Oklahomans return to the polls in just about two weeks. Those June primary elections take us a huge step toward shaping our government and, more broadly, give us ideas about the issues our government will address.
In short, the elections present the opportunity to decide whether we want groups like the Freedom Caucus or those who understand how to govern running the show.
Just a little thought will make that decision an easy one.
The issues facing state lawmakers remain large and complex. Everything from tax policy, health care and infrastructure is on the table for discussion. And while, yes, politics always plays a role in state government, our decisions need to be based on more than just politics.
Despite what the far right would have you believe, governmental decisions need to include the idea of impact – how will this decision affect the people of this state?
We’re not there yet. Right now, both the public and our elected leaders are frightened. They are afraid and, because of this, the policy proposals and ideas being touted by both are not always well thought.
We must move past the rhetoric and fear. We must remember that Oklahoma’s government is for each and every person who calls the Sooner State home – not just the ones with whom we agree.
We must remember that government, just like the people it serves, always changes. But getting 100% of the population to embrace 100% of that change isn’t going to happen. That’s political reality.
It’s time for each of us to embrace the idea that compromise is a good plan. It’s time to work together and remember that, at its core, government is a very human activity.
It’s time for Sooners to be smart about all the issues — everything from the environment to education. It’s time to devote the same time and energy we used to overcome the Dust Bowl and the bombing of the Murrah Building to solve today’s problems.
It’s time to eliminate the rhetoric and start the work.
This state and its people can have a bright and glorious future; getting there won’t be easy.
Because the first step on that long trip begins on Election Day.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter with more than 40 years’ experience covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma. He can be reached at scott.carter@swoknews.com.