Paul Ryan Reintroduces his Roadmap - Can We Get Him a Truck?

Rep. Paul Ryan reintroduces his Roadmap for America in today's Wall Street Journal.  He highlights the differences between his plan and what is currently offered by Democrats:

The difference between the Road Map and the Democrats' approach could not be more clear. From the enactment of a $1 trillion "stimulus" last February to the current pass-at-all costs government takeover of health care, the Democratic leadership has followed a "progressive" strategy that will take us closer to a tipping point past which most Americans receive more in government benefits than they pay in taxes—a European-style welfare state where double-digit unemployment becomes a way of life.

Americans don't have to settle for this path of decline. There's still time to choose a different future. That is what the Road Map offers. It is based on a fundamentally different vision from the one now prevailing in Washington. It focuses the government on its proper role. It restrains government spending, and hence limits the size of government itself. It rejuvenates the vibrant market economy that made America the envy of the world. And it restores an American character rooted in individual initiative, entrepreneurship and opportunity.

It looks as though  Ryan is taking the lead on offering voters a clear alternative from Republicans much like Newt Gingrich did in 1994.  While Democrats were determined to ram health care through without Republican input, Ryan's health care plan was rebuffed without serious consideration.  Ryan's plan addresses the serious shortfalls looming for entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid which are bound to force drastic measures to correct the longer they go unaddressed.  

Congressman Ryan discussed his roadmap in an appearance this morning on "Morning Joe."  While Ryan acknowledges inherited budget problems, he failed to mention that it was a Democratic Congress that has passed the budgets since 2006.  These are budgets that then-Senator Barack Obama voted for and approved.  I wish that Ryan had mentioned that point since we will likely hear the word inherited at some point in the SOTU speech tonight.  That criticism aside, Ryan does a nice job presenting his roadmap and stepping forward to fill Gingrich's role.  Shall we call him the "New Newt?"  

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