The Iran-Contra Affair Explained

[@iammrbeat]

What other Reagan-era events should I cover? Invest in yourself! Use my link and check out the first chapter of any DataCamp course for FREE! bit.ly/3kCUB2Z Check out the entire #projectMAD playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLjnwpaclU4wXW18I7joPDPXmfL1zepBNv

[@sanmarino8605]

Aids epidemic

[@jeremyfincham1422]

1987 stock market crash.

[@iammrbeat]

@Big Smoke Nice

[@iammrbeat]

@John f Kennedy vlogs gaming politics Yeah I have considered that idea before

[@iammrbeat]

@@sanmarino8605 Good suggestion!

[@ryangreene50]

"the cia denied this, however" Oh, well case closed then

[@epicmatter3512]

That’s an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory

[@angryyordle4640]

Yeah, you know, Gary Webb also put those two bullets into his brain by himself.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

I don't trust the CIA either, but has anyone ever really pointed out good evidence for this? Yes, beyond that one journalist basically giving his glorified opinion.

[@Smily-lx5ue]

@@robertortiz-wilson1588 it was alot of people who said this LOL def not just one

[@jpheitman1]

@@Smily-lx5ue Well, that's as good as evidence.

[@JJMcCullough]

I sometimes wonder if scandals actually have much of an impact on a politician's legacy if they are very complicated. Iran-Contra was like the biggest thing in the world at the time, with round-the-clock media coverage, and all the hearings, and all the different characters, and drip-drip-drip of new information, day after day after day. People said it was like Watergate because Watergate was also a big media extravaganza and also very complex and full of characters and intrigue. But I feel like the further we get away from those scandals, the more the complexity of them starts to alienate new generations, who have no memory of their intensity, and are disinterested in learning about their details. I also think the fact that a lot of scandals have a kind of underwhelming ending kind of makes them seem less important in retrospect. Like Iran-Contra didn't bring down Reagan, a lot of the top people got pardoned, and Reagan remained (and remains) very popular with Republicans. So I guess it's like... at some point, a scandal's historic power relies very heavily on an ongoing effort to keep a fading memory alive in the minds of the public inclined to forget. Which I guess is what Mr. Beat is doing here!

[@iammrbeat]

I wonder the same thing! Russiagate will probably end up being a footnote, especially since it's now overshadowed by the January 6th insurrection.

[@multiperson86]

Probably a good point, whenever people think of Clinton it always goes to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, whether that's because it's more recent is yet to be determined. I believe it has to do more with the simplicity of it all, I mean it's almost primal in it's simplicity.

[@JJMcCullough]

@@multiperson86 Absolutely. To the point where people have largely forget all the more specifically political details (the charges of perjury and obstruction of Congress etc) in favor of the simple narrative that Clinton was revealed to have had an affair while president and this was very shocking.

[@SaintSteven67]

I remember when that happened - and most of Reagan's defenders had one thing in common: they thought we must stop Communism from spreading. To them, the end justified the means - even if the end was never achieved. I think that's why he got a pass because even Democrats at that time agreed that Communism was a serious threat. I contend that the 1980s saw a resurgence of the Red Scare like in the 1950s and 1920s.

[@DavidNunezPNW]

There are people living in the US who's parents, aunts and uncles were murdered because of Regan's administrations actions, as well as all the people who's lives were ruined with the crack/cocaine boom in the 80's. It's important to know the real history of what happened so administrations never get to do it again.

[@Token_Nerd]

I will never understand why Raegan was able to wash off Iran Contra while Carter is still stuck with the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

[@JustJimmyGD]

Reagan actually succeeded at beating back an enemy (regardless of what you think about how).

[@Token_Nerd]

@@JustJimmyGD the hostages were returned via the Carter administration (it just happened to be at a bad time). Iran is still a problem so Reagan did not solve anything.

[@kauswekazilimani3736]

People did not care. The culture war was/is more important.

[@curtisthomas2670]

The h0stages could've actually been released before the election and under Carter, but backdoor negotiations prevented that because it probably would've helped Carter win reelection. Political games were played with the lives of the h0stages.

[@JustJimmyGD]

@Dan2314 Wonderluck Dude, the Soviet economy basically collapsed under him. While Star Wars was expensive and did nothing, it was the greatest bluff in all of geopolitical history. The Soviets basically WASTED themselves.

[@formeruspresidentharrystru9240]

Anyone else remember Reagan firing lasers from his eyes?

[@psmsedwinfran501]

Yeah, i saw it one time on tv. It was amazing actually.

[@jeffredfern3744]

Thats how Gorbachev got the spot on his forehead.

