As a sixth-generation Oklahoman, I like to think I have a deep understanding of this state, its government, and the people who operate that government.
And as a professional journalist who has worked in this state for more than four decades, I also have a deep understanding of the issues Oklahomans face and the many ways the public and private sector have worked to make our state better.
I have seen many public officials and private leaders work hard to improve this land we call Number 46.
For the record, none of those ways have included help from state Sen. Dusty Deevers.
Ending his first four-year term in office, Deevers has done little to address the serious issues facing this state and its people. He’s done even less to make things better for the residents he is supposed to represent.
And, if you listen to him speak, he will prove to you that he cares little about a representative democracy. Instead, Deevers wants you to embrace fear and remain afraid.
He is quick to vilify those with whom he disagrees. He pushes a form of theology that while Christian, in some aspects, is based more on fear and hatred and namecalling. The messages of Jesus, the basis of Christianity, are lost.
Instead, Deevers would have you believe this: its only through his leadership and his efforts that issues in this state can be addressed and, further, that souls can be saved.
He’s wrong. The history of this state is the story of how thousands upon thousands of common hardworking individuals — from all races and all walks of life — have come together when needed to overcome huge problems and move forward.
Land runs, Dust Bowls, bombings and killings have all left their mark on this area we call the Sooner State.
Yet it was the people — of every type, race, and background — who came together to address those issues and care for their neighbor.
Instead of quoting Jesus, during this state’s most horrific moments, people acted like him. They put love and caring over politics. They fed the hungry. They clothed the poor. They embraced those who needed embracing. They simply loved.
It’s time to return to that idea.
In just about two weeks, Oklahomans will return to the polls to decide on their government and who will be in charge.
Here in Southwestern Oklahoma, one of those decisions will be whether or not Dusty Deevers should keep his seat in the state Senate.
He shouldn’t. For close to four years now, Deevers has shown his constituents just how he likes to govern, and he has shown the rest of the state how little he knows about what it means to be part of a representative democracy.
It’s time for that to change. It’s time to replace Dusty Deevers.
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.