Apostle Claver: But, Would Rick Perry Even Win Texas?
As I predicted all along, Gov. Rick Perry is now a candidate for President of the United States. I predicted that he would announce shortly after his prayer service held here in Houston. One week after the prayer service, Gov. Perry is making it official. Honestly, didn’t we all see it coming?
So, he’s in. I decided to write a little column to let some folks outside the Lone Star State know what some of us grassroots activists have seen in his decade as the top executive.
Issue number one? After arguing against it, he took the stimulus money. For some of you, that’s enough to disqualify him, right now. 10th Amendment advocate? Really? I’m just sayin’…
Going back to 2006, Rick Perry won the gubernatorial election with 39% of the vote. You read correctly. 39%. His competition? A little-known Democratic congressman, a grandmother, and a comedian.
In the 2010 primary, Gov. Perry was being seriously challenged by little-known activist and former Wharton County GOP Chair, Debra Medina. Mrs. Medina was surpassing Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and climbing toward the Perry lead. It was projected that Mrs. Medina was eventually going to end up in a runoff with the incumbent governor, Perry, and all bets would be off. Then on the Glenn Beck program, she fumbled and the campaign imploded. The implosion showed that her support was soft. But, her overall campaign showed that when Perry’s inconsistency and unproven conservatism is exposed, he’s vulnerable. How will that translate into a presidential campaign?
Gov. Perry has become an expert at positioning for this attempt at political promotion. He has learned how to counter his true beliefs for the purpose of disguise in order to gain promotion.
Gov. Perry signed an executive order for mandatory (I say again, mandatory) vaccination for pre-teen girls. Come to find out that the fuel for that order came from the lobbying power and money of Merck, the sole producer of the vaccine.
In order to counter his true colors, in the 2011 legislative session, Perry decided he needed to shore up his social positions and states that the sonogram bill – a blow against the abortion industry – was a priority issue for the Texas Congress to pass.
After the 2006 election, a huge fight in Texas commenced. It revolved around a massive land grab to build something called the Trans Texas Corridor. The super highway was designed to run from Mexico to Canada. To complete the project it would call for the complete repudiation of property rights and the abuse of eminent domain laws. Some Texas citizens threatened at town halls to protect their property through the use of firearms and violence if need be. The Trans Texas Corridor was defeated.
To counter his true colors, for the 2011 legislative session, Perry jawboned for stronger eminent domain laws.
Gov. Perry has made a big issue out of the porous borders in Texas. He’s placed the blame at the feet of the Obama administration. He’s made a show of trying to “confront” Mr. Obama by handing him a letter on the tarmac of the Austin airport and offering lip service.
No one would argue that the federal government has been criminal in there lax border control policies. But, in his 2010 campaign Gov. Perry said he would get control of the Texas border. He hasn’t.
But what those outside of Texas should understand is that Gov. Perry signed a “Dream Act” into law. Thus, illegal immigrants can now get in-state tuition rates for tax-payer funded grants to attend Texas state universities and colleges. This means that if a legal American citizen, born in this country – let’s say from Oklahoma – decided to attend Texas Tech, or the Governor’s alma mater Texas A&M, that Oklahoma student would have to pay expensive out-of-state tuition rates while the illegal immigrant gets the favorable discount.
To counter his true colors, in the 2011 legislative session, he pushed for the end of “Sanctuary Cities” in Texas.
These are just a few examples of the “Slick Rick” modus operandi directed by extremely shrewd and ambitious consultants. He has his Karl Rove(s), Dave Carney and Gordon Johnson. Thus his perceived “conservatism” isn’t about true conviction. It’s about political promotion.
We could forgive him for heading up Gore’s campaign a long time ago. But in 2008 he backed Rudy. Really, Rick?
Saints and patriots, an armadillo as POTUS is better that Barack “Insane” Obama. And so would Rick Perry.
But before you folks outside of Texas get all giddy about Gov. Perry, I’d suggest you really study his record. Understand that the economic strength of Texas is primarily the result of a relatively moderate legislature with a history of Republican majorities. The governorship of Texas is one of the weakest in the country.
Before you plaster a Perry bumper sticker on your pickup because you think he’s genuinely “Tea Party” and strong on the 10th Amendment, understand that the Texas Tea Parties are divided on him. He does not enjoy universal approval. There are those of us that enjoy long memories and have recall beyond a few months.
