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prompts me to write this post which I have put off for too long: we have to start correcting this bought-and-paid-for myth that Reagan was a great---or even a competent---President.
His primary legacy was the totally misguided notion that government is inherently wrong, inefficient and evil. Just because those adjectives seem appropriate when applied to his administration---and several other Republicans---doesn't mean that no government is trustworthy or beneficial.
His mantra that "government doesn't solve problems; government IS the problem" is simple-minded claptrap at its best---or worse---which explains why it is still being repeated wherever wingnuts gather.
Folks, all that stuff we were taught back there in sixth grade social studies class is, in fact, true. We live in a DEMOCRACY. We are all entitled to vote for the candidate of our choice. Whoever is elected represents ALL of us and we can replace them if they don't.
Many governmental functions are for the benefit of all of us, paid for by all of us and could not really be accomplished nearly so well by any private contractor. Further, some public services, like the postal service or the military, are so important we fund them without concern for whether or not they "break even".
Taxes are the dues we pay for living in a safe and civilized society. Those with more to protect should pay more for the service.
Ronald Reagan was in over his head the day after he left "Death Valley Days" and his "delegation" of important policy decisions was likely due to a total disinterest in or understanding of what governance is supposed to be about. No one cared that he napped through some cabinet meetings because it didn't affect the quality of presidential leadership.
He was a better actor than he was a president and, well, what else needs to be said?
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