151 Band

Friday, July 15, 2011

Huggin' The Hugs Project

There are a LOT of worthy non-profit organizations out there, but there is one that really stands out...the Hugs Project, based right here in Central Oklahoma.  I have learned that when things are going rather rough, it's time to reach out and be a blessing to others - just like the Hugs Project has done for so many of our fighting men and women overseas.

You're invited to attend, September 17th, 5pm at Paradise Farms - one mile north of Waterloo on Western, southwest Logan County.  Bring your lawn chairs, your support for the troops and be prepared to enjoy some great music and fellowship.  Featuring Caravact, Tad Osborne, Organized Chaos and Wild Heart!

Rumor Mill: Charles Key Counting For County?

Politics can be frustrating, aggravating, and make you want to toss your cookies on your brand new shoes.  And in Oklahoma, we take it to a new level.

Candidates who have bemoaned the very existence of government find themselves getting elected and rather enjoying the steady income, not to mention the healthcare taxpayers provide.  During the last election cycle, former State Senator and gubernatorial candidate railed on the ineffectiveness of government, the fact that we needed to desperately put the brakes on government spending, only to take a job with the Insurance Commission.  As did some of his supporters.

Now, the rumors are flying that term-limited State Representative Charles Key will be running for an Oklahoma County post.  While it is in the rumor stages, the question remains as to whether or not the irony train is about to leave the station.  Key is one of the uber-conservative, borderline Libertarians in the House and whether his Ron Paul brand of government will fit in Oklahoma County is hard to determine.  Just can't see Charles Key, Leonard Sullivan, David Prater and Ray Vaughn sitting down to have a cup of coffee and discussing budget plans.  I could see them sitting down to discuss their pension plans, however.


Charles Key is an interesting cat.  He is an unashamed Ron Paul supporter, has posted some pretty negative links about Governor Fallin on his website, and works in the insurance industry.  He is definitely a firebrand of conservatism in the House, but will that kind of fire play well in downtown Oklahoma City where Thunder tickets are all the rage and dinner at Red Prime or Republic Gastropub is the staple of the political entertainment diet?

Perhaps the time for the Libertarian viewpoint to get a hearing in Oklahoma County is due.  Perhaps Key can pull it off.  Perhaps the rumors are unfounded and mean little.  Either way, it does make for interesting dialog, don't you agree?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Saddle Up

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.