Rick Perry’s wife gives the green light ("Listen… get out of your comfort zone")

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has said his decision as to whether he’ll run for president hinges primarily on his ability to raise enough money to mount a successful campaign — but, just in case his supporters fear a Mitch Daniels moment, it’s good to know Perry’s wife is already on board.

But Anita isn’t merely supportive; she’s also likely to be an asset should Perry decide to run. She wants her husband to join the race not out of vanity, but out of a genuine concern for the direction of the country. As a nurse, for example, she has expressed worry about Obamacare’s probable effects on the nation’s health care system. That conviction should carry her better than sheer ambition ever could as she weathers weeks on the campaign trail herself. And after years as the First Lady of Texas, she has already overcome her original shyness to canvas for votes for her husband. She’s used to a grueling schedule, as one profile of her makes clear:

Perhaps most importantly, she’s also accustomed to the praise and criticism of her husband that come with the territory of an elected executive position — and makes it her priority to keep him grounded.

If Rick Perry has a checklist, he should be nearing the end of it — and, so far, it seems, every item has been checked in the “yes” column. A call? Check. Wife’s support? Check. Fundraising potential? Check. Positive polling? Check. He still faces those pesky comparisons to former President George W. Bush — but, as those “Miss me yet?” shirts hint, that’s not necessarily a negative.

Here are some of the reasons why everyone should reconsider any support of Rick Perry. He is not what he and his supporters claim he is:

July, 2001 - Address to the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, regarding DREAM Act, Rewarding Illegal Immigrants
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10672/
Higher education should be open to all, not just an elite few. It must be responsive to the needs of our growing and changing population, and it must continue to push the envelope of excellence and innovation.

That growing and changing population includes children of undocumented workers, young boys and girls that we serve in our public schools because it is the right thing to do.

I believe it is time they get the same treatment in our colleges and universities. I signed House Bill 1403 so that young Texans who graduated from our public schools, regardless of their immigration status, will be able to pay in-state tuition and take part in the Texas Dream.

We want bright, new Texans to stay here, and contribute great things to our future.

We also want to ensure Texans of all backgrounds participate in graduate and professional degree programs. A new law I signed will ensure that graduate schools give weight to socio-economic conditions of applicants seeking entry into their schools, not just test scores. That is good public policy that will make a difference for Texans from all walks of life.

August, 2001, on Mexican Trucks, Bi-National Health Insurance, Open Borders, DREAM Act
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10688/
The fruits of NAFTA have just begun to ripen. At the same time, we must not allow the roots of the tree to become poisoned. The NAFTA agreement not only signaled a new era of economic possibility, but a new era of bi-national cooperation. That is why it is wrong, and inherently detrimental to our relationship with Mexico for the U.S. Congress to pursue a protectionist policy that forbids Mexican trucks from U.S. roadways. It is bad public policy, and it violates the terms of the NAFTA agreement we agreed to. Mexican trucks that meet our safety standards should be given the same access to U.S. roads as our Canadian neighbors to the north.

Legislation authored by border legislators Pat Haggerty and Eddie Lucio establishes an important study that will look at the feasibility of bi-national health insurance. This study recognizes that the Mexican and U.S. sides of the border compose one region, and we must address health care problems throughout that region. That’s why I am also excited that Texas Secretary of State Henry Cuellar is working on an initiative that could extend the benefits of telemedicine to individuals living on the Mexican side of the border.

As a compassionate state, we know that for our children to succeed, they must not only be healthy, but educated. The future leaders of our two nations are learning their fractions and their ABC’s in classrooms all along this border. Immigrants from around the world are being taught in Texas classrooms, and our history is rich with examples of new citizens who have made great contributions. We must say to every Texas child learning in a Texas classroom, “we don’t care where you come from, but where you are going, and we are going to do everything we can to help you get there.” And that vision must include the children of undocumented workers. That’s why Texas took the national lead in allowing such deserving young minds to attend a Texas college at a resident rate. Those young minds are a part of a new generation of leaders, the doors of higher education must be open to them. The message is simple: educacion es el futuro, y si se puede.

