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Polly Frost's avatar

People don't give Nancy Reagan her due. When I was in my twenties I typed up manuscripts for LA authors. This was so long ago the writers composed in longhand and I used an actual typewriter. One of the authors was Mickey Ziffren. Her husband, Paul, was head of the CA Democratic Party. Mickey and I became friends. She was wickedly smart - Paul said she, not he, was the Democratic Party powerhouse. Indeed, Mickey wrote one of the best novels on election chicanery: A Political Affair. Today it still rings acerbically true.

One day she and I were on the phone, going over her manuscript for a new book and she said “We'll have to continue later. I'm having lunch with Nancy Reagan.”

I sputtered, “You're having lunch with that Republican idiot?”

“Don't YOU be an idiot, Polly. She's a really bright woman and a good friend,” Mickey snapped. “And if you spend your life just having lunch with people you agree with, you'll never learn a thing.”

Words I have tried to live by.

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Paul Aijian MD's avatar

For those interested in this great POTUS and his SB legacy, check out Riding With Reagan by John Bartletta, the Secret Service agent who rode with him and guarded him at Rancho Del Cielo. The ranch tour is truly worth it and we strongly support Young Americas Foundation . They regularly bring to town speakers of great interest Current readers. The center is right next to the train depot. Go in and a docent will show you around

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