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.”
Thank you, Mr. Brown. I always say I'm just a work in progress. Btw, my late mom had the exact same table and chair Reagan has in the photo. When she passed away I gave it to one of her caregivers. I sent her this photo today. She was so tickled.
You know, Theo and Nicholas, you are entitled to your views and your right to express them. I just survived a deadly disease and spent 7 weeks in the hospital. And at that time my childhood home and neighborhood in Altadena burned to the ground like a bomb hit it. That puts you and your comments in perspective for me. Carpe diem.
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
Ronald Reagan was the last great Governor of the State of California. It’s been downhill ever since. He would have rolled over in his grave to see the third world basket case his beloved state has become.
What is needed is a conservative, red wave of new, young Republicans in order to make California golden again. If not, businesses and residents will continue to flee, including Congressional seats which is losing 4 to Texas and Florida!
My wife and I have been long-time supporters of YAF and have had the opportunity to visit the ranch numerous times. I've gone with liberal friends and the ranch transcends politics. You walk around in awe. It's a place of great importance in our history and it displays the human and humility of probably one of the greatest presidents this country ever had. Some will argue that point but as we know, you can't make everybody happy. As Jim said, if you get a chance to go, go. And if you have't visited the Reagan Library or Reagan center. Go there too.
Don't you just love reading about Ronald Reagan, and especially hearing his funny, off-the-cuff stories - he had so many of them! (Surviving a bullet) remember?
My father-in-law had the ranch next to Reagan, Rancho dos Vistas. I remember the security teams coming over after we called to gather up a few head of cattle that had wandered onto the ranch. My daughters and I were walking one day on one of the ranch rides when we turned bend and there was Reagan and his security team, major breach. He said hello to us and was pleasant enough after my daughter held up her hands and said “ whoa big fella”. He laughed at that.
I remember playing softball against Reagan's off-duty security team in Santa Barbara. They were an extraordinary bunch. Each of them looked like a "cross-section" of the public, but man could they play Softball! I love our coastal range and would love the chance to visit the ranch sometime!
Although there are many similarities, the conservatism of Ronald Reagan was different than the populism of the MAGA crowd today in some important respects. Reagan was a free trader and a strong defender of alliances consisting of free nations. He also could disarm his critics with his trenchant wit and engaging and charming personality. He won 49 states in 1984. I doubt we will ever see that again.
My Senior project for Social Studies at San Marcos High School was to report on a political rally for the 76’ primary election. I attended the Reagan rally at the Santa Barbara Airport. Ronald Reagan along with his friend, Jimmy Stewart spoke on top of a truck bed in front of a hanger, the virtues of conservatism. I also attended Jerry Brown’s rally at UCSB who clearly inspired the young students and had hints of JFK.
Back then, BOTH parties had clear differences, compelling arguments and at least seemed to believe in their respective causes.
It was my first election in which I voted as (D), but later changed to (R) in 80’. The rest is history.
A great trip, and talk about a secure location for the Western White House.
Regan was the icon of "We the People" as a President.
The Ranch reminds me of the west Camino Cielo cabin for Boy Scout Troop 1. When I was a kid development and crowding had not yet changed the location and was still very rural. Like the ranch.
A President and time where personal hands on living was still valued.
My father in law, Joe Knowles, was a pal of Reagan’s and his northern California finance chairman along with Arch Monson, a member of Reagan’s ‘Kitchen Cabinet.’ I sometime tagged along and was always impressed with how friendly, intelligent and sensible Reagan was.
Nicholas, ironically I was honorably discharged right before Reagan assumed office and was ready to be recalled due to the seizure of our Embassy in Tehran. Thankfully, the Iranian criminals released our hostages the day he took office. Why? Because even they knew there would be hell to pay.
Similarly, our adversaries know today, that our great President is one of courageous resolve.
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.
Pol, we've all done that - had an opinion about someone then changed our mind. The only person that will never apply to is that moron Joe Biden.
"Republican Idiot"? You showed your true education from then and now.
What do you mean 'now'. Seems to me Polly learned a nice lesson - one we all could benefit from.
Thank you, Mr. Brown. I always say I'm just a work in progress. Btw, my late mom had the exact same table and chair Reagan has in the photo. When she passed away I gave it to one of her caregivers. I sent her this photo today. She was so tickled.
