the horrible shoot-down of the Iranian civilian airliner incident, which occurred during the Reagan administration and the Iran-Iraq war.

Absolutely correct, Robo. But who was Reagan's Vice President & made the comment in question in July 1988? Also thanks for reminding us all about the Iran-Contra and Irangate scandals in which GHWB played a part.

Some interesting points raised in this article as well:

https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/bush-srs-brand-conservatism-paved-way-trump-heres-real-reason-right-wingers-hates

Cheers,

Bill