Experiencing The Reagan Library
I was prepared to feel the chill of excitement from seeing items I had only read about, but I was not prepared to feel such an enormous rush of gratitude. I was ready to be reminded of, and to appreciate the seriousness of the challenges that faced the 40th President of the United States, but I was blindsided by the unyielding strength of his belief in America, her people, and the entire concept of self governance. Maybe it's the similarity in the headlines of 1980 and today. Prices rising; unemployment persistently high; the value of the dollar fading; America's enemies emboldened, her friends uneasy; the American Dream in decline even as omnipotent government grows, increasing its reach into our lives with an insatiable appetite for more control, more authority, and of course, more of the earnings of the people it ostensibly exists to serve. Back then it was called “malaise.” Today it marches under the banner of “Hope and Change,” but the trajectory remains the same. These things I knew intellectually, but it seemed like a distant memory in my experience.
The fact is that while I thought I was ready for a visit to a museum, I was in no way prepared for the powerful experience of the precious hours spent at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. It's not just a collection of items that we remember from the news, along with a gift shop and cafe' on premises, thank you and please shop again. No, this is a story that envelopes you as soon as you arrive on property and gaze out over a scenic vista that no artist could ever hope to replicate on canvas or in words. The boundless panorama is as boundless as the faith of the man himself. Only the most cynical heart could ever stand on the edge of such a scene and not embrace the sign President Reagan had on his desk in the oval office which read, “It CAN be done.”
The first thing one notices on approaching the main entrance is the larger than life statue of the President, smiling a greeting to all visitors. But then, with a warm smile that indicated she might know me from my home town, a lady stepped out of the building and extended a personal welcome. I thought maybe Peter Robinson had warned this lady to be on the lookout for a guy wearing a funny looking hat, but she didn't know me from Adam's house cat. She greets everyone as if they are family. But such a warm greeting must be a fluke, I thought. Happily, I could not have been more mistaken. I must have encountered two dozen or more employees, staff members, security personnel, cashiers, cooks, grounds people, and there was not a cantankerous spirit in the bunch.
How nice it seemed that the Presidential Library of such a genial gentleman should be staffed with such genial people. Quaint, no? But then the tour begins with a video presentation that brings to life just how dire the situation was when President Reagan was elected. As we are transported back over 30 years , the mists of time recede and we see vivid video footage of the gas lines and hand made signs at gas stations saying that they are out of fuel. There's John Chancellor on the evening news bemoaning the government's inability to stop rising unemployment or the rising price of everything else. The eyes absorb as the mind remembers; blindfolded American citizens being taken hostage by wild-eyed fanatics in Iran, the Red Army itself on the move in Afghanistan. Clearly, the situation called for more than just an amiable guy with an infectious smile.
As the tour continues, we see a young Ronald Reagan in school, writing beautiful essays and rallying his contemporaries. While in college, in an essay called, “The Stadium,” he describes, “the temple of the great goddess youth,” where athletes learn about, “life with its triumphs and defeats, its jeers and praise.” The notes, the essays, the letters, there is no end of it. Here was a man of thought, a man of ideas who mastered not only the style of communication, but ideas that are worth communicating in the first place. As the tour follows his life, we see his political acumen sharpen, his knowledge of history and current events deepen into a philosophy that not only embraced the American ethos, but fell in love with it and came to embody it.
When we see Governor Reagan running for the Presidency, there is the sense that he isn't trying to fulfill his destiny so much as trying to help America fulfill hers. He didn't seem to view the office as his rendezvous with greatness, but rather as a means to midwife a rebirth of American greatness. The military prides itself on the concept of “Service before Self.” Most politicians use the term “public service” as a euphemism for graft, self-ingratiation, power, and narcissism writ large. Ronald Reagan knew the difference. Perhaps that component is what forms a key missing piece when we survey some of our current crop of leaders.
There is a room in the Museum that only accommodates a limited number of people. The lights are dimmed, the door closes behind us. Huge floor-to-ceiling screens light and we see and hear President Reagan walking from a building to his car, surrounded by Secret Servicemen. For those who have seen this footage and remember the awful day, a sense of dread is felt because we know what comes next. Even so, the rapid volley of gunshots startles, and the chaos pierces our hearts. Bodies are on the ground, the gunman is tackled, the president's limo speeds away, and those of us in that room stand in stunned silence.
