No it hasn't, Jeff, because the entire meaning and purpose of Ronald Reagan's public life was to make sure it didn't. He was there to "pass the torch"; from "the Greatest Generation" to its descendants two generations "behind." God bless Ronald Reagan for his intelligence, wisdom, humanity, and undeniable ability in the highest executive office on the face of this planet. He literally changed the dynamics of the world, for the better -- in the interests of liberty, peace, and justice.
But we must not fail to recognize the fact that Ronald Reagan, when things got dicey, got plenty of help from like-minded friends -- Prime Minister of Great Britain Margaret Thatcher; and His Holiness the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, John Paul II. May God bless all of these extraordinary human beings.
Somehow I'm tempted to feel that Ronald Reagan's passing leaves the world the poorer. He was a man of principle and impeccable devotion to the ideas that made and make America a truly great country and society.
But then I think, judging by his record which is now history, he did successfully manage to "pass the baton" to succeeding generations. If that is so then, God willing, America will persist and flourish for yet another 200 years.
God Bless America. And God Bless Ronald Reagan.
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.