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

He got those surgically installed when he was Governor of California and the Black Panthers were doing their marches in the late 60s.

[@revolutionaryape7568]

@@jeffredfern3744 Nice one😂😂😂

[@revolutionaryape7568]

Mr. President please don't bomb

[@WiloPolis03]

Ah yes, *American Margaret Thatcher,* the most president in US history

[@dr.s8972]

What

[@nicoislazy]

She’s my favorite American president, it’s sad she passed away a while ago :(

[@smokyondagrass2353]

Margaret Thatcher is in hell because god didn't want heaven privatized.

[@WiloPolis03]

@@smokyondagrass2353 I'm a weird Christian that doesn't believe in just heaven or hell but that sounds about right

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you for confusing all of us.

[@BassTrombone95]

It's kind of insane how US presidents can just pardon whoever they want. They don't even need a valid justification, it's as simple as "I like this person and don't want them to get in trouble for extremely illegal activities, so they're permanently off the hook"

[@rorypaul153]

And sometimes they lose their job because of it, such as Gerald Ford. They can also face criminal charges later on for pardoning someone for a favor, etc.

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

You are absolutely correct. Trump pardoned all kindsa cronie criminals

[@fighterck6241]

​@@rorypaul153 The latter never happens though. At least not yet.

[@rorypaul153]

@@fighterck6241 bc most the time its simply not the case, and it’s very hard to prove.

[@cyancat8633]

Wait a damn minute the can actually face consequences for this. I thought the got Scott free from this like Nixon and a major scandal and the next president just pardon him with no consequences, oh the corruption we live in.

[@deteon1418]

Say something more American than overthrowing a democracy “for the good of democracy”.

[@21prik]

The Sandinistas were not a democracy. They had an authoritarian unelected communist dictator and lost the first free election they had in 1990. Now they are back in power destroying the county again.

[@rockmycd1319]

@@21prik Not really, the 1984 election was actually quite clean, and opposition, despite a boycott from major opposing parties, still managed to gain a significant percentage in the popular vote. And even if this wasn't the case, the US has helped overthrow plenty of democracies in the past, notably the 1953 Iranian coup and the Pinochet's rise to power in Chile.

[@dan2178]

Usa is not democracy.

[@deteon1418]

@@dan2178 They are, its just not a very good one.

[@dan2178]

@@deteon1418 no its not. Not at all.

[@billytompkins6694]

As an Englishman I only found about this due to American dad. Its a catchy song

[@timzahniser2102]

i love it too! "guns and landmines!"

[@iammrbeat]

Leave it to the English to love American Dads.

[@billytompkins6694]

Mr beat replying to my comment has made my day. Love your channel 🤘

[@bernardosantos8020]

Me too

[@mingfanzhang8927]

Same

[@mackyprimmy]

You might’ve caught the CIA’s attention, but the NSA was always watching.

[@iammrbeat]

NOW I AM EVEN MORE PARANOID THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@mingfanzhang8927]

@@iammrbeat XD

[@Cybernaut551]

My allegiance is to the NSA!

[@mingfanzhang8927]

Benjamin S. XD

[@erinmac4750]

@@iammrbeat It's not paranoia if it's true! ✌️😉

[@donalny]

Also: George HW Bush was the former head of the CIA. And Bill Barr was the Attorney General who helped Bush run through all those last-minute pardons.

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

Bush pardoning all those scumbags was disgusting

[@Sceptonic]

​@@Eddie-ud4bb both Bushes did irreparable damage to the country

[@hippoking4307]

I feel like all mr. beat videos start with something he’ll never do again

[@srbtlevse16]

wolves fan lol. at least not an arsenal fan 😂

[@mappinus5028]

Based football club

[@iammrbeat]

Pretty much lol

[@mingfanzhang8927]

XD

[@mingfanzhang4600]

Ikr XD

[@Demons972]

As a young Nicaraguan i apreciate the history lesson, they don't teach us about this in schools, 3 of my uncle's 17 year olds by the time were drafted by the FSLN and one of them died in combat. RIP uncle David i never meet you but i will never forget you.

[@bozo5632]

We used to say "Boycott cocaine, bankrupt the CIA." But they've diversified their portfolio since then.

[@marcusdonahue7124]

Heroin Fentynal methamphetamine and and children

[@19Pyrus70]

​@@marcusdonahue7124 Don't forget military consultation services.

[@EthanNiedorowski]

The also skim

[@osberswgaming]

CIA: *exist* Mr Beat: I mustn’t move a muscle, they are after me, I can feel it CIA: nah we’re just after the guy who knows Obama’s last name

[@pw7772]

I KNOW OBAMA'S LAST NAME ITS *dies*

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

Mr Beat: Mustn't move a muscle, they are after me, I can feel it. CIA Agent1: That guy in Kansas stopped moving. CIA Agent2: Is he dead? CIA Agent1: No, he just stopped moving, keep an eye on him in case he's up to something.

[@iammrbeat]

I TOLD YOU THEY WERE WATCHING

[@timelapsesofsingapore5674]

Wait till they realise Obama is his last name.

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

@Fuck KZbin That's his middle name, and everybody knows that.

[@christophercambra3754]

Love that the American Dad explanation of the event was in this video!

[@iammrbeat]

I couldn't resist to put it in there. lol

[@destinymfletcher]

SNL made a skit in the 80s called President Reagan, Mastermind. It makes fun of the Contra and the skit is my favorite from SNL. It's still here on KZbin if you're interested! :)

[@lewiskazinsky7334]

Omfg yes! Reagan threatening to kill Jimmy Stewart 😂 *”This is the part of the job I hate!”*

[@iammrbeat]

It's a great one!

[@peggygeren4169]

How Al Franken went from writing many of those hilarious political SNL sketches in the late '80s-early '90s, to being the worthless neolib senator that he was until recently is a great mystery. I imagine that the ghost of Paul Wellstone, when he is not haunting Norm Coleman, must be trying to disturb Franken.

[@Sebman1113]

That skit is funny.

[@jonathansykes4986]

"I might have committed some light treason" - Ronald Reagan.

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

Did he say that?

[@Hj-vh1he]

I just learned while being entertained!

[@iammrbeat]

Then my goal has been achieved. Thanks for the kind words. :D

[@Hj-vh1he]

Haha, I was actually referencing what Steve says at the end of the Ollie North song, but none the less, I really did learn while being entertained. Keep up the great work Mr. Beat! :)

[@robertfranklin8522]

I teach about this scandal in college-level US history classes and I think you did a good job with a couple caveats: 1. The Contras did more than just move cocaine. As someone else said they were outright terrorists - blowing up roads, schools, and massacring villagers in order to sap the resources of the Sandinistas. 2. Just because congressional investigations found no outright link between the CIA and cocaine trafficking doesn't mean it didn't happen - it's well known the CIA used Heroin to fund covert operations in Laos during the Vietnam War, and investigative journalism in the 80s put forward several credible links between the CIA and cocaine trafficking. It's a great way to raise money for your terrorists buddies when selling arms to our supposed enemies just doesn't raise enough cash.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Yes, like the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong did.

[@ahmedhussain9095]

Can you put sources for those journalists I find this information very intriguing.

[@forests.9597]

Source please.

[@robertfranklin8522]

@@forests.9597 I recommend Mahmood Mamdani's book "Good Muslim Bad Muslim" for information on CIA use of drugs to fund covert operations.

[@forests.9597]

@@robertfranklin8522Thanks, though I'm more interested in sources for the Contra's alleged war crimes

[@HistoryandHeadlines]

It's great that both history and edu-KZbinrs have joined forces for this collaboration ... rather than face off in an epic cold war! P.S. Congratulations on 375,000 subscribers! That is some serious growth!

[@iammrbeat]

😁 Thank you so much.

[@HistoryandHeadlines]

@@iammrbeat You're welcome!

[@revolutionaryape7568]

Please make video on Richard Nixon's rapprochement with China.

[@CrazyDevOp]

ok

[@revolutionaryape7568]

@@CrazyDevOp 😇😌

[@UNPACKED]

Great video! We love videos about bricks, and totally not about the CIAbreakingthelawwedon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout.

[@iammrbeat]

lol thank you, I still need to watch yours

[@woodarts9240]

I'm Iranian and I didn't know about this incident, thanks for the explanation

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks for watching

[@NicklasZandeVGCP2001]

Hot take: Ronald Reagan was NOT a good President and not a net positive for America. Here's why. 1. His economic policies led to a wealth disparity that America still has to this day. 2. He ignored the AIDS Epidemic and just laughed it off despite people dying from it. 3. He escalated the War on Drugs which led to even more people of color and increased police militarization. 4. He supported Apartheid South Africa and only caved when he was under a lot of pressure to do so. 5. He constantly took credit for things he didn't even do. 6. The Iran-Contra Affair. Need I say more? Yes, subsequent presidents like Bill Clinton, who is a Democrat by the way, also contributed to a lot of America's problems today. But that doesn't excuse what Reagan did. And also, I think Jimmy Carter was massively mistreated, as he actually did a lot of good as President. As he actually pressured Israel to give the Sinai Peninsula back to Egypt, he prevented a nuclear meltdown in Pennsylvania, and he also ended the Rhodesian conflict. Yes, he did mishandle the Iran Hostage Crisis, but that was beyond his control. And, contrary to how Reagan and his allies portrayed it, it was actually he who freed the hostages in the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran. And he didn't even need to fund a foreign enemy, old or new, to do it.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Surprised Phil Hartman's President Reagan didn't make an appearance. "Jimmy. Don't make me kill you."

