Say what you will about Reagan (and I'll likely agree), but consider this.

[liberalhistorian]

He and Nancy had the kind of love, and the kind of marriage, that most people wish they had and that far too many people may never find and experience (I know I haven't yet and I know of many others that haven't as well, even married couples). That was one thing about both of them that they never had to fake, their intense love for and devotion to each other. It's almost painful to watch the pain she is in now.

And consider what it was like for her for the past ten years having to take care of him, watching someone you love as deeply as she loved him deteriorate mentally and physically to the point where they can no longer do anything for themselves and can't even recognize you anymore. I think that's a major reason why she's come out so strongly in favor of stem-cell research.

Now, I feel the same way most of you do about Reagan's presidency and the horrendous damage it did to the country and I simply can't take anymore of this god-like worship fest, and whitewashing of history, that the media has foisted on us all week. But I do think it's important to remember the good things about him as well, and this is one of them.

[Fenris]

1. We discussed this earlier

I argued the same point.

[NMDemDist2]

2. ok I'll give you that, but why are they making this sad frail

old lady stroke and pat the casket for millions to watch?? That doesn't seem right to me, it's not dignified IMO

[liberalhistorian]

7. I don't think they're "making" her

do that, she's doing that on her own. She's saying goodbye like any other wife, the difference is that she has to do it in front of millions whether she wants to or not. I happen to think it is dignified in its own way, she's showing her devotion and love.

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

3. Hear hear! Love knows no bounds....

.. too bad he sat quietly early in the AIDS crisis and didn't have your type of empathy.

[liberalhistorian]

11. I'll certainly

agree with you on the AIDS matter, that always infuriated me.

[SOteric]

4. They appeared to have a great marriage and a deep love.

They appeared to. It's very difficult to know what really goes on in a couples' marriage.

[liberalhistorian]

9. That's true, but I really

don't think they were faking it. I've learned to see past the "fakery" many couples adopt and I don't think they did that. I think it was genuine.

[wellstone_democrat]

5. dupe--another front page active thread on this subject

[Vickers]

6. Yeah, like Ronnie, my brother also knocked a chick up...

...and they've been together for 19 glorious years now.

Sometimes you get lucky.

[Nevernose]

16. Yep, second time's the charm

That's what family values are all about, right? Keep on getting chicks knocked up until you finally impregnate the right one.

(this was more of a snide remark towards Reagan's "family values" enthusiasts than it was towards Nancy -- God bless her -- or their marriage)

[displacedtexan]

8. Wow! You are way too nice for the likes of me!

After reading about Nancy for 40 years, I'm pretty sure Ronny thought she would blow his nuts off if he ever strayed.

As for the last ten years, yeah, she's had it emotionally rough; however, I'll bet she never had to change a diaper, sop up the drool, or bathe him.

I wish I had your compassion. I really do.

But I lost too many good friends during the six years that Reagan never uttered the word AIDS, and Nancy was a mega 5 letter word beginning with a B, especially to their kids. I don't think Nancy loves. She collects.

Hope I haven't spoiled your post.

[liberalhistorian]

14. Well, I certainly agree with you on the

AIDS matter, neither one of them gave a shit until Rock Hudson was publicly diagnosed with it and even then they had to be dragged kicking and screaming into any kind of recognition at all of what was happening to too many good people, including children (that is NOT to minimize the suffering of adults with AIDS!) Thousands of deaths could have been prevented, but they didn't give a damn.

[CityZen-X]

10. Phuck The Pharaoh!

Lets get on with the future of this country and it's children!

[Moderator]

12. Locking. Duplicate.

Please continue the discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1757289&mesg_id=1757289

[ConsAreLiars]

13. "Say what you will about" ... Hitler

but he and Eva Braun "had the kind of love" .... "I do think it's important to remember the good things about him as well, and this is one of them."

:puke:

The butcher of Latin America, death squad nacker, financier for Islamic fundie fanaticism .... I don't think so.

[Cleita]

15. Nancy did the good wife thing expected of women of her culture.

She quit her career and devoted her life to living in the shadow of the man she married sublimating any desires she may have had to lead an independent life. Fortunately, for her Ronnie appeared to be faithful. I doubt if he otherwise ever inconvenienced himself to accomodate to some of her wishes. After all it was her job to make all the sacrifices. I think she is really an empty vase.

[NightTrain]

17. Will you change my Depends for me when I'm old and infirm?

Will you listen patiently as I babble on for hours at a clip about "picnic apes?"

Hey, I'd do it for you! :loveya: