[wagglebee]

I thank God that we had President Reagan in our lives.

[VOA]

Maybe this should be the cutting-edge, deal-sealer question of this election:

Dubya or Kerry: which one is more like Reagan?

[Viking2002]

God bless you, Mr. President.

[Agnes Heep]

It "ranks among the most severe of afflictions, because it strips people of their memory and judgment and robs them of the essence of their personalities. ...

He might have been speaking of liberalism.

[Billthedrill]

Reagan had unwittingly forecast his own demise.

A tiny correction - there was nothing "unwitting" about it. Reagan faced Alzheimer's with the same courage and grace he showed when he faced the Soviet Union down, and the worldwide derision for daring such a "naive" thing. He has now conquered the disease. RIP, Dutch.

[VOA]

Reagan preached this theology in his memoirs and in countless private letters that
today sit in the Reagan Library.

I beleive it was Kengore who I heard recount this bit of Reagan's faith.

Suppossedly a Cabinet member suggested that meetings be started with a prayer
(not a common thing in the history of the Executive Branch).

Reagan said "Why, I've always started these meetings with a prayer".

Reagan did seem to have a better grasped on day-to-day Christian conduct than
many ordained ministers or theology professors.

[jaz.357]

Ronald Reagan can rest in peace. Enjoy that rainbow, Mr. President.

Nice touch.

Once the news crossed the wire,first place I went to was Free Republic. Very comforting.

[mfulstone]

---

My fellow Americans,

I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way. In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result, many more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.

So now we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this Earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.

In closing, let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that day may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.

Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan
(1994)

[GrandEagle]

The finest President in modern times.
IMHO
Sad day, but relief for him I'm sure.

[Bob J]

Don't allow the media to spin the death of Reagan as they did his life. Go to the FR Reagan Vigil thread and pledge to attend/organize a vigil in your area now!

[FlyVet]

I am watching ABC World News Tonight. Sam Donaldson, and even Jennings, aren't able to hide their respect for the man.

Godspeed, my great President. I'm glad you are with our Lord now. My flag is at half-mast for you. It is such a small gesture, considering all you faced, and what you fought for and against. I will never forget how well you carried the weight of the world on you shoulders, with a smile, a swagger, a humble confidence. You gave all of us young airmen back then so much pride, and we will never be able to thank you enough.

[PsyOp]

Reagan: The Great Communicator In His Own Words.

[The Scourge of Yazid]

A very prescient man too.

I don't think you can accuse a man who has persevered over so many obstacles: from a debauched father, to a near miss assassination attempt, to extensive battles with prostate cancer and other medical maladies; of being naive when it came to confronting the challenges of a determined, bitter adversary.

If anyone could have beaten back such a debilitating and monstrous disease, it was the 'Gipper.'

[Old Professer]

Tonight we sleep the sleep of the relieved for our beloved friend is at last out of reach of his tormentors.

[firewalk]

.