Perhaps others understand Iran-Contra better than I and could explain it here, but it was always my impression that Reagan knew that abandoning the Nicaraguan FReedomFighters was Vile and Wrong, and thereby it could be inferred that he secretly supported whatever legal tactics were taken to keep them from being overrun by the DemonRATS' Sandanista MassMurderers. Did Ronaldus Maximus want to know the particulars?! Probably not, IMHO...it wouldn't have been politically-wise. And in the end, Ollie stepped up and did the honorable thing, which was to take responsibility for any bending of the Law, thereby keeping Reagan's name above the fray except for amongst the most Sycophantic Pro-Commies like the Effete Elite RAT Leadership!!
Like I said, though, this is just MHO and I'd like to hear more on this very valid issue.
FReegards...MUD