Comments on Right In Texas: THSC PAC Endorses Governor Perry

It would seem to me that it would be prudent for a...

2009-09-08T05:36:25.413-05:00

It would seem to me that it would be prudent for a conservative organization to endorse the most conservative candidate in order to help make that person competitive in the race. Essentially you're saying you cannot endorse a good candidate if they are not already part of the establishment and don't have a war chest to expend on a nasty campaign. Just once, I'd like to see organizations like this one stand up for the best candidate, no matter their financial situation or name recognition. Your endorsement could help increase her name recognition and campaign cash flow. You would be endorsing the most conservative candidate in the race, as well as someone who obviously has home schooling near and dear to her heart and actually talks about it all the time on the campaign trail.

Tim, I think you are forgetting that both Bush and...

2009-09-07T21:59:43.668-05:00

Tim, I think you are forgetting that both Bush and Reagan had high name ID and were able to raise enough money to run a competitive campaign and were therefore considered electable. As I have said, my friend Ms. Medina does not meet that criteria.

Donna, I think you're forgetting that neither ...

2009-09-07T20:56:41.969-05:00

Donna, I think you're forgetting that neither George W. Bush nor Ronald Reagan had any qualifications to be governor, they they served as governors and as presidents. Debra Medina is more qualified than either of them were.

Myron: The old and tired Romans 13 abuse. At wha...

2009-09-06T17:10:50.232-05:00

Myron:

The old and tired Romans 13 abuse.

At what point, then, will you agree that a government becomes illegitimate and not "protected by Romans 13?

Do you advocate establishing the [civil] Mosaic Law? If not, why not? Which laws do you think are relevant and why just those?

"Such is at odds with the libertarian thesis that government shouldn't address moral issues."

And where do you get this? I am NOT a libertarian and do know several. None of them will agree with that statement.

"Bah! Murder and stealing and homosexuality are all moral issues."

The guiding prnciple of libertarianism is the prohibition against initiating violence. Did you now that? Libertarians who accept the scientific fact that a baby in the womb is a separate human life than the mother's ARE PRO-LIFE! Are you also stating that libertarians oppose laws against theft? Where do you get this stuff? The problem with someone like you making these ridiculous assertions is that yo do not recognize, and libertarians do, that taxation to fund unconstitutional/illegal government activities is also theft. And anyone who promotes government theft is also a thief.

"Any candidate willing to reach out to groups that are in the opposition to mission intercept points of truth and righteousness is lacking in wisdom, at best, and diluted or unsympathetic to righteousness on the topic, at worst."

So, you will not march for the unborn next to a pro-life feminist? They do exit, you know. Nor will you then work with the unrighteous against, say, tyranny? There are many pagans in the GOP that are not homosexuals and you say do not reach to those?

Sigh!

Ms. Donna: And how much do you know about Ms. Medi...

2009-09-06T16:57:55.802-05:00

Ms. Donna: And how much do you know about Ms. Medina's political/party credentials? She had the guts to take the GOP to court because of the GOP shennanigans, nay, abuses, with the GOP convention. See what Mr. Lambert has written on the issue.

I was at the Houston convention. I saw some of it with my own eyes.

Ms. Medina is qualified.

Out of curiosity, what is a qualified candidate?

Mr. Lambert--Considering that there are 13 members...

2009-09-06T09:00:08.046-05:00

Mr. Lambert--Considering that there are 13 members of the THSC Board, it seems likely that some of them are probably aware of Debra Medina and her campaign. If anyone really thought she was a qualified candidate there probably would have been some significant discussions about her vs. Perry and/or KBH.

A 13-0 decision is quite significant--it indicates that the Board believes there is only one candidate truly qualified to represent the interests of homeschooling families, that being current Governor Perry.

If the Medina supporters want to vote for her in the primary election, that is of course their right. But should the race become tight, and KBH ends up as the GOP nominee due to a split in the homeschool crowd between Perry and Medina, I don't want to hear the same crowd whine and complain for the next four years about having a Democrat governor who is trying to abolish homeschooling in the state.

Lamb-man, Once again, you have endorsed the best ...

2009-09-05T22:51:10.915-05:00

Lamb-man,

Once again, you have endorsed the best candidate for the upcoming Republican primary for Governor. Perry has done the right thing on the SBOE and countless other appointments. He has placed righteousness in open forum like few elected officials. He has held the line on spending thru threat of veto. He is an unashamed pro-life advocate. Some of your bloggers -- homeschoolers or not -- just don't understand or care that this state and this country was founded on principles that owe their allegiance to God, the Creator, the ordainer of governments.

Such is at odds with the libertarian thesis that government shouldn't address moral issues. Bah! Murder and stealing and homosexuality are all moral issues. Any candidate willing to reach out to groups that are in the opposition to mission intercept points of truth and righteousness is lacking in wisdom, at best, and diluted or unsympathetic to righteousness on the topic, at worst.

Paul's letter to the Romans says that the purpose of government is to punish the evil-doer and protect the innocent. That's a limited government platform! But by logical inference, one is compelled to believe that righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people--including the policy implications of "social libertarianism." I like the Texas GOP platform. I don't support candidates that don't go with the Party's duly elected process to arrive at that platform.

