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December 20, 2005
Perry Talks Leadership, Passes Buck
Texas Governor Rick Perry filed for reelection yesterday, promising four more years of the strong leadership he's provided since succeeding George W. Bush in 2000. Doesn't that make you feel good?
The Governor announced his plan to campaign on his record as a "fiscal conservative who has fought for lower taxes and responsible government spending while investing billions more in education." Really? Because taxes aren't lower, state government has hardly acted responsibly over the last four years, and the educational funding system is an utter mess that was just ruled illegal by the Texas Supreme Court. Quite a record.
It was heartening to see that a "few dozen" supporters packed the room for Governor Perry's announcement. The enthusiasm for him is downright palpable, isn't it? Catch the Rick Perry fever!
One reporter had the temerity to ask the good Governor about Texans who are concerned about the state of public education and school finance failures. "You're talking to wrong people, man", Mr. Perry replied, and directed the reporter to his list of reelection supporters. Man, that's leadership.
Perry then went on to disparage all his "sideline critics" and called criticism over four failed special sessions unfair. Let's see -- two regular sessions, plus four specials -- six bites at the school finance apple, and nothing, zippo, accomplished. But don't you remember the substantive, good-faith efforts the Governor made, like submitting a budget last session with zero dollar amounts? Hey man, you're talking to the wrong people. That's somebody else's problem.
That Mr. Perry actually stood before the public to run on his record of achievement is a bad joke. That he so flippantly dismisses the enormous gap between his campaign platitudes and reality is very unfunny indeed, yet that's virtually all he has to say.
State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn who, for now, is Perry's GOP primary challenger, leaves us on a note of pity, saying "he's done his best, but his best just isn't good enough." We don't pity Rick Perry, but rather fear for our state's future should he be reelected. Texas just can't afford another four years of this.
Posted by houtopia at December 20, 2005 10:53 AM