Throwback Thursdays

Many people associate President Reagan’s Evil Empire Speech, delivered in March 1983, as their first memory of his Strategic Weapons Program. But in fact, he began to lay the groundwork for the American people early in his first term as President, in October 1981…yes, exactly 40 years ago.

President Reagan wholeheartedly supported all law enforcement. He also believed that a nation promising justice for all must ensure that its citizens are free from fear of crime in their homes and on the streets.

There were many themes that Ronald Reagan stood firmly on, whether as Governor of California or President of the United States.  Subjects like freedom, fighting against communism, and his stance against socialism are just a few.  Another was his belief in Law Enforcement and fighting crime. On January 16, 1967, while Governor of California, Ronald Reagan issued a statement to the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of California which concluded with: “Without respect for the law, the best laws cannot be effective. Without respect for law enforcement, laws cannot be carried out. We must have respect, not only for the law, but also for the many who dedicate their lives to the protection of society through enforcement of the law.”

In one of his final speeches as President of the United States, Ronald Reagan spoke about the importance of Limited Government when he said, “Back in the 1960s…the government was taking more of our money, more of our options, and more of our freedom. I went into politics in part to put up my hand and say, ‘Stop.’ I was a citizen politician, and it seemed the right thing for a citizen to do…As government expands, liberty contracts.”

On September 25, 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in as the first female Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Limited government and controlling the federal budget were pillars of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. He didn’t just speak from a bully pulpit, he demanded people take responsibility for their actions.

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. On Constitution Day, Americans are encouraged to observe this important day in our nation's history by celebrating activities, learning, and demonstrations of our Love for the United States of America and the Blessings of Freedom Our Founding Fathers secured for us.

President Reagan believed so strongly in the importance of a solid national defense policy. In 1983 he said, “The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor. We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against aggression -- to preserve freedom and peace."

Today’s “Words to Live By” honors the 20th anniversary of 9-11. We remember today not only to honor the almost 3000 innocent souls who lost their lives that day and the other 6000 people who were injured, but to send an irrefutable message to those who perpetrated this unthinkable crime that we will never forget and our resolve to continue the fight for freedom will only get stronger. This anniversary should be a time to think about the past but also to look to the future. Nothing short of our way of life is at stake. But history demonstrates that the American people and our resolve are second to none. We will prevail. Rather than listen to an entire speech, today’s “Words to Live By” contains quotes from President Reagan’s remarks about terrorism and strength.

Ronald Reagan felt very strongly about the judicial system. In his autobiography he wrote, “In a country ruled by laws, it seemed to me that nothing was more important than removing politics from the process of choosing judges.”