1. The 80’s

2. Reagan Elected at 69, the oldest man to serve as president Was distrustful of the federal government

3. “The Great Communicator” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpwdcmjB gNA - Bear in the Woods

4. Reaganomics Tax cuts will stimulate the economy  Expanding economy = more tax revenue Reduce government spending  Cut food stamps, welfare and unemployment Supposed to redistribute wealth  Wealthiest average income grew 75%  Poorest grew only 7%

5. Reaganomics Federal regulations impeded economic growth  Abolish or reduce federal regulation of the workplace, healthcare, environment So long, New Deal and Great Society!!  One result: Deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill

6. Where did the money go? $1.2 trillion defense buildup

7. 1986 - Scandal “Arms for Hostages” deal with Iran to release hostages held in Lebanon by pro- Iranian forces Profits were used to fund the Contras

8. Reagan Legacy Conservative judicial appointments  O’Connor, Scalia and Kennedy National Debt  TRIPLED in his two terms

9. Decade of Indulgence Yuppies  Young Urban Professionals  Moneymakers concerned with material things

10. Cable television!  Specialized in one type of broadcasting or a specific audience CNN BET MTV Rap! Video Games!! Technology and the Media

11. Society Under Stress Crime and Drugs  DARE Alcohol  MADD  Nationwide drinking age AIDS

12. Social Activism Gay Activism  Stonewall riots Environmental Activism Artists as Activists  “Band Aid” Older Americans too!  AARP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2H6mp UnsLI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2H6mp UnsLI