By REP. BEN QUAYLE
2/6/11 7:41 AM EST
When I was a child, President Ronald Reagan was the nice man who gave us jelly beans when we visited the White House.
I didn’t know then, but I know it now: The jelly beans were much more than a sweet treat that he gave out as gifts. They represented the uniqueness and greatness of America — each one different and special in its own way, but collectively they blended in harmony.
As many people have said, Reagan was the great communicator. He had the uncanny ability to lift all of us up when we were down.
When I was a fourth grader, I remember watching his address to a nation in mourning following the Challenger tragedy. Twenty-five years later, his words have the same power: “We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.”
Reagan also knew the importance of words and their impact when it came from the American people. This innate understanding gave birth to his Brandenburg Gate speech. His speechwriters and advisers didn’t want the famous lines to be said — but he put them back in. Then, in West Berlin, Reagan uttered the line that has gone down in history “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Communication and words came naturally to Reagan. But his most important and lasting legacy were his actions. He shrank the scope of government. He put in place the framework for the fall of the Soviet Empire. And, most important, he rehabilitated Americans faith in our country.
Rep. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.) is a member of the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Science, Space and Technology committees.
"Happy birthday, Mr. President. We will strive to continue your vision and keep our shining city on the hill as bright as you envisioned. "
Congressman Flake: We’ve Got to Make Deeper Cuts
House Republicans Need to Stick to Our Pledge of $100 Billion in Cuts
Washington, D.C., Feb 3 - Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today urged fellow Republicans to stick to their pledge of $100 billion in cuts for fiscal year 2011.
“Anything short of our pledge to cut $100 billion from FY11 will be getting off on the wrong foot,” said Flake. “We can’t ignore the fact that our budget deficit is clocking in at $1.5 trillion and our debt at more than $14 trillion. We’re going to have to do much better and cut much more.”
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Yesterday, we honored the centennial of Ronald Reagan, remembering the man who inspired a re-dedication to our founding principles and lit the path ahead to restore prosperity for future generations.
Reagan gave bold vision to reducing the size and cost of government. Because of him, the Cold War did not just end, it was won, and the cause of human freedom around the world was advanced. He inspired us with his optimism and unshaken belief in our potential.
And how does this call on us today? In 2010 you elected a new Republican majority.
Can we keep it?
As Washington politicians over the past decade moved for higher taxes, burdensome regulations, overreaching entitlements, and unaffordable bureaucracy --- you elected conservative leaders, in the legacy of Ronald Reagan, to stop that madness!
Ronald Reagan ushered in an era of growth and prosperity.
We look to the future and work to build a new era of innovation and free enterprise.
Today, we can defend the gains we made in 2010 by holding our elected officials accountable and making sure they have the resources to keep fighting for the American people.
Never has the choice been clearer, and upon us rests the question of whether our generation will restore the potential and promise that is America.
We are unified today.
But the new Republican majority needs to hear from you. Your feedback, conviction, focus, and support will sustain our continuing fight!
Your energy and support built a new Republican majority.
We must defend this majority, in the spirit and legacy of Ronald Reagan on his special day.
Protect the gains we made in 2010.
Click here to show your support!
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