We also know that poverty is not unique to either side of the border. Some of Texas’ poorest citizens live in colonias all along the border. They often lack basic infrastructure many of us take for granted. Just today, the North American Development Bank announced it will provide $6.3 million in funding to hook up colonia residents in six border cities to water and wastewater lines. More than 18,000 residents will benefit from these water or wastewater hookups. And this November, by approving Proposition 2, Texas voters can ensure that their neighbors in colonias have quality roads so that school buses, emergency vehicles and postal trucks can reach residents, and residents can get to a job or a school reliably.

President Fox’s vision for an open border is a vision I embrace, as long as we demonstrate the will to address the obstacles to it. An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity. It means we have addressed pollution concerns, made substantial progress in stopping the spread of disease, and rid our crossings of illicit drug smuggling activity. Clearly we have a long way to go in addressing those issues. At the same time we must continue to deepen our economic ties, expanding opportunities for Mexican and U.S. companies to do business on both sides of the border. The outlook is promising, even if the road to prosperity is a long one. We share a bond as neighbors, and we find our culture north of the Rio Grande to be increasingly defined by the strong traits of people of Hispanic descent. Texas has long enjoyed a unique identity, an identity forged by an independent spirit, and the convergence of many different peoples. We must welcome change in the 21st Century as we have in every century before it.

Today, as we look to the south, we see a rising sun. It is perched above a people whose best days are in front of them. Let us endeavor to make the most of this new day through a new dialogue. Let us work together to combat disease, expand trade and provide educational opportunities. If we do, there are no limits to what we can accomplish for the betterment of all of our citizens. Thank you, and God bless you.

June, 2002, Addressing LULAC
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10785/
John Hernandez, it’s good to see you as well… and it’s good to once again be in the company of men and women who do so much for our state – Texans who build local businesses and create new jobs…who do important work in our communities…who know the importance of strong families and vibrant neighborhoods…the proud, talented and dedicated members of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Ever since the founders of this organization first gathered in Corpus Christi 73 years ago, LULAC has been a force for greater empowerment, compassionate citizenship and social progress.

I want to commend our honorees this evening who have upheld the tradition of LULAC through a devotion to service. Actions speak louder than words, and your actions for Texas have spoken volumes.

With the political season upon us, some have asked me whether I would be willing to debate my opponent in Spanish. But I believe Spanish is too beautiful a language for Texans to suffer through an hour of me speaking it. I’m still working through “ser y estar.”

July, 2002, Support of No Child Left Behind
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/4392/
Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced today that Texas’ No Child Left Behind implementation plan has received federal approval. The approval clears the way for almost $400 million in new federal funding, moving the governor’s education plan a step closer to the classroom.

“Texas was a model for President Bush’s No Child Left Behind legislation, and we continue to lead the nation in innovative solutions to improve our schools,” Perry said. “The U.S. Department of Education’s stamp of approval means we can move forward with our plan to improve early childhood education, dropout prevention, teaching excellence, science education and our schools’ use of technology.”

November, 2003 on a border wall and guest workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/5015/
The long-term answer to the immigration challenges that confront us is not the building of structural barriers to keep people out, but the removal of economic barriers that keep people from experiencing opportunity and prosperity. When we allow for the free flow of commerce, energy and ideas, jobs and opportunity are created on both sides of our shared border.

Let me say something about the migrant workers who cross our border to work: They provide a real value to our economy and Texas benefits from the contributions they make. I will support reforms to our guest worker laws that allow migrant workers to contribute to our economy so long as the security of our border is in no way compromised.

January, 2004 - Support of guest workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/4310/
“During my visit with President Fox last November, I reaffirmed my support for a guest worker program that balances our two countries’ economic realities along with the need for homeland security. President Bush’s proposal reflects those goals.

June, 2005 - Address to LULAC State Convention
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10134/
Thank you, Roger (Rocha), for those kind words and for your leadership of a distinguished organization that is continuing to have a profound impact all across this state... ...the League of United Latino American Citizens.

