Be Very Wary Of Perry

America Talks ^ | 7/23/11 | David Zublick

[AmericaTalks]

There has been much buzz about the possibility that Texas Governor Rick Perry will throw his hat into the GOP presidential ring. Many conservatives and Tea Party activists see him as a very attractive and viable candidate, one who would liven up a field that seems devoid of exciting prospects.

But before Republicans start salivating too heavily, it is important to examine Perry closely. His conservative bonafides leave much to be desired.

Let's examine his record.

Prior to 1989, Rick Perry was a Democrat, who supported Al Gore for president. Perry was Gore's campaign manager in the state of Texas that year.

As Governor of Texas, Perry would have us believe he is a small government guy. But the facts say other wise.

Total spending in Texas the year he became governor in 2000 was approximately $49 billion. Last year it was approximately $90 billion. That is hardly reducing the size of government over a 10 year period.

The total debt of the state of Texas has more than doubled since he became governor. The debt to GDP ratio in Texas is 22.9% and the debt per citizen is $10,645. That's worse than California.

Perry claims he is for keeping taxes low. Not true. He has raised taxes repeatedly during his tenure as governor. Texans have higher taxes and fees than they had before he was elected.

While everyone lauded Perry's leadership by pointing to the low unemployment rate in the Lone Star State, it should be noted that 23 states have a lower unemployment rate than Texas. And Texas has the highest percentage of workers making minimum wage out of all 50 states. In 2007, 221,000 residents of Texas were making minimum wage or less. By 2010, that number had risen to 550,000.

The education system in Texas is abysmal. Barbara Bush, in an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle, wrote:

•  We rank 36th in the nation in high school graduation rates. An estimated 3.8 million Texans do not have a high school diploma. •  We rank 49th in verbal SAT scores, 47th in literacy and 46th in average math SAT scores. •  We rank 33rd in the nation on teacher salaries.

What does that say about the stewardship of Rick Perry with regard to education?

Rick Perry also claims to have a tough stance on illegal immigration. But the facts indicate otherwise.

He signed the DREAM Act in 2001, giving in-state tuition to undocumented students. Perry said at the time, "We must say to every 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". This measure is similar to the one the Democrats are pushing at the federal level, one which conservatives vehemently oppose.

Perhaps the biggest issue people opposed to the nanny state should be concerned about is Perry's issuance of an executive order back in 2007 that would have forced almost every single girl in the state of Texas to receive the Gardasil vaccine before entering the sixth grade. Perry was in the tank with Merck. There were apparent financial connections between Merck and Perry reported by news outlets, such as a $6,000 campaign contribution and Merck’s hiring of former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey to handle its Texas lobbying work.

The Texas legislature put the kibosh on that idea by crafting a bill that overturned the executive order.

Subsequently, very serious safety issues with the vaccine came to light. The biggest problem with regard to the Gardasil issue was that Perry appeared to be condoning premarital sex, or at least assuming that middle school girls were going to be engaging in sexual activity, which is the only way that the cervical cancer that the vaccine prevents can be contracted. Many parents and conservatives were justifiably outraged.

When one takes into account these facts about Rick Perry, the only conclusion that can be reached is that Perry is for the expansion of government and its intrusion into our lives.

On Perry's possible run for the White House? No thanks. I think I'll pass.

Listen to America Talks Monday through Friday at 6 pm Eastern Time and Saturdays at 9 am Eastern Time on www.blogtalkradio.com/americatalks and at www.americatalks.com.

[Clairity]

“The Amercian Conservative Union lists Al Gore pro abortion votes when he was senator in the 80’s. “

You are mistaken.

On June 26, 1984, Representative Al Gore cast an extremely pro-life vote. While debating the Civil Rights Act of 1984, Representative Siljander proposed the following amendment.

“For the purposes of this act, the term ‘person’ shall include unborn children from the moment of conception.”

