This past Saturday, June 5, 2004, Ronald Reagan died at the rather impressive age of 93. I caught the news first on Google's news site, and then NPR bombarded us with at least 2 days (no telling whether they'll continue this programming tomorrow) of Reagan history, tributes, and nostalgia. I have to admit that, after listening to a number of commentaries and archived speeches, I found myself liking the posthumous president much better than the flesh-and-blood version.

It's pretty obvious that my newfound respect for Ronnie has more to do with our present prez's utter lack of tact, intelligence, eloquence, talent, charisma, common sense, political clout, and humanity. Reagan, one must admit, had more than a little of all of these characteristics. When Reagan had all of his mental facilities, he was a fantastic orator and was convincing in his dedication to and faith in America. He was certainly more of a "compassionate conservative" than the Texan who's pinned this badge on himself...

Still, Reagan - like Junior - was a scary president. While he was serving his 8 years in office I experienced more political fear as a child and teenager than during the other 19 truly cognizant years of my life (I'm throwing out years one through 5). I remember the constant worry that a trigger-happy Russian or American finger might be on that "little red button." (Apparently I liked Bush Senior even less, though, because - as a 9 year old - I wrote a "Get Well" letter to Reagan pleading with him not to die after Hinkley's assassination attempt on March 30, 1981, so that we wouldn't have W's father as acting director.) Nuclear holocaust seemed like a real possibility, cocaine was coming into the country in record levels, African Americans lost much of the ground gained from the Civil Rights movement, and trickle-down economics weren't doing what they were supposed to.

(Funny, I'd imagine that all of the above are equally possible with the present half-wit at the helm. While I doubt that coke is as big of a problem, I'd bet that intial influx of the stuff took its toll on the Shrub while Reagan was in office.)

I do think, however, that if Reagan were in office now, we'd be better off as a country. The world might be shaking a little less in fear, America would have a few more allies and a modicum of respect left, and we could all rest assured that our president at least took the job seriously. While the Gipper may have spent more time at Camp David than any other president, I can't imagine that he ever took a 4 week vacation.

No matter how much he'd like to be, Bush is no Reagan. He's not even half as good. So, in November, please vote for anybody but...

Please.

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