Changes

He attended [[Eureka College]], a small Disciples school where he developed a reputation as a "jack of all trades", excelling in campus politics, sports and theater. Reagan was a member of several athletic organizations including the football and track teams, the basketball cheerleading squad, and captain of the swimming team.  He was also yearbook editor and was elected student body president. Reagan was a political liberal at that point and led a student revolt against the college president. In his first year at Eureka, the president of the college tried to cut back the faculty. Reagan helped organize a student strike. He received his degree in economics and sociology in 1932.<ref>[http://www.asanet.org/students/famous.cfm Famous Sociology Majors]</ref>

He attended [[Eureka College]], a small Disciples school where he developed a reputation as a "jack of all trades", excelling in campus politics, sports and theater. Reagan was a member of several athletic organizations including the football and track teams, the basketball cheerleading squad, and captain of the swimming team.  He was also yearbook editor and was elected student body president. Reagan was a political liberal at that point and led a student revolt against the college president. In his first year at Eureka, the president of the college tried to cut back the faculty. Reagan helped organize a student strike. He received his degree in economics and sociology in 1932.<ref>[http://www.asanet.org/students/famous.cfm Famous Sociology Majors]</ref>

To pay for college, Reagan worked many low-wage jobs such as cooking hamburgers and washing tables. He also worked as a lifeguard at Lowell Park on the Rock River in Dixon for seven summers, where he saved seventy-seven swimmers from drowning.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/reagan/ Timeline of Ronald Reagan’s Life], [[PBS]]</ref>

To pay for college, Reagan worked many low-wage jobs such as cooking hamburgers and washing tables. He also worked as a lifeguard at Lowell Park on the Rock River in Dixon for seven summers, where he saved seventy-seven swimmers from drowning.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/reagan/ Timeline of Ronald Reagan’s Life], [[PBS]]</ref>

After college Reagan became a radio sports announcer in Iowa. Although he was originally only hired to announce the [[University of Iowa]] football games, he became so popular in the Midwest he began covering Chicago Cubs baseball games at Wrigley Field. He also wrote sports columns in the Des Moines ‘’Dispatch’’.

After college Reagan became a radio sports announcer in Iowa. Although he was originally only hired to announce the [[University of Iowa]] football games, he became so popular in the Midwest he began covering Chicago Cubs baseball games at Wrigley Field. He also wrote sports columns in the Des Moines ‘’Dispatch’’.

===Friendship with Billy Graham===

===Friendship with Billy Graham===

Reagan first met [[Billy Graham]] in the mid 1950s<ref name=focus>[http://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/a-story-of-billy-graham-and-ronald-reagan/ A Story of Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan], [[Focus on the Family]]</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2004/06/08/transcript-ronald-reagan-friendship-with-billy-graham.html Transcript: Ronald Reagan's Friendship With Billy Graham], [[Fox News]]</ref> around the time that Reagan started with GE, and they remained friends for many years.

Reagan first met [[Billy Graham]] in the mid 1950s<ref name=focus>[http://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/a-story-of-billy-graham-and-ronald-reagan/ A Story of Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan], [[Focus on the Family]]</ref><ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/story/2004/06/08/transcript-ronald-reagan-friendship-with-billy-graham.html Transcript: Ronald Reagan's Friendship With Billy Graham], [[Fox News]]</ref> around the time that Reagan started with GE, and they remained friends for many years.

Graham was very impressed with Reagan's ability to effectively manage criticism with politeness, reason, and conviction.  Graham wrote of Reagan in relating a story of a pastor from Dallas: "Ron had not only changed a man's mind, but he had done it with charm, conviction, and humor - traits I would see repeatedly as I got to know him."<ref name=focus />

Graham was very impressed with Reagan's ability to effectively manage criticism with politeness, reason, and conviction.  Graham wrote of Reagan in relating a story of a pastor from Dallas: "Ron had not only changed a man's mind, but he had done it with charm, conviction, and humor - traits I would see repeatedly as I got to know him."<ref name=focus />

===Union president===

===Union president===

Reagan jumped into union politics and was elected to five terms as president of the [[Screen Actors Guild]], a labor union for movie actors and part of the [[AFL]]. As SAG President he traveled across the country giving speeches on behalf of actors. Until the 1950s Reagan was an avid liberal Democrat who strongly supported the [[New Deal]] of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and the [[Fair Deal]] of [[Harry S. Truman]]. He often campaigned on behalf of the [[New Deal Coalition]], such as [[Helen Gahagan Douglas]]'s 1950 run for Senator of California.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=U2cs7IHERBwC&pg=PA43 Ronald Reagan's Journey: Democrat to Republican]</ref>  There was talk of running Reagan for president of the AFL itself.<ref>Ronald Reagan, [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743400259/ref=sib_dp_srch_bod?v=search-inside&keywords=truman ''An American Life'' (1990) p 132]</ref>  

Reagan jumped into union politics and was elected to five terms as president of the [[Screen Actors Guild]], a labor union for movie actors and part of the [[AFL]]. As SAG President he traveled across the country giving speeches on behalf of actors. Until the 1950s Reagan was an avid liberal Democrat who strongly supported the [[New Deal]] of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and the [[Fair Deal]] of [[Harry S. Truman]]. He often campaigned on behalf of the [[New Deal Coalition]], such as [[Helen Gahagan Douglas]]'s 1950 run for Senator of California.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=U2cs7IHERBwC&pg=PA43 Ronald Reagan's Journey: Democrat to Republican]</ref>  There was talk of running Reagan for president of the AFL itself.<ref>Ronald Reagan, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743400259/ref=sib_dp_srch_bod?v=search-inside&keywords=truman ''An American Life'' (1990) p 132]</ref>  

Reagan was thus the only president to lead a [[labor union]], a bastion of liberalism. Reagan himself was a registered Democrat well into the 1950s, but as head of the Screen Actors Guild he fought against Communist infiltration. In 1947 he became an FBI informant, known by the bureau as informant "T-10",<ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,959749,00.html Unmasking Informant T-10], [[Time Magazine]]</ref><ref>[http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-08-26/news/8502040928_1_fbi-interviews-reagan-and-wyman-informant Reagan Reportedly Was Fbi Informer In 1940s]</ref> and testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.  Reagan expressed some reservation with the FBI, asking one agent "Do they expect us to constitute ourselves as a little FBI of our own and determine just who is a Commie and who isn't?"<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=I4-UBnd20K4C&pg=PA155 Ronald Reagan in Hollywood: Movies and Politics]</ref> Peggy Noonan wrote, "Even in his zeal to purge the communist influence from [[Hollywood]], he fought those who engaged in witch hunts and defended those who had been falsely accused of involvement."

