Up until now, most of Mitt Romney’s campaign speeches could have been given by any Presidential candidate, from either party, running against an incumbent. They have had essentially no substance. We’re going to “take America back,” “rebuild America,” “restore the American Dream,” “create jobs,” “save Medicare,” “restore hope.” And, of course, the current President has “failed the American people” with his “failed policies” and “lack of leadership.”
Yada yada. We all know he will say anything (and lots of nothing) to get elected.
But now, with his selection of tea party darling Paul Ryan as his running mate, he has confirmed his commitment to the Grover Norquist, David and Charles Koch, Wall Street Journal, vision for America. An America wherein the middle class, the poor, the elderly, the infirm, and those trying to go to college give up more to support the billionaires.
The facts are there for those willing to see with their eyes and hear with their ears. The numbers do not lie. As Jason Linkins pointed out today on The Huffington Post, “Ryan’s plan to reduce taxes is to raise them on nearly everybody.” “His plan to balance the budget is to not balance the budget.” And “His plan to reduce long-term health care costs is to ration out vouchers that diminish in value over time, relative to rising costs.”
Grandiose rhetoric, proven bad policy (have we already forgotten George W. Bush?), pandering to the super rich, persecuting the poor and the elderly, these things should remind us of the warnings in the Book of Mormon. The choice could not be more clear.
But, sadly, Utah will no doubt vote overwhelmingly for these guys. God help us.