Urban Tulsa sez Religion is Relevant
Urban Tulsa Weekly, the Oklahoma Gazette wannabe, has a cover story this week on "the Relevance of Religion" - timed to coincide with the opening of the movie the "Passion of the Christ". Unfortunately, the UT's reporter (Katharine Kelly) interviewed only Christian preachers to find out if religion is relevant. Predictably, they all thought religion was relevant. It would have been interesting to hear some diversity on the issue - there are Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, humanists and even real live atheists that might have opinions on the matter. But the UT might have had to reduce the amount of space given over to escort service ads to make room for these additional viewpoints.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Shurden Defeated on Right-to-Work Re-do
Senator Shurden of Henryetta had his bill calling for a revote on the Right-to-Work issue killed in committee this week. Shurden, an oddity even in the Oklahoma Legislature, wasn't happy with the passage of Right-to-Work in a statewide vote a couple of years ago so he thought we might like to spend a few million on a re-do vote. Fortunately, the Legislature didn't go along. The State Chamber pulled out the stops to kill Shurden's bill.
Shurden is still trying to get a similar re-do vote on the cockfighting ban Oklahomans also passed recently. Shurden just doesn't like the way we are voting when we get a chance.
Senator Shurden of Henryetta had his bill calling for a revote on the Right-to-Work issue killed in committee this week. Shurden, an oddity even in the Oklahoma Legislature, wasn't happy with the passage of Right-to-Work in a statewide vote a couple of years ago so he thought we might like to spend a few million on a re-do vote. Fortunately, the Legislature didn't go along. The State Chamber pulled out the stops to kill Shurden's bill.
Shurden is still trying to get a similar re-do vote on the cockfighting ban Oklahomans also passed recently. Shurden just doesn't like the way we are voting when we get a chance.
Cornett wins in OKC
Mick Cornett, a former sportscaster, won the election today for Oklahoma City mayor despite being outspent 3 to 1 by businessman Jim Tolbert. Tonight at 9 pm Tolbert conceeded. I must admit I did not pay much attention to this race but I wonder if Cornett's famous name in OKC was a factor in his win. Not only has he been in media in the city but his father, Jack Cornett, was a city councilman for a million years.
Mick Cornett, a former sportscaster, won the election today for Oklahoma City mayor despite being outspent 3 to 1 by businessman Jim Tolbert. Tonight at 9 pm Tolbert conceeded. I must admit I did not pay much attention to this race but I wonder if Cornett's famous name in OKC was a factor in his win. Not only has he been in media in the city but his father, Jack Cornett, was a city councilman for a million years.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Cheap Breakfasts and a Hon
There are many wonderful things about Oklahoma that deserve praise - the speed at which one can obtain a driver's license, cheap biscuits, and colorful Indian names for places on our maps are three that leap to mind - but none is more outstanding than the friendliness of the people.
When I entered Duffy's Diner at the crack of noon today for breakfast the waitresses received me as if the one thing that had kept them from happiness was the absence of me in their lives. I did not know them - I had not been to Duffy's in years - but the waitress with the sandy blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail called me "hon" and showed me to my very own plastic laminate table by the window. She did not say, 'So do you want coffee or what,' which I believe is the traditional greeting in New York eateries.
This is the kind of welcome you can expect to receive in a cafe in Oklahoma - even some of the chain restaurants. But the independents are my preference. These are places where the owners are workers also - like Duffy, the friendly Lebanese-Oklahoman that inquired after my well-being. And a hearty breakfast cost less than $5! Everytime I travel I look forward to returning to this place - Oklahoma.
There are many wonderful things about Oklahoma that deserve praise - the speed at which one can obtain a driver's license, cheap biscuits, and colorful Indian names for places on our maps are three that leap to mind - but none is more outstanding than the friendliness of the people.
When I entered Duffy's Diner at the crack of noon today for breakfast the waitresses received me as if the one thing that had kept them from happiness was the absence of me in their lives. I did not know them - I had not been to Duffy's in years - but the waitress with the sandy blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail called me "hon" and showed me to my very own plastic laminate table by the window. She did not say, 'So do you want coffee or what,' which I believe is the traditional greeting in New York eateries.
This is the kind of welcome you can expect to receive in a cafe in Oklahoma - even some of the chain restaurants. But the independents are my preference. These are places where the owners are workers also - like Duffy, the friendly Lebanese-Oklahoman that inquired after my well-being. And a hearty breakfast cost less than $5! Everytime I travel I look forward to returning to this place - Oklahoma.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
TechTV Down the Toilet
Even TechTV, the cable network that focuses on computers and new gadgets has succumbed to the need to titillate. I was skimming channels tonight when I zipped across TechTV on Cox Cable and caught sight of a woman's butt pointed provocatively into my living room. What's this? This is TechTV for pete's sake. As a series of butt shots of various women filled my screen I looked for the technology connection. Before I figured it out however the host of the show was showing me upclose photos of human feces in toilet bowls. No, I'm quite serious. The show is called "Unscrewed" and the sleazy host was featuring a website that invites people to "rate my poop". I turned off my TV and sent Tech TV an e-mail.
I don't have a problem with low-brow programming being available to those who specifically want it but I don't want it on the Superbowl halftime, in broadcast TV, or on channels devoted to music, technology, etc. In other words I want to be able to watch some channels without worrying that something inappropriate for my children suddenly pops up.
