As the daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the values and principles that have always defined America. My father believed in the power of democracy, freedom, and justice for all. He understood the importance of unity and inclusion, and he worked tirelessly to uphold these ideals throughout his presidency.
Today, as I watch the current political landscape unfold, I can’t help but feel a sense of profound disappointment. The divisiveness, the intolerance, and the disregard for the rule of law that seem to permeate our country are not what my father stood for. He believed in the inherent goodness of the American people and the greatness of our nation.
I wish my father could be here today to remind President Donald Trump of what America truly stands for. I wish he could speak to him about the importance of respect, dignity, and compassion for all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, or background. I wish he could show him that true leadership is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart.
My father understood that America is a nation of immigrants, a melting pot of cultures and traditions that enrich our society. He believed in the power of diplomacy and cooperation with our allies to promote peace and prosperity around the world. He knew that our strength as a nation lies in our unity and our commitment to upholding the values that have always defined us.
I can only hope that President Trump will heed the lessons of history and listen to the voices of reason and compassion. I hope that he will remember that America is a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world, and that we must always strive to uphold the principles that have made our country great.
In these challenging times, let us remember the words of my father, who once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
Let us honor the legacy of Ronald Reagan by standing up for what is right and just, and by reminding ourselves and our leaders of the values that have always made America the shining city on a hill. Let us come together as a nation, united in our commitment to democracy, freedom, and justice for all.
