Blog #7 5/3/12 Burning Down The House

On December 23rd, 1991, three days before Christmas, Todd Willingham was in a state of terror. He had noticed recently that his three daughters had scars, scars that he didn't want the public to find out about. Deep inside Todd knew that if the public was to see those scars they would learn the truth that was eating up his self conscious. Worst of all, Todd knew that if made clear to the authorities he could face prison time. So, Todd developed a plan. While his wife, whom he had an argument with the night before, was out shopping for Christmas presents, he stepped outside of himself. In a state of utter panic, he put together a horrifying scheme that, in his mind, would disintegrate all proof of abuse. Todd Willingham then proceeded to pour a liquid accelerant around the house and set fire while the children were inside. When the firemen arrived, the damage had been done. Two-year-old Amber Louise Kuykendall and one-year-old twins Karmon Diane Willingham and Kameron Marie Willingham were dead. Todd had escaped with minor burns. It was the perfect plan. Unfortunately, Todd's plan didn't quite go the way he had hoped. Authorities did a thorough investigation, arrested him, and after a trial in court, convicted him of murder. Soon after, he was sentenced to death. Thirteen years later, while strapped to a gurney and facing lethal injection, Todd Willingham, a despicable man who selfishly and maliciously sacrificed his three daughters to save himself from public shame, had one last thing to say, one last comment before meeting his maker. What would it be? Would it be an apology? Would it be an unremorseful statement of evil? What?!
"I am an innocent man, convicted of a crime I did not commit."
Oh yeah, I forgot. IT'S ALL BULLSHIT.
Apparently back in 1991, in the town of Corsicana, Texas,  Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and Deputy Barney Fife were running things. The Dukes of Hazzard? Andy Griffith? Forget it. Anyway, after someone finally got some big boys in there and did some "real" detective stuff, evidence was found that the investigation was flawed. They even said the fire could've been accidental. In the days leading up to Willingham's execution, Gerald Hurst, a nationally recognized arson expert, sent documents to state officials claiming that Willingham's conviction was based on "erroneous forensic analysis." Did they act on it? Nope. Although ignored, Gerald Hurst continued to do research. He reviewed all documents, trial testimony, and an hour-long videotape of the aftermath. He even recreated the fire conditions the investigators were implying. "There's nothing to suggest to any reasonable arson investigator that this was an arson fire," said Hurst. "It was just a fire."(thechicagotribune.com) As far as Todd Willingham's wife, she proclaimed there was no fight the night before, that Todd has NEVER abused his children, and that their kids were "spoiled rotten."

Well, there you have it. It's just another case in execution friendly Texas where some innocent U.S. citizen is found guilty of something he or she didn't do. I mean, come on man. Texas is highest in number of prisoners found to be innocent following DNA testing. In the U.S. inmates that had their convictions overturned as a result of DNA testing since 1989, 38 have been in Texas. That's not a coincidence. Now, the "lone star" state has come up with another brilliant idea. People who have been exonerated in Texas will receive $80,000 for each year they spent behind bars. Don't get wrong, these people most definitely deserve it but hmm. I wonder where that money comes from? From our pockets.

Should Todd Willingham have been convicted? Absolutely not!!  Do I think Todd Willingham is innocent? Well, you know what? Probably. Who the hell knows? I find it hard to understand why he didn't try to get his kids out of that house. Minor injuries? That's not the sign of a man who desperately tried to rescue his daughters from a deadly flame. Maybe he did. Maybe it just happened so fast that there was no time. I know a fire can spread in a matter of seconds but wouldn't he at the first sight of fire get his kids the hell out of dodge? Then as I read more information, according to the authorities on the scene, Todd had to be held back with extreme force. “We had to wrestle with him and then handcuff him, for his and our protection,” policeman George Monaghan stated. “I received a black eye.” One of the firemen at the scene told investigators that he also had to hold Willingham back. “Based on what I saw on how the fire was burning, it would have been crazy for anyone to try and go into the house."(thenewyorker.com) OK. Well I guess I'll retract that one.

All I do know is that this man, seconds from a needle injection into his arm and the plug being pulled on his life, still claimed he was innocent. That's pretty telling right there.

"Trial by Fire." The New Yorker. Web. 03 May 2012. <http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/09/07/090907fa_fact_grann?currentPage=1>.

"Man Executed on Disproved Forensics." Chicagotribune.com. Web. 03 May 2012. <http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0412090169dec09%2C0%2C1173806.story>.

