Commentary

With the national economy in the tank, the residents of Central Oklahoma are experiencing cautious optimism. Noted Oklahoma State University economist Mark Snead has projected a relatively rosy outlook for 2009 for the state as a whole, with the Oklahoma City area leading Tulsa. Oklahomans are too practical to fall for the promise of an […]

One of the finest city councilmen ever to serve Oklahoma City died on Nov. 13. Mark Schwartz strived tirelessly from 1987 to 1998 to prepare our city for the 21st century. We are all rewarded by his efforts. As with any accomplished elected official, Mark’s work was both seen and unseen. Among his best-known efforts […]

Earth to disappointed Oklahoma Democrats: It’s all good. Put those recriminations away. No one person or event can be blamed for the poor showing of Democratic state candidates in the Nov. 4 election. Keep your hopes alive. State Democrats are poised to make gains in the general election two years from now. It’s not difficult […]

On Nov. 4, the Republican Party nationally didn’t fare very well, but Oklahoma Republicans had reason to celebrate. For the first time in state history, the GOP controls both chambers of the Legislature. Oklahoma voters gave House Republicans an additional four seats and control of the state Senate for the first time in state history. […]

Oklahoma has enjoyed a pretty good string of successes over the last few years. Economic growth, cultural enhancements, community improvements, educational gains and corporate developments have been favorable. Being named the most “recession-proof” city in America by Forbes magazine is no small feat. We’ll likely test that accolade as the recession settles in, but the […]

The world wept for joy; Oklahoma spat defiantly. The glory train of history pulled out of the station; Oklahoma waved goodbye and said “good riddance.” Dr. King’s dream came true; Oklahoma slumbered on, curled up on the hearth of racism and addicted to the mind-numbing power of the word “conservative.” Whatever the rest of the […]

I have several themes on my mind today that are pertinent to the season. What a thrill we have in Central Oklahoma with the successes of University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University football, the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a chill in the air signaling Thanksgiving and Christmas just ahead, and yesterday’s vote […]

One of my favorite motion pictures is “Gattaca,” an Andrew Niccol vehicle for Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. This dystopian vision of a genetically engineered future has as its central premise the concept of undeniable, verifiable identity. For good or for ill, science is catching up with “Gattaca.” Issues of science and identity […]

Oklahoma’s distinct populist identity served as a role model in the past when we led the way in the early Nineties by passing term limits for our state legislators. As is so often the case when a needed reform is implemented, a loophole was left open. Secondary statewide elected officials, from attorney general to state […]

If the definition of political leadership in Oklahoma means doing things the same old crude, shallow, sickening way, then James Inhofe should get the Nobel Prize for Pathetic. His television ads against opponent Andrew Rice should render him unfit to represent Oklahoma any longer, regardless of what he thinks of global warming. Just when the […]