Politics & Society in 20th Century America Series: The Reagan 80s

The New Right. Reagan's political career. Image vs. substance. Viewed as having
great depth or as handled by others. The "Teflon President," but Issue of presidential
responsibility for others in his administration. (8.52.00) = 1980s policy revolution. Trickle-down economy, tax cuts for the wealthy. High degree of deficit spending. . (16.44.00) = Cuts social spending, balances budget. Huge increase in military budget. To compete with false image of Soviet threat. Results in huge deficits, sharp increase in national debt interest to be paid. Reduces costs by cutting social and economic programs for middle and lower classes. (19.41.00) = Deregulation. Get government off our backs." Negative impact on banking industry: the savings & loan scandal theft of billions due to gross mismanagement, to be paid for by the taxpayers. Striking air traffic controllers fired by Reagan, their union broken. Air safety diminished. (22.37.00) = Right wing movement tied to religion Constitution is clear about separation of church and
state, but not in the view of the religious right. Emergence of AIDS in the 80s and the Reagan administration's lack of response, reflecting hostile attitude toward despised groups. (24.28.00) = Jobs shift overseas. Actual work hours increase. Real wages decline over the past 25 years. Jobs move overseas to cheaper labor, with economic, social and psychological impact on families here. Employment rates are misleading -- the issue of the working poor. Growth of agribusiness spells the decline of the family farm. (32.28.00) = Growing gap between rich and poor. Continues to grow into the 1990s and 2000s. Re-segregation in the cities. The 80s business community portrayed with great greed after deregulation, criminal fraud. (32.45.20) = Deregulation and lawlessness of business community. Get government off our backs." Negative impact on banking industry: the savings & loan scandal theft of billions due to gross mismanagement, to be paid for by the taxpayers. Striking air traffic controllers fired by Reagan, their union broken. Air safety diminished. (34.44.00) = Rightward political turn continues, becomes the norm. Affects policies of future presidents. The continued increase in power of industry, technology, and health management. Rapid rate of change has negative impact on social and psychological life. Changes too rapid as underlying issue. (43.48.00) = 1990s Republican control. Privatization. Extension of "get government off business backs" to health care and education. (45.26.00) = Religion and politics. Culture wars. Emergence of AIDS in the 80s and the Reagan administration's lack of response, reflecting hostile attitude toward despised groups.Abortion, other issues. (48.23.00) = Progressive issue: environment. (49.25.00) = Historical perspective.. Need for time for historical perspective of current issues. (51.52.00) = 2000 election issues. Immigration and U.S. role. (1.02.06.00) = Hostility to science, public education, environment, health care. Competence of leadership. separation of church & state, individual liberty, law vs lawlessness, too powerful government, more. Future of America: Complacency is a threat.