A Word from the Wise

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.

--Ronald Reagan

Reagan Gets Statue

Today, the new bronze statue of Ronald Reagan was unveiled in the Capitol building while Nancy looked on. The last time she had been in the rotunda was five years ago when Dutch's casket was lying in state.

The sculptor, Chas Fagan, made sure he made it a fitting tribute to the late president. The top edge of the statue is laced with fragments from the Berlin Wall. On the back of the statue is a quote from Ronnie:

"America's best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements just ahead."

The ceremony was also attended by Nancy "I was misled" Pelosi (D-CA), present Speaker of the House. She helped Mrs. Reagan to her feet and later helped escort her off the stage. I guess she wasn't about to have the other Nancy steal the spotlight.

What an awesome way to pay tribute to the man who inspired a whole block of nations to forgo Communism and opt for freedom. This is something I hope to one day show my children and tell them what a great man Ronald Reagan was. His legacy changed the world.

Dutch Gets His Due

I just watched Fox News as President Obamarx signed into law a bill to commemorate the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan. With Nancy by his side, Barry signed the bill and gave her a pen. How sweet of him (:-P). She was probably holding out for an ipod.

I was in junior high when Ronald Reagan was elected to his first term. Not really being interested in politics or history at the time, I shrugged it off like most teenagers do. It wasn't until my adult years that I realized just how truly great this man was.

The first true memory of his presidency that I have is on Inauguration Day. The Iranian hostages were being flown home, and the school was buzzing about it. We had prayed for their safe return for 444 agonizing days. But I still didn't realize greatness.

I went on through the first term listening to Duran Duran, wearing leg warmers, and rooting for a mediocre Steeler team. My mom was raising my brother and I on her own after her marriage fell apart, so money was tight. We didn't entertain the notion of life as being anything but good. Our worst fear was the Russians launching a nuke after watching "The Day After". I played The Police on my cutting-edge Walkman, and we were happy.

The second term started when I was in my first semester of college. Just to be a rebel, I voted for Mondale. I started experimenting with my new freedom and adulthood. I wish at that time I had realized Reagan's greatness. Not until I sat a few years later when Dutch was no longer in office, as I sat crying and watching the Berlin Wall come down, did I get an inkling about greatness. Still, I ignored it.

I went on through life a Democrat (yes, you read that right). Rich people bad, blah, blah, blah. This continued through my first marriage and birth of my own Limbaugh baby. Life was tough, but not so bad until my marriage dissolved. Young (21) and now alone to care for a baby, I still didn't realize greatness. I voted for Clinton on his first term (OMG! I can't believe I did that!), and life was ok. Then I met my present husband and things started to change.

Two years after we met is about the time I started to realize that conservative views made more sense to me. I started thinking about what kind of country I wanted for my children. I became more informed in my voting and the issues. This all led me to where I am today: happy.

My husband and my younger son both share Dutch's birthday. Fate? Coincidence? Divine intervention? Who knows? I've got a great son who is entering his senior year of college, a son who is your all-American teenage kid with a handsome smile and a zest for life, and a daughter who, at the age of 8, can't get past her inner diva but is truly happy in her life. My husband and I have been married for 15 years (together for almost 19), and while we've had our highs and lows, we still love each other. Looking back, I realize greatness.

Thank you, Dutch. This is long overdue.