[savedbygrace]

And I hope more dress for the occasion than I've seen so far. It's disconcerting to see so many people walking by his casket in jeans, sweats, and other casual clothes. Respect is more than just showing up, durn it.

</SOAPBOX>

[Jeff Head]

You are right...but better that they show up, paying him as best respect as they can...than to not show at all.

I haven't heard of or seen anyone acting disrespectful, regardless of how they have dressed.

It further demonstrates the magic, goodness, strength and spirit of Reagan's appeal that so many come, so varied...but all paying the best respect they know how.

[susiek]

I haven't been offended by the casual dress. These are common, ordinary Americans like me, many of them taking a day off of work even if they can't really afford to, sitting in their cars in line on the freeway for up to 3 hours, only to then stand outside in the summer heat for 7 or 8 hours. Although a service in a church calls for more formal attire, I think of Reagan in his jeans, boots, and hat out on his ranch, and I think that he would "get" all of the westerners in their regular street clothes. I understand your viewpoint that in our society, we dress up as a sign of respect and this is a time for that. However, the realities of what people are going through to be there and the fact that these are not dignitaries but regular folks makes me think that their clothes are not disrespectful. As so many friends and colleagues of Reagan have said, he would be so touched and honored by this response, jeans and all.