Excellent Conservative News Sources Available for Tulsans

As many Tulsans know, they really don't have to rely on the liberal editorial and news viewpoints expressed in the city's major flagship newspaper, the Tulsa World.

Other excellent news choices include the Tulsa Beacon, a print newspaper published by our good friend, Charley Biggs, and Tulsa Today, an online news source published since 1996 by our new friend, David Arnett, who also has a local radio show Saturday afternoons on KRMG 740 AM.

 Check out these two sources for reliable local news and help support local businesses that are serving the citizens of Tulsa well. I know they would appreciate hearing from you. Check-out their Web-sites and give them a call to encourage them, subscribe to their publications and patronize their advertisers.

OFPC's New Cookbook Available for Christmas Gift-Giving

Oklahoma Family Policy Council's great new cookbook, CAPITOL COOKS, is now available just in time for all your Christmas gift-giving! It's an inexpensive and "taste-full" gift all your friends and family will love!

CAPITOL COOKS features time-tested favorite recipes from current and former Oklahoma elected officials, 2010 candidates, their families and staff. OFPC families have added delicious recipes, too. Categories include: Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Salads, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Main Dishes, Breads & Rolls, Desserts, Cookies & Candy, and This & That. This durable, hardback cookbook has a comb-binding, and will give you years of use.

CAPITOL COOKS from the Oklahoma Family Policy Council costs just $15.00 per cookbook and is available for pick-up during business hours at OFPC's office in downtown Bethany, 3908 N. Peniel Ave., Suite 100, inside the Bethany Bank Tower (FYI, Peniel is the first traffic light west of MacArthur, our building is immediately behind the First Bethany Bank & Trust). For an additional $3.50, we can ship the cookbook to you, or whomever you wish, in the continental U.S. (we must receive your order by Dec. 15 for probable Christmas delivery).

For more information, or to order by credit card, please call the Oklahoma Family Policy Council at (405) 787-7744.

Who Needs Marriage? Everyone. By Mike McManus

 [Editor's Note: Mike McManus, co-founder with his wife, Harriet, of the nonprofit, Marriage Savers, responds to the recent TIME article about the declining state of marriage in America.]


TIME’s Nov. 29, 2010, cover story, above, asks, "Who Needs Marriage?"

A surprising 39% of Americans say that marriage is becoming “obsolete,” according to a poll by TIME and Pew Research Center.  Two-thirds of cohabiting couples agreed, as well as 42% of conservatives, who are alarmed by the trend, and 44% of Americans under age 30.

“It is no small thing when nearly four-in-ten Americans agree that the world’s most enduring social institution is becoming obsolete,” said Pew.  However, “becoming obsolete” is not the same as “obsolete.”  When the World Values Survey framed a similar question in 2006: “Marriage is an outdated institution -- agree or disagree?” --  just 13% of Americans agreed.

In fact, only 5% of adults under 30 do NOT want to get married. That’s evidence that, despite the opinion of many, marriage is not becoming obsolete. In fact, even two-thirds of cohabiting people want to marry. But after five years only 16% had done so, and only 20% of the couples were still living together, according to a Princeton/Columbia “Fragile Families” study.

What’s disturbing about this is that 41% of all births are to unwed parents -- eight times the 5% of 1960.  Half of unwed births are to those who are cohabiting.  This is in spite of statistics showing that two-thirds of Americans think the trend of single women having children is “bad for society,” and that 61% believe a child needs both a mother and father “to grow up happily.”

The fact remains that only half of all adults are married today vs. 72% in 1960.
 

And of all the transformations our family structures have undergone in the past 50 years, perhaps the most profound is the marriage differential that has opened between the rich and the poor. In 1960 the median household income of married adults was 12% higher than that of single adults, after adjusting for household size. By 2008 this gap had grown to 41%. In other words, the richer and more educated you are, the more likely you are to marry, or to be married -- or, conversely, if you're married, you're more likely to be well off.

As the aforementioned passage in TIME Magazine asserts, a particularly disturbing trend is how marriage seems to be disappearing for those with less education. While 64% of college grads are married, only 48% of those with a high school education now marry. In 1960 both groups were equally likely to marry: 72% of high school vs. 76% of college grads. Reasonably well-paying manufacturing jobs that high schoolers could get, for instance, have largely disappeared. “The college-educated wait until they're finished with their education and their careers are launched,” says TIME. “The less-educated wait until they feel comfortable financially."

The problem is, for more and more adults, arriving at that financial comfort level has become far more elusive.
In 1960 two-thirds of those in their 20s were already married. But in 2008 only 26% were married. Why? A partial answer is that the average age of marriage has risen three years to 28 for men and 26 for women.  Dr. W. Bradford Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project says the sexual revolution is another key factor. “People have access to sex outside of marriage, and are less likely to have a commitment orientation.”

Yet why are so many are cohabiting, rather than marrying?

“Today’s couples in their twenties and thirties distrust marriage,” my wife and I write in our book, Living Together: Myths, Risks & Answers. Since 1970, 43 million people have experienced their parent’s divorce. “The Buster Generation, children of Baby Boomers, have lived the horrors of divorce and are wary of marriage for a good reason.”

It should come as no surprise, then, that of 7.5 million cohabiting this year only 1.4 million will marry, while 80% will ultimately break up.

TIME asserts that “couples who cohabit before marrying don’t divorce any less often.” Not true. A Penn State study by Paul Amato [consultant to Oklahoma Marriage Initiative] reports such couples are 61% more likely to divorce than those who remained apart prior to marriage.

“The way America marries is making the American Dream unreachable for many of its people,” lamented TIME.  “Yet marriage is still the best avenue most people have for making their dreams come true.” However, neither TIME nor Pew provides evidence to support the institution.

Ten years ago Maggie Gallagher and Linda Waite wrote The Case for Marriage: Why Married People Are Happier, Healthier and Better Off Financially. It cited hundreds of studies with evidence.

