LET'S take a quiz.

Question One: Who created a bigger stir when he went to Japan?

(a) President George Bush

(b) Former President Ronald Reagan

Question Two: Whose wife appeared on the cover of last week's Newsweek?

(a) President George Bush

(b) Former President Ronald Reagan

JUST when historians thought it was safe to contemplate the legacy of Ronald Reagan, he's back--and he's healthier, he's richer, and his wife is still rude.

A year ago, opponents of Reagan's presidency said that Reagan's legacy would be the burgeoning federal budget deficit, regression on civil rights, the right-wing tilt of federal courts and our deteriorating environment--in short, the destruction of America's future.

This opponent has a slight problem with that proposition. A legacy implies a historical perspective. When he left office, Reagan was supposed to leave the limelight and enjoy profound conversations by his poolside in Bel Air. Historians could judge, and journalists could cover the new President.

Eastern Europe is aching, San Francisco is quaking, and George Bush is still standing in Reagan's shadow. As Bush struggles to respond to sweeping historical events that seem to pass him by, Reagan keeps creeping back into view.

What's worse, Reagan demonstrates that former Presidents aren't just more popular than sitting Presidents; they get paid more.

BUT don't think that Reagan doesn't actually deserve all the news coverage.

Ronald Reagan has been paid $2 million in honoraria by a Japanese business. His expense-paid trip to Japan included a couple of speeches and many more meals. Sure, Reagan possesses the dignity of his former office. But it's for sale to the highest bidder. (And Japanese business has deep pockets.)

But wait, there's more.