Paul Ryan says that when Obama made the comment below yesterday in his inaugural address, that he was shadowboxing a straw man:

The commitments we make to each other – through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security – these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

Paul Ryan explains below what he means below (via Free Beacon):

This was the lie perpetrated on Romney and his 47% remark as well. Romney wasn’t talking about people who paid into the system and are now reaping those benefits, but rather people who were living off of the government through programs like welfare instead of using them as a safety net to propel them back into the workforce. In other words, he was talking about people who are solely depending on government who haven’t earned it.

But the Democrats lie and twist the comments into a straw man that they can knock down. And Obama’s been doing it for years.




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60 comments
steven
steven

Paul Ryan is absolutely right.....Ryan's response was to another twisting of the truth...

jrt1031
jrt1031

Why does Ryan try to be so eloquent when explaining these scare tactic lying lies that this president has repeatedly used to justify his stolen presidency. I would like to see him call things as they are. The president can't create jobs with his lack of security that he has handed our nation four years ago.......therefore just assuring those unemployed that he will continue to rob Peter to pay Paul scaps... call it for what it is GOP!!!!!!

allen
allen

Ryan, you don't matter anymore. I have totally lost respect for you of all people. Your vote alongside the democrats sickens me and many other voters who were fooled by you and Romney...Apparently another foolish vote by RINO's increases taxes for almost all of us. Now the debt limit extension, REALLY and we are supposed to listen to nonsense like this? I am looking for commitment from my politicians and say what you wish about a guy like Newt- he at least came up with a contract with America and stood by it. Rest assured I will never vote for a RINO again in my lifetime, for what? Another Roberts appointment and votes like this? THANKS but no thanks.

aposematic
aposematic

Shadow boxing a bunch of straw men pretty much covers it...

aZjimbo
aZjimbo

The hell with rino ryan.

hramirez18
hramirez18

This element is a dirt bag who has no credibility

proudhispanicconservative
proudhispanicconservative

Paul Ryan reminds me of a little kid when his brother hits him, then goes to his parent says he hit me and then starts crying, we don't need your Paul Ryan cry as to how bad Obama is, we need you to do something about it instead of crying which is what you have done all your career. Lets not forget that Paul Ryan is not a real conservative I can name 10 things that he has done which proves that is not a real conservative, Paul Ryan is just another example of a politician that goes to Washington and likes the beltway to much. If anybody here can name one thing that is attributed to Paul Ryan in his time in Washington I would sure like to hear it

Biggbear52
Biggbear52

According to three and one half hours of looking. I did not find one network that covered this group of comments, NOT ONE. With the exception of Fox news, which is getting very questionable at best, was the only cable/ satellite to cover it. That was for a super brief 10 to 14 seconds! We owe it to ourselves to put these people on you tube any time we possible get th chance. Expose them for the ENEMY WITH IN that they truly are. Put a digital video camera on your dashboard for when and if you get pulled over. DON'T LET THEM REST UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE OR FOR ANY REASON!

allen
allen

Truly agree with you, I am sick and tired of the pandering to the left... I now get to listen to the Dennis Kussinich Fox contributor ??? WOW how lucky I am to watch Fox News for that kind of commentary. THANKS and again NO THANKS... I will be looking elsewhere for my news- How about Allen WEST and PJ Media?? I have heard enough out of FOX news.

Constance
Constance

I have some problems with Paul Ryan, despite all the right things he continues to say. He doesn't vote that way so much of the time. The lip service thing has worn out its welcome with me. It always sounds great, but I don't see the conservative follow up in actual voting, with the exception of a few brave souls. I'm just not a Paul Ryan fan.

57thunderbird
57thunderbird

I agree.Ryan is a fraud conservative when it comes to voting on legislation.Just another RINO.

PapaLouie
PapaLouie

I don't think the word "risk" means what Obama thinks it means. He's saying people are more willing to take risks when there are no consequences. Duh! But how can it be a "risk" if there are no consequences? When the fear of failure is eliminated, so is the incentive to work hard to succeed. So yes, Obama, these things do "sap our initiative."

We have bailed out Goldman Sachs not just once but many times over the years. That's why they and other too-big-to-fail banks were willing to invest heavily in fraudulent derivatives that helped tank our economy. They knew they could make billions until the bubble burst and then the government would bail them out. And that's exactly what happened. It's like sending someone to Vegas and telling them they can keep their winnings but you will cover all their losses. They'll be much more likely to gamble recklessly and with higher stakes than if they're risking their own money. When you can risk taxpayer money rather than your own, it's the same thing. It really does free you up to take more risks when the odds are against you, because you're not risking your own money. Is that a difficult concept to grasp? And is that really the model Obama wants us to follow?

magi52
magi52

"Liberals aren't ignorant, they know too much that isn't so." -Ronald Reagan http://youtu.be/qXBswFfh6AY via @youtube

allen
allen

I am not embarrassed to say that I cry just about everytime I see this man speak, the passion, the conviction... BEYOND words. Most importantly the LOVE for this country just pours out of this man, god rest his soul. Thank you so much for the link to take me back to a time when words meant things, when liberty and freedom was so passionately conveyed as being important to all of us.

magi52
magi52

allen, make sure you share the video with all, we need to rekindle that passion for our country and get back to where words have real meaning instead of emptiness like the current leadership we have across our whole nation.

Tracy Mitchell
Tracy Mitchell

Okay, so let's break down the word "entitlement" I went and retrieved a copy of the definition of the word from Webster's:

en·ti·tle·ment noun

1-a : the state or condition of being entitled : right

b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

2 - a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program

3 - belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

Does anyone else find it interesting that Webster's managed to get the government involved in their definitions? It seems that most of the people on government "entitlement" programs like welfare fall more into definition #3- The BELIEF that one is DESERVING of or ENTITLED to certain privileges.

That's why they voted for their Savior and when the country goes bankrupt and they begin to starve they will still believe that they DESERVE to have food. Or are ENTITLED to health care. Boy, won't they be in for a shock when people like us feel that our families DESERVE to have the food and medicine that we made and saved ourselves, instead of waiting for the government to do it for us.

PJRodman
PJRodman

Rush played a clip of Andrea Mitchell and Matt Lauer from yesterday. Ryan was equated with "radical" ideas, radical tea party, etc.... He went on to say that GOP is trying to stay out of Obama's crosshairs. We need to be very watchful of the way radical is being tossed out in front of everything that conservatism stands for. They've done it to certain people, demonizing them as radical loons...now they are making the final play. Any conservative ideology is RADICAL. Disagree with Obama...you are a radical. We are being targeted as the enemy...and the uniformed voter believes it folks.

Orangeone
Orangeone

Of course they are lumped together because the Repubs call Medicare and SS entitlement programs. They fail to separate these programs that money was stolen from our paychecks and businesses to fund from welfare, foodstamps, Obamaphones, gov't childcare, gov't housing, what the gimme generation believe they are entitled to.

Rocco11
Rocco11

I like Ryan, but he has absolutely no clue what he's up against. He still thinks Obama is a nice guy, good family man, just in over his head...

Rshill7
Rshill7

Strawman (R)

Is the above who he was referring to?

"Dems believe in cradle to the grave assistance. The tricky part is making it to the cradle."

(Dennis Miller...I think)

Bryan Ewbank
Bryan Ewbank

There is a huge difference between a snake and someone that tries to fight only the battles that he thinks he may win. It is obvious that we can't win with only one house - and we may as well not expend the energy and goodwill to fight all of them. This is called compromising (or biding your time), not quitting. No one - politician or otherwise - will always get everything they want. That's a fact; that is the real world. It's up to each person to decide what to fight and when to fight. If you fight everything, all you end up is exhausted.

Watch the midterm elections.

Bill Redder
Bill Redder

people, progressives/statists will from this point on always win the battles worth winning because they own the culture. sound reasoning like ryan's will never be heard, let alone accepted, by the masses large enough to right this ship until we change the culture back.

i humbly suggest we focus on that.

sjmom
sjmom

Paul, unless you are willing to stand up and fight rather than cower like the rest of the establishment take your seat and be quiet. Though you talk a good story talking gets us nowhere. Its time to fight.

sDee
sDee

salute sjmom!

Black or white. Free man or serf. Good or evil.

It is a time to choose

marketcomp
marketcomp

Right on, sjmom! This is not the time for LIP SERVICE! But a time to act and act decisively and aggressively.

Sober_Thinking
Sober_Thinking

The Liar-And-Chief... Obama is a fraud and a monster. And if he didn't have his little lackeys in the media, he never would have made it into congress.

This is all the Democrats have... lies, fraud, corruption, mirages... they are the most contemptable, criminal and corrupt people in office and the worst that humanity has to offer. Anyone that joyfully hurts their people and robs (rapes) their country is beyond contempt. History records many dictators who did this... to the pain and peril of those people they were supposed to take care of.

Obama only takes care of himself and his minions. And he gleefully, arrogantly does this because he hates this nation.

ZaMan
ZaMan

As expected the hateful scumbags who HATE Obama ARE the biggest racists in American History.

