I can explain all this reagan nonsense

[evil_orange_cat]

"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour

Look into my eyes, what do you see?
Cult of Personality
I know your anger, I know your dreams
I've been everything you want to be
I'm the Cult of Personality
Like Mussolini and Kennedy
I'm the Cult of Personality
Cult of Personality
Cult of Personality

Neon lights, A Nobel Price
The mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You don't have to follow me
Only you can set me free
I sell the things you need to be
I'm the smiling face on your T.V.
I'm the Cult of Personality
I exploit you still you love me

I tell you one and one makes three
I'm the Cult of Personality
Like Joseph Stalin and Gandhi
I'm the Cult of Personality
Cult of Personality
Cult of Personality

Neon lights a Nobel Prize
A leader speaks, that leader dies
You don't have to follow me
Only you can set you free

You gave me fortune
You gave me fame
You me power in your God's name
I'm every person you need to be
I'm the Cult of Personality

also from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_cult
<...>
Personality cults usually characterise totalitarian states or countries which have recently experienced revolutions. The reputation of a single leader, often characterized as the "liberator" or "savior" of the people, elevates that leader to an almost divine level. The leader's picture appears everywhere, as do statues and other monuments to the leader's greatness and wisdom. The leader's slogans and other quotes cover massive billboards, and books containing the leader's speeches and writings fill up the bookstores and libraries. The level of flattery can reach heights which may appear absurd to outsiders. For example, during the Cultural Revolution, all essays including scientific papers, had a quote from Mao Zedong, and all quotes from Mao appeared highlighted in boldface or in red.

Personality cults aim to make the leader and the state seem synonymous, so it becomes impossible to comprehend the existence of one without the other. It also helps justify the often harsh rule of a dictatorship, and propagandize the citizens into believing that the leader operates as a kind and just ruler. In addition, cults of personality often arise out of an effort to quash opposition within a ruling elite. Both Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin used their cults of personality to help crush their political opponents.
<...>

Tell me that doesn't describe this reagan phenomenon!

[Philostopher]

1. I'm sure it was intended to do exactly that.

It was released during his presidency, and Living Colour were very outspoken about the cultural and social impacts of politicians on their community, as well as the community at large.

Good catch, though -- they were all part of the zeitgeist of 'the day' that Republicans would like for us to forget. There were many, many bands who were critical of Reagan and Thatcher back then.

[RoyGBiv]

2. Stretching my memory...

But if I recall correctly, images of Reagan were in the video.

Good call. I always liked that song.

[AlCzervik]

3. I still have that cassette

as for Ray-gun, he's the right's JFK or FDR. thats all they have, if they were smart they'd invoke Lincoln but then again they are not smart.