Week 15 Discussion, Due Friday

Just like the 1980's Ronald Reagan's administration, Trump too is aiming to bring forth the conservative movement once again. This movement, like Reagans, is aiming to cut spending of federal programs, provide tax cuts to the wealthy, and disrupt diversity programs. Ronald Reagan stated, "I believe in states’ rights. And I believe we’ve distorted the balance of our government today by giving powers that were never intended in the constitution to that federal establishment.” Trump's initiatives in office resemble that of Reagan's. Trump's ideas of taking control away from federal based programs and giving funds and decision making back to the states is one of the very few similarities that I see. For example, the Education Department being dismantled with the thought of giving back funds to the states to decide on education concerns seems to follow Reagan's ideas and quote above. The conservative movement also aimed to "set about the task of bolstering a corporate elite with tax cuts for the rich, reducing government spending, and making lavish wealth the new American Dream (Al Jazeera, 1). The goal of Reagan was to increase entrepreneurship and also improve work ethics overall. "By lowering the rates, we will encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and the work ethic by letting people keep more of what they earn (Al Jazeera, 1). Trump also seems to be trying to follow these ideals.

I found this class very interesting. It is also interesting to see how history is repeating itself even now. It has not only taught me about some history topics; but also opened my eyes up to different points of view.

Thank you for a great class.

References:
Jazeera, Al. “1980s.” Interactive.aljazeera.com, interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2017/the-people-vs-america/1980s.html.