My Tribute to Ronald Reagan, The Gipper

These are my feelings at the passing of a truly great American...one that history will show whose life and service to this nation we were all tremendously priveleged to have personally witnessed.

Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was simply the greatest President in my lifetime, and I believe the greatest President of the 1900's. Probably among the greatest three Presidents this nation has ever had.

He epitomized the traditional American spirit of positive, can-do attitude, reliance on fundamental moral principle eminating from faith in God, dedication to the principles of individual liberty and a commitment to the soveriegnty and independence of this great, free Republic we call the United States of America.

His foreign policy "brought down the wall" and curtailed one of the greatest menaces to freedom the world has ever known. Contrary to revisionist and liberals/marxists/socialists who would want to bestow some of that glory and honor on the likes of Gorby...the world knows...God knows...that it was Ronald Reagan and his drive and vision that ended that particular incarnation of the Evil Empire. History shall record it so.

His economic policy turned the misery index into a boom for American industry and into personal opportunities for growth for the individual American citizen. I lived through Carter's misery index, having gotten married as a young 22 year old during that disasterous administration...and having grown up seeing the Rockafeller Republican mechanisms before Reagan...I personally saw and lived through the unbelievable difference Ronald Reagan made.

We were proud of our nation, proud of ourselves, proud of the flag and proud to be called American citizens under Ronald Reagan. His enthusiasm was contaiguos...his optimism was inspriring and his ability to communicate and get even many who did not initially agree with him to come around to the "American" way of thinking was legend.

In some ways I feel as though a sterling light, a great shining beacon on a hill has gone out...even though his administration ended years ago.

Despite that, his influence has remained...and it is now up to us to ensure it continues.

We have several challenges in our time...the great challenge of terrorism based on Islamofascism and the even worse evil (IMHO) of one of its chief abettors and manipulators for its use against America...another evil empire in our time, the Red Chinese and those globalists who are enabling them. We also have the even more insidious challenge of the continued encroachment on personal liberty, on our national soveriegnty and independence that many enemies and sappers amongst us, within our own perimeter, us continue to foist on our Republic. They do it under many names, in the name of the UN, NGO's, globalism, choice for death, so called third ways that are nothing more or less that the way of tyrants past and present, Environmentalism, sustainable habitats that are in reality controlled habitats...and the list goes on and on. I pray we can follow in Reagan's footsteps and resolutely meet these challenge head-on as the Gipper did.

Here are some of my thoughts about Reagan:

President Reagan and his leadership deserves our greatest respect. His leadership is a model for all to follow. Even Bill Clinton studied him thoroughly. However, Reagan will never be matched by anyone since he had such a high standard. He was known for integrity, boldness, and conviction based on principle and faith in God. His leadership was not led by selfish desire; rather it was about serving our nation to make it much better than we ever dreamed.

Reagan was the dreamer who orchestrated an economic boom with a magnitude that was incredible and will most likely remain unsurpassed. He began his life wearing hand-me-downs but didn't let that define him. I dare say he refitted a discouraged America. He executed plans to reverse our sinking economy, and that action paved the way for entrepreneurs to excel in business and to again realize their own dreams. Reagan busted down the wall of government restrictions to allow Americans to dream once again. Such insight and courage to do what many said could not be done. He amounted to an incredible leader in many ways.

And Reagan's magnificent contributions are still recognized even now. However, much of his economic improvements lasted only until America became once again overburdened by taxation in the late '90's, when revenues dried up as business prudently sheltered their assets from taxation. And that led to the latest recession, which is finally again reversed by tax cuts imposed by President Bush.

The lesson learned is this: When business booms then business is less likely to shelter plentiful assets, hence government revenues multiplied. And America thrived almost as vibrantly as Reagan lived life. Reagan is an astonishing example to follow.

His leadership didn't just address domestic issues with great results. He stemmed the rising tide of communism. In Berlin, and on many occasions, he demanded that Soviet leader Gorbechov, "tear down this wall!" His bold approach to confront the Soviet Union, which he correctly named the "evil empire", was vital in the liberation of hundreds of millions from communist oppression. Most Polish and East Germans who lived under Soviet tyranny recognize how Reagan was the leader that helped release them.

I served in the military for 13 years, and I experienced how Reagan valued our service. However, I noticed that President Clinton didn't have that same leadership and our military suffered, both in hardware and in soldier morale. I know now that morale makes all the difference and Reagan was special for inspiring us the way he did.

He is most certainly a Great American Hero. He is my hero, my role model and my favorite president. He should be considered a Great American President, and deserves a place at Mount Rushmore.

Shame on those, particularly the left-wing (socialist/communist) liberals, who disparage such a great President because they disagree with his politics. Those who attack his character must not appreciate this gentleman who happened to be a conservative. He eventually proved them wrong and I'm convinced no one could have done it better. And he never did retaliate when attacked, but had enough class to optimistically express his plans for improving the living standard for all.

Reagan skillfully articulated a successful conservative message and led America in rebuilding a country of confidence and hope for the future. Only a true American legend could have made such huge strides for freedom and free enterprise.

I know exactly which picture you mean...even though for some reason it is not showing up on my browser on this thread. I'll try to repost:

I had to include that picture of the Marine at the burial ceremony. It epitomizes what so many feel.

I shall never forget that week...and the memories and feelings it invoked for that great man. The services in DC at the National Cathedral were inspiring and left us all with great hope regarding our nation and its underlying moral and faith foundation.

May God rest Rinald Reagan's soul and may God help us each to live such a life so as to allow us to be reunited with President Reagan some day at our Savior's side.

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