We Don't CAIR Conference

CAIR claims that their organization is
about building bridges and defending
the civil rights of Muslims, but let’s
examine the facts?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Truth Behind The Council on Islamic-American Relations

Summary Information Sheet on CAIR

US Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg was quoted in legal proceedings, “From its founding by Muslim Brotherhood leaders, CAIR conspired with other affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood to support terrorists.” (US v. Sabri Benkahla)

US Attorney James T. Jacks was quoted to say, “CAIR has been identified by the government as a participant in an ongoing and ultimately unlawful conspiracy to support a designated terrorist organization—a conspiracy from with CAIR never withdrew.” (USA v. HLF)

In 2007, CAIR was named an un-indicted co-conspirator in a terrorism case in which leaders of the Texas based "Holy Land Foundation" were convicted of funneling money to Hamas in the largest terror financing case in US history.

“The feds say the Holy Land Foundation was a bogus North Texas Muslim "charity" that had actually served since 1989 as Hamas's largest clandestine source of funding in the United States--collecting "over $57 million" in donations between 1992 and 2001.” – Weekly Standard, 2/13/06

“CAIR has been advised of the reasons behind our suspension of formal partnership. These reasons include the fact that CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in United States v. Holy Land Foundation and CAIR’s failure to answer our questions about a connection between their executives and Hamas. Until these questions are answered, the FBI does not consider CAIR an appropriate partner for formal liaison activities.” An unindicted co-conspirator is a person or entity that is alleged in an indictment to have engaged in conspiracy, but who is not charged in the same indictment.” - FBI, March, 2010

With Health Care passing last night let all sing!

Medieval Fair of Norman is just one week away!!!!!!

Admission is free!

Order of Merriment

Opening Ceremony & Grand Procession
10:00 - Friday only – begins at

SCA Compound and ends at Royal Pavilion

Jousting Tournament – Jousting Field
11:00 & 3:00 each day

Human Chess Game – Camelot Stage
1:00 & 5:00 each day

Wedding – Minstrel Circle
2:00 -Saturday & Sunday – public invited!

Costume Contest – Camelot Stage
2:30 – Saturday & Sunday only

Royal Procession
4:00 -Saturday & Sunday – begins at Royal Pavilion

Last Huzzah
Gryphon Stage – 6:15 -Sunday only

Held annually since 1976, this event relives the Middle Ages with arts and crafts, food, games, jousting tournaments, human chess games, costume contests, and more.

Entertainment for the whole family includes minstrels, dancing, theater and reenactments, jugglers, magicians, knights jousting on horseback and human chess games. Brightly costumed characters include King Arthur, mermaids, and the fair's king and queen.

The Medieval Fair of Norman is the state's largest weekend event and the third largest event in Oklahoma, and was selected by Events Media Network as one of the top 100 events in the nation.

Merriment abounds with jugglers, minstrels, dancing, human chess games and knights jousting on horseback.

Six Stages with continuous performances!

Games & rides for all ages!

King Arthur and Sir Lancelot!

Face painting and wax hands!

Fighting demonstrations!

New suprises each year!

Browse through the medieval village of over 200 art and craft booths offering unique and handcrafted wares. Offerings include pottery, wood crafts, stained glass, armor, costumes, fairy wings, jewelry, leather crafts, hair garlands, and much more.

Experience the Middle Ages with food fit for a king, Feast on a smoked turkey leg, roasted corn or handcrafted root beer.

Admission is free!

Admission is free!

The Medieval Fair is located at:
Reaves Park
2501 South Jenkins Avenue
Norman, Oklahoma 73072

Norman is located in central Oklahoma, just 17 miles south of Oklahoma City on Interstate 35. See state map below.

Reaves Park is located on Jenkins Avenue between Lindsey St. and HWY 9 East. From I-35 take HWY 9 East to Jenkins Avenue. Turn north (left). See Norman street map below.

Admission is free!

Norman street map
Click on image for larger view

Admission is free!

Admission is free!

Oklahoma Governor misusing the State Airplane?

Last month Governor Brad Henry office announced that revenue for the State of Oklahoma is down almost 20 percent. It is a staggering number; we are more than $1 billion short of balancing the budget.

And that is why this latest case of state-dollar spending is particularly concerning.

But, Governor Brad Henry can uses a State Aircraft for personal vacations; at least once to attend a wedding in Pensacola, Florida.

The governor presided at the wedding. The groom was an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper and the bride was the First Lady's assistant.

The cost to Oklahoma taxpayers totaled about $5,700; not including the salaries of the pilot and co-pilot.

Oklahoma Election Results for March 2, 2010

(x) = winner.
(r) = runoff.

CADDO COUNTY

Anadarko schools
Proposition 1: $785,000 for reroofing the high school, air conditioning the field house, playground equipment at the three elementary schools and computer equipment. Yes 520 (70.5%); No 218 (29.5%). Passed.

Proposition 2: $400,000 for four buses and surveillance cameras. Yes 509 (69.4%); No 225 (30.7%). Passed.

