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 […]
politics
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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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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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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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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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Lucky 7
Ronald \”Skip\” Kelly Pettis and Kelly, the top two candidates to emerge from a crowded primary race early this month, will square off in Tuesday’s runoff election. Kelly received 31 percent of the primary vote while Pettis garnered 26 percent. The remaining votes were shared by five other candidates, four of whom have endorsed Pettis. […]
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Race to the finish
James Greiner Credit: Mark Hancock In fact, Marrs — seeking his third full term representing Ward 1 — won’t let his friends, family or other supporters forget about the election, either. “I had a number of people call and email me, assuming that I had it won and didn’t vote,” he said after the March […]
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Making schools safe
For many years, I’ve been concerned about this issue. I was privileged to work with 22 other Oklahomans appointed to the OCSS to analyze our current school security climate. The panel consisted of professionals from diverse fields such as local education, homeland security, mental health, local law enforcement, parents and operational planning. When tragedies strike, […]