Ronald Reagan: 1911 - 2004

[Vin]

http://www.animationinsider.net/talkback/reagan.jpg

According to various broadcast reports, former President Ronald Reagan is dead at the age of 93. He served two terms in the 1980s.

May he rest in peace. :(

[Andy Mancini]

From foxnews.com (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,121883,00.html):


Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, died today at his home in California. He was 93 years old and had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Reagan, known as "The Great Communicator," was elected to office in a landslide victory over incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1980 and is credited with revitalizing the country's stagnant economy and forcing the end of the Cold War (search) during his two terms in office from 1981 to 1989.

His charismatic personality and staunch conservatism led the nation in a Republican resurgence that kept the GOP in the White House for 12 years.

Reagan remained largely out of public view since announcing he had Alzheimer's disease (search) in November 1994. He came to symbolize Alzheimer's, which has no cure, during the last decade of his life. Reagan turned the disclosure of his disease as an opportunity to make a final address to the nation, expressing in an open letter to the American people the same patriotic fervor that had catapulted him into the presidency.

"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," Reagan wrote at the time. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

The Reagan Revolution

Ascending to the presidency on a pledge to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism," Reagan -- a former actor and two-term California governor -- remade the Republican Party in his own image of fiscal and social conservatism. Reagan brought a grandfatherly warmth to Republican issues and values that attracted supporters across a broad political spectrum.

He successfully implemented most of his campaign promises: reducing government bureaucracy and regulation, cutting taxes in favor of "trickle-down, or supply-side economics -- which became known as Reaganomics (search) -- and building a strong defense while fighting the spread of communism. These moves won him wide appeal and an even wider margin of victory in 1984, when he won the electoral votes of 49 states.

The role of president would prove to be more dramatic than any screen role Reagan had assumed in his pre-politics career in Hollywood. Just 69 days into his first term, Reagan was shot in Washington by John Hinckley, Jr. (search), but his quick and full recovery from the assassination attempt elevated him to new levels of national popularity.

His health was a recurring theme of his presidency as Reagan underwent major surgeries in 1981, 1985 and 1987.

Reagan was hawkish in foreign policy, staunchly committed to thwarting the spread of communism. His administration gave strong financial and military support to the Contra Rebels who were fighting Nicaragua's communist government and supported the government of El Salvador's fight against communist guerillas and rebels resisting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He dispatched U.S. troops to the island of Grenada when it was perceived as succumbing to Cuba in 1983.

Reagan's war on communism led to an escalation of Cold War rhetoric and defense spending that mushroomed the national debt and brought harsh criticism upon his administration. But the efforts eventually resulted in a series of high-level summit meetings with Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, arms reduction pacts with the Soviets and eventually the break-up of the Soviet Union. That success was dramatically symbolized by the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.

His fight against communism also led to the darkest moment of his presidency, when he confessed in November 1986 that the United States had secretly sold arms to Iran as part of an arms-for-hostages deal, and then used the proceeds from the sale to fund aid to the Contra rebels. The scandal resulted in the indictment of high-level government officials.

Reagan waged war not only on communism, but on terrorism, most visibly in 1986 when he sent jets to bomb Libya in retaliation for the death of Americans in a Berlin dance club.

Star Power

Born Feb. 6, 1911, in Tampico, Ill., Reagan graduated from Eureka College in 1932 and worked as a radio sportscaster in the Midwest before being discovered by a Hollywood agent and being signed by Warner Bros. He made his acting debut in "Love Is in the Air" in 1937, made Air Force training films during World War II, and went on to make 52 movies. Reagan also served as a spokesman for the General Electric Company, hosted and acted on the General Electric Theater television series, and was also host of the television series, "Death Valley Days."

Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, had two children, Maureen and Michael, before divorcing in 1948. He married actress Nancy Davis in 1952 and had two more children, Patricia and Ronald Prescott, who goes by Ron. Maureen Reagan died of cancer in 2001.

Reagan moved from acting into politics as a five-time president of the Screen Actors Guild. Originally a Democrat, Reagan's ideology shifted to the right as he sided with the government attack on the influence of communism in the entertainment world.

But it was a well-received televised speech on behalf of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater in 1964 that catapulted Reagan's political career from the sound stage to the world stage. Reagan was elected California governor in 1966 and again in 1970. He made two failed attempts at the White House in 1968 and 1976 before his 1980 victory.

Known for his personal charm and talent -- and for making masterful speeches to win support for his policies -- many of the foreign leaders with whom he met were said to have been more impressed with his star quality than his intellect.