County commissioner, District 2
Democrats: Stephen Novotny 86 (8.5%); Deborah J. Goodfellow 111 (10.9%); (x) Randy Wilford McLemore 444 (43.7%); Willie Ray Pelzer 39 (3.8%); Bobby L. Bilyeu 315 (31.0%); Ray Mills 20 (2.0%)

CANADIAN COUNTY
County commissioner, District 3 primary
Democrats: C.A. Wilkinson 121 (20.5%); (x) John Morris 468 (79.5%)
Republicans: Audre Knott 58 (4.2%); Joshua C. Moore 436 (31.6%); (x) Jack Stewart 764 (55.4%); Daniel Pegh 95 (6.9%); Ray Melvin 26 (1.9%)

City of Yukon
Ward 1: Marsha Provence 68 (26.7%); Terry Martin 31 (12.2%);
(x) Nick M. Grba 156 (61.2%)

CARTER COUNTY

Plainview schools
$975,000 for technology, heat and air conditioning, replacing some the flooring at the intermediate and high schools, 6-foot playground security fence, repairs to the middle school parking lot and concessions and a rest room for the girls’ softball fields. Yes 658 (83.3%); No 132 (16.7%). Passed.

CLEVELAND COUNTY

City of Norman

Mayor: (x) Cindy Rosenthal 6,798 (53.7%); Hal Ezzell 5,872 (46.3%)

Ward 4: Austin Dyches 151 (8.4%); (x) Carol Price Dillingham 1,303 (72.4%); J. Michael Sherrod 81 (4.5%); John O. Dawson 265 (14.7%)

Ward 6: Matt Zellner 823 (49.1%); (x) Jim Griffith 853 (50.9%)

Ward 8: Stephen A. Lucas 716 (34.7%); Leonard Youngblood 173 (8.4%); (x) Dan Quinn 1,176 (56.9%)

Proposition 1: $19 million for citywide street improvements. Yes 8,170 (64.7%); No 4,454 (35.3%). Passed.

Proposition 2: $2.25 million for an updated and expanded emergency warning system. Yes 7,814 (62.1%); No 4,776 (37.9%). Passed.

COMANCHE COUNTY

Cache schools
Proposition 1: $29 million for a new fifth- and sixth-grade center and expansion of the mid-high school. Yes 539 (79.7%); No 137 (20.2%). Passed.
Proposition 2: $1 million for buses. Yes 551 (80.4%); No 134 (19.5%). Passed.

CREEK COUNTY

City of Sapulpa
Proposition 1: $4 million for sewer system repairs. Yes 813 (67.8%); No 386 (32.2%). Passed.
Proposition 2: $2.8 million for a 2 million gallon water tank. Yes 805 (67.0%); No 395 (33.0%). Passed.

Allen-Bowden School
Proposition 1: $4.1 million to buy new computers for students, a new roof for the school’s gym and paving for the school’s parking lot. Yes 103 (57.5%); No 76 (42.5%). Failed.
Proposition 2: $300,000 for three buses. Yes 108 (61.4%); No 68 (38.6%). Passed.

CUSTER COUNTY

Clinton schools
$17.2 million for new classrooms at Nance, Southwest and Washington elementary schools; renovation work at the middle school auditorium; and roof repairs. Yes 1,194 (76.6 %); No 364 (23.4%). Passed.

GARFIELD COUNTY

Drummond schools
$3.2 million for a new multipurpose building that will house a large commons area for concerts, four classrooms and a band room; construction of a new Vo-Ag building and bus barn. Yes 114 (55.6%); No 91 (44.4%). Failed.

GARVIN COUNTY

City of Lindsay
City council (top three elected): Fannie Stephens 159 (10.1%); Wanda Clagg 20 (1.3%); (x) Ronnie Akerman 297 (18.9%); Joe Lindsey 185 (11.8%); L.B. Hoyle 245 (15.6%); David Griffith 100 (6.4%);
(x) Steven Whitworth 285 (18.1%); (x) Steve Abram 283 (18.0%)

GRADY COUNTY

Town of Alex
Board of trustees: (x) Roy Gage Marcum 56 (73.7%); Justin Bailey 20 (26.3%)

City of Chickasha
City council Ward 3: (x) Ryan Posey 460 (68.8%); David Thomas 209 (31.2%)

Friend School
$415,000 to build a multipurpose center, move the school library and gymnasium improvements. Yes 90 (83.3%); No 18 (16.7%). Passed.

KAY COUNTY

City of Newkirk
Ward 2: (x) A.J. Ford 143 (75.7%); George H. White 46 (24.3%)
Tonkawa schools

Proposition 1: $620,000 for a two-classroom addition, heating and air system replacements and parking improvements at the elementary school. Yes 272 (75.7%); No 47 (24.3%). Passed.

Proposition 2: $150,000 for a school activity bus. Yes 267 (85.3%); No 51 (14.7%). Passed.

KINGFISHER COUNTY

Kingfisher schools
$5.97 million to renovate the old middle school and turn it into a third- and fourth-grade center; build a hallway to connect high school buildings; upgrade technology and add parking at the high school. Yes 687 (68.3%); No 319 (31.7%). Passed.

KIOWA COUNTY

Mountain View-Gotebo schools
$2 million for new roofs on all buildings; replace windows at the elementary and high schools; refurbish the auditorium; replace the two gym floors; and build a concession stand for the softball field. Yes 220 (52.6%); No 198 (47.4%). Failed.

MCCLAIN COUNTY

Purcell schools
$3.8 million to reroof the elementary, middle and junior high schools; replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning units; and build a physical education area at the middle school. Yes 368 (76.2%); No 115 (23.8%). Passed.

