WAR MAY BE CLOSER TO HOME THAN IN THE PAST!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

BEWARE OF TAQIYYA

by Steve Fair

     Early Sunday morning, the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran (Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz).  Using American stealth bombers and 30,000 lb. bunker-busting bombs President Donald Trump was quoted as saying Iran’s key nuclear facilities were ‘completely and fully obliterated.’  Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, warned the U.S. attacks “will have everlasting consequences” and Tehran “reserves all options” to retaliate.  The U.S. bombings come after eight days of attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Iran.  Israel struck first, bombing the Natanz uranium enrichment plant, resulting in the killing of several Iranian nuclear scientists.  Iran, who claims their nuclear development is peaceful, have been lobbing missiles into Israel in response.

     Israelian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and threatening Israel’s survival.   U.S. Congressional members are sharply divided along Party lines- Republicans support Trump’s action and Democrats condemn it.    Three observations:

     First, Iran can’t be trusted.  They have been caught violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports have shown Iran failed to cooperate with neutral inspectors and to answer questions regarding their nuclear development. 

     The Supreme Leader of Iran is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a Muslim cleric, who has ruled Iran for 36 years.  Khamenei has said there will be severe consequences for any military actions taken against Iran.  Iran leadership has committed itself to bringing ‘death to America,’ and wiping Israel off the map. Iran can’t be trusted.

      Second, the Biden administration mishandled Iran.  In 2023, President Biden released six billion in Iranian assets in a deal to get five detained Americans released.  Hamas, funded by Iran, launched a horrific attack on Gaza October 7^th using those American tax dollars to attack Israel.  

     In an effort to get Iran to the negotiating table, Biden relaxed economic sanctions placed on Iran during President Trump’s first term.  Biden’s weak and feeble foreign policy is how Iran revived their nuclear development program.

     Third, this conflict is not likely connected to end times.  In the eternal decree of God, everything’s connected, but it’s far from crystal clear this war is the beginning of the end of the world.  It could be, but only God knows that.    Believers should be focused on spreading the truth of the Gospel instead of trying to explain current events in light of scripture.  An unhealthy obsession with eschatology shouldn’t be the heart of a Christian- it should be reflecting the good news of redemption to a lost and dying world.  Christian believers should be praying for our leaders and military personnel and for peace.

     The White House is reportedly investigating sleeper cells in the United States.  Sleeper cells are spies or terrorists who remain inactive within a country until they are ordered to act.  With the recent bombing in Iran, it is feared some of those sleeper cells may be activated in the U.S.  The open border policy during the Biden administration allowed a record number of undocumented illegals into the country.  That unrestrained program played into the covert/clandestine sleeper cell strategy.  Americans should recognize Islam allows precautionary dissimulation. 

     Taqiyya is a concept in Islam, primarily associated with Shia Islam, that allows a person to conceal or deny their faith in the face of persecution or threat. It is a form of dissimulation, where one outwardly conforms to the beliefs or practices of another group while maintaining their true faith inwardly. The practice is considered a valid form of self-preservation.  Not all Muslims practice taqiyya, but it’s a sure bet the sleeper cells do.  Every American should be hypervigilant, on guard, and watchful.  This war may not be fought exclusively over there this time.

EOs bear a resemblance to monarchy!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

MIMIC MONARCHY!

by Steve Fair

     On Saturday protesters across the United States took to the streets to demonstrate against Trump administration policy.  Dubbed the ‘No Kings’ protest, over 2,000 cities across the country had people waving signs showing their displeasure with ‘authoritarian overreach and billionaire influence in the U.S. government.’   The No Kings movement claims to be concerned about the erosion of democratic values and believe the power should reside with the people and not a singular authority.  Most Americans would agree with that.  No Kings claim America has become an oligarchy (government controlled by a small group) or a plutocracy (government controlled by the wealthy).

     Estimates of the total number of No Kings protesters ranged from 500,000 to 5,000,000 nationwide.  There were a couple of cities where acts of violence broke out, but overall, the protests were peaceful.  Three observations:

     First, America is not a pure democracy.   It never has been.  In a pure democracy, citizens directly participate in making laws and other decisions.  For example, in ancient Athens, citizens gathered to vote on policies directly.  That is impractical for large populations and susceptible to a tyranny of the majority- mob rule.  America is a democratic republic-a constitutional republic.  Citizens vote for representatives to govern them (make and enforce laws), according to the Constitution.  America is ruled by those that show up at the polls.        

