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As the sun rose on a week of national mourning, readers responded with anecdotes, grief and criticism over the life and career of Ronald Reagan, the subject of our June 14 Commemorative Edition. Speaking for multitudes, a reader wrote, "Few in the public eye have commanded this level of respect and admiration. Americans, whether they agreed with him or not, respected him." Another added, "He liberated millions without basic freedoms and leaves a grateful world and nation." A woman from a family of 10 put it simply: "Reagan cut taxes for me, and because of him I was able to better my life." Looking beyond the effusive eulogies, one, citing the increased national debt, homelessness and Iran-contra, noted, "The death of the Teflon president is apparently being covered by national media with Teflon memories." A professor added, "It is more that Reagan was at the right place at the right time than [his making] things right."
Hail and Farewell to the Chief
Ronald Reagan was my hero ("American Dreamer," June 14). He was that rare man who possessed a deep humanity and kindness; an unerring intelligence that allowed him to see into the core of issues and problems, extract their true nature and extrapolate the "right" solutions; a strength of character to withstand withering criticism and stand firm by the principles and positions that he believed to be correct, and a sense of humor and optimism that made the burdens of the world easier for all to bear. But--and this is what separated him from most simply "good" men--he was also an avatar of human dignity, justice and, most important, the God-given right of people...
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