DON'T CHEAT TO MAKE RURAL OKLAHOMA RELEVANT!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

ROADBLOCK NOT GUARDRAIL

by Steve Fair

     In Oklahoma, citizens have the ability to collect signatures to place a new statute or constitutional amendment on the ballot.  They can also get a veto referendum on the ballot to ask voters to uphold or repeal an enacted law.  Oklahoma is one of 26 states that has a mechanism/tool for citizens to petition and enact legislation and bypass the legislature.

     The most impactful initiative petition effort in Oklahoma history happened in 1991, when a group of rag tag citizens from across the Sooner state banded together and got State Question #640 on the 1992 ballot.  They didn’t pay professional signature gatherers to get voter John Hancocks.  They personally stood outside Wal-Marts and went door-to door.  Getting those 230,000 signatures was a high threshold, but they were successful.  Their efforts were rewarded when voters approved SQ#640 in March 1992 with 56.2% of the vote.  SQ#640 amended Article 5, Section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution restricting how taxpayer money is spent.  Under SQ#640, a revenue bill can only become law if: (1) it is approved by a 3/4 vote of both legislative chambers and then signed by the Governor, or (2) it is referred to a vote of the people by the legislature and approved by a majority. 

     Since passage of SQ 640 in 1992, Oklahoma voters have approved only one state question to raise taxes: SQ#713, which increased tobacco tax in 2004.  No revenue bill had gotten the 3/4^th margin in the legislature until 2018, when HB#1010 was passed- the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history.  SQ#640 has resulted in Oklahomans keeping billions of their money in their pockets instead of sending it to 23^rd and Lincoln.

     This week, the Oklahoma Senate made it harder for citizens to get something on the ballot.  Senate Bill 1027 (SB#1027) authored by Sen. David Bullard, (R-Durant) and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, (R-Bristow) would cap the number of initiative petition signatures that could be gathered from each county.  It passed the state senate along Party lines.  If SB#1027 becomes law, only 10% of the signatures of a petition could come from Oklahoma or Tulsa County.  In the other 75 counties the max number would be 4%.  According to Bullard, the current system allows petitioners to only solicit in urban areas to get the required signatures.  He wants to make signature gatherers to ‘diversify’ and get signatures from throughout the state.  Bullard said SB#1027 puts ‘guardrails” on the Oklahoma initiative process.  Three observations:

     First, SB#1027 violates the concept of one man/one vote.  The founding fathers believed in the one man/one vote concept so much that they required the government conduct a decennial census.  The purpose is to assure fair apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states, based on population.  SB#1027 would make some Oklahoma citizen’s voice stronger than others.  It flies in the face of ‘equal and fair’ representation. 

     Second, SB#1027 isn’t a guardrail- it’s a roadblock.  Oklahoma’s initiative process doesn’t need to be reformed/revised/amended.  This isn’t the first time (and likely will not be the last time) the legislature has attempted to ‘manage’ the initiate petition process.  What misguided lawmakers fail to understand is in when they make it harder for liberals to get State Questions on the ballot, they do the same to conservatives.   SB#1027 is not conservative legislation and antithetical to liberty and freedom.    

     Third, SB#1027 would not change Oklahoma demographics.  Bullard and Hilbert believe they can legislate rural Oklahoma to significance.  The issue is the population shift in Oklahoma.  Urban areas are growing and are more liberal.  It could have a long-term impact on Oklahoma politics.  The key is educating, not legislating.  SB#1027 sends the message that urban citizens are not as important as rural.

     Contact your state representative and ask them to oppose SB#1027.  It is a roadblock, not a guardrail and a poke in the eye to citizens who championed SQ#640.   

PLAYING THE VICTIM IS USED TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

VICTIM?

by Steve Fair

     A victim is described as a person who suffers because of some adverse act by another person.  Victims are duped, tricked, swindled or deceived by others. 

     In modern America, many believe they are victims based on the color of their skin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender or indebtedness.  They hold a pity party and cry about how everything and everyone in their life is predatory toward them. 

     The solution to modern victimhood seems to be to shout louder about your victimhood.  Moral authority in modern culture is directly proportional to how many ways a person can claim to have been to have been victimized.  The more victim categories people are in, the more empowered and authoritative they are.  Pick the right victim level and you can have a ‘free pass’ to do and say almost you want in modern America.  Three observations:

     First, there are real victims.  There are those in society who experience harm as victims of crime, abuse, natural disasters, and social injustice.  It is important a society acknowledge and address their needs.  Showing compassion and understanding to those who in need is a mark of a civilized Christian society.   Throughout the Bible, oppressing innocent victims is condemned by God.  People do suffer unjust evil at the hand of others.    

     Second, there are fake victims.   There are those who falsely portray themself as a victim to gain sympathy, attention, or to manipulate others for personal gain.  They falsely accuse others of wrongdoing and fabricate stories to promote themselves.  These self-entered, conceited narcissists never take personal responsibility for their actions.  The actions of "fake victims" undermine the credibility of genuine victims.  It makes it more difficult for true victims to receive support and justice. 

