Thoughts of Kashmir: Tension, then contentment, then worries over the now-prevailing ethos in the beloved land
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My father took this picture (atop this article) of my mother and me on my recent trip to Srinagar, in Kashmir.
Although I was exhausted after a 15 hour flight to New Delhi, and then an hour and a half flight to Srinagar, the sight of my parents renewed my spirits.
On that trip, every airport at which I had a layover seemed like the set for a apocalyptic movie.
Passengers had looks of paranoia on their faces. Everyone was in a mad rush to reach her/ his destination.
Seating areas at airport cafes and restaurants were closed.Passengers were wiping down seats before sitting on them. The world was shutting down.
Getting my travel documents and health certificates in the nick of time required trips to governmental offices in Dallas and Houston. But the adrenaline rush gave me an extra boost of energy.
Through all the chaos and insanity, all I was focused on was seeing my parents. And I was buoyed by my father’s look of contentment when he saw me. The reason I am able to look ahead today is because the time I got with my father gave me enormous peace.
He counted on me to make it home, and, by God’s infinite grace, I did.
He had lived his life making peace with the past and looking forward to the future. He had made it clear to his oncologist that he wouldn’t go for any radiation while I was there, because he didn’t want to lose even a minute with me.
Every conversation I had with him in those few hours was transformative, because he showed me, by example, to be grateful for life’s many gifts, even when death stares us in the face.
He was and remains a very fortunate man. Every chance my mother gets, she wants us to know how much peace and happiness Abba always gave her.
From such lovely memories, both long-past and recent, it may seem jarring to turn to the tragic recent events in my beloved Kashmir.
I have underlined in one of my books and in other places that because of the pervasive and rampant militarization, religious fundamentalism, and political corruption, it is a challenge to lead a dignified existence in Jammu & Kashmir.
The ethos of Kashmir has steadily over the decades, but especially in recent times, been violated by the curious fused outburst both secular nationalism and religious nationalism .
Any movement that claims to be political requires an internal critique to evolve and grow. Critique of violence as a given in public life -- not just of the oppressor but also of the oppressed as came from within the land after Abdul Gani Lone’s denunciation of the role played by “foreign militants” in Kashmir in the 1990s.
Some years ago -- at a seminar on “the role of the intellectual in the resistance” – Professor Abdul Gani Bhat and the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reinforced that internal critique by challenging the ruling order within their organizational alliance of religio-political parties. They also pointed out that
Abdul Gani Lone had to pay a high price for his role as a dissident who challenged the corrupt and non-indigenous ethos seeping into the separatist organization with which he was affiliated.
Kashmiri commentators (as well as those of other places) should understand that it isn’t just mainstream politics that has a controlling structure. People affiliated with what we deem “mainstream” organizations can be critical of controlling/ dominant discourses. It would be better for all if there was more healthy dissent. The trouble is, each loud voice for a more humane system puts himself or herself at risk in times such as these.
Some humility for critics would be wise. Remember: Not every member/ worker of a mainstream organization is elitist. Not every mainstream politician lives in a fortress. Any organization, whether mainstream or separatist, requires internal critiques to maintain idynamism.
Kashmiri society recognizes the terror caused by predatory discourses that swoop down on the vulnerable. And “the vulnerable” might include some with whom you disagree.
While it is necessary to call for a climate of accountability, it should be done from within a heterogeneous cultural and religious space, taking Jammu and Ladakh on board as well. Perhaps these words for my beloved Kashmir have some meaning for other contemporary political contexts.
Note: Dr. Nyla Ali Khan is a writer and a professor who now lives in Oklahoma, where she became an American citizen in March and voted for the first time on June 30. Like generations of immigrants to America in generations past. She remains concerned and prayerful about events in the land of her birth, which she writes about frequently.
Thoughts of Kashmir: Tension, then contentment, then worries over the now-prevailing ethos in the beloved land Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today (June 30) commended the U.S. Supreme Court for reversing a Montana Supreme Court decision that held Montana's school-choice scholarship program had to be eliminated because it allowed parents and their children the option of using scholarships at private religious schools.
