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1. Ronald Reagan:
One of the greatest Presidents of the twentieth century.
During his terms, he showed us what leadership is about. He was elected at a time when Americans were ashamed to American...Vietnam,
Ford, and Carter (who gave away EVERYTHING) were fresh on our minds. He encouraged us to feel good about our country
and about being American again. He did this because of his belief that the U.S.A. is the greatest nation in the world...the
"house on the hill". He believed in opportunities, not handouts...that Americans can do great things when given the
ability. He believed that government is not a crutch to solve peoples' problems. He instead believd that government should stay out of the way and allow people to live their lives and to prosper.
He turned a dilapidated and disheartened military into the best in the world. In so doing, he was able retaliate against
any threat. And Reagan will go down in history as the man who single-handedly ended the Cold War and brought
down the U.S.S.R. The Berlin Wall would not have fallen without Reagan and his message of Peace Through Strength.
Mr. Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004.
2. Rudy Giuliani:
This is the man, through tough leadership, and sheer force of personality,
turned New York City around. As a prosecutor in the 80s, Rudy brought the mafia down. In the 90s, Giuliani cleaned
up NYC, and through his programs was able to reduce crime and panhandling. Times Square became a showcase of prosperity as
porn shops were replaced with major retail and family entertainment outlets. This was all BEFORE 9-11. On that day,
Giuliani showed the world that we can and will stand tall in the face of terror and tradgedy. His reassurancing
words of encouragement reminded us all that we will get through this together. He was simply the right man in the
right place at the right time. It is my hope that he will seek public office again in the near future.
3. Richard M. Nixon:
Nixon came to office in a dark time in history. America
was at war and losing badly...student protests around the country were turning violent. Revered leaders were being murdered
... the Kennedys, Dr. King. Change was desperately needed. It can be said that Nixon knew more about foreign relations
and policy than most other Presidents...he was also ably assisted by Henry Kissinger. It was Nixon who decided to withdraw
from Vietnam...although the withdrawal was finished in Gerald Ford's term. And there's the old Vulcan proverb: Only
Nixon can go to China. He was able to formalize relations with China...it is believed that no one else would have been
able to accomplish this. Like Reagan, Nixon also believed in smaller government and individual accomplishment.
Unfortunately, Watergate had forced him to resign from office early. That third rate burglary was shameful, but when
it came time to face facts, Nixon faced his consequences with grace, accepting the responsibility that was his. A prolific
writer, Nixon founded The Center for Peace and Freedom, a foreign policy thinktank, in January of 1994. Mr. Nixon passed
away in April of that year.
4. Gene Kranz:
Great people aren't always in plain sight. You might
know who he is through Ed Harris' portrayal of him in Apollo 13. Gene Kranz is one of the unsung heroes of
the Space Program. He was a lead flight director during the Apollo program, and led the 'Tiger Team' to bring Apollo
13 home after an accident crippled the ship on its voyage to the moon. Events in the movie didn't exactly happen as
shown, but Harris' portrayal of his mannerisms and optimism is accurate. Mr. Kranz joined the Space Task Group in 1960
and was in flight operations from the beginning of the Mercury program through the Apollo program...he retired from NASA only
a few years ago. He won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the Apollo 13 recovery. His optimism,
leadership, and pioneering spirit are what the Space Program was about, and basically, what America is all about.
Read his book, Failure is Not an Option, and watch the History Channel documentary of the same name for more about this incredible individual.
5. Donald Trump:
The ultimate Entepreneur. And that's to go with his other hobbies: Author,
TV Producer/Host, Philanthropist. Trump is definitely one of the riches people in the world, and has become that way
through hard work and a business savvy that's second to none. New York City and Atlantic City would not be what they
are today without him. He didn't start from the most humble of beginnings, but everything he has today he earned through
his business acumen. He started taking risks when New York was in it's severe economic slump in the 70s. He started
by simply taking a gamble and buying one hotel. Now, he owns several hotels, casinos, and some of the priceiest condominiums
anyway (The famed 'Trump Tower'). And at a time when New York real estate was in the hands of the stereotypical old
money robber barons (i.e. 'The Queen of Mean', Leona Helmsley), he changed the rules of the game...simply by always followning
through on his word, and conducting business with class. You can consider him greedy, but he is a person you would be
fool to not do business with. You know what you are getting with Trump. And, his personality is definitely a part
of New York City and it's legend. Finally, his books are definitely suggested reading!
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| My grandfather playing accordion in front of Reagan's Bristol, CT Headquarters, 9-12-1980 |
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