Reagan was thus the only president to lead a [[labor union]], a bastion of liberalism. Reagan himself was a registered Democrat well into the 1950s, but as head of the Screen Actors Guild he fought against Communist infiltration. In 1947 he became an FBI informant, known by the bureau as informant "T-10",<ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,959749,00.html Unmasking Informant T-10], [[Time Magazine]]</ref><ref>[http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-08-26/news/8502040928_1_fbi-interviews-reagan-and-wyman-informant Reagan Reportedly Was Fbi Informer In 1940s]</ref> and testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.  Reagan expressed some reservation with the FBI, asking one agent "Do they expect us to constitute ourselves as a little FBI of our own and determine just who is a Commie and who isn't?"<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=I4-UBnd20K4C&pg=PA155 Ronald Reagan in Hollywood: Movies and Politics]</ref> Peggy Noonan wrote, "Even in his zeal to purge the communist influence from [[Hollywood]], he fought those who engaged in witch hunts and defended those who had been falsely accused of involvement."

*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>[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.

*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>[https://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==

Reagan was able to crusade against the failures of incumbent Democrat, President [[Jimmy Carter]]. There was runaway [[stagflation]], soaring [[interest rates]], persistent [[unemployment]], a series of humiliations abroad, and a weakened [[military]] in the face of growing Soviet superpower. As Reagan put it, "I'm told I can't use the word depression. Well, I'll tell you the definition. A recession is when your neighbor loses his job; depression is when you lose your job. Recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his." The most pressing foreign policy crisis was that [[Iran]]ian President [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] was holding fifty-two Americans hostage. All of Carter's diplomatic attempts had failed.

Reagan was able to crusade against the failures of incumbent Democrat, President [[Jimmy Carter]]. There was runaway [[stagflation]], soaring [[interest rates]], persistent [[unemployment]], a series of humiliations abroad, and a weakened [[military]] in the face of growing Soviet superpower. As Reagan put it, "I'm told I can't use the word depression. Well, I'll tell you the definition. A recession is when your neighbor loses his job; depression is when you lose your job. Recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his." The most pressing foreign policy crisis was that [[Iran]]ian President [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] was holding fifty-two Americans hostage. All of Carter's diplomatic attempts had failed.

The phrase "There you go again", which Reagan used in the Reagan-Carter Debate on October 28, 1980, became a defining phrase of the campaign.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Decoder/2012/1001/Presidential-debate-what-to-look-for-beyond-who-wins-or-loses-video Presidential debate: what to look for beyond who wins or loses]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN7gDRjTNf4 Reagan-Carter Oct. 28, 1980 Debate - "There You Go Again"]</ref>

The phrase "There you go again", which Reagan used in the Reagan-Carter Debate on October 28, 1980, became a defining phrase of the campaign.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Decoder/2012/1001/Presidential-debate-what-to-look-for-beyond-who-wins-or-loses-video Presidential debate: what to look for beyond who wins or loses]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN7gDRjTNf4 Reagan-Carter Oct. 28, 1980 Debate - "There You Go Again"]</ref>

[[File:2000px-ElectoralCollege1980.png|right|thumb|325px|Reagan's 1980 landslide]]

[[File:2000px-ElectoralCollege1980.png|right|thumb|325px|Reagan's 1980 landslide]]

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>[https://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>[https://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>

Democrats in the Senate choose as their Leader the [[Exalted Cyclops]] [[Robert Byrd]], Senator from [[West Virginia]]. Over the course of Reagan's presidency, the government was forced to shutdown a total of eight times, many times due to confrontations with [[House Speaker]] [[Tip O'Neill]].<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/360142/government-shutdowns-history-charles-c-w-cooke  Government Shutdowns: A History]</ref><ref>[https://www.redstate.com/diary/willstauff/2014/02/18/tip-oneill-gop-majority-myth/ Replace Boehner with Tip O’Neill]</ref>

Democrats in the Senate choose as their Leader the [[Exalted Cyclops]] [[Robert Byrd]], Senator from [[West Virginia]]. Over the course of Reagan's presidency, the government was forced to shutdown a total of eight times, many times due to confrontations with [[House Speaker]] [[Tip O'Neill]].<ref>[https://www.nationalreview.com/article/360142/government-shutdowns-history-charles-c-w-cooke  Government Shutdowns: A History]</ref><ref>[https://www.redstate.com/diary/willstauff/2014/02/18/tip-oneill-gop-majority-myth/ Replace Boehner with Tip O’Neill]</ref>

===Administration===

===Administration===

{{Main|United States presidential election, 1984}}

{{Main|United States presidential election, 1984}}

In 1984, Reagan was re-elected in a landslide, winning every state except Mondale's home state of Minnesota and the District of Columbia, creating a record 525 electoral vote total (of 538 possible), and received 58.8%. of the popular vote.<ref>[http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/scores.html#1984 National Archives]</ref><ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/national.php?f=0&year=1984 Leip, David: 1984 Presidential Election Results.]</ref>  At the second inaugural, the Reverend Timothy Healy delivered the invocation, and the Reverend Peter Gomes delivered the benediction.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19850119&id=MGwiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_6sFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1381,1418388&hl=en The Argus-Press - Jan 19, 1985]</ref> In his Second Inaugural Address after winning the election, Reagan asked two of his most well-remembered questions: "''If not us, who? And if not now, when?''"

