I realize this isn't Rants and Raves, but I'm putting it here because it's political.
I am a registered Democrat. There are certain issues that I feel the Democrats get absolutely right, and I support them for it. I voted for Obama, Kerry, Gore, and Clinton in the past elections.
But I also believe that the Republicans get some things absolutely right as well. I suppose I'm near the center on the political chart.
At any rate, I was recently looking at some of Ronald Reagan's ideologies. Again, I think he got certain things wrong (the Iran-Contra scandal, poor support of environmental issues, trickle down economics, etc).
But a lot of what I see I agree with. I've included a list of quotes which particularly stand out, which I think are awesome.
Quote:
History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.
Important commentary on the value of human life and the need to be strong.
Quote:
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Sad but true. Nothing has changed since this quote was said.
Quote:
How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.
Great insight into the shortcomings of communism.
Quote:
I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace: to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.
Obama's recent comments about nuclear arms in the world is reflected in this quote by Reagan.
Quote:
I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.
They wouldn't have been the Ten Commandments, it would have been a book with articles, sections, subsections, and text filled with pork. And the simple meanings of the Ten Commandments would have been complicated beyond understanding (assuming they passed at all).
Quote:
It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
Another great comment about politicians selling out to special interests.
Quote:
My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out.
Fantastic quote. Not political, but a great thought on how to live your life.
Quote:
Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15.
I agree that too many handouts is wrong. I do believe that they need to be there, but limited.
Quote:
I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.
You can't argue with the logic of this quote. This is an interesting way to look at this controversial subject.
Quote:
The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.
I love the wittiness of this quote! Reagan was great for getting his point across with comedy.
Quote:
We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.
Realistic view of dealing with the problems in our society. We do not need to fund programs to solve all of our country's problems. People can make an impact directly without government involvement.
Quote:
We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added.
I'm a firm believer that welfare should exist as a temporary aid when people fall on hard times. I do not favor a welfare state, having the citizens beign supported by the government for years. That path that leads down ends in a weakened economy and citizens who take advantage of the system.
Quote:
Thomas Jefferson once said, 'We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.' And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.
Again, this isn't a political quote, but a funny example of Reagan's ability to laugh at himself and make his audience smile.