Letters on 'Patriotism Not Pride' bill, Sen. Lankford, tag proposal, commutation

On 'Patriotism Not Pride' bill

State Rep. Kevin West’s “Patriotism Not Pride” bill to prohibit displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags in state offices and schools calls to mind the racist attitudes behind slavery, lynchings and the murderous treatment of Native Americans.

More than 25 years ago, sexual orientation and gender identity were declared completely normal by the American Medical Association, Psychological Association, and Psychiatric Association — as no more sickness or sin than being left-handed.

When the U.S. military’s exclusionary policies were ended, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trans men and women were finally able to serve our country, openly and proudly. And they do.

As Oral Roberts and Anita Bryant have learned, “Gays and lesbians are in your family, too.”

— Nathaniel Batchelder, The Peace House director, Oklahoma City

Sen. Lankford bill should have focused solely on immigration

Although I respect the perspective of Carl McCollough and understand it in his recent writing in The Oklahoman, I disagree with one primary thing in the bill Sen. James Lankford worked so hard on. Too many times our crafty legislators tie things into bills that don't need to be there.

Why didn't he/they just write a bill which focused solely on the immigration problem and write another bill for the Ukrainian aid? It makes too much sense and unfortunately there's not much common sense in Washington, D.C. Another problem I have with Sen. Lankford and his large role in the crafting of this bill is that he didn't spend much time asking his constituents their opinions on it. I do not believe most of the people who elected him support this bill in its final written form. I certainly do not.

— Jeff Gose, Thomas

'House divided against itself cannot stand'

We read, daily, about the power Trump has in the polls, in the party, in his path to reclaim the White House. (Seriously, can the media not learn from their own past mistakes, giving this man so much ink?) We don’t read about the ways in which party so-called leadership have swept their Jan. 6 condemnations into the cellar in order to welcome (Trump), not for his sake, but for their own pursuit of power.

If anyone in Congress deserves censure, it is those who buried their morals, their conscience and their backbone in the pursuit of power. They could have informed Trump he would have to run as an independent this round. But no. They pandered. They followed like lemmings. And then, even worse, they condemn the one man among them with the grit and the backbone to serve America with what America needs. As my mom used to remind me when I told her what "everyone" was doing: "Everyone wanted to crucify Christ, too."

Like Professor Agee, I find no honor in supporting a man who puts himself first, nor the party that panders to him. He would have us continue in deadly chaos just so he can get the credit. And they bow down obediently. He won’t get it done. He’ll need a statesman to carry it out. He just shredded one of the last statesmen standing. His (faction of) radicals can’t even agree among themselves, much less cooperate with anyone, even within their own party. This divisive, petty, power-seeking climate of government is a death knell. As Abraham Lincoln famously stated, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

— Cynthia Archiniaco, Oklahoma City

Let us call our leaders to peace-making

Memes abound this Valentine’s Day remind us that there is no VaLENTine’s Day without Lent! At noon on Feb. 14, in Washington, D.C., in front of the White House, a weekly Lenten Ceasefire Campaign launches. I write as a person of faith in Oklahoma, a Sister of Mercy, in solidarity with the campaign. No matter one’s support of any country, side or faction, the staggering numbers of those killed and injured in the Israeli-Gaza war cannot help but call us to action. Over 28,000 killed and 70,000 injured are not just numbers, but human beings, sisters and brothers to us all.

Valentine’s Day, and for Christians, Lent, call us to love deeply and clearly. What better way to love those most vulnerable among us than by calling for an end to war and violence and starvation, and by calling for peace-making and humanitarian aid. The actions are clear: Release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, diplomacy and demilitarization, robust humanitarian aid, address the root causes of the conflict and call all to accountability.

I call on our leaders, my representative, Stephanie Bice, our senators, James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, President Joe Biden, and Secretary Antony Blinken, to act to move all parties toward a lasting, just peace that protects all human life and ensures long-term security and sustainability in the Middle East. I urge all Oklahomans to act in love, to work to end war and violence in the Middle East and our whole world. Let us call our leaders to peace-making and support them when they do.

— Sr. Diane Koorie, Oklahoma City

Toby Keith's death and universal catastrophic health care

Toby Keith's painful death from stomach cancer was a solemn reminder of the first dying patient I cared for as a 19-year-old orderly with the Sante Fe Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. This young 28-year-old man also died from stomach cancer. In subsequent years I assisted numerous railroad employees suffering from (and eventually succumbing to) pancreatic and bladder cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, brain tumors and other capricious illnesses. Fortunately, their company's health insurance covered their costly palliative care. Many Oklahomans and other Americans, however, are not so fortunate, since medical treatment is generally based on the profit motive.

It doesn't have to be.

Oklahoma has been the home to many exceptional Arab Americans — especially Syrian-Lebanese Americans like former Arab League Ambassador Dr. Clovis Maksoud and journalist Anthony Shadid. In fact, it was Shadid's great uncle, Dr. Michael Abraham Shadid, who in conjunction with the Oklahoma Farmers' Union, founded in Elk City the first cooperative-owned hospital in America. Dr. Shadid did so after realizing that so many farmers and their families in southwestern Oklahoma simply could not afford health care. So they did without. Until Dr. Shadid came along.

Despite the opposition of the American Medical Association, the Beckham County Medical Society, and the Oklahoma Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Shadid established the Elk City Community Hospital which served 15,000 farmers and their families by 1939.

Dr. Shadid proved that quality health care could be provided to low-income Americans or those who suffer from incurable diseases. His is an example we should emulate throughout America.

— George W. Aldridge, Belton, Texas

Day at Hill Air Force Base unveils different perspective

Amidst the hangars and workshops of Hill Air Force Base, it becomes evident that the U.S. Air Force is not just about flying planes. It's a force that provides generational progression and opens doors to opportunities beyond imagination.

Recently, community leaders from Oklahoma and Utah gathered there in Ogden, Utah, discovering a side of the U.S. Air Force that goes beyond the conventional image of pilots in flight suits. The visit emphasized how the Air Force is a catalyst for individuals to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible and highlighted the intricate process of designing, manufacturing, repairing and sustaining aircraft, showcasing the Air Force's commitment to excellence on the ground.

On the tour were members of the Air Force Sustainment Center’s Civic Leader Program. The Sustainment Center program has been in place since 2016 and exists to inform the public of the various duties performed across its bases in Oklahoma, Georgia and Utah.

The leaders’ interactions with airmen reinforced the idea that the Air Force recruits airmen and retains families. This was evident from the stories heard from the airmen who shared their missions, including Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, and Maj. Gen. Kenyon Bell, commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex. Both commanders entered into the Air Force Academy with the intention of putting in their time and leaving. But then something happened. They found their calling.

Beyond the runways and aircraft, Hill Air Force Base stands as a symbol of inclusivity and opportunity. Community leaders experienced firsthand the Air Force's commitment to providing a place for everyone, and how the Air Force becomes a stepping-stone for individuals to pursue and accomplish their unique version of the American dream.

— Mary Blankenship Pointer, Oklahoma City

Compromise is lifeblood of nation

I applaud Sen. James Lankford for his courageous stand against the extremists in his party. As a Democrat who has not agreed with many of his policies, I respect his honest positions, and agree that we must work together to have a functioning government. I agree that the federal government needs to fund the immigration system and the border control to provide a system which is fair, safe and humane. I agree with him and sane Republicans that we need to help defend the brave Ukrainians who are fighting for the same freedom we hold dear. We also need a fair Middle Eastern policy which helps Israel fight against terrorism, while providing humanitarian aid for the Palestinians.

There might be better ways than the Senate bill, but this was the compromise. Compromise has been the lifeblood of this nation since its founding. I am disappointed like many of my fellow Americans who are losing hope that our government will ever be able to function again. Each of us needs to look hard into our hearts to decide what is important when we cast our votes in November.

We need to vote for honest candidates in all parties who preach compromise and support all Americans, not only those of their party. I am tired of those extreme elements who wish to paralyze our nation. God bless America!

