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Patch's Poll: Romney Picks Paul Ryan as VP; What's Your Take?

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney settles on a fiscally conservative member of the House of Representatives as his running mate in the 2012 election.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has chosen Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate for the November election.

Romney announced the decision in a press release Saturday morning, titled “America’s Comeback Team,” as well as through his “Mitt’s VP” smart phone app.

Ryan, 42, is in his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Wisconsin’s First District. He’s also a chairman of the House Budget Committee, and last year he unveiled a counter budget titled “Roadmap for America’s Future,” which proposed to eliminate the federal deficit over a multi-year period.

Democrats and liberals derided the budget, however, saying it focused more on cuts to spending for social programs and less on tax cuts for the wealthy.

The Huffington Post notes that both liberals and conservatives will be “thrilled” with Romney’s choice.

Do you think Mitt Romney made the right choice in choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate in the 2012 presidential race? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments.

Tony M August 12, 2012 at 02:04 am
He has lost the votes of us senior citizens who depend on Medicare for our health coverage.
Obama will be reelected.
American Warrior "Day Of Honor" August 12, 2012 at 11:21 am
Put the "work" back in welfare.
According to the author of the welfare reform bill, that Clinton signed, Mr. Obama gutted the work requirement and it got slipped under the radar. Good way to buy votes but I suggest this country was built on hard work, self reliance and the dignity in yourself and family. Yes Mr Obama....WE AND ALL OUR FAMILY BEFORE US BUILT THIS COUNTRY ON HARD WORK...NOT SITTING HOME COLLECTING CHECKS FOR <LIFE.> Enough scammers. As a hard working individual, w/ Parents who were from poverty themselves, whose Parents came from Italy, worked....YES WORKED to build thier life here. It might not be upperclass, not even upper middle class... but as lower middle class to finally middle class...they were happy. They achieved more than the generation before. And as thier chldren, so did we. Thats the dream. It is achievable on our own, to what ever degree...but it is built on work. We may not ever have the riches some have but we have the backbone...and a happy and simple life. I resent seeing generational welfare, social sec. disability hoaxes. Everyone in this country should be outraged over the amount of scammers. If I know even one person who is scamming the system, collecting welfare or SS disablilty..I have and will continue to report. I met someone aged 56, who is on SSdisability for panic attacks she had back in 1999. Give me a break. In her eyes, she feels if they continue the checks, why say no to it. Come on...
Joe August 12, 2012 at 01:04 pm
Currently, Medicare is a "defined benefit" insurance plan. This means that once you qualify {in these cases by age or certain health situations) you are guaranteed access and care. Under the Romney/Ryan/Republican budget, they want to change Medicare to a "defined contribution" plan. This means they will put so much money out there and you have to make up the difference. They can raise or lower that amount at will. They call it "premium support" which not only doesn't guarantee access, but it doesn't guarantee care and coverage. Even if the "traditional Medicare plan" is kept, they will only support it so much and the consumer has to make up the difference or go without insurance. The insurance companies will make traditional Medicare the dumping ground for higher risk insured's which further drives up the cost and therefore since they cap the "premium support" means less access and coverage. Even though they say it will only effect people 55 and younger, there is nothing to prevent them from saying we have an emergency now, we can't afford to support a dual system for ten years and you should benefit from their great plan NOW! Those on Medicare should be VERY concerned about the Republican's potential for bait and switch NOW in the name of some sort of voter mandate if they win control of the White House and Congress.
R Eleveld August 12, 2012 at 05:37 pm
Joe, show me where it is written in a government based document (XX.GOV) or a mainstream newspaper(NY Times, B Herald, LA Times, W Post C Tribune, etc.) or Magazine (Time, Newsweek, etc.). If it is true I would like to read and understand what it says.
Consider Joe a conversation I had a few days ago with a 68 y.o. retiree on Medicare. His Primary Care Physician(PCP) was leaving practice to go to teaching. Why was not discussed. The retiree has to look for a new PCP. The first 2 doctors said thank you, but no thank you. The third he is trying to see via another Dr. Why is this happening? Consider that to "save" money Medicare reduced the amount PCP's receive and increased the work load and mandates. These things together mean a higher cost, and less income. So, Joe, will you work harder for less money? Not happily. The next problem is Insurance Co. tie their rates to what Medicare pays. So when Medicare "saves" money the insurers save money and that holds rates down. I suggest every person have a conversation at their next checkup with their Doctor and ask what the Dr. thinks of Medicare or the problems with Medicare and the practice of PCP type medicine. Do not show your political views. Just ask open ended non judgmental questions. This is not about politics it is about medicine and your health. Then you can decide.
Jerry O'Connor August 12, 2012 at 05:44 pm
Ryan's budget plan is built on theories that have yet to be proven. He might be right. His plan -- though a tough pill to swallow for many elderly and middle and low income folks -- might actually work in the long term. Problem is, people don't eat and demand the healthcare they need in the "long term."
A mute point, though. Because Ryan's budget has zero chance of being enacted over the next four years.
R Eleveld August 12, 2012 at 06:20 pm
Joe, I am wondering if the concept you are talking about is similar to the Dutch system which is ranked as the #1 healthcare system compared to: US, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and New Zealand.
It is a combination of mandatory health insurance with a mandated minimum, and various government elements for care more so on the long term. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_the_Netherlands http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/vws http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/27/3/771?ijkey=DsTX9syExLZLc&keytype=ref&siteid=healthaff Malpractice is another element of costs.... "In the Netherlands the total number of liability claims per year is about 2500, 100 of which are taken to court." [Note the population was ~16.5MM in 2005] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16440864 The number of "claims" in the US was not available. Kaiser Family Foundation says there were 9,497 paid claims. The US Population is 311,5MM and that works out to .003%. In The Netherlands that number works out to (16.5MM/100) .0006% a factor of 5. It is not clear and I was not able to easily uncover the same data points. In Canada it is very very difficult to take action against your doctor.
John August 12, 2012 at 08:16 pm
He gives us a distict choice. If you are among the 1%, live off investments (not referring to retirement), and want to protect your position and your wealth, you have a good choice in Romney/Ryan. If you live off wages, salary, small business income, and want to see growth both for yourself and for others, you have a good choice in Obama/Biden. Isn't democracy wonderful?
R Eleveld August 12, 2012 at 09:18 pm
I think you need to rephrase that.
If the last 4 years have not been working for you, then you have a clear choice, and it is OK to make a change. If you want to continue the "hope" with the economy, high unemployment, unknown tax increases on all levels of government and the true unknown of PPACA or Obamacare and Dodd-Frank, you also have a clear choice. Ryan is one of the few that seems to actually understand the numbers, and Romney had success with Bain, and the Olympics. He also sees the failures in the Mass. version of the "PPACA" experiment and does not want all Americans to suffer. Then again you have a choice. If a troubled experiment is the basis of a grander experiment, and you want to take that risk, then you too have a choice. I find it interesting that Obama/Biden gave up on the "Hope" slogan and now uses the "Forward." slogan. Looking "Forward" to more of the same vs Romney/Ryan and a real change!
Reagan August 13, 2012 at 12:52 am
Unbelievable response, I am far from a welfare state supporter and feel that many people must take personal accountability. If you have been alive or at least not brain dead for the past decade, most monetary bailouts were given to the large corporations and wall street. It is funny how when bad business practices and fiscal irresponsibility the large corporations and banks have no problem taking tax payer dollars. If you are a millionaire, be pleased with your choices, if not then be prepared to sacrifice your standard of living for the common good. The tax breaks will continue to benefit the very wealthy. The civil services you have come to depend on such as fire, police, teachers etc. will be cut. The welfare you are so worried about will be the least of your worries when it is your own personal sacrifice you will be willing to pay to keep the very rich happy. This choice as VP has already given Obama a solid win - remember Florida.
James Bond August 13, 2012 at 02:43 pm
No one is going to use Ryan's ideas for now,he's the VP.Ryan was hired to be the "attack dog"........not to offer policy.
And as far as R Eleveld is concerned; under Bush the unemployment rate was high, Bush raised taxes MORE than the President has and the only increase under Bush was the death rate in the miltary because of lies and the stupidity of going to war with no clue in mind other than 'we gootta get someone' mentality.
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 03:07 pm
Yes, but not as high as Obama -- see below.
I am not a fan of the war and I believe there is more out there we do not know. Since Obama did not unilaterally withdraw, that would indicate to me there is more to the story. "Bush raised taxes more"?, after all they constantly talk about the Bush tax cuts. You maybe confused with Bush #1, who raised taxes and that actually was a reason the economy picked up in Clinton's time. The current economic problems are the huge unknowns Obama created, and those unknowns have hampered business people around the country. No one knows what Obamacare means other than the usually pablum, we do not know yet what it means for business and the myriad of new unknown taxes and how they will be enforced. Do you really know what it will cost or how it will work? You know the 5,000 foot concept without specifics. People do not make investments or expand businesses into totally unknown environments, where government edict can do so much harm. We also have the Dodd-Frank situation that is forcing Banks to hold onto cash (reserves) because they still do not know what Dodd-Frank means. Unemployment Source: http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore%3Fds%3Dz1ebjpgk2654c1_%26met_y%3Dunemployment_rate%26idim%3Dcountry:US%26fdim_y%3Dseasonality:S%26dl%3Den%26hl%3Den%26q%3Dunemployment%2Brate&rct=j&sa=X&ei=pBQpUOPIKOX_6wHRw4CQBA&sqi=2&ved=0CFgQ6xYwAA&q=unemployment+rate&usg=AFQjCNEzvVfMoCsXe4hmmp2cWDBbO6nFFw
Cari August 13, 2012 at 03:51 pm
Really Tony? Were you aware that the Healthcare Act is cutting billions from Medicare? That means more money out of your pocket. I would suggest you rethink your vote in November and pay a little less attention to Obama's scare tactic that the Republicans are throwing Granny off a cliff because it is not true. See below. This is how the Obama Admin. is protecting the elderly and Medicare.
“Reduce funding for Medicare Advantage policies: $132 billion /Reduce Medicare home health care payments: $40 billion /Reduce certain Medicare hospital payments: $22 billion “
Dean August 13, 2012 at 04:38 pm
I saw the chart and it looks like unemployment is headed in the right direction. It is not just Obama that is causing the unknowns, it is the fact that Congess refuses to do anything. Say what you will about Pelosi and Reid, but they worked with Bush far more McConnell and Boehner were willing to work with Obama.. Their attitude not just privately, but publicly was to make Obama a one term president regardless of the consequences. Gingrich worked with Clinton after the shut down, and Tipp O'Neal worked with Raegan. The point is ... It will not make a difference who wins the election, because if Romney goes in their like a Bull in a China shop, Harry Reid will filibuster everything Romney tries to do, Romney will have to publicly come out and say he is willing to reach a compromise on issues. It will be the same thing if Obama wins.
American Warrior "Day Of Honor" August 13, 2012 at 05:08 pm
Let us remember that Obama and the Democrats had full control the
first couple years. He could have jumped right in and worked on the REAL problem of the economy.... his concentration only included his health care act. Now his backpeddling is causing me to ditch my democratic heritage and go for a change. The last "hope and change" hasnt worked in my most families I know. I like him as a person but he should have addressed all the problems he said he inherited. He said he would and he didnt. keep the promise. "We'll have to pass it to see whats in it Pelosi"... oh brother. No one in the country has any idea still to this day what on earth what Obamacare is going to cost us not to mention small business owners. I, myself have had my own small business prospect on hold for two years. Im afraid to open my own.. to many unknowns. Since Obama started promoting his own health care plan our premiums have sky rocketed. If anyone says different, please ask your friends how much thier insurance coverage has changed...and not for the better. Coincidence... I think not... The insurance companies knew what was coming down the pike. Face it, if we do not perform favourable in our jobs, we are given the boot and rightfully so. Ill take the chance with the other party this time. I spend too much time worrying about another four years of hope and change... Im willing to take a chance on a new fresher idea... it cant get any worse. Just my opinion.
Karen Blanchard August 13, 2012 at 05:46 pm
The Romney/Ryan ticket will reduce government spending off the backs of workers, the elderly and the poor. The outsourcing of American jobs will continue so corporate America can profit from countries where workers are not protected by labor laws or safety requirements. Medicare will be a voucher system substantially increasing health care costs for those who need it most, the elderly. All so the rich can profit from healthcare stocks. Romney/Ryan would bring this country back to the robber baron days where the rich lorded over the poor masses. Its a disgusting scenario I don't want to see. I will take my chances on another 4 years of Obama/Biden. At least they wont rob from the poor to give to the rich. As far as Obama not doing what he promised, its quite difficult when the Rebublicans have blocked everything he has tried to fix, even things they previously agreed with. This has been the worst Congress in history since the Tea Party wins in 2010.
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 05:51 pm
You might want to mention reducing expenditures and at the same time having more retirees qualifying for services. Someone tells me how that is going to work?
Would you want to work harder or see more people for less money?
American Warrior "Day Of Honor" August 13, 2012 at 06:08 pm
What about the first 2 yrs of democratic control...wouldnt that have
been the time to take advantage of all the changes he has wanted to make in the election year????
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 06:18 pm
Yes the chart appears to indicate the trend is "positive" However also consider that starting in 2008-09 3-4MM started retiring annually, so the trend should be sharper and it is not.
