READING BETWEEN THE LINES

Excerpts from Governor Rick Perry: Fiscal Responsibility is Essential for Prosperity and Job Creation

Speech at the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

San Antonio, Texas

NOTE: Words by Mad Plato are between brackets

* Note: Gov. Perry frequently departs from prepared remarks.

[And Mad Plato frequently abbreviated Governor Perry’s remarks.]

Thank you Gov. Dewhurst for that introduction, and for all you've done for Texans over the past eight years as Lt. Governor.

[And you can thank me when I become President of the United States in 2012.]

It's an honor to be with you today and a pleasure to speak to such a dedicated organization like the National Conference of State Legislatures, as you work together to share ideas with your colleagues from across the country and help shape public policy in the United States.

I know the conventional wisdom lately has been that change happens from the top down, and while that may be conventional, it's not wise.

[My brain is at the top just like yours, but I prefer change to happen from the bottom up.]

As I think everyone here can attest, the bulk of the real work gets done on the state level, or at least it should be.

[What about funding for building America’s schools and Interstate Highways, or fighting foreign wars? Is this work that’s done at the state level?]

I can understand why anyone could be confused about that fact with an activist federal government intruding on environmental policy, dictating education policy, taking over healthcare and even interfering with the right of a private company to locate a plant in a right-to-work state, as is the case with Boeing in South Carolina.

[Blame George W. Bush for dictating the education policy called No Child Left Behind, but give him credit for almost completely killing the EPA!]

One of the points I've made consistently over the years is that states are best positioned to deal with the challenges they face, and that local governments are, by definition, more responsive to the needs and directions of their citizens than some officials thousands of miles away.

[But this point might change when I become your president.]

This wisdom is written into the United States Constitution, crafted by our founding fathers to ensure that each state has the right to govern its affairs in its own, unique fashion.

[This includes personal affairs. They’re private and your business…unless you’re a paid public servant.]

Of course, you knew you wouldn't leave here today without hearing about what is working in Texas.

[And it’s not just because I’m the governor and running to be your next president.]

For starters, you're gathered in a state that has been selected the top state for job growth and development for seven years in a row in a survey conducted by CEO Magazine.

[Why? Two words: Petroleum, petroleum, petroleum. Was that three words? Sorry.]

A state that's led the nation in exporting for nine years running, accounting for $206.6 billion in foreign trade in 2010, up 27 percent over 2009.

A state that won the 2010 Governor's Cup, which is awarded annually by Site Selection Magazine to the state with the most new and expanded corporate facilities in the country.

[I will proudly carry this cup everywhere that I campaign for the 2012 presidency.]

A state that's growing by leaps and bounds [And we don’t even have that many kangaroos!], adding 4.29 million people between 2000 and 2010, and has been the nation's top moving destination for six years straight.

The economic turbulence of the past few weeks is weighing hard on everyone, but regardless of which way the economic tides may turn, I believe our philosophy here in Texas will keep us in a much better position than most other states.

It was the culmination of a reckless culture that has refused to confront spending in Washington.

[No thanks to both Republicans and Democrats!]

It took massive debt piled on the next generation's credit card.

[No thanks to both Republicans and Democrats!]

Simply put, our country is in trouble.

Until Washington figures out the only true stimulus is more money in the hands of employers across all economic sectors [Yes, this includes the multi-millionaires, billionaires, and trillionaires! Hands off of their sky-rocketing profits! No taxes!] as well as a restrained bureaucracy that no longer over-reaches into the workplace, our national nightmare will continue.

[And President Obama has just continued the national nightmare that George W. Bush started. If you blame one you must blame the other.]

Some may say we're seeing evidence that America is in decline, but I don't believe that.

[It’s just sliding down a mountain of debts as steep as Mt. Everest]

When I see the nobility and sacrifice of our soldiers and SEALS in Afghanistan, when I see Americans going to work every day to make a better life for their children, I know our country's best days are ahead of us.

[I have to wave the flag here even though in my heart I believe that Afghanistan is a quagmire.]

I believe in this country because I believe in Her people.

[Yes, God is a woman!]

And, even in our darkest hours, the West Texas optimist in me tells me our brightest hour is just around the corner.

[Even though the corner is dark as we peer through a glass darkly.]

But we're going to have to work for it, and organizations like the NCSL are playing a vital role in our efforts to achieve a better future for all of us.

I thank you again for having me and for everything you're doing to spread good works across all states.

May God bless you and, through you, may He [I mean She] continue to bless this country we love so much.

IT'S THE OIL STUPID!