Happy New Year in 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
A New Year Begins......
The Grapevine extends warmest wishes to you and your family for a New Year that is healthy, safe from adversity, and blest with the love of family and friends along with a growing knowledge of the Good Lord who so richly provides us with life's bounty.
Friday, December 21, 2007
The 'good 'ol boys' score again in stolen trailer case!
From the Pottowatmie Online Countywide News......http://www.countywidenews.com/calendar/
(Gary Jones stolen campaign trailer) The good 'ol boys score another travesty of justice!
The case of the stolen campaign trailer was laid to rest Tuesday when a City of Tecumseh employee pleaded 'no contest' to a charge of concealing stolen property and was given a deferred sentence.
The charge against Justin Lewis of Macomb will be dismissed if he successfully completes the five-year deferred sentence, including two years of supervised probation, $1,808 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and some court costs.
District Judge Doug Combs went against the recommendation of District Attorney Richard Smothermon in granting the deferred sentence. Smothermon, who handled Tuesday's appearance himself, said he had, "from day one, recommended a three-year suspended sentence if he would disclose who actually did it."
The trailer was stolen from the Branson-McKiddy parking lot the night before the 2006 Frontier Days parade. Decorated to look like a covered wagon, it was a well-known part of the campaign by Gary Jones, who ran against Tecumseh's Jeff McMahan for State Auditor & Inspector last year. McMahan defeated Jones, who is now chairman of the state Republican Party.
Tecumseh Police Detective J.R. Kidney and a sheriff's deputy found the trailer on property belonging to Lewis on Nov. 2, six weeks after it disappeared. In an August preliminary hearing, Kidney testified that "Lewis wouldn't say who brought the trailer to his property but commented that Kidney was smart and could figure it out."
Lewis later told Deputy Jim Patten that he "wasn't saying anything else and would take whatever happens to me." Shawnee attorney and Tecumseh native Allan Grubb represented Lewis. Grubb said he was pleased the judge rejected Smothermon's recommendation and said the DA "wouldn't negotiate" because of the "political ramifications of the case."
Sunday, December 16, 2007
December Dates in History!
December 7, 1941, Japan attack the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor killing 2300 Americans. This event brought the United States into WWll.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 15 to be Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct action by the American colonists against Great Britain in which they destroyed many crates of tea bricks on ships in Boston Harbor. The incident, which took place on Thursday, December 16, 1773, help to spark the American Revolution.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 15 to be Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct action by the American colonists against Great Britain in which they destroyed many crates of tea bricks on ships in Boston Harbor. The incident, which took place on Thursday, December 16, 1773, help to spark the American Revolution.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Oklahoma AG and Courts Play Favorites?
It seems Oklahoma's legal system is easily influenced by out-of-state groups. When an Oklahoma Supreme Court judge's wife and a few other powerful animal rights advocates in Oklahoma wanted cockfighting made illegal, out-of-state (Humane Society) petitioners were allowed to gather signatures. Then, the Oklahoma Supreme Court allowed the signatures.
The laws controlling the petition process haven't changed. However, the state district attorney's office recently arrested three people, two from out of state, for illegally gathering signatures on an initiative petition. They've been charged with defrauding the citizens of the state. This was the same thing that cockfighters appealed to Oklahoma's Supreme Court: that the Humane Society brought people into the state who illegally gathered signatures.
The referee the Supreme Court appointed to verify the signatures (Gregory Albert) found this to be true. He rejected the petition in his recommendation to the court, but was overturned by the state Supreme Court based largely on the same Supreme Court judges' insistence. It was the first time in Oklahoma history that the Oklahoma Supreme Court went against the findings of its own referee.
The court ignored the laws of the petition process and allowed a very illegal campaign and illegally written bill to proceed to the polls.
In one case the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Attorney General stated it was legal for the out-of-state people (Humane Society) to gather signatures and influence Oklahoma laws; in the other they arrested the people (with TABOR) doing the same thing.
It's sad the leadership in the Oklahoma legal system chooses when to enforce a law by weighing how much will be taken out of their pocket, who will make the biggest donation to their re-election or what a wife demands.
B.L. Cozad Jr., Indiahoma
Letter to the Editor, originally printed in the Lawton Constitution
Emphasis added
The laws controlling the petition process haven't changed. However, the state district attorney's office recently arrested three people, two from out of state, for illegally gathering signatures on an initiative petition. They've been charged with defrauding the citizens of the state. This was the same thing that cockfighters appealed to Oklahoma's Supreme Court: that the Humane Society brought people into the state who illegally gathered signatures.
The referee the Supreme Court appointed to verify the signatures (Gregory Albert) found this to be true. He rejected the petition in his recommendation to the court, but was overturned by the state Supreme Court based largely on the same Supreme Court judges' insistence. It was the first time in Oklahoma history that the Oklahoma Supreme Court went against the findings of its own referee.
The court ignored the laws of the petition process and allowed a very illegal campaign and illegally written bill to proceed to the polls.
In one case the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Attorney General stated it was legal for the out-of-state people (Humane Society) to gather signatures and influence Oklahoma laws; in the other they arrested the people (with TABOR) doing the same thing.
It's sad the leadership in the Oklahoma legal system chooses when to enforce a law by weighing how much will be taken out of their pocket, who will make the biggest donation to their re-election or what a wife demands.
B.L. Cozad Jr., Indiahoma
Letter to the Editor, originally printed in the Lawton Constitution
Emphasis added
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Dims don't play by rules!
Someone running for office should know the rules or maybe thought he could slip one by......
A fundraising golf tournament for Democratic State Senate candidate Rick Wolfe at Fort Sill's golf course has been cancelled after Republican State Chairman Gary Jones alerted Fort Sill officials about the political nature of the planned event.
Jones confirmed today that he made the call to Fort Sill officials when he learned about Wolfe's planned political event on federal property through a newspaper advertisement Wolfe placed.
The advertisement announced the December 3rd event and the site and said players would be charged $100 per person, proceeds to Wolfe's campaign for the Democratic nomination in the district.
Wolfe seeks to unseat Republican Senator Don Barrington, elected to the District 31 seat in 2004.
Jones said he was told that the course was reserved for the Wolfe tournament by a woman who gave few details and did not mention it was for a political candidate or involved raising money for his campaign.
-McCarville
A fundraising golf tournament for Democratic State Senate candidate Rick Wolfe at Fort Sill's golf course has been cancelled after Republican State Chairman Gary Jones alerted Fort Sill officials about the political nature of the planned event.
Jones confirmed today that he made the call to Fort Sill officials when he learned about Wolfe's planned political event on federal property through a newspaper advertisement Wolfe placed.
The advertisement announced the December 3rd event and the site and said players would be charged $100 per person, proceeds to Wolfe's campaign for the Democratic nomination in the district.
Wolfe seeks to unseat Republican Senator Don Barrington, elected to the District 31 seat in 2004.
Jones said he was told that the course was reserved for the Wolfe tournament by a woman who gave few details and did not mention it was for a political candidate or involved raising money for his campaign.
-McCarville
Monday, November 26, 2007
MONOPOLY - a real life saving 'game'!
The board game Monopoly served allied prisoners as a real-life tool to get of jail during WWll, says Brian McMahon in Mental Floss, a magazine of farflung trivia.
In 1941 the British secret service asked the game's British licensee John Waddington Ltd. to add secret 'extras' to some sets, which the Red Cross delivered to prisoners of war.
These included a metal file, compass, and silk maps of safe houses (silk, because it folds into small spaces and unfolds silently). Even better, real French, German, and Italian currency was hidden under the game's fake money. Soldiers and pilots were told that if they were captured they should look out for the 'special editions' identified by a large red dot in the game's "Free Parking" space.
Of the 35,000 prisoners of war who escaped prison camps, "more than a few certainly owe their breakout to the classic board game," says McMahon.
via USA Today
In 1941 the British secret service asked the game's British licensee John Waddington Ltd. to add secret 'extras' to some sets, which the Red Cross delivered to prisoners of war.
These included a metal file, compass, and silk maps of safe houses (silk, because it folds into small spaces and unfolds silently). Even better, real French, German, and Italian currency was hidden under the game's fake money. Soldiers and pilots were told that if they were captured they should look out for the 'special editions' identified by a large red dot in the game's "Free Parking" space.
Of the 35,000 prisoners of war who escaped prison camps, "more than a few certainly owe their breakout to the classic board game," says McMahon.
via USA Today
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dims support "directionless secular views".....
The choices for America have never been clearer. On almost every issue, Democrats and the left are promoting more government ownership and control, pushing America closer to a welfare state.
All of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls are running on a decidedly collectivist and socialistic leaning platform.
The Democrats want socialized medicine and more federal control of our schools. They are committed to raising taxes and expanding federal government programs. They will increase the burden of regulations and taxes on the American people, cost American jobs, and reduce America's competitiveness around the world.
Democrats will once again weaken our nation's defenses and intelligence systems, while continuing to hold Americans hostage to foreign oil. They will seek citizenship, government benefits, and voting rights for illegal aliens. And Democrats will appoint liberal judges who will replace America's traditional values with government's directionless secular views.?
- Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
All of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls are running on a decidedly collectivist and socialistic leaning platform.
The Democrats want socialized medicine and more federal control of our schools. They are committed to raising taxes and expanding federal government programs. They will increase the burden of regulations and taxes on the American people, cost American jobs, and reduce America's competitiveness around the world.
Democrats will once again weaken our nation's defenses and intelligence systems, while continuing to hold Americans hostage to foreign oil. They will seek citizenship, government benefits, and voting rights for illegal aliens. And Democrats will appoint liberal judges who will replace America's traditional values with government's directionless secular views.?
- Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Being Misled? Duh!
Suggestion of the week...from a 'newsletter' the Grapevine receives, thanks 'CM':
This past week, Representative Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa) announced he could introduce legislation to penalize petition circulators who misrepresent the content of a petition, thus seducing some poor victim into signing the petition.
Right on Jabar, you want those brilliant light bulbs known as John Q Public, many of whom can't even fill out their information correctly, to testify that a circulator misled them?
I have an idea, why doesn't Jabar author legislation penalizing politicians running for office who mislead the voters when they are asking them for their votes? Talk about the need for clarity and honesty, start with people such as yourself Jabar.
Hear! Hear!
This past week, Representative Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa) announced he could introduce legislation to penalize petition circulators who misrepresent the content of a petition, thus seducing some poor victim into signing the petition.
Right on Jabar, you want those brilliant light bulbs known as John Q Public, many of whom can't even fill out their information correctly, to testify that a circulator misled them?
I have an idea, why doesn't Jabar author legislation penalizing politicians running for office who mislead the voters when they are asking them for their votes? Talk about the need for clarity and honesty, start with people such as yourself Jabar.
Hear! Hear!
Monday, November 12, 2007
VETERANS DAY ~ 2007
The Grapeine hopes you will join in us in prayer as we remember our veterans and those currently serving in our Armed Forces. Heros All.
May God bless the USA!
May God bless the USA!
Friday, November 9, 2007
"Move not Classy" - followup!
Prosecutors still are considering whether to file theft charges against representatives from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University who seized college-themed merchandise from several vendors at an Oklahoma City crafts show, the Associated Press reports.
Last week more than 15 vendors from An Affair of the Heart filed complaints of theft against Suzanne Staley, OU's director of brand development, and Judy Barnard, OSU's director of trademarks and licensing, after the two women seized their merchandise. The women alleged the items infringed on the university's trademarks.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Rowland said prosecutors have decided not to prosecute any of the vendors and will not seek forfeiture of the items.
Last week more than 15 vendors from An Affair of the Heart filed complaints of theft against Suzanne Staley, OU's director of brand development, and Judy Barnard, OSU's director of trademarks and licensing, after the two women seized their merchandise. The women alleged the items infringed on the university's trademarks.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Rowland said prosecutors have decided not to prosecute any of the vendors and will not seek forfeiture of the items.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Did His Part!
