The fall of the wall--an anniversary to remember

November 9, 12:43 PMColumbia Conservative ExaminerAnthony G. Martin

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In an era in which Marxism seems to be considered a 'good thing' by mutton-headed educators and pinheaded politicians, the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall appears to be easily overlooked.  Even Barack Obama has consistently downplayed any reference to the significance of the defeat of Communism at the end of the Cold War.

Yet to those who remember, the demise of the Soviet Union and the symbolism inherent in the tearing down of the Wall are 2 benchmarks of utmost significance during the 20th century.

The building of the Berlin Wall was part of an agreement at the end of WWII that would allow West Germany, West Berlin, and Western Europe to be free from the domination of the Soviet Communists, who at the end of the war had helped the West secure a devastating blow to the Nazis.

East Germany would be under Soviet domination, along with East Berlin and the rest of Eastern Europe.  The wall in the middle of Berlin would be a symbol of that great divide.  Those under Soviet domination would not be allowed to cross over into the West.

Former Soviet President Gorbachev once remarked to President Reagan that the Wall was no different than the boundaries of the U.S. at our southern border.  Reagan quickly corrected the Communist by saying, 'No, Mr. Gorbachev, there is a vast difference.  Our border is to keep people from getting in.  Your wall is to prevent your citizens from getting out.'

The difference is as vast as the ends of the universe.

Nations that are based upon the principles of liberty have no need whatsoever to keep their citizens from getting out of the country.  Totalitarian nations, however, have a dire need to keep their citizens locked in due to the oppressive nature of the regimes.  Given that so many human beings wish to 'get out' of societies that limit human freedom, those governments pump vast sums of resources into keeping their oppressed masses locked inside, unable to leave.

Part of Reagan's legacy, therefore, was to apply pressure to any regime anywhere in the world that engaged in such oppression, which at the time meant the Soviet Union primarily.  Reagan's yearning was that people everywhere be free. 

It is no surprise, therefore, that after 7 years of hammering away at the Soviets with our massive military buildup, Reagan would stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate at the Berlin Wall and demand of the Soviet President, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!'

Watch a 3-minute excerpt of Reagan's famous Berlin Wall speech by clicking here.

Within a mere 2 years after the speech, the Soviet Union went into total collapse and the Berlin Wall was indeed torn down.  Berlin was united as a city under the principles of liberty.  East Germany would be united with West Germany as a free nation.  And all of Eastern Europe would be free from the dreadful shackles of tyranny.

We have no one other than Ronald Reagan to thank for this most significant development in the history of the world.  

For commentary on other issues, visit my blog at The Liberty Sphere.