"You could see it in the faces of the foreign leaders -- Mitterand, Thatcher, even Gorbachev," a U.S. official who accompanied Reagan on many trips abroad was quoted as saying by Lou Cannon in his biography, "President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime."

"They didn't pay much attention to what he was saying. Either they had heard it before, or they realized it was just talking points. But Reagan the man, the politician, fascinated them. It was almost as if they were saying, what does this man have that works so well for him? It was like they wanted to bottle it and take it home and use it themselves."

The question of whether the commander in chief had a harder-edged side behind closed doors was the subject of some speculation and even humor. In a "Saturday Night Live" skit in the late 1980s, the late comic Phil Hartman portrayed a Reagan who was gentle and grandfatherly to Oval Office visitors but, behind closed doors, transformed into a sharp-minded scowling dictator who barked orders to his advisers.

While he wasn't always cooperative with reporters, avoiding unwanted questions by feigning deafness as he approached a waiting helicopter, he maintained a genial relationship with the White House press corps, whose members nicknamed him the Gipper in reference to the character he portrayed in the film, "Knute Rockne, All American."

Reagan's approval rating remained high through his eight years in office, and Democrats struggled for years against the image of old-fashioned values, patriotism and hard work that Reagan fashioned for himself and his party.

As a tribute to Reagan's legacy, Congress and President Bill Clinton officially changed the name of Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in February 1998. And in 2003, former First Lady Nancy Reagan was on hand to christen the USS Ronald Reagan, the Navy's newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier.

But perhaps the image of Reagan that will be remembered most was his ability to unite the nation under the strength of his convictions, such as when he spoke to all Americans, and
specifically schoolchildren, in the wake of the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger:

"It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons," he said. "The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them."

Reagan is survived by his wife and three children.

That's sad. Expected, but sad nonetheless. Could I please ask all to keep it nice? Your personal feelings make no difference at teh present time.

[Sailor Chibi Otaku]

One of the few great American Presidents.

Much love to the Reagans and the US,

Shannon

[Catlover]

My condolences to the Reagan family. It's sad he had to suffer in the last years of his life too. :(

[Xada-Hgla]

I just heard about it. Wow, he's the first President I can actually remember being in office. Maybe because he was in for a full 8 years (Which more or less, was all my pre-high school life)... :eek:

[Dark Soul]

He was great a president its really sad. He served the country as best as he could. Nothing you ask thats better than that.

[True Noir]

Man I am stupid but when I read the news on the little yahoo are, I thought he was already dead from a while ago.:o

Well, he was a good president.

[Nimbleness]

Too slow =(

Well, this one has a link at least. My friends aren't beleiving me.

[JDNobodi]

I just found out myself. It's truly a sad day:(

[Westlander]

Today morning the news said he has serious health problems. Now they're VERY serious (excuse my sarcasm).

[WingZombie38]

I was at the store when I found out. The radio station they were playing announced this. Just about everyone in the hug store reacted. Many, many people started talking about how he was the only Republicann president they liked. I remember Reagan somewhat from my childhood.


I'm upset at the reason why he died. My grandmother is going through the same thing and I just fear for her life. :(

[Caffeine King]

That's terrible. :(

My sister told me like a half an hour ago.

What time did he die? Probably within the last few hours since it's now all over the news... :(

May he Rest In Peace. :(

[Barb Gordon]

I found out at work...such a sad thing to happen.
He was a good man. People can debate whether he was a good or bad President and in what ways, but I don't think many will disagree that in general he was a very good man.
No one deserves to suffer like that, I felt so sorry for Mrs. Reagen to have to deal with her husband's condition.
The States lost a good former president, he was a nice time and a memory of a time that we wont ever see again.

~Barb

[Nick Biped]

My condolences to his family. At least he lived a nice, long life. I think it's sad how he suffered in his last few years of life, though.

[EinBebop]

The greatest President of our generation is gone. :(

[Zapages]

My condolensces to the Reagan Family... On of the better presidents has passed a way of this generation.

[Eddie G.]

I won't talk about my personal opinions of Regan and will only say that he was pretty much a good man and an incredible person. I am sad that he has to go, and I feel very sorry for his family. May he be happy in whatever exists beyond.

[SSJPabs]

I am very sorry for his family and friends. It's difficult to lose a loved one and I'm sure they very close. The only consolation I can offer is that he no longer has to suffer the ravages of alzheimers, a terrible disease. My sympathies to his loved ones.

