Who Is Ronald Reagan - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1946 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/07/03 Category People Essay Level High school Tags: Ronald Reagan Essay Did you like this example? Ronald Wilson Reagan was born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois to Edward and Nelle Reagan (History.com Staff, 2009). Reagan grew up with his entire life spent in Illinois and attended Eureka College (History.com Staff, 2009). As a young adult Reagan had Democratic views, campaigning for Democratic candidates. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Who Is Ronald Reagan?" essay for you Create order As time passed his views became more conservative and by the 1960s he was officially a Republican (History.com Staff, 2009). In the mid 1960s, Reagan set out for his first race in public office, running for the Governor of California. He was elected governor from 1967 to 1975, serving two terms (History.com Staff, 2009). Shortly after, Reagan was elected the 40th United States President in 1981, winning against President Jimmy Carter (History.com Staff, 2009). Reagan ended up serving two terms as President, ending his presidency in 1989. During this time, he was often referred to as the Great Communicator (History.com Staff, 2009). The major events that impacted Reagans presidency were his ability to cut taxes (known as Reaganomics) to reduce the impact the federal government had on Americans pocketbooks, increase defense spending by building up U.S. weapons and troops, and he negotiated a nuclear arms reduction agreement which resulted in a quicker end to the Cold War (History.com S taff, 2009). Who is Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan was known to be a man of optimism, amiability, graciousness, and a remarkable politician. He was able to connect with the average middle-class citizen, which was not an ability all presidents and leaders had. His ability to do this eventually earned him the title of the Great Communicator (Procon.org, 2018). He had previous experience with radio, television, film, advertising and public relations. It was an era in which politics focused on media and images, attracting more public appeal (Raphael, 2009). In the end, this was great for Reagans own character and image. It gave him the ability to exploit his political authority. In his inaugural speech, he focused on government being the problem rather than the solution. This was somewhat appealing or pleasing to the people of the United States. He presented the concept of a new revival to the Americas and picking up what was left behind from the previous administration. And while he was a republican, Reagan was popular wit h conservatives as he lacked the political baggage of a being part of a discredited Washington establishment (Cannon, 2018). He had a comprehensive vision with clear direction. He believed in law and order, he had a willingness about him, and he was open to compromise knowing that he would not abandon his ideas of certainty and confidence. Historical Conditions Surrounding His Leadership Prior to Reagan stepping into the political spotlight and announcing his candidacy for president, people did not understand his principles, power, or political skills. He was entering a time when the winds of change were blowing in the direction of conservatives (Cannon, 2018). The New Deal coalition that was brought about by President Roosevelt in the 1930s was still the dominant political movement, but was unraveling as time passed, especially during the Vietnam War (Cannon, 2018). Although, even after the Vietnam War had seized, the United States global power was still waning (Drury, 2014). In the midst of all this, there was an oil shortage that was depressing the economy and Iran government was holding 52 Americans hostage (Drury, 2014). There were multiple reasons for the people of the United States to doubt the security and strength of their own nation but yet they had faith in Reagan to turn our country around. Weakness and Criticism Throughout Reagans presidency, he experienced many criticisms from the American people. Often these weaknesses or criticisms are better remembered than his successes. During Reagans presidency and even after his death, his weaknesses and criticisms are recognized by the people of today. Reagans economic strategy (Reaganomics) was not well looked upon, despite his intention being to decrease the amount of money that was taken out of the peoples pockets. His tax reductions and the tightening of interest rates led to a period of economic growth, but they were also accompanied by a record-breaking growth in the national debt, the federal budget deficit and the trade deficit (Cannon, 2018). While this is true, the increase in the debts and deficits of this time were likely due to the massive increase in military spending that Reagan was doing to help strengthen the United States Military, increasing the military spending by 7.2 million dollars (Kleinknecht, 2010). Once the military was we ll-defined, the increased spending declined and thus the federal budget deficit and national debt decreased. In terms of the tax cuts implemented, they did not produce the additional revenues that were predicted. Aside from the economic standpoint, Reagan also received some criticism surrounding his priorities in terms of the AIDS epidemic, civil rights, and unions. Reagan was not very responsive to the AIDS epidemic in terms of leadership. The disease which was first reported in 1981 by the Centers for Disease Control, however, President Reagan did not make public comment on the AIDS epidemic until 1987, 6 years later (Toner Pear, 2004). This significant delay thwarted the research and education that was needed on this subject which was detrimental to the American people in understanding what this disease was and how it could be prevented. Reagan was also known for decreasing health, education, and social welfare programs. A total of 41.4 million dollars were cut from these programs resulting in 400,000 households being removed from food stamps alone (Kleinknecht, 2010). It has been said that Reagan broke the New Deal notion that government could and should be an instrument of social equi ty (Toner Pear, 2004). Regan thought that the poor and middle-class societies were better