100 Middle Schoolers Refuse Photo-Op With Paul Ryan During D.C. Trip

Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) may be the House Speaker and third in line for the presidency, but that reportedly didnt sway roughly 100 middle school students to take a photo with him earlier this week.The students were visiting Washington, D.C., from New Jerseys South Orange Middle School on Thursday when they were offered the chance to pose with Ryan, according to reports.Accompanying parents told New Jerseys Village Green that about half of the students opted not to stand beside him. Its not just a picture, student Matthew Malespina told ABC 7 News of his decision not to join Ryan. Its being associated with a person who puts his party before his country.Fellow student Wendy Weeks said she also opted to not take a photo, telling the Village Green that to have stood next to Ryan would have given the wrong impression of how she feels about him.I think that taking the picture represents that you agree with the same political views and I dont agree with his political views so I chose not to be in it, said the eight-grader.Not everyone felt this way or at least chose to pose with Ryan, who has helped repeal and replace former President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act with the Republican-backedAmerican Health Care Act. Ryan reportedly wasnt even aware of the mass dissent, some students said.Student Miles Handelman, who was one of those who went to stand with Ryan, said his appreciation rested with it being such a rare opportunity.I thought it would be very cool just seeing the man who is the third most powerful man in our country. It would be cool, even if you disagree with him, he told ABC News.type=type=RelatedArticlesblockTitle=Related Content + articlesList=5924e896e4b00c8df29feb68,59286a00e4b0df57cbfb7e1b,58d18bf8e4b0537abd9575ad,59123326e4b05e1ca202cc78 -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Click here to read full news..