All rational people should agree that the war on drugs declared by former President Richard Nixon 40 years ago has been an epic failure that needlessly has filled our prisons with nonviolent inmates and cost taxpayers enormously. The numbers are staggering: Media reports show the United States spent $15.5 billion in 2010 on drug control […]
Commentary
Posted inNews
HP: More than a stodgy computer
And you may be unaware that HP stands for “historic preservation” and refers to OKC historic districts such as Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, Edgemere Park, Crown Heights, Putnam Heights and Shepherd. Designed and built in the early 20th century, these neighborhoods are charming, but living there comes with certain responsibilities. Namely, one must maintain the […]
Posted inNews
Down on Quigley
Quigley decries at great length Barresi’s lack of experience as a classroom teacher, saying that she therefore treats teachers with disrespect. He concludes with the assertion that “education in Oklahoma will continue to fail until administrators such as Barresi start respecting, talking to and consulting with the teachers.” This is very odd. Quigley’s analysis implies […]
Posted inNews
A fan’s guide to Twitter
But players shouldn’t be the only ones held accountable for what they tweet. As high-profile Twitter transgressions continue to pop up in our collective timeline, an important question should resurface like a Charlie Sheen-inspired hashtag: What role do fans play in the space student-athletes occupy online? Conventional wisdom, Bob Stoops and a decent attorney might […]
Posted inNews
Point: For legislative authority
In this month that we celebrate our nation’s independence, it is time that we take stock. America’s promise always has been the ability of every citizen (and those who would become so) to pursue their God-given potential to the maximum extent possible. To that end, and as a foundational element of not only the Republican […]
Posted inNews
Counterpoint: GOP undermines funding
In an ideal world, tuition-free, public college education, well-funded by the government, would be the best way to create a more educated, informed citizenry. College-educated people lead healthier lives and make this country and state more prosperous through innovation and creativity. Investing in higher education is paramount for any state that wants to thrive by […]
Posted inNews
Overcoming Momentum’s legacy
Federal law shielded disclosure of contributor names. Many became alarmed about secret committees influencing election outcomes, including this writer. This organization’s basic tactic was fear — fear that a candidate was too liberal, too conservative or not conservative or liberal enough. The bitter election is over, but Momentum’s legacy finds a present home in some […]
Posted inNews
A place for people
James Howard Kunstler, the author and urban critic famous for his diatribes against America’s “sprawling” cities, suggested the way people use cities is changing. According to Kunstler, “The 20th century was about getting around. The 21st century will be about staying in a place worth staying in.” With an abundance of roads and surface parking, […]
Posted inNews
Point: This is not a culture war
I’m a former Eagle Scout, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and a Vietnam veteran. I’ve attended church regularly for over 60 years. I married my high school sweetheart. Together, the two of us raised three wonderful children who share our same values. Our eldest son is gay, and he married another man. We wouldn’t […]
Posted inNews
Counterpoint: Soul concern
That ruling overthrew all state sodomy laws. In his dissension, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote, “The court has taken sides in the culture war.” The court’s decision was a huge victory for the LGBT movement across the nation and in Oklahoma. It was seen as a validation of the homosexual equalrights movement that started back in […]