Opinion

In the wake of a politically-motivated, multi-country oil embargo that contributed to then-record high fuel prices, global energy shortages and American energy security concerns, Congress established the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Since its inception, the SPR has been both a national security and an energy security asset, helping reduce true energy supply disruptions. Yet, more recently, President Biden has irresponsibly utilized the SPR to cover up his failed policies, rapidly draining America’s petroleum reserves to its lowest levels since 1983.

You know what you call an addict in prison? An addict.

Incarceration rarely solves the addiction problem. We know this because toxicology reports show that a quarter of the deaths in Oklahoma County Detention Center are the result of fentanyl overdoses.

Once again this Christmas season, countless Americans sat down to watch Frank Capra’s Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, starring the great Jimmy Stewart. I’ve seen the movie plenty of times. So why did it leave me crying again this year?

Yet it did, from the moment a desperate George Bailey cried out to his shop-worn guardian angel that he wanted to live again, all the way through “Auld Lang Syne.”

Stirred by that experience and curious as to what prompted it, I decided to do something I had wanted to do for years.

To the Editor:

I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your coverage on Blessing Baskets.

For several years I helped my grandma help this organization prepare food boxes for those in need in our community.

It feels great helping others in need and our family has received food throughout the years.

Again, thank you for always sharing with us all that Blessing Baskets does to help our community.

James Elliott
Boy Scout Troop 381

The Tax Foundation recently released its 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index, a popular diagnostic tool which “enables business leaders, government policymakers and taxpayers to gauge how their states’ tax systems compare.” (OCPA research fellows Scott Moody and Wendy Warcholik, formerly of the Tax Foundation, were the co-creators of this index.)

Someone asked the question: “Where do you find Jesus?” and several answers were given. All answers are right, but the best one is ― you find Jesus when you come to the end of yourself. When you stop trying to get your life under control and realize that it was the Lord who made you and he had a plan for your life from the day you were born.

The longer you try to do things like “Burger King,” have it your way, the longer it will take you to get in line with God’s design.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Masquerading-as-I -- VT) said in a Dec. 13 statement, “I withdrew from consideration by the U.S. Senate my War Powers Resolution after the Biden administration agreed to continue working with my office on ending the war in Yemen. Let me be clear. If we do not reach agreement, I will, along with my colleagues, bring this resolution back for a vote in the near future and do everything possible to end this horrific conflict.”

Promises, promises.

State licensure boards are an important, although often overlooked, component of job opportunity and economic growth.

The boards control access to professions. If operated appropriately, they provide consumer protection while allowing the most qualified people possible to enter a profession, which increases competition and keeps prices down for consumers.

But there’s reason to worry. Oklahoma’s licensure boards have inherent flaws that not only stymie healthy industry competition, but also could be found illegal.

To the Editor:

What a great week we had in El Reno acknowledging our national and local veterans. We started with a great Canadian County Veterans Day Parade downtown sponsored by our local Chamber of Commerce, with a packed house program in the Centre Theatre to follow. Veterans from across Canadian County were honored with a standing ovation.

Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It's a time to reflect on, and be thankful for, all of the good things you have.

It’s important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, begin each new day by developing an attitude of gratitude.