Support NeoGAF

[Tesseract]

Would you call a Creationist smart?

i don't know. i'm a science major, i'm a creationist, i think i'm smart in my field, a buffoon in others.

 

[IrishNinja]

I wouldn't call someone who is a fan of Austrian economics to be in possession of an intellect.

i prefer "faith-based economics"

 

[Matt]

i don't know. i'm a science major, i'm a creationist, i think i'm smart in my field, a buffoon in others.

...well, this thread is about to go wildly off topic.

But to try and keep it on track, to question Ryan's intellect, we don't even need to disagree with his economic philosophy. He just has never done anything to show that is is a genius.

 

[Pctx]

So I just watched the 2nd video and then re-watched the Paul Ryan video talking.

Why is there a debate?

Obama goes onto talk about medicare advantage. Analogy of $1.00 payment to insurance companies currently getting $1.15. He's going to take that $0.15 cents and put into Medicare advantage. For every "overpayment" of that $0.15 cents that go into Medicare Advantage, the government is still spending that $1.00 to medicare which is Ryan's fucking point. The cost curve by default goes up due to inflation, drug costs, doctors salaries, acts of God and everything else. When Obama simply talked about how they were funding Medicare advantage, he acted as if spending or in this case "cost" of the current medicare wasn't going to go up.

Also..... what in the hell was that moron from California thinking that Ryan didn't believe in the CBO's report of the senate bill? I love how political parties can take bits and pieces of any argument and twist it to their advantage for political gain. Oh wait... I just did that didn't I?

 

[Souldriver]

Again, what in the world makes you think he has a "super intellect"?

But the media tells me he's an intellectual powerhouse! He's an ideas man, and he made a budget!!

 

[Matt]

So I just watched the 2nd video and then re-watched the Paul Ryan video talking.

Why is there a debate?

Obama goes onto talk about medicare advantage. Analogy of $1.00 payment to insurance companies currently getting $1.15. He's going to take that $0.15 cents and put into Medicare advantage. For every "overpayment" of that $0.15 cents that go into Medicare Advantage, the government is still spending that $1.00 to medicare which is Ryan's fucking point. The cost curve by default goes up due to inflation, drug costs, doctors salaries, acts of God and everything else. When Obama simply talked about how they were funding Medicare advantage, he acted as if spending or in this case "cost" of the current medicare wasn't going to go up.

Also..... what in the hell was that moron from California thinking that Ryan didn't believe in the CBO's report of the senate bill? I love how political parties can take bits and pieces of any argument and twist it to their advantage for political gain. Oh wait... I just did that didn't I?

You really misunderstood what was being said.

 

[anonymous_abc]

i'm a science major, i'm a creationist

*I'm a scientist

 

[Tesseract]

...well, this thread is about to go wildly off topic.

But to try and keep it on track, to question Ryan's intellect, we don't even need to disagree with his economic philosophy. He just has never done anything to show that is is a genius.

intellect is a kind of greek virtue, gravitas i would say, it's not easily described, but it is known when it's seen. a man like ryan, affluent and studied, even misguidedly, is a force of intellectual nature. intelligence is no guarantee against being dead wrong, which i agree he is. genius is a stronger label best reserved for minds like newton, adams or jefferson, shakesphere and beethoven. in my respectfully stupid opinion.

*I'm a scientist

flim-flam, ping-pong, i am no scientist.

 

[Matt]

intellect is a kind of greek virtue, gravitas i would say, it's not easily described, but it is known when it's seen. a man like ryan, affluent and studied, even misguidedly, is a force of intellectual nature. intelligence is no guarantee against being dead wrong, which i agree he is. genius is a stronger label best reserved for minds like newton, adams or jefferson, shakesphere and beethoven. in my respectfully stupid opinion.

...hu? Studied? Paul Ryan has a B.A. in economics...and that's it. He's never done or said anything for anyone to think he's really that capable or knowledgeable about anything.

Whatever you see in him, it's what you want to see.

 

[metalslimer]

So I just watched the 2nd video and then re-watched the Paul Ryan video talking.

Why is there a debate?

Obama goes onto talk about medicare advantage. Analogy of $1.00 payment to insurance companies currently getting $1.15. He's going to take that $0.15 cents and put into Medicare advantage. For every "overpayment" of that $0.15 cents that go into Medicare Advantage, the government is still spending that $1.00 to medicare which is Ryan's fucking point. The cost curve by default goes up due to inflation, drug costs, doctors salaries, acts of God and everything else. When Obama simply talked about how they were funding Medicare advantage, he acted as if spending or in this case "cost" of the current medicare wasn't going to go up.

Also..... what in the hell was that moron from California thinking that Ryan didn't believe in the CBO's report of the senate bill? I love how political parties can take bits and pieces of any argument and twist it to their advantage for political gain. Oh wait... I just did that didn't I?

