Tribute to Reagan

Still from the Tribute to Reagan

that made me cry, thats really disgusting you made such a video. the man died.

I wouldn't wish Alzheimers on anyone. But Ronnie has some responsibility to take for all the lives he wasted. Not putting support behind fighting AIDS. Dirty Contra deaths in South America. Many other CIA supported deaths. May he burn. And may he remember now and know what he really did.

May he be in the company of our Lord in heaven, inspite of you assholes.

...smoke a cigar and enjoy it. I bet that's what all those missing people killed by CIA trained murderers in south america did. Oh yeah, they don't count as humans... I keep forgetting.

I was at work this afternoon and loged on to the NYTimes site to see what world news was breaking and learned that RR had died early today. While I feel that his contributions to furthering the Cold War, Iran/Contra, and innumerable other humanitarian atrocities, I also feel that any man woman or child, be they a former Statesman, revolutionary, or single mother, a child or a elderly man, deserve and should be given, a moment of solace, silence, and peace. Hate does indeed beget hate, and while Reagans acts may have been reprehensible, his spirit still deserved peace.

From his naming names for the anti-Communist witchhunters in their union-busting drive of the Hollywood unions to the Iran-Contra scandal, and all the years in between and since, this fascist, racist war criminal, Ronald Reagan, deserves the same contempt Hitler continues to receive, and he is very dead. As we said when Joe McCarthy, the witchhunting Senator, died, of the dead say nothing but good, so upon hearing the news that the stinking old fascist Reagan finally dropped dead, I said good.

and he called the national guard to occupy berkeley with martial law, ordered cs gas to be dropped from helicopters onto a trapped crowd on lower sproul plaza and declared war on berkeley and the student movement. he will not be missed in the east bay. remember james rector instead.

may ronald mcdonald reagan rot in hell for all the death, suffering and poverty he created.

"I favor the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and it must be enforced at the point of a bayonet, if necessary."
--Ronald Reagan, Los Angeles Times, October 20, 1965

"I would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
--Ronald Reagan, Los Angeles Times, June 17, 1966

"If there has to be a bloodbath then let's get it over with."
--Ronald Reagan (Governor of California), quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle, May 15, 1969. (Reagan reveals how he intends to deal with student protesters at the University of California, Berkeley.)

"...the moral equal of our Founding Fathers."
--President Reagan, describing the Nicaraguan contras, March 1, 1985

"Fascism was really the basis for the New Deal."
--Ronald Reagan, quoted in Time, May 17, 1976

"Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders."
--California Governor Ronald Reagan, in the Sacramento Bee, April 28, 1966

"We were told four years ago that 17 million people went to bed hungry every night. Well, that was probably true. They were all on a diet."
--Ronald Reagan, TV speech, October 27, 1964

"We think there is a parallel between federal involvement in education and the decline in profit over recent years."
--President Reagan, quoted in USA Today, April 26, 1983

"Schock",

THIS VIDEO IS JUVENILE CRAP. THINK about your actions. It polarizes people just like the right-wing does with shouting-match pseudo-news shows like O'Reilly. It's easy to get an emotional rise out of someone with this and counter-productive. If you have a problem with what Reagan did as president, have some balls and brains and write about it at-length. I'd probably agree with you.

17,000. That was the # of Americans dead before Reagan even mentioned the word "Aids" when I was a young gay American. I oppose the WTO and the current band of corporate criminals disguised as America's federal government. I'm driving from L.A. back to my hometown of SF in hopes of shutting down Tuesday's Biotech convention because I understand the impact genetically engineered food and its fascist politics (see http://www.percyschmeiser.com/ ) will have on our bodies and environment--our freedom and lives are in jeopardy. My partner of 9 years is worried about my safety and considering the terrorist thugs behind those in office who'd like us out of the way, dead (or at least unmarried) so am I. But what an easy thing to do right now (this video)--like dumping gas on people already burning. Much as I disliked Reagan's administration, my heart sank when I saw this. Which leads me to the conclusion that you're either

1) not mature enough to render your anger into an effective tool for positive change that helps to save us ALL. And ALL our asses are on the line right now. Or..

2) a little right-wing creep misrepresenting the left.

#1's are common, yet given the current state of things, I'd lay bets on #2. But if it's #1, a word of advice from one more experienced.....and disappointed: shocks aren't enough.

that's the best tribute i've seen yet! definetely most deserving. cheers,

But it's really too bad he didn't suffer longer first.

some of you posters are hateful asses

reagan should be glad he expired under his own power rather than dangling from a noose for war crimes in central america.

were eastern europeans to be asked whether they were "better off than they were" 15 years ago, they just might say no.

What pathetic a legacy to compare marginally to a stalinist dictatorship.

the wicked witch is dead!!

For hugh especially, but for all of you;
The video in this article was the first, quick, emotional response that I had, based on what I KNEW would take place this week: corporate media lionizing Reagan and completely failing to examine his legacy critically.

Since then I put some more work into it, and made a version of the video that is much better because it includes an 'argument' rather than just an emotional response. I also worked on a feature that has links to in-depth information about how awful his policies were.

The updated video is here: http://hubproject.org/uploads/reagan.mp4
And the feature is here: http://www.indybay.org/government/

peace
schock

Ronald Reagan was a horrible man, he supported the killers of the sadinistas, he threatened the Iranians and bombed Khadafi in Lybia. But worst of all he built up a huge military and put missiles in Europe, forcing Gorbachov's hand and bringing down the glorious dictatorship of the proletariat. He also lifted up Americas flagging spirits when the country was about to implode in on itself. So there will not be a People's Republic of America, too bad. Well maybe the Chinese will give us a preemptive strike on the West Coast, so that you may get your wish. Honestly Reagon saved a young boy who needed a liver, as well as the entire free world!!! He was great on the little things as well as the great!! Thats why hundreds of thousands are standing for eight hours to get a glimpse of his coffin!!!! Instead of shooting off your mouth, maybe you should shut-up and listen and maybe learn something!!!

finally, some people who remembers what this SOB was REALLY like. genial, charming evil bastard.

i love the fact that he shut down stem cell research and constantly denied his crimes with 'i don't remember'. i guess god got him back with alzheimers :)

President Reagan was a man of dignity and served this country well. What the hell did he ever do to any of you who despise him? Would you want someone being happy for your death or saying that it was your greatest achievement. No you wouldn't. Because of your ignorance and anger you do not realize that Ronald Reagan was not just the 40th President of The United States, which is much more than any of you assholes will ever amount to, he was a human being who was loved and loved in return. All he asked for was to be honored as Ronald Reagan. All you bigots believe that he did so many wrong things for this country. Your ass is still alive ain't it? You're sitting at home smirking and laughing at his death while he provided a basis for this nation to thrive on, the same as all Presidents do. Without Ronald Reagan, maybe the nation would not exist as it does today. So think on everything you said because obviously you are ill-educated, unadmirable, and extremely rude. Ronald Reagan lives on and you will always feel guilty for the cruel things you said about him. I hope they haunt you for the rest of your days.

The Santinistas were backed by Cuba which just a conduit for the USSR. We backed the Contras. Horrible things happened by the hands of both sides. It was a South American civil war. Civil wars are brutal. They are won at any cost affairs. Nicaragua is now a strong, open democracy not a black abyss of communism. Ask Grenadians what they think of Reagan. You may have not liked the man (an intentional act / short coming of yours, not because of any act of his) but our world, the world, is a better place for his ability to make the tough decisions. Don't get bogged down with the view of the trees, look at the whole forest.

Even human trash needs a podium which is clearly what the makers of the video meant it for. We can take comfort that those who practices witchcraft or are democrat will not escape the punishment that is meant for those who of their on free will pursue life as hoof lickers to the base of their foul out look on life and its worth (believe it or not that person is not even bill Clinton the most loyal of his subjects.)

I graduated in 1982 and lived in Knoxville, TN. Everyone flocked here for work at the 1982 Worlds Fair and when it shut down, thousands of homeless unemployed slept under bridges here. I hitchhiked across america looking for minimum wage work, ANY work! Finally in 1984, I joined the US Navy because it beat starving. Meanwhile, Reagan told us on TV "There ARE no homeless in America" and "There are plenty of jobs and no one needs to join the military to survive!" Reagan "Trimmed the fat" allright! I spent 5 days eating 1 beef jerkey a day and the next 5 days eating nothing at all. America was starving under Reagan and may the devil turn up the temp. for Ronald Reagan! He may have brainwashed many americans but you can't convince a starving man he isn't starving! FUCK the Gipper! I spit on his grave!

