April 04, 2009
Was Carter Allergic To Medal
The first book I purchased for my Kindle is "The Reagan Diaries
Though I have been busy filling the thing up with all those free books, I have managed to read a bit of it. Fascinating to see what was going on behind the scenes during that era, I definitely recommend it if you have any interest in politics or history. I am giving that highlight function a workout.
I was disappointed by these two entries, and wonder if I will find more like them as I go.
Did however give a medal to Ethel Kennedy honoring Robt. K. It was voted on by Cong. in 1978 and the former Pres. never presented it.
Gave bravery & service awards to 9 young Americans. They had performed the deeds in 75 & 78 but J.C. wouldn't give out the medals. The law says only the Pres. can do that.
Was Carter too busy to present some awards? I would be curious to hear what his reasons were, or if he even had any.
September 04, 2008
Ringing Endorsement
I've been trying to convince my fellow conservatives that they have been wasting their time in a fruitless quest for a new Ronald Reagan to emerge and lead our party and our nation. I insisted that we'd never see his like again because he was one of a kind.I was wrong!
Welcome back, Dad
February 06, 2008
Happy Birthday, Gipper
February 6, 1911 - President Ronald Reagan Born
Ronald Wilson Reagan is born in Tampico, Illinois. After serving as Governor of California, Reagan will assume the office of the President on January 20, 1981, and will survive an assassination attempt only 69 days later. Reagan will serve two terms as President, leaving office in January 1989. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California will be dedicated in 1991, and Reagan will pass away on June 5, 2004.
December 08, 2006
R.I.P. - Jeane Kirkpatrick
She was a great one, unflinching and straight-forward. As a young girl, I dreamed of a Jeane Kirkpatrick presidency. I believed she, rather than George Bush, was the perfect choice to follow Ronald Reagan into the Oval Office. Unfortunately, it was a path she did not choose to take.
Still she made her mark in the world. She made people think and, like Reagan, she made people believe.
Townhall has a round up of some of her writings and quotes.
From her speech at the 1984 GOP Convention, and very apropos today
They understand just as the distinguished French writer, Jean Francois Revel, understands the dangers of endless self- criticism and self-denigration.He wrote: "Clearly, a civilization that feels guilty for everything it is and does will lack the energy and conviction to defend itself."
March 28, 2006
July 07, 2004
Funny
Got this in email today:
If we are flying the flag at half staff for 30 days for Pres. Reagan, will we have to wear our pants around our knees for 30 days when Clinton dies?Just as amusing is the reply from "pwickld"
The guys might but us ladies are going to have to crawl around on our knees.
June 12, 2004
A Moving Tribute
Michael gives us a picture of another real American and his reaction to Reagan's passing.
A picture is truly worth a thousand words.
Friends & Blogs
I had the great fortune to attend the memorial here in Phoenix with Gary & Rachel. It is always better to have friends around when you are hurting, even if they are brand new friends. I can think of more pleasant circumstances for us to meet, but I am grateful that we got together despite the sadness of the occasion.
After watching the service, and crying, I was interviewed by KTAR (radio) and KPHO and someone else (tv). Apparently, the secret is to wear a cool shirt. I didn't hear or see if any of them used the interviews on their early broadcasts.
I spent the evening at my mother's house with my brother and his family, my sister and one of her friends. I turned on the KPHO 10:00 newscast in time to see their short report and just as I said "that's where I was" the showed a clip of Rachel and I wiping our eyes so it came out as "that's where I was..that's me" They didn't show the interview, but they didn't really show anything else on that broadcast.
Pete was at the state Bar Association dinner which they covered because of Sandra Day O'Connor speaking at Reagan's funeral then here in Phoenix. As I watched that coverage I saw a shot of him, too. What are the odds we'd both end up on tv, on the same station, on the same day?
After the memorial, we went up to Metrocenter to waiting for Lori to be free for lunch. We had a great time at Olive Garden and probably could have stayed through dinner we were having so much fun chatting. The only downside is the amount of food I ate - I am still stuffed. But it was yummy, so it will be worth all the extra workouts. On a side note, Lori was wearin' some of her new shoes
I wonder if we can make getting together a regular thing. Definitely enjoyed those ladies - and Gary - and would love to have more get togethers filled with laughter.
BTW: I had my camera with me and didn't take a single picture - at least Rachel got a picture of Chuck.
June 10, 2004
How To Describe Reagan...
Reagan was like a bigger than life hero from one of his movies. He showed up when America and yes, even the rest of the world, needed him most, saved the day, and then rode off into the sunset, leaving all of us with a debt of gratitude that we could never fully repay.
The Command Post
June 09, 2004
A Sweet Tribute
The Smoking Gun points out that Jelly Belly is draping the famous Reagan portrait in black ribbons in tribute and mourning.
Sweet!
Reagan Procession
Amazing to watch, will post thoughts as they occur to me.
