‘This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality.’ Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom.”
Ronald Reagan…
America became the country it is today, not by protectionism or isolationism, but by opening up free markets around the world, becoming more responsive to her own citizen’s needs, and recognizing opportunities. Hard work, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the promise of a better tomorrow was the never-ending promise America offered. From horse-drawn plows to John Deere, America grew on the heels of the American Farmer, and the American Farmer depended on the steelmaker for those plows, the saddle smith for the leather for the horse, and the local store to sell their goods to when they were ready. It took the whole community, a group of citizens to bring about success for each. Today the Fields have gotten more significant, the steel mills are more extensive, and the local markets may be huge megastores, but the original need of community working for the betterment and safety of one another still exists.
America saw less than 80 years ago the hatred, bigotry, and supremacy that loomed its head in central Europe. It had been a slow, uncanny rise to the level of bitterness, and the encroachment into other countries due to the blindness, not only by the citizens of that nation but the closed eyes of the leaders of the world. Protectionism and Isolationism gave Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany the ability to kill millions, attack several countries, and America sat back until attacked by a rogue Japan. During the war, the world saw Russia and America as allies to defeat the hatred of Germany, and Italy. After the war, Russia was weakened considerably and gave way to communism easily. Not until Ronald Reagan’s
“We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
This was the beginning of a new era in cooperation and opportunity around the globe. America had found its niche, to be the leader in the calling for freedom around the world, to open markets, to spread opportunity to all corners. America was that Beacon that so many had looked for, prayed for, and desired.
America saw prosperity during the Reagan and Clinton Presidencies. The growth in the exporting of substantial capitalistic corporations like McDonald’s started to rise in communist countries, a new sense of peace and prosperity had begun. There was once unthought-of cooperation of the nations of the world in defense of an attacked sovereign country, brought together by George H.W. Bush. This cooperation saw NATO and other countries working together to beat back the aggressive behavior of IRAQ. Kuwait was freed, and the world cheered, and believed in the leadership of America, and its value for life, Freedom, and open transparency. America lead with honor, wisdom, integrity and real statesmanship. America had become a land of courage, peace-loving and inviting of immigrants so that they could be part of the greatest Country that God [in any religion] had blessed.
On 9-11 we saw that America and the nations of the world heard the responders’ words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=x7OCgMPX2mE . We saw a coming together of over 95% of Americans uniting together to defend America and the freedom that it manifests. Many NATO countries stood shoulder to shoulder with America, while the Queen of England had the National Anthem play at the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, and Germany, France, Canada all were ready to commit troops to assist America in ridding the enemies that had attacked a peaceful America. There was not one American standing in defiance of the idea to attack this enemy, from Democrats to Republicans, to Clergy, to Atheists. America stood firm, as a Freedom loving country who believed in honor, integrity, and Freedom.
Long before Ronald Reagan or the father George H.W. Bush, or the son George W. Bush, or William Clinton sat in the Oval Office, a President of strength, wisdom, and Patriotism stood firm against the enemies of America and stood up to Russia and gave them an ultimatum. John Fitzgerald Kennedy did not cower in the time of needed strength of conviction when he told Russia to leave the continent of America, and the islands around Cuba. There were no equivocations or questionable speeches, but forthright demands to step back and do not attempt to bully or invade America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLxgeINIBEM . The Presidents before this current one have never been ambiguous in their defining words of non-acceptance of Russian aggression, or that of countries attacking other sovereign nations. America has to lead the globe in efforts of peace through freedom.
Today, America sees a new breed of political rhetoric and desire. It is one of racism, bigotry, isolationism, protectionism, bullying, cloak and dagger, hidden agendas, the haves versus the have-nots, and people judging people because of their religion, their race, their sexual orientation, their handicap, their age, their gender, and many other bigoted idealisms. America has a long history of revoking this kind of hatred and disparage, and it must stand against the rage of the hateful of today. America is better than selfish desires, and demands. As John Fitzgerald Kennedy spoke: Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You, But What Can You Do for Your Country.
America throughout history has met the challenges head-on as a country, not as a capitulation to any style of Monarchy or tyrannical rule. America has fought to keep itself together to hold up the values of a union, to honor the words “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”, and it cannot allow the hook of fast words, promises of a Great America when Americans already live within the boundaries of the greatest Nation on Earth. Americans need to stand up for the reality of their ability to make a difference, to be one voice that will echo around the world in the call for freedom, honor, integrity, and acceptance.
Once Again America must become a viable ally to her century-old allies and her newfound allies. America must become competitive in the marketplace through better education and training, and more opportunities with more open markets around the world. Great trading compacts and low tariffs need to be the future of a better economy. Isolationism will not create a Great America. America needs more than to question politicians, it is time to rebuild America from within, and one voice can shake the world. Let your voice be the voice of confidence, reason, compassion, and honor. Let America shine brightly around the world today!
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