— Joe Miano, Oklahoma City

Roadway lane markings need attention

I have a serious question for city and county managers throughout Oklahoma about the disgraceful condition of road and highway lane markings … meaning, lane markings are so faded that the risk of cars inadvertently wandering out of their "invisible" lane and either sideswiping other cars, or worse, crashing head-on into other vehicles, is extremely high.

Here's the question: If a city or county knowingly and negligently disregards the safety of drivers by failing to maintain and repaint lane markings as needed to keep vehicles from crashing into each other, is not that jurisdiction liable for injuries and deaths attributed to such negligence?

Traffic safety is a collective effort. Drivers are responsible for driving safely, yes, but cities, counties and states are also responsible for ensuring that the roads and highways we drive on are properly maintained, and that includes repainting lane markings when they fade to invisibility.

I, for one, don't believe for a moment that taxpayers would begrudge tax dollars being used to repaint road lane markings so they can see the actual lane. But I am sure we would all begrudge millions of tax dollars being paid out to litigants for the preventable death or injury of a loved one that was caused by the negligence of a public agency to properly maintain its roads.

Come on road managers, paint the lane markings.

― Andy McIntosh, Edmond

Were Republicans really wanting a bill?

There is no political courage or leadership in the Republican Party. Not in Oklahoma, not in the nation. One of our own in Oklahoma worked tirelessly for four months to negotiate a national security bill encompassing the southern border and immigration as well as funds for Ukraine, a nation that has sacrificed thousands of their young men and women for democracy, yet none of his Republican colleagues have the courage or leadership to support the bill.

The Republicans across the nation insisted on immigration reform and border security as part of legislation that would also provide more financial and military assistance to Ukraine. It was all a lie.

How can these elected officials get up every morning and look at themselves in the mirror and believe they are working for Oklahoma or the citizens of the United States? There is no shame. Although they all continue to tell us they are working for our best interests, they have instead pledged their allegiance to Donald J. Trump, who has no other objective than his own glorification.

— Penny Barber, Edmond

Tag law proposal not a fix

First, let me offer my sincere concern to Sen. Greg Treat and his son, Mason, for the tragic event Mason experienced recently in a roadside collision. Like everyone else, I hope for the best for Mason (and for the Cleveland County deputy also injured in the accident).

However, I must say that I am 100% opposed to what Sen. Treat is proposing, presuming that it will keep such accidents from ever happening to anyone else. These kinds of roadside collisions have been happening ever since people have been driving high speed vehicles. They happen when an impaired or distracted driver crashes into a vehicle pulled over to the side of the road for any of a number of reasons — the driver’s car may be disabled, or it may have pulled over to let emergency vehicles go around, or it may have been pulled over by law enforcement for something as minor as a broken taillight or as serious as drug trafficking, human trafficking or fleeing from the scene of a crime. It actually has little or nothing to do with the reason a car is pulled over. It is totally the fault of the impaired or distracted driver who crashes into them.

Sen. Treat’s proposal is a solution looking for a problem. After years of people complaining about leaving their tags on cars they have sold or traded in, the Legislature wisely changed the system such that the tag stays with the original owner, and it is up to the new owner to get a new tag. Dealerships have always issued temporary tags, but private sales have no such protection, so people (like his son) “may” be driving around without a tag, and “may” get pulled over by the police, and “may” get hit on the roadside.

The overall problem is impaired and distracted drivers, and all the tweaks in the world to the tag system won’t fix that.

— Nancy V. Davis, Edmond  

National Republicans throw Sen. Lankford under the bus

After national Republicans led by Sen. Mitch McConnell threw our own Sen. Lankford under the bus following Lankford’s botched border bill, Lankford has been working feverishly at damage control. But Lankford isn’t accepting responsibility for negotiating a bad bill. Instead, Lankford penned a long letter to constituents blaming the fiasco on everyone else, saying people are misrepresenting the bill or just don’t know how to read legislation.

But Oklahomans aren’t stupid and we can read. The bill, negotiated in secret, was a real stinker. The border is a disaster, and Lankford’s bill would not secure it. The Heritage Foundation agrees, concluding the bill would enshrine Biden’s open border tools into statute.

I can assure Sen. Lankford and others in D.C. that we the people CAN read. And we deserve a lot better than this.

