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- No Mention of the War on Drugs
- Reagan‘s Role and Response to Iran Contra in ‘Reagan’ Are Frighteningly Brief
- Reagan Isn’t Responsible for the Berlin Wall Coming Down
As someone who lived through those tumultuous times, I must say that the Iran-Contra Affair was a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions that can exist within a government. While President Reagan may have been unscathed by the legal repercussions, the affair cast a long shadow over his legacy. The secret arms deal, the money laundering, and the blatant disregard for international law were certainly not the actions of an honorable man, as some would like to believe.
The recently released movie titled “Reagan“, which focuses on President Ronald Reagan, presents a broad perspective of the ex-Commanders in Chief. Dennis Quaid takes on the role of Reagan, while Penelope Ann Miller portrays First Lady Nancy Reagan. Featuring a diverse cast that includes veterans like John Voight and former Creed frontman Scott Stapp, “Reagan ” explores Reagan’s early life, his acting career, and delves deeply into the political journey of this esteemed figure.
According to Paul Kengor’s book, “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism,” the narrative focuses on President Reagan, starting from the assassination attempt in 1981, and provides an insightful look into the complex personality of this multifaceted man. However, it is important to note that despite the comprehensive coverage, there are many details left unaddressed in the movie adaptation. Reagan’s presidency was marked by a series of significant highs and lows, which have contributed to his intricate legacy and overall standing.
The book ‘Reagan’ and the movie based on it do not delve into the less favorable aspects of Reagan’s personal life or career. Instead, they primarily focus on Communism during his tenure as president, a theme that is deeply intertwined with all aspects of Reagan. However, the notion that Reagan single-handedly ended the Cold War is an overstatement that should be corrected. Moreover, the book fails to adequately address Reagan’s handling of the “War on Drugs” and Iran-Contra, which are significant parts of his presidency.
No Mention of the War on Drugs
In the movie, viewed from the standpoint of a fictional KGB agent, Viktor Petrov (portrayed by John Voight), a significant portion of the narrative revolves around Ronald Reagan’s involvement in the Cold War. This perspective leaves out some aspects of his presidency within the U.S., such as the “War on Drugs.” There’s no explicit discussion in the film about the initiatives Reagan and his administration took to address drug abuse and the illicit drug trade during the 1980s.
During President Reagan’s term, the “Just Say No” campaign, similar to Nancy Reagan’s initiative, aimed at curbing drug abuse in America. However, this approach led to widespread incarceration and had only modest success in preventing drug use. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 introduced mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes and enhanced penalties for drug possession, contributing significantly to the rise in imprisonment rates.
In a speech to the nation on September 14, 1986, Reagan explained his overall goal,
To strengthen our approach towards drug offenders, boost funding for research and treatment initiatives, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal substances in educational institutions and workplaces… Let’s remember that in America, issues are tackled through collective effort; no national campaign has ever been successful without investing in people. The battle against drugs won’t be won solely by throwing funds at the problem.
The budget for law enforcement significantly expanded, and he promised a $3 billion effort against illegal substances. Once these measures were implemented, it became apparent that there was a distinction between “crack,” which is cheaper and predominantly used in lower-income communities, and “cocaine,” often associated with wealthier segments of society.
Reagan’s Role and Response to Iran Contra in ‘Reagan’ Are Frighteningly Brief
In the film Reagan, a relatively unproblematic portion focusing on the Iran-Contra Affair stands out as somewhat refreshing. However, this section is quite brief and fails to fully capture the significant impact that the entire Iran-Contra scandal – a highly complex issue – had on Reagan’s presidency.
When Reagan is portrayed handling the Iran-Contra affair, he seems to perceive those examining it, especially those seeking accountability, as defiant and openly hostile towards him and his administration. However, in truth, those investigating the Iran-Contra scandal were uncovering a covert US arms deal where funds from weapons sold to Iran were channeled to aid the anti-Communist Contras in Nicaragua.
The Iran-Contra Affair, a complex and lengthy scandal, almost toppled the Reagan administration due to the President’s failure to disclose details about it to the public. However, despite the extensive investigation that lasted eight years, the President was not found guilty of any criminal charges related to the affair. Regrettably, this significant and intricate controversy is often overlooked or underappreciated.
Reagan Isn’t Responsible for the Berlin Wall Coming Down
On the 12th of June, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, where he declared,
As a film critic, stepping into the realm of history, I find myself compelled to echo the words of Mikhail Gorbachev: “If you yearn for peace, if you aspire for prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you crave liberalization, stand before this threshold.”
Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
The Berlin Wall fell approximately two and a half years later, with the Soviet Union disintegrating shortly thereafter. However, it’s important to note that Reagan’s actions and his call to the Soviet leader played only a minimal role in this event. The process had been ongoing for many years beforehand. When Gorbachev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union in 1985, the economy was struggling severely and the political system was rapidly deteriorating. He implemented two significant reform policies known as glasnost and perestroika, which aimed to promote openness and restructuring within the country.
1. The concept of Glasnost promoted transparency within the Soviet Union, extending also to its dealings with global powers. It also involved lessening restrictions and censorship as part of an effort to make Soviet elections accessible to non-Communist citizens.
Although neither policy managed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, they did establish conditions that enabled independence movements within its borders. Nations such as Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria experienced revolutions leading to democratic governance, while Germany’s East and West paved the path for reunification. The Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, marking the end of Reagan’s presidency and the beginning of George H.W. Bush’s term.
During my cinematic critique, I find myself reflecting on the tumultuous times of the late ’80s and early ’90s, specifically focusing on the USSR. The Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe, domestic unrest, and the disastrous Soviet intervention in Afghanistan added layers of complexity to an already fragile nation. By the tail end of 1991, Gorbachev stepped down, marking the dissolution of the Soviet Union. While these events transpired during Reagan’s presidency, it’s crucial to note that the President was not the driving force behind these transformative times.
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2024-09-03 01:31