The Gadfly On The Wall

History: It was 37 years ago on Monday that I resigned as assistant news director at KWTV and joined the U. S. Senate campaign of Dewey F. Bartlett, the former governor I had served as press secretary in both the governor's office and the 1970 reelection campaign we lost. Bartlett served one term in the Senate and was preparing to seek a second (I was his campaign manager) in 1978 but was forced to withdraw in 1977 while battling lung cancer. He died in 1979 three months after leaving office.

More History: It was 23 years ago that I resigned as executive director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC) as we prepared to move its operations to Washington from Oklahoma City. It's true: Washington held no allure for me then and it doesn't now. NABPAC flourishes today as a major player on the Washington scene. Proud to have been there when it was founded and to have played a role in its growth.

Spare Us: Had enough of the media pandering over offspring of the Sarah Palin and John McCain families? The actions and words of both daughters are (insert your own adjective here).

Flaming Lips: Some folks are ablaze over the controversy involving the state song by this group, but I'm not sure it's them.

The Verdict: I taped an edition of this show last week with attorney John Coyle and, as we did on The Verdict eight years ago, mildly debated the issue of legalizing drugs. Coyle's for, I'm against. Claim to fame: It was my 13th appearance on The Verdict; Coyle's right behind me at 12. Brad Henry (at 11 or so), eat your heart out.

Oh Yeah: In a couple of weeks, I head to Phoenix to join the NRA's broadcast team at the organization's annual meeting. Last year in Louisville, we rubbed elbows with Ollie North, Ted Nugent, Wayne LaPierre and others. Two years ago in St. Louis, our guests included Lee Armey (the "Gunny" of History Channel fame) and Edmond country and western singer Ty England. Best part of the annual meetings: Row after row of guns, guns, guns.

Defend The 2nd Amendment: Congressman Tom Cole has an online petition drive going at http://www.defendthe2ndamendment.com/. If you believe in the right to keep and bear arms, check it out and sign up.

Duty Calls: Grandson Colby, the Navy Seabee, is in California in training for a second tour of duty in Iraq. This time, Colby goes with his entire unit; the first tour, he was detached for duty with another unit.

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