In 1984, Reagan was re-elected in a landslide, winning every state except Mondale's home state of Minnesota and the District of Columbia, creating a record 525 electoral vote total (of 538 possible), and received 58.8%. of the popular vote.<ref>[https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/scores.html#1984 National Archives]</ref><ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/national.php?f=0&year=1984 Leip, David: 1984 Presidential Election Results.]</ref>  At the second inaugural, the Reverend Timothy Healy delivered the invocation, and the Reverend Peter Gomes delivered the benediction.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19850119&id=MGwiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_6sFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1381,1418388&hl=en The Argus-Press - Jan 19, 1985]</ref> In his Second Inaugural Address after winning the election, Reagan asked two of his most well-remembered questions: "''If not us, who? And if not now, when?''"

During his second term, Reagan helped end the Cold War with the help of Margaret Thatcher and some assistance from Pope John Paul II and Mikhail Gorbachev by recognizing the weakness of the Soviet economy and spent them out of existence by their not being able to compete with defense spending.

During his second term, Reagan helped end the Cold War with the help of Margaret Thatcher and some assistance from Pope John Paul II and Mikhail Gorbachev by recognizing the weakness of the Soviet economy and spent them out of existence by their not being able to compete with defense spending.

===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>[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>

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>[https://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==

===School prayer and a moment of silence===

===School prayer and a moment of silence===

[[Image:Reagans greet Billy Graham at Prayer Breakfast 1981.jpg|right|thumb|250px|President Reagan and Nancy Reagan greeting Billy Graham at the 1981 National Prayer Breakfast]]

[[Image:Reagans greet Billy Graham at Prayer Breakfast 1981.jpg|right|thumb|250px|President Reagan and Nancy Reagan greeting Billy Graham at the 1981 National Prayer Breakfast]]

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>[https://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>[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".

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>[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> Reagan received the support of boxing legend [[Muhammad Ali]] who said, "He's keeping God in schools and that's enough."<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/06/10/when-muhammad-ali-endorsed-ronald-reagan/?utm_term=.e84c75ad95f2</ref>  

Reagan revived the issue in 1984<ref>[https://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> Reagan received the support of boxing legend [[Muhammad Ali]] who said, "He's keeping God in schools and that's enough."<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/06/10/when-muhammad-ali-endorsed-ronald-reagan/?utm_term=.e84c75ad95f2</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>

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>

On August 13, 1981, Reagan signed the Kemp-Roth [[Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981]] bill into law, reducing the tax burden on American citizens.

On August 13, 1981, Reagan signed the Kemp-Roth [[Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981]] bill into law, reducing the tax burden on American citizens.

[[File:Time-8-17-81.jpg|thumb|250px| ''Time'' Aug 17, 1981. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,949316,00.html read story]]]

[[File:Time-8-17-81.jpg|thumb|250px| ''Time'' Aug 17, 1981. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,949316,00.html read story]]]

Fueled by an over spending [[Congress]] that steadfastly refused Reagan's budget proposals, the national debt increased 160% during his two terms in office. However, the economic growth that resulted from tax cuts made deficits as a percentage of [[GDP]] lower than what they had been in during the previous decade of stagflation. The period of high [[inflation]] and [[unemployment]] when Reagan took office was over after eight years of his Presidency. In 1986 Reagan signed the [[Tax Reform Act of 1986]], which obtained an overhaul of the income tax code and eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. The [[income tax]] rates of the top personal tax bracket dropped from 70% to 28% in 7 years. At the same time, Reagan sought to close tax loopholes so that the wealthy would not be able to get away with paying less tax than low to middle-income earners. By the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without [[recession]] or [[depression]].<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html Ronald Reagan]</ref>

Fueled by an over spending [[Congress]] that steadfastly refused Reagan's budget proposals, the national debt increased 160% during his two terms in office. However, the economic growth that resulted from tax cuts made deficits as a percentage of [[GDP]] lower than what they had been in during the previous decade of stagflation. The period of high [[inflation]] and [[unemployment]] when Reagan took office was over after eight years of his Presidency. In 1986 Reagan signed the [[Tax Reform Act of 1986]], which obtained an overhaul of the income tax code and eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. The [[income tax]] rates of the top personal tax bracket dropped from 70% to 28% in 7 years. At the same time, Reagan sought to close tax loopholes so that the wealthy would not be able to get away with paying less tax than low to middle-income earners. By the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without [[recession]] or [[depression]].<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html Ronald Reagan]</ref>

====PATCO Strike====

====PATCO Strike====

===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>[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>

In 1981 President [[Ronald Reagan]] won over enough conservative southern Democrats—called '''Boll Weevils'''--<ref>[https://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===

Mounting concerns that rising Social Security benefits were causing a long-term deficit and were growing too fast resulted in a bipartisan compromise in 1983. Brokered by conservative [[Alan Greenspan]] and liberal [[Claude Pepper]], the agreement lowered benefits over the next 75 years and brought the system into balance. Key provisions included a gradual increase over 25 years in the retirement age from 65 to 67, to take account of longer life expectancy. (People could retire younger, but at a reduced rate of benefits.) Millions of people were added to the system, especially employees of state governments and of nonprofit organizations.<ref>1983 Greenspan Commission on Social Security Reform (1983) [http://www.ssa.gov/history/reports/gspan5.html online version]; "Claude Pepper and Social Security Reform - 1981-1983," [http://www.claudepeppercenter.fsu.edu/webexhibits/socialsecurityreform/socialsecurityreform1981to1983.htm online exhibit]; Paul Charles Light, ''Artful Work: The Politics of Social Security Reform'' (1985)</ref>

Mounting concerns that rising Social Security benefits were causing a long-term deficit and were growing too fast resulted in a bipartisan compromise in 1983. Brokered by conservative [[Alan Greenspan]] and liberal [[Claude Pepper]], the agreement lowered benefits over the next 75 years and brought the system into balance. Key provisions included a gradual increase over 25 years in the retirement age from 65 to 67, to take account of longer life expectancy. (People could retire younger, but at a reduced rate of benefits.) Millions of people were added to the system, especially employees of state governments and of nonprofit organizations.<ref>1983 Greenspan Commission on Social Security Reform (1983) [https://www.ssa.gov/history/reports/gspan5.html online version]; "Claude Pepper and Social Security Reform - 1981-1983," [http://www.claudepeppercenter.fsu.edu/webexhibits/socialsecurityreform/socialsecurityreform1981to1983.htm online exhibit]; Paul Charles Light, ''Artful Work: The Politics of Social Security Reform'' (1985)</ref>

===Judicial Appointments===

===Judicial Appointments===

{{main|Federalism|Tenth Amendment}}

{{main|Federalism|Tenth Amendment}}

As a staunch supporter of the Republic which our [[Founding Fathers]] created and handed down to us, Reagan signed Executive Order 12612 on October 26, 1987.<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=33607 Executive Order 12612 - Federalism]</ref>  The EO recognized that the [[Constitution]] only grants authority to a few, specific [[Enumerated powers]].  Outside of these few areas, the role of the Federal Government should not be a meddlesome one, but that the states should be in charge, where citizens have a more direct and local discretion.  The EO said "Federalism is rooted in the knowledge that our political liberties are best assured by limiting the size and scope of the national government".

