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!

OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE HAS A SLEW OF NEWBIES!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

LOOKING BACK!

by Steve Fair

 

      2025 is here and 2024 is in the books.  Here are the top four political stories in Oklahoma for 2024:

     First, President Trump won a non-consecutive second term.  Trump joined Grover Cleveland as the only president to win back-to-back terms.  Over 1 million Oklahomans voted for Trump on November 5^th.  Trump got two thirds of the vote and won all 77 counties in the Sooner state for the third straight time.  Only one other state- West Virginia- had every county vote Red.  The last time Oklahoma went blue was for Lyndon B Johnson’s winning campaign in 1964. 

     The last time a Democratic candidate was able to have more votes in a county in Oklahoma than the Republican was in the 2000 election. Al Gore was able to get more votes than his opponent, George W. Bush, in seven Oklahoma counties. It wasn't enough to swing the state in Gore's favor.  Bush still handily won the state, but it's worth noting no Democrat candidate has been able to replicate what Gore did since 2000.

     Second, Oklahoma voters sent eight Republican incumbent legislators home.  State House A&B Chair Kevin Wallace, (R-Wellston) lost an August primary runoff, as did Senators Roger Thompson, (R-Okemah) and Blake Stephens, (R-Tahlequah), and Rep. Dean Davis, (R-Broken Arrow).  In the June primary, Oklahoma state Senate floor leader Greg McCortney, (R-Ada), who had been tapped as the next leader in the upper chamber was defeated.  Senators Jessica Garvin, (R-Duncan), and Cody Rogers, (R-Tulsa), as well as Rep. John Talley, (R-Stillwater) also lost their reelection bids.  The common denominator in unseating the incumbents appears to be their being out of touch with their constituents, especially on tax cuts.    

     Coupled with legislators who choose not seek reelection and those termed out, the number of freshmen lawmakers elected was historic.  When the Oklahoma legislature conveys the first week of February, there will be 31 new greenhorns (17 in House/14 in Senate).  A staggering twenty percent of the two chambers will be new. 

     Third, the 2026 race for governor begins.  With Governor Kevin Stitt termed out, the race is open.  The GOP field is expected to be crowded.  Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, outgoing Speaker of the House Charles McCall, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, lead the field.  Drummond and McCall can ‘self-fund,’ which can be a game changer in a crowded primary.  U.S. Congressman Kevin Hern, (R-Tulsa) had been eying the race, but announced he will not run. 

     Fourth,  the tribes and the state remain at odds.  With Governor Kevin Stitt taking the stand the Tribal Gaming Compact did not automatically renew and the tribes saying it rolled over, a clash was inevitable.  A federal court ruled back in 2020, the compacts did renew, but Stitt has continued the fight.  He Stitt asked the nine-member Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (he appoints all 9 members) to not allow horse tracks to offer gaming machines or share in the participating tribal fund revenue starting Jan. 1, 2035, unless authorized by the governor. The panel voted 9-0 to do that on a nonbinding resolution.

     The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on McGirt restored the five civilized tribe’s reservation and tribal sovereignty often conflicts with Oklahoma state interests.  From water rights to criminal law enforcement, McGirt has the potential transport the state back to before statehood.

     2024 voters sent two clear messages: (1) they don’t like the direction elected officials are taking their government, and (2) they want radical change.  They would rather have a novice in office than an experienced politico who doesn’t listen to them.  2025 will reveal if their message was received.  

SQ#835 removes all rules in the primary!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

LAW OF THE JUNGLE!

by Steve Fair

 

      Political Parties hold primary elections to determine their nominees for the general election.  There are four types of primaries: Open, which means anyone can vote in a Party’s primary election regardless of Party affiliation. Closed, which means only those registered in the Party can vote in the Party’s primary.   Semi-closed, which means those registered in the Party and Independent voters can vote in the primary.  Jungle, which means all candidates, regardless of Party affiliation, run against each other at once.  The top two then go to the general election.

     In November, a group called Oklahoma United (OU) announced a plan to eliminate Oklahoma’s closed primary system and replace it with a primary where candidates would run on one primary ballot with their Party affiliation listed by their name.  All registered voters would vote regardless of Party affiliation and the top two would move to the general election.  Oklahoma United believes the Sooner state’s current primary system ‘disenfranchises’ the 480,000 Okies registered Independent and aren’t fair.  They point out that Oklahoma’s voter turnout is dismal and ranks near the bottom in the U.S.    

     The proposal requires a change to the Oklahoma State Constitution and would have to be approved by voters.  OU is attempting to gather signatures to get it on the ballot.  If they are successful, it would likely be on the 2026 general election ballot as State Question #835.  Three observations:

     First, the current system is logical and fair.  Voters registered in a political Party have the right and responsibility to select their nominee.  If a voter wants to be involved in the primary, they should align with their values and affiliate/register with the Party consistent with their convictions.  That is sensible and rational.  The Baptists don’t allow the Methodists to vote on calling their pastor.  The Rotarians don’t open their officer elections to the Ambucs.  Letting those who aren’t willing to align philosophically with the Party to have a voice in who represents the Party makes zero sense.

     Second, the Oklahoma United proposal is a jungle primary.  OU is positioning/marketing SQ#835 as an open primary proposal, but it’s a Cajun (Louisiana) style jungle primary.  Jungle primaries promote ‘vote-splitting.’  That is where the Party with the most candidates in the primary are more likely to lose because the vote is spilt.  Supporters of a jungle primary believe it helps more moderate candidates get elected, but there is no clear evidence that is the case. OU’s proposal ‘disenfranchises’ the current engaged/active voter.  It seeks to increase low information voter turnout and dilute the knowledgeable grassroots voter influence in elections.  

   Third, citizen engagement is the solution.  If more Oklahomans paid attention to their government, voter turnout would improve.  Political Party leaders spend more time infighting than educating voters.  If Party leaders would commit to schooling Oklahomans on what is happening in OKC and in their local county courthouse, voter apathy would vanish.  Pedagogy isn’t as fun as taking photos with celebrities and attending glitzy events, but making lasting change is rarely amusing.

     Rudyard Kipling wrote, ‘the law of the jungle,’ is to survive.  Anything goes in the jungle.  SQ#835 seeks to remove all the rules and impose the law of the jungle in Oklahoma.  Don’t sign the initiative petition.  Don’t try to fix what isn’t broke.

PLAY THE HAND YOU'RE DEALT!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

LEVERAGE

by Steve Fair

 

     Democrats in Congress appear to be changing their strategy from resisting to cooperate with incoming President Donald Trump.  In 2016, Congressional Democrats were militant and united in their opposition to Trump.   That resistance doesn’t appear to be materializing for Trump’s second term.  Three observations:

     First, Democrats are soul searching.  They lost both chambers of Congress and the presidency. American voters were clear they didn’t buy into the liberal policies of Biden/Harris.  The scheme to be ‘against Trump’ as a campaign theme miserably failed at the ballot box.  Since the election, prominent Democrats have abandoned the ‘save our democracy’ rhetoric because the average voters didn’t buy the threat.  They recognize they are out of touch with the average American and are assessing their political positions. 

      Bernie Sanders supporters circulated a petition this week calling for a massive overhaul of the DNC.  The group wants to (1) ban dark money in primaries (good idea), (2) invest more money in the state Party apparatus, (3) hold consultants accountable, (4) commit to a progressive platform and small donor strategy in fundraising.  They believe the Democrat Party has abandoned their roots and need to get back to basics.  It remains to be seen if a grassroots takeover of the DNC materializes.  

     Voters dealt Democrats a two-seven offsuit hand in November.  They have few options but to play it out and hope they can wind up with a pair.

     Second, political polarization may be eroding.  It has been popular to be against anything/everything your political opponent is for.  That mindset hasn’t disappeared, but some politicos got the message voters sent in November.       Hassan Martini, a Democrat political consultant, says it is important people aren’t categorized as left or right.  “The Democratic Party should look into each person’s comments and actions on an individual basis,” Martini says.  Martini (and others) wouldn’t likely be saying that if the election results had been different in November, but a spirit of collaboration is good for the country.

     Third, Americans are optimistic.  In a CNN polls, most Americans approve how President Trump is handling his return to the White House.  70% of Americans expect Trump to make significant change and 54% approve of how he has handled the presidential transition thus far.  The stock market has soared since Trump won.  The anticipation he will loosen government regulations on business and impose tariffs on imports have fueled a bullish spirit on Wall Street.  Consumer confidence in policy is critical for successful economic policy.  Trump has expanded hope that personal finances will improve in his second term.

     Many of the liberals adamantly/ staunchly opposed to Trump in his first term appear to have dialed down the lunacy/insanity in the second.  They seem to have adapted to the circumstances.  Like a riverboat gambler, they’ve learned to ‘play the hand they’re dealt.’  A pragmatic accepting of reality has been absent in politics for too long.  To accomplish a goal, one must use the resources which are actually available and to recognize the limits of the circumstances. 

     Leverage is the power to influence the other party in a negotiation to accept your conditions. It's the factor that gives one party more influence over the outcome.  In any negotiation, leverage is critical.  Trump said in The Art of the Deal, “Don’t make deals without it(leverage).”  In November, voters gave Trump leverage.