Republican legislator Leo Berman, famous for authoring extreme legislation, continues to dive political dialect farther into the gutter by proposing his latest bill to force a candidate for president and vice-president to provide an "original birth certificate" as proof of having been legally born in the United States. Well, we know who the target is of this legislation don't we?
Texas State Representative Leo Berman (R) furthered his campaign against President Obama Tuesday, a man that he has before characterized as "God's punishment on us," by introducing a bill that would require future presidential and vice-presidential candidates to produce "the original birth certificate indicating that the person is a natural-born United States citizen" to the Texas secretary of state.
I just don't know what to think these days anymore about politicians. Sometimes I think those who are to the right of crazy such as Leo Berman does this kind of stuff to just shock and awe people--you know, grab headlines for the sake of grabbing headlines. But I just don't know if that is the case anymore. Legislation such as what Leo Berman proposes is just not worth the ink wasted to write it. This bill is as ludicrous as ludicrous gets, but you know what? It's still filed. It'll still be heard in committee. Given the new Super Majority in place, it is quite likely to make it to the floor and by God it is highly likely it will pass. Disgraceful.
Berman's disgraceful legislation codifies a couple of things for me. First, extreme is mainstream. Ole' Leo isn't the only one authoring crazy legislation, I mean the state of Oklahoma just passed a ballot initiative to ban Sharia Law! Sharia Law for goodness sakes, folks! Forget that pesky U.S. Constitution and the first amendment which protects against establishing religion. After all, the constitution allowed a large majority of Americans to elect a Muslim to Washington, right? I'd be willing to bet that at least 1/3rd of Oklahoma doesn't even know what Sharia Law is, but by golly some fringe group and/or candidate (cough--cough--Newt Gingrich--cough--cough) let them know it'll protect Oklahoma from a Muslim takeover emanating from Washington D.C. so it MUST BE PASSED! I wish I could write these jokes myself folks but geez they write themselves!
On to my second point here which is Berman-esque legislation is the epitome of the demise of political dialect today. With almost 10% unemployment in America, public education on the decline, a growing income gap between wealthy and poor, students priced out of higher education, threats of slashing health care, a declining global footprint that is the United States, and this is the kind of legislation our state, country, and media for goodness sakes, wastes time on. People are hurting. Our country is floundering. I don't blame one particular political party more than the other these days I blame us all. Look in the mirror and blame yourself. Why? Because we've allowed extreme to become mainstream and we tolerate it. We live in fear and allow fear to cripple us. We don't want diversity it's too difficult to integrate. We don't want equality it's too difficult to tolerate. So this is the nation we've become? No. I won't allow it. Texans are better than Leo Berman's extreme legislation. Our nation is better than the slope we are sliding down. I channel the better angles of our society, from both sides of the political spectrums, and summon you to duty to build a bridge between these two extremes and stand with me on it. I only pray that I'm not left standing alone.
To borrow a line abused by the latest fringe political group in America: I want my country back!
The Texas Republican Party held their convention in Dallas a couple of weeks ago. Generally a Party emerges unified and energized for the general election, but that couldn't be farther from the case for the Texas GOP as tensions between extremists and moderates has boiled over into the public.
Republican Leo Berman, the representative of the extreme wing of the Texas GOP, announced his candidacy today to challenge Republican Joe Straus for Speaker of the House. Republican Berman promises a "my way or the highway" approach to leadership should he be successful in knocking off Straus--or simply a reversion to the strong-armed, autocratic style Tom Craddick offered before.
Republican Berman went so far as to say this past Sunday as a guest on WFAA's Inside Politics that the Republican's were only united at the close of their convention(11:50 in):
"...to the extent that Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Perry kissed and made up. It's not unified to the extent that the House of Representatives is not unified. It was taken over by 11 RINO's, or Republicans In Name Only."
The ascent of Straus to the position of Speaker, according to Berman, was a "sham" based on promises made to House Democrats and vowed that he would offer the opposing party no leeway if elected Speaker next session.
