Anonymous money Is poisoning Oklahoma politics

By now you’ve seen them. Super PACs are paying for a wave of attack ads in Oklahoma’s gubernatorial and attorney general races ahead of the June Republican primary. While the claims are often outrageous — particularly from big-money conservative groups attacking fellow Republicans — there is usually a smidgeon of truth buried in them, though … Continue reading Anonymous money Is poisoning Oklahoma politics

Hey political leaders: Spare us the outrage when you built the playbook

There’s a question hanging in the air right now: how far is too far when we criticize public officials? Here’s the part people don’t like: if you step into the public arena, you don’t get to control the volume of the criticism that comes your way. You don’t get to demand civility while modeling the … Continue reading Hey political leaders: Spare us the outrage when you built the playbook

The 25th Amendment isn’t a political escape hatch

It’s fair to say that millions of Americans believe Donald Trump is a deeply flawed president—one who makes controversial decisions and, at times, says things that leave even his supporters wincing. Lately, that tension has gotten worse. His rhetoric surrounding Iran—particularly talk that veers into sweeping, apocalyptic language—has unsettled not just critics, but parts of his … Continue reading The 25th Amendment isn’t a political escape hatch

The generational blame game is nothing new, but we still must pay attention

Somewhere along the way, we’ve turned generational differences into a full-contact sport. It’s become fashionable to blame the Baby Boomers for just about everything—from the cost of housing to the condition of our politics. And yes, as someone who technically falls into that category (I’m really more Generation Jones), I hear it. Loud and clear. … Continue reading The generational blame game is nothing new, but we still must pay attention

As 2026 nears, Oklahoma Republicans must decide what conservatism means

The contrast between what I would call traditional Republican conservatism and the current far-right push is becoming increasingly clear as the 2026 elections approach. That divide is especially visible in the Oklahoma Senate, where roughly a dozen senators have aligned themselves with efforts to move the Legislature further to the right and to embed religious … Continue reading As 2026 nears, Oklahoma Republicans must decide what conservatism means

Student protests the very definition of the importance of ‘good trouble’

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble," is a quote the late Congressman John Lewis popularized when discussing the history of the Civil Rights movement. It was not a call to chaos, but as a call to conscience. In times like these, that phrase feels less like historical perspective and more like a civic instruction. The … Continue reading Student protests the very definition of the importance of ‘good trouble’

Where is the immigration plan?

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