Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for November 28, 1982
Transcript:
Person: Sir, would you like to see the latest unemployment figures? Ronald Reagan: Gosh, I don't know. Aren't they just meaningless statistics? Person: Yes, sir. Rick: Mr. President? Ronald: Yes, Rick. Rick: Sir, can you explain why you have the worst rating among blacks of any major leader since Robert E. Lee? Ronald: It's a mystery to me. The black community has no greater friend than Ronald Reagan. Rick: But since your economic policies have produced 20% unemployment for blacks, many might find that hard to believe. Ronald: I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's Roosevelt's fault. It's Truman's fault, it's Kennedy, Carter, and Tip O'Neil's fault1 It's everyone's fault but mine! Not only did my predecessors leave the economy in shambles, but with their unconscionable programs for the needy, they destroyed all incentives to work! Rick: So the poor... Ronald: The poor deserve to be poor! I was once poor, but now I'm a millionaire! If the system worked for me, it can work for everyone! Rick: And blacks? Ronald: They deserve to be black. Whatever happened to personal initiative?