Changes

Always distrustful of nuclear weapons, Reagan initiated [[missile defense]] (SDI), a space-based system to defend against nuclear missiles. The inability of the Soviet Union to match this new technological breakthrough forced it to agree to Reagan's terms for ending the Cold War.  In leading the rollback of Communism in Europe, he battled powerful liberal forces that called instead for détente (peaceful relations) with Communism. As the Soviet system faltered and Gorbachev accepted Reagan's terms, ensured an unprecedented level of nuclear disarmament.  His signature phrase in dealing with Communists was "trust, but verify."  

Always distrustful of nuclear weapons, Reagan initiated [[missile defense]] (SDI), a space-based system to defend against nuclear missiles. The inability of the Soviet Union to match this new technological breakthrough forced it to agree to Reagan's terms for ending the Cold War.  In leading the rollback of Communism in Europe, he battled powerful liberal forces that called instead for détente (peaceful relations) with Communism. As the Soviet system faltered and Gorbachev accepted Reagan's terms, ensured an unprecedented level of nuclear disarmament.  His signature phrase in dealing with Communists was "trust, but verify."  

In his most famous challenges to Communism, Reagan went to the Brandenburg Gate and gave the Soviets the American terms for ending the Cold War: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"  The Soviets were forced to agree, and watched their empire collapse overnight in late 1989, a few months after Reagan was succeeded as president by his Vice President [[George H.W. Bush]].  At the closing of his presidency, Reagan compared America to that "[[Shining city upon a hill]]", a beacon of Liberty for all who still live in the darkness of totalitarian rule.<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2011/02/04/reagan-shining-city-hill/ Reagan saw the shining city on the hill], [[Daily Caller]]</ref>

In his most famous challenges to Communism, Reagan went to the Brandenburg Gate and gave the Soviets the American terms for ending the Cold War: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"  The Soviets were forced to agree, and watched their empire collapse overnight in late 1989, a few months after Reagan was succeeded as president by his Vice President [[George H.W. Bush]].  At the closing of his presidency, Reagan compared America to that "[[Shining city upon a hill]]", a beacon of Liberty for all who still live in the darkness of totalitarian rule.<ref>[https://dailycaller.com/2011/02/04/reagan-shining-city-hill/ Reagan saw the shining city on the hill], [[Daily Caller]]</ref>

As a great communicator, and leader of the Republican party, he added a new base of "Reagan Democrats" (blue collar workers who were social conservatives), religious [[evangelical]]s, and [[neoconservative]]s; his success became the model for Republicans into the 21st century.  

As a great communicator, and leader of the Republican party, he added a new base of "Reagan Democrats" (blue collar workers who were social conservatives), religious [[evangelical]]s, and [[neoconservative]]s; his success became the model for Republicans into the 21st century.  

*Our goals complement each other. We're not cutting the budget simply for the sake of sounder financial management. This is only a first step toward returning power to the States and communities, only a first step toward reordering the relationship between citizen and government. We can make government again responsive to the people by cutting its size and scope and thereby ensuring that its legitimate functions are performed efficiently and justly.<ref>[http://acuf.org/issues/issue13/040606news.asp Ronald Reagan's Conservative Legacy, ACUF]</ref> Reagan rose to power speaking of [[Traditional values]] such as hard work, faith, family, God and patriotism (ideas that liberals call "racist"). Reagan strongly opposed progressive taxation, redistribution of wealth, the welfare state, and nationalization.

*Our goals complement each other. We're not cutting the budget simply for the sake of sounder financial management. This is only a first step toward returning power to the States and communities, only a first step toward reordering the relationship between citizen and government. We can make government again responsive to the people by cutting its size and scope and thereby ensuring that its legitimate functions are performed efficiently and justly.<ref>[http://acuf.org/issues/issue13/040606news.asp Ronald Reagan's Conservative Legacy, ACUF]</ref> Reagan rose to power speaking of [[Traditional values]] such as hard work, faith, family, God and patriotism (ideas that liberals call "racist"). Reagan strongly opposed progressive taxation, redistribution of wealth, the welfare state, and nationalization.

Political analyst Henry Olsen argues in ''The Working Class Republican'' that Reagan's political views were more closely aligned with [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] than typically thought, and that Reagan was more of a traditional blue-collar, working-class conservative than a libertarian.<ref>Olsen, Henry (2017). ''The Working Class Republican''. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780062475268.</ref><ref>Hayward, John (November 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/11/01/henry-olsen-reagan-trump-blue-collar-coalitions-mirror-images/ Henry Olsen: Reagan and Trump Blue-Collar Coalitions Are ‘Mirror Images of Each Other’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 3, 2017.</ref>

Political analyst Henry Olsen argues in ''The Working Class Republican'' that Reagan's political views were more closely aligned with [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] than typically thought, and that Reagan was more of a traditional blue-collar, working-class conservative than a libertarian.<ref>Olsen, Henry (2017). ''The Working Class Republican''. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780062475268.</ref><ref>Hayward, John (November 1, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/11/01/henry-olsen-reagan-trump-blue-collar-coalitions-mirror-images/ Henry Olsen: Reagan and Trump Blue-Collar Coalitions Are ‘Mirror Images of Each Other’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 3, 2017.</ref>

==Early life==

==Early life==

==Democrat to Republican==

==Democrat to Republican==

While remaining a Democrat in the 1950s, Reagan started to increasingly hold conservative points of view. After actively supporting [[Richard Nixon]]'s campaign for president in 1960, Reagan switched political parties and officially became a Republican in 1962. He realized that he had diverged greatly from the tax-and-spend liberalism of the Democratic Party.  As a part of Reagan's change in viewpoints, he came to be a fan of former president [[Calvin Coolidge]], and would later replace a painting of Truman with that of Coolidge in the White House Cabinet Room.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/04/opinion/calvin-reagan.html Calvin Reagan], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

While remaining a Democrat in the 1950s, Reagan started to increasingly hold conservative points of view. After actively supporting [[Richard Nixon]]'s campaign for president in 1960, Reagan switched political parties and officially became a Republican in 1962. He realized that he had diverged greatly from the tax-and-spend liberalism of the Democratic Party.  As a part of Reagan's change in viewpoints, he came to be a fan of former president [[Calvin Coolidge]], and would later replace a painting of Truman with that of Coolidge in the White House Cabinet Room.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/04/opinion/calvin-reagan.html Calvin Reagan], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

==1964==

==1964==

Liberals across the country were puzzled by Reagan and decided that he was a weak reactionary who would be easy to defeat if he ran for president. California liberals explained they were all wrong, that Reagan was the most formidable Republican since Eisenhower.

Liberals across the country were puzzled by Reagan and decided that he was a weak reactionary who would be easy to defeat if he ran for president. California liberals explained they were all wrong, that Reagan was the most formidable Republican since Eisenhower.

In 1970, he was re-elected by a landslide against challenger "Big Daddy" Jesse Unruh.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/06/obituaries/jesse-unruh-a-california-political-power-dies.html Jesse Unruh, A California Political Power, Dies], [[The New York Times]]</ref> But in 1974, he chose not to seek a third term and was succeeded by liberal Democrat [[Jerry Brown]].  

In 1970, he was re-elected by a landslide against challenger "Big Daddy" Jesse Unruh.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/06/obituaries/jesse-unruh-a-california-political-power-dies.html Jesse Unruh, A California Political Power, Dies], [[The New York Times]]</ref> But in 1974, he chose not to seek a third term and was succeeded by liberal Democrat [[Jerry Brown]].  

