April 19, 2009 - 14 Years Later

Texas - It's Like A Whole Other Country

So it seems Texas Governor Rick Perry thinks he's making a pretty serious threat about Texas leaving the United States. Well, I for one think it isn't a bad idea.

First of all, we're in a recession, and this could create jobs. Think of all the new 49 star flags that would have to be made and the new maps printed. This is an economic stimulus plan in action.

Also, all of those annoying Texans might take on a new image in our minds. They will be residents of a foreign country and somehow more alluring because of it. No longer just rednecks, we can say it's part of the culture of that country.

For those so concerned about illegal immigration, now we can pass this problem on to another country. Texas will have to handle the border security issues and quit looking to our federal government for help. I can think of more than a few "good 'ol boys" who would happily guard the Oklahoma side of the Red River to keep foreigners out - and by that I mean Texans.

Then there is the football angle. No longer does Mack Brown have to anoint himself as the Big 12 South Victor, now he can play for a national title in Texas. Imagine how happy Texans would be to know that the winner of the Texas-Texas Tech game would be the the national champion?

And of course, there's poor old Rick Perry. As the protege of former President George Bush, he's watched his political stock fall faster than GM. The once shining star of GOP politics now faces a primary challenge just to keep his current job. But wait! If Texas secedes he could be President and achieve his goal after all.

All and all, I'm for it. So long Texas - Happy Trails to you!

Protecting The Children

April is national Child Abuse Prevention month. You wouldn't know it from all the news being generated about taxes, tea parties and grumbling about the government.

Yet some people took notice at the state Capitol and attempted to draw the attention of the elected officials there. They placed flags there to note the number of children who died as a result of abuse. In our state alone, 32 children died from this horrific crime last year.

One elected official, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, was there to take a stand and he called upon our legislators to keep funding programs that help prevent child abuse:

"They want to be tough on crime, but the harm has been done if we’re prosecuting someone. We cannot incarcerate this crime away.”

Of all the places to cut the budget, why would this be one? What crime is more insidious than the harm done to a defenseless child? Yet cuts in this area are under consideration by the legislature.

Experts who study the trends tell us that instances of child abuse increase when the economy falters, as it is now. This is a place government can do good and has a responsibility.

So while so many spent this week worrying about government that is too big or a tax burden that is too great, perhaps we should pay attention to a more significant issue. We should discuss it now before we read about the death of another child.

I ask of each chest-thumping politician who attended an anti-tax rally, or took the time to speak out against them, what did you do for those who can't protect themselves? For the defenseless children in our state who are being hurt? Did you do something to protect them, with the same fervor you showed for other issues? If so, then you've done your job and while there may be no press coverage, you've earned a special place in heaven.

If not, if you worked to leap in front of a camera or get ink without helping these children who will be hurt, how do you sleep at night?

Ward Meeting Next Week

Norman City Council members Bob Thompson and Tom Kovach, who represent Wards One and Two respectively, are holding a joint Ward Meeting next week. They will be discussing Norman Regional Hospital, the Neighborhood Watch Program, the development of voluntary neighborhood associations, the proposed Stormwater Master Plan, and new ethics policies for municipal boards and commissions. The event details are:

Wards One and Two Meeting

Monday April 2oth

6:00pm

City of Norman Council Chambers

201 West Gray Street

I plan to attend and hope lots of other interested Norman residents do as well.

Happy Easter

Turkey Season

Don't worry though, the turkey are safe from me. My friend Ben Odom (pictured above) and I made a quick trip down to God's Country Thursday and Friday to hunt. The cold and wind must have kept them home though, because we didn't hear or see any, even in the usual places.

For those of you wondering, God's Country is Southwest Oklahoma and Kiowa County in particular. The area my family is from and some of the most beautiful landscape in our state.

Oklahoma City - True West

Last weekend, thanks to my sister, I had the fortunate opportunity to see Sam Shepard's True West performed live in Oklahoma City. The local Actors Warehouse Studio staged the performance and the cast was outstanding.

If you haven't seen or read True West, and I hadn't, it is both painful drama and painful comedy. I don't say such disparagingly, rather that it makes you laugh in a dark way and touches on the rather remote parts of your emotions too.

Jon Haque and Barrett Davidson, in the two lead roles, were simply amazing. The play demands an exciting level of physical acting and they delivered without hesitation. I can say, having watched from the front row, I don't know how they could possibly have done another performance the next day. I was tired just having watched them.

It's also fair to state, and if your familiar with the play you'll understand this, I'm not having toast for some time.

I'm glad to have found a new venue to watch live performance at Actors Warehouse Studio. If you haven't been, make certain to follow their upcoming calendar to check out this gem in Oklahoma City.