There is a real simple two question test I apply when I am trying to sort out the sincerity of a policy opinion.
- If the facts were different, would the policy opinion be different?
- If the facts were opposite, would the policy be opposite?
I first came up with this test during the debate over the Bush tax cuts. The debate quickly when from the economy is doing well, we can afford a tax cut to the economy is in crisis, we need a tax cut for stimulus.
So, if unemployment were low and school costs flat; would Ryan propose the same budget or a different budget?