In 1974, the [[Symbionese Liberation Army]] abducted [[Patty Hearst]] and demanded a redistribution of food to the poor.  Governor Reagan quipped: "It's just too bad we can't have an epidemic of botulism".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=PAvTCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA288 Days of Rage: America's Radical Underground, the FBI, and the Forgotten Age of Revolutionary Violence]</ref>

In 1974, the [[Symbionese Liberation Army]] abducted [[Patty Hearst]] and demanded a redistribution of food to the poor.  Governor Reagan quipped: "It's just too bad we can't have an epidemic of botulism".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=PAvTCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA288 Days of Rage: America's Radical Underground, the FBI, and the Forgotten Age of Revolutionary Violence]</ref>

===Events and achievements as governor===

===Events and achievements as governor===

*Called in the [[National Guard]] to restore order when "People's Park" protesters began attacking police, and restored order to California's chaotic university campuses.  Reagan authorized the use of force against the rioting protesters in Berkeley, saying, "If there has to be a bloodbath, then let's get it over with.  No more appeasement." In the resulting chaos, 111 police officers were injured, and police fired buckshot into the crowd, sending over a dozen people to the hospital with shotgun wounds, 3 with punctured lungs and 1 with a shattered leg, and fatally wounded James Rector, who had been attacking the police.<ref>[http://police.berkeley.edu/about_UCPD/ucpdhistory.html#anchor178048 "History topic: People's Park"] University of California, Berkeley - Police Department (August 2006)</ref><ref>''San Francisco Chronicle'', early morning edition, May 15, 1969</ref><ref>[http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/06/08_reagan.shtml Ronald Reagan launched political career using the Berkeley campus as a target] (June 8, 2004)</ref><ref>[http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/video-ronald-reagans-press-conference-after-bloody-thursday/284045/ Video: Ronald Reagan's Press Conference After 'Bloody Thursday'] (February 2014)</ref><ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,904149,00.html California: Postscript to People's Park], [[Time Magazine]] archive, February 16th, 1970, Note: Fee required to read article.</ref>

*Called in the [[National Guard]] to restore order when "People's Park" protesters began attacking police, and restored order to California's chaotic university campuses.  Reagan authorized the use of force against the rioting protesters in Berkeley, saying, "If there has to be a bloodbath, then let's get it over with.  No more appeasement." In the resulting chaos, 111 police officers were injured, and police fired buckshot into the crowd, sending over a dozen people to the hospital with shotgun wounds, 3 with punctured lungs and 1 with a shattered leg, and fatally wounded James Rector, who had been attacking the police.<ref>[http://police.berkeley.edu/about_UCPD/ucpdhistory.html#anchor178048 "History topic: People's Park"] University of California, Berkeley - Police Department (August 2006)</ref><ref>''San Francisco Chronicle'', early morning edition, May 15, 1969</ref><ref>[http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/06/08_reagan.shtml Ronald Reagan launched political career using the Berkeley campus as a target] (June 8, 2004)</ref><ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/video-ronald-reagans-press-conference-after-bloody-thursday/284045/ Video: Ronald Reagan's Press Conference After 'Bloody Thursday'] (February 2014)</ref><ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,904149,00.html California: Postscript to People's Park], [[Time Magazine]] archive, February 16th, 1970, Note: Fee required to read article.</ref>

*Led a comprehensive and far-reaching revision of California's massive public assistance programs, actually increasing benefits to the truly needy.

*Led a comprehensive and far-reaching revision of California's massive public assistance programs, actually increasing benefits to the truly needy.

*Signed the nation's first no-fault divorce law

*Signed the nation's first no-fault divorce law

*Signed the Therapeutic Abortion Law, which had the effect of increasing the availability of legal abortion in California - later Reagan expressed regret for this<ref>[http://www.lifenews.com/2008/03/11/nat-3790/ Revisionist History: Misrepresenting President Ronald Reagan’s Abortion Record], [[LifeSiteNews]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/223437/reagans-darkest-hour-paul-kengor-patricia-clark-doerner Reagan's Darkest Hour, "Therapeutic" abortion in California.], [[National Review]]</ref><ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/president-reagan-put-his-pro-life-stance-center-stage-supporting-march-life President Reagan Put His Pro-Life Stance Center Stage In Supporting the March for Life], [[CNSNews.com]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-dSvWrJ6ooAC&pg=PA64 The Essential Ronald Reagan: A Profile in Courage, Justice, and Wisdom]</ref> and even wrote a [[pro-life]] pamphlet while he was president.

*Signed the Therapeutic Abortion Law, which had the effect of increasing the availability of legal abortion in California - later Reagan expressed regret for this<ref>[https://www.lifenews.com/2008/03/11/nat-3790/ Revisionist History: Misrepresenting President Ronald Reagan’s Abortion Record], [[LifeSiteNews]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/223437/reagans-darkest-hour-paul-kengor-patricia-clark-doerner Reagan's Darkest Hour, "Therapeutic" abortion in California.], [[National Review]]</ref><ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/president-reagan-put-his-pro-life-stance-center-stage-supporting-march-life President Reagan Put His Pro-Life Stance Center Stage In Supporting the March for Life], [[CNSNews.com]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-dSvWrJ6ooAC&pg=PA64 The Essential Ronald Reagan: A Profile in Courage, Justice, and Wisdom]</ref> and even wrote a [[pro-life]] pamphlet while he was president.

==Nationally Syndicated Radio==

==Nationally Syndicated Radio==

Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981. On that same day, Ayatollah released the hostages after keeping them in captivity for 444 days. At the inauguration, the invocation and benediction were delivered by Reverend Donn Moomaw, Reagan's pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Hollywood.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=wF_kAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA15-IA103 The Living Church, Volume 182]</ref>

Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981. On that same day, Ayatollah released the hostages after keeping them in captivity for 444 days. At the inauguration, the invocation and benediction were delivered by Reverend Donn Moomaw, Reagan's pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Hollywood.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=wF_kAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA15-IA103 The Living Church, Volume 182]</ref>

Once in office, Reagan vowed a shift in federal power, back to states and localities.<ref name=localities>[http://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/21/us/reagan-vows-shift-in-federal-powers.html REAGAN VOWS SHIFT IN FEDERAL POWERS], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  When the Federal [[Air Traffic Controllers]] struck illegally, Reagan showed he was playing hardball and gave them 48 hours before he fired all who hadn't gone back to work (11,359).

Once in office, Reagan vowed a shift in federal power, back to states and localities.<ref name=localities>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/21/us/reagan-vows-shift-in-federal-powers.html REAGAN VOWS SHIFT IN FEDERAL POWERS], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  When the Federal [[Air Traffic Controllers]] struck illegally, Reagan showed he was playing hardball and gave them 48 hours before he fired all who hadn't gone back to work (11,359).

