Peggy Noonan's “When Character Was King”

Peggy Noonan's “When Character Was King”
By Gabrielle Reilly

A story of Ronald Reagan; and that is exactly what this insightful book is… a story, a real-life novel, but instead of unknown characters that entertain in gripping drama, it is the people and families you see on TV so often - President Reagan, Nancy Reagan, President Bush Sr. and Jr., the Bush women, and many of the sideline characters. A world-changing moment in history, the “Reagan Era,” presented by someone on the inside. After all, the author, Peggy Noonan, was special assistant to President Reagan and friend to Nancy Reagan. Her book gained more credibility when in the first chapter she pondered if President Bush Jr., when speaking on President Reagan, thought, “Yes, Reagan was the man your old man wasn’t,” I could tell it was not just going to be a superficial, scream red, white, and blue tribute to her friends and colleagues.

Noonan weaves a rich tapestry of depth to American society throughout Reagan’s lifetime. She provides a level of insight into the culture of Irish Catholics (Reagan’s father was Irish Catholic) and their political affiliation, what it meant to live in a family with alcoholism, Communism, journalism and all the dirty tricks (she once worked with Dan Rather at CBS), character, American culture, politics, family, human nature, and the cycle of life.

Gabrielle Reilly - Bikini Supermodel, Political Commentator And Celebrity

A complex picture of Reagan is painted, but also Noonan makes sense of the many factions of America, and life in general. I would highly recommend the book to anyone in the international community as a book that will bring more extensive understanding of the heart of America. As an Australian who has lived in America for some time now, I can say with authority, America is very inaccurately portrayed in the international media… often from journalists who have not lived in America long enough to really understand the culture.

Noonan, an intelligent, very attractive woman, some years my senior, has generously bestowed upon me wisdoms that one normally only comes by through actually living them... which takes time. I, like many of us, have so much information to consume in a very short amount of time. This book has an abundance of valuable information that can be carried in our kit of “life tools” to lead us into our future. I suspect you will find a treasure trove of gems too.

I knew I was going to like the book after I listened to Peggy Noonan talk to a small group of us in a private meeting, the week before the Republican Convention in New York several weeks ago. Before she speaks publicly or interviews on TV, she draws a heart, a cross, and a flag. This must contribute to her strong, centered presence that is filled, almost glowing actually, with love… her ability to handle opposition so gracefully. Can you tell I’m impressed? When you read Peggy Noonan’s writing it becomes very apparent why she was special assistant to a President.

Peggy Noonan's Website
Amazon.com

I have two books that I have on my shelf waiting to be pawed and consumed, but do look out for them in the meantime…

“Thank You, President Bush” is a collection of essays written by some of the most influential people in America, from both past and present, including Vice President Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft, Ed Meese, Star Parker, Rod Martin, Gov. Jeb Bush, and the list goes on. Many of the contributing writers come to life for me as I have met or listened to them speak at the different functions I have attended, but I must say I have a particular soft spot for Ed Meese, another of Reagan’s close associates. What a great communicator! You know, Peggy Noonan had it spot on when she said Reagan came from an era when movie stars were still good, respectful, decent people. Reagan and his associates were/are well mannered, their word their honor, punctuality paramount, and a reverence shown to those who had a different opinion to their own.

On a side note, I still find it really infuriating knowing what I know from being around so many of the people on the inside, that African-Americans can be fooled into believing Republicans do not have there best interests at heart. It was the Republicans that fought to end slavery. It was Reagan that brought his fellow black teammates home to spend the night when they were not allowed to stay at the hotel the traveling team was staying at. After Reagan was told his black teammates were not allowed to stay at the hotel, Reagan told them the hotel was full so they could save face. As Reagan came from an Irish Catholic family, in some ways like my own, I fully understand that any form of class system of race, religion, or creed should and is defended at every turn… you always look out for the little guy. Being raised like that means protecting the downtrodden; it is not a choice but pumps through your blood. You only have to look at who President Bush relies on the most (Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, etc.) to see he feels very vigilantly the same way. Democrat Senator Robert Byrd cut his teeth on the KKK as the Democrats strive for the African-American vote by wallowing in self-defeating attitudes, instead of actually striving for a better future. As sad as some of our history is, a bucket of tears will never solve a problem, but a vision of the future will. Ok, ok, I digress, but I do look forward to reading a book with such a diverse lineup of contributors.

And then of course...

The End

Quote

Unfair criticism and mis-statement of facts
do more to wear a public man’s spirit
than any quantity of hard work.

Jim Scullin
1945

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