Remembering Reagan's humor

[YogsVR4]

Something a lot more light hearted then some of the other threads here. Weather you liked him or not (and I can just guess as to who thinks what ) some of these are pretty good.

By Gary M. Galles
a professor of economics at Pepperdine University
Published February 1, 2004

In February, we remember our presidents. Washington and Lincoln have long been the focal points. But we should also remember another president born in February--Ronald Reagan, born 93 years ago on Feb. 6.

Reagan's words reflected our founders' vision of America's greatness more closely than any other president in memory. He echoed their recognition that our greatness could only be unleashed through an unwavering commitment to liberty, which required saying "no" more frequently than was politically popular. But his words were also seasoned with humor, reflecting a genuine affection for Americans.

In addition to poking fun at himself, Reagan used humor to protest government abuse, to highlight the frequent lack of logic behind government proposals and programs, and to deflate those grown too self-important as "public servants." Today, with such wit much scarcer, it is worth remembering some of that humor.

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Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.

When those who advocate an open mind keep it open at both ends with no thought process in the middle, the open mind becomes a hose for any idea that comes along.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

... a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this Earth!

I have wondered at times what the 10 Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.

There are some in government who have a very simple tax proposal in mind. There will be two lines on the tax form: How much did you make last year? Send it.

Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when [President] Jimmy Carter loses his.

I've learned in Washington that it's the only place where sound travels faster than light.

A friend of mine was asked to a costume ball a short time ago. He slapped some egg on his face and went as a liberal economist.

Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but Democrats think every day is April 15.

Cures were developed for which there were no known diseases. [On Congress' 1981 budget] When government uses its coercive power to intervene in the free market place, agriculture can discover something worse to contend with than the corn borer or the boll weevil.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.

The other day, someone told me the difference between a democracy and a people's democracy. It is the same difference between a jacket and a straitjacket.

I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a Cabinet meeting.

The fellow they've nominated claims he's the new Thomas Jefferson. Well let me tell you something. I knew Thomas Jefferson. He was a friend of mine and ... you're no Thomas Jefferson!

What makes [Clint Eastwood] think a middle-aged actor, who's played with a chimp, could have a future in politics?

I hope you're all Republicans. [to surgeons as he entered the operating room, March 30, 1981]

[TexasF355F1]

That's pretty good Yogs. But you can't forget the whole Jelly Belly thing. Sales sky-rocketed when he announced his love of them.

[DGB454]

I always liked Regan. Good man.

[2strokebloke]

Ah Reagan was cool, except that he looked really creepy. And he'd give weapons to you if you claimed to be using them against communists, and lived in a 3rd world country.
And he loved jelly beans.

[MagicRat]

Reagan and Truman were the best post war presidents.
Reagan assembled a good cabinet and let them do their jobs.
The country would be better off with more like him.

He only ever lost one election in his life ('76 Republican nomination) and thats a pretty good record.