OFPC's Blog

Dream Marriage Conference is Tonight and Saturday

2011-02-11T14:25:00.001-06:00

There is still time to sign up for the Dream Marriage Conference, with Jimmy and Karen Evans of MarriageToday, which will be simulcast live tonight, 7 to 9:30 p.m., and again tomorrow morning. The location is Putnam City Baptist Church on N. Rockwell in OKC.

To learn more, click on this link.

Rose Day Snowed Out

2011-02-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

Rose Day, scheduled for tomorrow, Feb. 9, has been canceled due to the 6 to 10 inches of snowfall expected in Central Oklahoma overnight.

Today, for the same reason, the state House and Senate passed a resolution of agreement to adjourn until next Monday, Feb. 14.

Doing the Right Thing: Colson Center Producing a DVD Series on Ethics Reform in America

2011-02-04T15:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a trailer for a very interesting 6-part DVD series on ethics that will soon be available for your Sunday School or small group.

In the wake of the national financial crisis of 2008, it's an important project that was launched in 2009 by BreakPoint's Chuck Colson, Brit Hume of Fox News, and Princeton Professor Robert George, in cooperation with the John Templeton Foundation.

To learn more, visit www.colsoncenter.org/ethics

See the trailer below:

See ‘The Cartel’ Documentary TONIGHT for Free

2011-01-25T09:16:00.000-06:00

The Cartel is an award-winning documentary about the problems in America's educational system. It's received rave reviews nationwide from proponents of excellence in education. You're cordially invited to view a screening of this important documentary tonight, hosted by our good friends with Americans for Prosperity.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 25
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Oklahoma Christian University (Davisson American Heritage Building – Auditorium)
2501 E. Memorial Road
Edmond, OK 73013

Viewing the documentary is free, but you must pre-register. To pre-register, please click here.

House Passes Repeal of Abortion-Funding Obamacare

2011-01-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

(from The Heritage Foundation)

The House of Representatives voted 245-189 Wednesday afternoon to repeal the abortion-funding Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Obamacare represents a historic departure from the federal government’s traditional stance on abortion funding and provides new avenues to promote elective abortion. Since 1976 the Hyde Amendment, which forbids taxpayer funding of abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or threat to the mother’s life. When negotiations to include the full Hyde Amendment language in the PPACA failed, President Obama signed an Executive Order prohibiting federal funding of abortion. Unless Congress acts to make the application permanent, however, this order is subject to reversal by either executive decision or judicial intervention.

PPACA includes at least three problematic provisions with respect to the federal role in subsidizing elective abortion. The law:

Facilitates massive federal subsidies for private health care plans that are offered through health insurance exchanges and will cover elective abortions.
Leaves the decision whether certain appropriated funds not covered by the Hyde Amendment will be used to subsidize elective abortions to the discretion of the Secretary of HHS.
Appropriates money not covered by the Hyde Amendment for community health centers, the grants from which could also be used to fund abortions.

As a result of the defects in PPACA, a federal tax credit will be made available to assist in the purchase of private health plans that cover abortion. Additionally, the limited and loose conscience protections outlined in the law, combined with inadequate guidance on conscience rights, may leave pro-life medical professionals with no protection to live by their personal beliefs.

The battle to ensure permanent restrictions on federal abortion funding witnessed a major step forward yesterday as House Speaker John Boehner and a bipartisan coalition of pro-life legislators introduced the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act." The act would streamline restrictions on abortion-funding by compiling the numerous annual pro-life riders into one permanent piece of legislation, eliminating the annual risk to these provisions on federal funding of abortion. The bill would also better define conscience protections for pro-life medical professionals. Rep. Joe Pitts, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, also introduced the "Protect Life Act," that would apply Hyde amendment language to the PPACA, prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions.

Rep. Lankford Challenges Abortion, Defends Sanctity of Human Life on House Floor

2011-01-20T14:19:00.000-06:00

As we approach the 38th anniversary this week of the infamous Roe. v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Oklahoma's new Fifth District Congressman, Rep. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma City), took to the House floor last night to defend the sanctity of unborn human life and to explain how the right-to-abortion is at odds with our core beliefs as Americans.

Correct Link for Os Guinness Speech This Morning

2011-01-19T11:16:00.000-06:00

FRC is having some technical difficulties. The link we gave you earlier this morning may not work.

Instead, go to frc.org. Click on the ad at right for Os Guinness and Can Freedom Last Forever?

That should work. After the event, you can also view Dr. Guinness' remarks by going to FRC's home page, click on events, and scroll to find the Guinness speech.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Watch Dr. Os Guinness Discuss ‘Can Freedom Last Forever?’ TODAY at 11 a.m.

2011-01-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

You are truly blessed, dear blog reader.

Dr. Os Guinness , the well-known author, philosopher, and founder of The Trinity Forum, is speaking this morning at Family Research Council in Washington, D.C., and worldwide via simulcast, and you now know about it ahead of time!

His important topic: Can Freedom Last Forever? -- the Founders' Forgotten Question, and Where the U.S. is Today.

To view the FRC Web-cast LIVE, please click on this link at 11 a.m. CST today.

Outstanding Free Marriage Conference to be Offered in OKC on Jan. 21

2011-01-07T09:38:00.003-06:00

A free marriage conference will be offered to couples on Friday, January 21, hosted by Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Dr. Rod Cooper, professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, was originally scheduled to be the speaker. However, according to the church, he is unable to attend and is being replaced by Dr. Tim Kimmel, left, executive director of Family Matters in Phoenix, Ariz.

This free marriage conference will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 7201 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, on Friday, January 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and childcare is provided by reservation; however registration for attendance is not necessary. For more information, or to reserve childcare, please contact the church at 405-722-2550.

For more information about Dr. Kimmel, please click here

New Year Brings New Opportunities for Many!

