What kind of discussion is appropriate for this post?
If I were a president, I'd probably plan my funeral too. Just like any responsible person should. If I were a great president, I'd want a state funeral like Reagan's. Note that Nixon didn't have one, but Johnson did. What did Johnson do that was so worthy?
During Reagan's presidency, I questioned/disagreed with some of his policies (I was in high school and college at the time and more into my social life). However, when the Berlin Wall came down, the reality of Reagan's efforts came into sharp focus for me.
Now, more than anything, I appreciate Reagan's positive vision for our country and for every one on this planet. That is his legacy.
If he were not worthy of a state funeral, it wouldn't have happened. I don't believe it was a crass political move on anyone's part. It was simply a just end to his life and contribution to our country.
Will Clinton's life end with a state funeral? Don't think so. His legacy is questionable.
Freegards,
Jane
According to FNC reports, Presidential funerals are planned shortly after they are sworn into office. It was also mentioned that Nixon's funeral details were changed by family because of the controversy surrounding his term.
I think America and the Reagan family gave Ronald Reagan a heart-felt sending off. I watched all of it.
He was President of the United States of America. THAT is all that is necessary.
Bill Clinton will have the full treatment if he wishes. The office is worthy of the ceremony even if he is not.
The Nixons planned his funeral in a tasteful manner, understanding the mood of his countrymen. The Clintons, being "tone-deaf", will simply do what they like.
It is required by LAW that each sitting president make plans for his funeral, right down to picking the funeral home; it's been that way since JFK.
http://www.mdw.army.mil/
Not only that, but who will play Clinton's grieving widow?
My heart goes out to Mrs. Reagan whenever I see her. She looks so alone. But even in her obvious grief, she remains every inch the great lady she has always been.
He croaked.
I look at Reagan's state funeral as a final gesture of courtesy on his part. I am intensely grateful that he chose a state funeral, because without all these events going on, without the opportunity to mourn and say goodbye in a personal way, I would have felt cheated. He is giving the people who love him the chance to celebrate his life, and to gain some sense of closure from our loss.