Late a President of the United States

President Ronald Reagan: born 1911, served as President 1981-1989, died 2004.

I make no secret that I didn't like Reagan as President, even though I do admire the way he shifted from being the hardline cold warrior to being a man honest enough to find something hopeful in a man named Gorbachev. I also admire his fierce patriotism and the grace with which he conducted both his Presidency and his twilight years, and I mourn his passing on that basis.

For what it's worth -- being one voice in Blogistan -- I offer my condolences to his family, and I would also like to express my admiration for Nancy Reagan, whose unwavering position at his side is as fine an example of marital love as I can think of right now.