It also saddens me that networks have a need to be base in order to attract an audience.
Even TechTV, the cable network that focuses on computers and new gadgets has succumbed to the need to titillate. I was skimming channels tonight when I zipped across TechTV on Cox Cable and caught sight of a woman's butt pointed provocatively into my living room. What's this? This is TechTV for pete's sake. As a series of butt shots of various women filled my screen I looked for the technology connection. Before I figured it out however the host of the show was showing me upclose photos of human feces in toilet bowls. No, I'm quite serious. The show is called "Unscrewed" and the sleazy host was featuring a website that invites people to "rate my poop". I turned off my TV and sent Tech TV an e-mail.
I don't have a problem with low-brow programming being available to those who specifically want it but I don't want it on the Superbowl halftime, in broadcast TV, or on channels devoted to music, technology, etc. In other words I want to be able to watch some channels without worrying that something inappropriate for my children suddenly pops up.
It also saddens me that networks have a need to be base in order to attract an audience.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Not listening anymore.
At a time when local businesses and government officials decry the use of the Internet by consumers to bypass local merchants one would expect the small business owners to be putting extra effort into pleasing the customers who do walk in their door. This is not the reality in my own experience. I succumbed to these appeals to my local patriotism a couple of months ago and started buying locally some items I had started ordering on the Internet. My experience was not rewarding.
It had been at least three years since I bought Valentine roses locally. This year I had found what I wanted on the Internet and was about to click the pay button when a pang of guilt pulled me back. This year ,I told myself, I'd do my duty and order from the nearest florist. So two weeks before Valintines Day I walked into the nearest florist and told them I wanted a dozen mixed color roses - just like I'd seen on the Internet. "We can't do that," said the floroclerk. "You have to pick from this list," she said, as she shoved a flyer into my hands. I asked why I should buy from her shop when I could get what I wanted on the Internet. She was apologetic but explained that the absentee owners set the rules. I took the dozen standard red roses from the local florist this time but I vowed it would be the last time. It's back to the Internet.
A few days later I walked into a coin and card shop to buy some baseball cards for a nephew's upcoming birthday. I approached the counter with a list of his favorite players in hand - prepared to ask for the best, most expensive cards the owner had. For 3-4 minutes I stood there while he shot the breeze with an acquaintance - without acknowledging my presence just three feet away. No "I'll be right with you" or even a "why don't you stuff this card up your arse. mate?." I had spent hundreds of dollars in this shop before. I turned around and walked out of his shop for the last time. I got the cards on the Internet - with free overnight shipping.
I could offer other recent examples of the lack of service and foolish business practices of small businesses in Oklahoma but suffice it to say I'm not listening to any more pleas to keep my purchasing local - until local businesses start taking business, and their customers, seriously.
At a time when local businesses and government officials decry the use of the Internet by consumers to bypass local merchants one would expect the small business owners to be putting extra effort into pleasing the customers who do walk in their door. This is not the reality in my own experience. I succumbed to these appeals to my local patriotism a couple of months ago and started buying locally some items I had started ordering on the Internet. My experience was not rewarding.
It had been at least three years since I bought Valentine roses locally. This year I had found what I wanted on the Internet and was about to click the pay button when a pang of guilt pulled me back. This year ,I told myself, I'd do my duty and order from the nearest florist. So two weeks before Valintines Day I walked into the nearest florist and told them I wanted a dozen mixed color roses - just like I'd seen on the Internet. "We can't do that," said the floroclerk. "You have to pick from this list," she said, as she shoved a flyer into my hands. I asked why I should buy from her shop when I could get what I wanted on the Internet. She was apologetic but explained that the absentee owners set the rules. I took the dozen standard red roses from the local florist this time but I vowed it would be the last time. It's back to the Internet.
A few days later I walked into a coin and card shop to buy some baseball cards for a nephew's upcoming birthday. I approached the counter with a list of his favorite players in hand - prepared to ask for the best, most expensive cards the owner had. For 3-4 minutes I stood there while he shot the breeze with an acquaintance - without acknowledging my presence just three feet away. No "I'll be right with you" or even a "why don't you stuff this card up your arse. mate?." I had spent hundreds of dollars in this shop before. I turned around and walked out of his shop for the last time. I got the cards on the Internet - with free overnight shipping.
I could offer other recent examples of the lack of service and foolish business practices of small businesses in Oklahoma but suffice it to say I'm not listening to any more pleas to keep my purchasing local - until local businesses start taking business, and their customers, seriously.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Senator Jim Williamson and Gay Marriage
At Victory Christian Church in Tulsa this morning the pastor, Rev. Billy Joe Daugherty, gave the floor to State Senator Jim Williamson to ask the 1,000+ congregation to show up Tuesday at the State Capitol for an anti-gay marriage rally. Williamson explained that in reaction to the national debate over allowing gay marriage he had introduced a bill to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to specify that marriage be allowed only between a man and a woman. He went on to complain that his bill had been placed in a committee headed by a Democrat who had stated that "anyone against gay marriage was a bigot". Williamson further assured the Victory congregation that "all the Republicans he is in charge of had signed on as sponsors of the anti-gay marriage bill". He also asked for prayers for his family as they had "come under attack" as a result of his stand on the issue. Williamson said Senator Scott Pruitt was also a leader in the anti-gay marriage effort.
