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Patti Davis, on her father, Ronald Reagan: My Father Spoke to Me Only Once About Why He Led This Nation

Davis writes about a conversation with Reagan in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House the night of his 1981 inauguration. According to Davis, Reagan told her:

“I really believe I can make this world a safer, more peaceful place. That’s why I ran for president.” When he left and the stillness of Lincoln’s bedroom folded around me, with all of its history and stories, I was struck by the fact that he spoke about the world, not just America.

I’ve thought about that night a lot lately, as America becomes more isolated, as we back away from allies and tensions grow. I’ve thought also about the lessons my father imparted to me as a child. He taught me at an early age about the Holocaust and that no country is immune to horrors like that. He told me that America’s democracy, while strong, is also fragile and to remain strong, we had to recognize that. He believed our democracy was a “grand experiment” and as such, it should be treated carefully.

A Haunting Coda: The 7 Days Gene Hackman’s Wife Could No Longer Care for Him: The exact details may never be known, but Mr. Hackman, 95 with advanced Alzheimer’s, was alone for about a week after his wife and sole caregiver died. [nytimes.com]

These expert tips on how to care for a loved one with dementia assume a level of financial and social resources that many caregivers just won’t have: Set up a caregiving team of at least five friends and family. Hire a geriatric social worker or nurse. Etc. [nytimes.com]

About 60 trans athletes play organized sports in the US. Sixty. Politicians and influencers trying to stir up outrage about this are distracting you while they steal from you.