Twenty years ago today: The Berlin Wall falls

posted at 10:55 am on November 9, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

Twenty years ago today, the most reviled symbol of Communist oppression got torn down by both the people it oppressed and the people it was intended to intimidate as the era of Soviet domination in Eastern Europe came to an abrupt and obvious end. Cheering throngs filled the streets as the Berlin Wall fell, with East Germany’s soldiers reduced to the role of spectators as their state, for all intents and purposes, ceased to exist entirely. It was easily the climax of decades of Cold War — and a moment of undeniable victory for the US and Western Europe:

One of the most impassioned speeches by an American President helped accelerate the collapse two years earlier:

“Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Ronald Reagan understood the symbolic power — and the symbolic shame — of the Berlin Wall. He also understood well the reason why Gorbachev didn’t dare tear down the Berlin Wall. It was the only thing keeping Western Europe from overwhelming the Soviet Union’s European dominance. But the speech by Reagan exposed Gorbachev’s hypocrisy on glasnost and perestroika and offering a new openness to the West. The Soviets could not offer openness to the West while maintaining its prison-camp status for the millions of people stuck behind that wall and the Iron Curtain in general.

One might think that the anniversary of such a victory, won in large part by the US, would be a celebration in which an American head of state would like to participate. Unfortunately, Barack Obama couldn’t be bothered to fly to Germany a day before he travels to Asia:

Der Spiegel reported three weeks ago that “Barack is too busy”, as I noted at the time:

Germany is going to have to wait longer than expected for US President Barack Obama’s first official visit. Citing government sources in Berlin, Reuters reported on Friday that Obama will not attend the anniversary festivities marking two decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The event will take place on Nov. 9 — just two days before Obama embarks on a long-planned trip to Asia on Nov. 11.

According to the German television channel n-tv, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will stand in for the president. It is considered unlikely that her husband, the former President Bill Clinton, will accompany her.

Well, where’s the Vice President? Should he not stand in for Obama on this auspicious occasion to help celebrate the victory over tyranny in a war waged over several decades? Apparently not. Joe Biden will attend a fundraiser in Detroit rather than celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Disgraceful.

Update: Reason TV remembers the victims of communism:

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Comment pages: 1 2

Listening to the Reagan clip: *Chills*

The contrast between The Great Communicator and the TOTUS is no better illustrated than watching that clip.

Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2009 at 11:40 AM

I think Obama probably wishes he could direct stimulus money to the shovel-ready task of rebuilding the wall…

D2Boston on November 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM

A huge percentage of libtard got suckered by white guilt. “He’s black, we have to support him!”

Idiots.

Daggett on November 9, 2009 at 11:20 AM

It’s the “soft racism of low expectations” that leftists are famous for:

“We can’t criticize the black guy. He’s been oppressed all his life, and so have all of his ancestors. Let’s be nice to him and vote for him, and not ask to see his birth certificate, or his academic records. We must not question his judgement, his clear lack of accomplishments, his past and present associations, or vet him in any way like we do to a white person seeking the presidency.”

UltimateBob on November 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM

Obama diminishes the event by not bothering to show up or comment on it. Freedom is apparently a distraction from the important business of voting for government health care.

Or as another Hot Air troll so blithely put it:

Who cares.

Mike Honcho on November 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM

Personally, I’m really glad that Obama did NOT go to Berlin in any way.
I think I’ve have simply snapped if I had heard Obama apologize for the U.S. winning the Cold War on the anniversary of the wall falling.

Jason Coleman on November 9, 2009 at 11:35 AM

“Reagan acted stupidly.”

TXUS on November 9, 2009 at 11:42 AM

I miss Reagan.

upinak on November 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM

I miss having a loyal American President of either Party.

petunia on November 9, 2009 at 11:42 AM

Obama not there? Well, never expected him to attend. It wouldn’t have been about Him.

coldwarrior on November 9, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Awesome. Nailed it!

Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2009 at 11:42 AM

I don’t even care if you finally come to the realization that maybe it was the wrong decision to believe him. If you were too stupid to see this trainwreck coming down the track at least a year before the 2008 elections, you deserve everything you’re getting and more.

Flyboy on November 9, 2009 at 11:11 AM
You’re getting it too, Flyboy. For better or for worse, you’re getting it too.

Proud Rino on November 9, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Unfortunately, I cannot argue with you on that one. However, “LIBTARD” I will continue to use since it just sums up all my feelings about the liberal mindset so succinctly. Out.

Flyboy on November 9, 2009 at 11:42 AM

Twenty years ago today, I was so proud to be an American.

I want to feel that kind of pride again.

Loxodonta on November 9, 2009 at 11:44 AM

This is a little off topic but the POTUS is flying to Asia on Nov. 11th, Veterans Day? So, he can not make it to a historic event that we had a major role in AND he will not be doing anything for our veterans because he will be on an Asian tour?

4reds on November 9, 2009 at 11:45 AM

And as God is my witness, I never thought I’d actually say:

I am felling a little ashamed to be American right now.

In a week’s time, he snubs wounded soldiers at Ft. Hood, and snubs this anniversary, phoning it in with Hillary.

Thanks Mr. President.

JetBoy on November 9, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Twenty years ago today: The Berlin Wall falls

And google memorializes it by celebrating Sesame Street. Pretty much says it all for 0bama’s America.

I miss Reagan.

Branch Rickey on November 9, 2009 at 11:49 AM

If the guy can fly to Copenhagen on a moment’s notice, he sure can fly to Berlin. I’m sure Air Force One has all the connectivity needed and all the desk space needed for the President to work on his Asia trip.

What’s going on here is not only dissing Reagan, but dissing the Germans as well.

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM

And as God is my witness, I never thought I’d actually say:

I am felling a little ashamed to be American right now.

In a week’s time, he snubs wounded soldiers at Ft. Hood, and snubs this anniversary, phoning it in with Hillary.

Thanks Mr. President.

JetBoy on November 9, 2009 at 11:46 AM

America is more than just the person who is President. Don’t ever let a 2-bit egotist like President Barry make you feel ashamed to be an American Jetboy. If you hold freedom & the fundamentals of it in your heart you will triumph.

portlandon on November 9, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Aaaand if he went you would be complaining about how he should be focusing on the future, not the past, or not trying to take credit for Reagan’s accomplishments, or whatever.

Proud Rino on November 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

He would be celebrating Reagan’s accomplishments as President of the United States.

Speaking of the future, in ten year’s time, who will be celebrating his accomplishments? Will schoolchildren still be singing his anthems?

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Recognizing 20th Anniversary of Fall of Berlin Wall, U.S. Democrats Welcome Former Communist Central Planners http://optoons.blogspot.com/2009/11/recognizing-20th-anniversary-of-fall-of.html

Mervis Winter on November 9, 2009 at 11:58 AM

The videos bring tears to my eyes.

I remember at the time wishing I could’ve been there in person to celebrate such a moment.

Drunk on freedom is the only high I need or want.

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 11:59 AM

An utter disgrace but who’s surprised. We’re too busy trying to turn the US into a socialist basket case and reaching out to terrorists and dictators across the globe.

Anders on November 9, 2009 at 11:59 AM

So, another connection b/t obeyme & the f*ckwad islamic coward shooter (f*ck islam btw): Neither dared to be questioned about their prior deeds, activities, beliefs, or treasonous words…..as we would not have wanted to HURT THEIR PRECIOUS FEELINGS, or belittle their victimized sensitivities from lifetimes of FRIGGIN minority affirmative action opportunities, no matter how awful they were at their jobs.

I hate the filthy liar and his rupaul cretin wife; I hate that they have so quickly devolved my country into a cesspool of “don’t you dare hurt my emotions” and their sanctimonious “give up your slice of pie, so someone less deserving can have it for free” crap.

