Tuesday, November 08, 2005

REAGEN'S DESTRUCTIVE LEGACY

REAGEN'S DESTRUCTIVE LEAGACY
by Abraham Steffes
Edited by Brandon Alexander Geraghty-MacKenzie


This country was ruined by Ronald Reagen. He told us that greed was good, ushered in a new age of international terrorism, and generally ruined an entire generation of children (the Gen Xers) from whose antics we are still trying to recover. By any standard, Ronald Reagen was nothing more than a pretentious Grade B actor with delusions of adequacy, and he gave his most destructive performance when he decided to play the part of the President of the United States.

Where do I begin? He gave me so much material to work with. Perhaps the best thing to do is to start right here at home and see where our little trek takes us.

When Mister Reagen tried to slash New Deal safety nets we paid dearly for it. Granted, Reagen did stimulate the economy for some, but it wasn't always an easy ride for the folks in third class. Upon taking office, the Jipper pushed through a policy of tax cuts, increased military spending, and reduced social spending. The immediate result was a sharp rise in interest rates. The inflation that we had experienced under Carter (a result of instability in the Mideast, i.e. the Iranian Revolution) did in fact decrease. But unemployment reached a post war record of 10.8 percent. Factories and farms went belly up. By 1984 the economy had begun to pick up, but unemployment still hoovered at or around 7 to 7. 5 percent, although inflation had decreased to a manageable 4.5 percent. That assumes, however, that the Jipper was being honest with us. Regrettably, the Reagen Administration changed the manner in which we count the number of unemployed. In a desperate attempt to fudge its own record, the Reagen Administration decided to stop workers who had been unemployed for longer than six months. In other words, we have not had an accurate account of unemployment since the Jipper left office.

And there's more.

From 1984 to the summer of 1987, confidence had been growing on Wall Street; stock prices were booming at a phenomenal rate. The bubble, however, crashed in October of that year. Panic set in, and stock values plunged by about $500 billion.

And then we had that little matter of the trade deficit. When Reagen took office in 1981, we had a trade surplus (no, that is not a typo--I wrote SURPLUS) of about $6 billion. By 1982, we had a trade DEFICIT of about $8 billion. By 1986 the figure had reached the $170 billion mark. Translated into modern English, we devolved from an exporter into an importer, making ourselves more dependent on the outside world for the basic necessities. Am I the only one on this blog who sees this as a potential threat to our national security?

Socially, America hit the skids during the Reagen years; and in many ways we have yet to recover. Drugs and drug-related crime became a national epidemic. Nancy Reagen told us to "just say no," which produced a restrained giggle among those in the mental health care profession, who issued a collective, "What-did-she-say?" Even a first year psychology student knows that you can't make a human being change behavior unless you are willing demand an alternative behavior coupled with positive reinforcement. But then again, who said that Republicans had a sound understanding of human nature? The "Just Say No" solution (or non-solution, if you will) offered no viable alternatives to drug use and addiction, and the drug epidemic is still a devastating social problem.

In addition, the Reagen years also created an unholy marriage between two of our worst social malignancies. Prior to the 1980s we had our issues with drugs. We also had street gangs. But during the Reagen years we saw the emergence of enterprising street toughs who combined the worst elements of alienation, violence, and the free enterprise system to create for-profit drug gangs. Think Al Capone meets The Lord of the Flies, and then remember that this has been the dysfunctional gift that just keeps on giving.

In addition, we also saw an increase in the number of violent youth overall. Indeed, if I recall correctly, the Reagen years gave us a generation of youth who were willing to kill one another over fashion (read athletic shoes and sports jackets). That was new, although not unexpected when the President's policies are telling us as a nation that greed is good.

All right, perhaps I've been a little too hard on the Jipper. Like most presidents, he probably made up for his domestic short-comings through success in foreign policy.


Or should I say "took credit" for a successful foreign policy?


