++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
++ I WAS WRONG
++ STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH COMMISSIONER DOAK
++ SCORE CARD FOR THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION
++ SHOCK AT THE OUTCOME OF THE EARSLAND TRIAL
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
Our 12 noon luncheon for Wednesday, June 1st will be held at
Italiano’s restaurant, 4801 North Lincoln in OKC. Our speaker this
week will be newly elected Labor Commissioner, Mark Costello. The
previous commissioner was imbalanced in his approach as he favored
organized labor. Commissioner Costello has worked to reduce the
regulatory costs to do business in Oklahoma, as well as meet the needs
of working Oklahomans. We look forward to hearing about changes to the
office since the election.
My apologies for failing to get last week’s e-mail out. After
returning a week ago Sunday from an 11 day trip to Oregon for a family
reunion, I quickly wrote a short e-mail, added a few names to our list
then forgot to send the e-mail out before I began to sort through the
5 to 6 hundred new e-mails gathered in my in-box while I was away. Our
crowd was down to about 75 last week and I owe our speaker Jonathan
Small of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) along with
those who may have come if they had known of our program an apology.
Jonathan is another of those bright young home school students. He is
a CPA, has worked for the state office of management and budget, and
is today responsible for OCPA policy regarding Oklahoma’s budget
issues. Jonathan was very informative last week. He basically said
things were improved under Republican control of government, but
things could be improved a great deal more from where they are now.
++ I WAS WRONG
I received quite a few responses regarding my position toward
legislation to create a health insurance exchange. The session ended
without creating any kind of a health insurance exchange which
surprised me as I was convinced we were going to get some kind of
legislation passed in this regard. That is where I was wrong. Having
been convinced to the contrary, I gladly endorsed the senate
alternative which rejected the 54 million in federal dollars and left
it up to the private sector or the state to create an alternative.
Some folks were mad that we would have to spend state tax dollars
rather than the federal monies. However, sources told me, the
intention was to spend whatever was necessary from the tobacco
settlement fund. That is money extorted from tobacco companies and by
law the earnings must be spent toward tobacco cessation or health care
issues. I am not sure those funds would meet the requirements to set
up a health care insurance exchange?
Other folks were mad that the federal tax dollars we paid to
Washington would not come back to Oklahoma, but go to some other
state. In reality, none of that 54 million coming from the feds were
tax dollars sent to Washington. All of what we send to Washington is
already spoken for, the 54 million would be borrowed or newly printed
money, which becomes what we call deficit spending.
In talking with several senators, I was assured they were not going to
take the federal dollars and the senate alternative had certain
safeguards and a sunset clause. I was told that what was trying to be
accomplished through the alternative was to create something that
would satisfy the feds and hopefully buy some time to allow for the
lawsuits to stop Obamacare or hopefully have an election outcome next
year that would allow for the dismantling of the horrific legislation.
However, in talking with Representative Key and the folks with OK-
SAFE, they remained opposed, saying the rejection of the $54 million
was not the most important issue, but rather the creation of any kind
of an exchange would be crucial to the implementation of Obamacare.
Therefore, I reproduced Representative Key’s letter to the editor (it
was published in the Oklahoman a couple of days later) and suggested
to OCPAC readers, if they wanted this stopped, they were going to have
to contact their lawmakers and tell them no to this legislation.
Much to my surprise, nothing was done. Leadership has called for
hearings to take place before next year’s session with Senator
Stanislawski and Representative Mulready, both from the Tulsa area,
responsible for conducting that effort. I particularily like the
statement in this regard from Senator Stanislawski, when he said
everything is on the table, including totally rejecting the creation
of an exchange. I will try to keep folks posted in regard to the times
and locations for these hearings.
++ STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH COMMISSIONER DOAK
Following the outbreak of tornados last Tuesday, Commissioner John
Doak was quoted in the paper as saying incentives were needed to
encourage people to build safe rooms or underground storm shelters.
One of the incentives suggested would be tax credits.
Sorry commissioner Doak, but that is not a proper function of
government to take money from one taxpayer against their will and give
it to their neighbor for that neighbors benefit, I don’t care how good
the purpose might be. The situation I just described would refer to
the neighbor who didn’t pay taxes at all or a tax amount that was less
than the tax credit. If the tax credit was less than the tax
obligation of the neighbor, that would mean he got some of his tax
dollars back to use for his benefit and left it up to the rest of the
tax payers to fund government.
Besides such a redistribution scheme being morally wrong, it is not
needed. According to an interview with several people in the business,
the phones are ringing off the wall with people wanting some kind of a
storm shelter. That is called the free market working and no
government intervention is needed. I have had two of my customers ask
for referrals as it has now become a higher priority for their family.
I can’t tell you how many people I know who take cruises, have
swimming pools or experience many of life’s luxuries and don’t have a
storm shelter, it just isn’t a priority with them.
In reality, they will probably go through life never needing one, but
in the event that occasion should occur, they can trust their fate to
the collectivist efforts like going to a school with hundreds of
others and their smelly pets. Another very reasonable response,
employed by many last Tuesday, was to get in their car and drive two
or three miles in a right angle to the storm’s path and wait for it to
go by.
My wife and I built a home about 7 years ago and spent an extra $4,000
for a safe room. We made that choice and didn’t need any kind of
government incentives. Had they have been available, and they were
shortly after we built, we still would not have applied as it is
morally wrong to take from or neighbors or be allowed to spend our tax
obligation upon ourselves and let our neighbors fund the proper
functions of government.
++ SCORE CARD FOR THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION
There were many good pieces of legislation passed this year and a lot
of bad legislation that didn’t get passed. If the Democrats held the
governor’s office or one or both of the bodies in the legislature, I
would grade this year’s performance with a B+ or perhaps an A-.
However, the legislature and governor’s office are all in the hands of
the Republicans and as such I must give this year’s session a D+ or
perhaps a C-, based upon how much more could have been done with such
a strong majority.
If conservatives were in a majority and not just Republicans, we could
have reduced the size of government a great deal more, cut taxes, got
worker comp reform done rather than lawyer comp reform, passed better
legislation regarding labor unions, better legislation regarding
retirement fund reforms, illegal alien legislation, better second
amendment legislation, and on and on. Just remember, when Republicans
are in control and they aren’t true conservatives, they simply nibble
around the edges, they aren’t game changers.
Meanwhile, in Kansas with a conservative governor, they eliminated
government funding for government owned TV, the arts council and
embarked on an 8 year plan to eliminate their income tax. If they are
successful, I wonder what our tax will be in 8 years with Texas to our
South and Kansas to our North, neither with and income tax?
++ SHOCK AT THE OUTCOME OF THE EARSLAND TRIAL
Many seemed to be shocked and outraged at the guilty verdict of murder
in the first degree for Jerome Earsland, the pharmacist who shot and
killed a robber. I was also shocked, but not at the outcome. Based on
the evidence of the robber being unconscious but still alive 45
seconds after he was first shot, a fair minded jury could have handed
down no other verdict than guilty after Earsland walked up to the
unconscious robber and shot him 5 more times when he was obviously no
longer a threat.
I was shocked that a fair minded jury could be found, a jury that
would look at the facts and make a judgment according to the law. A
jury that would not be swayed by their emotions, but base their
verdict on a rational examination of the evidence. I say that because
before the trial and after, talk radio has been aflame with EMOTIONAL
opinions by people who didn’t care about the law or the evidence. They
didn’t think a man going about his business until a couple of thugs
walked in to commit a robbery should deserve punishment for defending
himself.