Ris4victory on November 9, 2009 at 12:01 PM

How ironic that on this anniversary that a free society has elected a government that is breathlessly building a wall around its citizenry, hemming it in and making it less free.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 12:04 PM

Scorps Wind of Change

Christien on November 9, 2009 at 12:04 PM

America is more than just the person who is President. Don’t ever let a 2-bit egotist like President Barry make you feel ashamed to be an American Jetboy. If you hold freedom & the fundamentals of it in your heart you will triumph.portlandon on November 9, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Thanks portlandon. I needed to hear that too. You are spot on with this statement.

truetexan on November 9, 2009 at 12:05 PM

JetBoy

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM

I have seen the rise and fall of Nazi tyranny, the subsequent cold war and the nuclear nightmare that for fifty years haunted the dreams of children everywhere. During that time my generation defeated totalitarianism. As a result, your world is poised for better tomorrows. What will you do on your journey? — Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free — Ronald Reagan

Speakup on November 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM

Seeing Reagan makes me so sad.

I remember growing up with him as President. People were so proud of this country, of him, of being an American.

Where did all that go?

gophergirl on November 9, 2009 at 12:08 PM

Twenty years ago today, I was so proud to be an American.

I want to feel that kind of pride again.

Loxodonta on November 9, 2009 at 11:44 AM

I’m “only” 35 years old, so I can’t remember too much of Reagan other then what I hear & read and I feel your pain.

However there are still many, many, many things that make me feel proud of this country right now. Our armed forces, for one. I’ll be taking my daughters to a local veterans memorial unveiling in few days. I’ve never served and I used to be a pathetic Liberal, so I guess I’m making up for a lot of lost time.

visions on November 9, 2009 at 12:09 PM

Even if the Nov. 11 trip had been “long planned”, it doesn’t take a genius to look at a calendar months ago and figure out what an important day Nov. 9th was, nor would it take a genius to figure that there would be celebrations marking such an important day.

For that matter, I’m quite sure the preperations for this day were started more than a year ago, with appropriate notices sent out at the same time.

Barry isn’t in Berlin today for one reason, and one reason only. He doesn’t want to be.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:10 PM

my baby girl was just 3 months old when the wall fell. I was just 20 and learning how tough the world could be out on my own. now my son is 9 and I worry he and my girl who is 20 will not have the opportunities we had here in the good ole USA

It is a dangerous time when the financial collapse has opened an opportunity for marxist socilistic nihlistic people to spread their way as the answer, people want to be reassured

dangerous times and no time for a TOTUS

I am listening to some of my 80s mixes and I remember in my teens when Ozzy’s Ultimate Sin album came out,l the songs show how confused we were, ‘Thank God for the Bomb’ is one cut and ‘Killer of Giants’ another one is pro defense one is anti

but I dont see how anyone can NOT see that when capitalism got strong in the US as eastern European BLOC countries were in a depression like state, and when Reagan forced the soiet union to spend all their money in the arms race, it weakened them with their people less for social spending? and the wall fell

I was very very lib and I see it just looking at my music, how do they not see it?

these people are also WILFULLY blind to what is happening to the economy
the DOW is up sharply on the weak dollar, GOLD hit another record, Congress wants to spend 3 trillion more and Wen Jibao is telling DC to cut the deficit as TOTUS prepares to go there on a trip

our leadership political and economic is suspending its disbelief like they are enjoying a movie, when will they wake up?

ginaswo on November 9, 2009 at 12:10 PM

What’s going on here is not only dissing Reagan, but dissing the Germans as well.

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM

He’s dissing all of Western culture. Every country that participated in the long struggle against communism has been insulted.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:13 PM

Aaaand if he went you would be complaining about how he should be focusing on the future, not the past, or not trying to take credit for Reagan’s accomplishments, or whatever.

Proud Rino on November 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

It always amazes me the way liberals assume that they know what others are thinking, better than the others do.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:14 PM

Sarah can not make her public return soon enough. We need some real Patriotism right about now. The gloom in the air needs some light.

Clyde5445 on November 9, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Speaking of the future, in ten year’s time, who will be celebrating his accomplishments? Will schoolchildren still be singing his anthems?