Therefore, the question stands: Would Rick Perry, Mr. 39%, even win in Texas during the GOP primary? Or, could Bachmann, Romney, Cain, Gingrich, et. al. give him such a run for his money that he’s being set up for the ultimate embarrassment?
I’m just askin’…
Just askin’…I noticed you omitted Ron Paul’s name whose opinions and ideas are spreading like wildfire among the younger generation, and who is 2nd Place winner in the recent Iowa Ames Straw Poll. I think Representative Paul will give “Slick Rick” (great label by the way) a real run for his money in the GOP primary.
Dear Claver,
Greetings in Jesus! Thank you for this VERY important article. As someone who is running for the California 69th Assembly District seat, we here in California don’t know much about Texas politics. It sounds likes Perry is a “clone” of our own “governator”.
So, when are you going to write an article discussing what you would like to see in a Presidential candidate and then share the strengths and weaknesses of all of the GOP candidates? I think you would do us all a great service in doing so!
Go with Jesus,
Robert
You do realize in 2006 Perry in Texas was even lucky to win releection let alone win with 39%? You do realize in 2010 that Median never, ever led Hutchinson in a single survey before March 5th? And you do realize it is far easier to preach conservative ideals without having to implement them in policy? I am not a fan of Rick Perry but don’t just close your mind on his candidacy immediately. Just saying.
I think you are missing the point. The main goal, in my opinion is to get Obama out of the White House. We need a strong candidate who can win. I do believe that Rick Perry can accomplish this, so long as he doesn’t shoot himself in the foot as he did yesterday. Yes, he is a politician, but the only ones who can win are the politicians who know how to play the game. Sad, but true. I’m a little disappointed that you haven’t taken the time to point out his positive qualities and accomplishments. A little balance here would be good.
Apostle Claver,
As a Virginian who attended your Boot Camp in Fairfax several months ago, a contributor, and a fan – I am a little surprised at your approach. I’ve been waiting for Governor Perry to come and join the generally lack-luster field of Republican candidates.
All of your points are so well known that a fellow Texan addressed them. I provide that link for balance:
http://peskytruth.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/rick-perrys-negatives/
Life is about choices and we don’t always make the right ones – Rick Perry included. However give me a President who prays, in public, unashamed, and without apology. Governor Perry had me before Houston, but that pretty much sealed the deal.
No, he’s not perfect – BUT could we please concentrate on attacking our enemies. Could we, for once, stop eating our own? Let’s try to leave our own “possible” candidates in one piece until we can get the real problem out of office. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s better than what we have now. Please, if there is a possible GOP candidate who is indeed perfect, let me know!! Let’s stay focused on getting someone else in the White House – before we’re all toast!!!
Respectfully,
Aggie
I didn’t vote for Perry because he is for sale to the highest bidder. His talk and walk do not match and the Tea Party votes on principles not nonsense. He is not Tea Party in my opinion. Normally, I vote very conservatively, but Perry is example of exactly what is wrong with Republican leadership. Vote for what you believe in, become active in promoting those beliefs and let’s change the Republican leadership and open this party up to ALL conservatives. Great article! Raging Elephants stands tall again!
Simple answer…Yes
I understand that Gov. Rick also has some close associations in the Muslim world and may not be keeping a watchful eye on the insidious creep of Shariah law into our culture and our legal system.
R U serious?
Perry has never lost an election – ever – and he won’t now.
In 2010, Perry beat KBH by 21% (51/30) in the primary, then beat Bill White by 13% in the general (55/42). These are not even close, and proof positive that Perry will indeed win here in Texas.
As Texans, we know he isn’t perfect, but compared to the other candidates, he stands head & shoulders above them. None has his experience leading a large state for 11 years, and each has a very narrow support base – either Teaparty (Bachmann, Cain) or GOP Establishment (Romney, Huntsman) or the 2% Libertarian Club(Paul). Perry will win – the nomination, and the presidency, with broad support – which is exactly how politics works!
He is the most senior Governor of all 50 states, and just served as the head of the RGA. Thus, many of the 28 GOP State Governors will support him, thus providing the electoral votes that really count. Perry will win all 36 electoral votes from Texas, and exceed the 270 required.
Thanks for the information. I have been reeading a lot of articles and in my gut, I am thinking I shall pass on Perry!
An honest look at his record…nice.
