Letters: Jul. 5, 2004

The All-American President "Ronald Reagan had warmth, wit and an uncanny ability to put people at ease, no matter their ideology." PETER LAUTZ San Diego

Nancy Gibbs' story on the life of Ronald Reagan, "The All-American President" [June 14], so eloquently captured and conveyed the man's essence that I can imagine the Great Communicator smiling and giving her a wink! JIM SHARP Plainfield, N.J.

Reagan was a remarkable person whose life epitomized the American Dream. Rising from humble beginnings, he succeeded in Hollywood, broke into politics and became President as a grandfather figure to the American people. His soothing voice gave an unsure nation hope and a positive outlook on the future. He knew firsthand the toils of the common man and strove to make the country a better and safer place to live. PAUL A. JERECZEK Dodge, Wis.

Gibbs wrote that Reagan was "a man of easy grace and endless hope." But it's not hard to be that way when you're not bothered by the details of reality. Reagan was such a man. How many spiraling budget deficits and Nicaraguans killed by U.S.-supported contras does it take for Americans to stop patting themselves on the back and pause for a moment to look at the true legacy of this President? STEPHEN CONN Las Cruces, N.M.

Some might not have liked Reagan's policies or programs, but it cannot be denied that he was a great and true American. His Christian belief and conduct exemplified the vision of our country's Founding Fathers. He is accused of having been too far to the right, but when I examine the man, I see someone who was simply well centered. SAMUEL D. HOPPER Palmdale, Calif.

Reagan was not a saint. He traded illegal arms to the contra militia in Nicaragua. He increased the gap between rich and poor in the U.S. He supported a racist regime in South Africa and shamefully allowed tens of thousands of Americans to suffer from AIDS while his Administration turned its back on the epidemic. That's the Reagan I remember and will tell my children about. BRIAN BLANK Chicago

Reagan's White House years were America's best. We were proud of ourselves, our country and our President. We felt secure in the knowledge that Reagan was at the helm of the nation. I don't think we will ever see the likes of him again. He was a man for the ages. PENNY BARWICK Orange Park, Fla.

Americans seem to take pride in giving themselves one of two labels, Republican or Democrat. On the occasion of Reagan's death, it was refreshing to witness the divisive labels dropped for a common descriptor: American. As a Canadian, I was moved by the displays of Americans' patriotism--men and women placing hands over hearts as the coffin passed by and the frequent singing of national songs. Days later, I found myself still humming God Bless America. KATHLEEN GRAVES Calgary, Alta.