Ron Black: Autism Insurance Coverage DOA

We kind of knew that this would not be the year to see autism coverage mandated, nor really is there a chance next legislative session.

Opinion By Ron Black

But the rally for health care reform proved that once again, it's all about the money - all about cash flow rather than human life.

It is ironic that the Chambers of Commerce and Pam Peterson are going at it over the issue of human life, but children with autism don't mean much to the pro-lifers I suppose. Heck, I am seriously pro-life but the irony of how folks are up at arms over stem cell research on embryos but couldn't give a rats ass about kids with disabilities such as autism is staggering.

We members of the pro-life community love the little babies, we love them as they are in their mother's wombs, but once they are born, they are on their own and clearly someone else's problem.

Yes, I know. It isn't the "conservative" thing to require insurance companies to cover anything, but as a conservative, aren't there principles more important than just cash flow? Child labor laws were enacted for just such a cause. Perhaps child labor laws should be repealed for children with autism?

Ron Black is a consultant, blogger and commentator and creator/host of "Wild Oklahoma" radio and television.

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Paralyzed Veterans Event Raises $13,000

A Saturday fundraiser to benefit the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America raised almost $13,000, more than double the goal, organizer Ron Black said today.

The event was held in the Del City VFW Hall and featured numerous auction items.

Among those attending were elected officials, including Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel, District Attorney David Prater, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and several legislators.

Black, the host of the radio and television shows Wild Oklahoma, served as master of ceremonies. He said the goal was to raise at least $6,000 to help the local chapter. Among donors acknowledged during the event were Senator Jim Inhofe and State Rep. David Dank of Oklahoma City.

Said Black: "The event was a phenomenal success, raising $13,000 for the MAPVA. A special thanks to all the elected officials who attended, our sponsors and Mike McCarville for helping get the event kicked off. We are already planning for an event in Tulsa to help a Tulsa veterans group and are planning for our MAPVA event for next year."

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Event To Honor Paralyzed Veterans

The Del City VFW hall is located just north of Interstate 40 on the east side of Sunnylane Road on VFW Drive (Southeast 9th Street). If you exit Interstate 40 at Sunnylane from the west, take a left (north) and take the street to the right just before you get to the DorJay Apartments on your right.

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Citty Under Fire For Gun Control Comment

Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty, who yesterday called for more gun control following a gang-related drive-by shooting that wounded six over the weekend, is under fire today from numerous quarters.

National Rifle Association news commentator Mike McCarville told NRA News listeners last night Citty "apparently has bought into the 'it's the guns, not the criminals' mindset" that propels those pushing gun control.

"Why isn't he talking about more gang control?" McCarville asked. "And since when do gang members pay any attention to gun laws? The only thing Citty's proposal would produce is more restrictions on those who already follow the law."

The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action put the Citty story on its international news wire feed, prompting numerous 2nd Amendment bloggers to comment.

The Oklahoma Shooters Association blog is jammed today with comments critical of Citty. Read them at http://www.okshooters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30828.

Oklahoma City outdoor television and radio show host Ron Black scorches Citty in comments posted today on his blog.

KTOK radio talk show host Mark Shannon discussed Citty's remarks on his afternoon talk show.

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'Wild Oklahoma' Features Paralyzed Veterans

"Wild Oklahoma," the radio and television show hosted by Ron Black, features members of the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America today. The radio show airs at 4 p.m. on KTOK-AM 1000 in Oklahoma City.

Black, broadcaster and blogger who often advocates for veterans, writes, "I spent the weekend with members of the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America on a turkey hunt in Miami, Oklahoma (and) it was a life-changing event. Today during the show at 4pm on KTOK, we are going to interview Lt. Col. Lew Deal (USMC-Ret.) about the PVA and we're going to talk about how the PVA helps disabled veterans transition and lead a 'normal' life.

"(The hunt) was an unbelievable experience. On Saturday afternoon as we were wrapping up, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. These men are not only heroes of our nation, but heroes in how they function every day with some of the most intense challenges, and they do so in such an incredibly humble manner."

The PVA website for the Mid America Chapter is http://www.mapva.com/

Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the United States Congress and dedicated to serving the needs of members.

