Ronald Reagan in song…

So, more than 40 years ago in the aftermath of Watergate and the crisis in faith it caused in American institutions, the music group Chicago wrote a song called ‘Harry Truman,’ a longing for the straight-forward approach of the former president.  Of course, that’s a bit naïve since there was corruption and dirty business going on with Truman as well–even after his administration when Truman altered many of his documents to make his Secretary of State, Jimmy Byrnes, look bad (he had his eye on the history books).

But I figured–what the heck, let’s be naïve.  Let’s be more positive.  Let’s update the song.

America needs you, Ronald Reagan, Ronnie, could you please come back? The GOP’s gone bad, I know you would be mad To see the kind of men who exploit the land you love

America’s wondering, “How’d we get here?” Ronnie, all we get is lies! We’ve gotten student debt, a massive deficit From the men who sold their souls To get themselves a piece of power

We’d love to hear you speak your mind, “Well, there you go again,” “Trust but verify.” America’s great–and has always been, You’d wave to the camera, Sure the U.S. would never fail, Give a kiss to Nancy Ride your horse down the trail.

America’s e-mailing you, Ronald Reagan, Ronnie, you’d know what to do! The world is turned ’round, the pols have lost us lots of ground. Oh, Ronnie–is there something we can do to save the world we love?

America’s texting you, Ronald Reagan,Ronnie, you’d know what to do!The world is burning down, our GOP can’t be found!Oh, Ronnie–is there something we can do to save the world we love?

Ronnie, oh, Ronnie–is there something we can do to save the world we love?