As prepared for delivery:
Good evening. I’m Congressman Paul Ryan from Janesville, Wisconsin – and Chairman here at the House Budget Committee.
President Obama just addressed a Congressional chamber filled with many new faces. One face we did not see tonight was that of our friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. We all miss Gabby and her cheerful spirit; and we are praying for her return to the House Chamber.
Earlier this month, President Obama spoke movingly at a memorial event for the six people who died on that violent morning in Tucson. Still, there are no words that can lift the sorrow that now engulfs the families and friends of the fallen.
What we can do is assure them that the nation is praying for them; that, in the words of the Psalmist, the Lord heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds; and that over time grace will replace grief.
*****
As Gabby continues to make encouraging progress, we must keep her and the others in our thoughts as we attend to the work now before us.
Tonight, the President focused a lot of attention on our economy in general – and on our deficit and debt in particular.
He was right to do so, and some of his words were reassuring. As Chairman of the House Budget Committee, I assure you that we want to work with the President to restrain federal spending.
In one of our first acts in the new majority, House Republicans voted to cut Congress’s own budget. And just today, the House voted to restore the spending discipline that Washington sorely needs.
The reason is simple.
A few years ago, reducing spending was important. Today, it’s imperative. Here’s why.
We face a crushing burden of debt. The debt will soon eclipse our entire economy, and grow to catastrophic levels in the years ahead.
On this current path, when my three children – who are now 6, 7, and 8 years old – are raising their own children, the Federal government will double in size, and so will the taxes they pay.
No economy can sustain such high levels of debt and taxation. The next generation will inherit a stagnant economy and a diminished country.
Frankly, it’s one of my greatest concerns as a parent – and I know many of you feel the same way.
*****
Our debt is the product of acts by many Presidents and many Congresses over many years. No one person or party is responsible for it.
There is no doubt the President came into office facing a severe fiscal and economic situation.
Unfortunately, instead of restoring the fundamentals of economic growth, he engaged in a stimulus spending spree that not only failed to deliver on its promise to create jobs, but also plunged us even deeper into debt.
The facts are clear: Since taking office, President Obama has signed into law spending increases of nearly 25% for domestic government agencies – an 84% increase when you include the failed stimulus.
All of this new government spending was sold as “investment.” Yet after two years, the unemployment rate remains above 9% and government has added over $3 trillion to our debt.
Then the President and his party made matters even worse, by creating a new open-ended health care entitlement.
What we already know about the President’s health care law is this: Costs are going up, premiums are rising, and millions of people will lose the coverage they currently have. Job creation is being stifled by all of its taxes, penalties, mandates and fees.
Businesses and unions from around the country are asking the Obama Administration for waivers from the mandates. Washington should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The President mentioned the need for regulatory reform to ease the burden on American businesses. We agree – and we think his health care law would be a great place to start.
Last week, House Republicans voted for a full repeal of this law, as we pledged to do, and we will work to replace it with fiscally responsible, patient-centered reforms that actually reduce costs and expand coverage.
Health care spending is driving the explosive growth of our debt. And the President’s law is accelerating our country toward bankruptcy.
Our debt is out of control. What was a fiscal challenge is now a fiscal crisis.
We cannot deny it; instead we must, as Americans, confront it responsibly.
*****
And that is exactly what Republicans pledge to do.
Americans are skeptical of both political parties, and that skepticism is justified – especially when it comes to spending. So hold all of us accountable.
In this very room, the House will produce, debate, and advance a budget. Last year – in an unprecedented failure– Congress chose not to pass, or even propose a budget. The spending spree continued unchecked.
¬¬
*****
We owe you a better choice and a different vision.
Our forthcoming budget is our obligation to you – to show you how we intend to do things differently … how we will cut spending to get the debt down… help create jobs and prosperity … and reform government programs. If we act soon, and if we act responsibly, people in and near retirement will be protected.
These budget debates are not just about the programs of government; they’re also about the purpose of government.
So I’d like to share with you the principles that guide us. They are anchored in the wisdom of the founders; in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence; and in the words of the American Constitution.
They have to do with the importance of limited government; and with the blessing of self-government.
*****
We believe government’s role is both vital and limited – to defend the nation from attack and provide for the common defense … to secure our borders… to protect innocent life… to uphold our laws and Constitutional rights … to ensure domestic tranquility and equal opportunity … and to help provide a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves.
We believe that the government has an important role to create the conditions that promote entrepreneurship, upward mobility, and individual responsibility.
We believe, as our founders did, that “the pursuit of happiness” depends upon individual liberty; and individual liberty requires limited government.
*****
Limited government also means effective government. When government takes on too many tasks, it usually doesn’t do any of them very well. It’s no coincidence that trust in government is at an all-time low now that the size of government is at an all-time high.
The President and the Democratic Leadership have shown, by their actions, that they believe government needs to increase its size and its reach, its price tag and its power.
*****
Whether sold as “stimulus” or repackaged as “investment,” their actions show they want a federal government that controls too much; taxes too much; and spends too much in order to do too much.
And during the last two years, that is exactly what we have gotten – along with record deficits and debt – to the point where the President is now urging Congress to increase the debt limit.
