(Who wouldn’t like this guy who always appeared affable? Then, too, he seemed to really like being President. Was it just an act?)
OK, I admit it: I was confused. Months ago I was in a supermarket and there before me, in the display rack (along with People magazine and the Enquirer) a news magazine cover screamed out the caption: “Reagan at 100,” and I must say: For a moment, I was perplexed, even commented to my companion: “Didn’t Reagan die?”
Maybe it’s because I’m older but when I hear reference to former famous people (actors, actresses, politicians) who used to occupy front pages of tabloids, I wonder “Are they still alive?” I know I’m not alone because there’s a specific website designated to answering just that question. It stands to reason we’d want one of those reference sites: The longer one lives, the greater the likelihood others have predeceased.
But, of course, I knew that Reagan had died.
This obvious ploy at sucking up interest via a title (and it worked) reminded me of all those alleged Elvis sightings where people were sure they saw the King of Rock. Oh, he didn’t die of a drug overdose. That was merely a rich rumor circulated by those wishing to stop the endless speculation. Some naïve followers truly believed he was closeted away somewhere, for the truth was too harsh. They simply couldn’t accept that he’d exited this world.
That same phenomenon happens with Ronald Reagan. His followers exhort his principles and have even coined an economics plan based on his beliefs–Reagonomics. In death, the man’s become an even larger presence, and I think I know why.
Ronald Reagan was a man certain of his stance on things. He had that deep-seated belief that each of us would respond to a higher power–if only given the opportunity. That’s why he fervently believed in the trickle-down theory (Let the rich keep more of their money in the belief they’ll pump it back into the system as they expand their businesses, hire more people, etc.)
He might have based his belief system on philanthropic actions of those captains of industry (the Carnegies, the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts ) of the early 20th. century who did that very thing. Yes, they ripped into their competitors, reducing them to rubble, but in an era of negligible taxation (it’s why the rich owned palatial residences like those in Newport, RI), many of them did improve their world. In that instance, they contributed vast sums to colleges, libraries, and hospitals.
So it’s understandable, as with the legions of Elvis supporters, that Reagan has his inveterate diehards (pun intended.)
But today, most of the mega-rich appear far less interested in improving the lot of their fellows as they do in plumping their own fortunes. That’s why they’ve ceased doing business in America. Former jobs have gone overseas and outsourcing has become the rule, rather than the exception.
They’re ruled by their profit margins… not what’s best for America (and maybe that was one and the same in an earlier era.)
After all, there are none of the troubles there that trip them up here: Unions are non-existent; minimum wage is a non-entity; workers are just happy for the work and don’t demand benefits.
Was Ronald Reagan a good man? Yes, I believe so, for he fervently believed in his heart that people were good souls, sometimes trapped in difficult situations. That’s why he challenged the Russian Premier to “Take down that wall (the one dividing East and West Berlin,) Mr. Grobachev.”
And that’s probably why Gorbachev complied. He, too, fell under the Reagan sway.
I believe Ronald Reagan was that rare individual who comes along and taps into an almost universal consciousness. But, contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t the exception: Many of our finest leaders have successfully challenged others to follow a higher purpose (John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King).
He never vacillated but remained resolute in his belief that given the opportunity, others will rise to a higher plane and do the right thing. What was his finest “performance”? The Presidency. He gave us all an unflappable leader who never veered from his guiding principles. In retrospect, why would he? Those same principles guided him as he worked his way through college, then propelled him into movie stardom, and finally resulted in his becoming leader of the Free World.
“Rest in peace, President Reagan.”
P.S. As an aside, I seldom speak politics here on the Biddy Bytes site (because I talk “encouragement,”) but that doesn’t keep me from honoring a man I believe had admirable qualities (even if I disagreed with his politics.)
(Now, here’s the site where you can find out if a famous person is dead or alive..but remember–it only tells about ‘famous’ people. If you get on the list in the future, it’ll be because you’ve carved a considerable niche in the world.):
I believe it is just plain manners, civility, to remain polite at all times when disagreeing. I do not care what people say and I like when it is different than my point of view, because it sparks dialogue. But being mean spirited is never right. I will always defend Biddy because Biddy speaks in a very civil way ALWAYS!! She also listens to every point of view with an open mind. So Biddy, proceed….to the next blog.
We should give credit where credit is due. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t give praise to those who deserve it..like Ronald Reagan, JFK, and Bill Clinton, even if he had that one incident that tarnished his image.
I’m still looking for my name to pop up on that list of folks who did praise-worthy things but I don’t want to be on the “Is he Dead or Alive list”?
If I’m not mistaken, you were on that “Dead” list if only briefly but fortunately, doctors brought you back to life with the paddles (following your accident.) It’s just that as of this posting, you’re not famous and you’re alive, too.
So on both counts, you don’t qualify–and I’m glad that’s the case.
Colleen ever the bleeding heart libral. How can you even think of saying Ronald Reagan and John Kennedy in the same breath? Kennedy was….. no I won’t say it.
Anyway as they say in Cranston, How you doin?
Just interested–How can you call me “ever the bleeding heart liberal” if I’m willing to give the MAN, Ronald Reagan, his due? In other words, I like to think I’m an equal-opportunity praiser, for I give credit where credit is due. Kennedy had a way of inspiring others (the Peace Corps, civil rights) and Ronald Reagan shared that attribute in the way I’ve written.
I leave their real political legacy to others, for I like to think I’m unimpressed with political rhetoric (just confused.)
And I’m happy to “hear” you on my site…Welcome.
Jane, you have broken the first rule of commenting on biddy, there are no slings and arrows, or name calling. I have read Biddy from the time it started and I enjoy reading the comments written, I am sure, by a diverse group of people. I have never read a comment that was offensive until I read yours to Colleen. Many readers have their opinions, some opposite to Biddy, but Biddy’s response is always polite, and welcoming, never any other way. You have a right to your opinion, but I would say next time you write in, the rest of us want to read something that does not call Colleen a name. Just my opinion…..this is a blog of encouragement.
Woah, free forum, folks…
The only rule on Biddy is no swearing and no trash talk, otherwise it really won’t be a “blog of encouragement.” Everything else is “fair game”… even if I’m the target of the zingers. So, take out the arrows, if you feel the need; Biddy will weather and she realizes too that politics brings out strong feelings in otherwise calm people.
But “Thank you,” BT, for your defense of Biddy.