Ronald Reagan 1911 - 2004
By lefty
Ronald Wilson Reagan, a former film star who became America's 40th president, the oldest to enter the White House but imbued with a youthful optimism rooted in the traditional virtues of a bygone era, died yesterday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 93. — New York Times
Below are some words from his politial friends and foes:
"It's a sad day for America. A great American life has come to an end. 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." — President George Bush
"He was the voice of America in good times and in grief. When we lost the brave astronauts in the Challenger tragedy, he reminded us that nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. Now, his own journey has ended, a long and storied trip that spanned most of the American century and shaped one of the greatest victories of freedom." — Sen. John Kerry
"Hillary and I will always remember President Ronald Reagan for the way he personified the indomitable optimism of the American people, and for keeping America at the forefront of the fight for freedom for people everywhere. It is fitting that a piece of the Berlin Wall adorns the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington." — Former President Bill Clinton
"We'd been political opponents and we became very close friends. And every Wednesday we'd have lunch alone together. And I'll never forget those lunches. There was no agenda, he didn't ask you to define different problems. It was just two people talking. He was never mean-spirited and so he set a great example." — Former President George H. W. Bush
"One of my closest political and dearest personal friends. A truly great American hero." — Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Britain
"It is easy to see how profoundly President Reagan changed the world. He made it safer, more free and gave hope and opportunity to millions." — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
