Sad News

[Guest Riots bloodlust]

I would just like to say that I find it absolutely disgraceful how some people take this mans death as an opportunity to tear him down. After only a brief look through several online forums and chat rooms, I have found all too many people who should, simply put, be ashamed of themselves. This man deserves our respect. You do not need to agree with his policies to respect the man. He was the president of the United States, and that alone deserves respect. Not to mention he and Nancy having to endure the hell of Alzheimers. I can only hope that these online hate speakers are as few in number as their marginalized medium would indicate.

 

I just had to get that off my chest.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

Oh hell, it's politics. Strom Thurmond hadn't even cooled before a number of us remarked about what a great example he made for term limits in the Senate.

 

While I draw the line on disrespectful "I'm glad the guy's dead" kind of comments, disagreeing with their politics isn't a bad thing just because they're dead, especially in this day and age where every "important" death heralds a week long media event of packaged tributes and biographies.

[Guest Anglesault]

However, I find the fact that it was the only news story incredibly irritating. It can be the headline story, but to be the only story is a bit over the top. If Thatcher died I doubt it would be the only news story here, nor in the US. Similarly, if Gough Whitlam (probably Australia's most important Prime Minister in history, from 1972-5) were to die, I'd expect it to be the headline news, but not the only news story. Same with Nelson Mandela if he died.

Mendela would be pretty close to this.

[Dr. Tom 0]

RIP Mr. President.

 

Definitely one of the great ones.

[Guest Crazy Dan]

I for one didn't agree with many of his politics, but I will say RIP Mr. President. May wherever you may be in your afterlife be a peacefull time for ya and may your memories all return to you that you lost in your last years in this life. It was sad that his last years were spent not knowing who he was or what he accomplished. Alzheimers is a terrible disease no matter who the person is. A unfortunate end to one of America's more interesting Presidents. Did a lot of good for the US, and did some bad, but he will be remembered and reveared.

[Guest BobbyWhioux]

While I draw the line on disrespectful "I'm glad the guy's dead" kind of comments, disagreeing with their politics isn't a bad thing just because they're dead, especially in this day and age where every "important" death heralds a week long media event of packaged tributes and biographies.

Indeed. And Reagan's going to get more than a week.

 

There's been a Reagan Deification movement for a long time; it's going to swell now. Reagan the human being will now become even further drowned in the wake of Reagan the symbol/religious icon.

 

I have little good to say about Ronald Reagan; I did not know him personally (so I can't comment either way there), and I am not a fan of his domestic policy (and the legacy thereof) or his cabinet/staff and their actions.

 

So, instead, I will simply say that Alzheimer's is a torturous way to go both for the afflicted and his/her family, and that I don't wish it on anyone. I derived no joy from Reagan's affliction, and I derive no joy from news of his passing.

[Zorin Industries 0]

I'm actually having a great deal of trouble seeing anything on the news about Reagan, its all being dominated by the D-Day anniversary, apart from fox news which is carrying it prominatly

[Guest Cerebus]

Men and women with drive, clarity, and vision always pile up the enemies. Reagan was no exception, but even one of his arch enemies, Speaker Tip O'Neil, wrote that while he would fight Reagan tooth and nail on almost every issue he couldn't help but like the guy immensly every time the two met. Reagan's policies won't be loved by everyone, not because they, themselves, were flawed but that they wwere pursued with such vigor that those who disagreed with them had, also, to disagree with vigor. Hate his policies, but appreciate this: after years of feeling second best, after years of corruption, scandal, and economic downturn, he made America feel like America again. He brought back a spark and confidence in my country that had been missing for 30 years. That is greater than any policy decision or budget in the world.

 

God bless you Ronald Reagan. Thank you.

[pappajacks 0]

Most of the Reagan Idolatry is just political hyperbole from the right. He was pretty much a caretaker president with his major impact being large tax cuts and big deficits and the cost/benefit of that policy is dependent on your place on the political spectrum. His impact on the Cold war is IMO vastly overstated but if you want to give him the credit for ending it than to be fair you really should blame him for creating Osama Bin Laden as a paramilitary political entity and encouraging Saddam Hussein to commit genocide and use poisonous gas.

