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 The Real Reagan
Think you know what made him tick? His letters may surprise you |
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E-mail your letter to the editor
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| AP |
| Richard Nixon with his dog Checkers in 1959 |
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| An Early Blast Against Big Government |
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In 1959, Reagan gave a speech to a gathering of General Electric
executives in which he foreshadowed a popular revolt against the
growth of Big Government. A copy of the speech made its way to Vice
President Nixon, who wrote Reagan a complimentary note. Their ensuing
correspondence was more extensive than was generally known—and
lively as well. In a 1960 letter to Nixon, Reagan called John F.
Kennedy's convention speech a "frightening call to arms" for
old-fashioned socialism. "Under the tousled boyish haircut," he
wrote, "is still old Karl Marx." |
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Dear Mr. Vice President:
You were very kind to write me about my talk and I feel honored that
you took the time to read it. I am grateful too for the reassurance
your letter gives me in continuing to speak on such a controversial
matter.
"General Electric" has had me touring quite a bit in the past few
years and I have been speaking on this subject in every section of
the country . . . I have been amazed at the reaction to this talk.
Audiences are actually militant in their expression that "something
must be done." The only adverse opinion . . . was an editorial in a
local "teamster union" paper which I accept as further evidence that
sound thinking is on our side.
In several instances this talk was broadcast and here too the
reaction as evidenced by mail was unanimous in support of "sound
economy." I am convinced there is a groundswell of economic
conservatism building up which could reverse the entire tide of
present day "statism." As a matter of fact we seem to be in one of
those rare moments when the American people with that wisdom which is
the strength of democracy are ready to say "enough." Such a wave of
feeling marked the end of the "Capone era." Prohibition was ended in
the same way with people (even those who opposed drinking) deciding
that the wrong method had been tried.
Well I'd better stop or you'll have another "speech" to read . . .
Sincerely,
Ronald
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