Spy Cameras: Is it about Money? Is It Public Safety? Or is it just Political Payback?

Mike McCarville @ http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/ has done a GREAT job putting some light on this...

Former OU and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer, credited by some as being responsible for Governor Henry's upset victory in the 2002 governor's race, apparently is connected to a company that may benefit from Henry's plan to use highway traffic cameras to identify those without vehicle insurance.

While there's been no announcement that InsureNet will be the company chosen to process information obtained through the highway cameras, it has won contracts in other states as a "sole source provider," meaning it is the only firm able to perform the service.

Former Republican House member Wayne Pettigrew of Edmond is a national officer of the firm.

Switzer was a fundraiser for Henry in 2002 and again in 2006. His endorsement of Henry in the 2002 race, many believe, propelled Henry to victory. Switzer also was responsible for placing a last-minute series of Henry radio commercials with a jingle that became the hallmark of the campaign.

Bulletin ~ The House Transportation Committee heard a presentation last Wednesday on InsureNet, which provides paperless verification of motorists’ insurance status. Former University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, who implemented the program in Oklahoma, was present at our meeting.

Following the thread of disjointed information about InsureNet's efforts to bring the controversial cameras to Oklahoma highways also shines light on the involvement of others, including Republican Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond, the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee and a candidate for state treasurer.

Miller authored House Bill 3326 in the 2008 session which authorized creation of the new license plates, which apparently became the first step in instituting the system and was a member of the committee that designed the plates. Miller, however, says the system would have worked with the state's previous license plates.
And, as with Henry, there's a political connection between Switzer and Miller.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission reports show Switzer donated $2,500 to Miller's 2010 reelection campaign.

In Henry's reelection campaign in 2006, Switzer repeated his 2002 donation generosity to Henry; he donated the maximum, $5,000.

RIP: Jim and Mina Hibdon was found dead at their West Norman home Friday.

Norman Police said they do not consider the deaths suspicious.

Norman Police Sgt. Jennifer Newell confirmed Saturday night that police were sent to a house in west Norman Friday afternoon. Officers went to check on those who lived at the home.

When police arrived, they found a man and woman dead inside the house, Newell said.

She said because the deaths were unattended, the bodies were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma City.

The Hibdons moved to Norman in 1961 when Jim Hibdon accepted a job teaching economics at the University of Oklahoma. Jim Hibdon retired from OU in 1991.
Mina Hibdon, a Republican, was elected in 1973 to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in a special election and served through 1976. She represented House District 44 and was a member of the Republican Party.

Services for the Hibdons are pending.

Arizona Sing-A-Long: Read Immigration Law!

Two weeks ago, Governor Jan Brewer took President Obama to task for making Arizonas unsecured borders and illegal immigration crisis a laughing matter. However, since then, Washingtons comedy of errors has grown far worse, with top cabinet officials admitting that they havent even read Arizonas new immigration law. Broken borders are not a laughing matter, but the failure by Obamas trusted officials to read Arizonas law before commenting and condemning it is laughable. Read the law for yourself at: www.SecuretheBorder.org

Scott Pruitt - Suing Over Illegal Immigration?

Oklahoma Attorney General Candidate Scott Pruitt wants to sue government over state illegal immigration expenses

Oklahoma State Lawmakers Travel on OUR Dime

California, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, even Cuba and Canada are just some of the places Oklhoma Lawmakers went using our money. Lawmakers spent $1.5 million on travel, more than $155,000 to go out of state.

Senator Brian Bingman (R)

was one of the biggest spenders.

He filed travel claims for $7,661.33 worth of Energy Council conferences. Two of the trips were to Canada.

"It's quite an honor to, you know, represent my state," Bingman said. "We make recommendations, talk about policy that affects our state, other states and we send statements to the federal government, work with them you know, on energy policy."

In 2009, Bingman was the vice chairman of the group of energy producing states and Canadian provinces. He went on two trips while state revenue was down and two trips while state agencies faced a 5 percent cut.

When asked to tell about something he's done specifically after going to these conferences that people could see the benefit of, he said, "Uh, there's probably, I'd have to think about that."

Sen Charles Wyrick (D) traveled to Cuba in December of 2008 with the State Secretary of Agriculture and seven other people. The state paid for three people's trips, including Wyrick's $2,232.92 share.

"If you're trying to be critical of why I went, I think it's obvious why we went," said Senator Charles Wyrick.

Senator Earl Garrison's (D) trip to the National Conference of State Legislators Summit in Philadelphia, last July. The conference suggested 15 hotels but, Garrison chose to stay at the most expensive one, the Ritz Carlton.

Miss Oklahoma in the Spotlight

Morgan Woolard on racy lingerie photos,
Carrie Prejean controversy and
Donald Trump's support

Congressman Tom McClintock Tells Mexico To Butt Out

Mexican President Felipe Calderon insulted America by demanding that our congress pass amnesty for Mexican illegal aliens on May 19, 2010. Congressman Tom McClintock told Calderon to Butt Out of American affairs.

Miss Oklahoma on 'America Live'

Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard discusses her answer about Arizona law that may have cost her the crown

Miss Oklahoma USA on whether support for Arizona's immigration law cost her the crown

Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 1st Runner Up, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard speaks out about her final answer on FOX and Friends, with Gretchen Carlson, Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy

In Oklahoma, We love Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard!!!

Miss Oklahoma USA Supports Arizona Law

In Oklahoma, We love Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard!!!

"I'm a huge believer in states' rights. I think that's what's so wonderful about America. So I think it's perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law."

She was asked what she thought about the new immigration law in Arizona. The judge who asked her the question was Oscar Nunez, actor from "The Office". Nunez was initially booed when he asked the loaded question.

Oklahoma need a Dale Peterson to tell it like it is!

Only two things are certain: (1) He is about to become the most famous agricultural commissioner candidate in America, and (2) Alabama politics are awesome.

Dale Peterson, Alabama Agriculture Commission, candidate fighting the fight to save our country. Some people recognize the enemies from within & without. We need fighters today, people that are not afraid to stand & tell the Government NO!!! Help Dale Stand & Defend our Country, it starts 1 state at a time.

Mohammad Farzaneh talking about Tom Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Mohammad Farzaneh (Owner of Home Creations) reporting to the Oklahoma Governors Ethnic American Advisory Council (May 7, 2010) about the 'Secret' Townhall meeting with US Rep Tom Cole (R OK-4) (Sunday, April 11th at 10:45AM)

You ask what 'Secret' Townhall meeting?

Please read my friend Brandi blog @
Ztruth for more information on
Rep. Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Thank You Brandi!

Baxter Black get it!

People who live in Chicago, Washington , DC or San Francisco inner cities lock their doors at night. They are careful where they travel within the city. They all have friends who have been mugged, had homes burglarized, cars stolen or lives taken. They travel the city in crowds like schools of fish. Their safety, like all prey, is in numbers; the odds are that someone else will be eaten instead of them. In rural communities, small towns, and isolated ranch houses, we do not think of ourselves as prey.

During the election, candidate Obama made a very telling comment about bitter, small towns, "clinging to their guns and religion." He is from the big-city prey mentality. He comes from a place that believes that if we take guns away from ordinary citizens, they will somehow be safer. His comment was interpreted as a slam against small-town America, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He simply doesn't have any way to relate to those who believe each person is responsible to take care of himself.

The Mexican border, once a cultural bridge, is now a war zone inhabited by killers, smugglers, and drug dealers as bad as any town in Afghanistan. Rural people who live along this poisonous border live with the daily possibility of death and destruction. Thousands of Mexicans have been killed in the drug wars already.

The situation, which has been worsening, culminated last month with the murder of a rancher by a suspected drug smuggler on his way back to Mexico.

He lived in my county along the border. He was known to the neighbors and many Mexican illegals as a generous man. His ranch has been well traveled by illegals for years. His luck ran out. All of us, his neighbors, are saddened but reminded of just how fragile normal life has become where many have put down their roots.

If the president thinks the community is bitter, he just might be right. They are on the front lines in a war to supply recreational drug users their daily toke or weekly snort. The smugglers are doing quite well. I hear of no shortages from celebrities and potheads. And, in truth, I would guess most ranchers are ambivalent about dope smokers and drug users. Unfortunately, they are trying to ranch on the battlefield where the self-righteous, self-centered stoners, snorters, smokers, shooters and suppliers are fighting The Law.

You can see in this Arizona rural community why we cling to our guns. We don't have police cars patrolling our neighborhoods. The nearest neighbor could be ten or twelve miles away and the criminals pass like ghosts in the night. We use our guns because we are not prey; we take responsibility for our own lives and livelihood. The president's unfortunate denigration of religion as a source of strength is something he probably wishes he could take back. His past church membership speaks for his faith. Suffice it to say, when we turn to God for help, it is because He has proven to be more reliable than the stream of politicians' promises that continue to pour over us like dirty water sluicing down the drain.

And nobody seems to have a clue.

Baxter Black is a former New Mexico resident who spent most of his working days tormenting cows. He now resides in Arizona and spends most of his free time tormenting cowboys and the sorts. His column appears in the Deming Headlight on Tuesday. www.baxterblack.com