151 Band
Friday, April 01, 2011
First Friday In April Week In Review
It has been a wild and wacky week in politics, world news and Oklahoma pop culture, so let's take a trip down memory lane for a few moments and review...
Governor Fallin's Health Care Proposal: Many conservatives have pimp-slapped this and Governor Fallin has pretty much dismissed any controversy here. Former Oklahoma City Mayor, Kirk Humphreys, however has other things to say about it. The Oklahoma Truth Council has the story and some very interesting insight.
Steele vs. Terrill: The caged death-match continues under the methane gas filled dome between Speaker Steele and uber-conservative Randy Terrill and there seems to be no end in sight. With the exception of perhaps the conclusion of the legislative session itself, the conservative wing of the House GOP continues to push forward an agenda that includes a return to the Constitution while the Chamber crowd on the left have seen victory after victory. The real test will be whether or not the cause d'jour of the GOP (tort reform) will reach the Governor's desk. Terrill isn't one to back down and has been in the ring with the big guns previously. Pretty much owning his House District, Terrill will have his seat in the House for as long as he wants to keep it. The fight with Steele and the charges leveled by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater put on hold any plans for Terrill's supporters to encourage him to run for Lt. Governor, but Terrill is far from finished.
City Council Races: The Chamber has spoken and has endorsed their candidate, but the grassroots and Senator Andrew Rice have entered the debate and will be knocking doors all weekend to slow the tide of mailers from the Chamber crowd. Shadid and Swinton look to be in the midst of a fight of their lives - and all of it for an Oklahoma City Council seat. It makes you wonder just what is at stake and why the power structure is so interested in this race.
Nuclear Japan: The tragedy continues to worsen and the death toll will soar before it's all over. The nuclear cloud has traveled already to the United States, some reports showing up in trace amounts in milk from California and even Spokane, Washington. Nuclear power supporters are reeling from the negative press, the difficulty in justifying a continued push for this type of energy. Conversely, alternative energy supporters are gearing up for a huge push to show that wind power and solar power is the answer to these disastrous problems.
Morgan Mess: Former Democratic Senate Leader Mike Morgan is facing indictments for accepting payments of up to $400,000. Everyone is upset about this - justifiably so - but how is this different than taking campaign contributions from wealthy donors, and then appointing them to various posts across the state of Oklahoma? What is the aggregate value of being placed on the Board of Regents, for example? Politics in Oklahoma has reached an all-time low of corruption. The Gene Stipe era was supposed to be over, but it lingers doesn't it? Don't be surprised with there are more corruption charges and investigations into the Republican power structure as well. Republicans will do well to remember that the ebb and flow of politics means that they will not stay in power forever and human nature being what it is, when the Democrats take over again, there will be retribution.
Libya, Liberal Hypocrisy: When former President Bush put troops in harms way going into Iraq and Afghanistan, there was gnashing of teeth and wailing by the Left in this country. Now, this President is putting boots on the ground in Libya and it is now somehow a good thing. I don't get it. Our troops are stretched, our military capacity has reached maximum density and all the talk of bringing home our heroes is faded into a distant memory. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
And the hits just keep coming...
Steele vs. Terrill: The caged death-match continues under the methane gas filled dome between Speaker Steele and uber-conservative Randy Terrill and there seems to be no end in sight. With the exception of perhaps the conclusion of the legislative session itself, the conservative wing of the House GOP continues to push forward an agenda that includes a return to the Constitution while the Chamber crowd on the left have seen victory after victory. The real test will be whether or not the cause d'jour of the GOP (tort reform) will reach the Governor's desk. Terrill isn't one to back down and has been in the ring with the big guns previously. Pretty much owning his House District, Terrill will have his seat in the House for as long as he wants to keep it. The fight with Steele and the charges leveled by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater put on hold any plans for Terrill's supporters to encourage him to run for Lt. Governor, but Terrill is far from finished.
City Council Races: The Chamber has spoken and has endorsed their candidate, but the grassroots and Senator Andrew Rice have entered the debate and will be knocking doors all weekend to slow the tide of mailers from the Chamber crowd. Shadid and Swinton look to be in the midst of a fight of their lives - and all of it for an Oklahoma City Council seat. It makes you wonder just what is at stake and why the power structure is so interested in this race.
Nuclear Japan: The tragedy continues to worsen and the death toll will soar before it's all over. The nuclear cloud has traveled already to the United States, some reports showing up in trace amounts in milk from California and even Spokane, Washington. Nuclear power supporters are reeling from the negative press, the difficulty in justifying a continued push for this type of energy. Conversely, alternative energy supporters are gearing up for a huge push to show that wind power and solar power is the answer to these disastrous problems.
Morgan Mess: Former Democratic Senate Leader Mike Morgan is facing indictments for accepting payments of up to $400,000. Everyone is upset about this - justifiably so - but how is this different than taking campaign contributions from wealthy donors, and then appointing them to various posts across the state of Oklahoma? What is the aggregate value of being placed on the Board of Regents, for example? Politics in Oklahoma has reached an all-time low of corruption. The Gene Stipe era was supposed to be over, but it lingers doesn't it? Don't be surprised with there are more corruption charges and investigations into the Republican power structure as well. Republicans will do well to remember that the ebb and flow of politics means that they will not stay in power forever and human nature being what it is, when the Democrats take over again, there will be retribution.
Libya, Liberal Hypocrisy: When former President Bush put troops in harms way going into Iraq and Afghanistan, there was gnashing of teeth and wailing by the Left in this country. Now, this President is putting boots on the ground in Libya and it is now somehow a good thing. I don't get it. Our troops are stretched, our military capacity has reached maximum density and all the talk of bringing home our heroes is faded into a distant memory. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
And the hits just keep coming...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Downtown OKC: You Can't Get There From Here
If you're one of the unfortunate souls who must travel to downtown Oklahoma City these days for employment, my heart goes out to you - it is a construction nightmare that makes no sense whatsoever. And the signs posted everywhere that are designed to "help" are little more than irritants, created on the 7th layer of hell to distract you from the fact that soon, your vehicle will need suspension work from the damage done by potholes and unmarked vortexes that are known to destroy even the most expensive shock absorbers.
But it is part of progress, the American way, and the growth of a city destined for greatness, right?
The Devon Tower structure will be magnificent when completed, to be sure, but the thinking that most of 6th Street and Robinson north of the Devon superstructure is just too much to handle at once in my opinion. Oh, and there's the construction by the arena formerly known as the Ford Center that itself must frustrate even the most avid Thunder fan. But I digress.
Progress is wonderful, but one must imagine what the conference attendee or out-of-town visitor must think of our fair city. Nevermind all of the political strife and wrangling that is taking place at present, but consider the infrastructure disaster itself for just a moment...think hard. We have two boathouses now down on the river and if you've been to the river, you will see that it is still a polluted mess that rivals the shoreline of Cleveland, Ohio a few decades ago.
The message being communicated to the masses by the city leaders is remarkably different than reality. Yes, we are a city on the move, a city that is growing and doing our level best to show we have not been adversely impacted by the recession and weakened economy - and it is largely true. But seriously...if you're trying to get around downtown, pack a lunch and some mood-altering medications because you'll need them.
The Devon Tower structure will be magnificent when completed, to be sure, but the thinking that most of 6th Street and Robinson north of the Devon superstructure is just too much to handle at once in my opinion. Oh, and there's the construction by the arena formerly known as the Ford Center that itself must frustrate even the most avid Thunder fan. But I digress.
Progress is wonderful, but one must imagine what the conference attendee or out-of-town visitor must think of our fair city. Nevermind all of the political strife and wrangling that is taking place at present, but consider the infrastructure disaster itself for just a moment...think hard. We have two boathouses now down on the river and if you've been to the river, you will see that it is still a polluted mess that rivals the shoreline of Cleveland, Ohio a few decades ago.
The message being communicated to the masses by the city leaders is remarkably different than reality. Yes, we are a city on the move, a city that is growing and doing our level best to show we have not been adversely impacted by the recession and weakened economy - and it is largely true. But seriously...if you're trying to get around downtown, pack a lunch and some mood-altering medications because you'll need them.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Charlie Meadows Takes On CHK (Sort Of)
Excerpted from the OCPAC Blog:
++ CHESAPEAKE WANT’S UTILITIES TO INCREASE OVER 30%?
The presentation and our conversations with Brian Alford at the OCPAC meeting last Wednesday were quite lively. It is very clear that many people are not too enthused about the new smart meters being installed system wide by OG&E. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) will funneled $100 million dollars in subsidies to OG&E to get these meters installed. I believe most of the concern is over the possibility that the EPA might someday order a company like OG&E to ration electricity. While OG&E has no interest in doing that, the technology does make that possible and so far OG&E has not proven a willingness to tell the feds to go to hell.
Prior to our luncheon, there was a meeting held at the Corporation Commission offices with newly elected Attorney General Scott Pruitt taking the lead by explaining his intentions to take legal action against the EPA. The problem is their un-reasonable edict about forcing all of PSO and OG&E’s Oklahoma coal fired generating facilities to either install expensive scrubbers on their equipment or switch to natural gas for fuel which turns the generators to make electricity.
The problem seems to stem from the EPA’s mandate to improve air quality over our national parks and wildlife refuges. One of the things we learned last Wednesday is that the EPA has no scientific evidence that the intermittent haze over the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, West of Lawton, is caused by the 3 coal fired generating plants that are close to 200 miles to the East Northeast of the refuge. Rather, the EPA has determined the problem to be caused by using a model and a model that does not represent the facts of the situation. In reality, OG&E’s coal fired plants already produce electricity at a pollution level below the standards the EPA would want to obtain with the scrubbers.
Therefore, all the expense to Oklahoma consumers and businesses to obtain a certain level of pollution emissions with the installation of scrubbers would be feel good efforts for the radical environmentalists and just another case where the bureaucrats under the Obama administration can prove that they can yank the chains of the people and the states.
When asked if common sense fails to prevail and OG&E might be forced to install the scrubbers or convert the coal fired plants to natural gas, which might be the choice for OG&E? While the answer was speculation, Mr. Alford suggested their preference would probably be scrubbers. The reason is the cost to the rate payers to install scrubbers would probably require a rate increase of 15% or a little more, whereas the cost to convert to natural gas would require a rate increase of more than 30%.
Now, back to the meeting last Wednesday morning at the Corporation Commission. In Thursday’s Oklahoman, it was reported that “A Chesapeake Energy Corp. executive (Tom Price, Chesapeake’s senior vice president of corporate development) said it doesn’t make sense to fight the federal plan because Oklahoma stands to benefit from increased use of natural gas.”
Let me interpret that for everyone: what he should have said is that Oklahoma’s natural gas producers (especially Chesapeake) and state GOVERNMENT stand to benefit on the backs of consumers who will have to shoulder an enormous increase in electric rates. In addition, all Oklahoma businesses other than those in the natural gas industry will also see their overhead increase which will be harmful to their businesses and our attempt to see our economy grow.
In addition, if PSO and OG&E were to convert to natural gas, there would be an additional rate increase in addition to the cost of conversion. This would be a permanent rate increase as the cost of producing electricity from gas is higher than with the use of coal. And of course, when the inevitable occurs again sometime in the future, when supply (we currently have an excess supply of natural gas which is why prices are depressed) will again struggle to keep up with demand, we will see the price of natural gas spike up and our electric rates will skyrocket for some period of time. Of course companies like Chesapeake love that scenario, because their GREED is then temporarily satisfied.
Now, let me make it crystal clear, I am not an opponent of Chesapeake energy or any other Oklahoma gas or oil producer. I want them to be successful. I want them to sell vast amounts of the valuable oil and gas they produce and given enough time they will sell it all. What I do object to is their efforts to use government (in this case the EPA) to obtain an advantage over their competitors (in this case coal) so they can sell their products sooner than what the free market determines is best for the consumers.
AG Scott Pruitt handled it perfectly when he said: “the debate over whether to fuel the state’s power plants with coal or natural gas is worthwhile, but such decisions should be made in Oklahoma, not in Washington D.C. Right on General Pruitt, proceed in the courts with all vigor against the nameless faceless bureaucrats in Washington.
++ CHESAPEAKE WANT’S UTILITIES TO INCREASE OVER 30%?
The presentation and our conversations with Brian Alford at the OCPAC meeting last Wednesday were quite lively. It is very clear that many people are not too enthused about the new smart meters being installed system wide by OG&E. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) will funneled $100 million dollars in subsidies to OG&E to get these meters installed. I believe most of the concern is over the possibility that the EPA might someday order a company like OG&E to ration electricity. While OG&E has no interest in doing that, the technology does make that possible and so far OG&E has not proven a willingness to tell the feds to go to hell.
