Opposition Back Home
Not everyone supported President Reagan's decision to invade Grenada. There was a minority, both on the island and in the United States, that felt it was better to allow the revolution to take its course. In addition, many countries throughout the world saw the actions of the U.S. as a direct violation of international law, and, furthermore, an overreach of power that disregarded the integrity of Grenada as an independent state. In a vote by the members of the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 1983, 108 representatives were against the invasion while only 9 (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, El Salvador, Israel, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States) were in favor. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher specifically opposed the invasion as well, even after receiving requests for the intervention of Great Britain, under which Grenada was, and still remains today, a Commonwealth. President Reagan continued to defend his administration against these accusations and unfavorable opinions, citing the safety of Americans on the island and the plea for help that was received from many native Grenadians. No further action was taken by either side.
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Problems with the Press:
Conflict arose surrounding the initial decision to restrict press officials and correspondents from accessing the island of Grenada during the invasion, further contributing to strife between the Reagan Administration and the American media. This decision, however, was a monumental move by President Reagan and the effectiveness of said decision is still debated today.
“I got a good look at that gun on the foredeck and decided that we were simply outclassed... I know force majeure [Latin for superior force] when I see it."
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“I'm down here to take an island. I don't need you running around and getting in the way... We'll stop you. We've got the means to do that."
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"Associated Press reporter Richard Pienciak, third from right, shares the deck of a 40-foot fishing boat with crew members and seven other journalists as they leave the island of Carriacou off Grenada on Monday, Nov. 2, 1983.
The reporters and a photographer were seeking clandestine entry to Grenada."
Courtesy and © Copyright Doug Jennings/AP/Corbis
The reporters and a photographer were seeking clandestine entry to Grenada."
Courtesy and © Copyright Doug Jennings/AP/Corbis