The Rise of the Right 1930’s-1970’s –Liberal Democrat, New Deal dominance 1980 –“The Reagan Revolution” The rollback of the New Deal Jerry Fallwell Ronal Reagan

Why the Rise of the Right? Population moves to more conservative (more “rugged individualist”) South and West Rise of Christian Fundamentalism –Jerry Fallwell & the “Moral Majority” 70 million “born again Christians” organized to vote Reaction to “breakdown” of 60’s & 70’s Ronald Reagan as the “friendly face” of the New Right

April 8, 1966

The Religious Right’s Issues Abortion Taxation Government –Regulation, etc Busing (for integration) Unions Welfare Military buildup School prayer “Rugged individualism” Capitalism Anti-Pro-

Election of 1980 Reagan (R) clobbers Carter (D) The “Reagan Revolution” begins –And it ain’t over yet, Bub!

Ronald Wilson Reagan

“The Teflon President” Nothing “stuck to him” –Problems & mistakes just slid off him Past Experience –Movie actor; (“Bedtime for Bonzo”) Image –Rugged cowboy, simple, Middle-American, average guy Key to his popularity –Television, calm voice, handsome, throwback to an earlier day

The Simple World of Ronald Wilson Reagan

Reaganomics Cuts in Domestic Programs –Food stamps, education, medical, welfare, public housing, regulatory agencies, etc. Cuts in taxes –Particularly for upper income “trickle down economics” Massive increase in military spending

Reaganomics by the Numbers Cutting social programs –Saves $140 billion Tax cuts –Cost $190 billion Military buildup –Cost $190 billion (eventually to cost $1.6 trillion) Add to Budget Subtract from Budget

The Costs of Reaganomics Deficit—the amount of money the country goes in debt in a given year –1979—$66 billion –1991--$268 billion Debt—the total combined deficits of year after year –1979--$1 trillion –1991--$3 trillion

Reaganomics Balance Sheet —major unemployment —economic recovery –Record profits –Reasonable inflation and unemployment –Massive growth in GNP BUT…. –Massive budget deficits –Dramatic jump in poverty, homelessness, etc. Poverty rate back up over 15% (25% for children) –Deregulation hurts environment, leads to corruption and scandals

Rich & Poor Folk Under Reagan Wealthiest 1% income up by 87% –Massive profits Poorest 20% earns 5% less –Poverty rate up, especially children –16 million lose health care New jobs don’t have benefits –“War on Drugs” Prison population more than doubles 42% of black men in DC in prison, on probation, or on parole

“Just Say No!”