Post-War Liberalism to the Present

Ronald Reagan, First Inaugural Address (1981):
     "We have every right to dream heroic dreams.  Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.  You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates.  Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond.  You meet heroes across a counter, and they're on both sides of the counter.  There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth, and opportunity.  They're individuals and families whose taxes support the government and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity culture, art, and education. Their patriotism is quiet, but deep.  Their values sustain our national life."

      I chose this passage from the Reagan's First Inaugural Address because I feel as though this all still rings true today.  Reagan is pointing out that although we may not notice it, the true heroes are within ourselves.  The average shopper, student, entrepreneur, worker, farmer and business person is what allows this country to stay afloat.  It is true that we need our government to back us and ultimately govern so that we have some kind of order.  But the fact is, without the "average Joe", America would not continue to function and prosper.  It is the person who works 16 hours a day for 7 days straight who sustain our being by providing the world, as well as their own family, with produce, cattle, fresh fruit and vegetables.  They provide the simplest yet most important resource, sustainability. 
     Nowadays, the average worker is paid just enough to survive, yet, without that cashier, bank teller, or child care teacher is vital when trying to survive everyday life.  We need these unspoken heroes just as much as we need those heroes who fight for our country and our freedom. Reagan hit the nail on the head with this speech.  He made me aware of the importance of the little people.  It helped me realize that I underestimate the power of a store that just opened up and created 20 new jobs.  I appreciate the small contributions that we all make in order to live the American Dream.  Not everyone achieves their goals, but its not for lack of hard work and dedication.