Pastor Billy Joe then seconded Williamson's message and reminded the congregation that Williamson was a member of Victory. The Pastor explained that if we lift the restrictions on marriage that have been in place for hundreds of years we would be signaling that such behavior (same-sex marriage) was OK. "We need to obey God's instructions on this," said Pastor Daugherty.
Besides wondering how churches like Victory can maintain a tax-free status while blatantly lobbying for certain legislation I also disagreed with the Pastor and the Senator. I can't imagine how a man can be attracted to a man (the thought makes me sick) or a woman to a woman but I recognize it happens among a small percentage of any animal population. I also believe it is their right to do as they please and gay marriage is their right. Their right to live fulfilling lives while doing no harm to others trumps the yuck factor others feel.
I see the desire of those like Senator Williamson as extreme hypocrisy. I know Senator Williamson well enough to know that he is against (quite admirably) excessive government control of citizen's lives. If government tries to involve itself too deeply in the lives of businesses Senator Williamson is among the first to jump in to stop such intrusiveness. So why does he and the like-minded feel compelled to control the lovelife of anyone?
At Victory Christian Church in Tulsa this morning the pastor, Rev. Billy Joe Daugherty, gave the floor to State Senator Jim Williamson to ask the 1,000+ congregation to show up Tuesday at the State Capitol for an anti-gay marriage rally. Williamson explained that in reaction to the national debate over allowing gay marriage he had introduced a bill to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to specify that marriage be allowed only between a man and a woman. He went on to complain that his bill had been placed in a committee headed by a Democrat who had stated that "anyone against gay marriage was a bigot". Williamson further assured the Victory congregation that "all the Republicans he is in charge of had signed on as sponsors of the anti-gay marriage bill". He also asked for prayers for his family as they had "come under attack" as a result of his stand on the issue. Williamson said Senator Scott Pruitt was also a leader in the anti-gay marriage effort.
Pastor Billy Joe then seconded Williamson's message and reminded the congregation that Williamson was a member of Victory. The Pastor explained that if we lift the restrictions on marriage that have been in place for hundreds of years we would be signaling that such behavior (same-sex marriage) was OK. "We need to obey God's instructions on this," said Pastor Daugherty.
Besides wondering how churches like Victory can maintain a tax-free status while blatantly lobbying for certain legislation I also disagreed with the Pastor and the Senator. I can't imagine how a man can be attracted to a man (the thought makes me sick) or a woman to a woman but I recognize it happens among a small percentage of any animal population. I also believe it is their right to do as they please and gay marriage is their right. Their right to live fulfilling lives while doing no harm to others trumps the yuck factor others feel.
I see the desire of those like Senator Williamson as extreme hypocrisy. I know Senator Williamson well enough to know that he is against (quite admirably) excessive government control of citizen's lives. If government tries to involve itself too deeply in the lives of businesses Senator Williamson is among the first to jump in to stop such intrusiveness. So why does he and the like-minded feel compelled to control the lovelife of anyone?
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Senator Frank Shurden Attacks Citizen's Rights
Shurden, the same fellow that has tried every trick in the book to keep cockfighting legal in Oklahoma for several years is at it again. Shurden, dissatisfied with the citizen's overwhelming vote to ban cockfighting a couple of years ago has introduced yet another bill to change the rules after the vote.
He has introduced SB829 which re-writes the rules for statewide elections and undermines the constitutional right of citizens to make laws by statewide initiative. S.B. 829 repeals SQ 687 (the state referendum against cockfighting) by suspending the voter-approved initiative in 57 counties and it allows any county to overturn the statewide cockfighting ban. The concept behind this legislation, if applied broadly, would not only subvert the statewide initiative process, but also the state legislative process or process of electing statewide oficials. We would cease to be the state of Oklahoma and be balkanized into largely autonomous counties that would set all of the rules.
This is a fancy way of saying that Shurden wants to retroactively change the law so that state questions brought to the public for a vote will only count in those counties where it is passed. This is so cockfighting can continue in those rural counties where the ban did not win. If this rule is applied then our state will become an unmanagable jigsaw puzzle of laws. To extend this illogic a bit further - Brad Henry would govern part of Oklahoma and Steve Largent would be the Governor of Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.
Thank goodness Shurden is termed out this year. He's hurt Oklahoma enough.
Shurden, the same fellow that has tried every trick in the book to keep cockfighting legal in Oklahoma for several years is at it again. Shurden, dissatisfied with the citizen's overwhelming vote to ban cockfighting a couple of years ago has introduced yet another bill to change the rules after the vote.
He has introduced SB829 which re-writes the rules for statewide elections and undermines the constitutional right of citizens to make laws by statewide initiative. S.B. 829 repeals SQ 687 (the state referendum against cockfighting) by suspending the voter-approved initiative in 57 counties and it allows any county to overturn the statewide cockfighting ban. The concept behind this legislation, if applied broadly, would not only subvert the statewide initiative process, but also the state legislative process or process of electing statewide oficials. We would cease to be the state of Oklahoma and be balkanized into largely autonomous counties that would set all of the rules.
This is a fancy way of saying that Shurden wants to retroactively change the law so that state questions brought to the public for a vote will only count in those counties where it is passed. This is so cockfighting can continue in those rural counties where the ban did not win. If this rule is applied then our state will become an unmanagable jigsaw puzzle of laws. To extend this illogic a bit further - Brad Henry would govern part of Oklahoma and Steve Largent would be the Governor of Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.
