"...it was her influence and lack of his that made Ron and Patty what they have become."
I've had the same thought. Nancy is to be commended for her devotion to her husband (who was, face it, loveable), but when it came to rearing kids you have to tip your hat to Jane Wyman.
"...it was her influence and lack of his that made Ron and Patty what they have become."
Yes our parents influence alot, but we still wilfully choose to rebel against what God says. They've chosen, but they won't want to choose anything else if people keep bashing them instead of giving them the love they need.
Michael said the first part of the week that he, Patti, and Ron all loved their father and "would fall on a sword for him".
Actually I have read that Michael Reagan did not get along with his mother Jane Wyman and because of this he went at a young age to live with Nancy and Ronald but that then Nancy resented him being there and there was a strain there also. I credit Michael Reagan being Michael to Michael and his turn to the Lord helped tremendously. His book "OUTSIDE LOOKING IN" describes his young life. I think that his generation were a stronger lot and didn't have as much TV etc. to influence decisions. I really believe that he grew up appreciating what he had no matter what and learned from there. He is an extraordinary man and I would love for my kids, husband and I to meet Michael Reagan one day and shake his hand. If President Reagan didn't know what a wonderful son he had before he certainly does now and he waits patiently for him to join him one day as his son does also.
On Nancy's "childrearing".
My personal, unsolicited, analysis---Ron and Nancy were so involved with each other, they did not include the kids in their magical world made for two. Not to say they did not love their children, but were so content with each other's company they put each other first. Reagan was brought up in a time when parents provided for children and just expected a lot more from them. In his day, fathers provided and mothers ruled at home. He and Nancy lived a much different life-she was by his side in everything.
I think Ron Jr.'s attitude is a slap in his father's face because President Reagan's religion was very real and informed his deeds, personally and as President. Ron has no looks, no great athletic ability and no noticeable talent. His attitudes project a lifetime diet of sour grapes and a time warp of adolescence in which he lives perpetually. He is, unfortunately, a little man with a little mentality who is allowing the media to use him because this is his moment to "be somebody" (he thinks).
Also, regarding the religion thing--another way of rebeling against his father's faith and innate greatness? He needs to grow up and get a life of his own. I remember times in the Reagan years when Ron's actions (and Patty's) were disrespectful to their father.
vaudine