A video in the next room details not only the seriousness of the President's condition after the attempted assassination, but his humor and courage in the face of it all. Humor is God's palliative. Ronald Reagan was blessed with an overabundance of the stuff. When a nurse asked how he was doing, he answered, “All in all, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.” When he awoke from surgery, another nurse was holding his hand prompting him to look her way and ask, “Does Nancy know about us?” As these stories and more unfolded in the Museum, I found that, to my surprise, my eyes grew watery. Such a good and decent man, and such grace and courage in the face of mortal danger.
Do we make them like that anymore? Do we have people of such courage, good will and humor, who are as quick to celebrate the quintessential goodness and exceptionalism of America as they are to defend her against all who would do her harm, be they foreign or domestic? Are there people with a spine of steel who would look across the table and, with the world watching, turn down a deal in Reykjavik that was predicated on American weakness and vulnerability? Who among us would have the fortitude to drop all diplomatic mush and euphemistic pretense and call an evil empire what it is? Was Ronald Reagan an aberration?
No, I can't accept that he was an aberration. I think we still make those people. Not in the same mold perhaps, but they are still around us. Evidently President Reagan thought so as well, because at his grave, overlooking the bounteous beauty of the hills and mountains of southern California, we see the words, “I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to every life.”
After rendering perhaps the proudest salute I've ever been privileged to render, I walked from the area where our President is buried thinking that his story,...a story that could only happen in America, points to the salient answer to our current problems. The answer lies in the capacity and right of individuals to be the captains of their own destiny, and in a government who's very reason for being is to secure that freedom. The decency that infused the smiles of the staff at the Reagan Library bespeaks a good and civil respect for individuals and their right to live unmolested by the dictates and whims of others. The smile really comes from within. As I left, unable to wipe a lop-sided grin from my own face, holding doors open for everyone in sight, I became convinced that the feeling of confidence, graciousness and American optimism isn't just a product of this facility, or even the man it celebrates. It was part of Ronald Reagan's character because it was part of the American character, and it infuses his library just as it infuses the country he loved. Meanwhile, I'm not sure if this grin will ever go away, or if I'll ever want it to.
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Jul '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Beautiful piece, Dave. It sounds like the library has done a great job of capturing the essence of the man. I came to more deeply appreciate his thinking and philosophy through reading his autobiography and compilations of his letters and speeches. Looks like I need to make a trip out to the library now, too.
Jul '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
President Reagan is America personified.
Thank You for the wonderful tour.
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Whiskey, yes! You must visit the Reagan Library and Museum! Of course it helps to tour the facility with a patriotic military veteran who loves this nation as much as The Gipper did. I think the cat is out of the bag that I got to meet THE Dave Carter yesterday. My family and I spent the day with him touring the Reagan Library. Oh what fun that was! It was especially touching to stand next to that Veteran as he saluted his Commander in Chief. Thanks for the experience, Dave!
Jimmy, I absolutely agree that President Reagan was America personified. The more interactions I have with people of this great nation, the more convinced I am of that truth.
Oct '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Dave... I am an inveterate pessimist, and have despaired over America since the '50s. I find myself embarrassed by your optimistic picture of Ronaldus Magnus. The 8 years of his presidency were the only respite I can remember from the pessimism.
Sadly, I still cannot work up to the optimism it takes to believe there will ever be another Reagan. Can anyone even come close to his blessed impact on America.
Mar '11
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
I'm afraid I am with raycon - it's kinda like Thatcher in the UK.
I'll certainly make a point of visiting, though, next time I am in LA - maybe some of Reagan's optimism will rub off...
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
If you look at my avatar, you will see half of me next to the shrub elephant in the front of the main library building.
Note how our beloved RR was subconsciously honoring Bush....
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
FeliciaB: Whiskey, yes! You must visit the Reagan Library and Museum! Of course it helps to tour the facility with a patriotic military veteran who loves this nation as much as The Gipper did. I think the cat is out of the bag that I got to meet THE Dave Carter yesterday. My family and I spent the day with him touring the Reagan Library. Oh what fun that was! It was especially touching to stand next to that Veteran as he saluted his Commander in Chief. Thanks for the experience, Dave! ...
