 |
|
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
|
| |
Jewish World Review
June 8, 2004
/ 19 Sivan, 5764
Reagan's afterlife on Earth
By Edward I. Koch
http://www.jewishworldreview.com |
Those of us who believe in G-d know that we will ultimately face our Maker. Some, who do not, expect to expire without hope of an afterlife. In the case of Ronald Reagan, we have an extraordinary figure whose afterlife can be seen right here on earth. He leaves behind a powerful, indeed unique, legacy of success. Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, will be forever remembered in the history of our country as one of our most effective presidents.
I have always believed that when someone with whom we have positive emotional ties and who has led a long life that had a beneficial impact on others dies, we should celebrate his or her passing with a sense of joy, reflecting on their accomplishments. We should not be overwhelmed with anger or pain.
I define effectiveness as the ability of public officials to move the country in their political direction. Today we often hear Ronald Reagan's effectiveness compared with that of FDR. The latter moved the country to the left, which was necessary to escape the Depression. Reagan moved the country to the right. Interesting for me is to see that many people who were critical of Reagan when he was in office are now praising him to the skies.
I thought President Reagan's reference to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" was a sublime phrase. But he was attacked by many of the cognoscenti who like to think of themselves as intellectuals and academics, as well as by editorial writers, who labeled Reagan and his comment as puerile. They did the same to President George W. Bush when he referred to Iran, Iraq and North Korea as the Axis of Evil. Bush was as correct in his phrasing as was Reagan.
I remember when Reagan's intellectual capacity was questioned by the same crowd that now questions the mental ability of George W. Bush. They attack Bush with the same catcalls and brickbats they used on Reagan. My response when the political and unfair slanders were uttered was that anyone elected governor of California and reelected with a smashing majority cannot be a dummy, even though his political philosophy is at odds with his critics. I say the same about President Bush, who was twice elected governor of Texas.
My admiration and affection for President Reagan was strengthened when I met him in person. The year was 1980. I was serving as Mayor of New York. Governor Reagan was running for President against the incumbent Jimmy Carter, who was a Democrat and the leader of my own party. One of Reagan's staff members — I believe Lyn Nofziger — asked a member of my staff if I would meet with the Governor to fill him in on New York City's fiscal problems. In 1980, we were still operating with deficits, having been given permission by the New York State Legislature to do so with a requirement that we go to a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) balanced budget in four years. Members of my staff said to me, "You can't meet with him; he's a Republican running against Carter. It will give him national publicity and Carter will be furious." I said, "Of course, I will meet with him. I'll meet with anyone who wants to know more about my budget problems and who can help me solve them. He may be our next President."
When Reagan showed up at Gracie Mansion, sure enough, he was accompanied by a truckload of national reporters. We had breakfast and chatted for about an hour. He had several staff members with him, as did I, including my Deputy Mayors and the Corporation Counsel. At the end of our meeting I said, "Governor, we should sum up what we agreed to with respect to New York City, since the press will ask that question." Nofziger said, "What three things would you like?" I replied, "One: the federal government owns the Astoria Movie Studios. I'd like to have them for New York City for a dollar." The Governor said, "Done." My second request, I said, is more complicated. "The federal guarantee of $1.650 billion, of which we have drawn down $600 million, can be stopped by the President at any time. So I want the Governor's assurance that if he is President, he will guarantee the entire amount." The Governor said, "Done."
Then came my third request. I asked that the federal government take over the entire cost of Medicaid. Governor Reagan replied, "Over my dead body." Nofziger added, "Two out of three ain't bad." We went out onto the porch. I reported our agreement which he affirmed. Serendipitously, this was to become one of the most important press conferences I ever attended. Why? Because shortly after Reagan won, he designated a New Jersey resident, Donald Regan, as Secretary of the Treasury. Regan, who was very hostile to New York, announced he was ending the federal guarantees depriving New York City of the $1 billion, 50 million balance. I immediately called the White House and spoke with the President's urban affairs adviser, Rich Williamson. I told him that the President had promised the entire amount would be guaranteed to the City. He said the President always kept his word and did I have it in writing? I said, no, but we have it on tape — we always taped press conferences. He said, "send it down." We not only sent it immediately, but a New York City detective hand carried it to Washington. President Reagan was true to his word. The entire amount was guaranteed.
Over the years, I had a number of meetings with President Reagan. Whenever possible I would pick him up at the heliport when he came to New York City and drive with him to his hotel. We became friends. On one occasion, we were driving across 42nd Street. New Yorkers had been informed the President was coming, and they were there in the thousands. Reagan was looking out the right side window when he suddenly yelled, "Look, that guy gave me the finger." I said, "Mr. President, don't be so upset. Thousands are cheering you and only one guy gave you the finger." He replied, "That's what Nancy says, that I always see the guy with the finger."
Well, Mr. President, today seeing, hearing and reading what is being said about you, it appears unanimous that you are now everyone's hero. There are no more fingers being waved in front of you, only loving, admiring statements with kisses. You deserve every one of them. I feel privileged to have known you. You will be remembered as one of our most beloved presidents.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in Washington and in the media consider "must reading." Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
JWR contributor Edward I. Koch, the former mayor of New York, can be heard on Bloomberg Radio
(WBBR 1130 AM) every Saturday from 9-10 am. Comment by clicking here.
© 2003, Edward I. Koch
|
