Ronald Reagan: Difference between revisions

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This particularly applies to the Iran-Contra scandal, where Reagan stated on a number of questions regarding that scheme (which in essence was "sell arms to Iran illegally so they'll help ensure the release of US hostages in Lebanon, then use the proceeds to buy weapons for a Nicaraguan rebel group Congress has barred us from arming") that he couldn't remember the relevant meetings.
This particularly applies to the Iran-Contra scandal, where Reagan stated on a number of questions regarding that scheme (which in essence was "sell arms to Iran illegally so they'll help ensure the release of US hostages in Lebanon, then use the proceeds to buy weapons for a Nicaraguan rebel group Congress has barred us from arming") that he couldn't remember the relevant meetings.


Reagan's era saw [[Peace Through Superior Firepower]] reach its greatest apex which helped end of the [[Cold War]] (although it is still hotly debated how much his influence hastened the collapse of the already wobbling USSR); he got essentially everything he wanted in the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty and [[The Great Politics Mess Up|liberation of Eastern Europe]], followed years later by the collapse of the Soviet Union. How much of it was a direct result of his actions is debatable (see above).
Reagan's era saw [[Peace Through Superior Firepower]] reach its greatest apex which helped end of the [[Cold War]] (although it is still hotly debated how much his influence hastened the collapse of the already wobbling USSR); he got essentially everything he wanted in the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty and [[The Great Politics Mess-Up|liberation of Eastern Europe]], followed years later by the collapse of the Soviet Union. How much of it was a direct result of his actions is debatable (see above).


Appropriately enough for a former actor, Reagan was very much in touch with the popular culture of the time, and became known as the "Great Communicator" for his speaking skills. He called the Soviet Union an [[Star Wars|evil Empire]], and quoted ''Back To The Future'' (he reportedly found the above lines from that movie quite amusing) in a State of the Union Address. His favorite television show was ''[[Family Ties]]'', which may or may not be related to the fact that one of the show's lead characters admired Reagan. Ironically, in private, he and Gorbachev became good friends, and this helped thaw U.S.-Soviet relations leading into George H.W. Bush's term.
Appropriately enough for a former actor, Reagan was very much in touch with the popular culture of the time, and became known as the "Great Communicator" for his speaking skills. He called the Soviet Union an [[Star Wars|evil Empire]], and quoted ''Back To The Future'' (he reportedly found the above lines from that movie quite amusing) in a State of the Union Address. His favorite television show was ''[[Family Ties]]'', which may or may not be related to the fact that one of the show's lead characters admired Reagan. Ironically, in private, he and Gorbachev became good friends, and this helped thaw U.S.-Soviet relations leading into George H.W. Bush's term.
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Though often smeared by those who hate him as being involved in [[Blacklist|Blacklisting]], Reagan said at the time "As a citizen, I would hesitate to see any political party outlawed on the basis of its political ideology. However, if it is proven that an organization is an agent of foreign power, or in any way not a legitimate political party - and I think the government is capable of proving that - then that is another matter. But at the same time I never as a citizen want to see our country become urged, by either fear or resentment of this group, that we ever compromise with any of our democratic principles through that fear or resentment." He also made a number of statements critical of McCarthyism as being un-American. He did, however, during the Red Scare in the late 1940s provide the FBI with names of people whom he believed to be communist sympathizers within the motion picture industry.
Though often smeared by those who hate him as being involved in [[Blacklist|Blacklisting]], Reagan said at the time "As a citizen, I would hesitate to see any political party outlawed on the basis of its political ideology. However, if it is proven that an organization is an agent of foreign power, or in any way not a legitimate political party - and I think the government is capable of proving that - then that is another matter. But at the same time I never as a citizen want to see our country become urged, by either fear or resentment of this group, that we ever compromise with any of our democratic principles through that fear or resentment." He also made a number of statements critical of McCarthyism as being un-American. He did, however, during the Red Scare in the late 1940s provide the FBI with names of people whom he believed to be communist sympathizers within the motion picture industry.