The First Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court emphasized in “Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue,” "condemns discrimination against religious schools and the families whose children attend them."
“This landmark ruling is a major victory for school choice and religious liberty,” Attorney General Hunter said in a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK and other news organizations.
“The Constitution is clear: religious discrimination like this is un-American and unacceptable, and I am encouraged to see the court yet again enforce this principle. This decision will ensure that school-choice programs nationwide continue to provide families and their children with the opportunity to seek a quality education of their choosing -- religious or otherwise. My colleagues and I are very pleased with today’s opinion, and applaud the justices who voted to reinstate this important program.”
In September, the attorney general led a coalition of 18 state attorneys general and governors (https://ift.tt/3dHHMx6) in a brief encouraging the justices to reverse the Montana case on First Amendment grounds.
The Montana Supreme Court treated religious adherents as "pariah[s]," the attorney general argued, and its hostility endangered school-choice programs and religious liberty nationwide.
The U.S. Supreme Court cited half a dozen pages of the attorney general’s brief favorably in its majority opinion to refute the argument that religious discrimination of this sort is a "historic and substantial" tradition among the states. To the contrary, the court observed, "many States today — including those with no-aid provisions — provide support to religious schools through vouchers, scholarships, tax credits, and other measures." (https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-1195_g314.pdf)
Justice Samuel Alito also cited the attorney general's brief in his concurrence explaining the history of religious bigotry that underlies attempts to prevent religious people and institutions from participating in government programs.
www.CapitolBeatOK.com
U.S. Supreme Court Rules for School Choice and Religious Liberty, Cites Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter's Brief Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
Oklahoma City – A majority of the U.S. Supreme Court in mid-June reached for what Allie Shinn, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma characterized as “This is an incredible victory for the movement for LGBTQ+ equality. She said “The highest court in the land has ruled today that LGBTQ+ people can and should be protected from discrimination.”
While many local Progressive leaders applauded the outcome of the case, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, said in a statement sent to news organizations nationwide, “I am deeply concerned that the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively redefined the legal meaning of ‘sex’ in our nation’s civil rights law. This is an injustice that will have implications in many areas of life.”
Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion. He was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts. Gorsuch asserted for the majority: “We agree that homosexuality and transgender status are distinct concepts from sex. But, as we’ve seen, discrimination based on homosexuality or transgender status necessarily entails discrimination based on sex.”
The majority opinion in “Bostock v. Clayton County” seemed to anticipate the most explicit criticism, saying that the framers of Title VII’s provisions may not have anticipated the language would be used to include sexual orientation or transgender (sexual identity issues), “but the limits of the drafters’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law’s demands.”
Roberts and Gorush were joined by Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor.
The most stinging dissent from the majority opinion came from Justice Samuel Alito. Joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, Alito wrote: “There is only one word for what the Court has done today: legislation.” Justice Brett Kavanaugh also dissented, pointing out: “[U]nder the Constitution’s separation of powers, the responsibility to amend Title VII belongs to Congress and the President in the legislative process, not to this Court.”
Michael Redman, interim legal director for ACLU Oklahoma, shared Shinn’s enthusiasm, saying in a statement sent to The City Sentinel, “Besides the consideration of employment status, this decision also applies to the terms and conditions of that employment, including health benefits. Employers and their health insurance providers will have to evaluate their health plans to ensure gender parity for their transgender employees. We applaud and welcome the Supreme Court’s opinion.”
Archbishop Gomez, in his statement, observed, “Every human person is made in the image and likeness of God and, without exception, must be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Protecting our neighbors from unjust discrimination does not require redefining human nature.”
Another criticism came from Carrie Severino of the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative group working to support traditional approaches to judicial construction. She observed, “Justice [Antonin] Scalia would be disappointed that his successor [Gorusch] has bungled textualism so badly today, for the sake of appealing to college campuses and editorial boards. This was not judging, this was legislating—a brute force attack on our constitutional system.”
Oklahoma state Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City said: “[T]he Supreme Court affirmed a truth we already know: discrimination against the LGBTQ community is wrong, and it should be illegal. All Oklahomans deserve the opportunity to build a better life regardless of who they are or who they love. That’s why I’ve filed legislation with similar protections every year I’ve been in office.”
Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma state Democratic party, said the “historic” victory “could not have happened without the courageous actions of thousands of activists and the many fighting for equal rights.”
The issue will likely come before the Court again, but with a narrower scope.
Justice Alito pointed to Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups which filed briefs predicting “open conflict with faith based employment practices of numerous churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions.” Gorsuch, in his opinion, appeared to anticipate future challenges to the new case law may be based on the “ministerial exception” in existing statutory language, but pointed out that issue was not explicitly an issue in any of the issues presented in “Bostock” and its companion case, “Altitude Express, Inc. v. Zarda.”
Days after the Bostock ruling, Democrats in the U.S. Senate moved for a vote on the Equality Act, which could impact the ministerial exception.
Another arena of future conflict could involve matters raised in a Connecticut, where three female athletes have challenged the entry of transgender women into high school competitions.
Oklahoma City area groups supportive of the LGBTQ+ agenda gathered at the Diversity Center in the heart of the city the night of the High Court decision. U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Oklahoma City, was one of the speakers.
‘Bostock’ Decision called “an incredible victory” – or “an injustice that will have implications in many areas” Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
Oklahoma City -- The latter stages of the Fifth Congressional District contest have turned even more contentious than customary for current politics – and that’s saying a lot.
An independent expenditure has assailed state Senator Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma City on a few issues. The national group bashing Bice put her in the same category as one of the most despised human beings in the world, a film-maker whose treatment of women is a deserved focus of scorn.
The negative television ads are aimed at persuading voters in Tuesday’s Republican primary for the Fifth District Congressional seat now held by a Democrat.
The ad’s attempt to tie her to that atrocious fellow is distressing to many, given that Bice has never, ever, been seen as soft on sex crimes. In fact, she has been a leader in nuanced criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing prison/jail overcrowding without weakening strict punishments for sex crimes.
In a statement and interactions with reporters on Saturday (June 27), Bice said the new attacks are “more laughable than the first. The first time they linked me to a convicted rapist who preyed on women. This time they want you to believe that because I supported Carly Fiorina in the 2016 presidential primary that I don’t support President Trump. It’s laughable. I support President Trump.”
The outside group’s advertising seems intended to benefit businesswoman Terry Neese. That’s interesting because both Bice and Neese backed businesswoman Fiorina in the 2016 presidential campaign, and both are Trump supporters in the here and now.
Bice observed, “This same group spent millions of dollars attacking President Trump during the 2016 presidential election – the phrase “Never Trump” was coined to describe them and their leaders. They continue their sexist attacks against me because they think Oklahomans are clueless. We’re not.
“Earlier this week, when the sexist Harvey Weinstein ad appeared, I asked my fellow candidates, particularly the other female candidates to join me in denouncing it. They didn’t.
“[Saturday,] I called Terry Neese and asked her to join me [at a press availability] in denouncing this ad. I thought she would want to do it because Terry was the National Finance Chair for Carly Fiorina and Carly has actually endorsed Terry in this race. She did not respond.”
Bice concludes that, for Neese, “Sexist attacks are ok, if they aren’t happening to you.”
* * *
James Taylor is a long-shot candidate in the Fourth Congressional District. He is taking on an incumbent who has held the seat for 18 years.
Taylor is an Oklahoma City public school school teacher of history, meaning he is a hero deserving of consideration. He and his wife pastor a Norman church. He is ardently pro-life, a defender of the U.S. Constitution, and a critic of high taxation.
The City Sentinel newspaper (where I am publisher) observed in an endorsement editorial, “Bottom line for taxpayers: In James Taylor, You’ve got a friend.”
That missive continued, “Taylor is challenging an incumbent who has served for decades. He has become an increasing part of the flawed bipartisan consensus in the nation’s capital city.
“Further, the incumbent member of Congress is a reliable ally of the dominant Big Tribes, in which leaders have insisted on protected monopoly status, squeezing out the economic options of the state’s smaller tribal nations.
“This endorsement is not driven by the incumbent’s failings, but by the challenger’s merits.”
