Historical Perspective, Presidential Success: Ronald Reagan
October 29, 2008 • Historical Leaders
There is much to like about Ronald Reagan, much of which has been written at great length. It seems that politicians on both sides leverage his name around election time, presumably because he has been the only political leader to influence all Americans above and beyond their own parties.
Today, I would like to discuss a great parallel of his early presidential leadership and the current situation. Our current situation is eerily similar to the early 1980’s (1980-1984 to be exact). The results of President Reagan’s decisions are still being felt today and are a great case study to review.
For instance, the headlines of several US News & World Report magazines in 1980 read “INFLATION”, “Has America Lost its Clout?”, “What’s Next for our Economy?”, and “What to do with Russia and Iran?” These same headlines are found on our news stands today.
So how did Reagan deal with these issues? Here is a review of a few key items:
1. He inspired Americans to believe
One of his first acts as President was to announce that he had negotiated a deal to bring our hostages back from Iran. That would be the start of his position of leading well through adversity.
2. He worked hard to communicate
Specifically during his first term he worked hard to establish a clear dialogue with the American people. In the early 80’s our nation was struggling with a slow economy, a global cold war and unemployment that was initiated from the slowdown. All along the way he kept clear lines of honest communication open.
3. He believed in his principles
You might say that every president has opinions, yet how many have principles that they believe in with passion and zeal? Reagan made it his legacy to get rid of nuclear weapons and specifically to rid the world of tyranny - which he did.
President Reagan had many troubles as all president’s do. He mismanaged his staff and had a political nightmare with the Iran-Contra episode. Yet, as the oldest principle to hold office, this President aligned all of America around the belief of ridding the world of tyranny. The truth is that Ronald Reagan led! We haven’t had a leader like him since - one that can unite both parties around a common cause.
If only we had a leader like that today. Actually, what if we all could be leaders like that today? What a difference that would make!
1 Comment
Richard Chancy said...
Even more that you know Mr. Kubicek. Did you know that President Reagan was, among many other things, a student of the prophecy in Ezekiel? How relevant would a leader be today who saw the world not only through the lens of politics and economics but also through the lens of scripture. Keep up the good words.
Comment by Richard Chancy - Oct 30, 2008 @ 10:42 AM