05 June 2004

by Anai Rhoads

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AnaiRhoads.org - Former United States President Ronald Reagan passed away at the age of 93 Saturday in Los Angeles, California.

Reagan chimed in as the 40th president and remained the oldest living U.S. president in history. Upon news of his death, he was remembered by family, along with both friend and foe.

Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill. - "A giant left us today. Ronald Reagan had a sense of principles he believed in, and no amount of polling data or press could cause him to alter these principles. He was a great patriot, a great optimist and one of the greatest Presidents in our history. We should thank God for letting us have him as long as we did."

Former presidential candidate Gary Bauer, who served all 8 years of the Ronald Reagan Administration - "History will record that Ronald Reagan's clear vision of what was at stake in the cold war lead to the unraveling of the Soviet Union and the triumph of liberty. He transformed the Republican Party, making it a voice for the values of hearth and home. His insistence that the American people were over taxed led to the biggest decline in marginal tax rates in the history of the country and the revival of economic growth, the effects of which echo even today. I will forever by honoured by the opportunity to serve him."

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich - "President Reagan's optimistic cheerful persistence, hard work, willingness to learn, and the courage to live out his dream, carried him through a career as a movie star and into the role of national spokesman for the Goldwater Presidential campaign in 1964 to eight years as a dynamic reform Governor of our largest state and then into a six year campaign for the Presidency which culminated in the greatest conservative victory in two generations.

"All free people stand on Reagan's shoulders. His principled policies proved that free markets create wealth, that the rule of law sustains freedom, and that all people everywhere deserve the right to dream, to pursue their dreams, and to govern themselves."

RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie - "Ronald Reagan was a President of great historic impact who led the United States with strength and conviction, and the positive impact of his policies is still felt today here and around the world. More than two decades after he was first elected President, the Republican Party still bears his imprint. Because Ronald Reagan lived, people across the globe live in greater freedom and prosperity."

Sen. John Kerry - "Ronald Reagan's love of country was infectious. Even when he was breaking Democrats hearts, he did so with a smile and in the spirit of honest and open debate. Despite the disagreements, he lived by that noble ideal that at 5 pm we weren't Democrats or Republicans, we were Americans and friends. President Reagan and Tip O'Neill fought hard and honourably on many issues, and sat down together to happily swap jokes and the stories of their lives. The differences were real, but because of the way President Reagan led, he taught us that there is a big difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship."

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson - "Ronald Reagan was a great president and an even better man who inspired, led and brought optimism back to our great nation -- all with honour, humility and humanity. He was always a gentleman who dedicated his life to freedom and liberty in every corner of the globe. My family and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of a hero and a leader. This is a sad day for our nation and freedom-loving people everywhere."

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) - "Ronald Reagan marshaled free men everywhere to their victory over communist oppression. He led America out of weakness and malaise to heights of strength and prosperity never before witnessed by any nation in history."

An attempted assassination on Reagan back on 30 March 1981, left former White House press secretary James Brady partially paralysed. The Brady bill became helped enforce a federal ban on assault weapons. The bill is awaiting renewal in the next 90 days by Bush.

John Hinckley, Jr. fired six times in Reagan's direction. One of the bullets missed his heart by a mere inch. It wasn't until much later that the public knew how close Reagan came to dying.

Reagan's most memorable quote came by accident in 1984 when he said, "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," into a live microphone.

Late 1986, Attorney General Edwin Meese announced that over $30 million received from the secret sale of arms to Iran by Reagan had been transferred to U.S.-supported Contras fighting the Nicaraguan government.

On 12 June 1987 Reagan stood before the Berlin Wall and delivered his now infamous speech at the Brandenburg Gate which helped reform East Germany. By 09 November 1989, Reagan's plea to Gorbachev, "tear down this wall," became a welcoming reality.

Reagan is survived by his two sons, daughter, and wife, Nancy.

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