Reagan’s Popularity

In Lee May’s article “Blacks Look Back With Anger at Reagan Years” (Part I, Jan. 20) one can understand why nearly 80% of blacks consider the Reagan Administration oppressive. Reagan has been a scourge to the hopes of black people.

He has not changed. Before Reagan became President, he always opposed anything which aided the black people. He opposed the Montgomery bus boycott, open housing, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Not surprisingly, he continued along this same vein as President. During his reign federal programs like affirmative action, welfare, and health assistance were under constant attack. Under Reagan in 1986 blacks suffered an unemployment rate of 15% as compared to 6% for whites. Under Reagan we had no justice for the poor, but we did have bloated military budgets at the expense of the poor.

Most blacks are overjoyed that this man left the White House. They have suffered miserably under his heavy hand.

DON RADEMACHER

Los Angeles