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Of course, along with the words were deeds. Reagan proceeded to give the country back to the people through tax cuts, deregulation and restoration of the integrity of our currency.

He also increased defense spending from 6.5% of GDP when he assumed office to 7.9% by 1986.

We know that the Soviet Union, the “evil empire,” imploded and collapsed. But we also know that what replaced it, Russia under Putin, is not much better. Evil can never last, but without a clear sense of the good to replace it, it will just reinvent and perpetuate itself. This is an obvious lesson for today’s world.

Reagan demonstrated that the most powerful weapon is truth and principles. From these the right policies follow.

Truth, when clearly spoken and articulated, spreads on its own power.

Natan Sharanksy sat in prison in 1983 for the sin of requesting to emigrate from the Soviet Union to Israel.

Sharansky wrote: “In 1983 I was confined to an 8-by-10 foot prison cell on the border of Siberia. My Soviet jailers gave me the privilege of reading the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed across the front page was a condemnation of President Ronald Reagan for having the temerity to call the Soviet Union an ‘evil empire.’ By tapping on walls and talking through toilets, word of Reagan’s ‘provocation’ quickly spread throughout the prison. We dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, the leader of the free world had spoken the truth — truth that burned inside the heart of each and every one of us.”

Reagan was reelected in 1984, winning 49 of 50 states. Can it be a surprise that the one state he did not win was Minnesota?

Will we ever see such unity again?

Rest in peace, Michael Reagan.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS. COM