You know, Theo and Nicholas, you are entitled to your views and your right to express them. I just survived a deadly disease and spent 7 weeks in the hospital. And at that time my childhood home and neighborhood in Altadena burned to the ground like a bomb hit it. That puts you and your comments in perspective for me. Carpe diem.
Gee, Theo, give it a rest!
Who are you?
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
Reagan would never have supported the neocon Young America's Foundation. Stop tarnishing his name.
Ronald Reagan was the last great Governor of the State of California. It’s been downhill ever since. He would have rolled over in his grave to see the third world basket case his beloved state has become.
What is needed is a conservative, red wave of new, young Republicans in order to make California golden again. If not, businesses and residents will continue to flee, including Congressional seats which is losing 4 to Texas and Florida!
My wife and I have been long-time supporters of YAF and have had the opportunity to visit the ranch numerous times. I've gone with liberal friends and the ranch transcends politics. You walk around in awe. It's a place of great importance in our history and it displays the human and humility of probably one of the greatest presidents this country ever had. Some will argue that point but as we know, you can't make everybody happy. As Jim said, if you get a chance to go, go. And if you have't visited the Reagan Library or Reagan center. Go there too.
Well said Henry.
RONALD REAGAN - a GREAT AMERICAN PRESIDENT
Don't you just love reading about Ronald Reagan, and especially hearing his funny, off-the-cuff stories - he had so many of them! (Surviving a bullet) remember?
I like his line he said to the medical staff operating on him after he got shot - "I hope you're all Republicans." :)
I've heard it said, "if you want to understand Ronald Reagan, the man, visit Rancho del Cielo." Beautifully written piece on this very special place.
Great piece... very cool
YAF is great! Our daughter joined and visited the ranch and had an amazing memorable time.
I can not recommend enough. 😃
My father-in-law had the ranch next to Reagan, Rancho dos Vistas. I remember the security teams coming over after we called to gather up a few head of cattle that had wandered onto the ranch. My daughters and I were walking one day on one of the ranch rides when we turned bend and there was Reagan and his security team, major breach. He said hello to us and was pleasant enough after my daughter held up her hands and said “ whoa big fella”. He laughed at that.
I remember playing softball against Reagan's off-duty security team in Santa Barbara. They were an extraordinary bunch. Each of them looked like a "cross-section" of the public, but man could they play Softball! I love our coastal range and would love the chance to visit the ranch sometime!
Although there are many similarities, the conservatism of Ronald Reagan was different than the populism of the MAGA crowd today in some important respects. Reagan was a free trader and a strong defender of alliances consisting of free nations. He also could disarm his critics with his trenchant wit and engaging and charming personality. He won 49 states in 1984. I doubt we will ever see that again.
My Senior project for Social Studies at San Marcos High School was to report on a political rally for the 76’ primary election. I attended the Reagan rally at the Santa Barbara Airport. Ronald Reagan along with his friend, Jimmy Stewart spoke on top of a truck bed in front of a hanger, the virtues of conservatism. I also attended Jerry Brown’s rally at UCSB who clearly inspired the young students and had hints of JFK.
Back then, BOTH parties had clear differences, compelling arguments and at least seemed to believe in their respective causes.
It was my first election in which I voted as (D), but later changed to (R) in 80’. The rest is history.
…and “The Independent” has been a lefty rag, suitable for lining a bird cage ever since!
JL, just think of the view the Commie-Dems looking up from the Independent get? Bird butts!
I always love your comments JL.
A great trip, and talk about a secure location for the Western White House.
Regan was the icon of "We the People" as a President.
The Ranch reminds me of the west Camino Cielo cabin for Boy Scout Troop 1. When I was a kid development and crowding had not yet changed the location and was still very rural. Like the ranch.
A President and time where personal hands on living was still valued.
Nice social piece.
My father in law, Joe Knowles, was a pal of Reagan’s and his northern California finance chairman along with Arch Monson, a member of Reagan’s ‘Kitchen Cabinet.’ I sometime tagged along and was always impressed with how friendly, intelligent and sensible Reagan was.
Great Jim. Wish I had visited when I lived in Ca. CJC
I was in the service at the time. We knew we had a real man as a Commander in Chief.
Nicholas, ironically I was honorably discharged right before Reagan assumed office and was ready to be recalled due to the seizure of our Embassy in Tehran. Thankfully, the Iranian criminals released our hostages the day he took office. Why? Because even they knew there would be hell to pay.
Similarly, our adversaries know today, that our great President is one of courageous resolve.
FAFO!