Reagan rebuffed liberals who complained he was killing the New Deal. Noting that he voted for FDR in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944, as well as Truman in 1948, Reagan said he was trying to repeal the ''"[[Great Society]]"'' enacted by liberals in the mid-1960s.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=68rBxuO7EsMC&pg=PA351&dq=reagan+%22great+society%22+roosevelt+truman&lr=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES ''Eyewitness to Power''], by David Gergen, (2000) p 351</ref>  During the first term of his presidency, Reagan tapped [[James A. Baker III (Secretary of State)|James A. Baker III]], [[Edwin Meese III]], and [[Michael Deaver]] to form a group known by some as "The Troika".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/19/magazine/the-presidential-troika.html?pagewanted=all The Presidential Troika]</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19810806&id=02xQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7013,1321812&hl=en The Troika], The Evening Independent</ref><ref>[http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-01-05/features/8501010299_1_deaver-and-meese-michael-deaver-edwin-meese Reagan Does Not Plan To Replace Deaver, Meese]</ref>

Reagan rebuffed liberals who complained he was killing the New Deal. Noting that he voted for FDR in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944, as well as Truman in 1948, Reagan said he was trying to repeal the ''"[[Great Society]]"'' enacted by liberals in the mid-1960s.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=68rBxuO7EsMC&pg=PA351&dq=reagan+%22great+society%22+roosevelt+truman&lr=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES ''Eyewitness to Power''], by David Gergen, (2000) p 351</ref>  During the first term of his presidency, Reagan tapped [[James A. Baker III (Secretary of State)|James A. Baker III]], [[Edwin Meese III]], and [[Michael Deaver]] to form a group known by some as "The Troika".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/19/magazine/the-presidential-troika.html?pagewanted=all The Presidential Troika]</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19810806&id=02xQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7013,1321812&hl=en The Troika], The Evening Independent</ref><ref>[http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-01-05/features/8501010299_1_deaver-and-meese-michael-deaver-edwin-meese Reagan Does Not Plan To Replace Deaver, Meese]</ref>

Early in his first term, he took a trip to Canada where he met with Prime Minister [[Pierre Trudeau]] and addressed the Canadian Parliament.<ref>[https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/reagan-ronald Travels of the President]</ref>  While in Canada, Reagan requested to meet with [[Gordon Sinclair]], a Canadian journalist who had made international headlines for his commentary "[[The Americans]]".<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/03/Veteran-Toronto-broadcaster-Gordon-Sinclair-81-famous-in-the/7991365659200/ Veteran Toronto broadcaster Gordon Sinclair, 81, famous in the...]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=UP61LHTcaFMC&pg=PA84 A Salute to Service: The Rebirth of Patriotism]</ref>

Early in his first term, he took a trip to Canada where he met with Prime Minister [[Pierre Trudeau]] and addressed the Canadian Parliament.<ref>[https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/reagan-ronald Travels of the President]</ref>  While in Canada, Reagan requested to meet with [[Gordon Sinclair]], a Canadian journalist who had made international headlines for his commentary "[[The Americans]]".<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/03/Veteran-Toronto-broadcaster-Gordon-Sinclair-81-famous-in-the/7991365659200/ Veteran Toronto broadcaster Gordon Sinclair, 81, famous in the...]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=UP61LHTcaFMC&pg=PA84 A Salute to Service: The Rebirth of Patriotism]</ref>

===Space Station Freedom===

===Space Station Freedom===

In the 1984 State of the Union Address, Ronald Reagan outlined the development of a [[Space station]].  He said "We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain."<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=40205 Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union], January 25, 1984</ref>  The space station, later named ''Freedom''<ref>[https://mix.msfc.nasa.gov/abstracts.php?p=1653 Space Station Freedom-Artist's Concept]</ref> faced challenges and re-designs due to budget cuts.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/09/us/nasa-studying-ways-to-redesign-space-station-to-meet-budget-cut.html NASA Studying Ways to Redesign Space Station to Meet Budget Cut]</ref>  It eventually evolved into the [[International Space Station]] program.<ref>[https://uhclarchives.omeka.net/exhibits/show/faget/industrial/freedom Space Station Freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index/news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref1555 Cooperation in space - The International Space Station benefits from ISO standards]</ref>

In the 1984 State of the Union Address, Ronald Reagan outlined the development of a [[Space station]].  He said "We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain."<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=40205 Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union], January 25, 1984</ref>  The space station, later named ''Freedom''<ref>[https://mix.msfc.nasa.gov/abstracts.php?p=1653 Space Station Freedom-Artist's Concept]</ref> faced challenges and re-designs due to budget cuts.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/09/us/nasa-studying-ways-to-redesign-space-station-to-meet-budget-cut.html NASA Studying Ways to Redesign Space Station to Meet Budget Cut]</ref>  It eventually evolved into the [[International Space Station]] program.<ref>[https://uhclarchives.omeka.net/exhibits/show/faget/industrial/freedom Space Station Freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index/news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref1555 Cooperation in space - The International Space Station benefits from ISO standards]</ref>

==Domestic policy==

==Domestic policy==

As a conservative, Reagan was a supporter of school prayer, with Reagan repeatedly raising the issue during his presidency.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/266491/ronald-reagans-prayer-legacy-stewart-mclaurin Ronald Reagan’s Prayer Legacy], [[National Review]]</ref>

As a conservative, Reagan was a supporter of school prayer, with Reagan repeatedly raising the issue during his presidency.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/266491/ronald-reagans-prayer-legacy-stewart-mclaurin Ronald Reagan’s Prayer Legacy], [[National Review]]</ref>

Early on in his presidency, Reagan brought up the issue of prayer in schools, which was banned in 1962 by the Supreme Court in [[Engel v. Vitale]].  He proposed a constitutional amendment<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/18/us/reagan-proposes-school-prayer-amendment.html Reagan Proposes School Prayer Amendment], [[The New York Times]]</ref> that contained the following language: "Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions. No person shall be required by the United States or by any state to participate in prayer".

Early on in his presidency, Reagan brought up the issue of prayer in schools, which was banned in 1962 by the Supreme Court in [[Engel v. Vitale]].  He proposed a constitutional amendment<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/18/us/reagan-proposes-school-prayer-amendment.html Reagan Proposes School Prayer Amendment], [[The New York Times]]</ref> that contained the following language: "Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions. No person shall be required by the United States or by any state to participate in prayer".

Reagan revived the issue in 1984<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=40205 Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union], January 25, 1984</ref> noting the beliefs of the [[Founding Fathers]] on the importance of faith.  He said: "America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. He is ours. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side."  Also in 1984, the Supreme Court reviewed a case regarding a moment of silence in schools.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19840712&id=vogzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5416,1067751 Reagan urges school 'moment of silence']</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/05/us/high-court-weighs-silence-in-school-for-prayer-or-meditation.html High Court Weighs Silence in School for Prayer or Meditation], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  In [[Wallace v. Jaffree]], the court ruled 6-3 against.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1985-06-04/news/mn-6462_1_voluntary-prayer High Court Bars Moments of Silence for School Prayer : But Would Approve Meditation], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref>

Reagan revived the issue in 1984<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=40205 Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union], January 25, 1984</ref> noting the beliefs of the [[Founding Fathers]] on the importance of faith.  He said: "America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. He is ours. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side."  Also in 1984, the Supreme Court reviewed a case regarding a moment of silence in schools.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19840712&id=vogzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5416,1067751 Reagan urges school 'moment of silence']</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/05/us/high-court-weighs-silence-in-school-for-prayer-or-meditation.html High Court Weighs Silence in School for Prayer or Meditation], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  In [[Wallace v. Jaffree]], the court ruled 6-3 against.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1985-06-04/news/mn-6462_1_voluntary-prayer High Court Bars Moments of Silence for School Prayer : But Would Approve Meditation], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref>

Toward the end of his presidency in 1987, Reagan called for Congress to act.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=NefcAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA56 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan, 1987]</ref>  In an address to congress on January 27, he said: "The 100th Congress of the United States should be remembered as the one that ended the expulsion of God from America's classrooms".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/28/nyregion/high-court-accepts-appeal-of-moment-of-silence-law.html High Court Accepts Appeal of 'Moment of Silence' Law], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

