Ronald Reagan - RIP

This morning I spent in lazy contemplation of the various offerings on the Saturday morning lineup offered by the fine people at Direct TV. Unfortunately, my idyll took a severe downward swing with the news that Ronald Reagan, our 40th President, died today at the age of 93 after battling Alzheimer's for 10 years.

He was the president that inspired me to take an interest in politics, drawing me out of self-absorbed youth, into a passionate endorsement of this great nation. I admired Ronald Reagan and I think he made some great contributions to our country, one of which was the resurgence of patriotism. How could you not feel proud when you hear a speech like this?

"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." — On 40th anniversary of Normandy invasion, June 6, 1984.

On the eve of the anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, he lost his own battle, the battle for life.

Alzheimer's is a very cruel disease, but I never really realized how much so until I read Nancy Reagan's book "I Love You, Ronnie" ... a very touching tribute to the man she loved. Here's an excerpt:

"If I ache, it's because we are apart and yet that can't be because you are inside and a part of me, so we really aren't apart at all. Yet I ache but wouldn't be without the ache, because that would mean being without you and that I can't be because I love you." — 1963 letter to his wife, Nancy, quoted in 2000 book "I Love You, Ronnie."

Ronald Reagan was a powerful man in a serious position, yet he retained his sense of self and his endearingly humble humility, as well as his sense of humor, as he demonstrated here:

"My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes." — Joke while testing microphone, Aug. 11, 1984

and here:

"Honey, I forgot to duck." — To Nancy Reagan in the emergency room after he was shot by a would-be assassin, March 30, 1981.

I'm very sorry to hear that he's gone, however, I can't help but feel it's for the best ... how agonizing for both Ronald and Nancy, neither recognizing the person who they loved so devotedly.

Rest In Peace, Ronald Reagan.