SoonerPolitics.org

Kirby Investigation Widens: 2nd Accuser Emerges

1/19/2017

Carol Johnson stepped forward Wednesday, to tell her story of repeated harassment from Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa). The Oklahoman filed this report from her testimony before the House Rules special subcommittee, formed to respond to concerns about previous legislatures and the former Speaker of the House, Jeff Hickman.

"It made me feel terrible," Carol Johnson, 37, of Norman, told The Oklahoman on Wednesday. "You feel very ashamed. ... It makes you doubt your worth."

Johnson said Kirby, R-Tulsa, repeatedly asked her for nude photos of herself and made constant unwelcome remarks about her body and attire. She said, at his request, she once accompanied him and another man in 2013 to an Oklahoma City strip club.

Johnson spoke Wednesday afternoon for more than an hour to the special House committee that is investigating Kirby and Rep. Will Fourkiller, D-Stilwell.

Read the full report in the Oklahoman.

A 2012 photo, of the two legislators, posing with a woman believed to be Carol Johnson.

Patrick Henry: - Risked Death Daily, To Care For His Mentally Ill Wife

1/18/2017

The Greatest statesmen are often heroes in their own homes.

A man of inspiring patriotic words; Patrick Henry's most admirable traits may be more basic that what he did publicly to inspire revolution. His legacy of love for his deeply ill wife drove him to great lengths of sacrifice even as he risked death in order to provide humane care to the love of his life.
The Smithsonian published a story about Patrick Henry which few ever know of. That he refused to subject the dillionional woman to what was supposedly the most state-of-the-art hospital in the colonies, at that time.

Scotchtown - the Patrick Henry plantation

Pruitt Hearings Begin..

1/18/2017

The Senate Environment & Public Works Committee gaveled into session around 9am, today.
Oklahoma Attorney General, Scott Pruitt, was seated before a committee where Senator Jim Inhofe is one of the more senior members. Senator James Lankford stood by his fellow Oklahoman and Southern Baptist churchgoer.
The dramatics are sure to be over the top, as well as the pontificating of many left-leaning groups.
This is just one of 3 key confirmation hearings set for today.

House Leaders Speak Openly On Social Media About Investigation, Answering Many Citizens' Questions..

1/15/2017

In what may be a truly groundbreaking new application of media resources, State lawmakers are finding new opportunities to communicate directly to concerned citizens about some of the most highly charged issues at the state capitol.
A case in point is the Rules Committee's work to investigate the Sexual Harassment charges of some of the current and past members. This week, Rep David Perryman became the point person for the minority and he made a dramatic show of his choice to walk out of the hearings. The Rules Committee created a select investigative subcommittee from their own membership, to investigate The payout of money to settle claims of wrongful termination of a Legislative Assistant (Hollie Bishop) who just happened to have filed a sexual harassment complaint several weeks earlier.
Perryman's protest is reported in SoonerPolitics' previous reports: Perryman Decries.. & Perryman Proposes..
As is our publishing practice, the articles were posted to the SoonerPolitics Facebook Group, for readers to weigh in.
Our readers possess incredible insights and knowledge of all levels of government and they never shy away from their participatory role in bringing about needed reforms. This was evident, over the weekend when the controversy over the rules of the investigation were discussed and explained.

Jon Echols: "Al Gerhart, very good point. And I agree with you that the final report must be public (including details of what was reviewed. I actually think you and I agree on most points it is just the process to get there. And I will admit, you have made me think a great deal about the process. At a minimum I think this discussion will lead to a much better final product."

Vice Chair Explains Secrecy In House Harassment Investigation

1/13/2017

Rep Kevin West responded to the concerns of Oklahomans regarding the high level of secrecy that the House Rules Committee Chairman, Josh Cockroft; is proposing to the committee charged with investigation recent sexual harassment scandals and cash settlements paid out. He posted the sentiments in a reply to Sooner Politics' Facebook post. Republican leaders have joined the conversation and weighed in with concerns for transparency and accountability to the citizens. Sooner Tea Party President, Al Gerhart weighed in; as well as Presidential Elector, David Oldham. We posted Gerhart's sentiments further into this report. Readers may join the conversation at SoonerPolitics Facebook Group.

Rep. Kevin West,(R-Moore) of the House Rules Committee

As Vice Chairman of this committee I can tell you that everything that can be released after the investigation is over absolutely will be. However, you have to keep a couple of factors in mind…

One of the most important components of a workplace environment free of harassment and discrimination is to have a workplace full of people who know they have the protection against retaliation should they need to come forward and lodge a complaint. They cannot feel that the information will not be kept in confidence (and almost assuredly wouldn’t lodge the complaint) if they didn't, especially if they felt that the details would be available for the press and all the world to see. An employee needs to know that each situation would be looked into with the utmost integrity and confidentiality as possible.

