Perry booked on felony with 'head held high'

[alp227]

Source: Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry has been booked at the Travis County Courthouse Complex, where he maintained that he did the right thing despite being accused of abusing his power.

The Republican governor made remarks before and after being booked Tuesday afternoon around 5 p.m., but he did not answer media questions.

Earlier, Perry was greeted by cheers and chants as he approached the courthouse before heading in to be booked on the felony indictment issued last week.

“I'm here today because I believe in the rule of law. I'm here today because I did the right thing. I'm going to enter this courthouse with my head held high knowing that the actions that I took were not only lawful and legal but right,” Perry said.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/local/article/Rally-planned-for-Perry-booking-5698009.php

---

More coverage: Austin American-Statesman, Dallas Morning News, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, AP

[randys1]

1. Release Siegelman...

[stonecutter357]

8. this^^^^^

[abovesobelow]

29. Why would you put a drunk violent women on the road

to hurt perry?

Perry is an idiot, so what. The drunk he had removed should NEVER HAVE BEEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE.

We don't like Perry, thats fine, he's a jerk. The Idea that we should erase something "good" because you don't like the guy who did it is just complete foolishness.

[candelista]

38. Yes.

But some people look at the world this way: there is their team and our team. Our team can do no wrong even when they do something wrong, and their team is always wrong even if they do something right, which is impossible, because they are always wrong.

Anyone who has seen that video of the prosecutor cannot honestly say that Perry should have continued her funding.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

48. Absurd. He threatened and coerced. Period. Paragraph

[Thinkingabout]

52. Are you speaking of the special prosecutor who is a Republican, appointed by a

Republican judge who was appointed by a Republican president? Perry did not want his friends investigated by a group connected to a Democrat DA's office.

[candelista]

55. Even if the DA were a Republican....

...Perry could not afford to let her stay in that job. Not with that video all over the place.

[Thinkingabout]

63. There are other ways to remove people from offices, it is impeachment, maybe not in every state

but in Texas he broke the law in the actions he took. The information presented to the grand jury was enough to indict him. She served her sentence, not the first person in an elected office to have been charged and will not the last. The biggest problem was the DA's office was investigating Perry's friends for corruption, he did not like his friends being investigated. Perry abused his power, now he has been charged.

[candelista]

64. This is a revenge attack by the prosecutor's office, that's all.

And no, I am not a fan of Perry. I'm just objective enough to see this for what it is despite the fact that I don't like his politics.

[Thinkingabout]

65. Prove it is a revenge attack, Perry's friends was already being investigated when she was

Arrested. The only revenge is Perry treating to veto the funding to the group who was doing the investigation of Perry's friends. Why was Perry trying to get revenge?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

72. must read !!!

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/08/21/texas-journalists-urge-national-press-to-take-p/200500

[Thinkingabout]

74. Very interesting, Perry is blaming Democrats and has the help of comments made

By Democrats who does not know the details nor the fact people involved are Republican. Perry is probably nit the first choice of the GOP for president, he is being thrown under the bus by GOP members. Also the fact remains there has been corruption by Perry and his crony friends. Funds have been misused and abused. Money funded for cancer has been donated to campaign funds, how does this help in cancer research.

[Dollface]

67. Do you think he would have done the same if she were a Republican? Not being snarky. Real question.

If that had been the case, I think she may have had to take a leave of absence while she received counseling and/or dried out.

[shenmue]

2. I forgot to get ice cream!

I do have vodka, though.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. Good, I hope he goes to jail with 'head held high' too.

They could put all the Republican governors in the same jail, so they could form a barbershop quartet or something.

[C Moon]

20. Love that!

[rock]

31. And then later when he encounters "Buddy Love"

I hope also has 'head held high' too. Did I mention "Buddy Love" is a character from "The Nutty Professor?"

[underpants]

4. It helps that his head is lighter than air

Texas Gov.s are 5th in line of power.

[Raster]

17. Good ol' Governor Good Hair!

still practicin' that ol' Texas truism: "higher the hair, closer to God."

