"But I say, remember Ronald Reagan who changed all the dynamics of the Cold War, which went on for nearly fifty years. Reagan didn+óGé¼Gäót think you could appease, co-exist, and accommodate the Soviet Union. He changed the dynamics in favor of the advancement of freedom. And now, because of Ronald Reagan+óGé¼GÇ¥along with Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul the Second+óGé¼GÇ¥there are millions of people in Central and Eastern Europe who were locked behind that Iron Curtain, who are now tasting that sweet nectar of liberty, and they are our friends and allies. He persevered, and freedom prevailed."
He's borrowed this palaver from Grover Norquist. This analytically simpleminded stump speech, moreover, dishonors two generations of American soldiers. Thousands died in Korea and Vietnam fighting Communism. In addition to the troops who sacrificed their bodies and lives, scientists, statesmen, and military leaders devoted their careers deterring Soviet aggression. And ordinary American citizens paid taxes and voted for leaders -- both Republican and Democrats -- who advocated strong national defense.
Reagan changed the dynamics away from appeasement? Does George Allen think, for example, that Eisenhower and Nixon appeased the Soviet Union? And the Soviet economic system finally crumbled of its own bad design -- something Reagan had nothing to do with.
Allen's position on this dishonors the military, shows his ignorance of history, and exemplifies his cheap politics.