the words right out of my mouth.
One Angry Christian on February 6, 2007 at 3:25 PM
Happy birthday, Mr. President. (Salute!)
Ronald Reagan was just the Man. I can hardly imagine a greater contrast between the long national nightmare of the Carter debacle and Reagan’s presidency. Morning in America, indeed. It’s amazing how hard his ideological enemies in this country work to destroy his legacy–but then they were rooting for the Soviets in the Cold War, so obviously they’re holding a grudge.
ReubenJCogburn on February 6, 2007 at 3:44 PM
How I wish he were here.
Sammy316 on February 6, 2007 at 3:47 PM
In 1979 I thought I was a liberal. I was the standard clueless teenager who didn’t have a right to an opinion because I didn’t really know anything about the larger world. All in the Family was the limit of my political understanding, and I still hold a grudge against Norman Lear for that.
Reagan had already been the Governor of California, and was much maligned in that post, in spite of reversing a monstrous deficit and balancing the state’s budget, blocking many attempts at socializing the schools, and regularly going to war with the evil unions. But who could root for a guy that a bigot like Archie Bunker thought was right? Heck, Archie was a Nixon fan, no way Reagan gets my vote. I was very unhappy when he was elected.
By 1982 I had grown some. President Reagan was the reason I joined the Navy. President Reagan was the reason I see the world and the U.S. as I have since then.
He was the last president of this nation to stand unequivocally in favor of America’s best interests first, with all other priorities coming after. He was the last politician of any stripe that I know of who honestly served his position not for personal glory, but because he believed in what needed to be done and was willing to do it. Simple isn’t always bad, and his politics were simple. He came closer than any president in my lifetime to faithfully keeping his oath of office.
Happy Birthday and rest well, Mr. President.
Freelancer on February 6, 2007 at 4:44 PM
Where this great man is buried says it all. No pomp, no guards, no gates, no fences – just a simple stone, on top of a hill, on a good day a visitor looking far out and seeing the ocean, in his beloved California hills. This is the true difference between power-hungry tyrants and a simple great leader.
Entelechy on February 6, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Happy Birthday, Gipper!
May you continue your heavenly rest!
We sure miss you, but we thank you for leaving your legacy, your work and the many wonderful memories with us.
(Time to get out my RR DVD collection and watch King’s Row.)
Jen the Neocon on February 6, 2007 at 6:18 PM
Thanks for saying this, Tony, and I quite agree.
Most of those commenting here are being terribly unfair to President Bush and it needs to be said. As I remember, a lot of people said the same things about RR that they’re saying now about GWB and worse when he was in office, but after he was gone…they changed their minds and realized how good we had it when Reagan was in office, particularly after the horrors of the Clintons.
Hopefully, our admiration for Bush won’t be honed by the refiners’ fire by living through a similar national agony again.
Jen the Neocon on February 6, 2007 at 6:26 PM
Thank you for your economic wisdom, too, Mr. President. We have overcome every little downturn because of the policies you put in place.
With Love,
RushBaby on February 6, 2007 at 6:48 PM
I’m not affiliated with this in any way, but I just have to point out the best tshirt ever.
JunkCoast on February 6, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Errr, no link??
Ok, fine. Cut and paste it then. Sorry ’bout that!
http://www.cafepress.com/rightwingstuff/1277871
JunkCoast on February 6, 2007 at 6:59 PM
He should be there and on our $100 bills because of his economic policies!
Zorro on February 6, 2007 at 7:27 PM
Ian – That was a dirty trick. You need to start putting tear jerker warnings on videos such as these. My co-workers are starting to think I have emotional problems. :) Thanks for the great video.
————————
I was too young to be aware of politics when Reagan was President (born in 1981).
In high school, I knew enough to know that if someone said “trickle-down economics” or “Reaganomics” I was supposed to laugh derisively. Of course, I didn’t know enough to actually know what the policy was or how it works.
As I became more aware of politics, I began searching for a political party that shared my belief in freedom and self-reliance. That search brought me into contact with the speeches and policies of Ronald Reagan.