served by his ideas of economic growth than with government programs. This arrogance, so to speak, gave him a reputation for being a mean spirited individual rather than the caring individual he portrayed himself to be. In the midst, of these cuts, Reagan wanted to make a positive impact on the environment. However, the people of the United States fought back stating that people without jobs, houses, income, support, etc. could not very well support a healthy environment without these vital necessities in life (Troy, 2005). Similarly, his policies on civil rights were not well thought of. He vetoed to extend the reach of civil rights laws in 1988 as he thought it was unnecessary to expand the power of the federal government (Toner Pear, 2004). This, however, should have not been surprising given the low number of black individuals that voted for him both in 1980 (11 percent) and in 1984 (9 percent) (Toner Pear, 2004). As noted previously, shortly upon entering his presidency there were American hostages in Iran. His tactic to free the Americans was to trade arms with Iran. In his efforts do this he received much criticism noting that he violated the Arms Export Act as well as the Hughes-Ryan Act of 1974. He was going against or neglecting the American Constitution, knowing that this did not fit with his own convictions and beliefs. He had to use negotiating tactics that were not typical in order to keep peace. Even so, he was viewed upon by the public as bargaining with a terrorist (Pfiffner, 2013). He ultimately broke his own vow to not make deals with terrorists, although, we would come to find that it would be of benefit to the United States. Impact on Americas Regan received many criticisms throughout his presidency. However, we must not forget what he contributed to the United States and the impact that he had. While much of his tax efforts were criticized, specifically his economic tactic, Reaganomics, it was very successful in many aspects. Reagan was able to reduce the inflation rate from 12.5 percent to 3.9 percent and was able to decrease interest rates from an astounding 21.5 percent to 3.9 percent (Siracusa Coleman, 2002). He also succeeded in reducing the marginal income tax rate which was 70 percent when he took office after the Carter administration to a staggeringly low 28 percent when he left office (Cannon, 2018). These efforts and successes were key in creating a stronger economy. He proved that decreasing tax rates results in stimulated economic growth, activity, and boosts tax revenues with the government revenue income tax rising from $244 billion in 1980 to $446 billion in 1989 (Procon.org, 2018). Reagans economic strat egy also resulted in a 7.5 year long (1982-1990) economic boom with expansion in the gross domestic product (GDP), increased employment opportunities, and the stock market averages increasing. While he was criticized for cutting education and health programs, he did make positive changes as well. He increased the budget for the Department of Education by $6 billion dollars over the course of a 3-year time span and signed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), which is still in effect today (Procon.org, 2018). From a military and foreign policy perspective, he was also successful, despite the criticisms in terms of breaking the constitution. He did view the Soviet Union as an evil empire and ordered for the wall of communism to be tore down, but even so, he did have a good relationship with their leader, Mikhail Gorbachev (Drury, 2014). He even at some point considered his relationship with the Soviet Union as the center of foreign policy. It was his opportunity to work towards nuclear safety and close the window of vulnerability (Siracusa Coleman, 2002). While in negotiations with the Soviet Union, there were approximately 700,000 people that rallied against nuclear weapons (Troy, 2005). He presented the United States as a country that was a steadfast to terrorists and communism. He increased defense spending in order to increase our countrys defensive power but was the first president to agree to an arms reduction treaty with the Soviet Union (Drury, 2014). Despite the rallies and his f irm stance, it did not result in a reduction of nuclear weapons. Although, with his strong relationship and negotiating abilities with Mikhail Gorbachev, he was able to reduce the Cold War tensions that ultimately ended the war sooner than it may have otherwise. He strived to keep his promise of negotiating peace and fostering a changed political idealism by better defining national security measures and ensuring more opportunities for peace between countries that would last through time. The Reagan administration also funded research and development of weapons systems such as stealth technology and precision weaponry (Procon.org, 2018). This was one of his greatest defense hypes costing $1.5 trillion over a period of 5 years (Siracusa Coleman, 2002). This effort resulted in larger training facilities, military pay increases, and even helped to revitalize the military after the Vietnam War. In 1982, he implemented the War on Drugs that helped to decrease the casual drug use that was also lingering from the previous administration. He increased the funding for this program from $1.5 billion in 1981 to $2.75 billion in 1986 (Procon.org, 2018). In addition to this, he also signed multiple executive orders related to crime and justice including the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, Nation Narcotics Leadership Act of 1984, Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and 1988. Conclusion There is really a lot to be said about Reagans presidency that cannot be possibly covered in this short paper. He was a highly criticized president but did make positive changes in our country that have left a legacy. The take away is that every president and/or leader will have strengths and weaknesses, even making errors. But even so, we need to look at the tools and resources that were provided and political and economic climates that are at hand. Reagan was able to restore the confidence of the American people through many of his speeches, but more so by his actions. Reagan truly is a political legacy that has had successors following in his footsteps since he first stepped foot as president into the White House.

Similarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm

The texts Animal Farm by George Orwell and The Truman Show directed by Peter Weir examine the ideas of power, the good life and utopia. In the novel Animal Farm, Orwell narrates the progression of animals engaging in a rebellion against their owner, who mistreats them. In the Film, the Truman show, Weir chronicles the progressive advancement of Truman’s freedom, for the reason that he is trapped in a fantasy world. Both Orwell and Weir address the two texts in a similar way. The passages correspondingly explore the themes of what makes a good life, power and control, what it is and who possesses it, as well as a utopian society and whether it is achievable or not. In The Truman Show, Weir demonstrates what the good life is, and what it†¦show more content†¦One example would be the power that Mr. Jones has, to control the animals. A second example would be the power Old Major has over the animals, the power to influence their minds and spark a revolution. A third example would the pigs power. The pigs get corrupted by power due to their significant amount of it. So much so that â€Å"The work was strictly voluntary, and any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half†. (pg 59) Likewise in Truman Show, Peter Weir also suggests that Power is the ability to have control over others. One example would be the fact that Christof â€Å"The creator† manufactured a complex web of emotional manipulation in order to keep Truman on Seahaven Island. A second example would be the power that Truman has over people’s emotions.Truman is incredibly important to a lot of people throughout the world, in many cases to an unhealthy extent. So if he is having a bad day it would negatively affect their mood. Both Orwell and Weir suggest that power is the ability to have control over others, their emotions and influence them. They also give the audience the impression that one can never be satisfied with the amount of power they have. In Truman Show, Peter Weir explores the idea that a utopian society is Unachievable. One example is where Christof created the Seahaven Island in his vision of utopia â€Å"Seahaven is the way the world should be. A second exampleShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm1717 Words   |  7 Pagestoday and the answers can be found in the book, Animal Farm, written by George Orwell and the movie, The Truman Show, directed by Peter Weir. Both fictional stories help us understand where we need to set boundaries in our lives and how to work in harmony with others. Animal farm is about animals over throwing an abusive farmer and running their own society. The Truman Show is about a man (Truman Burbank) who is obliviously living inside a reality TV show in which everything is controlled by the directorRead MoreSimilarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm1219 Words   |  5 PagesWhat makes the perfect Utopia? What is needed for a good life? These questi ons are so important when it comes to human’s view on power and control and how it should be used. In both stories, ‘Animal Farm’ (written by George Orwell) and ‘The Truman Show’ (directed by Peter Weir), the author and director explore these themes. Power and control, the good life, utopia. These three themes are key to living the full life. To have a utopia you must have a good life and to have a good life you must haveRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesand peace so consciously pursued through the establishment of international organizations and diplomatic exchanges. Despite these endeavors, the levels of domestic and international violence within human populations and the ravages visited upon animals and the natural world by humans vastly exceeded that of any previous era in history. In a century where human communities globally and individuals locally had the potential to be much more intensely connected by new communications technologiesRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesPerception? 166 Factors That Influence Perception 167 165 Person Perception: Making Judgments About Others 168 Attribution Theory 168 †¢ Common Shortcuts in Judging Others 170 †¢ Specific Applications of Shortcuts in Organizations 173 The Link Between Perception and Individual Decision Making 174 Decision Making in Organizations 175 The Rational Model, Bounded Rationality, and Intuition 175 †¢ Common Biases and Errors in Decision Making 177 Influences on Decision Making: Individual Differences andRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 PagesManagement, Fourth Edition I. Management 17 17 2. The Evolution of Management Thought Hughes−Ginnett−Curphy †¢ Leadership, Fifth Edition I. Leadership is a Process, Not a Position 51 51 70 1. Leadership is Everyone’s Business 2. Interaction between the Leader, the Followers the Situation Cohen †¢ Effective Behavior in Organizations, Seventh Edition 11. Leadership: Exerting Influence and Power 94 94 Text Palmer−Dunford−Akin †¢ Managing Organizational Change 2. Images of Managing Change Similarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm How should power be balanced out amongst a society? What balance of power can result in a beautiful utopia? How can we all lead a good life without stripping others of their own? The answers to these questions must be known if we want to lead a good, functioning society today and the answers can be found in the book, Animal Farm, written by George Orwell and the movie, The Truman Show, directed by Peter Weir. Both fictional stories help us understand where we need to set boundaries in our lives and how to work in harmony with