     Third, there are no victims.  Jesus, who was the ultimate innocent victim, did not adopt a victim mentality.  He recognized God is sovereign over all things.  Jesus (1) trusted the Father, (2) did not repay evil for evil, and (3) loved His enemies. Playing the victim can distort reality, damage relationships and suck the joy out of life.  Embracing a philosophy that everything happens for a reason is biblical.  John MacArthur says, “The default position of all fallen human beings is to blame someone else for our condition, blame someone else for our issues, and blame someone else for our troubles. We say to ourselves: I’m basically a good person but I’ve been affected by bad people.“ MacArthur says those who paint themselves as a  victim seek to avoid facing their own shortcomings.   

     Victimhood drives modern morality and politics.  Identity politics divides society into victims and oppressors.  Liberals and conservatives perceive different victims.   In the past, calling yourself a victim was synonymous with weakness.  Now it is used to gain an advantage over your opponent.  Playing the victim is cowardly.  Blaming events, circumstances in the past as a reason to misbehave in the present is spineless and shows weak character.

     Holocaust survivor and author Edith Eger, 97, says, “Suffering is universal, but victimhood is optional.”  

 

SAY NO TO THE OKLAHOMA FOOD POLICE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

FOOD POLICE!

by Steve Fair

     “Should you be eating that?” people ask.  While trying to be helpful, they come across as bossy, overbearing, and intrusive.   The food police are everywhere- external and internal.  The internal judgmental voices in your head that condemn you for eating a piece of cake and those eternal self-righteous, pharisaic do-gooders who try to protect yourself from yourself.  The internal police you control- the external not so much.  In America, what you eat is under bi-partisan attack.

     Ten Republican led state legislatures are currently considering barring SNAP (Food Stamp) recipients from using their benefits to buy candy, soda and other items that are high in sugar and fat.  Similar federal legislation was considered in Feb. 2024 that would have done the same thing.  “American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans. The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices," U.S. Senator Mike Lee, (R-Utah) says. 

     The Oklahoma state legislature has gotten into the act.  Senate bill # 4, (SB4), authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, (R-Edmond), would ban 21 specific food ingredients in Oklahoma.  SB4 passed the Republican controlled Agriculture and Wildlife Committee by a 10-1 vote and now goes to the full Senate for consideration.  Only one lone Republican opposed it in committee.  SB4 has the exact same language as dystopian laws in California and Vermont.  Three observations:

     First, the government has no right to tell citizens what to put in their body.  The irony is that many of the same people who pitched a fit about mandatory COVID vaccines support telling people how to eat.  What inconsistency and hypocrisy! Liberty and freedom preaching zealots telling you what to eat expose their socialist side.     

     Second, the food police put undue burden on the food industry.  Ingredients bans, required declarations, warnings and other state mandates currently cost the industry (and ultimately the consumer) billions.  Some food processors elect to withdraw or not do business in states where the volume doesn’t warrant the increased packaging costs.  Consumers in those states have less choices and less freedom.

     When the feds last year were mandating what could be purchased with food stamps, the National Grocers Association (NGA) issued the following statement: “No consumer purchases have ever been subjected to this Orwellian level of snooping by the Federal government, and it would set a terrifying precedent of intruding on the most private areas of our lives.”    

     The temptation to restrict what recipients of SNAP can buy presents an ethical/moral dilemma for conservative Republicans:  Do they really believe in individual liberty or do they attach strings to a gift?  Sadly, many abandon their principles and side with special interests.

     Third, SB4 is unnecessary and intrusive.  The disappointing thing is Republicans authored it and passed it- not northeast liberals.  Oklahoma has become California.  It’s not likely any of the legislators who voted for SB4 campaigned on banning food ingredients.  Unnecessary cookie cutter legislation crafted by special interests is introduced by clueless lawmakers who campaign on seeking wise counsel from constituents, but never do.

     Evelyn Tribole,  the author of six books on cooking and health, says, "Unless you killed the chef, there is no morality or guilt in what you eat.” 

Just say No to the Food Police in Oklahoma!

In a Golden Age, Ds will complain because everythings YELLOW!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

GOLDEN AGE!

by Steve Fair

     On Tuesday night, President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress.  In the hour and 40-minute speech, the president proclaimed, “America is back!”  He praised Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for the cuts they have made in the government’s footprint.  Trump detailed many of his actions since he was sworn into office six weeks ago.  Throughout the speech, Trump was cheered by Republicans and jeered by the Democrats.  Many political pundits- on both sides of the aisle- called Trump’s speech, “brilliant, vivid, and a great hit speech.’”  Trump was just Trump- loud, boisterous, and high energy.  Three observations:

     First, Democrats looked mad.  From Rep. Al Green’s (D-TX) disrupting of the speech and being removed from the chamber to members holding up signs with political messages, the optics the Ds projected was anger.  Anger and indignation should be reserved for marches and protests, not a joint session of Congress presidential address.  Democrats didn’t applaud the 13-year-old cancer survivor Trump introduced during his speech.  Many rank-and-file Democratic members privately criticized their leadership for telling them to sit on their hands.