I’ve always been a conservative, so, I can’t claim that President Reagan is the reason I’m a conservative. I can, however, say that President Reagan is the reason that I’m proud to be a conservative.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
JadeNYU on February 6, 2007 at 7:52 PM
In the present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem … It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the federal government and those reserved to the states or to the people …In the days ahead I will propose removing the roadblocks that have slowed our economy and reduce production…It is time to reawaken this industrial giant, to get government back within its means, and to lighten our punitive tax burden.
Ronald Reagan, 20 Jan. 1981 Inaugural address of the 40th President of the United States — quoted from the book, “With Reagan”, pages 71-72, Author: Edwin Meese
Maxx on February 6, 2007 at 8:00 PM
In the 1950′s Khrushchev predicted, “We shall bury you”. But in the West today, we see a free world that has achieved a level of prosperity and well-being unprecedented in all human history. In the communist world, we see failure, technological backwardness, declining standards of health, even want of the most basic kind … too little food. Even today, the Soviet Union still cannot feed itself.
After these four decades, then, there stands before the entire world one great inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.
Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President
.
Maxx on February 6, 2007 at 8:23 PM
The decay of the Soviet experiment should come as no surprise to us. Wherever the comparisons have been made between free and closed societies … West Germany and East Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, Malaysia and Vietnam … it is the democratic countries that are prosperous and responsive to the needs of their people. And one of the simple but overwhelming facts of our time is this: Of all the millions of refugees we’ve seen in the modern world, their flight is always away from, not toward, the communist world.
Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President
Addressing the British Parliament
at Westminster 1982
.
Maxx on February 6, 2007 at 8:31 PM
The Margaret Thatcher Foundation has a magnificent collection of Reagan Whitehouse pictures here.
Maxx on February 6, 2007 at 8:53 PM
More videos of Reagan can be found here if anyone is interested.
.
GT on February 6, 2007 at 8:58 PM
Amen. Some years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley CA (the same place Jack Bauer chased the bad guys last week). What an awe inspiring legacy he has left us. If you ever need to be reminded of what it means to be an American, I highly recommend the visit. It will bring a tear to your eye.
Happy Birthday Mr. President.
infidel4life on February 6, 2007 at 9:08 PM
The conservative movementAmerica sure could use the Gipper right about now. Sigh…robblefarian on February 6, 2007 at 1:13 PM
billy on February 6, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Had to wait for the goosebumps to go down before I could start typing. I was honored to serve in the Army when President Reagan was in office. Thank you Mr. President, Happy Birthday, and GOD BLESS YOU. I thank God for sending us the right man for the right job at the right time. Hard to believe he has been gone almost 3 years.
After watching that clip, then thinking about conservative choices for president next year…..well, I am depressing myself.
still468 on February 6, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Well-said Jade.
Here are the observations of a seven year old when Reagan took office…
I was born in 1972, I became aware of Reagan during the Iran hostage “affair” in 1979/1980.
I recall the failed Iran rescue attempt, Americans saying more or less saying the US failed because they suck and don’t know what they are doing.
Looking back (with 7 year old eyes) it was not so much anger that Iran took people hostage it was more of sadness that we were not able to rescue them.
I remember when they were released and how everyone was happy/celebrating.
Looking back that was a turning point IMO. Americans started to believe in the USA again.
Over the next 8 years Reagan rebuilt the spirit and pride in what it means to be an American.
F15Mech on February 6, 2007 at 10:05 PM
I love to see this myself. I am teary eyed watching this. He was the reason I joined the military, he was the reason I am and always will be a Republican but more importantly he is the reason I will always be a Conservative because of this wonderful man. I was 16 when he was elected and I remember how terrible it was living through the Carter years. It was like the dawn of a new day when he came into office. God Bless You, Mr. President-you are terribly missed by many.
Catie96706 on February 6, 2007 at 10:36 PM
When I think of who we may be calling “Mr. (or Madame) President” in the near future, I find it difficult to be optimistic about the future of this great nation.
infidel4life on February 6, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Ronald Reagan’s speeches (audio and transcripts) -
http://www.millercenter.virginia.edu/index.php/scripps/digitalarchive/speechDetail/32
Ronald Reagan Library and Foundation
http://www.reaganfoundation.org/
olympian2008 on February 6, 2007 at 11:12 PM
My very favorite Reaganism, though it’s from a few years before he became President.