Thank goodness Shurden is termed out this year. He's hurt Oklahoma enough.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Take a Wizz!
I have a new vacation destination. I've got to get to Katowice, Poland so I can take the new European airline - Wizz! Air. This Budapest-based airline will start service in May and already has three times as many airplanes as Tulsa-based Great Plains Airlines. I just want to be able to say I took a Wizz and have a ticket stub to prove it. I also want to pick up a Wizz! Bag for motion sickness - I could sell these on e-bay.
Ailing Great Plains could take a cue from Wizz and relaunch itself with a name change. Send in your suggestions to Okiepundit at freethinker@keromail.com and we'll post the good ones.
I have a new vacation destination. I've got to get to Katowice, Poland so I can take the new European airline - Wizz! Air. This Budapest-based airline will start service in May and already has three times as many airplanes as Tulsa-based Great Plains Airlines. I just want to be able to say I took a Wizz and have a ticket stub to prove it. I also want to pick up a Wizz! Bag for motion sickness - I could sell these on e-bay.
Ailing Great Plains could take a cue from Wizz and relaunch itself with a name change. Send in your suggestions to Okiepundit at freethinker@keromail.com and we'll post the good ones.
Veggieville?
As CamEdwards reports, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked Slaughterville, Oklahoma to change the town name - and suggested Veggieville as an alternative. PETA says a new name would be more compassionate. Only problem is, Slaughterville is named not after a slaughterhouse, but after James Slaughter, a founder of the town. Here again, PETA has done the humane cause no favors. With just a teeny little bit of research PETA could have found out the meaning of the town's name and avoided making fools out of themselves. The really sorry aspect of PETA's publicity-seeking antics is the ridicule they bring on the vast majority of humanitarians who are sane.
I still think PETA must be funded by the NRA. What better way to marginalize the humane movement?
As CamEdwards reports, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked Slaughterville, Oklahoma to change the town name - and suggested Veggieville as an alternative. PETA says a new name would be more compassionate. Only problem is, Slaughterville is named not after a slaughterhouse, but after James Slaughter, a founder of the town. Here again, PETA has done the humane cause no favors. With just a teeny little bit of research PETA could have found out the meaning of the town's name and avoided making fools out of themselves. The really sorry aspect of PETA's publicity-seeking antics is the ridicule they bring on the vast majority of humanitarians who are sane.
I still think PETA must be funded by the NRA. What better way to marginalize the humane movement?
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Tyranny of the Political Extremes
I keep making the same mistake over and over again - I get hopeful that someone interesting, independent and intelligent will actually be nominated by either major party. It is not to be. From John Anderson to John McCain to Wes Clark - a long string of dashed hopes for politics as not usual. It's the tyranny of the political party system as we know it. To be nominated by either party one must appeal to extremes - the party faithful - in order to win the party nomination. Then the nominees suddenly move toward the center for the general election. Moderates or independents that rock the party boats don't stand a chance. So we end up with pretenders to the center who move back to their extremes after winning the presidency.
Now that Clark is out I'll be returning to my independent status on the voting rolls.
I keep making the same mistake over and over again - I get hopeful that someone interesting, independent and intelligent will actually be nominated by either major party. It is not to be. From John Anderson to John McCain to Wes Clark - a long string of dashed hopes for politics as not usual. It's the tyranny of the political party system as we know it. To be nominated by either party one must appeal to extremes - the party faithful - in order to win the party nomination. Then the nominees suddenly move toward the center for the general election. Moderates or independents that rock the party boats don't stand a chance. So we end up with pretenders to the center who move back to their extremes after winning the presidency.
Now that Clark is out I'll be returning to my independent status on the voting rolls.
Sunday, February 08, 2004
O' Really?
As stated in this blog previously I no longer watch Bill O'Rielly on his "No Spin Zone" on Fox. I just don't like his bullying tactics toward his guests. I refuse to reward those who lower the level of discussion to an uncivilized level of rudeness. At least it qualifies as rudeness in this part of the country. But I was suckered in a couple of days ago - I was zipping through channels when his pre-show promo got my attention. "Reaction to Janet Jackson shows Secularism rebuked" - or something along those lines. What does Jackson's boob have to do with secularism I thought? I wanted to find out.
According to Bill O'Rielly the negative public reaction to Janet Jackson exposing her boob during the Super Bowl illustrates that "the secularists agenda of moral debasement" is overwhelmingly denounced by the American people. The secularists' agenda of moral debasement? I consider myself to be sort of a secularist myself - at least if you define secularist as being in favor of the separation of church and state - but I had apparently been out of the loop on our agenda. I didn't know we were supposed to be in favor of moral debasement. I immediately went to my secularist sources on the web - such places as the UK's National Secularists Society. Nothing there about being pro-moral debasement or even pro-exposed boob. A little more research and I had to come to the reluctant conclusion that Bill O'Reilly either didn't know what the heck he's talking about or he was trying to spin a very unpopular action into a controversy to benefit his biases on an entirely different matter. Could it be?
