WASHINGTON — Nancy Reagan, wife of the 40th president of the United States, passed away Sunday in Los Angeles at the age of 94. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. Upon hearing the news, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) released a statement praising Mrs. Reagan’s life and accomplishments, most notably her “Just say no” campaign, which Sessions credits with a significant drop in drug use and crime rates.
Nancy Reagan was a great wife and patriot. She and President Reagan’s well-known love for each other was one for the ages. She brought tremendous dignity and respect to the White House, while providing needed support to one of America’s greatest Presidents in his efforts to win the Cold War and restore American greatness.
On a personal note, I often think it is too little appreciated that her historic leadership inspired millions of good citizens to rise up and take action to stop the catastrophic surging rate of drug abuse and addiction. It is a fact that her “Just say no” initiative which spread all over the nation was the key to the effort. Many scoffed, but after sustained efforts drug use started downward to levels that were half what they were when she started. Murder rates fell, serious crime also fell. Overdose hospital admissions plummeted and the prevention programs concept resulted in less death, family breakup, and human loss. A generation of Americans, especially young people, benefitted from her achievement.
It is good to remember this work and strive not to let an increasing drug cycle begin again. When one considers the great contributions she made to the success of President Reagan, this historic achievement cannot be ignored.
Sessions had a personal relationship with the Reagans.
In 1981, President Reagan nominated Sessions to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and he was confirmed by the Senate. Five years later Reagan also nominated Sessions to serve on the federal bench as a U.S. District Judge. His nomination was blocked by senators who later came to publicly regret their opposition to him.
Since being elected to the Senate, Sessions has continued pursuing the anti-drugs and anti-crime agenda Mrs. Reagan championed.
He has encouraged all 2016 presidential candidates to engage in “a dedicated effort to reduce crime and prosecute armed career criminals and drug dealers.”
When Character was King. @Peggynoonannyc pic.twitter.com/53aV6QIdc1
— Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) March 6, 2016
