Perspectives: Sam’s Perspective – Mama Says

If you follow the news, you already know there is a lot of Forrest Gump going on out there. For example, we learned last week that the State’s budget is going to be $85.5 million less than this years’ budget. Lawmakers say part of the reduction is due to the declining prices for oil and natural gas. Some are saying they will have to make some hard decisions. Well remember I said there is a lot of Forrest Gump in the news? Here is an example,
I said, “Mama, What’s going to happen?”
“Mama asked me, Forrest if next year’s budget is smaller than this year’s budget, who do you think will get hit the hardest? Most likely the folks who need it most, will feel the hardest hit.” she said.
Then Mama said, “Forrest, public education is gonna get cut again, just you wait and see.” And Mama is always right. Mama says when the going gets tough, lawmakers always push stupid and they do that by cutting public education.” That’s what Mama said. A long time ago, I asked Mama if I could have a dog. Mama said, “Tell you what Forrest, You take care of cleaning up your room and doing your homework ever night without me telling you to, maybe we’ll get you a dog.” Well, from that day on, my room was always spotless and the first thing I always did when I got home from school was my homework.
Finally, I got a dog.
Now you might think the Forrest Gump stuff might end right there. But you’d be wrong. For example, there’s Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane. He introduced his Endangered Ark, (as in Noah’s) Foundation Preservation Act, to the house Wildlife Committee. It passed. “What is it, you ask?” For that answer, we’ll turn to Mama again, “Well Forrest, Mr. Humphrey introduced that measure as what he called a preemptive measure against animal rights groups, that might attack practices at a sanctuary for retired circus elephants in Hugo, Oklahoma.”
So I asked her, “Why would he do that Mama?” She said, “Forrest, Mr. Humphrey said, I’m not going to wait for them to smack me, I’m going to get ahead of them.” Mr. Humphrey hails from Lane not Hugo and I guess he thinks some animal rights group wants to smack him.” Mama is always right. Found out some animal rights groups don’t want animal sanctuaries to use guide hooks or sticks when they have to move the elephants. So I ask her why he didn’t draft some legislation to prevent taking more money from public schools. Mama said, “Well Forrest, politics is like a box of chocolates. Most of the time you get candy and other times you get stupid.”
And Mama’s always right.
I’m Sam Jones and that’s my Perspective.