 

Either way a pretty unremarkable President whose competence is either greatly exxagerated or diminished in a period of overheated punditocracy much like Clinton.

[Ace309 0]

I'm sorry for the Reagan family's loss. I can't help but think, though, it must have been heartbreaking to see King Ron in the condition he was in, so it must be at least some relief. Hopefully they take comfort in that.

[Lil' Bitch 0]

EDIT: A fighter to the bitter end (he even survived being assassinated up close and personally), thanks for everything, Mr. FORMER President Reagen.

[cawthon777 0]

Most of the Reagan Idolatry is just political hyperbole from the right. He was pretty much a caretaker president with his major impact being large tax cuts and big deficits and the cost/benefit of that policy is dependent on your place on the political spectrum. His impact on the Cold war is IMO vastly overstated but if you want to give him the credit for ending it than to be fair you really should blame him for creating Osama Bin Laden as a paramilitary political entity and encouraging Saddam Hussein to commit genocide and use poisonous gas.

 

Either way a pretty unremarkable President whose competence is either greatly exxagerated or diminished in a period of overheated punditocracy much like Clinton.

Even if Clinton died - whom I'm no fan of, I wouldn't have the urge to go off on such a rant. Why you felt obligated to do so is beyond me.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Most of the Reagan Idolatry is just political hyperbole from the right. He was pretty much a caretaker president with his major impact being large tax cuts and big deficits and the cost/benefit of that policy is dependent on your place on the political spectrum. His impact on the Cold war is IMO vastly overstated but if you want to give him the credit for ending it than to be fair you really should blame him for creating Osama Bin Laden as a paramilitary political entity and encouraging Saddam Hussein to commit genocide and use poisonous gas.

 

Either way a pretty unremarkable President whose competence is either greatly exxagerated or diminished in a period of overheated punditocracy much like Clinton.

You're a moron.

[cynicalprofit 0]

Of course my question is; Does he even know he's dead?

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

He was easily the best president of my lifetime.

[Dr. Tom 0]

A fighter to the bitter end (he even survived being assassinated up close and personally), thanks for everything, Mr. Ex-President Reagen.

The man died. At least have the courtesy to spell his fucking name right.

 

And any former president carries that title throughout his life. He was President Reagan, not "Ex-President Reagen [sic]."

 

Tool.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Yeeeeouch.

[Stephen Joseph 0]

Yeah umm...Pappajacks really needs to pick up a history book and read it.

 

That's all

[The Czech Republic 0]

Of course my question is; Does he even know he's dead?

Well let's see. pappajacks just used his lack of historical knowledge to try and discredit the man's presidency. cynicalprofit chimes in with the Alzheimer's joke that nobody really thinks is funny. The only thing that this Dumbshit Holiday that is the "Sad News" thread needs now is SKBF's opinion. "In the 80s, we were the REAL Evil Empire, not the Soviets. Reagan should've employed an army of food men."

[Hogan Made Wrestling 0]

EDIT: Nice to see Slate.com bringing the class here. Lovely of them to insult a man who just passed.

I'm not surprised, and neither are you.

 

It would have been nice for them to let the body grow cold, at least, but really, I expected nothing so generous from those like them.

I'm surprised no one has seriously tried something like "Bush must be pissed off that he died now and not right before the election" although I'm sure that one will be coming sooner or later.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

Someone wanna tell me what Slate did? If they had something up personally insulting, they don't now. Just a bunch of political stories.

[DARRYLXWF 0]

Here's a worthy article on Reagan's fiscal policy, for those who care. It was written in March 2001.

 

The Real Reagan Economic Record: Responsible and Successful Fiscal Policy

by Peter B. Sperry, Ph.D.

 

After President George W. Bush sent Congress an outline of his tax reform plan on February 8, some critics immediately began to attack it as a return to what they portray as the fiscally irresponsible policies of the Reagan Administration. According to these commentators, Congress should scale back--if not outright reject--President Bush's tax reform proposals because they are based on a period when the wealthy received excessive tax cuts and revenue was wasted on defense even though most Americans struggled in poverty. This is a revisionist view of recent history that ignores reality and denies the fact that President Reagan's sound policies and determination deserve much of the credit for the current economic picture. Congress should embrace President Bush's tax reform plan as a responsible return to the most successful economic policy of the 20th century.

