House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, is an attractive political leader in many ways.

He's a bright, articulate, upbeat, youthful, energetic and fit native son who espouses strong social values -- sometimes. He seems to recognize poverty as a social problem that deserves federal help. He credits his Christian faith for that.

On the other hand, he leads a current national health care initiative that will severely reduce insurance for poor Wisconsinites. His motivation likely comes from his heroine Ayn Rand, a 20th century political philosopher who valued atheism, individualism, the virtues of selfishness and the folly of altruism.

Imagine the speakers conflict between the selfless altruism of Jesus Christ and the selfish individualism of Rand. His Randian self wants those who can support themselves to get off government support. His Christian self needs to support those unable to support themselves. Perhaps Jesus struggled with the same dilemma?

The great social policy problem for Ryan and the rest of us is knowing which people are truly incapable of supporting themselves. We tend to have opinions about those on government support without valid knowledge of their needs. For a Christian, getting it wrong leads to eternal damnation.

Norman Jensen, Madison

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Paul Ryan conflicted by Jesus Christ and Ayn Rand -- Norman Jensen - Madison.com