Toward the end of his presidency in 1987, Reagan called for Congress to act.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=NefcAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA56 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan, 1987]</ref>  In an address to congress on January 27, he said: "The 100th Congress of the United States should be remembered as the one that ended the expulsion of God from America's classrooms".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/28/nyregion/high-court-accepts-appeal-of-moment-of-silence-law.html High Court Accepts Appeal of 'Moment of Silence' Law], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

===Economy===

===Economy===

===Boll Weevils===

===Boll Weevils===

In 1981 President [[Ronald Reagan]] won over enough conservative southern Democrats—called '''Boll Weevils'''--<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1216/121615.html Boll weevils, gypsy moths, and the 97th Congress ], [[Christian Science Monitor]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/26/us/congress-the-eclipse-of-the-boll-weevils.html CONGRESS; THE ECLIPSE OF THE BOLL WEEVILS], [[The New York Times]]</ref> to carry his major tax cuts through a House nominally controlled by the Democrats. Led by Congressman [[Phil Gramm]] of Texas,<ref>Gramm later became a Republican. On Gramm see David Frum, "Righter Than Newt," ''The Atlantic Monthly'' v. 275#3 (March 1995) pp 81+, online at [[Questia]]</ref> they helped Reagan enact many of his domestic policy proposals, to increase defense spending sharply, and to block leftists attacks on Reagan's anti-Communist policies in Central America. They also helped dismantle some of the remnants of [[Lyndon Johnson]]'s [[Great Society]].<ref>The "boll weevil" was a pest that ruined cotton plants across the South in the early 20th century, and forced the region to diversify out of cotton.</ref> Reagan did not campaign against them, so they kept their seats a few years longer.<ref>Lou Cannon, ''President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime'' (2000) pp 89, 754</ref>

In 1981 President [[Ronald Reagan]] won over enough conservative southern Democrats—called '''Boll Weevils'''--<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1216/121615.html Boll weevils, gypsy moths, and the 97th Congress ], [[Christian Science Monitor]]</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/26/us/congress-the-eclipse-of-the-boll-weevils.html CONGRESS; THE ECLIPSE OF THE BOLL WEEVILS], [[The New York Times]]</ref> to carry his major tax cuts through a House nominally controlled by the Democrats. Led by Congressman [[Phil Gramm]] of Texas,<ref>Gramm later became a Republican. On Gramm see David Frum, "Righter Than Newt," ''The Atlantic Monthly'' v. 275#3 (March 1995) pp 81+, online at [[Questia]]</ref> they helped Reagan enact many of his domestic policy proposals, to increase defense spending sharply, and to block leftists attacks on Reagan's anti-Communist policies in Central America. They also helped dismantle some of the remnants of [[Lyndon Johnson]]'s [[Great Society]].<ref>The "boll weevil" was a pest that ruined cotton plants across the South in the early 20th century, and forced the region to diversify out of cotton.</ref> Reagan did not campaign against them, so they kept their seats a few years longer.<ref>Lou Cannon, ''President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime'' (2000) pp 89, 754</ref>

===Social Security Reform 1983===

===Social Security Reform 1983===

Reagan fulfilled a promise he unnecessarily made in his 1980 presidential campaign to appoint the first women to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]].<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=19801015&id=4zxUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s40DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4187,2916117&hl=en Reagan pledges woman on court], [[Associated Press]]</ref> On July 7, 1981, he chose the first person he interviewed, without even bothering to interview other candidates, by nominating little-known Arizona judge [[Sandra Day O'Connor]] to become an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. O'Connor succeeded Justice [[Potter Stewart]].  Liberals, who had been ready for a knock-down battle, were stunned that Reagan had appointed a [[feminist]] and welcomed her nomination.  [[Pro-life]] groups pointed out that her record indicated her support of [[abortion]]; [[movement conservative]]s [[Jerry Falwell]] opposed her confirmation and Howard Phillips testified against it.  Phillips prophetically declared, "People say you can't tell how a Supreme Court nominee will turn out once on the bench. I respectfully disagree. In most cases, it's very clear. I opposed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor because it was very clear that she had a pro-[[abortion]] record in the Arizona State Senate and as a judge in Arizona. She was also allied with [[Planned Parenthood]]."  With enthusiastic liberal support for O'Connor, she was confirmed by the Senate by a 99–0 vote on September 21 and took her seat September 25.

Reagan fulfilled a promise he unnecessarily made in his 1980 presidential campaign to appoint the first women to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]].<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=19801015&id=4zxUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s40DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4187,2916117&hl=en Reagan pledges woman on court], [[Associated Press]]</ref> On July 7, 1981, he chose the first person he interviewed, without even bothering to interview other candidates, by nominating little-known Arizona judge [[Sandra Day O'Connor]] to become an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. O'Connor succeeded Justice [[Potter Stewart]].  Liberals, who had been ready for a knock-down battle, were stunned that Reagan had appointed a [[feminist]] and welcomed her nomination.  [[Pro-life]] groups pointed out that her record indicated her support of [[abortion]]; [[movement conservative]]s [[Jerry Falwell]] opposed her confirmation and Howard Phillips testified against it.  Phillips prophetically declared, "People say you can't tell how a Supreme Court nominee will turn out once on the bench. I respectfully disagree. In most cases, it's very clear. I opposed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor because it was very clear that she had a pro-[[abortion]] record in the Arizona State Senate and as a judge in Arizona. She was also allied with [[Planned Parenthood]]."  With enthusiastic liberal support for O'Connor, she was confirmed by the Senate by a 99–0 vote on September 21 and took her seat September 25.

In 1986 [[Warren E. Burger]] announced his retirement from the Court. Reagan nominated [[Antonin Scalia]] to fill the vacant seat, at the same time that he elevated [[William Rehnquist]] for Chief Justice.  Most of the opposition in the Senate focused their opposition on the Rehnquist nomination. Scalia was confirmed by a unanimous 98-0 vote, while Rehnquist was confirmed over substantial opposition.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082200931.html Rehnquist Confirmed In 65-33 Senate Vote]</ref><ref>[https://www.loc.gov/law/find/nominations/scalia/vote.pdf Floor Vote - Scalia], September 17, 1986</ref>

In 1986 [[Warren E. Burger]] announced his retirement from the Court. Reagan nominated [[Antonin Scalia]] to fill the vacant seat, at the same time that he elevated [[William Rehnquist]] for Chief Justice.  Most of the opposition in the Senate focused their opposition on the Rehnquist nomination. Scalia was confirmed by a unanimous 98-0 vote, while Rehnquist was confirmed over substantial opposition.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082200931.html Rehnquist Confirmed In 65-33 Senate Vote]</ref><ref>[https://www.loc.gov/law/find/nominations/scalia/vote.pdf Floor Vote - Scalia], September 17, 1986</ref>

=====Robert Bork=====

=====Robert Bork=====

In 1987, Reagan nominated conservative judge [[Robert Bork]] to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice [[Lewis Powell]]. In a highly contentious series of Senate Hearings<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/19/politics/robert-bork-dead/ Robert Bork, known for contentious Supreme Court nomination, dies at 85], [[CNN]]</ref> senate liberals attacked Bork as being too conservative.  Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] criticized him, saying,

In 1987, Reagan nominated conservative judge [[Robert Bork]] to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice [[Lewis Powell]]. In a highly contentious series of Senate Hearings<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/19/politics/robert-bork-dead/ Robert Bork, known for contentious Supreme Court nomination, dies at 85], [[CNN]]</ref> senate liberals attacked Bork as being too conservative.  Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] criticized him, saying,