     Second, the use of executive orders (EO) is excessive.  Using EOs to govern does bear a striking resemblance to a monarchy.  Presidents are using EOs more because of a lack of collaboration/cooperation within the legislative branch.  If they don’t use them, America is governed by bureaucrats within federal agencies. 

    EOs are directives issued by the president to manage the operation of the federal government.  Because an EO offers a quicker and more certain path to implementation, presidents often have chosen to circumvent Congress rather than wrangle with stubborn lawmakers.  EOs use rises during periods of political polarization and gridlock.  The ‘No Kings’ movement has been critical of Trump’s use of EOs, but were eerily silent when Biden used the same tool while in the Oval Office.  Overuse of EOs is bi-partisan, but don’t expect it to change overnight.  The polarization of America is reflected in their elected officials and Congress can’t agree on what direction the sun comes up.

     Third, consolidation of political power is real.  Because less and less Americans pay attention to their government (at all levels), special interests- on both ends of the political spectrum- get their lackey/ flunky elected and dictate how they will act/vote.  Constituents they represent are ignored and only campaign donors are heeded.   Special interests then fire up the public with clever marketing and exaggerated caricatured claims to make sure the subservient puppet elected official stays in office.  Like a firebrand evangelist, they preach hell hot for those who disagree with their political philosophy.  Citizens who dare to not engage in political ‘group think,’ are routinely branded unpatriotic, establishment, irrelevant and ignorant by friends and family.  Partisans condemn everything their political enemy does and affirm everything their standard-bearer espouses and practice blind loyalty. 

     Until there is a decentralization of political thought and more critical thinking by the average voter, expect more the same polarizing environment, resulting in more EOs and a mimic monarchy.

     America has never been a democracy, so no one day stunt will ‘restore democracy.’   But all Americans should be concerned about the consolidation of power in the country.  They should recognize continuing down this uncivil path of destruction threatens our way of life.  In America, a person should be able to disagree with the mob without being burned at the stake. 

Newscum is dashing his hopes to occupy the White House!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL

by Steve Fair

     On Saturday, President Donald Trump signed an executive memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guard troops in California in response to protests in Los Angeles over the enforcement of illegal immigration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action is being done to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. Hegseth said if violence continued, active-duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton could also be mobilized.

The protests came after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers raided multiple workplaces in L.A.’s fashion district and detained hundreds of illegal immigrates (those who enter and usually become established).

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, claims Trump’s action was a move to, “take over” the California National Guard (Trump’s right as Commander-in Chief). Newsom says deploying the National Guard is “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to the Golden State for ignoring enforcement of his executive orders regarding illegal immigrates.  Newsom has said he would retaliate by withholding federal tax collected in the state.  “California pays the bills for the federal government,” Newsom said. 

      California is a donor state in regard to taxation. They pay over $80 billion more each year than they receive from the feds. It remains unclear if Trump and Newsom can legally withhold funding from the other. No one wins in a stalemate and it remains to be seen who will blink first.

Three observations:
First, the immigration issue is about votes. The Democratic Party has openly advocated for allowing illegal immigrates to be granted the right to vote. States with high levels of illegals affect the census, congressional apportionment and electoral college votes. If political power is shifted to states with high levels of illegal immigrates, America becomes bluer. That’s why Biden kept borders open. It is why Newsom encourages protests: it helps the Democratic Party cause.

Second, the immigration issue is about security. During Biden’s administration, the U.S. endured a large-scale invasion. Millions of illegal aliens from nations and regions around the world entered the U.S. Who knows how many potential terrorists, foreign spies, cartel members or other criminals are living here? A country with no border is not a country at all. Trump has closed the border and deporting illegal immigrants should be a nonpartisan issue, but it remains one of the most divisive debates of the day.

Third, the immigration issue is about the rule of law. The United States has clear immigration laws regarding how a person enters, stays and potentially becomes an American citizen. The inconsistency and unpredictability in enforcement by various administrations has been the challenge. Immigration enforcement should be applied fairly and consistently; it should not be ambiguous, inconclusive or obscure. The executive branch is charged with enforcing the law, not just the ones they like.