Prior to our luncheon, there was a meeting held at the Corporation Commission offices with newly elected Attorney General Scott Pruitt taking the lead by explaining his intentions to take legal action against the EPA. The problem is their un-reasonable edict about forcing all of PSO and OG&E’s Oklahoma coal fired generating facilities to either install expensive scrubbers on their equipment or switch to natural gas for fuel which turns the generators to make electricity.
The problem seems to stem from the EPA’s mandate to improve air quality over our national parks and wildlife refuges. One of the things we learned last Wednesday is that the EPA has no scientific evidence that the intermittent haze over the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, West of Lawton, is caused by the 3 coal fired generating plants that are close to 200 miles to the East Northeast of the refuge. Rather, the EPA has determined the problem to be caused by using a model and a model that does not represent the facts of the situation. In reality, OG&E’s coal fired plants already produce electricity at a pollution level below the standards the EPA would want to obtain with the scrubbers.
Therefore, all the expense to Oklahoma consumers and businesses to obtain a certain level of pollution emissions with the installation of scrubbers would be feel good efforts for the radical environmentalists and just another case where the bureaucrats under the Obama administration can prove that they can yank the chains of the people and the states.
When asked if common sense fails to prevail and OG&E might be forced to install the scrubbers or convert the coal fired plants to natural gas, which might be the choice for OG&E? While the answer was speculation, Mr. Alford suggested their preference would probably be scrubbers. The reason is the cost to the rate payers to install scrubbers would probably require a rate increase of 15% or a little more, whereas the cost to convert to natural gas would require a rate increase of more than 30%.
Now, back to the meeting last Wednesday morning at the Corporation Commission. In Thursday’s Oklahoman, it was reported that “A Chesapeake Energy Corp. executive (Tom Price, Chesapeake’s senior vice president of corporate development) said it doesn’t make sense to fight the federal plan because Oklahoma stands to benefit from increased use of natural gas.”
Let me interpret that for everyone: what he should have said is that Oklahoma’s natural gas producers (especially Chesapeake) and state GOVERNMENT stand to benefit on the backs of consumers who will have to shoulder an enormous increase in electric rates. In addition, all Oklahoma businesses other than those in the natural gas industry will also see their overhead increase which will be harmful to their businesses and our attempt to see our economy grow.
In addition, if PSO and OG&E were to convert to natural gas, there would be an additional rate increase in addition to the cost of conversion. This would be a permanent rate increase as the cost of producing electricity from gas is higher than with the use of coal. And of course, when the inevitable occurs again sometime in the future, when supply (we currently have an excess supply of natural gas which is why prices are depressed) will again struggle to keep up with demand, we will see the price of natural gas spike up and our electric rates will skyrocket for some period of time. Of course companies like Chesapeake love that scenario, because their GREED is then temporarily satisfied.
Now, let me make it crystal clear, I am not an opponent of Chesapeake energy or any other Oklahoma gas or oil producer. I want them to be successful. I want them to sell vast amounts of the valuable oil and gas they produce and given enough time they will sell it all. What I do object to is their efforts to use government (in this case the EPA) to obtain an advantage over their competitors (in this case coal) so they can sell their products sooner than what the free market determines is best for the consumers.
AG Scott Pruitt handled it perfectly when he said: “the debate over whether to fuel the state’s power plants with coal or natural gas is worthwhile, but such decisions should be made in Oklahoma, not in Washington D.C. Right on General Pruitt, proceed in the courts with all vigor against the nameless faceless bureaucrats in Washington.
Nanny State In Under Guise Of Meth Law
We all know what a pain in the behind it is just to get some cold and flu medicine that actually works. After giving up your first-born, samples of your DNA and a retinal scan, the pharmacist looks at you with eyes squinting to see whether or not your vehicle doubles as a meth lab. After FBI agents follow you home to ensure you don't live in a shanty under the bridge, you are allowed to self-medicate and relieve some of the symptoms a cold or flu ravages you with.
A bill in the Oklahoma legislature would require a doctor's prescription to purchase any medication containing pseudoephedrine and fortunately, the bill authored by the not-so-conservative Doug Cox (R-idiculous), is dead for now, but according to a former meth-cooker, as reported in the Oklahoman, what is needed is an all-out ban of the product.
Enter: Nanny State government because the government knows what is best.
At some point, We The People have to just say "no" to the Nanny State and tell our elected officials to stop legislating to the lowest common denominator in our culture. There are plenty of laws on the books at present and if you look at the docket at the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office, it appears as though the laws and subsequent prosecution is working.
The push to require a physician's prescription to obtain products containing pseudoephedrine is as a result of the tragic death of three young children, who died in a fire in an RV. The logic used by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater is that since other states are becoming Nanny States (in essence), we must follow suit. The Oklahoman reads:
The desire to intrude on virtually every aspect of our lives has reached epidemic proportions in government. The very officials we elected to maintain our freedoms, to preserve them, are the officials who now want more control, more money to justify their existence. Rarely will you hear a politician say that what they have done in the past is working - more needs to be done. It is a never-ending cycle of self-gratification.
Which begs the following questions:
More people are killed and impacted by drunk driving than meth - why is it that mandatory sentencing isn't mandatory sentencing? Why aren't district courts notified and municipalities allowed to prosecute DUI's?
People are killed in traffic fatalities every week in Oklahoma...do we ban cars?
The government we elected because they said they would grant us more freedom and be tough on crime is turning out to be the same government we've seen in the past. Doug Cox is anything but a conservative and is turning out to be a water-carrier for the AMA. If a bill such as this is passed, the only ones to benefit will be doctors and insurance companies who get to increase their rates and force even more office visits. Perhaps it will help pay for their new lake homes after the state sells off all of our state parks...
You make the call: Nanny State or necessary government action?
Enter: Nanny State government because the government knows what is best.
At some point, We The People have to just say "no" to the Nanny State and tell our elected officials to stop legislating to the lowest common denominator in our culture. There are plenty of laws on the books at present and if you look at the docket at the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office, it appears as though the laws and subsequent prosecution is working.
The push to require a physician's prescription to obtain products containing pseudoephedrine is as a result of the tragic death of three young children, who died in a fire in an RV. The logic used by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater is that since other states are becoming Nanny States (in essence), we must follow suit. The Oklahoman reads:
Only 10 meth labs were found last year in Oklahoma County, compared with more than 300 in Tulsa County, Prater said. “But it’s just a matter of time before we’re going to see this in every county in the state,” he said.Only 10 labs were found last year. That is a dramatic decrease and it shows that the existing laws are working.
