My Fellow Americans

My Fellow Americans,
We have gathered here today to honor the memory of a great man, an inspiring leader, a model of how to be an American: Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan took the reins of a country drifting into a second great depression. Not only an economic depression, but also a depression of the soul. He revitalized and invigorated us, shaking us from the sleepy depths we'd sunk to.

His promise of restoring America's greatness lead us out of the darkness and back into the light. His firm ideals showed us that the path to a new day lead not through the government, but through our own efforts, and our own accountability. He reintroduced us to our own "can-do" spirit, so long lacking before he took office.

But just as Reagan has passed from us, we need him more than ever. We now suffer a leadership crisis in this country. Those that opposed Reagan, and those that claim to have taken up the mantle of Reagan, neither believe in people as Reagan did. Instead they advocate the power of government over the power of the people.

Our leaders today would expand the scope of their authority; giving themselves more power to intrude in our daily lives. In the 17 years since Reagan has left office, government bureaucracy has grown at all levels, in size and scope. The reach of the government's powers has exceeded far beyond what it should be.

It is indeed ironic, disgraceful even, that as our leaders, both Republican and Democrat, would stand and eulogize a leader that stood for less government, and returning the power to the people, only to turn around and advocate even more government powers.

I, however, live in optimism. I believe that another Reagan can arise, and wipe away the largess that threatens to swallow us whole. I believe that the people can and will recognize when the next great leader stands before them and promises to renew their spirit, in a way that only a great leader can. I believe in the American people, and in their ability to succeed greater than any other nation in the world. I believe the American people will give rise to another new dawn.

It is my hope that once they do, they strive to make it permanent, and that we may live in the light of day forever.