AGREEING TO DISAGREE ON ABORTION MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

ABORTION DIVIDES

by Steve Fair

 

     After the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturned Roe vs. Wade, liberals claim the three justices appointed by President Trump defrauded them.  Senators Susan Collins, (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski, (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin, (R-West Virginia) all claim two of the justices in meetings during the confirmation process told them they wouldn’t overturn Roe vs. Wade and would rule based on legal precedent. The senators cried betrayal.  That seems to be standard protocol for the SCOTUS. 

     During the past 62 years in American history, Republicans and Democrats have each had seven presidents, but Republicans have named 12 of the 20 Supreme Court justices appointed during the period.  Five of those GOP presidential nominees turned into left-leaning justices: Earl Warren (Eisenhower), William Brennan (Eisenhower), Harry Blackmun (Nixon), John Paul Stevens (Ford), and David Souter (GHW Bush).  Each of the five claimed during their confirmation they would rule based on the ‘original intent’ of the Constitution, but they hoodwinked, double-crossed, and bamboozled conservatives. Many of the liberal rulings from the court in the past fifty years were accomplished with the aid of these five deceivers.  In fact, Harry Blackmun, Nixon’s appointee, wrote the majority opinion in the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision.  Three observations:

     First, determining how a SCOTUS justice is going to rule is next to impossible- at least for Republican nominees.  In addition to the examples cited above, President Reagan appointed three justices to the court: Sandra Day O’Connor, Antonin Scalia, and Anthony Kennedy.  Of the three, only Scalia was a reliable conservative vote.  Kennedy and O’Connor were as unpredictable as the Oklahoma weather.  President George H.W. Bush appointed Clarence Thomas and David Souter.  Souter, who retired in 2009, was a disappointment and became a centrist.  Thomas has been one of the most conservative members of the SCOTUS.  Justices appointed by Democrat presidents have ruled consistently from the left- just as they said they would.  It seems dupery is only on the right.

     Second, Democrats have missed opportunities on the SCOTUS.  In the last 50 years, only 6 of the most liberal justices have retired when the president was a Democrat.  On the conservative side, 6 of the most conservative justices have resigned with a Republican was president.  Justice Thurgood Marshall would not retire when President Carter was president and Justice Ruth Ginsburg did the same thing when President Obama was POTUS.  They were both replaced on the court by Republican nominees. 

     Third, the SCOTUS ruling did not make abortion illegal.  The ruling pushed the issue back to the states.  In the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito wrote: “Roe vs. Wade was egregiously wrong from the start.  It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”  Some elected representatives/legislatures have already taken up the issue.

     At least seven states have ‘trigger laws.’  Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin are among those that will restrict or outright ban abortion.   

     The SCOTUS ruling will force most- if not all- state legislatures across the country to take up the issue of abortion in the near future.  Their policy on life will further ideologically divide the United States along lines that might not be reconcilable.   Two can’t walk together except they be agreed.  The view on the importance of unborn life is the issue that could disjoin the union.  Agreeing to disagree may not be possible on this issue. 

 

DONORS LOVE DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS ARE EVIL!

Weekly Opinion Editorial 

DARK MONEY!

by Steve Fair

 

     Dark money in politics refers to advocacy spending by 501 (c) non-profit organizations.  Dark money organizations can receive unlimited ‘tax deductible’ contributions from corporations, individuals and unions.  They set up an advocacy group, hire a political consultant and get involved in political races.  Dark money groups are not required to disclose their donors.  Unlike the contributions made directly to a candidate, dark money donors have no maximum contribution amount.  Dark money advocacy groups campaign either for a candidate or against, all without revealing to voters who is paying the bill.

