Sine Die!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

by Steve Fair

     This is the last week of the 2014 Oklahoma state legislative session.  According to the Oklahoma state constitution, legislative sessions must begin at noon on the first Monday in February, cannot exceed one hundred and sixty days, and must be finally adjourned by no later than five o'clock p.m. on the last Friday in May of each year.  This has been an interesting legislative session.  Early in the session, the Senate passed a bill to approve the National Popular Vote compact, but after an uprising from the citizens in the state, the House thankfully killed the bill.  Common Core has been debated all session and appears to be headed for repeal in the Sooner state (we’ll see).  Tax breaks for drilling, increased bonding authority for school districts to build storm shelters, funding for the Indian Cultural Center, and repair of the Capitol are still issues the legislature may tackle before they Sine Die on Friday.

     The legislature did approve a budget last week that is $102 million less than last year’s budget.  Common education (public schools) funding, however, increased by $80 million.  Many state agencies took cuts of 5-6% but public safety, higher ed, and mental health were not cut. 

     Some observations about the issues that still linger at the legislature:

     First, the Indian Cultural Center is a money pit. It’s an uncompleted building in a high traffic location- I40 & I35- in Oklahoma City.  The state has already been out over $100 million dollars on this boondoggle, but here’s the dilemma; do you let the building just set there unfinished or do you appropriate taxpayer dollars to finish it?  Bear in mind, the state is paying for maintenance and upkeep on the building now.  It’s a tough issue and there is no clear cut right answer.  Some Republicans are adamant that we should not fund the project- others say give them the $40 million and get it finished.  This whole project has been a complete mismanaged mess, but if completed, the museum ‘could’ be a great compliment to the Western Heritage Museum- or not.  Who really knows?  A plan to take $40 million out of unclaimed property was rejected because the legislature rightfully recognized that in a down budget year, it sends the wrong message if you fund the Cultural Session, but cut more essential services.  It is a quagmire.   

     Second, why are we not using some of the rainy day fund to repair the Capitol?  The Rainy Day fund has been tapped for funding shortfalls far less legitimate than the crumbling Capitol building.  Or better yet, why not use a portion of the ‘reserve funds’ state agencies have sitting in the bank?  According to last estimates, over $800 million of taxpayer dollars is sitting in state agency bank accounts.  The estimates to fix the Capitol- and it needs repair- is $120 million.  Why doesn’t the legislature pass a bill to have every agency to send in 20% of the reserve funds?  That sounds reasonable and logical, but no one is talking about the reserve funds.  Isn’t that money the taxpayers?  That’s not the property of the state agency!  I can assure you that if a vote were taken, the vast majority of Oklahomans would support taking money out of the accounts of state agencies in lieu borrowing money and having their kids and grandkids pay it back.   

     Third, increasing the bonding amount for school districts to build storm shelters is a no-brainer.  It allows the local school district to determine whether they want a shelter on not.  The legislature should also look at giving a tax break to organizations and individuals who would contribute to a school district for a storm shelter.  Everyone wants Oklahoma’s kids safe, but mandating a district to provide a storm shelter when they don’t want or need one is foolhardy.  School districts are not one size fits all. 

    Fourth, the tax break for horizontal drilling is a complicated one.  When the tax break was initiated, just a small percentage of wells were horizontal, but now the vast majority of wells drilled are horizontal.  The tax breaks should continue for the following reason- it’s their money!  It’s not the state’s money! What many legislators mistakenly believe is a corporation pays taxes, but ultimately tax increases are passed on to the consumer.  Keep the tax on drilling low and you stimulate drilling.

      On a personal note, my wife Debbie will retire on Friday.  She has been teaching for 39.5 years in three Oklahoma school systems.  She has positively impacted literally thousands of children’s lives.  She’s the real hero in our family!

