Crime Mapping Site Available for Muskogee

The Muskogee Police Department has signed up with www.CrimeReports.com to report crime in the City of Muskogee. Citizens can log onto the website, and view crime reports from the past six months and registered sex offenders across the city via flags in the vicinity of the crime.

CrimeReports is an interactive mapping site that currently partners with over 600 law enforcement agencies across the nation. As of today, Muskogee, Broken Arrow and Sand Springs (in order of commencement) are the only cities in Oklahoma to provide this service.

It costs the Police Department $99 per month, paid for by a federal Weed and Seed grant.

Rural Water Advisory

From Muskogee County Rural Water District #3:

Because of high turbidity in the water system and the potential for contamination as a result of this situation, the drinking water supplied by Muskogee County Rural Water District #3 may be unsafe for human consumption.

As a precaution, it is advised that the consumers of the Muskogee County Rural Water District #3 water system bring the water to a full rolling boil for one minute before consumption or use for food preparation.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Questions concerning this situation should be addressed to Everett Staton: 617-2474.

This advisory was issued earlier this afternoon.

Coburn Forces Reading of Single-Payer Amendment

Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee) forced a floor reading of a health care amendment today, stalling the Senate for over three hours.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont (and self-described socialist) submitted a single-payer health care amendment that would have enrolled every American citizen in Medicaire. Coburn objected to a routine motion to waive reading of the amendment, forcing a reading of the entire measure - something that happens rarely, if ever, in any legislature (federal or state).

Three hours into the projected 12-hour reading, Sen. Sanders pulled the amendment (in disgust, I might add). However, Dr. Coburn pointed out later on Sean Hannity's radio program that the Senate Rules were broken when the parliamentarian allowed the amendment to be withdrawn.

On Hannity's show, Coburn read the following from Riddick's Senate Procedure:

"Reading: Under Rule XV, paragraph 1, and Senate precedents, an amendment shall be read by the Clerk before it is up for consideration or before the same shall be debated unless a request to waive the reading is granted; in practice that includes an ordinary amendment or an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the reading of which may not be dispensed with except by unanimous consent, and if the request is denied the amendment must be read and further interruptions are not in order; interruptions of the reading of an amendment that has been proposed are not in order, even for the purpose of proposing a substitute amendment to a committee amendment which is being read. When an amendment is offered the regular order is its reading, and unanimous consent is required to call off the reading."

Hannity also asked the Senator if Republicans had other parliamentary tricks up their sleeve to stop the health care reform bill. Coburn responded that "here will be several more attempts to derail this bill from a parliamentary standpoint by me." He did not go into detail, since he did not want to tip his hand. He did further state that due to his planned moves, the earliest the Senate could vote on a final bill would be exactly Christmas Eve.

Muskogee Tea Party - December 16th

In commemoration of the 236th anniversary of the original Boston Tea Party, the public is invited to participate in the upcoming Muskogee-area Tea Party to be held at the Muskogee Civic Center (Room C - second floor; 4th & Okmulgee) on Wednesday, December 16th, from noon to 1:30pm.

This is an opportunity for citizens to express their concerns about the direction Congress and the White House are taking our country.

The goal of the Tea Party movement is to encourage citizens to get involved and let their voices be heard. This is a non-partisan event and open to all Americans who want to protect their freedoms and futures.

The format will be a bit different than previous Muskogee Tea Parties. We'll be doing this "popcorn" style - anyone who wants to speak will have a certain amount of time (probably about 2 minutes) to speak, and then the next person in line will get the microphone. Since there is not going to be a set program to follow as in previous events, feel free to just drop in for a while if you don't have time to stay for the entire Tea Party.

For more information, go to www.teapartymuskogee.com or contact organizer Jamison Faught, 869-6000.

The Conservative View: Armadillo Holes and Horses

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Armadillo Holes and Horses

Anyone that has ever ridden a horse knows you have to have some intelligence for your protection and that of the horse. A good cowboy knows that he has to be aware of his surroundings and know the territory. If the cowboy is riding the horse on a well maintained race track, he can run the horse at full speed and not worry about dangers such as armadillo holes and such. On the other hand, if the cowboy is riding in an unfamiliar field he must go at a slower rate and watch for dangers that could hurt him or his horse. If the cowboy is riding in the forest he can run the risk of being knocked off by low hanging limbs. In the long run, the most sensible thing to do is to slow the horse down before you hurt him or yourself. Riding horses is a lot like spending money; all of us need to slow down to avoid being hurt.

In the 2009 fiscal year we Americans have run up a budget deficit of 1.4 trillion dollars. It is easy for us to hear those numbers and become numb to them, but that amount is roughly 10 percent of our total economy. The alarming thing is that amount is triple what it was just a few short years ago. The only time the deficit came close to reaching that percentage was during times of war such as the Second World War. There are projections that over the next decade the red ink will increase by an additional 7.2 trillion dollars. Over the past few days there has been talk that congress will have to raise the debt ceiling. The current $12.1 trillion limit could reportedly jump by as much as $1.8 trillion.

It has become a joke that our government will ever limit the growth of debt. When the debt reaches the $14 trillion point the ceiling will be raised again. Out here in the real world you would be hard pressed to find a banker that would just keep loaning you more money, especially if you were already in debt so deep that you couldn’t pay off what you already owe. We Americans need to take a lesson from the cowboy who knows when to slow the horse down and prevent injury to himself and his horse. Like a horse stepping into an armadillo hole, the black hole of debt can be just as dangerous.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

A Tale of Two Tea Parties

December 16th will be the 236th anniversary of the ‘Boston Tea Party’ – that famous assembly of American patriots who threw hundreds of tons of British tea into the waters of Boston Harbor to protest unjust taxation and oppressive government. The same fiery spirit that led those Americans to refuse to bow to British pressure prompted them to begin the struggle for independence just two short years later. After over two and a quarter centuries, we still benefit from the foundation laid by our Founder’s sacrifices.

When the Sons of Liberty stepped foot on those three ships loaded with tea, they knew they would be angering a colossal government. Rather than passively submit to tyranny, they stood up and made their voices heard.

In response to their experiences with monarchial government, those patriots who were our nation’s Founders set up a Constitutional Republic, limited in size and scope, to preserve the liberties we all hold dear. Since that time, however, we have begun to drift from the moorings of our founding documents, and have allowed the federal government to grow into a monster the Founders would never have recognized.

Today, we constantly hear of some new scheme the politicians in Washington are cooking up. From amnesty for illegal immigrants, pork projects, government-run health care and disastrous “cap-and-trade” proposals that will destroy our economy and way-of-life, Congress and the White House continues to ignore the will of We The People.

For decades, the American people have watched as career politicians and those who do not possess our nation’s best interests at heart have used the government to benefit themselves, at the expense of the citizens.

No longer.

With the onset of the Tea Party movement in February of this year, the American people have awakened to see the destruction that has been, and is being, wrought on our country. We are standing up and saying ‘enough is enough!’ We will not stand idly by as yet-unborn generations are loaded with crushing debt and the Constitution is trampled on.

Millions have gathered across the nation in the past ten months to make their voices heard. Here in Muskogee, over 850 concerned citizens have come out for three separate ‘Tea Parties’ since April 15th. Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike have voiced both their opposition to harmful government policies, and their favor for ideas such as the FairTax, balanced budgets, fiscal responsibility and congressional term limits.

On December 16th, more Muskogee-area patriots will be gathering for another Tea Party, from noon to 1:30pm at the Muskogee Civic Center (Room C). Now is the time for American citizens to stand up and speak out. Whether your issue is federal or local, unless you join in the fight nothing will change. Remember – you truly can make a difference.

The political status quo must be changed, if we want to pass on an America as great as the one we received from our Founding Fathers.

Get involved. Connect with like-minded citizens from all over this part of the state. Come to the Muskogee Civic Center from noon to 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 16th. Come and make your voice heard!

Jamison Faught is the organizer of the Muskogee-area Tea Party movement. He is local conservative political activist and blogger. You can read his blog at www.muskogeepolitico.blogspot.com

Area School Board Filings

The filing period for area school board races ended yesterday. Multiple candidates filed in several districts across the area.

Muskogee: Larry Dan Leatherman and Pamela Isaacs (incumbent Danny Shiew did not file).
Hilldale: Terri Breedlove (incumbent) and Vernon Antonioni.
Fort Gibson: Darren Kilpatrick (incumbent) drew no opposition.
Okay: Jon Oxtoby and David Rodden.
Braggs: Kyle Jones (incumbent) and Audra Lynn Hunt.
Norwood: Rickey Moore (incumbent) and Susan Kirk.
Hulbert: Kent Barnes (incumbent) Christopher Sallee and Linda Baker.
Webbers Falls: David Jarrard and Robert Vinson.
Wagoner: Vernon Sullivan (incumbent) and Mark Collins.
Tahlequah: Hamid Vahdatipour and Duel Smith.

The school board elections will be held on February 9th, 2010. Any runoff elections will be held on April 6th, 2010.

A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

USS Oklahoma burning after capsizing in Pearl Harbor.

We must never forget the sacrifices of previous generations of Americans. The patriots of World War II come closest to mind on this date, especially as they begin to fade from history.

Never again, never forget.

The Conservative View: Cards and Politics

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Cards and Politics

I have never fancied myself as being an accomplished card player, but knowing when to fold and get out of the current game is a trait that any good card player knows. When you are playing cards with one or two people you have a much better ability to set the tone of the game and insure that the game will be fair. On the other hand, if you get into a game where there are many players you have a much better chance of being taken to the cleaners, especially if some of the other players form an alliance. Everything in life is a game, if we learn how to play the game we will be successful; if we don’t, we run the risk of losing our shirts. The same can be said about international politics. In a little over a week our leaders will be attending one of the biggest games of chance that our country has ever faced. The United Nations' Copenhagen Climate Change Conference starts next week; the outcome of the meetings could mean the beginning of the end of U.S. sovereignty.

If our elected officials are foolish enough to sign off on the climate change agreement in Copenhagen, we Americans will be paying a high price for many generations to come. There are 192 nations attending including the United States, we will be 1 of 192 participants. Voting blocs such as the EU, the AU, and the "G-77" will likely pool their votes and negotiating resources to isolate the U.S. We could easily be standing alone and be a sucker ripe for the taking. While many developing countries would be exempt to the regulations, the United States would have to obey a host of regulations that would essentially tie one of our hands behind our back.

We would be required to cap green house emissions while other countries such as China would be exempt. American taxpayers would be required to help fund other nation’s attempts to improve their energy resources. We would be required to share new clean energy technology with other nations and there could be the possibility that the people that developed the new technology would receive no payment for their efforts. Maybe the well meaning socialists at the Conference in Copenhagen feel that they have a stacked deck and a sucker. I just hope that our representatives are smart enough to fold and leave while we still have a shirt.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

Tulsa Bible Church Christmas Celebration

(Click to see larger)

For anyone interested: my church, Tulsa Bible Church (60th and Sheridan), is putting on a Christmas cantata this Friday evening (7pm) and Sunday evening (6pm). With a full choir and orchestra, and drama team, the 2009 TBC Christmas Celebration will be a wonderful event for the whole family! I will be playing second violin in the orchestra.

For more information, call (918) 499-1513.

Dan Arnett Announces Campaign Tour

From Second Congressional District candidate Dan Arnett (R-Henryetta):

Dan Arnett Announces Tour of Oklahoma Colleges and Universities

Over 99,437,266 Americans are under the age of 25 according to the last US Census. That age group is roughly one third of the entire population. It is that generation’s fate that is being debated on Capitol Hill. Health Care, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and taxation affects everyone but the costs will more heavily burden this and the next generation. Starting in December, the Dan Arnett campaign will begin touring area schools and universities in order to give students a chance to ask tough questions and to make their voices heard. “I believe it is important for this generation to step up to the plate. If we want our republic to succeed, it will be up to us.” Dan encourages students to be informed, to vote, and to run for office.

December 3, 2009 – Q & A with Dan Arnett at Murray State College. Time: 2pm. Location Aggie Dining Hall in the Student Union, Tishomingo, OK.

December 8, 2009 - Q & A with Dan Arnett at Coal County. Time: 6pm. Location: Esther's Country Grill in Coalgate.

December 10, 2009 – Q & A with Dan Arnett at Oklahoma Christian University. Time: 7pm. Location: Williams-Branch Center for Biblical Studies room 124.

January 14, 2010 – Q & A with Dan Arnett at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College. Time 12:15pm. Location: Coppen Hall Room 119, Miami, OK.

February 1, 2010 – Bryan County GOP and Conservative Club. Time: 6:30-8pm. Location: TBA.

February 23, 2010 – Q & A with Dan Arnett with the Okfuskee County GOP. Time: 6:30. Location: Brick Street Cafe in Okemah, OK.

The list will be updated as times and locations are settled upon. Additionally, negotiations are under way with the schools and/or other campus organizations to set up a “Q & A with Dan Arnett” at the following colleges and universities for January and February: Bacone College, Carl Albert State College, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University, Rogers State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, The University of Oklahoma.

If you would like to have Dan Arnett come to your school, whether a college or high school, Please contact Dan at dan@danarnettforcongress.com.

Arnett is running against Democrat incumbent Dan Boren, and fellow Republican challengers Daniel Edmonds, Howard Houchen, and Charles Thompson.

American Majority School Board Training

From American Majority Oklahoma:

American Majority is conducting a candidate training event in Tulsa on Saturday, December 19th. This training will address usage of new and traditional media, campaign planning, successful fundraising tactics, grassroots organization, and more! Those running for school board are highly encouraged to attend in addition to those running for other elections in the area.

What: Candidate Training Event

When: December 19th from 9am to noon

Where: Tulsa Technology Center – Career Training Center (3638 S. Memorial)

Please click this link for more information: http://americanmajority.org/news-and-views/news/504-candidate-training-in-tulsa-ok-december-19

If you are remotely interested in running for school board, I encourage you to attend this training session. The filing period for school board elections is Dec. 7-9. There is a seat on the Muskogee School Board that will be up this time around.