March 2002 - Arnold with bronze bust of Ronald Reagan he commissioned and donated to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. (He keeps a duplicate in his office at home).
Posted on 06/06/2004 1:08:55 PM PDT by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement Saturday on the death of former President Ronald Reagan:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of President Reagan. He was a great American patriot. I did not just admire him, I was fortunate enough to know him. He was a hero to me.
"Ronald Reagan called America the shining city on the hill. And by the force of his leadership and optimism, he renewed the promise of America. He had the courage to tell us that it was all right to stand tall and believe in our country and believe in ourselves.
"Many people forget what a tremendous force Ronald Reagan was for California as our governor. He served with dignity and determination and left us with a blueprint for executive leadership that is still a model today.
"Governor Reagan promoted bipartisan cooperation, furthered economic growth and embraced government's duty to protect our natural resources.
"It is easy to see how profoundly President Reagan changed the world. He made it safer, more free and gave home and opportunity to millions.
"Ronald Reagan always inspired me to be a leader, to do what I can to help make our country stronger. And I know his legacy will live on in every American who believes in the greatness and the goodness of our nation.
"Maria and I offer our deepest condolences to his remarkable wife Nancy, who served this state and this country alongside him and who cared for him until his final moments. Our prayers are with her, Patti, Ron, Michael and the entire Reagan family."
Schwarzenegger's office said that in honor of Reagan, California's governor from 1967-1975, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
California is doing much better these days with Schwarzenegger's Reagan-like optimism and energy. I just want to hear from him more often. Maybe the media is ignoring him on purpose?
March 2002 - Arnold with bronze bust of Ronald Reagan he commissioned and donated to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. (He keeps a duplicate in his office at home).
Arnold isn't a conservative in social matters since California's changed so much. But in keeping government spending down and in not increasing taxes, he follows in The Gipper's path. I think Reagan would be proud of the very difficult act Arnold has followed since he took over almost a year ago.
Schwartzenegger is MY hero.
Reagan wasn't very conservative in social matters as governor either. He signed California's liberal abortion law, explaining that it would "get government off the backs of the people" (or something like that). He was a libertarian, much like Arnold. California hasn't changed as much as you might think.
The reminder's helpful. Conservatives should give our governor slack. It might be more accurate to say Californians are more libertarian-minded than they are concerned with social mores. That's why this state is different from Texas and until Republicans understand the difference, they'll be a minority party.
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