Open Thread

April 6th, 2010 9:24 AM

Possible talking point: Rep. Paul Ryan. A recent speech has people talking, as it should. An excerpt:

The question is, do we realign with the vision of a European-style social welfare state, or do we realign with the American idea?

My party challenges the whole basis of the Progressivist vision of this country's future. We challenge their attack on American exceptionalism. We challenge their claim that bureaucratic centralization is the only way the US can meet the economic and social challenges of our time.

Those leaders have underestimated the good sense of the American people. They broke faith with independents, Republicans, and their own rank-and-file. They walked away from the foundational truths that made America the wonder and the envy of the world. The price of their infidelity will be high.

Read the whole thing, if you get the chance. Then come back here to discuss. Is Ryan overstating the threat? Is he too confident in the GOP? Are his objections shared by the country at large?