CRONYISM

Cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. Hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy. Cronyism exists when the appointer and the beneficiary are in social contact; often, the appointer is inadequate to hold his or her own job or position of authority, and for this reason the appointer appoints individuals who will not try to weaken him or her, or express views contrary to those of the appointer. Politically, "cronyism" is derogatorily used.

Paul Ryan Says...

“The president’s health care overhaul is already hurting workers, seniors, taxpayers and our future fiscal health. This law fails to slow down the unsustainable growth in health care spending and completely dodges the necessary reforms to preserve the Medicare guarantee for future generations of seniors. Its taxes, penalties, fees and regulations will stifle job creation and its budget gimmicks can’t hide the trillions of dollars of new government spending that will only cause our dire fiscal situation to further erode."