I did my part Halloween night for the future education of our kids. I gave out one pack of cigarettes and a lottery ticket to every child age 3 and up.
I realized it's never too early to prepare our children.
The children must get started early or the funding won't be there for education and the cancer center. After all, it's for the kids.
Jeff Jones, Harrah
Letter to the Editor - Oklahoman
I realized it's never too early to prepare our children.
The children must get started early or the funding won't be there for education and the cancer center. After all, it's for the kids.
Jeff Jones, Harrah
Letter to the Editor - Oklahoman
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
BOO! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
The Grapevine wishes you lots of treats and NO tricks this Halloween. Please keep an eye out for the "little intruders" as they canvass house to house in search of goodies.
OU - OSU: "MOVE LESS THAN CLASSY"
In what's being described as a "less than classy move," employees of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University confiscated materials from vendors at last weekend's "Affair Of The Heart" crafts show in Oklahoma City and now face possible larceny charges.
Vendors at the show said the OU and OSU representatives, identified as Suzanne Staley, OU director of brand development, and Judy Barnard, director of trademarks and licensing at OSU, were accompanied by an off-duty police office as they worked the show, confiscating items.
At least 15 vendors have filed complaints against the women. The women [Staley and Barnard] face larceny of merchandise complaints following their actions at the show, one of the country's largest arts and crafts shows. They also may face civil lawsuits by those seeking damages due to lost or reduced merchandise sales. Read more at < http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/>
Vendors at the show said the OU and OSU representatives, identified as Suzanne Staley, OU director of brand development, and Judy Barnard, director of trademarks and licensing at OSU, were accompanied by an off-duty police office as they worked the show, confiscating items.
At least 15 vendors have filed complaints against the women. The women [Staley and Barnard] face larceny of merchandise complaints following their actions at the show, one of the country's largest arts and crafts shows. They also may face civil lawsuits by those seeking damages due to lost or reduced merchandise sales. Read more at < http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/>
Friday, October 19, 2007
Rush Senate Letter brings BIG Buck$!
The Rush Limbaugh 'US Senate Memento' offered by Rush for auction on eBay, today brought over $2 million dollars! The Senate letter - which dished Rush - was signed by 4 top Dims including (Dirty) Harry Reid and it brought a whopping $2,100,100.00!! Betty Casey, a DC resident and a trustee of the Eugene B. Casey Foundation, is said to have purchased the letter.
Rush had pledged from the git-go to match the selling price and is now calling on the Dims who signed the letter to do the same. The money goes to the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation.
Cha-ching!
Rush had pledged from the git-go to match the selling price and is now calling on the Dims who signed the letter to do the same. The money goes to the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation.
Cha-ching!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
NO 'Packin at Workplace!
According to theTulsa World, a Tulsa federal judge has ruled against the state in its attempt to make sure employees can take guns onto their employers' property.
U.S. District Judge Terence Kern issued a permanent injunction against an Oklahoma law that would have kept employers from banning firearms at the workplace under certain conditions.
Kern decided in a 93-page written order issued Thursday that the amendments to the Oklahoma Firearms Act and the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, which were to go into effect in 2004, conflict with a federal law meant to protect employees at their jobs.
More at <www.tulsaworld.com> or <http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
U.S. District Judge Terence Kern issued a permanent injunction against an Oklahoma law that would have kept employers from banning firearms at the workplace under certain conditions.
Kern decided in a 93-page written order issued Thursday that the amendments to the Oklahoma Firearms Act and the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, which were to go into effect in 2004, conflict with a federal law meant to protect employees at their jobs.
More at <www.tulsaworld.com> or <http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Republican Women Straw Vote: Giuliani!
At the 34th Biennial NFRW Convention this past week-end in Palm Springs, CA, a majority of delegates threw their support behind former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the organization’s Republican Presidential Straw Poll.
Giuliani received 50.21% of the 765 votes cast. Other top vote-getters were former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, 20.94%; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 14.42%; and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, 6.66%. Those four candidates accounted for more than 90% of the vote. The straw poll also featured US Senators Sam Brownback (.28%) and John McCain (1.8%) and Congressmen Duncan Hunter (4.02%), Ron Paul (.42%) and Tom Tancredo (1.25%).
(Please note: the NFRW does not make endorsements during the Republican primaries, but supports all Republican nominees during the general elections.)
In other NFRW (National Federation of Republican Women) business, Oklahoma's own Jeannine Long of Guthrie was elected as one of the women who will help lead the Federation in 2008 - 2009. Jeannine was elected Secretary of the National organization. Jeannine has long been active in NFRW as well as the OklahomaFRW.
Giuliani received 50.21% of the 765 votes cast. Other top vote-getters were former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, 20.94%; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 14.42%; and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, 6.66%. Those four candidates accounted for more than 90% of the vote. The straw poll also featured US Senators Sam Brownback (.28%) and John McCain (1.8%) and Congressmen Duncan Hunter (4.02%), Ron Paul (.42%) and Tom Tancredo (1.25%).
(Please note: the NFRW does not make endorsements during the Republican primaries, but supports all Republican nominees during the general elections.)
In other NFRW (National Federation of Republican Women) business, Oklahoma's own Jeannine Long of Guthrie was elected as one of the women who will help lead the Federation in 2008 - 2009. Jeannine was elected Secretary of the National organization. Jeannine has long been active in NFRW as well as the OklahomaFRW.
GOP Consultant Speaks Out.....
Republican consultant Jessica Caswell, profiled in a KWTV-Channel 9 report on the GOP ethics controversy Tuesday night in which a former candidate questioned her abilities, on Wednesday released a statement with information she claims was left out of channel 9's report.
Read Caswell's statement at
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com
As this 'controversy' continues to heat up, read Steve Fair's take on 'political consultants' at http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com
Read Caswell's statement at
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com
As this 'controversy' continues to heat up, read Steve Fair's take on 'political consultants' at http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com
Monday, October 1, 2007
TV Coverage Lacking in Credibility!
To: Blaise Labbe, News Director, Channel 9 TV - OKC
I am appalled at your channel's handling of the Oklahoma Republican House
Victory campaign story. I am not a journalist, but it's common knowledge to
everyone that you must cite your sources in order to have any credibility.
And certainly where there is an ongoing Ethics Commission investigation, you
all are being grossly unfair to Lance Cargill by only naming him when you
know that as a respondent, he cannot break the confidentiality that is in
place with this or any ethics matter!
How in the world can you claim to be any kind of credible media organization when you continue to cite, "unnamed sources" and conceal the identity of the person you interview? You are acting more like a partisan blog than a TV news station!
As for concealing the identity of the man you interviewed last night, what possible reason do you have to justify concealing his identity?
How could this silhouetted person call on Lance Cargill to "come clean" when he himself is hiding behind the curtain of anonymity? Clearly, there is no physical threat to him - this isn't some New York City mafia scenario. We are dealing with public servants, not Sammy the Bull or John Gotti.
Channel 9 has lost all credibility now and I urge you to respect the ethics laws and the standards of journalism before you sink even lower.
Bobby Cleveland, Norman
I am appalled at your channel's handling of the Oklahoma Republican House
Victory campaign story. I am not a journalist, but it's common knowledge to
everyone that you must cite your sources in order to have any credibility.
And certainly where there is an ongoing Ethics Commission investigation, you
all are being grossly unfair to Lance Cargill by only naming him when you
know that as a respondent, he cannot break the confidentiality that is in
place with this or any ethics matter!
How in the world can you claim to be any kind of credible media organization when you continue to cite, "unnamed sources" and conceal the identity of the person you interview? You are acting more like a partisan blog than a TV news station!
As for concealing the identity of the man you interviewed last night, what possible reason do you have to justify concealing his identity?
How could this silhouetted person call on Lance Cargill to "come clean" when he himself is hiding behind the curtain of anonymity? Clearly, there is no physical threat to him - this isn't some New York City mafia scenario. We are dealing with public servants, not Sammy the Bull or John Gotti.
Channel 9 has lost all credibility now and I urge you to respect the ethics laws and the standards of journalism before you sink even lower.
Bobby Cleveland, Norman
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Raises Need Taxpayer Oversight - Approval!
Glenn says it best.....
"When will the citizens of Oklahoma County get smart and stop this charade of permitting elected county officials to vote themselves a raise or two annually?Top county officials will get $123,553 annually, including benefits.
Raises are based on a formula that factors in population and land assessment values.
Guess why we get an automatic 5% annual increase in our ad valorem taxes, even if no improvements are made to your property? When will demand that our Legislature cut this raise to a maximum of 1%?
Or better yet, let the citizens of Oklahoma vote when to raise property taxes. Perhaps we need a petition drive to change the way property tax rates are raised.
County officials are banking on two things: citizens have short memories and school lobbyists will defeat our desires on this subject.
If we let this practice continue, the sky's the limit for county spending.We could find good candidates for these offices for at least 10% less than we're paying."
"Glenn Pollard, Midwest City, letter to Editor, Oklahoman - 9/26
(Gpvn:) Glenns letter, although targeting Oklahoma County in particular, pertains to all counties. It's time for those who pay the tab (taxpayers) to demand an examination of the laws governing pay and retirement/benefits for all elected officials from the Governor to the dog catcher! Many factors have changed over the years!
"It may seem like a major transgression,
"When will the citizens of Oklahoma County get smart and stop this charade of permitting elected county officials to vote themselves a raise or two annually?Top county officials will get $123,553 annually, including benefits.
Raises are based on a formula that factors in population and land assessment values.
Guess why we get an automatic 5% annual increase in our ad valorem taxes, even if no improvements are made to your property? When will demand that our Legislature cut this raise to a maximum of 1%?
Or better yet, let the citizens of Oklahoma vote when to raise property taxes. Perhaps we need a petition drive to change the way property tax rates are raised.
County officials are banking on two things: citizens have short memories and school lobbyists will defeat our desires on this subject.
If we let this practice continue, the sky's the limit for county spending.We could find good candidates for these offices for at least 10% less than we're paying."
"Glenn Pollard, Midwest City, letter to Editor, Oklahoman - 9/26
(Gpvn:) Glenns letter, although targeting Oklahoma County in particular, pertains to all counties. It's time for those who pay the tab (taxpayers) to demand an examination of the laws governing pay and retirement/benefits for all elected officials from the Governor to the dog catcher! Many factors have changed over the years!
"It may seem like a major transgression,
In the midst of a growing recession,
But we have the yeas To enact our raise,
And can weather the bad impression."
-Politickles by F.R. DuPlantier
Friday, September 21, 2007
What's YOUR IQ?
A man walked into a very high-tech restaurant in a fancy hotel. As he waited to be seated, he noticed that the Maitre D' was a robot.
The robot clicked to attention and said, 'Sir, there is a one hour wait.
And I am programmed to talk with you until a table is ready.
'Intrigued, the man said, 'OK. 'The robot then asked, Sir, what is your IQ?'
The man answered, 'Oh, about 164.'
The robot proceeded to discuss the theory of relativity, interstellar space travel, the latest medical breakthroughs, etc.The man was most impressed. The next day he returned, But thought he would try a different tack. The robot again asked, 'What is your IQ, sir?' This time the man answered, 'Oh, about 100'.
The robot started discussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball scores, and what to expect the Red Sox to do this weekend.
The guy had to try it one more time. So the next day he returned.Again the robot asked the question, 'What is your IQ?' This time the man drawled out, 'Uh.....'bout 50. 'The robot clicked, then leaned close and very slowly asked,
'A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e g-o-i-n-g t-o
r-e-a-l-l-y n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e H-i-l-l-a-r-y?'
With thanks to longtime friend 'Ed'.
The robot clicked to attention and said, 'Sir, there is a one hour wait.
And I am programmed to talk with you until a table is ready.
'Intrigued, the man said, 'OK. 'The robot then asked, Sir, what is your IQ?'
The man answered, 'Oh, about 164.'
The robot proceeded to discuss the theory of relativity, interstellar space travel, the latest medical breakthroughs, etc.The man was most impressed. The next day he returned, But thought he would try a different tack. The robot again asked, 'What is your IQ, sir?' This time the man answered, 'Oh, about 100'.
The robot started discussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball scores, and what to expect the Red Sox to do this weekend.
The guy had to try it one more time. So the next day he returned.Again the robot asked the question, 'What is your IQ?' This time the man drawled out, 'Uh.....'bout 50. 'The robot clicked, then leaned close and very slowly asked,
'A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e g-o-i-n-g t-o
r-e-a-l-l-y n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e H-i-l-l-a-r-y?'
With thanks to longtime friend 'Ed'.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Henry's Lottery Falling Flat!
Oklahoma's lottery is falling on its face and the Lottery Commission plans to cut costs and may have to cut its staff. The Commission's finance and audit committee's dreary budget forecasts for fiscal year 2008 prompted the plans.
In addition, it appears there will be an attempt to amend out a requirement that the Lottery Commission post a 35-percent profit in their third year of operations. This new estimate is 14.8 percent below the estimate upon which the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations were made, and 8 percent below the June estimate.
The Commission said it is doing all it can to trim operating costs without cutting current staff and advertising expenditures, including moving offices upstairs in their current building and turning the first floor into rental space, and opting not to refill four vacant staff positions.
"I hate to say this with staff in the room but we might have to reduce staff. Any way you look at it, it's not a pretty picture". Executive Director James Scroggins said in explanation of the finance committee's predictions that ticket revenues will remain stagnant through fiscal year 2010 at about $208.2 million.
-McCarville
Shhhhhhh...listen.....yes, it's Vince Orza saying "I told you so."
In addition, it appears there will be an attempt to amend out a requirement that the Lottery Commission post a 35-percent profit in their third year of operations. This new estimate is 14.8 percent below the estimate upon which the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations were made, and 8 percent below the June estimate.
The Commission said it is doing all it can to trim operating costs without cutting current staff and advertising expenditures, including moving offices upstairs in their current building and turning the first floor into rental space, and opting not to refill four vacant staff positions.
"I hate to say this with staff in the room but we might have to reduce staff. Any way you look at it, it's not a pretty picture". Executive Director James Scroggins said in explanation of the finance committee's predictions that ticket revenues will remain stagnant through fiscal year 2010 at about $208.2 million.
-McCarville
Shhhhhhh...listen.....yes, it's Vince Orza saying "I told you so."
Monday, September 17, 2007
Investigation of OK County GOP + 2 GOP Legislators?
Jerry Bohnen - NewsRadio 1000 KTOK - reports that it is believed the Oklahoma Ethics Commission has launched an investigation into a 2004 fundraising effort by two officials of the legislature at the time, and the Oklahoma County Republican Party.
It's also believed that notices from the Ethics Commission have been delivered to the Capitol offices of two top State House Republicans.
A source confirms the report in the Oklahoma Political News Service that the Ethics Commission had started looking into alleged campaign donation irregularities.
KTOK has learned the irregularities might have involved tens of thousands of dollars in contributions that had been sought by two highly placed Republicans in the State House in 2004. The money, according to the contact, eventually ended up in the hands of the Oklahoma County Republican party which at the time was chaired by Oklahoma City private investment consultant Al Mertens who has yet to return an inquiry from KTOK News.
At the heart of the controversy, said the source, is whether the money ended up being used as a "directed campaign contribution." Such "directed campaign contributions," under State Ethics rules, are considered to be a violation.
When asked about the investigation, Gary Jones, Oklahoma State Republican party chairman, told KTOK's Reid Mullins on First News today that he knew nothing of the probe.
By law, Ethics Commission officials cannot confirm the existence of any such investigation. And in early stages of the Ethics investigations, only those who were allegedly and directly involved in the matter being questioned would get official notifications. Stay tuned!
-McCarville and others
It's also believed that notices from the Ethics Commission have been delivered to the Capitol offices of two top State House Republicans.
A source confirms the report in the Oklahoma Political News Service that the Ethics Commission had started looking into alleged campaign donation irregularities.
KTOK has learned the irregularities might have involved tens of thousands of dollars in contributions that had been sought by two highly placed Republicans in the State House in 2004. The money, according to the contact, eventually ended up in the hands of the Oklahoma County Republican party which at the time was chaired by Oklahoma City private investment consultant Al Mertens who has yet to return an inquiry from KTOK News.
At the heart of the controversy, said the source, is whether the money ended up being used as a "directed campaign contribution." Such "directed campaign contributions," under State Ethics rules, are considered to be a violation.
When asked about the investigation, Gary Jones, Oklahoma State Republican party chairman, told KTOK's Reid Mullins on First News today that he knew nothing of the probe.
By law, Ethics Commission officials cannot confirm the existence of any such investigation. And in early stages of the Ethics investigations, only those who were allegedly and directly involved in the matter being questioned would get official notifications. Stay tuned!
-McCarville and others
Friday, September 14, 2007
All Aboard for the Cotton Bowl!
The Heartland Flyer will make a special run to the Cotton Bowl in Texas for the annual Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns football rivalry.
A $24. round trip ticket is valid regardless of boarding location between OKC and Dallas. The Flyer will depart OKC Santa Fe Station at 8:25am on Friday Oct. 5, arriving at downtown Dallas Union Station at 2:10pm. The train will make regularly scheduled stops along the way at Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainsville, TX, and Ft. Worth.
On return, the Flyer will leave Dallas at 2:30pm Sunday, Oct. 7 and arrive OKC at 9:39pm.
For reservations call (800) 872-7245 and ask for special fare code X237. All aboard!
A $24. round trip ticket is valid regardless of boarding location between OKC and Dallas. The Flyer will depart OKC Santa Fe Station at 8:25am on Friday Oct. 5, arriving at downtown Dallas Union Station at 2:10pm. The train will make regularly scheduled stops along the way at Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainsville, TX, and Ft. Worth.
On return, the Flyer will leave Dallas at 2:30pm Sunday, Oct. 7 and arrive OKC at 9:39pm.
For reservations call (800) 872-7245 and ask for special fare code X237. All aboard!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Chair Gary Jones issues Statement on 'double standard'!
1). State Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones issued this statement: "Oklahoma law restricts Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners from accepting campaign contributions from those they regulate except during a short time frame before and after elections.Now it seems that Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham is speaking out against the proposed coal-powered electrical plant going so far as to appearing in tv ads.
Has Meacham crossed the ethical line by using his position to influence the final decision? The fact that there is a campaign fund raiser being held for the treasurer next week makes one wonder.
The ol 'double standard' seems to be in play.....
2). State Treasurer Scott Meacham's most recent campaign finance report does not list any "un reimbursed expenses" from last year's campaign even though an upcoming fund raiser ostensibly is being held to help cover those expenses.
Meacham's spokesman, Tim Allen, said the fund raiser, hosted by Democrat Mike Turpen and Republican Burns Hargis, partners on KFOR-TV's "Flashpoint" program, would help cover those expenses.Meacham's report, however, does not list any debt or un reimbursed expenses.
Read stories in full at: http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/
RUMOR circulating has it that Meacham (Henrys appointee, the one who grossly mis-figured how much gambling would produce for ed-u-kation and badly bungled the tobacco compacts with the tribes) is looking toward running for Governor or another higher office. His ads against coal are hoped to foster the imagine he is 'protecting' Oklahomans!!! Yeah right! There ain't no white horse in his barn! Or white hat either!
We've said it before.....NO the candidates!
3). Steve Fair tells it with his weekly column - "Tell Us What We Want to Hear" - at: http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com/
Has Meacham crossed the ethical line by using his position to influence the final decision? The fact that there is a campaign fund raiser being held for the treasurer next week makes one wonder.
The ol 'double standard' seems to be in play.....
2). State Treasurer Scott Meacham's most recent campaign finance report does not list any "un reimbursed expenses" from last year's campaign even though an upcoming fund raiser ostensibly is being held to help cover those expenses.
Meacham's spokesman, Tim Allen, said the fund raiser, hosted by Democrat Mike Turpen and Republican Burns Hargis, partners on KFOR-TV's "Flashpoint" program, would help cover those expenses.Meacham's report, however, does not list any debt or un reimbursed expenses.
Read stories in full at: http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/
RUMOR circulating has it that Meacham (Henrys appointee, the one who grossly mis-figured how much gambling would produce for ed-u-kation and badly bungled the tobacco compacts with the tribes) is looking toward running for Governor or another higher office. His ads against coal are hoped to foster the imagine he is 'protecting' Oklahomans!!! Yeah right! There ain't no white horse in his barn! Or white hat either!
We've said it before.....NO the candidates!
3). Steve Fair tells it with his weekly column - "Tell Us What We Want to Hear" - at: http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com/
Mainstream Media Ignore Couric Tell-All!
Despite the fact that it’s the first book to present the full story of Katie Couric and her downfall as a TV news anchor, the mainstreammedia have virtually ignored Ed Klein’s revelations about her in hisnew book, “Katie: the Real Story.”
Klein, who has written a string of New York Times best sellers, attributes the blackout to media 'executives’ coziness with Couric and their affinity for her liberal views. Read full story here:http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/media_couric_klein/2007/09/12/31533.html?s=al&promo_code=39EF-1
Klein, who has written a string of New York Times best sellers, attributes the blackout to media 'executives’ coziness with Couric and their affinity for her liberal views. Read full story here:http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/media_couric_klein/2007/09/12/31533.html?s=al&promo_code=39EF-1
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Conservative's Conservative: Clarence Thomas
"The Conservative's Conservative: Why Clarence Thomas Makes the New York Times See Red." Review Essay of Henry Mark Holzer's, " The Supreme Court Opinions of Clarence Thomas, 1991-2006."
Oklahoma's own Pat McGuigan offers good insight at <http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/2
Patrick B. McGuigan (M.A. in history, Oklahoma State University) is manager of The MidCity Advocate, a weekly newspaper serving the heart of Oklahoma City. He is the author of Ninth Justice: The Fight for Bork and The Politics of Direct Democracy. He is the editor of seven books on legal policy, including Crime and Punishment in Modern America.
Oklahoma's own Pat McGuigan offers good insight at <http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/2
Patrick B. McGuigan (M.A. in history, Oklahoma State University) is manager of The MidCity Advocate, a weekly newspaper serving the heart of Oklahoma City. He is the author of Ninth Justice: The Fight for Bork and The Politics of Direct Democracy. He is the editor of seven books on legal policy, including Crime and Punishment in Modern America.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Global Jihadists full of HOT air!
"Most of the disciples of global warming are liberal Democrats who never have enough of our money and believe there are never enough regulations concerning the way we lead our lives. That ought to be enough to give everyone pause, along with emerging evidence that the global warming jihadists may be more full of hot air than the climate they claim is about to burn us up."
-Cal Thomas
-Cal Thomas
Friday, September 7, 2007
Taxing the Handicaped!
To the Editor:
I was shocked to learn that citizens who are hearing challenged must pay local and state tax on hearing aids. This is a tax on the handicapped. Let's call it what it is, the "handicap tax."
My friend's hearing aids cost $4,000 plus $335 local and state tax. Unbelievable that she has to pay a handicap tax to hear her grandchildren, church service, ambulance and fire sirens. Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids or eye glasses unless surgery is performed. So, many seniors are stuck with this handicap tax if they need to hear and see.