On the one hand he saved the world from a rickety "Evil Empire" which was ready to collapse under its own militancy, corruption, and inefficiency. On the other hand, when the Soviets made the stupid, stupid mistake of invading Afghanistan the Reagen-Bush 1 Administration supplied aid and assistance to a dedicated, anti-communist freedom fighter named Osama Bin Laden. You really have to wonder. If the Jipper hadn't been suffering from Alzheimer's since his second term, what might he have been thinking when he saw those planes crashing into the Twin Towers on 911. Might he have thought "God-forgive-me," or just issued a befuddled "well,-there-I-go-again?"

Nor was this the only time Reagen assisted (unintentional perhaps) international terrorists

.
In 1982 he sent American troops to Lebanon on a "peace-keeping mission. In 1983 a terrorist crashed a truck full of explosives into the American barracks, killing 239 American soldiers. In fact, the Reagen years were a fine time for terrorism. Terrorists bombed the American Embassy in East Beirut. Libyan terrorists detonated a bomb in a West Berlin night club, killing an American soldier and several patrons. My but we were having fun.

Then we had that little matter of the Iran-Iraq War, during the course of which we cuddled up with our tyrant of choice, (the one, the only), Saddam Hussein! (I guess Saddam wasn't such a bad butcher as long as he was a REPUBLICAN-backed butcher). In fact, we all remember that splendid picture of
Saddam Hussein shaking hands with Donald Rumsfeld. (I know, I know. Technically, it's a little off topic, but it does show how hypocritical we were both then and now.)

On the other hand, the Jipper was an equal opportunity arms provider-- as we saw when he sold $30 million in arms to the Iranian Ayatollahs and then used the proceeds to support Right Wing Death squads in Central America (Nicaragua). Why do the words "Iran-Contra come to mind? You see, kiddies, The United States Congress had cut off the flow of blood money to Reagen's Central American bullies, limiting them to humanitarian aid. That, however, wasn't good enough for the Jipper. He wanted to sell military aid. The fact that the White House had been using the money from the secret Iranian Arms sale amounted to a violation of the law. To his credit, Reagen accepted responsibility for Iran-Contra but denied that he knew any details--which i rings true because a substantial share of his second term was probably spent in a senility-induced haze.

Yup. The Reagen years were a real dream. And in many ways we have yet to wake up from his right wing nightmare that he induced.





19 comments:

Goggalor said...

He ended the Cold War. He ended the suffering of West Berlin. He did that. No one else.

Goggalor

Rhino-itall said...

Hey Abe tell us how you really feel. anyway, there is so much B.S. in that post that i wouldn't even know where to begin. So, as my rebuttal here representing the evil wing of the conservative republican party, i will say this. Ronald Reagan won not one, but two huge landslide national elections. First he trounced carter. Carter won only seven states total, and then, after his terrible policies took effect, and had been destroying the country for 4 years, he crushed mondale, in fact mondale only got his home state of minnesota, and the always important, washington dc. My thinking Abe is that if he was as bad as you say he was, maybe more of the country would have noticed. It just shows how out of the mainstream you were then, and you are now.

Anonymous said...

