This Fish Needs A Bicycle

Don't become too nostalgic -- at least for Reagan's policies. He raised taxes on the working class and granted large tax breaks to the wealthy. He did nothing at all to assume leadership on the AIDS issue, which was raging during his presidency. He often claimed to want "democracy" for Russia, which has none to this day despite the fall of communism. (That he was more successful in removing the Soviet Union purely as a military threat is unarguable.) His administration broke a number of federal laws by supporting the contras in Nicaragua. Like most presidents, Reagan left a very mixed legacy, and the 1980s certainly were not an optimistic or prosperous time for everyone.

Dude, I was TEN. Any guy with candy on his desk was cool by me.

It's funny, we're the same age and I don't have fond memories of Reagan at all. Not because of any opinion I have now about his policies during his presidency, but because of how vehemently my father did not want him to be in office. In our house Reagan was the enemy. Interesting. When I was little he was just the guy who made my dad mad. I didn't even know about the jelly bean thing until a couple years ago!

What goes on behind your eyes is entirely your business, and I'm not trying to sway your opinion or enter into a debate. I'm just expressing my odd self.

If you think that the current culture of avarice and imperialism is grand, then Reagan deserves your thanks. If, on the other hand, you're not a wealthy white person and/or don't think like one, Reagan deserves your disdain.

I, personally, believe that Afghanistan and Iraq are both interesting targets because of their relation to the oil trade. Afghanistan is along the most likely route for a pipeline to bring oil from the Caspian Sea basin, Iraq sits on top of the second largest oil reserve on Earth. What does this have to do with Reagan? Reagan was also oil-friendly, and one of his administration's first moves was to repeal Carter's alternative energy tax credit and take the solar panels off of the White House roof. Reagan's administration also slashed funding for alternative energy research, including the DOE's fuel cell research program. The oil industry became entrenched in US politics during the Reagan administration. (They were important players before Reagan, but got their truly frightening power during his tenure.)

Not to mention that the PNAC bunch all had their roots in the Reagan/Bush(41) administrations, and are now guiding US foreign policy.

The Reagan legacy includes a long list of woes that we're still dealing with, many of which are much worse today than they were just a few years ago.

I'm saddened by Reagan's passing because it gives me a reason to reflect upon his life, and the great harm his administration did to the nation of my birth, the nation my ancestors founded, the one I was serving honorably when he took office.

I am white and pathetically poor ... still I have a lot of respect for Reagan. Not all Republicans are rich and WASPY. Perhaps some of the commenters on here should consider their own stereotypes for a change. Don't make assumptions and get over your self righteousness. Thank you and good day.

I have watched a lot about Reagan this week. I'm only twenty, so don't recall, but he appears to have been a good guy. By the way, Fish, you are officially linked on my site. Hope you don't mind.

Oh, well, H., there was candy on the desk and all that! Let the good times roll. ;>) Seriously, I can understand how everyone has a different perspective. Age, class, gender, economic standing, and a thousand other variables all mean something in the context of assessing a historic figure.

just read history - reagan was horrible for our country. if you like greedy people & big greedy energy thank reagan. if not, think again about feeling bad.

Good thing you didn't mention the Great Pumpkin, Fish...

Oooh, you are NOT messing with the Great Pumpkin (affectionately known as da Punkin'). That is sacred.

See? THIS is why I don't mention politics. EVER. Because look, I made it pretty damn clear that I was ten years old and that my reasons for liking him had absolutely nothing to do with anything other than jellybeans and look at you people going off! Just plain ridiculous.

Jelly beans are good :)

Starburst jelly beans are especially good. Behind MY eyes, anyway.;-)

Yeah, but did you see how Patti Davis looked? White blouse, black skirt--I think she just removed her Perkins name tag after her shift ended and took the bus over to Nancy's. Looks like she doesn't own an iron, either.

H., we love you. No more politics. We promise!

But I actually DID mention the Great Pumpkin... what does that mean?

It's interesting that Michael wrote no such thing on my site about Reagan. I wonder why that is.