Breaking news, 1981-style - It's hard to believe it's been 30 years this month since the failed assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. CNN - less than a year on the air as the world's first 24-hour news network - sprang into breaking news mode to report initial details of the attack.
CNN investigation - This Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT, CNN presents an investigation into what really happened behind the scenes on that tense day in 1981. In this excerpt, doctors describe how they worked to save Reagan's life in the ER.
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Reagan was awesome!
"As governor of California and president of the United States, he enacted policies that, in the main, greatly expanded the role and size of government.
As governor, he oversaw the largest tax increase in Californian history. In which Governor Jerry Brown cut back the tax rate when he came to office.
As president, Reagan expanded the federal government by over 75% in size.
Reagan allowed the welfare state to enlarge and the military budget to explode, causing monstrous budget deficits and government growth that dwarfs government growth under Clinton, yes even when Clinton had a Democratic Congress.
Reagan’s tax cuts notwithstanding (some of which he reversed), the state grew fat and its growth will inevitably be financed through inflation or tax increases (unless the state defaults).
Reagan bombed Libya
Reagan created a "war" on drugs. Resulting in many deaths and many more until prohibition is lifted.
Reagan allowed the continuation of Selective Service registration (despite his campaign promise to end it)
Reagan's regime helped the Khmer Rouge terrorize Thailand
Reagan imposed brutal trade sanctions on Nicaragua
Reagan funded the murderous brutal Contras
Reagan sold missiles to Iran
Reagan gave assistance to Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, and lied to the American people just like every other C&C
That he did all these things in the name of "freedom," "capitalism," "small government," and "liberty" renders his legacy, in my opinion, all the more insidious.
If bad Reaganesque policies continue to have a pass because of their superficial rhetorical selling points, American liberty will have suffered, not strengthened, because of him."
Let's not forget for all those people that hit pay dirt through Reagonomics in the 80's. I'm happy for you, but the ripple caused many to lose their shirts 89 – 91.
Gore for the poor!!
Everybody keeps saying there are more important things to worry about than history and Ronald Reagan...like what Obama and his basketball brackets...yeah guess your right!
F.uck regean
Because of The Gipper's economic policies, my dad (who grew up in abject poverty) was able to semi-retire when he was just 39, as we enjoyed a very comfortable and financially secure family environment. Meanwhile, losers like you complain and continue to complain because you're bitter that "the rich suck" because you still have gotten nowhere in your life. You're a 1975 Pacer on a highway full of Ferrari F430 Scuderias. Pull over and shut up.
You are so clever, Vicki. I'll bet you are the center of attention at the Wal-Mart, every time you go through check-out.
While I too will and do respect the office I do NOT nor will NOT respect the man who held the position, nor should I expect, nor should it be expected of me to do so. I do find it a sad day in America that another American tries to fluff out, and in some cases succeeded, a Presidents life. Let's not forget what Reaganomics did to the Veterans, and what LASTING effects it they had on our economy, shall we? Also, even Mr. Reagan's son casts doubts if Mr. Reagan's mental faculties were all there during some of his years in office. That being said, this article really isn't about all that we're discussing is it?
Tammy, do you mean his gay atheist son who has done practically nothing with his life and needs a buck so he wrote a book, or the adopted son who actually made something of himself?
You're wrong, American Idiot. She works the checkout lane, not waits in it.
C Baur – you are 1000% correct.
Vicki....It takes bravery to make unpopular decisions. He made cuts because we NEEDED them – Under Regan, LIKE OBAMA, Democrats want to raise taxes by 25%, so they can increase spending by 100%.....
Maybe Reagan didnt have a heart, but OB has no brain.