I agree, but Ryan is exceptionally eloquent at explaining the problems facing us. He would be a worthy choice in my opinion.
Oh, I agree completely. I'm referring to those conservatives who are quick to ditch any politician, including Ryan, if they do one thing that isn't ideologically pure. In Ryan's case, supporting Romney.
Those people are committing the same strategic flaw Hitler did on the Eastern Front. A rigid, unreasonable order to hold the line, never retreat tactically even if it gives you a strategic advantage, etc.. And that is a losing strategy.
If there are politicians whom we trust in general to try to move this country in the right direction, we've got to allow them some tactical political flexibility as to how to achieve that. "No retreat, constant attack" is a recipe for failure, because your enemies will figure that out, lure you into untenable positions, and obliterate you.
For example, Obama is making huge political mileage out of the supposed "subsidies" given to oil and gas companies. It's a ridiculous argument, and the amounts at issue are tiny. So now is the time when the GOP should call his bluff. Bohener and McConnell should make a joint statement: "These aren't subsidies. It is the same kind of tax treatment other American companies receive, such as not being forced to pay taxes twice, both overseas and here, on money earned overseas. Eliminating these provisions will further increase oil and gas prices, and hurt domestic supplies. But if you're going to lie to the American people about that to score political points for reelection, fine. We'll give it to you, and see if you're willing to put your signature where your rhetoric is. But the American people should know ahead of time that those higher prices and shorter supplies will be on your head. So here's your bill if you want to sign it."
It would turn the politics of the issue around completely, and hurt him. And we're only talking a few billion anyway, so it won't actually cripple the industry. But the political benefits in November, after a summer of ridiculously high prices, may be enormous.