others. Animal farm is about animals over throwing an abusive farmer and running their own society. The Truman Show is about a man (Truman Burbank) who is obliviously living inside a reality TV show in which†¦show more content†¦In the eyes of Peter Weir, the world that Truman Burbank was born into, was made of the perfect society. In the early stages of the movie, Truman goes about his day happily and greets the people he sees with passion and joy. Tru man then goes to work as do all other citizens.The world is a cliche yet accurate representation of the â€Å"american dream†; full of people working hard, earning a living and just being generally quiet and respectful. Of course all of the people start acting odd when Truman starts catching onto what is happening in his world but the way society functioned before the drama was perfectly fake nonetheless. George Orwell shows similar views on what a Utopia looks like but in contrast, Animal Farm starts off with awful conditions that are enforced by Farmer Jones which then change when the animals overthrow him. The text shows a utopia functioning perfectly early on in the novel, with everyone working together to collect an abundance of food. George Orwell also helps us see how perfect the animals society is by make it contrast against the living conditions from earlier. The animals put together simple laws to keep them in check and overall, they lead a perfect life together. And just like in The Truman Show, the perfect society falls apart just as fast as it was put together. But what goes wrong in both texts? Could these texts be telling us that a utopia simply isn t possible to create? No they aren t. Both UtopiasShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm1219 Words   |  5 PagesWhat makes the perfect Utopia? What is needed for a good life? These questions are so important when it comes to human’s view on power and control and how it should be used. In both stories, ‘Animal Farm’ (written by George Orwell) and ‘The Truman Show’ (directed by Peter Weir), the author and director explore these themes. Power and control, the good life, utopia. These three themes are key to living the full life. To have a utopia you must have a good life and to have a good life you must haveRead MoreSimilarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm965 Words   |  4 PagesThe texts Animal Farm by George Orwell and The Truman Show directed by Peter Weir examine the ideas of power, the good life and utopia. In the novel Animal Farm, Orwell narrates the progression of animals engaging in a rebellion against their owner, who mistreats them. In the Film, the Truman show, Weir chronicles the progressive advancement of Truman’s freedom, for the reason that he is trapped in a fantasy world. Both Orwell and Weir address the two texts in a similar way. The passages correspondinglyRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesand peace so consciously pursued through the establishment of international organizations and diplomatic exchanges. Despite these endeavors, the levels of domestic and international violence within human populations and the ravages visited upon animals and the natural world by humans vastly exceeded that of any previous era in history. In a century where human communities globally and individuals locally had the potential to be much more intensely connected by new communications technologiesRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesPerception? 166 Factors That Influence Perception 167 165 Person Perception: Making Judgments About Others 168 Attribution Theory 168 †¢ Common Shortcuts in Judging Others 170 †¢ Specific Applications of Shortcuts in Organizations 173 The Link Between Perception and Individual Decision Making 174 Decision Making in Organizations 175 The Rational Model, Bounded Rationality, and Intuition 175 †¢ Common Biases and Errors in Decision Making 177 Influences on Decision Making: Individual Differences andRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 PagesManagement, Fourth Edition I. Management 17 17 2. The Evolution of Management Thought Hughes−Ginnett−Curphy †¢ Leadership, Fifth Edition I. Leadership is a Process, Not a Position 51 51 70 1. Leadership is Everyone’s Business 2. Interaction between the Leader, the Followers the Situation Cohen †¢ Effective Behavior in Organizations, Seventh Edition 11. Leadership: Exerting Influence and Power 94 94 Text Palmer−Dunford−Akin †¢ Managing Organizational Change 2. Images of Managing Change

A Rainy Day Reading free essay sample

It was a rainy day, similar to those when one wants to stay home, make a cup of coffee and relax, watching their favorite TV program. I decided that it was a day for me when I wanted to do something different. I started going over my homework assignments, and there it was, the idea of going to the bookstore. The weather was very cold and rainy. It was not a long drive, since I live downtown, in a few minutes I was there. I parked my car and went into the bookstore. Every time I go to this store I discover new things for myself. Every time I look at it differently. The More I go the more carefully I look around. I see things that are new to me, in reality they are old and they have been there forever, though I did not pay enough attention to them last time. We will write a custom essay sample on A Rainy Day Reading or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As I walked in to the store this time, the first thing that caught my eye was a book called â€Å"Life is a movie†. Isn’t that right? Our whole life is a movie. Then I went to the music section, where they had all the music books. That