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Depends on whether or not Barry is still president.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Hey Rino

what views did you have that changed that moved you from Right to Left?

I have discussed my switch in views here ad nauseum I would be really interested to hear form someone who went the other way I have never met one before

ginaswo on November 9, 2009 at 12:16 PM

The Paultards take today, i.e. Rothbardian Anarcho “libertarians”

Twenty Years Ago
Posted by Lew Rockwell on November 9, 2009 09:20 AM

Tom, how well I remember the faces of George H.W. Bush and James Baker as the Berlin wall came down. They were stunned and horrified, their faces drained of blood. No more big, bad Reds to justify the big, bad regime in the US. It would take our rulers some time before they could come up with another foreign enemy under our beds.

NB: Communism was used to justify the most bloodthirsty regimes in history. But as economic basket cases, they never threatened the US, and indeed tended to be far less imperialistic then the US and Britain, which—as Hans Hoppe points out—have the capitalistic resources to wage war and rule the globe, at least for a time.

Now we are supposed to think that a few hundred foreign “terrorists” (private groups using the state’s war tactics, who were originally trained and funded by the US and its satellites to fight the Russians in Afghanistan) threaten Wichita, and justify a fascist regime in DC. Just like the Cold War that Truman started.

Unreal

jp on November 9, 2009 at 12:18 PM

Berlin snub
Obama will be the only President that doesn’t go to commemorate the fall of the Berlin wall since Reagan demanded Gorbachev tear it down, why is that?

Chancellor Merkel invited him, he was too busy? Too busy to appreciate the liberation of those millions of Soviets oppressed by communism?

Too busy to appreciate how far Germany has come after the yoke of communism was lifted from the backs of millions world wide and now enjoys liberty?

Too busy to appreciate the accolades the USA richly deserves for setting free many millions from their communist shackles?

Or just to busy because during his campaign he was told to achieve something before he could speak at Brandenburg gate?

Its always about Obama, not America, not Europe and certainly not about the love of liberty this country has shed blood for worldwide for a long long time.

Speakup on November 9, 2009 at 12:18 PM

Will schoolchildren still be singing his anthems?

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:53 AM

… and waving Republic of Obama flags with one hand and their copy of the ‘little red hope book’ with the other, getting thumped by the local Community Re-education Czar if they don’t smile big enough while singing the praises of Dear Leader.

Midas on November 9, 2009 at 12:18 PM

He’s dissing all of Western culture. Every country that participated in the long struggle against communism has been insulted.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:13 PM

Bingo. He’s even dissing Kennedy, for that matter.

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM

Thanks beachgirl! Come to Manhattan for shots tonight! :)

America is more than just the person who is President. Don’t ever let a 2-bit egotist like President Barry make you feel ashamed to be an American Jetboy. If you hold freedom & the fundamentals of it in your heart you will triumph.

portlandon on November 9, 2009 at 11:52 AM

True words. It’s such a mixture of emotions with what’s going on in Washington these days.

JetBoy on November 9, 2009 at 12:19 PM

Apparently not. Joe Biden will attend a fundraiser in Detroit rather than celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Is there going to be any official US presence or is the snubbing of Germany part of the new “Smart Power”?

Gwillie on November 9, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Come to Manhattan for shots tonight! :)

JetBoy

Thx but I don’t drink, except Coke lol Have a good one, be responsible and all that.

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 12:27 PM

UK, France, now Germany. Present Obama and the Change Posse are just working down the list.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 12:32 PM

Thx but I don’t drink, except Coke lol Have a good one, be responsible and all that.

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 12:27 PM

That’s OK…we’ll rave to some classic trance lol (that video shot in Berlin btw)

JetBoy on November 9, 2009 at 12:32 PM

hey ed: how about attempting to write a coherent post on the the fall of the berlin wall without excoriating obama who is only tangentially relevant to the story? you’re diminishing the significance of the event with this stupid partisan chafing and childish ronaldus magnus hagiography.

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM

Stupid liberal trick #237: Attempt to change the subject when you know you can’t defend the actual subject.

