# Ronald Reagan's Legacy: Your Thoughts **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 20, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379 "2011-01-20T21:27:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/141 "2011-01-28T22:27:19Z")
> [@New\_Deal\_Democrat](#): > > Most of that expansion went to the rich. There was less job creation under Ronald Reagan than under Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton. > > [http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/01/09/bush-on-jobs-the-worst-track-record-on-record/](http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/01/09/bush-on-jobs-the-worst-track-record-on-record/) > > Also, there was the highest unemployment in 1982 since the Great Depression. > > [http://www.p360.org/dsg.aspx?Data\_Set\_Group\_Id=44](http://www.p360.org/dsg.aspx?Data_Set_Group_Id=44) I realize that the history books are constantly being written and this chapter hasn’t been reached yet, but in 20 years, when we debate the accomplishments and impact of President Barack Obama, would you hang “Also, there was the highest unemployment in 2010 since the Great Depression” on him? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/142 "2011-01-29T00:10:29Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I have heard this, but I’ve also heard no one ever found any actual evidence of it. Do you have a cite? Hard to prove, Casey knowing how to cover his tracks and all, but [start here.](http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D71239F936A25757C0A967958260) **ralph** , where the hell did you get “The present bozo in the Oval Office has added more , and in less time, than Reagan ever did.” from? Seriously, where? ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/143 "2011-01-29T00:28:23Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Hard to prove, Casey knowing how to cover his tracks and all, but [start here.](http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D71239F936A25757C0A967958260) > **ralph** , where the hell did you get “The present bozo in the Oval Office has added more , and in less time, than Reagan ever did.” from? Seriously, where? I wish **BobLibDem** had posed the previous question, because my answer would have named a bodily orifice and then addressed \*\*Bob \*\*by name. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/144 "2011-01-29T02:17:32Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > I always have a good laugh about Reagan’s alleged huge contribution to the national debt. The present bozo in the Oval Office has added more , and in less time, than Reagan ever did. I would really like a cite for this. ---
**Author:** ![Naxos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/50afbb/32.png) [@Naxos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Naxos)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/145 "2011-01-29T02:27:55Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > I would really like a cite for this. Faux News. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/146 "2011-01-29T15:06:14Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Greatest POTUS of my lifetime, which dates back to LBJ. I will admit that there is not much in the way of competition for that title. > > Does get credit for winning the Cold War. And for restoring hope…the Carter years were a very dark time for the country. > > But I have no doubt the usual suspects will be here shortly to shit all over the legacy of a fine man. And now comes the part where **Oakminster** provides some factual support for that bit of misty-eyed handwaving … Right? ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/147 "2011-01-29T18:24:34Z")
One of the best post-war Presidents along with Truman and Nixon. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/148 "2011-01-29T19:16:18Z")
Well, that certainly settles that! There you go, **Elvish** , you ask for factual support, and there it is! ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/149 "2011-01-29T19:44:47Z")
Looking at America from the outside, it seems to me that Reagan’s pre-eminent achievement was turning America around psychologically. America in 1979 was in a major funk, still down after the disaster of Vietnam, compounded by Iran and Communist successes around the world. Reagan cheered up America and turned her around. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/150 "2011-01-29T19:52:06Z")
His advisers nearly invoked the Disabled President Amendment (March of '82 I believe) Made “liberal” a for letter word. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_jeffrey_lebowski/32/215_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Jeffrey_Lebowski)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/151 "2011-01-29T19:57:44Z")
Ah, yes, putting America in a better mood. Let’s not forget the impact of the 1984 Olympics, which was huge, particularly in light of the previous boycott. Well I say bullshit to that. To me, it was smoke and mirrors, a well organized pr campaign, wrapped in a flag, and fronted by President Photo-Op. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/152 "2011-01-29T20:01:58Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Looking at America from the outside, it seems to me that Reagan’s pre-eminent achievement was turning America around psychologically. America in 1979 was in a major funk, still down after the disaster of Vietnam, compounded by Iran and Communist successes around the world. Reagan cheered up America and turned her around. \Ronald Reagan, a professional twice over, both therapist and analyst. The world’s first analrapist.\ Stranger ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/153 "2011-01-29T20:36:22Z")
True, nothing removes the taint of a brutal and futile war like a brisk buggering of a defenseless Carriibean island. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/154 "2011-01-29T20:45:28Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Well, that certainly settles that! There you go, **Elvish** , you ask for factual support, and there it is! And it’s from somebody too young to remember the Clinton administration. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/155 "2011-01-29T21:01:02Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > But I have no doubt the usual suspects will be here shortly to shit all over the legacy of a fine man. How could anyone shit on the legacy of the man who conquered Grenada? Truly, he was an Alexander of our own time. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/156 "2011-01-29T21:28:31Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > \Ronald Reagan, a professional twice over, both therapist and analyst. The world’s first analrapist.\ > > Stranger Those business cards almost got you arrested! ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/157 "2011-01-29T21:29:21Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > True, nothing removes the taint of a brutal and futile war like a brisk buggering of a defenseless Carriibean island. Please allow me to subscribe to your newsletter. I am very interested in war AND buggery. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/158 "2011-01-29T21:38:44Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > war AND buggery. Among the many significant changes in Tolstoy’s second draft… ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/159 "2011-01-29T22:33:42Z")
He liked Jelly Bellies. That means he can’t be all bad. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379/160 "2011-01-29T22:47:22Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > How could anyone shit on the legacy of the man who conquered Grenada? And it only took a week to rescue those medical students, who were apparently so brainwashed they didn’t even know they needed rescuing, from those Cuban construction workers who were building that treacherous Soviet-funded airport, which we later completed at US taxpayer cost instead. But that may be because the operation was dog-wagged so hastily, to keep people from thinking about the 200 Marines Reagan got killed in Beirut for no explicable purpose. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ronald-reagans-legacy-your-thoughts/568379.md?page=9)