PVA is a leading advocate for: Quality healthcare, research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, benefits, civil rights and opportunities that maximize the independence of members.

The Mid-America Chapter PVA (MAPVA) was established in March of 1979. Units include the Green Country Division in Muskogee and the Sunflower Division in Wichita, Kansas. The mission is to service the needs of the local veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as the needs of the disabled community.

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2nd Amendment Bloggers On Fire Today

Irons In The Fire ~ If I'd ever had any thoughts about moving to California...this crap is just one more nail in the already-buried coffin of that idea: Introduced by State Assembly Member Kevin De Leon (D-45), Assembly Bill 2062 puts ammunition sales in the crosshairs. AB2062 would require that law-abiding gun owners obtain a permit to buy handgun ammunition and would impose severe restrictions on the private transfers of handgun ammunition. Applicants for a “permit-to-purchase” would be required to submit to a background check, pay a $35 fee, and wait as long as 30 days to receive the permit. Granola country, times four.

Ron Black ~ In what is probably the biggest surprise in journalistic history, The Oklahoman in the same week hints that the DC gun ban is bad and then turns around and worships at the altar of gun-grabbers David Boren and Roger Webb (UCO) saying that if college students who are 21, active duty or reserve members of the military or passed the CLEET certification are allowed to actually use the Constitutional guarantee to keep and bear arms, our colleges would become the "most dangerous in the country." I say that you can actually smell the bovine fecal matter oozing out of the Dark Tower off of the Broadway Extension.

The Libery Sphere ~ New Mexico Governor and former Democratic Presidential contender Billy Richardson today endorsed Barack Obama for President. I have said all along that Billy lacked the intelligence and judgment to be President, despite his relatively pro-gun record. Today Billy showed the country and the world that I was right. Anyone who is pro-gun would not be supporting Barack Obama, unless they are about three cards shy of a full deck...that is, unless Billy is not really as pro-gun as people think. In addition, I have said all along that Billy is a big government Socialist just like Hillary Clinton. There I was only partially right. He is worse than Hillary. Anyone who hitches their wagon to Obama may as well go ahead and publicly state their affinity with the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, during which the Commies toppled the government and brought in the likes of Lenin and Stalin. But I digress. Billy is an idiot. Would anyone at this point disagree?

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WILD Oklahoma Adds Lawton TV Station

WILD Oklahoma television, radio and Internet programming has added another station, KSWX in Lawton beginning April 27th, 10:30am Sunday mornings.

WILD Oklahoma is the creation of broadcaster, political consultant and blogger Ron Black. The show has been airing on Oklahoma City’s Fox affiliate, KOKH Fox 25.

WILD Oklahoma has a radio branch as well, airing Sunday afternoons at 4pm in Oklahoma City on News Radio 1000 KTOK, in Cushing on KUSH AM1600 and in Guymon on KGYN AM1210.

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Black: Cooksey's Vote May Prompt Campaign

Blogger and media personality Ron Black, staunch defender of the 2nd Amendment, is out today with a blast at Rep. Marian Cooksey and says her vote on a concealed carry bill may prompt him to try to unseat her in 2010.

Writes Black:

MARIAN COOKSEY LONE "NO" VOTE ON CONCEALED CARRY BILL: Gorilla's Note: In this country, 18 year old men and women are "mature" enough to raise their right hand, swear an oath to defend the Constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic, be issued a rifle and pistol, stand a post and possibly lose their lives in defense of this great nation, but according to the all-knowing, all-seeing Rep. Marian Cooksey (who happens to be my Representative - for now), these same men and women are not "old enough to carry them." Perhaps the 18 year olds in Marian's life aren't "old enough" or mature enough, but the men and women I know certainly are. Perhaps Rep. Cooksey will soon author legislation to raise the age limit of men and women to enter the Armed Services? How old is old enough, Rep. Cooksey? 21? 25? 30? I am disgusted by this decision and though it may be a moot point anyway (you must be 21 years of age to purchase a pistol in the United States), the principle of the matter still stands. I wonder if Rep. Cooksey has even read the Constitution and is familiar with the 2nd Amendment? What about "shall not be infringed" does she not understand?

