Opinion

Growing up in New Mexico was a blessing in many, many ways. One of the most important things that I gained while living there was cultural diversity and understanding. Kokopelli is one of the many legends that I was taught while living there.

On Tuesday, lawmakers gathered for our constitutionally-required Organizational Day to approve rules for the upcoming legislative session and elect leadership. House Speaker Charles McCall of Atoka was reelected as Speaker for his third term, making him Oklahoma’s longest serving House Speaker.

I have never known life without internet. My entire life I have had access to knowledge and entertainment from all around the world.

Thank You Payne County Amazing! Payne County residents reached into their hearts and pocketbooks despite the pandemic. United Way of Payne County (UWPC) reached its fundraising goal of $950,000! The pandemic has aff ected everyone.

Before we get into this, please read the following statement…disclaimer… warning… call it what you want. This column is going to be about a very serious and dire topic. There is no intent to be flippant about the fact that COVID-19 is a deadly and dangerous virus that is is taking lives and changing lives all over the world. I understand. I care. I’ve been impacted.

As you may remember, a few months ago I found out that I had a slight knack for sewing. I was, and still am, extremely proud of this fact. I have tried my hand at several other crafty pastimes over these past few weeks, but have yet to find something that plays to my strengths like sewing does. One of these craft projects I decided to try my hand at, is knitting.

T’was the night before Christmas, And all through the town, Not a creature was stirring, They were all locked down. Face coverings were hung, From the rear-view with care.

As I read over the article I was going to send out today, I realized it was too depressing. Instead of comparing the events of this past year to history, I decided I needed something more uplifting, like Christmas. For many, Christmas is the happiest time of the year. For Christians, it celebrates the birth of the baby Jesus when the Angels proclaimed to the shepherds, “Peace and good will towards men.”

Something I am positive we can all agree on, snow days are an absolute blast, whether it’s a blast of fun or blast of fury is up to you. Snow is this magical unicorn that everyone dreams of and longs for all winter, forgetting the consequences that come along with said magical unicorn.. er.. snow.

There comes a time for every president when they must face the inevitable reality that they are out of a job. What do most of these men do with this realization that campaigning is over? They pardon whomever they want without fear of consequences. The best evidence that Trump deep down knows he lost is the pardon of Michael Flynn. Flynn will be only the fi rst of many and a few will be controversial, but, historically speaking, it will be diffi cult to surpass the controversy of past pardons and even more diffi cult to surpass past presidents’ numbers. Of course, the entire premise of this article will change if he attempts to pardon himself.