Yeah you should watch it again.

i guess i should say i admire his evil genuis, the way he's put together. i'm a moderate.

Evil genius would imply he could get his ideas to work (or at least be popular) whether they were bad or not. Every time his plan is explained to people they hate it. Carl Rove is what I would call an evil genius (emphasis on evil).

 

[Tesseract]

...hu? Studied? Paul Ryan has a B.A. in economics...and that's it. He's never done or said anything for anyone to think he's really that capable or knowledgeable about anything.

Whatever you see in him, it's what you want to see.

good point, this just goes to show how little i know about paul ryan or economic theory. i guess i should say i admire his evil genuis, the way he's put together. i'm a moderate.

Evil genius would imply he could get his ideas to work (or at least be popular) whether they were bad or not. Every time his plan is explained to people they hate it. Carl Rove is what I would call an evil genius (emphasis on evil).

agree to disagree.

please don't edit reply into old posts, it's a pain in the ass to respond.

 

[NullPointer]

Again, what in the world makes you think he has a "super intellect"?

So much of our perception of intellect relies upon how well spoken people can be. Ryan can speak, and he can speak off the cuff, so he has his wits about him.

I'm looking forward to the debates.

 

[Stinkles]

i don't know. i'm a science major, i'm a creationist, i think i'm smart in my field, a buffoon in others.

Well you're a buffoon in science if you believe creationism is literally true, so that wraps that up.

 

[Chichikov]

I think it's more useful to try and see how smart his proposals are.
For example, I think his budget is asinine.

 

[Tesseract]

Well you're a buffoon in science if you believe creationism is literally true, so that wraps that up.

i don't, i metaphor shoehorn everywhere. i believe knowledge is partly founded on the basis of precise quantitative laws, like euler. i don't want to derail the thread, so i'll leave it at that.

if you mean ryan, that's his opinion.

I think it's more useful to try and see how smart his proposals are.
For example, I think his budget is asinine.

me too!

 

[KHarvey16]

Presented With Letters, Ryan Admits Requesting Stimulus Cash

After repeated denials, Paul Ryan has admitted he requested stimulus cash even after sharply criticizing the program.

As recently as Wednesday in Ohio, Mitt Romney's running mate told ABC's Cincinnati affiliate, WCPO, he did not.

"I never asked for stimulus," Ryan said. "I don't recall… so I really can't comment on it. I opposed the stimulus because it doesn't work, it didn't work."

Two years ago, during an interview on WBZ's NewsRadio he was asked by a caller if he "accepted any money" into his district. Ryan said he did not.

"I'm not one [of those] people who votes for something then writes to the government to ask them to send us money. I did not request any stimulus money," the congressman answered.

In 2009, Ryan wrote to Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis asking for stimulus money to cover costs on two energy conservation projects in his home state of Wisconsin. In the letter, Ryan said the funds would help create jobs and reduce "energy consumption" in the state. At least one of the companies received the requested cash.

"After having these letters called to my attention I checked into them, and they were treated as constituent service requests in the same way matters involving Social Security or Veterans Affairs are handled," Ryan said in a statement. "This is why I didn't recall the letters earlier. But they should have been handled differently, and I take responsibility for that.

"Regardless, it's clear that the Obama stimulus did nothing to stimulate the economy, and now the President is asking to do it all over again."

 

[hoss]

"I never asked for stimulus money..." oh, wait, you have proof that I did? Well, that was just an oversight on my part. Oh, and you have me on video praising the glory of Ayn Rand even though I now say that I'm no longer a believer of her train of thought? That was just a misunderstanding.

For such a "smart" guy, Ryan isn't so sharp, or he's just a fucking liar.

 

[Gary Whitta]

Ryan is the perfect counterpart for Romney, just like Mitt he is the ultimate political shape-shifter, able to take on any form or adopt any policy or ideology that is politically expedient at any given moment. Of course all politicians do this to some extent but these guys take it to another level. Fortunately I think most people can see how fucking transparent it is.

20 solid minutes of Mitt flip-flops:

http://youtu.be/W_pgfWK3sxw

 

[phosphor112]

Here is Obama's response talking about medicare advantage which is what Romney's recent medicare ad is talking about (and lying about)
http://youtu.be/teEpm9_TJdQ?t=13m43s

Lol, oh man, those right winged comments on that video...

HE SURE SHOWED OBAMA!

 

[RustyNails]

"I never asked for stimulus money..." oh, wait, you have proof that I did? Well, that was just an oversight on my part. Oh, and you have me on video praising the glory of Ayn Rand even though I now say that I'm no longer a believer of her train of thought? That was just a misunderstanding.

For such a "smart" guy, Ryan isn't so sharp, or he's just a fucking liar.

Not just any "dog ate my homework" type liar. But the liar of the worst kind, the one that has no morals. All that talk of principles, seriousness and smartness is steaming pile of horse shit. Paul Ryan is a fucking fraud.

 

[Kano on the Phone]

Would you call a Creationist( young earth style, not just a religious person) smart?

Fuck no. No one should. This is precisely the problem with the Republican party right now, people have to pretend to be this stupid just to be electable.

Not just any "dog ate my homework" type liar. But the liar of the worst kind, the one that has no morals. All that talk of principles, seriousness and smartness is steaming pile of horse shit. Paul Ryan is a fucking fraud.

This. I expect a certain amount of liar with my politicians, but Ryan is nothing but bullshit.

 

[Chojin]

Ryan is the perfect counterpart for Romney, just like Mitt he is the ultimate political shape-shifter, able to take on any form or adopt any policy or ideology that is politically expedient at any given moment. Of course all politicians do this to some extent but these guys take it to another level. Fortunately I think most people can see how fucking transparent it is.

20 solid minutes of Mitt flip-flops:

http://youtu.be/W_pgfWK3sxw

Jesus Christ, by ANY means necessary right?

At least stand for something Mitts, you fold like a card table. Nothing makes me more sick in politics than this. It's one thing to change your mind or your politics over a course of time, but its another thing to just do whatever you can at the time to sound good to whoever at that time.

 

[phosphor112]

This. I expect a certain amount of liar with my politicians, but Ryan is nothing but bullshit.

Him and Romney are the same type.

 

[Wolfgunblood Garopa]

Not just any "dog ate my homework" type liar. But the liar of the worst kind, the one that has no morals. All that talk of principles, seriousness and smartness is steaming pile of horse shit. Paul Ryan is a fucking fraud.

"I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are and what my beliefs are. It's inspired me so much that it's required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."

"...the reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand."

- Paul Ryan, 2005

“I, like millions of young people in America, read Rand’s novels when I was young. I enjoyed them. They spurred an interest in economics."

"I reject her philosophy. It’s an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview."

- Paul Ryan, 2012

 

[Tim-E]

"I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are and what my beliefs are. It's inspired me so much that it's required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."

"...the reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand."

- Paul Ryan, 2005

“I, like millions of young people in America, read Rand’s novels when I was young. I enjoyed them. They spurred an interest in economics."

"I reject her philosophy. It’s an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview."

- Paul Ryan, 2012

LOL

 

[demon]

"I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are and what my beliefs are. It's inspired me so much that it's required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."

"...the reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand."

- Paul Ryan, 2005

“I, like millions of young people in America, read Rand’s novels when I was young. I enjoyed them. They spurred an interest in economics."

"I reject her philosophy. It’s an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview."

- Paul Ryan, 2012

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

 

[phosphor112]

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

Principle? Don't all schools have one? Unless they didn't go to school...

Spoiler

I'm joking... and no, they don't.

 

[RDreamer]

"I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are and what my beliefs are. It's inspired me so much that it's required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."

"...the reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand."

- Paul Ryan, 2005

“I, like millions of young people in America, read Rand’s novels when I was young. I enjoyed them. They spurred an interest in economics."

"I reject her philosophy. It’s an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview."

- Paul Ryan, 2012

"It's that kind of thinking, that kind of writing that is sorely needed right now. And I think a lot of people would observe that we are right now living in an Ayn Rand novel, metaphorically speaking."

"Ayn Rand more than anyone else did a fantastic job of explaining the morality of capitalism, the morality of individualism. And this, to me, is what matters most"

-Paul Ryan, 2009

 

[marrec]

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

I've always wondered why conservatives can get away with so easily invoking Rand's name and philosophy yet liberals cannot mention the names of any progressive thinkers without being run out of politics.

At least public officials at the highest offices have to make like they don't agree with everything that crazy old bat said.

I do wish liberals had an Ayn Rand we could use to indoctrinate young people with though.

 

[Chichikov]

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

Politicians tend to persuade themselves quite early in their life that they're the solution to all of the country's problems.

Once you're in that frame of thinking, it's quite easy to rationalize pretty much everything.
"Sure, I'm misrepresenting my positions, but it's for the good of America!".

What's scary, is that the electorate is starting to think in those terms (but that's a whole different discussion).

 

[Chojin]

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

Say whatever is necessary to get elected. Once elected do whatever you need to say to get re-elected. Once Re-Elected make sure make your handlers happy enough you'll be able to get paid millions to do "speaking seminars" across the country once you're out of office.

So basically, money is their principle, god, fetish, what have you.

I've always wondered why conservatives can get away with so easily invoking Rand's name and philosophy yet liberals cannot mention the names of any progressive thinkers without being run out of politics.

At least public officials at the highest offices have to make like they don't agree with everything that crazy old bat said.