was the time when I realized that there was music playing in the bookstore. It matched with the environment perfectly. They had classical music on, which made the environment of the bookstore even more comfortable. This time I looked around and asked myself, â€Å"What do I see new this time? † One might think that after visiting the same bookstore too many times, you won’t find anything new. That doesn’t apply to this bookstore. Each time I go I always find something, This time I was amazed by a picture that they had on a wall. I was looking around and something very colorful caught my eye. It was a beautiful picture hanging on the wall, hidden in the back by some boxes where nobody would even think to look for books. I didn’t quite understand what it was but to me it was an island. It was a very different picture, one of those that you have to look at carefully to find a meaning in it. This bookstore is very unique not only because of the books that they have but because of these entire different things that one might see, if they only let their imagination free. While I was at Dutton’s I didn’t think about time. I did not know how long I had been there. It was one of those cases when you don’t care about time. When I realized that I had never looked at my watch, I started to look for a clock. I was surprised, it was right in front of me, all that time, but I have never looked at it. Walls of books don’t let you see the clock. You forget about time as soon as you walk in to the bookstore. The time becomes unimportant. Books in my opinion should be defined as magical instruments. When a person reads a book he or she can experience an enchanting and beautiful ride through a wonderland of dreams. Books help us dreamers keep dreaming, and bookstores are certainly keeping history alive. Some of us collect books; books that we always want to read but never seem to have time for. Every book that we read is a history: of life, of love or of the world that we live in. Every time a person reads a book, he or she creates the environment, the characters and overall the whole world of that story in their mind. Every person’s imagination is unique. While reading the book, we look at the story from different sides; it’s as if we are in the story but invisible. This bookstore has become one of my favorite places. It has helped me to create many new memories. It is an amazing bookstore, one of those that you never forget. I hope that this bookstore lives forever and bring joys and happiness to all our lives. I would definitely recommend this bookstore to people who haven’t been there yet. They should visit for their own challenge and knowledge.

Mental Illness Essays - Medical Ethics, Psychiatric Diagnosis

Mental Illness Eng. 201 Essay #1 Persuasive Essay Wisconsin has a problem on its hands and it is not being dealt with in the right manner. The problem keeps getting bigger and bigger everyday. Instead of giving treatment to the mentally ill, hospital facilities have pushed thousands of mentally ill people on to the street. The idea behind this is to give those with mental illness, a freedom that has been taken from them since they were institutionalized. This plan has a lot of great qualities that would help a lot of people. But there are some serious repercussions because of it. The problem is simple; the law that released thousands of mentally ill people is too vague. The law should have put the individual hospital in charge of stating who is safe to live in the general public, and who is not yet ready. The term mental illness stands for a vast variety of illnesses. This could be anything from chronic depression, schizophrenia, or even posttraumatic stress; the list goes on and on. Some disorders cause people to have unexpected mood swings. Collins a Lt on the police force said ?We don't know what they will do from one minute to the next?(14a) This causes a cycle to start forming in which the individual(s) goes in and out of prisons. Like it did to Karen Grayson who is expects to get out sometime this month. She blames her crimes on her disease along with two psychiatrists, a judge, and three psychologists. Collins states ?We take them out to the county health complex to get them some help, only to be turned away. They say they've got no room. Often, we have no choice but to arrest them?(14a). This only makes the situation that much worse. ?Karen sits there, growing sicker and sicker?(Gene Braaksma 14a) Now they're stuck in a place that not only makes their disease worse but also doesn't have the right facilities or staff to help control the illness. The 42% of mentally ill prisoners held in Wisconsin's maximum-security prisons receive limited care for their dieses. One of the worst things you can do for a mentally ill person is take them out of society. This will only cause the illness to worsen at a quicker pace. Chances are if you stick a mentally ill person in today's prison they will spend less time interacting with others and more time by themselves. Statistics will show that this cycle keeps growing and growing. This is a huge factor of overpopulation in prisons. Politicians had the right idea but jumped to quickly on the matter, rather then thinking through all the repercussions. Many of the patents released are doing well I would think, enjoying their new freedoms. I think the law should have taken into consideration each disease and it's affect on the individual. What I mean by this is, two individual can react differently to the same disease. This is depending on the strength of the disease, the individuals background, and if the individual has any other mental illnesses.