For example, they report that when a Gallup Poll asked couples to grade their marriage, 68% gave it an A; 23% a B. True, 6% gave it a C, and 1% a D, 1%, F.  “Nor do unhappy marriages stay that way: 86% of those who rated their marriage as unhappy in the late eighties and who were still married five years later, said their marriage had become happier,” they reveal.

• “Married couples live longer,” they write. “Being unmarried chops almost ten years off a man’s life.”  Similarly, unmarried women will live fewer years than married women with cancer or those living in poverty.
  
• “Married couples are wealthier... Married men earn between 10 and 40 percent more than do single men with similar education and job histories.”
  
• “Married people have more and better sex than singles,” they assert. Two-fifths of married couples, in fact, enjoy marital intimacy at least twice a week compared to 20%-25% of singles.

Who needs marriage? Everyone.

“The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:15).

Copyright © 2010 Michael J. McManus

D'Souza Fans: D'Souza DVDs to be Available Next Week!

Did you miss Dinesh D'Souza's appearance at O.U. earlier this week? Well, not to worry.

A professionally produced DVD recording of The God Decision: Delusion, Confusion or Truth?, which was the title of Dinesh D'Souza's powerful talk at the University of Oklahoma on Dec. 1 will be available next week from Oklahoma Family Policy Council. The cost per DVD is just $18,50, which includes shipping & handling. This would make a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift!

Our D'Souza DVD includes about 2 hours of Dinesh D'Souza's razor-sharp wit and keen mind at its best. Over an hour, the best-selling author and president of The King's College in New York City makes a strong intellectual case for the reasonableness of orthodox Christian faith and seriously challenges the sometimes intolerant New Atheism, which is increasingly prevalent on campuses--including at O.U.--and in the popular culture. Then, he tackles a hour's worth of questions from the interested Univ. of Oklahoma audience.

To request this DVD, please mail your check or money order for $18.50 (suggested donation) to OFPC, 3908 N. Peniel Ave., Ste. 100, Bethany, OK 73008. Please include a shipping address.

Dinesh D'Souza in Edmond, Norman Today

Dinesh D'Souza, author, speaker, scholar, public intellectural, and president of The King's College in New York City, will be in central Oklahoma today.

He'll first be visiting the Credo House, 109 N.W. 142nd Street, Edmond from 3 to 4 p.m. for a tour, book signing and Podcast. Then, later, at 8 p.m., D'Souza will speak to students, faculty, and the general public at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom, 900 Asp Ave. The title of D'Souza's talk is: The God Decision: Delusion, Confusion or Truth?

Both events are free-of-charge. We hope you will attend either or both events.

Real Economic Wisdom from The Gipper

"... Some will say our mission is to save free enterprise. Well, I say we must free enterprise so that together we can save America...."

—President Ronald Reagan
State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress
January 26, 1982

Glenn Beck to Put Spotlight on Billionaire Leftist George Soros

Be sure to watch or DVR Glenn Beck's TV program today on the Fox News Channel. Additional segments will also air on Wednesday and Thursday. Tell all your friends and family to watch.

Beck will be highlighting billionaire George Soros and the leftist agenda he is pursuing for America and the world with his billions. Learn what is going on behind the scenes to destroy America.

The Beck program airs at 4 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 44 in Oklahoma City.

Katy Abram's Question to Sen. Arlen Specter

U.S. citizen and lover of this beloved, God-blessed Nation: Remember before you vote!!

Oklahomans 4 Family Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk is THIS Saturday Morning

Please support the family and Oklahoma Family Policy Council by running/walking in either the 1-mile fun run or 5K run this Saturday morniing, Oct. 30 at Lake Hefner's Stars & Stripes Park. This is a great family event (and a good way to burn extra calories before you eat all the Halloween candy later that night!).

Whether you can personally participate or not, please ask people to visit the Oklahomans 4 Family Facebook Page to learn more. Thank you for helping us to promote this first annual Oklahomans 4 Family 5K Run/Walk!

A big thanks also to all our corporate sponsors: Bott Radio Network (KQCV), The Runner, Signature Realty LLC Fine Homes & Property Management, Edmond4Rent.com, The Gospel Station Network, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., Johnny Carino's Italian Grill, Chick-fil-A (NW Expy & Rockwell), Metro Family Magazine, Jersey Mike's Subs, Partners HR, Leo Goes Grr Music, Sports Clips, and Impact Fireworks (Edmond).

Please Buy and Read Glenn Beck's New Book, BROKE

Between now and Thanksgiving Day, please read Glenn Beck's excellent new book, BROKE, and find out what's really going on in America. To order, simply click on the link below and type Broke in the book search feature. Your discounted purchase from Amazon.com will also benefit Oklahoma Family Policy Council's family-strengthening work. Thanks.

Click on this link

SNL's Victoria Jackson to Appear at Tea Party Rally This Sunday

Citizens, just in time for the upcoming fall elections, the OKC Tea Party is holding its pre-election rally at 3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 24 on the north side of the Oklahoma State Capitol.

To be featured at the rally is former Saturday Night Live cast member Victoria Jackson. Jackson, an apparent political conservative, gained wide-spread appeal within the nationwide Tea Party movement earlier this year after she released her YouTube sensation, the song, "There's a Communist Living in the White House!"

Tea Party members, other concerned citizens, and families are invited to attend Sunday afternoon's rally.

Looking for Information About the 11 State Questions?

Oklahoma citizens are now starting to focus intently on the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2. In addition to the candidates, state voters will also be asked to decide the future of 11 State Questions.

