February 25, 2008

On The Cover

Marijuana Madness: Life In Prison Possible

By Frosty Troy

What is the current penalty for using marijuana? In Oklahoma it could mean up to life in prison.

What’s Inside

Frosty’s Notebook: Conundrum

By Frosty Troy

Even some Republican legislators are lining up to gut Oklahoma’s new immigration law because of its impact on business.

Guv’s Budget Reveals Funding Squeeze On

By David Blatt

Gov. Brad Henry’s $7.3 billion fiscal 2009 budget reflects the struggle ahead, as rising costs and slowing revenues translate into possible cuts in vital public services.

Democratic Chairman Calls For Fairness

By Ivan Holmes

It is my hope that the new Speaker of the House, Chris Benge of Tulsa, will act in a non-partisan manner and allow Democratic bills to be heard on the House floor this session.

Okie Docs Misdiagnose Universal Health Care – 40 Years Behind Canadians

By Ron du Bois

British philosopher Betrand Russell wrote, “Mankind has become so much one family that we cannot ensure our own prosperity except by ensuring that of everyone else.” Part of ensuring that prosperity is through universal health care

State’s Anti-Immigrant Strain Is All-American

By Edwin E. Vineyard

The attitude of Americans toward immigrants has often varied with race and ethnicity, but most of all it has been affected by economic conditions and circumstances. In spite of the language of Emma Lazarus’ poem, newcomers were not always welcomed by everyone in their new land.

Racial History Divides Oklahoma And Kansas

By Dean Rader

In a night of many surprises few were more puzzling than the shockingly different outcomes in the Democratic primaries in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Oklahoma Disgrace: Childhood Obesity Is Out Of Control

Almost 40% of Oklahoma’s children and youth are either overweight or at risk of being overweight. This epidemic has dire health and economic consequences for children and the state of Oklahoma.

History’s Lessons For The ‘Values’ Voters – Good Time Charlie’s Gospel

By Don Wilkey

The media is ablaze with the story of my recent local congressman known as Charlie “Good Times” Wilson.

As Attack Dog, Clinton Usurps Veep’s Role

By Danny M. Adkison

Things have finally shifted to the real election. Prior to super-duper Tuesday each major party still had more than two possible contenders vying for their respective party’s nomination. In that situation the media couldn’t keep up and so it focused on something else: a discontented ghost.

Columnist Slams Clinton Unfairly – ‘I Was There’

By Barbara Santee

In his Feb. 10th New York Times column “Next Up for the Democrats: Civil War,” Frank Rich criticized Hillary Clinton’s national town hall meeting with 21 cities held the night before Super Tuesday.

Public Forum

Hey, Sonics: Hoop It Up On Your Own Dime

By Wanda Jo Stapleton

Forbes list of “The 400 Richest Americans” [2007] awarded the 220th place to Oklahoma’s own Aubrey McClendon, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Energy.

A Real Big League City Would Put People First

By Ed Holzberger

Only bush league ethics would allow billionaires to pickpocket the elderly on fixed incomes.

Observations

Dear Family

Beginning March 1, the Observer’s annual subscription rate will increase to $40 – only the second price hike in 16 years.

Historic

Given the spotty history of race relations in Oklahoma – once a Klan state – we sometimes don’t realize how far we’ve come.

DUI Rewarded

Government can be maddening. Consider the case of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Serendipity

Surely it was just a happy coincidence? Republican House Majority Floor Leader Greg Piatt took a maximum $5,000 campaign contribution from a fellow who sought legislation benefiting insurance companies in a family trust.

Help Wanted

How many times have you seen it and brushed it out of your mind – a street beggar at the stop sign, a person sleeping under newspapers or rags?

Nailing DUIs

Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del City, has filed a bill designating DUI, DWI convictions on drivers’ licenses of offenders.

DHS Shambles

No other publication has been a more stout defender of the Department of Human Services and the job they do against all odds.