Customer Reviews

Defending the Reagan Legacy (Ashbrook essay)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mickey Craig's essay is short, but very effective. He cuts through all the misconceptions about the Reagan years and proves that they were a success. Craig begins by talking about Reagan's successes in foreign matters and how he helped change the world for the better. He played a key role in the demise of Soviet Communism, and also helped other nations with their fight for freedom and independence from Communism. Craig then went on to defend Reaganomics. To the dismay of many opponents, it really was a success. Many say the 1980's was about greed, but with the cut of marginal taxes by Reagan, that allowed more opportunity for charitable contributions, which increased. Our economy also experienced "seven fat years" that gave America the greatest economy until now. Overall, Reganomics started the economic recovery that needed to happen after the 1970's, and its policies continue to today. Craig also was correct when he said the deficits and debt were not all Reagan's fault. It was the fault of an ever-growing federal government and Congress that spend irresponsibly. Finally, Craig went on to talk about Reagan's success in social matters. He proved Reagan was not aloof or ignorant or even uncaring about social issues. He tried to appoint judges that would make sound decisions for America, but these people were shunned and ridiculed by the left-wing of America. We may not have the social problems we do today had Reagan's choices had a chance to make an impact on America.

The only complaint I have with Craig's essay is that he did not focus enough on Reagan's leadership skills. This aspect may have been his greatest asset. He gave America purpose and showed we can overcome any obstacle because the American spirit is stronger than any material object. If you want the facts and not rumors or left-wing truth-bending, Mickey Craig's essay gives you what you need. It proves the 1980's in America were a success, and so was Ronald Reagan.

In this booklet Dr. Craig does a good job of defending Ronald Reagan's Presidency. The most important part of this booklet is where it demonstrates that the Reagan tax cuts did not create the deficits of the 1980's. Craig shows that revenue to the federal government increased dramatically during the 1980's. This booklet shows that the reason for increased federal debt during the 80's was because of dramatic increases in spending brought on by the Congress. And it is shown that Reagan's ability to control Congressional spending was limited by the Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Dr. Craig also makes the point that Gorbachev and the Soviets apparently did believe that the Strategic Defense Initiative which Reagan promoted would work. Because the Soviets would not have strongly opposed S.D.I. if they thought it would fail.