Rating: 
Summary: Rush, Reagan, and W.
Review: I have always thought of the Democratic and the Republican parties as sowers and reapers, each with doing what they do best complimenting each other. However eight years with Clinton has taught me some lessons I won't soon forget. This is a wonderful book very insightful and revealing, I also think "The Second Coming Of Age" by: Curtiss De Vedrine - ISBN 0-595-09150-4 even tells it better than most of the political books out there.
Rating:
Summary: Reagan, the libertarian ...
Review: I just finished reading this book -I have to tell you, I was positively stunned. I now believe Reagan was primarily a classic liberal, with a few conservative traits. Even his justification for restrictions on abortion were argued from the classic liberal perspective - here is his conclusion, after considerable discussion, where he answered his own question "What kind of abortion bill would I (Reagan, as governor of California) sign?": "... My answer as to what kind of abortion bill I could sign was one that recognized an abortion is the taking of a human life. In our Judeo-Christian religion we recognize the right to take life in defense of our own. Therefore an abortion is justified when done in self defense. My belief is that a woman has the right to protect her own life & health against even her own unborn child. I believe also that just as she has the right to defend herself against rape she should not be made to bear a child resulting from that violation of her person and therefore abortion is an act of self defense. I know there will be disagreement with this view but I can find no evidence whatsoever that a fetus is not a living human being with human rights." ppg. 384-385. This is precisely the same argument I have seen made by pro-life libertarians. Throughout the book, Reagan makes the same arguments time and again - he even justified the military build-up with classic liberal logic - that the United States must defend individual liberty against aggression of foreign powers. After reading this book, I delved further into Reagan's background - he was regarded in college (he attended small Eureka College, in Illinois) as gifted, possessing of a nearly eidectic (photographic) memory. He participated in a great deal of extra-curricular activities, and graduated with a degree in economics(!) and sociology. I never realized the depth of Reagan's background ... I am convinced that Reagan was a libertarian who allowed the conservatives to embrace him - but was able to appeal to the crossover Democratic voters who believed strongly in his message of individual liberty. This should give hope to anyone who embraces libertarian ideology, and could also point to a roadmap regarding how a libertarian could be successful in national politics. Ronald Reagan appears to be a classic liberal in the mold of Hayek, but unlike Hayek who denied he was a conservative, Reagan was shrewd enough to embrace the support of the conservatives. I highly recommend this book for all of you interested in political/economic theory, whether you loved or hated Reagan. Reading it certainly awakened me to a depth in Ronald Reagan that I didn't realize he possessed. Don't be intimidated by its length - it is a compendium of 5 minute essays he wrote for radio addresses from 1975 through 1979. Checking it out of the library for skimming might be an excellent way to get a good feel for whether you would want to add this book to your personal collection. You really could get a very good idea of where Reagan was coming from just by skimming through the book, reading the titles of the essays, and actually reading only those that catch your eye. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this work ... and came away from the experience with more respect for Ronald Reagan.
Rating:
Summary: Reagan, the libertarian ...
Review: I just finished reading this book - I have to tell you, I was positively stunned. I now believe Reagan was primarily a classic liberal, with a few conservative traits. Even his justification for restrictions on abortion were argued from the classic liberal perspective - here is his conclusion, after considerable discussion, where he answered his own question "What kind of abortion bill would I (Reagan, as governor of California) sign?": "... My answer as to what kind of abortion bill I could sign was one that recognized an abortion is the taking of a human life. In our Judeo-Christian religion we recognize the right to take life in defense of our own. Therefore an abortion is justified when done in self defense. My belief is that a woman has the right to protect her own life & health against even her own unborn child. I believe also that just as she has the right to defend herself against rape she should not be made to bear a child resulting from that violation of her person and therefore abortion is an act of self defense. I know there will be disagreement with this view but I can find no evidence whatsoever that a fetus is not a living human being with human rights." ppg. 384-385. This is precisely the same argument I have seen made by pro-life libertarians. Throughout the book, Reagan makes the same arguments time and again - he even justified the military build-up with classic liberal logic - that the United States must defend individual liberty against aggression of foreign powers. After reading this book, I delved further into Reagan's background - he was regarded in college (he attended small Eureka College, in Illinois) as gifted, possessing of a nearly eidectic (photographic) memory. He participated in a great deal of extra-curricular activities, and graduated with a degree in economics(!) and sociology. I never realized the depth of Reagan's background ... I am convinced that Reagan was a libertarian who allowed the conservatives to embrace him - but was able to appeal to the crossover Democratic voters who believed strongly in his message of individual liberty. This should give hope to anyone who embraces libertarian ideology, and could also point to a roadmap regarding how a libertarian could be successful in national politics. Ronald Reagan appears to be a classic liberal in the mold of Hayek, but unlike Hayek who denied he was a conservative, Reagan was shrewd enough to embrace the support of the conservatives. I highly recommend this book for all of you interested in political/economic theory, whether you loved or hated Reagan. Reading it certainly awakened me to a depth in Ronald Reagan that I didn't realize he possessed. Don't be intimidated by its length - it is a compendium of 5 minute essays he wrote for radio addresses from 1975 through 1979. Checking it out of the library for skimming might be an excellent way to get a good feel for whether you would want to add this book to your personal collection. You really could get a very good idea of where Reagan was coming from just by skimming through the book, reading the titles of the essays, and actually reading only those that catch your eye. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this work ... and came away from the experience with more respect for Ronald Reagan.
Rating: 
Summary: More depth than I thought
Review: I must admit I had a personal bone to pick with Mr. Reagan. The changes in the Social Security laws enacted in 82 caused my best friend to lose his SS benefits and work like a dog (Somedays as much as 20 hrs a day at a local diner) to afford college. That same friend and godfather of my son still blames him, although that same friend has a killer job at a killer pay. I didn't like or trust Reagan in the 80's. Even as I grew more conservative and saw the results of his years I still remained ambivalent toward him. This Book changed much of my mind. Most of the arguements are straightforward and well put. It also shows Reagan had a sense of history, that alone would increase my respect toward him. I was struck at how timely many of the arguements therin apply today over 20 years after they were made. Even the arguements I disagreed with were made properly and without the mallace and spin of the current day. If nothing else this book should dismiss the idea that Reagan is a simpleton who didn't have his own ideas. (where have we heard this lately?) Those who disagree with those ideas must admit at last that they were his own. After reading this book I find that I like and respect Reagan much more. If nothing else from reading it you will find him more interesting. It can on occasion be dry reading so beware. I can't say I loved the book but I'm glad I read it.
Rating:
Summary: Greatly Improve Your Understanding On Many Fronts.
Review: I read this book to gain insight to Reagan as the famous speaker. I found much more. The discovery of these early speeches in his own hand show a man devoted to understanding the world and our country though his own direct efforts with considerable intellect. His knowledge and understanding was profoundly significant. Few leaders of countries or companies have the self confidence to allow subordinates to believe they are presenting fresh information or insights when the leader has covered that ground before. Reagan, like these other exceptional leaders, amazed subordinates by quickly grasping the true importance of major issues. He had already learned and thought about it but allowed subordinates the glory of believing in their contribution. These speeches show us that breadth of knowledge. The evidence is overwhelming that Reagan personally wrote more speeches in his life time than any other president and was one of the most well read. It surely shows the blind partisanship that grips the nation for particularly the press to have thought otherwise. While blind bias is commonplace in our history. Our educational system is not leading to the open minds desirable in a democracy. National political leaders leap at phrases to stimulate their political base. Sen. Ted Kennedy called SDI the "Star Wars defense" a negative label that persists decades later providing no rational analysis. Was is logical for President Kennedy to press for manned flight to the moon and it not be wise to pursue missile defense. What a double standard. Each Republican president is attacked as lacking intellect and each Democratic president is elevated to scholar by the media. This book will show you that at least in the case of Reagan the media got it very wrong. Many of us find that to develop in depth knowledge on almost any subject of importance is to discover all over again how badly the media handles the real substance of any issue. The wide reading and deep research self-evident here suggest a mind constantly at work. The selections are reproduced with Reagan's own edits, offering a unique window into his thought processes. These writings show that Reagan had carefully considered nearly every issue he would face as president. Reagan was far more than a Great Communicator of other people's ideas. He was very much the author of his own ideas. His insight that the Nixon-Kissinger plan for détente was not realistic helped change the world. Reagan understood that the Soviet Union had to fail and completely come apart largely through its abusive treatment of its citizens. He saw this same fate looming in front of China-human rights will be its downfall would be Reagan's message even today. The 2008 Olympics may well expedite the process. The secret to becoming a great public speaker for Reagan was that early in his adult life he began to speak very often. Prior to being President he was constantly writing his own speeches. During the era of the GE Theater he barnstormed the nation giving speeches and answering questions from all types of audiences. It was speak, speak & speak. Much like any professional endeavor it is practice and preparation.