The desire to intrude on virtually every aspect of our lives has reached epidemic proportions in government. The very officials we elected to maintain our freedoms, to preserve them, are the officials who now want more control, more money to justify their existence. Rarely will you hear a politician say that what they have done in the past is working - more needs to be done. It is a never-ending cycle of self-gratification.
Which begs the following questions:
People are killed in traffic fatalities every week in Oklahoma...do we ban cars?
The government we elected because they said they would grant us more freedom and be tough on crime is turning out to be the same government we've seen in the past. Doug Cox is anything but a conservative and is turning out to be a water-carrier for the AMA. If a bill such as this is passed, the only ones to benefit will be doctors and insurance companies who get to increase their rates and force even more office visits. Perhaps it will help pay for their new lake homes after the state sells off all of our state parks...
You make the call: Nanny State or necessary government action?
Closing State Parks?
News Radio 1000, KTOK is reporting that House Democrats are gearing up for a fight against the closure of seven state parks in Oklahoma. The reasoning for the proposed closure is financial - the state of Oklahoma is running on empty and the Tourism Department's budget is lean (except for the $3 million per year paid to a local ad agency, of course).
Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves what will happen when these state parks are closed. At Lake Texoma, the famed Catfish Bay area was sold to developers where upscale vacation homes were built. It's public knowledge as to who was involved in the transaction and you can't blame the wealthy for seizing an opportunity handed them by members of the Oklahoma governmental structure. Much like the Bass Pro Shops deal, one cannot fault Bass Pro for being given a sweetheart deal...
State Parks are affordable means of outdoor activity for the average Oklahoman. Even those who are middle or low income can find a weekend get-away with the kids an inexpensive yet exceptional way to truly experience the great outdoors. The closure of state parks and the eventual sale of the property to wealthy developers is tantamount to public hunting land being sold to out-of-state outfitters who, in turn, charge ridiculous fees for hunting and the taxes go to another state.
Once you lose state park land, it never comes back. It is gone forever.
State Parks are affordable means of outdoor activity for the average Oklahoman. Even those who are middle or low income can find a weekend get-away with the kids an inexpensive yet exceptional way to truly experience the great outdoors. The closure of state parks and the eventual sale of the property to wealthy developers is tantamount to public hunting land being sold to out-of-state outfitters who, in turn, charge ridiculous fees for hunting and the taxes go to another state.
Once you lose state park land, it never comes back. It is gone forever.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Catching Up - March Monday Madness
Over the last week or so, things have been simply nutty. Whether it be car accidents, emergency room antics or insurance company shenanigans, it's been a wild one and now, let's get caught up, shall we?
Speaker Steele: The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives seems to be facing a bit of a dilemma (again)...this time relating to his position on supporting a requirement for insurance companies to cover autism insurance. These days, I don't believe there is a human being alive who shouldn't have access to good medical care. Apparently, in 2008, Speaker Steele had made some comments about supporting bills such as Nick's Law to ensure that insurance companies did not discriminate. With the new "conservative" feel in the Oklahoma House and Senate, the question remains as to which side of the street Speaker Steele will walk.
Open Carry: I have been receiving emails quite frequently about State Senator Russell's open carry bill and I have to be consistent on this one - I don't support Open Carry. Like the Oklahoma Rifle Association, I have some problems with this concept. Not only is it bad for business (I know, a Chamber response), but it just doesn't make good common sense. My preference? Quick, easy access to Concealed Carry Permits. Problem solved.
More to follow...
Open Carry: I have been receiving emails quite frequently about State Senator Russell's open carry bill and I have to be consistent on this one - I don't support Open Carry. Like the Oklahoma Rifle Association, I have some problems with this concept. Not only is it bad for business (I know, a Chamber response), but it just doesn't make good common sense. My preference? Quick, easy access to Concealed Carry Permits. Problem solved.
More to follow...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Japanese Tragedy
Sometimes, the magnitude of tragedy can render even the most outgoing virtually speechless. I can be included in that list. Watching the video of the tsunami, then the nuclear plant, the children, the people of Japan who are struggling to survive right now became almost too much to watch.
Some will say that the event put into perspective their great many blessings, but that itself sounds almost narcissistic and self-indulgent. In other words, "Gee, I have it bad but at least it's not THAT bad." I don't know if that is appropriate at this time.
I know that the tragedy and loss of life and ongoing struggle of the Japanese people made me hug my kids a little tighter, appreciate things a little more in the micro, and in the larger picture has made me wonder whether or not nuclear power is the answer to our energy crisis. It has also made me remember how we as a nation come together when tragedy strikes - and Oklahoma is a great example of people coming together.
Oklahomans have survived the Murrah Bombing and came together, united in grief and sorrow as well as the search for justice. Tornado after tornado, the loss of property and life serves to bring Oklahomans together to meet need and to appreciate one another a little more.
The images of what happened in Japan are devastating. Our country has once again reached out to show that we care and even in the midst of our financial mess, we have pledged our support financial and otherwise. I think that may be one of the reasons our country is so blessed - we give and we continue to give even from our own poverty.
Prayers and thoughts go out to the victims of this natural disaster.
Some will say that the event put into perspective their great many blessings, but that itself sounds almost narcissistic and self-indulgent. In other words, "Gee, I have it bad but at least it's not THAT bad." I don't know if that is appropriate at this time.
I know that the tragedy and loss of life and ongoing struggle of the Japanese people made me hug my kids a little tighter, appreciate things a little more in the micro, and in the larger picture has made me wonder whether or not nuclear power is the answer to our energy crisis. It has also made me remember how we as a nation come together when tragedy strikes - and Oklahoma is a great example of people coming together.
Oklahomans have survived the Murrah Bombing and came together, united in grief and sorrow as well as the search for justice. Tornado after tornado, the loss of property and life serves to bring Oklahomans together to meet need and to appreciate one another a little more.
The images of what happened in Japan are devastating. Our country has once again reached out to show that we care and even in the midst of our financial mess, we have pledged our support financial and otherwise. I think that may be one of the reasons our country is so blessed - we give and we continue to give even from our own poverty.
Prayers and thoughts go out to the victims of this natural disaster.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Jenni White Running For GOP Vice Chair
Not sure if you're aware, but there is a race going on for the GOP Vice Chair post. Pam Pollard, very well known in Republican circles, is facing Jenni White. Who is Jenni White? Here is a posting from her Facebook page...
I am a lifelong Oklahoman and registered Republican. I have rarely missed even the most local election, and I have become much more active in politics in the last several years.
