A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-10-04...."President Reagan Changed everything"

JohnHuang2; Dutchess; Billie | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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President Reagan changed everything

by JohnHuang2

Ronald Wilson Reagan, conservative revolutionary, visionary hero, genuine patriot, cheerful warrior, freedom's champion, America's beloved 40th President, died late Saturday. He was home at Bel Air district of Los Angeles, his loving family at his bedside, when he then slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God, as he famously said of the Challenger crewmen. Reagan was 93.

"This is a sad hour in the life of America," said Bush, noting that "A great American life has come to an end." In France to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landing, Bush spoke movingly as he fought back tears. "Ronald Reagan won America's respect with his greatness, and won its love with his goodness," Bush told reporters. "He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom."

Reagan, the Great Communicator, the original mis-underestimated President, is the reason why I got interested in politics to begin with. Quite young at the time, I wasn't much interested -- nor versed -- in the 'issues' back then, beyond the usual High School stuff. Things like monetary policy, the Laffer curve and the Gold Standard didn't much interest me. Not yet at least. Like my dad, who considered politicians by nature "crooks -- every last one of them," I was cynical to the bone about politics and politicians.

Then along came Ronald Reagan. He laid such cynicism and distrust to rest.

Truly a breath of fresh air, Reagan was so unlike your typical politician at the time. He shattered every negative stereotype. He was a leader you knew in your heart you could trust. Believing in Reagan was easy. It came so naturally. The warmth of sincerity beamed from his face, it rang in his every word. Reagan taught us this trust was not misplaced.

He also taught us to be proud to be Americans. He taught us not just to dream, but to dream big, and to never give up on those dreams. And he taught us why that was important. His ability to connect was extraordinary, his rapport with ordinary folks exceptional. A forceful leader of conviction, he renewed our national sense of mission and purpose, he restored our sense of direction, rekindling that can-do spirit in all of us. He rebuilt our nation's defenses. A trailblazer and role model, Reagan transformed America's political landscape. Through the sheer force of unshakable idealism, a revolution -- the Reagan Revolution -- was born. America never looked back. Putting the kabosh on the Carter recession through tax cuts, Reagan sparked the longest and strongest peace-time expansion in U.S. history, an era of unparalleled prosperity and growth. The pompous elite set dismissed it early on as 'trickle-down' "Reaganomics". Eight years and 23 million jobs later, Reagan got the last laugh. With renewed incentives to work, save and invest, federal revenues doubled, even as inflation and interest rates plummeted. Carter spoke drearily of limits, of deep malaise; Reagan promised a renaissance. Carter talked bleakly of hardship and woe, claiming America's best days were behind her; Reagan spoke cheerfully of that Shining City upon a Hill. The Reagan vision prevailed.

But Reagan left an indelible mark not just on economics. Reagan changed the course of history itself. A powerful voice for freedom, Reagan hated communism with every fiber of his being. At every opportunity, even against advice of top aides, he loudly and forcefully spoke against it, famously calling the Soviet Union the Evil Empire, the focus of evil in the modern world and a threat to freedom everywhere. In Reagan, tyranny had no greater enemy, freedom no better champion. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" thundered Reagan before a cheering crowd at the Brandenburg Gate. Needless to say, Foggy Bottom was none too thrilled -- in vain Foggy Bottomites kept scratching out that line from his speech. Reagan kept putting it back in. The Gipper never flinched.

His love of liberty unyielding, Ronald Reagan was a glowing tribute to human freedom. To lovers of liberty toiling behind the ugly Iron Curtain, to all who yearned for freedom, Reagan proved a powerful inspiration, his words a bedrock of hope and strength during tyranny's darkest hours.

A giant of his times, Reagan prided himself as the Incurable Optimist who would not accept 'Containment' as the only option in dealing with communism. He was also the quintessential Realist. If others had forgotten the lessons of history, Reagan hadn't. 'Peace Through Strength' and 'Roll Back' weren't just slogans, they were part of Reagan's successful road-map to victory. From support for Nicaraqua's Freedom Fighters, to the watershed U.S.-led liberation of Grenada, America was on the march. Against a hailstorm of elite ridicule and scorn, Reagan confidently predicted communism's eventual demise, vowing to lead the way. Back then, such words were pure heresy.

"The years ahead will be great ones for our country, for the cause of freedom, for the spread of civilization," Reagan declared at a Notre Dame commencement address in 1981. "The West will not contain communism, it will transcend communism. We will not bother to denounce it; we'll dismiss it as a sad, bizarre chapter in human history whose last pages are even now being written."

