76-11-13
- Main Page \ Reagan Radio Commentaries \ 1977
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Charity[edit]
Transcript[edit]This I know will sound chauvinistic, but the American people are the most generous on Earth. This must be the result of our free way of life. I'll be right back. 130 or 40 years ago, a French philosopher came to America to see it firsthand what he called "this great experiment." He's probably been quoted more by after-dinner speakers in these modern days than any other individual. Going back to France he wrote a book about Democracy In America. He said he had sought for the greatness of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers and it wasn't there. Nor did he find it in our rich mines and vast world commerce. He wrote, "Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and her power. America is great because she is good and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Unquote. In his book he told his countrymen how in America, a citizen would see a problem that needed solving and he would cross the street and talk to a neighbor. They'd talk to others and soon a committee would be formed, the problem solved, and, as Alexis de Tocqueville said, "You won't believe this, but no government bureau will be involved at all." Unquote. Our French visitor of more than a century ago would have been reassured if he'd been in Santa Barbara, California not long ago. A young girl in her teens faced certain death from a form of leukemia. Her chance for life depended on the relatively new and unusual procedure of bone marrow transplant. The operation and accompanying treatment, available in a medical center in Minnesota, cost tens of thousands of dollars. Money her family didn't have. Then the word got around, the local news media broke the story, someone proposed forming a committee. I can't recount all the efforts that were put forth, but a symphony concert contributed its proceeds, McDonald's contributed food for a benefit dinner, school children went door-to-door soliciting contributions and, as de Tocqueville more than a century earlier said, before you knew it, the problem was solved. Tens of thousands of dollars were raised and the young lady, thanks to neighbors and friends she didn't know she had, went to the hospital in Minnesota where her younger brother was the donor in the transplant operation. How I wish I could say this was the happy finish, but sadly I can't. An infection apparently unrelated to her dread disease took her life and ended the story, or did it? Was all the goodness the affectionate outpouring by so many people wasted? Not if we believe that God has a purpose for each one of us, a purpose that gives meaning to our lives without regard to the length of time we spend here. This teenage girl has left many who sorrow and grieve but she has also left a heritage to her community. Even before she embarked on her journey to the hospital the people of Santa Barbara had made a decision. More money had been contributed than was needed. It was decided to use the surplus as the beginning of a permanent fund for future needs of this kind. Down through the years how many will be inspired? An entire community, her schoolmates and youngsters who didn't even know her will become adults remembering the generosity of today's grown-ups. They'll remember too how they themselves learn the joy there is in serving others. They'll remember to cross the street and talk to a neighbor. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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