opinion

Norman cleanly broke free of the long-term domination of local politics by developers to elect a “smart-growth” mayor, Cindy Simon Rosenthal, over local developer Trey Bates.   Why did the race turn out the way it did? The campaign pitted a strong grassroots-plus-mail effort by the smart-growth candidate (university, core-redevelopment type) against the top-down, targeted […]

In case there is anyone out there who hasn’t heard yet, filmmaker James Cameron, who gave us such believable movies as “Titanic,” has made a new documentary called “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.” In it, he claims that several “ossuaries” or limestone tombs unearthed by construction workers in Jerusalem in 1980 once contained the bones […]

America is a nation of immigrants. With the exception of American Indians, all of us are from somewhere else. Many would argue (including me, the grandson of four Italians) that America’s greatness comes from its diversity. Indeed, most who came here over the last 100 years came with little or nothing, and were poorly educated […]

This is the story of a 70-pound greyhound that has brought back the joy of living to an ancient, timid cat.   I’ve always had cats. Fourteen years ago, five cats were on hand to greet Tigger, the first dog to enter my life. Irish and Annie came later, followed by Ashley, the male stray […]

Sometimes I think America has a death wish. As the national nightmare of the Bush administration enters its final months, an amazing candidate steps forward with a constellation of traits rarely seen in a politician. His race is mixed, his education is classical, his powers of expression are superb, and he understands the role that […]

Who would have thought after all these grim years of death and destruction fighting religious extremism in the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans would be fighting the same war right here in Oklahoma?   There have been so many anti-abortion bills introduced in the state Legislature, along with a covenant marriage bill that at […]

Nearly two decades ago, President George H.W. Bush made the promise “no new taxes,” which gave every other politician cover to make the same promise. Then Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick didn’t follow; instead, he led with an innovative and visionary plan to rehabilitate downtown. Norick showed guts and real leadership in convincing Edward L. […]

The nation may have veered left in the recent elections, but Oklahoma made a turn right when it voted into office an equal number of Republican and Democratic state senators. Republicans now have the majority in the House, along with a legitimate claim they should share an equal number of committee chairmanships in the Senate. […]

You do not have look far these days to spot a political demonstration turned ugly. That is why it is so refreshing to find one focused on the very symbol of beauty. I refer to Rose Day, the day in which droves of Oklahoma citizens gather at the state Capitol to deliver roses to their […]

The holidays are now over, for better or worse. The presents all have been unwrapped, for those of you who partake in such traditions. The incomprehensible madness of visiting extended family has been accomplished or avoided once again. The leftovers have been tossed in the garbage. Your team has won or lost. The kids are […]