On Saturday, throughout the announcement that Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney’s Vice Presidential running mate, both men spoke about  their VISION  for America.

It must be noted that a VISION is far different than a POLICY.

Politically speaking, POLICY is how one intends to achieve the VISION. If 2 different people share the same VISION but believe in different POLICIES to achieve that vision, a healthy debate can take place as to the best way to get there.

However…

If they have diametrically opposed VISIONS, then there exists an ideological rift.

This is VERY important.

Okay. On Saturday, both Romney and Ryan expressed their VISIONS.

First, Mitt Romney stepped to the microphone and said of Paul Ryan:

“His leadership begins with character and values.”

Romney went on to state:

“We offer solutions that are bold, specific, and achievable. We offer our commitment to help create 12 million new jobs and to bring better take home pay to middle class families.”

“To strengthen the middle class, we will provide our workers and our children with the skills to succeed. We’ll cut the deficit, have trade that works for America, and champion small business. And finally, we will unleash our energy resources to achieve North American energy independence.”

“We will help care for those who cannot care for themselves, and we will return work to welfare. As poverty has risen to historic and tragic levels, with nearly one out of six Americans now having fallen into poverty, we will act to bring these families into the middle class. Unlike the current president who has cut Medicare funding by $700 billion, we will preserve and protect Medicare and Social Security.”

In speeches later in the day, Romney said: “We must restore that, the passion and faith of America is still there amongst the American people. We have to have leaders who understand, who will draw on the greatness of the American people, who will solve the problems we have.”

“I will restore American strength. Strengthen our homes. Strengthen our economy. Strengthen our military, second to none, We’re going to keep America the hope of the Earth.”

“We as individuals are free to pursue happiness as we chose. The circumstances of birth do not limit what we can accomplish here. Our dreams, perhaps some good luck, and hard work, those things combine to make successes. And the successes of some do not make us poorer. They make us better off.”

“I will not apologize for success at home and I’ll never apologize for America abroad.”

And then Romney bullet pointed his 5 steps…

•Harness America’s energy resources. Romney cited natural gas, oil and nuclear, but also two resources that Obama has pushed hard, solar and wind.

•Improve public education, though Romney did not specify how, except to “put kids, parents and teachers” ahead of teachers’ unions.

•Get more aggressive with international trade policies to open new markets, especially in Latin America, while cracking down on countries, specifically China, that violate American trade pacts.

•Reduce the federal budget and bring down the national debt.

•Keep taxes down on businesses.

At that point, it was Paul Ryan’s turn to speak of the Romney/Ryan vision.

“This is a crucial moment in the life of our nation; and it is absolutely vital that we select the right man to lead America back to prosperity and greatness.”

“The other thing my dad would say is that every generation of Americans leaves their children better off. That’s the American legacy.”

”This is the worst economic recovery in 70 years. Unemployment has been above 8 percent for more than three years, the longest run since the Great Depression. Families are hurting.”

 “We have the largest deficits and the biggest federal government since WWII.”

“Nearly 1 out of 6 Americans are in poverty–the worst rate in a generation.  Moms and dads are struggling to make ends meet.”

 “Household incomes have dropped by more than $4,000 over the past four years.”

“Janna and I tell Liza, Charlie and Sam that America is a place where, if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead.”

“We Americans look at one another’s success with pride, not resentment, because we know, as more Americans work hard, take risks, and succeed, more people will prosper, our communities will benefit, and individual lives will be improved and uplifted.”

“But America is more than just a place…it’s an idea.  It’s the only country founded on an idea.  Our rights come from nature and God, not government.  We promise equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.”

“This idea is founded on the principles of liberty, freedom, free enterprise, self-determination and government by consent of the governed.”  

“The commitment Mitt Romney and I make to you is this: We won’t duck the tough issues…we will lead! We won’t blame others…we will take responsibility! We won’t replace our founding principles…we will reapply them! We will honor you, our fellow citizens, by giving you the right and opportunity to make the choice:”

“I’m proud to stand with a man who understands what it takes to foster job creation in our economy, someone who knows from experience, that if you have a small business—you did build that.”

So there you have it, in a nut shell, the Romney/Ryan VISION of America….”The American Dream.”

One can rightly say that the “American Dream” has not been so eloquently outlined by those running for the highest offices in the nation since Ronald Reagan.

A strong America. People free to pursue their dreams. Smaller government. Less government intrusion. Strong families. The principles of the founders. Independence. Strong businesses. People working to reach a better place. Assistance for those in need. Support for the elderly. Less spending by the government. Lower taxes for all. People getting to keep more of what they earn to get ahead.

It’s what they see for future generations. Their…VISION.

As both Romney and Ryan spoke of the “American Dream” which IS their VISION for America, one could almost smell the apple pie.

And then…

It was Obama’s turn to respond and respond he did.

At least he is admitting it.

Oh, he went on to talk about POLICY but, he said it and he’s said it again and again since.

THE ROMNEY/RYAN…VISION…ESSENTIALLY, THE AMERICAN DREAM…IS ONE THAT HE IS…IN FUNDAMENTAL DISAGREEMENT WITH!!!

As Romney’s and Ryan’s POLICIES will provide a road map to their VISION, and POLICIES can be debated, the VISION is the DESTINATION.

The fundamental opposite of the Romney/Ryan VISION is…

SOCIALISM….And one must believe that Obama POLICIES are the road map to HIS vision.