He is the [[Ur Example]] of many recent examples of [[Our Presidents Are Different|President Buffoon]], most notably, a recurring list a statements such as "more of our imports come from overseas", "how hard it is to put food on your family", ''etc''. These are often immediately redistributed to [[George W Bush]] or [[Dan Quayle]], who are actually the source of some of them. Unfortunately, much of this kind of humor, and above all the quite real statements of "do not recall" during the Iran-Contra affair, became a [[Funny Aneurysm Moment|Funny Alzheimers Moment]], i.e. not so funny any more (and the "imports" knee-slapper misses that [[Did Not Do the Research|two of America's largest importers are Mexico and Canada]]. D'oh.). He was also the [[Trope Namer]] for [[The Capital of Brazil Is Buenos Aires]].
He is the [[Ur Example]] of many recent examples of [[Our Presidents Are Different|President Buffoon]], most notably, a recurring list a statements such as "more of our imports come from overseas", "how hard it is to put food on your family", ''etc''. These are often immediately redistributed to [[George W. Bush]] or [[Dan Quayle]], who are actually the source of some of them. Unfortunately, much of this kind of humor, and above all the quite real statements of "do not recall" during the Iran-Contra affair, became a [[Funny Aneurysm Moment|Funny Alzheimers Moment]], i.e. not so funny any more (and the "imports" knee-slapper misses that [[Did Not Do the Research|two of America's largest importers are Mexico and Canada]]. D'oh.). He was also the [[Trope Namer]] for [[The Capital of Brazil Is Buenos Aires]].


Please remember the [[Rule of Cautious Editing Judgment]].
Please remember the [[Rule of Cautious Editing Judgment]].
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* [[Badass Boast]]:
* [[Badass Boast]]:
{{quote| ''Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!''<br />
{{quote| ''Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!''<br />
''The United States will not contain Communism, [[Take That|it will transcend Communism]]. We'll not bother to denounce it, we'll dismiss it as a sad, bizarre chapter in human history [[The Great Politics Mess Up|whose last pages are even now being written.]]'' }}
''The United States will not contain Communism, [[Take That|it will transcend Communism]]. We'll not bother to denounce it, we'll dismiss it as a sad, bizarre chapter in human history [[The Great Politics Mess-Up|whose last pages are even now being written.]]'' }}
* [[Beam Me Up, Scotty]]: The President never said that ketchup was a vegetable. <ref> Actually it was a government report on school nutrition that apparently considered ketchup to be a substitute for vegetables. Whether that is true or not, Reagan himself had nothing to do with it.</ref>
* [[Beam Me Up, Scotty]]: The President never said that ketchup was a vegetable. <ref> Actually it was a government report on school nutrition that apparently considered ketchup to be a substitute for vegetables. Whether that is true or not, Reagan himself had nothing to do with it.</ref>
* [[Big Good]]: To the modern-day Republican party and the conservative movement, particularly for shifting the political spectrum significantly more to the right in his time. Conversely...
* [[Big Good]]: To the modern-day Republican party and the conservative movement, particularly for shifting the political spectrum significantly more to the right in his time. Conversely...
** [[Big Bad]]: To the liberal and progressive Democrats at the time of his tenure, and even now, who view him as the start of America's [[Morally Bankrupt Banker|problems with the banking industry]].
** [[Big Bad]]: To the liberal and progressive Democrats at the time of his tenure, and even now, who view him as the start of America's [[Morally-Bankrupt Banker|problems with the banking industry]].
* [[The Capital of Brazil Is Buenos Aires]]: [[Trope Namer]].
* [[The Capital of Brazil Is Buenos Aires]]: [[Trope Namer]].
* [[The Chessmaster]]: To an extent, mainly with how he helped combat communism and the Soviets.
* [[The Chessmaster]]: To an extent, mainly with how he helped combat communism and the Soviets.
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* [[Friendly Enemy]]: Gorbachev.
* [[Friendly Enemy]]: Gorbachev.
* [[Full-Name Basis]]: Nowadays, out of respect, his supporters primarily refer to Ronald Reagan by his full name.
* [[Full-Name Basis]]: Nowadays, out of respect, his supporters primarily refer to Ronald Reagan by his full name.
* [[Go Karting With Bowser]]: Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill clashed fiercely over politics, but supposedly were quite friendly after the debates were over.
* [[Go-Karting With Bowser]]: Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill clashed fiercely over politics, but supposedly were quite friendly after the debates were over.
** More famously, Reagan and Gorbachev apparently got along very well, despite being the leaders of opposing superpowers.
** More famously, Reagan and Gorbachev apparently got along very well, despite being the leaders of opposing superpowers.
