President Ronald Reagan passed away today at 93. I consider him to have been one of America's greatest presidents.
I was in my 20's during the Nixon, Ford and Carter decade of the 70s; virtually the entire decade was one of American self-doubt that culminated in the malaise of the Carter years of the oil embargo, hostages, and crippling economic inflation. America seemed to have lost it's way and did not know how to become healthy again. No younger generation of today can fully appreciate the lack of vigor that pervaded those years.
Ronald Reagan brought a renewal to America with his optimism, spirit, and conservative policies that energized the economy and faced the challenges of the world with new firm resolve. He stood on principles of freedom and a strong belief in the ability of the individual to best manage their lives. He did not bend to polls, but stood firm on his principles.
America renewed and had a huge economic rebirth; the spirit of Americans lifted and became empowered again towards a brighter future; the spirit of freedom began to enflame places like Poland and within years of leaving office the Berlin Wall, and Communism fell. All can be traced to Reagan's policies and force of leadership.
Personally, I was drawn to Conservative principles in my college years during a time when the country was protesting Vietnam and the Nixon administration. William F. Buckley, Jr. was my first major Conservative influence. Ronald Reagan fulfilled the conservative vision with honor and effectiveness and created many 'Reagan conservatives' for a new generation.
Rest in peace, Ronald Reagan. Thank you for your service.
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