As the current occupant of the White House scours the country for qualified Republicans who can stand FBI checks, his predecessor continues to make headlines. Ronald Reagan, never one to lie awake worrying about ethics, will receive $2 million for a speaking tour in Japan. We have become accustomed to seeing Japan Inc. buying up our stocks and real estate, so why not ex-Presidents? Japan became the world’s leading lender during Reagan’s term, while the U.S. became the leading debtor. Talk about a golden parachute!

Meanwhile, a movement is afoot to place the Gipper’s likeness on Mount Rushmore. Never mind that this national monument might have been sold if Reagan and (former Interior Secretary James) Watt had their way; let’s be big about this. Let them put up a cardboard cutout of the Great Communicator. A two-dimensional representation would be most fitting–and it would be easy to remove once the voters realize how easily they were conned for eight years.

W. CRAIG PADGETT

Santa Barbara