With that I agree, but unfortunately Earsland went beyond defending
himself and decided to become a judge, jury and executioner. If in the
initial shooting he had pumped 15 shots into the robber that would
have been fine, but you don’t shoot him then come back later and shoot
him again, when he is on the floor, on his back, and unconscious with
his hands open and his palms up.
Earsland further complicated his problems when he fabricated one lie
after another. Had he confessed that he was just so angry that he came
back and shot him 5 more times to make sure he was dead, I might go
for some degree of leniency in his punishment. However, I believe he
knew the law and knew he had done wrong and immediately began to
fabricate his story to cover up for what he had done. Therefore, I
won’t be signing any kind of petition for leniency, though others can
if they chose. Justice was done in this case, much to my surprise.
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
As May comes to a close, we now have 202 dues paying members for this
year. That is just 15 short of our record for a non election year. If
you have not joined as yet, please consider doing so. We are scheduled
to vote for the top ten issues for this year’s conservative index on
June 22nd. Then a week or two after that vote we will select this
year’s outstanding lawmakers as well as vote for this year’s winner of
the RINO award in both the Senate and House.
To be eligible to vote you must be a dues paying member 2 weeks prior
to any vote and you must be present at our meeting. As of the end of
April, we had raised just under $15,000 for the year. Besides
supporting good candidates for the legislature, as soon as the
conservative scores are out, we will determine which of the RINO house
and senate members we will target. Once that is determined, we will
begin an education campaign to Republican voters in their districts.
Remember, we don’t need more Republicans in the legislature. We
already have super majorities in both houses. What we need are better
quality Republicans and that has always been our objective. To join
please fill out the information below and send it in with your check.
I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.
Charlie Meadows
Charliemeadows7@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
WATCH AND ACT AS SESSION NEARS AN END
++ WELCOME TO NEW READERS
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
++ ANNOUNCEMENT
++ RACE HUSTLERS WIN, PLAYED SPEAKER STEELE LIKE A DRUM
++ WATCH AND ACT AS SESSION NEARS AN END
++ WELCOME TO NEW READERS
I want to welcome all the new readers who signed up to receive our
weekly e-mails. It was great getting to meet many new folks at the
State Republican Convention this past Saturday, and have so many sign
up to receive our weekly e-mails.
Just a few facts about OCPAC. From 1991 until 1997 a group of men and
eventually women were meeting every Wednesday for lunch in what
became a debating society. Since debating societies have a lot of fun,
but accomplish little to nothing, we formed a political action
committee (PAC) a little over 13 years ago. At that time we had as our
goal to elect more conservatives to the state legislature.
Since that time we have raised nearly $144,000 to contribute to 92
candidates, with 51 of them being elected to office. With the
exception of just a few of those which have been elected to office,
the majority have turned out to be the most conservative elected
officials in the state. We do our best through our survey and
interview process to ferret out the liberal Republicans (RINOs) from
the real conservatives.
Though we have met at a variety of restaurants over the years, we have
only missed meeting one Wednesday in our 20 year history. We are
currently meeting every Wednesday at Italiano’s restaurant, 4801 North
Lincoln in OKC. The restaurant is exact ally 2 miles North of the
state capitol. You are invited to attend our meetings as your schedule
permits.
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
Our 12 noon luncheon for Wednesday May 11th will be held at Italiano’s
restaurant, 4801 North Lincoln in OKC. Our speaker this week will be
our newly elected Attorney General, Scott Pruitt. I expect General
Pruitt’s term in office will show several very different perspectives
on the law than his Democrat predecessor. Following his talk, there
will be time for questions and answers. Don’t miss this meeting.
++ ANNOUNCEMENT
* TUESDAY EVENING - ADA AREA - The Ada-Seminole tea party
organization will have their monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the
Pontotoc Technology Center in the Industrial Arts Classroom, 601 West
33rd in Ada. The first speaker will be Miki Booth, talking about the
many obstructions and cover-ups thrown at researchers trying to find
the truth regarding President Obama’s place of birth. Miki and her
family used to live in Hawaii before moving to Oklahoma. The second
speaker will be Amanda Teegarden, with Oklahomans for Sovereignty and
Free Enterprise (OK-SAFE). Amanda will be educating those attending at
to what really goes on at the State Capitol and how to successfully
communicate with your personal lawmakers.
++ RACE HUSTLERS WIN, PLAYED SPEAKER STEELE LIKE A DRUM
Last week I wrote a fairly extensive section regarding the Sally Kern
dust up and the race baiting pimps who were attacking her. As usual,
the race baiters chased many other Republicans into the closet of fear
and silence, as they were terrified of being labeled a racist.
This past Monday, Representative Sally Kern stood in the well at the
Capitol and expressed a sincere apology as well as asking forgiveness
for what she perceived as some kind of wrongful choice of words during
her previous floor debate.
Now for the inside scoop, based on some of my sources. Three
Democrats, Jabar Shumate, “race baiter” Mike Shelton and freshman
lawmaker from the liberal reaches of Norman, Emily Virgin all had a
meeting in Speaker Steel’s office. Sources indicate Steele made the
following deal with the Democrats. Shelton would move to reprimand
Representative Kern. Steele was to pressure Kern to immediately ask
for a unanimous consent to the motion, the gavel would drop and it
would all be in the past.
Evidently Steele hasn’t learned that when you lie down with dogs, you
are likely to get fleas. Once the motion was made and Kern called for
unanimous consent, a Democrat objected, before the gavel dropped. Then
there was a call for a recorded vote, with the result that Kern was
thrown under the bus by Steele and Steele was double crossed by the
devil, excuse me, I mean the Democrats. Now with a recorded vote,
future Democrat candidates will have a couple of issues they can twist
so that in future races they can defeat the 13 Republicans who voted
against the reprimand.
Just another day in the political warfare at the Capitol. Hopefully,
Steele will finally learn not to make deals with the devil if you
don’t have to do so. I don’t necessarily blame Republicans who voted
for the reprimand as Kern asked them to do so. I am especially pleased
with the lawmakers who voted against the reprimand and hopefully
Representative Kern will learn to ask forgiveness when she actually
does something wrong, which wasn’t the case this time.
I want to thank the Oklahoman for printing the following 2 letters to
the editor which were in defense of Kern who is often the object of
hate and scorn from some of the most intellectually dishonest and
unreasonable folks in Oklahoma. Saturday, May 7th Your Views:
“The other Sally
I disagree with most of Sally Kern’s viewpoints. As an abortion
rights, pro-immigration Republican and a member of the Unitarian
Church, I have 180-degree-different views. However, I know something
most people don’t know about Kern. About 10 years ago, as I purchased
and remodeled homes on NW 10, I became acquainted with the compassion
and commitment the Kerns have made to this community and specifically
to those who need help the most. Every day, year after year, I’ve seen
the Kerns spend their lives helping people of every color-mostly women-
start over.
I don’t agree with the Kerns on most of their beliefs, but if I were
starting a new community, they are among the first people I would
invite. Sally’s expression of her observations in such an unfortunate,
generalizing manner, and the equally generalizing manner, and the
equally generalizing reactionary demonizing of her, illustrate the
difficulty we have in discussing how to live up to our nation’s
promise of equal opportunity for all and reciprocal responsibility of
all.
I’d like to see reasoned debate about how to live up to our ideals and
promises, a debate that doesn’t degenerate into an unproductive,
holier-than-thou yelling match. Perhaps we should try to accept people
for what they really contribute. When will we realize that others
don’t have to believe exactly as we do to be valued and respected and
to make this world better?
