The Deification of Reagan

[whell]

Originally Posted by finnbow

I'm not sure that Reagan's actions with regard to taxation/government were consistent with his rhetoric. He raised taxes numerous times and didn't cut government spending. The Hannity/Palins of the world would have you think otherwise. Plus he introduced the notion of fees instead of taxes for a variety of things (e.g., national park admission).

I think Reagan's biggest legacy is supply-side (aka Voodoo) economics. Somehow he has convinced the GOP faithful that cutting taxes is the answer to all ills and that increased deficits/spending don't matter (or that they can be reduced by more tax cutting). We're in the pickle we're in for exactly this reason.

With regard to the notion that his military buildup helped bankrupt the Soviet Union, it's partially true, but only if you accept the fact that he did the same thing to us (only on a delayed basis).

I think that's a gross oversimplification/mis-characterization of the Reagan's actions in the political landscape of the time. But there has been an on-going effort to re-write this part of our history, so the comments shouldn't surprise.