My first memories of Ronald Reagan began at age 12 after the hostages were taken and rescued. I was young and didn’t think much of politics at the time, mostly just thought about girls, and ninja’s of course.That all changed over the next few years. I became more keenly aware of the outside world and began reading more and more about what was happening out there. By the time Reagan was up for re-election I was turning 16. I had began arguing with my Mom for some time already since she was ultra-liberal, weird how that turns out. I’m sure she could never figure out how in the world she raised a conservative but sometimes the stars align I suppose.
My friends and I posted Reagan/Bush signs up all over the place and when he was re-elected I recall being outside of their house blasting “born in the USA” (being too young to realize what a unpatriotic piece of dog crap that song was, but the title was right on).
Two years later I was in San Diego becoming a Marine.
To this day I credit Ronald Reagan with helping me see the light. To see how narrow minded, how intolerant, and how cowardly liberals could be.
His election would become the first step to bring the US out of it’s descent into liberal madness. The madness that forced our country into running from a enemy we were beating in Vietnam, which eventually cost a million Vietnamese it’s lives.
It was a proud day, and one that I will remember until the end of my days.
UPDATE
Check out Mike’s America for a recap of the blog celebration leading up to this day.? Lots of good stuff to remind us how incredibly fortunate we were to have elected a President such as Ronald Reagan at a time when we needed him most.? Like Washington and Lincoln he came to us at the right moment and helped turn this country around from the dismal slide into liberal mediocrity.
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Nice remembrance. I am a big Springsteen fan (of his music, anyway). But when he campaigned for Kerry/Edwards, listening to his music has been less enjoyable. I can no longer wear any of his concert t-shirts without feeling embarrassed by it. When people hear me playing his music, I want them to understand I like the music and not the man’s politics. Unfortunately, when these political celebs take advantage of the podium and use their drawing power to pontificate, it’s hard to separate their politics from their music.
I think I must be close to the same age as you, Curt. In 1980, I was 12.
Mike’s America
A Great President, A Great American…
Mike’s America concludes it’s weeklong celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Reagan’s inaugural today. Contributions from across the blog-spectrum have enriched our discussion in so many ways. We’ve looked at President Reagan’s speeches in a new …