2011-01-04T09:59:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Change is in the air in both the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., and in Oklahoma City.

A new Congress takes over in Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma's new 5th District Congressman, Rep. James Lankford, will be sworn in as Republicans take hold of the reigns of power in the House. Will the mistakes of 1994's take-over be repeated, or will the GOP faithfully discharge their duties under the watchful eye of the American people?

In OKC, members of the House and Senate will meet briefly at noon -- following a voluntary joint prayer service -- to officially elect their leadership and rules for the upcoming Session, which begins on Feb. 7.

As Gov. Brad Henry prepares to leave office after eight years, a new bespeckled bust of the Governor will be unveiled at the state Capitol.

Then, next Monday, Gov.-Elect Mary Fallin will make history as she becomes the Sooner State's first woman governor, following a weekend of inaugural celebrations across Oklahoma.

While politicians discharge their duties, we citizens also have important roles to play in this Republic. We must oversee our legislators to ensure that spending is reduced, continued borrowing is stopped, incentives for economic growth are enacted, and important social issues are advanced to help create a moral and just society and to live up to our nation's founding ideals. While we know we can't ever create heaven on earth, we do believe we can do much good work while we're here to impact many lives positively and to leave this earth much better than we found it.

Oklahoma Family Policy Council invites you to join with us in 2011 as we make our voices and views known to our elected officials both in Washington, D.C., and in Oklahoma City.

Aside from the work of politics, there is important work to do in the culture, as well. Families and marriages need to be strengthened within churches, and young people in the public schools -- many from dysfunctional family backgrounds -- need to be loved and taught the life-saving message of sexual abstinence until marriage.

Won't we join with us? The family policy council is here for you. Thank you for your support and prayers as we move forward together in 2011 to meet the new challenges.

Excellent Conservative News Sources Available for Tulsans

2010-12-10T14:06:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-09T11:02:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

[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!

2010-12-03T15:52:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-01T09:59:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-09T15:46:00.000-06:00

"... 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

2010-11-09T10:24:00.000-06:00

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

2010-10-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-27T09:50:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-10-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-11T08:43:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-24T08:38:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-09-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-08-25T11:58:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

"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?

2010-08-18T15:40:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-08-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-19T12:24:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-09T10:04:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-06-25T10:09:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-02T14:53:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-26T14:17:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-26T08:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-05-18T11:35:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

Reduced Price Stepfamily Conference Registration Ends in 3 Days!

2010-05-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-29T11:24:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-21T12:57:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-16T11:47:00.003-05:00

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

2010-04-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-09T10:55:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-04-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-04-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

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.

3 Pro-Life Bills Win House Approval, Now Go to Gov. Henry

2010-03-30T10:37:00.000-05:00

Pro-life legislation overwhelmingly passed the House yesterday.

SB 1890, by Rep. Dan Sullivan, forbids abortions based solely on the sex of the child. The bill passed the House with a vote of 95-1.

SB 1891, by Rep. Pam Peterson, creates the Freedom of Conscience Act, which would protect the rights of health care professionals to refuse to take part in the destruction of innocent human life. Her bill passed the House with a vote of 80-13.

SB 1902, by Rep. Skye McNiel, makes it illegal for a person other than a physician to provide or administer the chemical abortion pill, RU-486, for the purposes of inducing an abortion. The bill also requires physicians to file a report under certain circumstances, and provides a civil action for certain fathers and maternal grandparents of unborn children aborted by a physician who knowingly or recklessly violates the provisions of the measure. The bill passed the House with a vote of 91-7.

All three bills now head to Gov. Brad Henry for either approval or veto.

Glenn Beck Explains Media Reports, Encourages Citizens' Prayers

2010-03-25T15:35:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma Family Policy Council has always encouraged Oklahomans to utilize principled persuasion, the electoral process, hard work, perserverance, and goodwill in citizens' efforts to change public policy. In trying times like these, we continue to encourage people to adhere to the wise admonition of Scriptue, which says in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

In light of the recent exaggerated national media reports of alleged racism, threats, and hatred supposedly expressed by conservative Americans and Tea Party members since the passage of the massive health care bill last Sunday, this March 24 YouTube clip from Glenn Beck's television program is particularly helpful. It serves as a good reminder for all of us to ‘look up’ while we are engaged in the duties of citizenship.

Family Day at the State Capitol Now Just One Week Away

2010-03-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

The general public is cordially invited to attend Family Day at the State Capitol next Thursday, April 1 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Oklahoma City.

Some 25 pro-family groups will be on hand in the 4th Floor Rotunda to explain their nonprofit work to attendees. Perhaps most important, the 2010 Oklahoma Family of the Year will be recognized for the first time publicly and also in the state House of Representatives (beginning at approximately 10 a.m.).

The purpose of this annual Family Day event is to honor the institution of the Family in Oklahoma and to serve as a reminder to state legislators and to Gov. Brad Henry to always remember the family and to consider the family impact of bills -- both positive and negative -- when they are legislating. Gov. Henry has issued an executive proclamation, which declares April 1 as Family Day in the state of Oklahoma.

Family Day at the State Capitol is sponsored by the Character Council of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Family Policy Council.

Your family is welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information, call (405) 787-7744.

Rep. John Dingell Explains ‘Control of the People’

2010-03-24T11:49:00.001-05:00

83-year-old Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) perhaps explained more than he intended about the intent of the political Progressives in Congress during a radio interview following the passage of the Obama health care bill.

OFPC Holds State Capitol News Conference

2010-03-24T11:26:00.001-05:00

This morning, OFPC Executive Director Mike Jestes participated in a State Capitol news conference with Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D-Oklahoma City), Dr. Dominic Pedulla, and other pro-life leaders regarding HB 3077.

This bill, which is now in the state Senate would, like in eight other states and several countries, prevent the paying of compensation to young women who risk their health to donate human eggs to fertility clinics and for medical research purposes.

Under the legislation, all women could continue to donate their eggs for IVF purposes, in an effort to conceive a child, but no compensation would be paid.

In a moral society, Oklahomans shouldn't want to unnecessarily put young women's health at risk via egg harvesting and allow creation of an unethical market for body parts.

Coburn Sends Warning to Earmark Seeking House Members

2010-03-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

According to Code Red, 16 House members remain undecided on how they will vote on the health care takeover bill (as of Friday night, 10:52 p.m.).

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee) sent House members a stern message yesterday, warning them they will be exposed if they switch their vote from no to yes in exchange for earmarks.

Certification Training in PREPARE-ENRICH Marriage Assessments to be Offered

2010-03-19T15:21:00.001-05:00

Pastors, Marriage Mentors, and Lay Marriage Ministry Activists:

Be trained to counsel premarital couples and crisis couples! Take one of several upcoming PREPARE-ENRICH certification trainings.

Marriage Network Oklahoma referrals get a 20% discount (see details below); Southern Baptist pastors can get a special price through the BGCO.

The PREPARE-ENRICH certification workshop is designed to help facilitators learn how to administer the PREPARE-ENRICH assessments and to provide feedback to premarital and married couples using six core and over 20 supplemental exercises.

Learn to help couples identify their strengths and growth areas in categories such as Communication, Conflict Resolution, Spiritual Beliefs & Financial Management.

All Workshops led by: Dr. Walter Mullican
Time: 9:00-4:00

Cost: Special price for Marriage Network referrals - $140. Receive a 20% discount (say you want the MNO discount) from the regular price of $175 (spouse attends free).

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Thursday, March 25, 2010 – Capital Baptist Assoc. Office, 2233 W I-44 Service Rd., Okla. City, OK 73112

Thursday, April 8, 2010 – South Tulsa Baptist Church, 10310 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK 74133
Register by: March 31

Saturday, May 8, 2010 – Portland Ave Baptist Church, 1301 N Portland Avenue, OK 73107
Register by: April 28

Thursday, May 20, 2010 – First Baptist Church, 202 East Hanks Trail, Woodward, OK 73801 [map]
Register by: May 12

This PREPARE-ENRICH training workshop is nondenominational and available for all interested persons of any religious faith, or no faith. The workshop is simply being held at the churches above to reduce workshop cost for participants.

To Register: Contact Dr. Walter Mullican (405) 640-7731, wmullican@portlandavenue.org

The Oklahoman Prints Op-Ed on HB 3077

2010-03-18T14:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, The Oklahoman printed an important Op-Ed jointly authored by OFPC Executive Director Mike Jestes, Family Research Council Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice, and Jennifer Lahl, R.N., with the Center for Bioethics & Culture.

The March 17th Op-Ed deals with HB 3077, a bill by Rep. Rebecca Hamiltion (D-Oklahoma City), which would, if approved in the Senate and signed by Gov. Brad Henry, prevent the paying of compensation to women for what is, in effect, the sale of their eggs.

The intent of the bill is NOT to prevent medical procedures like in-vitro fertilization by married couples, but rather to prevent the development of an unethical market in Oklahoma for the human eggs of young women.

HB 3077 passed the state House by a large margin and now is in the state Senate, where lobbyists for the state medical association are reportedly trying to kill the bill.

If HB 3077 becomes law, women will continue to be able to donate their eggs to fertility clinics in Oklahoma; it will just become illegal to sell their eggs to fertility clinics for paid compensation.

Click here to view the Op-Ed.

The Choice: ‘Deem and Pass’ OR ‘Pass and Stow’?

2010-03-18T14:10:00.000-05:00

The time is upon us.

For the American people and for our posterity, which will it be in the House of Representatives?

Will it be the House of ‘Deem and Pass’ or the House of ‘Pass and Stow’?

Lawsuit Ready to Challenge Constitutionality of Health Care Passage Process

2010-03-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

Today, it's unclear whether the U.S. House of Representatives will pass the health care takeover bill. Democratic leaders don't yet have the votes, apparently, to takeover one-sixth of the U.S. economy. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and his allies remain committed to vote against the bill due to its inclusion of public financing of abortion.

Of course, reports are circulating that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will rely on the so-called Slaughter Rule to "deem the bill to have passed in the House" without actually voting on the Senate version of the bill. This moves the bill forward and allows House members from actually having to go on record for this unpopular bill.

If that happens in violation of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 7, then constitutional challenges will surely be offered in court. In fact, Landmark Legal Foundation President Mark Levine (also a well-known talk radio host) has already drafted a legal Complaint, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The House vote (or maneuver) can be expected by Saturday. All members of the Oklahoma delegation are committed to vote against the bill.

If this socialistic health care plan passes, a recent survey found that up to 46 percent of doctors nationwide may leave the practice of medicine, thus setting the stage for future doctor shortages and medical rationing, just as the opponents have predicted.

Human Trafficking Bill Clears Senate, Heads to House

2010-03-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

SB 2258, a bill by Sen. R. Clark Jolley (R-Edmond), which is designed to make human trafficking more difficult to accomplish in Oklahoma, has passed the state Senate and is now headed to the state House.

For information, read this CapitolBeatOK story by clicking here.

The O'Reilly Factor to Highlight Tulsa Tea Party

2010-03-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

As you may know, popular broadcaster Glenn Beck and bestselling author and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin were both in Tulsa this past Saturday afternoon to speak to a sold-out Tulsa Convention Center crowd about "Tak'in Back Our Country."

Tonight, on the Fox News Channel, The O'Reilly Factor program will have a special report about their appearance and also air a spotlight on the Tulsa Tea Party, which was central in organizing the successful Tulsa event.

If you're interested to see this national focus on our state, you can catch The O'Reilly Factor broacast tonight on cable at either 7 p.m. or 10 p.m.