     More than $1 billion dollars in dark money was spent in the 2020 election cycle.  Only about 20% went to Republican candidates.  President Joe Biden received $174 million in anonymous dark money contributions, more than six times Donald Trump.  The 1630 fund spent $410 million helping Democrats take back control of the US Senate and defeating Trump.  Half of the money reportedly came from just four donors.  Dark money has infused unlimited money into politics.  Three observations about dark money:

     First, voters have a right to know who is lobbying for their vote.  Dark money mailers, TV, radio ads are for the most part negative.  They usually attack a candidate they oppose, using unflattering photographs and edgy language, innuendos and insinuations.  The disclaimer (paid for by) or postage markings on dark money printed pieces reveal little to the voter.  The anonymity and invisibility of who is picking up the tab allow the undisclosed to remain in the darkness.

     Second, individuals, corporations and unions have a right to advocate.  The First amendment guarantees the right of free speech, which includes advocating for issues and policy that is important to them.  But does the US Constitution guarantee the right to anonymity to advocate?   The SCOTUS has ruled that way.  Some disagree, but until prior rulings are overturned, anonymous advocacy appears here to stay.  

     Dark money started to flourish after the passage of McCain/Feingold in 2003.  It regulated the financing of political campaigns, limiting how much a person/family could donate to a campaign.  The wealthy contended McCain/Feingold was a violation of free speech.  Setting up dark money organizations was a way to circumvent donation limits and get a tax break along the way, using the 501c tax laws.    

     Third, dark money in politics promotes the buying of elections.  The growth of dark money in politics has allowed trade associations, unions, business groups and wealthy individuals to coalesce behind a candidate and get them elected.  Once they are in office, the sometimes-unsuspecting elected official has to dance with the group that bought/brought them.  If they tango, they get reelection money.  If not, the group goes looking for someone else to foxtrot with. 

     Dark money groups bank on low information voters to believe all the crap their slick, glossy, polished mailers promote.  Political consultants make big bucks running dark money campaigns.  Publicly, these so-called principled, ethical political marketers condemn dark money advocacy, but privately they embrace it.  Hypocrisy is the order of the day. Jesus said men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.  That is very applicable to dark money advocacy.    

     Voters should ignore/dismiss dark money campaign material.  Any group unwilling to disclose who is paying the bill should be regarded as lily-livered, chicken-hearted, gutless cowards.  If they are so proud of their stance, then come out of the darkness into the light.     

     If trash were dumped on your front lawn, law enforcement would be called.  The cops would dig through the trash trying to find something identifying who had left the rubble.  In the past two weeks, that has happened to Oklahoma GOP primary voters.  Garbage/trash/refuse has been dumped in voter’s mailboxes in the form of dark money mailers.  Voters have a right to know who the dumper is.  The political consultant, organization and the donors responsible shouldn’t be allowed to hide in darkness, behind the curtain, and play the great and powerful Oz.  Dark money groups: come forth proudly and take credit for your work.

 

BYRD DESERVES SECOND TERM! DON'T BELIEVE LIES!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

TWO FACED

by Steve Fair

     A person is called two-faced when they are pleasant when they are with you, but say unpleasant things about you to other people.  Two-faced people are duplicitous, deceitful, dishonest, and willing to do anything to get ahead.  Their value system (if they have one) lacks a true north.  They practice situational ethics.  Two-faced people are universally despised by principled people.  They are hypocrites!

      No where do you see more two-faced people than in the political arena.  From unprincipled candidates, unscrupulous political consultants, and unethical volunteers who pull up opponent’s yard signs, their goal is to win at any cost. The truth is sacrificed, dismantled and disfigured to fit their narrative.  Half truths and lies are thrown into the public square with the goal to convince the low information voter to vote their way with little or no regard for veracity.

     The increase of money into politics has created a huge secular industry.  Political consultants make mega bucks to raise money, formulate a message, and get a candidate elected.    A century ago, candidates ran their campaigns on much smaller budgets, because voters paid attention. 

     Until Senator Mark Hanna became a full timer campaign advisor to President William McKinney in the late 1880s, political consulting was done by close friends on a volunteer basis.  That changed in modern times, with every successful political campaign- at every level- hiring political operatives to manage their campaigns. Political science is offered at every major university and the business of politics flourishes.  The lack of constant, continual engagement by voters has created the current political swamp.  The political business thrives because of voter apathy.  Three observations:  

     First, it reveals a total lack of character to knowingly deceive voters.  In the past week, voters in Oklahoma received direct mail pieces from a candidate running for State Auditor and Inspector (SA&I).  In the mailer, the candidate claimed he was going to help stop illegal immigration and would help former President Trump build a border wall.  Neither of those are within the jurisdiction/authority of the SA&I’s duties.  Nothing less than deceitful, deplorable trash sent to mailboxes- all done by a political consulting firm owned/operated/managed by so-called Christian believers.  Shame on them!

     The attack on current State Auditor Cindy Byrd reveals the sleazy, wicked, corrupt underbelly of politics in Oklahoma.  Byrd has done a good job as SA&I and deserves a second term.  She is not the only person to be the target of deceitful campaign material this cycle, but she is the most vulnerable for a statewide office that is critically important for the citizens of the Sooner state. 

     Second, informing, not manipulating, of voters should not be the goal of candidates and campaigns.  Campaign material and media should enlighten voters on what the aspirant stands for.  Candidates should identify issues and solutions.  Reasonable people can honestly disagree on solutions to issues.  Lying, misrepresenting and caricaturing an opponent’s position speaks to the lack of character of a candidate or consultant.  Oklahoma GOP primary voters and Party leaders should demand substance, not nothingness from candidates running on the Party brand. 

     Third, let the voter beware!  Be leery of every claim made by political candidates.  Sadly, the Truth-in-Labeling Act doesn’t apply to politics.  Don’t believe everything you get in the mail, see on social media or on TV.  Before you vote, seek wise counsel from those you trust.  Pay attention to public policy all the time!  Confront and condemn candidates and consultants who regularly lie, cheat and steal to win.  Until that is done, dirty politics will continue.    

     It’s disappointing when Republicans display a lack of integrity in the public square.  It is especially disgusting when that deceitful behavior is coupled with quoting scripture and singing O How I Love Jesus.   In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, no man can serve two masters (Matt 6:24).  When man tries, he becomes two-faced.  May God convict the two-faced of their chicanery.

 

"We ain't one-at-a-timing here!"

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

MASS COMMUNICATING!

by Steve Fair

 

     The date of the primary election is Tuesday June 28^th.  In-person absentee voting, more commonly known as ‘early voting’ in Oklahoma is available to all voters.  No excuse is needed.  You can vote early in your county at your designated early voting location from 8am to 6pm on the Thursday(6/23) and Friday(6/24) preceding the election.  You can also vote on Saturday(6/25) from 8am till 2pm.  Increasingly more Oklahoma voters are taking advantage of the early voting option, with some counties having up to 25% of the vote being cast before Election Day.   Three observations:

     First, vetting candidates has been difficult in 2022.  A major reason is the short amount of time between filing and the primary.  For the 2022 elections, filing was April 13-15 in the Sooner state.  The primary was just 75 days later, which leaves little time for voters to sort through the campaign propaganda that floods their mailbox.   There are nine (9) statewide races on the 6/28 GOP primary ballot, with over 40 candidates.  The average voter is confused who is running for what office and are often relying on candidate supplied propaganda (mailers/TV commercials) to make their voting decision.  Name recognition, incumbency, and the ability to raise money from donors become a huge advantage in a short campaign season.  Voting record and policy take a back seat.  Candidate avoid ‘pressing the flesh,’ because they don’t have time because the timeline is so short.  To quote Pappy O’Daniel: “we ain’t one-at-a timin’ here.  We’re mass communicating!”   

     Candidates are running ads and sending mailers that paint themselves in a positive light and their opponent as a pinheaded, incompetent, socialist, liberal who hates Oklahoma, America, baseball and apple pie. Campaigns bank on voters being too busy worrying about the price of food and gas to actually pay much attention.  Exaggeration, amplification, and hyperbole reign.   Voters should do their homework before they cast their sacred vote. 

