 If Licensing Protects Consumers, Why Are Licensing Laws Blatantly Anti-Consumer?
By Mike Davis, 1889 Institute
Once upon a time, there was a small island whose economy revolved around scuba-diving tourism. The island's legislature considered scuba dangerous. Inexperienced divers would surface too quickly and get the bends. The legislature, wanting to make diving seem safer, passed a law banning sharks from designated scuba diving zones. There were no known shark attacks, nor were sharks frightening divers into surfacing too quickly, but people felt safer. This is what most occupational licensing schemes look like. Legislators give the public a sense of security, while giving powerful insiders protection from competition. The laws do almost nothing to help consumers. They’re futile. They are also deceptive. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 31, 2020 at 09:22PM |
 1889 Institute: if licensing laws protect consumers, why are they blatantly anti-consumer? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Monday, August 31, 2020
1889 Institute: if licensing laws protect consumers, why are they blatantly anti-consumer?
Speakers names all State House members to redistricting committees
 All House members named to redistricting committees
“House members work directly for the people. Because these are the people’s districts, the House is putting the people in charge of the redistricting process,” said McCall, R-Atoka. “With this approach, more Oklahomans than ever are involved in their redistricting. This process has the highest level of accountability for the people because they directly elect their representatives.” Eight regional redistricting subcommittees will go directly to the public to ask citizens how House districts should look for the next decade. In-person and virtual town halls, online submissions, citizen surveys and more will be used to gather extensive public input throughout the fall and winter ahead of the 2021 legislative session. Each House member will serve on a regional subcommittee. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 31, 2020 at 09:19PM |
Speakers names all State House members to redistricting committees Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Music Monday: An Alpine Symphony (Thunder and Tempest, Descent)
|
This week's Music Monday is Thunder and Tempest, Descent, a section of An Alpine Symphony by German composer Richard Strauss.
Enjoy!
See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.
by Jamison Faught - August 31, 2020 at 09:11PM |
Music Monday: An Alpine Symphony (Thunder and Tempest, Descent) Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Oklahoma government funds controversial sex-ed curriculum
 Oklahoma government funds controversial sex-ed curriculum
by Ray Carter -- Director, Center for Independent Journalism
(August 28, 2020) Many “age-appropriate” and “abstinence-based” sexual education courses in public schools are far more graphic than parents realize, and often stretch the meaning of the word “abstinence” to include a wide range of sexual activity, according to experts. One sex-ed program criticized by officials is allowed in Oklahoma schools and funded by a state agency. “The best-kept secret in every state is what’s actually being taught to the children,” said Sharen Slater, president of Family Watch International. “Because they know if parents find out, they’re going to go crazy and they’re going to try to stop it.” Slater was among several officials who spoke at the 2020 Protecting Children in Education Summit, a recent virtual event hosted by The Heritage Foundation. The forum focused on how citizens can oppose “the sexualization of children through laws and policies that impose medically unsound comprehensive sexuality education and sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum on schools.” Slater pointed to the “Making a Difference!” curriculum as one that many parents would find troubling. She said one activity sheet for the program asks students to define abstinence and states that students’ possible answers may include “all sorts of sexual acts, promoting them as abstinence.” “The best-kept secret in every state is what’s actually being taught to the children.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 30, 2020 at 08:08PM |
Oklahoma government funds controversial sex-ed curriculum Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OCPA column: Different rules for different Oklahomans?
 Different rules for different Oklahomans?
