Paul Ryan: Cruel, not courageous
By Katrina Vanden Heuvel,
A word of advice: If youre announcing the most radical and reactionary Republican ticket in half a century, dont do it on a ship named for the birthplace of progressivism, to Aaron Coplands Fanfare for the Common Man.
But that is precisely the kind of audacity congressman-turned-vice presidential-nominee Paul Ryan brings to the flailing Romney campaign. Courage! Vision! And that hair! (Within minutes of the announcement, @VPRyansCowlick boasted dozens of follicle-fixated followers.)
Ryan is the rare Washington pseudo-wonk described by serious people of both parties in the adulatory terms typically reserved for battlefield heroics. Courageous. Politically gutsy. Author of the most comprehensive and most courageous budget reform proposal wait for it in our lifetimes. He is Jimmy Stewart, if Mr. Smith had spent less time establishing a boys camp and more time pretending to pay down the debt, one food stamp at a time.
Therein lies the rub. Ryans budget isnt courageous its just cruel. Three-fifths of the cuts he wants would hit those with low incomes, while those who have the most would continue getting more. Its no wonder the former altar boy has had his knuckles rapped by a group of nuns for peddling a budget that rejects church teaching about solidarity, inequality, the choice for the poor, and the common good.
more good stuff
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/katrina-vanden-heuvel-paul-ryan-cruel-not-courageous/2012/08/14/a2dbd388-e56b-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_story.html