[@samowen2286]

I don't get what the problem is. I mean the federal government investigated the federal government and found nothing wrong so what's the issue?

[@MeesterTweester]

My legendary history teacher showed the American Dad song of this in class

[@iammrbeat]

What a great teacher!

[@CeeJay____]

"He's a soldier, and a hero, and a novelist - and now he's on Fox News!"

[@peggygeren4169]

He was also briefly President of the National Rifle Association. Grifters are gonna grift!

[@dan2178]

@@peggygeren4169 whats wrong with supporting gun rights?

[@erinmac4750]

The one thing I'll give him is that he he served his Cmdr in Chief by taking one for the team.

[@coletongross7951]

@@dan2178 regardless of anyone’s opinion on the 2nd amendment the NRA has grifted tons of money from its members. Look up the recent lawsuit by the state of NY against the NRA

[@dan2178]

@@coletongross7951 who cares. Everyone does. Biden. Harris. Soon trump. They only care because they want any excuse to take down a movement to protect rights

[@SeanMacadelic]

I’ve always wanted to learn about this! Feel like we never talked about it in U.S. History, or World History. Definitely swept under the rug. Thanks Beat

[@iammrbeat]

I think part of the reason why might be since that's toward the end of most American history curriculums, so often American history teachers are rushing through to attempt to cover 9/11

[@chipwalter4490]

The crimes of the CIA are not covered in general by American culture. The government to this day has millions of dollars it awards to media producers to create projects where the CIA and FBI are portrayed as heroes in television, news media, movies, and books. Americans are deliberately culturalized from the cradle to the grave to not look very far into these issues.

[@meysamghahremaninejad6809]

One of a few you-tubers who pronounce "IRAN" correctly! I salute you sir.

[@IcecreamMcGuy]

Is it ee-ron ih-ran or ih-ron

[@meysamghahremaninejad6809]

@@IcecreamMcGuy Irân is pronounced as "E-Run" to be exact! (the way "E" and "Run" sound in English)

[@IcecreamMcGuy]

@@meysamghahremaninejad6809 ok thanks that honestly sounds a lot better than what I was saying

[@nerdtalk1789]

An incredibly independent and fact based look into Ronald Reagan’s Presidency during this time. Well done!

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you!

[@beardymcj2026]

Ah yes, the Iran-Contra Natalie Imbruglia. As far as this issue goes, I'm...Torn Anyone? Is this thing on???

[@dawsonlindahl7427]

I remember my junior year history textbook had a section titled “Iran-Contra” but then only talked about the Iran part

[@iammrbeat]

The history textbooks tend to leave a lot out about it, unfortunately.

[@forests.9597]

It's the only part of the affair which had U.S wrongdoing imo.

[@dawsonlindahl7427]

Idk where you’re getting that from, funding terrorist death squads is bad, but it’s even worse to weasel your way into funding them after congress has refused to authorize funding them.

[@Kylora2112]

Reagan: "Let's sell a shit ton of weapons to Iraq and Iran and fund and train the Taliban and this dude named Osama bin Laden!" Future Republican presidents: "We have to do something about Iraq and Iran since they have a shit ton of weapons and stop the Taliban and this dude named Osama bin Laden!"

[@just_radical]

Osama Bin Laden, Ayatollah Khomenei, Saddam Hussein. It was a veritable Super Smash Brothers of U.S. Boogeymen.

[@christophmaier4397]

Republicans have their way of making up their own problems and failing to deal with them

[@peggygeren4169]

The ultimate self-licking ice cream cone!

[@sebastianguevara3615]

@@just_radical Ayatollah Khomeini Was A Great Leader Of Iran 🇮🇷 As Well As The Shah Of Iran 🇮🇷!!!!! Islam ☪️ Is A Religion Of Peace, Islam ☪️ Is A Beautiful Religion As Well As Christianity ✝️ And Catholicism!!!!

[@sebastianguevara3615]

@@just_radical Iran 🇮🇷 Has The Right To Defend Itself From The Zionist State Of Israel!!!!! I’m Glad U.S President Ronald Reagan Gave Military Aid To Iran 🇮🇷!!!!!!