As a staunch supporter of the Republic which our [[Founding Fathers]] created and handed down to us, Reagan signed Executive Order 12612 on October 26, 1987.<ref>[https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=33607 Executive Order 12612 - Federalism]</ref>  The EO recognized that the [[Constitution]] only grants authority to a few, specific [[Enumerated powers]].  Outside of these few areas, the role of the Federal Government should not be a meddlesome one, but that the states should be in charge, where citizens have a more direct and local discretion.  The EO said "Federalism is rooted in the knowledge that our political liberties are best assured by limiting the size and scope of the national government".

Executive Order 12612 was rescinded with Executive Order 13083 by [[Bill Clinton]] on May 14, 1998.<ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=55957 Executive Order 13083 - Federalism]</ref><ref>[https://www.heritage.org/research/reports/1998/06/president-clintons-sellout-of-federalism President Clinton's Sellout of Federalism], [[Heritage Foundation]]</ref>

Executive Order 12612 was rescinded with Executive Order 13083 by [[Bill Clinton]] on May 14, 1998.<ref>[https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=55957 Executive Order 13083 - Federalism]</ref><ref>[https://www.heritage.org/research/reports/1998/06/president-clintons-sellout-of-federalism President Clinton's Sellout of Federalism], [[Heritage Foundation]]</ref>

===War on Drugs===

===War on Drugs===

As President, Reagan declared a "[[War on Drugs]]", which would be policies put forward by the United States and other countries to reduce illegal drug trade. In 1986, President Reagan signed the very prominent Anti-Drug Abuse Act which granted $97 million to build new [[prison]]s, $200 million for drug [[education]] and $241 million for treatment. Overall, $1.7 billion to fight the drug crisis.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/cron/ Thirty Years of America's Drug War], A Chronology, [[PBS]]</ref> First Lady [[Nancy Reagan]] started a slogan, "[[Just Say No]]" to drug use. The term was used in television advertising, and today there are many "Just Say No" drug clinics. As a result of the policies, [[marijuana]] use dropped  from 33% of high-school seniors in 1980 to 12% in 1991.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/interviews/kleber.html Interview with Dr. Herbert Kleber], [[PBS]]</ref>

As President, Reagan declared a "[[War on Drugs]]", which would be policies put forward by the United States and other countries to reduce illegal drug trade. In 1986, President Reagan signed the very prominent Anti-Drug Abuse Act which granted $97 million to build new [[prison]]s, $200 million for drug [[education]] and $241 million for treatment. Overall, $1.7 billion to fight the drug crisis.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/cron/ Thirty Years of America's Drug War], A Chronology, [[PBS]]</ref> First Lady [[Nancy Reagan]] started a slogan, "[[Just Say No]]" to drug use. The term was used in television advertising, and today there are many "Just Say No" drug clinics. As a result of the policies, [[marijuana]] use dropped  from 33% of high-school seniors in 1980 to 12% in 1991.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/interviews/kleber.html Interview with Dr. Herbert Kleber], [[PBS]]</ref>

===Illegal immigration===

===Illegal immigration===

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>

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>[https://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>

A year later, the ''Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)'', which was signed by Reagan and Gorbachev on December 8, 1987.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/12/newsid_3732000/3732902.stm 1986: Reykjavik summit ends in failure], [[BBC]]</ref>

A year later, the ''Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)'', which was signed by Reagan and Gorbachev on December 8, 1987.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/12/newsid_3732000/3732902.stm 1986: Reykjavik summit ends in failure], [[BBC]]</ref>

Reports had filtered back to Reagan that children as young as nine years old had been used by Iran to clear minefields.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/iran-iraq.htm Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), ''Iraqi Retreats, 1982-84''], Globalsecurity.org, retrieved 20 March 2007.</ref> In weighing Iraq's delicate Sunni/Shia balance and the growing threat of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, the NSC staff and Casey recognized the dangers of an Iraqi collapse as well as the urgent need to dissuade Iran from continuing its ruthless and inhumane tactics.<ref>[http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/iraq53.pdf NSDD 139, 5 April 1984].</ref>

Reports had filtered back to Reagan that children as young as nine years old had been used by Iran to clear minefields.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/iran-iraq.htm Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), ''Iraqi Retreats, 1982-84''], Globalsecurity.org, retrieved 20 March 2007.</ref> In weighing Iraq's delicate Sunni/Shia balance and the growing threat of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, the NSC staff and Casey recognized the dangers of an Iraqi collapse as well as the urgent need to dissuade Iran from continuing its ruthless and inhumane tactics.<ref>[http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/iraq53.pdf NSDD 139, 5 April 1984].</ref>

The [[Boland amendment]], a Vietnam era-style Congressional impingement on the legitimate foreign policy prerogatives of the Executive via the power of the purse, was used to deny Reagan's recommitment to the [[Truman Doctrine]] which had been adhered to by every President, Democratic and Republican alike since Truman, with the exception of [[President Carter]] whose [[human rights]] policy had brought one of the active belligerents, the [[Ayatollah Khomeini]], to power. In three of the active Soviet fronts, [[Afghanistan]], [[Nicaragua]], and [[El Salvador]], some Congressional Democratic leaders were openly sympathetic to Soviet foreign policy.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/004/591eifow.asp ''One Weekend in April, A Long Time Ago ... What John Kerry thought about the Sandinista in Nicaragua''], Hugh Hewitt, The Weekly Standard, 09/09/2004.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20060331222819/www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/6/7/234527.shtml ''Kerry: 'I'm Proud I Stood Against Reagan''] Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff, 7 June 2004.</ref>  So the decision was made to fund [[Containment]] of Soviet objectives on an active front in North America with sales of TOW missiles to Iran.  Israel provided the TOWs because the [[Boland Amendment]] forbade direct US funding and it was a welcome opportunity for Israel to build bridges to a much-needed friend in the Middle East.