Americans want border security. A recent Gallup poll found more than 55% of Americans believe immigration law enforcement should be a priority for the federal government. Those same citizens support building more border walls and an increase in Border Patrol agents. Politically, illegal immigration is an issue that cuts across party affiliation. A majority of Democrats want a secure border. Most Americans support legal immigration, but not illegal immigration.

Newsom is considered a potential 2028 Democrat nominee for president. If he continues his mishandling of this situation, he will authenticate Trump’s nickname for him—Newscum—and dash his hopes to occupy the White House. After all, illegal is illegal.

    

LEGISLATURE HAS SHORTAGE OF INDEPENDENT CRITICAL THINKERS!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

BROUGHT AND PAID FOR

by Steve Fair

     The Oklahoma legislature went sine die (adjourned with no appointed date for readjournment) on Friday.  It was a session marked by new legislative leadership in both chambers.  After several sessions of contention between the state House and Senate, it appears collaboration improved between the two chambers.  Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, (R-Tuttle) and House Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, (R-Bristow) appeared to sing off the same sheet of music, but Governor Kevin Stitt isn’t on the same sheet.  Stitt set a record for the number of vetoes in a session- 68.  That is twice more than the previous session. 

     Oklahoma lawmakers overrode 47 of the 68 vetoes- a state record.  Two more vetoes were overridden by the Senate, but were not voted on in the House. One veto was approved by the House but not voted on by the Senate before adjournment. 

     Legislators also took time out of overruling to pass a resolution formally removing Allie Friesen as head of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health.  Friesen has been embattled since a state audit showed a $28 million dollar budget shortfall and struggled to make payroll.  Three observations about the 2025 session:

     First, special interests control the Oklahoma legislature.  Legislative candidates are   recruited, funded and equipped by trade associations, state agencies, and special interest groups.  Bear in mind- the listed groups represent people and have a right to lobby.  But also remember, a legislator’s allegiance/loyalty is primarily to those who got them into office.  Once elected, elected officials tend to kowtow to those they came to the dance with. 

     The number of independent, critical thinking lawmakers has dwindled to a handful.  Group think and conformity now guide state lawmaker votes.  They punch the button, not based on convictions and values, but on fraternity.  The predictability of how a lawmaker will vote is based on their crew/clique/pack/circle/caucus and any individualistic thought is not tolerated.  Rarely do any wander off the reservation and vote independently. Citizens should make it their mission to find out who funded their elected official’s campaigns.  Those are who they listen to- not to the people in their district. 

     Second, Stitt should have fired Friesen.  Instead of the legislature spending time with the issue, the governor should have done his job and sent her packing.  After the audit was released, it was clear Friesen was in over her head.  The governor called the removal a ‘politically motivated witch hunt,’ and that he had tasked Commissioner Friesen with bringing accountability and transparency to the agency.  Stitt claims the mismanagement of the Oklahoma Mental Health Agency goes back more than a decade.  The truth is Stitt has been in office 6 of those 10 years, which means much of the dereliction has happened on his watch. 

     Third, Oklahomans are confused about their state government.  Who can blame them?  Republicans hold super majorities in both chambers and the governor is a Republican.  Yet the legislature and the governor fight like cats and dogs, debating who is the most conservative? 

     Positioning, posturing, self-promoting braggarts on both ends of the political spectrum play to their base, while average Oklahomans have no voice because they don’t have a lobbyist at the Capitol.  The average citizen doesn’t know what to believe.  Special interest groups ‘spin’ the message, demonize opponents and demand loyalty from their blind kiwis.  They shout down free speech, quote scripture and sing O How I Love Jesus, while showing no respect for an opposing opinion.  It is no wonder Oklahoma has a deplorable voter turnout record.  The average Oklahoma voter is disgusted with that garbage and too busy working to care about their state government anymore. 

      Some of Stitt’s vetoes were political and should have been overridden.  Others that were overturned were bills special interests wanted.  After all, they paid a lot of money to get it done.  Voters should find out who their legislator and governor work for because it’s likely it ain’t for them. 

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS - HR1 REQUIRES SCRUTINY!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

BEAUTY OR BEAST?

by Steve Fair

     President Trump’s ‘one big beautiful bill’ (HR1) passed the Republican controlled U.S. House last week by one vote (215-214), with five Republican House members voting no (2), present (1) or not voting at all (2).  It now heads to the Senate, where it faces some opposition.  The text of HR1 is available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text for those interested in the details.