As any other entity is (private and public sector), we are required by law through the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) as an employer to make sure of the confidentiality of allegations to the greatest extent possible. We can’t guarantee complete and total confidentiality since we can’t look into the investigation without revealing highly personal and private information to the committee members, but there has to be an accountability measure in place to keep the members held to a standard under law and from sharing that private information.

If we were holding public meetings right now, the press and the public would know every detail of that highly personal information, and it would be devastating for those who come along in the future needing to lodge a complaint, knowing that their lives would be aired out for the world to see.

In short, we are required by law to conduct these meetings under complete confidentiality. If we did not, the EEOC would sue the state and fighting that legal battle would be a costly affair.

However, we can and we will come forward at the end of these investigations and make every piece of information that is permissible and available outside of attorney client privileges available to the public. No matter how much individuals may not like it, we cannot ignore the strict legal consequences and the potential further harm to the alleged victims in this case should we release everything at this time.

This isn’t about playing games or partisan politics, this is about the law and our deep respect for our actions reflecting the ability for every employee to feel safe from retaliation.
- Rep Kevin West, House Rules committee

Inhofe & Lankford Vote Against Open Trade For Consumers

1/13/2017

Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Rand Paul were among 9 Republicans who sided with the amendment. But 13 Democrats crossed over to kill the consumer empowerment measure.
In the late night vote-a-rama of Wednesday, A Minnesota senator pressed an amendment to a healthcare bill which involves the ability of uninsured consumers to leverage their limited assets by purchasing maintenance medications from Winnipeg pharmacies and other sources.
  This is one issue which eventually ended the political career of former 1st District Congressman, John Sullivan. It seems Jim Inhofe and James Lankford are going down the same path of taking Pharmaceutical lobbyists' money in exchange for placing an import ban on drugs made in America, but reimported back into the country at generic prices. The standard defense is that safety standards are not assured by our own FDA. But that doesn't stop Swiss chocolates from being purchased over the internet, does it?
  The US consumers actually subsidize low Canadian prices because pharmaceutical corporations have obtained extended patent rights in the US. market.
  In the USA, they have 143% more time to recoup their investment. Many other nations allow generics to produce identical products after the first 7 years. But the USA expends the trade protectionist term to 17 years and even allows the medicine to apply for a second 17 year patent protection.

State & Local Officials In Weather Emergency Response

1/13/2017

Last night, Gov. Mary Fallin declared a winter weather emergency. Ice is now accumulating in the central and northern regions of the state. The following counties are now responding to their own specific public safety dangers:

Oklahoma City metro is now dealing with freezing rain threats. Road crews are doing their best to treat specific dangers on arterial streets. News 9 has full coverage on their website. Tulsa appears to be spared, so far. Only rain is expected, but Early Saturday morning could be dangerous, especially on neighborhood streets, where city road crews do not treat the surfaces.
The crisis will pass quickly, though. The southern front will eventually push the temps above freezing for most of the state by noon on saturday.
This is where voters truly get to see the fitness of elected officials in their communities, county, as well as the state as a whole.

Perryman Proposes Outside Committee To Investigate Harassment Scandals

1/13/2017

After walking out of the organizational meeting of the House Rules Committee, Rep. David Perryman (D-Chickasha), responded formally to Chairman Josh Cockroft in an open letter. Here is the text of that protest letter and alternative proposal...

Chairman Cockroft,
I am extremely disappointed in decisions that you have made regarding the special investigation requested by Speaker Charles McCall. Speaker McCall has pledged transparency and accountability during his leadership. Likewise, you stated last week that you had “complete confidence in this committee and that truth, due process, and the integrity of this body will prevail.” Unfortunately, your actions over the past few days do not indicate sincerity in that regard.
Rep. David Perryman
You have informed committee members that they:

Must sign a pre-prepared Confidentiality Agreement: before they can possess a copy of the rules that you have proposed; before they can attend an organizational meeting where the proposed rules will be discussed; before they will be admitted into the committee meeting room where the committee will meet to adopt the rules; that defines non-confidential information as confidential and effectively places committee members under a “gag order” regarding facts and documents that have already been released to the public and regarding public records that are subject to the open record act; and binds them to Rules of Procedure before those rules are even adopted.
Are prohibited from disclosing the proposed rules to the public;
Must comply with proposed rules that prevent them from independently attempting to identify or call potential witnesses to testify;
Are prohibited from calling witnesses without the permission of the chairman of the committee;
Are prohibited from asking questions of witnesses unless the chairman of the committee allows the questions to be asked;
Are prohibited from preparing a separate report if they do not agree with the report of the chairman;
Are prohibited from publicly stating that they voted against any action of the committee or against the final committee report prepared by the Chairman.

