A Complete Signed Copy of Ronald Reagan’s 1st Inaugural Address, the Only We Can Find Ever Having Been Offered For Sale
Filled with his philosophy and words of inspiration.
"Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.”
The first inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States was held on January 20, 1981. In his First Inaugural Address, Reagan combined a long-term vision with a plan for immediate action. Reagan wanted to explain...
"Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.”
The first inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States was held on January 20, 1981. In his First Inaugural Address, Reagan combined a long-term vision with a plan for immediate action. Reagan wanted to explain the convictions that shaped his political thinking – the ideas that he had come to embrace – and that would guide his presidency. He also wanted to tell the American people that his top priority was restoring the health of the economy, and that the spirits of the American people could and would be lifted.
That day, America faced a very weak economy, spirits at home were low, inflation was high, and many problems seemed insurmountable. Early in his speech Reagan set it all out: “These United States are confronted with an economic affliction of great proportions.” He continued, “We suffer from the longest and one of the worst sustained inflations in our national history. It distorts our economic decisions, penalizes thrift, and crushes the struggling young and the fixed-income elderly alike. It threatens to shatter the lives of millions of our people.”
Reagan, of course, was the quintessential optimist, and his inaugural speech is full of optimism: “It is time to reawaken this industrial giant…And as we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world. We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom.” Reagan spoke glowingly of “the will and moral courage of free men and women.” He also spoke words of encouragement: “We are not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline. So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope.”
One inaugural line of Reagan’s encapsulated his basic philosophy: “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.” It arguably is the most famous line of the speech. He finished with words of inspiration: “It does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.”
Document Signed, 8 pages, being the entire script of Reagan’s first Inaugural Address, boldly signed by him at the conclusion. Ex Paul C. Richards, with his sleeve. Judging from the look of the signature, this was likely signed as President. A search of public records dating back to January 20, 1981, fails to disclose even one other inaugural address signed by Reagan having been offered, nor have we ever seen one.
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