MURRAY COUNTY

Davis schools
$2.5 million to build an elementary school, reroof an auditorium and to buy heating, ventilation and air conditioning units at all schools. Yes 734 (87.3%); No 107 (12.7%). Passed.

OKLAHOMA COUNTY

City of Midwest City
Mayor: (x) Jack Fry 1,842 (50.7%); Russell Smith 1,790 (49.3%)
Ward 3: (r) Espaniola Bowen 236 (32.6%), (r) Rick Dawkins 339 (46.9%), Leroy Halstead 54 (7.5%); Steve Parrott 94 (13%)

City of Nicoma Park
Ward 4: Jerrie Reagan 7 (36.8%); (x) Robert E. Pittman 12 (63.2%)

City of Oklahoma City
Mayor: Steve Hunt 10,061 (41.7%); (x) Mick Cornett 14,073 (58.3%)

PAYNE COUNTY

Ripley schools
$2.5 million to build a leadership and performing arts center; two safe rooms to double as band and physical fitness rooms; four dressing rooms and a competition track. Yes 140 (78.7%); No 38 (21.3%). Passed.

City of Cushing
Ward 4: James Ree 49 (17.4%); Ray Singley 39 (13.9%); (x) Tommy Johnson 193 (68.7%)

City of Stillwater
Ward 1: Rodney Wayne Goodner 864 (22.3%); (x) Joe Weaver 2,279 (58.6%); Dennis Gronquist 599 (15.4%); David Lingelbach 145 (3.7%)
Ward 2: (r) Gary L. Stanton 1,060 (27.1%); (r) John W. Bartley 1,933 (49.3%); Hank Moore 926 (23.6%)

City of Yale
Ward 1: Martha Petitt 13 (5.2%); Maurice Lozier 101 (40.2%); (x) Michael P. McCullough 137 (54.6%)

PONTOTOC COUNTY

City of Ada
Ward 4: (x) Matt Layton 919 (67.8%); Barbara Young 437 (32.2%)

Allen schools
Proposition 1: $850,000 to remodel the agriculture education building; replace the high school ceiling; and put a metal roof on the district’s auditorium, among other renovations. Yes 149 (90.85%); No 15 (9.15%). Passed.

Proposition 2: $250,000 to replace buses and other district vehicles. Yes 150 (90.9%); No 15 (9.1%). Passed.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

Dale schools
$2.5 million to build a new cafeteria that will also serve as a community center and storm shelter. Yes 248 (79.2%); No 65 (20.8%). Passed.

TULSA COUNTY

Tulsa schools
Proposition 1: $261.4 million to build classroom additions at 26 schools; remodel two existing buildings to be early childhood centers; renovate East Central High School and build three multisport field houses, among other upgrade projects. Yes 19,042 (74.6%); No 6,486 (25.4%). Passed.
Proposition 2: $19.6 million for six library additions and materials. Yes 19,219 (75.3%); No 6,304 (24.7%). Passed.
Proposition 3: $11.7 million for 130 buses and route maintenance software. Yes 18,074 (72.6%); No 6,822 (27.4%). Passed.
Proposition 4: $61.3 million for a textbook management system, science safety equipment, classroom computers and other technology. Yes 18,815 (75.5%); No 6,098 (24.5%). Passed.

City of Collinsville
Ward 3: (r) Melodie Bateman 29 (39.7%); Volinda Pope 18 (24.7%); (r) Sherri L. Davis 26 (35.6%)

Liberty schools
Proposition 1: $2 million for a new art room and administration area; additions to the multipurpose center; roof repairs and field house additions and renovations. Yes 164 (77.4%); No 48 (22.6%). Passed.
Proposition 2: $200,000 for two buses. Yes 175 (82.5%); No 37 (17.5%). Passed.

WASHITA COUNTY

Town of Rocky
Board of trustees (two seats):
(x) Jim Hazelton 48 (41.8%); David L. Jones 12 (10.4%); (x) Jackie Galloway 55 (47.8%)

Senate Democrats Jeopardize Lives of Officers, Citizens Lawmakers Warn Campaign Stunt Could Have Tragic Consequences

By voting to block emergency funding for the Department of Corrections and the Department of Public Safety, Senate Democrats are literally putting lives in danger, two budget leaders warned today.

“By opposing emergency funding for DOC and DPS, Senate Democrats have voted to risk the lives of corrections officers and gut law enforcement presence on our state highways,” said state Rep. Randy Terrill (R- Dist 53 Moore), who chairs the House appropriations subcommittee on public safety.

Led by state Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Howe), Senate Democrats opposed emergency funding for DOC and DPS this week.

“Everyone jokes that the most dangerous place in Oklahoma is standing between Senator Corn and a camera,” said state Sen. Anthony Sykes (R - Dist 24 Moore/Duncan), who chairs the Senate appropriations subcommittee on public safety. “That would be funny if his latest publicity stunt wasn’t risking the lives of the men and women who protect the rest of us. There’s a time for showboating, and a time for voting – it’s time the Senate Democrats voted to protect Oklahomans.”

State troopers and corrections officers will join Terrill and Sykes to protest Senate Democrat efforts to gut public safety at a 2 p.m. press conference tomorrow at the Capitol.

Without the emergency funding, the Department of Public Safety is scheduled to furlough highway patrol officers four days every month starting this month.