Just for the record O'Reilly this is one secularist that was outraged at Jackson's disrespect for people. I'm outraged that broadcast television has become base and degenerate. I don't want nudity and cursing being thrust on me and my family through the public airwaves. I want to be able to watch broadcast TV without constantly monitoring its content for my young daughter. I loathe the profits-at-all-costs nature of the TV industry. Where can we go now to watch good, quality TV news and entertainment that is both civilized and neutral on religious matters? Hard to find these days.
But I'm also upset with TV personalities like O'Rielly spinning events to suit their need to draw an outraged audience and line the pockets of TV executives. Reality gets further and further distorted by these self-serving performers that masquerade as arbiters of social commentary. I doubt if O'Reilly and his colleagues in business believe half the viewpoints they take in their effort to appeal to extreme idealogues. If they do, they're nuts.
As stated in this blog previously I no longer watch Bill O'Rielly on his "No Spin Zone" on Fox. I just don't like his bullying tactics toward his guests. I refuse to reward those who lower the level of discussion to an uncivilized level of rudeness. At least it qualifies as rudeness in this part of the country. But I was suckered in a couple of days ago - I was zipping through channels when his pre-show promo got my attention. "Reaction to Janet Jackson shows Secularism rebuked" - or something along those lines. What does Jackson's boob have to do with secularism I thought? I wanted to find out.
According to Bill O'Rielly the negative public reaction to Janet Jackson exposing her boob during the Super Bowl illustrates that "the secularists agenda of moral debasement" is overwhelmingly denounced by the American people. The secularists' agenda of moral debasement? I consider myself to be sort of a secularist myself - at least if you define secularist as being in favor of the separation of church and state - but I had apparently been out of the loop on our agenda. I didn't know we were supposed to be in favor of moral debasement. I immediately went to my secularist sources on the web - such places as the UK's National Secularists Society. Nothing there about being pro-moral debasement or even pro-exposed boob. A little more research and I had to come to the reluctant conclusion that Bill O'Reilly either didn't know what the heck he's talking about or he was trying to spin a very unpopular action into a controversy to benefit his biases on an entirely different matter. Could it be?
Just for the record O'Reilly this is one secularist that was outraged at Jackson's disrespect for people. I'm outraged that broadcast television has become base and degenerate. I don't want nudity and cursing being thrust on me and my family through the public airwaves. I want to be able to watch broadcast TV without constantly monitoring its content for my young daughter. I loathe the profits-at-all-costs nature of the TV industry. Where can we go now to watch good, quality TV news and entertainment that is both civilized and neutral on religious matters? Hard to find these days.
But I'm also upset with TV personalities like O'Rielly spinning events to suit their need to draw an outraged audience and line the pockets of TV executives. Reality gets further and further distorted by these self-serving performers that masquerade as arbiters of social commentary. I doubt if O'Reilly and his colleagues in business believe half the viewpoints they take in their effort to appeal to extreme idealogues. If they do, they're nuts.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Wes Clark wins Oklahoma
It was close, but Clark won his first state tonight. This is remarkable for a man that just entered politics five months ago. Okiepundit was at the watch party in Oklahoma City tonight and the atmosphere was electric. Clark's performance keeps getting better every day and the former General's speeches are connecting with those lucky enough to see him in person.
On the downside, listening to most of the media tonight you'd think Oklahoma and Wes Clark didn't exist. The talking heads are talking only about "frontrunner" Kerry and Senator John Edwards. The networks were interviewing everyone but the librarians in South Carolina, Missouri, or Arizona but the Clark event in Oklahoma City was largely ignored by the national media. Fox News Radio repeatedly dissed Oklahoma. Even as I write, early Wednesday morning, CNN is still saying it's "too close to call" in Oklahoma although 100% of the vote was completed hours ago. They can't say enough about Edwards win in his home state of South Carolina but Clark's win in Oklahoma is hardly mentioned. Only WGN Radio in Chicago is talking about Clark's win.
Senator Edwards spent a lot of time in Oklahoma - 14 trips at last count (more than any other candidate) - but still didn't beat Clark here. But all you hear from the national media is about Edward's "strong and surprising showing in Oklahoma". We are left to wonder where the apparent bias comes from?
Maybe the media just loves the Senator's handsome looks - like the Edwards supporters I have met in recent weeks. I ran into several women that said they were voting for Edwards because he was cute. Enough to make you puke isn't it? It is shocking how many dimwits choose their candidates based not on their experience or intellect or stands on issues - but on their cuteness. Senator Edwards is undoubtedly a good and intelligent man but his experience doesn't compare well next to Wes Clark's. While Wes Clark was managing a successful war in Europe, John Edwards was a trial lawyer for Pete's sake.
I didn't know this until CNN mentioned it tonight - that former OU coach Barry Switzer had endorsed Edwards and that apparently helped Edwards in Oklahoma. This is scary if people actually pay attention to what a coach has to say about politics. Switzer was a good coach but (and OkiePundit knows him) he is not one we should listen to on non-football subjects. Switzer endorsed Governor Brad Henry when he was running for governor - and look where that got us.
As I was on the way home after the Clark party was over I stopped in at the Texaco Foodmart where a gap-toothed cashier pointed at my Clark button and said "I was for him until I saw the pictures of him on CNN shaking hands with those terrorists." I looked at her in dismay. I had no idea what this woman was talking about - but I didn't even want to know what foolish ideas must be knocking about in her head. All I could think about was that General Clark spent decades putting his life on the line for this idiot woman that apparently - in her tiny little brain - thought he was buddy-buddy with terrorists. It's a miracle our democracy even functions at all with people like her loose.
