reagan passed away :(
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
From: los angeles
It's 1:42 a.m. and I just saw on a live broadcast that the public is paying their visits past Reagan's coffin through the night. It's late and I'm exhausted, but it's 20 minutes from here and I don't see how I can pass up the opportunity to go there in person tonight. 
I'll keep those of you who have expressed admiration for the man in mind when I'm there, and I'll post again here when I get back later this morning.
Edit:
Ok, I just found out that even in the middle of the night, it's a 5 hour wait to take the offramp from the 118 freeway and another 2 hours to get a bus to the library. So far over 60,000 people have gone to visit since yesterday morning. I'm going to try to go for it if I can keep my eyes open.
I'll keep those of you who have expressed admiration for the man in mind when I'm there, and I'll post again here when I get back later this morning.
Edit:
Ok, I just found out that even in the middle of the night, it's a 5 hour wait to take the offramp from the 118 freeway and another 2 hours to get a bus to the library. So far over 60,000 people have gone to visit since yesterday morning. I'm going to try to go for it if I can keep my eyes open.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
From: North Canton
Originally posted by Officer_down
Who was Regan and what was so great about him?
Btw, Clinton was the greatest president ever; much greater than Washington, Lincoln, or you name it.
Who was Regan and what was so great about him?
Btw, Clinton was the greatest president ever; much greater than Washington, Lincoln, or you name it.
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
From: los angeles
I finally got back home from my visit to pay respects to Reagan. What a powerful, moving experience. Thousands and thousands and thousands of people (mostly Californians) showed up in the middle of the night just to wait 9 hours in line for a few personal moments of tribute to Reagan. Over the hours, I became friends with those in line around me. We talked together about anything to keep ourselves awake. Good people. Truly decent folks. Better than many here in Southern California.
For example, a woman simply mentioned she was a Diabetic, and a nearby woman gave her the only food she had brought with her. Next, it was the really nice kid who made constant trips carrying as many glasses of water as he could a half mile or so each way to distribute them to nearby strangers. This was the kind of spirit that Ronald Reagan inspired in most Americans, and his optimism and integrity once again brought out the best in us. I saw no "cutting" in line or other selfish acts going on down there, despite the long wait and the hoards of people.
I just can't describe the warm feeling that radiated from the place, and the love that everyone expressed for this man. Favorite quotes and anecdotes bounced back and forth for hours upon hours.
When we finally entered the room where he lay, the rumble of the crowd fell to perfect silence. 4 or 5 soldiers stood at attention around the coffin. It was intense. I truly felt that I was in the presence of a great man. A man whose strategy and negotiating prowess helped to break the Soviet Union and end the cold war, while forging a friendship with the Russian people. A man who put an end to the constant nightmare of a possible nuclear attack from the Soviets. A man whose decency inspired most of us. A man who was re-elected to a 2nd term by carrying 49 of the 50 states in defeating Democrat Walter Mondale. I honestly had goosebumps.
For example, a woman simply mentioned she was a Diabetic, and a nearby woman gave her the only food she had brought with her. Next, it was the really nice kid who made constant trips carrying as many glasses of water as he could a half mile or so each way to distribute them to nearby strangers. This was the kind of spirit that Ronald Reagan inspired in most Americans, and his optimism and integrity once again brought out the best in us. I saw no "cutting" in line or other selfish acts going on down there, despite the long wait and the hoards of people.
I just can't describe the warm feeling that radiated from the place, and the love that everyone expressed for this man. Favorite quotes and anecdotes bounced back and forth for hours upon hours.
When we finally entered the room where he lay, the rumble of the crowd fell to perfect silence. 4 or 5 soldiers stood at attention around the coffin. It was intense. I truly felt that I was in the presence of a great man. A man whose strategy and negotiating prowess helped to break the Soviet Union and end the cold war, while forging a friendship with the Russian people. A man who put an end to the constant nightmare of a possible nuclear attack from the Soviets. A man whose decency inspired most of us. A man who was re-elected to a 2nd term by carrying 49 of the 50 states in defeating Democrat Walter Mondale. I honestly had goosebumps.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 48,203
Likes: 10
From: Lewisville, TX
Thank you, MagicDave.
Sometimes when I drive I-95 just south of DC, I wonder what happened to the decency that showed itself after the attacks of September 11. It truly is powerful when folks share a common goal or thought, shunning their own interests.
Sometimes when I drive I-95 just south of DC, I wonder what happened to the decency that showed itself after the attacks of September 11. It truly is powerful when folks share a common goal or thought, shunning their own interests.