“If the Senate Democrats continue to block this emergency funding, criminals will think it’s open season on Oklahomans on state highways,” Terrill said. “Under the Senate Democrats’ plan, if you pick up a phone and call the highway patrol in late March, there may not be anyone there to answer.”

The Department of Corrections is already short-staffed and operating with just 77 percent of positions filled at state prisons. That staff number will plummet thanks to the Senate Democrats vote to block emergency funding and force furloughs.

“By blocking the emergency funding, Senate Democrats are asking a handful of corrections officers to do the work of many and put their lives at risk as a result,” Sykes said. “Under the Senate Democrats’ furlough plan, it is likely corrections officers will be attacked, injured and possibly killed. Frankly, if there is a large riot at one of our prisons while guards are furloughed, I am not sure we can contain it.”

Terrill noted that when prison riots occur, highway patrol troopers are normally called in for backup.

“Under the Senate Democrats’ plan, there won’t be enough guards in our prisons to contain a riot and those officers won’t have much backup from state troopers thanks to furloughs,” Terrill said. “This is terrible, short-sighted, completely irresponsible public policy.”

Senate Democrats claim their votes were to protest cuts to senior nutrition centers, but Terrill and Sykes noted that argument “makes no sense whatsoever because the two issues are not linked.”

“The only ones neglecting vulnerable seniors are the Senate Democrats who are voting to gut public safety,” Terrill said. “It’s time for them to end the political posturing and vote to protect all Oklahomans.”

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over "Doing the Right Thing"!

Democrats Lock Up on Program
They Didn’t Fund During Last Budget Crisis

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over jobs for employees in the Departments of Corrections, Highway Patrol, and common education today, as well as other vital state services today, in direct opposition to Governor Henry, who negotiated the bipartisan budget agreement which they opposed today.

“It’s a curious decision by the Democrats today,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. “They are fighting for restoration of a line item, senior nutrition, which they cut in the 2003 budget crisis.”

In a budget vote on the Senate floor today, Democrats locked up to deny funding for common education, corrections, the state Emergency Fund which pays cities and towns after ice storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters, the state School for the Deaf, state School for the Blind, Department of Public Safety, Military Department, Agriculture, Conservation and other agencies.

“I find it curious that these Democrat political leaders will jeopardize the jobs of troopers, prison guards and education in an election year, under the guise of protecting Oklahoma’s seniors, yet forgot all about those same seniors in a past budget crisis when they had unfettered control of the Oklahoma legislature,” Coffee continued. “The hypocrisy meter is spinning out of control.

“They complain about not having a seat at the negotiating table, yet the governor and his budget negotiator, the Democrat State Treasurer, negotiated this bipartisan agreement on their behalf,” Coffee added.

“And I recall the Senate Democrat Leader saying earlier this session that he would stand with his governor on matters such as this during the budget crisis.

“The Democrat Leader and his caucus have been unwilling to stand by the governor on this deal,” Coffee concluded.

Coffee pointed out that the Democrats’ demand of “only $2.5 million” in the budget for senior nutrition is a blatant act of deficit spending, modeled after their Democrat counterparts in Washington.

“Senators Laster and Corn say all they want is a mere $2.5 million for senior nutrition, yet it would require another $7.5 million next year, creating a $10 million hole in the 2011 budget,” Coffee said. “As the governor recognizes, this is irresponsible.”

It is disappointing that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are adopting the partisan approach of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in that they need to come to grips with the fact that our state is in an unprecedented budget crisis, and that more tough decisions will be made before this is over,” Coffee continued.

“I hope they join the governor’s bipartisan approach and abandon the election year grandstanding.

“I urge them to do the right thing for Oklahoma taxpayers,” Coffee concluded.

Christina Fallin Registers As Capitol Lobbyist

Hat Tip to Mike McCarville from the McCarville Report

Christina Fallin Registers As Capitol Lobbyist














Christina Fallin shown here being introduced by her mother at a function.

Christina Fallin, the 22-year-old daughter of 5th District Congress- woman and Republican candidate for governor Mary Fallin, has registered as a State Capitol lobbyist.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission's records reflect that Christina Fallin has joined the lobbying firm of Gary Huddleston.

Among the firm's clients are (L100321 - Fallin, Christina M - Huddleston Investments, Inc): 3-Star Centers of Oklahoma [Child Care), American Academy of Ophthalmology, Coalition for Oklahoma Teeth Floaters, Folds of Honor Foundation, Huddleston Investments, Inc., IESI Corporation, Oklahoma Bondsman Association, Oklahoma Consumer Capital Association, Oklahoma Financial Services Association, Oklahoma Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma, Outdoor Advertising Association of Oklahoma, Thomson/West Group, VISA.

In an email introducing Christina Fallin as his new associate, Huddleston writes that she's had experience in Washington working for a lobbying firm while her mother was in Congress.

Asked to comment on her daughter's lobbyist registration, Fallin said, "I'm very proud my daughter has taken an interest in public policy and is actively advocating for several groups and industries here in Oklahoma. I've always encouraged my kids to get involved and to try to make a difference here in the state, and Christina is doing just that."

The younger Fallin has represented her mother at several events, the most recent one being the presentation of certificates on her mother's behalf at The 52nd Byliners Awards Dinner sponsored by the Oklahoma City Professional Chapter of the Association for Women In Communications at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club on February 21st.

