In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.



— John Hancock

New Hampshire:

Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:

John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:

Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:

Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:

William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:

Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:

Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:

Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:

Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:

George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:

William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:

Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:

Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Independence Day Supervision

Sales tax revenues are down, the state is suffering a budget shortfall and the out-going Governor is still searching for employment.  Doing their part to ensure safe highways and a steady stream of revenue from the taxpayers of Oklahoma, law enforcement has announced their supervision this weekend on the roads and frankly, it is welcomed.

The Oklahoman reports that the Oklahoma law enforcement will be out in full force ready to nail drunk drivers.  As well they should be.  For some, Independence Day is an excuse to drink and drive - hell, for some just about any holiday is a good excuse for stupidity - and Oklahoma law enforcement officers will be doing their part to lock up a few bad guys (and gals).

As a guy who lost a loved one to drunk driving a long time ago, I personally ask you to be responsible and just don't drink and drive.  If you drink, find a designated driver or just stay put.

This weekend is the 2nd Annual Blues Jam & Wail hosted by yours truly, Steven "Scoop" Jones as well as Frank and Pat Paradise and more than likely, there will be a few adult beverages consumed by participants.  We are doing to ensure that no one drives who should not be and will even have some tents set up for folks who need to stay put.  The hope is that you'll do the same.

News 9: Arcadia Will Reopen for July 4

Residents of Central Oklahoma will be relieved to know (well, some will anyway) that Edmond's Arcadia Lake will be open for the Independence Day weekend.  After severe flooding and prior to that, a rash of gang activity, the focal point of Edmond outdoor activity will be available for the general public usage.

Read the News 9 story here.

Arcadia Lake truly is one of Central Oklahoma's gems.

Lankford Shows His Twitter Power

Mike McCarville posted a poll on his website (here) asking who of the 5th District candidates would make the run-off and Lankford took first place, with former State Representative Kevin Calvey taking second place.

From the McCarville Report:

With support from Facebook and Twitter users, congressional candidates James Lankford and Kevin Calvey roared into the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in The McCarville Report Online's unscientific poll in the 5th District Republican primary.

Out of 385 votes, Lankford took 59%.   Thompson received 8.5% of the vote.

So far, the race has been pretty calm - no one taking any shots at one another other than when James Lankford made a comment regarding Calvey's attack on CAIR.  The Republicans will more than likely follow Reagan's 11th Commandment.

SoonerPoll has shown that what Mike has seen in his poll is probably accurate.  Unless other candidates can sway some votes with their ads, Lankford and Calvey will be facing each other in the run-off.

Dr. Roy Debuts His TV Spot

Dr. Johnny Roy has made his television debut with a new, HD ad that is absolutely unique.  While some of the talking points are the same as his Republican opponents, he points out some very distinct differences between himself and his counterparts.  He points out that he started his practice with nothing and built it to what it is now.  He also uses a female voice-over rather than the gruff, seasoned male voice all the others tend to use.

Dr. Roy hasn't polled well, this is true, but this ad definitely draws a line in the sand.  Enjoy.

Dr. Johnny Roy for Congress - TV Ad #1 from ROY for CONGRESS on Vimeo.

Outlet Mall Advertising Bill: $5.5 million/Ten Years

I may have missed something in the broadcast, but Fox 25's Jaclyn Schultz knocked it out of the park Tuesday evening with their story on the new outlet mall development.  According to the report, the Oklahoma City Council voted 5-2 in favor of spending taxpayer dollars for the outlet mall development and during the Fox 25 coverage, they showed the sign...a McKinney, Texas company has the contract.

We are a donor city after all.  Good for us.

But wasn't missed on this little gray duck was the fact that there is an agreement for $5.5 million in advertising for the outlet mall itself over the course of 10 years.  So, when you take into consideration about $500,000 to develop the advertising itself (ads, design, logo), another $200,000 for the development of a website that includes video production and then 15% advertising commission on all advertising spent...the question must be asked as to just which agency will get that contract. 

$1 million for the road leading up to the mall itself is part of the deal as well.

The argument FOR the taxpayer subsidy to build the mall is that even during this down-turn in the economy, at a time when other outlet stores and malls are talking about losses, this will somehow be a good thing in the long term for Central Oklahoma.

Watch the Fox 25 video here.

It Begins...Thompson Hits the Air

Representative Mike Thompson has hit the airwaves with his television commercial entitled "My Word," and launches what will certainly be an all-out assault on the television.  Mike has been sitting on a substantial sum of campaign contributions and has plenty of money in the bank to give both Calvey and Lankford a run for their money.

And rumor has it, Dr. Roy will be up very soon as well. 

Enjoy.

Did Turpin Endorse Leonard For A.G.?

All the SCOTUS talk yesterday must have caused this one to slide by.  On KFOR's Flashpoint with Mike Turpin and Kirk Humphreys, Mike makes it clear whom he is supporting - Ryan Leonard.  Supposedly, Kirk Humphreys endorsed him as well.  Here's the short video:

What the aggregate result will be is anyone's guess, but if you're Ryan Leonard, it's an endorsement perhaps you don't want during the Republican Primary.  Kind of like when hardcare liberals openly endorse and beg for Randy Brogdon.