After debate, Mr. Siljander demanded a recorded vote. The amendment was defeated 219 to 186. Among the recorded votes for the amendment was that of Al Gore.

Contrary to Al Gore’s current campaign statements, this amendment cannot be counted among those distinguished as votes only against federal funding. This amendment was in direct opposition to Roe v Wade.

http://stmaryvalleybloom.org/gore.html

[BuckeyeTexan]

Al Gore used to be pro-life, until he decided it wasn’t to his benefit politically.

I now have copies of Al Gore’s voting record on abortion, his letters to constituents, and other documents. (everything quoted below and more) If anyone wants copies. Please stop back in the next few days to see a complete list of Gore’s abortion flip-flop record.

* In 1980, Gore wrote a letter to NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE, supporting the Hyde Amendment.

* On June 26, 1984, Representative Al Gore cast an extremely pro-life vote. While debating the Civil Rights Act of 1984, Representative Siljander proposed the following amendment. “For the purposes of this act, the term ‘person’ shall include unborn children from the moment of conception.” After debate, Mr. Siljander demanded a recorded vote. The amendment was defeated 219 to 186. Among the recorded votes for the amendment was that of Al Gore. This amendment was in direct opposition to Roe v Wade, not just one against federal funding for abortions. In addition, he denied even casting that vote on Meet the Press on Feb. 21, 1988, and a Gore advisor stated to U.S. News and World Report on March 7, 1998, that: “Since there’s a record of that vote, we only have one choice. In effect, what we have to do is deny, deny, deny.”

* In Iowa and New Hampshire, questions at Gore’s open meetings focused on health care and education. In Los Angeles, they ran the gamut from welfare reform to the environment, as well as a number of questions about Gore’s commitment to individual rights, such as gay rights, rights of the disabled and civil rights. Abortion continued to be an issue for Gore, who was asked by reporters in Venice about comments he made during his 1976 congressional race suggesting that a woman’s “freedom to live her own life” does not always outweigh the rights of a fetus. Source: “Democrats Take Race to West Coast In Costly California, Key Goal Is ‘Free Media’” By William Booth and Lois Romano Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, February 4, 2000; Page A06 (this is one document I do not have a copy of)

* During his tenure in the U.S. House (1977 to 1984) Gore voted pro-life 27 times and had a 84% pro-life voting record.

* In letters to a constituents, he wrote: “It is my deep personal conviction that abortion is wrong. I hope that some day we will see the current outrageously large number of abortions drop sharply.” (Letters from Sept. 15, 1983, August 22, 1984, )

* In a May 26, 1987 letter to a constituent he wrote: “During my 11 years in congress, I have consistently opposed federal funding for abortions. In my opinion, it is wrong to spend federal funds for what is arguably taking of a human life. Let me assure you that I share your belief that innocent human life must be protected, and I am committed to furthering this goal.”

http://www.gargaro.com/lifequotes.html

[Politicalmom]

The state has NO business pushing “childhood” vaccinations for diseases which can’t be passed while sitting next to someone in school. The fact that he thought that HE should be able to make a unilateral decision, and that he usurped the rightful power of the legislature makes me inclined to steer clear of Perry.

The fact that he panders to illegals, and made a speech to LA RAZA last year makes my certain I will not support him.

[GOPyouth]

I thought he might make a good VP to Bachmann, but now he’s cheering on gay “marriage”. Forget it.

Cite me one example where Perry has cheered gay marriage. His support of the 10th Amendment is hardly support of gay marriage.

[abcc2011]

Rick Perry is a Chameleon

Rick Perry is NOT Tea Party. He attached himself to the Tea Party for political gain. Rick Perry is NOT Anti-establishment. He is one of them. He's in with the good 'ole boys club, the very ones who need to be rooted out of federal government. Rick Perry is being advised by some of G.W. Bush's old regime. If you want another George W. Bush, then Perry is it. Rick Perry is a Bilderberger elitist. He is being backed by the billionaires. He is not a true conservative. He is not a true Christian. He is as phony as a $6 bill. You can't trust the lizard.

