Commentary

As gasoline prices plunge to near record lows, only a few months after reaching record highs above $4 a gallon, an unintended casualty regrettably may be the nascent enthusiasm for alternative and renewable energy. “This time,” we thought last summer, “we finally will do something about all those petro-dollars being exported to mostly unfriendly foreign […]

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 […]

Perhaps more Oklahomans want their government conducted in the open than the politicians realized. Voters on Nov. 4 elected 13 of the 25 candidates for statewide, legislative or county offices who had pledged to support the public’s right to know at every opportunity. Among those elected are five metro-area members of the state House and […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]