The [[Boland amendment]], a Vietnam era-style Congressional impingement on the legitimate foreign policy prerogatives of the Executive via the power of the purse, was used to deny Reagan's recommitment to the [[Truman Doctrine]] which had been adhered to by every President, Democratic and Republican alike since Truman, with the exception of [[President Carter]] whose [[human rights]] policy had brought one of the active belligerents, the [[Ayatollah Khomeini]], to power. In three of the active Soviet fronts, [[Afghanistan]], [[Nicaragua]], and [[El Salvador]], some Congressional Democratic leaders were openly sympathetic to Soviet foreign policy.<ref>[https://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/004/591eifow.asp ''One Weekend in April, A Long Time Ago ... What John Kerry thought about the Sandinista in Nicaragua''], Hugh Hewitt, The Weekly Standard, 09/09/2004.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060331222819/www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/6/7/234527.shtml ''Kerry: 'I'm Proud I Stood Against Reagan''] Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff, 7 June 2004.</ref>  So the decision was made to fund [[Containment]] of Soviet objectives on an active front in North America with sales of TOW missiles to Iran.  Israel provided the TOWs because the [[Boland Amendment]] forbade direct US funding and it was a welcome opportunity for Israel to build bridges to a much-needed friend in the Middle East.

The operation was known as the "[[Iran-Contra affair]]." After word got out about the operation in November 1986, investigations were made, leading to the convictions of several members of the Reagan administration. President Reagan himself testified before the Tower Commission that he had poor recollection of the details of the operation due in part to the heavy pain medications he had been on in that period.

The operation was known as the "[[Iran-Contra affair]]." After word got out about the operation in November 1986, investigations were made, leading to the convictions of several members of the Reagan administration. President Reagan himself testified before the Tower Commission that he had poor recollection of the details of the operation due in part to the heavy pain medications he had been on in that period.

===Conservative Activism===

===Conservative Activism===

[[Image:Reagan and Buckley.jpg|left|thumb|250px|President Reagan meets with Conservative icon [[William F. Buckley]]]]

[[Image:Reagan and Buckley.jpg|left|thumb|250px|President Reagan meets with Conservative icon [[William F. Buckley]]]]

Since Reagan's passing and even prior to it, there has been a concerted effort by [[RINOs]] to make him seem less conservative than he was during his life.  There have been plenty of former democrats who switched parties and became Republicans, but few of them spent as much time helping to build the '''conservative movement''' over the decades, as well as keeping the legacy of the [[Founding Fathers]] alive.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/04/04/juan-williams-ronald-reagan-loved-founding-fathers.html?intcmp=obinsite Juan Williams: Ronald Reagan loved the Founding Fathers], [[Fox News]]</ref>  Prior to the era of the [[Tea Party Movement]], conservative efforts and organizations have come and gone, many of which Reagan stood side by side with.  The ''Town Meeting for Freedom'', which sometimes led to accusations of him being a "Bircher";<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=iuaeEX-1yKgC&pg=PA124 The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning]</ref> he was a member of ''Project Prayer'', which rallied after the [[Supreme Court]] banned prayer in public schools;<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=7IBuD1fC_tkC&dq=%22project+prayer%22 Ronald Reagan], by George Sullivan</ref> he appeared at rallies for groups like ''Project Alert'' and the ''Christian Anti-Communist Crusade'';<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-nnsCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT23 Selling Ronald Reagan: The Emergence of a President]</ref> he joined the board of YAF, the [[Young Americans for Freedom]](which later became the [[Young America's Foundation]])<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=fPWPDH-0TZYC&pg=PA67 Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All]</ref> and helped make it a successful organization; and he was open for years about his love for the conservative publication [[Human Events]],<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=C1kvsToagGEC&pg=PA24 President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination]</ref> which helped to increase its prominence.  During the 1970s, Reagan helped transform the [[National Rifle Association]] into what it is today, with Reagan being the first presidential candidate they had endorsed in their then 109-year history.<ref>[http://www.thenation.com/article/how-nra-became-organization-aspiring-vigilantes-part-2/ How the NRA Became an Organization for Aspiring Vigilantes], The [[Nation magazine]]</ref>

Since Reagan's passing and even prior to it, there has been a concerted effort by [[RINOs]] to make him seem less conservative than he was during his life.  There have been plenty of former democrats who switched parties and became Republicans, but few of them spent as much time helping to build the '''conservative movement''' over the decades, as well as keeping the legacy of the [[Founding Fathers]] alive.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/04/04/juan-williams-ronald-reagan-loved-founding-fathers.html?intcmp=obinsite Juan Williams: Ronald Reagan loved the Founding Fathers], [[Fox News]]</ref>  Prior to the era of the [[Tea Party Movement]], conservative efforts and organizations have come and gone, many of which Reagan stood side by side with.  The ''Town Meeting for Freedom'', which sometimes led to accusations of him being a "Bircher";<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=iuaeEX-1yKgC&pg=PA124 The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning]</ref> he was a member of ''Project Prayer'', which rallied after the [[Supreme Court]] banned prayer in public schools;<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=7IBuD1fC_tkC&dq=%22project+prayer%22 Ronald Reagan], by George Sullivan</ref> he appeared at rallies for groups like ''Project Alert'' and the ''Christian Anti-Communist Crusade'';<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-nnsCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT23 Selling Ronald Reagan: The Emergence of a President]</ref> he joined the board of YAF, the [[Young Americans for Freedom]](which later became the [[Young America's Foundation]])<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=fPWPDH-0TZYC&pg=PA67 Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All]</ref> and helped make it a successful organization; and he was open for years about his love for the conservative publication [[Human Events]],<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=C1kvsToagGEC&pg=PA24 President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination]</ref> which helped to increase its prominence.  During the 1970s, Reagan helped transform the [[National Rifle Association]] into what it is today, with Reagan being the first presidential candidate they had endorsed in their then 109-year history.<ref>[http://www.thenation.com/article/how-nra-became-organization-aspiring-vigilantes-part-2/ How the NRA Became an Organization for Aspiring Vigilantes], The [[Nation magazine]]</ref>