If you are looking for reliable information about the 11 State Questions which will be on the ballot, we recommend the following three sources:

1) Oklahoma Family Policy Council's 2010 Voters' Guide has information on many of the candidates and all the 11 State Questions. OFPC's Voters' Guide can be found at www.FocusVoter.com

2) Journalist Pat McGuigan's excellent analysis of the 11 State Questions on CapitolBeatOK.com can be accessed by clicking here

3) Oklahomans for Responsible Goverment offers a great summary and ballot title for each State Question, with links to the Oklahoma Secretary of State's office for much more detailed information. Click here for the OFRG analysis, which is also duplicated on our Web-site, courtesy of our friends at OFRG.

Church/Ministry and Staff Workshop on Building Better Relationships Set for Oct. 19 in OKC

IT’S SUNDAY, BUT MONDAY’S COMING … This is a FREE workshop offering powerful communication tools specifically designed for church/ministry leadership and staff. Learn why healthy relationships help build committed teams, solid ministries, and cohesive congregations.
This workshop is sponsored by FaithLinks, the Oklahoma Family Policy Council, and Public Strategies, Inc. Date, location, and times are as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010
301 NW 63rd – Suite 110
(on 63rd St. just west of Broadway Ext.)
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE, but pre-registration is required

Register online by clicking here. For more information, see the flier by clicking here.

Christian Historian David Barton to Speak in OKC on Tuesday

Noted Christian historian David Barton, president of WallBuilders in Aledo, Texas, will be speaking tomorrow night, Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University, in the Hardeman Auditorium, inside the Garvey Center.

Barton, who has been well-known within evangelical Christian circles for decades, is now gaining nationwide exposure because of his role as a American history teacher and consultant to popular radio broadcaster and FOX News personality Glenn Beck.

Ticket prices for Tuesday's presentation by Barton are a suggested $50 per person, $75 for a couple, or $100 for an unlimited number of family members. Organizers, however, are willing to accept a lower contribution to attend if tight finances are a concern for some Oklahoma families.

For more information, call (405) 427-1066.

GOP's Pledge to America Released

Ahead of the Nov. 2 General Election, the House Republican Conference yesterday released their Pledge to America. Here is the Preamble to their document.



The full text of the Republican document can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here.

You can also learn about the national Democratic Party issue positions by clicking here. This week, former President Bill Clinton encouraged the Democratic Party leadership to release a similar postion statement with no more than five tenets. It remains to be seen if they will do so.

Watch Values Voter Summit LIVE from D.C. Today & Tomorrow!

Today (Friday) and Saturday, September 17-18, beginning at 7:00 a.m. CDT, FRC Action is partnering with American Family Association and The Heritage Foundation for a live Web-cast from the 2010 Values Voter Summit.

The FREE webcast will feature all the action from the ballroom of the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Watch live as their stellar lineup of speakers address the critical issues facing our country today.

Speakers include:

• Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
• Dr. Bill Bennett
• Ken Blackwell
• The Duggar Family
• Sean Hannity
• David Limbaugh
• Gov. Mike Huckabee
• Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)
• Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.)
• Christine O'Donnell
• Gov. Mitt Romney
• Sen. Rick Santorum

To view the Values Voter Summit speakers, CLICK HERE.

Restoring Honor 8-28 Rally is Tomorrow

Well, Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally, scheduled for August 28 in Washington, D.C., at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, is almost here!

Hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans, Liberty lovers, and Tea Party activists, including numerous Oklahomans, are now headed to the nation's capital on buses chartered from all across this great land. They'll hear some inspiring speakers, including broadcaster Glenn Beck, civil rights activist and niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Dr. Alveda King, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, among many others.

Not going to the Rally you say?

Not to worry. It's still unclear whether or not C-SPAN on cable TV will be able to broadcast the live event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. You may be able to see it there. However, we've just learned you can watch a live stream of the Restoring Honor Rally on Facebook on your computer beginning Saturday morning. Just do a search on Facebook for Restoring Honor Rally and then click on the live upstream tab.

May God bless this wonderful event, the United States of America, and all the untold millions of people gathered for it everywhere!

Does the NYC Mosque Symbolize Tolerance or Conquest?

Recently, we posted an entry about the new federal health care mandate enacted by Congress and the Obama Administration. We said current events, like the controversy over the proposed mosque in NYC, are, unfortunately, taking our national focus away from the disastrous health care bill.

That said, it doesn't mean the proposed NYC mosque near Ground Zero isn't an important issue, as this article by historian William J. Federer clearly points out. It's a column containing a history lesson that all Americans should contemplate.

As Federer suggests we should rightly question, is the proposed mosque to be built in NYC (which already has 140 mosques in the area) simply an admirable expression of American religious freedom and tolerance or, in the worldwide Muslim mind, of the Islamic conquest of America?

Obama Administration Blocks Pro-Abstinence Study from Public

"A taxpayer-funded study that indicates parental and adolescent support of abstinence education is not being released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as it does not support the Obama Administration’s objective – or that of vocal “safe sex” activists – of eliminating all abstinence-education funding."

To learn more, read this Aug. 18 news report from Catherine Snow with CitizenLink.

Why Shouldn't Society Just Say ‘Uncle’ and Grant Same-Sex Marriage?

Abraham Lincoln once asked how many legs a dog has if we call a tail a leg. The answer, he said, is four: calling a tail a leg does not make it so.

The late President's wisdom is wisdom our nation should reflect upon in the debate over so-called same-sex "marriage."

Read this insightful piece by Professor Stephen Heaney.

Also, please forward this essay to all the associate justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, if you know them.

Don't Forget About the Govt.'s Health Care Takeover!

Today, much of the public debate nationwide has, unfortunately, shifted from the coming takeover of private health care in the U.S. to the Gulf oil spill to the Arizona border battles to, most recently, the mosque under consideration in NYC and President Obama's recent comments.

But, citizens, we must not forget the health care disaster, which is quickly speeding towards us! Taxes and premiums are already increasing.

Bill O'Reilly on The O'Reilly Factor just this week mentioned the huge increase in his health insurance premium (insurance companies, apparently, are dramatically hiking premiums in anticipation of future expenses under Obamacare).

