Inauguration of Freedom and Prosperity
25 years ago, Reagan declared “government is not the solution”
WASHINGTON- On January 20, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was inaugurated on the terrace of the West Front of the Capitol. Twenty-five years ago today, Americans and lovers of freedom worldwide listened as he laid the course for his administration.
A man born in a small Midwest town of humble background, Ronald Reagan worked with Republicans and Democrats to enact a bold agenda that restored accountability and common sense to government. His economic policies of tax cuts, deregulation and choice for the American taxpayer led to an unprecedented economic expansion.
“Reagan’s inauguration signaled the beginning of a time of freedom and prosperity for millions,” said Grover Norquist, president of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. “His legacy will continue to grow over the next 25 years as we preserve the confidence he restored in America.”
In his first inaugural address, Ronald Reagan set the stage for reducing government interference in the daily lives of citizens, relieving the burden on taxpayers, and stimulating the United States economy. “So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government--not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our Government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.”
“On the 25th anniversary of Reagan’s first inaugural address, it is more important than ever to reflect on the late President’s impact on the world as we know it,” said Norquist. “Reagan’s call for government to live within its means is an ongoing lesson for lawmakers and decision makers on all levels of government.”
The RRLP seeks to name at least one monument to President Reagan in each of America’s counties, and in nations that were once Communist. RRLP Chairman Grover Norquist, a long time Washington insider, is available for interviews. Please contact John Kartch at 202-785-0266 or jkartch@atr.org.
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