How Safe Are We Really?

I had the honor of working with then Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode on her Congressional campaign and at first, a lot of the topics, the discussions were a little over my head.  Denise is one of those people who is probably too intelligent for her own good, so it took a bit for me to catch up.  However, one of the topics of conversation that recurred regularly was that of "critical infrastructure."  It began to make sense, the picture came into focus and a bright, happy "a-ha" moment followed.  

1. Critical infrastructure is a term used by governments to describe assets that are essential for the functioning of a society and economy. Most commonly associated with the term are facilities for: electricity generation, transmission and distribution...

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission regulates about 80% of the Oklahoma economy, yet is one of the most overlooked departments in government - unless, of course, you're in the oil and gas industry.  The Corporation Commission has been warning the Legislature for a very long time about needed improvements and safety measures for Oklahoma's critical infrastructure - oil and gas pipeline distribution networks, power transmission lines, etc. but for some reason it just hasn't stuck.  And then, I saw an article this week that not only reminded me of Denise Bode (the head of the American Wind Energy Association now), but her words reverberated in my head and made me ask just how safe we are today, really.

The story was circulating in Washington about malware Trojan horses being used by Russia to potentially attack our critical infrastructure, but in energy producing states like Oklahoma and Texas, there was very little talk about it - if any at all.  Certainly one could expect a candidate for public office at least pretend to address the issue, but sadly, there was nothing.  

States like Oklahoma and Texas must wake up to the reality that there are super bad guys out there who will target our transmission infrastructure and basically cripple us as a nation.  We have become wickedly dependent upon electronics, electric gadgetry and were we to lose access, we would run around like a bunch of chickens with our heads cut off.  It's time to get our legislators to at least discuss this topic and propose some ideas as to how we can improve and prepare for just such an attack.

Denise Bode lost her bid for Congress to now Governor Mary Fallin, and she went on to head up the American Clean Skies Foundation and now, at the American Wind Energy Association.  Her words are ringing true today and we had damned well better pay attention.  Like Denise or not, she was and is right on this issue.

Of course, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong.  But I seriously doubt it.

Ron "Gorilla" Black

Down At the Political Crossroads

GOP Congressional candidates campaigned on restoring Constitutional consistency, on providing "conservative" answers to President Obama's "failed policies."  Well, according to an article on NewsOk.com, these same Republicans are preparing to work and reach compromises with the Administration they just a few days ago ripped to shreds.  Representative Tom Cole, ever the statesman, provides his always centrist position as stated in the article:

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, who sailed to a seventh term on Tuesday, said, “Voters are going to keep firing people until we can work together. I don’t think they’re very patient with any of us right now, either party or either party’s leadership.”

While I would argue that voters are going to continue to fire people who are willing to compromise and break all of their campaign promises, it's understandable that Cole desires a peaceful arbitration with an otherwise hostile, lame duck Administration.  But it is rather revealing, isn't it?  Here's another gem from the statesman:

Also, Cole said, Congress could give the president more authority to make trade deals. Cole said Obama was not going to repeal the Affordable Care Act but that some changes could be made, including repeal of the tax on medical devices and a change in the way full-time workers are defined.

I am officially confused.  I thought the President was generally incapable of making meaningful decisions in the best interest of this nation and its future, but Cole is saying that Congress could give this President MORE authority to make trade deals?  Really?  What the hell are we missing, kids?  What in the hell did these Republicans campaign on and why is there such willingness to cast aside the hard line stances taken while on the campaign trail only 24 hours after the election?  

Congress has about a 10% approval rating, but we retain about 90% of them.  What in the hell is the EPA putting in our water?

In all seriousness, Tom Cole has built his political reputation on being a statesman and is by far one of the best interviews I ever had on WKY - he doesn't shy away from questions and he has a great voice and understanding of soundbites.   Cole's desire is to see things work in Washington, to avoid gridlock and to actually accomplish something meaningful and shouldn't be faulted for that.  I like Congressman Cole and I believe that he serves his 4th District constituency very well, but I just disagree with his willingness to compromise this early in the game.

And then, there's Senator-elect James "the Baptist" Lankford.  Read this part of Casteel's story very, very closely.

Lankford said that would be a mistake, that the U.S. Constitution was framed to require the legislative and executive branches to have their respective roles. The president has been far too reluctant to engage on legislation and far too ready to issue executive orders, Lankford said.

“You can’t do this solo,’’ he said. “If he continues to do that, it sets a bad principle for where we’re going.”

"Sets a bad principle for where we're going."  Tough words?  Not so much.  It's tantamount to a parent telling his/her child that if they keep acting up, they are going to continue to be told not to act up, damn it.  Look, Congress has dropped the ball on immigration issues and continues to drop the ball and part of the reason is limp wristed responses like Lankford's to the Administration's complete lack of concern for the Constitution.  

I'll say it again: Congress has dropped the ball on immigration and the issue SHOULD be handled by Congress.  But do you really want to know why there's nothing but rhetoric on this issue rather than action?  Here it is in a nutshell:

Republican Chamber types don't want real reform because big business gets cheap labor.  Democrats don't want change because illegal immigrants add to their voting base and will continue to do so.

Down at the Crossroads...

Senator-elect Lankford is a swell, guy, I'm sure.  We elected him to Congress where he did nothing about immigration and now, in the Senate, he'll do the same.  So, the next time you hear blather about compromise and "shame on you" stump speeches, remember exactly what they've said when the next election cycle comes along.  

It's understandable that everyone wants to get along on the playground that is Washington D.C., but it does make one wonder if there isn't a Crossroads Demon lurking somewhere...

That's just my opinion, and I could be wrong.  But I seriously doubt it.

Ron "Gorilla" Black

 

Election Result Hangover

If you were looking for upsets in the state of Oklahoma on election night, you probably went to bed not feeling so good.  On a Judicial level, there were a few minor tremors, but nothing earth shattering.  So, let's take a look, shall we?

