Just a few years ago, the notion that a politician as mean-spirited, divisive and out of touch with fair-minded Texans as Dan Patrick could be nominated for statewide office would be quickly dismissed.
Not now.
Dan Patrick’s nomination by Texas Republicans for Lt. Governor demonstrates that core Tea Party Republican activists now drive policy decisions and priorities within the Republican Party of Texas. Rather than reflect familiar Texas mainstream and conservative views, Patrick latches on to issues that divide Texans against each other and then uses an abrasive style and mean-spirited rhetoric intended to offend – even many within his own party.
No one should mistake Dan Patrick, however, as a firebrand conservative populist. Just the opposite. Patrick’s harsh and divisive rhetoric props up an elitist economic point of view and a general contempt for the judgment of Texas voters.
Patrick is offensive – Even to other Republicans
As a legislator, Patrick has employed a style and demeanor intended to insult and belittle. During committee hearings, he treats citizens testifying badly, badgering those who dare to disagree with his point of view. Even other Republicans have publicly expressed their dislike for Patrick and the damage he can inflict on their party:
- Senator John Carona said, “Listen I make no secret of the fact I don’t like the guy and I’ve got a long list of reasons why.”
- Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said Patrick’s nomination would be a “disaster, for the Republican party because the rhetoric he uses to get there is not going to endear us to those we hope to have soon join our Party.”
Patrick Divides Texans
On key issues, Patrick takes positions and spews rhetoric that divides rather than unites Texans:
- Equal Pay – Rather than accept the concept that Texas women should be paid the same as men doing the same work, Patrick talks about women as commodities to be manipulated. When asked about equal pay, he said, “A Lt. Governor does have a role occasionally of exerting his will, and one of those key principles is markets.”
- Dream Act – Conservative Republicans – including Rick Perry, John Cornyn and George W. Bush – understand that the Texas economy and our long-term prosperity benefit when young Texans whose parents brought them to our state as undocumented immigrants have access to a good public education and the best opportunity to work and be productive adults. Patrick condemns and attempts to vilify these young Texans for his own political gain. He refers to even young Hispanics born as Texas citizens as “anchor babies” and generalizes all Hispanic immigration as an “invasion.”
Patrick – Boost taxes and appoint US Senators
Some mistake Patrick’s firebrand style as an expression of populist views. Not so:
- Higher taxes on hardworking Texans – Patrick supports and promotes an increase in the state sales tax that would add to the tax burden of all Texans, except the wealthy elite.
- Appoint US Senators – Incredibly, Patrick supports a repeal of the 17th Amendment which allows voters to cast ballots to elect their US Senators. Patrick wants to repeal the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution and have legislators in Austin choose who will represent Texas in the US Senate. It is very likely that had Patrick’s appointment approach been in place in 2012, Ted Cruz would not be a US Senator. The Legislature almost certainly would have appointed David Dewhurst.
Last Word
With Dan Patrick, it’s not about Republicans versus Democrats. It’s about a divisive and dangerous brand of politician and elected official who appeals to, and works to mobilize, the most divisive and mean-spirited elements within our society.
For generations, Texans have usually elected officials at the statewide level who – regardless of party or ideological leanings – seek to unite our state and win support through reason. If elected, Dan Patrick will bring a much different approach that is risky and truly dangerous to the future of Texas.
