What Grade would you give the Gipper
- Thread starter miketheidiot
- Start date
Reagan brought some optimism back to this country. He was a man of charisma despite his weaknesses (Alzheimer's and the desire to seek astrological advice). It wasn't until much later that I've learned of the detail of the crap pulled in Central America and the details behind Iran/Contra (I wasn't really into details of politics until the 2000 election).
I voted B.
I voted B.
Don Vito Corleone
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Me too, for largely the same reasons.
I am always a little amused at people who, when rationalizing Operation Iraqi Freedom, point out that Saddam gassed the Kurds, since he did it under our watch, using WMDs we paid for, through Reagan's illegal "Iraqgate" program.
Reagan really was, IMO a causative factor in the end of the Cold War, and had greater vision than I gave him credit for at the time. That said, his lies and criminal behavior were among the most flagrant of any American president, and he sure as hell deserved to be impeached more than Bill Clinton did.
I view him as as much a problem as a solution during the cold war. I am of the opinion that the demise of the ussr was inevitable by the begining of the 80's and was just a matter of time. The 80's arms build up was mostly a waste that should have been spent on education, or better yet not spent at all. His economic policies were mediocre, and the upturn in the economy during his term was as much his doings as it was the after effects of finally getting out of the semi-depression of the 70's. He was inspiring and a great speaker. Considering this, i would give him a c+
However, the dealings in his administration, with iran/contra, iraq, grenada, and latin america in general are some of the most blatantly criminal acts in american history. I believe that several of his underlings deserved nothing less than death (lt. col. oliver north in particular) These actions made the world a much worse place, and due to this he gets an F.
However, the dealings in his administration, with iran/contra, iraq, grenada, and latin america in general are some of the most blatantly criminal acts in american history. I believe that several of his underlings deserved nothing less than death (lt. col. oliver north in particular) These actions made the world a much worse place, and due to this he gets an F.
I would say B-/C+.
Just as hard as it is for me to give Clinton a higher grade based on his personal dealings, it is hard for me to give Reagan a stronger grade based on his behind the scenes policies.
He gets amazingly high marks though for having been able to inspire a new generation of voters to once again care about the direction of the country. I don't believe that the direction that he wanted to go in was the best....but his methods of generating public support hadn't been seen since Kennedy.
Just as hard as it is for me to give Clinton a higher grade based on his personal dealings, it is hard for me to give Reagan a stronger grade based on his behind the scenes policies.
He gets amazingly high marks though for having been able to inspire a new generation of voters to once again care about the direction of the country. I don't believe that the direction that he wanted to go in was the best....but his methods of generating public support hadn't been seen since Kennedy.
Wow, I am surprised to see so many smart people not enjoying what reagan did...
Then again, it doesn't help that I am only 19.
Then again, it doesn't help that I am only 19.
You gave him a B but yet you feel he deserved to be impreached? I am doing a bit more reading on the subject and it seems like he really messed up South Ameirca...
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
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Yep. Reagan really was a mixed bag. I maintain he did more than any other individual to end the Cold War, and he was a true leader at a time the country really needed one. More than any other modern president, he had the courage of his own convictions, and stayed loyal to his country and his subordinates.
That said, he committed some rather serious crimes, and lied when called upon to account for them.
Just to be clear, I didn't say he necessarily deserved to be impeached, just that he deserved it more than Clinton.
Why do ya'll keep biting my thread?
Anyways, Reagan was an OK guy.
Reaganomics didn't really work out too good tho, so I put him in the middle.
Anyways, Reagan was an OK guy.
Reaganomics didn't really work out too good tho, so I put him in the middle.
judasmachine
Diamond Member
- Sep 15, 2002
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D to a C. He helped kickstart the badly needed reforms in Eastern Europe, and brought us some hope. However he dealt very underhandedly with regards to the Middle East, and Central America.
I voted C.
I voted C.
Ding ding...Publically supporting Iraq, and secretly selling weapons to Iran makes me wonder if we were pushing the two countries to war. If Khomeini was smart, he would have realized that both sides were being played and would have ended a useless war when saddam offered multiple peace treaties.
Same grade btw
I noticed a lot of my generation seems to love Reagan...but I wonder how much they know about him
A
Loved what he did with taxes (brought top rate from 70% to 35%), and brought an end to the cold war. Did he, or his administration, make mistakes? Sure, but what President doesn't. I believe the good FAR outweighed the bad. He was a true leader.
Loved what he did with taxes (brought top rate from 70% to 35%), and brought an end to the cold war. Did he, or his administration, make mistakes? Sure, but what President doesn't. I believe the good FAR outweighed the bad. He was a true leader.
can you describe in more detail what exactly he did with taxes? are you saying the top tax bracket was paying 70% before Reagan?
Sheik Yerbouti
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2005
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D, only because of his skills as an orator. Other than that, an F for the lies, underhanded dealings, etc.
F
He was not physically to be the president.
If you read Nancy's book you will see she ran the 2nd term and how she consulted with the stars to lead her life.
High interest rates.
Iran/Contra
Central America.. Guns for drugs
High unemployment
All the spending and did not care about it ( PBS had a special on the space race in the 80's and they had a clip between the "head" accountant and the president and the account said we cannot afford this and the president told him yes we can) . Especially in defense. "Star Wars" project had 70ish percent of the money spent on that project went towards management and nothing came out of the star wars project.
Trickle down econ.. that phrase still pisses me off.
He was not physically to be the president.
If you read Nancy's book you will see she ran the 2nd term and how she consulted with the stars to lead her life.
High interest rates.
Iran/Contra
Central America.. Guns for drugs
High unemployment
All the spending and did not care about it ( PBS had a special on the space race in the 80's and they had a clip between the "head" accountant and the president and the account said we cannot afford this and the president told him yes we can) . Especially in defense. "Star Wars" project had 70ish percent of the money spent on that project went towards management and nothing came out of the star wars project.
Trickle down econ.. that phrase still pisses me off.
Hayabusa Rider
Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
- Jan 26, 2000
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I can't figure out what to give him. If I had to, I'd give him a B+ and some time in jail for the Contra shens.
Sheik Yerbouti
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2005
- 14,080
- 5,453
- 136
Sheik Yerbouti
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2005
- 14,080
- 5,453
- 136
Trickle down economics is a fact, and its still in practice today in our tax laws.
I'm sorry you disagree but the age old saying can't be truer, "When the rich stop getting richer the poor will stop eating."
Its not fair and its not easy to stomach, but it is very true.
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