In a poignant and inspiring reflection, Raymond Arroyo draws parallels between Clint Eastwood's advice on success and Ronald Reagan's own words and actions. Arroyo shares his personal journey from dismissing Reagan as an "amiable dunce" to being profoundly moved by his character and resilience, particularly after the 1981 assassination attempt. The article explores Reagan's transformative leadership, his ability to unite a divided nation, and how his legacy may inspire a much-needed healing in modern society.
By Raymond Arroyo
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
As I watched Dennis Quaid bring the 40th President of the United States to life on the big screen in "REAGAN," I couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact both Reagan and another iconic man, Clint Eastwood, have had on my own life and work.
In 1999, on the set of "Space Cowboys," Eastwood shared his secret of success with me, a newbie Hollywood writer: "Find the best people, give them a mission, then get out of their way so they can do the job."
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
Reagan famously lived by similar words: "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit."
These words resonate with me deeply, as they did with Eastwood and Reagan. I spent 14 years studying Reagan's speeches, essays, and books, and discovered a brilliance camouflaged by humility and wit. He was a great leader because he loved people, even those who disagreed with him.
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
My journey with Reagan began as a tough sell. I was raised in a Kennedy Democratic household, and dismissed Reagan as a Republican dunce. But on March 30, 1981, everything changed. When Reagan was shot, the lines between us blurred.
As he lay in the hospital, he whispered to his doctors, "I sure hope you’re Republicans." The lead surgeon replied, "Today, Mister President, We’re all Republicans."
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
Reagan's resilience moved me profoundly. When he returned to Congress six weeks later, both sides of the aisle cheered, laughed, and cried with him. In that moment, the cynicism and bitterness that had defined our generation faded away. We were a family again.
That feeling of unity inspired us on the set of "REAGAN." We wanted to remind people of Reagan's legacy, his ability to unite a divided nation. We believe that his story can help us heal the deep divisions that plague our society today.
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
Reagan's secret of success, I believe, was love. He loved his family, his country, and even those who opposed him. That love was evident in the support he received on that fateful night in 1981.
By watching "REAGAN," I hope that we can rediscover that spirit of love and unity. It is a legacy that we desperately need to revive in these troubled times.
Reagan's Legacy: A Call for Healing and Unity
