Opinion column I authored in April 2023 prior to Judd Blevins being sworn in as the elected commissioner of Enid City Commission Ward 1

I am reposting this column I wrote in the Enid News & Eagle as background information on the continued lack of clarity and accountability of Ward 1 Commissioner Judd Blevins as Enid continues to struggle with handling the state and national media attention due to this matter: https://www.enidnews.com/opinion/column-blevins-lack-of-clarity-on-past-casts-a-shadow-on-his-upcoming-tenure-as/article_5a551f10-d485-11ed-9380-fbdb6550c50d.html In a matter of weeks, Enid Ward … Continue reading Opinion column I authored in April 2023 prior to Judd Blevins being sworn in as the elected commissioner of Enid City Commission Ward 1

OKC voters must approve arena proposal to stay in the NBA franchise game. Election is Dec. 12.

Oklahoma City residents will be going to the polls for a crucial vote that has many long-term impacts on the continued future of the city’s rapid development. In September, the OKC City Council moved forward a proposal to build a new, modern NBA arena in Oklahoma City. Voters will go to the polls Dec. 12. … Continue reading OKC voters must approve arena proposal to stay in the NBA franchise game. Election is Dec. 12.

What do abortion rights victories bode for GOP?

The Republican Party has a problem, and one of its own making. Following elections across the country on Nov. 7, it’s finally becoming clear that the extreme laws many states are enacting restricting abortion and reproductive rights are out of step with what most voters want. This does not bode well for the GOP in … Continue reading What do abortion rights victories bode for GOP?

Looking at impacts of DEI and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses

It’s not unusual for students on college campuses to protest political issues. My first memories of college protests started when I was a child with the Vietnam War, and those protests were heightened when the National Guard opened fire on Kent State students in 1970 resulting in the deaths of four students and national outrage. … Continue reading Looking at impacts of DEI and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses

Does Nikki Haley have a chance to become GOP nominee?

Those of us who enjoy memorable movie lines might remember one of the better lines from Talladega Nights when Ricky Bobby’s dad tells him, “If you’re not first, you’re last.” However, in the GOP primary – which pollsters insist is firmly in former President Donald Trump’s grip – second place just might be the sweet … Continue reading Does Nikki Haley have a chance to become GOP nominee?

New COVID boosts available, but many continue to be skeptical

To boost or not to boost. That seems to have become the new question every fall as new variants of COVID-19 develop and big pharma companies like Pfizer and Moderna offer new booster shots to, hopefully, combat the effects of the new variants. This year, boosters have been developed to mitigate the impacts of the … Continue reading New COVID boosts available, but many continue to be skeptical

Women can (and should) lead the discussion on addressing gun violence, laws in the United States

The issue of guns and the Constitution hit center stage last week when the New Mexico governor unilaterally decided to ban people legally carrying guns in one town – Albuquerque – for a period of 30 days. She did it as a response to several instances of gun violence in Albuquerque, the latest which took … Continue reading Women can (and should) lead the discussion on addressing gun violence, laws in the United States

Educational “partnerships” with partisan organizations is problematic

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has once again garnered mostly negative publicity and coverage of his recent decision to “partner” with Prager U to endorse using the conservative organization’s videos and education materials in Oklahoma classrooms. Walters endorsed this organization by saying "This expansion of our available resources will help ensure high quality materials rich … Continue reading Educational “partnerships” with partisan organizations is problematic

A true “Women’s Bill of Rights” would include so much more

So, a few weeks ago, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt made much fanfare about signing an executive order entitled the Women’s Bill of Rights. Surrounded by a group of female business owners, medical professionals and athletes, the governor signed an order that he said will unify laws and rules. The executive order spells out that being … Continue reading A true “Women’s Bill of Rights” would include so much more