[MadIvan]

This has been quite a week. No less than what the Great Man deserves. As for the French, their behaviour is precisely what we've come to expect.

Regards, Ivan

In memoriam

[MadIvan]

Ping!

[CasearianDaoist]

I must tip my hat to the British: the Prince, the Blairs and Thatcher all at once. The British have a wonderful sense of symbols, ceremonies and appropriate gestures. We have often seen it these long 3 years.

[Wolfstar]

...murmuring a prayer or farewell to her husband...

Since I was at work when Wednesday's events transpired, I recorded them. I am certain one thing Mrs. Reagan said at the casket was, "I love you, Ronny."

[jolie560]

What an insulting comment this is:

..."throngs of ordinary Americans..."...

[Chieftain]

Here's Cpl James Wright, USMC, saluting President Reagan's casket today.

Semper Fidelis, Cpl. Wright!

[JW Brown]

"As for the French, their behaviour is precisely what we've come to expect."

Don't worry about the French, they'll be there when they need us.

[cwb]

The picture I am seeing of those paying their last respects to Reagan is a far different one that what some in the media would have us believe. While most journalist have kept a civil tone, there are still those who are trying to impart a vision that blacks, hispanics...and of course, the poor were never part of Reagan's America.

Funny, because I am seeing people of all stripes...who are waiting up to 8 hours to see a man that they hardly know. I've seen Hell's Amgels types, blacks of all ages and many Hispanics, as they've all lined up in the heat and wait hours to spend a couple minutes with a man they obviously think changed their lives. It's killing them.

[GVnana]

Chirac's absense will not be forgotten. He hates America and Americans and he's letting it show. Gerhardt Schroeder (sic)amazingly enough will attend.

Funny how gestures like this make their mark.

[Desdemona]

I'll have to tape everything tomorrow. I have to miss it :(. It will be like watching all my old civics classes concluding. All the characters of the 80's will be there. They were the ones to teach people of my generation what it meant to be a leader.

[GVnana]

Just HAD to pass this along. Bill O'Reilly of "The O'Reilly Factor" said,

"When Chirac dies the US can send Michael Moore."

[BUSHFAN2004]

I was one of the 'thousands of ordinary Americans paying tribute'. I got in line at 11pm, which is good because they cut the line off at 3am. I finally got into the Capitol at 5:45 AM. The wait was tiring and made my feet sore but not that bad because I got some nice views in of the Washington monument and the Capitol building, also the entire huge crowd was very polite and well mannered. It was dark most of the wait so the heat wasn't a problem. I finally got to view the casket and the surrounding things and military honor guard. The military only had ceremonial guns but the DC Capitol police outside had modern assault rifles and were loaded up with several extra clips. I also got to sign the condolence book and thank President Reagan for all the things he did. I think he was by far the best President of the 20th century and it may be a long time before we have a President like that again if ever. The wait was definately worth it, it was small compared to the things Reagan did for America.