I've been reading this thread frequantly ... after all, I started it! My perception of the whole thing, as already captured by some, is this: Us Americans are looking for a hero. We've had a few, even recently. JFK comes to mind, for one.

There is no doubt that the late R. Reagan was very popular. Whether or not he deserves that popularity is just a matter of opinion. And like most things on the internet, I always value my opinion more than your opinion.

It's always sad when someone dies. But here, I think that R. Reagan is perhaps a symbol of our lost heros. Many, perhaps most of us, are truly struggling with what our country has done in Iraq.

To be able to submerge ourselves in some kind of 'grief' for R. Reagan's passing is maybe salve for our souls. I 'dunno! Bob