I do wish liberals had an Ayn Rand we could use to indoctrinate young people with though.

His name was Paul Wellstone. He died early, way too early

 

[Wolfgunblood Garopa]

Do these two turds have any real principles at all?

Winning.

 

[Aylinato]

Winning.

Mitt won't be winning for two reasons: 1. Obama 2. He has no spine.

 

[Kano on the Phone]

Him and Romney are the same type.

I completely agree, there's just something more sinister about Ryan. I think the principles he's hiding are a different degree of evil.

 

[Gary Whitta]

It's just amazing to me that someone who has been caught in so many blatant contradictions on key positions remains in any way a credible candidate for President. America, what a country!

 

[cartoon_soldier]

It's just amazing to me that someone who has been caught in so many blatant contradictions on key positions remains in any way a credible candidate for President. America, what a country!

I know

 

[JCreasy]

"I never asked for stimulus money..." oh, wait, you have proof that I did? Well, that was just an oversight on my part. Oh, and you have me on video praising the glory of Ayn Rand even though I now say that I'm no longer a believer of her train of thought? That was just a misunderstanding.

For such a "smart" guy, Ryan isn't so sharp, or he's just a fucking liar.

THIS!

People throw that word smart around like a participation trophy - you win the label for trying.

In other news:

Tom Morello: 'Paul Ryan Is the Embodiment of the Machine Our Music Rages Against'

Paul Ryan's love of Rage Against the Machine is amusing, because he is the embodiment of the machine that our music has been raging against for two decades. Charles Manson loved the Beatles but didn't understand them. Governor Chris Christie loves Bruce Springsteen but doesn't understand him. And Paul Ryan is clueless about his favorite band, Rage Against the Machine.

Ryan claims that he likes Rage's sound, but not the lyrics. Well, I don't care for Paul Ryan's sound or his lyrics. He can like whatever bands he wants, but his guiding vision of shifting revenue more radically to the one percent is antithetical to the message of Rage.

 

[hoss]

Rage Against the Machine is one of Paul Ryan's favorite bands?

headexplode.gif

 

[Kano on the Phone]

THIS!

People throw that word smart around like a participation trophy - you win the label for trying.

I think he gets the label because he's marginally more intellectual than most of the rest of his party, which is to say he's read a book besides the Bible.

 

[marrec]

I think he gets the label because he's marginally more intellectual than most of the rest of his party, which is to say he's read a book besides the Bible.

Atlus Shrugged doesn't count.

 

[Gary Whitta]

David Simon on Romney:

http://davidsimon.com/mitt-romney-p...-at-least-13-percent-and-hes-proud-to-say-so/

 

[JCreasy]

"I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are and what my beliefs are. It's inspired me so much that it's required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."

"...the reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand."

- Paul Ryan, 2005

“I, like millions of young people in America, read Rand’s novels when I was young. I enjoyed them. They spurred an interest in economics."

"I reject her philosophy. It’s an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview."

- Paul Ryan, 2012

 

[Kano on the Phone]

Atlus Shrugged doesn't count.

It does when you're competing to wear the mantle of an "intellectual" in the modern Republican party. Having read just one Rand book is like their Mensa.

 

[marrec]

David Simon on Romney:

http://davidsimon.com/mitt-romney-p...-at-least-13-percent-and-hes-proud-to-say-so/

"He shouldn't be punished for being successful!"

It does when you're competing to wear the mantle of an "intellectual" in the modern Republican party. Having read a Rand book is like their Mensa.

I bet he's even read "The Virtue of Selfishness"! What a fucking scholar.

 

[GitarooMan]

I think he gets the label because he's marginally more intellectual than most of the rest of his party, which is to say he's read a book besides the Bible.

Seriously the talk that he is some sort of intellectual marvel shows how low the bar is set in politics these days. OMG the guy authored a budget....Genius!

 

[CharlieDigital]

I think he gets the label because he's marginally more intellectual than most of the rest of his party, which is to say he's read a book besides the Bible.

I think he gets the label because he looks like a nerd, like he could be some dude in your IT department.

GWB read a lot of books, but I hardly consider him to be the epitome of intellect.

 

[Guevara]

Seems like Ryan borrowed Romney's flip flops.

 

[Tesseract]

Seems like Ryan borrowed Romney's flip flops.

haha, i'm going to borrow that.

 

[Opiate]

Lay off duffyside a bit if you could please guys. None of your posts are in themselves objectionable, but it can be quite demoralizing to have to rebut 3 or 4 people every time you post. It can be exhausting.

 

[RustyNails]

I completely agree, there's just something more sinister about Ryan. I think the principles he's hiding are a different degree of evil.

Or more simply put, Paul Ryan has agenda. Mitt Romney Doesn't. If Mitt Romney had an agenda he would've sold it to the highest bidder.