:: It must be an amazing honor to be one of the servicemen chosen to carry the casket. Does anyone know how they are selected? I know there are rigorous guidelines for the color guard at every base, must be very intense standards for men who will carry a Presidential casket.
:: Nancy looks amazingly composed - she is a very dignified lady, a treasure.
:: Someone just shouted out "God bless you, Nancy!" Not sure whether that is sweet or completely inappropriate. It is too somber of an occasion for random shouts from the peanut gallery...but isn't it what we are all feeling?
:: The riderless horse just makes me cry; seeing Reagan's boots in the stirrups, the sword on the saddle, knowing how much he had loved to ride....
:: There are so many people lining the streets, such an outpouring of love and respect. Such a great man.
:: The announcers are talking about the grandeur of the ceremony, all the pomp and circumstance, almost sounds disapproving. Noting that Ron & Nancy planned and signed off on all events. Mention that Nixon elected not to do the Presidential funeral. I can't imagine them trying to skip these important public events - the office is too substantial, he was too important to our country, too many people want the opportunity to pay their respects as demonstrated by the volume of people who passed through the library in Simi Valley and are currently lining the streets in D.C.
:: There will be a fly over soon - that should be very impressive
:: Announcer telling the story of a military pilot taking pains to express the love he and other soldiers feel for Ronald Reagan. Comments that Reagan was a friend of the military
:: Watching channel 3 - lousy coverage of the fly over, hope you guys got a better view
:: John McCain appears to be quite jovial - which seems quite inappropriate.
:: Still think the Air Force dress uniform looks the nicest - might be biased there, as well
:: People in the office talking too loud so I can't hear the TV :-( They are right next to each other - and practically shouting.
:: Anyone hear who the officer is who is escorting Nancy? What an important job, that would be another one you'll remember for the rest of your life.
:: Kind of interfers with the gravity of the situation to see that photographer there chomping his gum :-|
:: Comment in the office re: Nancy "That a really classy lady"
:: T.S Elliot quote?
:: Props to Nancy in the speech for her strength and loyalty
:: "A man who appealed to our best hopes instead of our worst fears"
:: "he actually brought freedom to hundreds of thousands of people around the globe"
:: "an unparallelled leader and an exceptional man"
:: "it is our turn to thank Ronald Reagan for making us believe in that shining city"
:: "when others weakened, President Reagan stood tall"
:: "Knowing this moment would come has not made it any easier"
:: "his largeness of spirit"
:: I can't see a flag draped coffin without tears, because I know what it means.
:: The choir sings - wow! They are great.
:: The Reverend has an amazing voice
:: I can't begin to imagine how hard this is for Nancy to have to say good-bye to him over and over again, in public, all week. I hope she gathers some comfort in seeing how many people love him and want to show that love and respect.
:: Announcer debating the fact that Reagan ended the Cold War - idiot. Not only is he wrong, his timing is wrong as well.
:: Now discussing how much this funeral is costing the U.S. - bah!
:: All in all it was a ceremony befitting the man. I am glad he and Nancy decided to allow the full breadth of tribute.
Reagan Memorial
There will be a gathering at Republican Party headquarters Friday at 8:30 a.m. They will have the funeral broadcast on so we can all watch together.
Arizona Republican Party
3501 North 24th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
June 07, 2004
Unfortunate
As Mark Shea points out, the disease that took Ronald Reagan from us is one that is being used to push the cause of abortion for stem cell research. Despite the fact that stem cells can also be obtained in many other ways that don't involve killing children. I have a close family member in the last stages of that horrible disease, and I realize the odds are that I will also develop it.
I see nothing that would make the harvesting of babies acceptable - even if it meant a cure.
(Hat Tip to T.C.H.O.T.P.)
June 06, 2004
D-Day
Ronald Reagan's comments on the 40th anniversary of the Normandy invasion:
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love.There is more..go read it. Appropriate today as it was then, appropriate that the words came from the late Great Communicator.The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge--and pray God we have not lost it--that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
R.I.P. Cowboy
Words fail me, again, this was my President - the first one I ever voted for, the one who proved it was good and right to be proud of America, the one who told us the American dream was still alive we just had to be willing to go for it. He made a lasting impact, not just on the world but on individuals in all parts of it. There have been several times in my life I have cried when I thought of Ronald Reagan; when I realized how grateful I was that he came along and truly brought us "Morning in America", when I wish we had another leader like him, when I thought of what his family was going through losing him bit by bit....and now, when I see that the man is gone but he has left us such a legacy that I know his spirit remains.
Ronald Reagan won America's respect with his greatness, and won its love with his goodness. He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom. He leaves behind a nation he restored and a world he helped save.From President Bush's remarks on the passing of one of our greatest ever American leaders, transcript at MaroonBlog
Take the time to read the whole page, the place has turned into Reagan Central with many great posts and much information.
UPDATE: Some of Reagan's greatest speeches at GeorgeWBush.com.