SCGOP FISH FRY IS A BIG DEAL!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

FISH FRY IS A BIG DEAL!

by Steve Fair

     On Saturday, the Stephens County Republican Party will hold their tenth annual Fish Fry.  It is an annual fundraiser to benefit the local GOP.  The local county Republican headquarters is possible because of this fundraiser.  The SCGOP Fish Fry has evolved into the largest gathering of Republicans in Oklahoma annually, outside a state convention.  That is quite an accomplishment when you consider that just twenty years ago, Stephens County Republicans could hold their meetings in a phone booth.
     The first SCGOP Fish Fry was held in 2005 and the speaker was Congressman Tom Cole.  Through the years, the event has featured both politicos and entertainers.  Keynotes have included a Will Rogers impersonator, a John Wayne impersonator, and Prayer Force One, a bus painted like Air Force One.  For the first couple of years, it was held in the Territory Hall at the Fairgrounds, but the last five years, the event has been held in the Stephens County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena.  Last year U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe spoke to over 750, the year before, Senator Anthony Sykes to a similar number.  In 2010, Senator Tom Coburn spoke to over 850.  The largest crowd in the event’s history is expected this year when Governor Mary Fallin is the keynote speaker.  Republicans will travel from all over the state to be at the largest gathering of Rs before the June 24^th primary.
     This event is unique for a variety of reasons.  First, it is completely and totally planned and executed by volunteers.  There is no caterer, decorator, event planner, or professional fundraiser.  Local GOP volunteers clean, bread and fry the fish.  Local candidates and elected officials serve the fish and everyone helps clean up.  It is a complete team effort.  The local Party owns two large ‘Cajun Cooker’ fish fryers, and borrows two others.  Each of the fryers has four frying baskets.  The huge crowd is served hot fish with all the trimmings in less than thirty minutes.  The logistics itself is impressive.  Why would volunteers invest their time and energy on an event that requires hours of sacrifice?  Quite simply, because they believe they are making a difference in their government.  They know the money raised will be used to help elect solid conservative candidates to office. 
     The second reason the event is unique is because it features only one keynote speaker.  Unlike most political events, where everyone who is an elected official or a candidate gets to speak, on Saturday night only Governor Fallin will speak.  There will be literally dozens of elected officials in attendance.  Nine of the twelve statewide elected officials in Oklahoma are expected to attend.  More than a dozen state legislators will be there.  There will be at least three candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat and both candidates for the Corporation Commission seat.  And none will get to speak from the platform other than the keynote speaker.  They are encouraged to campaign and engage those in attendance person to person, but this event is a fundraiser for the local Party, not a candidate forum. 
     The final reason this event is unique is because it is fun.  Most political events can’t be categorized as fun. The Stephens County GOP Fish Fry features clowns (real ones, not just the politicians) for the kids, fun videos and there is an informal causal festive atmosphere.  It’s readily apparent the organizers of this event don’t take themselves seriously even though they take the cause very seriously.  There is laughing and joking and the live auction becomes entertainment in and of itself.  This year, the auction will have a pair of George HW Bush’s socks, a Browning 28 gauge over and under, and a Henry Golden Boy 22!  This event is special simply because it is different than a normal political event. 
     The Stephens County GOP does present the Dr. Gerald Beasley Jr. Memorial Award at the Fish Fry.  It is an award given annually to a local volunteer activist who has demonstrated a true grassroots spirit of changing their government from the bottom up.  The late Dr. Beasley was a long time Duncan physician whose passion was politics.  The recipient of the award is not publicly disclosed until the time of presentation. 
If you want to meet a lot of elected officials, have some great fish and a fun time; come join the Stephens County Republican Party on Saturday night at the Stephens County Fairgrounds.  It all kicks off at 6pm, but rest assured the candidates and the clowns will be there early. For ticket information, call 580.656.7951 or email leon@wpmonline.com.

P R A Y A W A Y !