Thanks Clever for putting out the facts and truths. Now days it is so hard to get someone to run for office that isn’t a wolf in sheep clothing. I believe Cain and Bachmann are just the few. I hear from folks and I have said myself that we want someone that “says what they mean and mean what they say”. Well, if you think about it, Obama is one of those people. He said he wanted to fundamentally change America and he has been doing it. So the question we have to ask is “What is the means?” We want someone that KNOWS the Constitution (not just read it), and lives by it, upholds it and doesn’t lie when sworn in with it on the Bible. What you sow, you will reap. In these end times, evil will fall in their own net. So I believe we are in a critical time and those that are dishonest, playing the political game, and are evil to this nation will fall in their own net. God has the right one and they haven’t come forth yet, but will. God’s ways is not man’s ways. We got to pray and believe that THAT RIGHT ONE will come forth and it will stun the progressives and RINOS. but we that pray and believe will know who the right one is and won’t be deceived. God has an appointed on for such a time as this.
Perry is a political opportunist. Since Obama’s election, he’s seen the strong Conservative backlash and hitched a ride. I think it’s fait to say that he hasn’t done anything to hurt business; but, other than that, he doesn’t really have that much to recommend him. I’m still not sure whom I’d vote for in the primary.
I appreciate most all you have said.
In all fairness, though, the “grandma” who ran in 2006 was then State Comptroller, Carole Strayhorn. She decided to break with Perry and the Republican Party to run as an independent shortly after her now famous letter telling the Governor he was about to write the a “hot check” to cover his new tax plan. Strayhorn predicted a $23 billion deficit by 2011. It turned out to be $27 billion.
Carole also ran against the Trans-Texas Corridor, a universally despised project aimed at aiding Chinese imports through Mexican ports.
Next week watch for PerryPoop.com, a love letter from Texas independents to American independents who will likely decide this election.
Before you start giving the obama camp more ammunition against Gov. Perry I think you need to weigh the other Republican candidates and their chances of beating the dems. Granted Perry is not perfect but neither are you, or me. “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone”, (Jphn 8:7).
Didn’t believe for a SECOND Medina had a snowflake’s chance; she simply never posed a serious threat. While it’s obvious you’re not a Perry supporter, I expected better from you in the way of intellectual honesty, e.g. border security which IS a FEDERAL issue under THE TENTH AMENDMENT – and earned credit for the enduring strength of the Texas economy which in recent years has in large part been due to the Governor’s successful “marketing of Texas”.
And you really re-opened the Gardasil can of worms again? Okay, let’s open it all the way. Guess what OTHER vaccines Merck manufactures and guess which ones of these are ALSO mandatory and have been mandatory in Texas schools for YEARS!?!
AFLURIA® (Influenza Virus Vaccine) COMVAX® [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine] GARDASIL® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) PedvaxHIB® [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent) ProQuad® (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Virus Vaccine Live) RECOMBIVAX HB® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] RotaTeq® (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent) Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids AdsorbedVAQTA® (Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated) VARIVAX® (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live) ZOSTAVAX® (Zoster Vaccine Live)
The ANSWER is Merck makes ALL of these products, many of which are mandatory [sic] vaccinations for Texas school children along with several others – for YEARS before the Gardasil controversey. Of course, what you FAILED intentionally or not to mention is that parents also have the option to refuse ANY and ALL vaccinations; vaccinations are NOT a mandatory requirement to enroll your child in school, though some privately owned daycare businesses may have more control.
I could go on and on countering each issue, but the truth is, I am so deeply concerned by what I consider the seriously flawed judgment of this piece with its thinly veiled mean spirit; the mixture of truths, half truths, ad hominems and poorly developed research that I am strongly considering a disassociation from Raging Elephants because in all candor, I think it more aptly would be named Raging Sore Losers. Debra Medina? Seriously? Time for a reality check, cause that one tipped the meter. Just sayin…
For a comprehensive and objective view of these concerns please refer to this site:
http://peskytruth.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/rick-perrys-negatives/
Note this is a very loong article but is very well researched and impartial.
Great article Claver,
There is a link between Slick’s support for Rudy and his push for the Trans Texas Corridor.
Rudy is a partner in:
http://www.bracewellgiuliani.com/index.cfm/fa/home.home/home.cfm
The San Antonio office was handling a lot of the TTC legal work during the push.
I also like how they list one of their ‘services’.