BREAKING: SCOTUS Rules...2nd Amendment Applies Everywhere

From the Buckeye Firearms Association:

Buckeye Firearms Association is thrilled the US Supreme Court has ruled to strike down the ban on private ownership of firearms in Chicago. Today, in a 5 to 4 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment applies to states and cities. The decision is a result of a case brought by Otis McDonald (and others) against the city of Chicago. Leaving no room for doubt, the court made clear that the Second Amendment applies to Mayor Daley and Chicago.

"While there is much work to be done, this decision is the first critical step towards universal self-defense rights" said Jim Irvine, President of Buckeye Firearms Foundation. Buckeye Firearms Foundation together with the United States Concealed Carry Association filed an amicus brief in support of Mr. McDonald.

Irvine summarized the importance as follows: "Many members of the United States Concealed Carry Association and the supporters of Buckeye Firearms Foundation travel regularly. A robust Second Amendment applied against all cities and states is needed to insure that the right to self-defense travels with them, the same as all their other rights. Finally, the Second Amendment is afforded equal dignity with the other constitutional rights we enjoy."

The Court's decision is being welcomed as a day of liberation for the law-abiding citizens of Chicago. After years of being held hostage to the murder and mayhem that has plagued the city without a means of self-defense, citizens in Chicago can finally exercise their right to bear arms and defend their home against common thugs that used to act with impunity.

Chicago native and Buckeye Firearms Foundation BOD member Gerard Valentino was elated by the ruling and is already making plans to help his elderly mother in purchasing her first gun. "Finally, my elderly mother and grandmother can live a little safer and with a little less fear because if someone breaks in they can have a gun for self-defense."

Brogdon Supporter: Never underestimate the power of grassroots.

That was the Facebook status of a key player in the Brogdon campaign's efforts in Central Oklahoma and based on the straw poll results, she's right. 

Brogdon has won virtually every single straw poll he has been a part of, and it is directly related to his ability to mobilize his boots on the ground and get them to the various state party events.  At the State GOP meeting held last week, Brogdon beat out Congresswoman Mary Fallin on her own turf and it sent some shockwaves through the crowd.

While it is true that SoonerPoll has Fallin up by 50 points in statewide polling, the supporter is correct - never underestimate the power of grassroots.

Grassroots operations will play a key role in virtually every race this GOP primary.  In the 5th District, for example, Mike Thompson's grassroots operation has already been hitting the streets, quietly gathering support and now, his campaign supporters await his launch on television.  Lankford too has an enormous grassroots operation that has the inside track to most of the Baptist community in Central Oklahoma because of his job as a youth counselor at the uber-popular Falls Creek. 

Senate District 30 is another example of grassroots operations and in that district, if signs could vote, Matt Jackson would have the edge, though his opponent, Mayor Mick's Chief of Staff David Holt has a serious lead in the money race. 

Whether the grassroots operation for Brogdon will result in making up for the 50 point polling spread is yet to be seen, but this is the election year when anything is possible.

Weekend Review

Being quiet is not something I normally do, but I've been so covered up over the weekend, haven't had much time to write anything.  Let's review what I've missed, shall we?

GOP CHAIR:  Looks like the Republican Party has a new chair in Matt Pinnell.  Pinnell seems to be the right guy at the right time for this job.  He takes over for Gary Jones who has stepped down to run once again for State Auditor.  Pinnell is young, energetic and might have the opportunity to bring some new faces to the game at the GOP headquarters.  God knows that some of the folks down there previously have been less than pleasant to deal with - having the stereotypical elitist Republican attitude.  The GOP should hope that the focus on the gubernatorial race will take center stage because Congresswoman Fallin will be facing the fight of her political life against either Jari Askins or Drew Edmondson. 

BROGDON, CALVEY WIN STRAW POLLS:  At the state party meeting where Matt Pinnell was chosen as GOP Chair, State Senator Randy Brogdon beat Mary Fallin in the straw poll.  How that happened is anyone's guessbut there is no doubt that Brogdon is serious about winning.  Apparently, Randy took after Mary about her support of the first bailout and it resonated with the crowd.  But still, in polling, Fallin holds on to a 50-point lead in the race which at this point seems virtually impossible to overcome without at least $1 million in media being spent on behalf of Brogdon.  So far, however, Brogdon has won every single straw poll thus far.  This is a wild campaign.  OkiePundit has an interesting take on it here. 

At the candidate forum hosted and broadcast by KTOK, Kevin Calvey won the straw poll, though listening to the debate, it was very clear that his message has been finely tuned to focus on his National Guard Service in the green zone in Iraq.  Bronze Star recipient (not with the "V" mind you), Calvey has been working on this message and campaigning in essence for the last four years and has worked hard to garner the support of conservative groups.  Shane Jett was the only candidate to argue for providing amnesty for illegals, Calvey responded without hesitation that he would not vote for any amnesty whatsoever.  What was surprising, however, is how NO ONE asked Kevin about his bill to provide in-state tuition rates for the children of illegals.  No one.  But Kevin later apologized. 

AT&T BLACKBERRY SUPPORT SUCKS:  I know, it's a personal note, but still - I have had AT&T Blackberry service for a very long time and you probably already note that I have changed my servers for my websites and trying to change your email settings on a Blackberry is tantamount to brain surgery for a dork like me.  So, I have decided that my contract with AT&T is up at the end of the month and since AT&T has their heads firmly planted up the iPhone rear ends, that I am switching to Sprint Blackberry Service.  It's cheaper, it's quicker and you get more services - like free GPS.  Yeah.  Looking forward to the change.