This is a community blog operated by Oklahoma liberals dedicated to taking back this state for the people. A courageous band of true patriots, we fight right-wing tyranny in one of the reddest of red states. Do you want to help by keeping a diary here? Do you want traffic back to your blog? We welcome diaries written by liberals and centrist/ conservative Democrats. Register to the right and start posting. Crossposting is allowed. If you need help, contact Kurt, kurt.hochenauer@gmail.com.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma is urging people to protest state Rep. Sally Kern's "Oklahoma Citizen's Proclamation of Morality" when she and others sign the document at the State Capitol at noon Thursday, July 2.
"We are asking all civic-minded Oklahomans who believe in the value of diversity, tolerance, and the freedom to follow one's conscience to join us at Kern's proclamation signing ceremony on July 2," the ACLU stated on its Web site. "The ACLU of Oklahoma will stand against this proclamation along with other Oklahomans who believe in acceptance and equality for all."
Kern and others are expected to sign the document on the first floor of the Capitol.
For more information and to read the proclamation, click here.
Here is one section of the proclamation:
WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance upon the Creator of the Universe; and
WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and
WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery; and
WHEREAS, alarmed that the Government of the United States of America is forsaking the rich Christian heritage upon which this nation was built . . .
Last year, my family spent a lot of time talking about gas prices. Over the winter, we watched others struggle to keep their houses warm. And as the new year began, we saw debates about energy continue in Washington. It's not just gas prices or the environment we have to worry about - it's our future.
In America and around the world, we have come to depend on resources we know will not last. Oklahoma has been a leader in providing these resources in the past. We have both oil, coal, and natural gas. These have been enough to keep most of Oklahoman's happy for decades - these resources brought investment and jobs.
Recently, some of our leaders have begun to look towards the future - when coal and oil reserves are depleted and America depends on either foreign sources - or new, and renewable, resources. Some have realized that Oklahoma may maintain it's status as a leader throughout this transition. We have been blessed with yet another resource - wind.
Oklahoma's Lt. Governor, Jari Askins, recently attended the state's Wind Commerce 2009 conference, where she said "Energy and agriculture have been mainstays of our economy for decades. Wind energy is an opportunity to continue developing the energy industry and continue it moving forward into the 21st century.".
While speaking to Wind Commerce 2009 attendees, Askins also said "We believe that Oklahoma is perfectly located for us to develop this industry in our state." She's right and the facts back her up - wind is a part of Oklahoma's future. Even Oklahoma State University has started a new degree program for Wind Turbine Technicians.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce says that our state is currently in the top ten wind energy producers but that we could be one of the top two by 2030. The Secretary of Commerce, Natalie Shirley, has also said that Oklahoma could provide up to 10% of the nation's energy by around the same time.
Oklahoma needs a leader who sees the writing on the wall - someone who realizes that renewable resources will eventually fully power our nation and that Oklahoma should embrace them early on. Jari Askins stands out as one who understands the importance of wind energy for the state and as Governor, she will support the growth and expansion of the industry.
While other politicians lounge on private planes with Big Oil Executives - she's out talking to entrepreneurs and businesspeople who know that things are changing quickly and Oklahoma should be ahead of the pack.
She's also working to ensure that Oklahoma's future workforce will be prepared to continue the work. By supporting programs and organizations that teach students about these emerging technologies, she will ensure that our students can become our engineers and technicians down the road.
Jari Askins is the best candidate for Governor - her understanding of what has to be done for the future will ensure bright days ahead for our state.
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn vehemently opposed a bill last year that funded improvements to Washington D.C.'s Metro system, a fact that has drawn Internet discussion since Monday's tragic crash.
Nine people were killed and 70 others were injured when two trains on the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority system collided. One of the trains was pulling older cars that the National Transportation Safety Board recommended Metro replace three years ago, though officials are still trying to determine the cause for the crash.
The Washington D.C. area radio station WTOP quoted Coburn in 2008 as saying:
"I'm happy to be a roadblock to that bill. It's $1.5 billion they want, we (the government) don't have the money to pay for it, so where are we going to get the money?"
"How dare us say we are going to steal opportunity from our children so that we can have a ride on the Metro. I think the vast majority of Americans would disagree with that."