Jack L. Werner, Oklahoma City”
“HER ONLY SIN
In response to E. Anne Hall (Your Views, May 2): Millions of white
male Americans have been victimized by racial and gender quotas for
more than 40 years. State Rep. Sally Kern told the truth about
affirmative action. If I lived in Kern’s district, I’d vote to keep
her in public office. I’m a Republican who isn’t ashamed of Kern but
rather proud of her for taking unpopular stands against America’s
corrupt culture.
Since Hall said she can’t tolerate people of Kern’s ‘ilk,’ I suppose
she means other Republicans in the Legislature since Senate Joint
Resolution 15 passed along party lines. Hall should join the
Democratic Party since it speaks for her and the Republican Party does
not. Kern’s only sin was to anger the racial and gender equality gods
of the politically correct equality masses.
Robert Godwin, Jones”
++ WATCH & ACT AS SESSION NEARS AN END
As we near the end of the session, citizens must be on the alert
toward last minute shenanigans from members of the legislature and the
Governor’s office. A week ago Wednesday a Senator came to our OCPAC
meeting with information that a member of the Governor’s staff along
with several other players were planning on a meeting in Tulsa to
discuss implementation of the alternative “Health Insurance Private
Enterprise Network”. That is the Senate alternative to the Obama Care
“Health Exchange” which was to be provided for by a $54 million dollar
early innovator grant from the bankrupt federal government.
The Senator was frustrated as the meeting was actually intended to
plan the implementation of the “Obama Care” program and thus violate
the good faith bargaining that had occurred between the Governor’s
office, and legislative leaders. As soon as our meeting was over we
began contacting some of the concerned activists in the Tulsa area. A
short time later, I received a call from the Senator to inform me that
the meeting had been canceled.
Now please pay close attention. A few weeks ago I came out in support
of the Senate alternative which would reject the federal dollars and
create and Oklahoma plan which had a possible sunset provision which
would be reviewed no later than the last week in May of 2014. Let me
make it clear, I would rather create NO plan of ANY KIND this session,
but I supported the Senate alternative because I don’t believe the
Governor has the courage or will to stand up against the federal
government. Nor do I sense a will among legislative leaders to simply
pass legislation to “opt out” of any kind of health insurance
exchange. That is why I supported the alternative.
However, our friends at Oklahomans for Sovereignty and Free Enterprise
www.ok-safe.org indicate that rejecting the federal dollars aren’t
nearly as important as the plan itself. It is their belief that any
kind of health insurance exchange or network is still the vital cog in
the wheel for Obama Care. Please check out their web site listed above
for their perspective on this subject.
In addition, Representative Charles Key (R-OKC) has submitted the
following column to the Oklahoman for publication. I will publish it
here:
“ObamaCare: Alive and Well in Oklahoma?
The overwhelming passage of SQ 756 this past November, left Oklahomans
thinking that our state opted out of Obamacare. Unfortunately, that
would be wrong. Likewise, most Oklahomans probably think passage of SQ
756 sent a strong message to state officials that they opposed
Obamacare and wanted no part of it. Unfortunately, that would also be
wrong.
A cornerstone of Obamacare is the mandate directing all states
establish a “health exchange” (HE). (Creative names for HE’s such as
HUBS or Enterprise are being used to make them more palatable.)
Without the establishment of HE’s Obamacare cannot be implemented.
Legislative leaders and the Governor have been pushing to establish a
HE and accept a $54 million federal grant. Recently, because of public
pressure and opposition by some conservative legislators, the Governor
reversed herself on the acceptance of the $54 million grant. Rejecting
the federal money is good, but the worst part of the proposal, the HE,
is still being pushed by the Governor and legislative leaders.
I believe this is the most important issue we face this year and
possibly in a generation for three reasons. First, it establishes the
cornerstone of Obamacare that makes it possible to move to a single
payer system controlled by Washington. Second, it will fundamentally
change our political system allowing the federal government total
control over all health care. Thirdly, it further changes what we
think the federal government’s legal role and authority is over us as
individuals and states and indoctrinates a new generation to believe
that the federal government is the final authority in all things.
I have been asked many times why the Governor and legislative leaders
are pushing for complying with this mandate. They claim we must
implement an HE or Washington will force it’s version on us. But this
doesn’t make sense because we are creating the HE because of their
mandate. Furthermore, Obamacare gives the federal government full
authority to change anything a state establishes so there are no
guarantees states can control the final outcome. Another reason given
by the Governor and legislators is that “we need to have a seat at the
table.” This accomplishes little to nothing when Washington controls
the agenda and we effectively accede to that control. Also, they say
this is the best we can do while lawsuits run their course.
But, once this system is in place, it will be practically impossible
to undo the hundreds of new agencies and layers of bureaucracy. Milton
Friedman once said, ’nothing is so permanent as a temporary government
program.’
Finally, it’s implied that the free market isn’t working and that the
insurance industry hasn’t provided HE’s for consumers. The truth is
the industry already does provide excellent options for consumers. Go
online and you’ll find any insurance coverage you desire or just look
in the yellow pages. Health care continually goes up primarily,
because of government mandates and excessive regulation. Obamacare is
a violation of Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and we should
use our constitutional authority to prohibit it from being implemented
in Oklahoma.
State Representative Charles Key” (Key is Chairman of the House
Insurance Committee.)
Bottom line. While I am still thrilled that the Governor and
legislative leaders chose not to accept the $54 million federal grant.
I NOW believe the alternative must also be stopped. The only way that
will happen is a massive outpouring from the public to their personal
lawmakers. The majority of delegates at the Republican State
Convention this past Saturday made it clear they want nothing done to
create an exchange or network. Republican lawmakers should have heard
them loud and clear. But that message must be reinforced by the
public. Contact your personal State Senator and Representative as well
as Governor Fallin and tell them to grow a backbone and say NO to any
kind of a health care exchange or network. Just say NO!
I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.
Charlie Meadows
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
++ ANNOUNCEMENT
++ RACE HUSTLERS WIN, PLAYED SPEAKER STEELE LIKE A DRUM
++ WATCH AND ACT AS SESSION NEARS AN END
++ WELCOME TO NEW READERS
I want to welcome all the new readers who signed up to receive our
weekly e-mails. It was great getting to meet many new folks at the
State Republican Convention this past Saturday, and have so many sign
up to receive our weekly e-mails.
Just a few facts about OCPAC. From 1991 until 1997 a group of men and
eventually women were meeting every Wednesday for lunch in what
became a debating society. Since debating societies have a lot of fun,
but accomplish little to nothing, we formed a political action
committee (PAC) a little over 13 years ago. At that time we had as our
goal to elect more conservatives to the state legislature.
Since that time we have raised nearly $144,000 to contribute to 92
candidates, with 51 of them being elected to office. With the
exception of just a few of those which have been elected to office,
the majority have turned out to be the most conservative elected
officials in the state. We do our best through our survey and
interview process to ferret out the liberal Republicans (RINOs) from
the real conservatives.
Though we have met at a variety of restaurants over the years, we have
only missed meeting one Wednesday in our 20 year history. We are
currently meeting every Wednesday at Italiano’s restaurant, 4801 North
Lincoln in OKC. The restaurant is exact ally 2 miles North of the
state capitol. You are invited to attend our meetings as your schedule
permits.
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
Our 12 noon luncheon for Wednesday May 11th will be held at Italiano’s
restaurant, 4801 North Lincoln in OKC. Our speaker this week will be
our newly elected Attorney General, Scott Pruitt. I expect General
Pruitt’s term in office will show several very different perspectives
on the law than his Democrat predecessor. Following his talk, there
will be time for questions and answers. Don’t miss this meeting.
