Rick Perry was a good governor, he does not get enough credit for roping in the number corporations to Texas. I understand the Corporate Welfare argument, I have to say though in spite of his political rhetoric, Rick Perry is a good governor. GW, on the other hand rode the wave of Republicanization of Texas, because the blue-dog democrats were severely marginalized by the National party.
Texas is a very diverse state and the metro areas in Texas are more vibrant and diverse than a typical East Coast metro. Its not Texas that is backwards, but the people who are stuck up with their mental image of Texas.
Where's your evidence that the fact that Perry was the governor was a key factor (if at all) in the success of Texas during his time in office? I doubt his position in office did little to contribute to the Texas remaining economically prosperous during the recession (economic diversification and energy profits were primary factors).
Additionally, while Texas does have an diverse makeup, it takes little advantage of the fact (my money would be on how segregated those metros are [1]). One of the most impressive things about Houston and Dallas is the fact that they have so many cultures with so little culture of their own. There's nothing outright offensive about them (beyond maybe sprawl and corporate culture), but compare them to other major metros and they're just simply adequate.
If you're not looking at Austin stick clear if you're in your 20s and early 30s, but if you're starting to settle into things it does rise above the image most hold of it.
The story of Perry working overtime using Texas Enterprise Fund to lure businesses is known to many who are interested in local economics. I live in North Texas and make trips to Houston, and the way things were 10 years to today, in terms of Economic development etc is evident if you pay minimal attention. He was governor for 14 years, and that is too long time for someone in that position of power to be on auto-pilot. Is he lucky, perhaps, the economic conditions were favorable, but to tell me that there is no connection between a Governor and his State is ludicrous.
I disagree with Dallas and Houston lacking in Culture, I really do not know what exactly you mean by culture then. Adequate is a bit snobby but I guess to each his own.
Rick Perry may have had successful economic policies, I don't know but I'll take your word for it. What I was thinking was that he is a social conservative ideologue, like GW, like Greg Abbott. That's the batshit crazy part of the state that you just can't change no matter how much you dress it up.