I am always honored to be with men and women who are committed to building a future of unlimited opportunity for every Texan...
...where jobs are abundant...
...where families and communities are strong...
...and where every individual...
...regardless of the neighborhood they come from, or the sound of their last name...
...is empowered to control their own destiny.

Texas has come a long way in the march towards greater opportunity and empowerment in the 76 years since LULAC was founded.

December, 2006 - Speaking out against walled borders, in favor of open borders and guest workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/9984/
We have just concluded an election year that was heavy on immigration rhetoric and light on comprehensive solutions. Divisive appeals do nothing to solve problems even if they do score temporary political points. It is time Washington got one of the central messages of this election: when it comes to immigration and border security- get the job done! We cannot wall off the border and solve anything. Strategic fencing in certain urban areas to direct the flow of traffic makes sense, but building a wall across the entire border is a preposterous idea. Imagine the sheriff of Presidio County, Danny Dominguez, and his four or five deputies patrolling 130 miles of a border wall. The only thing a wall would most certainly accomplish is an increase in the ladder making industry.

Washington needs to seek real solutions that protect our economy that take migrant workers out of the shadows by giving then an ID and allowing them to cross freely, and that at the same time recognizes the rule of law and the importance of not rewarding those who break our laws. Our economy is impacted greatly by migrant workers. Let’s create a guest worker program that takes those workers off the black market and that legitimizes their economic contributions without doing the same for their citizenship. I would rather know who it is that crosses our border legally to work, than not know who it is that crosses our border illegally to work. We can have immigration reform that doesn’t compromise our security, and we can have security that doesn’t compromise our economy. That’s my goal, and it is time Washington shared it.

December, 2006, on deporting illegals, supporting guest workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/editorial/10326/
But to me neither amnesty nor mass deportation is the answer. The first unfairly rewards those who broke our laws, and the latter is not only unrealistic and unenforceable, but it would devastate our economy. That’s why I support a guest worker program that takes undocumented workers off the black market and legitimizes their economic contributions without providing them citizenship status.

January, 2007 - Oath of Office Address, Guest Workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2305/
Perry addressed the divisive issue of border security and immigration by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “come now, and let us reason together.” “We are both a nation of laws and immigrants; the former protect us, the latter enrich us,” Perry said. “We must secure the border with manpower, not unmanned walls. We must have a guest-worker program that recognizes the economic contributions of foreign workers and the desperate conditions that bring them here.

February, 2007 - Guest Workers
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/29/
A guest worker program recognizes the contributions of foreign workers and captures their income in our tax system, ensuring they contribute to the public services we provide them. And a guest worker program will help us know who crosses our border legally rather than not knowing who crosses our border illegally. Illegal immigration is a problem felt deeply by Texas, while too often ignored by Washington.

February, 2007 - LULAC Gala, selling State Lottery to fund healthcare for the uninsured
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/5556/
Thank you. I am so honored to be with you, the distinguished membership of a group that fights for equal opportunities and envisions a Texas that is ample in opportunity. It is good to see so many legislators, including several honorees tonight, Senator Zaffirini, Representative Gallego, Representative Noriega and Representative Anchia. They are good and decent Texans. Even though we don’t share a party, I am proud to serve by their side. I am particularly proud of another one of your honorees because he and I spent a year together traveling Texas as he served as my administrative assistant. Now he is the leading voice for the Texas Motor Transportation Association, John Esparza. If only his Red Raiders would stop beating my Aggies the world would be perfect.

It was nearly 80 years ago when a national movement began in Corpus Christi, they called themselves the League of United Latin American Citizens. Today, their vision is alive and well, and you are the living embodiment of it. And while we have a ways to go in tearing down barriers to opportunity, I have never felt better about the future of Texas because this is a state that welcomes all and includes all. And anything is possible in Texas for those who study hard, work hard and aspire to succeed.