Governor
Governor Mary Fallin defeated former State Representative Joe Dorman in a race that was a little closer than  most pundits imagined.  I believed that Fallin would win by at least 20 points and that is not because of anything horribly wrong about Joe Dorman, but rather because Governor Fallin's campaign staff are some of the best in the business and they simply don't lose.  Joe made some mistakes, to be sure - like having a staff of relative newbies to the statewide political game, young people with a ton of energy but not a lot of experience. When facing a formidable opponent like Governor Fallin, without the best of the best, you're showing up to a gun fight with a spaghetti noodle.

Lt. Governor
Todd Lamb defeated Cathy Cummings.  No surprise.  At all.  Except that she garnered 30% of the vote.  In four years, look for Lt. Governor Lamb run for the Governor's Mansion. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction
Joy Hofmeister fought a hell of a fight against the outgoing Superintendent and faced a pretty tough opponent, however, her biggest opponent was really the negative press that her consulting firm received.  When Chad Alexander got arrested, the media was quick to jump all over it and they hung it around her neck.  And then there's the ethics investigation by the District Attorney...who knows where that will end up?  Her Democratic opponent ran a pretty clean race, and only brought up the issues that the media had already addressed.  It was a tight race for much of the evening, but she pulled it out in the end.  And yes, she is super attractive.  That didn't hurt her at all.

Labor Commissioner
Snooze City.  Costello (R) defeated a morbidly under funded Workman.  This race is emblematic of the problems in the Oklahoma Democratic Party.  The Democrats on a national level have pretty much written off Oklahoma as the northernmost suburb of Texas and just isn't financially supporting the party enough for Democratic candidates to gain any traction in statewide elections.  This is an indicator of things to come for the Oklahoma Democratic Party.  In order for the ODP to maintain any sense of relevancy in Oklahoma, it must embrace its Blue Dog roots, otherwise they may as well close up shop.

Congress
A Republican sweep in Oklahoma.  If you are surprised by that, you're an idiot and probably can't read this anyway.  It is significant to note that for the first time in God knows how long, Oklahoma has sent a Veteran to Washington rather than some entitled career politician - and we've sent a war veteran.  Perhaps now we can see some movement where revitalizing the Veteran's Administration is concerned. 

U.S. Senate
Senator Inhofe won, again, and replacing Tom Coburn is none other than James Lankford.  One can only hope that he's more effective in the Senate than he was in the U.S. House.  Senator-elect Lankford is a nice man and he received a lot of support from the Oklahoma GOP - just as he did in his House race. 

Judicial
The one race that I watched for the Bench was that of Judge Roger Stuart.  Stuart narrowly defeated Amy Palumbo by 1% of the vote - and no doubt the Palumbo camp will ask for a recount.  Stuart was and is one hell of a good Judge.  He handled one of the toughest courtrooms in all of Oklahoma - the Juvenile Court.  Tragic stories, one after another, and this man handled it with grace and common sense.  Why Palumbo even ran against him is a mystery. 

What did we learn?
The electorate is really, really pissed off at this administration and it looks like the GOP Congressional victories are evidence therein.  For a President whose administration saw the killing of Bin Laden, it's unbelievable the backlash that has been unleashed in Washington.  And yes, this mid-term election was and is to be considered somewhat of a referendum.  2016 is going to be wickedly entertaining.

We also learned that Oklahoma is still, and will continue to be, a very red state.  The GOP owns this place and will continue to for the foreseeable future. The GOP inertia was begun by Gary Jones, and under his leadership, the Republicans took the State House for the first time in like a million years and after him, Matt Pinnell rode the wave and helped even more candidates see victories in otherwise Democratic districts.

What can we expect?

You can expect another push at hardcore tort reform.  You can also expect to see another push to change the worker's compensation laws.  And of course, there'll be more pro-Jesus legislation to come out of the House because of the number of pastors or wives of pastors who reside there.  We can also expect to see one hell of a push by the State Chamber to quiet the voices who have strongly advocated for immigration reform on a state level - the big guns of the Chamber membership consider that to be no bueno (for obvious reasons).  

You can NOT expect to see any movement toward ballot access or legalization of medical marijuana.  Even though the uber-conservative Colorado (home of Focus on the Family) has legalized marijuana, don't expect the Sooner State to do so anytime soon.  If Oklahoma were to do something as radical as that, the earth would probably stop spinning on its axis and Pastor Paul Blair would convert to Catholicism - neither are very likely.


Ron "Gorilla" Black

These Truths...

Truth is truth and no matter how we try to mask it, cover it up, dress it up and put lipstick on it, we can't avoid that reality.  For me, there are some realities in politics that hold true and cannot ever be disputed.  The following is a compilation of truths that for me, cannot be argued nor will I ever be moved away from them.

Evil exists in all parties.  Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and Libertarians have both good and bad in their parties.  When we try to label someone predicated on their political party affiliation, we make ourselves out to be idiots.  I once had a zealot Republican tell me that no matter what, he would vote for a Republican over a Democrat.  To me, that's just plain stupid.  And you know what they say...you can't fix stupid.

Single-issue candidates will always cause more problems than they will solve.  As a pro-life individual who has come full circle on the issue of the death penalty, I see candidates whose only talking point is that of abortion.  Or guns.  Or immigration.  Or Obamacare.  These are people from whom we must keep a safe distance because they are usually completely ignorant on the other issues that impact us on a daily basis.  Like the tax code.

Political consultants are a big problem.  I say this because I have consulted on a number of successful campaigns, yet I have seen some exceptionally dark personalities permeate the fabric of the Oklahoma political scene.  It's all about cash flow for these bottom-feeding creatures who parade candidates out there, let them get shot at, meanwhile they hide behind the "I'm just a consultant" mantra.  Beware of these men and women.

Real world experience matters.  There was an independent candidate for Congress a few years back that represented everything I believe in for a political candidate.  A Navy SEAL, an inventor, a patent holder, a small business owner and a fiscal conservative.  He chose to run as an Independent because he saw the corruption in the GOP political apparatus and didn't want to be a part of it.  Sadly, he was convinced to drop out of the race before the public really got to know him.  He had real world experience that would have served Oklahoma well, but instead, well...you know the rest of the story.