The airing of Texas Republican dirty laundry brings forward evidence that internal bickering between moderates and extreme conservatives has boiled over into the public domain. A chasm in the Party heading into an important general election is not a good political position to be in. If the Texas GOP can't keep their own house in order how can mainstream Texans feel confident they are capable of keeping the Texas House in order? With an $18 billion dollar budget shortfall, crippling utility costs, and escalating education tabs, all under more than a decade of Republican leadership, can Texans really trust the GOP to move us forward? I suppose the answer is as emphatic as Republican Berman's response to supporting Republican Straus:
Governor Rick Perry and State Representative Leo Berman have a history on the issue of immigration, and it ain't pretty. I've got a detailed timeline below -- here's the short version so we can get to the recent news:
Months ago, Berman had said he would run for governor unless Rick Perry met four of his demands, including at least two specific ones on immigration. Perry agreed to Berman's demands, and Berman stepped out of the Governor's race on July 4. The two held a press conference together, and stuck side-by-side throughout the primary. At one point, Berman went out of his way to attack Debra Medina on Perry's behalf, to help Perry shore up his conservative base. It is very likely that, had Leo Berman stayed in the race, Perry would have never made it out of the Republican primary without a runoff.
And now, Leo is angry. And you don't want to see Leo angry.
State Rep. Leo Berman told Capitol Inside that Perry had pledged to him personally last year to take a tougher stand on illegal immigration in a move that prompted the Tyler Republican to cancel a race for governor that he'd been planning and to endorse the incumbent instead
Berman, an 11-year House veteran who decided to seek another term after dropping his plans to run statewide, said Perry had vowed before the legislator pitched his support to him to issue an executive order instructing all state agency heads to clear the rolls of all immigrants who were in the country illegally. Berman said that Perry had yet to live up to that specific promise while suggesting that the governor had gone back on his word in general by coming out against legislation to crack down on illegal immigration into the state.
"That really disappoints me because he made a pledge to me," Berman said in a telephone interview from Switzerland where he's vacationing when told about the governor's opposition to legislation in Texas that would mirror the new Arizona law. "It's hard for me to imagine that the governor would say something like that."
Rick Perry's hypocrisy is nothing new, of course. Courtesy of the TDP's Microsite, The Other 49%, we get a video from the Perry-Hutchison campaign that reminds us of Perry's history of talking out of both sides of his mouth. From "Hutchison on Perry Hypocrisy":
With the primary over, is Rick Perry once again talking out of both sides of his mouth? This time, about immigration?
To see a full timeline of the Leo Berman and Rick Perry back-and-forth, click below the fold. Additional resources below:
State Representative Leo Berman plans to file a bill in the next session that would -- wait for it -- require Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates to prove that they're actual American citizens, and not, you know, Kenyan Muslims secretly trying to implement sharia law here in the United States.
From the Boston Herald, demonstrating yet again that Texas Republicans are making our state a national laughing-stock:
State Rep. Leo Berman this week said he's planning to file several immigration-related bills once Texas lawmakers get back to work in January, including one that requires presidential and vice presidential candidates to prove their citizenship to the Texas secretary of state before their names are added to the ballot.
This is similar to one provision in the immigration law recently approved in Arizona.
"We'll do it," said Berman, a Republican and a former Arlington, Texas, mayor pro tem. "We'll do it from now on. If he can't prove citizenship ... he won't have a place on the Texas ballot."
Berman wants to see Barack Obama's birth certificate? Is that because he wants so very badly to de-legitimize the first African-American president? Because having an African-American president is really upsetting to his narrow-minded, racist ideology? Or because he wants to behave like an ignorant embarrassment to his constituents?
Well pull your hood off, Berman, and feast your eyes on this:
The President actually released his birth certificate, demonstrating that yes, he was born in Hawaii, and yes, Hawaii is one of the United States of America. Further irony: when Obama was born, his father--who immigrated from Kenya--was actually a subject of the British empire, since at the time in 1961 Kenya was still a British colony.
Berman, it seems, is looking for procedural technicalities to try and keep Texas in Republican hands in 2012. He must see the demographic handwriting on the wall and understand that his party's days are numbered. As you may recall from his statements at the recent Rick Perry-Glenn Beck love-fest:
Last weekend, Berman told a crowd in Tyler, Texas, that he believes "Barack Obama is God's punishment on us today, but ... we are going to make Obama a one-term president," according to a report in the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
As we discussed earlier, Rick Perry and Glenn Beck held a rally for their right-wing extremist base over the weekend. Video has surfaced from the event, with Perry and Rep. Leo Berman praising known hate-merchant Glenn Beck. First, State Representative Leo Berman gifted Glenn Beck with a flag that flew over our state capitol, presenting the flag "in honor of a true American hero, whose patriotism is an inspiration to all Americans in this great republic." Next, Rick Perry made the outspoken bigot an "honorary Texan."
