Remembered... Feb. 6, 1911-Tampico, Illinois: It occurred in a small flat above Tampico’s only bank on Main Street: Ronald Reagan
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, he attended Eureka College, Illinois, where he was student body president, captain of the swim team, a member the football team, and lead actor in a number of theatrical productions. After graduation, he worked briefly as a broadcaster for an Iowa radio station before moving to Hollywood in 1937 to pursue an acting career.
Over the next twenty-five years, he had a successful but not particularly distinguished acting career, appearing in more than fifty films. For most of his early career, he declared himself a faithful Democrat. Sadly enough, in 1962, he switched to the Republican party, rationales he consistently avoided to give to the news media and the American public.
His political stardom’s roots began sprouting in 1964 when he delivered a stirring speech in support of Barry Goldwater at the Republican National Convention. Two years later, he was elected Governor of California, serving two terms (1967-74). He went on to become the 40th president of the United States, serving two terms (1981-89) and, sadly enough, spearheading a conservative revolution in American politics.
1994: Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He vigorously fought it for 10 years under the constant care of his wife Nancy. Ronald Reagan died June 5, 2004 at age 93..
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President Ronald Reagan’s oratorical skills, were supreme. His mastery of both the written and spoken word was paralleled by many to that of John F. Kennedy. Known as "The Great Communicator," Reagan delivered many powerful and poignant lines, many sprinkled with humor, in his career:
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." -- 1987 at Brandendburg Gate in West Berlin
"I hope you're all Republicans." -- to surgeons as he entered the ER after the 1981 assassination attempt. Dr. Joseph Giordano, the Chief ER Surgeon humorously replied, "We're all Republicans, Mr. President, – at least for now.”
"The Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican."
"I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting."
"I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." -- 1984 debate with Walter Mondale, who later acknowledged that the remark may have been the turning point in Reagan’s favor in the presidential election.
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help'." "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." "Politics is just like show business: You have a heckuva of an opening, coast for awhile, and then have a hechuva close."
"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it."
WJK's comment: Rest in peace, Mr. Reagan. Although you were a Republican, your impact upon the nation and its subsequent respect and admiration you achieved from most Americans will be eternal.
WJK-Feb. 6, 2011
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was born. Legend has it: “He looks like a fat little Dutchman, his father, John, said, “but who knows, he may grow up to be President some day.” 