:''"Robert Bork's America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens' doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of the Government, and the doors of the Federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of citizens for whom the judiciary is -- and is often the only -- protector of the individual rights that are the heart of our democracy."''<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE5DF1E3EF936A35754C0A961948260 WASHINGTON; Kennedy And Bork], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

:''"Robert Bork's America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens' doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of the Government, and the doors of the Federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of citizens for whom the judiciary is -- and is often the only -- protector of the individual rights that are the heart of our democracy."''<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE5DF1E3EF936A35754C0A961948260 WASHINGTON; Kennedy And Bork], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

{{main|Reykjavík Summit}}

{{main|Reykjavík Summit}}

Gorbachev requested a Summit with Reagan in Reykjavik in October 1986 to discuss the stresses competition from Reagan’s defense posture was having on Soviet military spending and economy, and Gorbachev’s ability to carryout his plans of restructuring Communist control. Gorbachev told the [[Politburo]] in preparation for the Summit, "Our goal is to prevent the next round of arms race. If we do not do this ... will pulled into an arms race beyond our power, and we will lose this race, for we are presently at the limit of out capabilities."<ref>Notes of Politburo Meeting 4 October 1986, [http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/episodes/22/documents/reykjavik/ Gorbachev's instructions for the group preparing for Reykjavik]</ref>

Gorbachev requested a Summit with Reagan in Reykjavik in October 1986 to discuss the stresses competition from Reagan’s defense posture was having on Soviet military spending and economy, and Gorbachev’s ability to carryout his plans of restructuring Communist control. Gorbachev told the [[Politburo]] in preparation for the Summit, "Our goal is to prevent the next round of arms race. If we do not do this ... will pulled into an arms race beyond our power, and we will lose this race, for we are presently at the limit of out capabilities."<ref>Notes of Politburo Meeting 4 October 1986, [https://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/episodes/22/documents/reykjavik/ Gorbachev's instructions for the group preparing for Reykjavik]</ref>

Initially, Reagan recognized that the Soviets were offering a bad deal at the [[Reykjavík Summit]], so he walked away from the table.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423381/reagans-lesson-obama-no-agreement-better-bad-agreement-thom-tillis Reagan's Lesson to Obama: 'No Agreement Is Better Than a Bad Agreement'], [[National Review]]</ref>

Initially, Reagan recognized that the Soviets were offering a bad deal at the [[Reykjavík Summit]], so he walked away from the table.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423381/reagans-lesson-obama-no-agreement-better-bad-agreement-thom-tillis Reagan's Lesson to Obama: 'No Agreement Is Better Than a Bad Agreement'], [[National Review]]</ref>

Gorbachev, weakened by his nation's economic malaise, frightened by SDI, and committed to reforming the Soviet system before it collapsed, realized he had to end the Cold War to save Communism. Reagan proved willing to deal, but had to face three sources of criticism inside the U.S. The political right represented by the ''[[National Review]]'' and columnists such as [[George F. Will]] feared it was all a Soviet trap. Reagan used his enormous influence within the conservative movement to disarm these critics before disarming the Russians. Second were the "realists", led by Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger, who thought Reagan was going too far. The third group comprised segments of the intelligence community and military; they did not believe that the Soviet Union was as weak as Reagan and secretary of state, George P. Shultz, believed. Reagan, reelected in a landslide and at the peak of his power, pushed ahead with a series of agreements that effectively weakened the Soviet Empire and made it clear America had the initiative.<ref>James Mann, ''The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan'' (2009)</ref>  

Gorbachev, weakened by his nation's economic malaise, frightened by SDI, and committed to reforming the Soviet system before it collapsed, realized he had to end the Cold War to save Communism. Reagan proved willing to deal, but had to face three sources of criticism inside the U.S. The political right represented by the ''[[National Review]]'' and columnists such as [[George F. Will]] feared it was all a Soviet trap. Reagan used his enormous influence within the conservative movement to disarm these critics before disarming the Russians. Second were the "realists", led by Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger, who thought Reagan was going too far. The third group comprised segments of the intelligence community and military; they did not believe that the Soviet Union was as weak as Reagan and secretary of state, George P. Shultz, believed. Reagan, reelected in a landslide and at the peak of his power, pushed ahead with a series of agreements that effectively weakened the Soviet Empire and made it clear America had the initiative.<ref>James Mann, ''The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan'' (2009)</ref>  

By the late 1980s, the Soviet Union began unilateral force cuts and troop withdrawals from Eastern Europe, and by May 1989 an unprecedented series of disclosures by senior Soviet officials revealed actual reductions in defense spending for the 1986-1990 and 1991-1995 Five Year Plan periods.<ref>Christopher Wilkinson NATO Review, [http://www.nato.int/docu/review/1991/9102-4.htm Soviet Defense Spending], NATO's Economics Directorate No. 2 - April 1991, Vol. 39 p. 16-22</ref> Genrikh Grofimenko, a former adviser to [[Leonid Brezhnev]], said "Ninety-nine percent of the Russian people believe that [the US] won the Cold War because of your president's insistence on SDI".<ref>Peter Schweizer, ''Reagan’s War''.</ref>  Gennady Gerasimov, the Soviet Foreign Ministry's top spokesman during the 1980s, said "Reagan's SDI was a very successful blackmail.  The Soviet economy couldn't endure such competition."<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122478630951963297 Freedom's Team], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref>

By the late 1980s, the Soviet Union began unilateral force cuts and troop withdrawals from Eastern Europe, and by May 1989 an unprecedented series of disclosures by senior Soviet officials revealed actual reductions in defense spending for the 1986-1990 and 1991-1995 Five Year Plan periods.<ref>Christopher Wilkinson NATO Review, [http://www.nato.int/docu/review/1991/9102-4.htm Soviet Defense Spending], NATO's Economics Directorate No. 2 - April 1991, Vol. 39 p. 16-22</ref> Genrikh Grofimenko, a former adviser to [[Leonid Brezhnev]], said "Ninety-nine percent of the Russian people believe that [the US] won the Cold War because of your president's insistence on SDI".<ref>Peter Schweizer, ''Reagan’s War''.</ref>  Gennady Gerasimov, the Soviet Foreign Ministry's top spokesman during the 1980s, said "Reagan's SDI was a very successful blackmail.  The Soviet economy couldn't endure such competition."<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122478630951963297 Freedom's Team], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref>

Reagan also brought about the collapse of the [[Berlin Wall]], which was a symbol of [[communism]] and oppressed the [[freedom]] of East Berliners that wanted to move to West Berlin.

Reagan also brought about the collapse of the [[Berlin Wall]], which was a symbol of [[communism]] and oppressed the [[freedom]] of East Berliners that wanted to move to West Berlin.

