President Ronald W. Reagan, 2/6/1911 – 6/5/2004

The United States has lost a true giant, Ronald W. Reagan, 40th President of the United States of America.

I never met President Reagan, but he made it possible for me to go to college. You see, under Democrat administrations, my working-class non-minority family made too much money to get any assistance with my college expenses–even loans were out. Eventually, the money ran out and I had to go to work. After a couple of dead-end jobs (and a presidential election), I heard that there were new programs and “expanded eligibility” that were supposed to help people like me. I checked it out and found I was eligible. Between some grants, some loans and what I could earn working 30 or so hours a week, I was able to earn my Bachelor’s degree.

That degree has gotten me where I am today. No, I’m not in some exalted position of power, but I have met the dream of my parents–I’ve done better than they did. My first job our of college I made more than my Dad did on the day he retired.

Thanks, Mr. President, from one grateful American, and his parents.