WHEREAS, One hundred two years ago on this day, February 6, Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan understood the engine of the private sector, having worked as an actor, radio broadcaster, and television host; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan believed in the value of self-deprecating humor in political life, once remarking, "The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away"; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan realized his Presidential duty to communicate openly with the American people and spoke with honesty, grace, and humility; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan boldly invoked the theme of American greatness in his speeches, and referred to America as a "shining city on the hill"; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan was a loving and devoted husband, taking time out of his busy schedule as President to write love notes to his wife, Nancy; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan's top policy issue was defeating communism, as he bravely challenged the Soviet Premier in Berlin by saying, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall"; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan was mindful of every threat to America and brought about the downfall of the Soviet Union, ending the Cold War; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan determined that one key to a prosperous economy was a low tax rate and implemented the biggest tax cut in United States history at the time; and
     WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan was an advocate for freedom and a true believer in the American dream, once observing that, "We have every right to dream historic dreams and after all why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans"; and
     WHEREAS, In these troubling economic times, it is imperative to remember Ronald Reagan, as Margaret Thatcher reminds us, ". . . we have one beacon to guide us that Ronald Reagan never had, we have his example";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and cherish the life and work of President Ronald Wilson Reagan.