     Sen. Elissa Slotkin, (D-MI) delivered the Democratic response speech.  Spending the majority of her brief 10-minute presentation attacking Trump, Musk, and Republicans, Slotkin concluded by exhorting Democrats to: (1) Don’t tune out, (2) Hold elected officials accountable, and (3) Organize.  Good advice for all Americans.  The problem is elected Democrats are out of touch with America.  A CBS News poll (hardly a conservative source) conducted after the speech found a majority of viewers approved of Trump’s speech.  

     Americans are heeding Albert Einstein’s advice who said, "Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution."  Negative people are only happy when they bring you down to their level. 

     Second, Trump loves political theatre.  It was the longest speech by a president to Congress in 61 years.  Waxing long and eloquent, Trump was informal and humorous.  The spectacle of the Democrat’s annoyance and crossness made Trump look good.  One of the president’s strengths is his ability to not get rattled under pressure.  Trump pointed to the Ds and stated: “these guys wouldn’t give me credit if I found a cure for a deadly disease.”  That comment was met with stone-faced, expressionless looks by the elist self-enthralled leftists.  Trump feeds off the reaction of his listening audience- positive or negative.  His style is politically unconventional, but in November Americans showed they are sick and tired of traditional politics.     

     Third, is America entering a golden age?  President Trump claims it is.  He ended his Tuesday speech saying, “My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible future because the golden age of America has only just begun.”  What exactly is a ‘golden age?”  It is defined as a period of great happiness, prosperity and achievement.  

     America has many challenges.  A recent Pew Research poll found inflation the issue most Americans are most concerned about, followed closely by the unwillingness of elected officials to deal with it.  Americans are tired of empty promises.  They want action.  They want radical change.  That is why Trump was swept into office. 

     Americans are tired of living in a Dark Age.  They can use a little light.  When America enters the golden age, Democrats will probably complain because everything will be too yellow. 

Sausage Making is not a Spectator Sport!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

SAUSAGE MAKING!

by Steve Fair

     Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a former entertainer.  He played the part of the president in a popular Ukrainian TV show titled, “Servant of the People.’  He was elected by a landslide in 2019 after helping create the political Party title the same as his TV show- Servant of the People.   Zelenskyy’s presidential campaign was unconventional.  He used social media, stand-up comedy, and a YouTube channel to reach voters.  His message was anti-establishment and anti-corruption.  His campaign tag line was: “Bringing professional, decent people to power.”  He had little policy experience and had not sought public office before.

    This week, Zelenskyy visited the White House with the stated purpose to negotiate an end to the three-year war with Russia.  It didn’t go well.  Zelenskyy and President Trump got into a very public dispute.  Tempers flared and Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House.  Reactions in the U.S. and around the world varied.  Three observations:

     First, Russia is America’s sworn enemy.  In the aftermath of WWI, the Soviet Union was formed as a Communist/Marxism form of government.  The U.S. opposed the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and its ideology and the Communist leaders who came to power never forgot it.  Even though Russia and the U.S. fought together as allies against Nazi Germany, tensions persisted throughout WWII.  Following WWII, the Cold War began.  It was a period of competition and confrontation between the U.S. and Russia, marked by espionage, wars over the spread of communism and the build-up of nuclear arms.  President Reagan’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy resulted in the eventual economic collapse and breakup of the old Soviet Union.  But leadership in Russia has remained steadfast in their goal of destroying America’s capitalism economic system and reuniting the old Soviet Union.  No matter how friendly they appear, Russia remains America’s sworn enemy.

     Second, the Ukrainian government is corrupt.  Corruption goes back to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.  Politicians, organized crime and oligarchs seized the country’s vast natural resources as their own.  The U.S. State Department described Ukraine government as a Kleptocracy or Thievocracy- a government whose leaders use their power to steal the wealth of their people. 

Make no mistake- bribery, graft, and payola are alive and well in Ukraine.   

    Zelenskyy is not a noble champion of democracy, but unfortunately his acceptance as a champion of freedom and justice is bipartisan.  Democrats and Republicans alike are big fans of the smooth talker.  But since the war started with Russia, Zelenskyy has outlawed eleven opposition political Parties and invoked martial law.  He is ruling in his country as an unelected dictator. 

     An audit a year ago by Zelenskyy’s own defense secretary found $262 million dollars of fraud and kickbacks by members of the military and parliament.  Most of that money came from American taxpayers.  President Trump puts the amount of aid at $350 billion thus far- other sources claim it is ‘only’ $182 billion.  But whatever the number, the United States has sent more money to Ukraine than it cost to fight the Vietnam war.

     Third, Russia needs Ukraine’s resources.  That is Putin’s motivation and the primary reason he invaded Ukraine.  He needs their agricultural production to feed the Russian people.  Russia needs their natural gas, oil, and minerals.  He grew weary of trying to negotiate and decided he would simply take it.  Diplomacy almost always works when all sides seek a workable solution, but when talks broke down, Putin deployed troops. 

