Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Jeff Cloud, Chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to Speak July 17th

Members and friends of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC).

We meet for lunch every Wednesday, 12 noon at Italiano’s Restaurant,
4801 North Lincoln in OKC.

This week our speaker will be Jeff Cloud, Chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The Commission is made up of 3 members who serve 6 year terms each. This is Mr. Cloud’s first re-election cycle and he will have a Democrat challenger on the ballot in November. The commissioners have some level of regulation over the production and delivery of oil and gas as well as the publically owned utilities and their delivery infrastructure. They also regulate the trucking industry as well as other businesses. With the rising attention given to energy needs and their costs, the importance and visibility of this office has certainly increased. Come and learn about the responsibilities of this office as well as meet Chairman Cloud.

THIS ISSUE:

– RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK’S MEETING AND VOTE.
– ANNOUNCEMENTS , FREEDOM 21, TERRILL’S FUND RAISER & BOB BARR.
– RECLAIMING OKLAHOMA FOR CHRIST WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.
– WHAT IS A CULTURE WAR & HOW DO CHRISTIANS BECOME INVOLVED?
– TWO KINDS OF CONSULTANTS, WHICH KIND IS LANCE CARGILL?
– TULSA BEACON RECOGNIZES OCPAC WORK - MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
– RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK’S MEETING AND VOTE.

Congratulations to Dr. Mike Ritze of Broken Arrow for winning our endorsement and a substantial contribution for his election effort. If you have time google his web-site and check out his endorsement page.
It is the most impressive list of endorsements of any house candidate I have ever seen.
In addition, in a very close vote, Mike Idleman won the endorsement and financial support from OCPAC for his election effort to fill Lance Cargill’s recently vacated seat. I believe either of these candidates have the chance to be a good lawmaker but Mike Idleman was selected by our members and I believe we made the right choice. He has conservative instincts and is certainly teachable when it comes to contemplating conservative positions on the many issues any new lawmaker will face.

There is an unjustified whisper campaign against Idleman, accusing him of being a member of the OEA/NEA. It is true he was a member over 10 years ago while teaching in the Edmond school district. However, he withdrew his membership and denounced those organizations while still teaching and under much duress for his actions. Those kinds of irrelevant allegations are a part of the political process. It is the job of the voters to look through the blue smoke and mirrors and on to the bottom line for truth and relevance.



– ANNOUNCEMENTS, FREEDOM 21, BOB BARR & TERRILLS FUND RAISER
The re-claiming seminar is over and the next important educational event will be the 9TH annual FREEDOM 21 CONFERENCE, which will be held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Addison, Texas, July 24th through the 26th. The title of the conference is "Connecting the Dots."
This year’s conference will focus on connecting the dots from the UN’s Agenda 21 and its policy of Sustainable Development to issues like gun control, education, animal rights, property rights, privacy rights, religion and much more. The conference will also focus on the latest developments concerning the North American Union and the Trans Texas Corridor (NAFTA Superhighway).
Featured speakers include former Georgia Congressman and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr; best selling author Jerome Corsi, Canadian Action Party leader Connie Fogal, pastor, writer and Constitution Party presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin, Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly, U.S. Senate Environment Committee Communications Director Marc Morano and Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center.
Other featured speakers include Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America, State Senator Karen Johnson (R-AZ), Oklahoma’s own State Senator Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso), State Representative Sam Rohrer (R-PA) the dynamite speakers on education, Dr. Alan Quist and Michael Chapman of Edwatch. Also speaking will be Michael Shaw of Freedom Advocates, William Jasper, with the John Birch Society and the New American Magazine, Michael Coffman, an environmentalist and global warming fraud buster, Oklahoma’s Amanda Teegarden of OK-SAFE, Terri Hall, David and Linda Stall of Corridor Watch and even more in this jam- packed three day event.
There is a $275 fee to attend but this conference is much broader in its scope and more in depth than say the Re-claiming Oklahoma for Christ conference which was underwritten by some very generous folks.
There is probably no better place in the nation to be informed on the concepts of the intentions of the United Nations to control virtually every activity in life through its Agenda 21 program which plays out through the buzz words, "sustainable development." For more information log on to http://www.freedom21.org/.



BOB BARR
Speaking of the Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr, he will be in Oklahoma City tomorrow night, July 15th at 7:00 p.m.. He will appear in the Student Center on the campus of Rose State College. To cover the cost of refreshments and the building rental, there will be a $10 fee. I have had the privilege to meet former Congressman Barr on at least 2 maybe 3 occasions and he is quite an interesting fellow. He was the Congressman, with the help of the John Birch Society, who got the ball rolling for the impeachment of Bill Clinton.
Unfortunately, the liberal main stream media was successful in diverting the reason for impeachment to the sordid Monica Lewenski affair rather than the real reason which was the transfer of vital missile guidance technology to Communist China for campaign contributions to Bill Clinton’s re-election purposes. I don’t believe he will be able to get on the ballot in Oklahoma, but it would be well worth the time and $10 to go hear him.