===Beirut===

===Beirut===

During the Lebanese Civil War, Reagan sent peacekeeping forces as a part of a multinational force to Beirut.  On October 23, 1983, the barracks were bombed.  As a result of the bombing, 241 Americans were killed.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1697&dat=19860827&id=ljQqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZUcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6550,6530129&hl=en Reagan says worst mistake involved Marines in Beirut]</ref>  The Embassy was also attacked, which resulted in the deaths of 63 people, 17 of which were Americans.<ref>[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/515039782/1983-Beirut-bomb-began-era-of-terror.html?pg=all 1983 Beirut bomb began era of terror]</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/1023.html Beirut Death Toll at 161 Americans; French Casualties Rise in Bombings; Reagan Insists Marines Will Remain], [[New York Times]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BMnUBQJBbgIC&pg=PT157 Seven Events That Made America America: And Proved That the Founding Fathers Were Right All Along], by Larry Schweikart</ref>

During the Lebanese Civil War, Reagan sent peacekeeping forces as a part of a multinational force to Beirut.  On October 23, 1983, the barracks were bombed.  As a result of the bombing, 241 Americans were killed.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1697&dat=19860827&id=ljQqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZUcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6550,6530129&hl=en Reagan says worst mistake involved Marines in Beirut]</ref>  The Embassy was also attacked, which resulted in the deaths of 63 people, 17 of which were Americans.<ref>[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/515039782/1983-Beirut-bomb-began-era-of-terror.html?pg=all 1983 Beirut bomb began era of terror]</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/1023.html Beirut Death Toll at 161 Americans; French Casualties Rise in Bombings; Reagan Insists Marines Will Remain], [[New York Times]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BMnUBQJBbgIC&pg=PT157 Seven Events That Made America America: And Proved That the Founding Fathers Were Right All Along], by Larry Schweikart</ref>

===Grenada===

===Grenada===

Former Reagan speech writer [[Peggy Noonan]] paid tribute to the fallen president in a [[Wall Street Journal]] editorial. In it, Noonan noted:  

Former Reagan speech writer [[Peggy Noonan]] paid tribute to the fallen president in a [[Wall Street Journal]] editorial. In it, Noonan noted:  

{{Cquote|'''Ronald Reagan told the truth to a world made weary by lies. He believed truth was the only platform on which a better future could be built. He shocked the world when he called the Soviet Union ‘evil,’ because it was, and an 'empire,' because it was that, too. He never stopped bringing his message to the people of the world, to Europe and China and in the end the Soviet Union. And when it was over, the Berlin Wall had been turned into a million concrete souvenirs, and Soviet communism had fallen. But of course, it didn’t fall.  <u>It was pushed</u>.  By Mr. Know-Nothing-Cowboy-Gunslinger-Dimwit.  ''All presidents should be so stupid...'''''<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108656337732830162 Thanks from a Grateful Country], [[WSJ]]</ref>}}

{{Cquote|'''Ronald Reagan told the truth to a world made weary by lies. He believed truth was the only platform on which a better future could be built. He shocked the world when he called the Soviet Union ‘evil,’ because it was, and an 'empire,' because it was that, too. He never stopped bringing his message to the people of the world, to Europe and China and in the end the Soviet Union. And when it was over, the Berlin Wall had been turned into a million concrete souvenirs, and Soviet communism had fallen. But of course, it didn’t fall.  <u>It was pushed</u>.  By Mr. Know-Nothing-Cowboy-Gunslinger-Dimwit.  ''All presidents should be so stupid...'''''<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108656337732830162 Thanks from a Grateful Country], [[WSJ]]</ref>}}

===Libya===

===Libya===

==Post-presidency==

==Post-presidency==

[[Image:5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|President Bush presents the Medal of Freedom Award to Former President Ronald Reagan in the East Room of the White House, 01/13/93]]

[[Image:5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|President Bush presents the Medal of Freedom Award to Former President Ronald Reagan in the East Room of the White House, 01/13/93]]

Reagan retired to California. He would occasionally involve himself in politics, including a speech in Britain addressing the [[Tiananmen Square massacre]], and an address at the 1992 Republican National Convention.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/world/reagan-gets-a-red-carpet-from-british.html Reagan Gets A Red Carpet From British], [[The New York Times]], June 14, 1989, "''You cannot massacre an idea, you cannot run tanks over hope. You cannot riddle a people's yearning with bullets.  Those heroic Chinese students who gave their lives have released the spirit of democracy and it cannot be called back. That spirit is loose upon the world this spring''."</ref><ref>[http://www.nbcuniversalarchives.com/nbcuni/clip/5112542724_007.do President Reagan Speaks Out on Tiananmen Square Massacre], [[NBC]]</ref>

Reagan retired to California. He would occasionally involve himself in politics, including a speech in Britain addressing the [[Tiananmen Square massacre]], and an address at the 1992 Republican National Convention.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/world/reagan-gets-a-red-carpet-from-british.html Reagan Gets A Red Carpet From British], [[The New York Times]], June 14, 1989, "''You cannot massacre an idea, you cannot run tanks over hope. You cannot riddle a people's yearning with bullets.  Those heroic Chinese students who gave their lives have released the spirit of democracy and it cannot be called back. That spirit is loose upon the world this spring''."</ref><ref>[http://www.nbcuniversalarchives.com/nbcuni/clip/5112542724_007.do President Reagan Speaks Out on Tiananmen Square Massacre], [[NBC]]</ref>

At a speech in front of the National Association of Broadcasters on April 13, 1992, Reagan was assaulted by a radical anti-nuclear protester masquerading as a press agent.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/16/us/protester-at-reagan-speech-had-press-credentials.html Protester at Reagan Speech Had Press Credentials], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  The protester, identified as Rick Paul Springer, was the founder of a group called ''The 100th Monkey''.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1993-07-16/news/mn-13621_1_las-vegas Man Who Disrupted Reagan Speech Flees 4-Month Jail Term]</ref>  At the event, Reagan was awarded a 2-foot statue for his contributions to broadcasting, made out of crystal weighing nearly 30 pounds.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/14/us/reagan-unhurt-after-man-smashes-30-pound-statue.html Reagan Unhurt After Man Smashes 30-Pound Statue], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  When Springer smashed the statue, some shards did hit Reagan, but he was not hurt.

At a speech in front of the National Association of Broadcasters on April 13, 1992, Reagan was assaulted by a radical anti-nuclear protester masquerading as a press agent.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/16/us/protester-at-reagan-speech-had-press-credentials.html Protester at Reagan Speech Had Press Credentials], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  The protester, identified as Rick Paul Springer, was the founder of a group called ''The 100th Monkey''.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1993-07-16/news/mn-13621_1_las-vegas Man Who Disrupted Reagan Speech Flees 4-Month Jail Term]</ref>  At the event, Reagan was awarded a 2-foot statue for his contributions to broadcasting, made out of crystal weighing nearly 30 pounds.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/14/us/reagan-unhurt-after-man-smashes-30-pound-statue.html Reagan Unhurt After Man Smashes 30-Pound Statue], [[The New York Times]]</ref>  When Springer smashed the statue, some shards did hit Reagan, but he was not hurt.

