Is Texas Influence Waning?

There's an article in Politico today about how Texas is losing its clout in Washington. There is little doubt that in positions of leadership (in title at least), the country will suffer from the lack.

One thing that I find interesting about the article is how it links figures such as LBJ with the conservatives of recent years and the middle-ground figures such as both Presidents Bush. It discusses how being Texan in Washington automatically brings connotations of conservative Republican. Such views are revealing of the author's biases.

The article does mention U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn. While Hutchison is somewhat more moderate than Cornyn, both certainly fall toward the conservative side of the political spectrum.

There is speculation that Senator Hutchison may choose to run for Governor in the next election. Such a run would again change the influence of the state. It is entirely possible, and I think likely, that current Texas Governor Rick Perry would run for Senator Hutchison's seat if she were to make that move. It would certainly put an interesting twist on the races.

Governor Perry has established himself as a national figure in many ways. He has received national attention over ethanol subsidies, immigration and trade with Mexico as well as providing leadership among the governors of the nation. It would be difficult to adjust to being a junior Senator, but, it might be a great springboard for a run at the Presidency in 2016. After all, how many Presidents have been both governor of a large state and had Senate experience?

All that aside, I think we will see Senator Cornyn moving into a strong position of leadership within the National GOP. He has the experience and the influence as well as the support of his home state. The Senator is strong on family values and has fought for legislation that is important to not only his state, but the nation -- in particular, energy related issues. I look to see Senator Cornyn rising quickly now that the election is past and his seat is secure for a few years.

Texas will still play a key role in shaping the national political scene. Which state's economy is strongest in the current economic turmoil? Texas without a doubt. Which state is leading the way in developing alternative energy solutions? Texas, with its vast wind resources and developing solar energy. Texas also has a couple of nuclear power plants in the works. Texas is also a player in the high-tech sector with the silicon corridor stretching along I-35. It continues to be a leader in agriculture and is well positioned in many other areas. After all, it is THE ECONOMY that elects Presidents. Someday folks will figure that out...maybe....

President Bush to Deliver Commencement Message

President Bush has certainly taken lots of knocks during his tenure. Much of the negativity comes from the extreme left because they don't understand his belief system. Some comes from the right because they have felt that he often gave into the left. In many ways, that put him at the center.

There are in this country, still many people who are proud to call him their President. The areas of the country that continue to hold conservative values still support him. I am one of those who is proud to say the he is still my President (at least for a few more weeks) and I am proud that he will deliver the Commencement Address at my alma mater.

President Bush to speak at A&M commencement

Iraqi Reconstruction and Budgets

Even as I continue to support the efforts of our troops and the Bush administration in Iraq, I agree that a successful conclusion to the operation is desirable. Part of success is the ability to stand on one's own feet and to take charge of one's own future. Reports of significant budget surpluses for the Iraqi government are an indicator of the success of both our efforts to reconstruct their country and of their own efforts at establishing a sound economic basis for survival.

While it is desirable that we continue to have a significant role in how the Iraqi economy is shaped as it moves toward our disengagement, it is also desirable for the Iraqi people to take greater responsibility for their own success. It is time that they utilize the oil revenue that has been enabled due to our efforts, to invest in their own country. I agree with Senator Cornyn's call for the Defense Department to begin transitioning reconstruction of Iraq's infrastructure to the Iraqi government. Let them pay their own way now that the means are available.

Some Random Thoughts, Links and Observations

I see that Candidate Obama took a Hawaiian vacation -- probably to check in with Pelosi and Reid -- while McCain stepped up his attacks. Senator McCain on the other hand is working with his speech writers on what is expected to be a brief address to the RNC.

Not all of the Democrats are getting a vacation though, it seems that Senator Edwards is busy dodging bullets about his admitted affair.

The Republican Congressional Leadership on the other hand, is spending its vacation speaking to an empty House in Washington. Ah, well, at least CSPAN is listening -- I think -- I haven't checked. Other Republicans are pressing their war to lower gasoline prices in a more practical manner -- by taking it on the stump and to the people. Senator Cornyn (R-Tx) has not let up on his efforts on behalf of energy consumers for several months now. He also expressed his disappointment with the EPA's rejection of Governor Perry's request for relief on the RFS mandates.

The President is in China for the Olympics while the U.S. government is condemning Russia for attacking Georgia, a U.S. ally. This brings to mind thoughts of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in the not-so-distant past. How far will we go on behalf of our allies? Senator McCain seems ready to go a little farther than the President. Perhaps he just isn't encumbered by the trappings of diplomacy yet.

The President and Putin have been discussing the situation in Georgia while grazing the munchies in China. I wonder how their little chat went?

Meanwhile, Paris Hilton is gaining ground in her newly announced bid for the Presidency. She is receiving important endorsements for her Energy Plan. She will have a difficult time getting it through Congress if she's elected. They don't know what an Energy Plan is apparently.

That's the days political news -- at least as much of it as I want to mention.

A President's Roots

I usually avoid reading articles that target our President. It seems obvious that the press think him to be "less-than-polished" as a speaker and often disagree vehemently with his views. It's probably because they are clueless about the type of individual that I believe him to be.

The President grew up in the rough-and-tumble of the oil patch of West Texas. Yes, I know that his roots lie in the well-worn soil of New England's elite, but his formative years were in an environment that is known for action, not talk; overcoming adversity, not giving in to fears; domination of the elements, not hand-wringing over what nature throws at you. I believe that there is an element in his character that is much closer to the common, everyday, hardworking people of this nation than it is to the self-styled elite of the Washington and international jet-setting crowd. He is caught between the two worlds.

Perhaps that is why the mainstream media, the "old-world superiority complex" of Europe and the "snobbery" of New England and California hate him. It is because they don't see him as one of the elite. He doesn't fit their expectations. He hasn't bowed to the requisite "polish" that is expected by them. He has retained that element of the average citizen that ties him to their values.

When the music fades and his tenure in the Presidency is only a memory, I believe that history will treat him kindly. Time has a way of changing perspective. No longer will minor idiosyncrasies get in the way of thoughtful, honest evaluations of effectiveness and character. He will be remembered well. Thank you, Mr. President, for holding on to the values of Middle America -- the "flyover" country that our East and West Coast brethren demean as the land of the uncouth, unwashed servants of their elitist agenda.