Opinion
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AGAINST THE GRAIN: Oklahomans commemorate 65th anniversary of Israel
The Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City recently presented an event to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. The event began with a gathering at the Immanuel Synagogue in the Midcity area where two Oklahoma City rabbis, Abby Jacobson and Viered Harris, spoke about the history of the state of Israel since its founding and the struggles it has gone through to maintain its existence.
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4 key items look like they will gain legislative OK
This is a big week in the Legislature. It is a key deadline week. By this Thursday another set of proposals will fail to advance past the deadline and will become dormant for this year.
Fortunately, many aggressive reform proposals are still alive. -
Teaching to the test
As I meet with teachers from across the state, I hear a common theme. I talk with working groups of teachers here at the state department. I’ve had the opportunity to visit with past and present teachers of the year. I also have roundtable discussions with teachers at the school districts I visit on my Raise the Grade Together tours. I listen to superintendents in my leadership advisory group. These educators tell me they are frustrated with “teaching to the test.” Parents and community members often mirror these sentiments. I agree!
The time has come to have a serious discussion about this. I want teachers to know I am committed to working with them and the rest of the education community. This summer and in the fall, together with these groups, we will conduct an audit of all the different assessments given across the state, including federal, state and district level assessments. -
We should all run in the Boston Marathon
If you want to understand the nature of the United States, how we respond to attacks and how unwilling we are to back down from terrorism, look not at this year's Boston Marathon, but to next year's.
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New police tactics crucial to preventing more mass murder
It was an iconic image that caught the eyes of all who were watching from around the world. An Oklahoma City police car with the words “We Will Never Forget” written in bold letters across the back window. That cruiser sat parked outside the perimeter of the destruction that was only hours before the Oklahoma City federal building. “We Will Never Forget.” It was a pledge and a reminder. Now as we mourn the dead and pray for the gravely injured from the Boston bombing, with the 18th anniversary of the worst domestic terrorist attack in the U.S. now upon us, are we doing all we can to prevent it from happening again?
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Rejoicing a death shows no class
Admirers from across the world paid respects to one of the greatest women in history this week. Margaret Thatcher, ‘The Iron Lady,’ died April 8. She was honored at St. Paulís Cathedral in London on April 17.
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Sometimes, the mere posing of questions is significant
The era seems quaint now, almost like a fable. When people left their house doors unlocked. When the sight of a police officer in a school meant it was Career Da
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The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover, Mass.: Marathon bombing was a vicious, cowardly act
The Boston Marathon is a celebration of human spirit — of the athletic grace God grants to some, of the sheer determination He gives to others. No terrorist’s bombs can extinguish that flame.
While the investigation was just beginning as this was written, have no doubt about this: Monday’s horrible attack against the runners and spectators viewing the Boston Marathon was an act of terrorism. Whether the perpetrators of this cowardly act turn out to be motivated by politics or religion, whether they were foreign or domestic matters little. Even if the bomber turns out to be a lone psychopath, the goal was the same: To take a day of joyous celebration and turn it into a scene of carnage, fear and death. -
Oklahoma on the move
Oklahoma is on the move and people are taking notice. The entrepreneurial spirit that birthed our great state is alive and well in the private sector. As lieutenant governor and as the state’s small business advocate, I have traveled the nation and world aggressively promoting Oklahoma’s business-friendly climate, low cost of living and quality of life. In the first quarter of 2013, 30 company locations announced growth in Oklahoma totaling more than $417 million in new investment, clearly indicating Oklahoma is open for business.
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Are the world's great cities ready for rising waters and freak storms?
The list of metropoles threatened by rising seas and freak storms is alarmingly long, if (from a U.S. viewpoint) reassuringly international.
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AGAINST THE GRAIN: Oklahomans commemorate 65th anniversary of Israel
