Perry Joins Book Writing Band Wagon

I recently read an article in the Austin American Statesman that our Governor, Rick Perry, has decided to become an author. His book is suppose to be a collection of memoirs from his childhood days. Its emphasis is on his memories of being a boy scout. The book, which is due out in February, comes with the announcement that he is receiving the 2007 Distinguished Citizen Award from, yes, you guessed it, the Boy Scouts of America Capitol Area Council of Austin. Perry said he wanted to be part of a project that "will plant the flag in a battle to defend values." That "more than ever, scouts and their supporters need all the strength we can get." I don't know about you, but this book coming out before a Presidential election seems like perfect timing for the Republican Party.

I am sure Perry has wanted to write his memoirs for a long time now, but the recent attention he has received about being a possible running mate with Rudy Giuliani, I think, is not a coincidence. Especially since Giuliani is pro-choice and pro-gay rights. Not the usual Republican stance. I have a feeling Perry is doing this to gain attention to himself and his party to make an emphasis on moral values and ethics. This is an effort to counter out Giuliani's beliefs. I do think Perry is seriously considering running with Giuliani if he wins the Republican nomination, even though he has said no. Politicians saying "no?" Imagine that. I do believe he is writing this book to give the Boy Scouts a better image. Since they have had problems and issues in the past. But it is not the only reason. He wants America, not only Texas, to know who he is. And what better way than to write a book on the importance of scouting values. Mark my words, he will be appearing on Oprah next....on his book tour!

Perry Joins Book Writing Band Wagon

Fighting Cancer the Armstrong Way

You either love him or hate him! Austin's cyclist turned political activist is cruising through Texas this week on a bus called Survivor One, the Austin American Statesman reported on Tuesday.

This is entirely a political ploy to support Proposition 15. This is a $3 billion cancer research proposal that will appear on the November 6th ballot. I do not know about you, but I didn't even know what Proposition 15 was or what all it entailed until I saw the article in the Statesman with Armstrong's picture attached to it. I'm sure I wasn't alone and the supporters of this bill know it. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Armstrong was more than happy to do this since the Lance Armstrong Foundation is a huge contributor and supporter of this bill.

According to the Statesman, "With Proposition 15, Texas will conquer cancer." To me that seems a little unrealistic. Proposition 15 would create the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas which would distribute 300 million a year in grants to facilities which taxpayers would be responsible for. In reading this article it made me think of Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Every Labor Day weekend they have a telethon and raise millions of dollars to find a cure. This has been going on since I was a kid! And there is still not a cure. Don't get me wrong, cancer is terrible and I am actually a cancer survivor. But this all so political it's not even funny. We always need a celebrity these days to get the point across. But then again, it did get my attention. This article does not tell us Texans how much this is going to cost us. They usually never do. I guess when it is all said and done, Texans do have the biggest hearts and I do believe Proposition 15 will pass with a little help from our friend Lance.

Austin American Statesman - Armstrong makes case for war on cancer

Ex-Vice President Al Gore: "Truth" or Dare - A Hot Topic

Former Vice President Al Gore came prepared to give Austinites a "truth" talk on what we can do to save our environment this past Monday night at the Frank Erwin center.

I think it's time we give the poor guy a break. I mean, after all, he did take the popular vote in the now notorious 2004 presidential election. All he is trying to do is inform us about global warming and make a few bucks along the way. Can anyone truly identify what global warming is and what we can do to slow it down. Al believes he has answers. I believe he has good intentions. He even went to the trouble to make a movie about it didn't he? Personally I have not seen the movie, but a friend of mine said it was surprisingly well done. If a movie about how fast our earth is deteriorating can be considered "well done."

Apparently the tickets were expensive and he should have given students a discount, but I guess he needs to make a living just like we do! Of course there were Gore supporters and Gore haters at this event along with a few hecklers in the audience. This is no surprise.

Republicans stated that they are tired of hearing that we should be eating less meat, watch our thermostats, recycle, walk more instead of driving. Shouldn't we all be aware of this and do our part. I don't think it would kill us. I think we should give Al Gore a little more credit. Yes, I know he is always an easy target for a good joke, but I do believe he is an intelligent man who cares and is just trying to make a difference. I haven't always felt this way, but as I grow older my opinions have changed. In the game of "truth or dare," these days I would pick truth.

Austin American Statesman