Came the Revolution: Arguments in the Reagan Era

A quarter-century of failed presidencies signifies that the institution itself is in a period of protracted crisis, asserts Moynihan, outspoken senator from New York. He further contends that, since 1981, the crisis has been aggravated by the Reagan administration's deliberate creation of a huge deficit designed to bring about the dismantling of big government and the welfare system. Moynihan's stimulating, sometimes didactic opinions on major domestic and foreign issues focus on the succession of tax measures, concession to special interests and increased defense spending at the expense of social services. Describing our leaders as largely uninformed and lacking an elementary grasp of the ""science of politics,'' he warns against all ideologies, including that of capitalism, to which he accuses Reagan of sacrificing his integrity. Alarmed by the ``misery and madness'' of the modern city, Moynihan strongly advocates social programs, especially education and child care. (March)