My First Hero: Ronald Reagan

I grew up in the 1980's and wasn't old enough to vote for Ronald Reagan, although I remember having reverence for the President and my country.

The free people of the world were lucky to have Ronald Reagan for a leader. He was undoubtedly an extraordinary human being; a leader who was more of a servant. When he spoke I felt like he was talking to me directly. He made me feel safe when the biggest threat, at the time, was nuclear. He and Margaret Thatcher were my first personal heroes.

Ronald Reagan epitomized everything that it means to be a Conservative. He possessed and radiated optimism, class, decorum, morality and unquestionable kindness.

Ronald Reagan is undoubtedly one of the greatest Presidents to ever serve this country. I once read that he never removed his suit coat while working in the Oval Office; showing a sign of respect for the Presidency and the people.

I remember when members of the communist government in Poland were laughing that an actor, a so-called cowboy, became President of the United States. That cowboy destroyed communism, took their power, and gave it to Polish people.

In Ronald Reagan's famous "evil empire" speech to the 1983 annual conference of the National Association of Evangelicals, President Reagan quoted de Tocqueville, who said: "Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the greatness and the genius of America. America is good. And if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Ronald Reagan believed in the ideals in which this great country was founded: Freedom, liberty, limited government, individualism, progress, respect for human life - born and unborn, and a strong defense against those who would threaten that freedom. He was also a believer who never hesitated to speak of his great faith.

I genuinely loved Ronald Reagan and my dream (while he was President) was to someday attain a Navy commission as a registered nurse. I would have been greatly honored to have served and saluted him. I remember footage of him spending time with soldiers. They loved him and I don't doubt that the President loved them too because it showed - through actions as well as words.

This world seems a lonelier place without Ronald Reagan but that's because he helped make this world a safer, happier place. He is certainly remembered, and fondly at that.

Other Opinions
What's not to love about Reagan? My favorite thing about him was how firmly he stood up against communism and the Soviet Union. Living behind the Iron Curtain, knowing that somewhere someone was willing and able to engage the Soviets and demand their withdrawal from Eastern Europe was and continues to be the most humbling and comforting feeling. When he spoke, people listened. He was a sincere, God-fearing, good-hearted person looking out for his fellow man. He brought dignity and grace to Washington, and shone the light of freedom on communist-occupied nations. He gave me a second chance at life, and that's something I'll never forget.
- Martina

For me he was someone who refused to bow to political correctness, to partisan politics, to name calling. He said it like it was and did not let the media take control of the issues. He was a true patriot and American.
- Angie

Ronald Reagan Quotes
Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born.

All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.

I know in my heart that man is good.
That what is right will always eventually triumph.
And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.

Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.

The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.

If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.

In Israel, free men and women are every day demonstrating the power of courage and faith. Back in 1948 when Israel was founded, pundits claimed the new country could never survive. Today, no one questions that. Israel is a land of stability and democracy in a region of tryanny and unrest.

Protecting the rights of even the least individual among us is basically the only excuse the government has for even existing.

Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15.