A $1.5 billion Metro improvements measure, spread over ten years, requires Virginia, Maryland and D.C. to match the funding. The bill was passed by the House. Coburn initially blocked the companion bill in the Senate, but it eventually passed. Coburn, known as "Dr. No, often places holds on legislation with which he disagrees.
Here's how WTOP described the problems faced by the Metro system:
Worn-out and run down, the Metro system is in disrepair. The transit agency's financial troubles are well documented, with nearly $500 million needed to fix a list of "urgent unfunded needs" -- everything from crumbling platforms to frail track fasteners that are supposed to keep rail lines in place.
Coburn also published a May 5, 2008 op-ed piece in The Washington Times (not available on the Internet) in which he opposed federal subsidies for the Metro system.
There is much speculation about what caused the accident, but we do know that this country's infrastructure-transportation systems, roads, bridges, etc.-needs major improvements. Coburn's political antics and obstructionism do nothing to move the country forward. He continues to draw negative attention throughout the nation.
Who pays to provide health care to people without insurance? We all do. A recent study by the health care policy group Families USA calculated that the average family with insurance paid more than $1,000 in higher premiums in 2008 to help absorb the costs of uncompensated care. This cost-shifting, or "hidden health tax," is one of the main drivers of the rising cost of health insurance here in Oklahoma and across the nation.
Classical economics assumes human beings are rational actors trying to satisfy their own self-interests. That assumption is wrong.
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape our Decisions, Dan Ariely, 2008, Harper Collins, $25.95
Dan Ariely?s research into human behavior challenges our assumptions about decision-making in everything from economic choices to moral dilemmas. We like to think we can objectively take in all the available data, weigh the options based on our preferences, and make a rational choice. When scientists look at our actual behavior, we are not nearly as high minded as we pretend to be.
The commitment of marriage goes beyond religion, politics and gender
(OKLAHOMA CITY) As a semi-professional musician I provided music at the same-gender marriage recently of two friends of mine, the latest ceremony of uncountable services I've played. I'm also a committed atheist and rather hard-boiled when it comes to asking for divine intervention, as well as the invention, of sky-oriented deities for whatever reason. I support everyone's private pursuit of their interests in accordance with the First Amendment as long as infringement of my own legally supported rights isn't involved.
Although I don't have a video of his announcement speech I did get a copy of the (very well written) speech. I've transcribed part of it below (the speech in entirety is available here):
"It's time our elected officials started doing what's right for Oklahoma instead of what's right for their political party ... or for themselves.
That's the approach I brought with me to the attorney general's office. It doesn't matter to me whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, if you're a public official and you abuse the public's trust, I'm coming after you.
If you commit a violent crime, I'm going to do everything I can to keep you locked up for a long, long time.
If you try to take advantage of Oklahoma - through unfair trade practices, polluting our water, or stealing our water, I'm going to fight you in every way I can.
...
I'm optimistic about Oklahoma's future, I know we can do it, I know our people want to keep moving forward ... and they want an end to the partisan politics that are holding us back.
As Attorney General I've fought to protect Oklahomans against crime, I've stood up against special interests, and I've taken on corrupt politicians.
As Governor, I'm going to fight the same way to create good paying jobs and make sure all Oklahomans have access to quality, affordable health care.
...
I've always felt the most important responsibility of any elected official is to protect those least able to protect themselves ... the most vulnerable Oklahomans, especially children.
...
I'm going to be a Governor who pays attention to what business needs ... because that's where the jobs come from. And I hear from business all the time we need to keep improving our public schools - they want an educated workforce.
...
As Governor, I'm going to initiate a comprehensive effort to strengthen our rural communities, with better roads, schools, health care, and job recruitment. We're going to have an economic development plan for every Oklahoma county, not just our urban areas."
I expect we'll be hearing more from Mr. Edmondson in the near future...
Although he served less than two terms in the U.S. Senate, Fred Harris was a prominent presidential candidate in 1976 better known than many senior senators, and he made his mark on the watershed 1960's and early 70's.
In his genuine, warm, informative and fascinating (at least if you love politics) memoir, Harris looks back on a life story worth telling, and reading.
Harris grew up poor but proud near Lawton, Oklahoma, where, even as a young boy, he worked on harvest crews throughout the Midwest. A favorite Uncle, often looking for work like many Americans during that time, would respond, "Does people do it? If so I can do it" when asked if he was qualified for a job- thus the book's title, Does People Do It?
