The death of Ronald Reagan saddened America this summer as we put to rest one of the best leaders this great country has known. As I listened and read people reflect on President Reagan's legacy this summer, my knowledge and respect for him as a person and leader grew. Furthermore, I was deeply moved to watch as hundreds of thousands of Americans traveled to Washington D.C. to pay their respects to America's fortieth President. I too was moved by the passing of President Reagan, whose accomplishments and leadership skills are in small company in the history of the United States, and took the opportunity to personally reflect on his legacy and how I can apply it to the present.
Born during his first term as President, I didn't remember all the difficulties that confronted our nation in the late 70s & 80s. I knew that Ronald Reagan set the foundations for a revitalized economy, restored the might and pride in our armed forces, and played an invaluable role in ending the Cold War. However, before this summer, I was unaware of his tremendous optimistic persona and how contagious it was during those down times. As I listened and read praises of Reagan for his optimism this June I wanted to overcome personal cynicism and discouragement and, in respect to President Reagan's legacy, look for optimism in our current situation. Indeed, so far, it has been a daunting challenge; it's not easy to find optimism when confronted by so many things I find so discouraging.
This summer I looked at all the problems and burdens we face today and realized that much of my cynicism and discouragement resulted from them being ignored or incompetently addressed. I see the growth and extension of government into my personal life as frightening and almost downright depressing. Billions of tax payer dollars are wasted through pork barrel discretionary spending and the in the dark abysses of government bureaucracy. No disrespect to Lance Armstrong, but I can help but ponder why the US Postal Service spends millions of dollars annually to sponsor guys in a bicycle race in France.
The percentage of my paychecks that go straight to social security is destined to steadily increase if the system isn't reformed. It isn't reassuring to think that all the money that will come out of my future paychecks toward social security will only yield a 1-2 percent return if the program still exists when I'm eligible. My generation will lose thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in the course of our lifetimes from being denied the opportunity to personally invest our own earned money.
Needless to say the growing tendency towards government provided health care is another cause of concern and an even greater possible financial burden. I can't believe that we stand to gain much from a general increase in overall health care costs paid for through higher taxes. Not to mention reduced incentives for medical research and development for new drugs and treatments. The health care system is a total mess, something needs to be done, I don't know what, other than that "government is not the solution" but will be a bigger problem.
I can't say I find any optimism coming out of the election this fall either. George Bush has failed to veto a single spending bill, unable to quell the growth of government, and is basically running a campaign focused on war and the need for security. Regardless of whether one supports the war in Iraq and on terrorism, it's difficult to find optimism in a situation where young American men and women are dying half-a-world away lacking overwhelming support of the nation, and where terrorism at home is an ever-present threat.
Looking for optimism? I've discussed only problems, and suggested few, if any solutions, so I'm still very cynical and discouraged in the direction this country may be currently headed. Nonetheless I'm not without a sense of hope. It's just not rooted in any particular policy or the upcoming election. No, my source of hope lies not in the uncertainties of future. I was reminded the day after President Reagan passed away of the tremendous resolve of the American people seeing members of our "Greatest Generation" gather to be honored in our Nation's capital with the unveiling of the World War II memorial on the 60th anniversary of D-Day; reassured by the fact that we have overcome greater evils, threats, poor policies, and uncertainties.
Todd Drenth is a Hillsdale College junior majoring in history and political economy.