Proving Reagan wrong

[L K Day]

from Bob Krumm:

“Why are they doing all this when they have to know that it isn’t going to work?â€

[Izzy]

Amen Larry! on both counts.

[tbwilsonky]

of course, yes, the certain-to-fail stimulus package is all being done because Obama and his anti-Ayn Rand cronies have a sore spot for an actor who 'led' the country 20 years ago.

another trenchant political analysis from Mr. Krumm who, if nothing else, offers us a poignant glimpse into the workings of the 'sovereign' mind.

/golf clap
/que KC and the Sunshine Band

-t

[mcrib]

Are you aware Day that Reagan raised taxes in every year of his presidency? His initial tax cuts were gradually rolled back as they proved too much. Much of the Reagan myth is just that. He and Obama have something in common actually in that they gave Americans hope in some of their bleakest times. Let us just hope Obama stays away from anything nearly as corrupt as Iran Contra.

And the America that Reagan had the full support of was devoid of African Americans whom he famously ignored. Reagan's approval ratings were, while higher than W's, do not compare with say Eisenhower's numbers as well as other 20th century presidents (including FDR who has somehow become a villain according to modern conservatives, go figure). I am not stirring up a fight but even the historian that edited Reagan's presidential journal said that Obama is the first real source of hope and change since Reagan. And if you don't think the country needs some change you are a fucking dumbass.

[Izzy]

Mcrib, while everything you say about Reagan may be true you're missing an important point. Reagan inspired hope through promoting American exceptionalism and the will to achieve. Thus far it appears that Obama is taking the path of collectivism, redistribution and nationalization.

The difference in philosophy here is the subject of Day's quote, not the public perception of either president.

[L K Day]

Bingo!

[tbwilsonky]

Mcrib, while everything you say about Reagan may be true you're missing an important point. Reagan inspired hope through promoting American exceptionalism and the will to achieve. Thus far it appears that Obama is taking the path of collectivism, redistribution and nationalization.

The difference in philosophy here is the subject of Day's quote, not the public perception of either president.

all of this is adorable. if someone had no idea what was going on (or what went on - as it were) they might be inclined to agree.

first, Reagan's philosophical underpinnings (i can't believe i just wrote that) can hardly be summed up with soundbites taken from select speeches in your copy of Reagan Cliff Notes. rather, like Mcrib was suggesting, a president's philosophy might be 'read' from their practices, policies, and decrees.

but let's assume Reagan could be boxed up in an 'American exceptionalism' package, i'm not sure that is commendable or even desirable. not only does it promote a protectionist nationalism that has no place in today's (or yesterday's) hyper-connected world, but it also provides a solid foundation for fascism.

and i'm sure there has never been an american president who did not (and does not now) promote 'the will to achieve'. so it seems hardly worth mentioning if you are actually trying to compare the two men in any sort of meaningful way.

but you clearly are not. mostly because you can't (they aren't really comparable (8 years vs. 1 month, cold war vs. economic crisis, etc.), but also because you won't. it's a lot easier to paint things in a stark binary (left/right, collectivism vs. individualism, etc..) and root for your side than to actually look at the historical moorings of our current predicament(s) and try to sort out a feasible solution.

that's not very exceptional in my opinion.

-t

[L K Day]

Feeling a little ouwee this morning?

[ahab]

you make such a good argument day.

[L K Day]

I just shared something that I thought was funny, not looking for an argument. If it pisses off some people, tough.