Since we saw a sign on the freeway to the Reagan library announcing horrendous traffic delays, followed by a 3-hour wait for the shuttle up the hill to the library itself, and since my body would mutiny if I tried to get up at 5:30 after staying up until 2 or 3, I will have to be satisfied with paying my respects to the 40th president here on my blog.
To the first president I remember, a man who executed his office with a grace, a dignity, and a profound respect for humankind that characterized him in his public and private life. We say that to whom much is given, much will be expected in return, yet so few people with money, fame, or power even attempt to use it for the good of anyone but themselves. Even seemingly great acts are often committed by people only wishing to posture and to increase their own stature. There is often a great personal price to be paid for wholeheartedly pursuing what seems best for others, and the temptation is to garner the desserts of appearing to serve boldly without actually having the courage to push the best ideas through to fruition. Regardless of whether one feels that Reagan's policies were effective, it is only to his credit that what he did, he did with the attitude of a true public servant, with the interest of not only the American people, but of the people of the world in general, at heart.
I have heard many people from all points on the political spectrum eulogizing Reagan as someone who brought optimism back to politics and patriotism back to America. If he did so, it was at least in part because he demonstrated that an honest desire to do well by the American people can motivate a man who already has fame and fortune to work his way to the White House. After all, it is not really what a man does that makes him great, but the reason he does it.
Posted by waltondammerung at June 8, 2004 1:43 AMthomasmc.com/0607gp.htm
Posted by: Kip at June 18, 2004 1:28 PM