Posted on 06/10/2004 8:56:31 AM PDT by joanie-f
Thank you for this wonderful post.
I don’t give a hoot (nor do you, I know) about how the applause were interpreted by the media. Anyone who was there knows beyond a doubt that they were offered for precisely the reasons you cite. And Nancy was deeply moved.
This woman endured ten long years of agony (the last three of which were especially trying), watching the man she adored slip away from her into a realm to which she had no access. And she stood, literally, by his side every day of those ten years. I have read several books, and many articles, on their relationship, and am convinced that their marriage was one that should serve as an example for us all. Complete devotion to one another – consistently raising the needs and well-being of the other above their own – and incomplete without the other’s emotional presence.
I'm sorry to report that the TV reporters tried to cast the crowd as just a bunch of yahoos who had nothing better to do so they thought they'd head over to DC to see the carnival. The bubble-headed blonde - Molly Hannenberg - at Fox News interviewed two couples like that, "Oh, we were on vacation and decided to pop over here...", or, "We knew this was important [but we don't have a clue why] so we wanted to bring the kids to see history being made".
The TV reporters were apparently, as usual, painting their own picture, which bore no relation to reality. We met no ‘yahoos’ yesterday, and we met hundreds of true American patriots, who know exactly where this country has been, and who are seeking (in spite of the media’s determination to steer her even more dramatically to the left) to place her back on that glorious liberty-centered path.
(I arrived home at 3 AM this morning, but managed to check out your tribute to him before hitting the pillow. It’s absolutely beautiful (are they silk or real?) If they’re silk, I hope you’re planning to display them for several weeks yet.)
~ joanie
Joanie,
Words cannot express my appreciation for your reporting of your experiences. We sat in front of the TV and watched Fox News the whole time - singing along with the anthems, appreciating the quiet times without commentary and wishing that we could be there on Constitution Avenue also. We were there only four weeks ago. Excellent job of eyewitness reporting, with feeling and reverence.
Then your essay -- wow.
This thread is definitely a keeper. I will pass the link to my email friends and hope that they take the time to read it.
Thank you -- Randy in San Diego area
Thanks for the kind comments.
When I saw all the like minded people paying their respects yesterday, I thought about Dan's Bake Sale in Ft. Collins, Colorado. There have only been two times in my life when I felt I was truly among my own. The first was when I lived in Israel for a time after High school and the second time was at Dan's Bake Sale. I'm assuming you all know what Dan's Bake Sale was.
I believe we've all shed a good deal of them in the past ten days, and will shed a few more tomorrow. It's so difficult to lose a man who so powerfully shaped our country, and the world -- especially since those who have followed have not been entirely faithful in continuing down the path he laid.
A beautiful post, Ronnie. Thank you.
Thanks, L. Much appreciated, considering the source.
Thanks for the kind comments, Maria.
Nor is there an equal on the horizon.
You're welcome. Thanks for the kind comments.
I think many of us have been experiencing the same thing over the past five days. Even though we knew he was no longer 'with us,' he was physically here. Now that he is not, there is a void that cannot be filled, because no one else is capable of filling it.
Thanks for the kind comments.
You're welcome. Thanks for the kind comments.
You're welcome.
Thanks so much for the kind comments. :)
We rubbed elbows with hundreds of true American patriots yesterday, and that was not the case at all. But, knowing the media, are we surprised at their portrayal?
Any idea as to how many viewers in total in the Rotunda their will be.
As of late last night, they were hoping to get five thousand people through per hour, and expecting a total of maybe 150,000+. I haven't heard anything since.
Thanks for the kind comments. :)
Thank you. I watched on C-SPAN yesterday. No commentary; only the same sounds you were probably hearing. I lost all sense of time for about 2 hours.
When I heard this morning that people had been in line last night for 6-8 hours I could not imagine, but your story allows me to see that the wait was a fulfilling experience as well.
Thanks!
I stood at the corner of Third and Constitution, where the crowd was so large that the police at one point had to tell every one to get back up on the sidewalk.
After seeing the caisson and the rideless horse and the limosine with Mrs. Reagan (who graciously waved to all of us) pass by, I walkesd over to get in line to go into the Capitol to say good-bye to President Reagan.
A few observations.
The Red Cross was handing out free bottles of water to anyone that wanted them. I thanked one of the volunteers for being there and for the water, and he said that this is what a part of contributions to the Red Cross go to fund. I meade a promise to myself to give something to the Red Cross.
The view from the Capitol's Westr Side was breathtaking. I have lived here in DC since 1974, and have never been to that side of the Capitol. The Capitol Policeman who was there told me and the people I had met while waiting in line that we were among the first group of people to see that view since 9/11. I remarked that it was the same view President Reagan had both times he was inaugerated (and before his inaugerations, the ceremonies had always been on the East Side of the Capitol.
As we entered into the Rotunda, through an entry way that had been draped in black crepe, there were a few people standing there. One was an older, distinguished looking man who thanked each person for coming. I thought that was so nice -- to be thanksed for coming to the Capitol.
On my way out, I tried to thank as many police officers and other members of the Capitol Staff for their gracious welcome into the rotunda.
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