[@Elizabeth-t3s3d]

Reagan was quite literally a drug dealer, yet one of his biggest campaigns was “Just Say No”. 😂😂😂😂

[@jakubpociecha8819]

11:25 Someone needs to make a green screen version of this clip

[@iammrbeat]

I actually have it already if you want it lol

[@WiloPolis03]

@@iammrbeat Do it, greenscreen memes are like a publicity goldmine

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Who was that guy in charge of the Sandinistas that the right wing Americans hated so much? And who is the President of Nicaragua now? Chalk it up in the losses column USA.

[@francoisleung9330]

Daniel Ortega was the head of the Sandinistas during the civil war, if I am not mistaken he was reelected as president after Violeta Chamoro.

[@albertoe8740]

@@francoisleung9330 Arnoldo Aleman was elected after Violeta Chamorro and after him was Enrique Bolaños, Ortega was reelected in 2007 only because the Liberal Constitutionalist party was divided and so the anti sandinista vote was split in two, added to this was the fact that through a series of shady political dealings the percentage to win an election on the first round was lowered from 45% to 35% (Ortega’s popular support never exceeded 39%). So that is how Ortega unfortunately returned to power in 2007, he is now again ruling Nicaragua along with his despicable wife who believe it or not is his Vice president, they both rule with an iron fist imprisoning and killing anyone who opposes them. They have committed electoral fraud in the last two elections and they are ready to steal the presidential election that’s taking place in November of this year too. Ortega has already imprisoned all the other 6 presidential candidates that could easily defeat him.

[@Reagan1984]

The real losers are the people under Ortega's regime.

[@RagnelEric]

wow Reagan is as terrible as they say

[@AlexKawa20]

Yep. I made a video on why he's one of the worst presidents in American history. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4rCZIpme82ihdU

[@iammrbeat]

I think he has more of a mixed legacy

[@dhand34]

Bush most likely ran the Iran contra show. I heard a long interview with Paul Craig Robert’s years ago

[@pedrovasquez3535]

remember when JFK fought zombies, good times..

[@Geodendronitrian]

Yeah, along with Fidel Castro, Robert McNamara and Richard Nixon.

[@synthsauce]

I was not expecting the Map from Dora The Explorer to get political, but I'm not complaining

[@iammrbeat]

It's all politics on Dora.

[@mharry2464]

Holy shit this is insufferable I hate what bugmen have done to being a history buff

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

I remember this being breaking news. That's how old I'am.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

When I first heard the Iran-Contra revelations, I cynically predicted that they'd let Reagan get away with it. (It gave me NO pleasure to be proved right!)

[@iammrbeat]

It's ok, I'm old, too.

[@martinhall932]

30 years later.... "Hey, let's canonize Reagan!"

[@AndrewMFAult]

RIGHT?!

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Even right after the scandal he was still justifiably loved and supported.

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

Like Christopher Columbus

[@DavidNunezPNW]

I have friends from Central America who have relatives that were devastated by the brutality of the CIA backed death squads. These decisions affect real lives. I hope all those involved suffer and can't sleep at night for their actions

[@superboy4738]

There were no good guys in the Cold War.

[@kauswekazilimani3736]

@@superboy4738 Depending on the circumstances some bad guys are better than others. Then again if you are the rope in a tug of war you are screwed.

[@matheusvillela9150]

@@kauswekazilimani3736 Yeah and the US always chooses the worst and most fascist of bad guys

[@RipCityBassWorks]

Reagan should have been impeached for that shit. Trump was impeached for far less.

[@LoremasterLiberaster]

USSR owning Mongolia triggered the everliving fuck out of me

[@SWNerd]

Plus forgetting to include Turkmenistan

[@arman4440]

I must admit, as an Iranian, watching this hurt a bit too much. A little part of me dies whenever I see the amount of praise Reagen gets, so this was like a breath of fresh air. By the way, great job as always!

[@s0meguy0ny0utube2]

He did give thousands of illegal immigrants/refuges amnesty and not deporting them. Some of which were Iranians in America after the Iranian 1979 revolution.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

What does you being an Iranian have to do with anything? Are you in Iran making that comment? Also, what about this exactly makes you mad and also specifically relates to you being Iranian?!

[@marcoarellano6361]

@@s0meguy0ny0utube2 just goes to show how much to the right republicans have moved since Reagan. Rn if any reps even uttered the word amnesty they’d be immediately disowned by the party.

[@souvikrc4499]

@@robertortiz-wilson1588 Likely because it shows how two-faced and hypocritical Iranian political leadership has been and continues to be. I mean, denouncing the U.S and Israel, while simultaneously accepting weapons and training from both countries though a corrupt political deal - how is this not two-faced? Also, why are you so triggered about an Iranian speaking their mind? Stop gatekeeping.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

@@souvikrc4499 I guarantee you they were blind concerning any of the faults and hypocrisy of the Iranian government. That would have been too refreshing to be true. Save me your drivel that has anything to do with the word "triggered" attached to it. I asked them a question, not you, and I can speak my mind anyway I want as well.