· Jun 17 at 4:01pm
Felicia, I plan on writing more about this later, but THANK YOU so much for making the drive and taking me to the Library! To experience the place and spend the day with such a wonderful family was a blessing in so many ways.
Folks, Felicia, her husband Dale, and their three children made a two hour drive to see me yesterday and take me to the Library. Two hours!! By the time they were done, their entire day had been spent. And that was two hours, uphill, both ways, mind you.... Ricochet people are simply the best, hands down.
Jul '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
FeliciaB: Whiskey, yes! You must visit the Reagan Library and Museum! Of course it helps to tour the facility with a patriotic military veteran who loves this nation as much as The Gipper did. I think the cat is out of the bag that I got to meet THE Dave Carter yesterday. My family and I spent the day with him touring the Reagan Library. Oh what fun that was! It was especially touching to stand next to that Veteran as he saluted his Commander in Chief. Thanks for the experience, Dave!
Jimmy, I absolutely agree that President Reagan was America personified. The more interactions I have with people of this great nation, the more convinced I am of that truth. · Jun 17 at 4:01pm
I am not above admitting I'm quite jealous now hahaha.
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Duane Oyen: If you look at my avatar, you will see half of me next to the shrub elephant in the front of the main library building.
Note how our beloved RR was subconsciously honoring Bush.... · Jun 17 at 4:10pm
Duane, Dave and I found that shrub and remarked on it being your avatar. However, they'd given it a trim, and it didn't look too great. So, I skipped taking a photo of it.
Speaking of photos, y'all can be officially jealous of me now. Hee hee.
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
What a beautiful narrative of your day at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Dave. Some day I will go, but I think right now I wouldn't make it through without feeling desolate. I want someone that powerfully gifted to lead our country again. Right now.
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Felicia, what an experience! I can't think of a more perfect venue to meet Dave. Didn't I tell you he was just as wonderful in person?
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
You were absolutely correct!
As to feeling desolate because there's not another Ronald Reagan out there, I think President Reagan would have said that the U.S. doesn't need another Ronald Reagan. The U.S. already has millions of outstanding citizens with conservative principles and leadership skills. They just need to be unleashed. As Dave pointed out, it's difficult not to be optimistic after spending time in the museum. The atmosphere is that infectious.
Edited on Jun 17, 2011 at 5:06pmJul '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Dave Carter
And that was two hours, uphill, both ways, mind you.... · Jun 17 at 4:13pm
Through two feet of sunshine I'm sure....
May '11
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Dave Carter
Prices rising; unemployment persistently high; the value of the dollar fading; America's enemies emboldened, her friends uneasy; the American Dream in decline even as omnipotent government grows, increasing its reach into our lives with an insatiable appetite for more control, more authority, and of course, more of the earnings of the people it ostensibly exists to serve. Back then it was called “malaise.” Today it marches under the banner of “Hope and Change,” but the trajectory remains the same.
For many people, especially those of us who grew up in the '80s, the Carter-era malaise just doesn't loom that large. Your piece is a great reminder that things could have gone another way, and that thanks to Reagan, malaise is not our way of life. I guess we're all hoping it doesn't become our way of life, though...
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
L.T. Rahe
For many people, especially those of us who grew up in the '80s, the Carter-era malaise just doesn't loom that large. Your piece is a great reminder that things could have gone another way, and that thanks to Reagan, malaise is not our way of life. I guess we're all hoping it doesn't become our way of life, though... · Jun 17 at 6:59pm
L.T. Rahe, you've hit upon the main point. The similarities are unnerving at the moment. But President Reagan reminded us that it doesn't have to be that way and that, indeed, "malaise" is just not in the American DNA.
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Jimmy Carter
Dave Carter
And that was two hours, uphill, both ways, mind you.... · Jun 17 at 4:13pm
Through two feet of sunshine I'm sure.... · Jun 17 at 5:35pm
It was mostly June Gloom yesterday. It's a Southern California phenomenon every May/June. Oh, the things we suffer through in this state...
May '10
Re: Experiencing The Reagan Library
Like raycon, I'm embarrassed when I encounter the bold optimism that Reagan personified. A great leader doesn't just show us the way to victory. He convinces us that we can make it there.
Inspiration is a vital aspect of politics. America still has plenty of awe-inspiring individuals who understand what makes the American project a radical and worthy devotion. We must usher those individuals to the foreground.