RANDY TERRILL
People all over the state love and appreciate State Representative Randy Terrill for his hard work to pass HB 1804 last year. He has also been unwavering in its support, though many of the special interests would like it repealed. This Friday evening some of his Tulsa supporters will hold a fund raiser for him from 7 to 9:00 p.m.. The location will be the Tulsa Technology Center Auditorium (Jenks Airport Campus) Northwest corner of 91st and Elm. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per couple. Of course the maximum a person can contribute is $5,000.

TAXPAYER CHAMPION LAWSUIT TO BE HEARD TUESDAY Jerry Fent, semi-retired attorney who frequently brings legal action against the unconstitutional actions of the legislature and state agencies, will have a case heard tomorrow about "amnesty for dead-beat taxpayers." This might be a good deal, but if it is unconstitutional then it shouldn’t take place. The hearing will occur in the Supreme Court chambers at the state capitol tomorrow, Tuesday the 15th at 1:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend and see our judicial system in action.


– RECLAIMING OKLAHOMA FOR CHRIST WAS A HUGE SUCCESS Over the past 2 years the seminar had great speakers but only about 250 attendees the first year and maybe 400 last year. However, this Friday evening we had somewhere between a thousand and 1200 people and a little less on Saturday morning. It was great to see and meet many of you that receive the e-mail as well as obtain several pages of new names to add to the OCPAC e-mail list. We even had 5 new members join during the seminar.
Most important is the fine job pastors Paul Blair, Dr. Steve Kern, Oklahoma Christian, Bott radio and others did in organizing the seminar and especially all the volunteers from Fairview Baptist Church in serving to make this event a success. I believe the biggest decision for next year will be whether or not we stay in the wonderful location of Oklahoma Christian or seek a larger venue as we were nearing the capacity of the Hardeman Auditorium.


– WHAT IS A CULTURE WAR & HOW DO CHRISTIANS BECOME INVOLVED?
A few years ago at the Republican National Convention Pat Buchanan spoke of a culture war and was ridiculed as being too harsh and too militant in his rhetoric. Yet today, anyone with any discernment knows how true his description was in reference to the many forces vying for the control and direction of society and our government.
Some years ago the "Reverend" Jesse Jackson used to march across university campuses leading others in the chant "hey hey hi ho - Western civ has got to go." What did Jackson mean by Western Civ has got to go? Western Civilization of course, which was founded on Judeo- Christian values and principles. Jackson was then as he is today, a hate stirring, self promoting, race baiting, Marxist agitator. That is not to say that there haven’t been serious problems between the various grouping of people in the human race. However, my point is that Jackson and others like him are the last people in the world wanting those problems to be solved as it would completely eliminate a need for their so called "leadership" and thus their empowerment to name, fame, reputation and wealth.
However, Jackson is but one example of the many forces vying for control and direction of society. Basically it comes down to what is "good and light" as defined by God’s Word verses that which rises itself up and exalts itself as an alternative. The Bible is chock full of military terms. When it comes to application, there are many ways and means to be involved in spiritual warfare with the hopes solving problems before things manifest into violent, physical warfare.
I never want to take away from prayer, because when God moves by the power of his Spirit on "behalf" of his people and for His purposes, that which is good will be accomplished. However, too many Christians hide behind prayer (as well as do little of it) and refuse to be a "manifestation" of salt and light, as well as the manifestation of a "standard" that God wants to raise up against the rising tides of evil.
God is looking for culture warriors. People who will live a Godly life in His righteousness and at the same time be willing to engage their culture. People who will support that which is good and respectfully decline to support that which opposes what is good. What I am talking about is taking a stand, tacking action and living with some CONVICTIONS.
As an example, one of the most effective organizations in our nation is the American Family Association. Over the years I have participated in numerous boycotts they have organized. I don’t think boycotts ought to be undertaken carelessly but only after much effort to communicate with a business or corporation, explaining the problem and giving that business a chance to change their policies. Because of the support of hundreds of thousands of people and sometimes millions, AFA has succeeded in bringing many major corporations to their knees and to a policy change.
According to the AFA, the fast food giant McDonalds recently refused a request to remain neutral in the culture war, choosing to continue support of the homosexual agenda. AFA wrote McDonald’s asking the company to do two things: 1) Remove McDonald’s name and logo from the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) web site listing McDonald’s as a "Corporate Partner and Organization Ally" of NGLCC.
2) Remove the endorsement of NGLCC by Richard Ellis, Vice President of Communications for McDonald’s USA, from the NGLCC web site.
McDonald’s refused both requests. McDonald’s donated $20,000 to NGLCC in exchange for membership in the NGLCC and a seat on the group’s board of directors. The NGLCC lobbies Congress on a wide range of issues including the promotion of homosexual marriage.
This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals, or homosexuals eating at McDonald’s, or how homosexual employees are treated. It is about McDonald’s, as a corporation, CHOOSING TO PUT THE FULL WEIGHT OF THEIR CORPORATION BEHIND PROMOTING THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA, INCLUDING HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE.
According to the AFA, Mr. Ellis is openly homosexual and I would suggest represents the kind of dedication he and many other homosexuals exhibit toward their agenda which is gaining ground every day. The question remains, will Christians find some convictions in their lives and stand for something? Will they be willing to join the boycott effort organized by the AFA and hurt that corporation in the pocket book, the only place many corporations feel pain?
As for me, I dearly enjoy a sausage, egg and cheese McGriddle for breakfast and an occasional double cheeseburger for lunch or dinner, especially when I am on the road. But they are gone in my life forever or until McDonald’s changes their policy. Some might say that boycotts hurt a local franchise owner who might be a neighbor or friend. That is very true, but we are in a culture war and the pain the local owner might feel will cause that owner to put pressure on the corporation to change their policies. Wars of any kind are not fun, they require sacrifice, loss, pain and suffering. The question is, are we going to join the fight and engage our culture or are we going to lose it?
Which will it be? For more information log on to http://www.afa.net/.


