President Ronald Reagan on Separation of Church and State
“We establish no religion in this country. We command no worship. We mandate no belief, nor will we ever. Church and state are and must remain separate.”
Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician and actor who was 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Prior to his presidency, he was the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, following a career as a Hollywood actor and union leader.
Since Reagan left office in 1989, heated debate has occurred among scholars, historians, and the general public surrounding his legacy. Supporters have pointed to a more efficient and prosperous economy as a result of Reagan’s economic policies, foreign policy triumphs including a peaceful end to the Cold War, and a restoration of American pride and morale. Proponents also argue Reagan restored faith in the American Dream with his unabated and passionate love for the United States. Critics contend that Reagan’s economic policies resulted in rising budget deficits, a wider gap in wealth, and an increase in homelessness and that the Iran-Contra affair lowered American credibility