* [[Happily Married]]: The love story of "Ronnie and Nancy" is often touted as one of the greatest love stories of modern American politics.
* [[Happily Married]]: The love story of "Ronnie and Nancy" is often touted as one of the greatest love stories of modern American politics.
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** A better example may be [[The Falklands War]]. The U.S. initially got itself into a rather awkward position because Argentina, which had invaded and occupied British territory ([[British Frozen Rocks With Penguins and Landmines|the Falkland Islands]]), was providing important support to the U.S. in its operations against Marxist guerrilla movements in Central America (especially El Salvador). The Reagan Administration therefore sought, not too successfully, to take a neutral posture between Argentina and Great Britain. In the end, however, America ended up tilting toward the U.K., providing crucial logistical support to the fleet steaming south to retake the islands.
** A better example may be [[The Falklands War]]. The U.S. initially got itself into a rather awkward position because Argentina, which had invaded and occupied British territory ([[British Frozen Rocks With Penguins and Landmines|the Falkland Islands]]), was providing important support to the U.S. in its operations against Marxist guerrilla movements in Central America (especially El Salvador). The Reagan Administration therefore sought, not too successfully, to take a neutral posture between Argentina and Great Britain. In the end, however, America ended up tilting toward the U.K., providing crucial logistical support to the fleet steaming south to retake the islands.
** Domestically, some would argue that the Reagan Administration's policies of deregulation of various sectors of the economy helped to set up the conditions that would end up getting the U.S. economy into serious trouble in 2008.
** Domestically, some would argue that the Reagan Administration's policies of deregulation of various sectors of the economy helped to set up the conditions that would end up getting the U.S. economy into serious trouble in 2008.
*** Then again, it was the first Democratic President in 12 years, [[Bill Clinton]], who [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gramm%E2%80%93Leach%E2%80%93Bliley_Act actually deregulated the banks].
*** Then again, it was the first Democratic President in 12 years, [[Bill Clinton]], who [[wikipedia:Gramm%E2%80%93Leach%E2%80%93Bliley Act|actually deregulated the banks]].
* [[Obfuscating Stupidity]]: Many in the public saw Reagan as a cute old grandfatherly figure if they were fans of his, or an "amiable dunce" if they were his opponents. In the decades since his presidency, declassified documents and interviews with people close to him reveal that Reagan was arguably quite clever and politically savvy, particularly when it came to his relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev.
* [[Obfuscating Stupidity]]: Many in the public saw Reagan as a cute old grandfatherly figure if they were fans of his, or an "amiable dunce" if they were his opponents. In the decades since his presidency, declassified documents and interviews with people close to him reveal that Reagan was arguably quite clever and politically savvy, particularly when it came to his relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev.
* [[What the Hell, Hero?]]: Even the staunchly anticommunist [[Margaret Thatcher]] was angry about the US invasion of Grenada (apparently she had been reassured by Reagan just days before that the invasion was not going to happen).
* [[What the Hell, Hero?]]: Even the staunchly anticommunist [[Margaret Thatcher]] was angry about the US invasion of Grenada (apparently she had been reassured by Reagan just days before that the invasion was not going to happen).
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== [[Film]] ==
== [[Film]] ==
* The opening quote is from the first ''[[Back to The Future]]'' film. In the second, the '80s Cafe' is shown, a bit of a [[The Theme Park Version|Theme Park Version]] of the decade. Reagan was shown on a ''[[Max Headroom]]''-like display offering Marty a drink, vying with an animated Ayatollah Khomeni for his attention.
* The opening quote is from the first ''[[Back to The Future]]'' film. In the second, the '80s Cafe' is shown, a bit of a [[The Theme Park Version|Theme Park Version]] of the decade. Reagan was shown on a ''[[Max Headroom]]''-like display offering Marty a drink, vying with an animated Ayatollah Khomeni for his attention.
** This may be a [[Shout Out]] to ''[[Doonesbury]]'''s "Ron Headrest", a similar ''Headroom'' parody.
** This may be a [[Shout-Out]] to ''[[Doonesbury]]'''s "Ron Headrest", a similar ''Headroom'' parody.
** Additionally, the filmmakers wanted Reagan to play the mayor of 1885 Hill Valley in the third film, but he had to decline due to prior commitments.
