Reflecting on the life of President Reagan, this book, written in prose form defines the thoughts of President Reagan on various aspects of America from the social, political, security, and the need for appreciation of diversity. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to explicitly review various thoughts expressed in this book. Besides, the paper is specific on the quantifiable elements as discusses and presents explanation at macro level.
This literature is vital in understanding history of America and how the political system operates on the facets f foreign policy evaluation, forging allies and creating foes, and modifying democracy in order to maintain relevance in line with the American dream.
As a matter of fact, the foundation of America was laid on the belief in existence of a supernatural being who would bless the nation inform of prosperity and freedom. However, the same freedom liberates the Americans to choose religious inclination as long as the same does not infringe the right of other since the historical perspective of America resonates on the ideology of ultimate triumph from involuntary slavery and exploitation.
According to Johnson (2004):
At the same time, however, they must be made to understand we will never compromise our principles and standards. We will never give away our freedom. We will never abandon our belief in God. And we will never stop searching for a genuine peace. But we can assure none of these things America stands for though the so-called nuclear freeze solutions proposed by time (313).
Since the beginning of America, the society is known to incline itself towards natural morality. Statesmen would do everything to defend what they believe in as affirmed by Reagan’s strong defense of morality and rule of law in the society of America. The rule of law defines the moral standards since the constitution capture the ideal in a people’s orientation.
Social change defines democracy and the practical aspects of the same. Democratization a political system reveals the level of maturity of a nation. The timid souls are the very people who believe in status quo and resistance to change at all levels unlike the new society of America which is ready to make sacrifices when there is an urgent need for the same.
For instance the contribution by the Students for a Democratic Society movement of 1962 are accredited for the participatory approach in handling the problems affecting America rather than leaving the same to partisan politicians.
According to Johnson (2004):
We have the power to shape the civilization that we want. But we need your will, your labor, your hearts, if we are to build that kind of society. Those who came to this land sought to build more than just a new country. They sought a new world. So let us from this moment begin our work so that in the future men will look back and say: It was then, after a long and weary way, that man turned the exploits of his genius to the full enrichment of his life (254).
In summary, this book reflects on the historical aspects of the political and social systems that operated in America in the past eras. Understanding these occurrences enable historians predict behavior pattern and inclination of the current system when faced with the same Challenges. From Reagan to Students for Democratic Society, the society is defined by law, morality, and democratization of its institutional organs.
Works Cited
Johnson, Michael. Reading the American Past: Volume I: To 1865: Selected Historical Documents. 4th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2004. Print.