And, see this link to a health care story in the UK. Large scale rationing of health care is now being secretly enforced by the British government to save money. Will this happen in the U.S.? We must make sure it doesn't.

What good is health care for everybody if you can't get the health care you need when you need it? Don't forget about the government's health care takeover!

Injunction Issued Against Oklahoma's New Ultrasound Law

This morning, Oklahoma County District Judge Noma Gurich agreed with the arguments of New York's Center for Reproductive Rights and issued an injunction to prevent Oklahoma's new ultrasound law, HB 2780, from taking effect at least until after a trial is held in 2011.

The ultrasound bill was passed by large margins in both the state House and Senate, vetoed in late April by Gov. Brad Henry, but then the House and Senate overrode the gubernational veto the following week. The state of Oklahoma defended the new law in court, and wanted it to take effect immediately. However, the judge disagreed, preventing it from taking effect as pro-life supporters and state legislators had fondly hoped..

State legislators have sought since 2006 to pass an Oklahoma law requiring women to have an ultrasound prior to an abortion. The rationale: informed consent by women. (According to research, some 80 percent or more of women who see an ultrasound fetal image of their unborn child will then decide against abortion). However, abortion proponents believe requiring a pregnant women contemplating abortion to have an ultrasound or sonogram presents an "unreasonable" restriction on their access to abortion. Two prior laws which had won legislative and/or gubernatorial approval were later invalidated by two different Oklahoma County judges on a technicality -- a violation of the state Constitution's single-subject rule. HB 2780 was passed by legislators as a stand-alone bill in 2010 to overcome this problem.

David Barton, Others to Speak July 9-10 at Reclaiming Conference in Yukon

You've heard Christian historian David Barton on Glenn Beck's radio and TV programs and at other events teaching on the Christian foundations of America. Tonight and tomorrow, he'll be in Oklahoma once again at the annual Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ Conference.

It all begins tonight (Friday night) promptly at 6:30 p.m. and convenes again Saturday from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. This annual event is being held at Trinity Baptist Church in Yukon. Admission is free! Come early or stay late to see the exhibit tables.

The big name headliners this year include:

* David Barton (Friday 6:45, Saturday 8:45), the nation's foremost historian of the Christian founding of America, and president of Wallbuilders in Aledo, Texas. Barton is a Christian radio commentator and author and a frequent presenter on the Glenn Beck TV show.

* Former Miss America from Oklahoma, Anita Bryant (Friday, 8:15) and her orchestra will deliver her famous rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

* Ken Ham (Friday 7:30, Saturday 9:30), the Australian creation scientist, author, and Christian broadcasting commentator. His giant "Answers in Genesis" Fossils Museum is a major Christian attraction.

* Rick Scarborough (Friday 9:50) of "Vision America"

* Bailey Smith (Saturday 11:45), the famed evangelist of Bailey Smith Ministries.

Admission is free. Hope you can come!

Location: Trinity Baptist Church, 600 N. Cemetery Rd. in Yukon. Just take I-40 to Garth Brooks Blvd and go South one mile.

How Many Communists, Marxists, and Socialists Do You Know?

Discover The Networks -- a Web-site from former sixties-radical-turned-conservative David Horowitz -- shows, in painstaking detail, President Barack Obama’s close connections to a stunning array of anti-American, anti-capitalist leftist radicals who, like the President himself, seek to transform the United States into a society bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the American founders’ vision.

To see the connections, Check out this link.

Click on any name listed to learn about President Obama's connection to that person. Then, ask yourself: How many communists, Marxists, and socialists do I personally know?

Tea Party Block Party Precedes Glenn Beck Event This Saturday in OKC

This Saturday, June 26th, the Sooner Tea Party will host their Block Party just outside the Ford Center (Reno Avenue side) in downtown OKC, beginning at 11 a.m. The Block Party occurs just prior to the Taking Our County Back event at 2 p.m. with broadcaster Glenn Beck, "The Architect" Karl Rove, and entertainer John Rich.

Lee Matthews, KTOK Director of Talk Programing and current host of the former Mark Shannon Show, will also be speaking at the Block Party, as will a few candidates for public office.

Governor Signs Scholarship Bill

Supporters praised Gov. Brad Henry for signing a bill yesterday providing scholarships to special needs students.


“This is a great day for Oklahoma families with special needs children,” said state Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “For those families, this bill is a chance at a better education and a better life.”

HB 3393, by Nelson and state Sen. Patrick Anderson, would allow students with disabilities who have an individualized education program (IEP) to qualify for a scholarship to attend any public or private school that meets the accreditation requirements of the State Board of Education.

The legislation had strong support from many families of children with autism.

The legislation has been named the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Act to honor the memory of the governor’s daughter, who died of a rare neuromuscular disease as an infant.

“We are very honored that Governor and Mrs. Henry have allowed us to name this important piece of legislation after their daughter who passed away at seven months of age,” said Wanda Felty, parent of a child with multiple disabilities. “The simple fact is there is often an unspoken bond among parents of special needs children, and although Lindsey Nicole’s life was short, she helped shape the type of people the Henrys are. We appreciate their compassion and understanding of our plight, and we certainly appreciate the Governor’s support of this bill.”

“We want to make it clear, neither the Governor, nor his wife, nor his staff nor anyone connected to him asked for this change. Instead it was suggested to him as a way to honor the memory of his daughter and let it be known for generations to come that she, and her parents, are helping to improve the lives of special needs children across the state,” said state House Speaker Pro Tempore Kris Steele, R-Shawnee. “Especially given that this program was passed in the waning days of the last legislative session of Governor Henry’s tenure, we think this action is both appropriate and warranted. We are pleased that Representative Nelson agreed to amend his Conference Committee Report to include this change.”

Lindsey Nicole was the twin of the Henrys’ oldest daughter, Leah. Lindsey died at seven months of age due to complications from a rare genetic disorder.