Happy birthday, Dutch, sir.
Tanya on February 6, 2007 at 11:13 PM
I agree with everything you said Catie except for when you said…
In My Opinion. The Republican party today is not living up to the same things Reagan said back in the 80′s.
Just look at the possible Republican 2008 president nominees.
I have already told the GOP, I will not support anyone that allows open borders or grants amnesty before they secure the border..is not pro 2nd amendment (after what went on with the UN hearings about it this past summer). From those two issues alone I can already remove the current front-runners.
F15Mech on February 6, 2007 at 11:15 PM
I still get chills when I see him speak. Rest in Peace my President.
oakpack on February 6, 2007 at 11:30 PM
You called that right, at least for me. President Reagan was the most important influence in my life. He was reason I joined the Army in 1985. He was the reason I started to believe in America again after the mess Carter and the liberals left us in. He was a patriot who was not afraid to speak up and fight for America and the ideals that make us strong. Ideals like freedom, justice, compassion, and equality for everyone around the world, not just those who reside within our boarders. He was, and always will be, a great and noble man. He deserves a monument next to the Lincoln memorial, nothing less.
Happy Birthday Mr. Reagan. May your soul rest in peace.
RedinBlueCounty on February 7, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Ronald Reagan’s favorite joke was this:
Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy took him to a psychiatrist.
Trying to dampen the boy’s spirits, the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but horse manure. Yet instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered to the top of the pile, dropped to all fours, and began digging.
“What do you think you’re doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must be a pony in here somewhere.”
Entelechy on February 7, 2007 at 12:23 AM
A powerful tribute (that brought both laughter and tears to my eyes) to an amazing man – the first and only President I can honestly say I was proud to support on Election Day. Not only did he win the Cold War, but most importantly, President Reagan was the kind of man who understood what was at stake, and who did the right thing when it came to actually fighting for what was right-a lesson in leadership that every one of the amateurs scattered across our American political landscape would do well to learn. Rest in peace, President Reagan – and Happy Birthday!
SpartRan on February 7, 2007 at 12:48 AM
He’s not the reason I’m a conservative, but he certainly encapsulized what I believe in. I miss the Gipper. For any faults he had, he was a great President! I firmly believe history will confirm as much. He left very big shoes to fill – which haven’t been filled to this day.
thedecider on February 7, 2007 at 12:55 AM
SPot on, Ian, Spot On……. tears in the eyes, Thank You.
…. and to President Ronald Regan, “Happy Birthday”, “Thank You”, and “…may you keep God in good humor with your tales, even though he knows them all…..”
Thanks again, Ian,… once more, Spot On…
PinkyBigglesworth on February 7, 2007 at 3:54 AM
There are two men that I would have to consider my heroes. The first would be my father, because, more than most, I know what he has to go through, and he does it without complaint. The second is quite possibly the greatest president this nation has ever known. Ronald Reagan certainly does deserve a place on Mount Rushmore, but I can’t honestly say I see that happening. At least he’s enjoying a better reward that he did earn.
God bless you, Mr. Reagan.
Wolfman on February 7, 2007 at 4:20 AM
Official site for the USS Ronald Reagan – CVN 76, now deployed at sea.
http://www.reagan.navy.mil/
olympian2008 on February 7, 2007 at 6:46 AM
God bless you, Mr. President. And may your memory be eternally blessed.
georgej on February 7, 2007 at 8:10 AM
There is no mountain, nay no place on earth, large enough to do justice to an effigy of President Reagan.
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on February 7, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Bless in you SIR, the best president in United States history.
shooter on February 7, 2007 at 1:46 PM
I disagree that he was the best president in U.S. history, but he was one of the three best presidents, and definately the best president of the 20th century.
Considering the way the country is going, and the utter cluelessness of the ruling class generally, I think that it is inevitable that another Reagan will rise soon.
Heaven help us all if he doesn’t…
Natrium on February 7, 2007 at 4:14 PM
Ronald Reagan, A truly great American.
Job well done, Sir!!
MarkB on February 7, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Mr. Reagan, please come back.
VinceP1974 on February 7, 2007 at 7:31 PM