FR4D, your list is the best I've seen so far. The 1st CD does not lean left but can swing for a strong candidate, IMO. TCB's comment on that is strictly for political purposes. Maynard, I think your observations are worth some thought. I won't bash you over them like I was attacked, but I would allow anyone the courtesy to call an elder cousin of theirs, "Uncle Bill." That premise is an acceptable common human courtesy. People need not only to read articles, but to comprehend what is written. Taking information at its face value is often the worst anyone can do. Use your brain if you have one. I haven't taken anything away from the honorable reputation of this deceased man but I think alot of people here were offended simply because I suggested communities gave back by paying him for some of his work. That's a fact and it's too bad if people can't or won't understand.

This was a well written tribute. The comments are not. So tired of people from both sides using any possible opening for politics regardless of the story. Would also be nice if they read the story first. But people have their mind made up and rush to comment without even understanding the article. Example: the politician Paul Ryan is NOT the nephew of this William Ryan even if he did refer to him as Uncle Bill. The article clearly states that Paul Ryan's father was a cousin to this William Ryan. And the article does not even state if a first cousin or more distant cousin. So politician Paul Ryan is, at best, a 1st cousin once removed to this gentleman ... not his nephew. Get a Life people ... not every article is about politics or an appropriate place to comment on politics. And, Please start actually reading the articles.

He has nice hair!
He is a good looking young guy!
He is fantastic fabricator of the truth!
He is great at avoiding his constituency.
He wants to turn medicare into a coupon system where 85 year olds are negotiating premiums with insurance companies.
He wants u to wait to get SS until we are 100.
Hows that for a list?
Has anyone that calls his district left-leaning actually looked at the map? Outside of Janesville and Beloit, very conservative, All of the Milwaukee suburbs that are in the 1st are 80-20 conservative, so what are you talking about? Kenosha 55-45 dem? Hardly a "left-leaning" district. If that were so why hasn't there been a viable democratic candidate for 20 years? The use of the terms "left-leaning" and the "playbook of the left" make you sound like a talk radio parrot.

TCB, anybody can publish right here, right now, anonymous or not, to list Paul Ryan's accomplishments. Don't let the aura of anonymity stop you. When commenters write how wonderful Paul Ryan is, I've repeatedly asked the writers to explain how and why. So far there are no takers. Telling me his popularity is something he accomplished for the district, state or country is something I would expect only from one of his true supporters. So you've convinced of that. Like the congressman himself, you are unable to engage in a mature conversation without having first try to humiliate those who dare to question and in light of your extreme views and toxic projections you, the entity posting under the moniker TCB, are an embarrassment.

Youkillme,

You want an anonymous comment board to list the accomplishments of elected officials? Is this what you are demanding?

Were you the same protester demonstrating to learn what elected house members annual salaries are?

The accomplishment that worries you the most is the fact that he is arguably the most popular and influential republican in congress and lives and represents a district that leans left-and the left has no answer and no one to really oppose him. Hes been elected overwhelmingly 7 times so someone must like him.

Very nice, RustyRotor. :)

Spark, you too are a person of interest. "Apparently some didn't read the third post on this story. Politics was brought into it right then and there. Expect backlash for that." --------------- What kind of backlash do you have in mind that you could not convey into words? Feel free to tell us of your plans.

It's a breath of fresh air to read an article like this. With so many articles highlighting the negativity and tragedies our society faces on a regular basis, it is great to see credit given to those who commit to bringing it all back into balance. Like everyone else in this world, Mr. Ryan was only granted this one life. From what has been written here, he embraced that opportunity as fully as he could.

The most telling line in this article is: "Ryan's civic contributions are too numerous to mention here."

If only each and every one of us were to have these words said about us. I am unable to imagine how much better this world would be.

Mr. Schultz,

Thank you for a great article about such a great person.

TCB, You are piece of work. I haven't attacked Paul Ryan's achievements. I only want to know what they are. Your inability to list a few of his achievements and instead attack the questioner can only lead to one conclusion. That you view the question so impossible to answer that the questioner must have an ulterior motive or that it's meant to be hurtful biting sarcasm. Projecting your ideas about somebody else disrupting this man’s funeral are truly frightening. From that comment, I wouldn’t doubt if you’d plant something there to make your statement come true. Pathetic is not the right word to describe you.

Youkill.

You are correct-I have no problem reading right through you. And you are reading from page 1 of the lefts handbook-

step 1: Attack the messenger-avoid the issue
Step 2: When attacking the messenger fails-play the victim
Step 3: Revert to step 1

TCB, Spark, I'm not intimidated by your cheapshots or your false projections. I've haven't written one bad word about William J. or his nephew on this thread. If you two had any self-respect, you'd write an apology for your accusations and name-calling a commenter for merely asking questions. Of course I don't expect one. But I like your politicking here on an article you consider an obituary and your added false narrative about the left. You have no clue and I have more respect than to turn this particular thread into a partisan battle. People can read right through me, so you shouldn't have a problem then.

Apparently some didn't read the third post on this story. Politics was brought into it right then and there. Expect backlash for that.