In high school, Harris met and fell in love with a Comanche Indian, LaDonna, who would be his first wife, mother of his children, and a respected political activist in her own right. After they divorced in 1977, LaDonna was the Citizens Party's candidate for Vice President in 1980
Harris recalls his entry into oil dominated Oklahoma politics in the 1950s, and his challenge to keep his liberal views modified in a conservative state. After a losing race for Governor, Harris became a candidate to replace the powerful U.S. Senator Robert Kerr who died on New Years Day, 1963. Harris began an aggressive person to person campaign that helped him win two upsets, against former Democratic Governor Howard Edmondson, who had himself appointed to Kerr's seat, in the primary, and against legendary Sooners football coach, Bud Wilkinson, in the November 1964 General Election.
Lt. Governor Jari Askins posted her first blog on her campaign website for Governor yesterday about her dedication to small businesses and their impact on local economies.
"We had a great opportunity to attend the Small Business Summit kick-off event last night, organized by Larry Mocha, Kell Kelly, and Jerry Holder in Tulsa. The three small business owners have worked hard to develop a small business advocacy board not merely for local associations but for a state-wide network to help all small businesses in the state succeed.
When so many of us are having a tough time, it is essential Oklahomans work to support our own homegrown businesses that support our state's economy. That's why I was so grateful to attend the summit, but also to hear that additional summits are planned all over Oklahoma including Enid, Woodward, McAlester, Oklahoma City, Lawton, and many others.
Small businesses have unique needs, but those in Lawton can be different from those in Tulsa or Woodward. With local summits, these businesses can listen to speakers and attend workshops that help them with everything from online marketing to taxes - all with a regional focus.
I was grateful to attend the event last night, and I'm eager to participate in as many of the regional summits across Oklahoma as possible. With strong small businesses, we can build a strong Oklahoma
economy."
Where: Tulsa County Democratic Party Headquarters. When: Monday, June 1st. 2009, 6:30 PM. Hosted by Tulsa's Heart of the Party
State Senator Kenneth Corn from district 4 is running for the office of Lieutenant Governor of the state of Oklahoma. Tulsa turned out a full house to hear him give what will probably be his campaign stump speech. Of course, the nice spread of food and beverages didn't hurt.
Special Report: 2009 Oklahoma Democratic Convention
1 June, 2009
By John Slater
Commentary by John Slater
Let me start off by saying congratulations to Todd Goodman for winning the Oklahoma Democratic Chairman position. The party is in the darkest point in Oklahoma history. Mr. Goodman has a hard road ahead for success and he will need a lot of help from everyone in the party to spread the truth about the Democratic Party.
Universal Healthcare is good for business and good for all
10 March, 2009
By Cory Williams
What if other public services were run for profit like the American health care system?
Much talk among Conservatives paints the picture that universal health care will destroy the economy and force people into unemployment. They say that the taxes and costs incurred by all would halt economic growth and lead to a lesser quality of health care we see in our country today. While I appreciate their concerns and likewise, the quality of health care we have in our country, I would like to contribute my thoughts to the debate: the lack of a universal health care system and the mentality that health care is a right, not a privilege, is hurting our economic progress.
An Unintended Consequence of Our Nation's Health Care-Related Policies?
The recent worldwide outbreak of the A(H1N1) influenza virus affected many. Schools closed. Attendance at public gatherings was greatly reduced. The economic impact caused by the fear of a pandemic was felt in many countries, even those with few influenza sufferers. Mexico, which many believe may have been the site of the initial outbreaks of influenza, suffered dramatic declines in tourism leaving a national economy in serious distress.
A bill to keep uninsured drivers from collecting noneconomic damages will do nothing to entice Oklahomans to carry car insurance and deserves to be vetoed.
This is yet another example of some legislators protecting insurance companies on the backs of poor people.
This bill won't lead to a single Oklahoman buying car insurance who wouldn't otherwise have bought it.
Although it may be tempting to link carrying car insurance to restricting lawsuits, the two aren't related. The insured and uninsured alike are injured in accidents through no fault of their own, and suffering from bad car wrecks doesn't affect only those with policies.
HB 1021 also will cost Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance plans that receive money back from the car insurance companies of negligent drivers.