     Second, an elected official’s voting record is a matter of public record.  Incumbents often claim it is dirty campaigning if an opponent goes after their policy positions, but honest elected officials should be willing to run on their voting record.  If the challenger to an incumbent honestly attacks their opponent’s voting record, that’s fair game.  The key is ‘honesty.’  Distorting or perverting an elected official’s voting record reveals unethical character traits. 

     Third, every candidate is flawed.  Until Jesus Christ in on the ballot, voters are always electing the lesser of two evils.  Every candidate/elected official will make mistakes, no matter what they tell you.  Because, man is born with an inherent sin nature, voters will never find the perfect candidate.   Voters need to pick candidates they can turn their back on. 

     President Thomas Jefferson said, “we do not have government by the majority.  We have government by the majority who participate.”  Normally about 50% of those eligible to vote in midterm elections show up.  Many of those who show up are uninformed and don’t do their homework before they get into the voting booth. 

      The Bible says a wise person seeks out counsel.  Voters should seek out people they trust, who are constantly engaged in the political process, and ask them for advice on races.  They should seek out candidates and question them on policy.   Ask them precise, pointed, specific questions and let them answer.  Don’t take their answers at face value.  Seek candidates who are capable, component, trustworthy, and want to serve.  Above all, pray God will guide you in the vetting process.   Never in America’s history has there ever been a greater need for godly, honest, ethical leaders.

OKLAHOMA GOVERNMENT DOESN'T LIKE GIVING TAXPAYERS MONEY BACK!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

Bon Appétit

by Steve Fair

      The Oklahoma legislature adjourned their 2022 regular session sine die (Latin for with no appointed date for resumption.) on Friday May 31^st.  The state constitution requires legislative regular session end by the last Friday in May. Lawmakers are still in ‘special’ session to consider how to spend the $1.87 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds (federal tax dollars) under the American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA).   Reportedly, there are $17.8 billion in requests from Oklahoma agencies, municipalities, and other organizations. 

     430 bills made it to Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk for signature during the regular session.  The governor vetoed a few bills, including part of the budget, which is unusual when the governor and legislature are from the same Party. 

     Stitt claims he wasn’t a part of the budget process, criticized the tax relief measures in the record $9.8 billion dollar state budget (+9.7% over last year) and took issues with the tax rebates proposed by the legislature.  Calling the plan to send $75 to all single tax filers and $150 to couples, ‘a political gimmick,’ Stitt said it was a page out of President Joe Biden’s playbook.  “I never expected to see Republicans waste $181 million sending government checks out,” the governor said. 

     Stitt also vetoed a bill to eliminate the 1.25% tax on all vehicle sales and the attempt to override it failed in the House.  Governor Stitt has issued a call for a special legislative session starting June 13^th  (2 weeks before the primary election) to discuss cutting the state income tax by .25% and eliminating the state sales tax on groceries.  Three observations:

     First, eliminating the sales tax on vehicles is a good idea.  Oklahomans currently pay 3.25% excise tax on vehicle purchases.  In 2017, the legislature removed the 1.25% vehicle sales tax exemption, meaning Sooners paid 4.5% when they brought a vehicle, which cost hard working Oklahomans about $165 million a year.   The governor claims he wants real tax relief for Oklahomans, but vetoed a proposal that would do just that?  Restore and make the exemption permanent!

     Second, everyone but Oklahoma taxpayers got a raise.  This year, the legislature appropriated more money for every state agency, gave raises to law enforcement, the judiciary, and other state employees.  Of the nearly $10 billion budget, about $2.5 billion is going into the rainy-day fund.  In other words, Oklahoma taxpayers ‘overpaid’ their tax bill by $2.5 billion but the state government is going to keep the money just in case it’s needed (which it always is). 

     The Oklahoma legislature is required to balance the budget every year.  The state constitution requires the legislature not spend more than Oklahoma government take in.  Unfortunately, the constitution doesn’t require taxpayers get back any excess- and they seldom do. 