"The Innocence Project - Cameron Todd Willingham: Wrongfully Convicted and Executed in Texas." The Innocence Project. Web. 03 May 2012. <http://www.innocenceproject.org/Content/Cameron_Todd_Willingham_Wrongfully_Convicted_and_Executed_in_Texas.php>.

"Texas Justice: Where Wrongful Convictions Are the Norm." The Institute for Southern Studies. Web. 03 May 2012. <http://www.southernstudies.org/2009/09/texas-wrongful-convictions.html>.

Blog #5 4/12/12

OK. So, a week ago, hell it might have been yesterday, I don't know anymore, I thought to myself: "you know, today might be a good day to roll down South for a little fried chicken at 'Lucy's'." Yep, I thought that. Fried chicken is pretty much always on my mind. I'm pretty certain that's what Willie meant when he sang those words. But anyway, surely there wouldn't be any traffic. It's 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a Sunday? Nah. I head down to Interstate 35, make my way onto the South-bound ramp, and WHAT?!!!! It was bumper to bumper at almost a near stop. CRAP! Why? What in hell is going on here? It's Sunday! Where are these people going? Is there a ballgame? No. Is today a holiday? No. Is there a wreck? construction? a homeless man streaking across the interstate? No, probably, and unfortunately no.
So, why? I'll tell you why. There's a million damn people in this city. Actually there's 1,818,740 people in this city, nearly two million! Oh and guess what? Austin's traffic is the third-worst in the U.S. That would mean Austin's traffic is worse than not only Dallas and Houston, but also New York and Chicago. We are number three to only our nation's capitol and Los Angeles. Damn, that's just not cool.

Along with the population booming, there's also the issue with poorly designed freeways throughout the Austin area. Without traffic lights and stop signs, I-35 is the only freeway that runs uninterrupted. Other expressways, 290 East and West and 183 North and South, are multi-lane roads that shrink down to single lanes. Then we have our two fruit-"loops", Loop 360 and Loop 1 which don't really loop around a dang thing. They just run north and south. Brilliant. Oh Mopac (Loop 1), I can never figure you out. Then, there's the construction. My goodness, I know these people are just doing their job but dammit, I don't even know what these people are working on anymore. It's a shame 'cause they don't deserve the hateful thoughts I feel when I see them. We won't go there.
According to my Texas State Senator, Kirk Watson, the major problem is funding. He also expects traffic gridlock to worsen 'cause money will go to pay for debt service on road bonds ($800 million a year) than to pay for building new roads ($600 million a year). That's just lovely. Maybe when I'm 80 it'll only take me 45 minutes to get to the Frank Erwin Center rather than an hour. Then again, I don't plan on driving anywhere at that age.

How about my Texas State Representatives? What's their two cents in this? Well, Representative Donna Howard is doing what she can with congestion on Loop 360 and Representative Elliot Naishtat says the Legislature appropriated $17.1 billion for transportation planning and design. Wait, I thought Captain Kirk Watson just said funding was a problem. Who the hell knows anymore?
Basically, it's never gonna go away. The population is growing and growing. They may decide one day to put that funding toward more space on I-35, Mopac, and 360. The problem with that is that it's gonna cause more construction and, yep, you got it, MORE CONGESTION. I don't know. Maybe we should leave it alone and just suffer through it. There are other important issues this city could deal with like crime? Oh yeah, we don't even break the top 200 cities in America. How about poverty? Uh yeah, we don't break the top 100 cities. Unemployment? The unemployment rate in Austin is 6.3(the U.S. average is 9.10%).
Austin has been rated number two among the best places to live by Money Magazine. It's been rated one of the "greenest" cities, "fittest" cities, which is the population I need to become a part of and basically been called "one of the best places to live." It's also known as "one of the best places for singles," "one of the best places for young professionals" and  "one of the cleanest cities" in the country. Well, that's just fine and dandy. Bring it on people. Come on down. Just make sure you have a good temperament for sitting in your car on a Sunday trying to get yourself some fried chicken. Man, is there a Popeye's around here?

"Best Places to Live in Austin, Texas." Best Places to Live. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. <http://www.bestplaces.net/city/texas/austin>.

Austin Texas Real Estate - Homes." Compare Austin to Where I Am Currently Living? Web. 12 Apr. 2012. <http://www.austintexashomes.com/how_does_austin_compare.htm>.

