[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, every visitor who comes to my office is 
greeted by a plaque that bears the inscription of Ronald Reagan's 
signature and this quote, ``There's no limit to what a man can do or 
where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit.'' These words 
are characteristic of the great man that served as the fortieth 
President of the United States of America. I am involved with politics 
today because of the inspiration I received from Ronald Reagan. I 
believe he was the true example of what a statesman can be, and I hold 
that example close to my heart as I carry out my own duties.
  President Reagan will always be remembered as an unabashed patriot. 
He was convinced of the ability of the United States to provide the 
hope of freedom to those enslaved by totalitarianism and communism. 
President Reagan's vision of the world and the future of this country 
would not be dimmed or daunted by ideological threat, and he was not 
afraid to stand up to tyranny and aggression. From the beginning of his 
presidency, President Reagan realized the potential cost of inaction 
and weakness in the face of Soviet defiance and nuclear threat, and he 
took action. Through a series of defense budgets, he increased defense 
spending 35 percent during his two terms, ensuring the country the 
resources necessary for security. Additionally, President Reagan 
managed to negotiate the first U.S.-Soviet treaty to reduce the number 
of nuclear weapons through a series of four summits with Mikhail 
Gorbachev. President Reagan was always clear about what he expected and 
never more so than when he pleaded at the Brandenberg Gates, ``Mr. 
Gorbachev, tear down this wall!''
  President Reagan planted democracy in regions of the world that have 
never tasted the joys of freedom. He taught newly liberated people 
across the globe that hard work and faith in God could result in 
prosperity, a sense of satisfaction in one's own legacy, and a better 
outlook for tomorrow. He wanted the American dream to be a reality 
throughout the world.
  President Reagan will also be remembered as a man of humble 
beginnings. He proclaimed America as a place where ``everyone can rise 
as high and as far as his ability will take him.'' Born in Tampico, 
Illinois, President Reagan used his abilities to establish a career in 
Hollywood. He continued to work and learn as he rose through California 
politics and went on to serve two successful terms as the leader of our 
nation. He wanted all Americans to have the same freedom and 
opportunity to pursue success, and he consistently promoted that ideal 
through policies of limited government. He said, ``Government can and 
must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not 
stifle it.''
  What makes Ronald Reagan most unforgettable was his unfailing 
optimism. Even as our nation mourns, we cannot help but smile at the 
thought of his cheerful and radiant personality. President Reagan 
possessed a sense of humor strong enough to withstand even the pain of 
an assassin's bullet. Demonstrating his trademark good nature, he said 
to the doctors about to operate on his bullet wounds, ``I hope you're 
all Republicans.'' It was this characteristic sanguinity that swept up 
a downtrodden America and reenergized its faith in freedom, the 
Presidency, and our military.
  Ronald Reagan was many things. He was a man of reason, a man of 
sincerity, a man willing to listen. And he is a man whose character, 
grace, and wisdom will be deeply missed by this nation.

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