Perryman Decries House Secrecy Mandate On Harassment Scandals

1/12/2017

A leading voice of the Democrats in the Oklahoma legislature, Rep. David Perryman, has refused to pledge a secrecy oath as required by the Rules Committee Chairman, Josh Cockroft.
The story in today's Tulsa World describes a showdown being played out in the state's media. Here's part of that dialogue:

Rep. David Perryman, D-Chickasha, walked out after refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement he said hampered transparency and undermined his independence as a lawmaker. He also disagreed with rules adopted by the committee.

Only those who signed the agreement were allowed to participate in the closed portion of the meeting.

“This is simply allowing the majority party to control the information, to control access to that information and to control the release of that information — information that the public is entitled to,” Perryman said.

He said that he did not disagree with keeping some issues confidential, but the confidentially agreement went too far and covered the use of public funds to settle sexual harassment claims.

“It is a kangaroo hearing is what it is,” Perryman said of the panel and process.

The Rules Committee is investigating the actions of former Speaker, Jeff Hickman, in using state funds to settle a claim of sexual harassment and wrongful termination, brought by Hollie Bishop, an employee of the House, and assigned to Rep. Dan Kirby.
The committee is also investigating a harassment alegation leveled against Rep Will Fourkiller, brought by a teenage female page who was interning at the capitol during a week in Spring regular session.

  Both Kirby & Fourkiller were easily reelected to new terms, last November. The sexual harassment charges were kept secret by former Speaker Hickman, who termed out of elective office. Hickman settled the state's potential liability in the matter, in his last hours in office.

  Kirby initially resigned from office, but rescinded his resignation within a week. He was technically able to, because his initial declaration was not rendered directly to the Governor, as the state constitution requires.

  Bishop is said to be residing in Norman, OK, and no longer involved in state government employment. She did hire a law firm to represent her legal claim against the House of Representatives for the chamber's part in terminating her shortly after she filed a harassment claim. The official termination came without any cause listed.

  Bishop received more than $28,000. Her legal counsel was paid separately, in excess of $16,000. Hickman labeled the payment as housekeeping and cleaning services.

Read the full report of the Tulsa World, here.

Hollie Ann Bishop

Keating To Join OCPA Board

1/11/2017

Former governor, Frank Keating, announced that he has agreed to help direct the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.
He further elaborated that former US Senator, Tom Coburn will also be a new member of the board of directors at OCPA.
"We're the two new guys at OCPA".

Rep. Fourkiller Acused of Sexual Harassment

1/10/2017

The Democrat incumbent state Legislator is the latest politician to face scrutiny for his behavior..
Speaker McCall's spokesman, Jason Sutton, said; "a formal sexual harassment complaint against Fourkiller was made to the House Human Resources Department in April 2015. The House general counsel met with Fourkiller after the complaint was filed to discuss it," Sutton said.
Fourkiller's response came quickly;

After being told the incident happened in April 2015, Fourkiller said; "I was informed by the House chief clerk and an attorney that a female page said Fourkiller had made her feel uncomfortable. I do not know what I did or said, but whatever it was I certainly didn’t mean to do it, and I apologized,” he said.

He said that is the only incident that he was made aware of by House staff.

The House declined to release a copy of the complaint, saying it was part of the complaining party’s personnel file and can’t be disclosed. There was no financial settlement in the complaint against Fourkiller, Sutton said.

This could become a poisonous new tool of political mud-throwing for the worst elements of partisan politics. If accusers are given total anonymity but the accused have no means of defending themselves in a political theater, the outcome could become toxic.
Read the breaking news at the Tulsa World.

Healthcare Costs Escalated From ObamaCare

1/9/2017

Since the January, 2014 rollout of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), the Democrats' claim of an inevitable drop in family healthcare spending has proven to be a lie.
And not just a little lie.
Texas Senator, John Cornyn called it; "One of the biggest cases of consumer fraud ever perpetrated upon the people of the United States."
In the previous few years, American consumers had seen a relative leveling of healthcare expenses. Even a slight dip. But that all changed when millions of people were forced to buy massive "smorgasbord" plans which covered things they could not biologically ever have to face.

Catholic nuns were forced to buy abortifacient birth control coverage.
Young men were covered for pap smears and mammograms.
Menopause women were forced to retain maternity coverage.

These are just a few reasons why ObamaCare has been the worst experiment in economic fascism (corporatism) that the USA has ever suffered.

On January 1st, 2014; the ObamaCare mandates changed the healthcare industry.