Blog #4 3/29/12: ....AND JUSTICE FOR ALL? nah

As I sit here listening to Neil Young scream "keep on rockin' in the free world" and wearing my favorite blue, hooded sweatshirt, I recall the other night. It was around 8 or 9 o'clock and I suddenly got this undeniable urge for Reese's peanut-butter cups. I mean, really, can anyone fight that battle and win? I can't. So, I got up, walked to the local convenience store, and purchased a pack, the "BIG cups" of course. I think to myself now of what a luxury that is. If I get the urge for a snack, I can easily walk around the corner, wearing my favorite, comfy, hip, hooded sweatshirt, and not be bothered by a soul. To me, that's living in the "Free World." YOU know where I'm going with this, unless you have been living under a rock for the last month. Do I really need to ask the question? OK, fine. Why didn't Trayvon Martin have that same right? Oh I don't know, let me think for a second. You know what? We'll get back to that. Let's review what actually happened.
On Sunday evening, February 26th in Sanford, Florida, Trayvon Martin was enjoying the NBA All-Star Game with his family. Being a basketball fan myself, I also watched the first quarter of that game and it was quite a spectacle. Dunks and no-look passes were getting issued all over. During halftime, Trayvon went out for a snack and an Arizona iced tea for his stepbrother. I can only imagine the possible excitement and anticipation Trayvon was feeling to get back in time to catch the second half and see Kevin Durant, Lebron James, and Kobe Bryant continue putting on their show. While walking back, Trayvon realized that someone was following him. That someone was George Zimmerman. Zimmerman, a 28-year-old neighborhood watchman, was aware of many burglaries in the neighborhood. As a neighborhood watchman or woman should do, he contacted the police when he discovered a suspicious person walking down the street. The police instructed Mr. Zimmerman to let them deal with the situation. Did he do so? Nope. He followed the young man. Oh yeah, did I mention that Trayvon was 17-years-old? There was an apparent confrontation followed by George Zimmerman, in what he calls self-defense, shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Let's look at this situation. Zimmerman, 28, armed with a 9mm pistol, claims he was fighting in self-defense against a 17-year-old kid armed with Skittles and Iced Tea. Hmm, I'm no mathematician but that just doesn't add up. Then again, you don't have to be a mathematician to know that 4+1 does not equal 8. Let's also look at what Zimmerman was confronting him about. Some people's houses got robbed? People's houses get robbed everyday. Would you classify a thief as a murderer? Sure, there are some thieves who do murder but there are many stories of breaking and entering where once the thief realizes someone discovered their presence, they go running out the door. So, is it really worth pulling out a gun on a suspected burglar when you're not even sure you have the right person? The kid was walking down the street, on the sidewalk, at 8 O'CLOCK AT NIGHT, not 3 O'clock in the morning. If Trayvon was sneaking around people's yard, peaking into their windows, I would definitely be suspicious.
Who the hell is this guy anyway? Why does he feel like he's ABOVE the law? A neighborhood watchman? Come on dude, police officers are police officers for a reason. They are trained for situations like this. Oh, you want to be a police officer? Well, take your ass to the police academy. Until then, let the big boys handle it.

How about this guy Joe Oliver? Joe Oliver, an African-American, that's right, an African-American, claims to be close friends with George Zimmerman and is defending Zimmerman's claim of self-defense. Why am I pointing out Oliver's race? Well, guess what? I was gonna bring it up later but Trayvon Martin just happens to be an African-American child. Hey Joe. GET OFF THE STAGE! You are a traitor to your race. There's only one word involved in this case that sums it all up, "coon." Excuse me, but where I come from that is a word used in a hateful manner towards African-Americans. He might as well have said the "n" word. The word "coon" is almost worse. Just recently I watched an interview with Joe Oliver on an MSNBC telecast of "The Last Word" and Mr. Oliver got exposed for the phony that he is. If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest checking it out. Joe Oliver goes from being a close friend with George Zimmerman to just basically a co-worker who he might have share lunch. He even defended the use of the racial slur. HUH?!! "To me it's just a matter of interpretation of whether he is saying coon or goon," Oliver says. WHAT?!! He continues on with even more ridiculous nonsense.

