The documents under analysis reveal opposite outlooks on the development of the American society in the second half of the past century. Hence, the address of President Johnson provides an overview of basic values, visions, and perspectives that are confined to the idea of equal, independent, and developed society.
Communicating the principles of development premised on old values and new visions, according to the President, should lead to the creation of the Great Society. In contrast, Regan views presented in the second document reveals his radical religious orientating on shaping the principle of the American society development. Judging from these assumptions, both documents represent radical principles in accordance with which the new society should develop.
Regarding the first document revealing the new concept of the American document, the president attains much importance to the role of the government in imposing the new principles of the country development. Specifically, the author states, “I intend to establish working groups to prepare a series of White House conferences and meetings – on the cities…” (Johnson 253). Using “we” pronoun, the President, probably, addresses the opportunities of the government to introduce changes through cooperation and interaction with local actors.
Specific attention should be paid to the deliberation on the main pillars of the Great Society. Introducing the principles of racial justice and fighting against the poverty, the President addresses such issues as education, urban development, medical care, and transportation.
Specifically, the author focuses on the three areas of development – the city, the country, and the classroom, which are considered the main course for developing the American nation. However, the analysis of the changes occurred to these communities prevents from defining the role of the population in producing the changes, as well as how people should interact with the government.
For instance, while addressing the problem of cities reconstructions, too many generalizations have been made: “it will be the task of your generation to the American city a place where future generations will come…” (Johnson 253). Addressing the problems of the countryside, no solutions have been proposed. Rather, the President focuses on ecological problems: “Our parks are overcrowded, our seashores overburdened…” (Johnson 253). Overall, the document provides an extensive overview of certain fields of the country development.
While analyzing the second document in which Regan presents his visions of the development of the American society, one can see a narrow-focused approach. By focusing on the religious beliefs and on the Bible, Regan displays his rigid opposition to the morale.
Specifically, he rejects abortion and criticizes the social development that is against the God’s will. However, attaining much importance to the role of religious as the main guardian of morale in society provides Reagan with the idea that that outside principles cannot shape the basis of ethical behavior.
In this respect, the author states that the religious society “…sees the greatness of American in you, per people, and in your families, churches, neighborhoods, communities – the institutions that foster …the respect for the rule of law under God” (Reagan 311). In addition, the Regan also emphasizes the role of the government as the core agent of change.
In conclusion, both documents track the changes occurred to the American society, as well as future perspectives of its development. Regarding the idea presented in both records, the authors refer to completely different views concerning the progress of the American civilization. Personally, I enjoyed the reading because it clearly and sufficiently disclosed the policies and outlooks of the Presidents.
Works Cited
Johnson, Lyndon. “Address at the University of Michigan.” Reading the American Past, Volume II: From 1865: Selected Historical Documents. Ed. Michael P. Johnson. Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2008. 251-254. Print.
Reagan, Regan. “Address to the National Association of American Evangelicals, 1983.” Reading the American Past, Volume II: From 1865: Selected Historical Documents. Ed. Michael P. Johnson. Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2008. 310-314. Print.