DO STATES HAVE A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO LEAVE THE UNION?

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

A HOUSE DIVIDED!

by Steve Fair

 

     Is the U.S. headed for a second civil war?  Will America survive or will the country break up?  In a survey taken in the Fall of 2021 by the University of Virginia, 50% of Trump supporters and 40% of Biden supporters believed the country should spilt up along red and blue lines. 

     At their recent state convention, the Texas Republican Party voted to formally endorse a referendum (state question) on Texas seceding from the United States.  The resolution asks the Texas state legislature to put the issue on the 2023 ballot. 

     Texas is the only state in American history to hold a statewide vote on secession.  A vote to secede from the United States happened in 1861, when Texans voted overwhelmingly to join the Confederacy.  Other states that seceded to form the Confederacy relied on their state legislatures to proclaim their departure from the union, but not Texas.  Texas was an independent country when they joined the union and that fact fuels complicated legal debates on whether the Lone Star state can constitutionally break away from the United States.  The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia believed secession was settled by the Civil War and that no state (including Texas) has a right to secede from the union.  Three observations:

     First, secession is not a new idea.  As early as the 1790s, states were trying to break away from the union.  Kentucky, Virginia and other states attempted to leave the union in 1798.  South Carolina, the first state to secede over the slavery issue, threatened to pull out in 1828 over the issue of tariffs when Andrew Jackson was president.  The Palmetto state also threatened to leave over the issue of California’s statehood.  James Madison, the father of the Constitution, said the document does not allow for a state to pull out of the union- without the approval of the other states.  There is no ‘no fault’ divorce provision in the Constitution.

     Second, secession is not a good idea.  When a state becomes a separate country, it presents a whole new set of challenges.  Founding documents must be drafted and a form of government established.  Dealing with those in the new country who were opposed to secession becomes a major issue.  National defense, currency, and a myriad of other things must be addressed.  It takes more work to start a country than to reform one.    

     Third, the political divide in America is widening.  There are few political issues the two major political Parties agree on.  Positions on abortion and same sex marriage dissect the country.  Fiscal policy is fractured.  Debate over gun rights and the Second Amendment hold sway.  Common ground is crumbling.  Red (conservative) and blue (liberal) states are fractured along ideology lines.   

     The Bible says two can’t walk together unless they be in agreement.  Discord and division reign.  If common ground can’t be found- and quick- dissolution of the union is inevitable, whether it be by secession or a second civil war.    

     Before he was POTUS, in 1858, Abraham Lincoln famously quoted Matthew 12:25 in a speech to the Illinois Republican Party: A house divided against itself cannot stand.  The speech is one of Lincoln’s most well-known speeches and it seems relevant for today.

     Whether a house stands or falls depends on the commitment of the inhabitants in the house.  They must agree on the fundamentals/principles that govern the house.   When half of U.S. believes the country should dissolve, there is clearly a lack of commitment to keep the house intact.  In order for the union to survive, Americans must unite on what America is- indivisible and founded on liberty and justice for all.

 

Absorbing price increases can't happen in a healthy economy!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

SPONGES!

by Steve Fair

     The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for consumer goods and services.  In June, the CPI rose 1.3% for the month.  The CPI is up +9.1% in the last 12 months.  That is the highest growth rate since November 1981. Food prices at the shelf have risen even more: +10.4% in the past 52 weeks.  Gas prices are up a whopping +41.6% the past year.

     Inflation has hit hard at the wholesale level as well.  Prices for food processors and producers surged to near record level from a year ago; +11.3%.  Translated, that means consumers will likely see even higher food prices at the shelf in the future.  Stripping out food and gas, the annual inflation rate vs. last year is +5.9%.  Three observations:

     First, this inflation is not transitory or temporary.  In July 2021, President Biden said the increase in prices consumers was seeing was not persistent inflation and would be temporary.  After thirteen consecutive months of price increases, clearly the President was wrong last year.  Inflation is here for at least another year.    Even liberal CNN has said the president shouldn’t have called the inflation transitory. 

     Second, Biden’s failed policies have fueled inflation.  The POTUS continues to pass the buck on the economy, but the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed last year heavily contributed to the current inflationary mess.  America’s policy of ‘spending’ its way out of economic downturns finally caught up with the good ole USA.   Couple that with Biden’s ‘war on fossil fuels,’ policies and you have gasoline at record prices.  The first way to solve a problem is to admit one exists.  The Biden administration has failed to acknowledge inflation even exists, so it unlikely they have a plan to get it under control.