Rating: 
Summary: Simple Thoughts From A Simple Man
Review: I've read this book, and I can honestly say that there is nothing surprising here. The core material for this text may have come from Reagan's own hand, but it is still nothing more than a timeworn repetition of the McCarthy-era blather his speechwriters penned for him way back in the 1950s. It's sad that Reagan could never nudge his petrified mind beyond this sort of black & white world view, and it's equally sad that he continued publicly preaching it right through the 1980s. What's even sadder, though, is the sheer number of people he deluded with this Simple Simon message. This book is a valuable historical document, and people should read it for that reason. It will leave future researchers scratching their heads in wonder at the gullibility of the American public.
Rating:
Summary: The truth behind the man
Review: If you ever wanted to know the man, the one the liberals loathe, this is the book. No liberal spin, no slanted media, just Reagan. All his beliefs and convictions right here, under every topic you care about, without apology. He is brilliant; I couldn't put it down!
Rating:
Summary: Okay1
Review: Interesting but hard to read in one or two settings.
Rating:
Summary: The Gipper
Review: Just reading these addresses and stories makes one proud to be an American. Written with humor and class, these essays lay the foundation for modern conservatism. This book will leave you with no doubt in your mind- the Gipper was one of the greatest Presidents in our nation's history.
Rating:
Summary: Good Study Item
Review: Lately I have been reading some of the books on letters from the former president and this is indeed one of the best in its revelatory powers. What is surprising - once one gets past all the soundbites of the media - is that he was incredibly curious about the world (in a sense, reminescent of Clinton) but at the same time held an optimistic, almost youthful outlook for the American people that never faltered once. As I said in my review on Reagan: Letters, his was an intellect unlike Nixon, Gore, Dole or Kerry. He did not think in terms of politics first but always in terms of people. He was (as one reviewer aptly noted) at heart a libertarian, revealed by his comments on adult drug usage, religion, taxes and personal freedom. This most abused of Presidents (think Hollywood and academia) effectively reshaped America and the world in his image - an accomplishment of outstanding proportions that few Presidents can approach. It is not surprising that he supported Goldwater, another closet Libertarian. (I love his comment on election day, "I voted for a few Democrats." Can one imagine a comparable comment from Delay or Clinton?) I liked the rough letters - it shows us a mind in the process of arriving at a final thought. Sometimes the marked out parts are more informative than what remains. Once again, the intellectual range covered within these words is simply astounding - economics, philosophy, the proper role of govt, the correlation between economic and personal freedom, human motivation... One notes again that these are PHILOSOPHICAL (not political) undertones - no quick and easy answers on such questions as minimum wage, quotas, throwing money at education, mass transit, welfare...these were almost too pedestrian for someone determined to change America and the world. To quote another reviewer, RR possessed one of the rarest of qualities - emotional intelligence. He recognized why people did what did and continually sought to make American into a place where everyone could reach their full potential. Another outstanding contribution to the political literature!
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