No Reagan

Image of red NO sign over black illustration of Ronald Reagan on white background

Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States, serving in office from 1981-1989. He remains a divisive figure in American culture today; he is revered by political conservatives, while Democrats oppose his core tenants and policies. Reagan’s presidency embodied the “New Right,” and renewed social conservatism, a political philosophy committed to traditional values and social institutions. As president, Reagan escalated the Cold War, supporting anti-communist groups around the world with the goal of rolling back Communism. Reagan’s time in office is also defined by his economic policies. Commonly known as Reaganomics, the major economic policy objectives were to reduce the growth of government spending, reduce the federal income tax and capital gains tax, reduce government regulations, and tighten the money supply to reduce inflation.

Opposition to Reagan’s policies and values was a constant throughout his presidency, particularly in liberal circles and by left-wing activists. The most lasting opposition to Reagan comes from the music, particularly punk and hardcore music, from the 1980s. Reagan and his policies inspired a myriad of songs, leading up to the “Rock Against Reagan” concerts in 1984.