23 pearls of wisdom from the Gipper on his birthday

Today is Ronald Reaganʼs birthday. One of the things we Reagan-lovers most miss about him is his incredible way with words. Reagan was incredibly smart, but also self- effacing, funny and clever. Here are a few classic Reagan quotes we all should memorize.

1. Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didnʼt pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. [Video]

2. Governmentʼs first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives [Video]

3. We must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. [Video]

4. We should measure welfareʼs success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added.

5. I have wondered at time what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.

6. Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15.

7. The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: Iʼm from the government and Iʼm here to help.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhYJS80MgYA]

1. Some people wonder all their lives if theyʼve made a difference. The Marines donʼt have that problem.

2. The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they are ignorant; itʼs just that they know so much that isnʼt so. [Audio]

3. Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.

4. Trust, but Verify.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As6y5eI01XE]

1. You donʼt have to make them see the light, just feel the heat.

2. Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at another.

3. The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would steal them away.

4. We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEIqdcHbc8I]

1. You can tell a lot about a fellowʼs character by his way of eating jellybeans.

2. Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. Theyʼre just braver five minutes longer.

3. Today, if you invent a better mousetrap, the government comes along with a better mouse.

4. Today, we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13xx1J5FdNE]

1. Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything weʼve ever known.

2. And I just couldnʼt have a complete list without including the best mic check of all time:

3. My fellow Americans, I’m pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes. [Audio]

4. Donʼt you just miss him? Hopefully, in 2014, we can win one for The Gipper. Actually, letʼs just go ahead and win them all.