Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

As Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith) would have put in That 70s Show, Rick Perry is no dumbass. On April 9, the Lone Star State governor called a press conference(video below) to declare support for House Concurrent Resolution 50, which cited the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Consitution and

RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby claim sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise
enumerated and granted to the federal government by the
Constitution of the United States; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this serve as notice and demand to the federal
government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective
immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these
constitutionally delegated powers; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That all compulsory federal legislation that
directs states to comply under threat of civil or criminal
penalties or sanctions or that requires states to pass legislation
or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed; and, be it
further

Perry explained:

We think it’s time to draw the line in the sand and tell Washington that no longer are we going to accept their oppressive hand in the state of Texas. That’s what this press conference, that’s what these Texans are standing up for. There is a point in time where you stand up and say enough is enough, and I think Americans, and Texans especially have reached that point.

As you would expect, this guy was a big hit at the three tea parties he attended yesterday in Texas. Speaking at the Dallas gathering yesterday, the Lone Star State's governor declared

They're overturning the rights we had one by one, making choices that would leave our founding fathers scratching their heads.... Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression.

But Perry didn't get to be the chief executive of the third largest state in the country through stupidity. Following his appearance at the Austin tea party, where his ears were regaled with shouts of "secede!" Perry told reporters

There's a lot of different scenarios. We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot.

Plant the thought of secession; flex your muscles; fire up the crowds; get Hannity, Limbaugh, and Beck to laud you; mission accomplished. Then, while only those who are paying attention notice, make sure to tell the media that you yourself are not necessarily in favor of dissolution.

Clever strategy for a guy who is facing opposition in the GOP primary, from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, to his plans to serve a third term- and who likely has aspirations for national office.