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.