Celebrating Reagan the man, not the myth - Joan Venocchi

[MissMillie]

At death, loyal family members and a compliant media turn human beings like Ronald Reagan into superheroes. This is partly an outgrowth of modern media's willingness to hijack itself for days around any theme with potential for drawing a large television viewing audience. It is also a tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy and her success in framing the myth of Camelot almost from the moment of her husband's assassination. The attention to detail, history, and legacy illustrated by a grieving widow in 1963 set a high standard for all future wives.

Family loyalty is one thing. The media have a different duty. Why is it unfair to point out the myth versus the reality of a person's politics and personal life? What's wrong with celebrating flawed humanity -- which describes us all -- rather than promoting false sainthood?

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/articles/2004/06/08/celebrating_reagan_the_man_not_the_myth/