On a recent episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” former Governor Ronald Reagan sat down with Johnny to discuss the current state of the country. The conversation was lively and engaging, with Reagan expressing his views on government, public employees, and the confusion among Americans regarding the country’s troubles.
During their chat, Carson mentioned that many people seem to be confused about what is going wrong in the country, with differing opinions from conservatives, liberals, and those in the middle. Some suggest more government spending, while others advocate for tax rebates. Reagan believes that people often look to the government for answers, but in his opinion, government is actually the problem.
Reagan points out that America, despite its troubles, is still better off than any other country. He believes that government is not as efficient or economical as the people, and suggests that if government were to disappear for a few weeks, it would go unnoticed. He also highlights the influence of permanent government employees, who he believes have more control over policy than Congress.
Carson brings up the issue of people who are struggling financially, such as those on Social Security or pensions. Reagan acknowledges their challenges but also emphasizes the importance of taking an active interest in their own well-being. He encourages citizen action groups to make their voices heard.
The conversation takes a turn to special interest groups and their influence on government. Reagan believes that big business has less influence than people think, and that it is the groups with specific agendas that have the most sway. He believes in finding a balance between progress and protecting the environment, rather than leaning to either extreme.
The topic then shifts to the importance of a strong defense and fiscal responsibility. Reagan argues that a balanced budget is the key to ending inflation and suggests saying “no” to excessive spending. He proposes a law where any legislator or congressman introducing a spending program must also introduce a tax program to pay for it, allowing people to understand the costs involved.
Carson asks Reagan about the possibility of him becoming president, to which Reagan humbly deflects, stating that it’s an unanswerable question. He believes that everyone should hope and pray for leadership that does the job well, without any question of their ability. Reagan also discusses his views on international affairs, including the importance of honoring agreements and the need for a strong United States.
The conversation concludes with Carson asking if Reagan sees a possibility of a third party emerging in American politics. Reagan expresses a preference for revitalizing the current two-party system, emphasizing that third parties have a tendency to divide votes and elect the wrong people.
Overall, Reagan’s appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” was filled with lively discussions and thought-provoking ideas. His views on government, fiscal responsibility, and the role of citizens in shaping the country provided an interesting perspective on the current state of America.
