Vanity Fair: The Reagan Diaries

[Neecy]

VF has published the first excerpts from Reagan's extensive diaries that he kept throughout his two terms.

The article has a nauseating introduction by historian Douglas Brinkley, a bit of which I'll quote to give the flavor of it:

It's not historical hyperbole to note that the most profound achievements of the Reagan administration changed the world. When Reagan took office, the Soviet Union expected war imminently. By the time he left the White House, the threat of nuclear war was reduced to a memory, as the Cold War was fast coming to a close. Domestically, Reagan left as strong a legacy. His personality, no less than his policies, led to a resurgent belief in the power of the individual, competition in business, and private initiative to solve domestic problems. Such successes were no accident; Reagan worked hard. His executive ability and the work habits that went along with it are delineated throughout the diary.

If you aren't swooning by this point, you can read on to some of the diary excerpts. Most sound like they were written by a simpleton or a small child.

Mon. Jan. 26, 1981 • A meeting on terrorism with heads of F.B.I.—S.S.—C.I.A. Sec's of St. Defense & others. Have ordered they be given back their ability to function. Next a cabinet meeting on the deal with Iran. Hostages will arrive in country tomorrow. It seems some of them had some tough questions for Carter in Germany as to why they were there so long and why they were there to begin with.

Sat. Jan. 31 • Had a before lunch walk. (It was cold.) Spent afternoon in front of fire reading intelligence reports & Briefing papers for visit by Pres. Chun (Korea). We have definite evidence Nicaragua transferring hundreds of tons of arms from Cuba to El Salvador. p.m. ran a movie—"Tribute"—Jack Lemmon. He is truly a great performer.

Wed. March 4 • Our wedding anniversary. 29 years of more happiness than any man could rightly deserve. A Pakistani plane was highjacked and landed in Kabul. The Russians are holding it & 3 or 6 of the passengers are American. We haven't been able to learn which figure is right but we're going to let the Soviets know we won't put up with their games.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/06/reagan200706

[illinoisprogressive]

1. interesting

[valerief]

2. I thought they just gave him his lines to read and he read them. He

was the national newscaster. Isn't that the job of the preznut?

[zbdent]

3. wouldn't be surprised if the "movie" "The Reagans"

was proven justified ...