     The Russians and the Ukrainians share a language, a religion, and history, but it been far from brotherly.  Ukraine and Russia both trace their origins to Kyivan Rus’, an early medieval state formed in the ninth century.  Lenin had to fight a very strong Ukrainian national movement during a civil war waged from 1917-1921 to keep Ukraine in the Soviet Union.  Many Ukrainians believe Putin wants to eliminate their right to exist and identify as a separate people.

     Last week, Americans saw how the sausage is made.  The practical and often unpleasant, messy aspects of a process usually not made public were on display.  Some Americans were appalled/embarrassed/ashamed by President Trump and Vice President Vance’s behavior toward Zelenskyy and his being asked to leave the White House.  Zelenskyy played the victim because his goal is to get more of American taxpayer dollars.  This week, Americans learned that sausage making is not a spectator sport.   

EXECUTIVE ORDERS ARE OUT OF CONTROL!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

POTENTATE!

by Steve Fair

     Since January 20^th, President Trump has signed 73 Executive Orders (EO)- 26 on his first day.  That is more than any recent president has signed in their first 100 days.  Trump signed a total of 220 EOs in his first term.  

     What is an Executive Order?  An EO is a directive by the president issued to agents of the executive branch.  An EO can have a binding force of law upon federal agencies and do not require approval of Congress.  They are however subject to judicial review and interpretation.  Every president except William Henry Harrison has issued EOs.  Harrison was in office only 32 days when he died. The most famous EO was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to slaves.  Franklin Roosevelt signed the most EOs.  For years the Heritage Foundation have accused presidents of abusing EOs by using them to make law with congressional approval and moving existing laws away from their original intent.  Three observations:

     First, the U.S. president is not a king.  The founders refrained from making the Presidency into the image of the British monarchy, which they had just gained independence from. Instead, they created an executive who had to be both responsive and accountable to the citizenry and balanced against the other two branches of government.  While the president has broad authority, they are not a sovereign dictator.

     The founders debated for three weeks on what to call the nation’s chief executive.  Some wanted to call George Washington the Chief Magistrate.  Some preferred King.  One proposal for the title was Protector of the Liberties of the People of the USA.   The Senate thought president was a title that wouldn’t be taken serious by other countries, but ultimately agreed.  Today, the President of the United States is the most powerful position in the world.   

     Recently, main stream media and certain of those who oppose Trump and his policies are claiming his use of EOs has made him a dictator/monarch.  Republican elected officials are encountering hostile constituents at Town Hall meetings, which is nothing new.  CNN released a poll showing 52% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s first month in office.  Liberals are always attempting to gaslight Americans, so take most of what you hear and see in the media with a grain of salt.  Trump’s policies will likely work if given time.

     Second, EOs are overused.  Executive Orders have increased as years went by.  EOs were meant to be issued within the narrow confines of Article II of the Constitution.  That changed with President Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican.  He signed 1,100 EOs, almost as many as the previous 100 years combined.  21^st century presidents have issued EOs with more frequency because the country is polarized and getting laws passed is next to impossible.  That is because negotiation, deal making, compromise, accommodation, and collaboration have become dirty words in politics.  Working across the aisle for the betterment of the masses has become nonexistent.  Elected officials come home and boast to constituents of accomplishing nothing by standing up to the other side.  The result is gridlock and more EOs by the executive branch.

     Third, the use of EOs makes consistency impossible.  President Biden opens the border with an EO- Trump closes it.  When Biden entered office, he rescinded a record 42 of Trump’s EOs in his first 100 days.  Trump flipped them back when he was re-elected.  Both justify the action because Congress is dysfunctional and the only way something gets done is by EO. 

     The framers of the Constitution did not consecrate power in one office.  They set up a democratic representative form of government that gave the real power to the people.  If voters will hold federal elected officials accountable by calling out grandstanding and showboating by do nothings, EOs will not be as prevalent. If EOs continue to be the law of the land, then perhaps the title of president be changed to potentate.

Parents need to take responsibility for education!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

DRAMA REIGNS!

by Steve Fair

     The Oklahoma state Board of Education (BOE) is composed of six members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Members must have a minimum of a high school education.  They serve staggered six-year terms with one member’s term expiring every year.  There must be one member from each of the five congressional districts and one at large member.  There can’t be two members from the same county.  Members serve with no compensation, but do get reimbursed for their travel expenses.  The State Superintendent of Public Instruction serves as chair of the body.   

     The current makeup of the board wasn’t always the case.  From statehood until 1971, the board was composed of the State Superintendent, the Governor, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General.  When David Hall was governor, the Democratic controlled legislature passed the 1971 Oklahoma School Code.  It is a chapter in the Oklahoma statutes that gives the governor basically total sovereign control over the state school board.  He can appoint and dismiss members at his will.  This past week, Governor Stitt did just that.  The governor replaced three members of the state school board because test scores haven’t improved and the board seemed more interested in grabbing headlines and creating drama than improving public education.  The three new nominees- Ryan Deathredge of Kingfisher, Michael Tinney of Norman, and Chris VanDehende of Tulsa must be confirmed by the State Senate.

     Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters condemned Stitt’s firing of the board members on social media.  “The governor has joined the swampy political establishment that President Trump is fighting against.  Every Oklahoman should be clear this move undermines Oklahoma kids and parents and an American First agenda,” Walters declared.    Three observations:

     First, Trump attracts self-promoters.  It’s common for successful people to be co-opted.  Leeches, sycophants and toadies, in all walks of life, cling to people of wealth, power or influence to further themselves and their agenda.  It has become popular to invoke Trump and MAGA to excite or build support for a cause.  It is become a never-ending competition to gain credibility and acceptability by flatterers and lackeys.  Instead of provoking, inciting and agitating, Superintendent Walters should focus on reforming Oklahoma education. 

     Second, the state school board should be reformed.  The current appointment process gives the governor sovereign control over education policy in the state.    The board member’s loyalty lies with the governor and they can/will be removed if they don’t do his will.  There is no independence.  With the Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected official, leading a board with loyalties to another elected official, a clear contradiction exists. 

     Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, (R-Norman) has introduced a bill that proposes the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore get two board appointments each instead of letting the guv have all six.  It has been proposed before and failed.  What is more realistic would be for Oklahoma voters to approve a constitutional amendment in which the State Superintendent of Public Instruction be an appointed position instead of an elective one.  Oklahoma is one of only twelve states who elect a State Superintendent.  That would remove the contradiction and put the sold responsibility of education policy in the state on the shoulders of the governor.

    Third, Oklahoma parents need to take responsibility for their kid’s education.  Instead of blaming government for not schooling their children, they should take equity in teaching their offspring the 3Rs. 

     For years, Oklahoma’s education establishment solution to low test scores was; ‘give us raises and more money.’  That hasn’t resulted in significant improvement in scores.  A combination of parents not paying attention to their child’s education, elected officials focused on peripheral issues, and an education establishment unwilling to change has resulted in Oklahoma’s education subpar results.   

    Sensationism, hype, and puffery incite passion and emotions, but they will not improve Oklahoma’s education system.  Identifying obvious deficiencies and unselfishly working together is the only way change will happen.  It’s unclear if Oklahoma’s elected leaders can put their egos aside for the good of the kids. It’s more fun when drama reigns.

USE THE OKLAHOMA STATE AUDITOR AS INTENDED!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

PAIN OF REGRET!

by Steve Fair

      On Monday February 3^rd, Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his next to the last State of the State address.  Stitt is term limited and will serve as the Sooner state’s governor until 2026.  The 3,869 word speech was delivered in 36 minutes to a packed chamber of legislators and guests.  The speech can be read in its entirety at: https://oklahoma.gov/governor/newsroom/newsroom/2025/governor-stitt-delivers-2025-state-of-the-state-address.html

     Stitt stated goals in 2025 are to, (1) protect Oklahoma taxpayers, (2) make Oklahoma the best in the U.S. to do business, (3) safeguard state’s revenue reserve, (4) defend the Oklahoma way of life. Stitt began the speech by reciting a laundry list of ‘accomplishments’ during his six years as governor and then exhorted the legislature to support his agenda. 

     Quoting Winston Churchill, the governor said, “the price of greatness is responsibility.”  “That means sacrificing now for future benefit.  The reality is there is going to be pain either way- the pain of disciple now, or the pain of regret later,” Stitt said. 

     Stitt said he would cooperate with the Trump administration in deporting illegal aliens who have committed crimes.  He supports students not having access to cell phones while in school and proclaimed his support of school choice.  “The government shouldn’t stand in the way of a parent’s right to educate their children in line with their values,” Stitt said. 

     Citing a recurrent theme Stitt has parroted since he started campaigning for guv back in 2018, he said:  “I am committed to having fewer state employees at the end of my term than when I took office in 2019.” Stitt said. He also announced the creation of DOGE-OK to identify waste, fraud and corruption in state government.  He also wants to cut taxes.  Three observations:

     First, Oklahoma has an office to find waste, fraud and corruption.  The State Auditor and Inspector is an elected official given that responsibility by the state constitution.  An ad hoc committee of private citizens should not circumvent an elected official’s duties.  During the gubernatorial campaign of 2018, Stitt promised to use the Auditor’s office to “audit everything not nailed down.”  Phrases like that resonate with Republicans during an election, but are often forgotten by elected officials after they take office.  Oklahoma doesn’t need an unaccountable to the citizens DOGE when they have the SA&I.  Use the constitutionally created office and stop the grandstanding!

      Second, Oklahomans are overdue for a tax cut.  Stitt pointed out that bordering states are cutting their state income tax rate and have lower rates than the Sooner state.  Oklahoma state government has been collecting much more than they need to operate, which has resulted in record rainy day funds.  Like a kid sent to the store with money, but never gives the change back to his parent, state government has been keeping the change.  It’s time for the taxpayer to keep more of their money.    

     Third, Oklahoma government should help all businesses.  Economic development doesn’t just mean recruiting new business.  It involves helping existing businesses grow and prosper.  Often the zeal to recruit a new business hurts an existing business.  As the old saying goes: “dance with the one who brought you.” 

