Walking in the Valley A weekly column for those who live and walk in Silicon Valley by Barbara Dahlgren

Reagan Remembered Column for the week of June 6-11, 2004

archives |

printer-friendly version

"A great American life has come to an end,” said President Bush regarding the recent death of former President Ronald Reagan. “His work is done. And now a shining city awaits him.”

Indeed, Ronald Reagan, 40th president of the United States, was one of the most popular and beloved presidents we have ever seen. Did he make mistakes? Sure. Show me someone considered a great American who hasn’t. But Reagan wasn’t just popular, he was loved.

Just why did Americans have a special affection for this man? Possibly his life contained elements people identified with and/or admired. Let’s see....

People relish it when a poor boy from the heartland makes good. He was born in a small town in Illinois. Dad was a salesman who loved to tell a good story. Mom always tried to find the good in people. They were poor. He won an athletic scholarship for college and paid his bills by washing dishes. After college he worked as a radio announcer and ended up in California.

People enjoy the movies. A friend introduced him to a Hollywood agent, who got him a screen test. He became a leading man in B-movies like Dark Victory, Cattle Queen of Montana, Knute Rockne, and King’s Row, his personal favorite. And who could forget Bedtime for Bonzo, a theatrical credit that would follow him forever?

People look to T V personalities. Reagan went from the big screen to the small one, each week hosting General Electric Theater and later Death Valley Days. Not only did he host the GE Theater but he traveled the country as a spokesman for the company. This is where he developed his speaking ability. In fact, at that time, he was one of the most sought after speakers in the U.S., second only to Eisenhower.

People respect someone who’s not afraid to get involved. Reagan was president of the Screen Actors’ Guild five times, which peaked his interest in politics. Becoming knowledgeable about the inner workings of a union prepared him for government work later on. Recalling those beneficial experiences served him well when he became the first actor elected governor of California.

People cherish a love story. No one doubted the devotion Nancy and Ronald Reagan held for each other. Ronald’s first wife, Jane Wyman, divorced him in 1948. Some speculate his growing interest in union politics was a contributing factor. Whatever the reason, he and Nancy wed in 1950. They had a 52-year marriage filled with love and devotion. Nancy gave up her acting career later saying, “My life really began when I married my husband.” Some insight to their relationship can be found in the book, I Love You, Ronnie: The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan.

People are mesmerized by charisma. Ronald Reagan had it. The media loved him. That alone was quite a feat. He basically charmed a nation. Many may not have agreed with everything he did or said but they found it hard not to like him.

People identify with others having problems with their children. It makes them feel like they aren’t the only ones. Three of the four Reagan children (Ron had two with Jane, two with Nancy) penned books that didn’t paint highly favorable pictures of the family. The family dynamic is very fragile.

People favor someone they think is real. Ronald Reagan came across like he wasn’t trying to pull the wool over your eyes. His nickname was “The Great Communicator.” He won people over with his inaugural address stating, “Government is not the solution, it’s the problem.”

People love it when “old timers” show they can still “cut the mustard.” Reagan was the oldest president of the US, taking office at the age of 69, and remaining there until he was almost 78. Dying at 93, he lived longer than any US president.

People appreciate a person who can make a tough decision. Soon after Reagan became president, the air traffic controllers went on strike. Since they were federal employees, this was against the law. There was a potential of the airlines being shut down. Reagan fired them.

People care about a survivor. Reagan was in his seventies when Hinkley attempted to assassinate him. He survived a bullet next to his heart. He also survived colon cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer operations while in office.

People prefer someone in office who stands up for American values. Reagan was credited with ending the Cold War “without firing a shot,” according to Margaret Thatcher.

On a visit to Berlin, Reagan said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” The wall came down.

People empathize with someone going through Alzheimer’s. This debilitating disease plagues our nation. For the past 10 years Reagan has been battling it. In a way, his death is probably a blessing.

People admire a leader who is optimistic about America’s future. He said, “When the Lord calls me home, whenever that might be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for it’s future....I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.”

Well, the Lord called him home. May his legacy live. May there always be a bright dawn ahead for America. May he rest in peace!

Be sure to visit this page every week to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.