I didn't watch the Inauguration yesterday, but I slept till 3pm. All the others who are "glad" that they didn't watch it are, racists and bigots. That's what people who hate Obama are...racists and bigots. What's even more disgusting is that YOU have the galls to call yourselves "Patriots" when you are nothing of the sort. What you ACTUALLY are racists! What you ACTUALLY are bigots, What you ACTUALLY are black haters. What you ACTUALLY are hypocrites

AAND what's even more disgusting is that you racists get pissed when Most of America are happy over the First Black President. you cancervatives created prompting a President as of God, you racists think it's blasphemous to compare ANYONE to your Right-wing God, Ronald Reagan. That shows how pathetic you racists are!

Obama lies less, not more than most politicians. He does present things in a light hopefully (for him) to gain the greatest amount of votes. That's the game all politicians play.

When a Democrat like Obama goes on the offensive. The conservative racists and idiots out there call it "campaigning." Campaigning without trolling for votes? Maybe you should seek help!

Those who say he is a communist, Marxist or even socialist do not even know what those things are. Is he a Muslim? No, that's just those who do not want a democrat, or even a black, to be president. Does he hate America or is trying to destroy America, or is an Anti-American? No! again that is the lies the right is saying. Didn't you listen to his inauguration speech? wait, you didn't people you're a racist! We, the people. Doesn't sound anti-American or hateful to me. Is he a fraud or a 'man-child'? no that's the right that is.

Should He be impeached???? He has done nothing to even merit that. All the things which the right claims are things which they were okay with when a republican president did the same things. They are only upset with Obama because he is a democrat. They hated Clinton also. They would hate Reagan to if they really looked at what he did during his administration, instead of picking some items and neglecting the rest.

Obama is a politician. He is told what to do, what to say and where to go. Get with the times, you pathetic racist! Just because A President doesn't follow your brain-dead racist right-wing idelogoy does NOT mean he hates America, It means you are just a pathetic brain-dead racist!

He is NOT a criminal, nor a Narcissist, has he committed voter fraud! Obama won fair and square! Why can't you racists accept that?

Ob’s such a “SCOAMF” he grad Harvard Law and passed his bars and practiced law and beat the “war hero,” John McCain & Simple Sarah. Got Bin Laden. The white supremacists of the GOP Base reek of envy and desperation.

Is Barack Obama a monster?

he is human

Is Barack Obama destroying America?

no, or is unemployment going down and stock market up destroying america??

Lighten up. You are out of your league. You racists are pathetic!

Calling the POTUS a POS and a fraud seems to the usual calling call for you right-wing racists and bigots like you!

AmericanborninCanada
AmericanborninCanada

Seems to me you're the racist- because you believe it's all about color. Marxism knows no color. Grow up, learn a little and then read the comment rules before you come back.

AmericanborninCanada
AmericanborninCanada

Amen and well said. None of us are pure, but we're saved and washed by the Blood. That's all that separates us from unbelievers. That and where we'll end up in eternity. I join you in hoping this guy will come to know Jesus in a real way.

Sober_Thinking
Sober_Thinking

No worries... I'm fairly sure it was... he responded directly to that post and I didn't recognize that name... so, hopefully it was.

I'm unphased... people like that are wretched and hopeless... their lives will not improve until they stop running. God can change their hearts... and they can't run from God. (sorry, but I actually find that very funny). Think of Paul, from the Bible.

This person doesn't know it yet but he likely has a great fall in front of him... and depending on how he responds, determines if he'll ever get up again. We're all tried and tested...

Something I wrote to myself years ago after a particularly touching sermon: "Pure gold doesn't fear the test of fire." I'm far from pure gold... but God has washed away the filth...

Dude, get right with God. Give all your anger and hatred over to Him and let God cleanse your mind and spirit. You have no idea the terror that awaits you if you don't.

AmericanborninCanada
AmericanborninCanada

Sorry Sober_Brother. I don't know who flagged it or if you did but hadn't had time to respond yet.

I was wondering the same, if he's the same guy- so I blocked his IP address too ;-)

Sober_Thinking
Sober_Thinking

Thanks Duckie... but I still wanted to say something to this lost soul. Here is my response:

Lol... seriously? You keep right on swinging pal...

And if you're the same moron who puked earlier, then know that the moment I read your first ugly words, you were done. You can't touch me. You can't affect me. You have no power... and if you want to seethe in your ignorance and anger... lovely. Burn out your miserable life in a flaming ball of uselessness. I have no more time or sympathy for you or other halfwits like you. Yell to the air... type until your fingers bleed. You're delusional and stupid if you don't want to heed some friendly advice.

I can't save you... only God can. If you reject Him, then you're hopeless... and I pity you... because you're doomed and this is all you'll ever be.

I hope you're the same nut job... go ahead and change your name again so you can respond some more. I've been a little low on entertainment lately and you're the current train wreck I'll shake my head over. But know that your hollow words... you're anger and hate falls on deaf ears. I don't need to hear you and I won't. Enjoy your sad life.