     Stitt’s consistently stated goal since his campaign of 2018 until now has been to, ‘make Oklahoma a top ten state.’  Every speech or talk includes the same talking points: cutting taxes, rightsizing government, and making the state business friendly- so far unfulfilled campaign promises. 

     Stitt should unleash the SA&I on state government to do performance audits, cut hardworking Oklahomans tax burden, and help existing Oklahoma businesses (not just oil and gas).  That will help Okies avoid the pain of regret!

U.S WILL NOT BE 'STUPID' COUNTRY ANYMORE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

SHORT TERM PAIN=LONG TERM GAIN!

by Steve Fair

 

    President Trump announced tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China starting on February 1^st.  Products imported from Canada and Mexico face a 25% tariff.  All products coming from China face a 10% tariff.  Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff.

     The White House says President Trump is taking the bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.

     Critics claim the move will hurt American consumers by driving prices higher and slowing global economic growth.  President Trump said the tariffs could create ‘some pain’ for Americans but ultimately will be ‘worth the price.’  Trump’s stated goals in imposing tariffs are to: (1) deter war by imposing economic harm to aggressive countries and (2) boast domestic manufacturing.  Three observations:

     First, countries don’t pay tariffs, consumers do.  Every fee, tax, tariff, assessment, duty or charge is ultimately paid by the person using the product.  Whether it be gasoline, groceries, clothing, or furniture, the end user pays the fee.  Tariffs are just added to the price on imports, so American consumers pay it, but only if they buy it. 

     Second, supply and demand will work.  The principle of supply and demand states the price of a good or service is determined by the interaction between the quantity of that good available (supply) and the desire for it by consumers (demand).  When demand is high and supply is low, prices rise, and vice versa, leading to an "equilibrium" price where supply matches demand. The cure for high prices is high prices.  The price of imported tomatoes and avocados from Mexico will temporally go up because of the tariff, impacting sales and consumption.  Short shelf-life products, like fresh produce, will quickly adjust pricing.  Other products may not react as rapidly, but eventually pricing will hit equilibrium.

     Third, America has a trade deficit.  It has an ‘unfavorable balance of trade.”  The U.S. imports more than it exports.  According The Kobeissi Letter (TKL), a weekly commentary on the global capital markets, the U.S. trade deficit rose a whopping +18% in December.  TKL reports exports declined by -4.5% and imports rose by +4%.  “The deficit was driven by weak economies overseas and a strong U.S. dollar.  The trade deficit has never been larger,” TKL says.  

     On Sunday, President Trump tweeted: "The USA has major deficits with Canada, Mexico, and China (and almost all countries!), owes 36 Trillion Dollars, and we’re not going to be the 'Stupid Country' any longer,"

     For decades, past administrations- both Democrat and Republican were more economically accommodating and amenable to foreign governments and companies than those countries were to America.  That acquiescence has created the trade deficit.  Past economic policy has made it much easier for foreign companies to do business in America(import) than for American companies to do business in other countries(export).  Trump’s tariffs could flip the script if Americans are willing to endure some short-term pain for long-term gain. 

 

Trump’s XO calls attention to the real issue of illegal immigration- birth tourism!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

ANCHORS AWAY!

by Steve Fair

     President Trump issued fifty-one (51) Executive Orders (XO) this week.  From halting diversity programs throughout the federal government to withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), Trump wasted no time in overturning many of President Biden’s policies.  Some of the XOs are clearly within the power of the presidency, but others will no doubt be challenged in court.  The most controversial XO was titled, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.”  Read it in its entirety at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/

     Trump stated the 14^th amendment to the Constitution was never meant to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States.  He maintains that if the mother was unlawfully present in the country and father was not a U.S. citizen, then citizenship is not extended to their U.S. born offspring.  Trump’s decree, if upheld in court, would eliminate so called ‘anchor’ babies.  An anchor baby is a child that automatically becomes a U.S. citizen by being born on American soil.  They can help their illegal parents avoid deportation or gain legal residency.  Pew Research says over 300,000 babies were born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants in 2024- 8% of the total births in the country. 

     During the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly described birthright citizenship as "ridiculous" and something that needed to stop. The U.S. is one of roughly 30 countries where birthright citizenship is applied. Three observations:

     First, birth tourism is not just from south of the border.  Los Angeles is considered to be the center of the maternity tourism industry.  Catering to wealthy Asian women, it is hard to shut down because its not illegal for a pregnant woman to travel to the United States.  In 2015, the feds raided three-multimillion-dollar birth tourism businesses in LA, but none were closed.  An estimated 15-20,000 Korean children are born to illegals each year. Pew found 41% of illegal births each year in the U.S. are to Mexican citizens.  Birth tourism is real and needs to be addressed.

     Second, the XO’s legality will be fought in court.  U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, issued an order blocking Trump’s policy from taking effect for 14 days.  "This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," Coughenour said.  Not everyone agrees. 

     Hans von Spakovsky, an attorney specializing in immigration, argues: “The 14th Amendment doesn’t say all persons born in the U.S. are citizens. It says “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” are citizens.  A tourist or illegal alien who violates our laws are not placing themselves within the ‘jurisdiction’ of the United States.”   

