Nicely said. I'd add that it is entirely appropriate to celebrate and remember his life this week instead of or in addition to mourning. The man lived a long, full life afterall, even before slipping into his illness.

At the end of this highly charged week, we probably ought to forget and forgive some of the stranger comments and behavior. Christopher Hitchens comes to mind. I'm sure there was a subtle point, but the timing was career ruining. John Kerry is apparently going to swing by the casket walk-around in SImi today. That seems out-of-the-way and awkward, and probably inconsiderate to all the people waiting at the local church for their ride to the library, but whatever. Clinton is upset that he doesn't get to promote his book, er speak. Dems and Liberals expect W to wrap himself in the flag draped over Reagan's coffin. I hope W has more class than that, but who knows....

Brad, well, I deleted the second paragraph that listed all the ways I thought Reagan hurt America. I figured it could wait a week.

BTW, the Reps have put up a comment board (possibly unmoderated) for people to eulogize RR: http://www.georgewbush.com/Reagan/

David, I think one can criticize the policies of a politician or even a President in the week after he dies. Believe me, when I was a volunteer at the Nixon funeral (I was in charge of the VIP bathroom, letting David Gergen in, but telling Wold Blitzer he had to hiike 1/2 mile to use the press outhouse), there was quite a bit of open talk about failed policies like wage and price controls as well as open speculation of whether the nation had recovered from Watergate and forgiven him. It was a time for reflection, even among his supporters and admirers. They were just facts, and as Reagan once said, "Facts are stupid things" (I knew he was joking back then and appreciated it).

I think there are just two kinds of errors that high-profile people can make this week. One is making the Reagan death and funeral about them. Show up, but don't be a spectacle and don't go out of your way or trample others to get your 45 seconds of TV face time. The other is showing hatred of the man (ala Hitchens, I guess).

It would be wise for both Kerry and Bush to just not make waves this week and let the cards fall as they will, despite how unfair it is. As President, Bush gets to eulogize Reagan, just as Clinton as President at the time, got to eulogize Nixon. (Insert obligatory Clinton later impeached quip here.) Bush could shoot himself in the foot by going Dan Quayle and wrapping himself up in Reagan much as Quayle tried to make himself the heir of Kennedy, and I know the Left will be watching every mispronounced word Bush delivers to try to catch him doing that. I hope he steers clear.