"There are large parts of this country where people refer to themselves as 'coon-asses'." OK. Wait a minute. Stop it. "I don't know people younger than 40 who use that term as a racial slur." Please, just stop talking. "According to my daughter, the term 'goon' is a term of endearment." ENOUGH! ENOUGH! That's right folks. This came from an African-American man defending a man who shot and killed a defenseless, unarmed, African-American kid. Did someone just drop acid in my generic, HEB cola? Fortunately, Mr. Oliver got absolutely drilled into the ground. His credibility was flushed right down the toilet. Too bad he quit his job.
Then, there's "the hoodie." DUMB-DA-DUMB-DUMB!! ("Dragnet?")Are you kidding me?! Are we gonna stop selling hooded sweatshirts in retail stores now? Are we gonna ban them from our school system? Are we gonna create a law that prohibits hooded sweatshirts from being worn at night? Oh my goodness, will the hipsters be upset. Geraldo Rivera? SHUT UP! GO FIX ME TURKEY POT PIE.

But seriously folks, There are many opinions about this matter and there are many so-called facts coming out everyday on each side of the spectrum. The fact of the matter is that an unarmed, 17-year-old, African-American kid, carrying a bag of candy while walking home in a neighborhood at 8 o'clock at night was shot and killed by a 28-year-old, armed man, who has a history of anger management, shortly after he referred to the kid as a "coon." CASE CLOSED. Arrest him and throw him in prison. Oh yeah, did I mention that he hasn't been brought up on charges and he may walk free? Dang. I always forget the little things.










"Trayvon Martin Was Just Trying to Get Home to Watch the Second Half of the NBA All Star Game." - Democratic Underground. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002488295>.

"In Case You Missed It: George Zimmerman’s “Friend” Joe Oliver Exposed as a Fraud (videos) : Sandra Rose." In Case You Missed It: George Zimmerman’s “Friend” Joe Oliver Exposed as a Fraud (videos) : Sandra Rose. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://sandrarose.com/2012/03/in-case-you-missed-it-george-zimmermans-friend-joe-oliver-exposed-as-a-fraud-videos/>.

"Join the Conversation." Examining the Facts in the Trayvon Martin Case – NextGen Journal. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/03/examining-the-facts-in-the-trayvon-martin-case/>.

Blog #3 3/8/12:

"Live and Let Die." Oh man, what a killer tune. Probably one of Paul McCartney's finest moments. I think it's really cool that the Libertarian Party has embraced such a rock and roll motto. I mean.... What? Oh, it's "live and let live?" Hmm. OK. It's not as kick-ass but it's got potential. How 'bout them Libertarians? I've always kinda had an around about idea of what that party is all about. In a way, when I think of Libertarians, I think of hippies, but the ones who shower. I know there's more to this party. So, let's take a journey. A journey into Libertarian land.

OK. How 'bout constitutional rights? Well, Libertarians are BIG fans of our founding fathers. Our founding fathers this and our founding fathers that. Apparently back in the days of our founding fathers people just ran free without a care in the world. Basically this is their belief:

"You, as stated by our nation's Founding Fathers, have the inalienable right to live, be free and prosper to your fullest potential. You have the freedom to pursue your happiness as long as you respect others' rights to pursue theirs."

I have no problem with this. Everyone in the country has the god-given right to live life however they please. I especially agree with the line: "as long as you respect others' rights." That's definitely a problem Americans should work on more. People worry way too much 'bout how others are living their lives. Sure, we all want everyone to be happy but do you want everyone to be happy 'cause it makes YOU happy? The person across the street may not believe in abortions, which I do believe in. Does that affect me? Nope. If it doesn't directly affect my life in any way, then people can do what they want. Oh, what a world it would be if people just minded their own business.
That brings us to personal responsibility. Well, let's see what "live"-ertarians think:

"You are responsible for your personal choices, able to take care of yourself and capable to do for others as you expect them to do unto you. We believe in tolerance toward others and respect for self-sovereignty."

Wow, that's never occurred to me. I'm responsible for my own choices? I'm suppose to take care of myself (unless I'm a minor)? I treat people the way I would want to be treated? Basically, don't be a douche. Come on man, does that really need to be said? Shouldn't that be common knowledge? I know what you are thinking. Yes, there are a lot of douches out there that have lived under Mommy and Daddy's bank account and treat people like servants. Those people will get theirs. I just don't think that it needs to be put out there like a Supreme Court law. Although I do agree 100% with this, it should go without saying. Be nice and take care of your business. Grow up!