He is African-American, and active with the Frederick Douglass Foundation, among other things. James Taylor is an interesting alternative, in a decidedly interesting year.
***
Tom Guild, a friend since the days he was a Republican and a professor at University of Central Oklahoma, took a turn to the left a couple of decades ago – and then another turn to the left.
He is seeking the Democratic party nod in the Fifth Congressional District, wanting to replace incumbent U.S. Representative Kendra Horn, whose victory in 2018 was one of the most jarring in the country for the Grand Old Party.
In emailed press releases, Guild has attacked Rep. Horn for scattered votes he deems insufficiently liberal.
A few days ago, he slammed her as “one of the tiny band of Democrats voting against raising the wage for hard working Americans.” He also slammed her for a vote against U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine’s push to limit the president’s powers as commander-in-chief. That measure was vetoed, and the veto was sustained.
For her part, Horn has stayed calm and focused on securing her party’s nod for a second term. She is holding townhalls, discussions with voters and is responsive to constituent service requests.
Although hers is considered one of the top potential seats to pick-up or regain in the nation, she is well-positioned for another term. Republicans will have to choose a good nominee and unite around the final choice, and even then Rep. Horn might win in November.
Analysis: Fifth District election advertising turns divisive for the GOP, Taylor’s an interesting alternative in the Fourth District, Horn is “steady on,” as her primary foe attacks Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors (AOGC), an 85-year-old trade association representing all Oklahoma road and bridge builders, has announced endorsements in three Republican primary races.
Preston Stinson is the AOGC choice in state House District 96.
“My experience with Stinson is that he is eager to learn,” AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem said. “After reviewing the 8-year construction work plan, he immediately saw the value in a long-term plan that helped build Oklahoma’s infrastructure.”
Stinson has a background in construction and small business and has an innate drive to put Oklahomans back to work again.
“His conservative values and past experience working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation makes him ready to hit the ground running when elected,” Stem continued. “Stinson was also particularly impressed with the accountability of the plan, and that its public distribution also increased the transparency of the department.”
In mid-June, AOGC announced support for Gerrid Kendrix in the Oklahoma House District 52 Republican primary. The seat is currently held by term-limited Representative Charles Ortega.
“The AOGC is endorsing Gerrid Kendrix for House District 52 because his experience in public accounting as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is what our state needs to come back from a challenging economic time,” AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem said. “Kendrix’s financial expertise will help guarantee that the $60 million in local projects from the 8 Year Construction Plan come to fruition.”
Earlier in June, AOGC announced an endorsement for Mike Dobrinski in the House District 59 race.
“We are endorsing Mike Dobrinski for House District 59 because he supports small businesses and our state’s infrastructure,” AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem said. “His stances on these key issues are what make him the perfect candidate for the seat.”
Dobrinski has extensive business experience in the auto industry and has owned Chevrolet dealerships in Okeene and Kingfisher for more than 35 years.
In a press release sent to CapitolBeatOK and other news organizations, AOGC leadership said the group “supports the candidacy of small business owners like Dobrinski to help build Oklahoma’s economy and provide good-paying jobs.”
About The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors: The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors is a statewide organization promoting transportation through the state members including service providers and contractors who work together for the advancement of Oklahoma’s economy through transportation projects. For more information, visit WeBuildOklahoma.com.
through transportation projects. For more information, visit WeBuildOklahoma.com. Association of Oklahoma General Contractors backing Stinson, Kendrix and Dobrinski in Republican state House primary races Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
In the 2018 Republican primary in Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District, The City Sentinel newspaper endorsed educator James Taylor (https://ift.tt/2CGkr24).
That support is renewed today.
Dr. Taylor is active with the Frederick Douglass Foundation and is one of the “Patriot Pastors.”
A product of Manhattan Christian College and Kansas State University, Taylor garnered additional educational heft at Cincinnati Bible Seminary, and studied Psychology at Hardin Simmons. His doctorate is from Andersonville Theological Seminar.
He and his wife, Raphala, are co-pastors at Christ’s Church in Norman.