MarkTheGreat on November 9, 2009 at 12:34 PM

Obama sux!

capejasmine on November 9, 2009 at 12:34 PM

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM

Obama disses a major event, that affected millions, and was graciously invited to attend, and Ed is being partisan? LOLOLOL

4 words for you. It’s the presidency, stupid!

capejasmine on November 9, 2009 at 12:37 PM

The left will never celebrate the fall of the wall. They sought to expand it then, and seek to rebuild and expand it now.
For them the need for a wall will end when all are within it.

MHatch on November 9, 2009 at 12:44 PM

I remember that day very well.

That was the day half my living kin went from being slaves to freemen.

God Bless Ronald Reagan.

|||||||

Truth be told, I’m glad Teh One isn’t there nor am I surprised he’s skipping the celebration.

It’s only human nature to avoid ‘sad’ anniversaries.

CPT. Charles on November 9, 2009 at 12:46 PM

Still makes me verklempt to hear Regan’s speech.

God Bless Ronald Reagan.

BlueStateBilly on November 9, 2009 at 12:48 PM

hey ed: how about attempting to write a coherent post on the the fall of the berlin wall without excoriating obama who is only tangentially relevant to the story? you’re diminishing the significance of the event with this stupid partisan chafing and childish ronaldus magnus hagiography.

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM</blockquote

Obama should be excoriated for dismissing the symbolism of a great strugle between good and evil and the triumph of the human spirit. Untold millions are better off since the demise of the USSR and the US was the central actor in this entire episode.

Obama’s inattention to the single most important episode in the post WWII world, is mindless and speaks volumes.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 12:49 PM

The 25th anniversary of the fall of The Berlin Wall will be in 2014. At that time, a new president will be solidly in place and performing her duty of dismantling the socialist agenda. She will be able to attend the anniversary on our behalf and we will be proud of her.
.
There will be no FUBO problems to resolve since he will be retired. The Mayan Calendar will also have renewed after restarting at noon on December 21, 2012 so the world be, in a sense, renewed.

ExpressoBold on November 9, 2009 at 1:12 PM

The contrast between The Great Communicator and the TOTUS is no better illustrated than watching that clip.
Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2009 at 11:40 AM

Even if Obama had showed up and muttered some more of his infinitely “articulate” gibberish, what would that have changed? Ed should just put up a clip of a suit on a manikin standing behind a podium, so we could counterpose that to Reagan’s epochal, world-changing courage.

Obama only has two modes: utterly vacuous, and overt national embarrassment. Obama just did the best job he is capable of doing, AND he saved America a whole bunch of travel expenses at the same time.

As far as I’m concerned, this is the best performance of Obama’s entire life.

logis on November 9, 2009 at 1:17 PM

If the guy can fly to Copenhagen on a moment’s notice, he sure can fly to Berlin. I’m sure Air Force One has all the connectivity needed and all the desk space needed for the President to work on his Asia trip.

What’s going on here is not only dissing Reagan, but dissing the Germans as well.

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM

…and this on the heels of his car company giving the shaft to Opel while their Chancellor is in Washington receiving accolades from half of our Congress for her progressive thinking on climate change.

I think the Germans are starting to find out what wonderful allies we are with Obama in charge. /s

mozemoose on November 9, 2009 at 1:21 PM

You were you allowed to reach conclusions about enemies in those days and those who should protect us, had an interest in what motivated and drove them.

BL@KBIRD on November 9, 2009 at 1:24 PM

Apparently, Germany is important to Der Liar only when he’s running for world leader…otherwise, get under the bus with everyone else.

Hening on November 9, 2009 at 11:29 AM

Move way down South – we don’t put up with that commie crap here.

powerpro on November 9, 2009 at 11:33 AM and Clyde5445 on November 9, 2009 at 11:35 AM

I keep calling her Reagan’s daughter.

Oh Mercy on November 9, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Obama would go there only to apologize for us destroying their property.

right2bright on November 9, 2009 at 1:56 PM

Untold millions are better off since the demise of the USSR and the US was the central actor in this entire episode.