[WingZombie38]

What time did he die? Probably within the last few hours since it's now all over the news... :( I'm not quite sure but an article on Yahoo said Pres. Bush was notified at 4:10pm EST. I'm guessing it was at most about half an hour before that, that he might have passed.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=1&u=/ap/20040605/ap_on_re_us/reagan_obit

[SSJPabs]

I saw the story on CNN at 3:02 pm so that works out pretty well with what you said.

[Juu-kuchi]

Wow, I didn't know until around 6:15 PM.

:sigh: At least he lived a long life. Godspeed Mr. President.

[Alex Toon]

Can't believe the best and oldest President is now dead. :sad: I guess Ford is now the oldest.

[The Dork Knight]

We'll miss you Regan. :(

- The Dork Knight

[RogueMartian]

Nice...nice...something nice about Reagan....hmm....

Today, he has made the world better.

Wrong, I know, but sometimes I can't help myself. But yeah, my condolences to his family, it sucks losing a loved one.

[Barb Gordon]

Wow, I just realized Reagan passed away the same day my father did last year....creepy.
But my Dad was a die-hard Republican, so maybe they're chilling out together right now :)

When I told one of my coworkers about Reagan they said "wow really? that is so sad. I'm glad" which is a pretty true statement, because I think most people are glad to see him go....some for less nice reasons...but the majority because the poor man was suffering and really need to get to a better place.

~Barb

[EinBebop]

Today, he has made the world better.I'd be shocked if you said that about someone who died still in office, but you must have a lot of hate built up to say that about a man about a man who stepped out of the public arena fifteen years ago.

If you don't have anything nice to say, [EDIT]don't say anything at all.

(My apologies for the implied use of unacceptable language)

[wrenchien]

he will be missed.

aside from this and the prior sentence in this reply.. that's all i have to say. :(

[Eddie G.]

Nice...nice...something nice about Reagan....hmm....

Today, he has made the world better.Trust me in no way would I support Regan's politics and I have tons of negative things to say about the guy. But I realize he was a man who did try to do his best for his nation and has suffered a lot only to leave this world. Secondly you knew as well as I did that if I said anything against Regan I'd be flamed, and doing things that I knew would piss off others would make me not a nice guy.

I wonder if this will have any effect on the election, it's unlikely, but it is possible...

[Barb Gordon]

EinBebop, I appreciate your concern, but you need to knock it off. Yes, RogueMartian was being a smart mouth, but he also ended with a sincere statement. No one else felt the need to retaliate for his silly unimportant little quip. It takes more than one person to start flaming in a thread, and you shouldn't be contributing to something I know you don't like. I know you meant well, but everyone else was able to ignore RogueMartian's smarmy remark, you should have been able to do the same.

I don't want this happening again, and remember, inappropriate language is not required, act proper people.

~Barb

[James]

Certainly one of the more colourful Presidents I can recall in my years of existence. An icon for America as a culture in the 80's as well as it's leader. He was the defintion of the US to all us overseas... even more so than Mr T.

I remember so many British impressionists would do his voice and mannerisms.. (yes even I - and I bet to an American I would have sounded dreadful, but to the younger me I was great!). My memories of him are less political (because I was so young) and more amusement at this odd but oh-so-American leader. Margaret Thatcher was the English Prime Minister at the time and she was just as colourful. Regardless of politics, those two certainly had presence.

I hope that doesn't sound vindictive, but that's how I remember him. I was too young to be interested in politics, but yet he somehow still managed to make a big impact.

It's weird when people who represent an era die. I know the 80's is long gone, but I suppose memories are of a time have a somewhat immortal quality to them. But when someone departs who represents that period to you, that era becomes finite. You remember that decade isn't a bunch of years, it's a bunch of people. One of the main figureheads of that time - my childhood - has departed and that's a weird feeling.

My condolesences to his family and friends. The last few years must have been a terribly hard time for him. I hope in someway his passing offers them a release.

[Don_East]

Rest In Peace Ronny.:( It's a darn shame that stupid "documentry" insulted his honor.:mad:

[Lucky Bob]

Great man, great accomplishments, sad ending. My prayers are with his family. I can only hope now that history will be kinder to his achievements than his contemporaries.

And yes, I think that Ford is the oldest, now.

[ToonamiFanatic]

Rest In peace Mr Reagan. I most remember him giving that speech after Challenger I was only 6 at the time so I didnt know anything about the cold war or anything. I also remember him proposing the Star Wars program.

[shogunthethird]

Partisanship aside...I'm sorry he's dead but I'm glad his suffering is at an end, Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and to linger into death is equally tragic, however I can't help but think how his death will affect the stem cell research debate especially considering the influence he held in his party, I won't give my feelings on that debate in this post but let's hope that a cure for alzheimer's comes sooner rather than later

[DarkKnight007]

He was a great and inspirational leader who will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.