One of the best ways to improve our economy is to improve access to health insurance for our workers. We have two million working Texans with a family income below 40,000 who are uninsured. They are just one accident, one bad diagnosis away from financial ruin. I believe we must use our moment of prosperity to ensure their long-term fiscal and physical health. I have proposed the sale of the Texas lottery for one reason and one reason only: to invest in our future. With a conservative estimate of $14 billion from such a sale, we could create a trust fund for the uninsured that would generate close to a quarter billion dollars every year in perpetuity. This is money that could provide premium assistance for private and employer-sponsored policies.

February, 2007 - Sale of State Lottery, to help insure the uninsured
Note: This was proposed in part by Phil Gramm, who wanted his company to help the state sell the lottery, and his company just so happened to have hired Rick Perry's son
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2288/
Additionally, $270 million in annual trust fund earnings is proposed to create a premium assistance program for the uninsured. More than 2 million uninsured Texans are below 200 percent of the federal poverty limit. Perry’s proposed “Healthier Texas” program would help individuals purchase health insurance through employer-based programs or private plans.

March, 2007 - Sale of the state lottery to help insure the uninsured
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/9365/
I have also proposed using proceeds from the sale of the lottery to provide insurance to more than a half million working Texans.

August, 2007 - Trip to Mexico City, responding to reporters
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5090944.html
MEXICO CITY — Leading a large delegation of Texas executives trying to drum up business in Mexico, Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday criticized the U.S. Congress for failing to pass an immigration bill that would legalize millions of workers.

"I don't think this is that difficult an issue if Congress would have the maturity to sit down and really discuss it and cut out all the mean rhetoric," Perry said during a break in the third day of meetings with Mexican officials and business executives.

"We need those individuals to continue to grow our economy," he said of Texas' undocumented workers, most of whom hail from Mexico. "The vast, vast majority of those individuals want to come and work and take care of their families."

Perry made the remarks in Mexico City, where immigration is nearly as big a hot-button issue as it is in Washington. He spoke at a press conference shortly before meeting with President Felipe Calderon who, like past Mexican presidents, has lobbied for changes in U.S. immigration law that would include a guest-worker program.

Perry's statements seemed to put him at odds with many in the Republican Party's base who regarded the immigration overhaul bill that collapsed in the Senate in June as nothing more than an amnesty for illegal immigrants.

August, 2007 - Trip to Mexico, response to reporters, anger at wall, need for illegal immigrants
http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/08/28/mexico-texas-idUSN2827524820070828
Perry, in Mexico with a Texan trade mission seeking opportunities in areas like renewable energy, said the federal government's plan to build a wall along much of the border to keep out illegal immigrants was "idiocy."

"We need those individuals to continue to grow our economy," Perry told a briefing with reporters.

"If you show up illegally, without your card or you're here as a criminal element, I'm for throwing the book at those folks, but the issue of people who want to legally, thoughtfully and appropriately come to America to work and help us build our economy -- we should quickly come up with a program and an identification card to do that."

Congress failed to pass a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws in June despite heavy lobbying by President George W. Bush.

Following the reform failure, Washington is concentrating on border enforcement -- building a security fence along the Mexican border, deporting undocumented immigrants and trying to prevent companies from hiring illegal migrants.

Perry, a Republican, said it was important to separate immigration from security issues, which Texas has dealt with on its stretch of the Mexican border by deploying more guards.

"We know how to deal with border security, and you don't do it by building a fence," Perry said, ahead of a meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

October, 2007 - Perry on a pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, pro-gun control candidate for President of the United States:
http://web.archive.org/web/20080228054735/http://www.joinrudy2008.com/article/missed/908
The time that we’ve spent together, whether it’s been on the phone or it’s been face-to-face, I’ve asked him some tough questions. I’ve looked him in his eye as he answered. I studied his positions. And I will tell you I have been highly impressed with his record. I’ve taken the measure of a man. And I believe that without a doubt or reservation that Rudy Giuliani is the most capable, the most prepared individual of either party to be the next President of the United States. He is the best of a strong field of Republican candidates and I’m proud to proclaim my support of his campaign. So I am proud to introduce to you America’s Mayor, a proven fiscal conservative, a leader who gets things done and the best hope of our nation’s future.

