Paul Ryan

[Bailey Guns]

I can't help what a politician says, or believes.

No...but you don't have to agree with them or defend them when they're obviously wrong-headed on many issues.

I do know that it wasn't Bush's fault, but he did start the recovery. I believe the recovery money was and is a necessary risk, as we had no idea what would happen if we let major US industry and banking fail.

Agreed. But Obama took the "let's hand out money like it was free" strategy WAY too far.

I blame the banking industry for cheating the system,

Too much of a blanket statement. I'd narrow it down to say Barney Frank and Co are more to blame for forcing banks/mortgage companies to issue loans to non-qualified people. The evidence is all over the place but it's seems to be invisible to the media. This gets coverage only on places like Rush and Hannity. And it's really indisputable. Just like what Dodd and Frank did to consumer credit card rates under the guise of "protecting consumers". Thanks for the 29% interest rates, dumbasses.

I blame the unions for forcing much of US manufacturing offshore

Strongly agree. Unions are a drain on society and one of the major reasons companies look overseas for sources of labor. However, high corporate tax rates and unnecessary regulations also contribute to the unfriendly business climate in this country.

and I can put some of the blame on the American consumer for demanding cheap, disposable consumer items and ridiculous mortgages. I share some of this last blame, too.

Yes. Although I'm not totally guilt free, if there's one thing I hate it's cheap crap that doesn't last. I'll spend a lot of money for quality items over cheap, disposable junk any day. On anything. I go out of my way to buy US made items, even at a much higher price. Second choice is an item made anywhere other than China.