Summary and Critical Analysis of a Mentor Text

Inaugural Speech of President Ronald Reagan 01/20/1981

Who is the author and what is the purpose?

I chose to summarize and analyze a speech that has been repeatedly celebrated, quoted, replayed, and used as patriotic inspiration since the day it was spoken by our newly sworn 40^th President of the United States. President Ronald Wilson Reagan delivered the speech on January 20, 1981 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The author of the speech, Kenneth L. Khachigian, worked for President Reagan’s 1980 campaign (1) and not only wrote his 1^st inaugural address, but he also authored his three main economic speeches as well as his welcome home speech to the Iranian hostages who returned home to America and was presented at the White House eight days later. (2) Mr. Khachigian is renowned for his service to three U.S. Presidents and served as President’s Reagan’s chief speech writer, senior political adviser, and special consultant. According to his employer, The Law Firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, he is “nationally recognized for his uniquely creative strategic and communications skills honed at the highest and most demanding political, corporate and government levels”. (3)

The purpose of the speech, besides being an inaugural address, was to steady a shaken citizenry and restore hope and dignity to our country which had just come through an extremely difficult period. He did this by writing about unity, freedom and the value it holds, standing against terrorism, and dignity.

What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?

The speech attracted more than just Republican and conservative voters and it held the attention of people around the world. President-elect Reagan had already given fair warning that the Iranians had best work with and compromise with the Carter Administration because he did not plan to negotiate with them at all. (4) Several political writers and politicians have since argued if the Iranians released the hostages out of fear of Ronald Reagan’s upcoming policies. Most likely not; however, instead of fearing attack, when you couple the fair warning given and their fear that they would have to start negotiations over completely with a man and administration they did not know or understand, it may have caused just enough cooperation with the Carter Administration to get the job done. The release timing was more or less a parting shot against President Carter, who they hated deeply, because of his relationship with the former Shah. They believed it would look better to release the hostages after he was out of office.

The speech continues to hold attention today. It is not only captivating to listen to, but it, or at least excerpts are used nearly every year to commemorate Memorial Day and other instances of patriotism. (5)

What lifestyles, values and points of view are represented?

The lifestyle, values, and points of view represented in the speech are what this country is known for throughout its history; individual freedom and dignity, standing up for ourselves when attacked, the resolve to pull ourselves out of the economic crisis and, when it matters the most, an orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution. One line from the speech captured his well-received campaign slogan, “The Time is Now”. He said, “We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding–we are going to begin to act, beginning today”. This passage let everyone know that the days of delayed responses and intentionally not taking action were over. America would stand tall again.

How might different people interpret the message?

Most people, even those on the other side of the political spectrum supported the wording of the speech and the manner in which President Reagan delivered it. The Washington Post reported that longtime Reagan consultant, Peter Hannaford said, “It is a speech in which the president-elect tries to set a tone rather than to make headlines,” and top Reagan adviser Edwin Meese said the speech “includes the hope that there is a way out of our economic problems with a solution involving all of the people of the country, not just the people of this government.” The reporter continued in the article stating, “… the hope of the incoming president and his close aides is that the message will ratify the Reagan campaign themes of revitalizing the nation’s economy and restoring America’s role in the world”. (6)

There are many people of the liberal and democrat persuasion today, who speak out against President Reagan, and this speech. Some call it hyperbole; others call it Nationalism; and some scoff at his manner and ideas. Some liberals even mock conservatives and claim Reagan was democrat and liberal at heart, more akin to FDR than what is viewed as Reaganism. (7)

There are two passages I believe that will be, if not already, as famous as FDR’s quotes. They are as follows:

“It is time for us to realize that we are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. We are not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline. I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing. So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew; our faith and our hope.”

& “…America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone. The crisis we are facing today does not require of us the kind of sacrifice that Martin Treptow and so many thousands of others were called upon to make. It does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God’s help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.” (8)

What is omitted?

What is omitted are direct criticism of the individuals who made decisions which placed our country, military, and citizens in such a poor and dangerous setting. Also missing are apologies and denials that America is strong and will defend itself. Obviously there will always be countries who are offended by our resolve to stand up and even fight for freedom. There will always be people who would rather see our country step down in stature instead of others stepping up. They will not be satisfied with our negotiating and sacrificing for peace, but would rather we surrender for it. Reagan reminded us that there are heroes out there and they are men and women across this country and our status will continue to be sufficient in strength and honor; and as he so eloquently said, “Above all we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.” (9)

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