++ ANNOUNCEMENT
* TUESDAY EVENING - ADA AREA - The Ada-Seminole tea party
organization will have their monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the
Pontotoc Technology Center in the Industrial Arts Classroom, 601 West
33rd in Ada. The first speaker will be Miki Booth, talking about the
many obstructions and cover-ups thrown at researchers trying to find
the truth regarding President Obama’s place of birth. Miki and her
family used to live in Hawaii before moving to Oklahoma. The second
speaker will be Amanda Teegarden, with Oklahomans for Sovereignty and
Free Enterprise (OK-SAFE). Amanda will be educating those attending at
to what really goes on at the State Capitol and how to successfully
communicate with your personal lawmakers.
++ RACE HUSTLERS WIN, PLAYED SPEAKER STEELE LIKE A DRUM
Last week I wrote a fairly extensive section regarding the Sally Kern
dust up and the race baiting pimps who were attacking her. As usual,
the race baiters chased many other Republicans into the closet of fear
and silence, as they were terrified of being labeled a racist.
This past Monday, Representative Sally Kern stood in the well at the
Capitol and expressed a sincere apology as well as asking forgiveness
for what she perceived as some kind of wrongful choice of words during
her previous floor debate.
Now for the inside scoop, based on some of my sources. Three
Democrats, Jabar Shumate, “race baiter” Mike Shelton and freshman
lawmaker from the liberal reaches of Norman, Emily Virgin all had a
meeting in Speaker Steel’s office. Sources indicate Steele made the
following deal with the Democrats. Shelton would move to reprimand
Representative Kern. Steele was to pressure Kern to immediately ask
for a unanimous consent to the motion, the gavel would drop and it
would all be in the past.
Evidently Steele hasn’t learned that when you lie down with dogs, you
are likely to get fleas. Once the motion was made and Kern called for
unanimous consent, a Democrat objected, before the gavel dropped. Then
there was a call for a recorded vote, with the result that Kern was
thrown under the bus by Steele and Steele was double crossed by the
devil, excuse me, I mean the Democrats. Now with a recorded vote,
future Democrat candidates will have a couple of issues they can twist
so that in future races they can defeat the 13 Republicans who voted
against the reprimand.
Just another day in the political warfare at the Capitol. Hopefully,
Steele will finally learn not to make deals with the devil if you
don’t have to do so. I don’t necessarily blame Republicans who voted
for the reprimand as Kern asked them to do so. I am especially pleased
with the lawmakers who voted against the reprimand and hopefully
Representative Kern will learn to ask forgiveness when she actually
does something wrong, which wasn’t the case this time.
I want to thank the Oklahoman for printing the following 2 letters to
the editor which were in defense of Kern who is often the object of
hate and scorn from some of the most intellectually dishonest and
unreasonable folks in Oklahoma. Saturday, May 7th Your Views:
“The other Sally
I disagree with most of Sally Kern’s viewpoints. As an abortion
rights, pro-immigration Republican and a member of the Unitarian
Church, I have 180-degree-different views. However, I know something
most people don’t know about Kern. About 10 years ago, as I purchased
and remodeled homes on NW 10, I became acquainted with the compassion
and commitment the Kerns have made to this community and specifically
to those who need help the most. Every day, year after year, I’ve seen
the Kerns spend their lives helping people of every color-mostly women-
start over.
I don’t agree with the Kerns on most of their beliefs, but if I were
starting a new community, they are among the first people I would
invite. Sally’s expression of her observations in such an unfortunate,
generalizing manner, and the equally generalizing manner, and the
equally generalizing reactionary demonizing of her, illustrate the
difficulty we have in discussing how to live up to our nation’s
promise of equal opportunity for all and reciprocal responsibility of
all.
I’d like to see reasoned debate about how to live up to our ideals and
promises, a debate that doesn’t degenerate into an unproductive,
holier-than-thou yelling match. Perhaps we should try to accept people
for what they really contribute. When will we realize that others
don’t have to believe exactly as we do to be valued and respected and
to make this world better?
Jack L. Werner, Oklahoma City”
“HER ONLY SIN
In response to E. Anne Hall (Your Views, May 2): Millions of white
male Americans have been victimized by racial and gender quotas for
more than 40 years. State Rep. Sally Kern told the truth about
affirmative action. If I lived in Kern’s district, I’d vote to keep
her in public office. I’m a Republican who isn’t ashamed of Kern but
rather proud of her for taking unpopular stands against America’s
corrupt culture.
Since Hall said she can’t tolerate people of Kern’s ‘ilk,’ I suppose
she means other Republicans in the Legislature since Senate Joint
Resolution 15 passed along party lines. Hall should join the
Democratic Party since it speaks for her and the Republican Party does
not. Kern’s only sin was to anger the racial and gender equality gods
of the politically correct equality masses.
Robert Godwin, Jones”
++ WATCH & ACT AS SESSION NEARS AN END
As we near the end of the session, citizens must be on the alert
toward last minute shenanigans from members of the legislature and the
Governor’s office. A week ago Wednesday a Senator came to our OCPAC
meeting with information that a member of the Governor’s staff along
with several other players were planning on a meeting in Tulsa to
discuss implementation of the alternative “Health Insurance Private
Enterprise Network”. That is the Senate alternative to the Obama Care
“Health Exchange” which was to be provided for by a $54 million dollar
early innovator grant from the bankrupt federal government.
The Senator was frustrated as the meeting was actually intended to
plan the implementation of the “Obama Care” program and thus violate
the good faith bargaining that had occurred between the Governor’s
office, and legislative leaders. As soon as our meeting was over we
began contacting some of the concerned activists in the Tulsa area. A
short time later, I received a call from the Senator to inform me that
the meeting had been canceled.
Now please pay close attention. A few weeks ago I came out in support
of the Senate alternative which would reject the federal dollars and
create and Oklahoma plan which had a possible sunset provision which
would be reviewed no later than the last week in May of 2014. Let me
make it clear, I would rather create NO plan of ANY KIND this session,
but I supported the Senate alternative because I don’t believe the
Governor has the courage or will to stand up against the federal
government. Nor do I sense a will among legislative leaders to simply
pass legislation to “opt out” of any kind of health insurance
exchange. That is why I supported the alternative.
However, our friends at Oklahomans for Sovereignty and Free Enterprise
www.ok-safe.org indicate that rejecting the federal dollars aren’t
nearly as important as the plan itself. It is their belief that any
kind of health insurance exchange or network is still the vital cog in
the wheel for Obama Care. Please check out their web site listed above
for their perspective on this subject.
In addition, Representative Charles Key (R-OKC) has submitted the
following column to the Oklahoman for publication. I will publish it
here:
“ObamaCare: Alive and Well in Oklahoma?
The overwhelming passage of SQ 756 this past November, left Oklahomans
thinking that our state opted out of Obamacare. Unfortunately, that
would be wrong. Likewise, most Oklahomans probably think passage of SQ
756 sent a strong message to state officials that they opposed
Obamacare and wanted no part of it. Unfortunately, that would also be
wrong.
A cornerstone of Obamacare is the mandate directing all states
establish a “health exchange” (HE). (Creative names for HE’s such as
HUBS or Enterprise are being used to make them more palatable.)
Without the establishment of HE’s Obamacare cannot be implemented.
