Investigates the operation of myth and victimage in President Reagan's Lebanon/Grenada address. Delineates the clustering structure within the speech, suggesting how the arrangement of mythic content accomplished victimage. Argues that Reagan defused his foreign policy by redefining it, thereby making the Lebanon/Grenada situation appear both…

Focusing on the ethical quality of political rhetoric, maintains that Reagan's efforts to justify the invasion and occupation of Grenada must be evaluated by democracy's need for free and open debate. Argues that Reagan's rhetoric violated these ethical standards numerous times by distorting and/or misrepresenting relevant evidence and arguments.…