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BETTENDORF, Iowa -- Previewing an address he will deliver Tuesday morning in Eastern Iowa, Gov. Rick Perry on Monday night promised to "uproot" the three branches of government and institute wide-reaching reforms throughout the federal apparatus.
"Tomorrow I'm going to unveil a plan to uproot all three branches of government and overhaul Washington," he said in an address to the Scott County GOP, adding that his plan will "touch each branch of government, because they each have contributed to the demise of America."
Perry said his reform proposal will target "lifetime federal judges who arrogantly rewrite our laws from the bench," as well as the "permanent bureaucracy of the executive branch, which thwarts the will of the American people to advance a big government agenda." And he pledged to outline "dramatic reforms for a Congress that not only spends too much but is IN Washington too much."
The Texas governor, who rode an anti-Washington wave to victory in his 2010 gubernatorial re-election race, noted that the DC metro area has not suffered from the same recession that closed stores on Main Streets all over the country.
"That's because all those lobbyists, that's because all those overpaid czars and bureaucrats haven't suffered one bit while we've been going through one of the worst economies that this country's ever seen," he said.
Both in his book Fed Up and in a recent interview with the editorial board of the New Hampshire Union Leader, Perry has advocated for term limits for members of the judiciary, even those in the Supreme Court. He's also pledged to eliminate earmarks and wipe out several federal agencies. But aides say that his address tomorrow - also in Bettendorf - will break new ground in its proposals for specific federal reforms.
During his remarks to a receptive crowd of GOP activists, Perry did not take explicit aim at any of his Republican rivals, although he criticized those who would merely "nibble around the edges" with reforms -- a reference he has previous made to Mitt Romney.
"Washington doesn't need a new coat of paint," he asserted. "It needs a complete overhaul"
But he did slam President Barack Obama for recent comments that Americans have been "a little bit lazy" at working to attract businesses from around the globe.
"Mr. President, Americans aren't lazy, and they aren't soft. Americans do not lack a vision or ambition," he said. "We lack leadership in Washington DC."
In his criticism of the Beltway culture, Perry also made a joke at his own expense, referencing his long "brain freeze" at the CNBC debate during which he was unable to recall the name of the Department of Energy.
"They think the answer is, every problem, let's just add a new agency of government. And I can remember most of em," he said to laughter and applause.
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I'm so sick of them spouting the latest lines fed to them by their political strategists and campaign managers as to temporarily improve voter perceptions. Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, each who have zero chance of clinging the nomination, are probably the only two genuine candidates consistent in their message.
Man,that is depressing huh ??
Branches you say. Let's see... cherry, apple, hmm, uh, oh... wait a minute, I know, it's on the tip of my hat.
Aha, It's turnip!
When I become president, the turnip branch will be the first one to go. You can take that to the supermarket.
RP
Rick is ingenious--uproot government and plant cactus. So in addition to Big Oil, he is now a shill for the cactus lobby.
Hey, Rick Perry, did you ever hear the expression, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you?" What have you got against the government that gave you power and prestige you could not have earned on your own with that lousy college report card? Hypocrite!
even the brain stems that voted for Dubya don't seem to want seconds on an idiot Texas Govenor. Hows that Iraq thing working out for ya'll? stupid is as stupid does.
Rick will not go to a Chinese restaurant because, as a matter of foreign policy, it gives aid and comfort to the enemy. But that's what his lobbyist contributors have been saying all along--the consumer IS the enemy.
I would not trust any of them to manage my fish tanks.
These GOP candidates are clowns and Perry is one of the biggest. He thinks he can march up to Washington and just totally change things that are set by the constitution on a personal whim? I don't know what universe these guys like Perry and Cain come from, but it certainly isn't ours.
The quote " demise "of America isnt government as much as it is big business sucking off our government by subsidies and tax breaks for the top 2 % .
Rick's greatest achievement is keeping a straight face while being Rick--with an "oops" tossed in just to show he's not heartless.
Herman Cain has agreed to submit to a lie detector test if Rick will submit to an IQ test. A perfect ticket.
Damn, a couple months ago, I come up with the plan to move the Government to Kansas, now Perry want's to steal my Idea. Can he not come up with something his self.......
Sorry George....you're not in Kansas anymore...
Why is it that Republicans complain about judges that make decisions that they don't like and they're quite happy with judges that rule in their favor ? I don't think they are comfortable with democracy. It seems that they would be happy with a government that would be ruled by a king and they could decide what was right and wrong and not have to bother with all those rable that have differing views.
Rick gives nonsense a good name. He's a playful fellow.
The Federal Government operates under the laws and funding obligations passed by the Congress, ratified and approved by the Senate and signed into final law by the President. NOTHING MORE, MR. PERRY! It is really annoying and also a somewhat disturbing that pandering campaigning ultra-conservative morons like Perry have the tendency to lay all of the blame for the county's problems at the feet of so-called "rouge" Federal Judges and nameless "out of control" Federal bureaucrats. PATHETIC! If you want to blame all our problems on the Federal government, Mr. Perry, (not the case all, of course), then I suggest you look no further than the body-elect!
What a clown. I am a conservative voter and I just hope that this Texan loony does not make it to the 2012 election. This country would become the complete laughing stock of the world.
Rick will go down in history. He has agreed to donate the boots that "stepped in it" to the Smithsonian. They will be housed in the Oops Pavilion.
Perry to unveil plan to 'uproot' branches of government
And not a moment too late.OK. But where's it gonna go? We know: a...w...a...y..........
Does anyone really care at this point?
I never thought I'd say this, but if I had to have a Republican as President, there is only one answer.
Newt! Newt! Newt! Newt! Newt! Newt!
God that's scary...
I think the whole thing is gonna come down to the swimsuit competition...and rumor has it Newt has a little speedo bedazzled with trinkets from Tiffany's. Mitt supposedly refused to go topless,Herman's wearing a windsock,so Newt may go with a bedazzled matching Bra,(or bro) after hearing about Herman's suit...Pleasant dreams all.....
See this is where a Bachmann/Palin ticket might just gain some ground.
I could just hear 'em now...."We thought we'd give this silly 'ol state 'o the union address while we touch up our bikini line. Pass that thar shavin foam would ya Sarah..
Anybody but Obama.........2012
a little off beat there drummer.....
No, not "anybody". Are you kidding?
I think Rick Perry's ultimate goal is to get Obama re-elected. I think The President owes him a debt of gratitude.
Take it from a Texan - keep this man as far away from the White House as possible !!!
If you thought George W. Bush was bad - you ain't seen nothing yet !!!
Perry is a Fascist no if ands or buts about it.
CAVEAT EMPTOR !!!
Let me guess he's going to offer a plan for the United Staes to Secede from itself? lol