[Red]

Dammit, I almost cried when I saw this story, he was one of my favorite presidents. R.I.P. man. *goes to edit sig*

[Rune]

I was just watching the D-Day 60th anniversary celebration / ceremony in France this morning on TV and George Bush paid tribute to Reagan for having served in the forces & played his part there which was quite touching especially with so many War veterans present.

I've never been the most politically astute person but Reagan always seemed like a very real person, what you saw was what you got with him and in a world of political superficial sleekness that counted for a hell of a lot.

RIP Ron

[Fone Bone]

When I think of Ronald Reagan I think of the times in Bloom County Bill and Opus would run for President and their campaign headquarters would try to think of something bad to say about him. The "Meadowcrats" would unfortunately come the the same conclusion: that he was too "nice", "a peach", and Portnoy then screamed "Impeach the Peach!" Really, even if you disagreed with his politics and thought he was a bad president you couldn't escape the fact that he was such a great guy-- a fact that infuriated us Dems to no end, especially come election time.:D

Rest in peace, fella.

[Chosen Raven]

He was tied with Teddy Roosevelt as my favorite President. He was also probably the only President I ever totally agreed with. He's done many great thing for many people. Alot of which weren't even in this country. God rest your soul Mr. Reagan.

[guinaevere]

My prayers to the Reagan family and close friends.

Although hearing that his health had gone into a decline yesterday morning, it's still very shocking, and it's difficult to find words to befit the passing of such a great man (in my opinion the greatest president of last century, and the second of my two heroes, the other being Winston Churchill), he must be better off now than he had been during the last few years.

Rest in Peace, Mr President.

[g_UnIt_GaNsTa]

Mr. Reagan was a great man, nobody can argue that. He got us through the ending years of the Cold War without a shot being fired, even though tensions were high.



We will miss you Mr. Reagan. No doubt you are in a better place.

[savage]

I don't want this happening again, and remember, inappropriate language is not required, act proper people.I was more offended by the person revelling in a man's death on his own tribute thread than the person who put the reveller in his place. But to each their own.

Farewell, Mr. President. They need to build a second Mt. Rushmore with your face on it to come anywhere near giving back what we owe you.

[Barb Gordon]

Thanks for the comment, but they're not required.
Please, you only hurt the situation when you bring things back up over and over again. The situation was dealt with, so please drop it and move on, every other poster after it was able to ignore it. Comments from the peanut gallery only add to lessening the tribute thread, which you yourself don't want done.

So did I hear that right, he died on an anniversary of D-Day? I kept seeing lots of comments of it. One guy was recounting Reagan's speech on the 40th anniversary, and mentioning how he and a veteran of the war had been having dinner in Normandy when they heard the news.

~Barb

[Psycho Fox]

Farewell, Mr. President. They need to build a second Mt. Rushmore with your face on it to come anywhere near giving back what we owe you.I understand paying tribute to Reagon but come on that is a bit much for a controversial ex-president.

[Barb Gordon]

Psycho Fox, to each his/her own hon. People'e opinions will vary, obviously....and obviously those posting in this thread were in support of Reagan in differing degrees. People can have their opinions, even if you or someone else thinks it's taking the point a bit too far. But you shouldn't badger someone about their personal respect on the matter, no matter how overdone it seems.

~Barn

[Kaner]

You tell 'em Barn!

[Barb Gordon]

Barn....
....well, I know that was supposed to be a good thing ;)
Barn, Brab, Bob....hehe, I've got so many great spin-off names.

I don't know anything about Mrs. Nancy Reagan....but I can admire her alone for how much she loved and was devoted to her husband, and stuck by his side. What a woman.

~Barb

[EinBebop]

I can think about the times that we spent together as a father and son, sometimes just literally talking about nothing, but just being there and being in awe of him.

I think about those days when he was governor of California and how wonderful a job he did for the state. I can think about the times that he allowed me to be in his presence when tough decisions were ready to be made.

For example, on the evening that he chose George W. Bush’s father to be his running mate as the candidate for the vice presidency, Dad invited me to be in his inner circle as those decisions were made.

I remember the night in 1976 when I asked him what he missed most about not winning his party’s nomination as its presidential candidate. He said to me: "Michael, what I miss most is not being able to sit down with the Russians and saying to them "nyet" because it’s been so long that we’ve been giving up too much to get along with them. It’s time for the Russians to get along with us."

