Bill's Notes

We've all heard by now that a great president and a great man, Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004), has died, some might say mercifully, of the Alzheimer's Disease from which he has suffered for many years. Reagan will be known for his love of America and his tough-minded optimism. And for leading the United States through the end game of the Cold War.

I recall how demoralized our country was after the disastrous Carter administration. Liberals were essentially lecturing us on why our selfishness was preventing any real progress. People forget that. Carter with his national malaise ... New York City just getting back on its feet ... there was too much hand-wringing from the Democrats. High unemployment, high inflation ...

Then Ronald Reagan came along, and proclaimed it "Morning in America." He then led the country to economic recovery, strength abroad and new confidence at home. The country was in much better shape after his terms of office than before. He was an optimistic man who helped Americans believe in their country again -- not someone who merely wrung his hands and fretted.

Thank God Reagan came along when he did to take charge. The world's a better place for his being here. Thank God for that, too.

God bless Ronald Reagan, and as Reagan liked to say, God bless the United States of America.

Goodbye, Mr. Reagan.