The Dems ran the government for 2 years. Then they lost the House but still control the Senate. So not sure about the McConnell thing it is Reid that runs the show on the Senate side. Yes I know about the cloture rule. It just means to avoid a filibuster you need 60%, it does not mean you can't put forth legislation. I do not hear much compromise on the Dem side.... They rammed Obamacare through and then Dodd-Frank. So I would think it is the kettle calling the pot black. Park the rhetoric and look for solutions. I have put many forth, and no one picks up on them, because it is more fun to bash.
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 06:28 pm
The comment you made in paragraph #3 is what is keeping the economy from moving forward. Businesses are PEOPLE, and the vast majority of PEOPLE all act the same in the same scenario. When you are faced with multiple unknowns (Obamacare and Dodd-Frank) you default to doing nothing until the dust settles.
Relative to paragraph #4, Ask your employer what the costs of healthcare have done since 2009. Remember if you have employer offered healthcare, your cost might be a fraction of the real cost. I was not able to find a reference chart for this.
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 06:45 pm
Karen, if you really believe in your comments, buy stock of some health insurance providers or mutual fund. Then you can complain about being a member of the wealthy. I think you will be wrong.
Obama controlled the government for 2 years, so I am not sure what the problem was in not passing things. He got Obamacare through Dodd-Frank, the Consumer protection department that is not accountable and already is costing consumers MORE. So not sure the basis of your argument 'it is all the Republicans fault'. The more government gets involved in the economy the more wealth will rest with those that have the money to play the game. Government controls many aspects of the economy and it by its rules, regulations and actions make the rich richer. Look at corn, corn is being diverted to the production of ethanol and not to feed or food. So tell me are higher food prices better than less ethanol? Corn costs more because of shortage due to drought, and Obama won't drop the ethanol requirement. Limited supply = higher prices. Gas goes up because it MUST contain ethanol. Who benefits, the rich farmers, the AG businesses, the oil companies. Who loses, the consumers. The rich get richer and Obama wants to help. Not sure how the Republicans are at fault. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/ethanol-production-slows-drought-pushes-gas-prices-higher_n_1772104.html?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=Green
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 06:46 pm
Judy, they will tell you not to confuse the discussion with logic.
American Warrior "Day Of Honor" August 13, 2012 at 07:03 pm
R. Eleveld, I appreciate reading your interesting take on things, keep up the
great and articulate work.
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 07:14 pm
TY
James Bond August 13, 2012 at 07:39 pm
Theory Only;
It seems to me that presidents are afraid to make moves that aren't centrist, until their second term.The gamble is,will they get a second term? I think this because the second term means NO third term so you don't have to pander to any group(s). So to Judy's point about the first two years,(I agree not much done as promised) with democractic control I wonder( believe ) it was calculated to not do anything that would polarize people.Imagine if this is consistantly true.Then one could make the claim that no president will do anything in his or her first term. Very Sad!!
Karen Blanchard August 13, 2012 at 09:04 pm
Hey R Eleveld how about letting others comment without your opinion after every post
R Eleveld August 13, 2012 at 09:31 pm
Looking for someone to blame? Congress is a good place to start: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-07-11/news/os-ed-charley-reese-545-column-07111120110711_1_congress-votes-deficits-bureaucracy
This is 10 years old and still so very true.
James Bond August 13, 2012 at 10:46 pm
I have a rebel thought...vote for no one.Leave Congress and the White House empty for awhile.What could happen.............maybe nothing like what they're doing now.
Also, don't pay taxes next April.They would have to take notice,because every time we vote in a NEW person no matter the party they ignore the people who put them there. They make Pete Towsend look like a freakin' genius " meet the new boss same as the old boss"......scream!!!! Footnote to my recent post; The president no matter who they are can't raise or lower taxes. ONLY Congress has that power.........see Constitution of the United States.Congress has/is a $$$$ club.As it was pointed out in an earlier post.....55million to join and the price is going up each election. Man I hate being negetive, but the death of the great Red Sox Johnny Pesky has me down. Everyone have a cocktail.........I'm about to be one ahead of you:)
tina bourke August 22, 2012 at 09:07 pm
Boy well said about congress refusing to do anything!
tchjjal August 22, 2012 at 09:28 pm
America will not survive with Obama in office for another 4 years. Look where we're going? We're at 16 trillion in "the hole". Another $1.2 trillion in deficit is projected in 2012....there are no jobs.... the stimulus is spent on bankrupted "green" companies and his union buddies....illegal aliens are now about to receive tax refunds for money they didn't make, etc. etc. There are no incentives for people to work. This is a disaster!
kathy chiappetta August 22, 2012 at 11:13 pm
I believe everyone gets a chance to respond, Karen. R. E. is quick and knowledgable, but hasn't dictated that you or anyone else cannot respond. LOLLLL

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