What was the best thing to come out of the eighties? And why?

Question

What was the best thing to come out of the eighties? And why?

Answer 1

The fall of Communism in Eastern Europe.

Answer 2

I think there were many good things that came out of the 1980's, but most importantly Americans recaptured their spirit, strength and love of country.

Throughout the 1970's, Americans became cynical and dejected for many reasons: Watergate, Iranian Hostage Crisis, the spread of Soviet power and influence throughout the world, high interest rates, inflation and increasing unemployment, long gas lines and other reasons.  Americans thought the country was weak and in decline.

However, largely thanks to Ronald Reagan, the situation turned in the 1980's.  He was certainly a great communicator and very optimistic and patriotic, and it showed, but it's only part of the story.

Reagan also put in place policies that helped the economy get back on track and, as a result, interest rates, inflation and unemployment came down.  He also radically changed America's foreign policy from one of Containment to actual engagement (rollback) with the Soviets.  His goal was to bring down the Soviet Union and most of the elites in the media, academia, politics, foreign policy establishment, etc. thought this was impossible and all said so at the time (although they all claim today to have been on-board with Reagan at the time).  Reagan actually conducted a multi-faceted effort to bring down the Soviet Union (read Reagan's War by Peter Schweizer) using military and economic means, as well as his words.  Obviously, Reagan accomplished his goal and many of the countries in the world adopted democracy, capitalism and freedom.

Reagan also deregulated gas prices and the long lines at the pump disappeared.  During the 1980's, there was also great advances in technology which I think was partly due to the free market entrepreneurial spirit that flourished during the decade.

Reagan was very strong-willed and stood tough against a number of opponents/challengers, including the Democrats in Congress (e.g., Tip O'Neil), the media, the entertainment industry, the varying Soviet leadership, the PATCO union, protest movements, and the list goes on.  In the face of so much opposition, he maintained his composure, optimism and good humor, continued to push for his reforms and I think this may have rubbed off on the American people at the time.

All of these things together lifted the spirit and strength, and renewed the patriotism, of the American people.

Answer 3

The obvious answer would be me (I guess I should include my husband as well.) We were both born in 1980.

Answer 4

guns n roses because theyre music is so good