 

President Ronald Reagan's record includes sweeping economic reforms and deep across-the-board tax cuts, market deregulation, and sound monetary policies to contain inflation. His policies resulted in the largest peacetime economic boom in American history and nearly 35 million more jobs. As the Joint Economic Committee reported in April 2000:2

 

In 1981, newly elected President Ronald Reagan refocused fiscal policy on the long run. He proposed, and Congress passed, sharp cuts in marginal tax rates. The cuts increased incentives to work and stimulated growth. These were funda-mental policy changes that provided the foundation for the Great Expansion that began in December 1982.

 

As Exhibit 1 shows, the economic record of the last 17 years is remarkable, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the 1970s. The United States has experienced two of the longest and strongest expansions in our history back to back. They have been interrupted only by a shallow eight-month downturn in 1990-91.

 

 

Even with the growing surplus, however, a small but vocal faction in Congress opposes any policies that would allow taxpayers to keep more of their own money through real tax cuts and that generally would shift power from the government to the people. This attempt to rewrite history should not be surprising. Proponents of additional government spending try to make the Reagan boom appear to be a bust because they fear that Reagan's success will help President Bush build popular support for lower taxes, further deregulation, and reduced government spending. But their rhetoric is easily countered by the evidence.

 

History confirms the soundness of the Reagan, and now Bush, approach to economic policy. Under President Reagan, federal revenues increased even with tax cuts, federal spending did not decrease, the country experienced the longest period of sustained growth during peacetime in its history, and the rich paid more taxes proportionately than they had before the tax cuts were implemented.

 

HOW DID THE REAGAN TAX CUTS AFFECT THE U.S. TREASURY?

 

Many critics of reducing taxes claim that the Reagan tax cuts drained the U.S. Treasury. The reality is that federal revenues increased significantly between 1980 and 1990:

 

Total federal revenues doubled from just over $517 billion in 1980 to more than $1 trillion in 1990. In constant inflation-adjusted dollars, this was a 28 percent increase in revenue.3

 

As a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP), federal revenues declined only slightly from 18.9 percent in 1980 to 18 percent in 1990.4

 

Revenues from individual income taxes climbed from just over $244 billion in 1980 to nearly $467 billion in 1990.5 In inflation-adjusted dollars, this amounts to a 25 percent increase.

 

HOW DID REAGAN'S POLICIES AFFECT FEDERAL SPENDING?

 

Although critics continue to focus on President Reagan's budget "cuts," federal spending rose significantly during the 1980s:

 

Federal spending more than doubled, growing from almost $591 billion in 1980 to $1.25 trillion in 1990. In constant inflation-adjusted dollars, this was an increase of 35.8 percent.6

 

As a percentage of GDP, federal expenditures grew slightly from 21.6 percent in 1980 to 21.8 percent in 1990.7

 

Contrary to popular myth, while inflation-adjusted defense spending increased by 50 percent between 1980 and 1989, it was curtailed when the Cold War ended and fell by 15 percent between 1989 and 1993. However, means-tested entitlements, which do not include Social Security or Medicare, rose by over 102 percent between 1980 and 1993, and they have continued climbing ever since.8

 

Total spending on all national security programs never equaled domestic spending, even when Social Security, Medicare, and net interest are excluded from domestic totals. In addition, national security spending fell during the Administration of the senior President Bush, while domestic spending increased in both mandatory and discretionary accounts.9 (See Chart 1.)

 

 

HOW DID REAGAN'S POLICIES AFFECT ECONOMIC GROWTH?

Despite the steep recession in 1982--brought on by tight money policies that were instituted to squeeze out the historic inflation level of the late 1970s--by 1983, the Reagan policies of reducing taxes, spending, regulation, and inflation were in place. The result was unprecedented economic growth:

 

This economic boom lasted 92 months without a recession, from November 1982 to July 1990, the longest period of sustained growth during peacetime and the second-longest period of sustained growth in U.S. history. The growth in the economy lasted more than twice as long as the average period of expansions since World War II.10

 

The American economy grew by about one-third in real inflation-adjusted terms. This was the equivalent of adding the entire economy of East and West Germany or two-thirds of Japan's economy to the U.S. economy.11

 

From 1950 to 1973, real economic growth in the U.S. economy averaged 3.6 percent per year. From 1973 to 1982, it averaged only 1.6 percent. The Reagan economic boom restored the more usual growth rate as the economy averaged 3.5 percent in real growth from the beginning of 1983 to the end of 1990.12

 

HOW DID REAGAN'S POLICIES AFFECT THE FEDERAL TAX BURDEN?

