Remembering Reagan
Micheal Kinsley wrote an op ed piece in the Washington Post today about
the use of the image of Reagan by today's Republican candidates. While
they seem to talk ad infinitum about being "Reagan conservatives", his
record does not seem to support the nearly holy reverence he is given
in conservative circles. Kinsley talks of the the differing positions
of the candidates today; for example on immigration. With all the "anti
amnesty" jargon being thrown around, one should remember Reagan did
just that (blanket amnesty for an estimated 3 million illegal aliens under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986).
During Reagan's term, the amount of federal spending and tax revenues doubled, heavily buoyed by increases in defense spending ("the 600 ship navy" and "the strategic defense initiative aka star wars") who were two programs that helped bloat the defense budget considerably. There was also a dramatic increase in the federal defecit, caused by cutting taxes while continuing to increase spending.
Other potential targets (for both parties) of Reagan's record was that he was perhaps the most ardent anti-environmental president , participated in Iran-Contra, he "cut and ran" by withdrawing US Marines from Lebanon after the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut and perhaps was also directly involved in a plan to suspend the US Constitution in the event of a national emergency.
Anyway, the article is worth taking a look at. While Reagan was generally well liked, it's important that although our candidates are mindful of likening themselves as "Reagan Conservatives", that the Reagan record often deviates from the policy positions they advocate.
During Reagan's term, the amount of federal spending and tax revenues doubled, heavily buoyed by increases in defense spending ("the 600 ship navy" and "the strategic defense initiative aka star wars") who were two programs that helped bloat the defense budget considerably. There was also a dramatic increase in the federal defecit, caused by cutting taxes while continuing to increase spending.
Other potential targets (for both parties) of Reagan's record was that he was perhaps the most ardent anti-environmental president , participated in Iran-Contra, he "cut and ran" by withdrawing US Marines from Lebanon after the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut and perhaps was also directly involved in a plan to suspend the US Constitution in the event of a national emergency.
Anyway, the article is worth taking a look at. While Reagan was generally well liked, it's important that although our candidates are mindful of likening themselves as "Reagan Conservatives", that the Reagan record often deviates from the policy positions they advocate.