I am asking my Representative and Senator to author a bill to get rid of this unfair handicap tax. I am not a lobbyist. A lobbyist is not needed to bring this issue to the attention of legislators. The peoples' voice and vote can get their attention. So, let your voice be heard on this issue.
V. Midge Sullivan
OK City
There is no tax on eye glasses but you can join Mrs. Sullivan in asking that this ridiculous tax on those with a hearing impairment also be eliminated. Contact your State Senator or Representative!
I was shocked to learn that citizens who are hearing challenged must pay local and state tax on hearing aids. This is a tax on the handicapped. Let's call it what it is, the "handicap tax."
My friend's hearing aids cost $4,000 plus $335 local and state tax. Unbelievable that she has to pay a handicap tax to hear her grandchildren, church service, ambulance and fire sirens. Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids or eye glasses unless surgery is performed. So, many seniors are stuck with this handicap tax if they need to hear and see.
I am asking my Representative and Senator to author a bill to get rid of this unfair handicap tax. I am not a lobbyist. A lobbyist is not needed to bring this issue to the attention of legislators. The peoples' voice and vote can get their attention. So, let your voice be heard on this issue.
V. Midge Sullivan
OK City
There is no tax on eye glasses but you can join Mrs. Sullivan in asking that this ridiculous tax on those with a hearing impairment also be eliminated. Contact your State Senator or Representative!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Stirring the Fried Rice!
According to Democrat Fact Check and posted by McCarville, the man who wants to take US Sen. Jim Inhofes place had this to say in his candidacy announcement on Wednesday:
That's right. The freshman Democrat state senator who aspires to the U. S. Senate declared today that Al-Qaeda has never been in Iraq. That statement is at odds with assessments by intelligence agencies in England, the United States and other nations.
From CNN: Laying out its ideology in a broad manifesto, the group al Qaeda in Iraq -- which has been behind many of the worst attacks, beheading and kidnappings in Iraq -- says the insurgency is in better shape than the United States acknowledges and vows to continue the insurgency and "destroy the American empire." Red Oklahoma has the details, plus video of Senator Andrew Rice's assertion.
That's right. The freshman Democrat state senator who aspires to the U. S. Senate declared today that Al-Qaeda has never been in Iraq. That statement is at odds with assessments by intelligence agencies in England, the United States and other nations.
From CNN: Laying out its ideology in a broad manifesto, the group al Qaeda in Iraq -- which has been behind many of the worst attacks, beheading and kidnappings in Iraq -- says the insurgency is in better shape than the United States acknowledges and vows to continue the insurgency and "destroy the American empire." Red Oklahoma has the details, plus video of Senator Andrew Rice's assertion.
NO the Candidates! Rice is Fried!
Fried Rice: Senator Andrew Rice, D - OKC, among the Legislature's most liberal members and one embraced by the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender) coalition,is done before he begins, my opinion.
Rice wants the Democratic nomination to oppose conservative Republican Senator Jim Inhofe next year.
Rice is on the wrong side of almost every issue and will be lucky to match David Walters' poor showing against Inhofe in 2002. Gun control alone would sink Rice, ala Dave McCurdy against Inhofe in 1994.
But McCurdy at least was not openly tied to his party's most liberal Oklahoma members. Rice is and he's already making statements about how conservative Inhofe is, and how that's bad. Here's what one poster on a local Democrat site wrote: "Rice is pro-illegal immigration, pro-gay, pro-raising taxes, pro-gay, pro-abortion on demand, pro-gay...this couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I will not vote for Andy Rice". If that's any indication of the first impression of Andrew Rice as a U. S. Senate candidate, he's toast. Wrong strategy, wrong message. End result: Fried Rice. -the Gadfly
(Gpvn: Rice scored a miserable 10% on the Oklahoma Conservative Index with 100% being most conservative and 0% being liberal) 'We' might also add: Rice is the 'poster child' for all that's wrong with the Dims philosophy and platform!
Meanwhile, 'rumor' says AG Edmondson won't toss his hat in this ring, ditto Gov. Henry. State Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Howe, - who is termed from Legislature - is said to still be looking at the possibility!
Jim Inhofe has done and continues to do an excellent job for Oklahoma! Our votes with JIM!
Rice wants the Democratic nomination to oppose conservative Republican Senator Jim Inhofe next year.
Rice is on the wrong side of almost every issue and will be lucky to match David Walters' poor showing against Inhofe in 2002. Gun control alone would sink Rice, ala Dave McCurdy against Inhofe in 1994.
But McCurdy at least was not openly tied to his party's most liberal Oklahoma members. Rice is and he's already making statements about how conservative Inhofe is, and how that's bad. Here's what one poster on a local Democrat site wrote: "Rice is pro-illegal immigration, pro-gay, pro-raising taxes, pro-gay, pro-abortion on demand, pro-gay...this couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I will not vote for Andy Rice". If that's any indication of the first impression of Andrew Rice as a U. S. Senate candidate, he's toast. Wrong strategy, wrong message. End result: Fried Rice. -the Gadfly
(Gpvn: Rice scored a miserable 10% on the Oklahoma Conservative Index with 100% being most conservative and 0% being liberal) 'We' might also add: Rice is the 'poster child' for all that's wrong with the Dims philosophy and platform!
Meanwhile, 'rumor' says AG Edmondson won't toss his hat in this ring, ditto Gov. Henry. State Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Howe, - who is termed from Legislature - is said to still be looking at the possibility!
Jim Inhofe has done and continues to do an excellent job for Oklahoma! Our votes with JIM!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Sen. Craig Re-visited!
MORE on Sen. Craigs 'to resign or not to resign'.!
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070905/D8RF0EPG1.html
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070905/D8RF0EPG1.html
Craig may NOT resign? Thompson (finally) IN?
Late Breaking: According to late news Tuesday, US Sen. Larry "I am not gay, I have never been gay" Craig, R-Idaho, is having second thoughts on resigning his office. Amid allegations of sexual conduct, Craig announced only days ago (Sat) that he would step down effective Sept. 30. Now, Craig may be re-thinking that decision.....no real details at this time. Stay tuned!
Former Sen. Fred Thompson has changed his plans about attending the GOP Presidential debate Wednesday - Sept. 5. Thompson will instead have some 'ads' that will run during the debate time frame and Thompson will make an appearance on the Jay Leno Tonight Show which will air later on Wednesday evening. Thompson is expected to announce his intention to seek the Presidency at midnight on Wednesday or Thursday (both days have been given)...this with a 15 minute film on his web site. The Grapevine tried to find the 'official' web site but didn't have much luck. Found numerous sites for Fred!
The GOP debate will be carried live on FOX News Wednesday eve beginning at 8:00pm CST. Check your area for channel.
Reminder: US Congressman and Presidential candidate Tom Tancredo of CO will be in Oklahoma this week-end. Trancredo will be in OKC, Tulsa, Norman and several other stops attending fund raising events that include a birthday party for State GOP Chair Gary Jones and State GOP V-Chair Cheryl Williams.
Former Sen. Fred Thompson has changed his plans about attending the GOP Presidential debate Wednesday - Sept. 5. Thompson will instead have some 'ads' that will run during the debate time frame and Thompson will make an appearance on the Jay Leno Tonight Show which will air later on Wednesday evening. Thompson is expected to announce his intention to seek the Presidency at midnight on Wednesday or Thursday (both days have been given)...this with a 15 minute film on his web site. The Grapevine tried to find the 'official' web site but didn't have much luck. Found numerous sites for Fred!
The GOP debate will be carried live on FOX News Wednesday eve beginning at 8:00pm CST. Check your area for channel.
Reminder: US Congressman and Presidential candidate Tom Tancredo of CO will be in Oklahoma this week-end. Trancredo will be in OKC, Tulsa, Norman and several other stops attending fund raising events that include a birthday party for State GOP Chair Gary Jones and State GOP V-Chair Cheryl Williams.
Monday, September 3, 2007
GOP Chair Rips Dims; ODP Chair Says Nimmo Not Party Rep!
Democratic State Chairman Ivan Holmes said today an Internet blog post by party official James Nimmo inferring he wishes Republican U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe had been killed in Iraq does not represent the party.
Holmes made his comments to radio station KTOK after Republican State Chairman Gary Jones called on Holmes to repudiate Nimmo's post, which Jones described as "outrageous."
For Gary Jones statement visit: www.okgop.com or for Jones comments and Holmes comments: <http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
Holmes made his comments to radio station KTOK after Republican State Chairman Gary Jones called on Holmes to repudiate Nimmo's post, which Jones described as "outrageous."
For Gary Jones statement visit: www.okgop.com or for Jones comments and Holmes comments: <http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
OK Democrat Party on Verge of Collapse!
Veteran newsman Mike McCarvilles breaks the story.....
Two of Oklahoma's most prominent Democratic consultants have sent a demand letter to the Oklahoma Democratic Party in the consultants' efforts to collect money they say is owed them for their work last year.
Response to questions from Mike McCarville: "Carrier Marshall & Associates graciously wrote off a significant portion of the debt in order to assist the party in a time of trouble. Everyone knows the party is on the verge of complete financial collapse because fringe elements of the party now control critical leadership positions. The party has barely been able to make their rent payments the last few months. There is significant infighting among elected party leaders and the entire party is in jeopardy. If it were not for the National Democratic Party paying for employees, there would be no staff in party offices and the Democratic Party would cease to exist in Oklahoma as a functioning organization."
For complete story McCarville blog < http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
Two of Oklahoma's most prominent Democratic consultants have sent a demand letter to the Oklahoma Democratic Party in the consultants' efforts to collect money they say is owed them for their work last year.
Response to questions from Mike McCarville: "Carrier Marshall & Associates graciously wrote off a significant portion of the debt in order to assist the party in a time of trouble. Everyone knows the party is on the verge of complete financial collapse because fringe elements of the party now control critical leadership positions. The party has barely been able to make their rent payments the last few months. There is significant infighting among elected party leaders and the entire party is in jeopardy. If it were not for the National Democratic Party paying for employees, there would be no staff in party offices and the Democratic Party would cease to exist in Oklahoma as a functioning organization."
For complete story McCarville blog < http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com>
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Kick Craig Out!!!
Comment from a Grapevine reader (a Repub by the way) on the Sen. Craig story currently all over the news:
I can't speak for everyone, but I have never had anyone in a restroom stall next to me even come close to having their foot in my stall. Nor did they do a tappie tap. What is the matter with all these people? I don't care if they are Dems or Repubs or aliens from outer space; kick the bums out! And it can't be fast enough for me.
There are lots of articles about U. S. Senator Larry Craig on the Idaho Statesman if you are interested.
I don't imagine Mr. Craig ever bent over to pick up a piece of paper in his senatorial life, much less in a nasty bathroom. How do you spell "lie?"
The Grapevine agrees 100%! Idaho Statesman at:
<http://www.idahostatesman.com/>
I can't speak for everyone, but I have never had anyone in a restroom stall next to me even come close to having their foot in my stall. Nor did they do a tappie tap. What is the matter with all these people? I don't care if they are Dems or Repubs or aliens from outer space; kick the bums out! And it can't be fast enough for me.
There are lots of articles about U. S. Senator Larry Craig on the Idaho Statesman if you are interested.
I don't imagine Mr. Craig ever bent over to pick up a piece of paper in his senatorial life, much less in a nasty bathroom. How do you spell "lie?"
The Grapevine agrees 100%! Idaho Statesman at:
<http://www.idahostatesman.com/>
Senator Fails Sobriety Test!
State Sen. Jeff Rabon - D - Hugo - was arraigned this morning in Choctaw. Rabon was involved in a 3 -5 car accident Monday evening that sent one person to the hospital. According to AP and other news sources, Rabon was finally stopped when his car ran into the Hugo VoTech School.
