Post a thought or remembrance for Ronald Reagan
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As a democrat, I respect that he served as president - and served well - and have always felt badly that his last years were shrouded by such a hateful, horrible disease. I also never doubted that he fully believed in America and her promise. But what I remember is that he looked and sounded the scripted part of being 'a' president. I loathed his politics, loathed his administration and staff. I thought the Reagan years were hurtful, selfish and destructive. No, (Pres.) Carter wasn't a prize but neither was Reagan's years for a lot of people. But few can touch his wit - the "Honey I forgot to duck" will be engraved on my mind with a smile and a nod of gratitude. Rest in peace.
Cate, Waltham
I think that Ronald Reagan helped to shape the global economy and world as it is today. He truly was a great leader.
Gary, Newton
I find it sickening that there are people who would disparage the name of a president the day after he dies. Do you people have any respect for anything? Grow up.
Matt, Westford
As a democrat, I respect that he served as president - and served well - and have always felt badly that his last years were shrouded by such a hateful, horrible disease. I also never doubted that he fully believed in America and her promise. But what I remember is that he looked and sounded the scripted part of being 'a' president. I loathed his politics, loathed his administration and staff. I thought the Reagan years were hurtful, selfish and destructive. No, (Pres.) Carter wasn't a prize but neither was Reagan's years for a lot of people. But few can touch his wit - the "Honey I forgot to duck" will be engraved on my mind with a smile and a nod of gratitude. Rest in peace.
Cate, Waltham
Although, I was not a political supporter of President Reagan nor in agreement with much what he stood for, he did have a gift of knowing the pulse of the American people. My condolences to Mrs. Reagan and her family.
John, Medford
He helped destroy parts of Central America, and kick-started the maniacal and deadly race to militarize space. He should have stayed an actor instead of becoming another in a line of destructive presidents.
Martin
Ronald Reagan was a mediocre President at best. Most certainly the worst President in my lifetime (I'm 35). While he did have the polished personality, and came across as a great communicator, both Republicans & Democrats alike agree that he lacked leadership skills and set the country back many years. Popular nicknames for him, such as "The Eight Year Embarrassment" I don't think are justified especially since his health and memory began to decline starting in 1984. Other Presidents, like Nixon (despite Watergate) and Clinton (despite Monica) will go down as much greater leaders in our history. Still, Reagan seemed like a genuinely kind person, and for that he should be respected. Rest in peace.
Chappy, Watertown, MA
I skipped class one evening in 1976 to attend a rally in Ft Lauderdale Florida to hear a speech by Gov Ronald Reagan who was seeking to win the Republican Nomination for President over the sitting President Gerald Ford. I sat with the members of the media covering the event along side Frank Reynolds of ABC News who would become a Reagan favorite. The Secret Servicemen came over to me to ask that I leave the general area , but to my luck a CBS cameraman gave me a film canister to pass along to a crew member , seeing this I was allowed to stay where I was. Governor and Mrs Reagan walked in beside me to my total shock. The highlight of the speech was directed at Cuba and Castro. But the real highlight was the spectators ( The People's Bi-Centennial Committee) that yelled in protect during the speech which nobody seemed to understand. The yelling finally got the attention of Governor Reagan...who had had enough....He yelled back..." You have been following me throughout this campaign and have screamed at me at every stop...what do you have to say ? Will one of you come up here right now and debate me on the subject that seems to be on your mind..will someone come up?...." (nobody came forward ) Reagan then waited a few seconds...and said....." Then SHUT UP " Classic Reagan.....Many say he acted his way through his Presidency...he might have.....he did it with dignity....class.....respect.....humor...and leadership...RIP
Bill, Waltham
Victor writes that Reagan's policies contributed to the "stupid America we live in today." Perhaps Victor would prefer to live in the "enlightened" times of Jimmy Carter (21% interest rates, stagflation, fear of our own shadow, etc.) There's an old saying that goes something like this: "Of the dead, speak only well." It would be nice if people like Victor could pretend like they have some class over the next 3 or 4 days, and refrain from partisan attacks, at least before President Reagan is actually buried in the ground. Once he's buried, the Hate-Bush crowd can have a big latte, and go back to lamenting how America has become "selfish, dogmatic, myopic, and stupid". Yeah, Victor, Reagan was stupid. Stupid like a fox. Rest In Peace, Gipper.
Neil, Boston
I laughed out loud at the person who stated he'll never compare to clinton. Thank God for that! Reagan will be remembered as a class act. We all know what clinton will be remembered for. No comparison!!
Patty, norwood