 

Perhaps the greatest myth concerning the 1980s is that Ronald Reagan slashed taxes so dramatically for the rich that they no longer have paid their fair share. The flaw in this myth is that it mixes tax rates with taxes actually paid and ignores the real trend of taxation:

 

In 1991, after the Reagan rate cuts were well in place, the top 1 percent of taxpayers in income paid 25 percent of all income taxes; the top 5 percent paid 43 percent; and the bottom 50 percent paid only 5 percent.13 To suggest that this distribution is unfair because it is too easy on upper-income groups is nothing less than absurd.

 

The proportion of total income taxes paid by the top 1 percent rose sharply under President Reagan, from 18 percent in 1981 to 28 percent in 1988.14

 

Average effective income tax rates were cut even more for lower-income groups than for higher-income groups. While the average effective tax rate for the top 1 percent fell by 30 percent between 1980 and 1992, and by 35 percent for the top 20 percent of income earners, it fell by 44 percent for the second-highest quintile, 46 percent for the middle quintile, 64 percent for the second-lowest quintile, and 263 percent for the bottom quintile.15

 

These reductions for the lowest-income groups were so large because President Reagan doubled the personal exemption, increased the standard deduction, and tripled the earned income tax credit (EITC), which provides net cash for single-parent families with children at the lowest income levels. These changes eliminated income tax liability altogether for over 4 million lower-income families.16

 

Critics often add in the Social Security payroll tax and argue that the total federal tax burden shifted more to lower-income groups and away from upper-income groups; but President Reagan's changes were in the income tax, not in the Social Security payroll tax. The payroll tax was imposed by proponents of big government over the past 50 years, and it is they, not Ronald Reagan, who should be held accountable for its distributional effects.

 

Nevertheless, even if one counts the Social Security payroll tax, the share of total federal taxes increased between 1980 and 1989 for the following groups:

 

For the top 1 percent of taxpayers, from 12.9 percent in 1980 to 15.4 percent in 1989;

 

For the top 5 percent of taxpayers, from 27.3 percent in 1980 to 30.4 percent in 1989; and

 

For the top 20 percent of taxpayers, from 56.1 percent in 1980 to 58.6 percent in 1989.

On the other hand, the share of total federal taxes, if one includes the Social Security payroll tax, declined for four groups:

 

For the second-highest 20 percent of taxpayers, from 22.2 percent in 1980 to 20.8 percent in 1989;

 

For the middle 20 percent of taxpayers, from 13.2 percent in 1980 to 12.5 percent in 1989;

 

For the second-lowest 20 percent of taxpayers, from 6.9 percent in 1980 to 6.4 percent in 1989; and

 

For the lowest 20 percent of taxpayers, from 1.6 percent in 1980 to 1.5 percent in 1989.17

 

CONCLUSION

 

No matter how advocates of big government try to rewrite history, Ronald Reagan's record of fiscal responsibility continues to stand as the most successful economic policy of the 20th century. His tax reforms triggered an economic expansion that continues to this day. His investments in national security ended the Cold War and made possible the subsequent defense spending reductions that are largely responsible for the current federal surpluses. His efforts to restrain the expansion of federal government helped to limit the growth of domestic spending.

 

If Reagan's critics had been willing to work with him to limit domestic spending even further and to control the growth of entitlements, the budget would have been balanced five to ten years sooner and without the massive tax increase imposed in 1993. Today, Members of Congress from across the political spectrum should stand on the evidence and defend the Reagan record.

 

To the extent that President Bush's proposals mirror those of Ronald Reagan, his plan should be a welcome strategy to lower the tax burden on Americans and to make the system more responsible. If the advocates of big government in Congress cooperate with President Bush rather than merely continuing to fund obsolete, wasteful, and redundant programs, there is no limit to the prosperity that Americans can generate.