I am seriously considering whether or not I need to plan a run for House District 39 in the future. We need Representation who understands the Constitution, who respects the fact that in this country, 18 year olds have the "maturity" to stand a post and give their lives so Marian Cooksey can author incredibly meaningful pieces of legislation on issues of critical importance like the overwhelming problem of human trafficking in Oklahoma, but according to her, these same men and women aren't "old enough" to carry a firearm to protect themselves and their families from the evil elements in our culture.

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Humphreys To Join Turpen On 'Flash Point'

Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys will replace Burns Hargis as co-host of KFOR-TV's Sunday political talk show, "Flash Point."

Humphreys was selected to join Democrat Mike Turpen and moderator Kevin Ogle on the long-running show following an audition process. An announcement is expected soon.

Others who auditioned for the show included public relations specialist Renzi Stone, radio talk show host and blogger Ron Black and longtime Republican activist Rodd Moesel, sources said.

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Who Will Replace Hargis On 'Flash Point'?

Who will replace Burns Hargis as the Republican counterpoint to Democrat Mike Turpen on KFOR-TV's long-running Sunday morning "Flash Point" show?

An announcement from the station is expected soon and one of those who auditioned, conservative radio talk show host and blogger Ron Black, says it's not him. Black reports he auditioned for the spot, but lost out to "a Chamber-friendly pseudo-conservative."

It is known that Black, Oklahoma City public relations specialist Renzi Stone and former Mayor Kirk Humphreys were among those who auditioned.

Hargis has been named president of Oklahoma State University. Legislation approved by a House panel today would speed up his take over as president of Oklahoma State University.He was named the school's 18th president by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents on December 4. But state law forbids him from taking over as president for a full year after resigning as an OSU regent. He stepped down from that post in July.

A bill passed by the House Education Committee on Wednesday would shorten the waiting period to just six months. That would allow Hargis to take over as soon as the bill becomes law.The measure now goes to the full House for action. It must also be approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Brad Henry.

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Conservative Bloggers Illustrate GOP Dilemma

Two of Oklahoma's most active conservative bloggers, Mark Shannon and Ron Black, demonstrate today on their blogs the dilemma faced by most Republican voters this election year: They split, Shannon endorsing Mitt Romney, Black endorsing John McCain. Both indicated they'd prefer an alternative.

Shannon, host of his afternoon drive show on Oklahoma City radio station KTOK with a long-running blog that is widely read, wrote: I made up my mind on Wednesday night who to cast my vote for in the Presidential Primary next Tuesday. Actually, John McCain made my mind up for me. McCain may still win, and if he does, I'll vote for him in November, however, the jerky, arrogant, angry crap he spewed at Mitt Romney lost my vote in the primary. Romney may not be a "war hero," but he certainly has a lot more grace, style, and honestly, "class." than John McCain, and he's right on more of the issues than McCain. As for McCain, if he should win the nomination and he tries that crap against Hillary Clinton, he will doom his own campaign the first time he uses the behavior he exhibited against Romney on Wednesday night.

After reading Shannon's post, Black wrote his own: SHANSTER DECIDES TO VOTE FOR ROMNEY, I'M HOLDING MY NOSE AND VOTING FOR MCCAIN: Romney is WRONG, I mean REALLY WRONG on the 2nd Amendment and supports a ban on so-called assault weapons, just like Hillary and her mascot Bill did a few years ago. Romney has the business savvy and experience to do the right thing from a fiscal standpoint, but while that happens, he'd be signing bills on fingerprinting ammunition, registering handguns and banning scary black rifles. McCain, as far as I am concerned, is an arrogant waste of Republican votes but I like my 2nd Amendment far too much to vote for Romney. McCain's fight against free speech (a la McCain-Feingold) was a mistake and I think he's learning that fact. So, yes. I'm holding my nose and supporting McCain.

Shannon's blog can be found at http://www.markshannon.com/. Black's blog can be found at http://www.ronblackradio.com/.

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Mike Reynolds Has Election Opponent

Blogger Ron Black has the scoop ~ Rep. Mike Reynolds, the ethics watchdog of the state House of Representatives, has an opponent, Jonathan Echols.

