Y'know, the word "miracle" is thrown around a lot these days.

But when it comes to Texas, they do it bigger. So they throw it around a LOT. Or should I say, their Governor does--he's real proud of of the Texas "miracle," perhaps it deserves a closer look.

I will be completely straightforward with you: these ads are not real. But maybe that's appropriate. If we really break down the Texas "miracle," it assumes its own unreal quality, a mythic recovery that is as every bit as real as "swagger." Which is to say, it is a completely unreal thing covering up what actually exists.

So next time you see Rick Perry swaggingly (it's not a word, Amato, but it should be) proclaiming his "miracle" ask yourself: is he coughing?

Oh, Rick. Swag on, playa. Swag on.