      The governor proposes elimination of tax on food and cutting the income tax by .25%.  Stitt claims it would save the average Oklahoma family about $500 a year.  But based on estimates, both the governor’s proposal and the legislature’s plan would reduce state revenue by the same amount. 

     Third, the governor and the legislature don’t seem to be getting along.  House Speaker Charles McCall, (R-Atoka) said the governor has made some ‘inaccurate and misleading’ statements about the state budget.   Governor Stitt said he was ‘cut out of the budget process,’ and that he is looking for the ‘smoke filled back room,’ where the budget is crafted.  He says he did not see the budget until 9pm before it was released to the public the next day.  

     In Oklahoma, the legislature has responsibility to craft the budget, but the governor has the right and responsibility to review and veto.  The governor proposes and the legislature deposes legislation.  Both sides would be well served to recognize the need to cooperate and avoid expensive and time-consuming multiple special sessions that cost taxpayer’s money.

     According to the Consumer Price Index, the price of beef in the U.S. is up +21% over last year.  The cost of a good steak dinner at a nice restaurant is about $75 with tip. 

     The Oklahoma legislature proposes giving you back enough of your tax dollars to have a nice steak dinner.  The governor wants to string that dinner out over a year.  Bon Appétit!

IT'S TIME FOR PRAYER- NOT POLITICS!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

BROKEN & FALLEN WORLD!

by Steve Fair

      On Tuesday, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students between the ages of 7 and 10 plus 2 teachers.  17 more were wounded.  Ramos, wearing body armor, crashed his car in a ditch near the school and then got into the school through an unlocked door. Armed with an AR15 rifle he purchased just last week and 375 rounds of ammo, Ramos locked himself in a fourth-grade classroom for ninety minutes before he was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent.   Before he came to the elementary school, Ramos shot and wounded his grandmother, who was able to call police. 

      Uvalde is located 80 miles west of San Antonio and 54 miles from the U.S.- Mexico border.  It has a population of 15,214.  Before Tuesday’s tragic shooting, Uvalde’s claim to fame was it was the birthplace and hometown of actor Matthew McConaughey.

     According to reports, Ramos made three posts to Facebook before the elementary school shooting.  The first was to say he was going to shoot his grandmother.  The second was to state he had shot her and the third, made less than 15 minutes before he arrived at the school, that he was going to shoot up an elementary school. 

     The shooting renewed the debate on gun control.  At a news conference on Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott was outlining the mental health resources the state has for the families of the victims when he was interrupted by Beto O’Rourke, the Democrat nominee for governor.  O’Rourke claimed Abbott was responsible for the shooting and was escorted out of the building.  President Biden addressed the nation on Tuesday night saying, “As a nation, we have to ask when in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?  I am sick and tired of it- we have to act.”   Three observations:

     First, passing more laws is not the answer to stopping mass shootings.  Ramos ignored the ‘Gun Free’ signs posted at the school.  He ignored the guideline to check into the office before preceding to a classroom.  He ignored the law against assault and murder.  Criminals don’t follow the rules.  Passing stricter laws only punish those who obey the law and make it harder for the law abiders to defend themselves against the lawless.    

     Second, security at schools should be stepped up.  The security at a school should be at least as good as that in a government building.  Those providing security should be armed with weapons and trained to use deadly force if necessary.  They should carry more than a can of mace and a walkie talkie.  Evidently Ramos encountered a school security officer at the elementary school who was not armed.  That’s not a security officer, that’s a hall monitor.  

     Third, America has a mental health crisis.  That has to be addressed.  Many states, including Oklahoma and Texas, dismantled their antiquated mental health programs(sanitariums/institutions) because of misuse, abuse and lack of effectiveness.  Instead of tweaking, they tore down.  Mental health issues are on the rise nationally.    The most common mental health issues in the U.S. are anxiety disorders, affecting 40 million (18.1% of the population) adults 18 years or older.  Only about 1/3 of those with anxiety disorders receive treatment.  Suicides are up 31% in the past 20 years.  Addressing it community wide with partnerships with faith based and non-profit organizations must be a priority.