Rabon allegedly failed a field sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer. Rabon has been the author of several bills seeking crack-down on drunk drivers! Fortunately for voters Rabon is termed in 2008. Too bad taxpayers will have to support his 'retirement'!
<http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070829_1_A13_hAuth44775>
Rabon allegedly failed a field sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer. Rabon has been the author of several bills seeking crack-down on drunk drivers! Fortunately for voters Rabon is termed in 2008. Too bad taxpayers will have to support his 'retirement'!
<http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070829_1_A13_hAuth44775>
Auditor is Toast!
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents seized campaign records from Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan's home in Tecumseh and seized at least one piece of jewelry from his sister-in-law's home at the same time, The Oklahoman's Tony Thornton reports today. The jewelry allegedly was purchased by Steve Phipps of Kiowa, abstract company owner under investigation by the FBI in a wide-ranging scandal in southeastern Oklahoma.
Phipps has been in business with disgraced former Senator Gene Stipe;** both are targets of the investigation, which thus far has implicated other former state officials, employees of the Phipps-Stipe abstract companies, and employees of Stipe. McMahan's office licenses and regulates the abstract industry, members of which poured tens of thousands of dollars into his 2002 and 2006 campaigns. (For details of TMRO's extensive reports on the donations last year, click on McMahan's name below.)
Thornton reports the seizures occurred last Thursday, the same day two agents spent 90 minutes interviewing McMahan in his Capitol office. It was McMahan's third visit by FBI agents. A retired federal agent told TMRO today that agents would not have seized jewelry, or anything else, from a relative's home unless agents possessed "positive proof" that the items were "the product of an illegal act."
The seizure almost certainly indicates that McMahan is a target of the investigation, he said. He added that the seizure of finance records in a state campaign by federal agents could indicate there is suspicion that federal funds somehow wound up in the campaign, or that they are searching for evidence of a criminal conspiracy.
-McCarville
Read front page Tuesday Oklahoman and visit:
'Rumor' has it that Dems are searching for someone that Gov.Henry can appoint to office to replace McMahan! Stay tuned!
** Hearing scheduled on revocation of Stipes probation!
Phipps has been in business with disgraced former Senator Gene Stipe;** both are targets of the investigation, which thus far has implicated other former state officials, employees of the Phipps-Stipe abstract companies, and employees of Stipe. McMahan's office licenses and regulates the abstract industry, members of which poured tens of thousands of dollars into his 2002 and 2006 campaigns. (For details of TMRO's extensive reports on the donations last year, click on McMahan's name below.)
Thornton reports the seizures occurred last Thursday, the same day two agents spent 90 minutes interviewing McMahan in his Capitol office. It was McMahan's third visit by FBI agents. A retired federal agent told TMRO today that agents would not have seized jewelry, or anything else, from a relative's home unless agents possessed "positive proof" that the items were "the product of an illegal act."
The seizure almost certainly indicates that McMahan is a target of the investigation, he said. He added that the seizure of finance records in a state campaign by federal agents could indicate there is suspicion that federal funds somehow wound up in the campaign, or that they are searching for evidence of a criminal conspiracy.
-McCarville
Read front page Tuesday Oklahoman and visit:
'Rumor' has it that Dems are searching for someone that Gov.Henry can appoint to office to replace McMahan! Stay tuned!
** Hearing scheduled on revocation of Stipes probation!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Former Gov. Frank Keating to replace Gonzales?
According to Jerry Bohnen of KTOK Radio News, an interview with Republican Cong. Frank Lucas on Monday morning had Lucas proposing former OK Governor Frank Keating as a replacement for Alberto Gonzales even before Gonzales went before radio microphones and TV cameras to announce his decision to resign today.
Former U. S. Attorney Robert McCampbell of the Western District joined Lucas in endorsing Keating for the job. Stay tuned!
Former U. S. Attorney Robert McCampbell of the Western District joined Lucas in endorsing Keating for the job. Stay tuned!
State GOP Chair Blasts AG Edmondson - Auditor McMahon!
This week, convicted felon and former Senator Gene Stipe will appear before a federal judge in Muskogee facing the possibility of having his payroll revoked and going to prison.
After many decades of alleged wrong doing, Stipe was convicted and removed from office in 2003, was given a suspended sentence, and has been on probation since that conviction.
We are now reading daily reports about another ongoing scandal involving Stipe, Stipe’s partner, former Democrat lawmakers, and several current high ranking elected Oklahoma Democrats including Attorney General Drew Edmondson, State Auditor Jeff McMahan and even Governor Brad Henry.
The FBI met with our very own State Auditor for the third time last Thursday.You have to wonder how a scandal this widespread could go on right under the noses of those officials who Oklahoma voters elected to keep it from happening. And second, why our state officials aren’t investigating the matter.It’s actually pretty simple. The officials that could look into this mess are too closely tied to those responsible, and therefore they can’t see the forest because of the trees.
Attorney General Drew Edmondson and State Auditor Jeff McMahan (along with others) have accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions from Stipe and his associates. Yet they will not remove themselves from the investigation. When the governor was asked to name an independent agent to do the investigation, Edmondson responded that the request was political.
Absolutely, Mr. Edmondson…this is political. It involves large illegal political contributions to your campaign and that of the state auditor. It is political Mr. Edmondson, because the campaign consultant for both you and the auditor has been named as a recipient of state funds, which were illegally funneled through the Rural Development Foundation. It is political Mr. Edmondson, and that is exactly why you should remove yourself and demand the state auditor be removed as well.
-Gary Jones, Chairman - State Republican Party
After many decades of alleged wrong doing, Stipe was convicted and removed from office in 2003, was given a suspended sentence, and has been on probation since that conviction.
We are now reading daily reports about another ongoing scandal involving Stipe, Stipe’s partner, former Democrat lawmakers, and several current high ranking elected Oklahoma Democrats including Attorney General Drew Edmondson, State Auditor Jeff McMahan and even Governor Brad Henry.
The FBI met with our very own State Auditor for the third time last Thursday.You have to wonder how a scandal this widespread could go on right under the noses of those officials who Oklahoma voters elected to keep it from happening. And second, why our state officials aren’t investigating the matter.It’s actually pretty simple. The officials that could look into this mess are too closely tied to those responsible, and therefore they can’t see the forest because of the trees.
Attorney General Drew Edmondson and State Auditor Jeff McMahan (along with others) have accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions from Stipe and his associates. Yet they will not remove themselves from the investigation. When the governor was asked to name an independent agent to do the investigation, Edmondson responded that the request was political.
Absolutely, Mr. Edmondson…this is political. It involves large illegal political contributions to your campaign and that of the state auditor. It is political Mr. Edmondson, because the campaign consultant for both you and the auditor has been named as a recipient of state funds, which were illegally funneled through the Rural Development Foundation. It is political Mr. Edmondson, and that is exactly why you should remove yourself and demand the state auditor be removed as well.
-Gary Jones, Chairman - State Republican Party
Saturday, August 25, 2007
FBI Visits; TWO State Questions; NO taxes for Roads!
"This might be the single greatest thing that's happened in the last 10 years in the state of Oklahoma" stated US Sen. Jim Inhofe.
Inhofe joined 4th District Cong. Tom Cole, Walt Havenstein, President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. and Elgin Mayor Larry Thoma in Elgin on Wednesday as an artist rendering of the Elgins Operations facility was unveiled to the public. The 150,000 sq ft facility is where components of the Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) Cannon will be brought from different parts of the country for assembly. Initial production of the first 18 cannons is scheduled in Elgin between 2010-2012.
Word that two FBI agents spent 90 minutes with Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, has, logically, sent political tongues wagging. Recall that McMahan got some straw donor campaign money from those implicated in the southeastern Oklahoma scandal involving former Sen. Gene Stipe, former Rep. Mike Mass, businessman Steve Phipps and others.The donations, however, would be state (not federal) matters, so the question is: What was the FBI doing with McMahan? And, is he a "target" in the investigation, or simply a possible witness to something the FBI wants to know about? No word from McMahan or his spokeswoman, Terri Watkins. Watkins declined to make McMahan available to reporter Tony Thornton of The Oklahoman, who broke the FBI interview story on Friday morning, so from McMahan we have nothing. This story has been developing for more than a year. McMahan and Phipps, despite what McMahan said earlier, had a relationship that involved out-of-state trips and in-state events. Phipps was a partner with Stipe in a string of state abstract companies, regulated by McMahan, and abstractors (as we reported last fall) poured tens of thousands of dollars into McMahan's campaign.
-McCarville; OKlahoman
btw....One Legislator called for removing McMahan until all investigations were concluded. It got no traction and the 'powers that be' will do all they can to keep McMahan on the payroll long enough to draw max benefits on the hefty pension you nice taxpayers provide!
TWO different groups, TWO different questions! Hopefully the people will decide. In addition to seeking term limits for elected offices other than Governor, another group is asking for easier ballot access in Oklahoma. Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform includes representatives for the Libertarian, Constitution, and Green parties as well as some Independent voters. The group plans to circulate a petition state-wide this fall in hopes of being on the November 2008 ballot.Any registered Oklahoma voter may sign either or both of these petitions to put these questions on ballot which will allow all Oklahoma voters to have a say! < http://yesontermlimits.org/> < http://www.okvoterchoice.org/>
"If there was any doubt, it's gone now: Fred Thompson will announce his candidacy after Labor Day, with his coming out party his participation in the September 27 GOP debate in Maryland."
- Evans/Novak Report
According to NewsMax.com, former California governor and three-time presidential candidate [the ultra liberal] Jerry Brown said he’s weighing another run for the governor’s post when the job opens up again in 2010.“The thought has certainly crossed my mind, but I haven't really come to any conclusion,” Brown, 69 – who is now California Attorney General – told the Sacramento Bee. “I've had conversations with people. I've certainly talked about it. But I've thought about it and I've decided I'm not going to think about it in any serious way certainly for the next year.” In a March poll, Brown topped all potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates with 31 percent of the votes, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.Democratic political consultant Bill Carrick told the Bee that Brown has “tremendous advantages” if he seeks to succeed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, including the ability to raise money, great name recognition, and a job that will keep him in the spotlight for the next three years. But Republican strategist Ken Khachigian warned that another Brown governorship would mean another Brown run for president. “If he ran for governor in 2010 and won, he'd start running for president in 2011,” Khachigian said. “The governorship would be too small for him.”
“Why is someone who sells tickets to a Red Sox fan outside Fenway Park for a heavily inflated price called a ‘scalper,’ while someone who charges the same fan $4 for a bottle of water inside the stadium is called a ‘concessionaire’? . . . But what I really don't understand about the scalping brouhaha is why anyone thinks the government should be involved in deciding how much a willing buyer can pay a willing seller for tickets to a lawful entertainment event.”
- Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby
And the scalping season is upon us.....8th ranked OU vs N. Texas on Sat. Sept. 1, Norman, 6:00pm.
“Under the inaptly named Protect America Act of 2007, which President Bush signed into law on Sunday, [August 5] the federal government no longer needs a warrant to eavesdrop on phone calls or read e-mail messages between people in the United States and people in other countries. Unless the courts overturn this law or Congress declines to renew it when it expires in six months, Americans will have no legally enforceable privacy rights that protect the content of their international communications.”
- Jacob Sullum of Reason magazine
“We find no compelling reason for a federal gasoline tax at all and call for its repeal. Fuel taxes are at best matters of local governmental concern and they should only be a fraction of current charges on motorists."
