Three organizations are stepping up to ensure that the legacy of President Ronald Reagan continues to shine bright, particularly for the younger generation. With the release of the movie “Reagan,” featuring Dennis Quaid in the role of the 40th president and Jon Voight as a Russian spy, these groups are embracing the opportunity to educate and inspire America’s youth about conservative values that Reagan espoused.
Turning Point USA, the conservative powerhouse founded by radio host Charlie Kirk, is leading the charge by collecting tax-deductible donations to send students and military members to the film. Kirk is not shy about emphasizing the importance of passing down Reagan’s principles to a generation that seems remarkably detached from the lessons of the past. This initiative, he believes, is a golden chance to counteract the pervasive Hollywood narratives that often paint conservative figures in a negative light, especially those associated with Trump.
Reagan admirers raise money to send students, military members to see eponymous film opening Friday https://t.co/PGJxvZIdXN
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) October 11, 2024
The film “The Apprentice,” which is releasing on the same weekend, offers a rather unflattering portrayal of former President Trump. For those keeping score, this spectacle of a movie aims to dub Trump a greedy, sexual predator based on questionable depictions of his past. With Turning Point USA encouraging attendance at Reagan’s biopic instead, it’s clear they prefer to highlight the triumphs of a great leader rather than the theatrics of political slander.
Meanwhile, another group, Friends of Reagan Movie (FORM), has emerged to take the helm in this noble cause. Founded by individuals who once knew Reagan, including a businessman with a failed gubernatorial run in California, this organization has created a platform to donate funds for movie tickets for students and even military personnel. Their mission is clear: a lot of young folks today may have never experienced the bold spirit of Reagan’s presidency, and FORM wants to ensure they grasp the significance of his tax cuts, military rearmament, and staunch American values.
Young America’s Foundation (YAF) is also in the mix, aiming to raise funds to get more students into theaters to see this epically important film. Founded back in 1969, YAF is no stranger to the political arena, having co-launched CPAC decades ago. Their mission matches the spirit of Reagan — promoting traditional values, free enterprise, and a robust national defense. With multiple organizations rallying behind this cause, it’s clear that conservatives are more than ready to introduce Reagan’s vision to an audience that desperately needs it amid today’s fog of uncertainty and political disillusionment.
This revitalized interest in Reagan’s legacy through film is not just about nostalgia; it represents a battle for the hearts and minds of America’s future. In a time when the ethos of hard work, patriotism, and traditional values often seem like relics, these groups are making it their mission to ensure that the lessons of the past are not only remembered but adapted for the challenges of today. Here’s hoping that more young people get a chance to sit in those theater seats, witness Reagan’s greatness, and perhaps, just perhaps, get inspired to carry that legacy forward.