He ended the Cold War struggle between the values of the west and the threat of the Evil Empire of Communism. His powerful words still ring in our ears, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Because of Ronald Reagan, children today, unlike their parents, do not have to practice the morbid insanity of air raid drills in school. Young people are now joyfully ignorant of the ominous threat of nuclear destruction at the hands of the Soviet Union.
He revived our once dragging economy and restored America’s economic engine back to worldly prominence through his tax cuts and deregulation of Washington influence. He revitalized our culture and made us once again look upward to God and His ultimate authority over our worldly selfishness.
His shoulders were broad, and his heart and personal kindness were immense. Some of his closest friends often felt he was too kind of a man to be president, that in spite of the words of some of his detractors, he was a decent gentle man in his soul. His self-deprecating humor and enthusiasm was infectious.
Turning to Walter Mondale during the 1984 presidential debate in Kansas City, Reagan smiled, glancing downward in that patented Reagan way and said, “I will not make age an issue in this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”
He was the reason most southern Democrats are now Republicans. His life, his personality and his accomplishments will be the new measurement by which all future presidents are weighed.
On November 5, 1994, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he took pen and paper in hand, comforted us, and told us of his fate and his appointment with destiny.
“In closing let me say thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve you as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
“I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know for America that there will always be a brighter dawn ahead.” So now, to paraphrase his own words, he has “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.” He has now finally found that “Shining city on a hill.” God bless you Mr. President.
Marty Connors
Chairman, Alabama Republican Party
Posted June 5, 2004