     In 1898, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), affirmed the language of the 14^th amendment in US vs. Wong.  Since that time, any child born on American soil has been granted citizenship.  Can the SCOTUS reverse the 1898 ruling?  Sure, but most legal experts say it is unlikely. 

     Third, the Constitution is unlikely to be amended.  The threshold is high, which is why the founding document has only been amended 27 times.  Article 5 of the Constitution outlines the amending process.  Two-thirds of Congress (House and Senate) must vote to approve an amendment or two-thirds of state legislatures can ask Congress to call a convention to propose an amendment.  The amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures before the Constitution is amended. 

     Trump’s XO calls attention to one of the real issues of illegal immigration- birth tourism!  Illegals traveling to the U.S. to exploit our generous citizenship laws without fully integrating into our society undermine the integrity of citizenship.  If the SCOTUS rules the 14^th amendment doesn’t extend citizenship to children of illegal immigration, it will be anchors away.

TRUMP NEEDS TO AVOID 2ND TERM CURSE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

HANG ON FOR CHANGE!

by Steve Fair

     On Monday January 20^th, just after noon President Donald John Trump was sworn into office for his second term.  The ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather.  Oath of office was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.  Oklahoman Carrie Underwood sang America the Beautiful.  The Navy Glee Club sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic.   A slew of executive orders followed including the round up of illegal immigrants for deportation.  Unlike Trump’s first term which started in a chaotic way, the second term appears to be more organized and thoughtful.  Three observations:

     First, Americans are ready for a change.  As evidenced by Trump’s margin of victory in November, average Americans are fed up with high inflation and government interference in their life.  Trump has vowed to enact tariffs and remove regulations that should spur the economy.  His market driven philosophy is much different than the outgoing administration, whose monetary policies caused supply shortages and record inflation.  Trump’s plan to cut government spending requires the cooperation of Congress, but voters sent a clear and powerful message in November they are not happy with business as usual.  Congressional stonewallers of Trump’s agenda- no matter what their Party affiliation- will face the wrath of voters in the midterms.

     Second, Republicans control government.  The GOP holds a majority in both chambers of Congress and the presidency.  Because of that, there is no excuse to not get meaningful legislature passed into law.  The challenge is going to be in the U.S. House, where the majority margin is so slim that just a couple of defectors can derail the agenda.  The uncooperative, disobliging GOP members who in the past have settled for nothing instead of something will not be viewed favorably by America if they stonewall Trump’s agenda.  In years past, when the American people have given Republicans total control of government, infighting has resulted in mayhem and havoc.  Hopefully the GOP has learned their lesson.

     Third, Trump needs to avoid the second-term curse.  Twenty-one U.S. presidents have served two terms.  According to the so-called second-term curse, all of them have been plagued by a major scandal, a catastrophe or difficulty in their second term.  Approval ratings are normally lower on average for second terms and economic indicators are not as robust in second terms.  Recognizing they will not face voters again often contributes to a daredevil rash approach to governing.  It appears Trump has surrounded himself with focused people determined to accomplish something.   

     Donald Trump is not your typical politician.  Trump’s life’s work hasn’t been public service.  He is a businessman.  His point of reference/perspective is much different than the classic elected official.  In his first term, his style of governing conflicted with the insider approach of DC, resulting in meaningful policy taking eons to get accomplished.  Productivity is likely to be much better in his second term.  Hang on for change!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME DOESN'T MOVE THE SUN!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

LOCK THE CLOCK!

by Steve Fair

   

     Standard time in the United started back in 1883 by the railroads in the instituting of standardized time zones.  The action came about after two trains on the same track, referencing two different time zones collided, resulting in the death of 14 people. Up until then, the time of day was a local issue, which created confusion and inconsistency. 

     The reason for the changing length of daylight throughout the year is because as the Earth tilts (23.5 degrees) on its axis, resulting in different parts of the Earth receiving different amounts of sunlight.   The Summer solstice (longest day) for Oklahoma is June 20^th- the Winter solstice (shortest day) December 21^st.  The Spring Equinox (equal light/darkness) occurs in the Sooner state is March 20^th. All other days will have varying amounts of sunlight.  Changing our clock doesn’t change that.

     In 1918, Congress passed the Standard Time Act, which included Daylight Saving Time (DST).  DST was controversial and contentious and was repealed the next year.   Germany implemented DST in WWI to save energy.  The United Stated adopted DST as well, but stopped changing the clock after the war ended.      

     After WWII, state and local governments were given freedom to determine how to set their clocks and the result was chaos.  Those traveling a 35-mile route between Ohio and West Virginia crossed seven time zones.  The lack of consistency created confusion. In 1966, President Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing the dates of beginning and ending of DST. 

     Ben Franklin is sometimes credited with the concept of DST.  When old Ben was living in France he wrote an essay extolling that locals should get up earlier and do more during daylight hours.  The truth is Franklin was just making fun of the French for sleeping till noon. 

