Conservatives Want Ronald Reagan Back, But

They Want The Myth, Not the Real Man

[Editor's Note:  For a follow-up to this Post see this on Mr. Reagan's 1982 speech supporting tax increases.]

The headline over Wall Street Journal Saturday columnist Peggy Noonan column reads

We Need a Ronald Reagan

And surprisingly The Dismal Political Economist somewhat agrees.  The issue he has with doctrinaire Conservatives though is that unlike them, he wants a real Ronald Reagan. 

What is a real Ronald Reagan? 

1. When a tax cut produces uncontrollable deficits, a real Ronald Reagan raises taxes, as in the 1982 tax increase

2. When Social Security is threatened, a real Ronald Reagan makes a deal with Democrats to raise payroll taxes, as in the 1983 Social Security fix.

3. When U. S. forces are in an untenable position in a middle eastern country and are attacked with heavy losses, a real Ronald Reagan realizes they are a provocation and withdraws them, as in Lebanon.

4. When it is clear that low income employees need help, a real Ronald Reagan expands the Earned Income Tax Credit, giving working men and women in low wage jobs additional incentives to remain working.

5. When real tax reform is enacted, the real Ronald Reagan supports raising taxes on high income individuals, like increasing capital gains tax rate in 1986.

     6.  When it comes to the choice of Vice President, the real Ronald Reagan chooses someone who is experienced in government and has the qualifications to be President, unlike, well you know who we mean.

Yes, The Dismal Political Economists believes that Republicans today could use a dose of the real Ronald Reagan.  Unfortunately what they seem to want instead is Jimmy Stewart, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.  The Dismal Political Economist wants John Wayne, the real man who shot Liberty Valance.