After the secret service rushed the man off stage, Reagan asked the crowd "Was that a democrat by chance?",<ref>[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/221028/NUCLEAR-PROTESTER-RUSHES-REAGAN-SMASHES-STATUE.html?pg=all NUCLEAR PROTESTER RUSHES REAGAN, SMASHES STATUE]</ref> to which the crowd burst into laughter.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaLMmcY3vs0 President Reagan Attacked at NAB Convention Las Vegas April 1992 480p], [[CBS News]] video from 1992</ref>  A spokesman for the [[Secret Service]] said that he was not sure how Springer got so close to Reagan to begin with.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1992-04-19/news/vw-684_1_secret-service-protection How Do You Really Protect a President?], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref>

After the secret service rushed the man off stage, Reagan asked the crowd "Was that a democrat by chance?",<ref>[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/221028/NUCLEAR-PROTESTER-RUSHES-REAGAN-SMASHES-STATUE.html?pg=all NUCLEAR PROTESTER RUSHES REAGAN, SMASHES STATUE]</ref> to which the crowd burst into laughter.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaLMmcY3vs0 President Reagan Attacked at NAB Convention Las Vegas April 1992 480p], [[CBS News]] video from 1992</ref>  A spokesman for the [[Secret Service]] said that he was not sure how Springer got so close to Reagan to begin with.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1992-04-19/news/vw-684_1_secret-service-protection How Do You Really Protect a President?], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref>

[[Edwin Feulner]], one of the founders of the [[Heritage Foundation]], described Reagan's legacy this way: "At a time when patriotism was mocked, he exposed the bankruptcy of modern liberalism and proved that true liberty is still a fighting faith."<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2004/06/the-legacy-of-ronald-reagan The Legacy of Ronald Reagan], [[Heritage Foundation]]</ref>

[[Edwin Feulner]], one of the founders of the [[Heritage Foundation]], described Reagan's legacy this way: "At a time when patriotism was mocked, he exposed the bankruptcy of modern liberalism and proved that true liberty is still a fighting faith."<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2004/06/the-legacy-of-ronald-reagan The Legacy of Ronald Reagan], [[Heritage Foundation]]</ref>

Conservatives such as [[Grover Norquist]] and his Reagan Legacy Project have sought to name at least one major structure in each U.S. country after Reagan, resulting in a large number of structures after him.<ref>Moody, Chris; Capachi, Casey (September 15, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/politics/ronald-reagan-naming-debate-2016/index.html Why Ronald Reagan's name is everywhere]. ''CNN''. Retrieved September 15, 2017.</ref>

Conservatives such as [[Grover Norquist]] and his Reagan Legacy Project have sought to name at least one major structure in each U.S. country after Reagan, resulting in a large number of structures after him.<ref>Moody, Chris; Capachi, Casey (September 15, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/politics/ronald-reagan-naming-debate-2016/index.html Why Ronald Reagan's name is everywhere]. ''CNN''. Retrieved September 15, 2017.</ref>

===Conservative Activism===

===Conservative Activism===

Wyman was an Oscar-winning actress for her role in the 1948 movie ''Johnny Belinda''. They had three children together: Maureen Elizabeth Reagan (1941-2001), who passed away from malignant [[melanoma]] within months of diagnosis, at age 60; [[Michael Reagan|Michael Edward Reagan]] (b. 1945-),<ref>Michael Reagan is the adopted son of Wyman and Reagan. See conservapedia.com: "[[Michael Reagan]]"</ref> and Christine Reagan (June 26 & 27, 1947). She was born prematurely and survived only one day. The baby's death traumatized Wyman. In 1948, Wyman (who married a total of four times) divorced Reagan in 1948.  Ironically, Wyman was a Republican at the time while Reagan was a Democrat.

Wyman was an Oscar-winning actress for her role in the 1948 movie ''Johnny Belinda''. They had three children together: Maureen Elizabeth Reagan (1941-2001), who passed away from malignant [[melanoma]] within months of diagnosis, at age 60; [[Michael Reagan|Michael Edward Reagan]] (b. 1945-),<ref>Michael Reagan is the adopted son of Wyman and Reagan. See conservapedia.com: "[[Michael Reagan]]"</ref> and Christine Reagan (June 26 & 27, 1947). She was born prematurely and survived only one day. The baby's death traumatized Wyman. In 1948, Wyman (who married a total of four times) divorced Reagan in 1948.  Ironically, Wyman was a Republican at the time while Reagan was a Democrat.

A year later, he met actress [[Nancy Davis]] (b. 1921). In 1952 they married at the Little Brown Church in Studio City, California.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/07/reagans-church-is-big-in-japan/ Reagan's Church in L.A. is 'Big in Japan']</ref> They remained married until his death in 2004. Together they had two children, Patricia "Patti" Ann Davis (b. 1952) and [[Ron P. Reagan|Ronald Prescott Reagan]] (b. 1958).

A year later, he met actress [[Nancy Davis]] (b. 1921). In 1952 they married at the Little Brown Church in Studio City, California.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/07/reagans-church-is-big-in-japan/ Reagan's Church in L.A. is 'Big in Japan']</ref> They remained married until his death in 2004. Together they had two children, Patricia "Patti" Ann Davis (b. 1952) and [[Ron P. Reagan|Ronald Prescott Reagan]] (b. 1958).

==Miscellaneous Facts==

==Miscellaneous Facts==

*At 69, Reagan was the oldest man elected to the presidency for a first term.

*At 69, Reagan was the oldest man elected to the presidency for a first term.

*Reagan loved [[jelly bean]]s.<ref>[https://reaganlibrary.archives.gov/archives/reference/jellybellies.html JELLY BELLY JELLY BEANS AND RONALD REAGAN]</ref> The blueberry flavor was made in his honor. [[Jelly Belly]] even created a Ronald Reagan [[portraits|portrait]] out of jelly beans.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2146733/Art-thats-good-eat-Incredible-jelly-bean-portraits-use-10-000-sweets.html Art that’s good enough to eat: Incredible jelly bean portraits that each use more than 10,000 sweets]</ref>

*Reagan loved [[jelly bean]]s.<ref>[https://reaganlibrary.archives.gov/archives/reference/jellybellies.html JELLY BELLY JELLY BEANS AND RONALD REAGAN]</ref> The blueberry flavor was made in his honor. [[Jelly Belly]] even created a Ronald Reagan [[portraits|portrait]] out of jelly beans.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2146733/Art-thats-good-eat-Incredible-jelly-bean-portraits-use-10-000-sweets.html Art that’s good enough to eat: Incredible jelly bean portraits that each use more than 10,000 sweets]</ref>

*After his death, some of his closest supporters wished to put him on the $10 bill.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2004/06/08/news/economy/reagan_hamilton/index.htm  Reagan the new face of the $10 bill?], [[CNN]]</ref>

*After his death, some of his closest supporters wished to put him on the $10 bill.<ref>[https://money.cnn.com/2004/06/08/news/economy/reagan_hamilton/index.htm  Reagan the new face of the $10 bill?], [[CNN]]</ref>

*Reagan played college football player [[George Gipp]] in the film ''Knute Rockne: All American'' (1940), and was affectionately known as "The Gipper" ever since.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/208420/taxing-experience A Taxing Experience], [[National Review]]</ref>

*Reagan played college football player [[George Gipp]] in the film ''Knute Rockne: All American'' (1940), and was affectionately known as "The Gipper" ever since.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/208420/taxing-experience A Taxing Experience], [[National Review]]</ref>

*Reagan signed Proclamation 5018 declaring 1983 the [[Year of the Bible]].

*Reagan signed Proclamation 5018 declaring 1983 the [[Year of the Bible]].