By Jonathan Small
The repercussions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, which effectively re-established the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation, suggest Oklahomans have reason to fear we will live under two different sets of rules based on a citizen’s heritage. The McGirt decision dealt only with criminal prosecutions and Creek land, but it is expected impact a far broader range of issues also involving the territories of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole nations, or nearly half the state of Oklahoma—and perhaps more. Those who suggest McGirt will affect only criminal prosecutions ignore the fact that tribal leaders clearly think otherwise. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill recently confirmed to OETA that his tribe is looking at how the decision may expand tribal authority in taxation and regulation. Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton has similarly said his tribe has “identified five broad categories of questions we see arising from McGirt: law enforcement, judicial, taxation, regulatory, and Indian child welfare.” Those aren’t minor issues. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 30, 2020 at 01:46PM |
OCPA column: Different rules for different Oklahomans? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Saturday, August 29, 2020
OKGOP: We're primed for November victory
 OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY PRIMED FOR NOVEMBER VICTORY
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, August 25, 2020 – The chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party said tonight the GOP is poised for a victorious November on the state and national levels now that the primary runoffs have concluded, and the presidential contest is set. “I could not be more excited about the Republican ticket nationally, and in Oklahoma,” David McLain said. “The delegates to the Republican National Convention have formally nominated President Trump and Vice President Pence to a second term, and the overall contrast between the President and Joe Biden is beyond measure. All Americans have a clear choice, and there is no middle ground. Either reelect a proven, pro-business, conservative leader or a liberal, left-wing product of yesteryear. I am extremely confident Oklahoma Republicans, and many conservative and moderate Democrats, will turn out strongly to reelect President Trump, and maintain Oklahoma’s 56-year streak of supporting the Republican presidential ticket.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 29, 2020 at 04:43PM |
OKGOP: We're primed for November victory Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Lepak: A First Amendment victory within the Bar Association
 A First Amendment Victory Within the Bar Association
By Benjamin Lepak
The U.S. Supreme Court agrees. In Keller v. State Bar of California, decided 30 years ago, the Court held it unconstitutional for bar associations to use mandatory dues to engage in political speech without providing meaningful procedures for lawyers to “opt out” of funding the speech. The key word here is “meaningful.” Last year, a Tulsa attorney filed a federal lawsuit against the OBA, alleging Oklahoma lawyers’ First Amendment rights were protected only on paper, not in reality. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 29, 2020 at 11:42AM |
Lepak: A First Amendment victory within the Bar Association Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OSDH Announces Plan to Provide COVID-19 Testing for Teachers
 OSDH Announces Plan to Provide COVID-19 Testing for Teachers
Oklahoma City (August 21, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), has developed a plan as directed by Governor Kevin Stitt in Executive Order 2020-20 (Third Amended) that will provide for the optional monthly COVID-19 testing of Oklahoma teachers and support employees. “Testing plays a key role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our schools,” said interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. “The Health Department has placed a top priority in helping schools navigate through these uncertain times to protect our children, our teachers and communities.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 29, 2020 at 09:10AM |
OSDH Announces Plan to Provide COVID-19 Testing for Teachers Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Runoff: 3 GOP State Senators lose, 2 abortion abolitionists win, Bice tops Neese
 The votes are in, and there were is some big news out of yesterday's runoff election. Let's get into the top stories. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 26, 2020 at 08:31AM |
Runoff: 3 GOP State Senators lose, 2 abortion abolitionists win, Bice tops Neese Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Runoff election is today
from MuskogeePolitico newsletter Archive Feed
Runoff Election is today: here's some information and my thoughts
 Today is the runoff election in Oklahoma, with a variety of races on the ballot across the state. Here is some information regarding the vote today.
Here are a few comments of mine on select races:
5th Congressional District: your choice. Bice is not particularly conservative, but probably has a better chance at defeating Democrat Kendra Horn. Neese is probably slightly more conservative and came out of the primary with a healthy lead, but she's had some baggage come out in the past few weeks that may be easier for Horn to take advantage of.
State Senate District 7: Warren Hamilton, hands down. Read here for how Larry Boggs is a full-on, flat-out, bald-faced liar who would disqualify himself from ever receiving my vote.
Muskogee County Sheriff: Michael Mahan. I appreciated his responses to my candidate forum, and respected Second Amendment individuals in the area support him. Work and other duties have prevented me from being as active with blogging recently, so be sure to check out the links above, especially from Michael Bates and Charlie Meadows for information on other races.
