President Reagan (George Will's Farewell To "The Steadying Captain Of Our Clipper Ship")

Washington Post/TownHall.com ^ | 6/6/04 | George Will

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

WASHINGTON -- One measure of a leader's greatness is this: By the time he dies the dangers that summoned him to greatness have been so thoroughly defeated, in no small measure by what he did, it is difficult to recall the magnitude of those dangers, or of his achievements. So if you seek Ronald Reagan's monument, look around, and consider what you do not see.

The Iron Curtain that scarred a continent is gone, as is the Evil Empire responsible for it. The feeling of foreboding -- the sense of shrunken possibilities -- that afflicted Americans 20 years ago has been banished by a new birth of the American belief in perpetually expanding horizons.

Excerpted.

[Vision]

btt

[gortklattu]

Ronald Reagan and the Pontiff were partners in the defeat of the greatest power of evil this globe has seen. As one has died, the other is in failing health.

Thank God we've had these two men.

[tioga]

Ronald Reagan RIP.

[ThreePuttinDude]

bump

[fatidic]

President Reagan, the greatest President of this century. I could listen to him speak forever and his inspiring words, manner and deeds will be honored and appreciated by both sides of the isle for decades to come.

[KangarooJacqui]

President Reagan, the greatest President of this century. I could listen to him speak forever and his inspiring words, manner and deeds will be honored and appreciated by both sides of the isle for decades to come.

Agreed... but I'd change the last part to "honored and appreciated around the world for centuries to come."

[SkyPilot]

To some, Reagan seemed the least complicated of men -- an open book that the country had completely read. However, he had the cunning to know the advantage of being underestimated. He was more inward than he seemed. And much tougher. The stricken fields of American and world politics are littered with those who did not anticipate the steel behind his smile.

Very true.

[NautiNurse]

He was more inward than he seemed. And much tougher. The stricken fields of American and world politics are littered with those who did not anticipate the steel behind his smile.

I recall an old SNL skit where Reagan was snoozing during a routine meeting/photo op session. As soon as the meeting was over, Reagan leaps out of his chair, pulls down the world map, and begins the real strategy session.

[Steely Tom]

I recall an old SNL skit where Reagan was snoozing during a routine meeting/photo op session. As soon as the meeting was over, Reagan leaps out of his chair, pulls down the world map, and begins the real strategy session.

Is that the one where, in response to a question from someone in his cabinet about "how will we handle Tip O'Neill," RR says "O'Neill? Hell, we'll just flat-out buy him!" Then he's interrupted by his phone. He picks up the receiver, says "what? who? King Abdallah? Put him on!" and instantly starts talking in Arabic.

(steely)

[maica]

Excellent commentary!

[Bob J]

Please go to the FR Reagan Vigil thread and pledge to organize/attend a vigil for Ronald Reagan in your area!