On the shoulders of Giants

[Mafiaman]

If we as American can see so far, It's because we get to stand on the shoulders of men like Ronald Reagan.

Prayers to his family, and my thanks to the man who was my commander and chief when I served in the Army.
In putting an end to the cold war he made sure the world understood there is no shame in being the greatest nation on the planet.

God bless you Ronald Reagan may you rest in peace and enjoy your just rewards.


Chris C.
U.S. Army

[Phishnoob]

Regardless of politics and your opinion of the economy during the 80's this president tore down that wall and ended the cold war. Plus I felt he had honor and did what he thought was right.

I don't want to start a huge political argument but this man did his best for the US.

Don't forget as well the release of the Iranian hostages his first week in office and the bombing just for the heck of it of the Libyan nuclear reactor for weapons.

He did what he felt is right and may he rest with honor.

[motorslave]

Political views aside, a few members of my family had the honor to spend much time with the Regans and The President was consistantly one thing, A genuinly kind man. My cousin worked for them on the ranch and my Mother spent some time there. He loved nothing more than to take guests around and share his stories and life. He had a truly big heart. He will be missed by many.
I also feel he was a great President.

Robert

[ruhspolostar]

I was affected as well, even more so today, as I had a distant uncle who passed away from the same disease earlier today

[Doug1]

Perry's mentioning of the coming down of the wall, brought back a distant memory
Having lived in Germany for 3 years as a kid in the 50's. divided Germany and the effects of WWII have always been vivid images having been there.
Anyway when my son was in jr high, he developed a fascination for Pink Floyd and The Wall in particular. While I like Floyd, that album and susequent movie are prolly a bit much for a searching adolescent, but anyway I bought him the live version they released , the one filmed in the ruins of the Berlin Wall, with a huge cast, including the Soviet Army Marching Band. As I sat there watching this I was completely blown away to see these people performing this piece in the ruins of the berlin wall. I grew up in the days of bomb shelters and Civil Defense drills. As I sat here reading the previous replies, that came back to me, the concert itself, and all the events that lead up to it, happed on Rons watch. Thank President Reagan

[dark horge]

I remember Reagan as a real leader when both the United States and the Free World semed to be in dire need of one. Sure, we could all use a savvy technocrat, but leaders also have to inspire.

He appealed to ideals, accomplishments, and above all, confidence in getting the job done.

I remember when we all thought Japan would own the world economy, and remember when it was taken for fact that the USSR would clean out US and NATO forces in a showdown.
America seemed to quickly grow economically in later years because it had confidence and pride, based on the military strength and geopolitical dominance that Reagan spent to provide, and because it derived the same confidence and pride from the attitude and public persona of Ronald Wilson Reagan.

He was a decent man and a good leader, with a clear set of principles.
That is a very rare combination.






**

[Phishnoob]

Oh I forgot to mention this but there was one speech that was seared in my brain. For the most part I think politicians of all parties are hacks and sold out but there was a speech that I saw many years ago that was amazing.

President Reagan talked a bit then this was just beyond belief. He looked at the country firmly and said "Mr Gorbachev....tear down that wall"

It was a comment that will go down in history. If you can recall any other lines from any presidential speech of any party after that I would be impressed..I cannot. Well excluding "I did not have sex with that woman" of course.

Nuff said...

[asmith]

He was a great President. While some people may not have agreed with all of his policies, no-one can say that he did anything other than what he thought was right. He was a man of his words. He did a lot of good for our country, and for the rest of the world. How many presidents can say that they helped take down a wall, freed hostages (within weeks of becoming president) and ended a cold war. The world has lost a great man. May he rest in peace.

Andrew

[Casey]

[ruhspolostar]

Casey Where do you get all the secret smileys no fair

[Casey]

smiley central

[Mafiaman]

Moderator, Please close this thread before it gets further off track and loses all of it's sentiment.

[Phishnoob]

I live in Orange County and we end up with the news broadcasts from LA. The line of cars to pay respects to Mr. Reagan backed up the freeway for five hours. They interviewed a couple from Michigan that flew here to pay respect to The Great Communicator.

Even these jaded newspeople that must have asked a hundred times if anyone had a single complaint about waiting ten hours to pay respects had to say that no one would regret the chance to respect such a man that led a full life.

[ruhspolostar]

sorry mafiaman

[Doug1]

Mikhail Gorbechov came to attend Ronald Reagans funeral. That speaks volumes to the kind of man he was. IT's not the same world, and I sorely miss him. I think we can and have done worse