How about the Libertarian's views on Government control. Well, that's the biggest issue that many Americans have with this party. They basically believe in a "smaller government." The major problem with building a smaller government is that it may lead to anarchy. The Libertarian party claims to be inspired by novelist, Ann Rand. Ann Rand denounced the party also in the belief that anarchism would erupt. For example:

"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of individual liberty, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it."

That sounds pretty anarchist to me. Look, I definitely think the government has a lot of control over many different issues but using the words, "destruction of individual liberty" and saying that we the people should have the right to "abolish" it can seem a little violent. Sure, drastic measures deserve drastic actions but I'm in favor of a more civilized and patient solution. I mean, how bad has it gotten? Oh yeah, It's gotten kinda wacky. But anyway, let's take a deep breath and figure this out over a cup of tea. Yes?
How about the grandaddy of them all? ABORTION! (cue scary, stabbing, "Psycho" sound effects)

"Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration."

Hmm. Soooo, you're against it or for it? Me personally, I cringe when the word "faith" enters the picture. It should most definitely be up to the woman, not a bunch of suits. It sounds like the Libertarians are beating around the bush. Take presidential candidate Ron Paul. The Libertarians have completely embraced him as one of their own and guess what? He's pro-life. To me, that sounds a little hypocritical. This party believes in free choice and liberty but not for a woman? Interesting. That reason alone gives me my answer on whether I would join this party. That answer would be NO.





citations:

"Libertarian Party." Platform. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://www.lp.org/platform>.

"Libertarian Party." Libertarian Party. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://www.lp.org/>.

Blog #2 2/23/12 Losing My Religion

What the hell? So, the other night I'm watching American Idol, I mean The Biggest Loser, I mean Survivor, and... OK, it's all crap. The point is that I was watching some dumb show on TV and a Mormon commercial comes on. "I ride a bike like you. I have a family like you. I eat hamburgers like you and guess what? I'm a MORMON." Holy crap! Wow! I'm so glad they've pointed that out to me. I have always thought Mormons were crazy, horrible, people who didn't have jobs or families. Man, thanks a lot network television.
I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that was a strategic, political move. What's going on in the world of politics today? It's become very obvious that religious beliefs have become the very foundation of every candidate's agenda, not the war, the economy, or poverty. The unemployment rate has gone up from 4.6% in 2007 to 8.3% today. What's the main topic? Abortion. Should an opinion on abortion REALLY be a deciding factor in selecting our president. Our population today is 311,800,00. We are third behind China and India. According to the census bureau, we should reach 400 million by 2040. Now, I'm not saying that we should stop having babies. I'm just saying that we have a packed house and we need to concentrate more on what kind of world those babies are gonna inherit when they get older.

 Politicians are all talkers. They tell people what they wanna hear and when it's time to walk the walk? They come up limp. Let's take Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Just recently Romney, A Mormon, had this to say about gay marriage:

 "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and, as president, I will protect traditional marriage and appoint judges who interpret the Constitution as it is written and not according to their own politics and prejudices.”

OK, that's fine. Although I don't agree, the man has a given right to his own opinion. But, months ago he also said, "The gay community needs more support from the Republican party." Huh? Also, Romney talks of interpreting the Constitution as it is written. Isn't it written that there should be separation of church and state? That religion shouldn't be endorsed by the government? Hello? That's the basis of his campaign and everyone running for president.

Rick Santorum is also an example. Rarely do the American people get an opinion from him on important topics like I said earlier. Santorum, a Roman Catholic, has resorted to childish name calling and bickering on who has more faith. Last week, Santorum and Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, criticized President Obama for stating that he is a devout Christian. Why? Is it because he doesn't hold public prayer parties at football stadiums or doesn't refer to Jesus Christ as his "lord and savior?" Oh, he's too busy working on important issues like bringing our troops home or getting health insurance to low income families. People have their criticisms of Obama and rightly so. I give Obama a lot of credit though in this regard of discussing religion. He doesn't talk about it. The man believes in every human being's right to worship or not worship, that we should keep open minds to other religions and their beliefs. Organized religion, especially Christianity, subliminally teaches closed mindedness. Christians basically believe that they are right and all 19 other religions around the world are wrong.
In Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, he tells of his upbringings and how he was taught to keep an open mind:

"I was not raised in a religious household. For my mother, organized religion too often dressed up closed-mindedness in the garb of piety, cruelty and oppression in the cloak of righteousness. In her mind, a knowledge of the world's great religions was a necessary part of any well-rounded education. My mother viewed religion through the eyes of the anthropologist; it was a phenomenon to be treated with a suitable respect."

