Falwell Meets Tinky Winky - the Gay(?) Teletubbie

For those of you who were listening to the SMS this morning, you may have heard that I called in during hour one and mentioned a political cartoon that I enjoyed after the demise of Reverend Three-Chins. Here it is - I just wanted to share it with you all:

Oklahoma's Governor Makes an Excellent Call

Note: Rarely do I just post an entire editorial as I'm doing today, but this one is special - it was published today in The Oklahoman a daily newspaper published in Oklahoma City, OK. A few years ago, The Oklahoman was named the worst daily newspaper in the country by the Columbia Journalism Review. This editorial is significant because it praises the appointment of Jim Roth to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, an appointment that makes Mr. Roth the only openly gay person currently serving in statewide elective office in the U.S. Although the following piece makes no mention of Mr. Roth's sexual orientation, I think it is a triumphant op-ed from The Oklahoman, and I wanted to share this moment of pride that is rare, to say the least, here in very red Oklahoma.

Wed., May 16, 2007

Good call: Roth great choice for vacancy

The Oklahoma Editorial

Cliche it may be, but we have to say it anyway: Oklahoma County's loss is Oklahoma's gain with the selection of Jim Roth to succeed Denise Bode on the state Corporation Commission.

Bode is leaving to run a foundation. She had nearly four years to go on a six-year term, but Roth — appointed by Gov. Brad Henry to replace Bode — must stand for the office next year if he wants to keep it.

Roth has been an outstanding public servant as District 1 county commissioner. He handily won a second term last year, wowing voters with his professional approach — in stark contrast to the norm on county commissions across the state.

Roth is just 38. His departure creates the need for a special election to fill the rest of his county commission term. Roth was the only Democrat on the three-member commission and will be the only Democrat on the three-member Corporation Commission.

Voters can't blame him for forcing a special election — the opportunity was too good to pass up. Henry, a champion of bipartisanship who doesn't always practice it, praised Roth for his fairness, integrity and bipartisanship.

The corporation commission is in good hands as Roth joins Jeff Cloud and Bob Anthony. Oklahoma County District 1 also is in good hands because Roth's chief deputy will be interim commissioner and is quite capable of taking care of constituents.

So both commissions are in good shape because of these changes, but it will be difficult to find a permanent replacement for Roth who can fill his shoes. A return to a traditional style of governance on the county commission is unacceptable. With one of the other three commissioners mired in legal problems, we have reason for concern about the direction the commission will go unless the right man or woman seeks the job.

Greetings to Mothers of All Creatures

"I am my dogs' mom."
Stephanie Miller, April 25, 2006

This first thing that impressed me about Stephanie Miller when I visited her web site (before I believe I had ever heard a minute of her fabulous show) was that the site was populated with photos of Steph and her doggies. So on this Mother's Day I would like to extend a heartfelt greeting and a huge thank you to all of those moms out there whose kids have four legs and loads of body hair.


Stella on her bed - What a good girl!

First and foremost, I would like to dedicate this post to my sister, Lynnie, who is dealing with the end of her longtime companion Stella's life - Stella and Lynn have been together for over 17 years - quite a long life for a chow-mix.


Dylan Thomas & Tulsey Lewis Hadley

I'd also like to say a few words about my own two "boyz," Tulsey and Dylan. Tulsey is my heart and my best friend - he is the sweetest boy in the whole world - he'll be six years old tomorrow, and I'll bring him a special bone that he'll enjoy and closely guard from his baby brother Dylan. Whereas Tulsey is pure sweetness, Dylan is at least half devil. He's a mischievous little scallywag who just today managed to knock over a planter that I had just filled with potting soil and a few basil plants and broke it all over the steps to the backyard and when we came back from our walk this afternoon Dillie-doo-doo decided to take a dip in the water bowl in the kitchen and splashed water all over the floor. I love him to pieces though and although many people have suggested that it might be wise to farm Dillie out to a ranch or some other home where there is more room to run, I just can't bring myself to break up our family. That is how I know that I am also my doggies' mom. They sleep with me at night and hang out with me while I am on the computer, in short they are, if not my whole life, a very big part of it, and I am so very glad.

I'd like to also wish Happy Mother's Day to Moose and Goose - proud moms of Roxie, Vicky - proud mom of Richard and Elizabeth, Lou (and Jesse and Joe) - proud family of Tugger, Rebekah - proud mom of I, and of course to Stephanie Miller - proud mom of Puff and Max and a puppy as yet unknown, but soon to join the family ;) Thanks for all the love!!!