"Mr. Gorbachev: Tear Down This Wall."

It was 20 years ago, this month, that Ronald Reagan stood before the Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin, and gave a talk. Face to face with the Berlin Wall, President Reagan said: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." That particular talk had been written by Peter Robinson, a talented writer who had a gut feel for what Ronald Reagan would like to say, and how he would like to say it. It had been reviewed by a number of Reagan's close associates. His Chief of Staff, Howard Baker said it did not sound presidential. Deputy National Security Advisor Colin Powell thought the line should be taken out. The State Department was specific in urging Reagan NOT to even mention the wall, lest it embarrass the new Soviet leader. On his final review of the speech, Ronald Reagan was quoted as saying: "The boys at (the) State (Department) are going to kill me for this, but it's the right thing to do." The American media was highly critical of President Reagan for his bluntness, his lack of diplomacy. Much of the American media considered it a terrible blunder.

This week U.S. News and World Report did a story on Presidential speeches that have become a memorable, quotable part of American history ... lines from speeches that have made a difference. They quote Abraham Lincoln from the Gettysburg address when he said: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." FDR with his "...the only thing you have to fear is fear itself." John Kennedy..."and so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your
country." And now, only 20 historic years later, Ronald Reagan: "Mr. Gorbachev. Tear down this wall."

This is Gordon Sawyer from a window on historic Green Street.