Obama may have screwed up our economy and in that regard he should be judged. If we are judging candidates on the basis of religion and how it should be taught to our children at home and around the world, Obama gets my vote 100%.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. What about Newt Gingrich? Well, Mr. Newt has experienced three different religions in his life span.
1) Lutheranism
2) Southern Baptist
3) Roman Catholic (present)

Hmm. Good luck with all that "Newt."



citations:
Agnosticism/Atheism.About.com.Retrieved February 23rd, 2012 from http://atheism.about.com/od/barackobamareligionfaith/a/ObamaReligion.htm

Mitt Romney.OnTheIssues.com.Retrieved February 23rd, 2012 from http://www.issues2000.org/Mitt_Romney.htm

PostOpinions.TheWashingtonPost.com.Retrieved February 23rd, 2012 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/on-gay-marriage-mitt-romney-veers-hard-to-the-right/2012/02/07/gIQALE48wQ_blog.html

Newt Gingrich Religion.Godvoter.org.Retrieved February 23rd, 2012 from http://www.godvoter.org/2012/Newt-Gingrich-religion.html

Blog #1 2/7/12: What do I think of Rick Perry as governor and presidential candidate?

So, as far as I'm concerned, The Beatles are superior than The Rolling Stones. You have got Lennon, McCartney, ... wait, what? I'm supposed to be discussing politics? What do I think about Rick Perry? Hmm, Rick Perry. Oh yeah, that guy from Texas that basically made an ass out of himself AND the state of Texas on national TV? Hmm, I really don't get too involved in the discussion of politics. Let's see what I can do here. What's not to like about Slick Rick. Well, during his tenure as Texas governor we've become:

• #1 in % of minimum wage jobs.
• #1 in toxic dumping.
• #1 in high school dropouts.
• #1 in uninsured children.
• #1 in executions.

Yeah, that's pretty terrible but there's got to be another reason why I hate him. Oh yeah, I'M GOING TO HELL! That's what he believes. Not because I raped a bunch of women, murdered a few fellas, and sexually assaulted a group of small children. I didn't do any of that by the way. I may have murdered a chicken when I was a kid. No, I watched my mother do it. It was pretty gruesome but man was it yummy. Anyway, back to my point. I'm going to hell because he believes one thing and I believe another.

Here's a scenario. You live a good, clean life, without a blemish, and have a beautiful family. You vote for Perry and he wins. You meet Perry, congratulate him, then tell him you are an atheist. He will look you in the eye and say you will burn for eternity in a river of hell fire when you die. You don't even have to be an atheist. You could believe in any religion but if it's not Christianity-forget about it (using my best mobster impersonation). How can someone be so stubborn? Rick Perry decided that if ... wait a minute, it's not just him? Oh yeah, THEY ALL BELIEVE THAT. It's what every christian believes. If they are Christian and they disagree, then they are hypocrites. Hey, remember George W. Bush? Yep, he was a Christian. We all remember that roller-coaster ride.

What about abortion? It doesn't take a genius to figure out how Ricky feels about that. Recently, after watching the movie "Gift Of Life", he decided to make a permanent stand against abortion, even in cases of rape and incest. Perry believes himself to be the biggest pro-life governor in the nation. Hey Rick, you send guys everyday to prison for raping a woman and then you believe the victim, if impregnated, should carry this monster's child for nine months, everyday reminding her of probably the most horrific moment of her life? Oh, and what about a 12-year old girl who's raped by her father? Does that baby deserve to be brought into this world under such horrible circumstances, probably resulting in birth defects and mental retardation. You give that 12-year old girl no choice in life but to be imprisoned with motherhood when she's not ready? Sure, there are circumstances where people are idiots, don't protect themselves, and abuse the right of abortion. Those people are wrong but accidents do happen. Then again, what's being killed here. People say, "that's a living, breathing person in there." No it's not. I think there should be limitations on WHEN the abortion takes place but in the first month?

This argument could go on forever but we're here to discuss Mr. Perry. Basically, his work speaks for itself. His mouth, unfortunately, speaks for itself too. His run for president was a joke. He would've probably won the nomination if he would've just shut up. He had every radical christian in America on his side and even THEY were saying, "what the hell?". His campaign was summed up by Perry in one word, "oops". The moral of the story comes down to this: The man has a ranch owned and operated by his family called NIGGER HEAD! Case closed.