Pro-Marriage Bill Passes House, Advances to Senate

2010-03-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Rep. Mark McCullough's pro-marriage bill, HB 2634, passed the state House of Representatives on a 51-45 vote.

HB 2634 would require two hours of pre-marital counseling before the issuance of a marriage license and provide a $45 dollar discount on a marriage license for couples getting eight or more hours of pre-marital counseling.

The measure also allows for a “covenant marriage” license, ends future recognition of “common law” marriages, and requires court directed pre-divorce education classes for couples with children. Those courses would cover issues such as the impact of separate parenting on children and separate financial responsibility for children.

McCullough noted the counseling and divorce education provisions are already in state law, but are permissive and participation is not mandatory.

“The problem of family fragmentation is the elephant in the living room of state government,” McCullough said. “The fallout from divorce and unwed childbearing cost the State hundreds of millions of dollars annually and it goes against the grain of our conservative culture here in Oklahoma. Yet getting to the point of having a forthright discussion on these issues has proven difficult. So many people have either been divorced or someone close to them has gone through divorce, and that makes people uncomfortable with these issues. I really understand the painful nature of this whole subject. I’m not trying to hurt or shame anyone; I just don’t think we can afford to avert our gaze anymore. This is a conversation we need to have as a state and the Oklahoma House was an appropriate place to start it.”

A recent study from the Institute for American Values and Georgia Family Council, The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing: First-Ever Estimates for the Fifty States and the Nation, conservatively estimates divorce has a dramatic impact on the cost of state government (largely through public assistance programs) – of at least $430 million annually in Oklahoma.

McCullough's bill now heads to the state Senate.

Abortion in the Obama Health Care Bill

2010-03-11T13:39:00.000-06:00

It's a huge bill, as we all know. Who can read it?

Thankfully, Chuck Donovan, formerly of Family Research Council, now with The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., has done an excellent analysis of how President Barack Obama's newest health care reform bill WILL definitely pay for more federal funding of abortions.

Click here to read his excellent analysis.

Let's pray that pro-life Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and his House colleagues are successful in stopping this immoral, Progressive bill, which will, over time, end up bankrupting the country and denying medical treatment and care for untold numbers of Americans, including the unborn.

Texas Considers New Social Studies Standards

2010-03-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

Will Texas adopt K-12 textbooks that eliminate all teaching about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln? Will textbooks begin social studies instruction about American history only after 1877? Will Texas textbooks eliminate all references to Christmas? These are the questions that the Fox News Channel has been asking and promoting the past couple of days.

Whoa! Did the foxes get caught trying to transform the henhouse? Or are things being blown all out of proportion by Fox News?

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) seems to think so; they issued a news release today taking exception to the characterizations being made by Fox News. Click here to see the TEA release.

Tonight, Sean Hannity will have Michelle Malkin on his Fox News Channel program to discuss what's going on further. We invite you to watch the program tonight at 8 p.m. (or view the rebroadcast at 11 p.m.) and see what you think.

Here's what we know:

There is an ongoing, continuing fight between Christian conservatives, secularists, and progressives for control of the Texas State Board of Education. This has been going on for several years. Conservatives have control now, but they have been steadily losing seats.

Today through Friday, the state of Texas is holding formal hearings in Austin to consider the adoption of new social studies textbook standards, which will incorporated in new Texas social studies textbooks to be adopted in 2011. The meetings had originally been scheduled for January, but were continued until today to allow time for more study.

Conservatives in Texas are pushing for traditional teaching of American history in the textbooks, including more teaching about our Christian heritage and the Founding Fathers who birthed the nation. Others in Texas are pushing back against that direction.

Although it's not at all likely the inflammatory social studies standards will be adopted, given the current national attention, it is interesting to us that a proposal to teach history only after 1877 is even on the table. Political Progressivism in the U.S., which began in about 1880, has continued throughout the 20th and 21st Centuries, gaining much influence and dilluting adherence to our nation's founding documents and original understandings about the role of government.

So, any new plan to teach the younger generation history only after the year 1877 would effectively immerse them only in Progressive political thought and influence and divorce students from any understanding of our nation's true historical roots and Christian past.

A preliminary vote will be taken this week. A final vote on the standards will come in May, and, as stated above, the textbooks will not be adopted until next year.

This fight is important because textbooks adopted in Texas are often used as model textbooks by other states nationwide.

Bill to Require Teaching of America's Founding Documents Fails

2010-03-10T14:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, the state House of Representatives failed to pass a bill by Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City) and Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso) that would have required the state Board of Education to promulgate rules to teach public school students in Oklahoma about the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as a part of social studies curriculum.

The vote was 44-52. To see how your representative voted, click here and search for HB 2814 vote on March 9.

Co-authors of HB 2814 included Rep. Sue Tibbs, Rep. Ann Coody, and Rep. Jason Nelson. Rep. Key filed a motion to reconsider his bill, which means he can attempt to change minds and call for another vote within the next few days.

Indoctrination in Our Schools

2010-03-05T09:40:00.000-06:00

Today, on the Fox News Channel beginning at 4 p.m. (and rebroadcast at 1 a.m.) broadcaster Glenn Beck and former leftist David Horowitz will discuss the topic of indoctrination in our schools.

While the problem of indoctrination is more pronounced in certain public schools nationwide, all children in the U.S. to some degree are being affected because 1) the outcomes-based educational objectives in force in each state pursue politically correct outcomes for all students, and 2) the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) test assesses all public school students to measure students' attitudes, values, and beliefs, as well as to measure their academic attainment.

Parents will want to watch this hour-long program, or catch the rebroadcast, if at all possible.

State Loses Bid for Race to the Top Grant Funds

2010-03-04T16:29:00.000-06:00

Today, it was announced that Oklahoma's proposal to receive Race to the Top funds for so-called education reform in Oklahoma failed to win federal approval.