To listen to some pundits, journalists, and other political figures, you would think Reagan changed the letter D after his name into the letter R, made a few speeches here and there, and then washed his hands of it.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  He spent a lifetime in the trenches once he decided to become a conservative.  He was all-in.  Once Reagan became president, he was not afraid to champion conservative causes, nor talk about his faith and his belief in God. He frequently talked about the importance of religious faith to a free society.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/02/06/ronald-reagan-remembering-champion-religious-liberty-on-his-birthday.html Ronald Reagan: Remembering the champion of religious liberty on his birthday], [[Fox News]]</ref>

To listen to some pundits, journalists, and other political figures, you would think Reagan changed the letter D after his name into the letter R, made a few speeches here and there, and then washed his hands of it.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  He spent a lifetime in the trenches once he decided to become a conservative.  He was all-in.  Once Reagan became president, he was not afraid to champion conservative causes, nor talk about his faith and his belief in God. He frequently talked about the importance of religious faith to a free society.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/02/06/ronald-reagan-remembering-champion-religious-liberty-on-his-birthday.html Ronald Reagan: Remembering the champion of religious liberty on his birthday], [[Fox News]]</ref>

==Family==

==Family==

*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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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]].

*The booth where Ronald proposed to Nancy from the restaurant ''Chasen's'' is on display at the Reagan Library.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2003/oct/14/local/me-reagan14 Reagan Library to Roll Out Renovated Galleries, Exhibits]</ref>

*The booth where Ronald proposed to Nancy from the restaurant ''Chasen's'' is on display at the Reagan Library.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2003/oct/14/local/me-reagan14 Reagan Library to Roll Out Renovated Galleries, Exhibits]</ref>

* Griscom Tom. "Core Ideas of the Reagan Presidency." In Thompson, ed., ''Leadership,'' 23-48.  

* Griscom Tom. "Core Ideas of the Reagan Presidency." In Thompson, ed., ''Leadership,'' 23-48.  

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order'' (2001)   

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order'' (2001)   

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989'' (2009) [http://www.amazon.com/Age-Reagan-Conservative-Counterrevolution-1980-1989/dp/1400053579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861343&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989'' (2009) [https://www.amazon.com/Age-Reagan-Conservative-Counterrevolution-1980-1989/dp/1400053579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861343&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Hulten Charles R. and Isabel V. Sawhill, eds. ''The Legacy of Reaganomics: Prospects for Long-Term Growth.'' (1994).  

* Hulten Charles R. and Isabel V. Sawhill, eds. ''The Legacy of Reaganomics: Prospects for Long-Term Growth.'' (1994).  

* Jones, Charles O. ed. ''The Reagan Legacy: Promise and Performance'' (1988) essays by political scientists

* Jones, Charles O. ed. ''The Reagan Legacy: Promise and Performance'' (1988) essays by political scientists

* Thomas, Tony. ''The Films of Ronald Reagan'' (1980)  

* Thomas, Tony. ''The Films of Ronald Reagan'' (1980)  

* Troy, Gill. ''Morning in America: How Ronald Reagan Invented the 1980s'' (2004).  Study of Reagan's image.

* Troy, Gill. ''Morning in America: How Ronald Reagan Invented the 1980s'' (2004).  Study of Reagan's image.

* Troy, Gill. ''The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction'' (2009) [http://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Revolution-Short-Introduction-Introductions/dp/0195317106/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861138&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Troy, Gill. ''The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction'' (2009) [https://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Revolution-Short-Introduction-Introductions/dp/0195317106/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861138&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Wilentz, Sean.  ''The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008'' (2008), major narrative history by liberal historian who says Reagan transformed America

* Wilentz, Sean.  ''The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008'' (2008), major narrative history by liberal historian who says Reagan transformed America

==Detailed Bibliography==

==Detailed Bibliography==

===Biographies===

===Biographies===

* Benze, Jr. James G. ''Nancy Reagan: On the White House Stage'' (2005), [http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Reagan-White-Modern-Ladies/dp/070061401X/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317375&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Benze, Jr. James G. ''Nancy Reagan: On the White House Stage'' (2005), [https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Reagan-White-Modern-Ladies/dp/070061401X/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317375&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Benze James G. "Nancy Reagan: China Doll or Dragon Lady?" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 20 (fall 1990): 777-90

* Benze James G. "Nancy Reagan: China Doll or Dragon Lady?" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 20 (fall 1990): 777-90

* Cannon, Lou. ''President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime '' Public Affairs. (2nd ed 2000) 948 pp. full-length biography [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=88989671 online edition]

* Cannon, Lou. ''President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime '' Public Affairs. (2nd ed 2000) 948 pp. full-length biography [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=88989671 online edition]

*  Diggins, John. ''Ronald Reagan‎'' (2008), 528 pages, by leading conservative historian.  

*  Diggins, John. ''Ronald Reagan‎'' (2008), 528 pages, by leading conservative historian.  