[@sophiaaa8893]

i’m nicaraguan, iranian AND american. i will now be going down a rabbit hole about this.

[@mathieuleader8601]

How about when Alexander Haig attempted to take over the office of president during Reagans attempted killing

[@RolandStone32]

*assassination attempt

[@iammrbeat]

Another future video idea perhaps?

[@andrewmartin9948]

I remember meeting Ollie north when I was like 15 in boy scouts. Had no idea at the time what his story was but the man was the one that showed me how to fire a musket.

[@warlordofbritannia]

Plot twist: It was the Nicaragua Boy Scouts

[@BarnabusBarbarossa]

If you believe Reagan and Bush didn't both know all about this, then please contact me about the perfectly nice bridge I have for sale.

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

Does it span the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY?

[@iammrbeat]

What color is the bridge? I badly joke...

[@azgh4742]

Greetings from Saudi Mr. Beat. Enjoying the content, keep it up man!

[@iammrbeat]

So great to see viewers from all around the world

[@peggygeren4169]

One startling fact is that the Saudi Adnan Khashoggi - the erstwhile "Richest Man in the World" - was right smack in the middle of Iran-Contra. The $4 million that North skimmed and put in his "B Button" Swiss bank account was part of the $16 million Khashoggi supplied to make it appear that the Israelis had paid the Pentagon for a batch of TOW missiles sent to Iran.

[@xyzaxy230]

Every time someone says "They're watching you right now", I start making ridiculous grimaces

[@iammrbeat]

lol me too

[@erinmac4750]

I think you should go into more detail on this scandal/event, especially it's fueling the crack/cocaine epidemic. Gary Webb, RIP, exsent gave his life to cover the story.

[@chrisnemec5644]

One thing I remember the most from the time was a comment made by comedian Mark Russell: "For years we've been telling Reagan he's out of touch with what his staff was doing, and he would say 'No, I'm on top of things.' Then Iran-Contra came out, and we said 'Oh, so you were on top of things, right?' and he replied 'No, I was out of touch.'" 🙄

[@iammrbeat]

Leave it to comedians to report things better than newscasters.

[@history-jovian]

Lol

[@j.dunlop8295]

Plausible deniability, is when a high up official tells his or infers they want something done! But doesn't out and out say it!

[@warlordofbritannia]

@@j.dunlop8295 Wait, isn’t that also what mob bosses do?

[@Dr.Pepper001]

Oliver North should still be in prison.

[@CC-kj4yc]

Cry

[@jtsg464]

A great video, and ditto approval of using the American Dad clips :) I love that episode LOL I do wonder if Reagan's legacy would have shaken off the Iran Contra scandal as well, had the Cold War not come to an end in the following years? It seems like the legacy of those events and Reagan then Bush's role in them, help sort of shove Iran Contra under the rug...pardons help too lol

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

And rolling back communism in Grenada, restoring American prestige, overall economic prosperity, a continued long-awaited sense of optimism, etc.

[@yeetskeet7234]

"Plausible deniability" was born

[@BrianH1313]

We may not see eye to eye on every issue, but overall I trust you Mr. Beat. Nice vid.

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you Brian!

[@kxrv6629]

Thanks for pointing me to this video on the Contra part. Somehow, it seems like their needs to be limits on Presidential pardons against pardoning people you know/cronies. What is the legitimate intent of Presidential pardons anyway?

[@ChevyChase301]

The idea is that if trump was president than theoretically the democrats could audit, investigate, and subpoena all his friends and make his life hell and vice versa. By eliminating this the president theoretically has more time to focus on national defense

[@GillisLowry]

Thanks for helping organize the project :) Great video! the CIA is definitely after mine too--

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks Gillis. Your video was super creative as well!

[@robertbarrows6687]

Reagan should have been impeached and indicted.

[@LMajorDegs]

Oh give it a rest lefty

[@robertbarrows6687]

@@LMajorDegs strange how the right is okay with literal treason.

[@LMajorDegs]

@@robertbarrows6687 strange how the left are full of delusional hypocrites LMAO. Turn a blind eye to actual treason and threats of overthrowing the justice system in favor of themselves to get somebody indicted lmao

[@LMajorDegs]

Imagine being a democrat, that’s a fools game

[@robertbarrows6687]

@@LMajorDegs Damn that's some strong projection and lack of understanding. Let me guess you only watch Fox News, Newsmax and OAN and read the likes of Breitbart.

