Former President Reagan Rarely Awake - Report

Yahoo News ^ | December 5, 2003

[RWR8189]

Former President Ronald Reagan, is now confined to a bed, rarely awake and unable to walk or talk, People magazine said in a report issued on Thursday. In an essay accompanying the article about the former president's condition, daughter Patti Davis said people may still think Reagan, 92, is somewhat mobile and active, despite his well-publicized illness, because his family has guarded his privacy so zealously.

"But it would be a disservice to every family who has an Alzheimer's victim in their embrace to say any of that is true, and I don't believe my father would want us to lie," she wrote.

The magazine said Reagan spends his days either in a bed or occasionally in a wheelchair, in a small room at his home in the exclusive Bel Air section of Los Angeles, where he is kept out of the sight of all but his closest family and helpers.

His condition has been in the spotlight again of late after CBS shelved plans to air a mini-series on his presidency that conservative groups said was biased and an unfair attack on someone who was no longer able to defend himself.

The miniseries was eventually edited into a single movie and shown on CBS's sister cable network, Showtime.

Davis, once estranged from her family, said her family's life is now arranged around Reagan's bedside, where he spends his sedentary days.

"When he is awake, which is not that often, he can gaze at the trees outside the window," Davis said.

[Nexus]

"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! "

President Reagan giving a speech at the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Federal Republic of Germany. 6/12/87

[texasbluebell]

The way I'd like to remember him.

[Billthedrill]

And I wonder which POS from the left gets a knuckle sandwich for the first indiscreet word upon his passing. You know it'll happen.

Better start passing the hat for bail money. I may be in need.

[Tree of Liberty]

The only regret that I have is that all past living presidents must be invited to his funeral.

I've read in the past that Mrs. Reagan does not want Clinton to attend.

[Brilliant]

My guess is that Barbara Streisand & Co. are waiting until he passes away to release their film. A deceased person cannot sue for defamation.

[hapc]

I get an upset stomach thinking of just what Hillary will say/wear at the services.

She will probably have a flaming commie red shirt underneath her Ol' Crusty black pantsuit.

I hope Nancy clocks her one if she or Bill gets out of order and forgets to keep their mouths closed..

[Physicist]

The only regret that I have is that all past living presidents must be invited to his funeral. With the exception of the elder Bush, none are worthy.

I would say that none of them are worthy not to attend. As detestable as Clinton is, because he wore the mantle of the office, it will be his responsibility to attend. I have no illusions that the shame of showing his face there will weigh upon him, but nevertheless, it is not his prerogative to dodge it. (Not that it would be the first civic responsibility he dodged.)

[Nexus]

U.S. president Ronald Reagan gives a thumbs-up sign at the conclusion of his speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin June 12, 1987. Applaluding are West German chancellor Helmut Kohl, right, and West German parliament president Philip Jenninger, left.

[hapc]

[Reagan Renaissance]

There are a whole host of President Reagan's Speeches that will be an inspiration to people everywhere forever. His words and deeds will truly live forever.

[oceanview]

the Dems would organize groups to stand by the train route and make various gestures, hold signs, etc. is that the way you want him to be remembered? no way.

i wonder if the family can make the services private? i don't see why they couldn't.

[Fierce Allegiance]

[pabianice]

Thank you, People Magazine, for taking another crap on America.

[CobaltBlue]

One of the all time greats, and certainly the greatest president in my lifetime, which started under Eisenhower.

[rustbucket]

The only other leader I felt comparable respect for when he died was Churchill. I put a black wreath on the door when Churchill died.

[ChemistCat]

Yes, I agree; you are correct. Worthy to attend his funeral! THAT I would never have questioned--Who better? When I say I reserve judgment on President Bush, I only say that because his term isn't over yet--for now, there's some good and some bad, but mainly good. CERTAINLY far better than any alternative the Left has presented!


I hate to say it, folks, but my husband's grandmother suffered severe senile dementia for over ten years. The last few years she did not respond very much to anything. President Reagan may be among the living for some time to come; who can know? He gets the very best of care.

[Az Joe]

Nah, I don't think so. The Leftists realize that that kind of display would backfire on them and that is the ONLY reason they wouldn't do it.

[pgkdan]

Wishing ill on President Reagan is probably #1 on the list, don't you think?

If it's not it should be.

[ChemistCat]

The one comfort is that President Reagan can't be hurt by anyone anymore.

But I'd like to shred anyone who would so much as annoy his family.