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Opinion

Perry ignores will of the people with order 

Reid Midgett
Opinion Columnist

It seems Gov. Rick Perry is following in his former boss's footsteps. 

Perry chose to issue orders he personally believes in, bypassing the vote of the people and the Legislature.

Perry issued an executive order declaring all girls going into the sixth grade must be given a vaccine for the humanpapilloma virus, the most common sexually transmitted disease in America. There was a negative reaction from conservative Texans to his brash move -- an expected backlash to such a liberal action by a conservative governor. 

The people cried out that this would send the wrong message to young girls -- they said if one is vaccinated for diseases transmitted only by sexual intercourse, then it must be expected young girls will use this newfound freedom to explore sexuality. Parents questioned why such an order would be issued for young girls who should not be even thinking about an adult concept like sex.

Part of the executive order explained parents could refuse the vaccine for "reasons of conscience."

Considering that Texas is a mostly conservative state, issuing a liberal-leaning order seems contrary to the wishes of the people. 

Texas is known for its extensive constitution. It was meant to limit the government by detailing in great length the things it could and could not do. 

It seems strange that the governor, who was practically rendered powerless by the Texas Constitution, was given the power to carry out an executive order.

Such an order is beneficial in times of crisis, when quick decisions and action are necessary. But in a time of general peace and stability in the state, it seems rash and unnecessary to issue an executive order with a full legislative body readily available for consultation.

Whether one believes requiring the vaccine is good or bad, it can be agreed that Perry acted out of his own wishes and not the wishes of the people. 

The condition in Iraq is a testament to the idea that one man should not decide the fate of his country. Perry should learn from his leader and choose to take a more democratic action rather than acting upon his own wishes. 

A representative like Perry is not elected to a position of power to serve his own desires but the desires of the people who chose him.

Midgett, a communication junior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu