Ronald Reagan was a lot smarter than most of the current GOP Congressmen.
The single most important question facing us tonight is: Do we reduce deficits and interest rates by raising revenue from those who are not now paying their fair share—or do we accept bigger budget deficits, higher interest rates and higher unemployment… We’re within sight of a safe port of economic recovery. Do we make port or go aground on the shoals of selfishness, partisanship and just plain bullheadedness? (Televised speech, August 16, 1982.)
If you listen to Allen West, well, you would know what side he falls on. That of the selfish children.