On the recordFebruary 9, 2011
At Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1978-1980, we saw the military being cut, demoralized and marginalized. Our U.S. embassy in Iran was attacked and our diplomats taken hostage, while the sad administration wrung its hands and begged Iran to let them go. The U.S. seemed pathetic in the face of a vicious enemy. Interest rates were rising from 12 percent up to 20 percent as my wife and I purchased our first home. Inflation and unemployment were both in double digits. The Carter administration decided to deal with an over-reliance on foreign oil by asking people to wear sweaters at home and leave the heat turned down lower. Then, as now, the President waged a private war against producing our own energy, so then, as now, the price of gasoline skyrocketed. We in the U.S. Army could not publicly express our dismay over our dismal leadership because it is a military crime to be disrespectful of the Commander in Chief. Then in 1980, a new day dawned with the election of Ronald Reagan. Our hostages were released when President Reagan took office, and we had a newfound respect from other countries. As Reagan's tax-cutting policies took over, double-digit inflation, unemployment, and interest rates all came down. Our military began to be respected again and feared again, which provided much needed protection for America. The Bible says, 'Joy comes in the morning.' It truly was morning in America. Thank God for the life and the gift of Ronald Reagan.