Conservatives statewide should cheer this announcement since Race to the Top funds are being used by the U.S. Department of Education to transition the 50 states to increased federalization of education. Their plan also includes the creation of an electronic dangan for all students, similar to what exists now in Communist China, which will bring with it a complete loss of student privacy, as we reported in this blog just last January.

In June, the state of Oklahoma, led by Gov. Brad Henry's top education advisor Kathy Taylor, can submit anoher proposal seeking these federal funds, which it is expected to do.

Will They or Won't They?

2010-03-04T14:22:00.000-06:00

. . . pass a health care reform proposal the American people have told Washington repeatedly they don't want?

As you know, the White House plan, portions of which President Barack Obama signaled Wednesday, is for the U.S. House of Representatives to first pass the previously passed U.S. Senate bill (the infamous Christmas Eve version) without adding any House amendments. Then, the Senate will make any amendments desired by the House members (and Senate Republicans, including Dr. Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee), will offer hundreds of amendments to slow down the legislative process). Finally, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and his colleagues will supposedly pass the final health care bill by simple majority using the reconciliation process. The bill would then go to President Obama.

But, there are a lot of unresolved issues. What will House members, who will all face election in November, do? What will so-called more conservative Blue-Dog Democrats, like Rep. Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) do as a group? Will they bow to pressure from the White House and Speaker Nancy Peloski (D-Calif.) and vote for the bill? Boren says he won't "over my dead body," regardless of what pressures come his way. "They may break my arms, but they'll never get my vote," Boren said.

The President has told Congressional leaders he wants a Congressional vote by Easter, now just one month away.

The cost is surely well over $1 trillion, regardless of the President's statements to the contrary. The Heritage Foundation says it will cost $2.5 trillion. One thing we know: there's fraud about the numbers. At least $250 million dedicated to provide additional funds for doctors who serve Medicaid patients (the so-called "Doctor's fix") was not included in the health care reform bill, but rather in the so-called Jobs (AKA Stimulus) bill, which just passed the Senate. That allowed the Congressional Budget Office to score the President's bill at under a trillion dollars.

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow has been floating the idea that there are 9 House members who voted against health care last time who are now willing to switch their votes and vote for it this time. But, many observers suggest it's all smoke and mirrors and an effort to persuade undecided House members to side with the President.

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), author of the pro-life Stupak Amendment, says he has 12 House Democrats who will vote against the Senate bill because it doesn't contain protections related to a continuing ban on federal funding of abortion as did the original House bill. That's good news!

It's going to be an interesting month. Now is NOT the time for opponents of socialized medicine to give up at all. We must all redouble our efforts! Americans shouldn't permit the round hole of the best health care system in the world to be forced into accommodating the square peg dreams of Progressive, utopian, big government, European-style socialists.

To read a conservative analysis of the President's health care reform proposal prepared by The Heritage Foundation, click here.

Perkins Says President's ‘New’ HC Proposal Funds Abortion

2010-03-03T16:17:00.001-06:00

Today, in a 20 minute speech, President Barack Obama introduced the most recent health care reform proposal and called on Congressional leaders Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Harry Reid to schedule a final vote in the next few weeks.

In response, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

This new White House health care statement completely undermines President Obama's claim last week dismissing charges that the Senate bill would fund abortion as mere 'talking points.' President Obama's legislation not only maintains the Senate abortion funding provisions; it would make them worse by increasing federal funding for community health centers that could be used directly to kill unborn babies.

Ignoring the only bi-partisan provision that passed, the Stupak amendment that prevents abortion funding, the President's bill to amend the Senate bill leaves several abortion provisions in place. In Section 1303 it allows tax credit subsidies for plans that include abortion and leaves the abortion surcharge in place. It maintains the proposal to create a multi-state plan that includes abortion in Sec. 1334. Even worse, it would increase the Senate bill funding from $7 billion to $11 billion for community health centers in Sec. 10503 without any abortion funding restrictions.

"If this bill becomes law," Perkins says, "this Congress will oversee the largest ever expansion of abortion on demand at taxpayer expense."

Leaders Invited to Breakfast March 9 and Discuss Strengthening Fatherhood

2010-03-03T15:20:00.000-06:00

Dr. Carey Casey, president of the National Center of Fathering in Kansas City, will be the speaker March 9 at an important breakfast in Oklahoma City for pastors, community leaders, youth leaders, and nonprofit executives.

Dr. Casey will lead attendees in a discussion of ways we can network and creatively address the problem of fatherlessness, absent fathers, and family fragmentation in Central Oklahoma.

This community-wide, nondenominational breakfast is being sponsored by the National Center for Fathering, Fairview Baptist Church, and Oklahoma Family Policy Council.

The breakfast, which begins at 7:00 a.m. and should conclude by 9 a.m., is free, but you must RSVP to attend. To RSVP, call Oklahoma Family Policy Council at (405) 787-7744.

Churches to Meet Thursday for Premarital Training Workshop

2010-03-03T14:59:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow, Marriage Network Oklahoma will again present its quarterly workshop -- this time to train Oklahoma churches in how to effectively prepare couples for successful marriage.

More premarital preparation needs to be done since between 43 percent to half of all first-time marriages will end in divorce. As recently as the late 1990's, only 25% to 33% of couples attended any relationship education prior to marriage.

Today, comprehensive assessments like PREPARE help couples indentify and resolve likely conflicts prior to the marriage. Premarital classes help couples learn about common areas of concern (communication, sex, finances, children). Marriage Mentors serve as experienced guides to help newly married couples negotiate the well-worn trail of marriage.

If your church is not presently partnering with MNO, we invite you to ask your church leadership to investigate MNO and consider how we might work together (http://www.marriagenetworkok.net/).