 

Peter Sperry is the Grover M. Hermann Fellow in Federal Budgetary Affairs in the Thomas A. Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

[Lil' Bitch 0]

The man died. At least have the courtesy to spell his fucking name right.

 

And any former president carries that title throughout his life. He was President Reagan, not "Ex-President Reagen [sic]."

 

Tool.

 

Who pissed in your coffee this morning? I was sincere about my comments and I wasn't offending his memory so get off my back please.

 

Previous post edited for Dr. Tom's pleasantry.

[MrRant 0]

If I ever build a time machine. I'm going right to the 80's. I miss Reagan vs. Commies.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

Ah, yes, Heritage. Making Reaganomics almost make sense.

[Vyce 0]

EDIT: Nice to see Slate.com bringing the class here. Lovely of them to insult a man who just passed.

I'm not surprised, and neither are you.

 

It would have been nice for them to let the body grow cold, at least, but really, I expected nothing so generous from those like them.

I'm surprised no one has seriously tried something like "Bush must be pissed off that he died now and not right before the election" although I'm sure that one will be coming sooner or later.

Hell - I know some people who, quite frankly, I'm shocked haven't come out and postulated that W had Reagan snuffed out in order to get a few points based upon sympathy.

[Highland 0]

That's not likely to happen with hunger4unger gone.

Man I miss him, he brought the alternative content.

[Styles 0]

Some great Reagan quotes:

 

• "I did turn 75 today -- but remember, that's only 24 Celsius."

 

• "It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?"

 

• "A friend of mine was asked to a costume ball a short time ago. He slapped some egg on his face and went

as a liberal economist."

 

• To wife Nancy after John Hinckley, Jr.'s 1981 assassination attempt: "Honey, I forgot to duck."

 

• During a 1984 debate with Walter Mondale: "I'm not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's

youth and inexperience."

 

• "You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans."

 

• "Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close

resemblance to the first."

 

• In testing the microphone for his weekly radio address, Reagan declared, ''My fellow Americans, I'm pleased

to tell you today I've just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.''

 

• "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

 

• "Mr. President," TV reporter Sam Donaldson yelled out at Reagan after a 1982 press conference, "In talking

about the continuing recession tonight, you have blamed the mistakes of the past and you've blamed

Congress. Does any of the blame belong to you?" Reagan responded, "Yes, because for many years I was a

Democrat."

 

• "Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to

make it work -- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and

must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it."

 

• "Well, this administration's objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy that provides equal

opportunity for all Americans, with no barriers born of bigotry or discrimination."

 

• "Above all we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the

will and moral courage of free men and women."

 

• "I hope you're all Republicans," he told doctors who were about to operate on his bullet wounds.

 

• "Did we forget that government is the people's business, and every man, woman and child becomes a

shareholder with the first penny of taxes paid?"

 

• "We do not have a trillion dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough. We have a trillion dollar debt

because we spend too much."

 

• "But with these considerations firmly in mind, I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who

gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us

the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete."

 

• "Abortion is advocated only by persons who themselves have been born."

 

• "Politics is a very rewarding profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you

can always write a book."

 

• "America is too great for small dreams."

 

• "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we can always be free."

 

• "Government growing beyond our consent had become a lumbering giant, slamming shut the gates of

opportunity, threatening to crush the very roots of our freedom."

 

• "I am not worried about the deficit. It is big enough to take care of itself."

 

• "I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency — even if I'm in a Cabinet meeting."

 

• "Well, I learned a lot....I went down to (Latin America) to find out from them and (learn) their views. You'd be surprised. They're all individual countries"

 

• "I don't know. I've never played a governor." –asked by a reporter in 1966 what kind of governor he would be

 

• "Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his."

 

• "I'm afraid I can't use a mule. I have several hundred up on Capitol Hill." –refusing a gift of a mule

 

• "Politics is just like show business. You have a hell of an opening, you coast for awhile, you have a hell of a closing."

 

• "In closing, let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that day may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

 

[Guest slacklet]

Bush makes Friday, June 11th a government holiday in honor of Reagan

 

[Jobber of the Week 0]

Some great Reagan quotes:

Doesn't have the "shining city on the hill" line, which was the one I always liked.