Oklahomans deserve a strong and secure national border, and we deserve elected leaders who put Oklahomans and our state first.

— Greg Pilcher, Edmond

Commutation hope for prisoners

I am a living example of the importance of second chances. I went to prison at the age of 19. Today, I serve as a senior academy program manager for Prison Fellowship. I work daily with incarcerated men inside a challenging system and inspire them to become better citizens. As someone who was formerly incarcerated with a life sentence, I can relate to these men and bring hope from my testimony.

I was arrested at a time when drugs and alcohol were a part of my life. I spent nearly 25 years in prison, where I entered a drug treatment program and got sober. I worked as a chaplain’s clerk for 15 of those years and became a role model to those around me. Nearing the end of my term, people were advocating for me and my release. This led to Gov. Brad Henry signing my commutation. Since being released, I have worked hard to positively influence the community and encourage others to keep their faith. For people behind bars, hope is vitally important.

The current commutation process provides hope for prisoners, especially for someone like me who was serving a life sentence. Current rules allow most prisoners to seek commutation. However, the pardon and parole board is considering a proposed rule change that would substantially limit eligibility. Removing this chance for many incarcerated men and women risks excessive penalties.

Needlessly long prison terms destabilize families and harm the community. If seeking a commutation becomes out of reach, people would no longer possess the same drive to pursue educational and rehabilitative opportunities.

I am so thankful for the commutation I received and for the inspiration that I can now provide to incarcerated men. The board should not limit commutation eligibility but continue offering this avenue of hope for incarcerated Oklahomans who have turned their lives around.

— Aaron Cosar, Oklahoma City

Defining abortion questions

I would like to put forward three questions about abortions:

1. Do you support abortion on demand without any limits or restrictions any time during the first 10 months?

2. Abortions as the result of pregnancy by rape or incest?

3. Abortions during the first trimester with doctor recommendation?

"Pro-choice" advocates who are loudest about abortion actually support the first question, and opinion polls only ask "are you pro-abortion or anti-abortion" without offering any options. Agreed, abortion should be a medical decision between the woman and her doctor, with a few limitations, not just as a form of birth control. A baby should be a choice between a man and a woman, not just the result of some recreational activity.

— Richard Reames, Oklahoma City

Consider grocery tax cut instead

Open letter to the governor and Legislature:

I have read much in the paper about your “talk” of tax cuts ― cuts to personal income tax, grocery tax and others. From what I have read, I don’t think a .25 percent reduction in my personal taxes would have much of an impact on me. If you truly wanted to benefit those who need the help the most, you would cut the state portion of the grocery tax.

People who are struggling may not make enough to have to pay income tax. They have to eat though and probably spend a far greater percentage of their income on groceries than is spent by the more affluent.

A cut in grocery tax helps everyone, but it would have a far larger beneficial impact on low-income families who need it the most.

— Cynthia Bower, Oklahoma City

OK senators need to affirm 2024 Child Tax Credit

The U.S. House of Representatives recently took a rare bipartisan vote and overwhelmingly passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which temporarily expands the Child Tax Credit (CTC), giving much-needed support to families and our local economy.

It’s now our senators' turn to make sure this bill makes it across the finish line!

Expanding the Child Tax Credit is critical: It allows parents to do things like afford child care so they can work and take care of their families. This legislation would benefit about 16 million children, more than 80% of the roughly 19 million children in families excluded from the full credit because their family incomes are too low.

This bipartisan bill would be a tremendous step toward allowing parents to work, raise their families, and contribute to our economy. Our U.S. senators must pass it immediately!

There are currently 19 million children excluded from the full credit because of the structure of the Child Tax Credit. The bipartisan tax package (H.R. 7024) would benefit about 16 million children, more than 80 percent of the roughly 19 million children in families excluded from the full credit because their family incomes are too low.

Data shows the temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit allowed people to pay for child care so they can work and take care of their families. Please help us Oklahoma families that are currently struggling to make ends meet for our families. This is something that can be controlled and stopped, but it's up to you Congress.

— Tristyn Schmidt, Anadarko

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on pride flags bill, Lankford, tag proposal, commutation