Carl Parker's archive

Why Rick Perry didn’t debate in this last governor’s race

It has become painfully apparent to many of the governor supporters why Rick Perry did not choose to debate Mayor Bill White in his last governor’s race and that he was wise to not do so. Recent events in the presidential race indicate Perry is not a very good debater, does not think well on his feet, and embarrassing facts seem to emerge every time he makes such a high-profile appearance.

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Government isn’t the enemy

One of the most memorable phrases gleaned from the satirical comic strip Pogo was, “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.” Unfortunately, today it seems too many Americans have taken the saying too seriously. From clips on TV and statements of leadership, particularly from the Tea Party group, it seems some Americans view our national government as a foreign power that somehow has invaded us. Those who incessantly attack our national government do major damage to our system.

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Do we have political amnesia?

As a boy, our house was not blessed with air conditioning. Most of our neighbors’ homes were the same. Our families were mostly refinery working-hand dads and stay-at-home moms. Most of us have long since become immune to the pungent odors produced by the various industries surrounding Port Arthur. Some, however, did not.

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