Politics Mayberry  

If an alligator opens it’s mouth to invite you to step infor a conference, I would suggest you decline the offer.  Recently Oklahoma state lawmakerspassed a bill to add regulation and therefore close down unlicensed daycares.November 1^st while many of us were preoccupied with the election thelaw went into effect.  Now under the cover of darkness the DHS troops are closing down not unscrupulous daycares, but small private schools. In that wrecking path stands Shawnee’s own Liberty Academy where since1979 children have received one of the most solid educations in Oklahoma.  For years hardworking, taxpaying parents have reached into their own pocket to provide a solid education in a Christian atmosphere for their children. Now with the new law, private schools will have to restrict their hours and some are closing down.  Parents with work schedules that don’t fit the new restrictions will have to find a state licensed daycare to keep their children where they can then be bused to school and bused back to daycare depending on that parent’s work schedule (By the way, do state lawmakers have work schedules?)  This is our state government telling parents that they don’thave the sense to know where to put their children.  DHS will be happy to train and license these organizations“reaching for the stars” as they call it. “Step in here” says Mr. Alligator. For those of you who feel this is no concern for you, think twice.  If the state is going to take away a parent’s right to choose what childcare they want, what will stop them from taking away a right important to you? There is a great opportunity in all of this.  Our newly elected state lawmakers could show us what they are made of and trim the sails on DHS, amend House Bill 2643.  I call upon all concerned parents and fellow citizens concerned about freedom to call your state representative, say your prayers, and pass the alligator net.

Toppie Lincicome

Shortly after President Bush invited President-Elect Obamato tour the White House he noted that Mr. Bush was being “bipartisan’.  With all due respect, bipartisanshiphas to do with opposing parties working out differences to come up with bettersolutions.  It is pretty much atradition for the out going President to invite the President-Elect over for ameal and a tour.  Mr. Bush wasbeing cordial. Bipartisanship is going to have a lot more to do with awillingness to work with all sides to find the best solutions and less to do whogets invited over for dinner.

There are some things that may surprise Mr. Obama as hetakes office.  He may be surprisedto find that the current administration will be cordial and most likelycooperate to the fullest to make the transition to his administration a smoothone.  Mr. Obama is unlikely to findletters missing from computer keyboards, vandalisms, and the unsightly graffitiMr. Bush and his family found littered about the White House when he tookoffice.  In addition to this, there will be no “keepaway” in regard to handing keys over to the Obama transition team.

Power peacefully changing hands is the way of democraciesand that is what President-Elect Obama is likely to find as he takesoffice.  He may also be surprisedto find that the people who didn’t vote for him, the folk he described asclinging to guns and religion, are going to refer to him as Mr. President andrespect him as such.  He may besurprised to find that we will care less about chads, hanging chads, pregnant chads, election or selection, and more for how well this incomingPresident runs our country.  Therewill be a number of us praying for him, our troops, and our economicrecovery.  Most of us here in“fly-over country” believe in the American way.  We accept election results and hope for the best.  We respect the office of President,believe in freedom and revere our beloved Constitution.  Our hope is Mr. Obama that will return thefavor. 

Toppie Lincicome