This has been one wild series of events over the last month and the heat just keeps coming. Whether it be the shocker of the Ersland case to the hot temperatures, it's been a wild one. Let's review for a few minutes...
Ersland: When 1st Degree Murder charges were filed, it was surprising because I can recall when Prater ran for District Attorney, he supported the right to keep and bear arms with impunity and figured that Prater simply had forgotten his campaign promises. But when I saw the Medical Examiner's report and the pharmacy tapes themselves, I understood a little more clearly why the decision was made to charge Ersland at all - and then the realization of the 1st Degree Murder charge and the justifications therein. Ersland was wrong, no doubt. He should not have gone back, grabbed a second firearm and pump the would-be burglar full of lead. He should have been charged, he should spend time behind bars, but not for the rest of his life. The jury has spoken, however, and the truth is that I agree with the synopsis provided by Mickey Homsey (here) that the Oklahoman needs to start asking questions of the defense counsel. It was and is a bizarre trial and I highly doubt that it will go away or fade into the recesses of our memories. We'll remember this and opponents of Prater will be sure to remind him when he's up for re-election.
The 2nd Amendment is still intact, the right to defend ourselves is still the law of the land, but just don't go back, reload...
And the rumors continue to fly as to whether or not Kevin Calvey will run in 2014 against David Prater.
Heat: Oklahoma is experiencing a run of record temperatures and it is making a lot of people very, very grumpy. It is evidenced by the increased crime statistics as well as the increased number of law enforcement officers on patrol, writing tickets.
Turkey Lurkey: How many of you are aware of the fact that a handful of our legislators made a trip to Turkey recently? Supposedly, it had something to do with Charter Schools, but your guess is as good as mine. Rarely will elected officials refuse a junket overseas. Kind of interesting though, isn't it?
Caylee's Law: Representative Paul Wesselhoft has taken the mantle from Representative Randy Terrill where headline-grabbing is concerned. Looks like there will be multiple bills filed dealing with "Caylee's Law" this next session and regardless of the Constitutional merits, emotion will win the day.
Feds: It's hard to discern just what in the heck is going on in Washington. First, the discussion about the debt ceiling, then the arguments over the budget, then budget talks break down... It's hard to tell just who is in charge out there. One would think that with the previous Republican landslide victories, negotiations would be much more smooth and something would get accomplished. Perhaps too many are looking to the next Presidential election to pay attention to what's happening in the here and now.
Yes, my friends, it must be the head because things are just plain weird.