Meaning: The quote by Ron Reagan, a journalist, reflects a sentiment that is often experienced when confronted with disturbing information or images. In this case, he refers to the distressing photographs from the prison in Iraq and the memos justifying torture that were circulating at the time. The phrase "it makes you want to take a shower" conveys a visceral reaction to the moral and ethical repugnance of the situation.

The context of this quote is essential for a comprehensive understanding. During the early 2000s, the United States was involved in military operations in Iraq, and there were numerous reports and images emerging from the conflict that reflected a darker side of the war. The prison in Iraq that Ron Reagan refers to is likely Abu Ghraib, where shocking photographs depicting the abuse and torture of detainees by American soldiers came to light in 2004. These images sparked international outrage and raised serious questions about the treatment of prisoners and the conduct of the US military.

Additionally, the mention of memos justifying torture alludes to the controversial legal and ethical debates surrounding the use of enhanced interrogation techniques by the US government and military. The revelation of these memos and the discussions about the permissibility of torture added another layer of moral complexity to an already contentious issue.

The phrase "it makes you want to take a shower" captures the sense of moral contamination and the desire to cleanse oneself from the disturbing and morally repugnant information. The act of taking a shower is often associated with physically cleansing oneself, and in this context, it serves as a metaphor for the need to purify one's mind and conscience from the moral stain of witnessing or being exposed to such distressing events and justifications.

Reagan's quote resonates with many individuals who have experienced similar feelings of revulsion and moral discomfort when confronted with the darker aspects of human behavior and the ethical dilemmas that arise in times of conflict and crisis. It reflects a universal human response to the exposure of injustice, cruelty, and moral ambiguity, prompting a visceral reaction that seeks to distance oneself from the perceived moral contamination.

This quote also underscores the role of media and journalism in shaping public perceptions and responses to significant events. Journalists and media outlets play a crucial role in disseminating information and images that can evoke strong emotional and moral reactions in the audience. In this case, the dissemination of the distressing pictures from the prison in Iraq and the circulation of memos justifying torture had a profound impact on public discourse and the collective consciousness, eliciting a strong emotional response from many individuals, including journalists like Ron Reagan.

In conclusion, Ron Reagan's quote encapsulates a profound and relatable human response to the exposure of distressing and morally repugnant information. It reflects the universal desire to cleanse oneself from the moral contamination of witnessing injustice and moral ambiguity. The quote also highlights the role of media in shaping public perceptions and emotional responses to significant events, underscoring the power of images and information to evoke strong moral and emotional reactions.