Texas Gov. Rick Perry returned from his visit to Texas military men and women serving in the Middle East and shared some opinions on WBAP 820 AM radio, particularly on the looming federal healthcare plan.
Perry, who energized crowds during the anti-stimulus Tea Parties and rejected some stimulus funds earlier this year, still seemed ready to take up the states’ rights cause under the 10th Amendment.
"It really is a state issue. If there was ever was an argument for the 10th Amendment and for letting states find a solution to their problems this may be at the top of the class. A government-run health care system is financially unstable," he said.
His argument would be much stronger if Texas had a solution to health care. According to the Star-Telegram, 1 in 4 Texans lack health coverage -- the highest percentage of uninsured people in the U.S.
The governor came out strongly against bank bail-outs, auto bail-outs, and cap and trade as well. He believed other states would join him in resisting the ever-expanding government if it passes a universal health care plan.
"I think you’ll hear states and governors standing up and saying 'no' to this kind of encroachment of states with their healthcare. My hope is that we never have to have that stand up, but I’m certainly ready and willing to stand up for the fight if this administration tries to force their very expansive philosophy down our collective throats," he said.
Other states and governors taking up the states' rights cause include Sarah Palin, who earlier this month signed a resolution passed in the Alaska state legislature claiming sovereignty under the 10th Amendment.
The health care plan, stuck in a quagmire in the Senate, was recently put on hold until the fall as Senate leaders said they could not meet President Obama’s hasty deadline for a vote before their August recess.
Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.