Weekly Opinion Editorial

PRAY AWAY!

by Steve Fair

On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayers at town council meetings do not violate the U.S. Constitution.  In a 5-4 decision, the court said the content of the prayers are fine, so long as they do not denigrate non-Christians or are used to proselyte people of other faiths. The lawsuit, Greece vs. Galloway- was brought by two citizens of Greece, NY who were afraid non-Christians could be offended by the prayers offered before the council meetings.  A lower court ruled in the town’s favor, but the ruling was overturned by the federal appeals court.  The town then appealed to the nation’s highest court. 
Four observations regarding the ruling;
First, public prayer is a tradition in America.  Public prayer predates the founding of our country.   At the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin, one of the least religious founders, said, “I therefore beg leave to move—that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.”  Even Franklin recognized that calling upon the Creator was important.  Up until 1962, most public schools opened the day with prayer.  But for fifty years, school children in America have not been able to publicly pray in school. The liberals have successfully lobbied to make American society tolerant and inclusive for everyone but Christians.
Second, public prayer isn’t what it used to be.   Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, said the public prayers are largely ceremonial and in keeping with the nation's traditions. "The inclusion of a brief, ceremonial prayer as part of a larger exercise in civic recognition suggests that its purpose and effect are to acknowledge religious leaders and the institutions they represent, rather than to exclude or coerce nonbelievers," Kennedy said.  The sad commentary on Kennedy’s statement is that it is true- public prayers today are largely ceremonial.  Many who offer public prayer try to be inclusive and to not offend anyone in attendance.    

Third, no court of man can sanction or ban prayer.  That is the fallacy of the ruling.  Nine black-robed justices can neither mandate nor stop public prayer.  They can sanction a ritualistic prayer before a council meeting or stop the prayer before a football game (they did that in 1992), but in reality, prayer is personal communication with God.  Charles Spurgeon said, “True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is a spiritual commerce with the Creator of heaven and earth.”  I’m sure you have heard the adage, “so long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer in school.” 

Fourth, the Supreme Court has been inconsistent on rulings regarding public prayer.  In 1962, the court ruled that prayer in public schools was unconstitutional.  In 1983, the court ruled the Nebraska legislature could open their sessions with prayer.  In 1992, the high court ruled a student’s prayer before a football game was a violation of the constitution.  Now this week’s ruling in favor of prayer.  The reason for the inconsistency is the make-up of the court at any given time.  Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life by the President.  Currently we have what is generally considered a ‘conservative’ court, even though that is certainly debatable.    
This week’s ruling was good for America.  Our country certainly needs public prayer, but more importantly than fighting to make sure a ‘tradition’ is preserved, we need to implore the God of heaven and earth, privately, to regenerate hearts in America and to draw men to Him.

RELEVANCE IS SLIPPERY SLOPE!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

RELEVANCE IS SLIPPERY SLOPE!

by Steve Fair

    Recently the Nevada GOP removed opposition to abortion and gay marriage from their state platform.  Supporters of removing the planks said it would allow Republican candidates to focus on economic issues in elections.  They cited a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll that said 50% of Americans believe gay people should be able to marry.  They believe if the GOP continues to oppose abortion on demand and gay marriage the Grand Ole Party will become ‘irrelevant’ in the political process. Four observations:

     First, practicing situational ethics will never give us good government.  Situation ethics is a theory that is concerned with the outcome or consequences of an action; the end, as opposed to an action being intrinsically wrong. In the case of situation ethics, the end can justify the means. There are no absolutes. Your actions are guided only by your conscience. Changing the GOP platform or the position on an issue to gain votes is the exact same strategy that has gotten America to where we are today.  Few political leaders in America, on both sides of the isle, consistently stand for principle.  They are like a weather vane twisting in the wind, polling the masses to insure they remain relevant. 

     Second, no matter what antinomian anarchists believe, there is absolute truth.  It can be found in the word of God.  God has clearly stated that marriage is between one man and one woman and that life begins at conception.  They can argue God’s viewpoint is unfair, illogical, mean-spirited and outdated, but their argument is with the sovereign creator of the universe and ultimately He will prevail.  The only way to remain relevant is to stay on God’s side.       

     Third, removing these planks will hurt the GOP in future elections.  The vast majority of rank and file Republicans support life in the womb and traditional marriage.  In fact, those issues are the most important to many evangelicals who are registered Republican.  If those planks are removed, a huge block of voters will be alienated/disenfranchised and will make the GOP irrelevant.   Evangelicals may not vote for a liberal in an election, but they do stay home and not vote at all like they did in 2008 and 2012.    

