Tuesday, July 30, 2013

3Peat: Perry's Political Problems

In 2000, Rick Perry found his silver lining. Luck was on his side as former Governor George W. Bush resigned for presidency, Perry crept his way into governorship. As former lieutenant governor, Perry thirsted for the spot as the supreme "figurehead" of Texas. Being the only governor elected to 3 full subsequent terms, Perry left behind a legacy. Though he has deeply asserted that he will not run for the upcoming governorship, Perry is doing everything in his nature to leave his sloppy trails behind.

Ideologically conservative Perry sought to create a reactionary, "religiously moral," pro-business state that would keep perpetuating the conservative Republican agenda. Figuratively speaking, Perry had the ability to streamline Texas politics from his trophy wife position as Governor. Furthermore, he cleverly utilized the little powers he did have as governor- line item vetos & setting the agenda for special sessions- to spit in the faces of public opinion and his own bureaucracy.

As Perry's tumultuous regime comes to an end, it is important to learn from our past mistakes: namely that of electing a superflous & self-interested character into public office. Understanding Perry's political agenda and how they shaped Texas policies is crucial to understanding exactly what NOT to do as a governor.

It all comes down to money. 
Perry claims his fiscal conservatism was responsible for Texas' job growth and stability. In recent theory, the idea that spending less is better  may make sense but IF and ONLY IF the resources are allocated efficiently. Perry is notorious for spending significantly less than the population increases in Texas thus inducing a surplus. BUT he is inconsistent in his fiscal conservatism, as he subsidies new business growth (taking away funds from the destitute to fund the power-hungry).

What is important to the well-being of a state? Is it saving money by cutting millions of dollars in much needed funding that ensures a well-fed, healthy, and skilled workforce? Or does it mean that the money saved should be allocated in subsidizing new business growth- business that would already come to Texas otherwise due to the lack of regulations and tax incentives already in place?

Public education, Women's Healthcare, Medicare, SNAP (food assistance programs) all suffer as they are underfunded but much needed.

For one blessing we can be certain: the end of Perry's regime is coming. 

2 comments:

  1. “3 Peat: Perry’s Political Problems” is the title of the article written by a fellow classmate, Natasha Ahmed. Her article is a well-written article, however, I think that it only shows her point of view. With that being said, I think she fails to explain a few things like the silver lining. She explains it as something that he was just given when in reality I believe that he earned it.
    I think Governor Rick Perry earned his way to the governorship. He has governed Texas in moments of recession and managed to make a growing economy compared to other states and even the nation’s economy. It is true that the governor has committed some errors, but name a leader that has never committed an error. Only God is perfect, every human being I know has imperfections. I think that her use of words, font and colors are well put together to make the reader understand that she cares very little about the governor.
    I am a student at Texas A&M University and I consider myself a conservative, I am a member of the Corps of Cadets and a member of the Ross Volunteers, which are the honor guards of the Texas Governor. I have meet Governor Rick Perry in person and I have talked to him. I am no one to judge him, but I think he is a great person and leader. However, this is my opinion. I believe that many of the Texas citizens think like me because he has been re-elected 3 times. At the same time, I think many of Texans think like her and are ready for a change.
    Whatever the case may be, I think the state is not doing so bad, and hopefully the change will make it better. With all of this I love Natasha Ahmed’s article because it is a good way to know the other side of the story.

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  2. It is completely true that I share no admiration for the "leadership" and lackadaisical policies that have been created through Gov. Perry's regime. But, your comment is entirely understandable. This is a point of view piece, inflamed in emotion and bias- something all humans are also subject to.

    Furthermore, I have also met Gov. Perry numerous times at either the Capitol or at UT, and I have to say he is a charming man.

    As a person, I have nothing against Rick Perry. But as a leader and more importantly a policy maker, I whole heartedly disagree with the policies he has wanted to pass.

    It is true that Texas is economically stable, but that cannot be accounted to Perry's policies. Texas itself has natural resources, oil & gas, that make it business friendly and thriving. Furthermore, Perry's policies regarding EXTRA subsidies on businesses to encourage growth, have been taking funds from programs that are extremely lacking (education for ONE) to fund Business- business that would already be existent without extra subsidizing.

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