Joe Conason: G.O.P. Tall-Tales About Reagan

http://www.observer.com/2007/g-o-p-tall-tales-about-reagan

G.O.P. Tall-Tales About Reagan
by Joe Conason

Published: May 8, 2007

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Such belligerent invocations of the old actor are standard fare on the G.O.P. primary circuit. The actual circumstances of American relations with Iran during the Reagan years—and indeed of security policy in general back then—were more complex and less inspirational (as Mr. Giuliani must know, unless he is now suffering from the onset of dementia).

The tough gunslinger described by the Republican candidates resembles the real Reagan about as accurately as his movie roles resembled his real life. It was strange to hear him mentioned in the context of Iran, the scene of the worst foreign-policy fiasco of his administration—and the topic that most clearly demonstrates the distance between right-wing fantasy and historical reality.

It was especially strange to hear those words uttered by Mr. Giuliani, who wants everyone to remember that he once served as a top official in the Reagan Justice Department, but who seems to have forgotten the criminal case and constitutional crisis known as the Iran-contra affair. But let’s begin at the beginning.

Available evidence strongly indicates that when the Iranian regime released American hostages in January 1981, within hours of the first Reagan inauguration, that decision had nothing to do with fear of the new President and everything to do with a prearranged deal. While no proof of that plot has ever emerged, the covert sequel that commenced three years later certainly arouses suspicion.

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Reagan was no better than Bush. America was. The only reason Bloody Ronnie didn't kill more people is because Americans then opposed war more solidly than they do now.

Reagan was the beginning of the decline. Nixon was a fuckup, but Congress under Nixon was still independent enough to hold him accountable. With Reagan, this nation began a spiral into a pit of delusion, fantasizing about smart bombs and nuclear shields and showdowns at noon on a dusty street with handguns blazing. Don't like someone? Kill them. Murder became a national policy. Stupidity became a virtue.

so he did away with it letting cowardly syncophants limbaugh, hannity etc carry his water. They still are.

that desperate to invent an icon of supposed virtue and he is all they have? Says alot about the other members of that party who don't seem to hold a candle to this false idol of integrity.

And, I suppose they figure, no, count on most of the public to not pay attention to what is really going on. As long as the public remembers the sound bites, then Republicans can continue with their careless, unconstitutional, and immoral ways.