Page-one WP look at downside: Reagan "Schisms" "Lingered...Years"

[DeepModem Mom]

Schisms From Administration Lingered for Years

By Eric Pianin and Thomas B. Edsall
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, June 9, 2004; Page A01


As the nation mourns its 40th president, much is being made of Ronald Reagan's role in reordering U.S.-Soviet relations and dramatically redefining the terms of the political debate over tax policy, defense, domestic priorities and social justice. The outpouring of flattering eulogies and tributes since the conservative icon died Saturday is what presidential historian Robert Dallek described yesterday as "hagiography" of a highly popular political leader.

But the lavish praise obscures that much of Reagan's record through eight years in office was highly controversial and intensified social and political divisions. Even now, nearly 16 years after he left office, some major interest groups and key voting blocs most adversely affected by Reagan policies remain bitter about his legacy.

The controversies and scandals included attacks on the federal school lunch program and aid to the poor, anti-union tactics, the illegal sale of arms to Iran and Reagan's 1985 participation in a ceremony at a German cemetery where Nazi soldiers are buried.

No group may have chafed more at Reagan's policies and views than African Americans, who assailed the president for opposing racial quotas and for seeking to obtain a tax credit for Bob Jones University, a segregated southern school....

(much more)


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26306-2004Jun8.html

[loudsue]

1. Good Gawd! It's about time someone in the press noticed that 50% or

more of Americans don't like the slimey bastard, MUCH LESS the legacy of right wing extreme republican/religious government has done to the country.

SO much of the responsibility for the divisions in the U.S. today can be laid at the feet of Ronald Reagan. In fact, the very FACT that we only have one squeaky voice out there telling OUR side of the story is because RONALD REAGAN trashed the Fairness Doctrine!

:kick::kick: