History surrounds us as we approach America's 250th anniversary. Celebrations range from jingoistic jamborees to cerebral reflections on the past. One president who has frequently been used as a point of comparison for modern presidents is Ronald Reagan. He has been both celebrated and vilified. The Hollywood actor took a unique path to the presidency, moving from on-screen talent to head of the Screen Actors Guild during the height of the Red Scare, before landing the California governorship and ultimately the top spot at the White House.