President Reagan has passed on, let's honor his decency

June 6th, 2004 | Sabertooth

[Sabertooth]

The death of President Reagan yesterday has left many of us feeling an understandable surge of emotions.

As we recall his life, let's remember that the Ronald Reagan was President of all Americans, whatever their political stripe, and that he certainly saw himself that way. As gracious and optimistic as he was, President Reagan would not have allowed petty politics to color his impressions of opponents from the other side of the aisle who offered heartfelt words and condolences at a time of solemnity and grief such as this.

Alzheimer's is a tragic disease that affects liberals and conservatives without distinction. All who've seen a family member of friend lost to its ravages can sympathize with what befell President Reagan and his beloved and heroic wife, Nancy.

Rather than question and snipe at these condolences, as too many Freepers have these past 24 hours, let's take them graciously at face value, as President Reagan himself would have done.

Let our emulation of his kindheartedness be our homage to the Legacy of President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

[Sabertooth]

Thanks

[Sabertooth]

FYI

[alisasny]

I have found the coverage to be very well done with good taste. Of course Iran Contra is going to be brought up, it happened. Some of us understand the whole Iran Contra story others love communism.

Still there have been some bad comments but on a whole they are outnumbered greatly probably by 99 percent.

Good write : )

[eastforker]

I changed my tag line in memory of RR.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Excellent post. I've been a little dismayed by the number of FReepers who are sniping at comments made by former political adversaries (both domestic and international).

Believe me, I yield to nobody in my dislike (personally and politically) of the likes of Bill Clinton, Teddy Kennedy, and John Kerry. But there will be plenty of time later to go on the warpath against them. Their comments have been gracious, and I for one am willing to take them at face value rather than to parse their words in search of dark motives.

Some have gone so far as to say that President Reagan's political rivals should say nothing at all. Yet when former President Carter was slow getting a statement out (it just hit the news within the last hour), he was criticized roundly. It's a no-win situation for them.

I too find it difficult to believe that President Reagan would approve of bashing the statements of condolence offered by his old rivals.

[bikepacker67]

Don't even take a peak at the DUmmey's

They're frothing with glee over there...

Disgusting pukes that they are.

[Sabertooth]

I too find it difficult to believe that President Reagan would approve of
bashing the statements of condolence offered by his old rivals.

It would be a moral impossibility.

[Sabertooth]

They're frothing with glee over there...

Well, that's disappointing.

We're in the midst of a national wake; this is neither the time nor the place for frothing.

I hope that when the day comes that a Democrat President passes on, more grace will be shown here.

[KittyKares]

The Democratic Underground has a discussion going on the thread "What creeped you out about Reagan?"

What mean-spirited idiots.

[bikepacker67]

I hope that when the day comes that a Democrat President passes on, more grace will be shown here.

I think that will depend on which one croaks.

Carter I could muster some decent things to say regarding his good (albeit misguided) heart.

But the Toon will be pilloried (and rightfully so) when that bulbous-nosed, rapist stamps his one way ticket to hell.

[just me]

My friend's mother has Alzheimer's. She is an only child and it has been hard on her and her father. They take good care of her mother.

Now President Ronald Reagan can rest in peace.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks for this post, Saber. You're right, we should stay away from negative responses, but sometimes it's hard to do.

I posted this on another thread, but I'd like to post it here as well.

May President Reagan rest in peace, and may God shine His perpetual light upon him, and bless him with eternal life.

When I'm no longer enchanted by wonders of awakening spring,
Nor see the beauty of winter's falling snows,
Nor tingle with excitement at a vast, approaching storm,
Nor look with awe on tree or budding rose--

Then tuck me 'neath Thy sheltering wing, oh Lord,
And let me softly steal away
Beyond the realm of further silent grief,
And welcome me to that great, eternal day.

Then, I shall know such joy as I have never known.
My eyes shall see and ears shall hear the angels' sweet refrain.
And I shall walk with saints of ages gone
And be at rest and peace again.

From: "In Dread Anticipation" (In tribute to President Ronald Reagan)
-- by Reynolda Clegg

[ambrose]

Bump!

The easiest thing in the world is to be kind to someone who is being kind to you.

I will resolve to ignore the DUers at least until the week is out.

[MeekOneGOP]

Ronald Reagan, son Ron, Mrs. Reagan and daughter Patti
outside their Pacific Palisades home in California. 1960.

Ronald Reagan with his
older brother Neil Reagan.
circa 1912.

[NittanyLion]

Well said...

[Bluntpoint]

Agree!!!

Everyone should be thankful and appreciative of the condolences given by all.

Some here need to curb their bile.

Reagan is now remembered as a great man because he did not get caught up in such silly diversions.

[streetpreacher]

I believe that it is demonstrative of the "meanness" of so many conservatives that was not reflected in the demeanor of Ronald Reagan. President Reagan rescued conservatism from "meanness" and pessimism. It's too bad that many refuse to make the journey with him.

[plain talk]

Uh, thanks. Not sure why you are posting this here amongst the choir. I wasn't aware there were FReepers that required this lecture.

[tapatio]

I hope that when the day comes that a Democrat President passes on, more grace will be shown here.

No matter what I think personally of certain Presidents,I will always honor the tradition,in regards to respect for the office.Common decency in the sense of tradition is what separates us from those who show ignorance.

From President Reagans own lips

For you see, my fellow Republicans, we are the change! RNC speech, August 17, 1992

[NittanyLion]

Not sure why you are posting this here amongst the choir. I wasn't aware there were FReepers that required this lecture.

Take a look at the thread on Jimmy Carter's comments...it's much-needed advice for many Freepers.