April 10, 2007

On The Cover

Defiant Democrats: Galvanized By Budget Snub

By Arnold Hamilton

For six weeks, they were the Dysfunctional Democrats.
Splintered. Disoriented. Powerless.
And worst of all: Ignored.
In Speaker Lance Cargill’s supposedly kinder, more transparent state House, outnumbered Democrats were almost as irrelevant as Republican gadfly Mike Reynolds – often dismissed with rolling eyes and smug grins.
Not anymore.

What’s Inside

Frosty’s Notebook: Frosty’s Lexicon

By Frosty Troy

Oklahomans baffled by political hijinx will find this handy, dandy guide useful in deciphering the antics.

Henry Kills Flawed Republican Budget

By Frosty Troy

Flanked by 43 of 44 House Democrats, Gov. Brad Henry used his line-item veto to wipe out the $6.8 billion Republican budget – one backed by 24 turncoat Senate Democrats.

State Is Hotbed Of Domestic Violence

By Debbe Leftwich

In Oklahoma, it’s a felony to write a hot check – but it’s a misdemeanor for a man to beat his wife.
In Oklahoma, it’s a felony to steal $50 worth of groceries – but it’s a misdemeanor for a man to break his fiancee’s jaw.
In Oklahoma, it’s a felony to own or sell a fighting rooster – but it’s a misdemeanor for a man to blacken his girlfriend’s eye.

Reflections Of A Freedom-Fighter

By Barbara Santee

What is it that makes us all Americans? What is it that motivates our young people to go to a God-forsaken country, whether it is Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq, to give their lives to protect their fellow Americans? Where does this dedication to one another come from? What’s the common denominator that makes us brothers and sisters?

Accurate Sex Ed Pushed By ACLU
Not-So-Wise Raid On School Trust Fund
Republicans Kill Help For Uninsured
Citizens Asked To Speak Up On Water
This Front-Loader Is A Real Lemon

Public Forum

Confessions Of A Born Politician

By Lynn Green

I eagerly await the day that researchers involved in the Human Genome Project announce that they have discovered the “Political Gene.” I can think of no other reason why some of us become so politically involved. I am one of those whose political gene is dominant.

Gene Stipe Makes Oklahoma History

By Happy Lowry

When I was just a kid, I remember my mama being outraged about corrupt Oklahoma politics.
When she really got riled, she always brought up two things. First, was the condition of our state roads and highways [which were even worse than today] and second, “those things” that McAlester’s state Sen. Gene Stipe was up to.

Gore Is Challenged On U.S. House Floor

By Karen Webb

As Al Gore visited with former colleagues on the House floor, Republican Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-GA, argued that the Democrat was violating recently enacted ethics rules rescinding floor privileges for former congressmen working as agents of a foreign government.

Observations

Why Do It

Why do we spill so much ink defending public education? Because there is a vast national conspiracy led by Republicans, think tanks and major corporations to promote vouchers.

Good Ideas

Here is an excellent idea that ought to become law: HB 1035, by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, and Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, transferring its duties, powers and responsibilities to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Religions

This is truly a polytheistic country. The new Congress for the first time includes a Muslim, two Buddhists, more Jews than Episcopalians and the highest-ranking Mormon in congressional history.

Homeschool

We defend to the death the right of families to homeschool, but it is disgraceful that this is the only state where home schooling is wholly unregulated.

The Big Lie

The Daily Disappointment editorial page continues to print a flat lie concerning last year’s special session.