What are you trying to accomplish Governor Perry?

I read an interesting article today on statesman.com’s website, written by Jason Embry, which highlights a “Tall Tale” written by Sen. Kirk Watson. The tale written by Sen. Watson was absolutely hilarious, but what I found interesting is that it highlights the points Sen. Watson is trying to make with his tale.

If you haven’t followed the story Governor Perry recently released a statement that while running with his daughters puppy he had to shoot a coyote. Senator Watson makes a mockery of this story but brings up very interesting points through his mockery. What does all this have to do with Texas politics? That is exactly the point and at the same time it's the sad reality.

I’d like to start by asking some key points (some are mentioned in both articles). Who takes a jog early in morning carrying a pistol and not a cell phone? Why would you use a laser sighted pistol if you were trying to protect yourself from snakes? If you are the Governor of Texas and are concerned about snakes and coyotes why are you not accompanied by your security detail that gets paid nicely from our tax dollars? How do you run a routine morning jog at pace with a puppy (if you’ve ever owned a puppy you would know this is practically impossible)? Lastly and most importantly, if the incident didn’t have to be reported because “people shoot coyotes all the time, snakes all the time” then why announce it to the media?

The sad reality is that the only good reason why Governor Perry would tell such a story is for a chance of getting on a Presidential ticket. By telling a preposterous story about shooting a coyote while on a morning jog he will show authentic signs of conservative Republican values and it's a way for him to be the ordinary American. I consider myself an ordinary American and the last time I was packing while on my early morning jog was never and wild animals are the least of my worries. In America people vote for someone who they think they can relate too. No one wants to vote for the “egg head”. Shouldn’t candidates be chosen on their skills, education levels or experience? Why does shooting a coyote earn you brownie points and what does that have to do with running a country?

Why doesn’t Governor Perry put more effort into Texas and less effort into his run for Presidency? I wonder if they’ll let him carry his pistol on his runs around the White House?