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.

The Voter got CON! Oklahoma lottery money in the classroom??

Former Oklahoma State Representative Forrest Claunch (R- House101) is right!

The Oklahoma Voter got CON!

Oklahoma lottery money in the classroom, now that a joke!!

Thanks Gov Brad boy!!

Gov. Brad, You LIE to the Good People of Oklahoma!

The Sykes Update for Feb. 12, 2010

Charlie Wilson R.I.P.

My first meeting with Charlie was like a cloak and dagger movie, in the mid 80's in Lufkin, Texas. And I last talk to him in 2007 at a reunion BBQ in Lufkin after the movie came out.

Charlie was a unique individual, a legend, his contributions to the safety and security of our nation will never be completely known.

Regardless of what anyone may think about his personal life, he was a TRUE American patriot .

What he did for the mujahedin was nothing short of amazing.

His efforts to free the Afghan people -- portrayed in the movie Charlie Wilson's War -- don't overstate or dramatize a thing.

He was all that.

God speed, Charlie.

You served your country well.

Goodbye old friend, you will be missed.

Oh yeah, he knew how to party too!

Wishing the best to Barbra...
**************

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, a hard-partying Democrat who played a key role in the United States' covert war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, has died. He was 76.

Yana Ogletree, the director of media relations at the Memorial Health System of East Texas, says Charlie was at a meeting Wednesday morning in Lufkin with his friend Buddy Temple.

The former congressman started to have trouble breathing. Temple then drove Wilson to the hospital and flagged down an ambulance while en route. The ambulance then drove Wilson to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 12:16 p.m. CT.

Ogletree says the cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest.

Charles Nesbitt Wilson was born June 1, 1933, in Trinity.

He attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville before earning his bachelor's degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956.

Wilson served as a Naval lieutenant between 1956-60, then entered politics by volunteering for John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.

He served in the Texas House and then in the Texas Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in 1972. "Charlie was perfect as a congressman, perfect as a state representative, perfect as a state senator.

He was a perfect reflection of the people he represented. If there was anything wrong with Charlie, I never did know what it was," said Charles Schnabel Jr., who served for seven years as Wilson's chief of staff in Washington and worked with Wilson when he served in the Texas Senate.

Schnabel said he had just been with Wilson a few weeks ago for the dedication of the Charlie Wilson chair for Pakistan studies at the University of Texas at Austin, a $1 million endowment.

He said Wilson had been doing "very good. Charlie, known as the “Liberal from Lufkin,” represented the 2nd District from 1972 to 1996. He became known as “Goodtime Charlie” because of his lifestyle, but was known locally for helping bring a Veterans Administration clinic to Lufkin and helping establish the Big Thicket National Preserve.

“Charlie loved this nation and had deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who defended her; he was a force for Veterans his entire career. Throughout his life, this was evident in his thoughts, words, and deeds,” said Dr. Anthony Zollo, director of the VA outpatient clinic that bears Wilson's name.

“The VA is a richer organization because of Mr. Wilson. He will be deeply missed.” Charlie, was considered both a progressive and a defense hawk.

While his efforts to arm the mujahedeen in the 1980s were a success -- spurring a victory that helped speed the downfall of the Soviet Union -- he was unable to keep the money flowing after the Soviets left.

Afghanistan plunged into chaos, creating an opening eventually filled by the Taliban, which harbored Al Qaeda terrorists "That caused an enormous amount of real bitterness in Afghanistan and it was probably the catalyst for Taliban movement," Wilson said in a 2001 interview.

The Soviets spent a decade battling the determined and generously financed mujahedeen before pulling the Red Army from Afghanistan in 1989 After the Sept. 11 attacks -- carried out by Al Qaeda terrorists trained in Afghanistan -- the U.S. ended up invading the country it had once helped liberate.

"People like me didn't fulfill our responsibilities once the war was over," Charlie said in a September 2001 interview with The Associated Press.

"We allowed this vacuum to occur in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which enraged a lot of people. That was as much my fault as it was a lot of others."

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he knew Charlie when he was at the CIA and that the congressman "was working tirelessly on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets."

"As the world now knows, his efforts and exploits helped repel an invader, liberate a people, and bring the Cold War to a close. After the Soviets left, Charlie kept fighting for the Afghan people and warned against abandoning that traumatized country to its fate -- a warning we should have heeded then, and should remember today," Gates said in a written statement.

Mike Vickers, who as a CIA agent in 1984 played a key role in the clandestine effort to arm the Afghan rebels, said Wilson played a part in the Soviet Union's collapse, which happened just two years after its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Mike, now assistant secretary of defense for special operations, praised Wilson as a "great American patriot who played a pivotal role in a world-changing event — the defeat of the Red Army in Afghanistan, which led to the collapse of Communism and the Soviet Empire."

After leaving Congress, Wilson lobbied for a number of years before returning to Texas.

As member of the House Appropriations Committee, Charlie's help fund Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was chronicled in the movie Charlie Wilson's War.

Actor Tom Hanks portrayed Wilson in the 2007 movie about the congressman's efforts to aide the Afghani mujahedeen during their war against the Soviet Union.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called Wilson "a lifetime public servant with a fiery passion for the people of East Texas, our men and women in uniform, our veterans and our freedoms."

