Politics

There are several things on my mind this week – but just doesn’t seem right and proper to me to talk about politics and some of the other things happening here in Boston that are in the forefront of my mind, when there’s a much more compelling story being played out in Washington, DC right now as thousands of Americans wait for hours in line to pay their respects to President Reagan.

I did learn this morning that a condolences book has been setup at the JFK Presidential Library in South Boston, so I will head there this morning to leave a note for the Reagan family.

SMASH shares a story today from Jay from Moorpark, CA, who paid his respects to President Reagan in Simi Valley, CA.

As we filed off the bus we were warmly greeted by the library staff. They directed us around a large courtyard and I quickly found myself entering the room where President Reagan lay in repose. The room held an intensely powerful silent energy that quickly washed away any thoughts of the waiting. The flag draped casket, like the man, seemed larger than it could have been.

From beneath the flag peaked and impossibly perfect, deeply rich red mahogany that seemed to glow. The five man honor guard (Air Force, Army, Coast-Guard, Marine and Navy) watched over President Reagan with a professional intensity that sent chills down my spine. They were absolutely motionless.

Just as quickly I was back on the shuttle and headed home. The return trip was respectfully quiet and over almost too soon. I wanted a few more moments of the sense of community that developed overnight. By 7:00 I was walking in my front door.

I will always be grateful to President Reagan for returning pride in and hope for America to Americans. I will always be grateful for this opportunity to spend a few moments thanking him in person.

Jay
Moorpark,CA

Today’s Boston Globe carries the following Letter to the Editor protesting yesterday’s Boston Globe Editorial on the death of Ronald Reagan:

I GENERALLY expect Globe editorials to be devoid of both common sense and fair-mindedness, but your June 7 editorial celebrating former President Ronald Reagan set new lows in both categories. Even at his death, you could not find the compassion to refrain from criticizing the president for his alleged failures in the areas of human rights and education.

Even as a nation mourns, you could not stop yourselves from trumpeting your agenda of liberal social change.

It will be interesting to read what adjectives and laudatory remarks you’ve held in reserve for former President Bill Clinton’s obituary. Until then, perhaps your editorial staff would be best served to read the speeches of President Ronald Reagan and try to capture a fraction of his optimism, humor, and grace. They would be welcome additions to an editorial page that often lacks such qualities.

GREGORY FANIKOS
Boston

Amen brother. Amen.

SMASH writes today of Gillian Russom – high school teacher & anti-war activist – he’ll make you wonder about who is teaching your children:

Much like her fellow socialist Rebecca Anshell had done two months earlier in San Diego, Gillian outlined her organization’s ideas to help “end the occupation” in Iraq.

…The people who are going to bring an end to this occupation are not the politicians of (the Democratic or Republican) parties, but the people just like us here, and around the world, who are fed up and disgusted with this war. I know you can feel powerless sometimes… but remember that not too long ago a peoples’ movement here helped to stop the war in Vietnam, and forced the government to bring the troops home. We can do it again!

The Iraqi people have shown their willingness to resist under great odds. So have soldiers like Camilo Mejia, who was just sentenced to a year of hard labor for refusing to go back to Iraq. Now it’s our turn. We have a huge responsibility – let’s get out there and rebuild this movement, step by step, until Iraqis can determine their own future, and all our troops are home!

Indeed, Gillian and her comrades aren’t simply advocating for peace – they are actively working to bring about an American defeat in Iraq, using the Vietnam War as a template. They believe that by holding demonstrations against the war, encouraging soldiers to refuse to fight, and supporting the Iraqi resistance, they can help “defeat the US war machine.”

So, you might be wondering, what does a young woman like Gillian do for a living?

She’s a high school teacher. In fact, she’s an active member of the United Teachers of Los Angeles, and Progressive Educators for Action.

I’m now even more determined to teach after I retire from my real job.