Commentary

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 […]

No one would argue that homelessness is a problem, but can the problem be resolved? Jesus said, “the poor you will have with you always,” so there is the theological argument the problem will never cease to exist completely. But how many of us in Oklahoma City are willing to take the leap of faith […]

What if the Oklahoma City area becomes even more politically and culturally conservative in the next few years? According to a story in the Tulsa World, population trends show Oklahoma’s fastest-growing political districts are now either controlled by Republicans or trending towards the GOP. These districts include Oklahoma City’s suburban areas. If the trends hold, […]

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s the motto for Norman officials and residents who want a new and bigger public library. Last May, a $49.5 million bond issue for a new facility was defeated in municipal elections by a mere 280 votes. Just five months later, library supporters have unveiled a […]

As America and the world struggle with an economy sliding toward recession, the threat of an awakening Russian bear and an expanding list of economic competitors, it’s important for Oklahoma to have a strong bench of leaders to represent our interests. In years past, Oklahoma had people of enormous stature on Wall Street such as […]

Oklahoma City, and many other regional communities recently opened our doors to victims of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We are all proud of the continued, reliable, gracious generosity of our citizens, professionals and churches. These civic “servants” leave home and career responsibilities over and over again to serve those less fortunate who have endured vicious […]

More than anything else, governing is about setting priorities. Oklahoma Republicans got it right in the past few years when we started pushing the state government to “Fund Education First.” We recognize that the long-term health of our state ” socially, economically, culturally ” is dependent on a well-educated citizenry. Further, we recognize that in […]

I never thought I would agree with Tom Coburn or Jim Inhofe on anything, but this is a bailout, not a rescue. It should come as no surprise that the same crowd that rushed us to war over nonexistent weapons of mass destruction would now be saying, “Trust us, $700 billion is all we need […]