The two party system in Oklahoma is ridiculous.  We have heard the arguments about the cost of opening up the election process to more than the two parties we have now, blah blah blah.  But every couple of years, we really don't get much of a choice and the arrogance of party leadership on either side of the aisle to exclude even Libertarians is appalling.  It's time to fix that.

So, there you have it.  A thumbnail sketch of my general thoughts on politics.  We are in the middle of one great big mess in this country as well as in this state.  We can fix it, we can solve these problems.  We just have to sack up and tell the status quo to kiss our collective asses.

Ron "Gorilla" Black

Election Day Blues and Tuesday Tackiness

Election Blues
We have been given an amazing right in this country to cast a vote for those who will lead/serve us as government employees - and let's make sure that we understand it correctly:  They are government employees.  Period.  Many have come before us to lay down their lives for this incredible right and freedom to cast our vote, but when we really look at the field of candidates I find myself wondering if this is what our Founding Fathers really had in mind.

I would argue, probably not.

Career politicians who have made the cut long before the ugliness of campaigns tarnished their initial entrance into this disaster called "politics," want-to-be career politicians who have no real world experience whatsoever in the private sector, and religious zealots who have forgotten that the Constitution has never been before any Council and deemed to be canon.  It's a disaster, it's a mess, and it's a mess that we can fix - if we really cared enough to fix the mess.  But we don't.

And that's okay too.  Being part of a free society affords us the right to vote or not to vote, to elect douchebags or not to elect douchebags.  The difficulty lies in our ability to determine what individual candidates are one or the other.  During the campaign, candidates often portray themselves as saintly little angels who are running for elective office simply to improve our quality of life and fight for freedom.  But behind the scenes, and more accurately once they are elected, they are ravenous piles of flesh eating bacteria whose only goal is to protect their own asses.  One only need look at the number of Oklahoma's term-limited legislators who run for other offices such as County jobs or even statewide posts just to maintain that connection to the taxpayer teat.

But I digress.

Housing Alarms
When I worked with the Trinity Foundation on the Oklahoma Project, one of the causal factors for the project itself was this unimaginable problem with affordable housing.  The Trinity Foundation (unfortunately best known for investigations of fraudulent televangelists) determined that for every homeless person or family, there exists a church, mosque or synagogue in this country.  Now, with those numbers in mind, if each of those faith communities took in one family or person, provided adequate housing, transportation and even a chance for work, homelessness as we know it today would be eradicated - something we read about in our history books.  Now, there will always be the chronically transient, but it is significant that the problem itself could be so impacted.

And we haven't even begun to discuss the number of veterans who are struggling with housing issues.  The VA tries, the Salvation Army tries, but unless you're a drug addict, severely medicated, chronically transient, or have a drinking problem, it's not as though you're going to be at the head of the class.  The process is horrific and intensely slow and God help you if you're marginally coherent and need help.  In essence, bend over because you're about to be f...

I've recently had experiences to ensure that it is solidified in my brain that housing is and will continue to be an issue impacting the problem of poverty.  And the problem isn't going away anytime soon.  The cost for multifamily housing is increasing, the cost for utilities are increasing and the deposits alone can preclude the poorest among us from obtaining adequate housing.  And this whole "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mantra that has been adopted by my political party (GOP), is bullshit.  It's an excuse to ignore the problem and do nothing about it themselves.  But that's a whole different topic...

Well, those are my thoughts for the day.  Get out and vote.  Or don't.  It's your choice.

Gorilla

Random Catching Up

No one REALLY likes change, but it is a necessary part of life. It often hits us by surprise, but there are also those moments when you know that something is coming down the pike, but you're just not sure what it is.  Those are the times when change fundamentally rearranges our world view and forces us, like a puppy with its nose swatted with a newspaper, to see things differently and prepare us for the inevitable.

We saw it with the resurgence of terrorist organizations and times are so bizarre that in Oklahoma, a woman was beheaded by an Islamic extremist. In Oklahoma. The terrorist attended a mosque just south of the 39th Expressway, barely east of Portland and how that place hasn't been retaliated against is beyond me.  Times are definitely changing. 

Divorce and Marriage

I've been working on a book, a biography of sorts for about two years now and in it, I talk about Oklahoma's obsession with "saving marriage."   My take on it is different than most - particularly the legislative Pharisees who think they know what is best for all of us. They believe that it should be more difficult to get a divorce.  I think it should be easier to divorce, but more difficult to get married.  

People divorce because things go to shit in a marriage and usually, the causal factor is a lack of knowledge of who the spouse REALLY is at heart - and that doesn't usually present itself right away. 

I propose a waiting period for marriage licenses and a fast track for divorce.  The blood sucking divorce lawyers will hate it but most of them are possessed little fucking trolls anyway.  

Expect more thoughts from your friendly Gorilla in the near future.  There's a lot to be said and not many saying it. 

Butch "Gorilla" Black

It Truly Is the Little Things...

Over the last few months, I've shared with you some of the health struggles I've faced and many of the ongoing battles with the Veteran's Administration.  I've shared my joys, my frustrations and even my pain and a couple of my innermost secrets, battles with depression.  So, in this weekend edition, I thought I'd continue that trend...but talk about some of the little things that really get me going.  I hope you enjoy.

A Text Message
Yes, something as simple as a little old text message can make the day a joyous time or it can frustrate the crap out of me.  Receiving a message from my son, Matt in Seattle, just makes me smile - he always ends it with, "I love you, Dad."  Sure, he's 34 and I'm 50, but damn it, it makes me happier than hell to get that message from the boy.  Our relationship hasn't always been stellar but the last couple years or so, it's really blossomed and I thank the heavens for it every day.  He's turned out to be one hell of a father himself, and according to his beautiful wife, Kristina, an excellent husband as well.    The same goes for Mason, Madison too.  A simple message from them and I am elated.

