There are varying degrees of RINOism. After all, Perry did support most conservative initiatives in the state. What pegs him as a RINO is his lax border and illegal alien stance and his unforgivable support for the Trans-Texas Corridor.
“What pegs him as a RINO is his lax border and illegal alien stance and his unforgivable support for the Trans-Texas Corridor. “
What’s RINO about the TTC?
Granted, the project is so huge there’s something in it for everyone to hate: environment, toll roads, eminent domain, NAFTA, foreign investment, etc.
The TTC was a plan to develop Texas infrastructure (roads, rail, pipeline, energy, telecom, etc) to support economic and population expansion... The plan had flaws, but the objective was good.
Perry just needs better people around him to work the details.
A lot of people have gotten on his case about the Trans Texas Corridor, but there are a couple of different ways to look at that issue.
From a capitalist standpoint, it was a good idea. As a former professional driver, and Owner Operator, I can tell you even as recently as 2001-2002 it was a pain in the rumpus to get to Laredo. We import, and export a lot of stuff out of Mexico. As far as the Mexican trucks coming into this country, I’ll accept that if they meet the same standards as the Canadian trucks coming in. They have to pass inspection, and abide by the same rules as the rest of the drivers, including the speaking and reading of English.
From that perspective the project is worthwhile. Of course nothing ever works the way it’s supposed to, but I can’t fault Rick Perry for supporting this project, because the overall economic impact for the US, and Texas would be good if it’s not used for ulterior motives. In other words close the borders, inspect the trucks, etc.
The TTC and “public-private partnership” issues are what make me stand opposed to Perry.
The border issue just compounds that.
“He’s better than Bill White” is the siren call I kept hearing during our last gubernatorial election. It was true. But like any political battle, people on all sides had plenty to say about the candidates other people preferred. It was rarely pretty.
I don’t know if he’s a RINO, but I know I don’t agree with some of his policies. That’s enough for me.