Governor signs Citizenship Test Bill

By Speaker Pro Tempore Terry O’Donnell

See photo identifications at the end of story.

This week, I had the opportunity to invite to the state Capitol several people instrumental in the passage of a bill that will help ensure Oklahoma high school graduates are better informed about the function of our government and our nation’s history.

First was TJ McCormack, a constituent and requestor of House Bill 2030, which requires high school students to pass the U.S. Civics Test before graduation beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The test is the same one administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that is required of anyone desiring to become a U.S. citizen. Fourteen other states have adopted similar legislation.

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Volunteers and blood donors needed

By Staff Report

Tulsa Okla. (Aug. 9, 2021) Many weather experts predict a destructive hurricane season this year. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.

“We’re preparing for another extremely busy disaster season, and it’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” said Jan Hale, communications manager, Kansas and Oklahoma Red Cross Region. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the west. And experts are predicting we could see 10 or more hurricanes in the upcoming weeks.”

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Senate Bill 315 helps OK distilleries

By David Arnett

Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, this week praised the impact that Senate Bill 315 has had for Oklahoma distilleries. The bill, authored by McDugle in the House, modernizes some of Oklahoma’s liquor laws by authorizing distilleries to sell their own products for either on- or off- premises consumption. The measure also authorizes distiller licensees to sell spirits at public events such as trade shows or festivals.

Products offered for sale must have been sold and shipped to an Oklahoma licensed wine and spirits wholesaler before being made available for purchase by the distiller licensee. Spirits sold pursuant to these provisions are capped at 15,000 gallons in combination per calendar year.

Mitchell McDaniel with Hochatown Distilling says it greatly improves customer access, experience and helps grow Oklahoma tourism.

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California Hispanics wake to betrayal

By Marc Ang

A recent  poll came out from Emerson on the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, showing a statistically tied race among registered voters, 48 no, 46 yes. While this is a terrible sign for Newsom and the Democrats, this does not shock me, as I have seen a gradual but real shift in the community and the numbers make sense. The most shocking internal in this poll was that Hispanics were the only racial group to overwhelmingly support the recall, and they do by a landslide, 54-41. Black and Asian majorities, in contrast, are supportive of keeping Newsom in office.

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The Graveyard of COVID-19 missed info

By Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD

The British social hierarchy of the Middle Ages and beyond was divided into “three estates of the realm”: the king, the clergy, and the commoners. More modern times brought the fourth estate, the non-establishment, independent journalists. Our founders knew that for a successful democratic republic, the press had to be a watchdog. Journalists now have become morticians who embalm and bury stories at the bidding of their puppet masters.

In many cases, the government with its media accomplices quietly plucked from the public square information that is not to their liking, irrespective of its factual accuracy. COVID-19 has brought the practice out of the shadows. With our health at stake, it is imperative that all sides of the science are available. Let the people decide.

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