Ronald Reagan hurt America, more than he helped it.

Before I begin with my case, I ask that any members voting on the round put their personal political beliefs behind, and simply vote specifically on the round. I intend to prove the resolution though analysis of the actions of Reagan, and their impacts. First, I'd like to begin with the following observations. Observation 1: In this debate we simply can't compare all 43 Presidents, so let's not try. The weighing mechanism should be an overall look at his record, and weighing what he did. Observation 2: Reagan's actions must be taken into account, but also any results of these actions, to determine their usefulness in the round. I. Ronald Reagan's South American policies hurt US interests in the continent, and had overall negative impacts. II. Ronald Reagan's policies towards the Middle East fostered further anti-American sentiment. III. Ronald Reagan's corporatist policies are harming America now. I. Ronald Reagan's South American policies hurt US interests in the continent, and had overall negative impacts. Whether it be his policies towards the countries of Honduras, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Nicaragua or many others, Reagan's interventionist policies lead to the crippling of US interests in the region. In his efforts to fight communism and partial neo-fascist beliefs, Reagan's actions lead to the death of hundred's of thousands, and no clear successful regime change. Furthermore, the attitude of neglect towards South America has crippled US goals for free trade and other initiatives today. Thus, these policies of Reagan contribute to a negative view of the US, and thus go against him. II. Ronald Reagan's policies towards the Middle East fostered further anti-American sentiment. US involvement with Iran and Saddam Hussein, with the exchange of funding to both sides and military build up, negatively impacted US goals. Neither country was destroyed, and Saddam Hussein and the Ayatollahs were strengthened. Continually, they rallied support using US interventionist policies. Furthermore, US support of Osama Bin Laden's anti-communist efforts in Afghanistan with CIA training lead to his strength, and again was a pivotal point for US hatred. Thus, US involvement in the Middle east fostered further roadblocks to US goals, and thus negatively reflect upon Reagan. III. Ronald Reagan's corporatist policies are harming America now. Reagan's tax cuts, although partially beneficial, lead to further government debt, and strengthened corporate America. The impact of the large growth in corporate power is the elimination of general capitalism, since larger monopolies were established, and further the abuse of corporations on the worker. What we see now is the overall impact of a large pro-corporate America, in which jobs are being outsourced under globalized reasoning. The necessity of an education in America is further eliminating the lower middle class, and isolating the lower class. (If you acknowledge class struggle as a problem, that is) Moreover, under the partial premise of cheap labor, amnesty was granted to illegal immigrants in 1986, and no comprehensive solution was taken. Thus through these areas, it is clear that Ronald Reagan's policies hurt America more than they helped America. Any economic progress that was seen in Reagen's time is not nearly significant to cancel out the various factors mentioned here.