     This is a time for prayer, not politics.  We live in a broken and fallen world and evil exists.  No man made law will change that.  It’s wrong , whether it’s Beto, Biden or a Republican, to use the shooting as a opportunity to score points with voters.  The families of these young children and teachers need comfort from God.  They don’t need political debate.  One of the teachers who was killed husband died of a heart attack on Thursday, leaving their four children orphaned.  This is a tragic time.  Believers of every political affiliation should be interceding for these families and those impacted by this terrible event.    May God wrap His arms of comfort around those families in the coming days.

THE PRICE OF FUEL IMPACTS E V E R Y T H I N G!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

GREEN HAS BEEN PAINFUL!

by Steve Fair

     According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States rose to a new record last week- $4.48 per gallon.  That is up $.15 from the previous week and $1.43 higher than the same day last year.   In California, the average is $5.98 per gallon.  In Oklahoma, it is $4.04. 

     From January 2021 to January 2022, crude oil prices increased 45%, blowing past records set in 2008. Gasoline and diesel prices are the highest on record since the Energy Information Administration (EIA) started keeping track in 1993. Natural gas prices are up 46%. Average household electricity prices haven’t grown this fast since 2008.  Coal prices have ticked upward after years of policy-driven decline.  Most of this comes after a series of orders by President Joe Biden to combat climate change. 

     Immediately after taking office, Biden issued Executive Orders(EO) cancelling the Keystone XL oil pipeline project and temporally suspending oil and gas permits on federal lands and waters.  The administration had to resume issuing new leases after the EO was struck down in federal court, but the Biden administration has appealed.  Three observations: 

     First, rising fuel costs impact everything.  Prices of food, clothing, and every other consumer good is higher because of increases in freight.  America’s freight rates have increased +43% in the past two years, primarily driven by fuel increases.  Businesses must pass through those fuel costs to survive. That is a major reason consumers are seeing higher prices at their local grocers shelf.   

     Second, fundamental economics dictate the way out of high prices and high demand is increased supply.  President Biden’s idea to increase supply has been to persistently reject allowing U.S. energy companies to ‘drill baby drill.’   Instead the Biden administration has been in negotiation with Venezuela to import oil to the U.S. Back in 2012, President Obama and then Vice President Biden said that America could not drill its way to lower gasoline prices, but U.S. energy companies proved them wrong.

     Third, the path to becoming ‘green’ has been painful.  President Biden is clearly committed to America becoming a nation that is not dependent on fossil fuels.  Government subsidies(your money) to wind and solar power companies totaled $158 billion last year.  Without those tax dollars those industries would be unprofitable. Shutting down the Keystone and stop drilling on federal land have been goals of the left for years. 

     Pushing Americans to buy electric vehicles doesn’t really make us green, because most electric power is coal (a fossil fuel) generated.  It’s all about optics, not reality. Biden has blamed Putin’s invasion of Ukraine for the high prices at the pump.  The truth is Biden’s failed energy policy is the problem.

     Two things need to take place to help drive down inflation and high fuel prices.  First, drill baby drill.  America has enough oil and gas in the ground to supply our fuel needs.  With the stroke of a pen, President Biden could open up drilling and within months, the supply issue would be solved.  Second, the EPA needs to reduce the percentage of soybeans produced used to make biodiesel and the percentage of corn earmarked for ethanol.  Americans are putting their food into their fuel tanks, resulting in higher food costs on products using soybean oil and corn. 

     Continental Resources Chairman Harold Hamm said, “The Biden administration’s failed policies on energy are not working and it doesn’t appear they intend to do anything different than what the president has stated repeatedly.”  Hamm described Biden’s energy policy as ‘ridiculous,’ and said the administration has increased regulations on the energy sector. 

     Midterm elections are just four months away and Democrats can ill afford to have record inflation and historical prices of food and fuel.  According to Project 538, Republicans already have a +2.3-point advantage over Democrats with the American people.  That margin will widen further if Biden sticks to his failed energy policy and that will result in a bloodbath for Democrats in November.