Why is Reagan so Admired Today?
I don’t remember who said it but I heard someone quoted during his presidency, “They only build statues for men who unashamedly stand on the principle of the right to life of all human beings, including the unborn.” Reagan was not just a likeable personality with a great American story of success; he stood for the right things. He believed in freedom, justice and personal responsibility. He believed in limited government and often gave his classic statement, “The most dangerous words are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” He firmly stood on principle and not the shifting winds of the latest political poll or focus group. For these and other reasons he is beloved as one of our very best presidents ever.
An Unforgettable Experience at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley
In 1997 I was attending a conference in Van Nuys, California and on a free day I traveled out to Simi Valley to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. As I made my way up the winding road to the top of the hill where the library sits, I noticed cars everywhere. I thought surely I would never get inside. I was amazed with all of the cars there were very few people in the lobby. I paid my admission price to the museum and began to make my way though the exhibits with only one or two other patrons.
I found a small theater with bench seats that was playing a video of great moments in the life of Ronald Reagan. All at once a door opened and light shined inside and several men stepped inside. I looked up and it was George Shultz who served as Secretary of State under Reagan. Before I could process this unexpected encounter the door opened up again and another Reagan cabinet official walked beside me. I was more than curious and as I walked toward the door it opened a third time I came face to face with Nancy Reagan. I’ll never forget the profound words that came out of my mouth, “You are Nancy Reagan!” She glanced at me as her handler quickly ushered her by me and I felt like the tourist I obviously was.
When I approached the security guard at the small door he informed me that they were celebrating the tenth anniversary of the signing of the INF Treaty with the former Soviet Union. He cracked the door open and I received a glimpse of the hundreds of people gathered and the obvious reason why there were so many cars and so few people actually in the museum. The thought flashed through my head that the big guy himself may come through the door. The security guard sadly told me that at that point Reagan was not making any more public appearances due to his Alzheimer’s disease.
Ronald Reagan inspired me and millions of other Americans to remember that America was a city set upon a hill, a favored and blessed nation that was indeed exceptional. He reminded us we had a rendezvous with destiny and with all of this divine favor came an equal amount of responsibility. Thank you Mr. President and may your legacy multiply and produce leaders of integrity and principle to lead us; men and women who truly believe that America is special.
