I was not a fan of many of Ronald Reagan’s policies, although I
did recognize that his natural pragmatism often softened the
consequences of his conservative philosophy.
I was not a fan of many of Ronald Reagan’s policies, although I did recognize that his natural pragmatism often softened the consequences of his conservative philosophy. His principles were more like ideals toward which to strive while recognizing that there are times when practical reality requires less harsh solutions. So for example, he championed reduced government while enlarging it; he argued for smaller budgets while expanding them, in California’s case by a factor of 12 in his eight years as Governor; and he extolled the virtues of self-sufficiency while borrowing billions to finance his economic plans.
I also recognized that seldom have we had a leader whose personality so overwhelmed his actions. Like Kennedy, he brought to the office such a distinctive style that we tended to soft-pedal the checkered substantive record. Both made mistakes, and both received full credit for things not entirely in their control, but both knew how to put on a good show worthy of the power they held.
This past week there has been much opportunity to draw comparisons between Reagan and the current occupant of the White House, and the Bush people have been doing their level best to insinuate as much similarity as possible between Presidents 40 and 43. Certainly there are numerous grounds for comparison; for instance:
• Reagan had a penchant for charming his enemies. Bush has a penchant for alienating his friends.
• Reagan was tall in the saddle. Bush isn’t tall anywhere.
• Reagan broadcast baseball games because he needed a job. Bush owned a baseball team because he was rich.
• Reagan helped to end a cold war. Bush started two hot ones.
• Reagan made being President look easy. Bush makes it look impossible.
• Reagan had an infectious smile that made you want to like him. Bush has an annoying smirk that makes you want to smack him.
• Reagan pretended to be a cowboy in movies. Bush pretends to be one in real life.
• Reagan had his ”evil empire” which he helped to topple. Bush has his ”axis of evil” which he is helping to strengthen.
• Reagan’s handling of arms-for-hostages made us suspect that the CIA might not be that great an intelligence agency. Bush’s handling of Iraq proved it.
• Under Reagan we became the world’s only super-power. Under Bush we became the world’s neighborhood bully.
• Reagan’s Vice-President was ”out of the loop.” Bush’s Vice-President IS the loop.
• Reagan prided himself on his honesty. Bush prides himself on how smoothly he circumvents it.
• Reagan believed in the goodness of the American people. Bush believes in their gullibility.
But of course there are real similarities. Let’s see…umm, they’re both mammals. And, uhh, …