“White Collar Defense, Internal Investigations and Regulatory Enforcement”
Dennis
To Adele, if you can’t see how CORRUPT it is for anyone to push Merck vaccines on anybody, if you are unaware that many vaccines are developed and grown with human tissue from tiny unborn babies, and if you are unaware that in general pharmaceutical companies are marketing dangerous, toxic substances that make people SICK, and if you don’t see that Perry is their lap dog, then educate yourself. When I learned about Perry pushing Gardasil, that was enough for me to write him off right then and there. There are too many children whose parents will NOT protect them from toxic vaccines, but they deserve that protection. Gardasil is the worst because it is ineffective against most varieties, and can kill young girls who aren’t even sexually active and won’t be for quite awhile, and by the time they are, any “protection” will have worn off anyway. How anybody in their right minds could accept someone who is practicing medicine without a license, as Perry clearly is, in a leadership position is totally beyond my comprehension.
I beg to differ with you on this. I was at The Response prayer rally, and it was an incredible event. As a Texan, Perry has my vote. I applaud him for calling this nation back to a day of prayer and fasting as the Bible urges us to do. He was not apologetic in invoking the name of Jesus, and he stayed for the entire 7 hour event.
Rather than criticize him, we should pray for him. Frankly, I’m more disappointed to see conservatives attacking Perry this way, than I am perhaps not in total agreement with every one of his positions.
I am glad you exposed some of Gov Perry’s faults..making him NOT the TEAPARTY candidate. We now are left with Santorum (who seems ill prepared, but one great guy) and Michele Bachmann. Bolton and Newt, as well as Santorum would make great cabinet members. I axe. Huntsman and Paul as Libertarians…not holding the values everyday American CHRISTIANS have. I reject Cain on several grounds: he speaks fairtax to bring him votes on thoase who think that will usher in financial freedom, yet this same man was an exec in the Federal Reserve…the org that was founded by those our Founding Fathers fought until Wilson was bought off….Herman Cain knew the inside scoop on all the financial goings on with the stimulis $ and bailouts. The enemy will not make a man an exec unless he is one of them. I reject Romney on his former socialist activity as Gov of Mass. I beleive Cain and Romney are the blk and wht GOP Obamas promoted by the progressives…again the same people who want NWO..the same people who our Founding Fathers fought. They will play the race game if it profits them. I support Bachmann because she is the only one who understands the stakes. We think we are facing Obama…but I believe Hillary will come on the scene and will take the Democratic nomination. Bachmann is like Palin….but not as aggressive…she keeps to her agenda and when her opponent thinks they have it in the bag, MB closes in . She is the only one who can beat Hillary. The Progressives are counting on the GOP to splinter into whiners of why their man is the best…instead of being honest with the facts. I would support Palin in a heartbeat, but her patriotic heart will not pit her against Bachmann. Children be wise as serpents but be gentle….we are at a time when those who are Christians need to think clearly and not prostitute themselves out for ideas and promises any man or woman makes. I believe it is a time for Deborah to take the lead….for NO Godly man has stood up.
In So. Tex we have this cactus, we refer to it as a jumping cactus, somehow regardless of how care U are it just seems to get on our pants. There is this little bug in the southeast that is referred to as a “noseeum”, it is so tiny U cant see it . What is their significance, well they are both irratating as hell.
Over the last 21 years Perry has run for state offices and in every case has been the victor, never lost. We have been having to endure election after election these little irratants and after all of this time one would think they would fade away. As far as Mr Claver, he has only been showing up for the last couple of years and he just like some of these other indiviuals have become full of snippets. These snippets are similiar to the “jumping cactus and noseeums”. They post their comment that is usually vague and always conviently leave out something significant. Adele pointed out the “OP-OUT” provision in the Gardisil issue(why). The “Dream Act” had many provisions before qualification and for ur knowlege there is less than one percent that has qualified, there are actually a group trying to get out of chicken houses or the fields in McAllen. In the shoreing up of our border, there was 171 million allocated to the border issue at our last legislature. If U will go down to the 3rd and 4th ward U might find enough welfare fraud to recruit an organization to guard it.
We Perry supporters have long listened to this same crap for so many years it is just common place. It’s about time for all of U to join the winning team, I know I hate to be a loozer.
Claver, thanks.
The GOP, come March, will decide who I support for President. Hope it isn’t the best of the worst – again.
Between now and then we need to clean House and Senate in Austin.
Not only will it help solve some problems but will send a message to who every the GOP wants to support.
.
Thank you for writing the article, it is a must read for republican primary voters. As an active grass roots republican in Texas I know all about governor “good hair.” The rest of the country needs to do the research; your article is a great start.
I would love to see you dig up the history on Ron Paul. He appears to be the only one with integrity in DC. Can you confirm?
Thank you for writing this excellent article. I hope everyone will, as I am, share it far and wide. Post the link everywhere!
I fought to get Medina elected and exposed many of these facts on sites like the 9/12 Project and Patriot Action Network (formally ResistNet) and got banned for doing so!
Which brings me to point out that true tea party patriots do NOT follow what the “leaders” on “patriotic” sites preach.
Another example of this is… As most of you know, Ron Paul recently (AGAIN!) got DOUBLE the contributions from our active duty military than all other Republican candidates COMBINED!! (He also got more than Obama) That tells me the majority of our politically active troops support Ron Paul and his foreign policy that the warmongers and neo-cons rabidly endorse. A good example is Tea Party Nation.
If you are REALLY “patriotic” and you REALLY “support the troops” then maybe you should listen to what THEY are saying, rather then those who sit safely at home running sham “patriot” websites that call for the murder of more of our troops.
Again, thanks for the great article!
Ron Paul 2012!
You are right about Perry. I prefer Bachman. She has more moral courage and knowledge than the other candidates. She wants to RESTORE the Constitution, which is what the Tea Party is demanding of their representatives. It is time that we voted for the candidate who is all about God and Country instead of who is the best candidate to win the nomination. We don’t want any more RINO’s. If we are going to go down the tubes, let us at least vote for the candidate that best represents our spiritual beliefs and let God handle the outcome.
Ron Paul’s position on getting rid of the Federal Reserve is probably the only thing he has ever been correct about. He is So-oooo ignorant about Islam! His “blow-back theory came out during the GOP debate which should remove all doubt about his deficiency in American history. He really believes that the reason Muslims are attacking Americans is because of our presence in Arab lands. Paul doesn’t realize that our first 4 Presidents (Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison) reluctantly paid tribute (16-22% of our national budget) to Muslim pirates who killed, imprisoned or ransomed our merchant ships and crews. America had no navy and had done NOTHING to provoke such behavior from Muslims. During negotiations in Great Britain, their leader confessed to Adams and Jefferson that Muslim aggression was in obedience to the teachings of the Quran. There is no excuse for such ignorance on the part of a Presidential candidate. He is also a Moonbat on the topic of the necessity of our military presence in certain foreign lands where American interests are at stake. He is not planning to run for re-election in Brazoria County, so after the Presidential hopefully he will retire and abstain from politics. And thank God that he will never be President! Islam is so dangerous that the only effective solution would be to DEPORT ALL of them. Sharia is an integral part of the Quran. Muslims cannot call themselves Muslims and have true allegiance to the flag and Constitution of the United States. The Koran forbids it. The sooner we wake up to that fact the better. The so-called “peaceful” ones are Snakes-in-the-Egg, waiting to hatch out and start biting once the balloon goes up. Jihad has many levels that range from political to outright violence, but all degrees of Islam are subversive of our Judeo-Christian heritage, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Please don’t discount Ron Paul.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/07/ron-paul-beats-gov-rick-perry-and-all-others-in-texas-gop-poll.html
His supporters started the Tea Party movement; and he is well-loved by folks who’ve taken the time to explore beyond sound bites.
Yes the vaccination issue was a problem for me too. No one can make everyone happy but he does appeal across party lines since he at one point he was registered as a Democrat. Change is needed and I’m voting for who I think has the best shot and I think he’s it.
You wrote: “Then on the Glenn Beck program, she fumbled and the campaign imploded.” One might categorize that event more accurately as a “bushwhackin’.”
If one follows the money and the back scratching one might just find that Herr Beck was doing a favor for his radio buddy Dan Patrick, who was doing a favor for Slickey Rickey. Patrick wanted to be named to a higher positon, maybe even Senator if Hutchinson vacated, and would throw anyone under the bus to get it…
We may never know if this it the actual course of events or just a REALLY BIG coincidence…
Imagine RP coming back to the rented governor’s pad with egg all over his face after losing the R presidential primary. Let’s change Texas law to force sitting pols to resign current seats before running for others.
To late I already plastered a Rick Perry bumper sticker on my dump truck.
My comment is coming after I take my wife out for our anneversary!
Hey Mr. Claver—really liked this article, and have enjoyed ones past. This election is going to be incredibly hard. I feel like our country is more divided now than ever. What I find even more frustrating however, is the sense that we are fighting against even establishment Republicans (like Romney Perry, Huntsman, and others) who are chosen by influential Republicans and the media because of their connections and not their votes.
Forced with mainstream candidates shoved down our thoat, what is the American voter to do? We say: “well, he/she is better than what we have”. We settle for candidates chosen by GOP decision makers because we feel like ‘they have the best chance’ to beat the Democratic nominee.
This mediocrity has given us George W. Bush, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and other Republican politicians who are more concerned with appeasing the Left and setting their own agenda than doing what is right for the country. This attitude Republican voters have will produce a Perry or Romney ticket.
It’s not the politicians that are broken, it’s us. FDR was one of the first presidents to break his campaign promises, and since then, we almost expect it from them. The best thing we can do is hold our politicians accountable (an idea that I believe is coming around). In conclusion, let’s change the GOP. Not conform to it. STAMPEDE!
I don’t like politicians, ANY of them. I’m not looking for a “pure conservative”. I’m looking for the most conservative candidate that can beat Obama. If I decide that Perry is that man, I’ll vote for him in a heartbeat. I want all of us to suppport all of the Republican candidates. I am weary of Republicans eating our own.
You can add the Perry “margin corporate tax” to the list of accomplishments, where you can lose money, or go bankrupt and still owe the “Perry tax”. Remember this was supposed to be “temporary”??
Passed with help of Democrats in the House and never repealed to date.
I contend Rick “the compromiser” will raise taxes if elected in a grand compromise to lower the deficit. And all conservatives will see the real RP.
It is too early to throw anyone under the bus. I do not want the votes divided. That is what is happening through the media and our own blogs. Texas is a much better place to live than New York or California. I think Martin Luther King had a dream but it was not for everyone to be slaves of the government. That is the road to nowhere and that yellow brick road will get smaller and smaller as funds dry up. Did that law about immigrants go in under Bush? Before Tea Party? I did not know the year.
Apostle Claver,
You are correct that Mr. Perry is, to be kind, inconsistent. But because he has no reputation as yet across America, he seems to have been picked by the mass media as this year’s “new” candidate whom they can cite as “proof the system works”.
Jeff Daiell
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150750342910321
So who do you like? I am not at all excited about having a member of a cult in the White House (Romney), not sure Bachmann can win, Gingrich is DOA, as are many others. I am praying that the Lord raises up a person fully submitted to Him and then promotes that person to President. If that does not occur, Democrat or Republican ending up in the White House….our nation will be in serious trouble. If we, as a nation, do not repent and turn back to the Lord, I fear that the end is in sight. We have crossed several “lines” and the comeback trail is only through repentence and faith.
with Republicans slitting each others throats, we will assure O gets reelected. NO one will please the diverse group of Republicans. Reagan had it right. Don’t ever bad mouth another Republican. When you do, you are only giving fodder to the dem’s.
Sorry but your claim even Perry would be better than Obama is mistaken IMHO. If the prez is “insane” what are the GOP candidates? Michele Bachmann? Ron Paul? Let’s be careful what terms we throw around because what was that about planks in eyes?
[...] There is more. [...]
Ron Paul 2012! It’s time we elect a real conservative with principles!
“After arguing against it, he took the stimulus money. For some of you, that’s enough to disqualify him, right now.”
This article may interest you, Claver. I know there’s some history, between you, but its about the “elephant in the room”, so to speak.
My take is simple, amigo. There’s no one better qualified in a generally lousy field of GOP candidates, and an even worse selection of spend-crazy Democrats. Plus, the Dems are scared to death of him. Ideal candidate? No. Who is?
I follow Reagan’s 70% Rule. Problem #1 is the economy. Unless we get a President who will advocate stability over turmoil, predictability over chaos and a ceilingo on taxes over increases, the economy will never recover.
Businesses won’t make investments, grow or HIRE PEOPLE if they don’t know what’s coming. Moreover, there has to be business loans avialable and right now, there isn’t. Obama and the Democrats have done all they can to destroy American business and financing.
Perry at least, understands how it works. I’d love to see a Perry-Cain ticket and bring Herman’s business experience into the fold, but I’m not holding my breath. I don’t think the GOP heirarchy is that smart.
Glad to see you’re still stirring the pot, my friend. I sympathize with your frustration, but we’re not there yet. Recruiting better candidates gets us there, but ’til then, we support who we’ve got.
-Richard.
From Pesky Truth
Seventeen (17) things that critics are saying about Rick Perry
http://peskytruth.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/rick-perrys-negatives/
7. Perry turned down $555 million in federal stimulus, yet later asked for federal disaster aid for Texas wildfires
That’s true. The reason that Perry gave for refusing that particular “stimulus” was that it was a one-time, temporary influx of money to assist in covering extended unemployment benefits, but had strings attached (the most serious was that the funding would only last about two years). After that, the state would have to find a way to continue the higher payments covered by the federal funding. In other words, it was a one-time, kick-the-can-down-the-road temporary funding that didn’t permanently fix anything and would leave Texas liable for replacing the $555 million when the federal money ran out. Instead Perry got a federal loan to cover the state’s unemployment fund shortfall. While a loan still must be repaid, it didn’t come with the extra burden of federal mandates that accompanied the $555 million stimulus funding. Thus, he avoided the federal meddling that was part of the original stimulus while still shoring up the state’s unemployment fund.
It is true that Governor Perry did accept part of the $787 billion Recovery Act money and used those funds to cover the state’s budget shortfall. Perry has never said that he would never accept federal funds, he has just been careful to decline when the funds came with unacceptable federal intrusion in state affairs attached.
Relative to the wildfires: Over 2.2 million acres of Texas land in 252 counties were lost to wildfires in 2011 due to severe dry conditions caused by drought. Across the state, hundreds of homes and countless livestock have been lost. As a result, Texas Governor Rick Perry requested a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) and federal emergency funds to assist in fighting the ongoing fires. President Obama refused to issue a Major Disaster Declaration, originally requested on April 16, and instead provided lesser federal assistance for fires fought only between April 6 and May 3, 2011, covering just a fraction of the fires fought in Texas so far this season. A Major Disaster Declaration would have made the state eligible for much more response and recovery assistance from the federal government. Major Disaster aid is an entirely different type of federal aid and is specifically designed to assist states when natural disasters occur. Many in Texas believe that the MDD was withheld for political reasons.
It is hardly hypocritical to refuse federal funding with unacceptable strings attached while requesting federal disaster aid when a natural disaster occurs. It is the federal government’s responsibility to provide disaster relief, one of the few things they have an obligation to the states to fulfill.
For more – go to the link.
All those who are saying that we should back Rick Perry because he looks like the only one who could defeat Obama are probably the same ones who pushed for McCain – IMHO, a democrat in republican clothing – to get the republican nomination. We need REAL Conservatives in the Republican party, which is supposed to be the true Conservative party. I only voted for McCain as a vote against Obama (lesser of two evils) and because he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. Right now, I’m leaning more with Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin (if she runs), and Ron Paul.
The bloggers here are a riot.
This nomination could turn into a brokered convention. Bachmann takes the midwest, Romney the northeast, Perry the south. Then the little guys, Gingrich, Ron Paul and Herman Cain are gonna make the decision. Who those little guys support will win the nomination and help them get to be VP. My prediction, Hermain Cain will go with Perry and the ticket will be Perry/Cain. Gingrich does not have the nerve and Ron Paul, …. he is from Texas. Cannot have 2 people from the same state according to the constitution. Also Cain is a southerner and he will see eye to eye with Perry. That would make a good working relationship.
But back to “Would Perry win Texas”. It would be a fight, but Perry will learn a lot on the national campaign trail, and take it to the next level. Already today, on Anderson Cooper 360 Perry was being critized. The criticism of Perry in this article is very good and says a lot about Perry. But being a governor of a large state ( #2 in population ) is good preparation for being President. Even if the executive powers are limited.
I have heard you speak on several occassions and I know that you are
from the Great State of TX. I am shocked that you would even put that
question out there.
