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
Agreed. Ron has spent a lifetime rejecting the things his father most cherished: religion, conservatism, patriotism and Nancy. Now all of a sudden he's the keeper of his father's flame? Please!
A giant, majestic oak has been felled, and all that it shaded and sheltered now stands exposed. Only the undergrowth with deepest roots can hope to survive. The shallow-rooted will whither and fail. (And some nuts are just squirrel food.)