Opinion

Opinion

• Edwards book missing some perspective

  During his run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2008 John Edwards often spoke about the plight of the less fortunate in our society. At campaign events the former senator from North Carolina told of how American workers whose jobs had gone overseas as a result of globalization were unable to support their families and were now living in poverty. 

  February 8, 2010

• Government purchasing process needs more transparency

  In last week’s legislative update, I talked about how social media can be used as a feedback mechanism by businesses. I posited that state government should be allowed to take advantage of these same techniques, and I have heard from state officials how they need a clear set of policies to govern their actions in using social media projects.

  February 8, 2010

• Preparing for a Rainy Day

  This year, Oklahoma faces one of the worst budget crises in our state’s history. The decisions that lie ahead for state leaders will be difficult, but I have no doubt that Oklahoma will weather this storm and emerge stronger.

  February 8, 2010

• HB 2914 could create jobs, expand economy

  This last week the 2010 Legislative Session kicked off at the limestone palace on 23rd and Lincoln. While the Legislature will consider hundreds of bills in the next four months, there is one that is my favorite — HB 2914 by Rep. Danny Morgan.

  February 5, 2010

• Moving up in national testing scores

  A long history of education reform is positively impacting our public schools, earning Oklahoma high marks on two recent national report cards. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Leaders and Laggards” national report card in late 2009 gave Oklahoma an “A” (second in the nation) for “Technology” for the use of Web-based programs and computer-based assessments, which was one of six categories graded. Our state received a “B” in the “Data” category for our state’s educational data system, ranking 11th in the nation.

  February 5, 2010

• Staying alive: The legacy of Will Rogers

  Recently, I received an e-mail from a theatrical producer in Chicago. David happily shared with me the script of a new one-man show set to premiere at a theater in suburban Oakbrook in late March. Ticket sales are going great, he reported. People are excited, and two matinee performances are already sold out. The subject of the production just so happens to be a gum-chewing, lariat-tossing, wise and witty cowboy by the name of Will Rogers.

  February 4, 2010

• For Oklahoma: Less can really mean more

  While Oklahoma digs out from massive winter storms the governor and Legislature are faced with digging Oklahoma out of a severe fiscal crisis.
  The governor in his state message vowed to protect education and Oklahoma’s most vulnerable. This is an immediate challenge, but solutions must go beyond protection to implementation of long-term reforms for Oklahoma’s future.

  February 4, 2010

• Cities attempt to eliminate accountability notices

  Little things can make a big difference. Printed public notices in newspapers are little things, but they make a big difference when keeping government accountable to citizens and taxpayers. 
  It is no surprise the Oklahoma Municipal League has introduced legislative proposals to eliminate printed notices in newspapers.

  February 3, 2010

• Brotherly love just as important as prayer

  You hear a lot about prayer these days and it brings a story to mind. There are several versions of this old tale drifting around in different cultures but they all have the same basic outline.
  A certain farmer found himself harvesting a crop that exceeded his wildest expectations. After years of living on the edge of poverty, his ship finally had come in and he was on the road to prosperity at last.

  February 3, 2010

• Can the president reconnect with Americans?

  You could tell President Obama’s State of the Union speech was shaped by public opinion polls. That’s not necessarily bad, especially when it comes to a presidency that has been veering off track, and losing key political battles.

  February 2, 2010

• More Opinion Headlines

Back to top