The Library
Yes, the public library.  I've grown fond of the public library, the people who frequent it and the history and essence of the library.  Each of one the books in the building represent a piece of someone's life - something that meant so much to them, they put pen to paper and shared with the rest of the world.  It's an amazing feeling to be surrounded with such work when you think about it that way.  Silly, I know, but I've grown to appreciate just how much effort really goes into the written word since I started work on my history, a book if you will.

Technology
Is technology one of those "little things?"  I think it is because it is so pervasive in our culture and yes, we often take it for granted - at least I know that I do.  Technology in many ways make our lives so much easier, but we're also dependent upon this same technology - hell, Facebook has become a subculture of its own in recent years.  Our smart phones are getting smarter, our ability to stay connected with folks who are thousands of miles away has become easy and frankly, I love every bit of it.

Smile From A Stranger
Have you ever just had a really shitty day and you walk into the grocery store, determined to get in and out quickly, leaving as few casualties as possible, only to see that one person looking at you with a familiar gaze and then, the inevitable happens:  They smile.  It's over.  No longer am I pissed off, no longer am I angry or frustrated, but it seems to wash away because that one person who could be struggling with an even more difficult life than I, but yet found the inner resolve to just smile.  It's refreshing.  I think we all need to do that more often.  Just mile at each other.

An Hour Without Pain
I know it sounds ridiculous, but going for periods of time without pain is an enormous joy and I can usually get a great deal accomplished in that time.  An hour without pain is a God-send.  It's been a long time since I've gone pain-free and every moment that I get, I cherish.

Not really sure why I decided to blog about these things, not sure that any of you reading this (or not reading this) will give a shit one way or the other what I think or feel.

Depression Is Serious

The news of Robin Williams' death was a shocker to most all of us who would consider ourselves fans of the actor/comedian.  He was such a shining star, a happy face and amazing talent that made us all laugh at one point or another.  His serious roles in front of the camera were equally wonderful.  But then, we got the news.

Robin Williams had committed suicide.

His family and close friends knew that he had suffered from bouts of depression, that there were moments where he felt as though he just couldn't go on.  This had apparently been going on for years, perhaps even decades.  All the signs were there, the ones closest to him knew that he was depressed, so how was this allowed to happen?  Why wasn't there some type of intervention or precautionary actions taken?

These are questions that may never be answered, and that my friends, is tragic.

I too suffer from depression, receive medical care for it and coupled with my other health problems, there are really good days and there are really bad days.  I would be lying if I tried to tell you that there are days when I'm pushed to my limit and I consider ending my own life.  I have friends and family who know that there are days like this, and now the whole universe knows, but that doesn't stop the thoughts from crossing my mind.

The leap from "thinking, or considering" to actually "doing" is a long one - and one that isn't traversed easily.  This being said, here are a few thoughts on the whole subject and my advice as to what folks should do if they have a loved one suffering from depression.  Mind you, I'm not a shrink and this advice isn't worth dehydrated dog poop.  But I'm giving it anyway.

1.  Ask questions.  If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong with your loved one, you're probably right.  And if you're wrong, it's not going to hurt to simply ask a few questions about how he/she is feeling, what's going on in there lives.  Do not be afraid to ask.

2.  Stay in touch.  In our crazy world, it's easy to get caught up in our routines and put off a simple text message or social media message or even a phone call.  That one phone call could be the saving grace for that person on that day.  And I know that this is a real long shot, but if you live close by, make the trip and say hello face-to-face.  Your smile, your face your embrace can mean the world to someone who is depressed.

3.  Get help.  If you feel as though you're in over your head, that you're not sure how to deal with someone who is struggling with depression, don't think that you're somehow not a great friend to that person.  Depression is a son of a bitch and not everyone is equipped to handle it in themselves or in a dear one.  Tag-team if you have to.  Bring another friend or family member with you to visit, or ask them for their advice as to how to proceed.  Just like in number 1 above, don't be afraid to ask.

4.  Kiss conventional wisdom goodbye.  You see, guys like me aren't supposed to be depressed.  We're the ones with the good jokes, the smiles and witty retorts.  That's bullshit.  Outgoing people, extroverts suffer from depression just like everyone else.  Sometimes, it's even tougher and hits harder because of the pressure that goes along with the expectation that we're always supposed to be at the top of our game.  That too is bullshit.

Depression is a son of a bitch, and not only can it lead to attempts on one's life, but the side effects are horrific as well. It can destroy the human body, eating away at itself like a flesh-eating virus that begins in the very soul.

Here are a list of resources out there.  Share them, use them.

A Delay By Any Other Name...

And the continuing saga of the Veteran's Administration hospital in Oklahoma City lingers on, once again, friends.  Today was supposed to be the appointment that brought together answers relating to my health that would potentially give real insight as to what the hell is going on with me.  Of course, the appointment was postponed - but only after a three hour wait and blood work at the hospital.

The level of frustration has almost reached biblical proportions.

First, the appointment had previously been rescheduled/cancelled as a result of an ER visit.  I had no idea that if you go to the ER, all of your appointments get pushed back thirty days. 

Second, I had no idea that when I arrived, I would have to head to another floor for lab work prior to the procedure.  While I had completely the lab work before the set time of the appointment for my procedure, I got pushed to the back of the line, but this was also due in part to an emergency patient who needed his procedure stat. 

Lastly, if the damned near 3 hour wait wasn't enough, when I got called back, I was informed that the appointment had been cancelled and the soonest it could be rescheduled was for a week or so from today.  

Yeah.  I was pretty pissed off.

It took me a while, but eventually, I calmed down and came to the stark realization that I am still very lucky to have any care and I should be thankful.  At least I have some sort of idea as to what my health problems are, and I have to believe that if it were truly bad, they would not ave postponed my biopsies.  So, there.

