Commentary

A few years ago, France decided to ban the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, in its public schools. This set off a wave of protests by the country’s Muslim population. In recent years, religion has once again become a point of public disagreement and, at times, conflict in Europe.  At the time this decision about […]

One part of the solution to Oklahoma’s budget dilemma is simple: The state government should raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest income earners. Obviously, this won’t happen for a variety of political reasons. But the fact income tax hikes or surcharges on the wealthy aren’t a major part of the state budget debate is fiscally […]

My son looked at me with a furrowed brow as we heard the news on the radio that, once again, “Nick’s Law” was killed in committee. He asked, “When conservatives say they don’t like mandates, why is it we have to wear seatbelts and you are required to carry auto insurance?” I didn’t have an […]

Oklahomans who cared about maintaining science standards in schools paid close attention to a bill introduced by state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, which would have allowed teachers to discuss with their students the strengths and weaknesses of evolution, global warming and human cloning. Called the “Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act,” Senate Bill 320 appeared […]

At Channel 5 in the 1980s, I interviewed Roger Dale Stafford, one of Oklahoma’s most notorious serial killers. Like almost everyone on death row, Roger proclaimed his innocence until his execution. Years later, I was asked about the death sentence and my response was that people like Roger could go to heaven or go to […]

In a speech to a John Birch Society-sponsored event reported Feb. 4, 2009, in Oklahoma Gazette, state Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, pronounced that she had discovered the “gay agenda.” There is a long-standing joke in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community ” anytime someone mentions the “gay agenda” someone will say, “Have […]

Here we go again. The powers that be in Oklahoma County have determined the taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill of a new detention center, to the tune of millions of dollars. I can hear the reasons: The jail is overcrowded, the federal government is going to take over the jail, or, […]

The decline of the giant shopping mall is in full swing. There are 1,100 shopping malls in the US, and they are not doing so well. Crossroads Mall, which is now without a single anchor store, will soon confront the challenge of other aging malls: How to make money when stores and people don’t want […]

As part of Oklahoma Gazette’s 30th anniversary year celebration during 2009, commentaries will occasionally reflect on our newspaper and publishing company. This commentary is about our independence. We’re proud of it. We proclaim it each week on the front page of the Gazette, “Metro OKC’s Independent Weekly.” To maintain the trust, confidence and support of […]