Recently, Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, passed away at age 80.
His passing was duly eulogized by the Reagan Foundation and the Young America's Foundation at the Reagan Ranch.
Both noted that Michael, whom I had the privilege to know, devoted his life to writing and speaking about the American principles that so defined his father.
No death is ever timely.
But there seems something fitting that President Reagan's legacy would be closed out with the passing of his oldest son in the year of the 250th birthday of our nation.
At this time of such confusion and division, there couldn't be a better moment to remind all of us what America is about, as understood by Reagan.
And there is no better source from which to quote Reagan than what I believe was his greatest speech, and perhaps one of the greatest in America's history. It is his speech delivered March 8, 1983, to the National Association of Evangelicals, known as the "evil empire" speech, because it was here he called the Soviet Union an "evil empire."
A couple takes from that important speech:
"I want you to know that this administration is motivated by a political philosophy that sees the greatness of America in you, her people, and in your families, churches, neighborhoods, communities -- the institutions that foster and nourish values like concern for others and respect for the rule of law under God."
"But we must never forget that no government schemes are going to perfect man. We know that living in this world means dealing with ... the doctrine of sin."
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"There is sin and evil in the world, and we are enjoined by Scripture and the Lord Jesus to oppose it with all our might."
"While America's miliary strength is important, let me add here that I have always maintained that the struggle going on for the world will never be decided by bombs or rockets, by armies or military might. The real crisis we face today is a spiritual one; at root, it is a test of moral will and faith."
Of course, along with the words were deeds. Reagan proceeded to give the country back to the people through tax cuts, deregulation, and restoration of the integrity of our currency.
He also increased defense spending from 6.5 percent of GDP when he assumed office to 7.9 percent by 1986.
We know that the Soviet Union, the "evil empire," imploded and collapsed. But we also know that what replaced it, Russia under Putin, is not much better. Evil can never last, but without a clear sense of the good to replace it, it will just reinvent and perpetuate itself. This is an obvious lesson for today's world.
Reagan demonstrated that the most powerful weapon is truth and principles. From these the right policies follow.
Truth, when clearly spoken and articulated, spreads on its own power.
Natan Sharanksy sat in prison in 1983 for the sin of requesting to emigrate from the Soviet Union to Israel.
Sharansky wrote: "In 1983 I was confined to an 8-by-10 foot prison cell on the border of Siberia. My Soviet jailers gave me the privilege of reading the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed across the front page was a condemnation of President Ronald Reagan for having the temerity to call the Soviet Union an 'evil empire.' By tapping on walls and talking through toilets, word of Reagan's 'provocation' quickly spread throughout the prison. We dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, the leader of the free world had spoken the truth -- truth that burned inside the heart of each and every one of us."
Reagan was reelected in 1984, winning 49 of 50 states. Can it be a surprise that the one state he did not win was Minnesota?
Will we ever see such unity again?
Rest in peace, Michael Reagan.
Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, "What Is the CURE for America?" is available now.
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