An on-line acquaintance wrote about Rick Perry:
“Finally a politician who says it like it really is. Thank god we have sacrificial men and women we can send on a fools errand so that the wealthy and powerful can keep their own children safely at home and keep their taxes low. And if somehow you survive your military service we've got a job for you at minimum wage. “
The topic of discussion was Perry's introductory prayer at his candidacy announcement and his use of the recently-killed SEAL team and other American troops as if they somehow were endorsing his candidacy.
As a veteran I object to Perry's decision to use the newly-killed as if he was commending them personally to a supreme being. Mr. Perry probably did not know any of the men personally. Whether he did or did not, his attempt to increase his voter appeal by associating his campaign with true American heroes is crass, tawdry, and smacks of involuntary conversion for political status. Perry has behaved like a used car salesman and incorrectly assumed that he has any valid connection with our troops. Further, he has acted as if they all belonged to the same brand of teavangelism that he will spend the next year milking for money to buy votes.
I look at and listen to Perry and I find the combination of Reagan' carefully scripted lies and fake cowboy demeanor, G,W, Bush's lack of grammar and willingness to start yet another un-funded war, overlaid with the unctuousness and barely concealed anti-Semitism and other racisms of the Billy & Franklin Graham crusade to milk the aging of their last dollar. I expect, before the end of this campaign, to see Perry pushing for an amendment to the Constitution naming the U.S. A “Christian” nation. The battle shaping up between secular and teavangelical voters is going to be extremely hot and bitter this cycle.
“Fact checking Rick Perry’s announcement speech”
Is interesting and worthwhile reading. So is Paul Krugman's column in the NY Times.]
The Texas Unmiracle
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: August 14, 2011
In the mean time, should you become aware of voice from the television telling you to place your hands on the set and send money to Perry, don't do it. You are not suffering from schizophrenia or paranoia. The voices are either from Texas or from Hell. Both are red states, occupying pretty much the same space and represented by pretty much the same sources of evil.
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