Modern abiogenesis hypotheses are much more complex. Regardless, evolution itself has nothing to say on the subject of abiogenesis. It is, to put it simply, the gradual change of organisms over time, not the theory of how those organ isms came to being. Creationists like yourself would understand these important distinctions if their willful ignorance […]
legislature
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The gap
Rotunda of the state Capitol Credit: Shannon Cornman Despite rising income inequality in the U.S. — a growing gap spotlighted by last year’s presidential campaign and the Occupy Wall Street movement — some Oklahoma leaders have wanted to make the state’s already-regressive tax code even more so. Although the top 5 percent of the state’s […]
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Counterpoint: Don’t pull that trigger
Sen. David Holt, who sponsored such legislation for Oklahoma, said he was partly inspired by Won’t Back Down. But whatever the film’s merits as entertainment, its rosy portrait of parent triggers mask major problems with the idea. Under his proposal, if a school is given a D or an F on the state’s A-F rating […]
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Point: Triggering better schools
The bill only applies to schools that have received from the state Education Department a D or an F for the last two years or a D or an F for two of the last three years, provided the most recent grade was a D or an F. In those schools — where everything else […]
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How appealing
Credit: Brad Gregg “We have an obligation to protect our citizens and to make sure a life-altering abortion is held to the highest medical standards,” Pruitt said in a written statement. The lead plaintiff in challenging the ultrasound law, Nova Health Systems, was represented by the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights. “This last-ditch effort […]
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Lottery limbo
Rollo Redburn Credit: Mark Hancock Politicians and industry officials guessed that figure could be upwards of $150 million per year, depending on how likely Oklahomans were to buy tickets. But no one really knew, and if you asked for a wager, they would say, “Wait until it’s started.” As it turns out, the lottery has […]
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Correction needed for correctional officers
If you answered yes to all of these application questions, you may qualify to become a correctional officer for the state of Oklahoma. For your valuable service, the state will pay you $11.83 an hour to start, less than most of your local convenience store clerks and less than any other state corrections officer in […]
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Losing bet
Credit: Shannon Cornman Twelve certified gambling treatment programs in the state receive that money from the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The amount was set when casino gambling in Oklahoma began in 2004. While such treatment programs receive additional funds from anonymous donors and grants from some American Indian tribes that […]
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Whole lotta crazy going on
How about this simple analogy: Republicans, with super majorities in the House and Senate, are like children who suddenly find themselves in a free candy store. They’re gorging. “Will it eventually make them sick?” ask hopeful progressives. Democrats call it a whole lot of crazy going on. “Excuse us,” argue Republicans. “Aren’t we simply fulfilling […]
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Agenda agitation
Credit: Brad Gregg To many, Agenda 21 is a voluntary U.N. resolution meant to foster sustainable communities. To others — including some state legislators — it is a covert means to steal our McMansions, confiscate our guns and force us all into cramped urban apartments and onto mass transit. The measure, authored by Rep. Sally […]