     HR1 makes permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts.  It cuts taxes by an additional $1,300 for a family of four and removes the tax on tips and overtime pay.  HR1 allows an American family to fully deduct auto loan interest for American-made cars. It also increases the standard deduction by $2,000 for every American family.  It increases the Child Care tax deduction.

     But the 1,116-page bill does not remove tax on Social Security, as has been wrongly reported.  Social Security can’t be changed through a budget reconciliation process.  HR1 does contain a provision where people over age 65 could deduct an additional $4,000 from their taxes if they make less than $75,000 or $150,000 filing jointly.  Three observations about HR1:

      First, HR1 will get changed in the Senate.  Senator Ron Johnson, (R-WI) and other Republicans, have criticized the spending in the bill.  Johnson wants deeper cuts, calling for government agencies to go back to pre-COVID spending levels.  “This is the weekend we honor the service and sacrifice of the finest among us.  I don’t they served in sacrifice to leave our children completely mortgaged,” Johnson said on CNN Sunday.  Johnson, a fiscal hawk, exhorted his fellow senators to be ‘responsible’ and reminded them the first goal of a budget reconciliation process should be to reduce the deficit. 

     HR1 does cut Medicaid (not Medicare) funding by up to $1 trillion and requires more stringent provider screening requirements.  A significant amount of taxpayer dollars are spent providing medical care for illegal immigrants and HR1 seeks to stop that expenditure.

     The Congression Budget Office (CBO) estimates HR1 will increase the budget deficit by $3.8 trillion next year.  Speaker Mike Johnson, (R-LA) says those estimates are inflated and the CBO did not factor in the economic growth HR1 will create.  One thing is certain- HR1 likely faces modification before it gets through the Senate.

     Second, HR1’s success hinges on U.S. economic growth. The House Ways and Means committee estimates HR1 will increase America’s GDP an average of $850 billion annually over the next decade.  One reason for the projected growth is the extension of key Trump economic tax policies for small businesses the Biden administration had rescinded.  Reduction of regulations on energy productivity is expected to lower energy costs and increase consumption.  Whether the tenets of HR1 will result in the projected growth the Trump administration expects remains to be seen.

     Third, the devil is in the details.  Simple things can often become complicated and problematic.   Overlooked details can be the source of failure.  In a bill with over 1,100 pages, specifics are crucial for success.  Unintended consequences are the axiom/motto of Congress.  While HR1 has some excellent provisions, it’s the undetected fishhooks that snag taxpayers. 

     HR1 includes measures consistent with ‘supply-side economics,’ aka Reaganomics.  With tax cuts, incentives encouraging work and investment and focus on supply, HR1 is similar to the approach President Reagan took to combat record inflation in the early 1980s.  It worked, despite critics who said it helped the wealthy in the U.S. the most.  If HR1 doesn’t work, the beautiful bill will be the beast.

AVOID PANDERING, OUTRAGED, CO-OPING, & SELF-VICTIMIZATING CANDIDATES!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

UNEMOTIONAL!

by Steve Fair

     Politicians use a variety of tactics to reach voters.  Using time honored marketing strategy, candidates target their audience, work to create a demand for their message and hone delivery of the same.  Modern technology has provided more personal information on voters.  Using micro-marketing, candidates now focus on a specific narrow group of voters and tailor their message to the needs and preferences of this small, defined audience.  The goal is to develop a loyal following among voters who vote and ignore those that don’t.  The 2026 statewide campaigns have started.  Listed below are four tools candidates commonly use to sway voters:

     Pandering.  Pandering is when a candidate will do or say what voters want to hear.  Panderers are disingenuous and insincere.  They lack straightforwardness and openness and are often hiding an agenda or motive.  Panderers avoid confrontation.  They are agreeable and likeable, but often lack the courage to stand alone.  There are honest panderers, but most are not.

     Outrage.  Politicos often show an extremely strong reaction of anger, shock or indignation over an issue to ‘fire up’ their base.  They cloak their clumsiness and incompetence in outrage.  They use passion and pain to further their cause.  Voters are distracted from elected official’s voting records and policy positions by indignation.  They actually may be a victim, but often they are only positioning.

     Co-opting.  Politicians often do ‘shout outs’ to influential people in their audience, in the hope the person recognized will provide them with credibility.  That is a form of co-opting.  Endorsements are also a form of co-opting.  Co-opting is not dishonest, but it a form of leeching.  They cling to someone for personal gain. 

