18 February 2011

Mr. Budget in the Middle?

Congressman John Spratt was one of the few people who understood the Federal Budget inside and out. I first met him in 1996 and he is a fantastic human being and public servant. And, South Carolina lost a lot of clout - very valuable clout - when he lost his election this past November.

But, in the spirit of folks in the middle, I've taken a great interest in his successor. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis) was given the chairmanship of the powerful House Budget Committee when Republicans took control of the US House in November.

Ryan makes everybody nervous, Republicans and Democrats alike. He was a debt-hawk long before it became sexy to politicians - several years ago he published "A ROADMAP FOR AMERICA'S FUTURE" to fix the long-term national financial problems. He speaks his version of the truth. I like those characteristics in anyone who isn’t crazy, and he isn’t.

I cannot say I agree or disagree with his approaches (I just don't know enough about all of his proposals) but I like that he's trying to fix the problems we face.

HERE IS AN INTERVIEW WITH REP. PAUL RYAN from "Morning Joe" earlier this week.

No comments: