Oklahoma Independent Media Center

Internationally recognized Nicaraguan singing duo:
Katio and Salvador Cardenal have performed in Europe, throughout the Americas, and in World Capitols.

Inspiring songs of liberation, freedom, justice, and peace.

Friday evening, they are performing a FREE concert to benefit MANOS JUNTAS, the nonprofit offering a free medical clinic Saturdays at Epworth Methodist Church, annual Medical Missions to Nicaragua, and other worthy causes. (Free-will donations gratefully accepted).

Open Arms Church Building, 3131 N. Pennsylvania

Local Citizens Refuse to Abandon SCHIP

Rally at State Capitol South Steps For Our Children

What: Protest of President Bush’s Veto on SCHIP
State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Where: Oklahoma Capitol, South Plaza Steps

Oklahomans Urge Veto Override by Congress

Reggie Cervantes, Oklahoma Chapter President of APUHC (American Patients for Universal Health Care), is leading a protest at the South Plaza of the Oklahoma Capitol on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 at 12 noon. Cervantes, a 9-11 volunteer rescue worker, was featured in the Michael Moore movie, SICKO. She has recently moved to Oklahoma City after not being able to be treated for health issues in New York. Since then, she was able to receive medical care for her children, ages 8 and 10, and herself for PTSD and other ailments she developed after working at the World Trade Center.

SCHIPS veto flier

Parents, Kids and Local Groups in Oklahoma City to Rally For Children’s Health Care

As Billions Are Spent In Iraq, Rep. Mary Fallin Voted With Bush To Block Health Care for Kids In Oklahoma.

Congress Passed Children’s Health Care Bill; MoveOn Members Call On Rep Mary Fallin To Override Bush’s Veto

[Oklahoma City] – On Thursday, October 4, at 5 PM, local groups, parents and kids will hold a “Rally For Our Children’s Health” outside of Rep. Fallin’s Oklahoma City office. They will urge Fallin, all other representatives of Congress and President Bush to stop blocking health care for Oklahoma children. 225 similar events are happening around the nation.

Report: Black and White and Re(a)d All Over

Unprecedented Study of U.S. Daily Newspapers Shows Conservatives with Distinct Advantage in Syndicated Op-Eds Nationally and in Oklahoma

State-Based Data Are Attached (below) as a PDF, while the Entire Report With National Figures and Detailed Analysis is Available Online at www.mediamatters.org/reports/oped/

Counselors will offer free, confidential legal information to service members, veterans, potential recruits and their families

Nationwide network assists those who seek to get out of the military

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma GI Rights Hotline will officially begin operations on Monday, September 24, undertaking its mission of providing free, confidential, and accurate information on US military regulations and practices to servicemembers, veterans, potential recruits, and their families.

The Hotline can be reached at (405) 231-1138. Live counselors will answer on Mondays from 10 AM to 5 PM. On other days messages will be returned within 24 hours. More live hours will be added gradually in the future.

Governor Proclaims September 21st as an International Day of Peace for Oklahoma!

Thousands of Students create pinwheels for peace

Celebration at the Gold Dome Multicultural Society

N.W. 23rd and Classen on Friday, September 21st from 5:30-8:00

OKC – Students and other community members throughout the greater Oklahoma City area will participate in the United Nation’s International Day of Peace Celebration at the Gold Dome. From Norman to Edmond and beyond, students are creating pinwheels with words about peace and harmony. These works of art will spin in the wind, decorating schools, homes and businesses on the International Day of Peace. As students create these pinwheels, they are asked to reflect on Peace: A state of calm and tranquility, with no anxiety or violence.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Hundreds, including state legislators, gathered on the steps of the state Capitol Thursday, in solidarity with thousands in Jena, La. and around the country to show support for the "Jena 6".

AP story via KATC3 in Acadia

CNHI photos

More than 75 Oklahoma City activists held a demonstration Saturday, calling for “no more war” in Iraq. Participants held large and colorful signs to the traffic along the Northwest Expressway at Meridian Ave., from noon to 1:30 pm. Darla Shelden, one of the organizers, said that this local event was in solidarity with the Mass March on Washington, DC, called by the “ANSWER” coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), and around the country on Saturday.

Familiar signs saying “Honk For Peace” were supplemented with signs relating to President Bush's speech Thursday calling for a US military presence in Iraq which could last for decades. “Say No to Bush's War” was one of the themes expressed on signage at the demonstration.

Click image for more
photos of event.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform (OBAR) filed today to circulate an initiative petition to put a question on the 2008 ballot. The initiative seeks to reform Oklahoma's ballot access laws, considered the most restrictive in the country.

"It is time to hear what Oklahoma voters think about our state's biased electoral system," said OBAR Chairman Matthew R. Jones. "With half of our state legislative races unopposed last November, we believe Oklahomans will support more voter choice."

OBAR will collect approximately 90,000 signatures over the next 90 days, and plans to integrate petitioning with an awareness campaign, including T-shirts for petition circulators and information cards for signatories.

Say No To Bush -- Bring The Troops Home Now! Protest

Oklahoma City Holds Rally To Support Mass March On Washington DC This Weekend

As thousands gather in Washington, DC, this weekend, calling for an end to US military involvement in Iraq, a demonstration in solidarity with them will take place in Oklahoma City. Nathaniel Batchelder of the Peace House said the local demonstration will take place from noon to 1 pm, Saturday, at the intersection of N. Meridian Avenue and the Northwest Expressway.

OKLAHOMA CITY, NORMAN, OKMULGEE AND TULSA
OVER 650 VIGILS NATIONWIDE

Oklahomans call on Senator Inhofe to take a stand this September, end war in Iraq

OKC Candlelight vigil at Southwest Corner of NW Expressway and Penn

[OKLAHOMA CITY, OK] – On Tuesday, August 28, members of MoveOn.org Political Action in Oklahoma City will host a candlelight vigil to call on our Oklahoma Congress members to vote to end the war in September. There are events also taking place in Norman,Tulsa and Okmulgee that evening.

"It's time for the Bush Administration to tell the truth and admit that the surge has failed to deliver even the slightest sign of political reconciliation," said Colonel (ret) Katherine Scheirman local MoveOn member and Senior Advisor for VoteVets.org.. "Senator Inhofe and all of our Oklahoma Congress members must Stand Up in September and vote for a responsible end to this deadly occupation" concluded Dr. Scheirman.

Moderator's note: Robyn's article follows this introduction

Readers,

Robyn Lemon Sellers, the daughter of Bob Lemon, is a chip off the old block when it comes to defending and advocating for gay/lesbian equality.

The Lemon family is one of the staunchest and most supportive Democratic grassroots families in Oklahoma. All progressive Democrats would be the poorer in spirit if it were not for their collective efforts on behalf of a better state and country.

In the OK Gazette of August 22, on page 15, is a paid advertisement placed by Ms. Lemon Sellers that clearly outlines the scurrilous nature of the editorial page of the Joke-lahoman, dba, Oklahoman, otherwise known as the worst daily newspaper in the USA as summarized by the Columbia Journalism Review.

Two activists infiltrated the Lions Club Town Hall meeting August 14, where the Hon. Sullivan was speaking publicly in Tulsa, after a very long period of insulation from his constituents.

We sat through his propagandistic claims for this industry or that (the ones providing major campaign contributions to Sullivan), and we listened to him make the "business as usual" partisan attacks, and then we were finally given the opportunity to ask him pointed questions on Iraq and the need for impeachment. Ours were the last two questions of the session, before it broke up.

There is only a 2-line mention in Wednesday's paper, about the impeachment discussion in public with the Representative for OK1:

"Two members of the audience tried to draw Sullivan into discussing possible impeachment of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, but the three-term Republican refused to respond."
by: RANDY KREHBIEL Tulsa World Staff Writer
8/15/2007

Initiative Petition Underway! More Voices More Choices!

Taking action to open Oklahoma’s ballot to third parties, Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform (OBAR) plans to circulate a petition that will put a question on the 2008 ballot.

“We are looking forward to giving more choices to Oklahoma voters, and with the help of our many supporters, we are confident it will be a success,” said Matthew R. Jones, an Independent and OBAR Chairman.

The publisher of The Edmond Sun would describe himself and his paper as conservative. But last Sunday, Rick Barnes added his voice to that of many a liberal (and a growing number of his fellow conservatives) regarding the US military presence in Iraq: "Enough is enough — let’s pull out"

[...] We, as a country, have invested, or poured down a rat hole, more than $456 billion and for what? The Iraqi government is coming unraveled — Iraqi legislators are fleeing the sinking ship like rats; the Kurds are wanting to form a separate country and control the oil fields and we continue to offer up our sons and daughters as their life vests.

Pull our troops out, save American lives, leave every piece of non-sensitive equipment there and let them do with the equipment as they see fit. This may seem like pretty drastic measures, but no one else has come up with a better idea.

[...]

As a final note — Oklahoma’s portion of this misguided adventure is $6.8 billion and escalating at the rate of $3,111 per minute of every hour of every day. Minnesota had a tragic bridge collapse and reports indicate the bridges of this state are not in much better shape. Why not take a portion of the $6.8 billion and make improvements here? Enough is enough!

[...]

The Oklahoma Democratic Party & Veterans Committee will hold a “Support the Troops” event for Oklahomans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

(Oklahoma City, OK) - The Oklahoma Democratic Party is sponsoring a ‘Support the Troops’ campaign by gathering items from the ‘most wanted’ list that have been requested by our Oklahoma Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ron Wasson, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran, and Katherine Scheirman, retired Air Force Colonel, are co chairs of the Oklahoma Democratic Veteran's Committee, which is devoted to political and social justice issues that affect our country's veterans. They have organized the event to let members of our armed forces know we salute their patriotism and courage.

From Kalyn Free, President of ISDN's List:

In just one week, we will make history, when presidential candidates assemble on Indian land in the context of a campaign to lay out their visions for the future of Indian Country.

Governor Bill Richardson, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Senator Mike Gravel, will join us as three candidates that share an understanding that Indians are not only an increasingly important voting constituency but that the challenges facing Indian Country require bold leadership and an ongoing, serious dialogue with our First Americans.

Moderating the discussion between the candidates and our tribal leaders will be Pulitzer finalist Mark Trahant, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and the editor of the editorial page at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Saturday, August 11 - 10 AM at Union Station, S. Harvey & 7th, OKC

Elected officials, candidates and citizen activists to speak to save the Union Station railyards for future mass transit

OKLAHOMA CITY - Citizens from around the state will be gathering this Saturday at Oklahoma City's Union Station for what they call a rally to "Save the Rails" network that crisscross Oklahoma and provide a ready-made solution to mass transit needs for the entire region. They are inviting all concerned citizens to join them to demand better transportation choices by our politicians and business leaders.

"The people's needs and expressed desire for viable mass transit are not being considered," said Fannie Bates, who is centering her campaign for the Oklahoma Country District 1 seat on the issue. Bates, a teacher with a masters in public health, will speak at the rally.

MSNBC - Updated: 11:24 p.m. CT Aug 2, 2007

The following state bridges carry at least 10,000 vehicles a day and have been rated as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete by inspectors, according to an MSNBC.com analysis of the National Bridge Inventory.

A structurally deficient bridge is closed or restricted to light vehicles because of its deteriorated structural components. While not necessarily unsafe, these bridges must have limits for speed and weight.

A functionally obsolete bridge has older design features and, while it is not unsafe for all vehicles, it cannot safely accommodate current traffic volumes, and vehicle sizes and weights.

See chart: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20099119

Andrew RiceOklahoma State Senator Andrew Rice, who has been deliberating about a run for U.S. Senate in 2008 while a independent petition built enthusiasm for the race, today informed his friends and supporters that he will seek to unseat Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe.

The text of his email follows:

From the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce web site:

Air Quality

The Central Oklahoma region is currently in compliance with all of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean air standards. However, air quality has become a concern over the last year because the Central Oklahoma region is in danger of going into non-compliance with the federal clean air standards for ozone. Last summer, Central Oklahoma had several ozone readings that exceeded the federal standard. If these high ozone readings persist next summer, the region will likely go into non-attainment status.

A non-attainment status results in severe impediments to economic growth by placing restrictions on certain types of businesses. These restrictions discourage new businesses from locating in the region, and discourage existing businesses from expanding their operations.

PassengerRailOk.org went on the road today to Pauls Valley to further push our northbound campaign to Kansas City. We also helped passengers with information prior to boarding the train. We were greeted with smiles from passengers who were glad to have us there. About 15 people boarded the train. Amtrak's conductor was confused as he is used to seeing me in Norman. Fortunately Mr. Nelson Dent, Mr. Don Grissom, and Ms. Donna Jones served as the Norman depot volunteers this morning. They took care of 70 plus passengers. Needless to say, the train was a sellout this morning.

The Electric Primadonnas are a modern garage rock trio from Oklahoma City that will kick off a national tour this Saturday at the Convergence.

The band has been together for about a year, and they’ve already created a local buzz. “Our individual experiences have been absorbed quickly into a strong wall of sound. We put on an electrifying and original show with high energy”, says lead singer Chris Anderson.

“We've played a number of shows around Oklahoma and we’re going on tour in August”.

The Primadonnas have received airplay on several radio stations of different formats including Oklahoma City’s KHBZ, the Buzz.. They have recorded, produced, and released their own full-length album, Tambourine Massacre. They have been covered numerous times by the Oklahoma Gazette as a band to be watched and have taken their place in the Oklahoma music scene.

The U-18 Movement, an Oklahoma City based youth rights group, celebrated 1 year of advocating youth voting rights. The U-18 Movement thanked everyone involved with it for helping out in their fight for youth rights. We should expect to hear more about what the U-18 is up to in local media this summer.
http://u.18movement.googlepages.com

We need to fill the court room and we need your help! Please come out and show your support for those speaking out and having their day in court. Please pass this to your friends and come be a part of history. Let's show Tulsa that we have had enough and that we are ready to stand up and speak out for what is right. I am not ready to stop fighting for my country. Impeachment is the only moral solution!!!! Please join us tomorrow in the court room and then outside for the press conference!

Peace, Angela Spotts

Check out the new site and join us! http://impeachok1.org/

TO: Tulsa Media

TULSA IMPEACHMENT ACTION GROUP GETS THEIR DAY IN COURT:

One of the most popular news items of the last 24 hours, according to Yahoo News, has been the unearthing of the buried 1957 Plymouth Belvedere and her accompanying time capsule.

My brother Ed and I drove over to Tulsa yesterday to watch the car being pulled out of the ground. My son, Alex, came along for the ride, hoping to glimpse a piece of history.

It was a day for reminiscences and reflections. Ed and I grew up in Tulsa listening to the stories about the buried car under the Courthouse lawn. I was only 5 years old when the organizers of "Tulsa-Rama" thought of interring a brand new car for the purpose of commemorating Oklahoma's semi-centennial.

Adam Kokesh is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and is a prominent voice at protests. He is among those facing disciplinary action by the Marine Corps for wearing their "uniforms" during antiwar demonstrations (it was actually a camo shirt). [Image: Adam (right, with "I don't recall" counter) during Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the mass firing of U.S. Attorneys.]

Oklahomans seeking to change the state's ballot access laws are re-organizing for their ongoing challenge to Oklahoma's restrictive laws that keep third parties and independents from a fair chance to get their name before the voters.

Representatives from around the state will meet Saturday June 9 and continue to develop strategy for their drive for public awareness and legislative action.

For contact info and to get involved, click here.

Today's (6/2/07) Daily Oklahoman includes a guest editorial by Col. Katherine Scheirman, USAF (Ret.), identified as retired in 2006 after a 20-year career in the Air Force.

Her experienced and forceful statement is an important addition to the growing voices in Oklahoma against the war/occupation in Iraq.

Excerpt:

I met with Rep. Mary Fallin on Feb. 22 to discuss President Bush's plan for the military escalation ("surge”) in Iraq. During that meeting, I asked about projections for the numbers of additional casualties expected from Mr. Bush's plan. She told me she had heard nothing about casualty estimates. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had likewise testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January that there were no casualty projections.

Senator Tom CoburnThe American Spectator is reporting:

Sen. Tom Coburn is mulling an entry into the Republican presidential primary, according to sources inside and outside the Senate.
[...]
Coburn is believed to have the backing of several low-profile members of the so called "Swift Boaters," men who financed the ads that doomed the presidential aspirations of Sen. John Kerry.