* D'Souza, Dinesh. ''Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader'' (1999), popular. [http://www.amazon.com/Ronald-Reagan-Ordinary-Became-Extraordinary/dp/0684848236/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317303&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* D'Souza, Dinesh. ''Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader'' (1999), popular. [https://www.amazon.com/Ronald-Reagan-Ordinary-Became-Extraordinary/dp/0684848236/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317303&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Evans, Thomas W. ''The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years'' (2006) [http://www.amazon.com/Education-Ronald-Reagan-Conversion-Conservatism/dp/0231138601/ref=sr_1_5/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317183&sr=1-5 excerpt and text search]

* Evans, Thomas W. ''The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years'' (2006) [https://www.amazon.com/Education-Ronald-Reagan-Conversion-Conservatism/dp/0231138601/ref=sr_1_5/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317183&sr=1-5 excerpt and text search]

* Morris, ''Edmund. Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan'' (1999), includes fictional material [http://www.amazon.com/Dutch-Memoir-Ronald-Edmund-Morris/dp/0375756450/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317223&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Morris, ''Edmund. Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan'' (1999), includes fictional material [https://www.amazon.com/Dutch-Memoir-Ronald-Edmund-Morris/dp/0375756450/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317223&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Pemberton, William E. ''Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan'' (1998) short biography by historian [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=49534236 online edition]

* Pemberton, William E. ''Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan'' (1998) short biography by historian [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=49534236 online edition]

* 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

* Burbank, Garin. "Governor Reagan's Only Defeat: The Proposition 1 Campaign in 1973." ''California History'' 72 (winter 1993-94): 360-73.  

* Burbank, Garin. "Governor Reagan's Only Defeat: The Proposition 1 Campaign in 1973." ''California History'' 72 (winter 1993-94): 360-73.  

* Burbank, Garin. "Speaker Moretti, Governor Reagan, and the Search for Tax Reform in California, 1970-1972" ''The Pacific Historical Review'' Vol. 61, No. 2 (May, 1992), pp.&nbsp;193–214 [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0030-8684%28199205%2961%3A2%3C193%3ASMGRAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-E online in JSTOR]

* Burbank, Garin. "Speaker Moretti, Governor Reagan, and the Search for Tax Reform in California, 1970-1972" ''The Pacific Historical Review'' Vol. 61, No. 2 (May, 1992), pp.&nbsp;193–214 [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0030-8684%28199205%2961%3A2%3C193%3ASMGRAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-E online in JSTOR]

* Cannon, Lou. ''Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power'' Public Affairs.  detailed biography [http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Reagan-His-Rise-Power/dp/1586480308/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317275&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Cannon, Lou. ''Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power'' Public Affairs.  detailed biography [https://www.amazon.com/Governor-Reagan-His-Rise-Power/dp/1586480308/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317275&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Dallek, Matthew. ''The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics.'' (2004).  Study of 1966 election as governor.

* Dallek, Matthew. ''The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics.'' (2004).  Study of 1966 election as governor.

* DeGroot, Gerard J. "'A Goddamned Electable Person': the 1966 California Gubernatorial Campaign of Ronald Reagan." ''History'' 1997 82(267): 429-448. Issn: 0018-2648 Fulltext: in Swetswise, Ingenta and Ebsco  

* DeGroot, Gerard J. "'A Goddamned Electable Person': the 1966 California Gubernatorial Campaign of Ronald Reagan." ''History'' 1997 82(267): 429-448. Issn: 0018-2648 Fulltext: in Swetswise, Ingenta and Ebsco  

* Germond, Jack W. and Jules Witcover. ''Blue Smoke & Mirrors: How Reagan Won & Why Carter Lost the Election of 1980''.  (1981). Detailed journalism.

* Germond, Jack W. and Jules Witcover. ''Blue Smoke & Mirrors: How Reagan Won & Why Carter Lost the Election of 1980''.  (1981). Detailed journalism.

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order'' (2001)   

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order'' (2001)   

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989'' (2009) [http://www.amazon.com/Age-Reagan-Conservative-Counterrevolution-1980-1989/dp/1400053579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861343&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Hayward, Steven F. ''The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989'' (2009) [https://www.amazon.com/Age-Reagan-Conservative-Counterrevolution-1980-1989/dp/1400053579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258861343&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Hamilton Gary G., and Nicole Woolsey Biggart. ''Governor Reagan, Governor Brown: A Sociology of executive Power.'' (1984).  

* Hamilton Gary G., and Nicole Woolsey Biggart. ''Governor Reagan, Governor Brown: A Sociology of executive Power.'' (1984).  

* Moore, Glen. "Ronald W. Reagan's Campaign for the Republican Party's 1968 Presidential Nomination." ''Proceedings and Papers of the Georgia Association of Historians'' (1992) 12[i.e., 13]: 57-70. Issn: 0275-3863  

* Moore, Glen. "Ronald W. Reagan's Campaign for the Republican Party's 1968 Presidential Nomination." ''Proceedings and Papers of the Georgia Association of Historians'' (1992) 12[i.e., 13]: 57-70. Issn: 0275-3863  

* Salamon Lester M., and Michael S. Lund. eds. ''The Reagan Presidency and the Governing of America'' 1985.  articles by political scientists

* Salamon Lester M., and Michael S. Lund. eds. ''The Reagan Presidency and the Governing of America'' 1985.  articles by political scientists

* Schmertz, Eric J.  et al. eds. ''Ronald Reagan's America'' 2 Volumes (1997) articles by scholars and officeholders [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=15343830 vol 1 online][http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=28729700 vol 2 online]  

* Schmertz, Eric J.  et al. eds. ''Ronald Reagan's America'' 2 Volumes (1997) articles by scholars and officeholders [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=15343830 vol 1 online][http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=28729700 vol 2 online]  

* Shirley, Craig. ''Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All'' (2005) on 1976 campaign; [http://www.amazon.com/Reagans-Revolution-Untold-Campaign-Started/dp/0785260498/ref=pd_cp_b_1?pf_rd_p=413864201&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0700614087&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0SWJK392VVCTPEDPDKJE excerpt and text search]

* Shirley, Craig. ''Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All'' (2005) on 1976 campaign; [https://www.amazon.com/Reagans-Revolution-Untold-Campaign-Started/dp/0785260498/ref=pd_cp_b_1?pf_rd_p=413864201&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0700614087&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0SWJK392VVCTPEDPDKJE excerpt and text search]

* Weatherford, M. Stephen and Mcdonnell, Lorraine M. "Ronald Reagan as Legislative Advocate: Passing the Reagan Revolution's Budgets in 1981 and 1982." ''Congress & the Presidency'' (2005) 32:1 pp 1–29. Fulltext in Ebsco; Argues RR ignored the details but played a guiding role in setting major policies and adjudicating significant trade-offs, and in securing Congressional approval.

