In the last 55 years of presidential policy in the United States, there have been two parties that have controlled this country government; they are the Republican and Democratic parties. I am 64 years old; therefore, I have experience first hand the ideology of these various governmental policies in actions. I have come to the conclusion that there are little differences between the parties. But, what little differences have made a major change within this country.
First, let’s look at which party has had control of this country, for how long, and what I remember about them.
From 1953 to 1961, Republican, President Dwight D. Eisenhower – Korean war, and after the French government left Vietnam, send advisors into Vietnam to assist the south against the north in the hopes of stopping the spread of communism in the region.. President Eisenhower did nothing to bring this country together in term of race relations. Mr. Jim Crow continued to prosper. He did order the complete desegregation of the Armed Forces.
From 1961 to 1969, Democrat, President John Kennedy/Lyndon Johnson – President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. For the two years and 10 months he was in office as leader of this country, he addressed civil rights for Americans, peace in the world, the Cuban missile crisis, the Peace Corps, space exploration, and aid to developing nations. Also, he continued to send advisors into Vietnam. President Johnson is best known for America Great Society. His administration gave this country, aid to education, attack on diseases, Medicare, urban renewal, beautification, conservation, development of depressed regions in the United States, war on poverty, control and prevention of crime and delinquency, the voter’s right act, and under his watch, he escalate the war in Vietnam.
From 1969 to 1977. Republican, President Richard Nixon/Gerald R. Ford – President Nixon ended the war in Vietnam. He improved relations with Russia and China. His VP, Spiro T. Agnew, resigned in 1973 under charges of extortion, tax fraud, bribery and conspiracy. He was replaced by President Gerald R. Ford, and upon the resignation of President Nixon in 1974, became President of the United States. Doing his watch, President Ford tried to curb inflation by stimulating the economy, help business operate more freely by reducing taxes upon it and easing the controls exercised by regulatory agencies. President Ford was the first president to push for the deregulation of the policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s new deal that he put in place to curved the great 1930’s depression. Business won and labor loss.
From 1977 to 1981. Democrat, President Jimmy Carter – President Carter aspired to make government “competent and compassionate,” responsive to the American people and their expectations. Economic woes of inflation and unemployment, and the seizing of the U.S. embassy staff by Iran dominate the last 14 months of his watch and rattle his administration. Under his administration he created the Department of Education, bolstered the Social Security System, champion human rights, and full diplomatic relations with China. Business loss and labor won.
From 1981 to 1989. Republican, President Ronald Reagan –President Reagan’s revolution was to overhaul of the income tax code, which eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes, a tax increase. Dealing skillfully with Congress, Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment and strength the national defense. We first head the word “Reaganomics.” The four pillars of Reagan’s economy policy, or “Reaganomics” were to: (1) reduce the growth of government spending. (2) Reduce marginal tax rates on income from labor and capital. (3) Reduce government regulation of the economy. (4) Control the money supply to reduce inflation. Business won and labor loss.
From 1989 to 1993. Republican, President George H. Bush – President Bush termed the phases, “The New World Order,” “Traditional Family Values,” and “A Kinder and Gentler Nation.” President Bush sent American troops into Panama to overthrow General Noriega. General Noriega is still in prison somewhere in the United States, and has not been prosecuted because of national security. President Bush tried to control inflation by deregulating businesses and individuals with the intent of encouraging the efficient operation of the financial market. Business won and labor loss.
From 1993 to 2001. Democrat, President William Clinton – President Clinton became the first New Democrats. The new democrats were open to government deregulation. He signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Doing President Clinton administration, (1) he created 36 percent and 39.6 percent income tax for individuals; (2) he created a 35 percent income tax rate for corporations; (3) cap on Medicare taxes was repealed; (4) transportation fuels taxes were hiked by 4.3 cents per gallon; (5) taxable portion of Social Security benefits was raised; (6) the phase-out of the personal exemption and limit on itemized deductions were permanently extended. Peace keeping forces were sent to Bosnia and he bombed Iraq. Business won and labor loss.
From 2001 to 2008. Republican, President George W. Bush – I can best describe President Bush as wanting to do the right things, unfortunately, he went to sleep on his watch as commander-in-chief. Instead of being the President, he became the vice president and Dick Chaney became the president. His no child left behind program has caused a lot of kids to quit school. President Bush will best be remembered as the president that outsourced the United States government. The war in Iraq has caused this country billions of dollars. The government deregulation of business has caught up with presidential policies. My grandfather said; “if you can’t say something good about a person, don’t say anything at all.” Then, I don’t have anything to say about President George W. Bush. Business won and labor loss.
The problems with this country financial woe have been deregulation. It began with President Ford, and with the exception of President Carter, deregulation has continued up to 2008.
We have elected nine Presidents since 1953, five republicans and four democrats. This country has been under republican leadership for 35 years of the past 55 years. During the democratic era, this country has had good economy times. We felt good about ourselves; we had jobs, and good jobs. Why would you want to elect another republican?
