« No Constitution Yet | Main | Does the Other Shoe Drop? »
August 16, 2005
Strike Three
Today the Republican leadership in Austin is finally admitting what Texans have realized for some time -- the Legislature isn't close to a deal on public school finance (or the accompanying tax bill), and the second special session has been a complete waste of time and money. There is now whispering that a third special session is in the offing. Governor Perry is making friends in a hurry.
Since taking over control of all levers of state government in 2002, the GOP has been crowing about how they would reform public education and provide real property tax relief. Well, two regular sessions and four special sessions later, they've made virtually no progress. That means you, Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick.
Sure, you've delivered some new Republican Congressional seats and an amendment to further ban already illegal same-sex marriage, but what else do you have to show for your time in charge? See, more Texans than not will vote Republican these days and oppose same-sex marriage, but they'd also like to keep the public schools open.
So many years in the political wilderness for the GOP, both in Texas and Washington, now the dream has been realized. Plans hatched long ago, after Barry Goldwater's crushing defeat, have borne fruit. The power grab is complete, but what now?
After same-sex marriage is banned yet again here in Texas, what next? What other red herring can the GOP find to try and distract folks from the real issues facing our state, and from its failure to lead?
It was much easier just to criticize, to blame Democrats and "libruls" for every ill under the sun, wasn't it? You may well do a slash and burn number (after all, it's what you do best), and make Democrats so unacceptable that you squeak through another election cycle next year, but what then?
These problems aren't going away. Leadership is about making tough decisions under tough circumstances for the public good. Leadership has been all but absent from the halls of the Capitol in Austin. Now you are in charge, dear Texas GOP, and this is on you.
Posted by houtopia at August 16, 2005 08:52 AM