I did support Reaganomics -- but at the time I did not understand the impact it was having on struggling individual families.
I was just born when raegan was elected, but why is he considered a great president? His economic policies were just dumb, and a lot of things he did then could be the reason for all the middle east conflicts.
I used to work for a JSC contractor. When Bush was first elected, conventional "wisdom" around the office was that his election would be good for JSC. Instead, he cut JSC funding that year (around the year 2000, I think), and we went through a round of layoffs. I figured it was because the fact that NASA is a scientific endeavor outweighed any ties Bush has to Houston, and Texas in general. From what I understand, Republicans and science don't really mix (evolution, climatology, etc, etc).
It's probably because Reagan is synonymous with the '80s, which was more stable and prosperous than the two decades before it. But I'm pretty much the same age, so I'm just guessing. Any Dems here old enough to know if they could've gotten better noms than Carter or Mondale? I know Kennedy tried to unseat Carter in '80, but I guess even Reagan couldn't do that to Ford.
So I am confused now, you supported Reagon but looking back you now believe his policies were bad? If so I don;t see the point of the thread. I thought the point was I was republican but now republicans suck so now I am a Dem.
ok. I supported Reagan because he was charasmatic and I liked hearing his speeches. At the time, I thought his policies made sense. Fast forward 20 yrs --- Bush is completely messing things up coinciding with myself becoming more socially aware (mid-life crisis questioning the real meaing of my life?) made me actually see the falacies in those policies.
interesting thread... i wonder if there are any democrats out there who are switching over to the republican side.
Maybe not his tax policies, but his SPENDING policies...sure !!! Bush has put this country in more debt than any President in history. WOHOO !! Another glorious job by Bush. Bush and his republican cronies have expanded the government to a RECORD size. That is NOT the Reagan style of republican party I remember. DD
Hmm, in 1976 I voted for my cousin Jimmy in 1980, John Anderson in 1984, Lenora Fulani 1988, GHW Bush 1992, Clinton 1996, Dole 2000, Bush 2004, Bush 2008? dunno, but definitely not Bush...or Clinton.
I still find this amazing that you will vote for a party that you have heavily crticized believe is taking the country in the wrong direction over one single issue that actually isn't that big, Obama's program won't destroy NASA.
Well to be fair Reagan also increased the debt greater than any president before him. From 80 to 92 it went from 2 to about 5 trillion. (GHB) So its pretty close to what Reagan did, not what he said i guess though.
Hey thats politics. Single issue voters are a big key. Abortion, gay marriage gun control why do you think these are huge issues when most of us don't care either way. The media and canidates pander to the people who feel strongly on these issues. (I admit I am a single issue voter of gun control)
Certainly not the mid-east conflicts part. He actually did a good job bringing peace to long time enemies in the region.
You're right that politics have become largely driven by single / wedge issues but the problem I have with it is that the parties and presidential platforms are usually coalitions of interests and its unlikely you will ever find one that matches exactly what you believe. Given that IMO you should consider which candidate fits most of your views. The problem with single issue voters is while you might end up getting one issue advanced that might end up being at the costs of several other issues or possibly even hurting your issue if it ends up being associated with a polarizing candidate.
I heard on the news today that Michael Bloomberg is going to announce as an independent candidate for President, with Chuck Hagel as his running mate. Dude has enough $$$ to make it happen, and will siphon off lots of the "disgruntled" vote. Thoughts?
They haven't screw the country up as much, which is a sad thing to vote for, but never the less better than continuing on a downard spiral that is republican led government.
Maybe between countries in the ME. Certainly not between the ME and the USA. Ever heard of the Iranian Hostage Crisis?