He is a U.S. History teacher with many years of experience (most recently at Roosevelt Middle School in the Oklahoma City public school system) who has resided in the Fourth District for many years.
Dr. Taylor is a man of principle. He opposed the public school teachers’ strike in 2018, saying t that time, "We need to get back in the schools and teach. That’s what we’re contracted for.” He worked throughout the strike, developing plans for the students, who eventually returned.
James Taylor is a consistent conservative. Bottom line for taxpayers: In James Taylor, You’ve got a friend.
Taylor is challenging an incumbent who has served for decades. He has become an increasing part of the flawed bipartisan consensus in the nation’s capital city.
Further, the incumbent member of Congress is a reliable ally of the dominant Big Tribes, in which leaders have insisted on protected monopoly status, squeezing out the economic options of the state’s smaller tribal nations.
This endorsement is not driven by the incumbent’s failings, but by the challenger’s merits.
For a fresh start, for principled governance and for representative values, James Taylor is the right choice for Republicans in the Fourth Congressional District.
In Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District Republican Primary: For James Taylor Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
Nyla Ali Khan will, in July, present an overview of the opportunities and difficulties within current events. Her comments will be circulated via the Internet, for Oklahoma City’s Mayflower Congregational Church.
Dr. Nyla, whose writings often appear in The City Sentinel print edition and online, and at CapitolBeatOK, an online news service, agreed to share with this writer her prepared notes, the framework from which she spoke for her guest sermon, which is scheduled for July 12.
A citizen of the United States since March of this year, Khan has lived in the United States for 22 years. However, the native of Kashmir has traveled back to the land of her birth many times over the past two decades. She has a uniquely well-informed perspective on developments in both her homeland and her chosen country and state.
Echoing reflections on education and debate she has shared previously, Dr. Nyla asserts, “It is unfortunate that the average US citizen knows very little about how local, state, or federal governments work, which is why it is necessary to begin civic education in early grades, and this should press upon high school seniors the importance of registering to vote.”
In an observation apparently directed at all contending factions here and abroad, she believes,
“It is or, at least, should be inconceivable, in the day and age of a global economy, to spurn the concepts of reason, rationality, and political and moral ethics.”
She worries about the lack of depth in some assertions or demands in the public sphere these days: "Sloganeering, rabble rousing, demanding the incorporation of articles in constitutions, and other theoretical issues are all very well, but the real test is whether these theories have a real impact in institutions, instead of being just hollow words. So, belittling the importance of community and institution building would be highly irresponsible. Our young people need to remember that despite the several letdowns, the process of democratization is an evolutionary one and does not provide instant solutions.”
To be sure, the South Asian Muslim woman explicitly encourages students, and all of us, “to think constructively about change within organizations and institutions. Politics should no longer be an abstract notion for young people, but a concrete method to bring about long-term reforms, which younger generations could build on. In politics, the only viable way is forward, not a constant looking back. And policies and methods must be revisited, revised, and readjusted in order to meet today's needs.”
Born in India, with ancestral roots in Kashmir (a region divided between the control of India and Pakistan), Professor Khan was previously a visiting professor at the University of Oklahoma and an associate professor for the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She taught online classes this spring, working for Rose State College, where she has been a professor in recent time.
Dr. Nyla has emerged in recent years as a vital leader for Oklahoma City’s increasingly diverse population (https://ift.tt/3832lTE). She spoke recently at a rally protesting the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
A highly successful educator and published author whose books and essays are featured around the world by diverse news organizations, she believes the journey to female empowerment must continue far beyond the current advance, observing, “It is important to delve into concrete and viable ways in which women politicians on both sides of the aisle in this country, Republican and Democrat, can reestablish their historic ties with dialogue and peace, instead of blindly advocating militarization and military invasions overseas.”
Dr. Nyla commends thoughtful activism for the lives of people of all ages, and in every region of the country, lifting up writers and leaders in rural areas she has observed in America and elsewhere who are passionate about social progress: “Our young people are beginning to recognize the influence that the local community can exercise, and to think constructively about change within organizations and institutions. Politics should no longer be an abstract notion for young people, but a concrete method to bring about long-term reforms, which younger generations could build on. In politics, the only viable way is forward, not a constant looking back. And policies and methods must be revisited, revised, and readjusted in order to meet today's needs.”