Before taking the stage Saturday night, Perry praised Beck as a national leader with a powerful message about Washington and "out of control spending."
Let me be the umpteenth person to say that Glenn Beck in no way represents the best of Texas, or America. He is not a hero but a bigot, making millions off of violent, divisive rhetoric that only serves to sew disunity in our nation. Here are just some of his more notorious statements:
"This president I think has exposed himself over and over again as a guy who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture... This guy is, I believe, a racist." -- Glenn Beck on President Obama
"I'm thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I'm wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. ... No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out. Is this wrong?" -- Glenn Beck on what he would do for $50 million
"The only [Katrina victims] we're seeing on television are the scumbags." -- Glenn Beck on Hurricane Katrina victims
"I think there is a handful of people who hate America. Unfortunately for them, a lot of them are losing their homes in a forest fire today." -- Glenn Beck on California forest fire victims
I have been nervous about this interview with you because what I feel like saying is, 'Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies. ... And I know you're not. I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way." -- Glenn Beck interviewing Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim congressperson
Texas is facing serious challenges. Our state government needs to focus on solutions, rather than fan the flames of intolerance and divisiveness. Thank goodness Texas voters have a chance to end the Rick Perry Era this fall. Bill White cares more about fixing problems and achieving results than joking about secession as our state slips further down every national ranking of health and well-being.
Some folks say we shouldn't waste any more oxygen on Beck. They have a point, but when our state's Governor praises the maker of these statements, chooses to campaign publicly with him and praise his horrible brand of politics, people need to take note. That's not what Texas stands for. We need a governor who is inclusive, and focused on real solutions, not phony jokes about secession.
Texans, don't want your governor palling around with a noted hate-merchant? Do something about it. This November, vote for Bill White.
This past weekend, Rick Perry and Glenn Beck headlined an event in Tyler, Texas, where they riled up the Republican base with intolerance, violent rhetoric, and even a little mild sedition.
Before the rally, Perry spoke with press about his opposition to President Obama. From ThinkProgress:
"Americans can take their country back and send a message to this administration, to this Congress and I consider myself proud to be in that army," Perry said.
Perry's choice of words--joining an army opposed to the President--cannot help but recall last summer's shotgun-toting health-reform protesters. It's yet another piece of violent rhetoric that--while not as extreme as the words that come out of Glenn Beck's mouth--is part and parcel of the anti-American attitude emanating from the right-wing "Tea Party" crowd these days.
After all, it's not patriotic to want to withdraw from the United States. It's not patriotic to make thinly-veiled threats of violence against Democrats or elected officials.
Rick Perry wants to "take [our] country back." From who? The Americans who voted for Barack Obama in 2008, who comprise a majority of voters and majority of states? That's a bit of fuzzy math from a governor who got himself re-elected with only 39% of the vote. By trying to impose Tea Party rule on America, isn't he the one forcing extremist views on an unwilling public?
Not to be left out, right-wing extremist State Representative Leo Berman took to the microphone with his own message for Republican Party faithful. From ThinkProgress:
Berman told the crowd, "I believe that Barack Obama is God's punishment on us today, but in 2012, we are going to make Obama a one-term president."
That's a terrible thing to say, and it's equally terrible that so few followers of modern-day politics should be surprised to hear these words come from the mouth of an elected Republican official. Who in the Republican Party of Texas will renounce Berman's statements? Who will speak out against Perry's quasi-seditious rhetoric? None of them.
The Republican Party of Texas is more focused on making hateful speeches and all-but inciting violence to solve the real problems of everyday Texans. How does suggesting that the President is a punishment from God do anything to help uninsured children access medical care? How does it help families cover their skyrocketing insurance costs? How does it help our K-12 students become better-prepared for a changing economy? How does it control tuition and keep college affordable for the middle class?
The fact is, the Republican Party of Texas doesn't care about any of these agenda items, they don't want Texas to work harder for working people. They've proven it time and time again. These angry words are just an effort to distract the public and distort the truth -- and the truth is, Texans can and must do better than Rick Perry.
Voter ID isn't the top issue for all Republicans. No, some like Rep. Leo Berman are still clinging on to last cycle's "big issue" of illegal immigration ad how it is destroying the state of Texas. It's such a burning single-issue that he's made it the highlight of his discussion of announcing an early July launch of a gubernatorial campaign to challenge Perry and Hutchison in the primary.
