Austin Scott: “Today we remember a true leader, a statesman and a great man who led our country with dignity, with grace and with…”

“Today we remember a true leader, a statesman and a great man who led our country with dignity, with grace and with strength. President Reagan was the quintessential American who exemplified unbridled optimism, a strong sense of faith and the idea that our Nation was a true beacon for the world. There is no doubt that among his greatest achievements was his resolve to end the Cold War so that other Nations could experience the glory of freedom and the power of democracy. His combination of political strength and personal appeal, his ability to communicate set the forces in motion for the walls of communism to crumble, and for this he will always be remembered. However, President Reagan should also be remembered, especially in this House, for his willingness to fight in the political arena with dignity, with respect for his opponents, and his strong belief that democracy was for all of our citizens, even those with whom he might have disagreed. In the end we remember a man, Ronald Reagan, not only as a great leader, but as a good and decent man.”