Sometimes We Just Can't Help Ourselves

Walking among us are a handful of truly amazing people.  Their lives seem burden free, they are always smiling, not a single hair out of place and when contrasted with ordinary folks like us, well, they are almost angelic.  You know who they are - they are the ones who command attention when they walk into a room, their fashion sense is always cutting edge and they are, as Marilyn Manson called them, the "beautiful people."

Meanwhile, the rest of us just can't seem to help ourselves - we get into trouble regularly, our clothing is less than fashionable, and it is nothing short of a miracle to actually leave the house with our hair looking even moderately presentable.  We make stupid mistakes, we don't know when to shut our mouths and rather than having the world as an oyster, it's more like a banana peel for us to slip and break our necks upon.  We're the average Joe and Judy and we're the ones who make the world go 'round.

There are a few pretty stark differences between the two classes, so, let's take a gander, shall we?

First, we don't possess a pedigree.  No blue bloods among us, we are the working stiffs.  This doesn't mean, of course, we lack any social graces whatsoever, but it does mean that we are not "A" list of guests to the fancy dinner parties at the Country Club.   Our kids are kids and they get bruised up, scratched up and no, they are not perfect little snowflakes to be pampered and coddled.  We like our kids to have a little bit of grit to them because as adults, we know they are going to have to put up with the beautiful people - as well as those who believe themselves to be beautiful.

Second, we react differently to negative stimuli.  For example, the recent news of the beheading of a second American journalist by the terrorist group, Isis, really pisses us off and we're not afraid to admit it.  We're the type of people who would much rather carpet bomb known areas of terrorist occupation and be done with it.  The beautiful people, however, would prefer to wring their hands and struggle over the politically correct approach and it usually entails a bit of "negotiation."  Even after all of the money spent in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts unknown, the American public is getting fired up again to kick some ass - not talk about ass kicking.  See the difference?

Third, we tend to worry.  Not so much about our revenue stream but we truly fret over the well being of those we love.  When a loved one is sick and disappears off the map for a while, we get concerned, sometimes even frantic with worry.  We know that the love and concern we have for each other cannot be purchased with an American Express Platinum Card, nor can we sit back and appear nonplussed about it.  We worry and you can see it on our faces, in our speech and in our spirit.  We're just not refined enough to hide it.

Fourth, we tend to be far less dogmatic.  Whether it be our religious affections or the fight against GMO's, we hold strong to our beliefs, but don't typically beat people over the head with it.  The beautiful people, however, only associate with the like-minded and they use every means necessary to convert the uninitiated, the little people.  They will use political influence, they will use money, their charm and family connections to do whatever necessary to ensure that their message remains intact regardless of what is happening around them. 

Lastly, we need each other.  Even the greatest introvert among us requires human connections, real meaningful time with loved ones and a circle of friends.  Granted, it may only be a couple times a year, but it is needed.  We need to feel that those within our sphere of influence understands the fact that we're horribly flawed, almost without the possibility of redemption, but ours will always accept us - they may whip our asses, but they are always there.  We feel for one another and there is no high dollar dinner party that could ever replace that feeling.  The beautiful people prefer elegant settings void of real vulnerability.  To them, you see, to show vulnerability is to admit weakness and if you're beautiful, weakness is considered ugliness and there is no way in hell that can be considered acceptable.

I tip my hat to the average folks out there, my brothers and sisters in this struggle we call life.  We make mistakes and often these are really big mistakes that truly change our world and our outlook, but we keep on plugging along, don't we? 

Russell For the Win

Runoff Election Pot Stickers

Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District has been and will be for a very long time a GOP stronghold.  Democrats have not been able to field a candidate with the stroke and resume' to stand up to even the weakest of Republican contenders and that trend is not going to change anytime soon.  The GOP runoff saw Lt. Col. Steve Russell soundly defeat former Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas, thereby guaranteeing a Republican win in November.  Russell is, was and will continue to be one of the strongest candidates the GOP has presented in the 5th District in at least two decades.  And he is going to absolutely dominate the Democrats in the General Election.

This is not to say that Patrice Douglas isn't a nice person, or someone who attends the right church, wears the right clothes and drives the right automobile.  Her handlers in the runoff made a massive mistake in sending out a mailer that appeared to be an endorsement from the departing James Lankford.  They should have known better, but they did it anyway and if it weren't for that dirty tactic backfiring, Douglas would have had a much more impressive and competitive showing.  Granted, it wasn't a landslide, but it was a decisive victory.

Birthday Baby

Today is my daughter's 17th birthday.  Yesterday, she passed her driver's license test so now, she is a licensed driver and she is now a year older.  She and her brother have been through the wringer over the last few years, and her obtaining her license may be a small victory, but it's one that matters to her and yes, she is absolutely giddy.  Madison is a wonderful young lady, deeply emotional, feeling things at the very core of her being and not afraid to share her emotions - particularly if she's upset about something.  This last year, she transferred with her brother from Bridgereek schools to Norman High School and it was quite the transition - a small intimate classroom environment to a jam-packed monstrosity such as Norman High School has been an interesting challenge for her but she has taken it on and is coming out on top.

She's 17 today and I am immeasurably proud of her for surviving as well as she has given the circumstances she's faced. 

Well, have a wonderful day.

Brakes Are Out, No Point In Steering

"Having nothing, nothing can he lose." ~Henry VI

There comes a point in the human pathos when one is pushed so far against a wall, there is nothing left and the aggregate emotional result is quite scary.  We've seen it take place in Ruby Ridge, in Waco, we've seen it even in personal relationships wherein a spouse just disappears off the face of the earth because of incessant fighting, pushing and control issues.  The puzzling part is that there is no magic formula to determine when this will take place because every human being is different, possessing differing levels of tolerance.  For one individual, everything short of physical violence is tolerable, whereas another individual may get fed up with mere back talk.