- Jerry Taylor and Peter Van Doren of the Cato Institute
Good time to mention...the Grapevine X-TRA sent earlier this week with poll results on what Oklahomans think about their roads and bridges..... While the poll contained factual information as there are MOST definitely problems with Oklahoma roads and bridges, the group conducting this poll are some of the same (TRUST) who attempted to get a gas TAX HIKE couple/three years ago. Now, could this recent 'poll' be a little posturing for another attempt at a gasoline tax hike? Before Oklahomans consider any TAX hike FOR roads or bridges they should understand that decades of Dimocrat control of the Legislature resulted in major neglect of our state roads plus the diversion of over HALF of the highway dollars for 'other uses'. These are major reasons Oklahoma roads and bridges are in such bad shape.** Only immediate past Legislative session(s) with Republicans in control were additional road monies appropriated. 'The people' should demand that road money be SPENT ON ROADS before being saddled with additional (un-needed tax increases)!!!! Keep an eye open for a sentimental, keep the people - the kids -'safe', tug at your heart-strings, scare tactic effort all rolled into one .....to raise TAXES for roads! Strange, 'they' haven't worried much about our road safety for some 20-30 years now!
**Read on:Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley met with members of the House Transportation Subcommittee on Thursday to discuss the condition of Oklahoma's roads. Ridley noted that funding for the state road system had flatlined for 20 years and did not see an increase until 2005 when Republicans gained control of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. "ODOT officials say the funding increases sought by Republicans is already having an impact, although it will take years to fully repair the decades of neglect," said Rep. Mike Thompson, Oklahoma City Republican who chairs the committee.
The battle is tough and hard-fought among candidates to get endorsements from Congressmen and women. You can check out who supports which Presidential candidate. http://thehill.com/endorsements-2008.htmlMore news, events, archives, and great links at < http://thruthegrapevine-grapevine.blogspot.com/>
In Lawton this week-end - Lions Club annual carnival at the Fairgrounds!
Legendary saddle maker Howard Council one man show: "Howard Council: An Artistin Leather and an Artist in Oils - A living Legend."Opens August 23 at the Swestern Hospital Pride Gallery - 5602 W. Lee
Texas Governor Rick Perry recently conducted a state wide poll. One question was:"Do you think illegal immigration is a problem in Texas?"
Results were posted as follows:
YES, this is a very serious problem - 29%
NO, es una problema~! - 71%
(with thanks to 'D')
Inhofe joined 4th District Cong. Tom Cole, Walt Havenstein, President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. and Elgin Mayor Larry Thoma in Elgin on Wednesday as an artist rendering of the Elgins Operations facility was unveiled to the public. The 150,000 sq ft facility is where components of the Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) Cannon will be brought from different parts of the country for assembly. Initial production of the first 18 cannons is scheduled in Elgin between 2010-2012.
Word that two FBI agents spent 90 minutes with Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, has, logically, sent political tongues wagging. Recall that McMahan got some straw donor campaign money from those implicated in the southeastern Oklahoma scandal involving former Sen. Gene Stipe, former Rep. Mike Mass, businessman Steve Phipps and others.The donations, however, would be state (not federal) matters, so the question is: What was the FBI doing with McMahan? And, is he a "target" in the investigation, or simply a possible witness to something the FBI wants to know about? No word from McMahan or his spokeswoman, Terri Watkins. Watkins declined to make McMahan available to reporter Tony Thornton of The Oklahoman, who broke the FBI interview story on Friday morning, so from McMahan we have nothing. This story has been developing for more than a year. McMahan and Phipps, despite what McMahan said earlier, had a relationship that involved out-of-state trips and in-state events. Phipps was a partner with Stipe in a string of state abstract companies, regulated by McMahan, and abstractors (as we reported last fall) poured tens of thousands of dollars into McMahan's campaign.
-McCarville; OKlahoman
btw....One Legislator called for removing McMahan until all investigations were concluded. It got no traction and the 'powers that be' will do all they can to keep McMahan on the payroll long enough to draw max benefits on the hefty pension you nice taxpayers provide!
TWO different groups, TWO different questions! Hopefully the people will decide. In addition to seeking term limits for elected offices other than Governor, another group is asking for easier ballot access in Oklahoma. Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform includes representatives for the Libertarian, Constitution, and Green parties as well as some Independent voters. The group plans to circulate a petition state-wide this fall in hopes of being on the November 2008 ballot.Any registered Oklahoma voter may sign either or both of these petitions to put these questions on ballot which will allow all Oklahoma voters to have a say! < http://yesontermlimits.org/> < http://www.okvoterchoice.org/>
"If there was any doubt, it's gone now: Fred Thompson will announce his candidacy after Labor Day, with his coming out party his participation in the September 27 GOP debate in Maryland."
- Evans/Novak Report
According to NewsMax.com, former California governor and three-time presidential candidate [the ultra liberal] Jerry Brown said he’s weighing another run for the governor’s post when the job opens up again in 2010.“The thought has certainly crossed my mind, but I haven't really come to any conclusion,” Brown, 69 – who is now California Attorney General – told the Sacramento Bee. “I've had conversations with people. I've certainly talked about it. But I've thought about it and I've decided I'm not going to think about it in any serious way certainly for the next year.” In a March poll, Brown topped all potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates with 31 percent of the votes, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.Democratic political consultant Bill Carrick told the Bee that Brown has “tremendous advantages” if he seeks to succeed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, including the ability to raise money, great name recognition, and a job that will keep him in the spotlight for the next three years. But Republican strategist Ken Khachigian warned that another Brown governorship would mean another Brown run for president. “If he ran for governor in 2010 and won, he'd start running for president in 2011,” Khachigian said. “The governorship would be too small for him.”
“Why is someone who sells tickets to a Red Sox fan outside Fenway Park for a heavily inflated price called a ‘scalper,’ while someone who charges the same fan $4 for a bottle of water inside the stadium is called a ‘concessionaire’? . . . But what I really don't understand about the scalping brouhaha is why anyone thinks the government should be involved in deciding how much a willing buyer can pay a willing seller for tickets to a lawful entertainment event.”
- Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby
And the scalping season is upon us.....8th ranked OU vs N. Texas on Sat. Sept. 1, Norman, 6:00pm.
“Under the inaptly named Protect America Act of 2007, which President Bush signed into law on Sunday, [August 5] the federal government no longer needs a warrant to eavesdrop on phone calls or read e-mail messages between people in the United States and people in other countries. Unless the courts overturn this law or Congress declines to renew it when it expires in six months, Americans will have no legally enforceable privacy rights that protect the content of their international communications.”
- Jacob Sullum of Reason magazine
“We find no compelling reason for a federal gasoline tax at all and call for its repeal. Fuel taxes are at best matters of local governmental concern and they should only be a fraction of current charges on motorists."
- Jerry Taylor and Peter Van Doren of the Cato Institute
Good time to mention...the Grapevine X-TRA sent earlier this week with poll results on what Oklahomans think about their roads and bridges..... While the poll contained factual information as there are MOST definitely problems with Oklahoma roads and bridges, the group conducting this poll are some of the same (TRUST) who attempted to get a gas TAX HIKE couple/three years ago. Now, could this recent 'poll' be a little posturing for another attempt at a gasoline tax hike? Before Oklahomans consider any TAX hike FOR roads or bridges they should understand that decades of Dimocrat control of the Legislature resulted in major neglect of our state roads plus the diversion of over HALF of the highway dollars for 'other uses'. These are major reasons Oklahoma roads and bridges are in such bad shape.** Only immediate past Legislative session(s) with Republicans in control were additional road monies appropriated. 'The people' should demand that road money be SPENT ON ROADS before being saddled with additional (un-needed tax increases)!!!! Keep an eye open for a sentimental, keep the people - the kids -'safe', tug at your heart-strings, scare tactic effort all rolled into one .....to raise TAXES for roads! Strange, 'they' haven't worried much about our road safety for some 20-30 years now!
**Read on:Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley met with members of the House Transportation Subcommittee on Thursday to discuss the condition of Oklahoma's roads. Ridley noted that funding for the state road system had flatlined for 20 years and did not see an increase until 2005 when Republicans gained control of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. "ODOT officials say the funding increases sought by Republicans is already having an impact, although it will take years to fully repair the decades of neglect," said Rep. Mike Thompson, Oklahoma City Republican who chairs the committee.
The battle is tough and hard-fought among candidates to get endorsements from Congressmen and women. You can check out who supports which Presidential candidate. http://thehill.com/endorsements-2008.htmlMore news, events, archives, and great links at < http://thruthegrapevine-grapevine.blogspot.com/>
In Lawton this week-end - Lions Club annual carnival at the Fairgrounds!
Legendary saddle maker Howard Council one man show: "Howard Council: An Artistin Leather and an Artist in Oils - A living Legend."Opens August 23 at the Swestern Hospital Pride Gallery - 5602 W. Lee
Texas Governor Rick Perry recently conducted a state wide poll. One question was:"Do you think illegal immigration is a problem in Texas?"
Results were posted as follows:
YES, this is a very serious problem - 29%
NO, es una problema~! - 71%
(with thanks to 'D')
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Extremist Environmental Policies Are Killing People.
Walter Williams writes: "Environmentalists, with the help of politicians and other government officials, have an agenda that has cost thousands of American lives. None of this is news to politicians. It's just that environmental extremists have the ears of politicians, and potential victims don't." Read how many more may lose their lives due to un-needed extremists policies: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/WalterEWilliams/2007/08/15/deadly_environmentalists
Who Supports Who? Congressional Endorsements!
Its a hard-fought, tough battle for candidates to get endorsements from Congressmen and women. See who is supporting which Presidential candidate:
http://thehill.com/endorsements-2008.html
http://thehill.com/endorsements-2008.html
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Presidential Candidate Rudy G to visit OK
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani plans September fund raisers in Tulsa and Ada. An invitation to a September 14th event in Tulsa came from T. Boone Pickens, Southwest Finance Chairman; John and Cheryl Clerico, Tulsa Finance Chairmen; Terry Neese, National Chair/Women for Rudy; C. Renzi Stone, Southwest Finance Chair/Rudy?s All American Team, and John and Gloria Blessing, Paul and Brenda Brothers, Charles and Evelyn Harmon, H.G. 'Buddy' Kleemeier, Dee Ray, and Mrs. Ray Siegfried. The event will be held at the Summit Club in Tulsa.
The Ada event invitation lists as sponsors Roger and Nikki Callison, Brian Campbell, Kevin and Kelli Cantrell, Mike and Linda Cantrell, Pete and Melissa Cantrell, Bill Anoatubby, Kassie and Somerlyn Cothran, Eddie and Holly Easterling, Gene and Carla Garrett, Buddy and Nina Gaster, Mike and Phyllis Gray, and Randall and Shirley Pogue. The event will be held in the home of Kassie and Somerlyn Cothran.
For information, call 918-494-7766.
The Ada event invitation lists as sponsors Roger and Nikki Callison, Brian Campbell, Kevin and Kelli Cantrell, Mike and Linda Cantrell, Pete and Melissa Cantrell, Bill Anoatubby, Kassie and Somerlyn Cothran, Eddie and Holly Easterling, Gene and Carla Garrett, Buddy and Nina Gaster, Mike and Phyllis Gray, and Randall and Shirley Pogue. The event will be held in the home of Kassie and Somerlyn Cothran.
For information, call 918-494-7766.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Cong and Presidential candidate Tom Tancredo in OK
A Birthday celebration honoring State GOP Chairman Gary Jones (August 27) and Vice Chair Cheryl Williams (August 19) will feature special guest Presidential candidate and Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado.
A private reception with Congressman Tancredo will be at 6:00pm. Cost $100 per person, includes photo.
A birthday cook-out for the entire family will begin at 7:00 and feature hot dogs, hamburgers with all the trimmings, PLUS birthday cake! Cost $25 per person, children 10 and under free!
