1911 - 2004
My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.
-Ronald Reagan, spoken into a microphone during a sound check
I am, of course, sorry to see him go, but in a way I'm also glad that this great man has finally found some peace from the illness that has plagued him for many years now. Reagan may have died today, but we've been without him for some time now.
My thoughts go out to Nancy Reagan and the Reagan children.
Ronald Reagan was a politician not like any the United States has ever seen. He had a tendency to say exactly what was on his mind and could always be counted on to come up with a brilliant statement during a tense moment. He did a lot of good for our country. The legacy of Reagan's administration echos even in today's politics where the son of his vice-president and successor holds the nation's highest office.
The man was a leader, a patriot, a decent human being and last (but not least) one funny guy. I'll end this with some of my favorite Reagan quotes:
You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans.
Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.
Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.
I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting.
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Facts are stupid things.
Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born.
Scott Ott puts everything I'm feeling right now into three concise paragraphs:
Former U.S. President Ronald Wilson Reagan died at home this afternoon at the age of 93, after a decade-long journey with Alzheimer's disease.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, three children and several hundred million men, women and children in the former Soviet Union, and around the world, who were set free from the hopeless terror of communist tyranny through his steadfast courage and unwavering faith.
In addition to recordings and transcripts of dozens of the most compelling, sincere and influential speeches ever heard, President Reagan also leaves behind an America that is no longer afraid to call evil what it is, and to do something about it.
So long Ronnie. We're gonna miss you.