by Jamison Faught - August 25, 2020 at 09:00AM |
Runoff Election is today: here's some information and my thoughts Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Charlie Meadows and OCPAC on today's runoff elections
|
Conservative stalwart Charlie Meadows and the organization he presided over for many years (the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee) emailed out his oft-anticipated Charlie's Picks yesterday on today's runoff election. Here they are, along with a section with detail on the races in Tulsa:
 CHARLIE'S PICKS
[Today,] Tuesday, August 25th is primary runoff election day for 2020. The following picks are simply my opinions based on extensive research. Helping me with these were Don Spencer of Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A), Liza Greve of Oklahomans for Health & Parental Rights (OKHPR), and, to a lesser degree, the iVoter Guide. Readers may have information I am unaware of and have a different opinion. That is fine. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 5
 YOUR CHOICE
My problem with Bice is that she has proven not to be a conservative. Her six-year average score is 56 on The Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper's Conservative Index. Find it here.While she has voted properly on some OK2A bills, Don Spencer has indicated she has been unfriendly and uncooperative with OK2A. I believe Bice has a slightly better chance to beat Horn in November. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 25, 2020 at 08:37AM |
Charlie Meadows and OCPAC on today's runoff elections Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Monday, August 24, 2020
OCPA column: Private sector forces create a government success
 Private sector forces create a government success
By Jonathan Small
After having been at the bottom of the barrel, Oklahoma now ranks in the top 10 for bridge conditions, according to the latest data from the Federal Highway Administration. That success is the result not of government, but primarily of private-sector forces. And similar improvement can be generated elsewhere by taking advantage of market forces and the benefits of competition. In 2004, nearly 1,200 of Oklahoma’s 6,800 highway bridges were considered structurally deficient. Today, only 86 highway bridges are considered structurally deficient, and each is already scheduled for improvements through the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Eight-Year Construction Plan. Increased funding was a component of that successful turnaround—but only one component. The more important factor was reliance on private-sector competition to generate improvement. How? The state’s eight-year road plan has an equal emphasis on performance and outcomes, along with funding. Notably, ODOT uses state funds to pay private entities to perform the work. That’s not a minor detail. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 24, 2020 at 08:32PM |
OCPA column: Private sector forces create a government success Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Lucas statement on House United States Postal Service Legislation
 Lucas Statement on House United States Postal Service Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8015- the Delivering for America Act. Lucas opposed the legislation. “There is no question about it, whether you live in rural western Oklahoma or the suburbs of Oklahoma City or Tulsa, the United States Postal Service provides a vital service to Oklahomans. From ensuring vital goods are delivered to the doorsteps of those who call rural America home to playing a critical part in our nation’s democratic process, the USPS has long executed its public service mission of providing prompt, reliable, and efficient postal services to the American people. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 24, 2020 at 02:00PM |
Lucas statement on House United States Postal Service Legislation Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
State Election Board offers tips, reminders for Tuesday's Elections
 State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for August 25 Elections
BE PREPARED Not every voter will have an election on August 25. Election officials recommend using the OK Voter Portal to verify your voting information. If you have a sample ballot in the portal, you have an election in your precinct. If you do not have a sample ballot, you do not have an election. Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. Some polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency. ELECTION DAY HOURS Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work. CLOSED PRIMARY Oklahoma has closed primaries. In order to vote in a party’s primary or subsequent runoff, you must be a registered voter of that party. Recognized parties may open their primaries to Independent voters. For the 2020 and 2021 election years, the Democratic Party has elected to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed. If you are an Independent voter and would like to vote a Democratic ballot, please be sure to let the poll worker know when you check in. SAFETY PROTOCOLS The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant. Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. While it is not required, state election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them. Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website. PROOF OF IDENTITY Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):
State and county election officials are always your trusted sources for information. Visit the State Election Board website to learn more about elections in Oklahoma. URL Guide: by Jamison Faught - August 24, 2020 at 11:28AM |
State Election Board offers tips, reminders for Tuesday's Elections Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
'OK Baptists for Abolishing Abortion' endorses Warren Hamilton for State Senate
 Oklahoma Baptists for Abolishing Abortion Endorses Warren Hamilton for District 7 Oklahoma Senate
Owasso— August 18, 2020 — Oklahoma Baptists for Abolishing Abortion wholeheartedly endorses Warren Hamilton for the District 7 Senate seat. On Tuesday, August 25th voters living in Oklahoma State Senate District 7 have a great opportunity to choose a principled statesman over a political swamp creature by voting FOR challenger Warren Hamilton over eight-year incumbent Senator Larry Boggs. We are very disappointed to see the Boggs’ campaign resorting to half-truths and outright lies about Warren Hamilton. As Oklahoma Baptists we want everyone to know that Warren Hamilton is a member in good standing of an Oklahoma Southern Baptist congregation. Any suggestion that he is part of a cult would be laughable if it were not such a libelous lie. We need more people like Warren Hamilton in the Oklahoma Legislature. Warren Hamilton is a convictional conservative who has endorsed the Southern Baptist Resolution on Abolishing Abortion, and less people like Larry Boggs (who will say or do anything to hang onto his political power). Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 24, 2020 at 08:21AM |