D.C. Begins Issuing Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples

2010-03-03T11:29:00.000-06:00

Today, officials in the District of Columbia, for the first time ever, began issuing so-called "marriage" licenses to same-sex couples. In Maryland, officials also said they would do the same.

Last night, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts refused to intervene to stop the pending issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in D.C.

Chief Justice Roberts' refusal to act perhaps signals that the U.S. Supreme Court expects to address the same-sex marriage issue soon, probably via California's Proposition 8 case, which is now working its way through the federal courts.

Don't Forget to Vote Today

2010-03-02T14:05:00.000-06:00

Today, March 2nd, all registered voters in Oklahoma City have a chance to vote in the mayoral election being decided in Oklahoma City. Polling places will be open until 7 p.m. tonight.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett is seeking his third four-year term as OKC's mayor. He is being challenged by newcomer Steve Hunt, who is challenging Mayor Cornett based on his disputed handling of the MAPS 3 measure, which was approved 54.3 percent to 45.7 percent by city voters last December.

Don't forget to vote today.

Pro-Life Ultrasound Bill Passes Oklahoma House of Representatives

2010-03-02T12:20:00.000-06:00

(from House of Representatives Media Division)

Pro-life legislation further defending the unborn child passed the House today.

House Bill 2780, by Rep. Lisa Billy, expands on pro-life legislation passed in 2006 that required abortion doctors to tell a woman she had a right to a free ultrasound at an off-site location. This legislation would provide an ultrasound at the clinic where the abortion would be performed.

“This legislation is about giving mothers as much information as possible in advance about this irrevocable, life-altering decision. We must do all we can to ensure every woman has all the facts so she can make the most informed decision possible,” said Billy, R-Purcell.

The bill passed the House today with a vote of 87-7 and will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Bill Increases Penalties for Repeat Child Molesters

2010-03-01T16:42:00.001-06:00

Today, the House passed HB 2965, by Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), which increases penalties for repeat child molesters, including the possibility of life without parole or death.

Under current law, a child molester can face a sentence of 25 years to life for a first offense. Duncan’s legislation will increase the penalty to include a maximum sentence of life without parole.

His legislation will also allow the death penalty to be considered for those convicted of a second or subsequent offense. That provision has been crafted to comply with recent court rulings.

The legislation will also eliminate the "homeless defense" as an excuse for not registering as a sex offender and allow those convicted of failure to register to receive a 20-year prison sentence.

Catch Dr. Peter Jones' Lecture Post Lecture!

2010-03-01T15:06:00.000-06:00

If you missed last Thursday's Webcast of Dr. Peter Jones' lecure on "How the Early Christians of Rome Defeated Pagan Sexuality" don't despair. Yes, you can still catch his lecture by visiting FRC's Website.

Click here to access the site, where you can download Dr. Jones' lecture as an mp3 file. You might want to save the file for future reference.

State House to Debate 2 Pro-Life Bills Today

2010-03-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

This afternnon (March 1), the state House of Representatives will debate and vote on two pro-life bills, HB 2780 and HB 3110.

HB 2780, by Rep. Lisa J. Billy, would require that all women seeking abortions in Oklahoma be provided with an ultrasound, prior to any abortion. The woman would NOT be required to look at the ultrasound images of her unborn child, but the ultrasound would be required to be performed.

HB 3110, by Rep. Pam Peterson, would create the Freedom of Conscience Act, and would allow certain medical professionals from being required to perform abortions or provide abortifacients as a condition of their employment.

Both of these bills have been passed into law in prior years, but are being resubmitted in light of recent rulings by Oklahoma County judges, as respects the constitutionality of how the legislation was approved in violation of the single-subject rule.

Another bill, HB 3077, by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, is NOT on today's agenda, but is expected to be put on the calendar in the coming days. Her bill would prevent women from selling their eggs in Oklahoma, thus creating a marketplace for human eggs in violation of moral and bioethics concerns.

Coffee Discusses Senate Efforts to Reject Health Care Mandates

2010-02-26T10:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City), left, held a state Capitol news conference, during which he discussed three recent Senate votes which are designed to safeguard Oklahomans from being forced to participate in whatever federal health care program might be enacted. One measure would allow a statewide vote on so-called Obamacare.

Click here to read journalist Patrick B. McGuigan's report filed at CapitolBeatOK

State's Pro-Life Media Hold Successful Capitol Luncheon

2010-02-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, about two dozen pro-life Oklahoma media and nonprofit organizations hosted an educational legislators' luncheon at the state Capitol centered around the sanctity of human life. Many Oklahoma House and Senate members attended and learned about the work of the Oklahoma Pro-Life Media Coalition (OPLMC), which, through its print and broadcast media members statewide, reaches approximately 81.9 percent of all Oklahoma citizens with pro-life news and information.

The keynote luncheon speaker was Valeska Littlefield, director of Hope Pregnancy Center in Tulsa. Earlier, leaders of Oklahoma's numerous CPC and Pregnancy Resource Centers heard a presentation from Dave Everitt, of Gig Harbor, Wash., who is vice president of advancement for Life International. Everitt and wife, JoAnn, traveled to Oklahoma specifically for this annual event.

At the present time, several pro-life measures are working their way through the state Capitol, many designed to solve alleged state Constitutional deficiencies as determined by Oklahoma County district judges in recent opinions. Regardless of the many nuisance legal challenges brought by abortionists to sidetrack new pro-life laws, Oklahoma continues moving forward to protect unborn life and to safeguard women's medical choices. Our state is now ranked as the fourth most pro-life state in the entire U.S., thanks to the efforts of pro-life Oklahomans and the dilligence of state legislators.

Click here to read one media account of yesterday's OPLMC luncheon.

Generation Zero Documentary Explores Roots of Financial Meltdown

2010-02-24T12:06:00.000-06:00

One of the most talked about documentaries today is Generation Zero. It was a sleeper hit at both the Conservative Political Action Conference last weekend and at the Tea Party convention in Nashville. Sean Hannity devoted his entire Fox News program to the documentary Tuesday night.