** Additionally, the filmmakers wanted Reagan to play the mayor of 1885 Hill Valley in the third film, but he had to decline due to prior commitments.
*** Actually, Reagan ''[[What Could Have Been|wanted]]'' to play the mayor, but it was his aides who turned down the offer.
*** Actually, Reagan ''[[What Could Have Been|wanted]]'' to play the mayor, but it was his aides who turned down the offer.
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{{quote| '''Rudy:''' ''I'M AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, YOU IDIOTS! THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS RONALD "DICKHEAD" REAGAN!''}}
{{quote| '''Rudy:''' ''I'M AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, YOU IDIOTS! THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS RONALD "DICKHEAD" REAGAN!''}}
* An indirect shout out in the 1967 (early in Reagan's political career) spy comedy ''[[In Like Flint]]'' has the president replaced by a double. Flint, hearing the whole evil plan, incredulously mutters "An actor as President?"
* An indirect shout out in the 1967 (early in Reagan's political career) spy comedy ''[[In Like Flint]]'' has the president replaced by a double. Flint, hearing the whole evil plan, incredulously mutters "An actor as President?"
* Reagan gets a [[Shout Out]] / [[Take That]] in ''[[The Matrix]]'' when [[Face Heel Turn|the traitor]], whose name is Reagan, says he wants to be "reborn" in the Matrix as an actor and completely forget his past.
* Reagan gets a [[Shout-Out]] / [[Take That]] in ''[[The Matrix]]'' when [[Face Heel Turn|the traitor]], whose name is Reagan, says he wants to be "reborn" in the Matrix as an actor and completely forget his past.
* Rumor has it that George Lucas named "Nute Gunray" of ''[[Star Wars]] Episode I: [[The Phantom Menace]]'' after ''Newt'' Gingrich and Ronald ''Reagan'', which would make it a [[Take That]]. Alternatively, "Nute" may have come from '''''Knute''' Rockne: All American'', the film which gave Reagan his nickname "The Gipper." Supposedly, Lucas was upset about the SDI's nickname, even though it was Reagan's critics who dubbed it "[[Star Wars]]," not the President. (''See also'' [[Real Life]],'' below''.)
* Rumor has it that George Lucas named "Nute Gunray" of ''[[Star Wars]] Episode I: [[The Phantom Menace]]'' after ''Newt'' Gingrich and Ronald ''Reagan'', which would make it a [[Take That]]. Alternatively, "Nute" may have come from '''''Knute''' Rockne: All American'', the film which gave Reagan his nickname "The Gipper." Supposedly, Lucas was upset about the SDI's nickname, even though it was Reagan's critics who dubbed it "[[Star Wars]]," not the President. (''See also'' [[Real Life]],'' below''.)
* The killer in ''The Tripper'' is a psychotic, hippie-hating Reagan-fanatic who dresses and acts like him.
* The killer in ''The Tripper'' is a psychotic, hippie-hating Reagan-fanatic who dresses and acts like him.
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* [[The Boondocks|Huey Freeman]] is convinced that Ronald Reagan is really [[The Antichrist]].
* [[The Boondocks|Huey Freeman]] is convinced that Ronald Reagan is really [[The Antichrist]].
** This is based on actual conspiracy theories by some black militants, citing, among their reasons, the fact that his first, middle, and last names [[Number of the Beast|All had six letters]].
** This is based on actual conspiracy theories by some black militants, citing, among their reasons, the fact that his first, middle, and last names [[Number of the Beast|All had six letters]].
* In a 1981 series of ''[[Bloom County]]'' strips, Santa's elves [[Weird Trade Union|go on strike]]; Reagan (who is never depicted but heard as a voice on a TV seen from the side) fires them all and replaces with scabs, breaking the union. Any resemblance to the 1981 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_traffic_controllers_strike air traffic controllers' strike] is purely intentional.
* In a 1981 series of ''[[Bloom County]]'' strips, Santa's elves [[Weird Trade Union|go on strike]]; Reagan (who is never depicted but heard as a voice on a TV seen from the side) fires them all and replaces with scabs, breaking the union. Any resemblance to the 1981 [[wikipedia:Air traffic controllers strike|air traffic controllers' strike]] is purely intentional.