9 Charts That Democrats Don't Talk About

1/9/2017

These are the numbers you didn't want to face. When you see the real status of our propped up economy, it seems we may need some strong medicine and rather stern rehabilitation, to get back to Reagan-esque economic health.
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) produces graphic charts of what would overwise be glazey-eyed mountains of numbers which most of us would not fully appreciate.
Social media is now disseminating a montage of 9 very telling charts, representing the health and robust-ness(is that a word?), of our US economy.
In the 2 charts below, we see the Tulsa & OKC basic economic health.

Pollard Calls Oklahoma Republicans To May 6th OKGOP Convention

1/9/2017

Public Release for County & Precinct Chairmen, from Pam Pollard:

State GOP Convention: May 6th

Dear Chairmen,

Precinct Packets are ready! As promised, we have completely re-organized the precinct packets for 2017.

Chose one of the 3 options below to download the new Precinct Packets.

The packets are organized into 2 sections. The first section is for the County Chairman and is numbered as County Chairman’s Page 1-10. These pages are information for you to organize your meetings and convention. There is a CALENDAR OF EVENTS for deadlines as well as the State’s activities through the State Convention. Please keep the list of contact information for help with your meetings and convention.

Guest Editorial: 'We're Mental, But Not Dangerous'

1/8/2017

Stand-up comedian, Dave Mowry, has a mental illness. He wants us all to understand that it doesn't make folks like him any more violent than the broader public, as a whole.
Dave has bipolar disorder and severe anxiety and suffered in silence for most of his adult life Five years ago Dave took a stand-up comedy class and it transformed him by showing him how to find humor in his darkest experiences. Dave now teaches stand-up comedy to other folks with a mental illness and sees the same transformation happen in them.
His article first appeared in BPtoday.

We are not dangerous. We are friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. We are stars and other notable people such as Carrie Fisher and Robin Williams and most of us function well in this life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health 18.1% of population in the United States or 43 million Americans live with mental illness. I am one of them.

I have bipolar disorder. I have suffered from the stigma. I have faced discrimination in personal, work and business life. I have been the one hiding in the shadows and suffering in silence because of the stigma of my bipolar disorder and severe anxiety disorder.

Those of us with bipolar disorder have been the ones at family functions who stand in the corner praying that no one come up and talks to us. If someone does, we respond with one word answers hoping to make the contact as short as possible. We dare not meet their glance for we know that if they looked our eyes they would see into our soul and the suffering and emptiness inside.

Editor's Note:
  Oklahoma's legislators don't seem to understand this. They now assume that having a mental breakdown, is worthy of a stay in the county jail, rather than a hospital.
  See, the majority of police calls to the scene of a person losing grip on reality; results in a charge of something like 'Disorderly Conduct' or whatever pathetic excuse a cop can find, so that the public has a sense that an unstable person won't bother them.
The massive problem is that in the past 15 years Oklahoma has ended the 5000-bed state-run mental health infrastructure(which our constitution mandates). We have less than 400 beds now. Cops cannot offer the delusional person the option of a psychiatric hospital evaluation.
This is the fault of the Oklahoma Legislature. Taxpayers now pay more than double the taxes by criminalizing the illness. Our cops procede to destroy these fragile lives by denying them a medical leave from work, taking their children into foster care, and giving them the humiliation in their community by having a police record.
  The court fees, county jail fees, DHS fees, and disability fees are not the only wasteful result. The jailed ill person rarely gets a real psyciatric evaluation, medications, therapy, or family encouragement.

Sooner Politics
Editorial

David Van Risseghem reports the events and adds some perspective.

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David Van Risseghem is the Publisher of SoonerPolitics.org. The resource is committed to informing & mobilizing conservative Oklahomans for civic reform. This endeavor seeks to utilize the efforts of all cooperative facets of the Conservative movement...

"No politician 'checks off every box" in your list of issues. You have to prioritize and use personal discretion regarding every current and future issue that you can imagine. Then you have to also judge integrity & consistency. A candidate's openness to study the issues & courage to think for themselves. Then you need to review their honesty & work ethic. I respect any voter's decision, when they've informed themselves and took voting seriously." - David Van Risseghem

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SoonerPolitics.org is committed to informing & mobilizing conservative Oklahomans for civic reform & restored liberty. We seeks to utilize the efforts of all cooperative facets of the Conservative movement... Content of the diverse columns are solely at the discretion of the dozens of websites who create the content. David Van Risseghem is the founder of this platform.
Sooner Politics News is a platform, not a media site. All our bloggers get their feeds promoted regardless of content. As soon as We suppress or delete even one posting, we become an endorser of whatever We didn't censor..The publisher doesn't (and could not) logically agree with all the content, so we would not expect any rational reader to agree, either. What we do hope, is that readers will think for themselves, and at least be better informed of the issues, events, and values that our citizen journalists work hard to provide for free.. We automate much of the tasks so that our sources' content gets as much exposure as possible. We encourage constructive discussion & debate. The solution is more free speech, not less.