Legislative leaders and the Governor have been pushing to establish a
HE and accept a $54 million federal grant. Recently, because of public
pressure and opposition by some conservative legislators, the Governor
reversed herself on the acceptance of the $54 million grant. Rejecting
the federal money is good, but the worst part of the proposal, the HE,
is still being pushed by the Governor and legislative leaders.
I believe this is the most important issue we face this year and
possibly in a generation for three reasons. First, it establishes the
cornerstone of Obamacare that makes it possible to move to a single
payer system controlled by Washington. Second, it will fundamentally
change our political system allowing the federal government total
control over all health care. Thirdly, it further changes what we
think the federal government’s legal role and authority is over us as
individuals and states and indoctrinates a new generation to believe
that the federal government is the final authority in all things.
I have been asked many times why the Governor and legislative leaders
are pushing for complying with this mandate. They claim we must
implement an HE or Washington will force it’s version on us. But this
doesn’t make sense because we are creating the HE because of their
mandate. Furthermore, Obamacare gives the federal government full
authority to change anything a state establishes so there are no
guarantees states can control the final outcome. Another reason given
by the Governor and legislators is that “we need to have a seat at the
table.” This accomplishes little to nothing when Washington controls
the agenda and we effectively accede to that control. Also, they say
this is the best we can do while lawsuits run their course.
But, once this system is in place, it will be practically impossible
to undo the hundreds of new agencies and layers of bureaucracy. Milton
Friedman once said, ’nothing is so permanent as a temporary government
program.’
Finally, it’s implied that the free market isn’t working and that the
insurance industry hasn’t provided HE’s for consumers. The truth is
the industry already does provide excellent options for consumers. Go
online and you’ll find any insurance coverage you desire or just look
in the yellow pages. Health care continually goes up primarily,
because of government mandates and excessive regulation. Obamacare is
a violation of Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and we should
use our constitutional authority to prohibit it from being implemented
in Oklahoma.
State Representative Charles Key” (Key is Chairman of the House
Insurance Committee.)
Bottom line. While I am still thrilled that the Governor and
legislative leaders chose not to accept the $54 million federal grant.
I NOW believe the alternative must also be stopped. The only way that
will happen is a massive outpouring from the public to their personal
lawmakers. The majority of delegates at the Republican State
Convention this past Saturday made it clear they want nothing done to
create an exchange or network. Republican lawmakers should have heard
them loud and clear. But that message must be reinforced by the
public. Contact your personal State Senator and Representative as well
as Governor Fallin and tell them to grow a backbone and say NO to any
kind of a health care exchange or network. Just say NO!
I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.
Charlie Meadows
Monday, May 2, 2011
CONGRATS ON KILLING OSAMA BIN LAUDIN & MY ONLY DISAGREEMENT WITH REP SALLY KERN
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
++ ATTEND THE STATE CONVENTION
++ MY ONLY DISAGREEMENT WITH REP SALLY KERN
++ CONGRATS ON KILLING OSAMA BIN LAUDIN
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
Our 12 noon luncheon for Wednesday, May 4th will be held at Italiano’s
restaurant, 4801 North Lincoln in OKC. The first part of our program
will feature Ms. Miki Booth. Miki and her husband moved to Oklahoma
from Hawaii not too many years ago. Her husband and son were both born
in the same hospital as was President Obama, that is assuming he was
actually born in that hospital. If President Obama was actually born
in that hospital, his birth would be sandwiched in between the birth
of her husband and son.
With Donald Trump fueling the fires of speculations about the
President’s birth place and a book on the subject by New York Times
best selling author, Dr. Jerome Corsi, due to come out this month I
had planned on having Miki come and give her reasons for believing
President Obama was not telling the truth about his place of birth and
as such his CONSTITUTIONAL credentials to hold the office of President
might be in question.
Well, President Obama released his “long form” birth certificate this
past week and that should put all speculation to rest wouldn’t you
say? Hold on there, not so fast, Miki may make the case this Wednesday
that his “so called” long form has a problem. It may have to do with
problems relating to the name of the hospital on his long form and the
name of the hospital before and after a merger, which occurred after
Obama’s supposed birth in the hospital. Miki has spoken all over the
nation on this issue and will have copies of all these certificates to
make her case.
The second part of our program will feature a tribute to Mark Shannon,
former KTOK afternoon radio talk show host who passed away about a
year ago. Representatives of the OKC Tea Party called me a couple of
weeks ago to see about doing something in Mark’s name for his honor
and remembrance. After some discussion it was determined we would have
3 or 4 folks say a few words about Mark at our meeting and then take
up a collection for a memorial in his name.
The decision was made to collect money to move along the progress of
installing the Ten Commandments Monument on the North side of the
State Capitol. Legislation was passed in 2009 to erect a Ten
Commandments monument at the Capitol. In that legislation was a
prohibition for any tax dollars to be spent on the monument or on the
costs for its erection and display.
State Representative Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) was the House author
of the legislation and as such his family agreed to pay the estimated
cost of $10,000 for the monument itself. It has been crafted and is
now in storage, waiting for the funds to erect the base, lighting and
a sidewalk extension to the monument. An architect volunteered to
drawn up the plans for these additional items and those plans have
been approved by the Capitol Preservation Commission. The estimated
cost for materials and labor is $13,000.
A contractor in the Northeastern part of the state volunteered to
perform the labor, but perhaps it might be easier and we could get the
project done quicker if a local contractor might volunteer to do the
job. The contractor will have to comply with safety requirements and a
pre-construction meeting will be necessary with the construction and
properties division at the capitol before actual construction may
begin.
It has been suggested that the money we might raise could be used for
the stone pavers or perhaps a stone or masonry bench donated in Mark’s
name so people might sit and reflect upon the historical significance
of the Ten Commandments monument. The bench idea would have to go back
to the Preservation Commission for an amended plan approval.
I don’t want people to feel pressured to contribute, but any size
contribution will be sincerely appreciated. Please make a check out to
he OKC Tea Party with the name Mark Shannon on the memo line of the
check. You can bring the contribution, cash or check, to our meeting
or mail it in. If you want to mail it, please send it to the OKC TEA
PARTY, P.O. Box 94851, Oklahoma City, Ok 73143.
Perhaps Mark’s last outdoor event was broadcasting on the North side
of the capitol during one of the tea party gatherings. It would be
most fitting to honor his patriotism with a memorial in his name and
the added plus would be to expedite the erection of the Ten
Commandments monument at the same time.
++ ATTEND THE STATE CONVENTION
If you were not able to attend precinct meetings or your county
convention, you may still be able to become a delegate to the state
convention which will be held this coming Saturday, May 7th. I talked
with Matt Jackson (Oklahoma County Chairman) last Saturday and he said
to contact him right away. His phone number is (405) 650-6674. Tulsa
County Chair is J.B. Alexander and his number is (918) 810-9149.
Contact information for Logan County Chairman Rick Moore is
Richard.moore@kofc.org. All county chairmen have the authority to
allow you to become a delegate. Call now to attend to make a
difference in the direction of the party.
++ MY ONLY DISAGREEMENT WITH REP SALLY KERN
This past Wednesday evening, State Representative Sally Kern walked
into a buzz saw. It was like a lamb taking a stroll through a valley
only to be set upon by hordes of ravenousness and vicious wolves.
Up for consideration was legislation to allow Oklahoma voters to
decide next year to amend our State Constitution to prohibit the
practice of affirmative action. Liberals were strongly opposed to the
measure as they objected by using irrelevant statistics such as high
incarceration rates among black Oklahomans and lower wages for working
women.
