Freedom and the Reagan Movie

Introduction

These quotes from two celebrated patriots express my dedication to freedom:

● "I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson

● "Give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry

I have helped thousands of people to have more personal, political, and spiritual freedom. If you would like to enjoy more freedom and fulfillment, please follow me on X and support my mission on X and Substack.

Fighting For Freedom, Again by Gene Van Shaar

From the beginning of our country until now, we have always fought the enemies of freedom. From beginning to end, the new movie "Reagan" chronicles Ronald Reagan's fight with communism, the archenemy of freedom. American audiences have given this movie a 98% approval rating and standing ovations.

How then is it possible that almost half of the country seems to be leaning toward voting away the freedom we have defended for generations? As cited below, the answer includes ignorance, apathy, and propaganda.   

Several years ago, I explained it this way: "The greatest threat to life, liberty, and happiness is not intolerance or inequality. It is the violation of freedom. Freedom can be violated in many ways, including the abuse of basic human rights, and totalitarian control of property, production, capital, and labor. Many schemes have been devised to steal freedom, property, and life, but those that make it sound good or beneficial are the most dangerous."

As part of the international socialist movement, American Marxists have attempted to violate freedom in many ways, including the following:

● Corrupt the judicial branch of the government via judges that will do their bidding. 

● Corrupt Congress by eliminating the filibuster and the Electoral College.

● Destroy election integrity via voter fraud and swamping the system with illegal aliens.

● Override private property rights and dismantle the traditional family.

● Undercut basic human rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, etc. 

If the above items or similar plans come to pass, we will lose the protection provided by the founding fathers and our constitutional republic will quickly be replaced by a repressive socialist state. Those who vote away their freedom will soon discover that the socialist dream is the same old communist nightmare that has enslaved and killed millions.

As Ronald Reagan observed: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…It must be fought for, protected, and handed on…or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

The results of the 2020 election, and possibly the 2024 election, threaten the foundation and freedom of America more than anything in our history, except the civil war. During the dark days of that war, an inspired song was sung by those who fought for the freedom of their countrymen and the preservation of their nation. Perhaps remembering that song can help save our freedom now.   

President Abraham Lincoln invited Samuel and Julia Ward Howe to Washington to honor them for volunteer work they had done. While on that trip the Howes visited a Union army camp and heard soldiers singing the popular but somewhat coarse folk song, John Brown's Body. A clergyman traveling with them knew that Julia was a gifted poet and requested that she write some more inspiring words to go with that wonderful tune credited to William Steffe.

Describing what happened early in the morning of November 19, 1861, Julia said, "I awoke in the grey of the morning, and as I lay waiting for the dawn, the long lines of the desired poem began to entwine themselves in my mind, and I said to myself, 'I must get up and write these verses, lest I fall asleep and forget them!' So I sprang out of bed and in the dimness found an old stump of a pen, which I remembered using the day before. I scrawled the verses almost without looking at the paper." (Julia Ward Howe)

In February of 1862, the Atlantic Monthly published her poem, and it quickly became a national favorite. When President Lincoln heard the song at a rally, he wiped tears from his eyes and cried out, "Sing it again." Ever since, it has had the unique distinction of being a favorite anthem in both political and religious realms.

Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th president of the United States on January 20, 1981. The Battle Hymn of the Republic was performed during the inaugural parade. 

Thereafter, President Reagan said, "The Choir’s singing was a highlight of our inauguration, as we knew it would be. I’m sure I speak for all Americans when I say thank you for saying so well what all of us feel about this land of the free and home of the brave. There is no more inspirational moment [than hearing the] Choir sing Glory, glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on." (Inauguration)  

If today's American voters can sing this song—with the love of freedom shining in our hearts and minds—and act on the message it so mightily conveys, we may help save our constitution and country in the coming days.

I love both the words and music of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and have watched that inauguration performance many times, and every time I am moved to tears. I want to share that experience with you. Here is a link and footnote: Battle Hymn-Reagan.  

The United States Army Field Band gave a great performance of the Hymn with outstanding brass rendition and vocals. Here's a link: Battle Hymn-Band.

As the movie depicts, Ronald Reagan was victorious in his inspiring fight against communism. But right now, communist ideas are running rampant, and many are trying to trick us into voting away our freedom and prosperity.

Instead of falling for their propaganda, please refer to the host of writers and broadcasters who believe in freedom. If you care about liberty, never support or vote for anyone who talks, acts, or votes like a communist, such as Obama, Harris, or Walz. If you care about freedom, always support, vote, and fight for those with a history of protecting it, like Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, or JD Vance.

© Copyright 2024 Gene Van Shaar

Gene Van Shaar has spent a lifetime studying, teaching, and writing about freedom, faith, and family. Many of his posts, articles, and books are available via https://x.com/genevanshaar.

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