Friday, September 07, 2007, 7:00. - 8:30pm.Where: Home of James and Regina Dunn, 15300 NE 220th, Luther, OK . Please RSVP to Jay Mandraccia405/528-3501jay@okgop.com
On Saturday, Sept. 8, there will be a morning event in OKC and an evening event in Tulsa with Cong/candidate Tancredo. For information contact:
Dan Howard - 918-296-4326; 918-260-7728
Dan@HowardAircraft.com or
Sidney McVeigh - 918-227-2544; 918-693-6042 or by mail:
http://www.outragedpatriots.com/Tancredo%20Contribution%20Form.htm
A private reception with Congressman Tancredo will be at 6:00pm. Cost $100 per person, includes photo.
A birthday cook-out for the entire family will begin at 7:00 and feature hot dogs, hamburgers with all the trimmings, PLUS birthday cake! Cost $25 per person, children 10 and under free!
Friday, September 07, 2007, 7:00. - 8:30pm.Where: Home of James and Regina Dunn, 15300 NE 220th, Luther, OK . Please RSVP to Jay Mandraccia405/528-3501jay@okgop.com
On Saturday, Sept. 8, there will be a morning event in OKC and an evening event in Tulsa with Cong/candidate Tancredo. For information contact:
Dan Howard - 918-296-4326; 918-260-7728
Dan@HowardAircraft.com or
Sidney McVeigh - 918-227-2544; 918-693-6042 or by mail:
http://www.outragedpatriots.com/Tancredo%20Contribution%20Form.htm
Saturday, August 18, 2007
YES on Term Limits! SQ 736 ~ Nov. 2008
James Dunn, Oklahoma attorney and Chairman of "Yes on Term Limits", has filed a petition seeking to place term limits on 'other statewide' offices ie: Lt. Gov, State Auditor, Attorney General, etc. The proposed State Question 736 would place two-term limits on these offices which are for a 4 year term.
In other words, termed after two - 4 year terms or total 8 years!
Oklahomans adopted term limits for the job of Governor back in 1966. In addition, in 1990, the people voted overwhelmingly for term limits for State Legislators which went into effect in 2004. (ed: 67% of voters voted for term limits for Legislators in '90, stats show MORE favor them now)
Dunn says they hope to have the question on the November 2008 ballot. If passed would apply to those elected to office in 2010 and thereafter.
http://yesontermlimits.org/
(ed:) GREAT idea! As we see continued and expanding corruption in public office, the people need more tools at their disposal with which to manage their government! Where do we sign!
btw....The people (who pay the tab) also need to revisit retirement and pension benefits (structure of the system) of elected officials.
In other words, termed after two - 4 year terms or total 8 years!
Oklahomans adopted term limits for the job of Governor back in 1966. In addition, in 1990, the people voted overwhelmingly for term limits for State Legislators which went into effect in 2004. (ed: 67% of voters voted for term limits for Legislators in '90, stats show MORE favor them now)
Dunn says they hope to have the question on the November 2008 ballot. If passed would apply to those elected to office in 2010 and thereafter.
http://yesontermlimits.org/
(ed:) GREAT idea! As we see continued and expanding corruption in public office, the people need more tools at their disposal with which to manage their government! Where do we sign!
btw....The people (who pay the tab) also need to revisit retirement and pension benefits (structure of the system) of elected officials.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Meers Burgers ~ America's BEST!
The September issue of Bon Appetit magazine, called the 'Restaurant Issue', features Joe Maranto of Meers, OK (Wichita Mountains north of Lawton) and his giant longhorn burger. On page 82 in a section called 'America's Top Restaurants' you can read about Joe and his burgers and get the location and phone number for the Meers Store and Restaurant.
AND.....you can also see Joe with his burger this Saturday night, August 18, as a finalist in a Food Network special called 'America's Best' airing at 9:00pm Saturday night and noon and 4:00pm on Sunday. Check your TV viewing area for local times and food channel.
AND.....you can also see Joe with his burger this Saturday night, August 18, as a finalist in a Food Network special called 'America's Best' airing at 9:00pm Saturday night and noon and 4:00pm on Sunday. Check your TV viewing area for local times and food channel.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
JC Watts on Michael Vick
Aug. 12, 2007
Dogfighting barbaric? So is abortion Sen. Robert Byrd, the West Virginia Democrat, referred to this act as "barbaric." In case you missed it the first time, he repeated it. Again. And again. And yet again. Byrd acknowledged that he's witnessed one execution in his life, but wouldn't mind seeing another "if it involves this cruel, sadistic, cannibalistic business."
The gentleman from West Virginia got pretty worked up over the whole thing. "How inhuman! How dastardly!" bellowed the senator. But wait. There's more! "Barbaric!" he yelled. "Let that word resound from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"
But the 89-year old dean of the Senate wasn't done. He graciously offered that he would not prejudge a man's guilt or innocence on the barbaric actions which instigated his ire, but he left no doubts about his sentiments."I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said.
In his never-ending quest not to be outdone by a demagogic colleague, would-be President John Kerry wrote a letter describing this as "one of society's most barbaric and inhumane activities."CNN host Nancy Grace called it "murder" and compared the perpetrator to O.J. Simpson. What heinous act has these -- and millions of other compassionate lovers and defenders of life -- so outraged? Could they possibly be expressing their condemnation to those physicians who swore an oath to honor and protect life, yet abort millions of viable young lives in utero every year? Could these esteemed leaders be acknowledging that the brutal procedure known as partial-birth abortion is indeed a sadistic and barbaric mistreatment of God's greatest gift -- human life?
Sadly, no. These men and women, and millions others like them, get more worked up over the admittedly brutal and inhumane treatment of soulless dogs, as evidenced by their public proclamations in the Michael Vick case. Nancy Grace pointed out on her program, over video of two dogs annihilating each other, that the dogs "can't defend themselves." I'm confident Ms. Grace has never shown video of a partial-birth abortion procedure, and I'm relatively confident she has somehow failed to acknowledge that the unborn children are even more defenseless, but she's outraged over this nevertheless.
If only they and their animal-rights allies would acknowledge the more precious worth of human life.(I must note that Sen. Byrd has voted for a ban on partial-birth abortions, but I wonder if he debated in favor of human life with the passion he showed for Vick's canines.)
Please don't misunderstand me. I love dogs. There is no doubt the crime for which Michael Vick has been charged is brutal and inhumane, to say the least. But I fear our culture has degenerated to a level where our priorities are so out of whack, that we decry "from mountain to mountain and valley to valley" the mistreatment of innocent animals, while we turn a collective and legislative blind eye to the premature and yes, barbaric killing of human life in the name of "choice."
What's wrong with this picture? I am in no way defending Vick, an NFL quarterback, for his off-field enterprises. If the allegations are true, and this happened on his property under his watch, the man clearly should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.Vick has had several run-ins with authorities and fans over the past several years. At one point, you heard him say he's just "one of the boys." It's time for him to rise above the level of a boy, and raise the standard of maturity and responsibility for his "boys" to live up to. Like it or not, being a high school, college and NFL superstar making millions of dollars a year brings with it some responsibility. And as any leader knows, the burden of leadership can sometimes be heavy.
Unfortunately, Vick has fumbled the ball.I've been a dog owner, and I must say I got attached to my critter. I'm not amused by or defensive of the accusations against Vick and his "boys. "But once -- just once -- I'd like to hear the John Kerrys, Nancy Graces and PETA supporters of the world weep over the brutal and barbaric taking of human life that they call "choice."Absent that, I weep for them and for our culture.
J.C. Watts
(JCWatts01@jcwatts.com), chairman of J.C. Watts Companies, a business consulting group, is former chairman of the Republican Conference of the U.S. House, where he served as an Oklahoma representative from 1995 to 2002. He writes twice monthly for the Review-Journal. Find this article at: http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/9112656.html
Copyright Las Vegas Review Journal
Dogfighting barbaric? So is abortion Sen. Robert Byrd, the West Virginia Democrat, referred to this act as "barbaric." In case you missed it the first time, he repeated it. Again. And again. And yet again. Byrd acknowledged that he's witnessed one execution in his life, but wouldn't mind seeing another "if it involves this cruel, sadistic, cannibalistic business."
The gentleman from West Virginia got pretty worked up over the whole thing. "How inhuman! How dastardly!" bellowed the senator. But wait. There's more! "Barbaric!" he yelled. "Let that word resound from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"
But the 89-year old dean of the Senate wasn't done. He graciously offered that he would not prejudge a man's guilt or innocence on the barbaric actions which instigated his ire, but he left no doubts about his sentiments."I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said.
In his never-ending quest not to be outdone by a demagogic colleague, would-be President John Kerry wrote a letter describing this as "one of society's most barbaric and inhumane activities."CNN host Nancy Grace called it "murder" and compared the perpetrator to O.J. Simpson. What heinous act has these -- and millions of other compassionate lovers and defenders of life -- so outraged? Could they possibly be expressing their condemnation to those physicians who swore an oath to honor and protect life, yet abort millions of viable young lives in utero every year? Could these esteemed leaders be acknowledging that the brutal procedure known as partial-birth abortion is indeed a sadistic and barbaric mistreatment of God's greatest gift -- human life?
Sadly, no. These men and women, and millions others like them, get more worked up over the admittedly brutal and inhumane treatment of soulless dogs, as evidenced by their public proclamations in the Michael Vick case. Nancy Grace pointed out on her program, over video of two dogs annihilating each other, that the dogs "can't defend themselves." I'm confident Ms. Grace has never shown video of a partial-birth abortion procedure, and I'm relatively confident she has somehow failed to acknowledge that the unborn children are even more defenseless, but she's outraged over this nevertheless.
If only they and their animal-rights allies would acknowledge the more precious worth of human life.(I must note that Sen. Byrd has voted for a ban on partial-birth abortions, but I wonder if he debated in favor of human life with the passion he showed for Vick's canines.)
Please don't misunderstand me. I love dogs. There is no doubt the crime for which Michael Vick has been charged is brutal and inhumane, to say the least. But I fear our culture has degenerated to a level where our priorities are so out of whack, that we decry "from mountain to mountain and valley to valley" the mistreatment of innocent animals, while we turn a collective and legislative blind eye to the premature and yes, barbaric killing of human life in the name of "choice."
What's wrong with this picture? I am in no way defending Vick, an NFL quarterback, for his off-field enterprises. If the allegations are true, and this happened on his property under his watch, the man clearly should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.Vick has had several run-ins with authorities and fans over the past several years. At one point, you heard him say he's just "one of the boys." It's time for him to rise above the level of a boy, and raise the standard of maturity and responsibility for his "boys" to live up to. Like it or not, being a high school, college and NFL superstar making millions of dollars a year brings with it some responsibility. And as any leader knows, the burden of leadership can sometimes be heavy.
Unfortunately, Vick has fumbled the ball.I've been a dog owner, and I must say I got attached to my critter. I'm not amused by or defensive of the accusations against Vick and his "boys. "But once -- just once -- I'd like to hear the John Kerrys, Nancy Graces and PETA supporters of the world weep over the brutal and barbaric taking of human life that they call "choice."Absent that, I weep for them and for our culture.
J.C. Watts
(JCWatts01@jcwatts.com), chairman of J.C. Watts Companies, a business consulting group, is former chairman of the Republican Conference of the U.S. House, where he served as an Oklahoma representative from 1995 to 2002. He writes twice monthly for the Review-Journal. Find this article at: http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/9112656.html
Copyright Las Vegas Review Journal
Show Of Hands!
Raise those hands and take a look at the new web game by the RNC. Its not only *FUN* ~ it's informative! A 'must play' game for the discerning voter!
http://www.gop.com/net/ShowOfHands/debate.aspx
http://www.gop.com/net/ShowOfHands/debate.aspx
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Global Warming.....NOT!
Silencing Dissent by Walter Williams
Global warming has become a big-ticket item in the eyes of its supporters. At stake are research funds, jobs and the ability to control lives all over the globe. Most climatologists agree that over the last century, the Earth's average temperature has risen about one degree Celsius.
