I would think that these descriptions apply more to Mr. Hitchens than they do to the former President. I might point out to Mr. Hitchens that Mr. Reagan was the leader of the free-world. Mr. Reagan also received more popular votes than any other elected official in American history--including a lot of Democrats. Reagan also received more votes in the Electoral College in a single election than any other American President. He also won forty-nine of fifty states in his re-election bid.

Christopher Hitchens does nothing in this essay but insult Republicans and the former President and shows his colors for the ignorant imbecile he is. It didn't stop there, though.

Radio Reloj, the government radio station in Cuba, said this of Ronald Reagan today:

"As forgetful and irresponsible as he was, he forgot to take his worst works to the grave,'' and continued, "He, who never should have been born, has died."

Lets not forget that Cuba is run by the Communist Fidel Castro--someone I'm sure Christopher Hitchens has a deep and fond respect for.

In public criticism, there was also this today from Britain's Greg Palast, who claims to be a journalist, author and investigative reporter:

"Ronald Reagan was a conman. Reagan was a coward. Reagan was a killer."

Really? Is that so? If Greg Palast worked in the United States, he'd be working for the National Enquirer. There's not a shred of journalism or reporting in his piece. The last line of the bio on his website says it all, though:

"Greg Palast reports the news he couldn't get the corporate media to cover"

No kidding. I now know why that is and so do you.

Reprehensible, isn't it? Remember this is what is being said by a group of Liberals who just can't contain themselves. What's just as telling is what's not being said.

There are plenty of Libs who aren't saying the same things, but share the same beliefs as above---but they're masking it in careful praise and remembrance.

Let's begin with the former Philanderer-in-Chief, William Jefferson Clinton. Mr. Clinton, who perjured himself before a Federal Grand Jury, obstructed justice and was impeached, had this to say:

"Hillary and I will always remember President Ronald Reagan for the way he personified the indomitable optimism of the American people, and for keeping America at the forefront of the fight for freedom for people everywhere. It is fitting that a piece of the Berlin Wall adorns the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington."

I don't believe for a second that Bill Clinton has any respect or admiration for anyone but himself, and neither should you. This guy spent the past twelve years on a national stage trashing everything that Ronald Reagan stood for. Don't let him fool you?

Why be sentimental and effusive? You would be, too, if you had a book coming out and you were being asked about a man loved by tens of millions of people.

How about the presumptive nominee of the Democrat party in this November's election?

"Even when he was breaking Democrats' hearts, he did so with a smile and in the spirit of honest and open debate. The differences were real, but because of the way President Reagan led, he taught us that there is a big difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship. Today in the face of new challenges his example reminds us that we must move forward with optimism and resolve. He was our oldest president, but he made America young again."

He's practically making me ill with that load of malarkey. Kerry will suspend his campaign for the next week. He says it's out of respect--and it may be. My guess is that it's because no one on the planet will care about him or where he is before the events of this week conclude. He's saving money by staying home, and well he should.

Both Clinton and Kerry have spent their lifetimes standing up for the opposite of everything that made Ronald Reagan great, respected, and loved. I mean, after all, what did Reagan do that these guys haven't?

Reagan eliminated inflation.
Reagan cut taxes for all Americans.
Reagan increased revenues to the treasury.
Reagan rebuilt our national defense.
Reagan architected the fall of the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall.
Reagan reduced the size of government.

These are all part of a legacy that these guys can't claim as part of their own, so they talk of his "optimism," or his personality. They're putting forth the notion that the American people love Ronald Reagan because of the kind of man he was--not because of what he did as President.

People don't love Reagan because he was an optimist.

People don't line streets and stand on bridges to show their respect as his hearse passes by for someone who was a "good guy."

People love Ronald Reagan and they do so because he changed their lives and changed the face of modern world.

So, as you see comments like those above and even negative headlines mentioning Iran-Contra or Nicaragua, remember it's coming from a group of people who never understood the man and cannot fathom the legacy.

None of this is about respect for a dead leader. It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with not being able to fathom what he was. It's something the Liberals can't understand because it's something they'll never be able to accomplish.

William Smith
ConservativeBlogger.com