Count me as a Texan who doesn’t want Rick Perry as our President. If my choice is Rick versus Mitt Romney, John Huntsman, or possibly Ron Paul, then I would hold my nose and vote for Rick. But any of the others like Herman Cain are infinitely better than Rick Perry. Let me spell out why I don’t like Rick Perry that Claver should also add to this excellent article. First, Rick “spearheaded” a tax reform package around 2005 that was supposed to reduce our property taxes. In the years since that laughable “reform”, my home valued around 80,000 has seen the property tax remain steady around 1600/year. Now if this reform had left my taxes unchanged but managed to lower other people’s property taxes, I could live with that. But I don’t know ANYONE who believes his “reform” reduced their property taxes. He also changed other portions of out tax structure that have resulted in less revenue to the state. So basically, we have less revenue in to the state but no reduction in the average tax payer’s tax load. Not to mention that we have one of the highest sales taxes in the country and that cities close to Houston are forced to pay a sales tax for Mass Transit AND the taxes we are paying to Mass Transit DO NOT SERVE THESE CITIES. Talk about taxation without representation !
Secondly, as Claver stated, his immigration record is a bunch of loud complaining but no action. He had the chance to pass an Arizona style law to help identify people here illegally, and a chance to send men to the border to help block the inflow of immigrants. He has done neither.
Thirdly, he has failed to address the terrible situation of the education system. The most important thing that must occur to repair the education system is COMPETITION ! Basically the problem of the education system is that when you pay your property taxes, the school gets the taxes regardless of how lousy a job they do. Then to add insult to the parents who decide their local school isn’t worth sending their children to, they pay their school tax to an incompetent school district and then have to pay someone else to actually educate their children. What needs to happen is that parents should be allowed to use their property tax as a voucher to pay the school of their choice to educate their children and let the parent be responsible for getting their child to the selected school if they choose to go outside their district. There were some in the Legislature who tried to get school voucher laws passed but Rick Perry did nothing to help push this through. Thus, we will continue to overpay for education and children will continue to be poorly educated.
Claver is right that Rick Perry uses conservatism as a political strategy but does not have the core values this country desperately needs. Right now, all of the ideas of how to repair our country’s problems are coming from conservative thinkers. Rick Perry will be a vote to continue kicking the can down the road. WE DON’T HAVE ANY MORE ROAD TO KICK THE CAN DOWN ! He won’t be getting my vote in the primary. I want someone that will address our problems.
I have great respect for Claver, I am proud to call him my friend, but we do not see eye to eye over this article.
I did not know how much of an idiot I have been by supporting and voting for Rick Perry over the years.
I voted for Rick Perry (or am I supposed to call him Slick Rick now?)six times. In 1990 and 1994 for Agriculture Commissioner, in 1998 for Lieutenant governor, and three times for Governor in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Prior to those races he was elected to the Texas House three times. So this is a guy that never lost a race! The kind of candidate I want going after President Obama!
The first time I met Rick Perry we were seated next to each other at a Bell county republican dinner in 1996 when he was the Agriculture Commissioner, we argued over the fact that his job was to promote Texas Agriculture and I did not think the tax payers should be paying to promote private companies products around the world. He agreed with me in principle but he did not change the function of the Agriculture Commissioner. I am sure in Claver’s mind that plays right into Rick not being a consistent conservative.
I am one of the few people that think Governor Perry had the best interest of Texan’s at heart over the Guardasill Executive order, and the Trans Texas Corridor.
I do not for a minute think that the Texas electorate have been hood winked one time and cannot imagine that they were so gullible to elect Rick Perry 9 times to 4 different positions in the Texas government if he did not have the right stuff!
I understand that Claver wrote this article to explain his personal views about Governor Perry to those outside of Texas that may not know much about him. I keep hearing from the TV that the people of Iowa and New Hampshire have a special duty to the country to give the rest of us guidance on who to vote for because they get to meet the candidates personally. Well I would hope that the rest of America would look to the people of Texas and say they have elected Rick Perry 9 times to 4 different positions so he must be a pretty good leader, a pretty good chief executive, pretty good person!
Yes Claver I think Slick Rick will win Texas hands down and the rest of the country as well not just in the Primary but in the General election as well.
I personally am “PRAYING” for “EAGLELAWYER” to read up on the true
facts regarding Rick Perry. You will vote for someone just because
they “prayed”…I say LORD HAVE MERCY on that one.
Wolf in sheep’s clothing….NWO minion as well as Mitt Romney.
Perry was “vetted” at 2007 Bilderburg…..If you don’t know or
understand about these organizations, please research, do homework
for your kids and become informed VOTERS who should know better….
RON PAUL – 2012..the only FISCALLY SOUND CANDIDATE