Lessons Not Learned – Tales from the Leadership Files of Ronald Reagan

Lessons Not Learned

When Genuine Leadership Raises our Hopes and Launches Us Forward

By: Johnny Waltz

During recent Republican debates, the name of President Ronald Reagan was invoked many times as candidates blatantly attempted to associate themselves with his legacy. Against all opposition, the integrity of Reagan was vital during a dark period of American history.

During his presidency, visionless politicians with poor leadership qualities wildly speculated that the Cold War would result into World War III, ending all civilization. Thanks to a true leader, quite the opposite happened as Reagan stood firm against all internal and external enemies.

On the 750th anniversary of Berlin (June 12, 1987), Reagan proclaimed, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." This bold demand was met with thunderous applause heard globally and the wall came tumbling down. Without soldiers killing each other in war, President Reagan dealt a deathblow to communist oppression in East Berlin, which reverberated worldwide.

America is again in dire need of true leadership, especially during another long war not of our making.

Unfortunately, many lessons from the past go unlearned. It is long past time for Americans to have true leaders as bi-partisan fights continue to divide citizens. The United States is not united while leaderless politicians encourage enemies to be bolder toward their goal of world domination by destroying our free republic.

Democrats want American troops withdrawn immediately from Iraq with little thought of consequences while they concentrate on degrading all non-Democrats much like Muslims work toward annihilation of all non-Muslims. Most Republicans want to stay the course but some are wavering as they bow down to opposition. Elected politicians no longer focus on the solid foundations our forefathers established.

Meantime, borders are wide open and immigration laws are not enforced. Only 2000 agents cannot deport the estimated twelve million illegal aliens. Enemy sleeper cells walk right in with their diabolical plans to destroy America. City, county, state and federal officials do not enforce laws to correct the situation.

Corrupt politicians and the blatant mismanagement of our country should appall Americans. Problem is that our minds are preoccupied with hours of invented "reality" television, irrelevant details of "celebrities" and other useless mind traps. Our lives seem too busy to care as we are lulled asleep and dumbed down much like blind sheep going to slaughter. Grassroot Americans can and must change this course by demanding true leaders such as President Ronald Reagan.

About the Author: Johnny Waltz is the Chief Communications Director for Iraq War Veterans Organization and is a staff writer for VeteransToday.com

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