The scholarship program created through HB 3393 would not require new spending, but would merely redirect existing state funds that are currently spent on the student.

Other states with similar laws include Florida, Georgia, Utah, Ohio and Arizona. The Florida program has been in place since 1999 and now serves approximately 20,000 students with special needs. HB 3393 closely mirrors the Florida and Georgia laws.

“Having visited with many families of special-needs students, I know how important this legislation is to ensuring they are able to provide the best future possible for their children,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “It is only fitting that we honor the Henrys and Lindsey Nicole as part of this process to show that even the worst moments of our lives can have positive repercussions. I appreciate the governor’s support and this opportunity to honor his daughter.”

Glenn Beck Coming to OKC June 26th

KTOK News Radio 1000's Reid Mullins and Lee Matthews announced today that broadcaster and radio personality Glenn Beck, left, is bringing his popular "Taking Our Country Back" Tour to Oklahoma City on Saturday, June 26th.

Joining Beck will be Karl Rove, former Bush Administration official and current Fox News Channel commentator, and entertainer John Rich. The Ford Center in downtown OKC will be the venue for this special event.

For tickets, visit the Ford Center Box Office or Ticketmaster (beginning this Sat. morning, June 6), or KTOK's Web-site (http://www.ktok.com/).

Upcoming Memorial Day Holiday Honors Real Heroes

The nation pauses next Monday--Memorial Day--to remember the supreme sacrifices of America's fallen airmen, sailors, soldiers, Coast Guard, and Marines.

It's the men and women who are serving in America's military--many of whom have given their lives to secure our freedom--who are the real celebrities, heroes and heroines among us.

Memorial Day originated in 1865 in Waterloo, N.Y., where a local druggist, Henry Welles, wanted to honor the memory of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who had died in the Civil War. A customer, Union Army Brig. Gen. John Murray, learned of Welles' idea and helped him to organize the first citywide observance in Waterloo in 1866.

Soon thereafter, Maj. Gen. John Logan, pictured right, the founder of a prominent organization of Union veterans, would help to propel the day of recognition forward. Logan, who was Murray's friend and superior officer, picked May 30, 1868, as the day to honor the American soldiers who had died in the Civil War. Logan ordered local communities to join in Waterloo's celebration by scattering flower petals on the soldiers' graves. When President Ulysses S. Grant presided over a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery that same year, Decoration Day really gained public support.

After World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to include all fallen American soldiers. In 1954, the U.S. Congress renamed Decoration Day as Memorial Day. Memorial Day continued to be observed annually on May 30 until 1971, when Congress voted to designate Memorial Day an official federal holiday and, with President Richard Nixon's approval, moved its observance to the last Monday in May.

Father, thank you for the supreme sacrifices paid by all of America's fallen airmen, sailors, soldiers, Coast Guard, and Marines--lives which were freely given, but at great cost, to secure the blessings of Liberty for others. Through the death of the Saviour, your Son, Jesus, You know about such sacrifice. May the families of these American fallen know that their family members' lives were not taken in vain. May You be a true Father to all the fatherless and a caregiver for all the widows. And may their countrymen be truly grateful for their sacrifices. Amen.

Special Needs Scholarship Bill Heads to Gov. Henry

Yesterday, for the first time ever in Oklahoma, the state Senate approved HB 3393, a bill by Rep. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City), which provides private-school scholarships for special needs students with disabilities. The vote in the Senate was 25-22.

The bill now goes to Gov. Brad Henry, and hopeful school choice proponents are anticipating that he will sign it into law.

For more information, click this link to a story on CapitolBeatOK.

Oklahoma House, Senate Override Another Gov. Henry Veto

Yesterday, the Oklahoma State Senate voted to override Gov. Brad Henry's veto of HB 3284, the Statistical Reporting of Abortions Act. The House had done the same thing late Monday.

So, unless the bill is challenged legally, it will take effect in 2012. The law requires that all women seeking an abortion must fill out a 37-question anonymous survey first prior to the abortion. The women's identity will remain confidential at all times. The law also requires abortionists to report to the state any medical complications from abortion which occur, thus shining the light of day on a deadly procedure, which in addition to needlessly taking an unborn child's life, also often harms young women in the process, sometimes causing sterility or even ending their life. What's the purpose behind the law?

This new law will give the state of Oklahoma and public health officials anonymous information about the reasons why women seek abortions. If abortion is truly to become a rare thing, as its supporters suggest it should be, then doesn't it make sense for government officials, policymakers, health officials, and citizens to better understand the demographic information and the various reasons why women seek abortion in the first place? Then, our state can seek to remedy some of those problems women face.

Of course, supporters of abortion rights claim Oklahoma is acting in a draconian way. They say the sky is falling, and women are being targeted unfairly by the ultrasound law and this Statistical Reporting of Abortions Act. The truth is -- Oklahoma is simply following the law as laid down in the 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The Court affirmed a woman's right to abortion, but said the various states could, if they so chose, reasonably regulate access to abortion so long as the regulations did not pose an "undue burden" on women seeking abortion.

If a lawsuit against HB 3284 is filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City, as they did recently against HB 2780, the ultrasound bill, then the litigation will likely center around whether or not what Oklahoma legislators are doing via these laws represents an "undue burden" to a woman's alleged constitutional right of access to abortion.

Oklahoma Voters to Vote on Obamacare

Lawmakers voted yesterday to give Oklahomans an opportunity to change the state constitution to opt out of a federal health care mandate requiring them to purchase expensive health care policies.


Senate Joint Resolution 59, by state Sen. Dan Newberry and state Rep. Mike Thompson, will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot and, if approved, would prohibit any penalty for failure to purchase insurance and allow doctors to continue to accept direct payment.