If legislators want to increase car insurance rates, they should stiffen penalties and better enforce existing laws.
Uninsured drivers don't have a clue what noneconomic damages are, and no amount of doubletalk is going to change that. Arguing that restricting their access to the courts is going to make them get insurance is an incredible leap of logic. We call on the governor to exercise the same even-handedness he has exercised throughout the session and veto this mean-spirited bill.
A handful of state legislators have gone against a majority of senators, removing the widely supported Corn Amendment without public input or answering for their actions.
The amendment would have prohibited insurance companies from financially rewarding employees who deny claims.
"It's a shame that this didn't pass. My colleagues missed an opportunity to protect Oklahomans from the obviously immoral practice of paying to deny care for the sick and dying. Forty-four senators voted to ban this practice, but it was stripped under cover of darkness. The Legislature needs to better scrutinize these types of practices," said Sen. Kenneth Corn, author of the amendment. "Those who did this need to come forward and explain themselves."
Corn amended House Bill 1055, which has reached the governor's desk and deals with insurance company payments to doctors. The amendment received bipartisan support.
The amendment was headed to conference committee but was removed at the last minute. It's unclear who's responsible. The bill was on its way to defeat, but prominent Republican legislators stepped in to ensure its passage.
"Without public input, a handful of legislators have refused to stand up to one of the insurance industry's most repugnant practices. What are they afraid of? Why is it necessary for insurance companies to reward employees for letting paying policyholders die?" said Dr. Rene McNall-Knapp, a pediatric neuro-oncologist and advocate for greater health insurance industry transparency, accountability and responsibility.
Jeff Raymond
www.okwatchdog.org
www.okhealthcarereform.com
The Project Vote Blog had an interesting piece that turned my head this week about the voter registration rate this past election.
After all of the work we did - we meaning the folks at CREDO who developed the online voter registration widget Rock the Vote and many others used. The in person voting HeadCount did, and the thousands of other people affiliated with hundreds of campaigns and groups across the country, we had a net gain of about 1% in voter registration according to Project Vote's findings (PDF).
Not to belittle 1%, its actually quite good when you look at the numbers, and when we look at some of the states where elections were very close I can guarantee that those new voters made a difference. Still, there needs to be a new way that we work to cultivate new registrants that garners higher results.
"While measures to provide voter registration or voter education opportunities for voting eligible Americans are important, three states have taken a step beyond by moving legislation to not only address the issue of standardizing the voter registration system, but to engage the future of America before they reach the age of 18" says Project Vote.
Hawaii and Florida are the only two states that currently offer such a registration option. In April, however, Project Vote reported other states are developing legislation for similar laws allowing pre-registration to 16 year olds. It might be easier, their blog says, to engage youth in high school and at the DMV.
"In the last few weeks, legislators passed preregistration bills through at least one chamber in California (AB 30), Michigan (HB 4261 and HB 4337), and North Carolina (HB 1260). The Michigan and North Carolina bills have been assigned to their respective Senate committees while the California bill awaits its final reading on the Senate floor. Passage of the California bill is thought to be most significant due to its growing and diverse population, particularly among its young residents."
They're right, one of the biggest problems we have as a movement is targeting non-college youth because there is no central location that connects with them. The closest org I think that comes close is HeadCount who walks the entrance lines at concerts and asks people to register. You're getting college and non-college youth, but primarily concert goers and festival lovers. My kind of voters, but still not a broad selection.
The cancer of torture spreads to the Speaker of the House.
Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has provided a new wrinkle in the debate over the use of torture by the Bush Administration. With big policy changes on the horizon, President Obama would probably prefer the nation to be more focused on his agenda. Instead, the Democratic and Republican leadership are locked in a chess match over past policies and present blame.
In a culture that has made hope a buzzword for potential and progress, the unfortunate reality is that the "hope" department is always the first to be cut from our public schools. Today education is being reduced to filling in bubbles, where every child is left behind, and there is too little time that can be allocated to the troubled teens even when they're the most gifted. Even President Obama has remarked that its disappointing that arts programs are being cut in the face of No Child Left Behind.
Despite the downward spiral, there remain some very few old-school teachers who push through the crowded halls, overcome the kids with drug problems, and go the extra mile for their students.