District 7 OKC School Board candidate withdraws

Oklahoma City School Board candidate Larry Collins announced Sunday in a news release that he is pulling out of the race for the District 7 seat.

Collins did not return phone calls Sunday, but political consultant Don Hoover said the candidate is ending his campaign and endorsing his opponent, Ron Millican.

The two men earned a spot in an April 6 run-off by defeating the incumbent in the Feb. 9 school board election.

In the news release, Collins, 44, is quoted as saying he has met with Millican, 72, since the Feb. 9 election and is "convinced that he will do a great job on the school board for Southeast Oklahoma City.”

Collins, who vowed to focus his efforts on vocational education, received 31.8 percent of the vote in the election. Millican, a retired assistant superintendent from the Midwest City-Del City School District, received 48.6 percent of the vote. Incumbent Wilfredo Santos-Rivera came in third with 19.6 percent of the vote. Millican was nine votes shy of winning outright.

Collins was on the Feb. 9 ballot even though he didn’t meet all the requirements for candidacy.

He registered to vote less than a month before filing for office. State law requires that candidates be registered to vote for at least six months. No one challenged his eligibility.

According to the news release, it is too late for Collins to have his name removed from the April 6 ballot.

Polls open 2 March 2010 (This Tuesday)

CADDO COUNTY

Anadarko schools
Proposition 1: $785,000 for reroofing the high school, air conditioning the field house, playground equipment at the three elementary schools and computer equipment.
Proposition 2: $400,000 for four buses and surveillance cameras.

County commissioner, District 2
Democrats: Stephen Novotny, Deborah J. Goodfellow, Randy Wilford McLemore, Willie Ray Pelzer, Bobby L. Bilyeu, Ray Mills

CANADIAN COUNTY

County commissioner, District 3
Democrats: C.A. Wilkinson, John Morris
Republicans: Audre Knott, Joshua C. Moore, Jack Stewart, Daniel Pegh, Ray Melvin

City of Yukon
Ward 1: Marsha Provence, Terry Martin, Nick M. Grba

CARTER COUNTY

Plainview schools
$975,000 for technology, heat and air conditioning, replacing some flooring, playground fence, repairing a parking lot and concessions and a rest room for the girls softball fields.

CLEVELAND COUNTY
City of Norman
Mayor: Cindy Rosenthal, Hal Ezzell

Ward 4: Austin Dyches, Carol Price Dillingham, J. Michael Scheriod, John O. Dawson

Ward 6: Matt Zellner, Jim Griffith

Ward 8: Stephen A. Lucas, Leonard Youngblood, Dan Quinn

Proposition 1: $2.25 million for an updated and expanded emergency warning system.

Proposition 2: $19 million for citywide street improvements.


COMANCHE COUNTY

Cache schools
Proposition 1: $29 million for a new fifth- and sixth-grade center and expansion of the mid-high school.
Proposition 2: $1 million for buses.

CREEK COUNTY

City of Sapulpa
Proposition 1: $4 million for sewer system repairs.
Proposition 2: $2.8 million for a 2 million gallon water tank.

Allen-Bowden school
Proposition 1: $4.1 million to buy new computers, a new roof for the gym and paving for the parking lot.
Proposition 2: $300,000 for three buses.

CUSTER COUNTY

Clinton schools
$17.2 million for new classrooms at Nance, Southwest and Washington elementary schools; renovation work at the middle school auditorium; and roof repairs.

GARFIELD COUNTY

Drummond schools
$3.2 million for a new multipurpose building, four classrooms and a band room; construction of a new Vo-Ag building and bus barn.

GARVIN COUNTY

City of Lindsay
City council (top three elected): Fannie Stephens, Wanda Clagg, Ronnie Akerman, Joe Lindsey, L.B. Hoyle, David Griffith, Steven Whitworth, Steve Abram

GRADY COUNTY

Town of Alex
Board of trustees: Roy Gage Marcum, Justin Bailey

City of Chickasha
City council Ward 3: Ryan Posey, David Thomas

Friend school
$415,000 to build a multipurpose center, move the school library and gymnasium improvements.

KAY COUNTY

City of Newkirk
Ward 2: A.J. Ford, George H. White

Tonkawa schools
Proposition 1: $620,000 for a two-classroom addition, heating and air system replacements and parking improvements at the elementary school.
Proposition 2: $150,000 for a school activity bus.

KINGFISHER COUNTY

Kingfisher schools
$5.97 million to renovate the old middle school and turn it into a third- and fourth-grade center; build a hallway to connect high school buildings; upgrade technology and add parking at the high school.

KIOWA COUNTY

Mountain View-Gotebo schools
$2 million for new roofs; replace windows at the elementary and high schools; refurbish the auditorium; replace the two gym floors; and build a concession stand for the softball field.

MCCLAIN COUNTY

Purcell schools
$3.8 million to reroof the elementary, middle and junior high schools; replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning units; and build a physical education area at the middle school.

MURRAY COUNTY

Davis schools
$2.5 million to build an elementary school, reroof an auditorium and to buy heating, ventilation and air conditioning units at all schools.

OKLAHOMA COUNTY

City of Midwest City
Mayor: Jack Fry, Russell Smith
Ward 3: Espaniola Bowen, Rick Dawkins, Leroy Halstead, Steve Parrott
City of Nicoma Park
Ward 4: Jerrie Reagan, Robert E. Pittman

City of Oklahoma City
Mayor: Steve Hunt, Mick Cornett

PAYNE COUNTY

Ripley schools
$2.5 million to build a leadership and performing arts center; two safe rooms to double as band and physical fitness rooms; four dressing rooms and a competition track.

