Texas: Land of Idiots

Except Umpire Garemko and a few others, of course.

But if you are a GOP supporter, here's the kind of idiocy you support:

Gov. Rick Perry spoke at two private events this week where a Texas minister wondered if God sent Hurricane Katrina to purify the nation of sins, including homosexuality.

The GOP leader didn't object at the gatherings in San Antonio and Houston on Thursday.

Gubernatorial spokesman Robert Black, contacted Friday, said: "The governor does not agree with that. But far be it for the governor to try to divine the will of the Almighty.

"Americans of all faiths need to come together at this point in time to help the victims of this tragedy," he said.

Black said Perry speaks at hundreds of events annually and "sure doesn't do public critiques of what every speaker says."

The Rev. Dwight McKissic, organizing pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, said he asked only if God sent the hurricane "to purify our nation."

Perry and McKissic addressed the Texas Restoration Project, which seeks to register 300,000 voters.

The project has drawn some 2,000 pastors and spouses to six presentations with Perry and religious leaders since May.

"I'm raising the question," McKissic said. "At some point, God will hold us accountable for our sins."

McKissic said Perry heard his comments at the group's luncheon in San Antonio but might have left a Houston dinner before he spoke.

Perry's office didn't confirm McKissic's recollection.

McKissic said he listed aspects of the Crescent City: "They have devil worship. They advertise 'Sin City' tours. They celebrate Southern decadence. Girls go wild in New Orleans.

"Sometimes God does not speak through natural phenomena," McKissic said. "This may have nothing to do with God being offended by homosexuality. But possibly it does," he said.

What kind of hubris does it take to think that an insignificant little species like ours can POSSIBLY know the mind of God?