In 1995 I earned a Master's Degree in Biology from UCO in Edmond and taught science for nearly a decade. My husband David and I have four children ranging in age from 27 to 6 and for a time, I was a stay at home mom, running a home business.
Following the election of Barrack Obama, I became an overnight activist. In early 2008 I helped organize the OKC912Project. As their Education Coordinator, I reached out to candidates for public office to come speak to and educate members about their campaigns.
In 2009, I discovered that many public schools are not teaching our children the true founding of our country and our Republican form of government. That year I co-founded an organization called Restore Oklahoma Public Education (ROPE) to draw attention to this and many other problems in our current system. Since that time, I have logged countless hours of unpaid research, lobbying and travel to speak on issues surrounding public education. During 2010, ROPE researched and campaigned vigorously against State Question 744, and for candidates such as our current State Superintendent Janet Barresi. During the legislative sessions, ROPE is at the state capitol speaking with legislators about legislation important to all children enrolled in our public schools.
My experience in education and education legislation are the primary reasons I am running for Vice-Chair.
Especially in urban areas, Oklahoma (like most of America) is losing our young people to underachieving public schools. Combine lack of knowledge with an over-emphasis on technology and these two factors tend to foster dependency, making socialistic ideals seem attractive. Without a firm understanding of the vision of America’s Founders and a working knowledge of our representative form of government, many students graduate high school with very lopsided ideas of how our State and Federal government should function.
I have solutions. Oklahomans simply must engage our young people and provide ways to educate them in the Republican principles of freedom and responsibility. We must help train the next generation to develop a healthy work ethic and problem solve our country back to its Republican roots – smaller, more local government and a free enterprise system that allows economic growth and lower taxation. We must introduce our young people to the concept of personal responsibility by allowing them to develop an understanding of the moral basis on which our Founders built this great country.
I am excited at the prospect of being able to work with our current state GOP Chairman Matt Pinnell on his new Emerge46 campaign designed to do just this. If you are not familiar with the program, please read about it and join his efforts.
I was hoping to speak to you before your state convention, but I know I have already missed many. If your leadership has changed, I would ask you to please forward on my message. I will try to contact everyone personally between now and the state conference, but, please, do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone at your convenience. I’m happy to conduct a phone interview, or attend any meeting I’m able, to share my vision and hear from you about yours.
Thank you for your time and I hope to meet you soon.
Jenni White
President
Restore Oklahoma Public Education
www.RestoreOkPublicEducation.com
In 1995 I earned a Master's Degree in Biology from UCO in Edmond and taught science for nearly a decade. My husband David and I have four children ranging in age from 27 to 6 and for a time, I was a stay at home mom, running a home business.
Following the election of Barrack Obama, I became an overnight activist. In early 2008 I helped organize the OKC912Project. As their Education Coordinator, I reached out to candidates for public office to come speak to and educate members about their campaigns.
In 2009, I discovered that many public schools are not teaching our children the true founding of our country and our Republican form of government. That year I co-founded an organization called Restore Oklahoma Public Education (ROPE) to draw attention to this and many other problems in our current system. Since that time, I have logged countless hours of unpaid research, lobbying and travel to speak on issues surrounding public education. During 2010, ROPE researched and campaigned vigorously against State Question 744, and for candidates such as our current State Superintendent Janet Barresi. During the legislative sessions, ROPE is at the state capitol speaking with legislators about legislation important to all children enrolled in our public schools.
My experience in education and education legislation are the primary reasons I am running for Vice-Chair.
Especially in urban areas, Oklahoma (like most of America) is losing our young people to underachieving public schools. Combine lack of knowledge with an over-emphasis on technology and these two factors tend to foster dependency, making socialistic ideals seem attractive. Without a firm understanding of the vision of America’s Founders and a working knowledge of our representative form of government, many students graduate high school with very lopsided ideas of how our State and Federal government should function.
I have solutions. Oklahomans simply must engage our young people and provide ways to educate them in the Republican principles of freedom and responsibility. We must help train the next generation to develop a healthy work ethic and problem solve our country back to its Republican roots – smaller, more local government and a free enterprise system that allows economic growth and lower taxation. We must introduce our young people to the concept of personal responsibility by allowing them to develop an understanding of the moral basis on which our Founders built this great country.
I am excited at the prospect of being able to work with our current state GOP Chairman Matt Pinnell on his new Emerge46 campaign designed to do just this. If you are not familiar with the program, please read about it and join his efforts.
I was hoping to speak to you before your state convention, but I know I have already missed many. If your leadership has changed, I would ask you to please forward on my message. I will try to contact everyone personally between now and the state conference, but, please, do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone at your convenience. I’m happy to conduct a phone interview, or attend any meeting I’m able, to share my vision and hear from you about yours.
Thank you for your time and I hope to meet you soon.
Jenni White
President
Restore Oklahoma Public Education
www.RestoreOkPublicEducation.com
Gerhart Under Fire
The Muskogee Politico and the McCarville Report are locked and loaded, and it appears as though there is a concerted effort to show that the Tea Party isn't what it was in the last election cycle. Leadership fragmentation, controversial commentary and a run against the Speaker of the House has attracted the spotlight for a man who many believed to be the catalyst for the conservative groundswell in the last election cycle. The question will be whether or not they will be effective, or simply serve to divide the already contentious Republican Party.
Al Gerhart is the target at this juncture and could be the catalyst for further fragmentation of the Tea Party movement in Oklahoma. Who stands to gain? Who stands to lose? Those are questions to be answered in the next election cycle, but for now, two of the mainstays of Republican blogs are putting Gerhart's feet to the fire.
From The Muskogee Politico:
Gerhart is a man who does not lack the passion of his convictions and as we have all learned at one point or another in our lifetime, such passion is a double-edged sword.
In many ways, it's as though the GOP is attempting to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It didn't take very long for Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kris Steele to show where his loyalties lie - his pastor invoking some of the most bizarre and questionable imagery during his first official prayer before the House, then his move to the center and incessant attacks on House Conservatives like Mike Reynolds and Randy Terrill. There is talk around town that conservatives in the House who have heretofore been silent are seriously considering a move against the Speaker and his choice for a replacement already (Steele is term-limited).
Al Gerhart doesn't strike many as the type of guy who will back down from a fight and this one looks to be a bloody, 12-round caged death match.