* Weatherford, M. Stephen and Mcdonnell, Lorraine M. "Ronald Reagan as Legislative Advocate: Passing the Reagan Revolution's Budgets in 1981 and 1982." ''Congress & the Presidency'' (2005) 32:1 pp 1–29. Fulltext in Ebsco; Argues RR ignored the details but played a guiding role in setting major policies and adjudicating significant trade-offs, and in securing Congressional approval.

* Lagon, Mark P.  ''The Reagan Doctrine: Sources of American Conduct in the Cold War's Last Chapter'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=9161896 online edition]

* Lagon, Mark P.  ''The Reagan Doctrine: Sources of American Conduct in the Cold War's Last Chapter'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=9161896 online edition]

* LeoGrande, William M. ''Our Own Backyard: The United States in Central America, 1977-1992'' (1998)

* LeoGrande, William M. ''Our Own Backyard: The United States in Central America, 1977-1992'' (1998)

* Matlock, Jack. ''Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended.'' (2004) by the US ambassador to Moscow [http://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Gorbachev-How-Cold-Ended/dp/0679463232/ref=sr_1_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194316986&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]

* Matlock, Jack. ''Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended.'' (2004) by the US ambassador to Moscow [https://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Gorbachev-How-Cold-Ended/dp/0679463232/ref=sr_1_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194316986&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]

* Pach, Chester. "The Reagan Doctrine: Principle, Pragmatism, and Policy." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 2006 36(1): 75-88. Issn: 0360-4918 [http://www.questia.com/read/5015817882?title=The%20Reagan%20Doctrine%3a%20Principle%2c%20Pragmatism%2c%20and%20Policy online edition]

* Pach, Chester. "The Reagan Doctrine: Principle, Pragmatism, and Policy." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 2006 36(1): 75-88. Issn: 0360-4918 [http://www.questia.com/read/5015817882?title=The%20Reagan%20Doctrine%3a%20Principle%2c%20Pragmatism%2c%20and%20Policy online edition]

* Salla, Michael E. and Ralph Summy, eds. ''Why the Cold War Ended: A Range of Interpretations'' (1995). [http://www.questia.com/read/22889072 online edition]

* Salla, Michael E. and Ralph Summy, eds. ''Why the Cold War Ended: A Range of Interpretations'' (1995). [http://www.questia.com/read/22889072 online edition]

* [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistcial tables

* [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistcial tables

* Reagan Ronald, and Richard G. Hubler. ''Where's the Rest of Me?'' (1965). first autobiography

* Reagan Ronald, and Richard G. Hubler. ''Where's the Rest of Me?'' (1965). first autobiography

* Reagan Ronald. ''An American Life.'' (1990). second autobiography [http://www.amazon.com/American-Life-Ronald-Reagan/dp/0743400259/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317128&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Reagan Ronald. ''An American Life.'' (1990). second autobiography [https://www.amazon.com/American-Life-Ronald-Reagan/dp/0743400259/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194317128&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]

* Reagan Ronald. ''The Creative Society: Some Comments on Problems Facing America.'' 1968.  

* Reagan Ronald. ''The Creative Society: Some Comments on Problems Facing America.'' 1968.  

* Reagan Ronald. ''Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation.'' 1984.  

* Reagan Ronald. ''Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation.'' 1984.  

* Reagan Ronald. ''Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan. 1981-1989.'' 8 vols. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1982-91.  

* Reagan Ronald. ''Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan. 1981-1989.'' 8 vols. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1982-91.  

* Reagan, Ronald. ''[[Reagan, In His Own Hand]]: The Writings of Ronald Reagan That Reveal His Revolutionary Vision for America'' (2001) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743219384/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and text search]

* Reagan, Ronald. ''[[Reagan, In His Own Hand]]: The Writings of Ronald Reagan That Reveal His Revolutionary Vision for America'' (2001) [https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743219384/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and text search]

*  Reagan, Ronald. ''The Reagan Diaries: Extended Selections‎'' ed. by Douglas Brinkley (2007)  

*  Reagan, Ronald. ''The Reagan Diaries: Extended Selections‎'' ed. by Douglas Brinkley (2007)  

* Skinner, Kiron K. et al., eds. ''Reagan's Path to Victory: The Shaping of Ronald Reagan's Vision: Selected Writings'' (2004), 450 radio talks from late 1970s

* Skinner, Kiron K. et al., eds. ''Reagan's Path to Victory: The Shaping of Ronald Reagan's Vision: Selected Writings'' (2004), 450 radio talks from late 1970s

*[https://reaganlibrary.gov/major-speeches-index Ronald Reagan's Major Speeches, 1964-89]

*[https://reaganlibrary.gov/major-speeches-index Ronald Reagan's Major Speeches, 1964-89]

*[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040614-646317,00.html Time Magazine Article on ''The All-American President'']

*[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040614-646317,00.html Time Magazine Article on ''The All-American President'']

*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html White House Official Page]

*[https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html White House Official Page]

*[http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=1&pid=537924&agid=2 The Passing of a Conservative] - by Alfred Regnery

*[http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=1&pid=537924&agid=2 The Passing of a Conservative] - by Alfred Regnery

*[http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/ Reagan's Presidential Library]

*[http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/ Reagan's Presidential Library]

*[http://reagan2020.us/ Reagan 2020] Reagan 2020 is the Internet's most comprehensive resource on Ronald Reagan.

*[http://reagan2020.us/ Reagan 2020] Reagan 2020 is the Internet's most comprehensive resource on Ronald Reagan.

*[http://www.acuf.org/principles/p_philos.asp "Our Philosophy of Government"] Speech by President Ronald Reagan, March 2, 1981

*[http://www.acuf.org/principles/p_philos.asp "Our Philosophy of Government"] Speech by President Ronald Reagan, March 2, 1981

*[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/211049/abortion-and-conscience-nation-nro-primary-document Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation] While president, Ronald Reagan penned this article for The Human Life Review, unsolicited.

*[https://www.nationalreview.com/article/211049/abortion-and-conscience-nation-nro-primary-document Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation] While president, Ronald Reagan penned this article for The Human Life Review, unsolicited.

* [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