Bringing out the best . . . and the worst

It’s been oft remarked that Ronald Reagan brought out the best in us. With his optimism and pro-freedom policies, he encouraged us to strengthen America, including our economy. He encouraged people yearning for freedom worldwide as they struggled under Communism and other oppression.

But Ronald Reagan also brought out the worst in some. I saw this during the early 80’s during my Duke and post-Duke years when I saw the venom, hatred, and lies of the Left aimed at him. And a few Leftists even now can barely restrain themselves in their hatred of Reagan and what he did and what he stood for. Thankfully, most who are left of center have more class than that. Even they recognize the basic goodness of Ronald Reagan and the good he did for America . . . or at least have the good sense to keep their mouths shut for a week.

Reagan has especially brought the worst out of French President Chirac. Even though he’s in Georgia as I type this, he will not attend Reagan’s funeral. Neither will Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Just when I was thinking about lifting my personal boycott of France . . .

Oh well. It’s been said a man is known by his enemies. And Ronald Reagan certainly had – and has – the right enemies.