dagblog - Comments for "Why Perry Is Dangerous (And Also a Nut)"

Perry is the second Governor

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:54:53 +0000

In reply to Why Perry Is Dangerous (And Also a Nut)

Perry is the second Governor of Texas who (1) has been strongly influenced by members of the Christian Right in the wealthy state of Texas; and who (2) has set a new record for the number of executions by any modern Governor. Perry has overseen a record number of executions of death row inmates. He has never given given clemency. He has overseen 230 executions. Here is what the Texas Freedom Network says at their web site, Religious Right Watch, about the Religious Right in Texas: "Perhaps the greatest success of the state’s religious-right movement has been its complete takeover of the Republican Party of Texas. This effort progressed steadily during the 1990s and was complete by the end of Gov. George W. Bush’s administration in 2000.".. In the 2004 Yurica Report "The Despoiling of America, The First Prince of the Theocratic States of America," Katherine Yurica explains that Pat Robertson's resignation from his position as President of the Christian Coalition on December 24, 2001 signaled to the faithful that "the Bush administration was a government under God that was led by an anointed President who would be the first regent in a dynasty of regents awaiting the return of Jesus to earth. The President would now be the minister through whom God would execute His will in the nation. George W. Bush accepted his scepter and his sword with humility, grace and a sense of exultation." Now Texas governor Rick Perry - anointed by the Christian Right has begun "his" run.

In a way, we're lucky that

The Liberal Mob — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:44:18 +0000

In reply to I just hit some of your

In a way, we're lucky that book exists. The bog standard politician-authored book is usually a lot more vague on details and less strident. There's usually some meat there, of course. But it seems like most candidates/current officeholders show more discretion than Perry has.

It's an advantage because now there really can't be a whole lot of doubt about what he thinks. And it can (and should) be used to hammer him, because some of that stuff is just plain bonkers.

It can't hear you

Michael Wolraich — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:50:10 +0000

In reply to bad server, bad!

It can't hear you

bad server, bad!

jollyroger — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:58:13 +0000

In reply to I just hit some of your

bad server, bad!

It is not entirely without

jollyroger — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:56:34 +0000

In reply to I just hit some of your

It is not entirely without impact that Texas is a state whose existence owes itself to a successful act of secession (from Mexico). I think that makes it unique, unless you want to call the Declaration of Independence an act of secession from England, which is sort of a stretch,and, anyway, those were the FOUNDING FATHERS, and all, plus there was actually a seven year civil war over the question of our independence...

I just hit some of your

Michael Wolraich — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:36:09 +0000

In reply to Interesting take on Perry. I

I just hit some of your links, particularly the Ezra Klein review of his book. OK, I now acknowledge that Perry may be a lot more passionate and radical about states rights than the average Texas governor.

Interesting take on Perry. I

Michael Wolraich — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:07:07 +0000

In reply to Why Perry Is Dangerous (And Also a Nut)

Interesting take on Perry. I take his states-rights demands with a grain of salt, however. Governors have a lot of incentive to promote states rights. Presidents, not so much. And politicians in general tend to invoke states rights only when the other party controls the federal government.

The last Texas governor to run for president was also a champion of states rights, but as president he passed No Child Left Behind and the Patriot Act, and he fought state emissions standards, recognition of gay marriage, and legalization of medical marijuana.