I think perhaps youre confusing the late great President Ronald Wilson Reagan with movie character Gordon Gecko. For your sake I hope that is the reason that your grasp on reality has been lost. Your ignorance is only rivaled by your arrogance. Is it your opinion that “grade B” actors have no place in politics, or is that strictly the realm for “grade A” types such as yourself and your liberal ilk in Hollywood today? I will however give your credit for your cleverness and originality. I see you took a synonym for cheat and combined it with a movie characters name that Pres. Reagan played to form the ingenious “Jipper”. Im glad to see your have grown tired of resorting to calling all Republican Nazis. The New Deal was a safety net, a short term fix to bring this country out of the Great Depression (which it did not accomplish) Forgive Pres. Reagan for trying to “slash” an antiquated program that failed to achieve its initial purpose forty some odd years ago and helped to create the welfare state we are living in today. Im glad to see that you acknowledged President Reagan DID stimulate the economy thru his policy of tax cuts, military spending (what countries do during wartime just ask your hero FDR), and reduced welfare state spending. However, I am sorry that you feel prosperity is a Constitutional right. As far as your attack on the First Lady Nancy Reagan, the “just say no” program was not intended to alter human behavior or provide an alternative to drug use. The purpose was to try and stop children from doing drugs in the first place. Even a first year History student could tell you that. Sorry to see you feel this is an unworthy cause. My favorite point/counterpoint you make is blaming Pres. Reagan for the creation of the “unholy marriage” between drugs, violence, and gangs, but then you rebut yourself by referencing the “enterprising (???) “ street tough Al Capone from the 1920’s (before Pres Reagan’s time I think) who was infamous for his “violence, drugs, and gang warfare. In regards to your Pres Reagan terrorism correlation I find it misleading and historically inaccurate at best, and ignorantly hateful and un-American at worst. Your hatred has blinded you to the evils that have ALWAYS existed, and youre blaming them on one man or one party shows your lack of any true thoughtful reasoning. I would be incredibly interested to hear your take on the legacy of Pres’ FDR, Kennedy, Johnson, and Carter. For the record I am one of the Gen X’ers that Pres Reagan “ruined” and me, my six figure income, and my Central park view apartment thank him for it.

Rhino-itall said...

Reagan was the great communicator, but according to you, his "handlers" kept him on a tight leash? hmmm well i expect these little inconsistencies from liberals. Anyway, lets move on. , you say ......... "It seems odd that you wouldn't be aware of the fact that opinion poll after opinion poll showed that the American people liked Reagen PERSONALLY but disagreed with him on a wide range of ISSUES" ............ so that leads me to believe that the overwhelming majority of democrats who voted for him TWICE were either stupid, or they wanted America to fail. i would go with the latter, but either way it doesn't look good for you guys. And then, to top it off, even though "poll after poll" showed that the American people disagreed with him on the issues, they elected his vice president anyway! The reason why Bush got elected was because everyone thought it would be a continuation of the Reagan white house. he didn't get re-elected was because it wasn't. But hey, i'm sure you're right, I'm sure the American people are just stupid. Or maybe you're suffering from a degenerative brain disease? who knows? either way, once again it doesn't look good for you.

Anonymous said...

This is for ALL of you! It was 20 fucking years ago! Can you bitch about something more recent?

Rhino-itall said...

Hey light, i will let the donkey defend himself, he is more than capable. but i do have one issue that i would like to address. Nancy Reagan was the first lady, i know you clinton lovers don't understand this, but the first lady isn't elected, she's not supposed to make policy, or propose socialist health care plans. She's supposed to have photo ops reading with school children and "just say no" anti drug campains.And commercials with arnold from different strokes. Thats what nancy was doing, so i think you should take it easy on that non point that you're trying to make. And i'm very upset that you don't hate me, i think if you try a little harder you can do it. don't give up on yourself, i haven't lost faith in you.

Rhino-itall said...

ummm light, did you have wine with the filet of rhino? Bush 1 didn't run against gore. and of course, everyone thought Bush would be 4 more years of Reaganite policies. if you're denying that, you're either misinformed, or disingenuous.

Anonymous said...

First off I want to thank you for taking time out of your day to respond to my comment O' Enlightened One. I usually let Rhino handle my light work however the sheer stupidity of this post (Ronny "The Jipper" Reagan is responsible for everything bad) compelled me to comment.

ANSWER: I'm equally sorry that you blieve that it should be granted to only a Plutocratic few. Don't worry. Rhino has already suggested that he enjoys being among the plutocractic few, though not in those words.
QUESTION: Do you not believe excellence and hard work should be rewarded? As Abe stated socialism in thoery and in practice does not work. Why would you still feel so strongly in favor of it???

...