Obama’s inattention to the single most important episode in the post WWII world, is mindless and speaks volumes.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 12:49 PM

the fall of the berlin wall was an episode in a long process that involved, in 1989 only, the legalization of solidarity in prague; the reburial of imre nagy in budapest; and the pan-european picnic where hungarian foreign minister gyula horn couragouesly stood with his austrian counterpart to physically dismantle the barb wire that represented the iron curtain, allowing thousands of e-germans to cross into the west – which provided the spark for the berlin event shortly thereafter. yet no one here cared to commemorate these anniversaries, probably because in your minds it was reagan who singlehandedly destroyed the berlin wall.

reagan’s speech two years earlier was but a minor nudge compared to the deeds of those who led these bloodless revolutions throughout the eastern bloc. the US was anything but the central actor in “this entire episode.” for forty years, the US did little to help eastern european countries, not moving a finger in 1956 or 1968, and standing cautiously by as the events of 1989 unfolded. that’s why the europeans, and i, don’t care about whether obama or hillary goes to berlin this year.

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Rush just said Obama ended up addressing the event via big screen.

KittyLowrey on November 9, 2009 at 2:09 PM

Thank you United States of America!

We could never have succeeded without your friendship and support – especially in the moments when it mattered most!

Greetings from reunified Germany!

german_conservative on November 9, 2009 at 2:11 PM

Rush just said Obama ended up addressing the event via big screen.

KittyLowrey on November 9, 2009 at 2:09 PM

Because he’s such a giver.

Scott P on November 9, 2009 at 2:13 PM

the US did little to help eastern european countries, not moving a finger in 1956 or 1968, and standing cautiously by as the events of 1989 unfolded. that’s why the europeans, and i, don’t care about whether obama or hillary goes to berlin this year.

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Interesting take. Where would Europe be if the U.S. had not stood up to the Soviets at the Berlin airlift? Or without massive long-term U.S. military bases? Or ICBMS? Or Pershing II missiles? From 1946 to 1989, the U.S. protected WESTERN Europe from becoming a giant East Germany, while doing whatever small things they could to help those behind the Iron Curtain. Are you saying we should’ve risked a nuclear war with the USSR? The threat of a massive, bloody, world-wide conflict prevented us from helping out more.

Funny how the people of Poland and other Eastern European countries give America more credit for stopping communism than American liberals do.

hawksruleva on November 9, 2009 at 2:13 PM

sesquipedalian on November 9, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Sure, Obama could have gotten up and explained whatever the Hell you think you just said to the world for you.

But he didn’t. Instead, Obama cruelly lets billions of people labor under the delusion that there was such a thing as a “Cold War”, and that Russia lost it.

So much for the “fearless” part of your “fearless leader.”

logis on November 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Rush just said Obama ended up addressing the event via big screen.

KittyLowrey on November 9, 2009 at 2:09 PM

He did, after Hillary’s speech which also had tones of “it’s all about the One and his historic election”.

Pathetic.

Knucklehead on November 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM

As for Europe not caring about U.S. lack of attendance at today’s events, why did Der Spiegel report on it if they didn’t care?

hawksruleva on November 9, 2009 at 2:15 PM

Interesting take. Where would Europe be if the U.S. had not stood up to the Soviets…
hawksruleva on November 9, 2009 at 2:13 PM

Two words: “Workers’ Paradise.”

You have to understand, facts are irrelevant to a religious fanatic. Liberals have an utterly fatalistic outlook toward anything good in the world. If it happened, that means it was destined to happen, and any influence the United States thinks it had in it is absolutely nothing but hubris.

On the other hand, if anything bad happens – anywhere, ever. Even if it’s a natural disaster not completely ameliorated, or the motivation for the utterly irrational act of an indisputably evil individual, it is always SOMEHOW the fault of America. Or, more specifically, the Americans whom liberals consider apostates: conservatives who subscribe to the crazy belief that America might be in some way special among the nations of the world, and that that exceptionalism might be in some way a good thing.

logis on November 9, 2009 at 2:26 PM

ObaMao doesn’t consider any event historic unless he is at the center of the celebration. He disgusts me.

onlineanalyst on November 9, 2009 at 2:33 PM

He did, after Hillary’s speech which also had tones of “it’s all about the One and his historic election”.