[George II]

5. I'm just disappointed that we never saw him in shackles.

[Thor_MN]

6. Don't hold it too high Ricky... They execute people in Texas, remember?

Never know if they will have enough injectables... Might have to get a rope...

[brer cat]

7. He forgot his glasses.

[Unknown Beatle]

9. It's easy for Perry

to hold his head high since it's filled with nothing but air.

[bpollen]

59. I had a similar thought...

but I went with helium...

[A Simple Game]

10. Couldn't find a pair of "goin' to jail" glasses Rick? n/t

[Mr.Bill]

11. Yeah, he's right.

Far right.

[SnakeEyes]

12. Since he wasnt arrested

And smiled in his mugshot, I really didn't get much pleasure from this. Though it will be great seeing it mentioned that he was indicted in every news story going forward and when he attempts to run for president.

Though I just wish it was for a stronger reason. When one of ours is in office, I really don't want to see something similar used against us.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

49. It reminds me of OJ. Not in jail for murder - but overpaying for

a lesser crime.

Sometimes - that's all you can get on a slimeball like Perry. This crime represents so many more

[nxylas]

58. I don't even get much pleasure from mention of his indictment

Given that Republican politics is basically grievance politics, the GOOPers will probably just say that he was martyred by the libruls for loving the baby Jebus too much, or something, and the base will lap it up.

[tom_kelly]

13. Somebody wrote that for him n/t

[Kalidurga]

14. Goes without saying

all his crayons were broken.

[L0oniX]

15. Perfect mugshot for my dart board.

[7962]

16. I know this wont be a popular opinion, but this case will likely be tossed.

Even many prominent Democrats say its a bullshit case. Focus on shit you can actually accomplish. Of course, we did get the mugshot, but it doesnt look any different than a campaign picture.

[shaayecanaan]

27. I agree

Which is worse, Obama having a secret kill list or what Perry did? He had a problem with Lehmberg because she was a pisspot who was clearly not a fit and proper person for the office that she held.

It is a bullshit case.

[tymorial]

33. Thank you.

So right.

[7962]

53. Obama has a "secret kill list"? You mean drone targets?

[shaayecanaan]

56. yep (nt)

[onecent]

69. Hell it looks like a glamour shot for running for prez

[Raster]

18. with sooooo much hot air between those ears...

...his head could be a float in the Thanksgiving Day parade!

[nilesobek]

19. He's a 1% elitist.

They don't get frogmarched on camera like the rest of us. Its hard to believe this guy had a shot at being president. He was so terrible at the debates. Total choke artist.

[C Moon]

21. I wonder how many takes they gave him for that mugshot: "Does this one work for you governor?"

[truthisfreedom]

22. Only politicians are allowed to take "smug shots". The plebes must have a straight face.

Sickening.

[noteabags]

23. proud to be arrested

"I'm here today because I believe in the rule of law. I'm here today because I did the right thing. I'm going to enter this courthouse with my head held high knowing that the actions that I took were not only lawful and legal but right."

He may be "right", but he's not correct.

[tymorial]

36. His behavior is no different than any other politician in his position

Both sides pull the same stunts. That being said, your summation is perfect.

[olegramps]

24. I wonder about the future of the country when Perry and his ilk are viable canddates.

[Dustlawyer]

25. I wonder how long he practiced this pose in the mirror with his consultants?

How long was the "glasses" vs. "no glasses" debate?

[Sunlei]

26. did they take a dna swab for the texas database?

[polynomial]

28. The corrupt politician knows, keep your head up...

It is creepy, sort of like an old cowboy movie where the corrupt politician knows how to get to the judge.

Perry can hold his head up high knowing the pattern to buy out the jury.

In Texas they are big on that stuff, and proficient at phony stunts and corruption. Likely lining up the judge, they should move his trial to Illinois there is a good record for Republicans and Democrats as Governors getting convicted.

Perry’s situation likely has every major one percent Cayman Island tax dodger on the sideline sweating it out. In Illinois Rod Blagojevich in a simpler ethics charge, way, way simpler ethics charge and conviction is still in the slammer…

The kicker is any twinkle of free speech money shouting out will likely get every Slim Picken billionaire running away from the DA Posey looking for cover. Yes, I believe RICCO can be invoked anytime.

