SQ#836 would change Oklahoma- and not for the better!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

DIVIDES & DILUTES!

by Steve Fair

     For nearly a century, the Democratic Party ruled Oklahoma.  When Republicans took control of the state House in 2004, it was the first time in over 75 years the GOP had a majority in the legislature.  Oklahoma was a one-party state and corruption ruled.  From Supreme Court bribery scandals to payoffs to county commissioners, Sooner tax dollars lined the pockets of crooks. Dishonesty and duplicity have been reduced since the GOP took over state government and while Oklahoma government isn’t perfect, it’s better than it was when the Ds were in control.

     A group called Oklahoma United is planning to run an initiative petition drive to get State Question #836 on the ballot.  They want the Sooner state to move to a top-two primary, where all candidates are listed on the same ballot, regardless of Party affiliation.  The top two would go the general election.  It is possible the top two would be from the same Party.  They have to get 173,000 signatures to get SQ#836 on the ballot.  Three observations:  

     First, it’s about winning elections.  Democrats face an uphill battle in elections.   Republicans now dominate Oklahoma government.  The GOP has super majorities in both chambers.  All statewide offices are held by Republicans.  County officials are overwhelmingly Republican.  Instead of educating the public on the virtues of being a Democrat, the Democratic Party’s response is to get their candidates to register R and run as a Republican.  For voters in Oklahoma, winnowing out the chaff (Republicans in name only) from the wheat (true Republicans) has become difficult.  Party affiliation used to mean something, but now it’s just a brand to win an election.

     Second, a political Party should choose their own nominee.  It shouldn’t be necessary to state the obvious, but Republicans should choose the Republican nominee- Democrats the Democrat- Libertarian the Libertarian. The Baptist don’t let the Methodist vote on who their pastor is going to be.  The Rotarians don’t let the Ambucs vote in their officer election.  Their processes are closed- as they should be.  A closed process doesn’t exclude- it simply prevents outsiders from ‘raiding’ a Party primary and nominating a weaker candidate. 

     Third, Party affiliation is a person’s first vote.  Party affiliation should be a matter of conviction, not convenience.  People often align with a Party so they can vote in primary elections or based on family tradition or geographies. While no political party is perfect or has all the answers, there is a distinct difference between the two major parties and honest citizens should align with the Party that reflects their convictions.  If someone wants to vote in the GOP primary, register Republican.  This isn’t brain surgery. 

     The Oklahoma Republican Party filed a lawsuit last week in an attempt to block SQ#836 from reaching the ballot.  The GOP says it petition violates the U.S. Constitution’s first Amendment associational right’s clause.  It also states SQ#836 is a radical change to how current elections are conducted in the Sooner state and that is not disclosed in the petition.   Whether the state GOP will win in court remains to be seen.

     Oklahomans can do three things to stop SQ#836: (1) Don’t sign the petition. No matter how pretty the young lady is with the clipboard, resist signing.  If the group fails to get the required signatures, SQ#836 will not be on the ballot.  (2) Recognize SQ#836 is not about fairness- it’s about control.  There is nothing ‘fair’ about open primaries.  Open primaries are not more moral/ethical/righteous than a closed primary.  Open primaries actually promote gamesmanship, deception, subterfuge, chicanery and treachery.  (3) Recognize Party affiliation is important.  It’s not about exclusivity- it’s about values.

     Educate your family and friends.  Get the word out- liberals are trying to change Oklahoma- and not for the better.  SQ#836 doesn’t ‘unite’ Oklahoma- it divides and dilutes. 

Trump’s tariffs will work- if Americans will be patient.

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

TARIFFS

by Steve Fair

     A tariff is a tax placed on goods when they cross national borders, typically when being imported into a country.  The fee is ultimately passed down to the consumer in the form of a price increase.  Tariffs are paid for by the end user.  For example, a widget tariff on imported widgets will likely raise the price of all widgets, even those made in the U.S.  Domestic manufacturers often capitalize on the sell environment and raise their prices to maximize profit. 

     This week, President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all imports on all countries effective at midnight April 5^th.  Trump said the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) provides him the authority to address the large and persistent U.S. trade deficit.  Trump also says he will impose individualized reciprocal higher tariffs on countries with which the U.S. has the largest trade deficits.  Three observations:

     First, the U.S. trade deficit needs to be addressed.  In 2024, the United States had a $1.2 trillion trade deficit, with significant deficits with China, Mexico, Vietnam, Ireland, and Germany.  The United States has one of the lowest simple average most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates in the world at 3.3%, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2%), China (7.5%), the European Union (5%), India (17%), and Vietnam (9.4%) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher.  Americans have the most disposal income of any country in the world and the U.S. is the largest consumer market in the world.  Trump’s imposing of reciprocal tariffs simply helps to level the playing field.

     Second, American consumers killed manufacturing.  Past administrations (Republicans and Democrats) willingness to open the American market to the world resulted in a flood of lower priced goods Americans loved. Low import tariffs for foreign manufacturers resulted in a competitive advantage over domestic manufacturers.  Corporate America responded by closing domestic manufacturing facilities and moving production facilities to low labor countries.  President Trump campaigned on bringing manufacturing back home, which he believes is critical to U.S. national security.  But until patriotic America consumers are willing to pay a higher price for goods made in America, manufacturers remain on a race to the bottom.

     Third, access to the U.S. is a privilege.  Because of the low threshold (tariffs) to enter the largest market in the world, foreign manufacturers have thrived and hurt domestic manufacturers.  Trump says he wants to impose the ‘Golden Rule’ on other countries: treat us like we treat them.  According to a press release from the White House: “The United States will not longer put itself last on matters of international trade in exchange for empty promises.”  Tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficit. 

     Some theorical economists have little faith in the law of supply and demand.  They believe imposing high tariffs result in a “deadweight loss,” which is a loss of economic efficiency when a good is not produced.  Deadweight loss is an oversimplified, impractical model that is not real world.  Supply and demand work.  Higher prices result in lower demand.  Lower demand results in lower prices, which spurs higher demand.  The cure for higher prices is higher prices.  Trump’s tariffs will work- if Americans will be patient.