Representative Kern rose to debate on behalf of the measure. I have
obtained a transcript of her debate and would say she could have done
a better job of expressing her arguments. I will also say there have
been countless times after speaking to a group or simply with
individuals that upon reflection, I wish something I had said could
have been phrased differently, most human beings would say the same
thing if they are honest.
There were two main points of contention. In her effort to tear down
the myth that women are somehow discriminated against in pay compared
to men she inadvertently said: “You see women usually don’t want to
work as hard as a man…”. If you have seen or heard that on any news
broadcast and that is all you heard on the subject, that news outlet
is dishonest and is trying to drum up sensationalism, because in just
the next few words, Sally corrected her wording on the floor and went
on.
What Kern was trying to say was that a study by Dr. Warren Farrell
showed that when all variables were taken into account, women actually
make more than men for the same work performance. What are those
variables? Things like full time versus part time, hours worked,
experience, work hazards willingness to commute long distances and
etc. The point Sally was trying to make on working hard is that once
women start having children, they are more likely to interrupt a
career to stay home with the children or work part time to spend as
much time as possible dividing duties between work and being the
homemaker. Men tend to be more willing to focus on career advancement
and make certain sacrifices on the home front. Kern was not degrading
women or suggesting they don’t work as hard as men. Anyone who
understands how much work it takes to be a successful homemaker is
wise and to do that as well as work outside the home is very hard
work.
The other point of contention and the one that caused the race baiting
wolves to descend upon Sally was her honest attempt to tear down the
myth that black people have high incarceration rates, simply because
of the color of their skin. Sally dared to suggest that perhaps it had
more to do with character, personal initiative, drive, hard work and a
willingness to pay the price. She suggested these problems show up
early in school with an unwillingness to work hard and learn. Drawing
upon her 20 year career as a teacher, Sally said the following: “I
taught school for 20 years and I saw a lot of people of color who
didn’t want to work as hard, they wanted it given to them. Matter of
fact I had one student that said, ’I don’t need to study, you know
why? The government’s gonna take care of me.’”
That little bit of TRUTH that Sally spoke caused the race hustling
pimps in Oklahoma to descend upon her like my suggested wolves upon a
lamb scenario. As a result of the pressure, Sally issued an apology
which is my only point of contention with what was done. She took care
of the misspoken words about women not wanting to work hard
immediately in her floor debate. However, the next day she issued an
apology to those she offended which is where I differ with her. I
think it would have been fine to issue a clarification, but not an
apology.
I know Sally well and she doesn’t have a racist bone in her body.
Let’s be honest folks. Anytime we speak of race or groupings of
peoples in any regard, we are talking about anomalies, trends or
averages which give certain groupings a reputation for certain
characteristics. Intellectually honest people will always know there
will be exceptions to the trends and examples. So when we talk about
groupings of people, we are NEVER talking about everyone in that
grouping. We may not even be talking about the majority of people in a
grouping. However, we talk about a grouping because there is a large
enough anomaly to distinguish a difference or reputation.
For example, if accurate statistics were to suggest that only 10% of
white people live in poverty while 30% of black people live in
poverty, that is a notable difference. If statistics show that 70% of
black children live in a single parent home while only 30% of white
children are in single parent homes, that is also notable. If
statistics show Asian children outperform all other racial groupings
in school, that is a notable difference. I could go on and on with
such examples, we see them all the time. The problems begin to
manifest when we try to come up with the reasons for the differences.
Let me suggest, that there are way too many black folks who would
rather blame others for many of the problems black people in America
face rather than take much, if any personal responsibility for those
problems. When I say “way too many” I am not saying all, I may not
even be saying a majority, but I am saying way too many.
The moment I, as a white person, say such a thing I might immediately
be descended upon and labeled as a racist and bigot by race hustling
pimps like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and locals like Representative
Mike Shelton or perhaps leaders of local NAACP groups.
You see, according to my friend the Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, a
black minister, white people aren’t supposed to be part of the
dialogue regarding racial issues. It is to be a one way conversation.
Race hustling black leaders empower themselves and become famous and
or wealthy by telling black folks their problems are a result of the
“evil whitey suppressing them.” These black leaders hold themselves
out to black folks as saviors and leaders to stop white people from
holding black folks back. As they spew their hatred and venom it
builds horrible attitudes into the minds and hearts of black people
who buy into their poison. Those attitudes become the most destructive
force in their personal lives.
I wrote an article in the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper in 2001 in
which I suggested back in that day that few white people tolerate
racism. Most white people don’t want to hear racist jokes and people
who refer to black people as “niggers” (shock and horrors, I used the
dreaded word) are disrespected and shunned. However, I suggested that
racism was alive and well in that day as it still is today, and that
it would mostly be found in the black community.
Most white people today want there to be closure to the hurts and
sadness of racism which occurred in our past history. Most white
people want the best for black Americans. I personally look forward to
the reality and substance of the dream as espoused by Martin Luther
King Jr. when he said he looked forward to a day when men could be
judged by the content of their character rather than the color of
their skin.
To get to that point in time, black people must realize that
opportunities exist and most white people want black people to succeed
and prosper, as long as they do so on their own initiative and by
working hard. I for one am opposed to trying to make that happen
through favoritisms created by court decisions or through laws. Thus
my opposition to affirmative action laws.
What has occurred in the past, is in the past. To continue to dwell on
the past, other than for historical references, is harmful to black
people in the present. They must seize their opportunities through
hard work and upon their own merits. Life is not easy and there is
certainly competition for opportunities, so black people must press on
and not get discouraged when they encounter difficulties.
To help accomplish the desired successes, I would suggest fleeing from
the poison of anyone who teaches black people to blame others for
their problems. Abandon the race hustlers like Jackson, Sharpton and
Representative Mike Shelton. Build relationships with people who will
encourage you, abandon black churches if the preacher teaches you to
blame others.
The church President Obama selected to attend for Easter Sunday is
pastored by what I believe to be a race hustling black pastor. One
who, on Resurrection Sunday, preached a sermon describing today’s
modern day Jim Crow types as one who didn’t need to wear white sheets,
but rather they came dressed in pinstripe suits and were under the
cover of talk radio and Fox News. If black people feed off of that
type of venom, they are being poisoned. Their hearts will be filled
with hate and their attitudes we be corrupted.
Unfortunately, Speaker Steele threw Sally under the bus when he stated
publicly that he disagreed with Sally and was glad to know that she
was producing an apology. Hey Kris, just what exactly did Sally say on
the floor in which you disagree that she didn’t correct during her
debate? Why don’t you man up and spell it out for us in detail so we
can determine if you are part of the problem or part of the solution?
I was also disappointed in State Chairman Matt Pinnell when he said:
“The GOP strongly disagreed with Rep. Kern’s comments, and we are
pleased that she quickly apologized for them.”
I haven’t talked with Matt, but I wonder if he has even read the
transcript of what she said?
The Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson would likely describe Pinnell’s
statement as a knee jerk reaction just before he runs and hides in the
closet of cowardice and silence in hopes that he won’t have the racist
label thrown at him or at the Republican party of which he is a
spokesman.
I believe Matt has done a good job so far as Chairman, but he needs to
understand his statement will not dissuade the race hustlers from
throwing the racist label at the Republican party, they do it all the
time, no matter how many apologies and no matter how many statements
to the contrary.
We all must learn to recognize racism when it truly exists and condemn
it, but on the other hand, never throw someone under the bus when they
have been accused by the race hustlers and they have done nothing to
deserve such an accusation. We must all start calling these race
hustling pimps out and expose them for what they are. Only then do we
have a chance for the healing to occur and allow people of all races
to get along and live together in harmony and peace.
