Mourning in America: Father of the Era of Inc.

The television folks are taking their typically subtle approach [free registration to Philadelphia Inquirer required] to the passing of Ronald Wilson Reagan, allowing for personal reflection upon what the controversial 40th President meant to the United States. A citizenry steeped in examining the human strengths and weaknesses of the men who lead their nation from the Oval Office needs the complexities that only round-the-clock TV can provide, so in these quiet moments, let us ponder Dutch's legacy and ask if these words ring true today.

"We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don't know where to look...There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity." --From Ronald Reagan's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1981

Reagan came into office on a wave of optimism and a simple platform -- shrink government, cut taxes and enough with the containment of the Commies already. Although not an intellect, Reagan had grand ideas and an unwavering belief that America was the "shining light on a hill," destined to win the Cold War and spread capitalism around the globe. If Shakespeare is to be believed, and all the world is indeed a stage, the former B-movie actor rose to Olivier-esque heights when he performing for a receptive audience (including an often overlooked character named "Gorby". Reagan appealed to many, alienated his fair share and left many of us somewhere in the middle during his two terms as Gipper-in-Chief.

Reagan came of Presidential age in what I like to call, the "Era of Inc." -- trademark pending -- when mentioning entrepreneurship in an inaugural address wasn't solely to show off a fancy vocabulary. The two healthiest American economies happened during "Era of Inc." under beloved and beloathed two-termers Presidents Reagan and Clinton (and it will be interesting when Fox News doesn't fawn over Clinton to the same degree when he passes on, but hey, they just report, you decide. For now though, it's Dutch's day, we'll save Bubba for another time).

I wonder, though, Did Reagan have anything to do with the "Era of Inc.?" Do Presidents influence and spark entrepreneurship?

Perhaps it's because he got the federal government off the backs of business. Although one of the great fallacies of Reagan's years in office was his penchant for advocating small government while running up the deficit to heights heretofore unseen. Unlike in small businesses, government deficit spending is necessary at times, but that's why it's interesting that he is revered by so many entrepreneurs who would never run up bills that big that eventually come due. Just ask George Bush Sr. Perhaps it is because of the 40th president's held belief in deregulation -- although that isn't a guarantee of an equal entrepreneurial playing field. Sometimes rules and regulations make it easier for the little guy; sometimes they don't. It has more to do with seizing an opportunity within a particular industry, no? And, let's not forget: less governmental oversight attracts another kind of "entrepreneur." For every Apple home computer there's an S&L crisis.

I think Reagan's greatest entrepreneurial strength was as a salesman, and his product was the good ole' U.S. of A. He was known as the "Great Communicator," but I think that's too benign and squishy. Maybe the "Great Salesman" isn't dignified enough for a POTUS, but the only people hung up on communicating are in couples therapy. Every business owner knows that sales are essential and Reagan sold the idea of his America back to the country. And millions bought into it. It wasn't everybody's America, but until oxygen becomes a commodity, not everyone is going to buy the same things, but if they buy more of what you're selling, then you win a whopping 1,014 electoral votes in two presidential contests.

Gorbachev certainly bought enough of what Dutch was selling, and together, the Iron Curtain was relegated to an I Love the '80's segment. Salesmanship. It's the essence of capitalism -- provided the unlimited military checkbook is factored out, which is to say the soul of Ronald Reagan.

Regardless of what the TV people say, it's fair to debate President Reagan's successes (invigorating America, booming economy, ending the Cold War, bolstering the beleaguered jelly bean market, moving a more conservative GOP into the mainstream) failures (huge deficits, cutting social services, ignoring AIDS, Iran-Contra, moving a more conservative GOP into the mainstream), and whether he's the "Father of the Era of Inc." -- trademark pending -- even while he lies in state.