Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan (February 6, 1911- May 5, 2004) was a former Hollywood B-movie actor who was Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. He was President of the United States from 1980-1988.
Zappa referring to Reagan
"Mount Rushmore should either be replaced or have a companion. Another part of the mountain, carved up with some heads that had the biggest influence on what America is today... Nixon's head should be there. And Reagan's head should be there. These people have done more damage to the idea of Democracy than anybody-from another country- could ever imagine." (FZ in The Lost Interview, part 1 of 7, 1990)
Zappa was very critical about the Reagan administration. As early as the 1960s Zappa criticized Reagan, while he was still Governor of California. The liner notes of We're Only In It For The Money (1968) mention that the concentration camp in The Chrome Plated Megaphone Of Destiny is called "Camp Reagan".
During the 1980s, when Reagan became U.S. President, Zappa targeted his policy very directly in interviews and songs.
- In the music video of You Are What You Is a look-a-like of Reagan is featured on the electric chair.
- During the PMRC debates Zappa wrote Reagan a letter of protest (Z-Pack - Letter to the President). He received no reply.
- Zappa had a poster on the wall portraying Ronald Reagan in nazi uniform, featuring the words, "He has the right to do anything they want" written underneath. (Pulse Interview)
- Reagan is mentioned in The Untouchables, Star Wars Won't Work, Dickie's Such An Asshole, When The Lie's So Big, Reagan At Bitburg, the Broadway The Hard Way version of What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? and Jesus Thinks You're A Jerk
- He is also mentioned in Dio Fa.