[GOPyouth]

Any person who reached adulthood, then got involved in politics, and supported a pro-abortion fanatic like Gore, should not be in any public office. I’m putting Perry on my “no way” list with Romney.

Al Gore was pro life in the 80s.

[hellbender]

I just checked, and Al Gore's ACU rating in 1988 was 9.0. Compare Phil Gramm, with 95.0, and Lloyd Bentsen (D) of TX with 42.0.

The repeated assertions that Al Gore was a "conservative" Southern Democrat have just been demolished. He was less conservative than Jay Rockefeller (D), Wm. Proxmire (D), Harry Reid (D), and Arlen Sphincter (R).

[cripplecreek]

The fact that he panders to illegals, and made a speech to LA RAZA last year makes my certain I will not support him.

Amnesty is one can that we simply cannot afford to kick down the road any more. It creating a huge democrat constituency and forcing our nation to the left. If we're going to vote for amnesty then our country is finished anyway. I truly believe this is our last chance to save ourselves.

[humblegunner]

And just because you said it.. it’s true!

Behold The Power Of The N00b!

[GOPyouth]

I’ve lived in texas since 1993. Perry is practically invisible! I’ve not heard a speech he’s given, heard a policy pronouncement, or seen him do much of anything. Governor Nobody!

With all due respect, your head is in the ground if you haven't heard anything about Perry over the past 12 years.

[GOPyouth]

Perry was actually a middle-aged man when he decided it would be better for his future political prospects in an increasingly conservative TX if he turned Republican.

As you well know, getting elected as as Republican in this state 25 years ago was quite difficult. Texas has only had 6 republican governors.

[GOPyouth]

Perry was actually a middle-aged man when he decided it would be better for his future political prospects in an increasingly conservative TX if he turned Republican.

As you well know, getting elected as as Republican in this state 25 years ago was quite difficult. Texas has only had 6 republican governors.

[hellbender]

In 1987, Al Gore had a lower American Conservative Union rating than Patrick Leahy of VT!

Some "conservative." All the propaganda and hype from the Perry juggernaut is collapsing. We're going to vet this guy, the way the nation should have done with 0bama.

[Politicalmom]

You may have seen this, in fact I might have gotten the link from you, but this is a must read Perry speech.

“The Rio Grande does not separate two nations, it joins two peoples.”

“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.”

“President Fox’s vision for an open border is a vision I embrace”

http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10688/

[CowboyJay]

See the Chameleon
Lying there in the sun
All things to everyone
RUN, RUN AWAY!

[cripplecreek]

Thank you. I’m adding it to my list and handing it out at tea party events.

[hellbender]

So what. That just proves what many knowledgeable people have been saying, which is that Perry is a cunning politician who does what is good for him. He is not the crusading hero which we need to turn this country around. He is just another poseur, another hack career politician.

John Tower was first elected as a Republican in 1961, and reelected repeatedly. Now if Tower had merely done what was expected, as Perry does, he would have stayed a Demonrat.

[GOPyouth]

what he left out was the biggest land grab in TX history for the benefit of a spanish company

For starters, the TTC was never implemented. Secondly, the private companies were going to PAY FOR THE DAMNED ROADS TO BE BUILT instead of the taxpayers having to be taxed for it. And the companies wouldn't even own the land.

[GOPyouth]

He is cheering on the power of state governments to do anything they want. He would be okay with legalizing any crazy or perverted thing at a state level I guess.

Tell me what NY did that violated the US Constitution regarding their definition of marriage. They either violated the US Constitution or they didn't. If they didn't violate the US Constitution, then it's up to the states to decide. If you think that NY shouldn't be allowed make a law that doesn't violate the US Constitution, then you, sir, might as well support a Banana Republic.

[rintense]

Pretty ironic since you’re one of the biggest offenders (attacking Palin) of the very words you cry about Perry.