The New Gipper

How many times during the debates did John McCain call Ronald Reagan his hero? The strategy was sound, if unsuccessful. Reagan represents the ultimate Republican ideal. The Gipper's memory evokes great pride for the faithful; they want to rename roads, airports, and buildings, put his picture on currency, build statues, and if possible, resurrect him. The father of Trickle Down, Reagan's ghost possesses immunity from historical fact. The right canonized him as the man that would NEVER raise taxes, even though he did.

Indeed, the real Reagan, after an initial massive tax cut, raised taxes four times between 1982 and 1984. He agreed to a $165 billion bailout of Social Security. The number of workers on the Federal payroll rose under Reagan, but fell dramatically under Clinton. To be sure, most of Reagan's ideology was the epitome of conservatism. However, the things he is most often lauded for accomplishing are myths.

So what was the real magic of Ronald Reagan? I assert that Reagan became such an iconic figure because he made people proud to be American. Somehow, he erased the stench of the post Vietnam era. He restored our national pride, our sense of worth, our identity. There lies the magic of Reagan, regardless of the myth.

I believe that we are close to electing another President capable of doing the exact same thing. Barack Obama can bear the mantle of Reagan's "great communicator" title. Despite the racist and divisive rhetoric of the McCain campaign, Barack's innate intelligence and eloquence combine in a speaking style that is both accessible and inspirational. We have the opportunity now, in the next few weeks, to elect a leader that can erase the stench of the Bush years, that can restore our national pride, our sense of worth, our identity.

One can only hope that we follow through, and prove ourselves worthy of redemption.