Ernest Istook: “like millions of Americans, I want to pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. I…”

“like millions of Americans, I want to pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. I have shed many tears this week, because I loved Ronald Reagan, and I know how much he loved this country and the American people. President Reagan inherited a country disillusioned and with serious economic problems, yet when he left office eight years later, it was truly ``Morning in America.'' This was more than an economic boom. President Reagan restored pride and dignity to the United States and to the office of the presidency. He advocated personal responsibility and limited government--government that gives a hand up, not a hand out. He deserves more credit than anyone else for the collapse of communism and the fall of the Iron Curtain, bringing freedom to many millions of people. He spoke proudly and freely of morals and principles, of right and wrong, of good and evil. He believed in the goodness of the American people, and he helped us believe in ourselves. Recently, my wife and I made a special trip to visit the Reagan ranch near Santa Barbara, California. The humble and simple nature of his beloved ranch home reflects the genuine basic values that he cherished and lived by. America is a better place because of Ronald Wilson Reagan, who greatly loved our country and who championed our ideals.”