November 10th, 2009
Recalling the Wall
>
International news on November 9 recalled the anniversary of the “fall” of the Berlin Wall. The names Gorbachev and Reagan come to mind, as does the fact that the wall was “pushed” into that pages of history. “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” His State Department officials were opposed to his words, but it is obvious President Reagan’s timing was perfect. Two years after his Berlin Wall speech, the wall was toppled. Shortly thereafter, the Soviet Union broke into nationalist pieces. I was surprised earlier this year on a visit to an aviation museum (Evergreen) in McMinnville, Oregon, to find this small section of the wall on display. It’s awesome to know Berlin is now open … but Mr. Putin is no Gorbachev. Will he soon be “president for life?” If you like aircraft and space exploration, check out this site: http://www.sprucegoose.org/