Thank you for coming down on the right side of the issues for home educators and parental rights.

Keep on being light and salt for our state.

Just because someone is a really nice homeschoolin...

2009-09-05T22:46:30.901-05:00

Just because someone is a really nice homeschooling mom, it does not make her qualified to be Governor of Texas.

I've homeschooled since 1980 and my adult children are extremely successful. I am an untra-conservative activist for parental rights. I am so pro-life that I adopted a deaf blind son. My family members are concealed hand gun carriers. My husband is a long-time pastor. I taught natural childbirth and am an employment specialist for people with disabilities. I've been an active Republican precinct chair since 1982. I advocate and network constantly.

However, I am not qualified to be Governor of Texas and neither is Debra Medina!

Tim, I greatly appreciate your endorsement of Gov...

2009-09-05T11:01:11.270-05:00

Tim,

I greatly appreciate your endorsement of Gov. Rick Perry. As you stated time and again, not everything he has done is perfect, but Rick Perry has PROVEN himself an advocate for homeschoolers. He is also the best candidate for Texas as a whole. He stands strong on the support of states rights and opposes big government.

The fact that Hutchinson and Perry are running against one another is cause for enough concern, as this sort of situation is historically proven to allow the opposing party the upper hand. Concentrating our support on a dark horse candidate will only give the Democratic candidates an even better chance.

I am in total agreement with your decision to endorse Rick Perry.

I find it appauling that you would come out early ...

2009-09-05T09:43:16.152-05:00

I find it appauling that you would come out early in an election and give support to a candidate just because you believe another candidate is unelectable. That was tried with Jesse ventura.said he was unelectable.Ya know what. He smoked the so called big dogs. And so Will Debra Medina. Shes the only candidate running who will fight to and nail for HSers rights,true parental rights,and basic family values. You are truely underestimating her chances.

JaimieinTexas, I have stated our support for Gov...

2009-09-04T20:02:55.919-05:00

JaimieinTexas,

I have stated our support for Governor Perry is based on his long and consistent support of home schoolers and his intervention on our behalf numerous times. The THSC PAC exists (as it has since 1986) to educate candidate and endorse those whom we believe will best support our freedom as home schoolers.

Bryan, the 13 members of the THSC Board of Directors are also the thirteen members of the THSC PAC. I am supporting whom I believe to be the best candidate for home school freedom and I applaud your conviction to vote for whom you consider the best candidate.

Thanks Tim, for the quick Response. How many me...

2009-09-04T17:56:29.111-05:00

Thanks Tim, for the quick Response.

How many members are there in the THSC PAC. I realize the PAC is not the THSC, only the political arm of it due to election laws and what not.

You are correct when you talk about Medina being a dark horse candidate. But with that said, it is very early in the election cycle. Don't forget everyone a year before the primaries were thinking it was Rudy Giuliani as the Republican front runner. Before he pulled out, even Ron Paul had more votes that he did.

I must also admit that nearly every Homeschooler I know is because of the Ron Paul movement, the natural choice for them is Debra Medina.

I do thank you for answering the questions and posting the opposition, you could have just not approved them or deleted them.

As for me, right now I am full blown Medina, but just like the Presidential election, I will make my final choice on March 2nd, do I vote against someone, or do I vote for who best represents my views. I have a feeling I will be voting for who best represents my views so I can sleep with my self at night.

Thank you again for your honesty.

And had Ms. Hutchinson and/or Ms. Medina given the...

2009-09-04T17:41:22.747-05:00

And had Ms. Hutchinson and/or Ms. Medina given the chance to speak the reaction would have been ... ??? We will never know.

I do not support Perry but had schedules allowed it I would have attended his speech also.

Could you please do tell us how is Perry better, philosophically and committment wise, better for home schoolers than Ms. Medina?

Is the THSC-PAC (and most people will not see the destiction with THSC) now a PAC for other issues as well?

Bryan, I can tell you that when Governor Perry sp...

2009-09-04T17:14:24.730-05:00

Bryan,

I can tell you that when Governor Perry spoke at our Convention on Thursday night the room had seats for 900 or so and we estimated that well over 1300 were in the room and hotel security close the doors with another 300 or so in the hall who could not get in. The response from the crowd to him was a standing ovation. I took from that the most of them supported him.

Bryan, As Chairman of the THSC PAC, I polled the ...

2009-09-04T17:12:06.940-05:00

Bryan,

As Chairman of the THSC PAC, I polled the members of the PAC as to their support for Governor Perry and they were unanimous.

Tim, I appreciate most of your comments on this bl...

2009-09-04T17:02:03.808-05:00

Tim, I appreciate most of your comments on this blog.

I do have one question.

What was the procedure that the THSC PAC used to endorse a candidate.

I was wondering because I don't know any homeschoolers myself that are supporting Perry, they are all supporting Medina.

(sorry, for some reason my spell checker is not working at the moment)

2009-09-04T12:35:06.062-05:00

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

CraiginAustin, those who gave their comments on th...