Near the end of her prepared text, Dr. Nyla issues a heartfelt plea to the contending diverse voices of today’s world: “The truth is that it is time to summon up the courage to initiate a politics of construction. Can we build common ground to lessen polarization? A fragmented society cannot accomplish anything, either politically or socioeconomically. As Abraham Lincoln said in 1858, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” So, with faith in the values of the wonderful people here who have made time and a consistent effort to standing up for growth, education, and justice, I know that we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. My mantra is building bridges and communities, not walls.”
Dr. Nyla’s July 12 appearance is part of Mayflower UCC’s 2020 Distinguished Pulpit series. For more information visit http://www.mayflowerucc.org/NewSermonArchive.php
Note: Patrick B. McGuigan is an award-winning reporter and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Dr. Nyla Ali Khan will address our challenging times on July 12 for Mayflower UCC’s Distinguished Pulpit Series Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
Kendra Horn ran a strong campaign in 2018 to unseat a Republican incumbent with a conservative record on public policy, but a noted lack of passion for the process of policy and politics. From her first major campaign event on “film row” in downtown Oklahoma City, Horn was methodical and determined. She believed she could win – then she ran smart and intentionally.
Horn had the audacity to run, and she made her own breaks: Her drive to victory was marked by strong fundraising, and tireless campaigning. She was good in media interviews, and great on the doorsteps of the district.
Since taking the oath, she has been a serious member of Congress, and is continuing in her development. Her work with other members of the Oklahoma delegation (all Republicans) has been notable.
Horn has a serious and substantive style and a record on which to stand before voters in November, to say: “I’d like another two years.” Republicans will have to work hard and smart if they want to deny her that second term.
Horn voted to impeach President Trump, which endeared her to the Democratic base but infuriated many Republicans and some independents. To be scrupulously fair, she approached that serious vote with a professional demeanor and respect for those who disagreed. In this day and age, that is notable in and of itself.
The City Sentinel’s endorsement philosophy, detailed previously in print and online, leads the newspaper to make the best possible recommendation as the nominees for each major political party.
Endorsements from The City Sentinel newspaper are an affirmation of the person endorsed – not necessarily a criticism of other candidates. This aims to encourage qualified individuals to seek public office and serve our community and state. Endorsements reflect the preferences of the newspaper’s owners/publisher.
Our pattern has been to support the best candidate possible in the primary process, and await voters’ selection of nominees before final decisions are made for the general election.
We do not intend nor imply, unless otherwise stated, criticism of those who disagree with these endorsements.
Republicans profess confidence they can unseat Horn, the first Democrat to hold the job since the 1970s. But Oklahoma City and environs clearly shifted from “red” to “purple” in 2018. The district is and will likely remain competitive. Horn has done her best to weave herself into the community, building ties with business people and not voting in total lockstep with national Democratic leaders.
Her best-known party intra-party critic has run for the job every two years for the past decade. A good man, he is not the best choice for Democrats who want to keep this seat.
It seems clear, even obvious, that Kendra Horn is the best choice for the Democratic nod in Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District, but stating the obvious might seem like an act of courage in these troubled times.
The City Sentinel endorses incumbent U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn in the Democratic Fifth District primary race on June 30.
In Democratic Primary for Fifth District U.S. House of Representatives: For Kendra Horn Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles In Republican Primary for Fifth District U.S. House of Representatives: For Stephanie Bice6/24/2020
Oklahoma Republicans in the Fifth Congressional District hope to regain the seat based in and around Oklahoma County. Against an incumbent who has national financing and a substantive political style, they will need to nominate their strongest option to have a realistic chance for victory in November.
The City Sentinel supports state Senator Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma City for the Republican nomination. Reasons for this newspaper’s support of her in the primary follow.
Our endorsement philosophy, detailed previously in print and online, leads the newspaper to make the best possible recommendation as the nominees for each major political party.