It is most tragic when it happens to our young people - when kids feel as though they have no alternative but to cut themselves or to get involved in drugs and alcohol or worse yet, to contemplate suicide.  When this takes place, immediately we as adults begin to try to affix blame.  The parents, the bullies, the environment, and even the devil himself is often blamed for a tragedy that probably could have been avoided with a few kind words and an open mind.  You see, our young people want a voice, they want to be heard but they also need to know that there are boundaries - that with that free speech, with that voice there comes responsibility and consequence.  For example, a sassy mouth should get a child into some amount of trouble with the custodial parent, but that trouble shouldn't include torture and abject demoralization.

We're in a really weird place culturally.  The Christian community seems laser focused on church growth rather than discipleship and the birth of video churches on every corner has watered down the reality of the Christian faith and we suffer as a result.  We lack connections, we lack the desire to truly connect with one another on a meaningful level and we end up eating our own wounded rather than nurturing and caring for the least among us.  This impacts us so negatively that we find ourselves constantly facing the difficult decision to completely lose our minds and do something stupid, or lay down and take the lashes our humanity dishes out and we have no real recourse other than a bunch of feel-good dogma, wrapped in Amercan Idolesque video productions.

So, what are we left with?  Each other.  Because when the dust settles, we're all we have left.

Friday's Faith, Freedom, Firearms, Flatulence and Football

Welcome to the end of yet another exciting, action packed week  here in the blogosphere and yes, there are still a bunch of you hanging out, chatting it up with your resident 400lb Gorilla of Oklahoma media.  And for that, I thank you.  Let's see what the hell is going on in this crazy, silly, madcap world in which we live...

Harder, Faster, Longer

Amazing art by Jason Coates

I've had a few inquiries as to the new nature of the blog and some of my ongoing commentary in social media - that I've become more aggressive, harder and less tolerant. Um, yeah.  I have.  I've been wrestling with some of these health issues and it gets frustrating and I've stared my own mortality in the face and it really pisses me off.  I'm not old enough to be going through some of this crap but since I am, I'm not going to waste any time - I'm cutting to the chase and if y'all don't like it, there are other tepid, feed-you-want-you-want-to-hear blogs and news services out there that will tickle your ears and put your intellect and emotional well being to sleep.  Have fun with that.  Meanwhile, the rest of us will be over here, shaking the trees and taking folks out of their comfort zone. 

I'm back.  I'm pissed off.  I'm tired.  I'm restless and most of all, I've reached that point of complete saturation wherein the status quo is bothersome and an insult to our intelligence.  Let's fight back.  Let's call it like it is, damn the consequence.

Football Fistfights

When I played ball in high school, our coach and the coaching staff always told us that no matter where we are, we are ambassadors of our school and that should be taken into consideration.  We can be as mean and nasty on the field of battle as we choose, but we are to be gentle as doves off the field.  For some reason, that is beyond some people today.  The Stoops organization at OU can't seem to control his people because once a year at least, we hear of some football player getting into an altercation with someone - but this time, it was a woman.  A football player beat the shit out of a woman in public.  Really?  What the hell is wrong with Stoops and why is the rest of the team not whipping this young man's ass?  It's all about the cash flow, no doubt, but good heavens.  A ball player beats the shit out of a woman at a bar and the guy still has teeth in his mouth and law enforcement will take their sweet time prosecuting this pampered punk as a result.  The cure?  Double tap center mass - learn to defend yourselves, ladies and do so with lethal force.  Clean out the gene pool.   Boomer Sooner, y'all. 

Some Encouragement
This weekend, I challenge you to do something you probably haven't in a long time.  Take yourself out to see a local band.  Go enjoy a few adult beverages, listen to some local artists do their thing.  If you're a musician reading this, you know how many hours and hours you put into working a set list, creating a few hours of entertainment and it is amazing to see people have a great time with you.  So, friends, go enjoy some local talent.

Be safe. 

Gorilla

Stupid Freaking Laws, Regulations & Stuff

There is so much about the great state of Oklahoma that I care for, it's saddening to see the place be overrun with dumbass laws and lawmakers trying to create more and more dumbass laws.  Of course, many of the lawmakers ARE dumbasses, so we shouldn't be too surprised.  Let's take a trip down Dumbass Lane and see what we find, shall we?

Tougher Divorce?  Really?

One lawmaker decided that she should make it tougher for individuals to get divorced and that would somehow create a godly marriage utopia wherein we will all live happily ever after and Jesus would smile upon us.  Yeah.  It's just that stupid.  If they want to get serious about the divorce rate, how about make it tougher to GET married.  One of the reasons that people get divorced these days is because they have no freaking clue whatsoever they were getting themselves into.  The Church has so idolized the institution of marriage that it is in the minds of some to be a Holy Grail of our existence, a pinnacle to be reached beyond all other goals and desires of the human existence.  So, they go in blindly, thinking that all will be wonderful and the heavens will open up and they will be fulfilling the will of God.  You see how stupid this is?  If we are serious about the divorce rate, we'll make it tougher to get married.  Period.  Everything else is just poppycock.

Weed It Out
Alcohol and tobacco are legal in the state of Oklahoma and the state coffers are kept pretty damned full from the purchase of said products.  One former legislator who was instrumental in seeing an increase in the taxes on tobacco products argued that tobacco is just so horrible for us, but when asked why he didn't author legislation to ban the products, he laughed because the state needs that money to pay his and other useless piles of dung who are elected officials.  So, we see ourselves filling the coffers with alcohol and tobacco...and we know that both substances are killing Oklahomans...but it's still illegal to smoke weed in the state of Oklahoma.  That, my friends, is about as dumbass as it comes. 

ISIS Must Be Destroyed

Not being a fan of preemptive war, I think the time has come to send an exceptionally strong message to the scumbag pieces of crap in the Middle East who have dubbed themselves "ISIS."  Their behavior a radical Islamists is bad enough, and now, they are taking it to a new level and we had damned well better respond and do so with fierce vengeance.  The solution is relatively simple:  We use our SOGs to surgically remove them from the planet.  To hell with the Geneva Convention, the time to change the rules of engagement are now.  No more beheadings.  No more acts of terrorism.  We need to send our SEALs or Rangers in to take care of business and wipe the earth clean of these vermin.  If we do not, we're sending a message that we're a bunch of sissified big talkers.  And before you start thinking my position is based on that of race, the last asshat to behead an innocent was/is a British citizen and I believe that he, like the rest of the terrorists, should be killed swiftly and painfully.  All who love and know him should weep and mourn his loss as we mourn the loss of our innocent brothers and sisters.  It's time to send our SEALs in to kill these bastards.  Period.