     Third, sponges do not exist in an economic system.  Increases must be passed through.  Consumers can’t ‘absorb’ price increases without increases in wages.  A retailer or a producer cannot ‘absorb’ an increase.  They must pass them through.  If increases are bottlenecked anywhere along the supply chain, disfunction occurs.   The answer to high prices is high prices.  When prices reach a level where demand comes down, prices will fall.  It is basic economics.

     Inflation has brought with it two big problems: Wages haven’t kept up with price increases and rising interest rates have decreased investment activity.  President Biden has blamed inflation on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but the truth is the US has a significantly worse core (excludes food and gasoline) inflation rate than the rest of the world. Most economists believe it is because the US spent so much on stimulus.  The best thing the government can do to help stop inflation is to stop spending money.  In the 1970s, OPEC’s policies on oil exports created double digit inflation in the U.S.  In 2022, the cause of high prices is not external, it’s internal.  President Biden’s failed economic policy that doesn’t put America first has lowered the average U.S. consumer buying power by 22% in the past 18 months. 

     Instead of pandering to Saudi Arabia to sell the US more oil, perhaps President Biden should meet with domestic energy leaders and ask them what their government could do to help them.  But government is where you find the sponges.  They absorb everything and don’t pass anything on.

 

OKLAHOMA WILL LEAD NATION IN SALE OF JUNK FOOD!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

POT ON THE BALLOT!

by Steve Fair

 

      Four years ago, Oklahoma passed State Question #788 57% to 43% which legalized medical marijuana.  The poorly crafted initiative petition was vague and lacked detail about implementation and oversight.  The state legislature has spent a great deal of time since 2018 putting meat on the 788 bones.  Legislation regulating growing and distribution has resulted in the Sooner state becoming a magnet for grow operations and dispensaries.   Oklahoma has more weed growers (9,000+) than California, a state with ten times the population.  One reason is the cost of $2,500 to get a license in Oklahoma, as opposed to $100,000 in bordering Arkansas.  There is also no cap on the number of dispensaries or grow operations in the state, but that may be changing in the future.  About 12% of Oklahomans have a ‘medical marijuana’ card.  Clearly much of the pot grown in Oklahoma is being shipped out of the state- which is in violation of state and federal law.  If all the weed grown by Oklahoma growers were being consumed by Sooner residents, the dispensaries would be selling it by the bale, not the joint.    

      Last week, proponents of State Question #820 delivered 120 boxes of signed petitions to the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.  They claim they got over 164,000 signatures from Oklahoma registered voters asking SQ#820 to be added to the November ballot.  If approved, it would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana.  The number of signatures required for an initiative petition is tied to the last governor’s race in Oklahoma.  The Oklahoma Secretary of State must verify a minimum of 95,000 signatures for the proposal to get on the November ballot.  Three observations:

     First, if SQ#820 makes it to the November ballot, it will likely pass.  Twenty years ago, Oklahomans would not have embraced legal medical pot, but four years ago, they did.  Added by an influx of people from more liberal areas of the U.S. into Oklahoma, and young voters, the measure passed easily.  The Sooner state has changed.  Once staunchly conservative Oklahoma now has more slot machines and weed shops than any place in the world.  Misguided criminal justice reform by well-meaning, but clueless people, has resulted in decriminalizing former crimes and as a result, Oklahoma is a top ten state in growth of crime against property.   In reality, passage of SQ#820 really would not change much of what is actually being currently practiced in the state.  Oklahoma’s ‘medical marijuana’ law is just a wink and nod from recreational pot use now.

     Second, expect the SQ#820 crowd to sell passage of the measure to help education.  Oklahoma voters will probably buy the message.  Through the years, Oklahomans have been told passage of parimutuel betting, a state lottery, casino gambling, and medical marijuana would provide more tax money for education.  For years, Oklahomans have been gambling, drinking, and smoking pot for the kids, yet test scores haven’t dramatically improved.

     Third, Oklahoma could become a top ten state if SQ#820 passes.  The state will lead the nation in relaxation, paranoia, and the sale of junk food. Citizens will lose their inhibitions and their good judgment.  Worker production will decline, but with everybody high on dope, including the boss, no one will care.  Oklahoma will lead the nation in poor motor skills and awareness of time. 

     Conservative Oklahoma has always leaned libertarian, but in recent years has become more antinomian (no law).  That is not progress or improvement.  Vote no on SQ#820 if it makes it to the ballot.

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.