[@johann7476]

I know its a bit unrelated here but through your Videos on the elections I now have memorized every US president and what time they were in office (as a german). So I Thank you for teaching me so much about american history.

[@carytodd7211]

Thanks for this clear and objective explanation of the Iran-Contra affair, which I never understood well as a teen when it was going on.

[@mingfanzhang4600]

Good grief the first part had me dying of laughter XD

[@SaintSteven67]

Great analysis of the Iran-Contra Affair. I liked Reagan as President, but I was truly disappointed and angry that he and his administration were involved in this scandal. I agree the spread of Communism is bad, but the end does not justify the means (especially since the end was never achieved). The lesser of two evils approach is embraced too often in our government. If only Reagan would have followed the Prime Directive like Captain Kirk ... uh ... wait ... bad analogy.

[@SaintSteven67]

@justburrito you obviously did not read my entire post.

[@BradyPostma]

1:20 - "I'm sorry about that and I'll never do it again" was my first literal lol of the M.A.D. playlist.

[@jdynasty7680]

Iraq is west of Iran, not East.

[@derrickgreen7924]

This is why we need BERNIE BABY LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Sanders 2024!

[@iammrbeat]

He's getting pretty up there in age.

[@derrickgreen7924]

@@iammrbeat Yeah. I don't think he would be a very viable candidate from now on. I just think that he would have been pretty good as an example a decade or two back.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

@@iammrbeat He's still less senile than the guy who IS POTUS!

[@chipwalter4490]

We have Bernie. He's doing absolutely nothing he promised to do. Except TWEET like all the other Progressive Democrats. They cannot and will not block Biden's Oligarch agenda. But Joe Manchin and the Senate Parlimentarian can dictate to Bernie all day. Bernie was a sheepdog just like AOC and the Squad. To make Americans believe somewhere their interests were represented in Government and to keep voting for the fake "lesser of two evils" mantra. We don't need Bernie. We need an actual Leftist Movement in the USA with people demonstrating in the streets (something Bernie has NEVER called for even at the height of his supposed "Revolution"). An actual Leftist Third Party getting 10% of the vote would FORCE Democrats to produce results. Or stop faking it, like AOC and the Fraud Squad, who are the new generation of sheepdoggers to do the exact same as Bernie did. Give the people a pressure valve, keep them off the streets, make them believe they have a choice -then roll over.

[@DefinitelyNattox]

To oversimplify: In the ‘80s there was Cold War drama. We fought the Commies inside Nicaragua. Our friends were the Contras. Freedom was their mantra, so we sent them lots of money for guns and landmines. But Congress stopped the Contra money flow just cause they moved a teeny bit of blow, but then a hero came forth His name was Oliver North. He and Reagan went around the sissy Congress. OLLIE NORTH! OLLIE NORTH! You see, North secretly sold missiles to a harmless country called Iran who would always be a grateful ally. Then he gave the profits to the Contras. Genius! Stan: But the sales were uncovered by the press. Reagan and North began to stress. Cause what they did was technically high treason! But it was totally justified. North volunteered to take the blame to save Reagan from prison rape shame. The truth he did bury with his hot secretary. Thanks to her shredder, he got off totally scot-free! OLLIE NORTH! OLLIE NORTH! He's a soldier! And a hero! And a novelist! And now he's on Fox News! - Stan Smith, American Dad

[@aidangodfrey300]

Another good video Mr Beat, Still waiting on some canadian provinces compared with eachother.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@iammrbeat]

Oh I definitely plan on it, just don't know when yet. Which two do you suggest I cover first?

[@aidangodfrey300]

@@iammrbeat BC/Alberta or Quebec/ Ontario. I think the Quebec vs Ontario would be easier to do as they have the highest population and a language differential .

[@Fahrenheit4051]

Years ago, I had a dream that the Map's name was Luigi. No idea why or what he was doing in my dream. Just please don't bring Luigi on your channel ever again.

[@MikeBNumba6]

I honestly never get tired of learning about this subject and the cold War in general. Idk, I think it's fascinating how the superpowers go to these countries, learn their language and find specific groups (militias) to help overthrow governments. Like think about it. These countries like nicaragua picked up communism ideas from somewhere. Idk. Its kind of cool how all this works

[@randomnerd2332]

An overlooked part of the cold war was how much Cuba played a role in helping communist efforts. They would usually send forces/help to Nicaguara, Congo, & Angola to help those groups out. It was well known the Soviets & Cuba had a different (public) stance on how to go about things.

[@markosummers4991]

Reagan should have been impeached over the Iran Contra scandal. Nixon`s Watergate scandal was a parking ticket in comparison, yet it cost him the presidency!!! Reagan is just lucky he had Ollie North to throw under the bus...

