Why do each of you think there is this enormous outpouring of affection for Reagan by the US general public? Nostalgia (ie "for the past" unrelated to Reagan)? Because of his personality? Because of his policies? Accomplishments?
I would be interested in people's opinions. I am not asking what _your_ opinion of Reagan is, nor your opinion regarding public events or newspaper articles. Why do you think all these private citizens are so moved?
I would say that it is nostalgia to a large extent. People remember with fondness an America with a purpose (fight the Russians) and even back during his presidency people were so satisfied that some people tried to start a movement to get the constitution changed so that he could run for a third term.
He had a hopeful vision for America.
For me he was always A GUY I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO BE MY FRIEND. A close, reliable, healthy friend. This might explain part of the motives, at least for some people.