Pathetic.

Knucklehead on November 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Good Grief.

Not surprising but STILL…sick stuff. Thanks for the update.

KittyLowrey on November 9, 2009 at 2:34 PM

The 0ne is to busy to celebrate the end of communism in East Germany, he’s too busy trying to get it started here.

4shoes on November 9, 2009 at 2:43 PM

Rush played some audio. In his first remark he noted Obama had the reverg “God-like” thing going. Then when he played audio he asked Snerdley if he’d added any because it was thick. No, said, Bo, that was the way it had happened.

KittyLowrey on November 9, 2009 at 2:44 PM

This is my anniversary also, in a way. Through college and the eighties, I was a lib as one could be. I was sure that Reagan was going to rain down nuclear war on the planet. But on this night, 20 years ago, while watching the images on TV, I was thinking, “Damn, he did it. He was right all along. He beat them.” That night was the first seed in my conversion to a conservative. 9/11 was the final straw, but the process started 20 years ago today.

Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Who cares…
Proud Rino on November 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

You, and your hairless wonder of a president have failed to understand the significance of the fall of the Wall. It symbolized communism, and how it had to build a wall to keep their people in…WE (America) symbolized FREEDOM, and we still do, for maybe only a little while longer. Our president should be there–representing FREEDOM, and solidarity with Germany, and the struggles that those in East Germany bore, in their efforts to be free.

I grew up with the Wall, it having been built when I was 11 yrs old. You couldn’t possibly understance the significance of having our president there for this historic moment. You couldn’t know the stories I grew up with of people being smuggled out in car trunks, under cars, jumping from buildings (before they were boarded up), some even escaped through the sewer systems. Some died on the barbed wire, feet from freedom…

The point is that people died to escape communism, and the USA represented freedom and hope. President Reagan was a big reason for the fall of the Wall–therefore our president should have been there.

Of all the great PR moments–Obambi blew it–thus proving that he isn’t the Obama Europe thought they knew. Iranian freedom fighters already know–the Emperor is showing that he has no clothes…

I can’t believe that I can have even less respect for him.

lovingmyUSA on November 9, 2009 at 2:49 PM

Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM

I hold my cup to yours. The same thing happened to me–I made fun of Reagan up untill then…I regret that I didn’t appreciate him as much as I do now…but he is the father of my becoming a Republican…

lovingmyUSA on November 9, 2009 at 2:52 PM

Obama just achieved the impossible today in Germany. He outshone everyone there by his sheer absence.

Ronald Reagan would have been there today were he still alive.

newton on November 9, 2009 at 2:56 PM

Will schoolchildren still be singing his anthems?

unclesmrgol on November 9, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Only if they can speak Chinese…as we all will have to soon, when the final bill is called…

lovingmyUSA on November 9, 2009 at 3:04 PM

Who cares…
Proud Rino on November 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

I grew up with the Wall, it having been built when I was 11 yrs old. You couldn’t possibly understance the significance of having our president there for this historic moment. You couldn’t know the stories I grew up with of people being smuggled out in car trunks, under cars, jumping from buildings (before they were boarded up), some even escaped through the sewer systems. Some died on the barbed wire, feet from freedom…

The point is that people died to escape communism, and the USA represented freedom and hope. President Reagan was a big reason for the fall of the Wall–therefore our president should have been there.

lovingmyUSA on November 9, 2009 at 2:49 PM

Of course I’m always going out on a limb when I try to guess what moonbats are “thinking”, but they don’t seem to be saying it’s a GOOD thing that the Berlin Wall fell; they just all now retroactively believe that it was an inevitable thing.

Back when Reagan said this, ALL the liberals were screaming that he was about to destroy the earth. At that time, they saw the Soviet Union as mankind’s only hope for the future, and to oppose it was a certain (and richly deserved) death sentence.

