This week has been one of remembrance and renewed acquaintance with Ronald Reagan. As I've watched and listened to the eulogies and anecdotes of others I've again become proud of our 40th president and his vision for America.
Surely, of all the men who have sat in the oval office in this century, Reagan stands out as one who truly understood what America was all about and how important a role this nation has been given on the world stage.
We have a unique position and power to affect change for people around the world and rarely do we grasp the importance of the influence our nation wields. However, others in the world do understand.
Why do you think France, Germany and Russia fought against us on the decision to go into Iraq? Why do you think we are hated by Muslim fundamentalists? Why do you think so many, if the media is to be believed, around the world hold us in contempt?
It is because we as a nation are so powerful, so influential, so blessed and wealthy in intellect, resources and optimism. Few nations have the ability to project their national character to effect change in other peoples the way the United States can.
For that ability we are envied and hated by many. Envied because most, if not all, want to influence others to their position. Hated because they cannot, and often along with the goodness of our people, we also project the negative that is an integral part of us.
Ronald Reagan understood the importance of Americas power and influence, and purposed to use it to the betterment of other nations and people. Whether or not you agreed with his methods, you must agree that he succeeded in making the world better, and in the process he helped us to see the good in ourselves and feel good about it.
Mr. Reagan, you left an indelible print on the face of America. You taught us to again believe in ourselves. You showed us what can happen when we hold to our convictions, put our arms around our enemies and persuade them to come join us. While your methods would probably not work with those who would destroy us today, we would like to think that with your smile, twinkle of eye, infectious laugh and strength of character, you could do it. You will be missed.

Patti Davis' remembrance of her father (Newsweek)

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Here's a few links to some of the tributes to Ronald Reagan.
ABC Special Report with lots of links to Reagan video remembrances.
The American Presidency Project has many audio files of Reagan speeches including the famous "...tear down this wall!" challenge at the Berlin wall.
The History Channel has great video and flash files of the Reagan era. If you have broadband this link is even better.
NPR's tribute to our 40th President also has some interesting info.
Of course the list wouldn't be complete without the tribute from that icon of talk radio, Rush Limbaugh
And a nod to the left, they even make an effort to show decency in this time of loss. John Kerry - Ted Kennedy
Of course the media elite can't help themselves, trying to tie in negative to a conservative. There's a report that Peter Jennings, while narrating the motorcade to the Reagan Library had to mention the proximity of it to where Rodney King allegedly received the beating that resulted in the South LA riots. Shame Peter.

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"The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology." Ronald Reagan
Truly Ron Reagan's focus was not on the immediate but the long term. Not the quick fix but corrective actions that would be lasting. Not popularity but principle. Not in easing pain but effecting solutions.
If we had more statesmen of the Ron Reagan caliber today congress would be seriously tackling the problems of healthcare, excessive government, ineffective government schools and repressive taxation.
Our elected officials, if they were of the same mindset of Ronald Reagan, would be crafting legislation that would free us of the restrictions of failed Welfare and Social Security systems, crafting policy that would allow citizens to freely exercise their abilities to meet their needs, pursue their goals and plan their own futures.
A congress made up of representatives who truly cared for their constituents would forcefully put forth a system that collected only revenues needed to operate those government services constitutionally required, not some pork barrel piggybank to lull a weak-minded and selfish people into stuporous appeasement.
No, Ronald Reagan didn't want Americans to feel no pain, but to have the strength and perseverance to fight through pain to victory.

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