"Would you like some candy?........ How about a packer/badger schedule?" Comments to a man asking about what Mr Ryan has done for Janesville.
When addressed by a man at a rotary function about Medicare and SS a program the man paid into for 50+ years, the Ryan security force arrested them an, to which Mr Ryan said, " I hope he took his blood pressure medication, hahaha" Blatant disregard for his constituents.
To the article, I didn't know thw man written about but the article is a nice tribute, he seems like a very productive member of society. Like most business people, I am sure he stepped on a few backs, but that isn't out of the ordinary for anyone in the private sector.
This is NOT an obit, but a tribute, and a nice one at that. To ask questions about Paul Ryan and comment on them is NOT out of bounds, especially if he advocates for destroying programs that have a large effect on your life. Try to remember if the Gaz didn't expect comments dripping in politics they close the story to comments. If it is open to comments its fair game, if the gaz staff doesn't think its appropriate they remove them.
If you don't want people to comment politically then don't respond, but don't use this memorial of a relative of Paul Ryan to tell us how great he is. If you do that then you should expect backlash.

Youkill,

Would this story be front page news had he not died? Of course not. Its an obituary and the man was a pioneer in Janesville and yet you feel this is the appropriate space in which to attack Paul Ryans achievements-because his uncle shared the same last name?

This is why the left has lost the hearts and minds of an overwhelmingly left leaning district. I would not be surprised to see people like you crash this mans funeral to make a statement against his nephew. Rather than compete in the arena of ideas-you find it easier to attack the messenger-which is pathetic.

youkillme - You are so pathetic. Get real. Everyone can see right through you. Do you personally know Mr. Ryan? What is false about the story? You questioned if he was paid for something. Made a comment questioning what he gave to the community. The writer injected the congressman in the story because he is a relative. Why don't you tell us what is productive about the spew you added on a tribute to one of Janesville's finest?

By the way. This is a news article. Not an obituary. But being the Janesville Gazette, it could be anything.

TCB, who said beatrice owes me anything? I asked a legitimate question, she has no duty to respond and I expect she won't and can't explain what Rep. Paul Ryan has done for the community, the state and the country to deserve accolades. It's a simple straight forward question. The writer injected the congressman into the article, so he is part of the story. . Don't put words in my mouth like Spark. If you have nothing productive to add to the conversation, why say anything at all? Instead you, like Sparky, make cheap shot ad hominem attacks on those who question the false narratives.

Youkill,

Why does Beatrice owe you or anyone else an explanation on Paul Ryan? What a pathetic attempt to turn an obituary of one of Janesville's pioneers into a forum for you to make an ad hominem attack on his nephew.

Beautiful tribute. I think we'd all be a little better off taking Mr. Ryan's lessons to heart.

Thank you Frank, for highlighting this remarkable gentleman, and to his family for sharing him with us.

Poor Spark, boo hoo. youkillme has zero class because he asks questions of the commenters and writer on an article about a deceased person. Sniffle, sniffle. Boo hoo. My name is Spark and I'm classy.

youkillme - Zero class. It's that simple. You have zero class. Anyone that reads your post will know exactly what you really meant. Nothing more needs to be said.

Spark, I understand Beatrice defended Paul Ryan from tikiman1's comment. But I don't have a question for tikiman1, otherwise I would have asked. If Beatrice is going to defend Ryan that's cool, but don't just offer hollow platitudes. Explain why you think he's so great. Your malfunction however is you're trying to paint me as disrespectful for asking questions when there is nothing disrespectful in my comments. Plus, the writer should have written they were commissioned to build cable systems in other communities as well. Not under the umbrella of "hands and hearts" as if he freely gave to the community. The community gave to them. Then you project your politics and ideology about the American Dream. Your guarantees mean nothing to me unless you back them up with proof.

youkillme - Maybe you should read all the posts first. Start with a couple before beatrice where it was brought in. The post you are referring to was simply defense.
-
As far as me knowing more about this subject of who the story is about, Mr Ryan, not the politics Ryan, I guarantee you I do know more about it and know where to show some respect on what the story is actually about. You concerned about whether someone got paid for something is pretty petty.

Spark. I did not inject politics here. Beatrice did when she defended Paul Ryan. You imply it's off limits if someone asks questions. Why didn't you jump on Beatrice? If someone is going to write how great Paul is, I want to know what makes them think that. For someone who implies to more than me about this subject - prove it or shut up.

youkillme - Can it not be politics for just once with you? I cannot believe how some people can't just back off and show some respect on certain topics. And what's it to you if they got paid? Seems pretty logical to me. The American dream to be successful. Oh, that's right you want everyone to be treated equal and don't want success for anyone. Do the World a favor and cork it on subjects you know nothing about. This would be a could start.

This article states that "Ryan joined... with friends and business associates to build Janesville's cable TV system in the 1960s. They later did the same for about 40 other cities in Wisconsin and Florida." Did they do this with hands and heart or were they paid? Beatrice, what has Paul Ryan done for his community, congressional district and country? Just curious.

Paul Ryan is following in William Ryan's footsteps. Paul is carrying on the family tradition of hard work for our state and country. This article is a deserved tribute to William Ryan. Good job Frank.

tikiman1 - There's a right place and time for comments. Show some class and respect.

Now, if only his nephew Paulie would be as good to all of us as his Uncle was.

Janesville and other communities benefited immensely from Mr. Ryan and his contributions.

My condolences to the family of William J. Ryan.

An chuid eile sa Bhille an tsíocháin, Tá an Oileán Emerald bródúil as a gcuid mac!