City of Cushing
Ward 4: James Ree, Ray Singley, Tommy Johnson

City of Stillwater
Ward 1: Rodney Wayne Goodner, Joe Weaver, Dennis Gronquist, David Lingelbach
Ward 2: Gary L. Stanton, John W. Bartley, Hank Moore

City of Yale
Ward 1: Martha Petitt, Maurice Lozier, Michael P. McCullough

PONTOTOC COUNTY

City of Ada
Ward 4: Matt Layton, Barbara Young

Allen schools
Proposition 1: $850,000 to remodel the agriculture education building; replace the high school ceiling; and put a metal roof on the district’s auditorium, among other renovations.
Proposition 2: $250,000 to replace buses and other district vehicles.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

Dale schools
$2.5 million to build a new cafeteria that will also serve as a community center and storm shelter.

TULSA COUNTY

Tulsa schools
Proposition 1: $261.4 million to build classroom additions; remodel two buildings to be early childhood centers; and build three multisport field houses, among other upgrade projects.
Proposition 2: $19.6 million for six library additions and materials.
Proposition 3: $11.7 million for 130 buses and route maintenance software.
Proposition 4: $61.3 million for a textbook management system, science safety equipment, computers and other technology.

City of Collinsville
Ward 3: Melodie Bateman, Volinda Pope, Sherri L. Davis

Liberty schools
Proposition 1: $2 million for a new art room and administration area; additions to the multipurpose center; roof repairs and field house renovations.
Proposition 2: $200,000 for two buses.

WASHITA COUNTY

Town of Rocky
Board of trustees (two seats): Jim Hazelton, David L. Jones, Jackie Galloway

Former Oklahoman National CAIR Board Member Deported

Hat Tip to Brandi @ztruth

UPDATE

What the head of CAIR-OK Razi Hashmi
is AWOL on this...

CAIR officials won't talk about recent but former board member Nabil Sadoun tied to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherood.

Oklahomans own a debt of thanks to Cindy Crenshaw and former Iraq JAG officer and OK-5 candidate Kevin Calvey.

Jon Jordan with KWTV in Oklahoma City did a great job of reporting, folks!



A Muslim organization with a chapter in Oklahoma again has to refute claims of ties to terrorism. It comes after the organization, Council on American Islamic Relations, better known as CAIR, had a former board member deported back to his native country.

The judge in the case made it very clear he had evidence from the government that Suh-doon had ties to Hamas that he failed to make public.

For CAIR it's been one negative story after another. In 2007 the Islamic organization was named an un-indicted coconspirator in a case that found the then largest Islamic charity in the U.S. had been funding terrorist groups.

In 2009 Ghassan Elashi, of the charities leaders and the founder of CAIR's Texas chapter, was sentenced to 65 years in jail after being convicted for funneling money to the terrorist group Hamas. Now, in 2010, Nuh-bill Suh-doon, a former board member for CAIR, has been deported and accused by the government of being also having ties to Hamas.

"This group has a bunch of leaders with proven ties to terrorism and particularly terrorist fundraising," Kevin Calvey, 5th district congressional candidate, said.

Calvey has teamed up with the newly formed group Oklahoman's Against Care Hate in an effort to condemn CAIR.

"The proof is some of their members are in jail and now this latest former leader is sent to Jordan, that says they are involved in terrorism," Cindy Crenshaw with Oklahoman's Against Care Hate said.

Neither local nor national CAIR leaders wanted to respond to the latest allegations of terrorist ties but the organizations national communications director did.

"They [Oklahoman's Against Care Hate] are free to be bigots if they want but I have better things to do then to engage them and enable their bigotry."

Which is something Calvey says is just another attempt by CAIR to dodge the terrorist ties.

"The record is out there, it's just a matter of people becoming aware of this group," Calvey said.

Because of the case where CAIR was named an un-indicted co-conspirator as well as the organizations failure to answer questions about a connection between their board members and Hamas, the FBI has suspended a formal partnership with CAIR.

Norman Meet Up - MeetUp: The personal touch

Great Job @cassiegage



















February 21, 2010
MeetUp: The personal touch

By Aaron Wright
The Norman Transcript

Norman — There’s a group of Norman residents on a mission to unite the Internet users of the town.

“The concept comes from ‘Tweet-ups,’” said Cassie Gage, a member of the five-person committee working getting those meeting Norman people via social media to meet face-to-face. She explained that “Tweet-ups” are a popular phenomenon in larger cities where people on Twitter get together regularly to share actual person-to-person contact.

“I mean, I follow people I’ve never met,” said Gage.

She said the Norman committee wants to use the same focus, just not as heavy on the social media aspect. Even those who aren’t using Twitter, Facebook or MySpace are invited to attend. In fact, the committee will be available to explain the concept of social media to people interesting in getting on board at the meeting.

“It’s just a big networking event,” she said.

The Norman MeetUp, as the committee has started calling the event, is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. March 11 at Iron Starr Urban Barbeque on campus corner.

“We wanted to have it at a place that encompasses social media,” said Gage.