     Fourth, being relevant is overrated and shortsighted.  Trying to be relevant is a slippery slope.  The GOP could learn from the example of America churches; Forty years ago, American churches began ‘relevance’ campaigns because church attendance was down.  Church leaders added contemporary entertaining music in worship services and deemphasized the sermon in order to appeal and be relevant to a younger demographic.  In most churches today, attending a worship service is more like attending a concert.  Did the ‘relevance’ strategy work and increase attendance?  According to a recent poll by the Evangelical Covenant Church less than 20% of Americans now regularly attend church.  Compare that to 50% just 50 years ago.  What those shortsighted church leaders failed to understand was in their zeal to become relevant, they became irrelevant.  They mistakenly believed the source of their power was their skills of persuasion and musical talent.  It is God who changes the hearts of men.  When pulpits across America abandoned the truth of the gospel for ‘relevance’ they lost the blessing of God.

     If the Republican Party abandons truth for relevance, the GOP will cease to be relevant.  Every Christian, particularly those who are registered Republican, should be concerned with this latest trend in the Republican Party.  These hostile takeovers of the GOP by those who believe in moral relevance should serve as a wake-up call to the unengaged Christian citizen.  It’s past time for them to step up and get involved in their government.

ALEC Report Revealing!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

ALEC REPORT REVEALING!

by Steve Fair

     Last week, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released their 2014 report on state economies.  The report, entitled Rich States/Poor States, uses fifteen(15) policy areas that have proven, over time, to be the best determinants of economic success in ranking the economies of the fifty states.  Each of these factors is influenced directly by state lawmakers through the legislative process. The report is authored by Art Laffer (of Laffer curve fame), Stephen Moore of the Wall Street Journal, and Jonathan Moore, an economist with ALEC.  The report, also known as the Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index,  has gained a great deal of creditability in recent years and in its sixth year of publication. 

     So how did the Sooner state do in the report?  In the category of Economic Performance we ranked 12th in the U.S.; in Economic Outlook, we ranked 19^th?  Why the difference?  Currently the Sooner state’s economy is doing well, largely because the energy sector is doing well, but according to the report, that monolithic approach is short sighted. Oklahoma needs to be more diversify in our economy.  The report goes on to point out Oklahoma state government has too many employees.  There are 566 state employees per 10,000 population in Oklahoma; only 16 other states have more bureaucrats per capita.  Oklahoma’s property tax burden and inheritance tax is low, which is a positive, but our state income tax is still high for the region.  Oklahoma ranked high in workers comp premiums, even though the legislature passed historical reform last session that should fix that.  The ranking for tort didn’t reflect the changes the Oklahoma legislature made in special session to limit reform tort in the state. So what can we learn from the ALEC report?

     First, Oklahoma still has work to do in reducing taxes.  There have been several proposals to significantly reduce the state income tax, but each year the plans fail to address the spending side of the ledger.  The ALEC report highlighted Kansas calling the tax reform spearheaded by Governor Sam Brownback an ‘uprising.’   Brownback and the State House in the Sunshine state reduced the personal income tax and tax on small businesses substantially in just one year.  “This is all about making Kansas a more competitive place to do business,” Brownback said.  Kansas addressed both sides of the problem.  They cut taxes and cut spending in one legislative session.  While we still are ahead of Kansas in economic performance, they rank higher than Oklahoma in economic outlook. 

     Second, Oklahoma’s economy is still largely dependent on energy.   Oil and gas are vitally important to the Sooner state, but historically that has been an issue when the energy sector slows down.  Oklahoma is a state centrally located, with great human resources and a relatively mild climate.  Oklahoma should be the distribution center capitol of the U.S.  We are at the crossroads of America with two major interstates intersecting in our state.  Every major retailer and wholesaler should have a D.C. in Oklahoma.  We should be very attractive to consumer product goods companies for manufacturing facilities?  Are state leaders and economic development groups pitching companies like M & M Mars?  Mars just built a $270 million dollar plant south of Topeka, Kansas.  The 500,000 square foot plant, the first new plant for the company in 35 years, will employ over 200 people.  Nestle, the largest consumer products goods company in America, has opened six new facilities across America in the past five years, including a large pet food manufacturing plant in Missouri.  Did anyone present Oklahoma to either of those two consumer foods giants?  The consumer goods industry is very stable and while it may not be sexy, they provide good paying jobs.

