With the relentless deluge of chaotic headlines, Americans are being confronted daily with disturbing images and conflicting narratives about immigration enforcement. On TV and social media, ICE agents are increasingly seen as a shadowy, unaccountable police force—conducting raids, detentions and removals with little explanation of the broader strategy behind them. While the intensity of these … Continue reading Where is the immigration plan?
If we want more babies, we need to fix adulthood first
I read an article last week noting that by the end of this decade, every Baby Boomer in America will be 65 or older. Because Baby Boomers make up the largest generation, we’re already feeling the effects of that demographic shift—worker shortages, pressure on health care systems and growing strain on Social Security and Medicare. … Continue reading If we want more babies, we need to fix adulthood first
The OU controversy shows just how ridiculous outrage culture has become
The whining and hand-wringing over the “Fulnecky incident” at OU is still going strong, and honestly, it’s getting ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with people offering thoughtful disagreement or perspectives shaped by their own experiences. I’ve read plenty of reasonable commentary from all sides of this mess. But this newest idea—that OU students should get tuition … Continue reading The OU controversy shows just how ridiculous outrage culture has become
Why State Question 836 can be seen as a recommitment to populist roots
Oklahoma ranks dead last — 50th — in voter turnout. That’s not a coincidence. It’s the result of a system designed to make most voters irrelevant. How can anyone who believes in the Oklahoma Standard not be outraged by that? Our state was built on populist roots — a belief that the people’s voice should … Continue reading Why State Question 836 can be seen as a recommitment to populist roots
The only revolution America needs: Rebuilding the Middle Class
It seems we spend a lot of time complaining about what’s wrong with our economy and our government systems. And certainly, there’s plenty to complain about. But let’s face it — the 2026 midterms are just a year away, and the same politicians we’ve been grumbling about are already warming up their campaign speeches. They’ll … Continue reading The only revolution America needs: Rebuilding the Middle Class
Conservatives, it’s time to demand better from the GOP
I first started writing a conservative opinion column during my days as editor of the Enid News & Eagle in the early 2000s. At the time, my writing came from a traditional conservative perspective, meant to counter what I saw as the excesses of the left in the wake of the Clinton presidency, the disputed … Continue reading Conservatives, it’s time to demand better from the GOP
Condemn the murder, confront the legacy: Why Charlie Kirk’s harmful ideology cannot be sanitized
Since last week’s brutal murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus, emotions have run high. A suspect is now in custody, but questions, accusations and rising tensions persist, with little sign that the national climate is cooling. The right-wing propaganda machine—with leaders like Donald Trump and Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters—has … Continue reading Condemn the murder, confront the legacy: Why Charlie Kirk’s harmful ideology cannot be sanitized
MAGA politics have undermined a once-principled conservative approach to education
Principled views on education were once a cornerstone of Republican politics, both nationally and here in Oklahoma. For most of my adult life, traditional (pre-MAGA) Republicans offered an intellectually consistent and constructive approach—emphasizing local control, school choice, high academic standards, respect for institutions and expertise and teaching civics and history in ways that promoted patriotism … Continue reading MAGA politics have undermined a once-principled conservative approach to education
It’s time to let all Oklahoma voters have a voice in primary elections
Let’s face it: more and more Oklahomans are dissatisfied with the two dominant political parties—Democrats and Republicans. As of Jan. 15, 2025, there are 488,756 registered independents in Oklahoma, up from 436,041 the year before—a 12% increase. That growth is a key reason behind State Question 836, which proposes an open primary system in Oklahoma. … Continue reading It’s time to let all Oklahoma voters have a voice in primary elections
The 250th anniversary of the United States deserves better than what we just saw
The recent attempt to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army brought something else into sharp focus: we are just one year away from July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It should be a moment of national unity and pride. But if the June 14 parade was … Continue reading The 250th anniversary of the United States deserves better than what we just saw
Cindy Allen 