Saturday, March 24, 2012

Ryan's Budget Fantasy

Former Reagan budget official Bruce Bartlett evaluates the budget proposal of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) in The Fiscal Times.

I think Ryan has an undeserved reputation for seriousness in budget matters. The word "fantasy" would better apply. As Professor Calvin Johnson of the University of Texas law school told me, the tax side of Ryan's plan "is floating in the clouds without any connection to earth or reality." And of course accomplishing what he hopes to do on the spending side is even more fanciful.

In my opinion the Ryan budget proposal should be seen as nothing more than a PR document for Republicans so they can say they have a plan to balance the budget, cut taxes, and cure the common cold. It may serve that narrow purpose, although many Republicans are saying it doesn't go far enough in slashing spending. I wish I could buy some of the stuff these guys are drinking or smoking.


This is but the latest example of the most devastating commentary on the current Republican party coming from Republicans.

--Ballard Burgher

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