Robert Samuelson Goes to Bat for Paul Ryan: Strikes Out

Governor Romney's decision to select Paul Ryan as his running mate has condemned the country to 90 days of ridiculous news stories and columns about a choice on the size and role of government. The debate is silly because its explicit assumption is that Paul Ryan wants a small role for government. There is no evidence to support this assertion.

The impact of the government on the economy goes far beyond the amount that it taxes and spends. The way in which structures markets has a far more im...