SJR 59 is based on American Legislative Exchange Council’s model Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act. The measure has already been enacted in statute form by the Virginia, Idaho, and Arizona legislatures, and constitutional amendments will appear on the Arizona and Florida ballots. Statutory measures have also passed one chamber in Missouri and Tennessee, and active citizen initiatives are underway in Colorado, Michigan, and Mississippi.

WSJ's Stephen Moore to Speak in OKC on Saturday

Stephen Moore, best-selling author, Fox News contributor, and editor at The Wall Street Journal, will be the keynote speaker this Saturday, May 22, at a fundraising dinner in Oklahoma City to benefit the Oklahoma chapter of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

AFP Oklahoma's director, Col. Stuart Jolly, tells us a private reception with Mr. Moore begins at 6 p.m. and the dinner follows at 6:30 inside the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63rd Street, Oklahoma City.

Table sponsorships are still available and individual tickets are $50 per person. An additional donation is required to attend the private reception.

For more information, and to register, visit http://www.soonerdinner.com/

Seating is limited.

Update on HJR 1054

The Oklahoma House of Representatives just overrode Gov. Henry's veto on HJR 1054. Now, the Senate will try to do the same.

Will Oklahomans Escape Obamacare?

Now that Gov. Brad Henry has vetoed HJR 1054, by Rep. Charles Key, and barring a veto override in the state House and state Senate, the only remaining legislative option available to Oklahoma's citizens is for the state House of Representatives to pass SJR 59 by Sen. Dan Newberry within the next 10 days.

SJR 59 is a constitutional amendment, which would allow Oklahomans to vote on whether or not they wish to opt out of the new federal health care system advocated by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats. If approved by the state House, SJR 59 would bypass the Oklahoma Governor's office and go directly to the ballot.

Building Successful Stepfamily Conference is May 14-15

Reduced Price Stepfamily Conference Registration Ends in 3 Days!

Only 3 days left to register at the reduced price for the Building a Successful Stepfamily Conference!


Together, let’s change the breakdown* of the family in Oklahoma!

Marriage Network Oklahoma along with several** other organizations and churches is bringing Stepfamily expert Ron Deal to OKC to present a seminar to guide stepfamilies into stronger marriages and families.

Building a Successful Stepfamily Conference

Dates: May 14, 6:30-9:30, May 15, 8-12:30

Cost: $65/person through Friday, May 7; $15 for spouse or fiancé

$30 discount for military, 1st responders, and students (family counseling and/or ministry students)

$85/person May 8-14, $15 for spouse/fiancé

For more details and to register go to www.marriagenetworkok.net


*Oklahoma and Arkansas have the highest rates of men and women who have been married three times or more, twice the national average.

** Also sponsoring: Oklahoma Family Policy Council, Focus on the Family, Mardel, Hobby Lobby, Burbridge Foundation, Oklahoma Christian University, Living Well, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, Bott Radio, Portland Avenue Baptist Church, Emmaus Baptist Church, North Church, and many others.

What others are saying:

"Listen to this guy. He knows what he's talking about." Dr. Kevin Leman

“Successful Stepfamilies is the most highly practical program I know for helping couples who are dealing with the common struggles of stepparenting." Dr. Gary D. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages

"Ron Deal has developed a highly insightful and practical seminar that has impacted the lives of thousands...This is a must series and I'm delighted to recommend it." Dr. H. Norman Wright, Director, Christian Marriage Enrichment, author of over 60 books on the Christian family

"Ron Deal is a true minister to stepfamilies. His professional expertise, love for the Lord, and his compassionate heart make for a perfect platform from which to teach remarried couples how they can successfully combine their families in healthy ways. It is no secret that these families face countless complications and with the help of Ron Deal, they will be better equipped to face them head on and be stronger because of it." Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

"This seminar may have just saved our marriage. We weren't able to discuss our problems without extreme conflict. We talked calmly for two hours last night. Thank you for doing this seminar." Seminar Participant

For more details and to register go to www.marriagenetworkok.net

Injunction to be Issued by Judge Today on Oklahoma's New Ultrasound Law

Oklahoma County District Judge Noma Gurich has told attorneys she will issue an injunction later this afternoon to stall implementation of Oklahoma's new ultrasound law. The law was approved by a three-fourths vote of the Oklahoma Legislature last week, not withstanding the prior veto of Gov. Brad Henry.

Oklahoma's three abortion clinics had reportedly been complying with the law, which required ultrasounds and descriptions to women of the gestational development of their unborn children prior to any abortion, but their compliance will no longer be required once the injunction takes effect later today.

Judge Gurich's injunction will remain in place pending the outcome of litigation by pro-life and pro-abortion forces regarding the constitutionality of HB 2780, to begin later this year.

Glenn Beck, David Barton to Devote TV Time to America's Founders

Broadcaster Glenn Beck is introducing a new series on his Fox News Channel TV program beginning tomorrow: Founding Father's Friday. David Barton, president of Wallbuilders in Aledo, Texas, will be Glenn's guest each Friday. This Friday (April 30) learn more about the amazing Samuel Adams, who once said: "Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust be men of unexceptionable characters. The public cannot be too curious concerning the character of public men."

Don't miss it every Friday at 4 p.m. only on the Fox News Channel!

Also, a previous blog entry (click here) described the upcoming excellent series of lectures on The Founders' Legacy of Freedom by OCPA Senior Fellow Dr. J. Rufus Fears. These lectures will be presented each Monday in May beginning at 6 p.m., in the Hardemann Auditorium, inside the Garvey Center, on the Oklahoma Christian University campus in Edmond/north OKC. The first lecture starts this next Monday, May 3rd.

You'll want to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to learn more about America's Founding Fathers!

Oklahoma House Votes to Override Gov. Henry's Vetoes

A bipartisan group of Oklahoma House members voted overwhelmingly today to override two gubernatorial vetoes of pro-life bills.


Gov. Brad Henry vetoed two pro-life bills Friday, and the House voted to override at the first opportunity Monday.

