Well, an Oklahoma state quarter design has been picked, it’s a scissortail flycatcher and Gaillardia wildflowers, and we’re supposed to be happy with it, right?
Is it a surprise that the “official design” was approved days after Gov. Brad Henry vetoed a comprehensive, common sense lawsuit reform bill? Probably not.
All the designs were fraught with legal concerns, so it really shouldn’t be any surprise the only design that would prevent a legal scuff-up was the decided one, and the governor gave Oklahomans the bird ... design that is.
The Pioneer woman was off the table, since the “politically correct” crowd removed the Bible from the woman’s grasp, so perhaps many Oklahomans voted against any design that removed the Bible, a protest from the Bible Belt.
The other designs included a peace pipe. Please, the tobacco police would never let that happen, and besides, I’m sure some public interest, anti-smoking group, would demand the quarter design be removed if the pipe was chosen — “Because quarter designs have increased smoking among 12 to 18 year olds,” they would declare.
Other features of designs included a gushing oil well, saluting our energy industry. Ah, but that’s when the environmentalist wackos would demand the oil is “an environmental hazard, and to have this raping of Mother Earth emboldened on a state quarter and maybe it could cause global warming,” and it would be doomed for removal.
The windmill seemed so innocent, but I’m sure the U.S. Mint would declare that design null and void because it would remind everyone of “hot air” and perhaps some national politicians would take offense.
So, to avoid lawsuits and boycotts, the official state bird was chosen to grace our quarter. Some may think this decision will help avoid the pitfalls of some legal action.
But dear readers, I’m sure the International Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Flies already has huddled with their attorneys considering legal action, and you know it had to happen.
After all, scissortail fly catchers, it’s not a catch-and-release — those birds are killing, and eating flies, you know.
(Larry Stein is a former radio talk show host and an Edmond resident.)
Opinion
Politically correct state quarter chosen
- Opinion
-
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
April 15, 1953. Tax day again. It also marked the last time the U.S. lost a soldier from an enemy air attack.
-
Tax outrage stems from moral distaste
A study published this week in the journal Symbolic Interaction revisits the relationship between taxation and morality.
-
Suddenly, Asperger’s Syndrome is cured
My 11-year-old grandson just took his first trip off the diving board.
-
Book recalls Anastasia's story
In February of 1916 a young woman was pulled from the icy waters of a canal in Berlin, Germany.
-
iRead, you read, we all win
I’m thrilled to be able to announce the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s iRead initiative. Check out our iRead page on our website, http://ok.gov/sde/newsblogs/iRead.
With iRead, our goal is to ensure literacy for all Oklahomans from birth to 12th grade. Literacy is more than just reading. Being literate encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing — really all of communication. -
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax.
-
Thunder Up for Oklahoma
The Thunder basketball team has a big impact on the state of Oklahoma. Not just because we are excelling in the NBA playoffs.
-
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax. This year, Oklahoma state government will have more than $200 million of new growth revenue to spend. I believe it is vital for this revenue to go back to the taxpayers who overfinanced state government. This is important, because if the money is not returned, it will almost certainly be used to grow the size of government.
-
Tax cuts don’t make the grade
When is not big enough also too big?
-
Tax plan means keeping more of what you earn
The discussion about cutting Oklahoma’s income tax started before the legislative session.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
