Perspectives: Sam’s Perspective – Governor’s Prayer

I’m Sam Jones.  

This perspective is going to be short and to the point.  Recently Governor Mary Fallen issued a proclamation asking Christians to pray for the blessings created by the oil and natural gas industry.  Hmmm,…   She then revised it to be more inclusive,  to ask people of all faiths to pray for the industry.   Hmmm,..   This from a governor who has led the tax cut charge.  This from a governor that supported legislative cutting of the earned-income tax credit for 355,000 low-income Oklahomans. That same bunch passed legislation that stopped cities and towns across the stat to establish mandatory minimum wage and employee benefits.  

So,… let me see if I’ve got this right;     Those elected to lead,  in effect declared war on those just trying to feed themselves.  Then, when no one was looking, this same bunch voted to increase their own operating budget by $4-million.   Meanwhile, in addition to stepping on the poor, every state agency is strapped for cash and undergoing cutbacks.   Interesting how the Governor didn’t stop the last round of tax cuts or roll back the one before, knowing we were headed into more  financial trouble.  

You know, God is kinda busy and I can’t help but wonder if he really has time for political foolishness.     Her first proclamation for oil and gas prayer called for Christians only.  Then someone must have pointed out that there are others who pray too, and a lot of them Republicans.    So here came a new proclamation that included all who pray.  Hmmm,… I have no doubt that the oil and gas industry needs help, but is a public call for  Devine intervention the answer?  And can anybody in government say with a straight face that if the oil and gas industry is able to recover, that we won’t see another tax cut?

A couple of points here,… number one why haven’t I heard anyone in the Governor’s office calling for prayers for the poor, the hungry, the homeless or people working two and even three jobs just to keep their heads above water or those unable to find work or the mentally ill?    The state is facing a water problem, why no pray requests from the Governor that deal with rain?  

You know, we are about to get hit with another budget shortfall which will result in more cuts. Who will feel it?   Find someone in this state that won’t.

Perhaps a call for prayer is the answer to our problems.  But somewhere in that prayer should be a request for help,… help for the Governor and the Legislature to start working for the people,… instead of themselves. 

And that’s my perspective.