We believe the days of business as usual must come to an end. We hold to a couple of simple convictions: Endless borrowing is not a strategy; spending cuts have to come first.
*****
Our nation is approaching a tipping point.
We are at a moment, where if government’s growth is left unchecked and unchallenged, America’s best century will be considered our past century. This is a future in which we will transform our social safety net into a hammock, which lulls able-bodied people into lives of complacency and dependency.
Depending on bureaucracy to foster innovation, competitiveness, and wise consumer choices has never worked – and it won’t work now.
We need to chart a new course.
*****
Speaking candidly, as one citizen to another: We still have time… but not much time. If we continue down our current path, we know what our future will be.
Just take a look at what’s happening to Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom and other nations in Europe. They didn’t act soon enough; and now their governments have been forced to impose painful austerity measures: large benefit cuts to seniors and huge tax increases on everybody.
Their day of reckoning has arrived. Ours is around the corner. That is why we must act now.
*****
Some people will back away from this challenge. But I see this challenge as an opportunity to rebuild what Lincoln called the “central ideas” of the Republic.
We believe a renewed commitment to limited government will unshackle our economy and create millions of new jobs and opportunities for all people, of every background, to succeed and prosper. Under this approach, the spirit of initiative – not political clout – determines who succeeds.
Millions of families have fallen on hard times not because of our ideals of free enterprise – but because our leaders failed to live up to those ideals; because of poor decisions made in Washington and Wall Street that caused a financial crisis, squandered our savings, broke our trust, and crippled our economy.
Today, a similar kind of irresponsibility threatens not only our livelihoods but our way of life.
*****
We need to reclaim our American system of limited government, low taxes, reasonable regulations, and sound money, which has blessed us with unprecedented prosperity. And it has done more to help the poor than any other economic system ever designed. That’s the real secret to job creation – not borrowing and spending more money in Washington.
Limited government and free enterprise have helped make America the greatest nation on earth.
*****
These are not easy times, but America is an exceptional nation. In all the chapters of human history, there has never been anything quite like America. The American story has been cherished, advanced, and defended over the centuries.
And it now falls to this generation to pass on to our children a nation that is stronger, more vibrant, more decent, and better than the one we inherited.
Thank you and good night.
From CNN Politics
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Mr. Obama sounds like any other would be Marxist dictator. He talks about freedom but his actions betray his words.
Typical republican tactics... Lie, repeat lie ad naseum until you can get enough people to believe it. Last year, Rep. Joe Wilson called the President a liar. He needs to look inward into his party about who tells the lies....
"The facts are clear: Since taking office, President Obama has signed into law spending increases of nearly 25% for domestic government agencies – an 84% increase when you include the failed stimulus."
I love it how he claims "failed" stimulus. Just exactly what has "failed" mr. Ryan? The economy is on the rebound, jobs are slow to come back, but they are. Instead of making Job creation a priority, the GOP has fallen back to their failed and miserable policies of the past- no ideas, just attack, and blame. Mr Ryan I recommend you review recent history so you recall just how big of a hole the USA was left to dig out of and who's responsibility that hole was. Then you might want to revise your BS "statement" and actually try to help get some work done. The USA is moving forward- slowly- and your Team has done nothing but try to hinder that.
Funny how about 1/2 the 'stimulus spending spree' was tax cuts for the middle class, and that makes it bad, yet tax cuts for the upper 2% are prudent and needed.
Even though they didn't create jobs and helped smash the economy.
Pledge, pledge, pledge, blah, blah, blah. It's the same ole posturing. Don't chirp to me until you actually accomplish something.
Ryan is awesome
I like this guy.
It is so refreshing to hear the truth. No spin just the facts.
Was this the best picture you had from him?
I am a Democrat and do not agree with the Republican agenda. But I liked the tone and substance of this rebuttal. Maybe civil discourse and principled difference are making a comeback.
The president has to remain neutral or get fed to the wolves. GOP can use their response to berate him and offer no actual solutions. ah this country.
Paul, Once again you have made us ashamed of your election and leadership. Where was all this talk when bush was taking us to war and pouring $2 Trillion down the drain along with 6,000 Americans?
where does this cantor look alike hail from? The federal tax rate continues to drop! what the hell is this clown talking about restoring a low tax rate? Does not compute!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON.
As usual rubberish and rhetoric.
Obama may have just sent gas prices spiraling. He/ We should immediately nationalize oil in the name of national security. Biofuels work and the income from nationalized oil should finance the new fuel production and automobile transition. The Bushes are going to load up while we convert over if we don't. So are the Arabic nations and our brothers the terrorists.
Yes, America is a great nation and we can overcome anything. However, we will never forget the huge mess George W. Bush got us into, and how much health insurance companies have completely shafted 60 million Americans and counting.
Republican policy has failed us time and again. The change is not yet over. We need to transform this nation into a more responsible way. Jobs need to be brought back home. Our environment needs to be respected.
Do Republicans have the guts to do this? The jury is still out on that...and has been for A LONG time.