"Without Ronald Reagan, maybe the nation would not exist as it does today."

You promise? Get your heads out of the ground and recognize the old bumbler for what he was, a bigot opposed to free speech, who started tearing it up in the 60's with the declaration, "If we have to have a bloodbath, let's get it over with". Words of "freedom" which ring out even today under the guidance of George Bush.

How many of Saddam's and Bin Laden's thugs trained by Reagan's CIA are responible for the death of our troops? Answer me that!

Patriotism is something that belongs to the people who fight for our rights, including the brave people who fought Ronnie's storm troopers and continue to fight Bush's current fascist policies.

Okay, what the fuck are you talking about. People who fought Ronnie's storm troopers defied the United States and put our nation at risk. You're just a fucking hippie who doesn't respect any military decisions and shouldn't even be allowed to have citizenship. If you hate what our Presidents do for our nation, LEAVE!!!! I am 14 years old and I know more about fucking politics and reason than you ever will. All you're doing is making up an excuse to criticize the leaders of our country. Oh and the other person who worked at the World's Fair. Did you graduate from high school or elementary school in 1982, because you're speaking like a child. If you had half a brain you wouldn't be homeless and you would have a half-decent job, but no you complain that you're out of work and Ronald Reagan won't give you a job. If you had taken the initiative to apply yourself in life, you would have done a lot better. My brother was homeless for a while too, but he didn't blame that on the President. He knew that his own actions led him there. Also, Bush's fascist policies. Okay, lets think here. Who elected Bush as President? THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!! If you've got a problem with him, deal with it, don't go around mumbling and grumbling because you don't like him or trying to start an uprise. President Bush is very similar to Reagan. They are both powerful and wise and know what the hell they are doing. They are and were, and will continue, to protect this country at all costs, if it means a bloodbath. And you think that Bush is fascist when our troops are upholding and supporting his policies. My father had to deal with the fucking hippies, as an ROTC recruit, during the Vietnam War and put up with all your bullshit on "We're harming others, or we should protest the President and the military efforts." You didn't have to hear about your father getting tomatoes thrown at his head and how much hate and discrimination he faced. And yet he still supported the President. This country is not about separating and trying to bring down the government or ridiculing it. It's about coming together as a nation to support our leaders. And another thing, the President doesn't make decisions on his own, he has your pussy ass democrats to help him as well. Oh, and one more point, Reagan didn't declare that he was going to bring an end to the Cold War on his own...hence the term "WE" as in Congress, Legislature, and the entire United States. Fuck You....

It shows, too.

"Who elected Bush as President? THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!"

Nobody elected that man. He was appointed by the Supreme Court, the first president in the history of our democracy not to have won election in the same manner of our past illustrious presidents. Appointed by the same court who are right now crawling up Bush's asscrack. Anyone for duck hunting? Sure Justice Scalia, come right along!

"If you've got a problem with him, deal with it, don't go around mumbling and grumbling because you don't like him or trying to start an uprise."

I take it you'll defend to the death my right to mumble and grumble? Yeah right.

"President Bush is very similar to Reagan."

NO FOOLING. Well I'll be damned! Thanks, thanks for explaining things so clearly! And well, fuck you too- as long as you feel like being a fascist dick. I come from a long line of patriots you know- my family fought in the Revolutionary War. And I will defend to the death to say whatever you like, even if you're a total jerk.

Revolution- that's how it started and right now, that's what it's all about.

You wanna talk shit about me showing I'm 14...hell yeah I will. I've got more brains than you bitches wish you could have so don't fucking criticize me. And you can call me fascist, a jerk... whatever you want to. I couldn't care less because I will support Bush to the end. And another thing... move the fuck out of America if you don't like the Presdient's ideals. We wouldn't want you here anyway. Move to France and see how you like their policies and heat waves.

Which policies and heat waves would those be? France did have a heat wave last year where many people in retirement homes died, but Chicago had hundreds die during a summer heat wave just a few years ago too. Some of the problems in France now are due to deregulation following the rise of the center-right Chirac government. Policies were more enlightened under Mitterand and the Socialists, but the US right helped get Chirac elected so.... (as some French friends have told me "only Bush could have made Chirac look like a Leftist")

A police officer salutes in front of pro and anti-Ronald Reagan groups near the National Cathedral in Washington Friday, June 11, 2004 prior to funeral services for the former president. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Love it or leave it was already tired in the 60's when your daddy was in the ROTC. We do love it, and we ain't leaving, so suck it up and deal with it. Here's a little light reading for you about another idiot named George much earlier on in our history. Enjoy!

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shallseem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

A 14-year old could not remember what it was like during Reagan's presidency. As someone who grew up under Reagan's tenure, I can tell you what I do remember:

-The ever-present shadow of nuclear annihilation, aggravated by Reagan's military build-up and agressive rhetoric during the Cold War. We literally wondered whether we'd live to grow up--whether our entire civilization would be wiped off the face of the earth.
-My dad--a physicist working for a defense contractor--ranting at dinnertime about the Star Wars project and how and why it would NOT work.
-The spiraling federal deficit as Reagan cut taxes and increased spending, a mentality reflected in the American consciousness by the rise in personal credit debt.
-The increasing gap between the rich and the middle-class, as tax cuts disproportionately favored corporations and the wealthy.
-The Iran-Contra scandal, and Ollie North on TV answering question after question with, "I'm sorry, I don't recall."
-The S&L scandal, in which Neil Bush--son of Vice President Bush--was implicated.
-Allegations and rumors, especially in Reagan's second term, that Reagan might have Alzheimer's, and that Nancy and his aides ran the White House.
-Watching the rare press conferences he held and wondering if anyone else noticed he wasn't really answering the questions.
-Rising inflation and a declining job market, especially near the end of Reagan's second term.

Most, if not all, of this has been missing from so many of the glowing eulogies to former president that I have to wonder if any of those people even lived through his presidency. From some of the posts here, it seems that the efforts of Nancy Regan and the GOP to re-define him as the greatest president of our age are succeeding.

suck my balls

suck my balls

in Reagan's undead blood. May he burn in hell.

"The updated video is here: http://hubproject.org/uploads/reagan.mp4"
is now offline.

please leave a comment or post the update here on indybay. thanks.

here it is again:
http://hubproject.org/uploads/2004/06/reagan.mp4s3vaiu.mp4

Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois in 1911 and died quietly in his California home on June 5th, 2004, after living for several years with Alzheimer's disease. Yet it seems that Reagan's Alzheimer's was contagious. While mainstream media fell over themselves in a rush to construct a public memory of the man as a hero, the truth about the life and times of the actor/governor/president is quite different.

Reagan's support for right-wing murderers, most famously in the Iran-Contra scandal; provision of weapons and military training for murderous dictatorships in Latin America (Argentina, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Grenada),Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa; role in perpetuating apartheid in South Africa; unprecedented promotion of nuclear proliferation; his denial of funding for AIDS research; affront to women's rights; undercutting of environmental protections, perpetuation of racial segregation and discrimination; and gutting of social services are only a few of the events that mark the Reagan years as among the most corrupt and devastating in history. This is the Reagan that must not be forgotten.

There are countless examples of the internationally infamous criminality of the US government in our prior administrations. When mentioning the name of the famous war criminal ronald reagan, I am mindful of the early onset of his alzeimers combined with his confusing facts with scenes in his movies.

reagon terror ranged widely including destroying countries like gautemala, el salvador, honduras, costa rica, panama and grenada (the nutmeg capital invaded by a dozen cuban construction workers causing the senile old fool to surround the white house with tanks).

ONE OF HIS GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:::::

A well known case in point is the World Court’s condemnation of the US under the gipper for the crime of international terrorism in Nicaragua. The US would have been convicted by the Security Council had the US itself not vetoed the resolution.

The court ordered the United States to desist and pay reparations; however, the US responded by immediately escalating the crimes by attacking undefended civilian targets, similar to what it continues to do in Iraq.

Nicaragua was, again like Iraq, helpless and a non-aggressor.

Also, similar to Iraq once more, the US stepped up bombing raids well before the invasion. Even some of our Congresspersons were aware of the “softening up” bombings conducted well before that criminal invasion.

The foregoing and the fact that the Security Council failed to give its approval was more than enough for conviction.

Normally, a well informed civilian population would be horrified by reagan's election. However, the US population is drugged by beer and a happy addiction to a vast propaganda machine.


so much for "democracy."

hanging should have well proceeded the onslaught of his alzeimers.

regarding the above, the u.s. government is the only government in the world condemned by the international court of justice for the crime of international terrorism.