“I am proud that the House moved quickly in support of the sanctity of life by overriding the veto of these important pieces of pro-life legislation. This is clearly not a partisan issue,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “We must move to stop the degradation of human life seen in recent years and stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.”

House Bill 2780, by state Rep. Lisa Billy, requires that doctors provide women information obtained from an ultrasound prior to performing an abortion.

Although ultrasounds are already routinely conducted immediately prior to an abortion, those pictures and the information obtained from the ultrasound are not provided to women.

“This legislation does nothing more than give women as much information as possible before they make the life-altering decision to have an abortion,” said Billy, R-Purcell. “I don’t want a single woman to go through the life-long torture of having an abortion without having all the relevant information.”

Research has shown that many women, after seeing an ultrasound, will opt to have a child. The House voted 81-14 to override the governor’s veto, which was above the three-fourths vote required.

The House also voted to override the veto of House Bill 2656, by state Rep. Dan Sullivan, which makes it illegal to sue a doctor claiming “wrongful birth” because the doctor failed to convince the mother to abort a child.

“This bill simply states that a doctor cannot be sued based on the opinion after birth that a child would have been better off if he or she had been aborted,” said Sullivan, R-Tulsa. “A bipartisan coalition of members supported this bill the first time, and I am pleased they did again today.”

The House voted to override the veto 84-12, again well above the three-fourths of the body required to override.

Both bills will return to the Senate for override consideration.

(Source: Oklahoma House Media Division)

Gov. Brad Henry Considers Pro-Life Bills

Gov. Brad Henry is now considering whether to support or veto several pro-life bills, which recently were passed in the state Senate. The governor's phone number is (405) 521-2342.

Although he recently supported three other pro-life bills in early April, it is unclear what he will do this time. Of course, pro-life Oklahomans hope he will support these bills, too. But, if he chooses to veto the latest round of bills, an attempt to override his veto will be attempted.

The following Senate Democrats voted for the bills, and their support to override any veto may be needed:

Sen. Randy Bass - District 32 - Lawton

Sen. Sean Burrage - District 2 - Claremore
Sen. Kenneth Corn - District 4 - Poteau
Sen. Mary Easley - District 18 - Tulsa
Sen. Jerry Ellis - District 5 - Valliant
Sen. Earl Garrison - District 9 - Muskogee
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm - District 6 - Durant
Sen. Tom Ivester - District 26 - Elk City
Sen. Charlie Laster - District 17 - Shawnee
Sen. Susan Paddack - District 13 - Ada

Oklahomans for Life is encouraging Oklahomans to contact the above legislators to thank them for their past support and to encourage them to support any veto override attempt, should it become necessary.

Wisconsin Judge Declares National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional

The annual National Day of Prayer is May 6. Declared by President Harry S Truman in 1952 and set by Congress and President Ronald Reagan in 1988 as the first Thursday of each May, the National Day of Prayer is a uniquely American day.

Five days ago, a federal district judge in Wisconsin declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional because it allegedly violates the supposed separation of church and state.

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb (W.D.-Wis.) wrote, "the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual’s decision whether and when to pray.”

The judge's reasoning would surprise this nation's Founders, who, you will remember, at the urging of patriot and Massachusetts delegate Samuel Adams, then known as "the famous Adams," held an official two-hour prayer meeting during the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It would surprise the entire House of Burgesses in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, which officially set a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Humiliation for its Virginia citizens, to stand alongside their Boston countrymen, when the British forces were first closing Boston harbor to enforce a blockade by King George, III.

It would also surprise the supposed Deist Dr. Benjamin Franklin, who offered an official resolution, which called for regular morning prayers to Almighty God as the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia worked to draft our Constitution in 1787.

It would especially surprise Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and a host of other U.S. Presidents who have called for official National days of prayer and fasting throughout our 400-year history. It would also be a surprise to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who called for National prayer during the June 6th, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe. Our entire history and nation is both an example and an answer to prayer.

Despite the judge's uncalled-for concerns about official acts by government, the National Day of Prayer is an entirely voluntary event. You are invited to pray -- not mandated to join your fellow citizens in prayer.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, honorary chairman of the National Day of Prayer, said, "No judge can stop us from praying for our country and I pray that on May 6, millions of Americans will join me in praying for our President, all of our elected leaders, and even for this unjust judge and all those who rule from the bench—that God would guide them and give them wisdom.”

You can attend the National Day of Prayer observance at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Thursday, May 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Upcoming May Lectures on The Founders' Legacy of Freedom

Our good friends at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs have just announced their Spring Lecture Series. The Series will be an outstanding five-part series of lectures by popular University of Oklahoma Professor and OCPA David and Ann Brown Senior Fellow Dr. J. Rufus Fears.

Dr. Fears' overall topic, which is so timely, will be The Founders' Legacy of Freedom. The first lecture will deal with the Declaration of Independence; the second week, the U.S. Constitution will be the focus of Dr. Fears' remarks. The Spring Lecture Series is appropriate for nearly everyone who loves American Liberty: parents, citizens, high school students, teachers, college students, patriots, Tea Party members, grandparents, reformed Progressives, etc. Best of all, the lectures will be free to the general public. Wow!

Dr. Fears has been named the most popular professor at O.U. by appreciative students three times. So, his treatment of this uniquely American topic will be a real treat for all who attend! Don't miss out.

One of Dr. Fears' lectures will be delivered on each of the five consecutive Monday evenings in May, 2010, and all will begin at 6 p.m., in the Garvey Center, Hardeman Auditorium, on the Oklahoma Christian University campus in north Oklahoma City, just off Memorial Road.

For more information, click here

Double Your Pleasure . . . at 2 State Capitol Tea Parties

Tonight, and again tomorrow, Oklahoma citizens will have the opportunity to participate in Tea Party rallies at the Oklahoma State Capitol, and across the state. According to Lincoln (and our founding documents), ours is a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." If your schedule permits, please take advantage of these two opportunities to express your voice!