This meet-and-greet event will include a raffle for items donated from local businesses. The money will be donated to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Norman. There also will be a cash bar and the group hopes there will be catering, said Gage, who added that they are working on getting food donated.

The group is in its beginning stages, Gage said, and budget issues are a limiting factor right now. However, the number one goal for the group is just getting their name and event to the public ears and eyes. Norman MeetUp’s Web site is www.normanmeetup.com, and Norman MeetUp is already on Twitter and Facebook.

“What we want to do is build some excitement in people in this community,” said Gage, speaking of the future of the group. “The general interest will regulate what we’re able to do.”

Gage said she would like to see Norman eventually have three or four of these events a year.

To be a part of the committee organizing the event, Gage suggests people get in touch with her via Facebook or Twitter.

Aaron Wright 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com

Oklahoman receives long overdue recognition for World War II service

Staff Sgt. Garney Christopher, of Sallisaw, Okla., was presented with seven awards that he earned during World War II, but never received. The awards presentation took place in Sallisaw on Thursday, February 18.



Photo of
Staff Sgt. Garney Christopher
in Europe during World War II

Christopher, who is now 84, was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18 as a light machine gunner. He served mostly in Europe in Gen. Patton's Third Army during four major battles. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a machine gun crew squad leader. Christopher also helped liberate the Gusen Concentration Camp in Austria. He was honorably discharged on May 6, 1946.

During the ceremony, Christopher was presented the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Staff Sgt Garney Christopher receives

seven awards he earned during World War II from
Maj Gen Myles Deering adjutant general for Oklahoma
Photo Capt Geoff Legler Oklahoma National Guard Office of Public Affairs

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) provides former Servicemembers with access to military records

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.

Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized.

The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

Bastogne the Bulldog R.I. P.

Hat Tip to Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

1st BCT mourns for
Bastogne the Bulldog

Since World War II, the spirit of Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, both old and new, has been embodied in one individual. The spirit within the individual captivated Soldiers, boosted their morale and encouraged esprit de corps. This individual is the Bastogne Bulldog.

Bastogne came to the Bastogne Brigade as an impulsive puppy with a spontaneous attitude in 1999. His playful spirit and willingness to explore motivated each Soldier he came in contact with.

“I met Bastogne in 2001 because I was on staff duty as a young private, and I was in charge of taking Bastogne to the bathroom,” said Spc. Johnathan Christopher, commander and command sergeant major personal assistant.

Many other Soldiers met Bastogne through staff duty in brigade headquarters. It was Bastogne’s domain, but he greeted Soldiers with a wagging tail.

While Bastogne was young, people would often see him leading runs, making privates do pushups or chasing them down the street.

“He had a personality of his own. There was always something to be said or be seen with that dog,” said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Moore, S2 noncommissioned officer in charge.

During ceremonies people could often hear Bastogne sounding off. He sometimes even made his presence known during remembrance ceremonies. It was as if the soul of the Soldier would become a part of Bastogne.

“If Bastogne caught NCOs or commanders yelling at troops, he started yelling. Sometimes I think he really did think he was a Soldier, and he was,” said Christopher.

As Bastogne matured through the years, he calmed down and began to act more and more like a seasoned NCO.

“Bastogne went from a wild, rambunctious puppy to the mature adult dog who really sometimes thought he was sergeant major, and you could see that,” said Christopher.

Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Bastogne continued to move about the brigade to encourage Soldiers, provide some stress relief or to enforce discipline.

“When I think of Bastogne, I think of the Bastogne Bulldogs,” said Christopher. “I have known Bastogne for my whole military career so for me, it’s always an inspiration to see Bastogne.”

Bastogne died Jan. 30 leaving behind a paw print impression the brigade will never forget.

“Bastogne represents the dead and the present veteran. That’s why I call him the spirit of 1st Brigade, because he represents the passing of the Soldiers,” said Tony Walters, Bastogne’s handler.

Bastogne’s legacy will continue to be felt as the brigade prepares for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

“You can’t forget about Bastogne. “To forget him is like forgetting every Soldier who gave their life and loyalty to what they believed in,” said Walters.

1 year ago today Rick Santelli went on his Tea Party "rant" on CNBC!

Hat Tip to my friend Chris Faulkner

1 year ago today Rick Santelli
went on his Tea Party "rant" on CNBC!

Who would have knew what
almost 5 min on CNBC would do...

This is still just amazing!
Rick Santelli on the floor
of the Chicago Board of Trade
calling out President Barack Obama

34th Annual Medieval Fair of Norman

Admission is free!

Held annually since 1976, this event relives the Middle Ages with arts and crafts, food, games, jousting tournaments, human chess games, costume contests, and more.

Entertainment for the whole family includes minstrels, dancing, theater and reenactments, jugglers, magicians, knights jousting on horseback and human chess games. Brightly costumed characters include King Arthur, mermaids, and the fair's king and queen.

The Medieval Fair of Norman is the state's largest weekend event and the third largest event in Oklahoma, and was selected by Events Media Network as one of the top 100 events in the nation.

Merriment abounds with jugglers, minstrels, dancing, human chess games and knights jousting on horseback.

Six Stages with continuous performances!

Games & rides for all ages!

King Arthur and Sir Lancelot!

Face painting and wax hands!

Fighting demonstrations!

New suprises each year!

Browse through the medieval village of over 200 art and craft booths offering unique and handcrafted wares. Offerings include pottery, wood crafts, stained glass, armor, costumes, fairy wings, jewelry, leather crafts, hair garlands, and much more.

