The Gadfly On His Soapbox

They Come, They Go: Forty-four years ago, when Ann and I bought 1121 South Urbana in Tulsa and I became the courthouse reporter for The Tulsa Tribune, Managing Editor Harmon Phillips told me he expected regular news production from me on a daily basis. Then I watched Ed Brocksmith of KRMG radio produce on an hourly basis. And somehow, the juxtaposition of those two experiences resulted in this inner urge to get the story in now and share my urgency with readers (or, during my television and radio careers, my viewers/listeners). This urge remains with me and is reflected on this site. As I ponder this obsession on my part, I note that many of those who operate in the Oklahoma blogosphere are not so inclined; the posts, opinion or story, come days (or weeks) apart. Some have faded into nothingness as the writers obviously have become bored, lost interest, or moved on to other things. Some of the sites previously listed on this page fall into that category; those that have quit posting are dropped. Those that go days or weeks between posts are likely, ultimately, to fade away as readership diminishes. The Internet and the blogosphere are tremendously valuable tools as we continue in this new age of information disseminated instantaneously around the world that lets us reach into every computer-equipped home, and research any topic on any subject anywhere. Because the Internet offers such instantaneous imparting of news and opinion, and because most of us are impatient to get the latest, those that fail to post regularly are left behind.

An 11 On The 10 Scale: Having held one of the rarest jobs in the entire state (press secretary to a governor), I am qualified to offer this observation: The media operation of Governor Brad Henry gets an 11 on the 10 scale; I can't image one being any better than the one presided over by Paul Sund and Phil Bacharach.

Meacham's Decision: Scott Meacham's decision not to seek reelection as treasurer, and not to seek any other elective office, stunned many. Meacham's decision, he said, was based on his dislike for constant campaigning and the time away from his family. Many of those who've been involved in the political life can identify, myself included. The 18 or so years I spent working in campaigns resulted in time lost with two young daughters. Politicians of my acquaintance have experienced similar losses. Meacham's decision, it seems to me, reaffirms what is most important to many of us, our families.

Time For A New Face: The list of those Republicans now considered possible candidates for president in 2012 is depressing. While Sarah Palin was once a fresh face (just a year ago), she now is the face we see almost every day and the bloom is off. The tawdry, sophomoric actions of the father of her daughter's child is unseemly and, as unfair as it is, diminishes her as well. Forget John McCain. Newt Gingrich has too many scars. Mike Huckabee is yesterday (God love him). Mitt Romney can't win. My man Fred Thompson, whom I supported from the git-go, blew it so badly he's now just a distant memory and should be thankful for his TV career. Barack Obama will be a formidable foe in 2012; the mainstream media will ensure that. The challenge facing the GOP is monumental; finding a fresh face to meet the challenge will be a grueling, laborious process, but it's the only way the GOP stands a chance three years hence.

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