Despite the threat people like her pose to our well-being, we still have the least worst system on Earth.
It was close, but Clark won his first state tonight. This is remarkable for a man that just entered politics five months ago. Okiepundit was at the watch party in Oklahoma City tonight and the atmosphere was electric. Clark's performance keeps getting better every day and the former General's speeches are connecting with those lucky enough to see him in person.
On the downside, listening to most of the media tonight you'd think Oklahoma and Wes Clark didn't exist. The talking heads are talking only about "frontrunner" Kerry and Senator John Edwards. The networks were interviewing everyone but the librarians in South Carolina, Missouri, or Arizona but the Clark event in Oklahoma City was largely ignored by the national media. Fox News Radio repeatedly dissed Oklahoma. Even as I write, early Wednesday morning, CNN is still saying it's "too close to call" in Oklahoma although 100% of the vote was completed hours ago. They can't say enough about Edwards win in his home state of South Carolina but Clark's win in Oklahoma is hardly mentioned. Only WGN Radio in Chicago is talking about Clark's win.
Senator Edwards spent a lot of time in Oklahoma - 14 trips at last count (more than any other candidate) - but still didn't beat Clark here. But all you hear from the national media is about Edward's "strong and surprising showing in Oklahoma". We are left to wonder where the apparent bias comes from?
Maybe the media just loves the Senator's handsome looks - like the Edwards supporters I have met in recent weeks. I ran into several women that said they were voting for Edwards because he was cute. Enough to make you puke isn't it? It is shocking how many dimwits choose their candidates based not on their experience or intellect or stands on issues - but on their cuteness. Senator Edwards is undoubtedly a good and intelligent man but his experience doesn't compare well next to Wes Clark's. While Wes Clark was managing a successful war in Europe, John Edwards was a trial lawyer for Pete's sake.
I didn't know this until CNN mentioned it tonight - that former OU coach Barry Switzer had endorsed Edwards and that apparently helped Edwards in Oklahoma. This is scary if people actually pay attention to what a coach has to say about politics. Switzer was a good coach but (and OkiePundit knows him) he is not one we should listen to on non-football subjects. Switzer endorsed Governor Brad Henry when he was running for governor - and look where that got us.
As I was on the way home after the Clark party was over I stopped in at the Texaco Foodmart where a gap-toothed cashier pointed at my Clark button and said "I was for him until I saw the pictures of him on CNN shaking hands with those terrorists." I looked at her in dismay. I had no idea what this woman was talking about - but I didn't even want to know what foolish ideas must be knocking about in her head. All I could think about was that General Clark spent decades putting his life on the line for this idiot woman that apparently - in her tiny little brain - thought he was buddy-buddy with terrorists. It's a miracle our democracy even functions at all with people like her loose.
Despite the threat people like her pose to our well-being, we still have the least worst system on Earth.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Federal investigation is ordered into Joe Lieberman's boob at Debate
By David Horne
03 February 2004
America was in a tizzy last night over the exposure given to Joe Lieberman, one of the candidates in the Democratic presidential primary.
With a little help from Dennis Kucinich, with whom he was doing a debate routine, he let slip a little too much flesh - his right breast, adorned with a gold "solar medallion".
By last night the incident was the subject of a federal investigation. Michael Bowell, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, called the brief display "a classless, crass and deplorable stunt". KBEZ, the station that aired the debate was moved to issue an apology. Kucinich, who was in the midst of an exchange with Lieberman when he reached over and ripped open his shirt to reveal his breast, blamed a "cue card malfunction".
The debate, which was watched by hundreds of Americans, was produced by the League of Lesbian Voters. The League said it was unaware that such a display was planned and suggested that it “totally grossed us out.”
There was no comment from Lieberman. Which left Kucinich to explain. "I am sorry that anyone was offended by the cue card malfunction during the debate," he said. "It was not intentional and is regrettable."
By David Horne
03 February 2004
America was in a tizzy last night over the exposure given to Joe Lieberman, one of the candidates in the Democratic presidential primary.
With a little help from Dennis Kucinich, with whom he was doing a debate routine, he let slip a little too much flesh - his right breast, adorned with a gold "solar medallion".
By last night the incident was the subject of a federal investigation. Michael Bowell, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, called the brief display "a classless, crass and deplorable stunt". KBEZ, the station that aired the debate was moved to issue an apology. Kucinich, who was in the midst of an exchange with Lieberman when he reached over and ripped open his shirt to reveal his breast, blamed a "cue card malfunction".
The debate, which was watched by hundreds of Americans, was produced by the League of Lesbian Voters. The League said it was unaware that such a display was planned and suggested that it “totally grossed us out.”
There was no comment from Lieberman. Which left Kucinich to explain. "I am sorry that anyone was offended by the cue card malfunction during the debate," he said. "It was not intentional and is regrettable."
