I was so sad to come home today and find out that Johnny Carson had passed away. I adored Carson. We bitch about "hollywood liberals" today, but Carson was a throwback to old Hollywood. He was classy, intelligent and, best of all, endlessly entertaining.

I think he respected his audience enough not to throw his politics in their faces. Sure, he made jokes about Nixon and he had Clinton playing the sax on his show. But, at the same time, he was one of the early big contributors to Ronald Reagan's 1980 Presidential campaign. In fact, Reagan's thank you letter is included in Reagan: A Life in Letters:

Dear Joanna and Johnny:

Nancy and I just got off another airplane. Do you know we are on them so much I don't think we ride them anymore, I think we wear them. Anyway, we arrived home to find your very generous contribution. We both want you to know how very grateful we are. You make us very proud, indeed. We'll do our best to see that you never have reason to regret your kindness. We both hope we see you very soon. And again our heartfelt thanks.

Sincerely,
Ron

I think that Johnny Carson made all Americans proud. I hope he enjoyed entertaining us as much as we all enjoyed welcoming him into our homes. Thanks for the memories, Johnny.