     Third, the unfunded pension problem is not going away.  Citing a couple of examples of cities in California who declared bankruptcy because of their pension issues, the authors conclude, “ We can expect trends like this to continue if state and local governments refuse to address the public pension problems they are facing.”  Oklahoma has over $11 billion dollars in unfunded pension liability.  Some progress has been made on the issue, but the reforms necessary to fix this looming issue are being skirted.  State legislators can’t just ‘kick the can’ down the road any longer.  They have to deal with pension reform and to really fix it will take some iron rail up the shirt tail. 

     In the preface of the report there are ten(10) Golden Rules of Taxation listed.  Every citizen should read them.  Consistent with Laffer’s supply side economics theory, the first tenet is,  ‘When you tax something more you get less of it, and when you tax something less you get more of it.’  To read the entire report, go to http://alec.org/docs/RSPS-6th-Edition.pdf.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

By Steve Fair

     At 5pm Friday, the filing period for the 2014 election closed.  578 candidates filed at the State Capitol.  In addition to the two U.S. Senate races, five congressional races and ten statewide races, all district judges and associate district judges were up for re-election.  All 27 District Attorneys across Oklahoma are also up for re-election.  So are all 101 members of the State House and 24 members of the State Senate.  Hundreds more filed for county offices across Oklahoma.  Each county in the state has four offices up for election- two county commissioners, the county assessor and the county treasurer.    

     For the first time since 2002, a statewide elected official failed to draw an opponent.  Three Republican statewide elected officials- Gary Jones, State Auditor & Inspector, Scott Pruitt, Attorney General, and Ken Miller, State Treasurer were returned to office without facing an opponent.  That is unprecedented.  One U.S. Congressman, Rep. Jim Bridenstein, (R-Tulsa), a Republican, did not draw an opponent. 

     A seat on the Corporation Commission and the Insurance Commissioner races will be determined in the Republican primary June 24^th since no Democrat filed.  This is going to be an interesting election cycle in the state.  Three observations concerning the upcoming elections in Oklahoma;

     First, it is apparent the Democrat Party in Oklahoma is struggling to find viable willing candidates to seek office.  When freshman legislators are returned to office without opposition that says something about the opposing Party.  Normally, a freshman will always face opposition in their first re-election bid.  Either the Democrats have no recruiting mechanism or they have given up the fight and conceded they can’t win in Oklahoma.  During the long days of yesterday, Republican leaders would recruit, equip, and train candidates to at least challenge the Party in power.  Many of those Republican candidates knew going in they were nothing more than a sacrificial lamb, but their willingness to put their name on the ballot blazed a trail for the GOP in Oklahoma.

     Second, it really says a great deal about the job the three statewides are doing if no one in Oklahoma believes they can beat you.  To file unopposed is a conformation of your job performance.  You are more than meeting expectations.  Congratulations! 

      Third, perhaps the Democrat strategy is to keep their powder dry until 2018.  In 2010, Oklahoma voters approved 8 year term limits for statewide elected officials.  Virtually all the statewides will term out in 2018, so perhaps the Ds are telling viable candidates to wait until the seats are open.  Who knows, but one thing is certain- 2014 will be a big Republican year in Oklahoma, in part because the Ds conceded it.

     Fourth, Republicans shouldn’t let this give us the big head.  It has taken over 100 years for Republicans to gain control of Oklahoma government, but we must be aware of what John Dalburg-Acton said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  With power comes responsibility.  May God give Republicans the grace and humility to lead rightly. 

     Filing for office is the easy part of the political process.  Now the fun starts.  Between now and June 24, Republican candidates will be knocking your door, sending you cards and letters, and calling you to attempt to get your vote.  Campaigns cost money- they will be asking you for money.  Campaigns need volunteers- they will be asking you to help them.  Because two statewide offices will be decided in the Republican primary, citizens registered Republican will be solicited more than the Democrats. 

