This is absolutley a debate: The Reagan Presidency.

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
Ah, yes. Long term impact. Let's look, shall we?

"The national debt surpassed a trillion dollars for the first time in history in October 1981 and more than doubled before Reagan left office. The annual interest on that debt surged to more than $150 billion to become the third largest item in the budget.

In 1982 that annual deficit soared beyond $100 billion dollars for the first time in history; in three of the next four years it exceeded $200 billion."

Ah, what a legacy!

The President Proposes, Congress Disposes. Taxes reduced, more dollars taxed, revenues to the federal coffers reached unprecedented levels. Let me also add, the cold war won, the Soviet's evil empire dismembered and communism on the ash heap of history....all without firing a single shot. What an amazing feat!

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
Ah, yes. Long term impact. Let's look, shall we?

"The national debt surpassed a trillion dollars for the first time in history in October 1981 and more than doubled before Reagan left office. The annual interest on that debt surged to more than $150 billion to become the third largest item in the budget.

In 1982 that annual deficit soared beyond $100 billion dollars for the first time in history; in three of the next four years it exceeded $200 billion."

Ah, what a legacy!

I'm sure you're aware govt. revenues increased after the Reagan tax cuts. Where did all that extra $$$ go? If you say to the military, I would say it was worth it to defeat the Soviets. A look back shows a mostly Democratic-controlled congress overspent.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
The President Proposes, Congress Disposes.

You mean the puppet congress that passed whatever Reagan wanted? And, if you want to go that route anyway, Reagan proposed these policies. They were his. The deficit was a result of his policies. It was Reagan who brought us this wonderful deficit. Remember, deficits are for republicans. You need look no further than w's administration to see that.

 

[jrydberg]

You mean the puppet congress that passed whatever Reagan wanted? And, if you want to go that route anyway, Reagan proposed these policies. They were his. The deficit was a result of his policies. It was Reagan who brought us this wonderful deficit. Remember, deficits are for republicans. You need look no further than w's administration to see that.

The deficit was the direct result of Reagan wanting large increases in military spending and the Congress wanting to protect increases in other areas. It was Reagan *and* the Congress that created the deficit.

As for George W. Bush, that's *the* major problem I have with him. He's spending like a Democrat Won't defend him on that.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by jimmiej
I'm sure you're aware govt. revenues increased after the Reagan tax cuts. Where did all that extra $$$ go? If you say to the military, I would say it was worth it to defeat the Soviets. A look back shows a mostly Democratic-controlled congress overspent.

PLEASE!

The Democrats won back control of Congress in 1986. Notice the dates in my previous post.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
You mean the puppet congress that passed whatever Reagan wanted? And, if you want to go that route anyway, Reagan proposed these policies. They were his. The deficit was a result of his policies. It was Reagan who brought us this wonderful deficit. Remember, deficits are for republicans. You need look no further than w's administration to see that.

the "puppet congress"? You mean the Congress controlled by the Democrats? Believe me, they did more of their share of spending and forced President Reagan to compromise to put forth the agenda that he felt was essential to the security of our country. As he said, he didn't worry about "the deficit, it was big enough to take care of itself". To sacrifice national security for fear of having a deficit is complete folly.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by jrydberg

As for George W. Bush, that's *the* major problem I have with him. He's spending like a Democrat Won't defend him on that.

That I agree with, particularly the perscription drug plan for seniors. Expanding entitlements was a huge mistake.

 

[Patch'sD]

Ronald Reagan was a Great President. Yes there were some problems with his administration, but you can go through every administration and find the same. He truly loved America and made all of us feel a little prouder to be an American. When he took office inflation rates were double digit and almost hit 20% at one time. Mortgage rates where at all time highs, try buying a house with an 18% loan. Everyone was convinced the Military was inept and the United States was second rate. Reagan changed all that and restored the United States to greatness. His tax reform act and tax cuts started the longest period of economic growth recorded. Mumar Kadafy was waving his saber at the US (with no backing from the French again), after Regan got done with him he was never the same. His dealings with the Soviet Union and bringing them to the table was outstanding. He took no crap and let everyone know that. The Berlin wall went up in 1961 and came down soon after Regan’s presidency. The iron curtain went up soon after World War II and came down soon after Regan’s presidency.
Yes I liked Reagan, and I think he was a great President.

To say “I threw my dirt on him before he was put in the ground.” Is just Childish and so immature. Your only knowledge of the man is from the perception of others. I had the pleasure of being able to vote for the man twice. Taking 49 States with the exception of Minn. Mondale’s home state, shows what America thought of the man

 

[ThreeCircles]

Wow. I wanted to give everyone more credit but Son of the Morning was more than correct. Talk arbout revisionist historians! Yikes!

Sorry guys. You can't run from raw numbers as much as some would like. Reagan owns the blame for huge deficits, out of control spending, and tax benefits that were a boon to the wealthy in this county.

I'm surprised that no one has embraced the usual republican and Reagan argument concerning deficits and over-spending. What was that he said at one point, "I'm not worried. The deficit is so large it will take care of itself."