April, 2010 - On Arizona-style legislation to deal with illegal immigrants
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/14574/
"Recently, there has been much debate over immigration policy in Washington and what has been implemented in Arizona. I fully recognize and support a state's right and obligation to protect its citizens, but I have concerns with portions of the law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for Texas.

Bottom line; we need somebody who can WIN this thing. That means somebody with cross-over appeal, which our Palen, Bachmann and Cain (no matter how much we love them) simply do not have.

Until 1989, Rick Perry was a conservative Democrat. He switched parties as, like many Democrats including Ronald Reagan and Phil Gramm, he saw that party moving farther and farther to the left. Under Perry’s decade as governor, hundreds of Texas Democrats have followed his lead and become Republicans. As a former Democrat, Perry can speak to that swath of his former party that has become disenchanted with their party as President Obama has taken it even farther to the left, in a way that few Republicans can. He can also speak well and credibly to all wings of the national GOP, from the fiscal cons to the social cons to the libertarian set.
He would appeal to all segments of the Republican electorate and would come armed with a record of economic success and a commitment to liberty that no other contender can match.

Texas has been voted #1 business climate for the last seven years.
Texas has been getting all of California’s jobs.
Perry must be doing something right.
We need a good business guy right now.
Perry has proved it.

CONSERVATIVE ICONS SUPPORT PERRY:

>Sarah Palin threw her endorsement to Rick Perry for governor.
Recently restated that she likes Perry
“He walks the walk of a true conservative” “And he sticks by his guns — and you know how I feel about guns.”
Sarah Palin
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/02/palin-perry-201.html

>Rush said that Perry is his dream candidate.
http://gretawire.blogs.foxnews.com/rush-limbaugh-on-the-record-3/

>Michael Reagan praises Perry:
“If you don’t believe Reaganomics can still work in this day and age, for whatever reason, I say you should look no further than the state of Texas.
Under the leadership of Gov. Rick Perry, Texas has championed and built upon the concepts my father used to rebuild America in the 1980s..
In short, Reagan Revolution is alive and well - deep in the heart of Texas.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/24/reagans-vision-lives-on-in-texas/?page=1

>Ted nugent is a close friend and supporter.

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>Since Perry has been Governor of Texas, Texas has added more than 850,000 jobs, more than all other states combined. Texas has added over 180,000 jobs since August of 2009.

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>According to this web site Texas is #1 this year and last year for business friendly.
http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business
Obama would not want not run against a governor that has the BEST business climate in the U.S. when everything else is in a depression.

>He refused to raise taxes when Texas faced a record $10 billion budget shortfall in 2003. Instead, he was the first Texas governor since World War II to sign a budget that lowered state spending (and has now done it twice). As governor, Perry has used his line item veto to cut over $3 billion in proposed spending.

>For seven years running, CEOs polled by Chief Executive magazine have rated Texas first in business development and job growth. Texas boasts 58 Fortune 500 companies — more than any other state.

>As America’s No. 1 exporting state, Texas shipped $206.6 billion in goods abroad last year, composing 16 percent of America’s $1.28 trillion in exports. California’s $14.4 billion in exports ranked it second, with 11.2 percent of U.S. outflow.

>Texas’ achievements so stunned Gavin Newsom, California’s Democratic lieutenant governor, that he flew a delegation to Austin last May to ask Perry how he lures defectors from the Golden State.

>Of the 70 companies that fled California in 2011, the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund reported last April, 14 relocated to Texas — these exiles’ primary destination.
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2011/06/21/opinion/nh4142489.txt

>In 2005, Perry signed a historic $15.7 billion property tax cut for homeowners and businesses that also included new taxpayer protections against appraisal increases. In 2009, Gov. Perry secured a tax cut for approximately 40,000 small businesses in Texas and protected the Rainy Day Fund for future challenges.

>He led the battle to pass the country’s most sweeping lawsuit reforms, closing the door on junk lawsuits that had been making trial lawyers rich while driving countless doctors either out of the state or the profession all together. Since Texas voters approved these reforms, malpractice claims and premiums have fallen and access to healthcare is increasing across the state as doctors have applied in droves to practice in Texas.

