[Rick Perry] Introduction in 4 words: 'Hard work, faith, thrift'

Houston Chronicle ^ | August 13, 2011 | PATRICIA KILDAY HART, AUSTIN BUREAU

[Cincinatus' Wife]

"Howdy."

In the very first word he uttered from the podium in South Carolina Saturday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry unsheathed one of the greatest assets he possesses in his quest for the presidency: an appealing life story that will allow him to connect with a broad swath of American voters.

The Aggie salute segued nicely into his national self-introduction, accomplished with sentimental recollections of a childhood spent helping his dad, a World War II veteran, grow "dry-land cotton and wheat" on a farm outside Paint Creek, a town so small it doesn't merit a ZIP code. He gave a shout-out to Troop 48, where he earned his Eagle Scout Award, and his mom, who sewed the clothes he packed for Texas A&M.

Why does this simple, hard-scrabble — but idyllic — childhood matter? "Hard work, faith and thrift." Ticking off the list of life values Perry carried with him from that West Texas farm, he invoked nostalgia with an implied promise that he could return the country to pre-Technicolor simplicity. "Thrift" - it's not a word we hear bandied around a lot these days.

Soon, legions of reporters will descend upon Paint Creek, but if they are looking for scandal - or even exaggeration - they will be disappointed. Perry's parents - Ray and Amelia - are the genuine article. She really did sew his boxers.

....Invoking the Reaganesque themes of job creation and optimism, Perry left little doubt which president he'd like most to resemble - though a fleeting Bushism escaped his lips when he reflected on the "sacrificial" Navy SEALS who died in Afghanistan last week.

Consider this concept: "All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government."

[Cincinatus' Wife]

August 13, 2011 Rick Perry's Announcement Speech at Red State Gathering - 23 minute YouTube video.

Texas Governor Rick Perry announces his presidential bid,
in Charleston, South Carolina, August 13, 2011. (Maryann Chastain/Reuters)

[Founding Father]

Howdy is NOT an aggie salute.

[rawcatslyentist]

If it walks talks and panders like a politician.....

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results every time.

Without the basic RIGHT TO LIFE, there are no other rights.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Rick Perry Gets A Grade on Abortion From Texas Pro-Life Groups

[Puddleglum]

oh good grief! Perry?

[Jonty30]

And how about two more words.

Pro-immigration. Anti-citizen.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Texans for Perry

Office of the Governor - Rick Perry

[DaxtonBrown]

He just looks and sounds establishment. Not any meat to get hold of.

[jocon307]

“Howdy is NOT an aggie salute.”

Yes, that’s what I was thinking. Well, maybe it is a salute used by aggies, and MILLIONS of other people.

Even some yankees, sometimes, upon occasion.

[sushiman]

Phoney baloney from the word go . Anybody with a 1/4 of a brain should be able to see through this Bildergerg owned lapdog .

[presently no screen name]

He’s into sound bites - not substance.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Rick Perry, aside from Herman Cain are the only two candidates that have been responsible for creating jobs in one form or another.

I’m not too concerned about social issues at the moment. They will play themselves out in the states.

I am concerned about National Security, Wealth and Job creatiion and getting our economy straightened out. Perry will do that.

For the border? Reagan did nothing, Bush did nothing, Clinton did nothing, Bush did nothing, Obama did nothing. If history repeats itself, the next President will do nothing.

[Puddleglum]

I was just having fun with “four words” challenge I saw in the headline. I lived a decade in Texas and Perry was gov for most of the time. There will always be Texans for Perry - he is a political survivor and a bit of a chameleon. But is he better than the other Pubbies as a candidate who can beat Obama? Is he better as someone who will finally tell the Nanny State to pack its bags? I will have to sift, but I suspect the answer to the latter is no.

[presently no screen name]

You mean you aren't impressed with She really did sew his boxers. Sewing garments have now risen as proof as one being credible or not! See, I told you we were thrifty! LOL!

What perks as governor has he given up to prove how thrify he is with taxpayers money? Anyone know?

[SumProVita]

So far, I like what I’ve heard....and that includes plenty of meaty, common-sense values.

[presently no screen name]

For the border? If history repeats itself, the next President will do nothing.

Well, then scratch the National Security and getting our economy straightened out off the list as 'will do'.

[montag813]

Without the basic RIGHT TO LIFE, there are no other rights.

Rick Perry is the most pro-life Governor in American history. Check wikipedia for an exhaustive list of abortion-related bills he has signed.

Immigration..that is quite another matter. Although he partially redeemed his past transgressions this past session.

[montag813]

For the border? Reagan did nothing

I WISH Reagan had done "nothing". Alas, he did far, far worse.

[presently no screen name]

Although he partially redeemed his past transgressions this past session.

That would be the natural step in someone seeking election. Like a premeditated act.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

What perks as governor has he given up to prove how thrify he is with taxpayers money? Anyone know?

Gov. Rick Perry is the first governor since World War II to cut general revenue spending in Texas. We have a balanced budget. We have a rainy day fund. We do not have a state income tax. We have jobs. Businesses find a friendly climate here with low taxes, fair and predictable regulations and where lawyers don't run the show.