Perry's approach is less ham-fisted, smarter politics. Just think, if people here are upset over the "heartless" comment, how do Hispanic's react to the equivalent coming the other way? The backdrop will always be Democrats add fuel to the fire, but it's ineffective if Republicans don't self-immolate as happened in CA.
At least you admit if Republicans lose Texas it's over. A law-and-order approach is fine, it's fair, it's right. You cannot, however, allow that policy to be hijacked by radical nativists and even outright bigots because your thoughtful position will be drowned out and subsumed into the other, conflated by the media into one message, one extreme viewpoint even though you are not with those destructive elements, you will be made to defend them thanks to willing Democrats, division hustling activists and a media interested in ridiculous comparisons.
That's why Rick Perry wants an open border, a welcoming atmosphere for illegals and opposes e-verify.
Rick Perry is for sale. He always has been and always will be. He's a cross between Joe Isuzu and Elmer Gantry.