YOUR VIEWS
Laughable suggestion
Regarding “Encouraging responses” (ScissorTales, Dec. 1): To suggest that the senatorial delegation from Oklahoma incurred any punishment or “sanctions” that will affect the behavior of
Saudi Arabia and its despotic leaders is laughable.
Conveniently missed was the fact the Senate voted
63-37 to end the support of the murderous civil war in Yemen, yet Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford voted “nay.” Their votes were effectively votes of support for a regime that not only killed a Washington Post reporter, but also hundreds of thousands of Yemenis, and as of now, has 85,000 children at risk of starvation. The same regime that used American-made weapons to kill 40 children on a field trip.
While a veto-proof majority of senators, including 14 Republicans, saw fit to end the presidential authority to support this horrific war, Inhofe and Lankford voted for it to continue. I would hardly describe some minuscule sanctions as a deterrent to Saudi misdeeds and war crimes, when Inhofe and Lankford could have used their votes to do so.
T. Scott Buxton, Oklahoma City
Film rebates worthwhile
Regarding “Film credit can’t earn actors’ love” (Our Views, Dec. 2): The film rebates mentioned are often a primary reason a production company decides to film in our state. Two films made in Oklahoma using the Film Enhancement Rebate administered by the Film + Music Office, a department of the Oklahoma Travel and Tourism Commission, have been playing in theaters in recent months. Feature articles about “I Can Only Imagine” and “Wildlife” have appeared in The Oklahoman this year, citing “I Can Only Imagine” as one of the most successful faith-based films in the country. “Wildlife” was filmed in Enid and has garnered high praise by critics and audiences. It had a $2 million impact on Enid's economy in 2016. I was paid as an actor in both films. I appreciate the film rebate and hope it continues to bring film production to Oklahoma.
David Lee Anderson, Oklahoma City
A futuristic investment
Regarding “Report says how climate change will affect state” (News, Nov 28): An assessment report developed by 13 federal agencies concluded Oklahoma temperatures are projected to increase as well as major disruptions in oil and gas industry, agriculture and Native American communities. The question is how can we work on this climate neutrality locally? In light of this recognition, companies, organizations, governments and citizens need to work toward this objective. Measuring our greenhouse emissions would be a start, and compensate by using U.N.-certified emission reductions. Though Sen. Jim Inhofe mentioned a “huge cost and unpopular impact of policies these extremists want to impose,” there is some opportunity cost we make to alleviate some of our dependable sources. Such like what Mike Fuhr with the Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma mentioned, that state leaders should support research into soil health techniques. We must see this as a futuristic investment for the sake of our state, our nation and our globe.
Alexandra Leal, Noble
Sweet revenge
Well, it might just happen in my lifetime — I turn 84 next month. I attended the University of Oklahoma back when Bud Wilkinson completed a 47-game winning streak that was broken by Notre Dame. Well, wouldn’t it be great to meet the Irish in the final game of the season for the national championship and get "a wee bit of revenge" while sipping an Irish coffee!
John Boswell Sr., Yukon
Learning curve questions
“State’s new lawmakers have steep learning curve” (News, Dec. 3) was interesting and informative, especially the following: “... lobbyists, agency officials, and advocates have a lot of teaching to do.” Lobbyists training new legislators is little more than teaching the fox to guard the hen house. As for the so-called advocates, who are they? More importantly, who decides which lobbyists or advocates get the opportunity to “train” our elected officials? And what is their level of expertise in legislative affairs that affect all Oklahomans?
If the past is an indication of the future, it appears our new legislators will be well informed on how to advance the agendas of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the Heritage Foundation and little else.
Jim Sanzone, Edmond