"So, can we talk about the Paul Ryan phenomenon?(The Gullible Center, NYT, Published: April 8, 2012)
He seems to have a problem with Senator Paul Ryan, describing him like this ...
"He’s a garden-variety modern G.O.P. extremist, an Ayn Rand devotee who believes that the answer to all problems is to cut taxes on the rich and slash benefits for the poor and middle class."
Extremist?
This is pretty good for conversations around the kool aid trough, but people with common sense know better.
Let's say that a common sense definition of "extreme", in reference to politicians and politics, by an example. Can we say that if you propose a budget and even your own party will not vote for it is "extreme"?
The president's 2011 budget proposal received 0 (zero) votes from Senate Democrats or Republicans. Here
The president's 2012 budget proposal received 0 (zero) votes from Senate Democrats or Republicans. Here
On the other hand, if you are supported 40% of the US Senate and most of the US House of Representatives, may be you are not so extreme. Paul Ryan's budget received 40 yeas out of 97 in the US Senate (Here) and picked up 235 votes in the US House (Here).
It was a party line vote in the Senate, and 4 Republicans voted against it in the House, but still, it received a lot more support than 0 and that doesn't Look so extreme to me.
Mr. Krugman illustrates the intellectual irresponsibility of the left in America today.
