Mourning the loss of a leader

During his early adult years, Ronald Reagan identified the evil of the world as Nazism. After World War II, he continued his crusade to stamp out fascism. Taking his message to the people, he discovered that the threat of Fascism had taken a different face: Communism.

The defeat of communism and the concept of a heavily centralized government became Reagan’s core personal crusade. While quite unpopular, he delivered this message: First to the Screen Actor’s Guild, of which he was president, and then while running against a heavily favored incumbent governor.

Through it all, Reagan determinedly stuck to his beliefs, regardless of the reaction of the room. He led the cause of American Conservatism. By the time he decided to enter public service, he had accomplished everything he could have every desired. Ronald Reagan was a willing servant with pure intent.

In spite of his stature, he lived a day to day life that reflected his Midwestern upbringing using practical common sense. He was a World War II patriot, an enemy of those who would violate the principles on which the United States was founded that had brought us to greatness. He was a kind and compassionate man. He was the kind of guy that would stop in the rain to help change a tire or would send money to a needy family anonymously. He believed in his soul that every citizen should uphold their end of the social contract and strive to provide for themselves. And, that government should not stand in the way of them doing so.

He had a troubled childhood with an alcoholic father. He was poor. He understood what it took to get by on little. He lived the American Dream, rising from nothing through sheer determination. He developed the answer to making the world better. We all do that. Open your mind and think — if you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Now, take those beliefs and go out and try to change it. Then find yourself leading the world in this pursuit and then have it become a reality. What an amazing journey.

The United States needed Ronald Reagan. Our country doubted itself. We had lost trust in those that govern us. We had seen civil unrest, assassinations of our leaders, an unpopular war, a Presidential scandal and terrorist making a mockery of our authority in the world. Ronald Reagan believed in the people of the United States. But more importantly, we believed in him. He made us proud, he renewed our hope

Reagan believed that the U.S. had the moral obligation to lead the cause of freedom on the world stage and he believed in the right of the citizens to govern themselves. He stood up for these beliefs using his Midwestern upbringing, his uncompromising optimism and his unyielding message. He made us believe that it truly was “Morning in America.”

At the age of 36, I have mourned the loss of people that have had an impact on my life. This number is few. Their voice spoke to my core. They have helped form my beliefs and have directed me to where I find myself today. One of those people was Ronald Reagan and today I mourn his loss. Mr. President, thank you.

Bryan Alexander

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