Pella — Texas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Perry held a town hall meeting at Smokey Row in Pella Wednesday afternoon.
A crowd of approximately 100 crowded into the coffeehouse as patriotic country music blared in the background. Perry arrived on time and was introduced by Mariposa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio, who has gained notoriety for his decisions to feed inmates bologna and dress them in pink, has endorsed Perry for President.
"It's a big honor to have his endorsement," Perry told the crowd. He turned to Arpaio and continued, "My Justice Department isn't going to be meddling in (your) business."
This was part of Perry's attack on President Obama's handling of immigration laws. Perry criticized members of the Administration for their "Fast and Furious" plan, which put American guns in the hands of Mexican drug lords. This program led to the murder of an American Border Patrol agent.
"(US Attorney General Eric) Holder needs to resign or be fired," Perry said. "That border with Mexico has got to be dealt with."
Perry transitioned this discussion into touting the steps he has taken, as Governor, to protect the southern border of Texas. While the state has made strides, Perry said it is not the state's place to enforce federal laws as it does not have the appropriate resources. If elected, Perry promised to put thousands of National Guard members on the border and increase the number of full-time Border Patrol agents.
Perry described himself as an outsider. He discussed the need for job creation and criticized Obama for blocking the construction of an oil pipeline from Canada to the United States.
"Build a pipeline, Mr. President," Perry said. "You're hurting people's ability to care for their families."
Perry, an Air Force veteran, discussed the need for people to be there when their country needs them. He believes it is important for people to stand up for future generations of Americans, who will have to repay a national debt of over $15 trillion. Before taking questions from the audience, he made a pitch for support in the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucus.
"If you have my back, I promise I'll have yours for the next four years," Perry said.
The first question was in regard to the "death tax," which has hindered the ability for family farms to be passed down among generations. Perry answered by touting his 20 percent flat tax.
"We will effectively be able to do away with the IRS as we know it," Perry said. As he was walking back to his campaign bus, Perry confirmed to the Journal-Express that no one would be exempt from paying the flat tax. Even the poorest Americans would be required to pay something.
Perry renewed his support for an "all of the above" energy policy. He does not believe the government should "be in the business of picking winners and losers," and should end subsidies to energy companies. These incentives, Perry believes, should be left to the states to promote competition among them.
"I don't have a problem with green sources of energy," Perry said. "Let the market pick the winners and losers."
Perry was asked about America's role in the Arab and African Spring. He said he does not believe America should be the world's policemen. The United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should lead in those situations. But while America carries much of the financial burden for these organizations, Perry believes it is time for other countries to share it.
"We're seeing less and less of our allies paying into NATO," Perry said.
Before making his way out of the coffeehouse, through the crowd, Perry reaffirmed his anti-abortion stance, touting Texas' decision to defund Planned Parenthood. He pledged to stay true to his values if elected.
"Regardless of what the Lord's got planned for me, I'll be standing up for my values," Perry said.
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