Laughable response

“Oklahoma leaders offer revenue, reform package” (News, Jan. 12) was accompanied by a picture of David Rainbolt, who most know as an accomplished banker in Oklahoma. I thought finally some reform ideas about our state’s money from some people who know something about, well, money. After reading, I agreed with Devon founder Larry Nichols that “as a package deal, most people will end up paying a little more, but the state will be a better place to live.”

What really got my attention was the House Democratic Caucus response to the proposed reforms. Did they say the cigarette and gasoline taxes (same for everyone) would hurt low-income families more than middle- to high-income families? No. Did they say tax increases on all of our energy sector (oil, gas, wind, coal) were not enough? No. Did they say eliminating certain income tax deductions and loopholes was bad policy? Of course not. Instead, they are “hesitant to endorse the proposal at this time, especially given the stark lack of diversity among the members of the coalition.” I laughed out loud. I guess one can assume in future the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus will be hesitant to endorse any proposals coming out of Washington from the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Latino Caucus and the like due to lack of diversity. Seems a bit closed-minded and smells of identity politics. Shame on them.

J.B. Black, Oklahoma City