As a citizen of within the Constitution declaration in good standing do here by encourage the Texas electorate to invoke the RICCO act, and any other statute.

American politicians need to understand “Ethics” is tied directly the health care and well fare of each citizen.

To intentionally openly with malice and extortion with intent to disrupt government operation that includes shutting down the department with fraud, or complicity to corruption with influence in government section without good reason is an act of treason.

Those actions to stymie, thwart, bottleneck, or stop production in human services is antithetical to the basic constitutional standard this is in violation of the basic thesis of the state constitution and the national constitution…Perry swore to defend these laws not abuse them.

[jerkstore90210]

30. A sitting Prosecutor

with a drunk driving arrest is pretty good grounds for removal. (Plus, did you see the video? She made an ass out of herself trying to use her political power to get out of it. Shameful).

Perry is a schmuck, but not because of this. Dare I say, he did the right thing here.

[tymorial]

37. It is killing me to agree

But i must. I also find that some people are defending that disgusting woman to be as shameful.

[shaayecanaan]

43. Yes, the fact that she tried to use her office

to avoid her comeuppances is a very adverse reflection on her character.

I can't believe that people can get away with that in the US. Over here she would had her arse kicked by any one of a number of corruption watchdogs.

[juajen]

68. Funny, I didn't see it that way.

She enunciated very well; I also felt that she was attempting to point out to them that she was being targeted. Funny, how I saw an influential woman being railroaded, and others saw an out of control bitch. Perspective is everything. I believe a jury should decide.

[shaayecanaan]

73. Yes she enunciated very well

far too well for her to claim that she was too drunk to know what she was talking about.

"I'm the DA! You think I'm going to jail? You're going to jail!"

If you think that wasn't an attempt (quite pathetic, admittedly) to use her office to bluster her way out of the situation, then black is white and ignorance is strength.

On the other hand, I was only just thinking that this pathetic episode wouldnt be complete without a feminist tirade on how Lehmberg was being railroaded because she was a woman in a position of authority. Thanks for putting the icing on the cake.

[muntrv]

32. Perry thinks he's the teflon don.

[tymorial]

34. The indictment is complete horse shit.

I can't stand Rick Perry. I hate his face. I hate his smarmy smile. I can't imagine that I will ever agree with him on anything involving politics or social matters. I would love to see him disappear from public life all. All that being said, this indictment is ludicrous. Further, the people who are going to bat for Lehmberg need their f'ing head examined. The woman is a shameful and disgusting human being who got wasted and put people's lives at risk by getting behind the wheel. She was a belligerent jackass to the police and then acted entitled and indignant when asked to resign. I understand why the Texas democrat party wants Perry to go but they dishonor themselves by defending Lehmberg and pretending this indictment is just.
.

[dorkzilla]

39. Hear Hear!!!!

I got into an argument with a beloved Aunt when I suggested that although I cannot stand Perry, I couldn't really blame him for what he did. Lehmberg is a waste of oxygen who needs to resign from THE PUBLIC INTEGRITY UNIT after a .23 BAC and being a total asshole who insisted that the officers who rightly arrested her were ruining her career.

Seriously, backing a scum bucket like Lehmberg just makes Perry look good.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

51. Totally disagree. It's extremely clear and black and white - you can't

coerce public officials. He did. AND - they have his OWN words saying he was going to. AND he did.

extremely simple...black and white. The reason the gj indicted.

[Unknown Beatle]

60. The democrat party?

It's the democratic party. And the indictment is not ludicrous, he broke the law by abusing his power as governor. Felony charges are not ludicrous.

I'm not defending Lehmberg, she got drunk and drove, which is against the law, albeit only a misdemeanor, but that doesn't mean that the governor should threaten her by withholding funds and then going through with the threats. That is perry abusing his power.

Again, the 'Democrat Party' is a slur.