It’s no excuse if an “individual collectivist” (if that term even makes sense) missed some arbitrary date-of-birth cutoff. On the contrary, that makes it even worse. An old hippie has a huge burden of guilt to sublimate — like the people who were Nazi sympathizers before WW2, and then had to pretend they never were.

But somebody who was born less than 20 years ago has the benefit of hindsight; If he STILL can’t see the forest for the trees, there is no way to excuse that as lack of perspective.

logis on November 9, 2009 at 3:11 PM

It’s sickening to see Germany thanking Gorbachev, when Reagan and the US were responsible for his capitulation.

Why can’t President Bush senior be there, since he was VP at the time? He could have delivered a wonderful speech along the lines of… “I’m here to represent the late President Reagan and to celebrate…” It would have been much more meaningful than “no accomplishments” Obama.

Common Sense on November 9, 2009 at 3:36 PM

Branch Rickey, I’m right there with you. Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Google’s logo is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. Now I love Kermit, Oscar, the Count, Ermie, Bert, Big Bird and the rest (except Elmo) as much as any other Tweener (not quite a Boomer, not quite GenX), but — really!

My husband and I went to pay our respects at the funeral home in Santa Monica where Ronald Reagan’s body lay before being transported to Simi Valley for interment. We went at 1:30 in the morning. I was surprised at the number of people who were there at that time. We left some flowers from our garden as our tribute, right next to a chunk of the Berlin Wall someone else had left there with a note thanking President Reagan for his speech that had triggered its fall.

Mary in LA on November 9, 2009 at 3:46 PM

we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free — Ronald Reagan

Speakup on November 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM

Thanks, I really miss President Reagan.

Blacksmith8 on November 9, 2009 at 4:08 PM

I’ll be taking my daughters to a local veterans memorial unveiling in few days. I’ve never served and I used to be a pathetic Liberal, so I guess I’m making up for a lot of lost time.

visions on November 9, 2009 at 12:09 PM

I’d say you’re doing just fine. Don’t stop.

Blacksmith8 on November 9, 2009 at 4:11 PM

As it has been said before, so shall it be said again

God Bless Ronald Reagan and thank God he was President then.

The no-longer-existing Berlin Wall is like kryptonite to a marxist fool like Obama–so of course he won’t attend. He’s part of the disease, and needs to be removed for the body to heal: Resign, get impeached, not get re-elected ( in that order of preference )

Janos Hunyadi on November 9, 2009 at 5:45 PM

obama is a vile, ignorant cancre! How can ANYONE have respect for this pustule?

jgdp on November 9, 2009 at 9:35 PM

Why can’t President Bush senior be there, since he was VP at the time? He could have delivered a wonderful speech along the lines of… “I’m here to represent the late President Reagan and to celebrate…” It would have been much more meaningful than “no accomplishments” Obama.

Common Sense on November 9, 2009 at 3:36 PM

I had hoped Papa Bush would be there, simply because he was POTUS at the time.

However, truth be told, Papa Bush & John Major (GB PM) were working like mad realists to stop the re-integration of East & West Germany for fear of upsetting the greater East-West (US vs USSR) balance. It wasn’t until Summer of ’90 that they gave up and allowed Kohl to proceed.

You have to remember that up until then, neither Germany was “sovereign”. That all 4 sectors were under purview of the 4 Powers. Russia relented when promised mega-funding to repatriate their forces.

Where was France in all this? Looking for ways to play off all three plus Germany in hopes of dominating the EU with Germany as their “Euro-protoge”.

In the end, Germany wound up being self-determinate on its destiny – to the extent possible within the EU framework. On equal footing to France and footstool to none, thanks to Kohl.

But all of the above would be moot if not for the trifecta of Ronny, Maggi and JP2. I look forward to the 25th Jubilee where an appreciative POTUS will be on hand to celebrate with the Germans, our collective triumph over communism & evil.

AH_C on November 9, 2009 at 10:43 PM

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