Posted by
Joseph Lopez on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 9:00:00 AM
With no lack of criticism coming to Texas Gov. Rick Perry the past several days over his decision to accept stimulus aid, we must remember that we too, as Texans, are facing sluggish economic times. There is no doubt Houston, and Texas in general, has been spared the wrath of the recession felt country-wide and beyond, however Texas would, and will be able to advance out of this slump, and bounce back stronger than before with federal aid received.
While neither he, nor I, have changed our views on the stimulus package and President Obama's horrible methods for recovering for a recession, the estimated $17 billion that will make its way inside the Lone Star State will be openly welcomed and equally appreciated.
One might say this creates a double standard when bashing the Democrats for their lavish and downright outrageous spending habits, however there are clear differences between an administration that inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit over years (plural) and will spend more than that amount in 2009 (year - singular), and a fiscally conservative state, led by Gov. Perry, who can use this opportunity to wisely better our great state in many sectors.
From easing the burden of college costs for families, to decongesting our heavily clogged inner-city highways, there is a register the size of Santa Claus' naughty list on ways we can "shop smart" with our funds, and not letting the federal monies end up in cumbersome government programs that end up seeking more money in the long run.
A common misconception about the administration's spending package and its naysayers is that no matter what President Obama does, the Republicans will oppose. Not true.
Spending money to build back a strong economy is fine. Spending like a wild teenager who just got introduced to a credit card with no monetary limit is not fine. Supporting liberal organizations that aided in your election, giving financial wheelbarrows of aid to plans and projects that will not stimulate the economy and create substantial employment, and printing more and more money, while devaluing our American dollar, is not okay with us and should not be okay with you - the American taxpayer.
To Mr. Perry, some simple tips on making the most of this project.
First and foremost, remember you serve us - the Texas citizens. As simple the statement, it appears it is a forgotten thought to many in Washington that they serve us, and they answer to us. Political leaders such as yourself represent the American people and in doing so keep in mind that this money is about improving the economy and bettering life for us, the American people, and us, Texans.
Secondly, transparency and public influence are key. Please though, not the Obama-esque transparency that leaves billions of the economic spending package dollars vaguely placed in the "Other" category on the Recovery.gov website. Mr. Perry in part has already proved this point, noting that if he finds there is funding that could be spent in a way that would create more harm than good, "[I] would be opposed to using those funds."
Finally, we have become a society that thinks much ado about nothing when referring to anyone, and anything but ourselves. Projects and developments that can have a beneficial impact not only for us, but for future generations and future Texans, will show the true ideology and values of you, and conservatives alike.
The ball is in Govenor Perry's court. It's his time. If he follows the money and is wise with his decisions - two very simple concepts - the plusses of the acceptance of the stimulus aid and its fiscal and practical use will far outweigh the current minuses in Washington.