Rejection of summer food program 'small and mean'
For the second year in a row, Gov. Kevn Stitt has rejected federal funds dedicated to feeding children in the summer, when they get no school lunch. That money, like the Medicaid funds our state rejected for many years before the people voted to restore them, will be forfeited to other states.
I don’t see him rejecting highway funds or broadband funds. Or Medicare or FDIC or Social Security money.
He does want to lay hundreds of millions of Oklahoma taxpayer dollars at the feet of corporations that just might locate a plant in our state — if only our state were not in the basement of multiple quality-of-life rankings, among them education and children’s well-being.
Gov. Stitt says we don’t need federal help to feed our kids in the summer. The churches can do that, he says. Well, they can’t. I work in a large church food pantry that distributes food from the Regional Food Bank. We reach a few hundred families, but it’s a drop in the bucket of childhood hunger in Oklahoma. Many thousands of families in our state live in charity-food deserts — far from the nearest food pantry. They need WIC — short for Women, Infants and Children — money when their kids’ schools are closed.
The governor’s refusal to feed his state’s poor children with free federal money is small and mean.
― Kris Lackey, Norman
Nonprofits are 'baffled,' and I am, too.
Once again, Gov Stitt has rejected the USDA Summer Food For Kids program. According to The Oklahoman’s report , Sooners shouldn’t expect government aid for things that families and communities should provide. (Aug.16, 2024)
Some 400,000 food-insecure Oklahoma children qualify for the program, the article reports. Directors of Oklahoma nonprofits helping the needy are quoted as being “baffled” by Mr. Stitt’s decision. I am, too.
― Nathaniel Batchelder, Oklahoma City
Who's the boss, Ryan Walters?
I keep reading about public employees, like Ryan Walters, not letting the public's representatives attend meetings. It seems to me that ... Ryan Walters is not aware who he works for.
Without regards to a title, each public government employee is an employee of the public who they represent. Our legislative representatives have our proxy to represent us in any and all meetings.
Who could be so dense they deny their boss to attend a meeting?
We need to let these employees know who they work for.
— Richard C. "Dick" Hall, Norman
Has Ryan Walters read these Bible verses?
I have lived in Oklahoma my entire life and am appalled at what is happening at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. I was educated in Oklahoma’s public school system and am grateful for my education at Lone Grove Public Schools, taught by amazing teachers doing their best with seemingly fewer resources available each year.
Now, Oklahoma’s public education system is being dismantled to usher in a private voucher system in which a select few stand to benefit financially, with Ryan Walters leading the charge. Teachers deserve better than the chaos and confusion Ryan has created within our public school system, a system that wasn’t perfect before Ryan took office but is significantly worse under his leadership.
We owe it to our students and school faculties to not tolerate the rhetoric emanating from his office as state schools superintendent. That behavior is not tolerated from students or faculty — why is it tolerated from the person tasked with leading OSDE? (See Ephesians 4:32 and Matthew 7:12 on how to treat others.)
Ryan’s conduct is embarrassing — constantly appearing in front of cameras to discuss the latest culture war instead of working to improve educational outcomes for our students. His office has been reduced to a pulpit for name-calling, airing petty grievances, and a shameful attempt at increasing his national profile for further political advancement at the expense of Oklahoma students and teachers. (See Proverbs 16:28 on stirring up conflict.)
I have included a few verses from the Bible that Ryan is trying to force upon our schools, as his behavior indicates he hasn’t spent much time reading it. Christ’s example was one of love, humility and empathy. If you claim to be a follower of Christ, but Christ is nowhere to be found in your words or actions, you are one of the “ravenous wolves” discussed in Matthew 7:15.
He also wants to include a copy of the Ten Commandments in each classroom. I propose Ryan sign a pledge to adhere to those commandments, particularly the ninth commandment found in Exodus 20:16 (the one about lying).
It’s beyond time for us to demand the leadership our educational system deserves. Ryan Walters has shown he’s not fit to lead OSDE.
Enough is enough.
— Tyler Thomason, Oklahoma CityGraduate of Lone Grove Public Schools, 2009
Class size is too large, migraine-inducing
I am a student at Putnam City North High School. I would like to talk about the class sizes at my school.
I personally believe the class sizes are too large for anything to successfully be accomplished. The classes are too loud and are rather migraine-inducing.
I would like the school to shrink the class sizes.
— Philip Ashford, Oklahoma City
What's the measurement for banning books?
(In reference to "Survey: Americans strongly oppose school book bans," published in The Oklahoman on Page 15A Aug. 25) If the book cannot be read out loud in a classroom, out loud at school board meeting, out loud at graduation commencement, on broadcast television or radio, maybe it’s a sign it’s not appropriate for 13-year-olds.
Isn’t our culture full enough of sex and violence?
— Greg Clift, Anadarko
Politics before country? It's why the immigration bill failed
As a lifelong dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to my Republican Sen. James Lankford for putting his integrity, patriotism (maybe his job) on the line and helping draft sensible immigration legislation. I am proud of him.
The bill would have hugely increased the number of deportations of illegals from this country, totally shut down entry into the country each day once a daily quota was reached, and contained many other common-sense solutions. It was not perfect, but could be improved on. It’s never over. There is always a new Congress. Ronald Reagan always advised that, if you could get 80% of what you want in a bill, go for it. Modern zealots insist 100% of their demands be met immediately.
More: EDITORIAL: Lankford leadership in border efforts deserves applause, not censure
Sen. Lankford heard from both sides about his efforts. The state Republican Party roundly condemned him. Those Republicans, like petulant children, would prefer to have a problem to complain about rather than, like mature adults, try to solve that problem. Praise for the good senator and his work came from the state Chamber of Commerce, which noted Oklahoma has 30,000 jobs we cannot fill. A legal, orderly immigration system would benefit everyone.
This is a hot political issue. I would strongly encourage Vice President Kamala Harris to recognize those in Congress who drafted the bipartisan immigration legislation and encourage people read the legislation for themselves, which Democrats could post online. Most of us are as smart as the average person in Congress. Republicans can then ask their legislators why the heck they voted against the bill.
The immigration bill failed at the end because Donald Trump warned it would “make Joe Biden look good.” Politics before country. Thank you, Sen. Lankford, for putting country first.
― Joe Angus, Oklahoma City
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Rejection of summer food program for kids and Ryan Walters top readers' letters
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