Of course, these are just my opinions, and I could be wrong.  But I seriously doubt it.

Pro-Life, Capital Punishment Conundrum

One of the most perplexing and mind-numbing conundrums in the conservative world is that of the pro-life hardline stance and the issue of capital punishment.  The argument for pro-lifers is that every life is sacred, every human being is created in the Imago Dei and therefore have a right to life.  I don't disagree with that one bit for I too have been pro-life for most of my life and for a good part of that, had no clue as to why I was pro-life.  I don't support abortion on demand, and I sure as hell don't think that taxpayer dollars should subsidize it either.

But I digress.

On the other hand, there's the issue of capital punishment where the perpetrators of horrendous crimes against humanity are put to death.  But does that life still have value?  Is that person still created and existing in the Imago Dei?  This is a conundrum I have wrestled with for a very long time.  Not an easy place intellectually or emotionally to find one's self, I admit.  These are the conclusions I have come to:

1.  If I to be pro-life, I must also be anti-capital punishment otherwise I am being intellectually dishonest.

2.  The issue of war/pacifism is a completely different argument for a different time,  for I believe there are "just wars." 

3.  Immediate justice wherein a perpetrator is caught in the act of a heinous crime and is put to death on the spot can be considered acceptable, but is also troublesome. 

4.  Rigid pro-lifers who are also rigid capital punishment proponents are idiots and clearly lack intellectual honesty.

Right or wrong, that is now my stance.  I'm not a pro-capital punishment kind of guy any longer.  There are exceptions to the rule, of course as stated in (3) above.  But even saying that, I feel a little dirty, someone dishonest myself. 

As I age and come face-to-face with the reality of my own mortality, these are questions I find myself compelled to answer.  It's not as though I'm picking a fight, desirous of some debate, but rather I feel my soul must be cleansed from these inconsistent suppositions. 

I've spent far too much time in the presence of blood thirsty individuals who believe that they can use the term, "justice" and be able to explain away their lust for revenge and judgment.  These same people permeate the fabric of our government and many more are clamoring to follow suit and join the ranks of elected officials.  They are everywhere and while they say they are caring, compassionate "Christian" men and women, I can assure you that they are merely ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing.

Don't be fooled, don't be misled about these arguments.  Think for yourself, do your homework and work it out for yourself.  I don't have all the answers - I'm just starting to ask the right questions.

Friday Watercooler Jibber Jabber

Friends, this has been an incredible week for news junkies and lovers of juicy rumors and even though the weekend approaches with all the fury and gusto of a teenage boy on prom night, there is still lots to watch and talk about.  Let's dive in, shall we?

Ferguson, MO - The community that just keeps on giving us news upon news.  The Reverend Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton showed up to show their support, hand out business cards and no doubt recruit individuals on their crusades to save the masses through propaganda and fundraising.  The community of Ferguson is trying to get a grip on just how jacked up they are and frankly, the jury may be out for a while.  Riots, looting, peaceful protests and jack-booted thugs posing as law enforcement have all left their mark on the landscape of that community and this Gorilla thinks it will be a very, very long time before they recover.  The only way recovery can begin is for the police department to admit fault for killing an unarmed man.  Nothing else really matters except that cold, hard fact.  It's sad that the issues there have been diluted and turned into ridiculous sound byte moments.

Gorilla Confession:  For the last week, I've physically felt better than I have in quite some time and with the exception of a few rough moments of chest pains and digestive pain, it's been an overall good week.  I confess to you, my friends, that there are times when I feel so horrible that I want to bash in my own skull with a sledgehammer, but something always brings me back to reality and reminds me that I'm bigger than the pain, that I can use that pain and channel it elsewhere.  Life is tough sometimes and mine is no different.  One thing I have learned, however, is the true meaning of the saying that we are all created in the imago Dei (image of God) and should be respected for that reason alone.  I also confess that the pain coupled with a new medication regiment has made me more than just a little cranky at times.  In fact, it makes me so uncomfortable at times that I want to bite walls.  But, with the prayers and well wishes of y'all, I live to fight and blather on for yet another day.  Thank you.

Photo courtesy KGOU

Fallin/Dorman Thriller:  The saga continues for the two candidates running for Governor, one the well known and popular incumbent, the other a little known state representative from Rush Springs (home of the Watermelon Festival).  Joe Dorman is someone I consider a friend, a man with whom I've shared deer camp and cold beer over a camp fire.  He's a damned good man and yes, he'd make a very good governor of this great state.  That being said, I have people for whom I have an enormous amount of respect in the Fallin camp and they truly believe in what Governor Fallin has in mind for her office after reelection.  I've talked to the Governor personally quite a few times over the years and yes, she is a very charming and disarming individual and she hasn't really screwed anything up as Governor.  That, my friends, is the real litmus test in Oklahoma - whether or not you can just not screw anything up during your tenure.  All that being said, I have no pony in the race and wish only the best for both candidates.  Yeah...that's me hedging my bets.

From the "Get the hell out of here" file - By 2025 Sexbots will be commonplace:  I, for one, call bullsh*t on this one.  The story is sensational to be sure, and is rather emblematic of our cultural inability to be intimate with one another in a real way that transcends merely the exchange of bodily fluids.  Some may believe the answer is robot sex partners, I am not one of them.  Read the whole incredible, borderline sickening story here.

Well kids, that's it for now.  Have a safe and sane weekend.

Rioting, Looting and Oklahoma Weed & More

Welcome back, my friends to the blog that will inspire, motivate and hopefully not bore you to tears.  Let's dive in and get wet, shall we?

