Please help educate me on Ronald Reagan's Foreign Policy
Posted July 12th, 2008 by TimB
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Hello All,
As a political newbie, who was just a kid, during the Reagan years, I am curious about Reagan's Foreign Policy.
I know Ron Paul was one of the people who helped Reagan and supported him in his presidential runs. I know Ron Paul was fond of Reagan, but, It seems we didn't mind our own business during the Reagan years.
Were we justified in any of the following conflicts?
1) Grenada
2) Libya
3) Lebanon
4) or any other conflicts?
Again, I am asking because I am ignorant on the subject.
Cheers,
TimB
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Well,
I am no expert either, but it is a mixed bag. Reagan bragged that the US did not invade countries and did nationbuilding, unlike the USSR and he had a great role in breaking communism, that was doomed to fail but could have lasted much longer.
Dr. Paul advised him against the Lebanon action, by the other (neocon) advisers probably convinced him to. Reagan was wise enough to retreat after over a hundred deaths and mentioned at the last day in office as well as in his book that it was his biggest mistake and the US/West does not understand the "Irrationality" of the Middle East". Dr. Paul referred to this during the famous mini-debate with Rudy Giuliani. People can make mistakes, but important to acknowledge that you made a mistake, something that Reagan has done, but Bush will never do.
"The Bombing begins in five minutes" - Ronnie Ray-Gun
His warmongering caused me to look into becoming a Conscientious Objector.
So I guess I can give him credit for awakening me to the good words which can be found in most religions, I did not know much about the Quakers beforehand.
A gathering of Friends has a certain appeal.
If all the facts publicized
If all the facts publicized in the case by the media were correct, I think Grenada was justified. Bear in mind that in the 80s we did not have a news media that leaned Republican and beat war drums like FOX.
Grenada appeared to be in the process of a Soviet-Cuban coup and move toward militarization as a communist base.
I think the invasion was justifiable based on the Cold War and the Monroe Doctrine.
SUPPORT OUR FOUNDERS' AMERICA
Support the Constitution of the United States
Not according to the principles of the
libertarian philosophy. Why? A lot of innocents were killed.
As a side note on Reagan's foreign policy, he favored conscription in times of war (http://www.reason.com/new...). What a tyrant.
atrickpay, Thanks for the response
I will check out the link
Cheers,
Tim B
Also, RP didn't endorse him the second time around,
He was disappointed in Reagan.
Consider these words from George Washington, the Father of our Nation, in his farewell speech on September 19, 1796:
"It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity..
I'm guessing the source of
I'm guessing the source of his disappointment was Reagan's failure to advance conservatism beyond the purely rhetorical. I'd like to read up on it, though. Do you have any info links on RP's early split with the GOP in the 80s?
SUPPORT OUR FOUNDERS' AMERICA
Support the Constitution of the United States
How could he possibly have advanced conservatism?
It's one of the vaguest ideologies known to man.
It simply advocates maintaining things as they are...
Thanks for the responses, everyone
Thank You.
Cheers,
TimB