++ CONGRATS ON KILLING OSAMA BIN LADEN
News broke Sunday evening that elite U.S. fighting forces had dropped
into Pakistan at a compound in which Osama Bin Laden was holed up. He
was shot and killed and his body was whisked away, back to Afghanistan
for undeniable DNA evidence that the body was who it was supposed to
be.
It has been almost 10 years that he has been wanted dead or alive.
Congratulations to those brave forces who carried out the mission. In
addition, President Obama deserves praise for having the courage to
order this high risk mission, once intelligence had confirmed the
target and a strategy was developed to perform the task. Good job Mr.
President, I rarely agree with anything you do or stand fo.
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
As April came to an end, our dues paying membership now stands at 193,
just 24 shy of tying our record non-election year membership of 217
dues paying members during the year 2009. It is truly a blessing to
have gained the respect of people to contribute to this organization
without me having to spend countless hours trying to raise funds or
paying a large commission to have it done professionally. Your
willingness to support OCPAC allows us to make a conservative
difference in this state without having to burn up valuable resources
in time and money having to try and raise money. Thanks again. One of
my real rewards in serving in this organization is getting to know so
many fine people, true patriots. Please consider joining. Instructions
on how to join are just a few lines below.
I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.
Charlie Meadows
Charliemeadows7@gmil.com
++ ATTEND THE STATE CONVENTION
++ MY ONLY DISAGREEMENT WITH REP SALLY KERN
++ CONGRATS ON KILLING OSAMA BIN LAUDIN
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
++ AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S MEETING
Our 12 noon luncheon for Wednesday, May 4th will be held at Italiano’s
restaurant, 4801 North Lincoln in OKC. The first part of our program
will feature Ms. Miki Booth. Miki and her husband moved to Oklahoma
from Hawaii not too many years ago. Her husband and son were both born
in the same hospital as was President Obama, that is assuming he was
actually born in that hospital. If President Obama was actually born
in that hospital, his birth would be sandwiched in between the birth
of her husband and son.
With Donald Trump fueling the fires of speculations about the
President’s birth place and a book on the subject by New York Times
best selling author, Dr. Jerome Corsi, due to come out this month I
had planned on having Miki come and give her reasons for believing
President Obama was not telling the truth about his place of birth and
as such his CONSTITUTIONAL credentials to hold the office of President
might be in question.
Well, President Obama released his “long form” birth certificate this
past week and that should put all speculation to rest wouldn’t you
say? Hold on there, not so fast, Miki may make the case this Wednesday
that his “so called” long form has a problem. It may have to do with
problems relating to the name of the hospital on his long form and the
name of the hospital before and after a merger, which occurred after
Obama’s supposed birth in the hospital. Miki has spoken all over the
nation on this issue and will have copies of all these certificates to
make her case.
The second part of our program will feature a tribute to Mark Shannon,
former KTOK afternoon radio talk show host who passed away about a
year ago. Representatives of the OKC Tea Party called me a couple of
weeks ago to see about doing something in Mark’s name for his honor
and remembrance. After some discussion it was determined we would have
3 or 4 folks say a few words about Mark at our meeting and then take
up a collection for a memorial in his name.
The decision was made to collect money to move along the progress of
installing the Ten Commandments Monument on the North side of the
State Capitol. Legislation was passed in 2009 to erect a Ten
Commandments monument at the Capitol. In that legislation was a
prohibition for any tax dollars to be spent on the monument or on the
costs for its erection and display.
State Representative Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) was the House author
of the legislation and as such his family agreed to pay the estimated
cost of $10,000 for the monument itself. It has been crafted and is
now in storage, waiting for the funds to erect the base, lighting and
a sidewalk extension to the monument. An architect volunteered to
drawn up the plans for these additional items and those plans have
been approved by the Capitol Preservation Commission. The estimated
cost for materials and labor is $13,000.
A contractor in the Northeastern part of the state volunteered to
perform the labor, but perhaps it might be easier and we could get the
project done quicker if a local contractor might volunteer to do the
job. The contractor will have to comply with safety requirements and a
pre-construction meeting will be necessary with the construction and
properties division at the capitol before actual construction may
begin.
It has been suggested that the money we might raise could be used for
the stone pavers or perhaps a stone or masonry bench donated in Mark’s
name so people might sit and reflect upon the historical significance
of the Ten Commandments monument. The bench idea would have to go back
to the Preservation Commission for an amended plan approval.
I don’t want people to feel pressured to contribute, but any size
contribution will be sincerely appreciated. Please make a check out to
he OKC Tea Party with the name Mark Shannon on the memo line of the
check. You can bring the contribution, cash or check, to our meeting
or mail it in. If you want to mail it, please send it to the OKC TEA
PARTY, P.O. Box 94851, Oklahoma City, Ok 73143.
Perhaps Mark’s last outdoor event was broadcasting on the North side
of the capitol during one of the tea party gatherings. It would be
most fitting to honor his patriotism with a memorial in his name and
the added plus would be to expedite the erection of the Ten
Commandments monument at the same time.
++ ATTEND THE STATE CONVENTION
If you were not able to attend precinct meetings or your county
convention, you may still be able to become a delegate to the state
convention which will be held this coming Saturday, May 7th. I talked
with Matt Jackson (Oklahoma County Chairman) last Saturday and he said
to contact him right away. His phone number is (405) 650-6674. Tulsa
County Chair is J.B. Alexander and his number is (918) 810-9149.
Contact information for Logan County Chairman Rick Moore is
Richard.moore@kofc.org. All county chairmen have the authority to
allow you to become a delegate. Call now to attend to make a
difference in the direction of the party.
++ MY ONLY DISAGREEMENT WITH REP SALLY KERN
This past Wednesday evening, State Representative Sally Kern walked
into a buzz saw. It was like a lamb taking a stroll through a valley
only to be set upon by hordes of ravenousness and vicious wolves.
Up for consideration was legislation to allow Oklahoma voters to
decide next year to amend our State Constitution to prohibit the
practice of affirmative action. Liberals were strongly opposed to the
measure as they objected by using irrelevant statistics such as high
incarceration rates among black Oklahomans and lower wages for working
women.
Representative Kern rose to debate on behalf of the measure. I have
obtained a transcript of her debate and would say she could have done
a better job of expressing her arguments. I will also say there have
been countless times after speaking to a group or simply with
individuals that upon reflection, I wish something I had said could
have been phrased differently, most human beings would say the same
thing if they are honest.
There were two main points of contention. In her effort to tear down
the myth that women are somehow discriminated against in pay compared
to men she inadvertently said: “You see women usually don’t want to
work as hard as a man…”. If you have seen or heard that on any news
broadcast and that is all you heard on the subject, that news outlet
is dishonest and is trying to drum up sensationalism, because in just
the next few words, Sally corrected her wording on the floor and went
on.
What Kern was trying to say was that a study by Dr. Warren Farrell
showed that when all variables were taken into account, women actually
make more than men for the same work performance. What are those
variables? Things like full time versus part time, hours worked,
experience, work hazards willingness to commute long distances and
etc. The point Sally was trying to make on working hard is that once
women start having children, they are more likely to interrupt a
career to stay home with the children or work part time to spend as
much time as possible dividing duties between work and being the
homemaker. Men tend to be more willing to focus on career advancement
and make certain sacrifices on the home front. Kern was not degrading
women or suggesting they don’t work as hard as men. Anyone who
understands how much work it takes to be a successful homemaker is
wise and to do that as well as work outside the home is very hard
work.