>Perry is also known for his socially conservative views on homosexuality, and he opposes same sex marriage. He condemned the United States Supreme Court decision in Lawrence vs. Texas, which struck down a Texas sodomy law. He called the law “appropriate”

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ABORTION:

>Perry is pro-life and opposes government funding for elective abortions. In 2005, Perry, a social conservative, signed a bill that limited late-term abortions and required girls under the age of 18 who procure abortions to notify their parents. Perry signed the bill in the gymnasium of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Worth, an evangelical Christian school.

>Perry signed into law a bill requiring a sonogram and doctor’s explanation before granting an abortion

>In 2005, Perry signed a new law that requires minor girls to receive parental consent before getting an abortion. This law strengthens a parental notification law Perry supported as Lt. Gov. in 1999, which
helped reduce teen abortions by 26 percent.
Perry has also signed a ban on third trimester abortions, a ban on tax dollars being used to support abortion facilities, a prenatal protection act that protects
unborn children from assault, and an informed consent law that helps expectant mothers better understand the risks and consequences of abortion. Perry supports a ban on human cloning and will veto any
legislation that provides state dollars for embryonic stem cell research, a process that ends a human life.
Perry urges to keep up pressure to roll back the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion until “Roe v. Wade is nothing but a shameful footnote in our nation’s history books.

>Perry, a frequent critic of the federal government, also bashed President Barack Obama for his administration’s policy allowing federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, saying he was deeply disturbed by studies that turn “the remains of unborn children into nothing more than raw material.”

>Perry has faulted Obama for reversing the so-called “Mexico City policy” that banned giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions or provide information about abortions. Obama struck down the policy during his first week in office, saying it was too broad and undermined family planning in developing countries.
Under Obama “our federal tax dollars can now be used to fund abortion all over the world. With the stroke of a pen, abortion essentially became a U.S. foreign export,” Perry said.

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IMMIGRATION:

>Perry adds immigration issues to lawmaker session
Perry wants passage of a measure requiring every person arrested to be run through the federal immigration databases as part of the Secure Communities program. He also wants to provide the state Department of Public Safety with the authority to make sure someone is in the U.S. legally before issuing a driver’s license.

>These measures, along with a ban on sanctuary cities, would “provide a clear message that Texas will not turn a blind eye to those breaking our laws,” Perry said in a statement.
“Texas owes it to the brave law enforcement officials, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and communities, to give them the discretion they need to adequately do their jobs,” Perry said.
http://www.rickperry.org/media-articles/perry-adds-immigration-issues-lawmakers-agenda-0?amp

>Gov. Perry has made numerous requests of the federal govt. to enforce the border in Texas including handing President Obama a letter in person when he landed in Dallas last year.
(Obama insulted governor Perry when he turned away and Perry had to hand the letter on the illegals issue to presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett. Obama declined to personally accept it.)

>Gov. Perry refuses to meet/greet Obama in May 2011 at El Paso during his Texas tour.
Perry later declared, “If he wanted to meet, I was in Austin.

>Perry signed into law photo ID required before voting.

WHAT have other states done?? (with the exception of AZ Ok and Ga)

What have other candidates stated that they would do?

What has Sarah stated she would do?

What is Backmann’s plan?

What did Reagan do?
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/jan/06/rudy-giuliani/yep-reagan-did-the-a-word/
President Ronald Reagan was the first president in history to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. On November 6, 1986, he signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, [PUB L 99-603]. In so doing, he set a precedent whereby the United States would not seek to deport illegal aliens, but to reward their lawbreaking by granting them full citizenship.

NEWSFLASH! None of them are going to do much.
We have to take the best of the lot.