* "[[Socialist]]s ignore the side of man that is of the spirit.  They can provide shelter, fill your belly with bacon and beans, treat you when you are ill, all the things that are guaranteed to a prisoner or a slave.  They don't understand that we dream - yes, even of some time owning a yacht."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ut8fnmwVkwC&pg=PA91#v=onepage&q&f=false|last1=Skinner|first1=Kiron K.|last2=Anderson|first2=Annelise A.|title=Stories in His Own Hand: The Everyday Wisdom of Ronald Reagan ; Edited with an Introduction and Commentary by Kiron K. Skinner, Annelise Anderson, Martin Anderson ; Foreword by George P. Shultz|date=2001|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781416584506}}</ref>

* "[[Socialist]]s ignore the side of man that is of the spirit.  They can provide shelter, fill your belly with bacon and beans, treat you when you are ill, all the things that are guaranteed to a prisoner or a slave.  They don't understand that we dream - yes, even of some time owning a yacht."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ut8fnmwVkwC&pg=PA91#v=onepage&q&f=false|last1=Skinner|first1=Kiron K.|last2=Anderson|first2=Annelise A.|title=Stories in His Own Hand: The Everyday Wisdom of Ronald Reagan ; Edited with an Introduction and Commentary by Kiron K. Skinner, Annelise Anderson, Martin Anderson ; Foreword by George P. Shultz|date=2001|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781416584506}}</ref>

* "I have wondered at times what the [[Ten Commandments]] would have looked like if [[Moses]] had run them through the [[US Congress]]." <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=tzR2IgNgRK4C&pg=PA160&dq=I+have+wondered+at+times+what+the+Ten+Commandments+would+have+looked+like+if+Moses+had+run+them+through+the+US+Congress&ei=8GsPSrrnOI_CzATl8sGMCw Chapter 9 Page 160] The United States Congress by Ross M. English</ref>

* "I have wondered at times what the [[Ten Commandments]] would have looked like if [[Moses]] had run them through the [[US Congress]]." <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=tzR2IgNgRK4C&pg=PA160&dq=I+have+wondered+at+times+what+the+Ten+Commandments+would+have+looked+like+if+Moses+had+run+them+through+the+US+Congress&ei=8GsPSrrnOI_CzATl8sGMCw Chapter 9 Page 160] The United States Congress by Ross M. English</ref>

*"The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology." - January 20, 1981

*"The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology." - January 20, 1981

*"Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."

*"Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."

*"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under" - Aug. 23, 1984<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=ViUb1DLpnS4C&pg=RA1-PA373&dq=%22ever+forget+that+we+are+One+Nation+Under+God%22&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES ''Treasury of Presidential Quotations''], William J. Federer, ed. p 373</ref>

*"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under" - Aug. 23, 1984<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ViUb1DLpnS4C&pg=RA1-PA373&dq=%22ever+forget+that+we+are+One+Nation+Under+God%22&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES ''Treasury of Presidential Quotations''], William J. Federer, ed. p 373</ref>

*"If you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=Xn4JEGVh-bYC&pg=PA93&dq=When+you+can%27t+make+them+see+the+light,+make+them+feel+the+heat.&ei=tvAlSsrrKZOCygS9_qycBw Ronald Reagan: how an ordinary man became an extraordinary leader‎], by Dinesh D'Souza, Page 93</ref>

*"If you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Xn4JEGVh-bYC&pg=PA93&dq=When+you+can%27t+make+them+see+the+light,+make+them+feel+the+heat.&ei=tvAlSsrrKZOCygS9_qycBw Ronald Reagan: how an ordinary man became an extraordinary leader‎], by Dinesh D'Souza, Page 93</ref>

*"I, too, have always believed that God's greatest gift is human life and that we have a duty to protect the life of an unborn child." <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=65Sd1VzUBacC&q=We+have+the+duty+to+protect+the+life+of+an+unborn+child&dq=We+have+the+duty+to+protect+the+life+of+an+unborn+child&ei=rf5USpawCZnkygTa8LyVBw Ronald Reagan] by Office of the Federal Register</ref>

*"I, too, have always believed that God's greatest gift is human life and that we have a duty to protect the life of an unborn child." <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=65Sd1VzUBacC&q=We+have+the+duty+to+protect+the+life+of+an+unborn+child&dq=We+have+the+duty+to+protect+the+life+of+an+unborn+child&ei=rf5USpawCZnkygTa8LyVBw Ronald Reagan] by Office of the Federal Register</ref>

*"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty." <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=aF8YAAAAIAAJ&dq=Concentrated+power+has+always+been+the+enemy+of+liberty&ei=FE6PSuHhCYuSygSV-fCzBw War and conflict quotations] P.105, by Michael C. Thomsett, Jean F. Thomsett</ref>

*"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty." <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=aF8YAAAAIAAJ&dq=Concentrated+power+has+always+been+the+enemy+of+liberty&ei=FE6PSuHhCYuSygSV-fCzBw War and conflict quotations] P.105, by Michael C. Thomsett, Jean F. Thomsett</ref>

*"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

*"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

* Reeves, Richard. ''President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination'' (2005) detailed analysis by historian

* Reeves, Richard. ''President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination'' (2005) detailed analysis by historian

* Sullivan, George.''Mr. President'' (1997). for middle schools

* Sullivan, George.''Mr. President'' (1997). for middle schools

*  Sutcliffe, Jane. ''Ronald Reagan‎'' (2008) 48 pages; for elementary school; [http://books.google.com/books?id=_H_u21ebGcsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:reagan&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=1&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=12&as_maxy_is=2009&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES excerpt and text search]

*  Sutcliffe, Jane. ''Ronald Reagan‎'' (2008) 48 pages; for elementary school; [https://books.google.com/books?id=_H_u21ebGcsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:reagan&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=1&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=12&as_maxy_is=2009&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES excerpt and text search]

   

   

===Reagan before 1981===

===Reagan before 1981===

* Thomas W. Walker; ''Reagan Versus the Sandinistas: The Undeclared War on Nicaragua'' (1987) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=65710540 online edition]

* Thomas W. Walker; ''Reagan Versus the Sandinistas: The Undeclared War on Nicaragua'' (1987) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=65710540 online edition]

* Wallison, Peter J. ''Ronald Reagan: The Power of Conviction and the Success of His Presidency.'' (2003). 282 pp.  

* Wallison, Peter J. ''Ronald Reagan: The Power of Conviction and the Success of His Presidency.'' (2003). 282 pp.  

*  Wapshott, Nicholas. '' Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: a political marriage‎'' (2007) 336 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=5HOuTL508F0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:reagan&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=1&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=12&as_maxy_is=2009&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES excerpt and text search]

*  Wapshott, Nicholas. '' Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: a political marriage‎'' (2007) 336 pages [https://books.google.com/books?id=5HOuTL508F0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:reagan&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=1&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=12&as_maxy_is=2009&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES excerpt and text search]

* Wills, David C. ''The First War on Terrorism: Counter-Terrorism Policy during the Reagan Administration.'' 2004.  

* Wills, David C. ''The First War on Terrorism: Counter-Terrorism Policy during the Reagan Administration.'' 2004.  

* [https://librivox.org/author/11305 Works by Ronald Reagan - text and free audio] - [[LibriVox]]

* [https://librivox.org/author/11305 Works by Ronald Reagan - text and free audio] - [[LibriVox]]

*[http://davekopel.org/Misc/OpEds/Ronald-Reagan-extremist-collaborator.html Ronald Reagan, Extremist Collaborator], by Dave Kopel

*[http://davekopel.org/Misc/OpEds/Ronald-Reagan-extremist-collaborator.html Ronald Reagan, Extremist Collaborator], by Dave Kopel

*Hawkins, Awr (April 25, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/25/ronald-reagan-seek-inflict-harm-not-fazed-gun-control-laws/ Ronald Reagan: ‘Those Who Seek to Inflict Harm Are Not Fazed by Gun Control Laws’]. ''Breitbart News''.

*Hawkins, Awr (April 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/25/ronald-reagan-seek-inflict-harm-not-fazed-gun-control-laws/ Ronald Reagan: ‘Those Who Seek to Inflict Harm Are Not Fazed by Gun Control Laws’]. ''Breitbart News''.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reagan, Ronald Wilson}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reagan, Ronald Wilson}}