ANSWER: Thanks for making our point for us. That's exactly what Abe was getting at and why Mrs. Reagen's idea was a study in futility. The alternative of just saying "no" was always out there.
Mrs. Reagen's aproach (or lack thereof) sounded good to the voters, and it made her look like a nice lady, but it was junk behavioral science. Hint hint. If you're REALLY interested in reducing drug abuse it MIGHT help to look at the scientific literature to determine what actually works before you make some empty, nebulous remark about just saying "no." As a policy, "Just Say No," was a joke.
QUESTION: So if you agree that "just say no" was already "out there", henceforth would be common sense, why would you argue against common sense???

...

ANSWER: Thanks for restating Abe's point. To it I would only add the following. The basic message of the 1980s was "greed is good."
QUESTION: Did you read his post? He blamed Pres Reagan for the re-emergance of crime. Do you actually believe thats true? Do you think crime was in a vacuum until 1980. I didnt argue his point because he didnt have one and if he did he negated it with his Capone and required reading for 12 yr olds reference. NEXT..

...

ANSWER: Boy, and you had the nerve to call US arrogant? That comment told our readers more about you as a man than you could have ever imagined. Do yourself a favor. Grow up. Get married. Have children. Take on some real life responsibilities beyond the very narrow confines of your bank account and stock portfolio. If you think financial gains are more important than human beings and doing the right things with your life, then I would submit that you are living a very lonely and superficial life.
QUESTION: You cant be serious? You will begrudge me for having pride in my success just because of the inner resentment you have for your own failings and for the fact I have no children? Sit down. Relax and think about the fallacy of your argument. I was a "victim" of Pres Reagans social cuts being that I am from a single parent, high crime, povery stricten background, and I genuinely sincerely thank him for restoring pride in this country that enabled me to succeed.I very easily could have been just another statistic that you "liberal thinkers" like to quote but never help.

TRUTH: Ronald Regan will be remembered as a GREAT President, but was he without sin, was he a saint. Of course not, name a man let alone a President that is. However it is absolutely ludicrous to insinuate that he was responsibel for crime, market crashes, terrorism, violence, drug use, cyclical interest rates etc etcetera. It is truly sad what has become of the modern day Democratic party, a party of rhetoric, name calling, and double speak. I challenge you to name me one original idea from the Democrats in the last 10 years that was not rooted in socialism.

Game Over. Turn off the lights!!!

Anonymous said...

Control your emotions, Donkey. They're revealing a personality disorder that's even deper than Rhino's And you are right about one thing--the game is indeed over.


Check and mate. We win

Anonymous said...

FRANK ZAPPA RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah. That's right. Al Gore ran in the Democratic Primaries, but was defeated by Michael Duckass. My GOD that was a terrible election. Two of the worst candidates I could have imagined. I voted for a third party that year.

Rhino-itall said...

yes anon, gore lost, so he DIDN'T run against Bush. But i was hoping someone else would correct dan, although i am a dastardly republican, however i don't like to pick on children.

Anonymous said...

You're both wrong. Gore ran against Duckass in the 1988 primary but the real opponent in mind was Daddy Bush. And if I recall correctly, Gore supported Duckass which means he technically opposed Bush. At the very least he didn't stump for Daddy Bush, who would have been a hell of a lot better than the letch we suffered under during the 90's.

Rhino-itall said...

Actually anon, we're not both wrong. i'm right, and correct as usual. As i said, Bush snr. never ran against gore. there is no technically, why would gore a democrat stump for Bush a republican? And yes clinton was a bad guy, but Bush snr. didn't deserve re election. He caved in and betrayed his Reagan legacy, that's why perot got 18% of the vote, and that's what gave clinton the victory. Have a good weekend everyone, and happy veterans day.

Daniel Gallagher said...

Right back at yah Rhino

Anonymous said...

Very intersting how 'enlightenment' disapears after his argument is discredited and 'anonymous' shows up spewing the same pyscho-babble about emotional disorders. Can all you 1st year psych students say Projecting?

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