Congressman Ryan says his ideas are based on Catholic faith, not Ayn Rand
September 30, 2014
Congressman Paul Ryan explained how his Catholic faith has influenced his thinking on economic issues, and denied that he is a disciple of Ayn Rand, in an interview with the National Catholic Register.
“Everyone in public life has an urban legend and I have mind: Ayn Rand,” said Ryan. The Wisconsin lawmaker has been frequently criticized by liberal Catholics for his alleged reliance on the objectivist philosopher’s works. Ryan said that he was struck by some of the themes of Rand’s novels, but “wasn’t drawn to her philosophy of objectivism.”
Ryan said that his new book, The Way Forward, shows the influence of his Catholic faith upon his political thinking. Regarding his economic policy proposals, he said: “As a lay Catholic exercising my prudential judgment, I believe that free markets-- not crony capitalism-- encourage more personal collaboration than any other economic system.”
Ryan, who was the vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party in 2012, admitted that he and presidential candidate Mitt Romney had been wrong to portray the recipients of government welfare programs as "takers," contrasting them with more economically productive members of society. "We need to talk about how we can help people get to where they want to go in life, when they are facing obstacles," he said.
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Posted by: unum -
Oct. 01, 2014 11:00 AM ET USA
Ryan may be a sincere Catholic, but there is little in his record as a politician that reflects a commitment to the Constitution or the principles of the Declaration of Independence. His faith may form his ideas, but his voting record shows little commitment to the Christian principles on which this country was founded. He is a 'go along to get along" politician.