But what I remember most about my dad, and what puts me at peace with where he is today, is a conversation I had with him as he was flying back on Air Force One and he allowed me to accompany him back to Point Mugu [Air Base, Calif.].

It was Easter Week in the last year of his presidency, and he looked at me and he counted out 'nine' on his fingers. I asked what that meant, and he said: "Michael, it will be nine more months when I will be able to feel the freedom once again to go to church each and every Sunday. You know, Michael, ever since I was shot I have worried about putting other people in harm’s way by being among them, so I haven’t been to church on a regular basis and even though I have offered my presidency up to God I haven’t been with God on Sundays. That’s what I’m looking forward to."

And as I look back over Dad’s 93 years, what puts me truly at peace is knowing that my father was fully aware of who his God is. Not only did he offer up his presidency but he offered up his life a long time ago to serve his God. And so now the peace I feel is knowing that my father has gone home to be with his God and his Lord, and that is the greatest gift that he ever gave me.

- Michael Reagan

[Psycho Fox]

Psycho Fox, to each his/her own hon. People'e opinions will vary, obviously....and obviously those posting in this thread were in support of Reagan in differing degrees. People can have their opinions, even if you or someone else thinks it's taking the point a bit too far. But you shouldn't badger someone about their personal respect on the matter, no matter how overdone it seems.

~BarnI understand but going too far is disrespectful, not only to Reagon but those that fought aginst 'em.

You shouldn't turn Reagon's death into propaganda for any side.

[ToOn~g@l]

I was actually at a graduation party when I heard about it. We were watching slides of my cousin and then my brother comes in and says Ronald Reagan died. I did not believe him at first until I saw the news. He will surely be missed but of course it was his time because he had been suffering from Alzehemers for a long time, at least ten years or so.

So long Reagan, you were a great president and a mediocre actor.

[Barb Gordon]

I understand but going too far is disrespectful, not only to Reagon but those that fought aginst 'em.

You shouldn't turn Reagon's death into propaganda for any side.

PF, this isn't up for debate here, that's all to be said on the matter publically. There's not need for any more comments on this here. Thank you.

~Barb

[EinBebop]

Farewell, Mr. President. They need to build a second Mt. Rushmore with your face on it to come anywhere near giving back what we owe you.Savage isn't alone. A motion was made in Congress (http://www.nbc4columbus.com/news/3391422/detail.html) Monday to have Reagan's face added to Rushmore.

[TimTwoFace]

Well, as a kid growing up in the 80's, and in the country to the north, I didn't pay much attention to Reagan back in the day. What I did know, though, is that he seemed like a nice guy and a class act, something that world leaders need to be these days. So many people are so cut and dry...emphasis on dry...and so boring. He was different, and obviously had a heart of gold.

I'm not really SAD that he's gone...I mean, let's be honest, 93 is a good age to live to nowadays, and it's been a long time coming, since his Alzheimer's disease was revealed a decade ago. But it is a time to reflect on what a good man and an important individual in world affairs meant, and maybe it could guide those of today and the future to follow his example.

Rest in peace.

-Tim

[PaQ]

This is sad.. He was a good man, a great president, and will be truly missed.

He lived a long life, 93 years. wow. It's wild that he served as president in his 70's. An actor as well, just an amazing man. At least his suffering/battle is now over and he can rest in peace.

Wow.. It's just hard to believe he's gone. Seeing that special today, seeing some of the things transpire in his life. Wow.

[Barb Gordon]

Anyone catch the actual final burial of Reagan yesterday? Really touching.
I was going to a play last night, and they had the tv on in the bar and everyone was watching. I started crying, it was just so incredibly touching.
I am not fully engrossed in the ins and outs of Reagan's presidency....I was not feeling sad for having lost a good or great or mediocre president. I was sad because the world had lost a good man, and a beautiful husband. When they showed poor old Mrs. Reagan, that was it for me. It was just, so beautiful, the devotion and love you could see in that woman....and now she's all alone.
You can say whatever you want on what sort of president he was at one point in his life, but I don't think anyone could really say anything against him being a loving father and husband, and to having a wonderful marriage and connection with his wife.
She was just so frail and sad. I don't know how that Navy Captain could get through the speech when he was presenting the flag to her and she was just crying and crying. Nothing seemed more touching then her clutching the folded up flag, and when she was hugging the casket. Gosh, I mean, I'm surprised they got her away from the casket. Her husband was her everything, they'd been through so much. I really wonder how much longer she will live...without him in her life anymore and because she isn't in great health anyway.
If some people don't think we lost a great president, I would think - and hope - it's safe to say we at least lost a great example of a father, husband and friend.

~Barb