Ferguson, MO

An innocent young man is shot and killed by an overzealous police force who is morbidly out of touch with its community and the world watches.  So, what is the result?  Rioting and looting and the police force pretending to be the National Guard.  People are losing their damned minds while the rest of the nation - hell, the world - watches and considers us to be babbling buffoons, unable to keep the peace in an otherwise peaceful community.

We hear daily of incidents where law enforcement gets too big for its britches and does something stupid, but in this case, a man is dead as a result.  And the response was unacceptable - there is never an excuse to riot, to loot and steal from your own damned neighborhood.  It's insane.  The police force should all be fired, the law enforcement aspects of Ferguson turned over to the County Sheriff and those who looted and rioted should spend a very, very long time in jail - and part of their punishment should be cleaning up the mess that they made.  It's a sad state of affairs, my friends.  Very sad, indeed.

Oklahoma Weed?

One of my favorite pictures of the Governor.

This week, the Governor of Oklahoma has done something that really no one ever believed possible.  She encouraged lawmakers to approve the use of medical cannabis oil for pain management as prescribed by a physician.  This is a very bold move for Governor Fallin and some have speculated that it was merely a campaign tactic because she is losing ground to former Representative Joe Dorman (D).  I call bullsh*t on that.  I believe it was as a result of some very creative lobbying and constituent calls that convinced the Governor to become a little more open minded.

Granted, this is a far cry from legalizing medical marijuana across the board, but this is a significant start.  Personally, I don't partake, probably never will.  However, it is painfully difficult to justify the regulation of alcohol with all of its known negative health ramifications and to turn a nose up at marijuana as a viable pain management alternative to big pharma.  It is intellectual dishonesty to argue one should be legal and regulated when the other is not. 

Kudos to the Governor for making the right call.  Of course, the Legislature will have to deal with the issue and you and I both know that Jesus would not approve of the evil marijuana, therefore it probably won't go anywhere.

Stop it.  Just stop it.

It's always been my thought that we often get caught up in the propaganda of issues and the joys of being pissed off, and it clouds our ability to remember that we're all human - like it or not.  We may disagree politically, but it's just politics - it's not a matter of life or death (generally speaking).  Then there's the religious argument...for many of my Christian brethren, it's all about recruiting new members to the club rather than making disciples of the ones already there (something Jesus commanded, by the way).  Of course, if we want to really tip the scales, we can contrast radical Islam with Christianity and before you know it, we just love the hell out of ourselves.

The fight to maintain the top of the food chain in self-righteousness is a bullshit goal and it destroys people and jeopardizes legitimate relationships.  I know a lot of judgmental pricks who are so under the guise of godliness and it's little more than an excuse to be an asshole.  The fundamental premise - something that is so real for the Christian faith that without it, Christianity doesn't exist - is that we are all sinners.  We have all failed, we are all a bunch of morons who constantly screw up.  If we just take that tack, if we just remember that we're no better than anyone else, imagine how well we could get along with one another! 

So, if you have the urge to judge someone, to look down upon them because of the clothes they wear, the number of tattoos or piercings they have, or you feel like brow-beating someone into submission to believe your worldview...stop it.  Just stop it.

He's Baaaaack

Heavens, it's been a while. And so much has happened and continues to happen.  So, let's do a quick review, shall we?

First, it's true - Obama is still President and it doesn't look like there is a whole lot his detractors can do about it.  I've said it before, and will say it again now - the problem is Congress.  A group of men and women whose whole existence is consumed by one effort:  The desire to be reelected, to keep their jobs.  It's pathetic that my Republican brethren have so little faith in the process that they must resort to petty attacks on the President.  Granted, he has screwed the proverbial pooch on countless issues, but damn.  Where are all of "God-fearing" congressmen who were elected to supposedly keep the President in check?  Oh!  Wait. They are running for the U.S. Senate now.

Second, yes, I've had some health issues and I don't want to go into great detail here because it's deeply personal.  But, that being said, I have been diagnosed with liver disease as a result of "fatty liver."  There is deterioration and now, I'm on about a billion types of pills and hopefully I'll soon be getting biopsies to really nail down what the hell is going on.  I know that I've lived with monster pain for over a year and a half, but I'm still alive and for that, I'm very thankful.  I went to the emergency room last year after vomiting up a bunch of blood, passing out and just all around feeling like crap and sure enough, I had swallowed 4 units of my own blood as a result of esophageal veracese.  I don't want to sound like a whiny bitch, so I'll just say that the big issue is pain management and determining a method to slow the deterioration of my liver and hopefully not have to get a transplant. Another problem is memory lapses.  I can remember songs, music on the guitar, but I can't remember the order in which I'm supposed to play them.  I can't remember which medications I am supposed to take and when.  It's frustrating for a guy like me. Hell, stranger things have been known to happen.

Third, contrary to popular belief, I have not been involved in any Oklahoma campaigns whatsoever.  I have no interest really, and the crop of individuals running for office is largely bottom of the barrel.  It's a bunch of names and faces we've seen before and only a couple of them are saying anything differently than their predecessors have a thousand times.  But, there are a few exceptions.

Fourth, I like Steve Russell for Congress.  The problems we have with the VA, the saber rattling of Russia, the ISIS terrorist bastards in Iraq, Iran's continuing aggressiveness and of course, Israel's struggles...we need veterans in office and if Oklahoma can contribute, so be it.  Steve Russell is the guy to represent us in Congress, in my opinion.  I believe that he'll do something about the VA bullshit and he will also provide a knowledgeable voice regarding war, the potential for war and how to adequately conduct conflagration without massive loss of life.  It's time for veterans to be heard and Russell can be our voice.  No disrespect to the former Edmond Mayor, of course, but if you have to look at where we are in this country, the last thing we need is a silver spoon Edmondite representing us - we had a camp counselor before, it's time to get serious.

Well, kids, that's enough for now.  I'll be back soon enough!

Veteran's Day

Here's my Veteran's Day rant from a few years back...back when I was on Supertalk 930 WKY.  Enjoy.