Reaganism, which concluded with the collapse of America's mortal enemy, the Soviet Union, ushered in a period of history in which more and more public officials denigrated government and offered painless bromides for prosperity.  The market was always right.  Government was always wrong.  And any policy proposal that involved asking the American people to do something difficult - to save more, drive more fuel-efficient cars, study harder, or be better parents - was 'off the table.'  You could nut utter such phrases (so they claimed) and expect to be elected to any high office in America.

• government
• market
• reaganism
• russia
• usa
• parents
• america
• history
• public