January 10th Issue

On The Cover

Deadbeat Oklahoma: Millions In Unpaid Bills

By Frosty Troy

The 2007 legislative session is shaping up to be a fiscal barnburner, thanks to a red-hot economy. Will they pay the bills or cut taxes again?

What’s Inside

Frosty’s Notebook: My Heroes

By Frosty Troy

Not all American heroes are in uniform. Consider our amazing public school teachers.

Oklahoma’s Prisons: Back to the Future?

By Arnold Hamilton

Is Oklahoma in danger of a second federal court takeover of the state’s overcrowded, short-staffed and under-funded prisons? Not yet, Gov. Brad Henry says in an interview with The Observer – but the threat is real.

The World According To Brad Henry

On the eve of his second term, Democratic Gov. Brad Henry sat down for a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview with Observer editor Arnold Hamilton. Excerpts include the governor’s take on future tax cuts, the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights and 65 Percent Solution, his bipartisan leadership style and the future of state Democratic Party chairwoman Lisa Pryor.

Whistle Blowing On Kerr-McGee Oil: Auditor Loses His Job
Why Oklahomans Don’t Get It Right
Keating & Co. Use Election Loophole
State Workers Plan Massive ’07 Agenda
Sooner Soldiers To Need Our Help
Insurance Law Is Unfair To Women
Senator Wants To Stop Spending Spree

Public Forum

Sharp Left Turns Can Be Deadly, Politically

By Edwin E. Vineyard

Were the leaders of the new Democratic majority in the Congress to ask the Militant Moderate for his advice, it would be the very simple principle: STAY IN THE MAINSTREAM.

The Bill Of Rights Is Gutted By Bush

By Kenny Belford

If this doesn’t scare the hell out of you, then you simply lack the intellect to comprehend what’s happened.

Flag Burning Issue Raises Writer’s Ire

By Larry Hicks

Please help me through my confusion. What the hell does the First Amendment really say about my freedom of speech?

Observations

Howdy

With our first edition of 2007, we welcome hundreds of new readers, many joining us through the generosity of loyal subscribers whose gifts help keep this journal of free voices alive.

What A Year!

The most frantic days of the year are behind us and now we need to concentrate on important issues – ending the war, balancing the budget and shoring up our social programs.

An Awakening

Young Americans have been notoriously indifferent to political participation – until this year when 44 percent of those eligible voted, compared to 42.5 percent of voters over 30.

Waterlogged

When the heavy snow melted, the east tunnel to the Capitol was once again turned into a flood zone. Then along came the Christmas rain and it was flooded again.

Hammered

Don’t get on the bad side of Oklahoma’s Supreme Court Chief Justice. He hammered the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights [TABOR] in a unanimous opinion that alleged fraud and trickery.