I was privileged to attend an event with one of those unique individuals, in one of those one-in-a-million departments where everyone, students, parents, a teacher, indeed the entire community has rallied around one of the few arts programs in the state of Oklahoma garnering real results with students.
The Yukon High School Drama Department under the direction of instructor Rhonda Hartwig, wasn't always where it is today. Students met in a large metal building that even the school instructed them to leave in the event of inclement weather. But even that large room was a step up from previous digs. Today, the department has developed into a true anomaly. With classes in one room and a satellite Blackbox Theatre attached, students can perform for small crowds as often as they would like. It comes in handy with the now rarely available thousand person auditorium stage that the students may use only once a year.
As many of you know, over the last five days, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, in partnership with a number of progressive organizations and blogs including Senate Guru, asked those in the netroots, "Should a Draft Sestak movement be created to take on Sen. Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary?"
The results are in and they are overwhelming. 85% of Pennsylvanian respondents and 86% of respondents nationally want Democratic Congressman Joe Sestak to challenge Arlen Specter in the 2010 Democratic Senate primary. The poll has even gotten the attention of Congressman Sestak, as the PCCC points out:
"I am honored that so many of you took the time to vote in the recent grassroots Straw Poll. Let me tell you, I and many others were paying attention. If I decide to run it will be in large measure because of the grassroots energy of so many people like you. Until I and my family make that decision, please accept my thanks and my best wishes as you continue be active participants in our people-powered democracy. Thank you so very much!"
Due to such an overwhelming response, a Draft Sestak Fund has been created on ActBlue. To contribute and further encourage Congressman Sestak to enter the race, click on the image below:
If you need any additional motivation to contribute to this effort to draft a real Democrat to oppose Specter in the primary, consider Specter's actions since announcing his Party switch:
1) Specter opposed the Obama budget.
2) Specter opposed the "cramdown" mortgage/bankruptcy reform, siding with banks over families.
3) Specter reiterated his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.
4) Specter reiterated his opposition to President Obama's nomination of Dawn Johnsen to the Office of Legal Counsel.
5) Specter announced his support for Republican Norm Coleman over Democratic Senator-elect Al Franken in Minnesota's Senate race.
6) Specter promoted a website that appeared to raise money for cancer research but, in actuality, simply raised money for his campaign.
7) Specter denied reports that he told President Obama that he would be a "loyal Democrat" despite multiple reporters sticking to their story.
The netroots have displayed overwhelming support for Congressman Sestak to take on recently-Republican Arlen Specter. Help the effort by contributing to the Draft Sestak Fund.
The embarrassing and misguided sovereignty resolution circulating in the Oklahoma Legislature has made national news as part of the faux GOP secession movement.
State Rep. Charles Key, pictured right, a Republican from Oklahoma City, appeared recently on the Montel Williams radio show to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 1028, a bill that asks the federal government to not go beyond its constitutional powers and claims state sovereignty. The resolution, if passed, will be sent to President Barack Obama and Congress.
A similar bill was passed earlier by the House and Senate, but then vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry, who worried the bill could result in the loss of federal money for the state. Key then brought the resolution back under a different form of resolution, which doesn't need the governor's approval. The Senate is expected to approve the bill.
Key's interview with Williams shows again how the GOP continues to isolate the state. Williams, for example, tied the bill to recent comments made by Texas Gov. Rick Perry about the possibility of Texas seceding from the nation.
In the interview, Key said the resolution was not necessarily about secession, but he had a difficult time explaining its intention. He couldn't provide an adequate answer to how the bill, in principle at least, might mean Oklahoma could lose federal dollars if the state declared sovereignty.
Williams, whose program appears on Air America Radio, also pointed out to Key that Oklahoma paid $19 billion in federal taxes last year, but received $28 billion in federal funding. Key didn't directly address this issue and instead focused his comments on the U.S. Constitution.
The bill and Key's interview hurt the state's image on a national level. This is important in terms of economic growth and opportunities. The bill also could result in some backlash, financial or otherwise, from the Democratic-controlled Congress. This is obviously not good for the state.
In the end, the idea of Oklahoma seceding from the union is simply laughable. The state simply couldn't function on any reasonable level without the financial assistance of the federal government. Secession, if we're going to have a real discussion about it, would almost certainly lead to military conflict between seceding states and the federal government. It would create massive poverty in Oklahoma and lead to a huge exodus of people from the state.
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