Reaping what Reagan sowed

The consequences of Ronald Reagan’s politics have evolved into a disaster for the United States and the world.

Starting with negotiating with the Iranians before he became president, Reagan showed his disdain for American policies. Weapons for the Contras would follow later.

With his “we don’t need alternative energy” philosophy, Reagan took solar panels off the White House, slowing the development of solar/renewable energy.

He withheld U.N. funds because its agencies were promoting family planning around the world. This resulted in overpopulation, contributing to the current world refugee and unemployment problems. Under Reagan, mental institutions closed, putting the mentally challenged on the streets, which increased homelessness and swept mental health issues under the table.

He endorsed the evangelical movement to form a winning coalition, hence blurring the separation of church and state, which enabled Kim Davis to say she follows the Bible, not the Constitution.

Reagan changed the tax code, incorporating a trickle-down economic policy, letting the rich become richer.

He stated, “The government is not the solution; it is the problem,” empowering the white male supremacist movement that has become a major disgruntled force today. Reagan’s policies have changed who we are as a nation.

This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Reaping what Reagan sowed."