     Every citizen should be involved in the political process.  Whether it is by volunteering in a campaign, donating money or just voting, every citizen should be engaged.  Don’t be a lazy voter who bases their voting decision on likability or a thirty second sound bite.  While it’s desirable elected officials are likable and approachable to their constituents, how they vote and the decisions they make after they are elected is much more important than their likability.   Good citizens should always base their vote and support on substance.  Question the candidates and make a point to know where they stand on the issues.  Let the games begin!

MONEY & POLITICS

Weekly Opinion Editorial

MONEY & POLITICS!

by Steve Fair

     Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that federal campaign laws that limit the total amount of money donors can give to political parties, committees and candidates for federal office (U.S. House, Senate, and President) was unconstitutional.  The ruling will not increase the current $2,600 limit on how much a donor can give to a federal candidate in each primary and general election or the $32,400 limit that can go to a national party committee. Those limits are still in place.  The ruling will instead remove the limit on how many candidates/committees to which a donor can contribute

     "The government has a strong interest, no less critical to our democratic system, in combating corruption and its appearance," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "We have, however, held that this interest must be limited to a specific kind of corruption — quid pro quo corruption — in order to ensure that the government's efforts do not have the effect of restricting the First Amendment right of citizens to choose who shall govern them."

     Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the minority, said the decision "understates the importance of protecting the political integrity of our governmental institutions. Today's decision eviscerates our nation's campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve."

     The suit- McCutcheon vs. FEC was supported by the RNC and the ruling was applauded by Chairman Reince Priebus.  "Today's Court decision in McCutcheon v FEC is an important first step toward restoring the voice of candidates and party committees and a vindication for all those who support robust, transparent political discourse," Priebus said.

     Critics like Ruth Marcus, an op/ed writer for The Washington Post said, “The risk posed by the ruling is not as much its immediate impact but the implications of its reasoning in demolishing an already rickety campaign finance structure.”

     Three observations concerning the ruling:

     First, the Supreme Court got it right.  The first amendment trumps federal campaign laws.  Americans have a constitutional right to participate in the political process at whatever level they want- whether it be volunteering for a candidate or contributing money to their campaign.  It’s called free speech and every American should applaud the ruling.  It protects our liberty and freedom.

     Second, it is indisputable that money rules in the political process.  The 2012 presidential campaigns of Obama and Romney spent a combined $2 billion dollars.  Just twenty years ago, Bill Clinton ran his successful 1992 campaign on $92.9 million.  It’s not just running for president that costs so much.  According to the FEC, on average a U.S. House race now cost $1.7 million to win, a U.S. Senate seat $10.5 million.   Candidates at all levels now must raise large sums of money to ‘get their message’ to voters.  State legislative and county candidates must solicit donors for money in order to be competitive in the political arena.  This ruling will likely increase the amount of money in the political process.  Which brings me to point three..

     Third, big donors and political consultants are not to blame for money in politics.  A common misconception is if big donors and political operatives were taken out of the process, big money in politics would dry up.  That is simply not true.  The reason we have so much money in politics is because we have an unengaged & ignorant electorate.’  The average voter is not paying attention.  If voters paid attention to what is going in their government all the time and not just the 90 days before an election, the ‘messaging’ (TV/slick mail pieces) by candidates wouldn’t be nearly as effective.  Currently most people vote based on a candidate’s ‘likeability’ and not on substance.   Ignorant voters believe candidate propaganda and whichever candidate in a race that is the most effective at ‘marketing their message’ wins.  A candidate’s track record, character, values, or stance on the issues has become secondary to image.       

     So how is the amount of money in the American political process reduced?  First, citizens need to pay attention- all the time.  Question your elected officials, research candidates for office and issues.  Don’t just swallow a candidate’s ‘messaging’ propaganda without researching the facts.  Stay engaged in your government- at all levels—24/7/365.  Second, hold elected officials and our government accountable.  Trust, but verify. Once elected, watch what they do and not what they say.    

     America is a country founded on the principle of self governance. If we have poor government, it’s our fault.  If we have too much money in politics, it’s our fault.  It’s time Americans took responsibility for the mess we call our government and quit blaming the system.