Congressman Ryan. No. It's not what you think. I came across this great Washington Post article profiling Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI). When I was in DC I secretly admired Congressman Ryan from afar. Probably because we have so much in common. He's smart. He's young. He's good looking. ;) And in an institution of poll fearing policy making and cheap sound bites he's the real deal. When I run for Congress (wink) I want to run on the Ryan platform. Seems like a natural thing to do right? But really, what's not to like about this guy? His views particularly on budget items just ring common sense to me.
One of the biggest problems with our nation's debt problem is funding the entitlement programs such as social security, medicare and medicaid. Congressman Ryan (I just like saying that) wants to implement private insurance options in the place of government run programs. On Social Security he says why not allow those under 55 to put their social security tax payments into personal accounts? Really? Yeah really! This is one that absolutely drives me crazy! I know my money would grow more in a private account than sitting in the government treasury...but that's all for another day.
What's endearing about Congressman Ryan (don't you like the sound of that too?) is this line: "Political people always tell their candidates to stay away from controversy," said Ryan, 40. "They say, 'Don't propose anything new or bold because the other side will use it against you.' (Think Congressman Rob Bishop here - don't propose anything new or bold - you won't get anything done, but you won't get voted out either).
We need more people who lead with real vision, passion, and common sense. And given the silliness of the recent Senate Primary the following quote from the article is also timely:
"It's really important, I think, not to run campaigns on some vague platitudes and rip down the other party, to hopefully win an election by default," he said. "You have to win an election by acclamation, by aspiration, by telling people who you are and what you are going to do, and then go do it once you get there."
So yeah, Congressman Ryan. I like the sound of it.
If you are feeling policy-wonkish check out the Ryan platform here.