'OK Baptists for Abolishing Abortion' endorses Warren Hamilton for State Senate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Family Research Council PAC endorses Neese in CD5 runoff
 FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL ACTION PAC ENDORSES TERRY NEESE FOR CONGRESS
Oklahoma City, OK -- Terry Neese, the pro-Trump Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, has been endorsed by the Family Research Council (FRC) Action PAC. In an endorsement letter released today, the FRC Action PAC praised Neese for understanding “the fundamental importance of protecting the right to life, the central role strong families must play if our country is to thrive, and that religious liberty is the bedrock of a truly prosperous nation.” Lt. Gen. (US Army-Ret.) William G. Boykin, Executive Vice President of the FRC Action PAC said: “FRC Action PAC is confident that you will be a dedicated advocate for life, freedom, and strong family values. You are the leader that Oklahoma needs, and we are pleased to offer our endorsement of your candidacy for Congress. Together we will create a culture in which human life is valued, families flourish, and religious liberty thrives.” The full endorsement letter released by the FRC Action PAC can be read here. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 23, 2020 at 12:44PM |
Family Research Council PAC endorses Neese in CD5 runoff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, August 21, 2020
Feds approve Oklahoma's application for additional unemployment program, $300 per week for claimants
 GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES FEDERAL APPROVAL OF STATE'S LWA APPLICATION
Unemployed Oklahomans to receive additional $300 per week under approved program
OKLAHOMA CITY (August 19, 2020)-- Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the State's application to provide unemployed Oklahomans with an additional $300 per week in benefits under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. "I am thankful for the teams at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for working effectively with FEMA to ensure our application quickly received a stamp of approval," said Gov. Stitt. "I look forward to working with OESC to make sure the additional $300 in weekly benefits are distributed efficiently and on target to help Oklahomans as they continue working to find secure employment." Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 21, 2020 at 01:53PM |
Feds approve Oklahoma's application for additional unemployment program, $300 per week for claimants Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Dep't of Interior approves Oklahoma gaming compacts with Kialegee and UKB
 KTT AND UKB TRIBAL GAMING COMPACTS DEEMED APPROVED BY DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
“The U.S. Department of Interior recognizes the State’s good faith effort to negotiate with Oklahoma tribes in the approval of two new gaming compacts that will generate new revenue for public schools in the future and expand economic opportunity for our tribal partners,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I appreciate and respect the thoughtful leadership of Mekko Brian Givens and Chief Joe Bunch who worked hard to secure fair terms for their citizens, and whose contributions throughout the negotiations ensured a competitive gaming market in Oklahoma. With these new gaming compacts, Oklahoma is ushering in a new era of prosperity, opportunity, and partnership for the State and the Tribes.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 21, 2020 at 08:33AM |
Dep't of Interior approves Oklahoma gaming compacts with Kialegee and UKB Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, August 20, 2020
CD5 Runoff: Bice outraises Neese for 7th straight reporting period
 Stephanie Bice outraises Terry Neese again… for 7th straight reporting period
OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2020) - Stephanie Bice, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, again outraised Terry Neese in the most recent fundraising period. This is the seventh consecutive fundraising period that Bice has bested Neese in dollars raised and Bice has outraised Neese in every filing period since becoming a candidate. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 20, 2020 at 09:20PM |
CD5 Runoff: Bice outraises Neese for 7th straight reporting period Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
'Unite Norman': supporters of mayor "still don't get it" when claiming 30,000 recall signers were tricked
 “THEY STILL DON’T GET IT” – Supporters of Soon-To-Be-Recalled Mayor, City Council Say 30,000 Normanites Must Have Been “Tricked” into Signing Petitions — Nothing Could be Further from the Truth, Voters Were Very Informed as Recall Was One of the Most-Covered Stories in Norman this Summer
Mayor, City Council Supporters Suggesting that All of the People Who Signed the Petition — Women, Democrats, Independents, Republicans, People under Age 50, and People over Age 50 — Must Have Been Tricked, They Can’t Possibly Have Decided for Themselves
Continued denial from city leaders shows they still don’t get it
Norman Recall story has been the biggest political story of the summer —voters were very informed by daily Media stories, newspaper ads, doorstep visits, and social media discussions
NORMAN (August 19th) — Supporters of the mayor and city council are suggesting that 30,000 Normanites were “tricked” into signing petitions to recall the mayor and city council — but nothing could be further from the truth. After a contentious summer debating the Defunding of Police, the Recall story has arguably become one of the biggest news stories in Norman and that state. To suggest that the citizens in Norman didn’t know what the recall was over is just disingenuous. It is a tactic straight out of the Democrats’ playbook — a tactic that has been used in other Recall elections, such as the Colorado Recalls, where signature gatherers there also got above & beyond the required signatures. “This mayor and city council still don’t get it,” said Russell Smith, co-founder of Unite Norman. “Thousands of volunteers spent hundreds of hours talking with residents of Norman on their doorsteps, at least 100 local TV stories were aired on the issue, and dozens of hours were spent talking with the media, and with the public on social media. Read more » by Jamison Faught - August 20, 2020 at 08:44PM |
'Unite Norman': supporters of mayor "still don't get it" when claiming 30,000 recall signers were tricked Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)