R.I.P. Ronald Reagan

[gambrinus]

Today America lost a true hero of the 20th Century. We have lost President Ronald Reagan. We have lost a true patriot, but what is our loss, is heaven's gain. You can disagree with the some of his domestic policy decisions or the entire conservative movement if you like, but you can't argue the fact that the man stared down the soviets and won. He is the reason we won the cold war. It didn't just go away, we won it because of the strength of his convictions. Without him we would be living in a very different world. A divided world with two great armies engaged in a very dangerous staring contest on a global level. I grew up and formed most of my political ideals during his time in office and it is because of him that I'm a Republican today. I for one will be raising a glass in his honor at dinner tonight.

RW

[BMWBeauty]

As a Republican myself, I have to agree with you on the loss of Ronald Regan. I likewise raised a glass in his memory tonight. We have lost a hero, but it is heaven's gain as you stated in your post. I likewise grew up and formed my political beliefs during his time in office.
May he rest in peace.......:cry

[kbasa]

I'm certainly not a conservative these days, but Reagan was representative of what the Republican stood for back in the old days. Top down economic practices, steady pressure and coalition building on the foreign policy front.

I'll miss him. We could use his ideals today.

[James.A]

We have lost our Churchill.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by woodnsteel
We have lost our Churchill.

Well said! As a 40 something I can say Reagan made me proud to be an American just as I reached voting age. He was as much a hero as Lincoln and Wasington, in my opinion.

MarkF

[username]

it just reinforces how awful W and his administration are that i actually look back fondly on reagan... i never thought i would say that.

[Brickhead]

I can't exactly call myself a FAN of Reagan - I was very young during his tenure...But perspectives all being relative, I have to confess that hearing some of his old speeches over the weekend was a grim reminder of how far we've drifted into anti-political politics...Reagan was a true orator and debater. He had a great relationship with the press even when they criticized him, and was able to carry on real international dialogue with foreign leaders...Our current president can't orate/debate his way out of a wet paper bag, and the only conferences and speeches he likes to make are the ones where he will not be challenged by anyone in the press or the audience...Take a look at the number of press conferences compared with any past president, and look at where they take place - military installations and such mostly.

When a challenging question does make it through, Bush just spouts some emotionally-loaded oversimplification and calls it a day...

Reagan was no saint in my opinion. But at least he had the necessary skills for his job.

[gambrinus]

I'm not as down on GW as you are, but to each his own. I do agree with your point that Reagan was by far the best orator to serve as President in modern times. ALL others have paled in comparison.


RW

[Grey Matter]

Originally posted by KBasa
I'll miss him. We could use his ideals today.

I feel the same way. I remember feeling so proud to have voted for him in 1984. The first time I could vote at age18.

He really had a huge impact on my world view & belief system. I guess there is still a little President Reagan in all of us who miss him. The thing I will always admire about him is the way he treated people, not just his friends but his adversaries. He treated them all with respect & made them feel like they were special.

I think he is a man worthy of a monument.

[username]

good idea. how about a big bottle of ketchup? ;)

[Gnome]

I got to salute President Reagan at Pope Air Force Base 1986. He made me so proud. I Loved that man,and I miss him sorely.

[gambrinus]

GNome.. I was at his Pope AFB visit at the Bob Hope show!! I was in the 82d at the time, and was in the massive crowd to see the show. Small world...


RW

[Gnome]

WOW,thats exactly when it happened. I remember seeing Lucile Ball,Brook Sheilds,and Bob Hope of Course. It was really great!
Dang Small world!!! far out!!!:clap