Endorsements from The City Sentinel newspaper are an affirmation of the person endorsed – not necessarily a criticism of other candidates. This aims to encourage qualified individuals to seek public office and serve our community and state. Endorsements reflect the preferences of the newspaper’s owners/publisher.
Our pattern has been to support the best candidate possible in the primary process, and await voters’ selection of nominees before final decisions are made for the general election.
We do not intend nor imply, unless otherwise stated, criticism of those who disagree with these endorsements.
In this particular race, we must state that recent independent expenditure attacks aimed at Bice are a reflection of the “all or nothing” approach so common in present political rhetoric. Bice’s primary foes are rejoicing and joining in attacks on the front-runner, but all Republicans should remember the old political saw: What goes around, come around.
Two years ago, Sen. Bice supported some tax measures that boosted revenues for public schools. She supported the position of the state’s lieutenant governor in retaining business incentives.
These positions are being characterized in the worst possible light for a woman who has, unlike her primary foes, held public office and therefore possesses a record.
About that record: 96 percent support for the pro-business policy agenda.
Repeated support for pro-life measures throughout the last six years – actual votes, not rhetoric.
Stephanie Bice is a reformer. She is the reason Oklahoma’s once-archaic liquor laws now reflect the views of most Oklahomans.
She helped push to enactment needed improvements in identifying children with dyslexia.
Stephanie Bice is a change agent who has worked on substantive criminal justice reforms in the contentious “real world” of the Legislature, rather than mouthing the slogans of many on the left and the right.
Stephanie Bice is an experienced leader whose time at the Legislature makes her the only Republican running who has a substantive record with actual votes on actual proposals. Her record offers a clear substantive contrast with the Democratic incumbent.
In this era, those willing to serve in public office – we reference here women and men in both political parties – deserve credit for entering the contentious and often bitter arena of Oklahoma and American elections. They put themselves on the line and stand on their principles each time they cast a vote.
Stephanie Bice is representative of the best, not the worst, in us.
The City Sentinel believes that state Senator Stephanie Bice is strongest choice to face the incumbent member of Congress in the November general election.
Republicans are encouraged to nominate Stephanie Bice.
In Republican Primary for Fifth District U.S. House of Representatives: For Stephanie Bice Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles
JJ Stitt is the best Republican choice to serve the people as Oklahoma’s new “Mr. Smith” – a non-politician infused with mainstream conservative policy and personal values.
If he is nominated on June 30 and then victorious in November, he would join the Sooner State’s present junior senator as an independent but conservative reform voice.
Stitt contends he is the strongest Second Amendment candidate “to ever come forward.”
He is certainly unapologetic in his defense of core constitutional principles, including limited government.
The incumbent senior U.S. Senator has grown comfortable in the nation’s capital.
His years as a reformer passed into the rear-view mirror some time back, as did those of the Democrat he replaced in 1994.
Without rancor or bitterness, the belief here is it is time for new blood in the U.S. Senate
A 17-year veteran of law enforcement, JJ Stitt remains an active and passionate supporter of law enforcement in his community. He says policing agencies must “weed out” any bad apples, and that’s just plain common sense. In past law enforcement work, he was assigned to a federal task force focused on Internet Crimes Against Children.
As his campaign’s online biographical sketch reports, he currently manages STITT Farms, carrying on his grandfather’s registered brand. His farming work includes rye and wheat (every year) and he is a registered Black Hereford breeder.
About that last name, JJ and “the other Stitt” are distant cousins, linked by a great-grandfather’s bloodline. Last names don't always imply similarity, but both Stitts are strong conservatives who bring fresh energy to the arena.
JJ Stitt told The City Sentinel that, for starters, he wants “to be half the Senator Tom Coburn was.” That would make an excellent addition to the upper house of Congress.
In the Republican U.S. Senate primary, The City Sentinel endorses JJ Stitt.
Republicans: Nominate JJ Stitt, who says he wants to be “half the Senator Tom Coburn was” Click on the headline to read the full article at Site Articles |
Pat McGuiganThe dean of all Oklahoma Journalism, Mr Patrick McGuigan; has a rich history of service in many aspects of both covering the news and producing the information that the public needs to know. Archives
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