The ninth and tenth presidents who earn inclusion on my list of Top Ten Presidents would be John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Kennedy (president from January 20, 1961-November 22, 1963) earns a place because his "New Frontier" program helped to propel the US to its greatest prosperity ever. Additionally, he began the Peace Corps, worked for Civil Rights legislation, and increased the minimum wage. Kennedy, also, began historic efforts to send a man to the moon and showed down the Soviets during the Cuban Missile Crisis when he forced them to remove nuclear weapons from the island. Additionally, he achieved a nuclear test ban treaty with the Soviets, along with other leading world powers, and truly lived up to his moniker as "Leader of the Free World." Lastly, to me, the words he spoke during his January 20, 1961, inaugural address still echo today, namely, "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your county can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Reagan (president from January 20, 1981-January 20, 1989) earns the final spot on my Top Ten Presidents list for various reasons. For example, his economic policy, which has been called "Reaganomics", basically called for lower taxes and less government, and it did lead to a stronger economy. Furthermore, Reagan fought for strong family values and appointed the first female Supreme Court justice, namely Sandra Day O'Connor. His 376 judicial appointments are, also, the most of any president and their conservative nature still has a strong influence on the decisions being made today. He is probably most famous, however, for his role in ending the Cold War. In my opinion, he will forever be remembered for his words at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, on June 12, 1987, when he said, "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall". These then, are the presidents who qualify for my pre-Obama list of Top Ten American presidents. At this point, January 15, 2011, President Obama has a lot to do before he can squeeze into this list. Obviously, he has earned many great accomplishments, however, the jury is still out. Please, post at this blog so that we can continue our dialogue on this crucial American topic. Best regards.