– TWO KINDS OF CONSULTANTS, WHICH KIND IS LANCE CARGILL?
The political process is both an art and a science. There are some people who get very good at discerning the mood of the voters and developing a strategy to win elections. Some of these folks hire out their expertise to candidates running for elected office. Sometimes the fees are quite lucrative and many of these hired guns make a lot of money like anyone in any kind of business desires to accomplish. I don’t have a problem with any of that. However, I have respect for consultants who will only work for the candidate or on an issue that aligns with a particular ideology. I consider consultants that work for either or both sides of an issue or any kind of a candidate to be a whore or one who prostitutes their skills to the highest bidder.
In the Oklahoman this past week it came out that Lance Cargill was consulting for Lewis Moore, one of the Republicans wanting to fill Lance’s vacated seat. In addition the article mentioned that Lance wanted to help a Democrat running for county commissioner. While Lance wouldn’t confirm he was running the campaign for John Echols, the candidate trying to unseat Representative Mike Reynolds, as well as the re-election effort for Representative Doug Cox (RINO - Grove), the Oklahoman confirmed that information from Echols as well as Representative Cox.
I thought I would never say this, but when Lance decided to run the campaign for the most liberal Republican in the House, this year’s winner of the RINO (Republican In Name Only) award, and then approach a Democrat, I must consider him a political prostitute, whoring himself for money.


– TULSA BEACON RECOGNIZES OCPAC WORK - MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE What a pleasant surprise to get my weekly TULSA BEACON Newspaper last week and see a front page article featuring those lawmakers OCPAC chose as outstanding for this legislative session as well as those winning the dubious RINO (Republican In Name Only) awards. It was a great article and certainly mentioned the efforts of OCPAC. I subscribe to 5 newspapers and two of them I wouldn’t do without. The Tulsa Beacon which is a weekly and the Oklahoma Constitution which is a quarterly. Every conservative in the state ought to be subscribing to one or both of these 2 newspapers. For more information log on to http://www.blogger.com/www.tulsabeacon.com and http://www.blogger.com/www.oklahomaconstitution.com. If you will hurry on the Constitution and get your $10 dollars paid you can get the next issue, due out sometime next week, which will have this year’s Conservative index in it. The Beacon is $30 a year for those living in Tulsa County and $35 for those outside the county. For 52 issues, it is worth every penny of the cost.
Since last week’s e-mail went out we received $500 in contributions and 6 more members. We are very close to obtaining $2,000 which will be matched dollar for dollar by a very generous donor. If you have not joined as yet, please consider doing so now. It looks like we will again go over $30,000 to contribute to various candidates. I believe we are seeing some very good candidates, some of whom will win and work to make more conservative policy for the state of Oklahoma. To join OCPAC, see the instructions following my sign off.

I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.


Charlie Meadows
charliemeadows@peoplepc.com

No comments: