Advocacy Quote by Kate Clinton
“In his second term, [Ronald] Reagan completed the work of his first term - the rich got really rich, everything was deregulated, advocacy programs were quashed, the Savings and Loan program was trashed, the deficit was tripled, unions were busted, Housing and Urban Developing was in shambles, banks were closing, the military got lots of new toys, the religious right was strong, and AIDS was ignored.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: State of the Union, 1985
Reagan’s second term expanded wealth inequality, cut regulations, reduced social programs, increased deficits, weakened unions, and ignored health crises while boosting defense and religious influence.
In simple terms: Second term deepened inequality and cut social safety nets.
Recognize policy impacts on equity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public health advocacy
- labor organizing
- historical analysis
- policy critique
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How did these policies affect ordinary citizens?
- What alternatives could have balanced growth and welfare?
Critics argue growth benefits were uneven and long‑term costs high.