A few short years later, tumultuous events vindicated those words thoroughly, as Reagan led the West to victory in the Cold War. The Gipper's steadfast and uncompromising commitment to restoring our nation's defenses -- particularly SDI -- and aggressive U.S. support for freedom movements inexorably broke the back of Soviet communism. Yet again, Reagan's chorus of critics had egg on their faces. The rest, as they say, is history.

Want another reason why Americans love the Gipper so well?

Well, looking back, who can forget that razor sharp wit, his penchant for disarmingly charming and memorable one-liners and quips, the magnetism and warmth, the decency and kindness of President Reagan? A man of unconquerable spirit, his exemplary life personified the very values that made America great. Reagan's was a true pick-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps life story, a genuine rags-to-riches guy.

Through tragedy, Reagan, a deeply religious man, early on forged a bond with the public. Barely two months in office, an assassin's bullet nearly took his life. Two bullets, actually. But even in such harrowing circumstances, Reagan's poise and grace, his wit and charm never relented. He had just regained consciousness at George Washington University Hospital, when he jokingly told a nurse holding his hand: "Does Nancy know about us?"

Laying on the operating table before surgery, Reagan uttered what became his most memorable quip. Gazing up at his surgeons, he said: "Please, tell me you're all Republicans."

President Reagan, just in case you're lurking here, let me say, from the bottom of my heart, we can never thank you enough for all you did, Sir. We will always love and cherish your memory.

To Nancy and the family, we extend our condolences and offer our thoughts and our prayers.

God bless President Reagan, God bless the United States of America.

Anyway, that's...

My two cents

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 06-07-04...Military Monday 06-08-04...Theme-less Tuesday 06-09-04...Let Us Have MUSIC

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[LadyX]

""Later. There will always be time for re-unions, but I've waited my entire life for this..."

He then knelt down and Worshiped Christ the Lord."

Enjoyed your replies so much, Dave, and your description of President Reagan's first act upon arriving in heaven...

You mentioned this being your grandson Nicholas's birthday, Julie, and you, Dave, the Christian School where your grandson goes.

My grandson Nickolas is 10 and his older brother, Christopher 15, and they have always attended The King's Academy in West Palm Beach - never have been in a public school.

Their parents do everything possible to equip them for the future spiritually (they both teach Sunday School classes), and academically and in all sports. They also last summer earned Top Honors in karate in National Championships, learning that kind of discipline and respect.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

my cats are my audience when I sing in the shower. It makes me very self-conscious, it does!

How could you be self-conscious?, when your kitties love you so!

[MoJo2001]

What a fabulous thread. Thanks for honoring President Reagan.

[JulieRNR21]

Dear Lady.....my Nicholas is 7 today. He's quite the soccer player and is one of the top scorers on his team.
Just recently he's gotten involved in track meets....running & jumping hurdles.

On a recent visit we were lucky to see him run a mile. Every participant got a beautiful trophy.

His favorite spectator sport is hockey. He's got a huge collection of player cards and he roots for the Washington Capitols.

He's 'all boy' and reminds me so much of his father when he was a little boy......great big grin, deep blue eyes and blond hair.

What great joy he (& our two granddaughters) bring to our lives......we feel blessed.

[dutchess]

Ronald Reagan was at a rally in National City and they had a caravan through the streets. Mrs.d and I fell in behind the last car and joined the caravan, honking and running red lights as the parade headed toward San Diego. Closest we ever got to Mr. Reagan aside from our being right alongside him in policy and love for America.

Had to post and run this morning. Thanks for sharing this memory and "thoughts". I remember my parents "dragging me" (like in 4th grade) to see a candidate named JFK.... Actually shook his hand. Wish I had such an opportunity with the Gipper (OR GWB)!

[dutchess]

Hi Meekie. Thanks for the link to the visit with Jim and Shelia. What a great looking group and how much fun you all had! Hope they get to Ohio sometime!!!!

[dutchess]

Hi Gail...was tied up all day and just getting here. Actually I could use a cup of your coffee now. Ear scratches to Rocky!

[dutchess]

God uses us to do His work
If we will just obey;
He freely gives His love and power
To serve Him every day. —Sper

Beautiful mayor. Thanks for being these to us every day.

[dutchess]

Hi Aeronaut. As I was scanning through the thread...saw your weather discussion. I always loved warm to hot until I've been flying. Hate those summer mid day "bumps"...never understood air density and its effect on aircraft until now.... On fly lesson days...."GIVE ME COLD" LOL! (okay...I'm still a little chicken...although have right rudder down!)

[dutchess]

Hi CG....and Pippin. If I were you Pippin I would take up CG's offer to challange those die heart liberals you must put up with. From what I can see, if anyone is up to the challange he is!!!!!