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'Wild Oklahoma' Debuts Sunday Morning

"Wild Oklahoma," hosted by Ron Black (center, with cohorts), debuts this Sunday at 5 a.m. on KOKH Fox 25. Featured are segments from the 8h Annual Women’s Fun Shoot at the Oklahoma City Gun Club, a coyote hunt in Seiling and a few funny surprises, Black says. The website is http://www.wildoklahoma.com/.

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Rifle Association Honors Ron Black, Jerry Ellis

The Oklahoma Rifle Association honored radio talk show host, newspaper columnist and blogger Ron Black during its annual convention awards banquet Saturday night. The ORA also named Valliant Rep. Jerry Ellis as its "Legislator of the Year."

Black was named recipient of the ORA's 2007 Mike McCarville Media Award for his support of the 2nd Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms. McCarville received the award in 1999, 2004 and 2005; it was named in his honor in 2006.

Black is the host of "Wild Oklahoma," outdoor show heard on stations in Oklahoma City, Cushing and Guymon. A television version begins this fall. He's the co-host of "Energy Matters" on KTOK in Oklahoma City and a regular political commentator on Fox 25 News. Black also is a columnist for the Oklahoma Gazette and operates a popular news blog. Before the station flipped its format, Black was the afternoon talk show host on WKY, Oklahoma City radio station.

Previous award recipients include Cam Edwards of NRA News in Washington and The Oklahoman's former editorial writer, Pat McGuigan.

Ellis, a Democrat, was honored for his work on 2nd Amendment issues in the 2007 legislative session.

The ORA also honored three members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's aviation division and Kingfisher's fire chief, Randy Poindexter, for their helicopter rescue efforts in last Sunday's flood.

For blogger Mark Shannon's take on the awards, see his comments at www.markshannon.com.

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What's Randy Terrill Up To?

Blogger Ron Black speculates that Republican House member Randy Terrill may be gearing up for a statewide campaign.

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Oklahoma City Police Officer Needs Help

From ronblackradio.com ~ Oklahoma City Police Officer Terry Turner is going through the nightmare of a liver transplant and his family's insurance has reached its maximum amount. They are taking donations to help this hero and I challenge you to help out.

Send your contributions to:
Oklahoma City FOP
c/o Terry Turner Fund
1624 South Agnew
Oklahoma City, OK 73108

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Naifeh To Seek Corporation Commission Seat?

Is former Edmond Mayor Saundra Naifeh preparing to run for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission next year? Blogger Ron Black suspects so.

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Bode To Interview Roth On Sunday Radio Show

From www.ronblackradio.com ~ SUNDAY EVENING ON ENERGY MATTERS, COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM ROTH: Sunday evening on Energy Matters with Denise Bode and Ron Black (KTOK, 6pm), County Commissioner Jim Roth will be on the program to talk about the Corporation Commission to which he has been appointed. Tune in and learn more about your new Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

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Arbitron Radio Ratings Listed

Bloggers Mark Shannon and Ron Black have the new Arbitron radio ratings for Oklahoma City.

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Walters Upsets Washington; O'Neil Defeats Pettigrew In Edmond Mayoral Race

Oklahoma City Councilman-elect Brian Walters pulled off what could easily be classified as the upset of the year on Tuesday, defeating front-runner George Washington, who "went from being within just a few votes of winning the whole banana to losing in a run-off to a virtual unknown," in the words of blogger and political analyst Ron Black.

As Black observes, "Having Rep. Mike Reynolds knocking doors for him didn't hurt Walters one single bit and the negative letter sent by the legendary Al Snipes helped as well. As I told The Oklahoman, that race was to be won on the ground and Walters did just that. Southern Hills Baptist Church truly got out the vote and this is one example of a church making a significant difference in a local election."

Washington, who missed winning the southside council primary outright by just 12 votes, had the strong support of outgoing Councilman Jerry Foshee, while Walters benefited from an alliance orchestrated by political consultants Neva Hill And Company, members of which also designed and executed Walters' "ground game."

In Edmond, Dan O'Neil defeated former State Rep. Wayne Pettigrew easily in a race that apparently hinged on views about development of the bursting-at-the-seams city.

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