These quotes speak for themselves. "Reagan made more changes and I believe more significant changes set in motion even greater changes than I think any president since FDR." (Richard Norton Smith) "His legacy is ending the Cold War without weapons being fired" (Annelise Anderson) Reagan was really serious about ending nuclear weapons. "...if Ronald Reagan had not been president in the 1980's, the Cold War might have lasted longer than it might have ended on terms that were a lot less happy for the United States."(Michael Beschloss) "...continued the policies of every president since Harry Truman in fighting the Cold War". (Haynes Johnson) "He changed the role of government, depreciated the role of public service, the way money was spent and allocated." (Haynes Johnson) "changed the American mind by saying no longer am I going to be in the rubric of Lyndon Johnson who essentially said let's centralize power in Washington and make government as strong as possible." (Michael Beschloss)
"...most politicians, after all, were incrementalists -- they were perfectly prepared to live with the equilibrium in terms of not only the Soviet Union but with the 50 years long seemingly irreversible trend by which power flowed to Washington, DC. Reagan began the revolutionary process of reversing that flow." (Richard Norton Smith) "he also changed the way people see conservatism...most people thought that conservatives were people who wouldn't look at a new moon out of respect for the old." (Richard Norton Smith) "Occasionally historians have minor contribution to make and sometimes we forget that that's so, and one of them is that as time passes, you can siphon away sometimes the things that are perhaps less important from those that are really more important." (Michael Beschloss) The same goes for Ronald Reagan, sometimes Presidents have minor contributions and people tend to forget who they were, but Ronald Reagan did important things that got us to where we are now.
What does this reveal about Regan?
"...most politicians, after all, were incrementalists -- they were perfectly prepared to live with the equilibrium in terms of not only the Soviet Union but with the 50 years long seemingly irreversible trend by which power flowed to Washington, DC. Reagan began the revolutionary process of reversing that flow." (Richard Norton Smith) "he also changed the way people see conservatism...most people thought that conservatives were people who wouldn't look at a new moon out of respect for the old." (Richard Norton Smith) "Occasionally historians have minor contribution to make and sometimes we forget that that's so, and one of them is that as time passes, you can siphon away sometimes the things that are perhaps less important from those that are really more important." (Michael Beschloss) The same goes for Ronald Reagan, sometimes Presidents have minor contributions and people tend to forget who they were, but Ronald Reagan did important things that got us to where we are now.
What are the problems America faces?
One problem is the U.S is facing the longest and worst sustained inflation that distorts our economic decisions. Another problem is public spending. Government is the problem.
What are Reagan's solutions?
Government is not the solution. Not singling out groups of people to pay higher taxes. To focus on a special interest group, Americans. Plans to put all Americans back to work. Freeing all Americans from the run away living cost.
What makes Reagan effective here?
His humor.
What does this reveal about Regan?
"I was a democrat" He took some blame in it, through his humor. It also reveals that he might not want to answer the question so he turns to humor or that he's being normal and friendly.
What policy decisions might Reagan make according to this?
Policies that enforce strength, restraint, and confidence. He would decide when to invade when we are strong and not wait. He would back away militarily when necessary (restraint) and negotiate. Through making peace, he would be confident in his decision and his country,
How did this event effect Reagan's role with the American public?
His role changed from not having to worry about walking around the block, to seriously considering it and not doing it. I think before he wasn't thinking that other people had a strong dislike towards him until that event. After the shooting, I think he knows that he needs to be more careful.
Who is the audience for this speech?
The citizens living under the roof of Communism.
What is the argument Reagan makes here?
Communism is evil, and makes its people non-believers. It is inferior to the United States. Before Communism you may do or be something but after Communism you are no longer doing or being anything.
What do you think Reagan's agenda is in this speech?
To stick up for America against the people who try and make America feel inferior.
What is the message here?
Things are so much better in that time period and during Reagan's presidency than they were during Carter's.
How does the ad use Carter?
Carter was before Reagan, they talk about Interest rates being lower than the 4 previous years and how times are so much better since he's not President.
What does the ad suggest about the character/morals of the country?
They are raised since Reagan; that because he is in office everyone is happier and their morals are raised. People are striving to do better.
What is the criticism of Communism being offered here?
becoming to understand the importance of freedom. new policy of reform and openness. "Are these the beginnings of the profound changes in the Soviet State? Or are they Tolkien gestures intended to raise hopes in the West or to strengthen the Soviet's system without changing it?" He is saying that the Russian's supposedly welcome change but aren't really changing it. He also says that the U.S does welcome change and welcomes that you actually have to do something to make the change.
Do you think this was an effective speech?
I think it was an okay speech. It was subtle, which is good because you don't want to come right out and say what someone else is doing wrong. I get it because the Soviets need to "tear down their wall" of self-righteousness or independence, but it just didn't do it for me. It is also well done in terms of friendliness. It's not like we're holding out our hands, but it's also not like we are saying they need to be our friends or we'll be their enemies. Overall, it got the point across.
Who is the audience for this broadcast?
"talking to the committed" I think the audience is to the other countries who might think about bombing us.
What do you think the American people thought of this action and Reagan's explanation of it?
Apparently they supported it; 4,672 (80% approval rating) people supported the President's action. I think they thought that they did everything they could to avoid the American casualties because there is no mention of Libyan casualties.
What was the foreign response, do you think?
I think the foreign response is criticism; from Russia, and Arab countries