The other point of contention and the one that caused the race baiting
wolves to descend upon Sally was her honest attempt to tear down the
myth that black people have high incarceration rates, simply because
of the color of their skin. Sally dared to suggest that perhaps it had
more to do with character, personal initiative, drive, hard work and a
willingness to pay the price. She suggested these problems show up
early in school with an unwillingness to work hard and learn. Drawing
upon her 20 year career as a teacher, Sally said the following: “I
taught school for 20 years and I saw a lot of people of color who
didn’t want to work as hard, they wanted it given to them. Matter of
fact I had one student that said, ’I don’t need to study, you know
why? The government’s gonna take care of me.’”
That little bit of TRUTH that Sally spoke caused the race hustling
pimps in Oklahoma to descend upon her like my suggested wolves upon a
lamb scenario. As a result of the pressure, Sally issued an apology
which is my only point of contention with what was done. She took care
of the misspoken words about women not wanting to work hard
immediately in her floor debate. However, the next day she issued an
apology to those she offended which is where I differ with her. I
think it would have been fine to issue a clarification, but not an
apology.
I know Sally well and she doesn’t have a racist bone in her body.
Let’s be honest folks. Anytime we speak of race or groupings of
peoples in any regard, we are talking about anomalies, trends or
averages which give certain groupings a reputation for certain
characteristics. Intellectually honest people will always know there
will be exceptions to the trends and examples. So when we talk about
groupings of people, we are NEVER talking about everyone in that
grouping. We may not even be talking about the majority of people in a
grouping. However, we talk about a grouping because there is a large
enough anomaly to distinguish a difference or reputation.
For example, if accurate statistics were to suggest that only 10% of
white people live in poverty while 30% of black people live in
poverty, that is a notable difference. If statistics show that 70% of
black children live in a single parent home while only 30% of white
children are in single parent homes, that is also notable. If
statistics show Asian children outperform all other racial groupings
in school, that is a notable difference. I could go on and on with
such examples, we see them all the time. The problems begin to
manifest when we try to come up with the reasons for the differences.
Let me suggest, that there are way too many black folks who would
rather blame others for many of the problems black people in America
face rather than take much, if any personal responsibility for those
problems. When I say “way too many” I am not saying all, I may not
even be saying a majority, but I am saying way too many.
The moment I, as a white person, say such a thing I might immediately
be descended upon and labeled as a racist and bigot by race hustling
pimps like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and locals like Representative
Mike Shelton or perhaps leaders of local NAACP groups.
You see, according to my friend the Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, a
black minister, white people aren’t supposed to be part of the
dialogue regarding racial issues. It is to be a one way conversation.
Race hustling black leaders empower themselves and become famous and
or wealthy by telling black folks their problems are a result of the
“evil whitey suppressing them.” These black leaders hold themselves
out to black folks as saviors and leaders to stop white people from
holding black folks back. As they spew their hatred and venom it
builds horrible attitudes into the minds and hearts of black people
who buy into their poison. Those attitudes become the most destructive
force in their personal lives.
I wrote an article in the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper in 2001 in
which I suggested back in that day that few white people tolerate
racism. Most white people don’t want to hear racist jokes and people
who refer to black people as “niggers” (shock and horrors, I used the
dreaded word) are disrespected and shunned. However, I suggested that
racism was alive and well in that day as it still is today, and that
it would mostly be found in the black community.
Most white people today want there to be closure to the hurts and
sadness of racism which occurred in our past history. Most white
people want the best for black Americans. I personally look forward to
the reality and substance of the dream as espoused by Martin Luther
King Jr. when he said he looked forward to a day when men could be
judged by the content of their character rather than the color of
their skin.
To get to that point in time, black people must realize that
opportunities exist and most white people want black people to succeed
and prosper, as long as they do so on their own initiative and by
working hard. I for one am opposed to trying to make that happen
through favoritisms created by court decisions or through laws. Thus
my opposition to affirmative action laws.
What has occurred in the past, is in the past. To continue to dwell on
the past, other than for historical references, is harmful to black
people in the present. They must seize their opportunities through
hard work and upon their own merits. Life is not easy and there is
certainly competition for opportunities, so black people must press on
and not get discouraged when they encounter difficulties.
To help accomplish the desired successes, I would suggest fleeing from
the poison of anyone who teaches black people to blame others for
their problems. Abandon the race hustlers like Jackson, Sharpton and
Representative Mike Shelton. Build relationships with people who will
encourage you, abandon black churches if the preacher teaches you to
blame others.
The church President Obama selected to attend for Easter Sunday is
pastored by what I believe to be a race hustling black pastor. One
who, on Resurrection Sunday, preached a sermon describing today’s
modern day Jim Crow types as one who didn’t need to wear white sheets,
but rather they came dressed in pinstripe suits and were under the
cover of talk radio and Fox News. If black people feed off of that
type of venom, they are being poisoned. Their hearts will be filled
with hate and their attitudes we be corrupted.
Unfortunately, Speaker Steele threw Sally under the bus when he stated
publicly that he disagreed with Sally and was glad to know that she
was producing an apology. Hey Kris, just what exactly did Sally say on
the floor in which you disagree that she didn’t correct during her
debate? Why don’t you man up and spell it out for us in detail so we
can determine if you are part of the problem or part of the solution?
I was also disappointed in State Chairman Matt Pinnell when he said:
“The GOP strongly disagreed with Rep. Kern’s comments, and we are
pleased that she quickly apologized for them.”
I haven’t talked with Matt, but I wonder if he has even read the
transcript of what she said?
The Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson would likely describe Pinnell’s
statement as a knee jerk reaction just before he runs and hides in the
closet of cowardice and silence in hopes that he won’t have the racist
label thrown at him or at the Republican party of which he is a
spokesman.
I believe Matt has done a good job so far as Chairman, but he needs to
understand his statement will not dissuade the race hustlers from
throwing the racist label at the Republican party, they do it all the
time, no matter how many apologies and no matter how many statements
to the contrary.
We all must learn to recognize racism when it truly exists and condemn
it, but on the other hand, never throw someone under the bus when they
have been accused by the race hustlers and they have done nothing to
deserve such an accusation. We must all start calling these race
hustling pimps out and expose them for what they are. Only then do we
have a chance for the healing to occur and allow people of all races
to get along and live together in harmony and peace.
++ CONGRATS ON KILLING OSAMA BIN LADEN
News broke Sunday evening that elite U.S. fighting forces had dropped
into Pakistan at a compound in which Osama Bin Laden was holed up. He
was shot and killed and his body was whisked away, back to Afghanistan
for undeniable DNA evidence that the body was who it was supposed to
be.
It has been almost 10 years that he has been wanted dead or alive.
Congratulations to those brave forces who carried out the mission. In
addition, President Obama deserves praise for having the courage to
order this high risk mission, once intelligence had confirmed the
target and a strategy was developed to perform the task. Good job Mr.
President, I rarely agree with anything you do or stand fo.
++ OCPAC MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
As April came to an end, our dues paying membership now stands at 193,
just 24 shy of tying our record non-election year membership of 217
dues paying members during the year 2009. It is truly a blessing to
have gained the respect of people to contribute to this organization
without me having to spend countless hours trying to raise funds or
paying a large commission to have it done professionally. Your
willingness to support OCPAC allows us to make a conservative
difference in this state without having to burn up valuable resources
in time and money having to try and raise money. Thanks again. One of
my real rewards in serving in this organization is getting to know so
many fine people, true patriots. Please consider joining. Instructions
on how to join are just a few lines below.
I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday.
Charlie Meadows
Charliemeadows7@gmil.com
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