"I have had the great privilege to work alongside him on several issues of importance to our veterans in Texas, and I will miss his leadership and dedication," he said.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Barbara, whom he married in 1999, and a sister.





Charlie Wilson arrives with his wife
Barbara at the world premiere of
Charlie Wilson's War in 2007

India Hails Test Of Nuclear-Capable Missile

India on Sunday (February 7) "successfully" test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile with a range of more than 3,000 km from the Wheeler Island off Orissa coast. The indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile was tested from a rail mobile launcher near Dhamara, about 100 km from here, at about 1046 hours, defence sources said.

"All mission parameters were met," they said, adding the test was a success. This was the fourth flight test in the Agni-III series carried out to establish the "repeatability" of the missile's performance, they said.

The entire trajectory of today's trial was monitored through various telemetry stations, electro-optic systems and sophisticated radars located along the coast, in Port Blair and by Naval ships anchored near the impact point in the down range area for data analysis, the sources said.

Agni-III missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant system. With a length of 17 metres, the missile's diameter is 2 metres and launch weight is 50 tonnes.

It can carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes which is protected by carbon-carbon all composite heat shield. The sleek missile is equipped with sophisticated navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer systems.

The electronic systems are hardened for higher vibration, thermal and acoustic effects, an official of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said. A high performance indigenous ring laser gyro-based navigation system, which was flight-tested for the first time during the last Agni-III trial, was a success, he said.

Defence Minister AK Antony congratulated DRDO chief VK Saraswat and the scientists involved in the Agni-III project on the "remarkable success" of the missile test.

The first trial of Agni-III conducted on July 9, 2006 had ended in failure.

But the subsequent two tests on April 12, 2007 and May 7, 2008 were successful. The Indian-built Agni-III missile - Agni means fire in Sanskrit - was first tested in 2006.

Brings all of Israel, the Persian Gulf (Oil?) and major cities in China, such as Shanghai, within striking distance

The missile tested on Feb. 7 was fired from a mobile rail launcher, government sources said.

"The next series of missiles is Agni-V, which has left the drawing board and is moving toward the first flight trial within the year," DRDO chief military scientist V.K. Saraswat told a news conference in New Delhi.

Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes filed SB 1392

Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes has filed SB 1392:

The measure states: “The Department of Human Services shall establish a program of drug testing for those persons applying for or receiving assistance pursuant to the TANF program.
Those persons refusing to submit to the drug test, or having a confirmed positive drug test, shall not be eligible to receive assistance.”

Three Vital Pro-Life Bills Set for Vote in Committee Thursday; Support Urged

Hat Tip to Tony Lauinger

Three critically important pro-life bills will be voted on by the Oklahoma state Senate Health and Human Services Committee this Thursday morning, Feb. 11.

Please immediately contact these key pro-life committee members and request their strong support for the pro-life bills:

Senator Clark Jolley jolley@oksenate.gov

Senator Sean Burrage burrage@oksenate.gov

Senator Jim Halligan halligan@oksenate.gov

Senator Brian Crain crain@oksenate.gov

Senator Dan Newberry newberry@oksenate.gov


SB 1902 (Sen. Todd Lamb / Rep. Skye McNiel), regulating the use of the dangerous chemical abortion pill RU-486, which kills an unborn child who is about two months old

SB 1890 (Sen. Todd Lamb), prohibiting abortions that are done for the purpose of sex-selection

SB 1891 (Sen. Todd Lamb / Rep. Pam Peterson), protecting health care professionals' freedom of conscience by affirming their right to refuse to participate in the taking of a human life

'TWEET THIS! TWITTER FOR BUSINESS' party tonight

My OKIE Twitter buddy
Jessica (@blogging4jobs)
has a book coming out!

Tweet This Launch Party

Thursday, February 4th at Sapphire Bar in Bricktown (Oklahoma City)

6:30-8:00 PM

Fabulous fun & PRIZES
with live streaming from the event!

Drink special, free appetizers, and book signing.

Media & pre-party festivities start a half hour before the event

Calling it a 'Social Media Mullet'. Business in the front and party in the back. More than a tongue-in-cheek reference to a 1980s hair style, the phrase is now serious strategic advice professionals can follow to improve the way they connect with others online.

According to Jessica Miller-Merrell, a nationally recognized recruitment expert and author of Tweet This!

Twitter for Business, encourages professionals to follow what she refers to in her new book as the Social Media Mullet Rule when using Twitter for branding.

“Basically, following the mullet golden rule means keeping most of your tweets professional and related to your business, roughly 70 percent,” Jessica said. “The remaining 30 percent should be personal, allowing the reader to see your true, authentic self.”

Tweet This! is Jessica’s first book. The self-published, 128-page Twitter tome was created as an easy-to-read resource intended for busy entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofit organizations.

“Busy people will appreciate the way it’s structured, short and to the point,” she said. “Anyone, regardless of their level of Internet savvy, should be able to pick up this book and immediately get started building their Twitter profile, based on solid business principles.

Oklahoma Twitter experts will enjoy seeing their success stories included among national case studies that show the incredible influence social media can have on the bottom line.”

According to Jessica, Tweet This! is currently the only book available that provides a daily 30-minute Twitter time management system. Worksheets are also included in the appendix that guides readers through the process of creating a Twitter marketing plan.

Bill would require drug testing for TANF

A measure that would require welfare clients to be tested for drug use passed a Senate panel on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1392 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore/Duncan, passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

The measure states: “The Department of Human Services shall establish a program of drug testing for those persons applying for or receiving assistance pursuant to the TANF program. Those persons refusing to submit to the drug test, or having a confirmed positive drug test, shall not be eligible to receive assistance.”

Senator Sykes says constituents in his district who knew of program recipients using illegal drugs urged him to introduce the bill.

Bill would move medical examiner’s office

Hat Tip to Julie Bisbee

The University of Central Oklahoma could be the home of the medical examiner’s office under a bill that passed a Senate subcommittee this morning. Senate Bill 1337 would move the office from its current location near the OU Health Science Center to UCO’s Forensic Science Institute.

Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore/Duncan, filed the bill in hopes that a change in location would help improve the troubled office.

“We’re hoping this would get the office on the right track,” Sykes said.

The office, which performs autopsies for criminal and civil cases, lost its accreditation in June and has been embroiled in controversy since last year.

Sykes says efforts to move the office have been in discussion for several months are not a result of recent troubles at the office.

“We’re hoping this will be a real shot in the arm for them,” he said.

The bill will now go to the full committee for consideration.

Mark Amspacher R.I.P.

Mark Amspacher, longtime owner of the downtown Diner, died Monday in Norman Regional Hospital. He was 56.

Services are pending with Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.

Mark has owned the Diner since 1996. A popular downtown gathering spot, the restaurant at 212 E Main St., was featured on a segment of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" in 2009.

Mark was a butcher in Norman and became more interested in food and cooking, he said, and went to work as a manager at The Diner. He came to work one day about 1992 and the door was locked.

"The guys who hired me forgot to pay their taxes," Amspacher said.

An attorney that ate breakfast at the diner almost every day called Amspacher and told him he would do the legal work if Amspacher would buy the diner and open the doors.

The Diner hasn't changed much over the years, Amspacher said, and he tries to keep it looking the way it did.

Vinyl booths (10) with Formica table tops and 10 stools line the Formica counter for a total of 50 seats.
Best known for his award-winning chili, Mark also prepares a chocolate chili, which is a staple at the annual Chocolate Festival in Norman. Bowls of it were served Saturday at this year's event.

He won the state's chili championship cookoff two years running before they asked him to retire and serve as a judge.

Raised in and around a south Norman grocery and deli owned for years by his family, Mark also trained under chefs from the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, N.Y. He worked as a chef in restaurants in Oklahoma City and Norman before buying the Diner in 1996.

U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command officials assume B-52, B-2 mission

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command assumes responsibility for the U.S. Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber force today.

This action completes the step-by-step transfer of all Air Force long-range, nuclear-capable assets to the Air Force's newest major command.

The nation's intercontinental ballistic missile force became part of Global Strike Command on Dec. 1, 2009. The command will gain the 8th Air Force and its three bomb wings, one each at Barksdale AFB, La.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; and Minot AFB, N.D.

Those organizations control all of the United States' B-52 and B-2 bombers and are transitioning from Air Combat Command as a key component of the Air Force's "Nuclear Roadmap."

"We've worked very closely with Gen. Will Fraser and his ACC team every step of the way," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, AFGSC commander. "They have been truly magnificent partners in this endeavor. Even after Feb. 1, we'll still have strong and long-standing ties to ACC as we work closely with them in their special role as lead command for the Combat Air Forces."

The transfer once again places all Air Force assets with a strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike mission--missiles and bombers--under one command.

According to General Klotz, this action will provide for "more focused and effective oversight of this important and enduring mission." General Klotz also noted that the bombers of 8th Air Force "remain critically important to our nation, as well as to our friends and allies around the world."

The B-52 provides "unique, unmatched stand-off capabilities," and the B-2 has the ability to attack heavily defended targets, the general added.

"Both bombers also offer combatant commanders important non-nuclear, or conventional, capabilities as they so convincingly demonstrated in both Operation Enduring Freedom and in Operation Iraqi Freedom."

To mark the transfer of the bomber mission to Global Strike Command, General Klotz is scheduled to visit all three bomber bases on Feb. 1. He will be accompanied by the commander of 8th Air Force, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and the AFGSC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Jr.

At each of the bases, the leadership team will conduct a base-wide commander's call to formally welcome the Airmen into the command. They will also meet separately with unit commanders and their first sergeants, civic leaders and local media representatives.

The addition of the bomber units brings Air Force Global Strike Command's force to more than 23,000 people, with about 900 full-time staff expected at the Barksdale headquarters by the end of summer.

Air Force Global Strike Command stood up in August to provide combat-ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in support of the president and combatant commanders.

When the command took over the ICBM mission Dec. 1, it gained the 20th Air Force mission, with missile wings at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and Minot AFB, N.D.

The command also gained the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.