2009-09-04T11:16:03.879-05:00

CraiginAustin, those who gave their comments on the video were not THSC staffers. They were THSC PAC members. I'm glad you appreciate Governor Perry for what he has done for home schoolers.
You are certainly within your rights to vote and work for who you believe to be the best candidate as am I. THSC PAC has never done dual endorsements and we don't have any plans to do so in this election.

"However the political reality is our choice ...

2009-09-04T10:16:39.268-05:00

"However the political reality is our choice for Governor is between Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison or one of the Democratic candidates and he is far and away the best candidate among those on home school and parental rights issues, in our opinion. (timTSHC said on Sept 3rd, 2009)"

Tim, while I recognize your right to parade your staff (obligated to serve you) in front of a camera and endorse a candidate this statement upsets me as it reveals the bias toward incumbency regardless of merit and amplifies the bias via the endorsement channel. That said, I agree Rick Perry did perform favorably for some home school issues and for that I appreciate him. However, I am definitely voting for Debra Medina because in my humble opinion she clearly has more integrity when it comes to home schooling values. Also, as an atheist I don't respect the endorsements of those who integrate the views of their religion with the Rule of Law. I absolutely believe in keeping Church and State separate. Finally, I want to thank you for helping myself and others understand why it is important to get a true "Citizen Candidate" like Debra Medina elected the next Governor of Texas.

Hi Tim. I remember asking you at a homeschooling ...

2009-09-04T10:08:16.501-05:00

Hi Tim. I remember asking you at a homeschooling convention about Debra and you said you liked her. Is there anything against the rules to put out to your membership that Debra is also a conservative candidate in the running that has homeschooled both her children and is a strong supporter of parental rights?

As others have stated before, I think Debra will have a chance if everyone who is not supporting her because they feel she does not have enough support turns around and supports her. She has a very strong grassroots following, is picking up new donors every day, is getting more and more media coverage, and many of the Tea Party people like her. Here in SA we will be having candidate forums where all three are invited to debate so that people can decide for themselves who they like instead of having others decide for them. Why not offer the same to your membership?

What if you had a chance to put in the governor...

2009-09-04T08:57:44.795-05:00

What if you had a chance to put in the governor's office someone that home schooled their kids? Do you think that person would have a good perspective on what the needs of home schoolers are? You have missed a great opportunity to endorse someone who has home schooled her children and is a true conservative in every sense of the word. That person is running for Governor and her name is Debra Medina. Rick Perry is no conservative as his record will show (hate crimes bill, mandatory vaccine, does not stand up for elected State Board of Education) and the list goes on and on.

In reading the various posts here, I think the only reason you are endorsing Perry and not Medina is that you think she is unelectable. You state that you are a conservative so I encourage you to have the courage of your convections and back someone with those same conservative principals. The more people that get behind her the better her chances become. Do you want real conservative limited government or more of the same? If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. Do you like what you are getting?

Larry, What makes her unelectable, in my opinion, ...

2009-09-04T07:13:57.455-05:00

Larry, What makes her unelectable, in my opinion, is she has little to no name recognition, she has never held state-wide elective office and she can not raise enough money to get her message out.

Clint, I am a conservative. In my earlier statements I acknowledged that I did not agree with all of Governor Perry's actions. I doubt that anyone agrees with every position or action of the candidate they endorse. I sent a letter detailing the issues at the convention that I'd be glad to forward to you. In short, his letter was approved before-hand and was a thank you letter to home schoolers not a campaign piece seeking reelection. The Medina campaign piece was not approved as it was advocating for her election.

Perry's support of parents and home schoolers regarding CPS happened in 2005 when he helped facilitate CPS policy that home schooling was not relevant to an investigation of abuse/neglect. His staff intervened again on the issue of CPS requiring home school groups to be licensed for childcare in 2009. He publicly supported our efforts to pass the Texas Parental Rights Restoration Act in the last session and most recently he vetoed SB 1440 which would have give CPS broad new powers and undermined parental rights.

As I have said, I don't agree with or support everything he has done, but in my opinion this race is between him and Kay Bailey Hutchison and he is the best choice. Thus, our endorsement.

I realize that some of you disagree.

Tim, you have stated your reasons, but your reason...

2009-09-04T06:41:28.936-05:00

Tim, you have stated your reasons, but your reasons have been shown to be rather shallow. You have also been asked some very straightforward questions such as:
1. Are you a conservative or a statist
2. Do you understand that your endorsement of Perry means that you support his statist policies
3. Why does Perry get to pass out campaign literature at the convention while another guy gets kicked out for doing the same thing?

You have indeed stated your reasons, but I am simp...

2009-09-03T23:18:14.929-05:00

You have indeed stated your reasons, but I am simply asking for a clarification on your reason. What is it that makes her unelectable?

I'm obviously not going to change any of your ...

2009-09-03T22:48:34.136-05:00

I'm obviously not going to change any of your minds. I have stated my reasons for supporting Governor Perry. You have stated your reasons for supporting Medina. We disagree.