Reich's Cultural Parable of The Mob at the Gates

President Ronald Reagan gave an inspiring speech at a Veteran's Day celebration that fits perfectly into Reich's Cultural Parable of The Mob at the Gates.  He speaks of how uniquely blessed we are because for so many years we, Americans, "have achieved so much and prospered as no other people on Earth" because we "unleashed the energy of the individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before" and we assure the "freedom and dignity of the individual" more here than in any other place on Earth.  Sounds like a beacon of light to the world and an island of freedom, the hope of the world.

President Reagan talks about the price of peace and the heroes that lay among the simple white markers on the sloping hills of Arlington National Cemetery and the places around the world where their lives ended defending the freedom and peace of this nation.  He speaks of a young soldier in World War I who felt an enormous responsibility to do whatever he could to ensure that America won that war and thus held back the forces of darkness that sought to overwhelm and destroy us.  He goes on to talk about our most powerful weapon, the will and moral courage of our men and women. He says it is a weapon we, as American's, possess and our advisories don't have.

President Reagan warns our enemies that we will not surrender or give up our freedom, which gives you a sense that we are vulnerable to attack from outside dark forces.  The speech gives you a sense of pride, but at the same time, a sense that the rest of the world is trying to bring America down and take away everything we hold dear.  You get the sense that, although we are exceptional and can ultimately win, we will always have to defend our freedom and peace.

Process Premises
The speech from President Reagan has many process premises starting with ego-gratification as a mighty American nation and a sense of power and roots.  He helps us feel safe and secure as part of this group and gives us a sense of belonging, esteem and safety.  He gives you a sense of pride in what has been accomplished and in the individuals who have helped us reach those heights of achievement.  I think there is a little fear mixed in for those who would take our freedoms away and also some anger at the price paid for our national peace.  I found his speech very inspiring and very typical of that generation of America.  My parents are from the same generation as President Reagan and they had the same tone when talking about America.