The full-length feature examines the roots of the 2008 financial meltdown in the U.S. and posits the idea that what happened is NOT a failure of America's economic system of capitalism, but rather a failure of our culture and the values held by many in the Sixties generation.

For more information about Generation Zero, visit http://www.generationzeromovie.com/ or view the minute-long trailer below.

Big Brother Marches Forward in America

2010-02-24T09:22:00.003-06:00

In light of the federal government's ongoing efforts to force a nationwide transition to electronic records for all students in the public schools (assisted in Oklahoma by Education Secretary Kathy Taylor's Race to the Top grant application) and for all American citizens (via President Obama's health care reform proposal) this quote from former Jimmy Carter adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski in his 1970 essay, Between Two Ages: America's Role in the Technetronic Era, literally jumped of the page:

"It will soon be possible to assert almost continuous control over every citizen and to maintain up-to-date files containing even the most personal details about health and personal behavior of every citizen, in addition to the more customary data. These files will be subject to instantaneous retrival by the authorities. Power will gravitate into the hands of those who control information."

McCullough: Lawmakers Must Face Divorce Issue

2010-02-23T16:12:00.000-06:00

Rep. Mark McCullough released the following statement today (unedited):

As lawmakers deal with the budget shortfall, they must also face the issue of family fragmentation, state Rep. Mark McCullough said today.

“Clearly, legislation alone will not solve the problem of divorce and family fragmentation, but we cannot afford to ignore the issue as it drains hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars,” said McCullough, R-Sapulpa.

House Bill 2634, by McCullough, would require two hours of pre-marital counseling before the issuance of a marriage license and provide a $45 dollar discount on a marriage license for couples getting more than eight hours of pre-marital counseling. The measure also allows for a “covenant marriage” license and requires court directed pre-divorce education classes for couples with children.

McCullough noted the counseling and divorce education provisions are already in state law, but are permissive and currently do not require participation.

House Bill 2634 was approved by the House Judiciary Committee this week on a 6-5 vote.

However, a similar measure was defeated on the House floor on Monday. House Bill 2543, by state Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), would have required couples to go through one hour of divorce counseling before they can file for divorce. The measure was defeated 37-57.

“Some are hesitant to support this legislation because of concerns about government becoming involved in this issue,” McCullough said. “Unfortunately, the state is already involved – big time. State government spends more than $400 million every year on the fallout of divorce.”

A recent study, “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing” conservatively estimates divorce has a dramatic impact on the cost of state government (largely through public assistance programs) – up to $430 million annually in Oklahoma.

“The bills Representative Wright and I filed each have a simple theme: reasonable, rational, and quite frankly, pretty mild proposals to encourage people to be deliberative about the marriage and divorce process,” McCullough said. “These are two simple proposals that could help Oklahomans that have no real downside.”

A third measure, House Bill 2279, by state Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), would have slowed the divorce process for couples with young children where just one spouse seeks a “no fault” divorce. That bill was defeated 3-7 in the House Judiciary Committee.

“Representative Kern knew it was controversial to challenge no fault divorce, but her perception is that the consequence of no fault – 40 years on – has been nothing less than catastrophic to the institution of marriage,” McCullough said. “Why not challenge the axiom of no fault’s supremacy?”

McCullough noted that research shows children from broken homes are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, seven times more likely to live in poverty and three times more likely to be expelled and receive lower grades. They also are more susceptible to substance abuse and mental health disorders.

“Government will not solve this problem but government is already heavily involved,” McCullough said. “We cannot pretend the state does not have role in the increasingly clear problem of family fragmentation.”

HB 2543 Fails in State House Vote

2010-02-23T09:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, HB 2543 failed to win approval in the state House of Representatives.

The bill, authored by Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), would have required couples contemplating a divorce to obtain one (1) hour of counseling before a petition for divorce could be filed.

The House vote was 37 for, 57 against, and 7 members were excused. More Republicans voted for the bill than Democrats, but the vote was bipartisan, with some Republicans voting against the bill.

To learn how your particular representative voted, click here and, then, find Feb. 22 vote for HB 2543 on Third Reading.

President Obama's Newest Health Care Proposal

2010-02-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

The White House today released its newest health care reform proposal.

The President's proposal mentions taxes at least 35 times, includes new fees for users of brand-name drugs, and continues the move toward a new electronic government database for all our medical information — something that, coincidentally, is now happening to public school students in the realm of K-12 education, as was discussed yesterday by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, at a meeting of the nation's governors.

You can read a PDF summary of the health care prepared by the White House by clicking here and looking for Key Documents February 22, 2010.

A health care reform meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 25. President Barack Obama will be attempting to sell Democrats and Republicans on his newest health care reform proposal, which, if approved, still puts America on the path toward a takeover of one-sixth of the economy.

It remains to be seen whether good faith negotiating between Congressional leaders and the White House will be encouraged this Thursday or whether this new meeting is just an opportunity for the President to use Alinsky-style tactics to take proponents of real, free-market based health care reforms to task for their unwillingness to agree to Mr. Obama's newest proposal.

Lady Liberty Enlightening the World

2010-02-21T12:59:00.002-06:00

Broadcaster Glenn Beck really knocked it out of the park yesterday at CPAC. If you didn't see the speech, you really owe it to yourself to see the reruns on C-SPAN or to view the entire speech on YouTube.

Here's a snippet. In this clip below, Beck talks about the Statue of Liberty, now we ususally — and wrongly — think of it today, and how it was originally intended to be received when it was given to the U.S. in 1876 by France on the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of our American Independence. It's a "barn-burner"!