Hypo-crisy on the Turnpike
Just days after we blogged about speeding politicians and Highway Patrolmen (Hypo) our pick for the Democratic presidential nomination (Wes Clark) has his convoy stopped by the Highway Patrol for speeding in Oklahoma. It was a top story by the TV "news" in Tulsa - featuring a photo of Wes Clark as if it was he that had been ticketed for speeding. Sure, the Hypo should ticket anyone speeding but the truth is THEY DON'T. The Hypo drives the Governor around Oklahoma with absolutely no regard for the speed laws. You see the Governor's security detail barreling down the turnpikes at 90-100 mph in an unmarked Hypo car on a daily basis. The Highway Patrol ignores speeding Legislators everyday and the Highway Patrol themselves speed in non-emergency situations everyday. That's the hypocrisy of this event that the media gloss over. I wouldn't expect our Sesame Street media to point this out but wouldn't it be nice...
Just days after we blogged about speeding politicians and Highway Patrolmen (Hypo) our pick for the Democratic presidential nomination (Wes Clark) has his convoy stopped by the Highway Patrol for speeding in Oklahoma. It was a top story by the TV "news" in Tulsa - featuring a photo of Wes Clark as if it was he that had been ticketed for speeding. Sure, the Hypo should ticket anyone speeding but the truth is THEY DON'T. The Hypo drives the Governor around Oklahoma with absolutely no regard for the speed laws. You see the Governor's security detail barreling down the turnpikes at 90-100 mph in an unmarked Hypo car on a daily basis. The Highway Patrol ignores speeding Legislators everyday and the Highway Patrol themselves speed in non-emergency situations everyday. That's the hypocrisy of this event that the media gloss over. I wouldn't expect our Sesame Street media to point this out but wouldn't it be nice...
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Why Wes Clark for Oklahoma?
He is not a professional politician.
He is independent-minded and moderate (ie electable).
Has experience running huge organizations (the US Army and NATO)
Hates war - especially unnecessary war -
But served his country in the military.
Has diplomatic experience.
Seems to care.
Good communicator - in three languages.
He's whip-smart (Rhodes scholar).
Bush can't accuse Clark of being soft on security.
No one else meets all these criteria.
Clark, unlike his rivals, has no long history of votes and campaign contributions from special interests for which the Republicans can assail him.
Why would the Democrats put someone else up against Bush when they have a candidate like Wesley Clark? Unless they are dead set on losing.
He is not a professional politician.
He is independent-minded and moderate (ie electable).
Has experience running huge organizations (the US Army and NATO)
Hates war - especially unnecessary war -
But served his country in the military.
Has diplomatic experience.
Seems to care.
Good communicator - in three languages.
He's whip-smart (Rhodes scholar).
Bush can't accuse Clark of being soft on security.
No one else meets all these criteria.
Clark, unlike his rivals, has no long history of votes and campaign contributions from special interests for which the Republicans can assail him.
Why would the Democrats put someone else up against Bush when they have a candidate like Wesley Clark? Unless they are dead set on losing.
Will Black and Decker Refund the Kwikset subsidies?
The Kwikset Lock Company that is closing down in Bristow, Oklahoma and moving to Mexico received considerable subsidies from the people of Oklahoma over the past several years. Kwikset took advantage of the state's Quality Jobs program which pays corporations up to 5% of their expanded payroll. The companies in this program receive quarterly checks from the state. Kwikset also took advantage of the state's Career Tech system. It is unknown just how much Kwikset received in subsidies but the question is whether their owner, Black and Decker, will repay the state now that they are eliminating 1,100 jobs and moving to Mexico.
The Kwikset Lock Company that is closing down in Bristow, Oklahoma and moving to Mexico received considerable subsidies from the people of Oklahoma over the past several years. Kwikset took advantage of the state's Quality Jobs program which pays corporations up to 5% of their expanded payroll. The companies in this program receive quarterly checks from the state. Kwikset also took advantage of the state's Career Tech system. It is unknown just how much Kwikset received in subsidies but the question is whether their owner, Black and Decker, will repay the state now that they are eliminating 1,100 jobs and moving to Mexico.
New Job Recruitment Strategy Overlooked by Media
The decision by Bill Lobeck to move the HQ (and 700 jobs) of his Vanguard Car Rental USA from Florida to Tulsa received headline news in the Tulsa area this past week - for good reason. But all the media missed the story behind the story. The Secretary of Commerce of Oklahoma slept with the CEO of Vanguard prior to getting the deal. Is this strategy a last ditch effort to turnaround the ailing Oklahoma economy?
Only the Tulsa World even mentioned that Vanguard CEO Lobeck is married to Secretary of Commerce Kathy Taylor. The two live in an enormous mansion in mid-town Tulsa and made their gazillions in the rental car industry. Newly-elected Governor Brad Henry appointed Taylor to his cabinet in 2003. Lobeck and Taylor are large contributors to Democratic political campaigns in Oklahoma. Taylor is thought to have national political ambitions in a future Democratic administration.
One might logically ask what would have been the outcome had Lobeck decided to consolidate in Florida rather than in Oklahoma? To have the Secretary of Commerce's family business move jobs OUT of Oklahoma would have garnered more notice than sleeping with an investor has.
The decision by Bill Lobeck to move the HQ (and 700 jobs) of his Vanguard Car Rental USA from Florida to Tulsa received headline news in the Tulsa area this past week - for good reason. But all the media missed the story behind the story. The Secretary of Commerce of Oklahoma slept with the CEO of Vanguard prior to getting the deal. Is this strategy a last ditch effort to turnaround the ailing Oklahoma economy?
