I actually feel some sympathy for Rick Perry re his memory lapse in last night’s debate.  He really screwed up and embarrassed himself and probably knows that this was the death-knell of his campaign.  But I cringe when someone humiliates himself anywhere, especially in a national forum.  I commend him for acknowledging this even then, with his “oops” comment, and even later when he admitted, “I stepped in it.”  (I like that course image as we all know what “it” was that he stepped in.)  And I’m impressed that he didn’t trot out the usual political refrain, “Well, I certainly was amiss on that occasion,”  and which point they trot out their talking points, prefaced with, “But, here is my central message…..”  He didn’t do that.   Well, at least he has not of yet.  I personally hope that he drops out, returns to Texas, looks seriously into his campaign and the issues that it brought to the surface, that he will delve more deeply into his faith and explore that faith more fully, and then will resurface to engage meaningfully…and hopefully with more humility…in the rest of his life.

And, yes, even a word of praise for Michelle Bachman, though I grimace at the prospect of praising this very simple, not-ready-for-primetime woman.  But I like her idea of imposing a tax liability on that 50% of the population who pay no income taxes each year, perhaps even $10.00.  And, yes, this responsibility could cost them a “happy meal” or two, or even better yet a couple of packs of cigarettes.  But, it would help impose reality on them and I fear that with the “welfare state” we do create a false reality for many.  Now, of course, there would have to be exceptions.  There are those who could not afford even $10.00 and do not have even the luxury of a “happy meal” or cigarettes.

God, I hope I don’t rot in hell for offering even the faintest praise for this appalling political character!  But I must always remember, “Even a blind pig finds a walnut eve now and then.”