Bring your popcorn and earplugs.
 |
| Prepare for GOP fallout. |
From The Muskogee Politico:
On Tuesday, Gerhart and the OCA was dealt yet another big blow when Tulsa metro-based OKforTea, perhaps Oklahoma's largest and most active Tea Party group, notified Gerhart of their immediate withdrawal from the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance. Their email, signed by each of OKforTea's organizers, stated "Though OKforTEA has enjoyed being a member of the OCA and though we understand and appreciate its mission, we must withdraw from membership as of March 15, 2011. Please remove the name of our organization from the list of members and any printed materials or websites, immediately."From The McCarville Report:
Six Republican House members have been singled out for threats by the Sooner Tea Party's Al Gerhart for remarks made in the privacy of their Caucus, leading some to conclude that the collegiality of the Caucus is being violated.The Tea Party movement as a whole was largely responsible for the amazing victories experienced by Republicans across the nation in both state elections as well as federal elections. Al Gerhart, the exceedingly controversial figure who once called out Gary Jones (former GOP Chair and newly elected State Auditor), has been both a motivator and a hindrance to conservative movement in Oklahoma and it looks like he has laser-guided missiles directed at him.
The realization that Gerhart has "inside" information from the Caucus has some members looking over their shoulders and others ready to quit going to Caucus meetings, it appears.
 |
| Speaker Kris Steele |
In many ways, it's as though the GOP is attempting to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It didn't take very long for Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kris Steele to show where his loyalties lie - his pastor invoking some of the most bizarre and questionable imagery during his first official prayer before the House, then his move to the center and incessant attacks on House Conservatives like Mike Reynolds and Randy Terrill. There is talk around town that conservatives in the House who have heretofore been silent are seriously considering a move against the Speaker and his choice for a replacement already (Steele is term-limited).
Al Gerhart doesn't strike many as the type of guy who will back down from a fight and this one looks to be a bloody, 12-round caged death match.
Bring your popcorn and earplugs.
Groundswell of GOP Discontent
Social networking sites such as Facebook are a-buzz with the lack of satisfaction voters feel from the last batch of Republicans sent to Washington and elsewhere. Whether it be the Oklahoma Speaker of the House chastising the more conservative members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives or freshmen Congressmen in Washington flying around the country, enjoying their new fame, conservative voters have had their fill.
And it's only March.
The McCarville Report outlines Representative Mike Christian eviscerating Speaker Steele for attacking conservative members of the House who really broke no rules but rather have been a thorn in the side of the moderate Speaker of the House, Kris Steele. The aggregate result has been anger and ire from the Tea Party members in Oklahoma and it appears as though the fire will spill over into upcoming State House races.
Sadly, the mantra of "social issue bills" that was first brought forward by the Oklahoman in their editorials has spilled over into even the most conservative writings on the Internet. It's an effective tool, mind you, on par with liberals calling themselves "progressives" or switching the debate from global warming to "climate change." The facts still remain the same that the few members of the conservative movement remember why voters chose Republicans last year - they desire stronger immigration policy, stronger personal protection (as in 2nd Amendment bills) and the Speaker of the House in Oklahoma has sold the caucus down the river...and Fred Morgan is the Skipper of the boat.
The talk on the street is that the Tea Party and other conservative organizations are looking for candidates once again across the board - state, local as well as federal. No office is safe, no elected official will get a "free pass."
I'll keep you posted...
The McCarville Report outlines Representative Mike Christian eviscerating Speaker Steele for attacking conservative members of the House who really broke no rules but rather have been a thorn in the side of the moderate Speaker of the House, Kris Steele. The aggregate result has been anger and ire from the Tea Party members in Oklahoma and it appears as though the fire will spill over into upcoming State House races.
Sadly, the mantra of "social issue bills" that was first brought forward by the Oklahoman in their editorials has spilled over into even the most conservative writings on the Internet. It's an effective tool, mind you, on par with liberals calling themselves "progressives" or switching the debate from global warming to "climate change." The facts still remain the same that the few members of the conservative movement remember why voters chose Republicans last year - they desire stronger immigration policy, stronger personal protection (as in 2nd Amendment bills) and the Speaker of the House in Oklahoma has sold the caucus down the river...and Fred Morgan is the Skipper of the boat.
The talk on the street is that the Tea Party and other conservative organizations are looking for candidates once again across the board - state, local as well as federal. No office is safe, no elected official will get a "free pass."
I'll keep you posted...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Media Malpractice: A Review
Throughout the documentary, Sarah Palin is interviewed, discussing some of the more difficult moments of the McCain/Palin race and the interviewer shows her watching video segments of members of the media ripping her to pieces. In one segment, the now infamous Katie Couric interview is reviewed and after listening to how the whole interview went, and what was left out of the final product, my heart absolutely broke for Palin.
Another point that the documentary makes is how "in the bag" for Obama the mainstream media was during the election cycle. We all knew that the media thought he was - and is - salvific, but the documentary highlights many of the subtle ways even Fox News helped Obama.
If you're looking for some interesting perspective on the last presidential election, I highly recommend this video.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Break From Politics: Alice In Chains
Probably one of the more influential bands of the Seattle-influenced "grunge" era, Alice In Chains had a distinctive sound as illustrated by the below video. Intense and creative production, AIC's powerful vocals came to an end when Layne Staley died of a drug overdose. The band still exists, but hasn't reached the acclaim it did under Staley's vocal leadership.
Radicals or Freedom Fighters?
The Tulsa World published a story today about the Southern Poverty Law Center's attack and targeting of three Oklahoma legislators: Representatives Randy Terrill, Charles Key and Sally Kern. In the article, the three legislators are called "radicals" by the SPLC.
Randy Terrill has been an outspoken advocate for controlled borders and punishment of those who come to the United States illegally as well as punishing employers who knowingly and willingly hire illegal immigrants. Is that a radical concept or is a question of standing up for the rule of law? It is Constitutional for states to enact laws that deal with illegal immigration because the federal government has failed to do anything about the issue.
Sally Kern is the wife of a Baptist minister first and foremost and her religious affections drive her. She has campaigned on conservative, religious moral issues and has resoundingly won re-election in her House District. While many would disagree with her push of Christianity in the public schools, her District approves of her doing so because she campaigned on these issues - and as a former school teacher, it gives her more credibility with her base of supporters. Is she a radical or is she fulfilling campaign promises that meet the desires of her constituency?
Charles Key has always leaned more Libertarian in his views of the role of government and has been a Ron Paul supporter in the past. Key is a guy who has authored plenty of legislation to reduce the size and scope of government and again, it is what his constituency in his House District asks of him. Is Key a radical because he believes, according to the article, that the federal government was aware of the attack on the Murrah Building or is he simply misguided and overly suspicious? Key is not a part of any militia and frankly, there are a lot of people who question the federal government's role in Ruby Ridge, in Waco and in the Oklahoma City bombing but does that make each and every one of them a radical to be targeted by the SPLC?
It seems to politically expedient in today's media climate to attack what most would have considered just a few years back as "common sense" leadership - particularly where the issue of illegal immigration is concerned. Illegal immigration is expensive to taxpayers, so much so that We The People have decided that something must be done. We elect members to state legislatures to do something about it but then the Chamber gets a hold of them and with a few exceptions, the argument is forgotten or pushed under the rug to focus on "more important" issues such as "job creation."
You can judge for yourself whether or not the SPLC is off base.
Sally Kern is the wife of a Baptist minister first and foremost and her religious affections drive her. She has campaigned on conservative, religious moral issues and has resoundingly won re-election in her House District. While many would disagree with her push of Christianity in the public schools, her District approves of her doing so because she campaigned on these issues - and as a former school teacher, it gives her more credibility with her base of supporters. Is she a radical or is she fulfilling campaign promises that meet the desires of her constituency?
Charles Key has always leaned more Libertarian in his views of the role of government and has been a Ron Paul supporter in the past. Key is a guy who has authored plenty of legislation to reduce the size and scope of government and again, it is what his constituency in his House District asks of him. Is Key a radical because he believes, according to the article, that the federal government was aware of the attack on the Murrah Building or is he simply misguided and overly suspicious? Key is not a part of any militia and frankly, there are a lot of people who question the federal government's role in Ruby Ridge, in Waco and in the Oklahoma City bombing but does that make each and every one of them a radical to be targeted by the SPLC?
It seems to politically expedient in today's media climate to attack what most would have considered just a few years back as "common sense" leadership - particularly where the issue of illegal immigration is concerned. Illegal immigration is expensive to taxpayers, so much so that We The People have decided that something must be done. We elect members to state legislatures to do something about it but then the Chamber gets a hold of them and with a few exceptions, the argument is forgotten or pushed under the rug to focus on "more important" issues such as "job creation."
You can judge for yourself whether or not the SPLC is off base.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Monday, March 07, 2011
Newsok.com Superintendent Salaries
The Oklahoman has outdone itself with a recent listing of school superintendent salaries. Whatever you do, you must read this and pass it along to your friends. The link has a drop-down to search by county and the listing includes the salaries, the number of enrolled students and the pay per pupil equivalent.
It's magnificent and you MUST share with your friends and then, get very, very pissed off.
Karl Springer - Oklahoma City Public Schools, $170k/year, $5 per pupil.
Teresa McAfee - Crutcho Schools, $97k/year, $330 per pupil.
This is just too much fun.
Read this and share it!
It's magnificent and you MUST share with your friends and then, get very, very pissed off.
Karl Springer - Oklahoma City Public Schools, $170k/year, $5 per pupil.
Teresa McAfee - Crutcho Schools, $97k/year, $330 per pupil.
This is just too much fun.
Read this and share it!
Friday, March 04, 2011
First Friday In March Week In Review
This has been a remarkably bizarre week in the news. Ranging from the turmoil in Libya and subsequent oil prices, to Charlie Sheen showing that for some people, it just doesn't matter how much money you have...you're still wacko.
Huckabee: This week, former Governor, Fox News show host and candidate for president launched against Natalie Portman for her perceived glamorization of single parenthood. Being the good Baptist Minister Bass Player that he is, Huckabee just had to "go there" and make an issue of it (read the coverage here). Appealing to the most base elements of the conservative pathos, Huckabee pulls out an old trump card from the GOP talking points - to get headlines, take a dump on Hollywood or someone in Hollywood who is getting headlines. Of course, The Huckster made no mention of Bristol Palin and her upcoming memoir wherein she will no doubt sing her own praises, tell us how tough she has had it being a spoiled little rich kid, bemoan the life of a single mother searching for appropriate nannies and make a mint doing it.
Supremes: In a move that surprised a lot of people, the Supreme Court actually took the side of Westboro Baptist Church that has made a name for itself protesting fallen soldiers' funerals. The ruling will impact Oklahoma laws and laws made across the nation to keep families of fallen soldiers from their protestations. Not really sure how I feel about this one.
City Council Shock: The Tea Party was sure that the excitement Oklahomans had regarding a conservative movement was at hand, but it proved only to be temporary and short-lived. Much like the media cycle in Oklahoma, Republicans apparently have the attention span of a pack of swarming gnats who have completely forgotten from whence they came. The campaign slogans that energized the conservative base have served to be little more than cheers given on the sidelines of a junior high school football game. The only real conservative on the Oklahoma City Council, Brian Walters, was defeated by establishment candidates who will rubber stamp virtually any program or idea that Mick "Taco Bell" Cornett has to offer. And what was the Tea Party response? Silence. Welcome to the regime of the paper tigers. Oklahoma City is moving forward - the rich are getting richer, the middle class is silent and the poor, well, they are looking for room at the proverbial Inn. Let's see how donations to City Rescue Mission end up this year.
GOP Meets Life Church: The new "Emerge 46" campaign from the Oklahoma GOP is creative, innovative and anything but unique. If you follow the movement and growth of Oklahoma's Mega-Church Life Church, you will see very real similarities in marketing/public relations strategies. The Democrats have dominated where college-aged voters are concerned and Matt Pinnell knows this. He and his young bucks are beginning to see how the evangelical movement has seen success and they are emulating that with this new program. This week, a gathering took place with Senator David Holt, Matt Pinnell, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and a few others who are excited about this new media approach to getting young conservatives to come out of the closet. Hoping to ride the establishment Republican tidal wave that has seem to overtake the conservative movement last year, the new "hip and happening" GOP wherein anyone over the age of 40 is cast aside (unless you're a donor), this new program will be exceptionally successful.
Sally Kern Writing A Book? According to the Democratic Chatboard, Demookie.com, State Representative Sally Kern is authoring a book not yet available, but listed on Amazon.com entitled, "The Stoning of Sally Kern." Bloggers have picked up on the news and the left-leaning blog sites have been all a-twitter about it. Sally Kern has done a masterful job of keeping herself in the media and with the insurgence of the Baptist movement in Oklahoma, Sally stands to profit immensely from this book - her husband being a Baptist pastor doesn't hurt either and lest we forget, it was the Baptist denomination that helped former camp counselor James Lankford sail to Congress. Kern is very much like Randy Terrill in that she will have that State House seat for as long as she wants it. Her supporters are rabid supporters and her detractors have been marginally successful at dealing with Sally's rise to fame, which puts Kern in a very good position to run for higher office in the future. If her book deal is true, expect another makeover of Sally in the very near future.
