Three American Presidents: Nixon, Reagan and Trump
Richard Jackson, Chair - Wairarapa Branch
Thursday, 27 July 2023 8:00pm
Wairarapa
Rosewood, 417 Queen Street, Masterton
Richard Jackson pursued a naval career and spent seven years the USA.
Richard's first experience in the USA was as a Midshipman, four years at the Naval Academy, which included marching in President Nixon's inauguration parade on a cold, low Atlantic sky day, threatening rain, in January 1969; Watergate subsequently unfolded - and Nixon announced his resignation to the American people in August 1974.
Later Richard was posted to Hawaii; for duties on the staff of the US Commander in Chief Pacific. The 1980s saw the height of the Cold War; many trends within the Soviet armed forces appeared to confirm a growing threat from the USSR at that time. President Reagan sought constructive arms reduction talks and adopted the Star Wars initiative for strategic missile defence. Ironically in New Zealand, political events led to anti-nuclear policy adoption. Which had a direct effect on Richard's time in Hawaii?
With these experiences, Richard has retained a close interest in US events. With eyes and ears glued to the television on 7 January 2021, he watched the extraordinary assault on the Capitol in Washington, D. C. live on our morning television. Being a reasonably frequent visitor to the USA, he has some thoughts on the Trump presidency and the fragility of US democracy.
Richard will present an illustrated talk of his perspective of three Presidents and his experiences there.
Tea and coffee from 7:30pm.
Non-members $5:00 door charge.
Richard Jackson pursued a naval career and spent seven years the USA.
Richard's first experience in the USA was as a Midshipman, four years at the Naval Academy, which included marching in President Nixon's inauguration parade on a cold, low Atlantic sky day, threatening rain, in January 1969; Watergate subsequently unfolded - and Nixon announced his resignation to the American people in August 1974.
Later Richard was posted to Hawaii; for duties on the staff of the US Commander in Chief Pacific. The 1980s saw the height of the Cold War; many trends within the Soviet armed forces appeared to confirm a growing threat from the USSR at that time. President Reagan sought constructive arms reduction talks and adopted the Star Wars initiative for strategic missile defence. Ironically in New Zealand, political events led to anti-nuclear policy adoption. Which had a direct effect on Richard's time in Hawaii?
With these experiences, Richard has retained a close interest in US events. With eyes and ears glued to the television on 7 January 2021, he watched the extraordinary assault on the Capitol in Washington, D. C. live on our morning television. Being a reasonably frequent visitor to the USA, he has some thoughts on the Trump presidency and the fragility of US democracy.
Richard will present an illustrated talk of his perspective of three Presidents and his experiences there.
Tea and coffee from 7:30pm.
Non-members $5:00 door charge.
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.