Perry says the Federal Government is Oppressive

The governor of Texas gathered in the State Capitol building with reporters, citizen activists and lawmakers to declare the Federal government's oppression on our State. No, this isn't a history lesson about Texas' seventh governor Sam Houston in 1861. It was actually Governor Rick Perry speaking yesterday at the Capitol in support of House Concurrent Resolution 50.

To understand the governors endorsement of the resolution and the excitement of confederate-like supporters, one must put the content of the resolution into perspective. Here's a brief excerpt:

RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby claim sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United State over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United State; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this serve as notice and demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effect immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers...

It seems that this was an attempt by Governor Perry to denounce portions of the Federal stimulus bill and lay the framework for his campaign strategy of Washington versus Austin.

Jason Embry at the Austin American Statesman highlighted Perry's comments in his blog this morning:

Gov. Rick Perry appeared with about 30 Republican legislators — and Democrat Ryan Guillen on Thursday to push for House Concurrent Resolution 50, which according to its caption, affirms “that the State of Texas claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated.”

Perry, who happens to be running for re-election against (and trailing) someone who has been part of the federal government for almost 16 years, said, “I believe that our federal government has become oppressive. I believe it’s become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens and its interference with the affairs of our state.”

There was no mention of giving back the $51 billion in federal funds in the current state budget.

Following his speech, the Perry was asked, "Governor, has Senator Hutchison been an active participant in the expansion of Federal powers?"

"I would suggest that there are a number of folks in Washington, D.C. that have seen the Federal powers be expanded, she [Hutchison] being one of them."

The reporter then followed up with a second question, "In what ways, what things has she supported?"

"I'll get you the long distinguished list of those shortly", Perry replied with a chuckle or two coming from the crowd behind him.

This is an interesting strategy from what is supposed to be an all star-team of campaign and staff consultants. Here at KVR we'll be waiting on that long list with Hutchison's actions as a republican United States Senator representing Texan's.

We're sure that the list will include Perry's request for federal assistance in fighting wildfires and Hurricane Ike recovery along with many other federally-funded programs that benefit the State of Texas.

A video report was provided from Ken Herman at the Austin American Statesman showing clips of yesterday's speech given by Governor Perry.