     Self-victimization.  Politicos often play the victim.  They manipulate voters by claiming they are a target or victim of nefarious acts or abuse.  Self-victims tend to exaggerate or fabricate their own victimhood.  It is an effective tactic.  People love the underdog.  They come to the defense of the persecuted.   

      Informed voters must recognize politicians are ‘selling’ a message during a campaign.  It may or may not be a quality message or one the voter wants.  It’s the voter’s job to cut through the rhetoric.    Discerning the difference between hyperbole and truth can be challenging for voters.   Truth is often boring and lacks the pizzazz, excitement, and passion of a well-crafted hype campaign.  But it’s the truth and the truth will set you free. 

     Here are some suggestions for voters as they vet candidates in the coming year:  (1) Don’t rely on a single source for information.  Seek out reputable outlets to get information.  (2) Be wary of social media.  Verify claims before accepting them as true.  (3) Research candidate’s positions and voting records.  (4) Be aware you have your own biases.  Everyone is bias.  Our values and background influence how information is interpreted.  (5) Understand the issues.  Don’t let elected officials or candidates define the narrative.  (6) Recognize it is a marathon, not a sprint.  The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.  People who make a difference stay hooked up.

     As campaigns start earlier and well heeled (rich) candidates craft pandering, co-opting messages, discerning the best choice becomes harder for voters- but not impossible.  It requires a sober, introspective, thoughtful approach that removes the emotion from decision making.       

Traditional prison reform hasn't yielded lasting positive change!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

Transformation, not Reformation!

by Steve Fair

     On May 7^th, thirty men graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Studies.  It was a historic moment because these 30 men are incarcerated at Lexington Correctional Center.  They are serving time.  They have labored for four years to earn a degree and according to one graduate the Lexington facility is already a more peaceful, safe place than it was before because of the influence of the thirty.  The graduates were commissioned as field ministers and will serve in correctional facilities across the state to provide mentorship, pastoral care and guidance to their fellow inmates.  They are still inmates and will continue to serve time, but they will be given an opportunity to make a difference in the life of other inmates. 

     This program started back in 2020 when Oklahoma Southern Baptists, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC), launched the OBU Prison Divinity Program (PDP) to provide incarcerated men with an accredited Christian liberal arts education.  Students’ complete coursework in theology, biblical studies, ethics, and pastoral ministry, culminating with a practical internship under the supervision of prison chaplains. 

     Applicants have to be high school graduates, have at least twelve years left on their sentence, be a security level 3 or 4, and not have any misconducts in the past six months.  Participants in PDP don’t receive special consideration for early release or parole.  Three observations:

     First, PDP could transform Oklahoma.  The state’s violent crime rate is 10% higher than the national average and the property crime rate is 19% higher.  Oklahoma ranks #15 in the U.S. for violent crime.  Oklahoma recidivism (return to incarceration) rate is around 1 in 4. 

     PDP is targeted toward violent offenders- only security levels 3 & 4 can apply.  In the ODOC system, security levels 3 &4 are considered maximum security.  The thirty field minister graduates will be working with men in prison whose hearts need transformation.  Instead of attempting behavior modification, they will be pointing their fellow inmates to an eternal transformation, not moral reformation. 

     Second, PDP is good public policy.  Kudos to Governor Stitt and ODOC Director Steven Harpe for their willingness to establish the program.  The U.S. Department of Justice partners with faith-based agencies for reentry into society.  Several states have established partnerships with faith-based organizations to address criminal behavior, most focusing on reentry programs, but PDP is groundbreaking.  It addresses the most violent in prison.  It reaches out to those deemed unreachable.   It communicates they still have worth and value- even while serving time.

     Traditional approaches to prison reform have not yielded significant, lasting positive change.  Recidivism hasn’t been reduced.  PDP seeks to change the person’s heart, not just their behavior.

     Third, PDP is privately funded.  No tax dollars are used.  There is no cost to the student.  Oklahoma Baptists, through the Cooperative Program and State Mission Offerings have paid the bill. 

    PDP is modeled after a faith-based ministry and rehabilitation program implemented at Louisiana State Penitentiary.  Once called ‘the bloodiest prison in America,” Warden Burl Cain established a branch of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary that changed the environment in the prison.    

     Time will tell as to whether God will regenerate and transform hearts through the efforts of the first graduates of PDP.  What is certain is those thirty men have been changed by the grace of God.