This daggone response is filled with nothing but Conservative clutter. Small government, small government. It speaks nothing about how to compete in the global economy. It tells nothing about how we will be more competitive in the digital age. All it says is lets decrease the size of gov't. It's ridiculous. It doesn't say how we'll become the front runner in the global economy once again. It does nothing to let the American people know what is really going on and thats that we are being left behind because we refuse to face the future of a global economy. Tell us how limited gov't is going to create these jobs. How? We are looking doom right in the eye. If we as a nation, don't wake up, get our heads out of the past, move beyond the thinking of "we want our old American back", then we are doomed. There is no old American anymore. The way things used to work, don't work that way anymore. Face it and face the future.
Right on: limit the government not the People!
I am tired of lying republicans talk of the 'failed stimulus.' Nothing could be further from the truth. Tax cuts for 95% of working Americans, jobs that republicans took credit for in their own districts after they voted against the stimulus, keeping the auto industry afloat. In addition, the stimulus created more police, firemen, teachers, rebuilding our infrastructure.
Paul lied about health reform. Why can't republicans accept facts.
He can claim Republicans want to deliver better all he wants. What they want deliver is tax breaks for the rich, tax breaks for big business, they want to repeal a healthcare bill that's both good for the economy and good for the people. The real truth is the Republicans offer no real alternative.
what they means is, just like a tree grow out of a root, the roots of the American problem is the last GOP government, obama received a country in crisis, more than 2000 of our troops were killed in a war created just to win reelection for 2004, the government didn't care about it. now my question to the GOP is where is my job. that you promised us if you win the last elections, i don't care about the healthcare program, a job is what i want.
I cannot believe they let him do this speech. This is terrible! Might as well put a doomsday preacher on tv...
Oh Paul, let's hope your kids never have to find out what a pathological liar you are. If your purpose with this statement was to misconstrue facts and replace it with fiction, you've done a wonderful job at it.
Well, for a brief few minutes, we were able to have hope...hope that the whining DEMS and REPS would just SHUT UP and get down to doing the work we elected them to do. The President's speech made us dare to HOPE that this could actually happen. But the bubble soon burst with Paul Ryan's (mickey mouse) voice whining whining whining!!!! The Dems did this, the dems did that...blah blah blah. WE ARE SO SICK OF YOU ALL !!!!! I consider myself neither a Dem or a Rep but I am TOTALLY sick of the fighting and the ridiculousness of our American government. Every single one of you should be ashamed, and actually...every single one of you should be removed from office and replaced with fresh thinking, UNITED minds !!!! Paul Ryan-- SHUT UP !!!!!
if the GOP is asking for cutting in government spending, you should start by cutting in 50% of your wages, show us that you are for the people and not for the money.
Quit pointing fingers. Give me specifics on how you're going to fix it. MAKE ME WANT TO VOTE FOR YOU.
So what's one of the first accomplishments of the Republicans, cutting taxes for the top 2% of the richest Americans and adding greatly to the deficit (not learning from the previous 10 years of those cuts being in place without job growth). Next, they said their focus was on jobs...so what did they do? Waste time in the House voting to repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act. All the while, filibustering everything over the past two years. Well, where is that focus on jobs they campaigned on? We the people deserve more than lies (death panels, yadda yadda yadda)...time to get to work to accomplish some things. Yeah, the clock is ticking...
The facts are clear that you choose to ignore the facts. It was your buddy Bush that ran this country into the gound. Your proposals will only make matters worse!!
This speech was a joke. The republican party and their policies got us into the mess in the first place. He did not say anything that will push this country forward. It was simply more finger pointing and no viable solutions.
Why is he trying to scare the hake out of people without regulation corporation will rob people blind.
Mr. Chairman,
I believe your coverage of who is responsible for the shamble we are in has been nonchalant to say the least.
We are where we are – with a financial system and corporations which are controlling my life (by poisoning the soil and the food I eat, but making helathy food triple as expensive as junk food, by deciding on the spur of the moment to cut thousands of jos and moving them abroad, by increasing private education costs with no valid alternative in public education, by literally dominating my future with a monopoly of the financial system which has only increased now that thousands of banks have collapsed) – precisely because for 30 years we had a republican Government which either spent trillions for wars in defense of the private interests of the President and his clique of oil people or cooperated so much with the financial industry to create a de facto semi-partnership. So please: let President Obama administration clean the mess first. he not only finds a situatino where for decades vision has been so myopic to have completely missed the rise of China, but also the debacle of 30 years of a future oriented internal policy. I think we have been blessed to have someone in Government like him. I can not imagine to think what would have happened if budget fanatics had had their ways: we would have had tens of millions crowding the bridges for shelter. A great way to balance a budget, after having collapsed decades of savings of the same people.
The republican response: Its all Obama's fault for spending 2 trillion to pull the country out of the largest recession in history however we are spewing crud about no-spending however toke no reducibility for the fact that they created 83% of our current debt. More doom and gloom and finger pointing... blaming the guy in office for 2 years when this was created by their policies over the past 40.
The blame game at its best. However, the word I did not see is us. Both parties working together, taking responsibility fro their screw ups and actions, and actually doing their contract jobs, and that is what they are....Temp workers working on a contract. Everyone meet in the middle and get crap worked out...
Nothing like being right. Paul Ryan at least calls things for what they are.
So... What were his points again??? I must have missed them in all the talking points and nice sounding stuff... Sure Obama was not incredibly specific, but this speech has almost no content at all.
A challenge to all politicians – talk in terms of solutions – not what is wrong, bad and the other parties fault. Talk the win-win and cooperation because the enemy is negative energy that blocks the road to success for us all.
If Paul Ryan gets his way, we will be Somalia. No government and run by pirates. David Gergen is a retard who agrees
that America should be like Somalia.
Bummer. Politics again. Look, I'm an independent, but I'm seeing these folks talking past each other again. Obama correctly points out that government-sponsored basic research has helped stimulate whole new industries. Then Rep. Ryan comes on and says in a blanket statement NO, must cut taxes and shrink government. BWAAAA. Can't we do both? If we shifted just 5% of what we buy from overseas producers to American producers, we absolutely CAN do both. We...use individual Americans...need to make better choices and vote with our wallets. Turn away from cheap Wal-Mart foreign-made goods and invest in quality goods and services Made In America.
The Prresidents speech was so uplifting and right on. The response from Ryan was so downbeat from the Repullican side that I turned him off. Who needs to hear all the same complaints that have been said over and over by his side? Didn't he comprehend his Presidents speech and intent for change? As a memeber of the U.S.A. I am tired of this rhetoric from the Republicans. The citizens want both sides to work together, just as President Obama asked tonight. They should have gotten someone with more comprehension and optimism to give their Republicans sides take on the State of the Union Speech.
Seriously disappointed in CNN for granting the platform for Michelle Bachmann and the Tea Party. CNN is validating the Tea Party Republicans as a powerful entity, which makes me, and most people feel sick. CNN, please think about your role in encouraging and maintaining this nonsense. GOP already had a response. We got it. Just say no to the Tea Party, CNN.
And who is Ryan -elected by 100,00 people in a nation of millions – it's a presidential state of the union -nuff said – why do we a counter point by a persons only versed in party politics from a little bitty part of america – maybe Mr Ryan should put whatever he has on the same stage and be sucessful and have the support Obama recieved – I have no respect no do I care to ear what a person elected by such a small minototy of our country has to say
It's all sidestage – insanity
This guy was talking to himself, almost like he was looking at his mirror and loving himself for being a politician. For all their rethoric, republicans are wasting tax dollars trying to repeal health care much needed for all instead of trying to change certain things that aren't just right. To repeal health care means that we will never go back to protect the people from the greed of insurance companies. They invest billions in campaigns to secure GOPs in the House and Senate. They are not interest in what is good for the people but to their pockets. Don't be fooled GOPs won't come back with a new Health care that is good for the people!
"These are not easy times" is what Mr. Ryan says. Times are not easy because the previous Republican administrations spent money like there was no tomorrow. They took every dime America had in the bank and created a mountain of debt. They oversaw the subprime housing crisis, the almost collapse of GM and I suppose we are still looking for the Weapons of Mass Destruction because we are still paying for that mess. I find it hard to believe that Republicans can speak about not spending when there whole administration's policy's where based around "just print some more money and spend it"
Paul RYAN told several OUT RIGHT LIES this evening, you don't believe me? GOOGLE IT.
now we know why they call it re-BUTT-al
After President Obama's speech seemed so Gloomy and Doom. It almost seemed like he had NO BELIEF in American overcoming. He was basically saying "If you don't cut spending you might as well and go to a back alley and shoot yourself". I thought it was quite bad actually. Actually worse than Bobby Jindel's last year. Yes optics were bad for Jindel but Ryan's speech had no details ONLY death, despair, gloom and doom.
Two observations:
Small government allowed the economic damage caused by those on wall street.
2) Trust us (the republicans), if we repeal health care we will replace it with something better, but we won't tell you what it will be or how it will work.
Depending on bureaucracy to foster innovation, competitiveness and wise consumer choices has never worked – and it won't work now.
We need to chart a new course.
Speaking candidly, as one citizen to another: We still have time, but not much time. If we continue down our current path, we know what our future will be.
Just take a look at what's happening to Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom and other nations in Europe. They didn't act soon enough, and now their governments have been forced to impose painful austerity measures: large benefit cuts to seniors and huge tax increases on everybody.
Rep Ryan his Republican colleagues should perhaps do more research. The Irish economic problems are a direct result of the exact light-tough regulation and unrestricted laissez-faire policies (as applied to banking and the construction industry) that he and his colleagues espouse.
Republicans are just saying the same old thing. We need to get back. Get back to what BUSH who caused this mess. Try again buddy. Come up with something other that that
Nice words, no substance, no details as usual.
pig in a poke as usual.
Mr. Ryan – we are not republicans or democrats – we are Americans. You always say you'll cut, etc. etc. but the devil is in the details.....
Yes, yes, yes, we will balance this and balance that and cut taxes and reform healthcare, blah, blah..
Care to share even one specific idea on HOW you will accomplish any of this Mr. Ryan?
A classless response to a SOTU that resonated with the message of civility and a change in the tone of our public discourse and approach to problems.
Ryan just went back to the same old blame game. The same one he probably accused Democrats of playing with W. I just found it horrible. Terrible response.
And it has done more to help the poor than any other economic system ever designed.
Ha, ha, ha,....I almost died laughing, is this guy from Mars or what?
Please take a plane to northern europe or western europe, anywhere, the level of poverty seen in the Us is nowhere seen in developed countries, where taxes are higher on the rich and yes they are distributed to the poor or less fortunate and BTW let's dispel the myth that We are the greatest innovators on earth because it's years now that Europe beats us in terms of patents filed, this guy is clueless like most of the GOP, which created this mess we are in if we really want to assign blame. finally, from the chairman of the budget committee i was expecting at least an ability to do some simple math, the stimulus didn't create jobs but it's returning money with interest to the government unlike TARP, which was implemented by the Bush administration. clueless is ok being this guy a republican but i would have liked a little honesty.....(too much to ask to a republican?). BTW how is wisconsin doing now that it turned right and businesses are leaving like there is the plague there?
I found Paul Ryan's speech a reasoned one, although I don't agree with it. At one point he says, "Then the President and his party made matters even worse, by creating a new open-ended health care entitlement." But the new health care law is not an entitlement. Why does he claim it is an entitlement?
Old, tired, overused rhetoric with no factual support. Just the message alone that the Democrats are the ones that brought us from surplus to record deficit is so obiously inaccurate that it is enough to discredit any other words he speaks.
This is nothing new from the Republican base...all they claim is 'cut taxes' as the fix all. This will not work ..it has not worked. It's the same old rhetoric going nowhere that we've heard over and over. The continued spending started on the Republican watch. Our president has a strategic vision for the future and is taking us in the right direction. It's up to us to make sure we are able to read his roadmap ....
I agree our debt is overwhelming. What is underwhelming is that Rep. Ryan omitted to mention Bush (Republicans)/Neo-republican teaparty contributed to our debt. I hope America does not forget that!
blah blah blah
1.1 million jobs were created bc of the president. The GOP is full of hot air.
The Republicans stand for FEAR. Where are your plans? I have not heard them yet. Thanks to you GOP, the future appears dark and fearful. Wow, OMG.
This guy is an idiot! Where does he get his facts??
"Their day of reckoning has arrived. Ours is around the corner. That is why we must act now." I thought there would at least be a one month moratorium on fear mongering and hyperbole. I guess the GOP couldn't wait that long...
"We need to reclaim our American system of ... low taxes, reasonable regulations" we have the lowest taxes in 50 years and lack of regulation is what sent us into this crisis. It is not constructive to mislead the American Public.
funny, this guy didnt notice his taxes went down while Obama was in office. OOPS!! duh!
According to Michelle Bachman, Americans have a right to buy health insurance from companies that will cancel you at the first sign of illness. Even if it costs $1000 a month. Yeah, that is liberty. If you are rich. For those who can't afford the $1000 a
month United Healthcare premiums, screw you. THat's the tea party message. And what is amazing, the low income people
of the US will buy this BS from millionaires like Michelle. Why do people who live in trailers let those who live in mansions
tell them what to think?
Fine then Rep. Ryan... since we can't raise taxes because the rich need a tax cut... please cut the budget... start with defense cuts of 50%... then cut all other spending 50%... whammo balanced budget.
Good luck with that... and find out what happens to your party when you do.
i see far too much inaccurate spin, here ... "failed" stimulus and we're on track to have record profits this year. failed by who's measure?
just one example of conservative twaddle.
So... in reality... the GOP hasn't actually developed any of these plans. In particular... they want to repeal the Health Care legislation... again... without any plan to insure over 50 million Americans who have no health insurance! Sounds like a pig-in-a-poke to me!
I don't get it. All I heard was a self serving partisan serving up republican doom and gloom and bashing the opposing party. This guy is the intellegence of the republican party? His ideas are simplistic and will impact those most vulnerable harshly. He talks of an american government that essentially leaves everyone to fend for themselves. Then you have the completely clueless tea party speaker with her I don't even know where to begin, except to say, if she represents tea party thinking god help us!
First he says there is no one president to blame for the mess we are in and then he turns around and blames Obama.
Typical politics again....
So sick of all these politics.
Corporations play politics do – but the only difference is that corporations come to some agreement and keeping moving forward.
Here – if there's disagreement – that's it.
I propose that if there is major legislation that impacts us (The American People), that we have an option to vote for it during elections.
Instead, the Republicans/Democrats say – "Hey, it's not want the Americans want". How the heck do they know? I don't recall anyone asking me.
So tired of all this.
Regardless of all this rhetoric – I Love My Country!
I would listsen to you guys, except for the fact you had 2 Bush wars going on, off the books...you have no room to criticize..I support my President and the American people.
First he says there is no one president to blame for the mess we are in and then he turns around and blames Obama.
Typical politics again....
So sick of all these politics.
Corporations play politics to – but the only difference is that corporations come to some agreement and keep moving forward.
In Washington – if there's disagreement – that's it.
I propose that if there is major legislation that impacts us (The American People), that we have an option to vote for it during elections.
Instead, the Republicans/Democrats say – "Hey, it's not want the Americans want". How the heck do they know? I don't recall anyone asking me.
So tired of all this.
Regardless of all this rhetoric – I Love My Country
Wow, what an inspiring speech. I really hope this hit home. We would like to see the American people prosper once again. You cannot spend or borrow your way out of debt, simple as that. Perhaps it is time to stop building military bases all over the world and start educating those troops to be the next pioneers of innovation. God bless the american citizens. May they live free lives, no longer shackled by fear but hopeful of a better tomorrow.
President Obama has grand ideas and paints a beautiful picture of an America that I think many of us desire. I don't think that these ideas are "too much" for our government to handle because according to him, we the people will help to secure them. If we can become the nation of educated innovators and wise businesspeople set forth in his speech, we'll have a better chance at getting on the right track.
It took almost ten years to put this country into the negative position it is in now – and yet only two years have passed since the president's election. Our government needs more time to heal the damage; at least the same amount of time that passed to cause it. This government needs both time and the change that has been spoken of so passionately. If that change means that the power it has must grow, then let it be so; but only if the increase in power favors the citizen. There should be nothing to fear from a large government that has the common person's well being in mind.
Here's to hoping our country bands together to face this coming future with a positive outlook.
the reason the unemployment rate is still the same is that technology is making us more efficient. his call for becoming the most innovative country is on point. We need tax incentives for companys to BUILD and MANUFACTURE HERE!!! Plain and simple. Technology is making us more productive, but at the cost of jobs, so we need to give companies better tax rates if they are producing here. Technology will move us forward, but not when we are reliant on other countries making our goods.
Free enterprise could work in an ideal world. I have to say that this isn't an ideal world. People can't always pull themselves up by their bootstraps because the straps are too small or they have no boots to begin with. Deregulation of the stockmarket lead to much of the collapse. Because there are those that want to make money only for themselves and have little regard for the consequences, we need regulations to help protect those that can't do it for themselves.
After listening to this clown Paul Ryan, I am sorry to say that I am originally from Wisconsin.
The GOP response sounded more like venom, it kind of put me off after listening to the president reach out...
This was horrible. Fear and God, Nice but not my cup of tea. Go scare your neighbors with that.....
I want to first state that the speech the president gave was great. One thing I have to agree with if the Rep. and the Demo. party could work together. Since this president been in office there has been some great changes to get this country back on the right track. When President Bush was in office with all respect to him the Rep party and himself messed up everything. Now that we have someone in office trying to work together and fix this WORK TOGETHER.. I am tried of Rep. people like Paul Ryan always talking negative...DID YOU REALLY HAVE THIS SAME TALK WHEN BUSH WAS IN OFFICE NO NO NO... You will be up for reelection I pray that you lose your seat.
Take your disagreements and COMPROMISE. Two steps forward and two steps back is wasting time. Fix what you got and move on.
Problem is the neo-cons will still make a priority of spending 800 dollars on a Pentagon toilet seat before putting food on a baby's table.
Paul Ryan's comments are full of hypocracy. When will the Republicans ever take responsibility for their role in destroying our economy instead of falsely putting all the blame on Obama? Repubicans claim to want to reduce our deficit but they created enormous problems with 2 unfunded wars and the unfunded drug prescription program – all costing us trillions of dollars that were not budgeted for, leading to massive debts. Remember fall of 2008 and the near collapse of our economy into a 2nd Great Depression – Bush and the Republican majority caused this and Obama has been working to correct their ineptitudes (while these same Republicans have worked to discredit and dismantle all of Obama's efforts to fix these problems). I will never have an ounce of faith with these Republicans since I can't help but feel they are systematically destroying our democracy but I don't understand why?
Glad we are moving forward. In this day and age those same founding fathers would be moving forward as well. We are living in 2011 not 1776.
Paul,
This rhetoric is old. You and your party have yet to put own one solid idea on how to improve healthcare, how to improve education, how to improve jobs. In November, your party quickly sold us jobs, you won and the next day pulled the rug from underneath the people and began attacking healthcare. Sure, you backpedalled and then referred to it as a job killing bill, but you never sold your message as to why, showed evidence, nor came up with a solution of your own.
If you're worried about your three children, start by setting an example.
"And it now falls to this generation to pass on to our children a nation that is stronger, more vibrant, more decent, and better than the one we inherited."
In other words, do exactly what the President said.
Republicans want to cut spending. The three largest national budget items are Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and National Defense. Old people vote Republican more often than not and are often outspoken when it comes to cutting government spending.
Solution: Mandatory euthanasia for everyone on their 65th birthday. Also, spend less on our outrageous military. But wait, that means that the GOP voter base would be smaller, thus ushering in more Dems!!! I guess they are handcuffed to futility.
Hmmm so basically he is saying this. "While I agree that things need to change, it's everyone's fault that things are the way they are. And there is no one to blame but us all. But really it's all the President's and Democrats fault." Typical rhetoric of a typical Republican. What happened to the party of Lincoln? The party of.... that's the only good Republican president I can think of.
Very well spoken! Thats what AMERICA is all about.
this speech was more right-wing rhetoric with no substance. how disappointing. i was so prepared to hear they were willing to work on real compromise to accomplish goals.
too bad the party responses to a president's sotu are prepared, pat party speeches instead of real rebuttals.
OK Representative Ryan...so what are your "specifics"? Please stop talking rhetorically and tell me what it is exactly that you and the Republicans plan to do? Part of my frustration as a registered Republican is that the party talks in words that sound great (We have time, we are at a moment, we have an obligations, yada yada yada)...tell me specifically what it is that our party is going to do and how it will affect me. And tell me in plain and simple English, not lawyer-like legislative lingo.
I was actually thoroughly impressed with Mr. Ryan's response to the President. To be honest, I was very surprised that neither side resorted to childish attacks. Not a terrible SOTU.
So I'm wondering when the republicans are going to finally own up to the fact that we are going to have to raise taxes on rich people as one of the things we need to do in order to get us out of this deficit. When these fools finally admit this, then I will consider voting republican again.
Umm, well, yes. There is a limit to what anyone can deliver after an Obama speech, and Paul Ryan certainly surpassed his limit of fear mongering and innuendo, even by Republican standards; quite inspiring in its ... be very afraid ... message of unity and hope.
Classic!!!….finally a remake to “it’s a wondersful life”…..This guys actually said…”we’re transforming our social safety net into a hammock which lulls able-bodied workers into lives of complacency and dependency”…...you tell ‘em Ryan. At least these jokers have finally moved on from quoting Reagan to quoting Mr. Potter…….what does this “social safety net” get us…..”a discontented lazy rabble, instead of a thrifty working class!”
I would imagine that DARPA, NASA and government funded research institutions count as government bureaucracies. I would guess Paul Ryan thinks nothing good every came of that.
Most economic professionals think that we need to stimulate the economy and tax the very wealthy, not exactly the thing that Republicans want to see. Maybe this guy would think differently if unemployment hit 15%. And exactly where were you the previous 8 years when W was around, and increasing the Federal Deficit with his wars and the tax refunds that he couldn't pay for? And the prescription drugs that he couldn't pay for?
The Republican party is either schizophrenic or has Alzheimer's. This guy at least sounds more competent than Jindal, I give him that.
where is the response? Agree or disagree with the Presidents ideas, this response was canned and so far as I can tell doesnt contain one rebuttle to any ideas floated by the president. In fact it talks about the President and Dems wanting a larger gov't even though the President just spoke about reorganizing it.
Again I would have a lot more to say in favor of this response if it was actually a response and not a "the president is wrong because he is a Dem".
The President gave a good speech encouraging bipartisanship to solve our country's problems. He did not criticize his predecessor nor did he criticize the republican party or the tea party. He surely did promote a number of democratic policies, however he also recognized and praised a few republican initiatives. This was not a bad effort for a Democratic president. Unfortunately I do not see that bipartisan approach in Paul Ryan's speech. There is a lot of criticism of the Democratic party's policies and those of the President. I voted for progress – not for partisanship. Hey Paul – if we are to make progress as a country you need to look for common ground and work with the other side. Otherwise get out and give someone else a go.
I thought Ryan's speech was somewhat muddled. He said the government was "controls too much; taxes too much; and spends too much". He wants "limited government" and "regulatory reform".
And then he says the proper role of limited government is "to protect innocent life… to ensure equal opportunity … to help provide a safety net...[to] promote entrepreneurship". How much does that sound like a generic liberal politician speaking?
Apparently the government is supposed to "ensure equal opportunity" without regulating anyone. "Create the conditions [for] individual responsibility while providing a "safety net". "Protect innocent life" without spending any money.
And finally we have the call for "lower taxes". Even though current tax rates are lower than in 65 of the past 78 years. Even though Bush 43 proposed the current rates and Republican Congress approved them.
A muddled speech. Calling for less spending and limited government. But offering no actual cuts while agreeing with many of the core programs of big government. Calling for lower taxes even though taxes are near an 80 year low. Muddled.
Having mentioned several parts of the preamble, why did he forget to mention "promote the general welfare?"
Yo Ryan, where's your numbers that Health Care Reform is ballooning the deficit. I'd be ok if I saw them, but you make it sound like I have to take your word on the matter.
For once... Let us be united regardless what we believe. This can happen if you make it happen. No more words, no more debates, lets just do it! God bless America and our troops!!
"government shouldnt be picking winners and loosers" wat kind indiotic comment is this. this is exactly why ppl with half a brain or common sense reason can see the GOP are bereft of any ideas but sound bites and catch phrases.."job killer" "purnishing sucess" wat kinda ppl buy into this nonsense and really wat elected official even in his/her own self interest would wana purnish sucess. we need workable solutions and ideas not placards and poster signs!!
So, Obama doesn't attack anyone, but acknowledges some of the mistakes he's made, and every time he talks about his plan, he says democrats and republicans. He doesn't differentiate.
Here, all the GOP does is attack Obama and refer to what Republican's are going to do.
Complete difference in rhetoric.
So NOW the republicans are going to do something? What happened to the last two years?
Typical Republicon rhetoric. When will the GOP take responsibility for what they caused? President Obama may not be doing the best job of fixing the problems caused by the Bush administration, but if they didn't make this mess in the first place, he wouldn't have had to try.
The Republican response was grim, dire and filled with doom and gloom. This is the time we need to be looking for fresh,innovative and workable solutions to an economic problem that is improving and will continue to do so if we stay positive and continue to implement new ideas.
A republican talking about smaller government and less spending, but with no specific proposals.....Yawn.
Is this the best Republicans had to put up against someone of Obama's caliber? They are in big big trouble.
Here's my rebuttal response to Rep. Ryan.
It seems Ryan is using recycled talking points on the need for fiscal responsibility when it was his party that created it for the past thirty years by fixing the tax codes that tip the tax burden from the wealthy to the middle class all in the name of trickled down economic promoted by Arthur Laffer. Even today he's still looking for validation of his theory.
While it is true that both parties are directly responsible for the mess however it is the corporations' and special interest grouos' donations created the environment we are and it is not going away until it is truly fixed.
Lastly the Republicans have not apologized to the American people for the deregulatory mess that spawned the Great Recession with it 9% unemployment rate and shows no signs of going down for quite some time. Let's not forget that banks shares that responsibilty for it and fix it on their own.
Thank you and good night.
Excellent response to the clueless Obama with regards to this country's fiscal choices. Obama wants stick his head up his behind, pretend nothing is wrong and spend more on new programs. Ryan wants to tackle the problem and solve it. I wish Ryan was in the Whitehouse instead of this clueless idiot.
I did not read this entire speech, and I probrably should before I make my comment, but I am not.
Rep Paul Ryan in this Photo and on T.V. appears to be a disturbed individual.
Clearly Mr Ryan thinks everyone has a bad memory and forgets that it was GWB who started us down this path of financial crisis with all the wars he started, that Sir is the #1 reason we are in the shape we are and it was YOUR party that put us there. Time to place responsibilty where it belongs!!
An outstanding speech by Congressman Paul Ryan. He has laid out a course for us to follow to restore vitality to our economy without sacrificing our freedoms. God Bless Paul Ryan !
Wow. Ryan speaks like a Liberal. I guess you really can have liberals in the GOP.
Representative Ryan makes the case that we should reduce the size and scope of our government. Unfortunately he does not recognize the role that the Republicans had in creating this increase. Statistics do not lie.
The financial help available to states was necessary. Those states that used the funds wisely put some of their people back to work. Some of the infrastructure was rebuilt. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, we are paying for it. However, the Republican idea that this was bad is their opinion. We had to spend money to make money.
Rep. Ryan's speech was was good but the speech does not include how their ideas will be implemented. We need the basic information and we need to know what will be done.
The two parties have a chance to work together for the common good. Let us all hope this happens.
I have seen this bullshiit before. But I have never believed I will see it in the US of A. Now I saw it. I see also how this country is petting the chinese. Just look at the commercials on CNN. Money to be the cause ? Hm, where the principles are ? Oh, yeah, USA has forgot about them. They take them from the "locked box" when it is convenient to the INS, and they drop them back in the same box when is also...convenient to them.
Just Sick and tired. Because USA doesn't have to give lessons to anyone, anymore ! Many of us were almost to dye for a FREEDOM idea. I see it just doesn't matter anymore. Shame !
He was condescending, insincere, his eyes were bloodshot and his tan was orange. Is this guy a Bohner in training? How these guys lie through thier teeth and give no detailed solutions to how THEY would actually fix anything is beyond me.
Im waiting for the media to call him out on it, but thats like waiting for pigs to fly...
Read the comments carefully. Nothing was said of substance. I hope that in the comind weeks, we see substantive effort by our "elected" leaders to actually move this country along a path that Americans can feel comfortable with. A great starting point would be to carefully examine the relationship between military contractors and Congress. If you are looking to trim fat, that is the biggest pig on the block.
I'm holding you accountable for not giving the Tea Party representative the same national air time that you were given. Everyone knows what Obama is. Are you people scared to impeach him because he is black or you just plain chicken. You know he is out to destroy this country and you're letting him. DO SOMETHING ANYTHING NOW.
its utterly amazing how every effort seems to be just to go all out and destroy the ruling party's position. it doesn't even remotely matter if the plans in place need time to create a results. The main intent is cause confusion, distract from the solution and ensure its derailed. IF this is really the beauty of Democracy, then it's truly downright ugly.
Mr Ryan I Joe you've got better sence than than you partner miss baukman. America is running a co
Petition with the Chinese the Indians and most of the developing world, big corporations are not bound to America any more they are bound to the world, They are a world capitalism entity now. Why you think they keep screaming deregulation. If you take away Americas fregling demand power from us, big businesses will take their businesses to china if they don't their CO will be looking for a job somewhere else, people are in big business to make money not for patriotism as some will. Allow the ignorant to think. The only thing America has going for us right now is our shaky demand power, if we lose that, big corporations will take their businesses else where robbing our economy of; jobs, revenues, and confidence. This will have a domino affect sending our economy back where the dems just got us from. And I doubt if we have the will, or the personnel, ( with the congress change) to bring us back again, not with our government depleted budgets. You cannot start cutting money from the spenders and stimulus drivers in the economy, and leave the arm forces, who spend most of their pay checks buying stuff over seas in other people's country, building up their economies. Why do we have so much bases over seas any way. All I am saying be careful of what you cut and how much, that means taking ideology out of the equation, and cut the things that will not be destructive to our recovery.
Nice little dodge tucked in there, Mr. Ryan. While no one party is responsible for ALL the deficit, the VAST MAJORITY of that deficit is due to you reckless neocons and Friedman/Rand cultists with your "off the books" wars of choice and your tax cuts for the ultrarich that NEVER pay for themselves in terms of making up lost revenue. So spare us all more of your GOBP nonsense.