Newt Gingrich and Glenn Beck to Speak at CPAC Today

2010-02-20T11:17:00.000-06:00

Today, both former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and popular radio talk show host Glenn Beck are scheduled to speak in Washington, D.C., to attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference. For over a quarter of a century, CPAC has been the premier educational and training conference of the Conservative movement.

C-SPAN will carry their speeches live today, Feb. 20th, and we invite you to watch and listen if your Saturday schedule permits.

Gingrich will speak today at 1 p.m. CST. A former history professor, Gingrich is an excellent speaker and always full of ideas and strong opinions.

Beck is scheduled to take the podium at 5 p.m. CST. It is expected that Beck, also a Fox News Channel personality, will talk about the origins and impact of the Progressive political movement of the early 20th century.

He will also likely educate attendees about its continuing huge impact on our nation and its governance, including Progressive assaults on the U.S. Constitution.

If you miss Gingrich and Beck the first time, expect for C-SPAN to replay them later tonight and tomorrow.

Judge Says 2009 Abortion Law Violated One-Subject Rule

2010-02-19T16:04:00.001-06:00

Oklahoma County District Judge Daniel L. Owens ruled Friday afternoon in Oklahoma City that a 2009 abortion law, HB 1595, is unconstitutional. The court, writing in Davis vs. W.A. Drew Edmondson, said the law violated the Oklahoma Constitution because it dealt with several different subjects, something the Oklahoma Constituion forbids. Laws must deal with only one subject, Owens said.

Oklahoma lawmakers had bundled several abortion-related pieces of legislation together and passed them as an omnibus measure in 2009, but the judge said that wasn't permitted.

Several of the measures Owens has now invalidated are working their way through the legislative process in 2010, this time as separate bills.

Attorney Teresa Collett, who argued in favor of HB 1595's legality, said she may appeal pending a review of Owen's opinion.

Please Vote for Marriage Network Oklahoma

2010-02-19T09:29:00.002-06:00

Marriage Network Oklahoma has an opportunity to win a new Web-site design, courtesy of Element Fusion, and YOU can be a crucial link in helping us to meet this need. Please click on the link below and vote for Marriage Network Oklahoma by Feb. 27th.

http://www.elementfusion.com/2010-giveaway-one-finalists

Also, forward the above link with a short note to all your friends and colleagues, too. Many thanks for voting for Marriage Network Oklahoma! The voting ends Feb. 27th.

State Budget Agreement Reached

2010-02-19T09:10:00.001-06:00

Late yesterday, it was announced that Gov. Brad Henry and Republican legislative leaders, Speaker of the House Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, had reached agreement on the state budget for FY 2010. According to their joint news release:

The agreement would spend three-eighths of the Rainy Day fund, or $223.5 million, for the budget shortfall in fiscal year 2010. The remainder of the FY10 shortfall will be filled with other state funds, federal stimulus dollars and revenue generated from previously announced targeted budget cuts to agencies.

The deal would also move a second three-eighths of the Rainy Day fund, or another $223.5 million, into the state’s Special Cash account.

If needed, the funds would be available for appropriation in the fiscal year 2011 to offset the shortfall certified by the Board of Equalization this week.

The agreement will leave one-fourth of the current Rainy Day Fund proceeds in the reserve account. A portion of those dollars could also be accessed if state leaders deemed it necessary later in session.

The agreement also directs additional state funds to education, health care and other areas and preserves a larger share of stimulus dollars for use later in the session.

Pastors, Lay-Leaders Invited to Learn Effective Premarital Preparation at March 4 Workshop

2010-02-18T17:07:00.006-06:00

• How confident do you feel when doing premarital counseling?
• Do you have a tool to effectively assess a couple in their strengths and needs before marriage?
• Do you have comprehensive materials to prepare a couple to marry?
• Would you like to learn how lay leaders can prepare couples for marriage?

Marriage Network Oklahoma is again presenting a training workshop for church and marriage ministry leaders —Preparing Couples for Marriage - "The Foundation of Marriage Ministry"

Workshop will include training for premarital education classes, premarital counseling, resources, and effectiveness

Thursday, March 4, 2010, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: 301 NW 63rd St. (just W of Broadway Ext.), Suite 110, Oklahoma City

Cost: $50 person (spouse comes free), MNO partner churches: no charge (partner churches email to register), includes lunch

Deadline for registration: February 26

To register: go to the http://www.marriagenetworkok.net/ , or call Donna Edwards, 405.792.2586, or email donna@marriagenetworkok.net

How Did the Early Christians of Rome Defeat Pagan Sexuality?

2010-02-18T11:06:00.000-06:00

That's the interesting topic to be addressed during a free Family Policy Lecture at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. next Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. CST. Thankfully, the lecture will be webcast worldwide by FRC, so you can listen in on the Web if you preregister here.

The speaker will be Dr. Peter Jones., the foremost evangelical scholar on neo-paganism. Dr. Jones, who has advanced degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, and Princeton Theological Seminary, wrote a fascinating book in 2006, The God of Sex: How Worldview Determines Sexuality. The book, which is available here (type Peter Jones in Amazon box), was an exploration of how God's view of sex (after all, He invented it) has been corrupted by today's cultural gatekeepers, who are influenced not by Christian truth, but by Playboy philosophy and neo-pagan spirituality.

Jones, in the book, made a fascinating assertion. He believes the primary goal, related to sexuality, of popular culture, Hollywood, music, new age spirituality, etc., is to convince young people to buy into the idea -- not that they are homosexual or heterosexual -- but that they are personally bisexual. That's why we are seeing things like the infamous on-stage kiss between Britney Spears and Madonna, the emergence of Lady Gaga, etc. Kids are being taught today by popular culture and peers that they can go back and forth like a revolving door between heterosexuality and homosexuality.

It light of this background, it will be wonderful to hear Dr. Jones discuss, How Did the Early Christians of Rome Defeat Pagan Sexuality? Preregister for the Webcast here.