The controversy centers around the source of the temperature change -- man-made or natural causes. Global warming alarmists hold the view that it's man-made emissions of CO2 that's driving climate change, and they seek to suppress any dissent suggesting other causes. According to the July 16 Washington Times, Michael T. Eckhart, president of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), sent a threatening missive to Marlo Lewis, senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Competitive Enterprise Institute, which read:
"Take this warning from me, Marlo. It is my intention to destroy your career as a liar. If you produce one more editorial against climate change, I will launch a campaign against your professional integrity. I will call you a liar and charlatan to the Harvard community of which you and I are members. I will call you out as a man who has been bought by Corporate America. Go ahead, guy. Take me on."
The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce and the Department of Energy are all members of ACORE. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, held hearings on the matter. Following the hearings, the senator sent letters to the agencies asking them to "reconsider their membership in ACORE."
Speaking at the American leg of Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, said, "Get rid of all these rotten politicians that we have in Washington, who are nothing more than corporate toadies." Referring to skeptics of man-made global warming, he said, "This is treason. And we need to start treating them as traitors." Traitors are either shot or imprisoned. I wonder which Robert Kennedy has in mind for the skeptics. University of Oregon's George Taylor holds the title of state climatologist. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski wants to take that title from Taylor.
The governor said Taylor's skepticism interferes with Oregon's stated goals to reduce greenhouse gases, the accepted cause of global warming in the eyes of a vast majority of scientists. Earlier this year, the Weather Channel's Dr. Heidi Cullen called for the decertification of weathermen who were skeptical of man made global warming. Grist Magazine's staff writer David Roberts said that his solution for the "bastards" who were members of what he termed the global warming "denial industry" is, "When we've finally gotten serious about global warming, when the impacts are really hitting us and we're in a full worldwide scramble to minimize the damage, we should have war crimes trials for these bastards -- some sort of climate Nuremberg."
"Global warming driven by greenhouse gas pollution (but ultimately by greed, racism and lying) is killing our Planet," says an article in Media With Conscience.
It goes on to say, "our Planet, the Earth -- is under acute threat from Climate Criminals threatening the Third World with Climate Genocide and the Biosphere with Terracide (the killing of our Planet)." Sen. Inhofe maintains a web site citing these and other many examples of attacks on skeptics of manmade global warming.
(grvn: Sen. Inhofes 'discussions' and other info found at www.epw.senate.gov)
(grvn: emphasis and highlights added)
Dr. Williams serves on the faculty of George Mason University as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics and is the author of "More Liberty Means Less Government: Our Founders Knew This Well."
Global warming has become a big-ticket item in the eyes of its supporters. At stake are research funds, jobs and the ability to control lives all over the globe. Most climatologists agree that over the last century, the Earth's average temperature has risen about one degree Celsius.
The controversy centers around the source of the temperature change -- man-made or natural causes. Global warming alarmists hold the view that it's man-made emissions of CO2 that's driving climate change, and they seek to suppress any dissent suggesting other causes. According to the July 16 Washington Times, Michael T. Eckhart, president of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), sent a threatening missive to Marlo Lewis, senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Competitive Enterprise Institute, which read:
"Take this warning from me, Marlo. It is my intention to destroy your career as a liar. If you produce one more editorial against climate change, I will launch a campaign against your professional integrity. I will call you a liar and charlatan to the Harvard community of which you and I are members. I will call you out as a man who has been bought by Corporate America. Go ahead, guy. Take me on."
The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce and the Department of Energy are all members of ACORE. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, held hearings on the matter. Following the hearings, the senator sent letters to the agencies asking them to "reconsider their membership in ACORE."
Speaking at the American leg of Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, said, "Get rid of all these rotten politicians that we have in Washington, who are nothing more than corporate toadies." Referring to skeptics of man-made global warming, he said, "This is treason. And we need to start treating them as traitors." Traitors are either shot or imprisoned. I wonder which Robert Kennedy has in mind for the skeptics. University of Oregon's George Taylor holds the title of state climatologist. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski wants to take that title from Taylor.
The governor said Taylor's skepticism interferes with Oregon's stated goals to reduce greenhouse gases, the accepted cause of global warming in the eyes of a vast majority of scientists. Earlier this year, the Weather Channel's Dr. Heidi Cullen called for the decertification of weathermen who were skeptical of man made global warming. Grist Magazine's staff writer David Roberts said that his solution for the "bastards" who were members of what he termed the global warming "denial industry" is, "When we've finally gotten serious about global warming, when the impacts are really hitting us and we're in a full worldwide scramble to minimize the damage, we should have war crimes trials for these bastards -- some sort of climate Nuremberg."
"Global warming driven by greenhouse gas pollution (but ultimately by greed, racism and lying) is killing our Planet," says an article in Media With Conscience.
It goes on to say, "our Planet, the Earth -- is under acute threat from Climate Criminals threatening the Third World with Climate Genocide and the Biosphere with Terracide (the killing of our Planet)." Sen. Inhofe maintains a web site citing these and other many examples of attacks on skeptics of manmade global warming.
(grvn: Sen. Inhofes 'discussions' and other info found at www.epw.senate.gov)
(grvn: emphasis and highlights added)
Dr. Williams serves on the faculty of George Mason University as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics and is the author of "More Liberty Means Less Government: Our Founders Knew This Well."
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
thru the Grapevine
President Hillary!!? (don't let it happen)
The Grapevine would encourage you to visit C-SPAN where you can see/hear an audio/video of former Speaker Newt Gingrich's speech Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the National Press Club, Wash. DC. We heard part of it 'live' but every American should hear what Newt has to say. Love him or hate him, he knows what's going on and he made no bones about it "we are in trouble". Take a few minutes to listen and find out why? Great talk! < http://www.c-span.org/> click on Newt Gingrich - "Solutions for Winning the Future."
If these next two stories don't get YOU off your sofa to attend a meeting, contribute to a candidate, volunteer to work a campaign, AND VOTE in November 2008 ..........NOTHING WILL!
Republican pollster Pat McFerron of Oklahoma's "Sooner Survey" is quoted as saying Democrat Hillary Clinton will be the next president of the United States. (ed: wash his mouth out with soap) McFerron's comments came during a "Political Junkies" luncheon in Oklahoma City. He is quoted as saying Oklahoma might be Clinton's worst state and she won't carry it. He also said that Republicans aren't satisfied with their present slate of candidates and that former U. S. Senator Fred Thompson is the wild card in the GOP race. Thompson is expected to announce as a candidate soon.
"Democratic presidential candidates will descend on Chicago August 7 for a union-hosted event. It's billed as a debate, but it will be little more than an auction to see which politician can be the first to sell out workers' rights and basic economic principles. One union boss bragged to The New York Times on July 31 that the Democratic candidates are Big Labor's 'field of dreams.' That's why union leaders say in 2008 they will break every political donation record ever set -- so they can elect a compliant president."- Center for Union Facts
Speaking of Presidential candidates, former Governor of MA and Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will visit Oklahoma on August 14. Romney will appear at what is being called a "Ask Mitt Anything" gathering beginning at noon at the David Boren Student Union on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus. (NE 10th and Stonewall - OKC). The event is *free* and open to the public. For info call Julie at : (857) 288-6676.
"By the way, the ethics and lobbying bill eliminates $200 lunches but permits $27 million earmarks and even more. It just gets rid of so-called influence from lobbyists, but it's a sham, and it was 411-8."
- Rush Limbaugh
"Instead of draining the swamp, this bill gives the alligators new rights. This bill is a landmark betrayal."
- Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Republican, on passage of the ethics bill which fails to clamp down on earmarks
"This bill is a charade meant to give cover to politicians who want to continue secret earmarks. Sadly, more members are worried about having a good sound-bite for their next election than they are about doing what's right and being honest with America. This was about incumbency protection and pretending to do something."- Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican, on passage of the above-referenced ethics bill
"In 1991, the five-year highway cost was $151 billion. By 1998 it was up to $217 billion, and in 2005 a Republican Congress agreed to spend $286 billion and would have spent far more had President Bush not threatened a veto. . . . And you will not be surprised to learn that along with greater highway spending came more Congressional earmarks. What the Members giveth, they also taketh for themselves. In the 1981 highway bill, there were all of 10 earmarks. A decade later there were 1,850, and by 2005 the earmarks had multiplied to 6,371, or nearly 10% of total spending."
- Wall Street Journal, 8/4/07
The General Services Administration estimates agencies spend $11 billion to $13 billion a year on business trips, but lacks the ability to say exactly where the money goes." (ed: YOUR tax dollars folks)
Federal Times, 8/6/07
We hope you will take a minute to check out the new Grapevine blog. This new blog will not only archive 'thru the Grapevine' news, it will provide links to several great news sources and have lots more not-readily-available-anywhere-else-news.
And..... co-host Steve Fair has a new blog for his Fair and Biased. Don't miss these great new blogs....up, running, and expanding!
< http://www.thruthegrapevine-grapevine.blogspot.com/> currently posted - the latest on the Gary Jones Trailer theft. (excerpt: "This may have all started as a political prank, but when the trailer was altered it definitely crossed the line into being a crime." Robert Mitchell, assistant DA in Pottawatomie County
And visit < http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com> for great news items/articles. Currently - "Thanks For Being Honest", major differences between the Democrat Party and Republican Party! Informative and may surprise you!
(excerpt: "If you want some good liberal reading, pick up a copy of the Oklahoma Democratic Party platform. One good thing about the 2007 Oklahoma Democratic Party platform. It honestly states what they believe. For years, Oklahoma Dems have dipped and ducked from the national platform. But in 2007, they have at last stepped up to the plate and clearly stated they are out of touch with the average Oklahoman. Thanks to the Oklahoma Democratic Party for being honest.")
To receive thru the Grapevine news directly to your email box, make request at gvinenews@sbcglobal.net
Oklahoma is celebrating its Centennial birthday, Lawton celebrating its 106th, numerous other cities and towns across Oklahoma are celebrating birthdays! Guess who/what else is celebrating a birthday this year? Its....SPAM
SPAM is 70 years old this year. (some say.... it tastes like it) A contest, won by Kenneth Daigneau in 1937, forever changed the name from Hormel Spiced Ham to SPAM. Daigneau received $100 for his effort, never even dreaming it would some day also be the name of unwanted email! In honor of the products birthday, Hormel unveiled a new web site <www.SPAM.com> which will tell you more than you want to know about the canned 'meat'. And for even more SPAM in your life, visit Hormels museum in Austin, MN. Yes, the Grapevine tried SPAM once upon a time. Not too bad!
Lawton's birthday celebration continues with the Lawton Rangers 69th Annual Rodeo kicking off Wednesday evening, Aug. 8, and continuing through Saturday with events nightly beginning with Grand Entry at 7:30pm. A PRCA ProRodeo, also features Oklahoma's Centennial Riding Club. At the L.O. Ranch arena, east of town, 2004 SE 60th, 1/2 mile south of TV station off highway 7.
The 76th American Indian Expo started on Monday and goes through this Saturday in Anadarko. Events daily with parade at 10:00am next Saturday morning.
August may be one of the best months ever to look up into the sky!! August is expected to present a unique combination of shooting stars, a total lunar eclipse (Aug. 28), meteor showers - peaking on Aug. 12 and 13th with between 1:00am - 5:00am on Aug. 13th considered prime time, and other heavenly highlights not seen again in this decade. For more information check sites <www.nasa.gov> And another great site, thanks to 'JI' for sending this along: http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/press/skyreport/
"If it be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws---the first growing out of the last... A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government." -Alexander Hamilton
Has Al Gore taken too many tokes
On that strange cigarette that he smokes?
Still, the burden of proof
Is on every green goof
Who espouses the climate-change hoax.
Politickles -F.R. DuPlantier
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