Happy Face :)

Johnny
Johnny

Haha! What a bunch of crap! you racists can dish it but you can't take it! And it's Obama that's thin skinned? Please. That dude was right, you ARE a racist and a bigot!

Obama lies less, not more than most politicians. He does present things in a light hopefully (for him) to gain the greatest amount of votes. That’s the game all politicians play.

When a Democrat like Obama goes on the offensive. The conservative racists and idiots out there call it “campaigning.” Campaigning without trolling for votes? Maybe you should seek help!

Those who say he is a communist, Marxist or even socialist do not even know what those things are. Is he a Muslim? No, that’s just those who do not want a democrat, or even a black, to be president. Does he hate America or is trying to destroy America, or is an Anti-American? No! again that is the lies the right is saying. Didn’t you listen to his inauguration speech? wait, you didn’t people you’re a racist! We, the people. Doesn’t sound anti-American or hateful to me. Is he a fraud or a ‘man-child’? no that’s the right that is.

Obviously you're no Christian, and posting those brain-dead links prove it, nor does it mean that because I'm not a right-wing R-tard means i'm no Chrisitan, who died and made you deciding on who's a Chrisitan and whose not, espcially when people like YOU do crap like this:

http://www.standupamericanow.org/articles/2013/01/terry-jones-time-to-burn-obama

Sober_Thinking
Sober_Thinking

I read the first 2 or 3 sentences of his rant and that was all I needed... I'm glad you saved me the trouble of reporting him. I think it should be illegal for someone like that to be allowed on the public Internet.

And dude, if you're reading this... please don't come back. The world is already too full of braindead morons and frankly, no one is listening to your vomit and filth.

Open your eyes, close your mouth, get right with God, ignore the left and all the propaganda you've been mainlining and try and tap into the truth for once. Because honestly, your life will be miserable until you do. And brother... your fate is ridiculously horrible. Read God's word and accept what He is offering you... otherwise, you'll continue to be a tool of hatred and ignorance.

Here are two nice places to start:

http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/mobile/

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/authors/thomas_sowell/

johnos2112
johnos2112

This coming from a guy who supported a tax increase. This is just really pitiful! I liked Ryan but he sold out the right!

Orangeone
Orangeone

And Ryan is agreeing to Barky getting an unlimited debt for 3 months. I don't flippin' care about a budget if it means unlimited spending. Simply ridiculous.

notsofastthere
notsofastthere

We've always had a divided nation, and a congress filled with snakes. No candidate will be perfect - gotta give Ryan some leeway.

Romney the wimp or Obama the Marxist. We got the Marxist and Joe Biden. Two irrevocable liars, because Romney wasn't perfect.

stage9
stage9

nope.

Have we gotten so beaten down that we now settle for mediocrity? So long as my fellow brothers in arms still die on foreign battlefields to defend this nation, I will not settle for the mediocrity of sell-outs and political opportunists.

PhillyCon
PhillyCon

Yes, he did. But, he should still get props for speaking out against Obama.

It's becoming almost criminal to do so. Our leaders are few and far between ... so he deserves some latitude, IMO.

Joe
Joe

Paul - Do something - We like YOU

He made YOU look stupid - eventhough you are not

You tell the truth - He does not

He hates you

Fight back and kick his butt

Start IMPEACHMENT --- NOW !

Orangeone
Orangeone

Ryan was stupid to even attend, I'm sure cows back home needed milking. I'm all for impeachment and if these losers do not get the message that Fast and Furious and Benghazi involved murdered Americans as compared to Clinton doing the Monica and Nixon doing some wiretapping, there is no hope left. If you are on Twitter, follow Steve Stockman from TX, he has already introduced legislation and says he will go for impeachment over 2nd Amendment.

PhillyCon
PhillyCon

We need to pray for people like him. They lack courage, and are afraid of the mob mentality in DC and the media.

bbitter
bbitter

Obama's statements are such a lie. Monetary obligations 'free us to take risks'? Really?

Not just a straw-man and shadow boxing, but outright lies. How does mandatory pay-in programs which sap income without permission or opt-in and reduce take-home pay allow you to risk more? This is Obama preaching his ideology: 'Dependence on Government makes us strong, and has always made America great.'

Uh-huh. The base of the ideology is a lie, has always been a lie, and always will be a lie. This road leads to 'france' here in America; dependent sycophants, gutless and cowardly ingrates, and mindless minions incapable of independent thought or action. In the modern world it leads to poverty and death in the most prosperous and resource-rich nation on the globe. This man is a shame to our country, our founders, our history, our culture, and our media is proclaiming him our hero, champion, savior, and god.

I'm disgusted.