Follow What They Do, Not What They Say

Posted by Michael Bryan

The key to understanding the contradictions between Republican rhetoric and Republican governance is to keep your eye firmly on what they do, not what they say. The GOP currently is framing itself as the "small government, cut spending" party. What they actually do, however, is spend freely on their own constituencies (big oil, financial services, military contractors, the super-wealthy, etc.) and those that they are courting (seniors, especially).

Watch this installment of the Maddow Show for a great run-down of what the GOP, and Ryan in particular have actually DONE:

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Now let's take a look at what Rep. Paul Ryan SAYS in response to Obama's SOTU. You get a much more enlightening view of Ryan's rhetoric after the Maddow segment.

With the proper context, it is clear to see that Ryan's response merely showers the listener with the same tired bromides about fiscal discipline and smaller government that constitute the ideological appeal of the Republican party, while give absolutely no plan for overcoming the challenges our nation faces. The only concrete proposal Ryan mentions is repealing "Obamacare", which will add 250 billion to the deficit over the next decade.

The GOP continues to be the party of no ideas, and they are in control of the House during this challenging period of our history as we rebuild from the last period of disastrous GOP control of our government.

May God bless the U.S.A. – we sure as hell are going to need it.