Reagan took over the country with the economy in a shambles, growing federal deficits, high interest rates and lousy consumer confidence. He both dramatically cut federal spending and at the same time got limited tax cuts passed. He was the first President in decades who told both the politicians and the public that you can't spend what you don't have...and made it stick! He was a superb communicator and had enough ability as a statesman to bring the farthest left and right factions together. And even though he came to office with limited foreign policy experience, he was soon respected around the world (remember, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!")

It's too bad he didn't serve one six-year term instead of two fours, because some of his subordinates (one being the well-known Daily Sun columnist, Olliver North) got his legs chopped out from under even though he may not have been culpable.

Having said that I agree with you on Ronnie doesn't mean I necessarily agree on some of the others. Sticking with the current resident of the White House, he took over with a mild recession but with a federal surplus being generated to the tune of about $400 billion a year. He turned that into the largest deficit in history with our country being the largest debtor in world history. He was and is an idealogue of the first order, running the country (into the ground, some say) seeking the counsel of almost no one but himself. He presided over a political constituency who became increasingly emboldened in feeding at the trough of the federal treasury. He has dragged both our national reputation as well as our financial strength and independence into a rat hole. He selected and supported apointees to his administration who demonstrated ghastly flaws in chaacter. And then there's the war. No, I can't give Dubya a C...not even close. He's in a tight race with Jimmy Carter as far as I'm concerned, except Carter is a more worthwhile and respectable human being.

But enough Bush-bashing...and my tirade immediately above was a bash, although it wasn't planned and came from the heart. More important than the bash, who have we got running for the job beginning in 2009 and what might they do? Do any of them have the cajones to force the Congress and cajole the public that we must return to pay-as-you-go? Do any of them have the potential to quickly return our country to one which is respected thruout the world? Do any of them have to potential to re-direct the world towards peace? Do any of them communicate well enough to convince America that we can and must change our ways? Will any of them "throw the money changers" out of Washington so that true "government by the people" can return? Will any of them stop the spending on unnecessaries and begin to expend our tax dollars in a way that will improve the lot of both Americans as well as other citizens of the world?

There's a couple of the candidates who have that potential, I think. I have a favorite, but I would gladly vote for the other as well.