Perspectives: Sam’s Perspective – Failure Again

Hello, I’m Sam Jones.

Back in 1924, Will Rogers said, “With every public man we have elected doing comedy, I tell you I don’t see much of a chance for a comedian to make a living,… they can do more funny things naturally than I can think of to do purposely.”

Well guess what? Remember House Bill 1033xx? Five hours after the vote opened, the vote closed in failure. The $581 million dollar cornerstone of a revenue and reform package, promoted by business interests and adopted by GOP leadership was shot down in a state that supports your right to carry firearms. 76-votes were needed for passage in the House, under the constitution’s supermajority requirement. It only got 63 votes in favor, 76 were needed for passage.

Whoops, they did it again! The comedians in the legislature blocked passage of a bill that promised to bring relief from some of our budget problems. But the interesting thing is, Republicans voted against it claiming they didn’t want to raise taxes. About two thirds of the Democrats voted against it because they said it didn’t go far enough. So, it appears the lobbyists and special interests, both in and out of state, as well as those against public education, won again. There is a chance, at least Senate Minority Leader John Sparks says there is He says, “There is still more than enough time to come to a workable solution.” Can we expect that to happen? Well, those of you willing to do so, can join me this weekend as I go outside to watch for flying pigs. Thought I saw some today, but it was just public school teachers, prison officials, public safety officials and a great many more, leaving for better paying jobs in any of the states surrounding Oklahoma. And I can’t say as I blame them.

What was it Will Rogers said back in 1924 about elected officials doing comedy? Well, they sure gave us one hilarious performance while they did the little Texas two step on this one.

And that’s my Perspective.