The President: An Opinion Piece

I don’t delve much into political discussion, although I do have firm conservative convictions. I rarely do much other than posting a few comments in news website discussion threads. From this blog I don’t recall having ever published an article on a political subject. Last night, however, after watching President Trump’s speech I feel inclined to sharing a morning after reflection.

When Ronald Reagan took office I was 26 years old. On the eve of his election Reagan said,

“I have quoted John Winthrop’s words more than once on the campaign trail this year—for I believe that Americans in 1980 are every bit as committed to that vision of a shining ‘city on a hill,’ as were those long ago settlers…. These visitors to that city on the Potomac do not come as white or black, red or yellow; they are not Jews or Christians; conservatives or liberals; or Democrats or Republicans. They are Americans awed by what has gone before, proud of what for them is still… a shining city on a hill.”

I remember listening to Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address (Jan. 20, 1981) he said,

“It is not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work -- work with us, not over us; stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it. This Administration's objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy.”

In his Feb. 4, 1986 State of the Union address Reagan said,

“Government growing beyond our consent had become a lumbering giant, slamming shut the gates of opportunity, threatening to crush the very roots of our freedom. What brought America back? The American people brought us back -- with quiet courage and common sense; with undying faith that in this nation under God the future will be ours, for the future belongs to the free.”

In his farewell address January 11, 1989 Reagan said,

“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life…. And how stands the city [America] on this winter night? … After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true to the granite ridge, and her glow has held no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.”

There are so many more like those that we could read together. Reagan made us proud of our nation, its heritage and instilled in us the hope of what we could become as a nation and people. Reagan always invoked America’s greatness and exceptionalism.

Until last night’s speech by President Trump I have not heard words like Reagan’s above from any of the presidents who followed him. In the speech there parts where I figuratively jumped out of my seat for a few fist pumps, but other times I sat there feeling waves of emotion and thanksgiving.

“Our obligation is to serve protect and defend the citizens of the United States. We’re also taking strong measures to protect our nation from radical Islamic terrorism.”

“We will respect historic institutions, but we will respect the foreign rights of all nations, and they have to respect our rights as a nation also… America respects the rights of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world, my job is to represent the United States of America.”

Ronald Reagan knew in the 70’s & 80’s who he was, what he believed, was supremely confident in what he believed, said so plainly and without wavering or caving in to critics.

Even the enemies of Reagan and conservatism in Congress and the press acknowledged that, “Reagan said what he meant, and meant what he said.” There was no fluff, no smoke and mirrors with Reagan. I see that same confidence and conviction in President Trump.

Like Reagan, President Trump will face political opposition to his hopes for America, some of which will come from “establishment” elements in the Republican Party. Bias, censorship by omission and “fake news” will continue from the main stream media, who are nothing more than propagandists for democrats and ideologue shills for the radical left. I am hopeful we will see President Trump achieve the goals, as he laid them out last night, for America.

Kind regards,


Lou Martuneac