     U.S. Senators James Lankford, (R-OK) and Rick Scott, (R- FL) have introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to officially ‘lock the clock,’ and end the twice annually time change.   DST would become the national year-round standard.  Two years ago, a similar bill was passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, but never got a vote in the U.S. House because they couldn’t agree on whether to make DST or Standard time permanent.  President Trump says he supports locking the clock, but it uncertain whether in DST or standard time.

     First, Americans favor locking the clock.  A 2023 YouGov poll found that 62% of Americans want to end springing forward and falling backward. The poll found Americans spilt 50/50 on whether DST or standard time should be permanent.   Making DST permanent will have people driving to work in the dark in the morning during winter months, but the fact is Americans want to stop resetting their clocks twice a year.

     Second, DST doesn’t save anything.   Only the federal government would believe you can cut a foot of the top of a blanket, sew to the bottom and have a longer blanket. One of the reasons historically given for implementing DST is to save energy.  But the truth is DST has led to a slight increase in energy consumption due to increased air conditioning usage during later daylight hours.  DST doesn’t ‘move the sun.’   Only God can do that. 

    In the Bible, God caused the sun stand still for a day so Israel could fight a battle in daylight.  God didn’t just stop the sun- He caused hail and fire to reign on the enemy, giving Israel the victory over the Amorites. 

     Third, there are better ways to deal with less daylight.  Instead of changing the clock, let schools and businesses adopt seasonal hours of operation.  Instead of being a slave to a mechanical device, alter their schedules. 

     Studies have shown the human body is not designed to ‘reset its internal clock.’   After a time change, there are increases in car accidents, heart attacks and other health issues related to stress.  The study shows, due to poor sleep, more health care errors and less job productivity after the springing forward/falling backward ritual.   It’s past time to lock the clock!

ELIMINATING WASTE IS HARDER THAN IDENTIFYING!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

WASTE!

by Steve Fair

 

     Wasteful government spending has been an issue since America’s founding.  As the country has grown, so has the budgets at federal, state and local levels.  Most states have ‘balanced budget’ provisions, which requires that government not spend more than they take in.  That is not the case at the federal level.  In 2023, the federal government budget was $6.1 trillion ($47,000 per household).  The deficit was an astonishing $1.7 trillion.  With consumers paying more for less, taxpayers are struggling while government is not impacted. 

             The late Senator Tom Coburn famously published his annual ‘Wastebook,’ which highlighted wasteful spending, unusual research projects funded by grants, and tax breaks given to corporations.  Senators James Lankford and Rand Paul have continued the tradition and in 2024 they identified $10.5 trillion in wasteful spending.

     President Trump has created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.  It’s objective is to cut the federal government down to size.  They will identify areas of waste and encourage Congress to cut funding.

     Oklahoma Speaker of the House designate Kyle Hilbert, (R-Bristow) coat tariled DOGE by announcing the creation of a web portal where Sooner taxpayers can report government waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency.    Limited to 3,500 words, a taxpayer can vent about nine state agencies and their inaptitude.  To rail, go to https://former.okhouse.gov/doge/ Three observations:

     First, government- at all levels- is wasteful.  Unlike a business or a consumer, it’s rare to find an elected official or bureaucrat taking equity in spending.  Because they are spending the taxpayer’s money and not their own, they most often take the path of least resistance.  When compensation or job performance evaluation isn’t dependent on how tax dollars are managed, why take ownership?  Until taxpayers start holding those responsible with government oversight accountable, little will change.

     Second, identifying waste is easy than eliminating it.  The creation of a private group to examine and scrutinize federal government efficiency and spending has been done twice before, both with limited results. 

     In 1905, President Teddy Roosevelt created the Committee on Department Methods (CDM) to explore ways to improve government efficiency.  Headed by Charles Keep, an assistant secretary of the Treasury, the commission exposed massive bureaucracy and inefficiency in government procurement.  Unlike DOGE, CDM’s primary work was administrative process improvement.  Few of the Keep Commission’s recommendations were implemented.

     In 1982, President Reagan appointed industrialist Peter Grace to head up the Grace Commission, a group of 160 CEOs(all volunteers) to identify government waste.  The Commission was also charged with finding opportunities for increased efficiency and improving managerial and administrative controls.  After 18 months, the Grace Commission’s report pointed out $424 billion of bloat.  Some of their most egregious and shocking findings were: the Department of Defense (DOD) was spending $436 for a claw hammer and $511 for a single 60-watt lightbulb.   Only about one fourth of the Grace Commission’s recommendations were heeded by Congress.  Will DOGE do better?  Remains to be seen.

     Third, Oklahoma has a state auditor.  Unlike the federal government, Oklahoma has a constitutionally created office, elected by voters.  The state auditor should be unleased (authorized and funded) to do comprehensive performance audits on every agency that receives a dime of state tax dollars.  If Oklahoma state legislators are really serious about finding waste, that’s the way to find it.  Asking constituents to report their bad experiences at an state agency in a portal scores points at the ballot box, but it is not a precise method to identify government waste.   

     Wasteful spending is subjective.  What one person considers essential and needful, another finds extravagant and unnecessary. But when it comes to government, virtually all Americans recognize tax dollars are being frittered away.  Finding it is one thing- eliminating it another!