Wednesday Night Tea Party
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 (tonight!)
6:00 p.m. -- North side of the Oklahoma State Capitol


State Wide Tax Day Tea Party

Thursday April 15th, 2010 (tomorrow!)
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- South side of the Oklahoma State Capitol

Annual ‘Purity Day’ for Youth Event is Next Thursday, April 15

Paying your income taxes isn't the only exciting thing in store for you next week!

On Thursday, April 15, Oklahoma Family Policy Council and the Kids Eagerly Endorsing Purity (KEEP) Program will host some 300 teenagers inside the state Capitol (4th Floor Rotunda) for the annual Purity Day event.

Public, private, and homeschooled students from across Oklahoma will hear from several motivating abstinence speakers, including University of Oklahoma football and basketball players, and be encouraged in their personal commitments to purity and sexual abstinence-until-marriage.

It's not too late to get your class, youth group, or students involved. If you wish to participate, just call OFPC at (405) 787-7744 or email gpoteat@okfamilypc.org and tell us you wish to participate in Purity Day at the State Capitol.

Kem Family Named 2010 Oklahoma Family of the Year

On Family Day, now a little over a week ago, Oklahoma Family Policy Council and the Character Council of Central Oklahoma announced that (drum roll, please!) the David and Janet Kem Family, of Edmond, is the 2010 Oklahoma Family of the Year. And what a fine selection their family is!

Dr. and Mrs. Kem, who have been married nearly 51 years, have five children and 21 grandchildren. Professionally, Dr. David C. Kem is the George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. He is also a guiding force behind the annual A. Kurt Weiss Lectureship on Biomedical Ethics, which for 23 years has challenged O.U. medical students statewide to practice medicine with the highest moral and ethical values. Janet is a faithful wife, mother, mentor, and citizen-activist.

On Family Day, April 1, the Kems were recognized publicly by the state House of Representatives. As a surprise, their five children and many of their 21 grandchildren traveled to Oklahoma City for the recognition. The Kems will again be recognized publicly at the upcoming National Day of Prayer observance at the state Capitol on May 6. You're welcome to attend that annual event, as well.

Congratulations, Dr. and Mrs. Kem! We at OFPC also wish to publicly thank the 25 pro-family organizations that participated in this year's successful Family Day at the State Capitol event.

P.S.  Perhaps you know an Oklahoma family deserving of this honor? We invite you to help nominate the Oklahoma Family of the Year for next year.  You can learn more about the nomination process and criteria by clicking here.

‘One Oklahoma Coalition’ Announces Opposition to SQ 744

Yesterday, numerous business, city, state, and political leaders participated in a joint news conference to announce their united opposition to SQ 744, the proposed public education funding mandate state question, which the Oklahoma Education Association and its allies successfully placed on Oklahoma's upcoming November general election ballot via the initiative petition process. The leaders described themselves as the One Oklahoma Coalition.

If SQ 744 is approved by voters, state legislators will be required perpetually by a state Constitutional Amendment to fund public education in Oklahoma at a level equal to the regional average of other states. The current projected cost to taxpayers to do so would be an additional estimated $850 million to $930 million annually, said One Oklahoma Coalition spokesperson Jeff Wilson. Those opposed to SQ 744 say such a legal requirement would be devastating to Oklahoma's state budget, especially in the current depressed economy.

Currently, Oklahoma taxpayers spend 41% of all annual legislative appropriations on common K-12 education. The state lottery provides additional funding for common and higher education, but SQ 744 proponents say the lottery is not a dependable source of new revenue for schools -- something the Oklahoma Family Policy Council warned about in 2004, prior to voters' approval of the state lottery and the tribal gaming compact.

You can read CapitolBeatOK editor Patrick B. McGuigan's account of yesterday's news conference by clicking here.

To read the views of the OEA and other proponents of SQ 744, click here.

Note: Proponents say Oklahoma spends $8,006 per pupil on public education. However, a January, 2010, report by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, click here, placed the state's estimated per pupil expenditure at $10,257.

Thank You, Gov. Brad Henry!

Yesterday, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry signed three pro-life bills into law.

The new laws will take effect July 1, 2010, unless they are legally challenged by abortion proponents in Tulsa and New York City. They replace previous bills passed in 2009, which were later deemed unconstitutional for violating the state constitution's single-subject rule. The new laws will:

• prevent sex-selection abortions in Oklahoma (and will mandate revoking the license to practice of any abortionist who violates the law)
• require that only licensed physicians administer the RU-486 abortion pill to women (via medical prescription), and
• protect the freedom of conscience and religious beliefs of Oklahomans to not participate in abortion or other bioethical concerns related to human embryos, fetal transplants, and euthanasia.

Other measures now in the Senate, which, if passed, will also be sent to the Governor include:

HB 2780, which would require all women contemplating abortion be given an ultrasound exam of her fetus in-utero. The woman would not be required to view the baby's image, but the ultrasound image would be described to her.

HB 3284, would require that non-identifying statistical information about women who have abortions be reported to the state Health Department. Abortionists would also have to report all complications that occur during abortion procedures.

These last two bills are the most troubling ones to the abortion industry. Whether Gov. Henry will sign or veto them, if passed by the state Senate, remains to be seen.

If you wish to contact Gov. Henry, to thank him for signing the three bills noted above, his office phone is (405) 521-2342.

Do You Have Questions About the 2010 Census?

Have you filled out and returned your Census form yet?

By April, according to news reports, about half of Americans nationwide who received the form in early March have filled it in and sent it back to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Next month, Census workers will start visiting people in their homes to collect the information (April showers bring May Census workers!).

Perhaps you have questions about answering or neglecting the Census. Do you really have to answer all the questions? What could happen if you refuse?

To learn more, click on this link, which provides you with good answers from The Heritage Foundation.