Ronald Reagan: The Biography
First and foremost, Ronald Reagan was an American. And while that means something a little bit different to everyone, Reagan lived his version to the fullest. He believed in a strong, prosperous, peaceful and safe America. Most of all, Reagan believed all people have the right to freedom. When he spoke of America’s future, his eyes sparkled into the distance, as if he could truly see it.
In all his most cherished beliefs, Ronald Regan was a starry-eyed dreamer; but he was also a hard-working doer. He sometimes failed, despite his efforts. There were times when reality just didn’t match what his vision had been. Here was a man who dreamed of laser beams in outer space destroying nuclear missiles before they could land on his beloved homeland. He also was a man who envisioned an end to the Cold War and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. One vision remained in the dream world, while the other became reality. In both cases, the world sat up and took notice.
Reagan liked the spotlight, though. He started his adult life in the entertainment business, and his gentle charm continued to endear him to others throughout his life. Even Russia’s Gorbachev warmed to his presence.
However, Reagan’s life was not without controversy. He was on the wrong side of history during the 1950s, as he testified as a friendly witness for the House Un-American Activities Committee and later during the 1960s as he squelched student protests.
As president, Reagan wanted a balanced budget but never submitted one. He let his public down by apparently lying about the Iran-Contra Affair. In his later years, he was sometimes condemned by the public as a puppet of his wife Nancy or as incompetent in his job.
Yet, despite the problems Reagan faced, America came back around to his side in the end. He left office with a higher approval rating than anyone since FDR. When he discovered he had Alzheimer’s he wrote an open letter to the world, gently preparing those who cared about him for his decline and death.
Ronald Reagan was both intelligent and thoughtful, both kind-hearted and determined, both friendly and honest. The world will never be the same, because after all is said and done, Ronald Reagan’s visionary take on America was something new and precious.
This book is but a brief summary of a long and full life.
Ronald Reagan: The Biography
First and foremost, Ronald Reagan was an American. And while that means something a little bit different to everyone, Reagan lived his version to the fullest. He believed in a strong, prosperous, peaceful and safe America. Most of all, Reagan believed all people have the right to freedom. When he spoke of America’s future, his eyes sparkled into the distance, as if he could truly see it.
In all his most cherished beliefs, Ronald Regan was a starry-eyed dreamer; but he was also a hard-working doer. He sometimes failed, despite his efforts. There were times when reality just didn’t match what his vision had been. Here was a man who dreamed of laser beams in outer space destroying nuclear missiles before they could land on his beloved homeland. He also was a man who envisioned an end to the Cold War and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. One vision remained in the dream world, while the other became reality. In both cases, the world sat up and took notice.
Reagan liked the spotlight, though. He started his adult life in the entertainment business, and his gentle charm continued to endear him to others throughout his life. Even Russia’s Gorbachev warmed to his presence.
However, Reagan’s life was not without controversy. He was on the wrong side of history during the 1950s, as he testified as a friendly witness for the House Un-American Activities Committee and later during the 1960s as he squelched student protests.
As president, Reagan wanted a balanced budget but never submitted one. He let his public down by apparently lying about the Iran-Contra Affair. In his later years, he was sometimes condemned by the public as a puppet of his wife Nancy or as incompetent in his job.
Yet, despite the problems Reagan faced, America came back around to his side in the end. He left office with a higher approval rating than anyone since FDR. When he discovered he had Alzheimer’s he wrote an open letter to the world, gently preparing those who cared about him for his decline and death.
Ronald Reagan was both intelligent and thoughtful, both kind-hearted and determined, both friendly and honest. The world will never be the same, because after all is said and done, Ronald Reagan’s visionary take on America was something new and precious.
This book is but a brief summary of a long and full life.
Ronald Reagan: The Biography