== Theatre ==
== Theatre ==
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** [[Truth in Television]] (though obviously a satirical exaggeration;) there is an organized movement in the US, funded by right wing Republican tax activist Grover Norquist, to name at least one public building, monument, park, ''etc''. in every U.S. county after Reagan.
** [[Truth in Television]] (though obviously a satirical exaggeration;) there is an organized movement in the US, funded by right wing Republican tax activist Grover Norquist, to name at least one public building, monument, park, ''etc''. in every U.S. county after Reagan.
** Homer's "Rappin' Ronnie Reagan" tape.
** Homer's "Rappin' Ronnie Reagan" tape.
*** This is actually a [[Shout Out]] to [[Impersonation Paradox|Rich Little's]] "Rappin' Ronnie", a fictious appeal to minority voters with Reagan rapping and Nancy on Bass. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XECby_mT1w Watch it here]
*** This is actually a [[Shout-Out]] to [[Impersonation Paradox|Rich Little's]] "Rappin' Ronnie", a fictious appeal to minority voters with Reagan rapping and Nancy on Bass. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XECby_mT1w Watch it here]
** When seeing Homer's Barbershop Quartet, The Be Sharps, sing at the Statue of Liberty's Centennial Anniversary, Reagan turns to wife Nancy and remarks, "Damn ceremonies. This is time I could be working, Mommy."
** When seeing Homer's Barbershop Quartet, The Be Sharps, sing at the Statue of Liberty's Centennial Anniversary, Reagan turns to wife Nancy and remarks, "Damn ceremonies. This is time I could be working, Mommy."
* In ''[[The Boondocks]]'', Reagan is caracatured as a [[Strawman Political|strawman]] being incredibly anti-Civil Rights by other characters to the point that the revolutionary extremist Huey states that "[[Everyone Is Satan in Hell|Ronald Reagan is the devil.]]" Black-hating black man Ruckus however idolizes him for this ideal, who in his dreams stated that he spent his life attempting to make life miserable for black people.
* In ''[[The Boondocks]]'', Reagan is caracatured as a [[Strawman Political|strawman]] being incredibly anti-Civil Rights by other characters to the point that the revolutionary extremist Huey states that "[[Everyone Is Satan in Hell|Ronald Reagan is the devil.]]" Black-hating black man Ruckus however idolizes him for this ideal, who in his dreams stated that he spent his life attempting to make life miserable for black people.
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* [[Ronald Reagan]] (and his cabinet) as [http://www.toonopedia.com/reagan.htm badass commando superhero(es)].
* [[Ronald Reagan]] (and his cabinet) as [http://www.toonopedia.com/reagan.htm badass commando superhero(es)].
* One episode of ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' featured Buster and Babs going to Washington to request aid against a [[Moral Guardian]] lady sucked up Acme Acres' residents' "tooniness". The bunnies go to the Lincoln Memorial for guidance, and seem to hear [[Abraham Lincoln]]'s voice coming from the statue, urging them not to give up. They walk off, inspired, not knowing that it's just Ronnie in his pajamas, talking to his teddy bear.
* One episode of ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' featured Buster and Babs going to Washington to request aid against a [[Moral Guardian]] lady sucked up Acme Acres' residents' "tooniness". The bunnies go to the Lincoln Memorial for guidance, and seem to hear [[Abraham Lincoln]]'s voice coming from the statue, urging them not to give up. They walk off, inspired, not knowing that it's just Ronnie in his pajamas, talking to his teddy bear.
* In the "Rap-unzel" episode of the ''[[ALF (TV)|ALFTales]]'' cartoon, Reagan (in Melmaccian form) is the doddering, clueless royal father of Prince Gordon, and is finally convinced by him to set up a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission Federal Communications Commission] to foil the Evil Witch's broadcasting monopoly.
* In the "Rap-unzel" episode of the ''[[ALF (TV)|ALFTales]]'' cartoon, Reagan (in Melmaccian form) is the doddering, clueless royal father of Prince Gordon, and is finally convinced by him to set up a [[wikipedia:Federal Communications Commission|Federal Communications Commission]] to foil the Evil Witch's broadcasting monopoly.
* ''[[American Dad (Animation)|American Dad]]'s'' Stan Smith worships Reagan more than he does Jesus (and he already does a lot of that).
* ''[[American Dad (Animation)|American Dad]]'s'' Stan Smith worships Reagan more than he does Jesus (and he already does a lot of that).


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