Twice wounded

There was some sourness here at the Cabal over the death of President Reagan. I didn't have much to add to it. Like him or not (I do) the man forever changed the dialog in this country. Our political life will never fully be out of the shadow of Ronald Reagan, just as it will never emerge from the shadow of FDR. America owes the man who loved her so dearly that we honor his legacy through continued optimism and a remembrance of the value of freedom. Reagan was an American original. His suspicion of the American government was matched only by his admiration for the spirit which walked among its people.

Another American original passed away this past week. Ray Charles, whose death will, I fear be overshadowed by that of our 40th president, left us at 73. The blind man who can make miraculous music will forever be an inspiration. He is an embodiment of the American spirit: its heart, its determination, its soul. His music was our music. And oh, how that man could play the piano.

God bless you, Ray and Ron. You'll be missed.