At least Ryan has a plan

With the choice of Paul Ryan for vice president comes attacks as well as enthusiastic endorsements [“Ryan sought earmarks, grants for home district,” News, Aug. 18]. We hear that Ryan wants to gut Medicare and seriously imperil seniors; Democratic National Convention (DNC) Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz has called his proposals “extreme.” Speaker John Boehner says he couldn’t be more pleased with Mitt Romney’s choice, and that he is the most knowledgeable person on the federal budget.

Ryan’s selection sets the debate stage for what is on everyone’s mind — the ailing economy and unsustainable federal spending — versus distractions like frequent golf vacations or undisclosed tax returns. Many criticize his work, but at least he has offered a concrete, serious budget proposal, unlike the U.S. Senate that has failed to fulfill its legal obligation to craft a budget. They have no plan.

Maybe it’s safer politically, but it in fact constitutes a serious breach of duty to, and trust betrayal of, the American people.

— Don Peter, Des Moines

Ryan’s character flaw

Does vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan have a huge character flaw? Ryan decided to save money on his lengthy stays in Washington, D.C., but instead of renting an inexpensive room or apartment, he sleeps in his office. He likes to fish, but what’s with catching catfish (which can be dangerous) with his hands? Ryan doesn’t just exercise to stay fit — he performs a punishing ultra-exercise program. He doesn’t want to tweak Medicare to improve it — he slashes at it with a machete.

Ryan is an extremist — the kind of person who, when you say you are chilly, turns the heat on full blast, or if you suggest the car radio is too loud, turns it off instead of down.

We may laugh at the extremist’s “all or nothing” polarized approach to life, something most of us outgrow by the end of our teen years, but do we want an extremist for our next-in-line leader? Isn’t maturity, intelligence and use of moderation character traits we want our vice president to possess?

— Carol Hamilton, Bothell

Ryan and Romney’s real priority

During the first six years of the Ronald Reagan presidency, the top individual federal-tax bracket was 50 percent. During the entire Clinton presidency, the top individual federal income tax was 39 percent. During the Bush/Obama presidencies (to date), the top individual federal income tax bracket dropped from 39 percent to 35 percent. Today, Paul Ryan’s budget would reduce the top tax bracket to 25 percent; historically, there has not been a top tax bracket that low since 1931.

Ryan and Mitt Romney want to “put the country back on the right path,” and save America. I fail to understand how a budget that rolls back taxes for the very rich to a level not seen in 80 years is going to save America or help reduce the deficit. Romney and Ryan’s No. 1 priority is to secure an opulent future for the very rich.

— Doug Edwards, Seattle