Only the Tulsa World even mentioned that Vanguard CEO Lobeck is married to Secretary of Commerce Kathy Taylor. The two live in an enormous mansion in mid-town Tulsa and made their gazillions in the rental car industry. Newly-elected Governor Brad Henry appointed Taylor to his cabinet in 2003. Lobeck and Taylor are large contributors to Democratic political campaigns in Oklahoma. Taylor is thought to have national political ambitions in a future Democratic administration.
One might logically ask what would have been the outcome had Lobeck decided to consolidate in Florida rather than in Oklahoma? To have the Secretary of Commerce's family business move jobs OUT of Oklahoma would have garnered more notice than sleeping with an investor has.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
US News and World Report on Oklahoma:
Parmley (chairman of Ok Dem Party) says Oklahoma, a politically conservative state with five military bases, 47,000 active-duty soldiers, 300,000 veterans, and plenty ofcentrist "blue dog" Democrats, is an ideal proving ground for anyone trying to defeat George W. Bush. "Whoever wins here will have the best chance for winning in November," claims Parmley.
Parmley is absolutely right about that. Wes Clark has the best chance to beat Bush - for this very reason.
Parmley (chairman of Ok Dem Party) says Oklahoma, a politically conservative state with five military bases, 47,000 active-duty soldiers, 300,000 veterans, and plenty ofcentrist "blue dog" Democrats, is an ideal proving ground for anyone trying to defeat George W. Bush. "Whoever wins here will have the best chance for winning in November," claims Parmley.
Parmley is absolutely right about that. Wes Clark has the best chance to beat Bush - for this very reason.
Ignoring Oklahoma
The presidential candidates aren't ignoring Oklahoma - several were in the state today - but the national media sure is. Since New Hampshire I've been watching to see if Oklahoma would be a topic but it seems like the media rushed to Missouri instead. Last weekend both the Tulsa World and the Oklahoman published polls showing Wes Clark in a big lead in Oklahoma. Now that's newsworthy - looks like Oklahoma will be the first or among the first states for Clark to win. But no, the media is too busy proclaiming Sen. Kerry as the frontrunner and all but telling us he'll be running against Bush.
I love it when the media gets it so wrong - as they did with Howard Dean and Iowa. The media - and the Democratic "leadership" had all but proclaimed the Democratic nomination over - it was going to be Dean. Gore, David Walters, Bill Bradley et al. told us to support Dean. Dean's not a bad candidate but I loved seeing the public shove the Iowa results right back in the faces of the media and the party leaders.
Well some newspapers are talking about Oklahoma. The Christian Science Monitor sez:
But the type of Democrat who can win over Democrats in South Carolina may be the type of Democrat who can pick up one, maybe even two Southern states.
They might also appeal to Oklahoma. The local filling station in Canadian, Okla., doesn't yet have automated credit-card machines. The pumps are the old kind - use, and go inside to pay. Senator Edwards has never been here - but he's visited the area. That sits well with the locals.
"I like John Edwards, a lot," says Mary Beth Jones, a short woman hunkering down in a blue windbreaker on a bitterly cold day. "He's been around these parts a lot, that means something. He talks about the economy. And he's cute."
This southeast region of Oklahoma, popularly known as Little Dixie, is Democrat-happy. People care about the economy, healthcare, education, and Iraq, especially since nearby McAlester has an ammunition depot the size of Washington D.C. that manufactures virtually all of the United States's nonnuclear bombs.
"He's cute."? So you're going to vote for someone because he's cute? With folks like Mary Beth representing Oklahoma maybe it would be best if the media did ignore us.
The presidential candidates aren't ignoring Oklahoma - several were in the state today - but the national media sure is. Since New Hampshire I've been watching to see if Oklahoma would be a topic but it seems like the media rushed to Missouri instead. Last weekend both the Tulsa World and the Oklahoman published polls showing Wes Clark in a big lead in Oklahoma. Now that's newsworthy - looks like Oklahoma will be the first or among the first states for Clark to win. But no, the media is too busy proclaiming Sen. Kerry as the frontrunner and all but telling us he'll be running against Bush.
I love it when the media gets it so wrong - as they did with Howard Dean and Iowa. The media - and the Democratic "leadership" had all but proclaimed the Democratic nomination over - it was going to be Dean. Gore, David Walters, Bill Bradley et al. told us to support Dean. Dean's not a bad candidate but I loved seeing the public shove the Iowa results right back in the faces of the media and the party leaders.
Well some newspapers are talking about Oklahoma. The Christian Science Monitor sez:
But the type of Democrat who can win over Democrats in South Carolina may be the type of Democrat who can pick up one, maybe even two Southern states.
They might also appeal to Oklahoma. The local filling station in Canadian, Okla., doesn't yet have automated credit-card machines. The pumps are the old kind - use, and go inside to pay. Senator Edwards has never been here - but he's visited the area. That sits well with the locals.
"I like John Edwards, a lot," says Mary Beth Jones, a short woman hunkering down in a blue windbreaker on a bitterly cold day. "He's been around these parts a lot, that means something. He talks about the economy. And he's cute."
This southeast region of Oklahoma, popularly known as Little Dixie, is Democrat-happy. People care about the economy, healthcare, education, and Iraq, especially since nearby McAlester has an ammunition depot the size of Washington D.C. that manufactures virtually all of the United States's nonnuclear bombs.
"He's cute."? So you're going to vote for someone because he's cute? With folks like Mary Beth representing Oklahoma maybe it would be best if the media did ignore us.