So, there you have it, kids. Some food for thought.
Supremes: In a move that surprised a lot of people, the Supreme Court actually took the side of Westboro Baptist Church that has made a name for itself protesting fallen soldiers' funerals. The ruling will impact Oklahoma laws and laws made across the nation to keep families of fallen soldiers from their protestations. Not really sure how I feel about this one.
So, there you have it, kids. Some food for thought.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Supreme Court Rules For Westboro Baptist
From the AP:
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the First Amendment protects fundamentalist church members who mount attention-getting, anti-gay protests outside military funerals.
The court voted 8-1 in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. The decision upheld an appeals court ruling that threw out a $5 million judgment to the father of a dead Marine who sued church members after they picketed his son's funeral.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the court. Justice Samuel Alito dissented.
"What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment," Roberts wrote, "and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous."
Matthew Snyder died in Iraq in 2006 and his body was returned to the United States for burial. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who have picketed military funerals for several years, decided to protest outside the Westminster, Md., church where Snyder's funeral was to be held.
The Rev. Fred Phelps and other family members who make up most of the Westboro Baptist Church have picketed many military funerals in their quest to draw attention to their incendiary view that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are God's punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
They showed up with their usual signs, including "Thank God for dead soldiers," ''You're Going to Hell," ''God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11," and one that combined the U.S. Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, with a slur against gay men.
The church members drew counter-demonstrators, as well as media coverage and a heavy police presence to maintain order. The result was a spectacle that led to altering the route of the funeral procession.
Several weeks later, Albert Snyder was surfing the Internet for tributes to his son from other soldiers and strangers when he came upon a poem on the church's website that attacked Matthew's parents for the way they brought up their son.
Soon after, Albert Snyder filed a lawsuit accusing the Phelpses of intentionally inflicting emotional distress. He won $11 million at trial, later reduced by a judge to $5 million.
The federal appeals court in Richmond, Va., threw out the verdict and said the Constitution shielded the church members from liability.
Read more.
The court voted 8-1 in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. The decision upheld an appeals court ruling that threw out a $5 million judgment to the father of a dead Marine who sued church members after they picketed his son's funeral.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the court. Justice Samuel Alito dissented.
"What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment," Roberts wrote, "and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous."
Matthew Snyder died in Iraq in 2006 and his body was returned to the United States for burial. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who have picketed military funerals for several years, decided to protest outside the Westminster, Md., church where Snyder's funeral was to be held.
The Rev. Fred Phelps and other family members who make up most of the Westboro Baptist Church have picketed many military funerals in their quest to draw attention to their incendiary view that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are God's punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
They showed up with their usual signs, including "Thank God for dead soldiers," ''You're Going to Hell," ''God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11," and one that combined the U.S. Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, with a slur against gay men.
The church members drew counter-demonstrators, as well as media coverage and a heavy police presence to maintain order. The result was a spectacle that led to altering the route of the funeral procession.
Several weeks later, Albert Snyder was surfing the Internet for tributes to his son from other soldiers and strangers when he came upon a poem on the church's website that attacked Matthew's parents for the way they brought up their son.
Soon after, Albert Snyder filed a lawsuit accusing the Phelpses of intentionally inflicting emotional distress. He won $11 million at trial, later reduced by a judge to $5 million.
The federal appeals court in Richmond, Va., threw out the verdict and said the Constitution shielded the church members from liability.
Read more.
Conservatives Lose Oklahoma City Council Races
The votes tallied and as the smoke clears, the Chamber candidates pulled off a significant win, seeing the incumbents Meg Salyer and Pat Ryan sail to victory. The upset for conservatives, however, aren't just the Salyer and Ryan victories...it was the defeat of Brian Walters from Ward 5.
Walters, one of the only candidates for any public office to dare to say anything derogatory about the MAPS 3 initiative, was defeated by a whopping 450 votes. David Greenwell defeated Brian Walters in a time when the Tea Party is attempting to exert itself in local races and these defeats will not sit well with conservatives.
The fragmented Tea Party organizations are going to find themselves in world of hurt if they can't put together a cohesive message and more unity. There are too many different sects in Central Oklahoma and the rank-and-file conservative just doesn't know who to believe or to get behind. The hardcore activists are in the loop, but what made the Tea Party successful in the 2010 campaign was a unified message and fear on the part of establishment Republicans. The Tea Party is dangerously close to becoming a paper tiger in Oklahoma and this City Council election underscores that reality.
Sorry, folks, but that is just the way it is.
The fragmented Tea Party organizations are going to find themselves in world of hurt if they can't put together a cohesive message and more unity. There are too many different sects in Central Oklahoma and the rank-and-file conservative just doesn't know who to believe or to get behind. The hardcore activists are in the loop, but what made the Tea Party successful in the 2010 campaign was a unified message and fear on the part of establishment Republicans. The Tea Party is dangerously close to becoming a paper tiger in Oklahoma and this City Council election underscores that reality.
Sorry, folks, but that is just the way it is.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Statement from Representative Terrill
Unable to claim that I have violated any pre-existing rule, law or Constitutional provision, the Speaker has announced that I will instead be investigated for the bogus equivalent of embarrassing the House.
While I have not done anything of the sort, I must note that this new low ex post facto standard was apparently invented solely for this situation and will apply only to me.
No other House member before, after or concurrent will ever again be subject to an investigative committee using such a subjective standard.
It's clear this ambiguous phrasing was apparently designed to engineer some outcome predetermined by the House leadership.
Yet I have done nothing to embarrass either myself or the House of Representatives.
In fact, I have absolutely nothing to hide.
I have consistently called for a fair and open inquiry into this matter, and I am certain that if I were given such a hearing it would clear me of even any hint of impropriety.
Yet Speaker Steele is denying me a fair and open hearing.
Instead he has created a process cloaked in secrecy and hidden from the public eye.
He is denying me the right to present evidence, cross examine witnesses and challenge the claims my political enemies might make against me.
Amazingly, the Speaker tries to justify the secrecy of his proceedings by claiming he acts out of concern for my right to privacy - a right I have both publicly and privately rejected.
Why is the Speaker trying so hard to keep this matter so secret?
What is he trying to hide?
I am only protected by an open process.
This secret star-chamber proceeding gives me fewer rights than a Guantanamo detainee.
I only ask that I be given a forum to present my side of the story and to have public oversight over any hearing into the allegations leveled against me.
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