Ronald Reagan’s Leadership
Re “His Faith in U.S. Altered the World,” Commentary, Oct. 4: Robert McFarlane’s revisionist, self-promoting apologetics cannot change history. Surely he has not forgotten that the whole world saw his tongue-tied hero in Iceland stand mute with Mikhail Gorbachev, who we are told was willing to do almost anything to end the Cold War.
Anyone might be well-liked if, as with his hero, they spent us $2 trillion more into debt to fight a straw man while selling off public systems. Some leader.
REX STYZENS
Long Beach
* I would sincerely hope that every American could read McFarlane’s article. We tend to forget the essence of Ronald Reagan’s beliefs and his confidence in America and the results. We all owe Reagan the utmost gratitude we can bestow on any American, living or dead.
MYRON D. OAKES
San Marino
* Reagan was no doubt a man of many good qualities. I am sure he did many praiseworthy things during his public career. Yet McFarlane does go a bit too far in all but asserting that Reagan ended the Cold War. He did not. The Russians did.
CARL W. GOSS
Los Angeles
* Last weekend my family visited the Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley. We were reminded of the greatness of the Reagan presidency, his tremendous accomplishments and the proud legacy he left us. Reagan had those special and rare qualities of leadership, statesmanship, integrity and high moral character so lacking in today’s public officials. His wife, Nancy, was a graceful and charming first lady.
As we drove home, our admiration and pride turned to profound sadness as we thought of the sharp contrast between the Reagans and the present occupants of the White House, who have so disgraced that beloved institution. May we never again make the mistake of electing people who do not aspire to the standards set by Reagan.
JIM BLUMEL SR.
Santa Clarita
* I saw that rocket contrail in the western sky last Saturday evening. From where I was standing, it spelled out the word “Dutch.” Thank you, Mr. Reagan.
MARVEL DECKER
Temple City