Experience the Middle Ages with food fit for a king, Feast on a smoked turkey leg, roasted corn or handcrafted root beer.

Admission is free!

Admission is free!

The Medieval Fair is located at:
Reaves Park
2501 South Jenkins Avenue
Norman, Oklahoma 73072

Norman is located in central Oklahoma, just 17 miles south of Oklahoma City on Interstate 35. See state map below.

Reaves Park is located on Jenkins Avenue between Lindsey St. and HWY 9 East. From I-35 take HWY 9 East to Jenkins Avenue. Turn north (left). See Norman street map below.

Free parking is available one block from the park at Lloyd Noble Center, located just north of HWY 9 East on Jenkins Avenue. (Handicapped parking is available on the park grounds.)

Admission is free!

Norman street map
Click on image for larger view

Admission is free!

Admission is free!

Tim Pope Services Set For Sunday, Monday

For more info please see Tim Pope R.I.P.

A viewing for Tim, who pass away last Sunday, will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at McNeil Funeral Home in Mustang.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Bridge Assembly of God Church in Mustang.

Kevin Calvey on air in OK-5

Kevin Calvey, in a multi-candidate race for the Republican nomination for OK-5.

Has aired a commercial today, during KTOK's "Mullins In The Morning" show today. A spokesman said the commercial will air on other stations as well.

“We’ve been working very hard for many months now bringing our message of limited government, personal freedom, and national security directly to the voters of Oklahoma’s Fifth District,” said Calvey. “Now I’m pleased that we have the ability to deliver my conservative message to all the voters who I might not be able to personally contact.”

In the TV ad, titled “Trouble,” Calvey explains that he is running for Congress “because our country is in trouble.”

Calvey sums up for voters the kind of Congressman he will be: “I’ll fight against massive spending, bailouts, and government run health care, and I’ll stand strong for America’s freedoms.”

Kevin Calvey, a former state representative, faces James Lankford, State Rep. Mike Thompson, Dr. Johnny Roy and Rick Flanigan in the Republican Primary.

Clark Duffe, an independent from Edmond, also is running.

No Democrat has entered the race yet.

Tim Pope R.I.P.

God speed Tim,

Goodbye old friend, you will be missed.

Wishing the best to LaDonna...

*****

A friend and colleague of former state Rep. Tim Pope, who left the Legislature to make an unsuccessful run for state labor commissioner in 2002, says Tim pass away at the age of 52.

Randy Terrill, a current member of the House, said Tim collapsed and was pronounced dead at Canadian Valley Hospital today after suffering what appeared to be a heart attack.

Tim went out ot feed a small collection of farm animals and his wife, LaDonna, found his body later.

Tim served 14 years as the Representative of District 98 which encompassed parts of Canadian (Mustang) and Cleveland County .

He was the first Republican ever elected to that seat. Tim served from 1989 through 2002 before deciding to run for State Labor Commissioner in 2002.

He had a lifetime conservative rating of 87 on the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper’s Conservative Index, an impressive accomplishment for anyone in office that many years.

Tim was an aggressive conservative lawmaker who was always willing to speak his mind.

Anyone that is outspoken and aggressive like Tim will have both detractors as well as those of us who liked him and respected him for his courage and willingness to mix it up, rather than play life cautiously, hiding behind the issues of the day.

Following his years of service in the legislature, Tim did political consulting work and coached several of his clients to victory, many times against the more well financed establishment candidates in Republican primaries as well as victories against Democrats.

He was hard hitting and was well equipped for the rough and tumble world of politics, a competition which is both a science as well as an art.

In an effort to inform citizens of Jim Roth’s county commissioner district, Tim sent out a robotic phone call suggesting Roth was using his position to advance the homosexual agenda. The robo call stated a couple of facts then asked citizens to call one of two phone numbers if they agreed or disagreed with Commissioner Roth’s agenda.

That phone call ended up by having Attorney General Drew Edmondson file a legal action against Tim seeking what I believe was a $10,000,000 judgment against Tim.

The complaint was not that Tim misrepresented any facts, but that he violated the no call laws by not including his phone number in the script.

That suit finally ended up in some level of state court where the Edmondson machine was willing to settle for what I believe was a $5,000 fine.

Tim, still believing he had done nothing wrong appealed in federal court to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver where the case was thrown out.

The Court declared the law that was supposedly broken was to apply to commercial calls and not political calls which, by the way, is the purest meaning of the First Amendment’s free speech provision.

Tim was elected to serve as President of the Oklahoma Republican Assembly (OKRA) a state affiliate of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies.

It was during his tenure as President that he formed a PAC which decided to help Brent Rinehart win the election against then County Commissioner Cornet, a rather liberal Republican.

Rinehart won the primary and went on to win in the general election against the Democrat. If I remember correctly, Tim was accused by AG Edmondson of violating campaign finance laws by taking money from three contributors for the PAC which was then used to help elect Rinehart.

The problem was that each of those 3 contributors had already given the maximum of $5,000 to Rinehart’s campaign.

The legal wrangling went on for several years and Tim finally pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge, agreeing to pay a small fine.

The real damage was the near $200,000 in legal expenses which caused Tim to have to declare bankruptcy.

I personally believe Tim never intended to break any law.

Funeral arrangements are pending.