Ronald Reagen has died at age 93.

[AslanC]

As someone who was not a fan of the Reagen era at all, it is a sad thing when someone dies, he may have been many things, but he wasn't a monster.

[calguard66]

Originally posted by Ergi
This is by far the most offensive post I have ever read since joining this community. Shame on you!

Well, it wasn't put in a very tactful manner but I think I understand what he was trying to say. In a way I'm sure it was a relief to him and his family that he was finally able to pass on to his reward.

President Reagan, in my opinion, is one of the greatest men of the century.

[Karg]

RIP Mr. President

[Sarge]

Sad to say, I don't think we'll see his like again for a long time.

[Evan van Eyk]

So what was so special about him? This is not intended as a political discussion but a curious question what is it what you like about Mr. Reagen as President. I have to admit I do not know much, and what I do know I regard not as very good, but since the sources are maybe biased, I would be really interested to hear why you think he was a good President. Thanks

[Kaiddin]

Ronald Reagan won the Republican Presidential nomination in 1980 and chose as his running mate former Texas Congressman and United Nations Ambassador George Bush. Voters troubled by inflation and by the year-long confinement of Americans in Iran swept the Republican ticket into office. Reagan won 489 electoral votes to 49 for President Jimmy Carter.

Dealing skillfully with Congress, Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen national defense. He embarked upon a course of cutting taxes and Government expenditures, refusing to deviate from it when the strengthening of defense forces led to a large deficit.

A renewal of national self-confidence by 1984 helped Reagan and Bush win a second term with an unprecedented number of electoral votes. Their victory turned away Democratic challengers Walter F. Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.

In 1986 Reagan obtained an overhaul of the income tax code, which eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. At the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression.

In foreign policy, Reagan sought to achieve "peace through strength." During his two terms he increased defense spending 35 percent, but sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union. In dramatic meetings with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, he negotiated a treaty that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Reagan declared war against international terrorism, sending American bombers against Libya after evidence came out that Libya was involved in an attack on American soldiers in a West Berlin nightclub.

By ordering naval escorts in the Persian Gulf, he maintained the free flow of oil during the Iran-Iraq war. In keeping with the Reagan Doctrine, he gave support to anti-Communist insurgencies in Central America, Asia, and Africa.

Overall, the Reagan years saw a restoration of prosperity, and the goal of peace through strength seemed to be within grasp.

Source

Of course there are those unwiling to credit Reagan with the restoration of prosperity the US enjoyed after the economic down turn of the '80s.

[AslanC]

Um question... just being devil's advocate here, but how is it fair that anyone can post praise of Reagen but if someone were to post non-praise to counter it, it would become a political disscussion?

Wouldn't it be better just to post that you admired him (without the why of it) or simply pass on your condolences?

Just seeking a balance of fair and non-political.

[Kaiddin]

Originally posted by AslanC
Um question... just being devil's advocate here, but how is it fair that anyone can post praise of Reagen but if someone were to post non-praise to counter it, it would become a political disscussion?

Wouldn't it be better just to post that you admired him (without the why of it) or simply pass on your condolences?

Just seeking a balance of fair and non-political.

Probably.... But he did ask why.

[Kaiddin]

My previous post concerning Reagan was simply from his biography page. If biographies are too political then this forum has gone beyond the pale.

My last statement, in my opinion, only becomes political with the addition of the smilie. Otherwise it is simply a statement that the biography has some critics. No political discussion was intended just explaining to another poster why some people see Reagan as special.

[AslanC]

Originally posted by Kaiddin
Probably.... But he did ask why.

Again soley acting as Devil's advocate... So you are a member of a sacred order who MUST answer all questions put to them? Sorry felt levity was the way to go.

Not trying to start an arguement, but you could have sent him a PM with the answer to his question, or pointed him to a webpage, or even not answered.

Many people have strong feelings about Reagan and the Reagan years (Reaganomics, etc...) on both sides (Pro and Con).

Seems to me that we would want to keep the lid on this jar of bees as long as possible.

[AslanC]

Originally posted by Kaiddin
My previous post concerning Reagan was simply from his biography page. If biographies are too political then this forum has gone beyond the pale.

My last statement, in my opinion, only becomes political with the addition of the smilie. Otherwise it is simply a statement that the biography has some critics. No political discussion was intended just explaining to another poster why some people see Reagan as special.

Read what I said. I did not accuse you of being political, but inviting a politcal discussion by someone possibly wanting to reply to your posting of the bio (which is from the White House, who don't as policy put the short comings of their presidents in when they can avoid it).

[REG]

Gentlebeings,

Now is not the time to debate the late President's performance during the 80's. What's done is done.

Whether you're a liberal or a conservative, whether you disagree with or support his administration's policy of that decade, one cannot deny that what he did while in that Office of the United States Presidency, he acted on the belief that he is serving his country and her citizens to the best of his abilities.

And that is worthy of my respect, even as a liberal (with a conservative lean).

[Grimace]

Hear, Hear REG!

When someone asks why people liked him, it is polite to respond. That person suggested that he knew that people did not like him, therefore he did not need an alternate viewpoint to his question, as he already possessed it.

Why can't people let a "offer condolensces" thread remain as such without devolving into a political slam-fest? Just putting in the if-you-do-it-why-can't-I bit seems silly and rather petty concerning the topic is about his death.

If you don't like him, fine. Tell people about it when others ASK for why you don't like him. If you do like him, fine. So far, in this thread, people have only offered positives when ASKED about it. Everyone else has the tact to keep this from turning into political diatribe, why don't we keep it that way.....please.

Not only is it a sad day now that Reagan is gone, but it's a sad day when people try to rebut everything nice said about a man who's now passed on.

[AslanC]

Originally posted by Grimace
Why can't people let a "offer condolensces" thread remain as such without devolving into a political slam-fest? Just putting in the if-you-do-it-why-can't-I bit seems silly and rather petty concerning the topic is about his death.

With all due respect, I did no such thing and frankly find it offensive that it is being insinuated that I did.

All I said was that it seems unfair to post praise on a controversial figure is acceptable, but if someone were to post a counter to it (sine not everyone thinks Reagan was great) it would be considered political.

How is that a "slam-fest"?

How is raising a concern about an issue "silly and rather petty"?

Frankly I couldn't care less whether people do or do not like the man, that is why I pointed it out by playing "devil's advocate".

Frankly I am sorry the man is dead, as he died of the same thing that took my grandfather and grandmother and I know how miserable and demeaning a disease it is. It crushed my family twice in 10 years, and no one shoud have to go through that, and my upmost sympathies to those who do.

So take your judgement of me and file where ever you file thin skinned reactions. I have no need of it.

Oh and Kaiddin, for the record I wasn't trying to slam you. I have no problem with anything you said.

[REG]

Kaiddan.

AslanC.

Let it go.

Swallow your prides.

Take a deep breath.

Just honor the good things about him.

If you can't think of anything good, then honor him for having lived a full life.