While America faced slavery in the 1860s, today the United States faces social corruption, economic loss, and international conflicts. Abraham Lincoln sought to bring back America’s founding principles as slavery tore the nation apart. Who can do that today? Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI).
As the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Ryan has gradually made a name for himself, especially during his 2012 bid for Vice President.
A husband and father, Ryan has the familial virtues which many conservatives require and admire. He is a devoted Roman Catholic with three children, a wife of 15 years, and has maintained public office since 1999. A relatively young family man, his knowledge of economics and his love for his family is apparent in his speeches.
In one speech I attended, his face shone when he spoke of his little girl, but he became serious when discussing the American economy.
And he works well across political divisions. His anti-poverty plan appeals to liberals and moderates, while his aim to drastically cut federal funding is conservative.
Because he puts the worth and prosperity of the nation above his own political gain, he is able to compromise on particulars when necessary. Compromising on principle, however, is something Ryan has yet to do.
Unlike most politicians today, Ryan often mentions the Declaration of Independence and applies America’s founding principles. He does not pretend America’s founders set up a perfect system. Even they did not think that.
As Lincoln discussed, both in a private letter and his Peoria speech, the Declaration of Independence was meant to be a futuristic document, channeling the nation throughout the ages. We have to fight for equality of opportunity, but that does not mean handing out free gifts and welfare to those who do not justly deserve them. Ryan lives up to Lincoln’s ideals in the House Ways and Means Committee.
If there is someone who will bring us back to the founding principles of justice, liberty, and equality, it is Paul Ryan. He is wise with money, grounded in familial virtue, and confident in his political ability and experience.
He is a man of the future, fueled by the principles of ages past. Paul Ryan stands tall as the new Lincoln. And, while he’s at it… a bid for Speaker of the House, maybe?