And, we all know that Democrats may tax but we balance budgets as well. Here's a little lesson for ya, taxes = services. I know, I'm brilliant. No need to thank me!

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Patch'sD
Ronald Reagan was a Great President. Yes there were some problems with his administration, but you can go through every administration and find the same. He truly loved America and made all of us feel a little prouder to be an American. When he took office inflation rates were double digit and almost hit 20% at one time. Mortgage rates where at all time highs, try buying a house with an 18% loan. Everyone was convinced the Military was inept and the United States was second rate. Reagan changed all that and restored the United States to greatness. His tax reform act and tax cuts started the longest period of economic growth recorded. Mumar Kadafy was waving his saber at the US (with no backing from the French again), after Regan got done with him he was never the same. His dealings with the Soviet Union and bringing them to the table was outstanding. He took no crap and let everyone know that. The Berlin wall went up in 1961 and came down soon after Regan’s presidency. The iron curtain went up soon after World War II and came down soon after Regan’s presidency.
Yes I liked Reagan, and I think he was a great President.

To say “I threw my dirt on him before he was put in the ground.” Is just Childish and so immature. Your only knowledge of the man is from the perception of others. I had the pleasure of being able to vote for the man twice. Taking 49 States with the exception of Minn. Mondale’s home state, shows what America thought of the man

ITA with everything you posted. Additionally, if we look at the funeral planned for President Reagan, it really puts into perspective exactly how Americans feel about their beloved president. There hasn't been a funeral with a national day of morning like this in 31 years.

 

[jrydberg]

Sorry guys. You can't run from raw numbers as much as some would like.

Not running from anything. The simple fact is Reagan and the Congress were responsible for those deficits.

BTW, let's not make it out like Democrats are eager to balance the budget. Democrats had many chances to balance the budget and ran up deficits for decades. I applaud Bill Clinton for balancing the budget, but that hardly constitutes Democratic policy.

As for taxes, I'd put the equation like this:

taxes = government waste

 

[ThreeCircles]

The dead are dead. They don't care what anyone says about them.

 

[Patch'sD]

A little less misinformation please. The GOP won back the senate in 1986. the House was under the Dem's controll until 1994. I think that was during Clinton's term.

 

[jrydberg]

Gotta agree on that one Really, it seems like a natural time to discuss his legacy to me.

 

[emmagata]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
The dead are dead. They don't care what anyone says about them.

Tell that to their families.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

I think the differences in opinion are to each their own, but show respect for the man and his family. Death is never easy nor is a long term illness....

Be kind and debate things later, say a prayer and smile towards the heavens....

~Candy

 

[AirForceRocks]

Ah, yes. Long term impact. Let's look, shall we?

Yes, let's. Inflation went from around 13% down to around 5% by the time President Reagan left office in 1988. Not to mention a economic boom that lasted for nearly 20 years.
And what led to the deficit? Much needed increased military spending by the Republicans and a reluctance to cut unnecessary social spending by the Democrats.

You mean the puppet congress that passed whatever Reagan wanted?

Are you saying that the Democrats in Congress were unable to show some backbone in order to stop the President's policies? Do you wonder why? Perhaps it was because they knew that the American people were behind the President's policies, and they wanted to keep their jobs in Washington.

The Democrats won back controll of Congress in 1986.

If you consider "Congress" to only be made up of the Senate, then you are correct. Of course, that isn't the way it is - the House of Representatives is also part of Congress, and Democrats had solid majorities in the House throughout President Reagan's two terms in office.

 

[Galahad]

He slashed social services programs in half

Really? In half? Which ones? With all that slashing you would think there would not have been ANY deficit......

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
Yes, let's. Inflation went from around 13% down to around 5% by the time President Reagan left office in 1988. Not to mention a economic boom that lasted for nearly 20 years.
And what led to the deficit? Much needed increased military spending by the Republicans and a reluctance to cut unnecessary social spending by the Democrats.



Are you saying that the Democrats in Congress were unable to show some backbone in order to stop the President's policies? Do you wonder why? Perhaps it was because they knew that the American people were behind the President's policies, and they wanted to keep their jobs in Washington.



If you consider "Congress" to only be made up of the Senate, then you are correct. Of course, that isn't the way it is - the House of Representatives is also part of Congress, and Democrats had solid majorities in the House throughout President Reagan's two terms in office.

Well, according to Patch'sD I'm wrong on even that count. But, anyway, I agree with the majority of what you are saying AFR.


There's no doubt that Reagan was popular at the time and this helped him to push his policies through Congress. The policies that created that HUGE deficit that I mentioned.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Pooh Girl 71
That being said, I did not agree with his politics. He slashed social services programs in half and made the rich richer. However, he seemed like a nice guy. I won't bash him.

And to anyone who wants to take humbrage on what I've said, it's MY opinion and I'm not debating it.

There have never been any social program spending even reduced in this country let alone "slashed in half". While the rich got richer, so did everyone else. The market had a rebirth, mutual funds expanded and the average citizen decided that they too could invest in the market and acheive the American dream.