Thanks both for keeping up the good fight!

[dutchess]

Meg: We are blessed to have had a leader such as Ronald Reagan. May God continue to bless

I hope to respond to everyone today...but want to share this with not, just Meg's lovely post, but all of our regulars at the Finest.

Amen Meg. It's interesting...my Dem parents kind of blew off when Reagan announced his Alzheimers, laughed at the little jokes...they were hardworking Catholic...teacher and engineer..bought into the Walter Cronkite and 60 Minute mentality. Also, bought all the union stuff sent to them. Voted for Carter twice...and thought we were nuts being conservative. Also thought Nancy was a "ditz"

Today, Dad at 82 is early Alzheimers...Mom today said they were glued to the TV yesterday and so touched by everything....how wonderful Nancy was....and had glowing remarks about Reagan.

Even in death...our beloved Reagan is making his mark me thinks....

[dutchess]

Okay texagirl....I looked at the after action pictures and don't see you???? Do I need new glasses???? Glad you enjoyed it though!

[dutchess]

my cats are my audience when I sing in the shower. It makes me very self-conscious, it does!

I have a TERRIBLE voice...but sing songs to my pups when noone is around... Our recently departed Shelty used to HOWL when I sang a special song for her. Ah...what pets could say...

[Aeronaut]

On fly lesson days...."GIVE ME COLD"

I had a trip on monday that was just hateful. It was hot, windy and bumpy. At the destination it was at instrument minimums. I had about a 40 kt headwind on the way home. At the home airport I had a 26 kt. wind at 70 degrees to the runway. I sorta wished I could have been a greeter at WalMart at that time.

[lonestar]

Proves "It's never too late."

[Mama_Bear]

This is such a beautiful tribute to our beloved President Reagan. John, you so often say exactly what I am feeling, and you say it so well. I have read many glowing tributes to President Reagan this past week, but none better or more heartfelt than this. Thank you.

And dutchess, you found the perfect photos to illustrate this post. Thank you for bringing John to us today, and for all you do for our Finest place.

The outpouring of love and respect for President Reagan is heartwarming. I am feeling so many emotions today, not the least of which is pride. I am proud to be an American!

Wishing all a pleasant evening.

---

And last but not least.....

..........45man!

[MeekOneGOP]

I know what you mean.

Rest in peace, Uncle Ronnie. You'll always be our hero.

[Aquamarine]

What A Wonderful World

Click on the pic

[Conspiracy Guy]

Thank you dutchess. I really do convert at least one idiot per day. The status quo left are sheeple. They are very easily swayed. All you have to do is ask them what is important to them. Usually they want something that the left is trying to take awy!!!

I wish I lived in a more liberal area.

[MeekOneGOP]

John, what can I say ?? You nailed it. Absolutely nailed it ! Thanks.

Great pics, Dutchess ! Great thread ! :^D

---

I think the contrast between Cahtah and Reagan was most pronounced.
Cahtah would make me happy if he would just SHUT UP !

I am PROUD to say, I voted for Reagan TWICE ! :^D

Excerpt:

Then along came Ronald Reagan. He laid such cynicism and distrust to rest.

Truly a breath of fresh air, Reagan was so unlike your typical politician at the time. He shattered every negative stereotype. He was a leader you knew in your heart you could trust. Believing in Reagan was easy. It came so naturally. The warmth of sincerity beamed from his face, it rang in his every word. Reagan taught us this trust was not misplaced.

He also taught us to be proud to be Americans. He taught us not just to dream, but to dream big, and to never give up on those dreams. And he taught us why that was important. His ability to connect was extraordinary, his rapport with ordinary folks exceptional. A forceful leader of conviction, he renewed our national sense of mission and purpose, he restored our sense of direction, rekindling that can-do spirit in all of us. He rebuilt our nation's defenses. A trailblazer and role model, Reagan transformed America's political landscape. Through the sheer force of unshakable idealism, a revolution -- the Reagan Revolution -- was born. America never looked back. Putting the kabosh on the Carter recession through tax cuts, Reagan sparked the longest and strongest peace-time expansion in U.S. history, an era of unparalleled prosperity and growth. The pompous elite set dismissed it early on as 'trickle-down' "Reaganomics". Eight years and 23 million jobs later, Reagan got the last laugh. With renewed incentives to work, save and invest, federal revenues doubled, even as inflation and interest rates plummeted. Carter spoke drearily of limits, of deep malaise; Reagan promised a renaissance. Carter talked bleakly of hardship and woe, claiming America's best days were behind her; Reagan spoke cheerfully of that Shining City upon a Hill. The Reagan vision prevailed.