[@hugo52_]

Amazing video Mr Beat. I've been waiting for this video for a long time.

[@ironmeteorite1343]

I think George H.W. Bush was more involved, since he was a former C.I.A Director, and he had contacts.

[@iammrbeat]

Oh I would guess he was, too.

[@just_radical]

Great video, but you missed the opportunity to remind us that the Attorney General advising Bush to pardon the US officials imprisoned for Iran-Contra was our good friend William Barr.

[@peggygeren4169]

It is incredible how many figures involved in Iran-Contra or its coverup later turned up in Repug administrations - W's especially. Even Clinton got in on the coverup by pardoning Marc Rich and Al Schwimmer on the last day of his administration.

[@ViswaretasKotra]

But mr beat! I didn’t have anything to do with it!

[@iammrbeat]

Alright Mr. President, I (mostly) believe you.

[@ruzenaro]

Gotta love The map from Dora appearing in a video where the Federal Goverment illegally sells weapons to an enemy country.

[@revinhatol]

Marc Weiner

[@sebastianguevara3615]

Ruzenaro Cusatnaro I’m Glad U.S President Ronald Reagan Gave Military Aid To Iran 🇮🇷!!!!!!!

[@divided_and_conquered1854]

I just love how the media has inculcated into our minds the term *_"SCANDAL"_* in lieu of literally EVERY INSTANCE in which a *_"CRIME"_* has taken place. A scandal is when I cheat on my wife. These other things are called *_CRIMES!_*

[@lilycrip3329]

Iran contra should have been the end of Reagans presidency.

[@GP_5]

My cat was staring at me and when the cia part happened

[@patrickrowan6001]

Thank you mr beat for explaining the Iran contra affair

[@yoursemexpert]

I hope you reach 1M subs soon Mr Beat! ❤️

[@SamAronow]

I don't know why Watergate gets all the attention. This IMO was a much bigger scandal.

[@iammrbeat]

I kind of understand that argument!

[@SamAronow]

@@iammrbeat Not to say that Watergate was okay or deserving of attention, but I feel like Iran-Contra never developed the historical legacy that it should have, and that Watergate did have.

[@5552-d8b]

Because I think watergate despite the Vietnam war lies. Was seen as maybe LBJ was a fluke liar we can trust Nixon. And then bang watergate was the last time people blindly followed there leaders. As for the contras ordeal. It was horrible but everyone must’ve not been surprised the US in involved in something unethical. Also I feel this ordeal should be called the Iran iraq contras considering the US was giving weapons and equipment to both Iran and iraq.

[@justinwear1591]

As much as I like your videos I feel like you sugar-coated how corrupt this whole affair was and especially Reagans involvement. He should have been impeached!

[@gregm766]

I was in the Marine Corps at the time and I couldn't stand Ollie North but there were some of my fellow Marines that liked him.

[@datemasamune2904]

But then a hero came forth. His name was Oliver North. He and Reagan went around the sissy congress.

[@dev1458]

Imagine your social studies teacher telling you he has a KZbin channel and you check it out later thinking it has maybe a hundred followers or so but find out it has almost 400k subscribers and commonly gets 100k views on videos.

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah, most of them are a bit surprised lol

[@dev1458]

@@iammrbeat I'm sure haha. They're really fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and passionate teacher. Love the videos and the great content you put out!

[@barryyoung358]

Too many presidents got off, and GET off Scott free!!! Especially trump!!!!

[@patrickpilkington6241]

A decent study of our most “enterprising” monsters. I mean leaders.

[@curtiswfranks]

Can we have a video on the invasion of Iraq which began in 2003?

[@SWNerd]

I am 100% sure that Reagan and the Iranians had smth going on. When you consider the Iran-Contra scandal and then consider the fact that the Algiers Accords (which ended the Iran Hostage Crisis) was signed on January 19, 1981 and the hostages were released on January 20, 1981 (the same day Reagan was inaugurated), its pretty hard to not believe that the Iranian government and Reagan himself had a plethora of back-door dealings

[@iammrbeat]

Good point

[@justinkroboth360]

If someone would've used the Konami code, they could've gotten a really large advantage.

[@Zac15Setter]

man if i had you as a history teacher, i never would have dropped out haha. Thanks for the lesson as always!

[@iammrbeat]

Well thanks so much.

[@aufstrebendeseegurke8143]

Actually Mossadegh was not elected, but appointed as Prime Minister by the Shah.

[@ThePoolshark86]

Mr. Beat presents another great, and informative video

[@katza831]

Seth McFarland did a great job 👏 on this in his ollie north song on american dad