[onecent]

35. No shame in those people.....he's probably high anyway,

He seems mighty CONFIDENT he is at the throne....wearing his king hat.

[HeartLikeAWheel]

40. Charges Legit

Everyone should read Texas coverage. Go online for the Texas Observer, etc. It's much more serious than people outside Texas seem to think. The DA's DWI is the occasion for Perry's actions, not the cause. She won a removal lawsuit, which is the procedure for getting rid of someone in her position. But Perry really doesn't care about DWIs. Two Republican DAs had DWI convictions while Perry has been in office, one in 2003 and one in, IIRC, 2009. Neither resigned and Perry apparently made no comment about them.

As with everything, FOLLOW THE MONEY. Several years ago, Texas voters approved the creation of the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which is publicly funded. It attracted many top researchers. However, these people have been resigning over gross mismanagement. It seems that major donors to Perry were using their influence to funnel huge amounts of money to unqualified businesses. There is evidence of other kickbacks as well. The Public Integrity Unit (located in Travis County, which is why that DA was connected to it), is charged with investigating ethics complaints for public agencies and officials, and is therefore investigating CPRIT. The PUI has already gotten the conviction of one of Perry's cronies. Perry threatened to veto funding of the PIU if the DA did not resign. The issue is threatening a public official, not the veto itself. He was NOT upholding standards. He was attempting to stop the investigation into gross misuse of taxpayers' money at CPRIT (the investigation which continues because Travis County is funding the PUI at present). This is ABUSE OF POWER. Do you have a problem with that? I sure do. What everyone here is responding to is Perry's spin. (The special prosecutor, appointed by a Republican judge, is a Republican out of San Antonio with a strong reputation for strictly adhering to the law. As one grand juror advised today, "read the law.&quot

Something certainly does stink, but it isn't a Travis County DA's DWI.

[shaayecanaan]

44. But he had no problem with handing over the money

as long as she wasn't in charge of it.

He didn't do anything in the shadows. He was quite open and transparent with what he did. This isn't what anti-corruption laws are supposed to do. If the voters disagree with what he did then they can kick him out at the next election. This isn't something that the criminal justice system should try and address.

Also, if this is a political move against a Democratic-leaning public official then the Dems need to find better cronies than a drunken corrupt pisspot like Lehmberg.

[HeartLikeAWheel]

71. CPRIT

If Lehmberg had resigned, Perry would have appointed her successor. End of the investigation against Perry and cronies. Very Nixonesque. (Firing Archibald Cox was done in the open too.) The fact that Perry was so open about it is simply a sign that he has been used to getting his way for 14 years. Now he thinks he can do anything.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

50. thank you ! A clear accurate voice among all the trolls. nt

[freshwest]

57. +1

[broadcaster75201]

41. I prosecuted a lot of felons who "held their head high"

They still went to prison.

[jonjensen]

42. murder of cameron willingham

refused to stop the execution murder of innocent man cameron willingham and hid letter of cell mate davis who recanted his testimony and said he maid up confession at behest of prosecutor and was the only real evidence against willingham. Davis is now being threatened for writing the letter. Then replaced people on the commission looking into his wrongful execution with his stooges who shut commission down and smiles about veto of someone else looking into his public corruption!

[rickyhall]

45. Billy Bob Thornton could play him

Title: Delusions of Grandeur

Now I gotta write a script.

[LloydS of New London]

46. Which head are you holding high, Rick?

This one?

[Stargleamer]

47. "Book him, Dano!" n/t

[truth2power]

54. Because he's a sociopath. n/t

[imthevicar]

61. Perry booked on felony with 'head held high'

Make it easier for Mr. Trooper.

[sendero]

62. Perry wants to be president..

... but he is too stupid to understand the LAWS of his own state and too further stupid to consult with someone who does before taking ill-advised action.

The only comfort I get from this is that he is also too stupid to run a decent presidential campaign.

[Dollface]

66. Like other Republicans, Ricky P is proud of his felony, kind of like getting an MIP in the 1960's.

[father founding]

70. Trigger Finger

I hereby volunteer to pull the switch.