Paul Ryan, Back it up With Action

Paul Ryan, in a Financial Times article on July 19, 2012 titled Republicans Must Return to Free-Market Principles, said the following.

“Both political parties have fallen victim to “partnership” with large and well-connected companies, especially in energy, housing, finance and healthcare. Republicans have been guilty of confusing our pro-market principles with pro-entrenched business policies.

…A growing coalition of reformers … reject this pernicious crony capitalism. Our solutions promote an opportunity society, one that is rooted in the US commitment to free enterprise.”

Was Paul Ryan and his running mate Mitt Romney rejecting crony capitalism when:

1. Ryan met with Sheldon Adelson at his casino in Las Vegas? How much has he contributed to Romney’s campaign so far this year? Is it true by the time the election takes place he will have contributed over $100 million? Does Ryan see this as acceptable?

2. Ryan and his running mate continue to accept contributions even though Adelson’s company is being investigated by the Justice Department and the S.E.C.?

3. All of the campaign contributions that Ryan and his campaign partner received from wealthy donors resembles a scene from the movie The Godfather where Don Corleone, played by Marlin Brando, says, “some day, and the day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.”?

4. They are not supporting breaking up banks too big to fail? 

5. They are not pressing for the prosecution of Goldman Sachs for their involvement in the mortgage sub-prime fiasco?

6. Does Ryan not agree free markets need an umpire as ascribed by Milton Friedman: “But we cannot rely on custom or conscious alone to interpret and enforce the rules; we need an umpire. These then are the basic roles of government in a free society; to provide a means where we can modify rules, to mediate differences among us on the meaning of rules, and to enforce compliance with the rules on the part of those few who otherwise would not play the game.”

Since Ryan rejects crony capitalism, I assume he is against the above items; however, his actions do not support his beliefs. Why is that?

Godfather and Politics

The Godfather, the head of the Mafia, played by Marlon Brando, would help an acquaintance needing a favor and say, “some day, and the day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.”

This is exactly what the oligopolies, both corporations and unions, do with our representatives in Washington. They give them campaign bribes and in return expect, and receive, favors in the future. When the Godfather asked for a favor, no one refused.

Until this is changed in Washington, nothing else will change. Here is what needs to be done. More