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CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS:

In what was described as a “God and country” sermon at the Cornerstone church in San Antonio, attended by Perry and other mostly Republican candidates, the Rev. John Hagee stated, “If you live your life and don’t confess your sins to God Almighty through the authority of Christ and His blood, I’m going to say this very plainly, you’re going straight to hell with a nonstop ticket.”
Perry was asked if he agreed with those comments and said, “It is my faith, and I’m a believer of that.”[39] Perry went on to say that there was nothing in the sermon that he took exception with.
Humorist and entertainer Kinky Friedman, the Jewish independent candidate for governor in the 2006 election, said, “He doesn’t think very differently from the Taliban, does he?” Carole Keeton Strayhorn disagreed with Perry’s comments, and Democrat Chris Bell said that one who is in public office should “respect people of all faiths and denominations”.
Conservatives then responded, arguing that Perry had a right to his religious beliefs, and that he was not disrespecting Americans of other religious convictions. While visiting Israel in August 2009, Perry gave an interview to the Jerusalem Post in which he affirmed his support for Israel from his religious background, “I’m a big believer that this country was given to the people of Israel a long time ago, by God, and that’s ordained.”

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

>Perry does not believe there is valid scientific proof of anthropogenic global warming. He has said several times that there is no scientific consensus on the issue.[69] In a September 7, 2007, speech to California Republicans, Perry said, “Virtually every day another scientist leaves the global warming bandwagon. ... But you won’t read about that in the press because they have already invested in one side of the story.”

>Pro-life, Pro-guns, pro-spending cuts, pro-business

>He’s an outside-the-Beltway candidate

>He is not a Ivy League grad

>He was an Air Force captain who flew a C-130

>Speaks Spainish.
(Odumbo says everybody should speak a foreign language, but he CAN’T)

>Fighting with Obama on many fronts
Google Perry/Obama and you will see he’s been fighting him and his government for the past two years.

>PERRY ISSUES OBAMA A COUPLE OF BIG FUBOs:

1. “Texas to Allow Regular Incandescent Bulbs”
Reports are the governor will sign Bill HB2510 by June 19th.
Bill HB2510 allows for the manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs otherwise banned in federal legislation of 2007, applicable from 1 January 2012 onwards.
The legality, at least in the way the proposed law is framed, has apparently been cleared with the US Attorney General’s office.
The Bill has already passed in both House and Senate with overwhelming support.
While Texas has no current manufacture, relevant parties are being invited to restart it.
Texas has been a leading US state in providing new local jobs, and this is seen as a further contributive measure.
http://freedomlightbulb.blogspot.com/2011/06/texas-to-allow-incandescent-light-bulbs.html

2.Perry Adds TSA Anti-Groping Bill to Call
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/tea-party/updated-perry-adds-tsa-anti-groping-bill-to-call/ ^

Gov. Rick Perry this evening announced the addition of TSA anti-groping legislation to the agenda for the special legislative session. In a statement, he said lawmakers could consider legislation “relating to the prosecution and punishment for the offense of official oppression on those seeking access to public buildings and transportation.”

.
>There is no such thing as ‘Perrycare’

>Signed into law sonogram and explanation by physician before abortion

>Signed into law, photo ID ident to vote

>Perry did not apply for federal “Race to the Top” education funds because he said it would force national standards upon Texas.

>He has vetoed a record 248 bills, including dozens after the 2001 session, angering many lawmakers.

>He said last year that President Barack Obama was “hell-bent” on turning America into a socialist country.

>Won governorship of state with lots of latinos

>He used to be a Democrat. So? So did Reagan.

>The Bush’s don’t like him

>He has NEVER lost an election, including an elementary school contest for “king” of the Paint Creek School Carnival. He secured that win by handing out pennies for votes.

>Perry has degree in animal science from Texas A&M University

>He is an Eagle Scout and wrote a book about the Boy Scouts, ‘On My Honor’.
Rick Perry uses the Boy Scouts to draw a battle line in what he considers a “culture war,” defending them against the American Civil Liberties Union and what he sees as a moral struggle for the country’s future.
The book also traces a 30-year history of litigation involving the Scouts — most of which they won — which Perry considers an attack on traditional values and faith in God.

