How Will Republicans Honor Reagan's Legacy?

Despite the fact that the size of government grew during his eight years in office, Ronald Reagan did, in fact, preside over one of the greatest economic booms of the 20th century. And, though it now seems to have been reduced to a cliché, helped people feel good about being American.

As the country mourns Reagan's passing, I cannot help but wonder how his memory will be honored by his fellow Republicans. It's one thing to reminisce about the good ol' days when politicians actually had respect for the office they were holding and were venerated by the average citizen, but what happens when the pomp and circumstance begin to fade? Surely the legacy of one of the most loved presidents in U.S. history is more than the sum of a few fond memories, poignant recollections and humorous anecdotes.

Reagan once said, "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." If Republicans really wish to honor the memory of their fallen leader, why not work to solve that problem? Why not begin the arduous process of shrinking government?

Republicans have consistently looked to Reagan as an icon in the fight against big government, yet it was the GOP that presided over the largest government growth spurt in recent memory. Government has grown more expensive and more intrusive in the last four years under a Republican administration than it did during the previous eight years when a Democrat ran the White House.

Is this the legacy Republicans wish to preserve?