It’s lonely at the top!

Our Presidents have a uniquely solitary job. They surround themselves with the strength and wisdom of talented and experienced people, but as Harry Truman once said, “The buck stops here.” We can hardly imagine the weight of decisions they must bear. Perhaps that is why we are so familiar with the before and after photographs depicting the accelerated ageing process while in office. These leaders deserve some time to relax and unwind.

Some of the greatest times anyone can enjoy are when we can let our guard down because we are among those who have been where we have been: people who know the truth and don’t make harsh judgments. We can have a great time with each other especially after the challenge has been met and the heat is off. We can talk, commiserate and just be ourselves.

Who do former presidents hang out with? Wouldn’t it be just a great time if they could “let their hair down” together and just have a time to laugh and remember? Can you imagine that?

Well, here they are:

“True Blues”

Democrats (Counterclockwise around the table beginning in lower left): Carter, F. Roosevelt, Jackson Truman, Johnson, Wilson, Kennedy, Clinton

It’s lonely at the top!



Our Presidents have a uniquely solitary job. They surround themselves with the strength and wisdom of talented and experienced people, but as Harry Truman once said, “The buck stops here.” We can hardly imagine the weight of decisions they must bear. Perhaps that is why we are so familiar with the before and after photographs depicting the accelerated ageing process while in office. These leaders deserve some time to relax and unwind.

Some of the greatest times anyone can enjoy are when we can let our guard down because we are among those who have been where we have been: people who know the truth and don’t make harsh judgments. We can have a great time with each other especially after the challenge has been met and the heat is off. We can talk, commiserate and just be ourselves.
Who do former presidents hang out with? Wouldn’t it be just a great time if they could “let their hair down” together and just have a time to laugh and remember? Can you imagine that?
Well, here they are:

“Grand Ol’ Gang”

Republicans (Counterclockwise around the table beginning in lower left): GHW Bush, Lincoln, Ford, Nixon, T. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, GW Bush, Reagan

Ronald W. Reagan, beloved 40th President of the United States (1981-1989), is truly an American icon.  This all-American boy grew up and lived the American dream.  From playing college football to sports announcer to movie star to Governor of California to the greatest dream of all as President of the United States.

 

President Reagan loved the outdoors and relished the times he spent on his ranch near Santa Barbara.  Called Rancho del Cielo (Ranch in the Sky), this retreat conveyed the true spirit of Reagan's practical, down-to-earth manner and his core principles:  humility, idealism, diligence, and hard work.  In this wonderful portrait by Andy Thomas, perhaps President Reagan had just finished one of his favorite activities at his ranch such as chopping wood or riding his horse.

 

President Reagan genuinely loved his country and proudly told the world that he looked upon America as a great "shining city on a hill."  As the commander-in-Chief of America, Reagan boldly endorsed a "peace through strength" policy that served and protected the world.

 

Known as "the great communicator," Reagan possessed an excellent speaking ability, sense of humor, and beloved wit.  Many wonderful quotes have been attributed to President Reagan; here are but a couple:  "If we forget that we're one nation under god, then we will be a nation gone under."......"Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts.  My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding you."

 

On June 3, 2009, Mrs. Reagan helped unveil the Ronald Reagan statue in the U. S. Capitol.  President Ronald W. Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004.