Is there any way this thread can be kept in breaking news through the funeral? It's the least we can do by way of tribute. I would patiently bump it to the top constantly, but my internet connection at home is messed up due to the transition of Pacific Bell accounts to SBC. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful man and a great leader with our nation. When history is written, the only question will be whether he was the greatest president of the 20th century or the greatest president of a longer period than just one century.
I was a young college student in North Dakota when Ronald Reagan ran for president in 1976, the first one in which I was eligible to vote. He came to the ends of the earth to campaign for our tiny handful of 18 delegates. I remember how he charmed me and a handful of friends to the extent that we, disgusted with the political legacies of Watergate like most college students at that time, went to our county convention to work in his behalf. I was honored to be given the opportunity to speak in his behalf and boldly declare to the delegates there that "While I couldn't guarantee Reagan would win, I could guarantee them the Ford would lose. For while it may not be fair to wrap Ford in the Nixon legacy, in the mind of the public he was. " I remember the overwhelming majority of those who attended the convention being in favor of Ronald Reagan, but the party leadership was not. Eventually, the state's delegation was split 9-9 and the state party chairman, who was from our county, told us supporters to be happy with this compromise because under the rules then in effect, the party leadership could allocate the delegates any way they wished. I remember that, in disgust, my friends and I went to use our efforts on behalf of other candidates in other political parties after Ronald Reagan was denied the momentum which he rightfully earned in North Dakota in June of 1976.
While I do not know if we would have changed history, I do know that four years later Ronald Reagan did. I remember rejoicing as the returns came in that night in November of 1980. I remember standing outside our classrooms the following January as he was sworn into office while a split screen showed our hostages in Iran being released. And I remember how all of us prayed ferevently for a speedy recovery when he was shot just two months later.
Please know how many lives Ronald Reagan touched and affected for the better and perhaps even consider a selfish request: Send his earthly tabernacle home from Washington by train. Even if it is in the middle of the night, my family and I will travel to the nearest station on that line to honor the greatest president in my lifetime as it passes by. Please let Ronald Reagan bring America together once again in this way.
As far as I know, Abraham Lincoln was the last president to take a funeral train cross country. You would have to go back at least that far to find a president as great as Ronald Reagan. I hope Nancy, or someone in the family, will seriously consider my selfish request.
At the very least, I want to see a Ronald Reagan stamp issued by July 4 and a Ronald Reagan dime issued by September 1.
Is there a chance of getting the route from Santa Monica to the Library on Monday?
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the entire way lined with American Flags, held by people who loved him?
Thank you. I signed the Condolence Book.
Thanks Wolfstar.
I feel better,
having left a message.
Info ping
Thank you.
California Freepers...
Please check this thread out. Thank you.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1148315/posts
Thank you very much for posting this.
Thanks!
Sent a message. Thanks.
My tribute:
Words cannot express the sadness I feel on this day. When I was 19, President Reagan became my first presidential vote, and in subsequent years became my political father, and mentor. I am honored to have lived my formative years under his presidency.
I find myself fighting tears as my emotions are touched the way only loss of family has touched them in the past. I think many in the nation, and the world, feel the same raw emotions tonight, and grieve at the loss; not just of a great leader, but a great man.
May the world never forget the place Ronald Reagan has earned in its history; it is better because of him.
"We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all."
-President Ronald Wilson Reagan
Left message, signed, and Bumped!
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you very much for the post and the ping... this info will be good to have.
Thank you for this post.
Upon news of President Reagan's passing, my husband has set up a memorial web site to honor him. We invite all to visit, light a candle and leave a message that can be shared with all others who visit the site.
http://RememberedByUs.com/RonaldReagan
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.
I want to thank you for marrying, and standing by President Reagan. He was my inspiration and will continue to be my hero. While he might have otherwise accomplished wonderful things....I suspect that his greatness was tremendously bolstered by having you as his better half.