A likely side-effect of a Bermen run is that he will eat away votes from Perry's conservative/crazy base though I'm sure there are enough xenophobes and secessionists to go around for the both of them.
State Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, said today that he’ll run for governor at the end of the 2009 legislative session if he doesn’t succeed in passing legislation targeting illegal immigrants.
“If we can’t get anything done next session because it’s blocked, I will run for governor at the end of the session,” he said in an phone interview from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where he landed early this evening after attending the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minn.
Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office today released a document showing Berman has requested Abbott’s official opinion on whether a House member would lose his seat if he announces his candidacy for governor during the first year of a two-year term.
Berman said he wants to keep his House seat and that if Abbott rules that he would have to give up his seat to run for governor, that would factor into his decision whether to run.
Berman would like to penalize employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. He’s also proposing a surcharge on money wired to Mexico.
“We have almost two million illegal aliens in Texas and no one’s doing anything about it,” Berman said. “A lot of people are very concerned, including myself. It’s costing Texans $4 billion a year and we think something needs to be done.”
Berman's questions about his House seat show even he realizes he would stand little chance in the primary.
But another Republican eager to beat up Hutchison and Perry? That's fine by me.
This is the Capitol office phone number of Texas State Representative Leo Berman of Smith County who chairs the House Elections Committee. As Chairman, he is the gatekeeper who decides which bills will be heard before the committee and which will not.
Late yesterday, Rep. Berman disclosed his intentions of not allowing HB 3894, the "Texas Hand-Counted Paper Ballot Bill", to come before the Elections Committee next Wednesday for a public hearing.
His reasons? He said:
1) Even if the bill gets a hearing next week, it's too late for the bill to be heard on the House Floor during this session, and
2) He has decided to "save" discussion about it for an "interim study" which will occur at some point during the 18 months the legislature is not in session. Translation: Slow track.
(BTW, the next time that the Texas Legislature meets will be in January 2009 - two months after the 2008 General Election.)
Despite the disappointing news, we are determined to keep HB 3894 moving through the House for as long as possible, so we are not giving up. Rep. Berman must hear from hundreds of citizens TODAY, Thursday, April 26, who demand that he allow the bill to have a public hearing before his committee NEXT WEDNESDAY. Thursdays are when the following week's agenda for the Elections Committee is decided.
So, please……..
Call Leo's office.
Right now.
(512) 463-0584
(It's not difficult.)
Just tell the person who answers why you are calling.
You'll feel like you've done something because you have.
Then, check the Vote Rescue website at www.VoteRescue.org to find out if HB 3894 is on next week's agenda.
If so, pat yourself on the back for helping and plan to come to the hearing next Wednesday. (Check the website again for details.)
At the hearing, speak from your heart. (Please come, however, even though you may not wish to speak.)
Ok, well, maybe Governor 39% didn't put it quite like that, but I know he's thinking it. For those of you not following Looney Toon Leo Berman, he's been on a rampage attempting to make every national news spoof program possible through his idiotic legislation.
The bill garnering foreign born (yes, I mean he was born outside of Texas) Berman the most discussion is none other than his proposal that the American born children of illegal immigrants should not be given American citizenship (14th Amendment be damned!). Berman hopes this will help get rid of the brown people he's been seeing around the north side of Tyler. I think we should pass legislation banning people born outside of Texas from filing bills on immigration.
Interestingly, Berman hasn't been backed up by his party's state leader. Governor Perry called the bill divisive and public health officials have pointed out that newly born children inside of Texas not being named American citizens could cost hospitals millions of dollars in Medicaid cash, which offset the losses. If the children are considered illegal, there is no such program and the hospital often just eats the cost.
Berman managed to isolate himself from basically all parties by going after children, proposing a plan that would cost hospitals millions, and well, is probably the most openly xenophobic bill filed in a while.
Others still point out that should any of this make it through the House, Senate and gain the signature of the Governor, it's not really legal. See the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution says Federal laws are supreme to State law and the 14th Amendment says, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States..."
Any guess as to whether Representative Berman is willing to split the bill with the State of Texas when it gets sued by children born inside of Texas, but find themselves without the rights guarenteed to other naturally born citizens of the United States?
Looney Leo considers himself a conservative, but would really like to take your tax money and waste it on harming the weakest among us, the institutions that help keep us alive, county and state governments, and then use your dime to put together a court case to explain to the Supreme Court why he doesn't think the 14th Amendment should apply to Texas. As hard as this is to say sometimes, Leo Berman is too far out there even for Tyler.