Perry targets the ACLU as the primary force behind a leftist push to accept homosexuality and challenge Scouting’s duty to God.
http://www.rickperry.org/media/perrys-new-book-supports-boy-scouts-attacks-aclu

>Perry has a reputation for not sweating

MISC:
.

>He played quarterback on the six-man football team for the Paint Creek Pirates. He also played basketball and ran track.

>He’s a runner and triathlete.

>He is an outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing.

>He plays the drums. At a January 2005 inaugural party in Washington, he played with ZZ Top in front of 2,000 people

>Perry has Romney’s looks without the other baggage.
Raised on a ranch.
Has hair.
6’ tall- presidential (especially after Obama)

.
PERRY TRASHING:

Anytime governor Rick Perry is mentioned, Free Repubic seems to turn into something resembling Democratic Underground.
Posts regarding Perry are peppered with profanity, vulgarity and downright fabrications- the likes of which is seldom seen on Free Republic.

This is hardly in the best interests of our Conservative agenda. The Loony Left does not need any help from us in the character assassination of our Conservatives.

This Perry trashing comes from the Ron ‘truther’ Paul nuts, Debra Medina sour grapers, lurking Libs- and I suspect, over zealous Sarah Palin supporters and a few Bachmann supporters.
(I love Sarah and Michelle Bachmann as much as anyone else, but we MUST face reality when it comes to our beautiful Conservative ladies’ chances of winning this thing!)

Don’t you think it more sensible to trust what the Conservative icons have to say about Perry?

>Sarah Palin threw her endorsement to Rick Perry for governor-. She recently restated that she likes Perry.

>Rush said that Perry is his dream candidate. http://gretawire.blogs.foxnews.com/rush-limbaugh-on-the-record-3/

>Ted Nugent is a close friend and supporter.

Don’t you think it more sensible to trust what numerous politicians and scholars have said about Rick Perry than various haters?

VISIT THIS SITE

Read the official statements of dozens of Perry’s fellow politicians and scholars (both Democrats and Republicans) have had to say about Rick Perry: http://www.politico.com/arena/archive/rick-perry-for-president-in-2012.html

All (including Democrat opponents) have called him a staunch Conservative, and not one of the dozens issuing opinions has mentioned the vaccine or TTC.
Apparently they don’t consider these things an issue. They DID mention Perry threatening to secede from the union as a strike against him.

What Perry actually said; “You know, my hope is that America and Washington in particular pays attention,” Perry continued. “We’ve got a great union. There is absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what may come out of that? So. But Texas is a very unique place and we’re a pretty independent lot to boot.”

.
The Gadasil vaccine Perry tried to “force” on Texas girls?
Dead issue.
He never tried to force it.
There was an opt out. It was up to parents to choose
Always.

Trans Texas Hiway?
Dead issue.
If that’s the worst he’s done, I can live with it.
I just want someone who can kick the Marxist/Muslim usurper’s sorry a$$ out of our White House!!

Bilderberg member?
Dead issue.
Governor Perry attended one meeting in 2007.
Many prominent Americans have attended these meeting.
That does NOT mean they are members or agree with their ‘agenda’- whatever that is.
Some who attended in the past: Ford, Eisenhower, Gates

Why NOT attend if invited? I would want to know what in the heck they are all about and what they are up to.

>Americans WILL get it:
>Better looking
>Better record
>Rick Perry for President

_____________________________________________________

Hear Allen West explain eloquently why Muslims- all Muslims, are a danger to America in this short video;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGQmCZjJ0k

We need a place for sensible men like Cain and West who understand the Muslim and illegal alien danger to America in the new Republican administration in 2012.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Perry looks like Bush and talks like Bush , panders with his bible like Bush. And is a NWO token boy like Bush. I think Obama beats him as easy as Romney. Voters do not want a 2nd Obama term but will not change horses in midstream for a 3rd Bush term.

Bachmann needs to worry about her husband coming out .... watch and listen to the guy , he makes Elton John look manly

It's not he migraines. Bachmann isn't qualified because she has no resume other than voting and talking. No executive experience , no legislation passed. Who cares if you have the right ideas if you don't have the ability to make them happen.