oklahoma peace strategy news september-october 2012

, OPS , Sept-Oct 2012

Chain Letter to America: Elections Coming P. 2

Don’t Say Chick-fil-A Wasn’t Personal! P. 3

Peace Education Institute - News Updates P. 4

ALERTS & Announcements Page Five P. 5

Human Trafficking in Oklahoma! P. 7

History of Conscientious Objection, America P. 8

MEET OKLA’s CANDIDATES & VOTE SMART P. 11

Inside this issue:

FORUM on State Question 759, Thurs-

day, Sept. 20, 6 pm, in OKC — Page 5

International Day of Peace Celebration,

Friday, Sept. 21, in OKC — Page 3

RALLY: Women’s Voices, Values, &

Votes, Mon., Sept. 24, in OKC — Page 9

PEACE FESTIVAL 2012, Sunday, Nov.

11, in OKC, 11am to 5 pm, Civic Center

Hall of Mirrors. Save the Date — Page 2

“Peace i s not just the

absence of v io lence,

but the presence

of just ice .”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SEPT. /OCT. 2012 THE PEACE HOUSE 2912 N. Robinson Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Address Service Requested

Non-profit

U.S. Postage Paid Okla. City, OK

73125 Permit No. 1096

Interfaith IFTAR Dinner for Understanding Among Faiths

The Oklahoma State Capitol was the site for an Interfaith

IFTAR dinner, August 1st. During the month of Ramadan,

Muslims are called to fast between sun-up and sun-down,

breaking each day’s fast with a meal called Iftar. Some 150

guests attended the dinner, representing Christian, Jewish,

and other faith traditions in addition to Islam.

Welcoming comments were made by State Senators Tom

Ivester and John Sparks, and Representative Emily Virgin.

Father Sami Chaaya spoke on behalf of Catholic

Archbishop Paul Coakley whose family had a medical

emergency. Rabbi Abby Jacobson of Emanuel Synagogue

shared remarks about fasting in the Jewish tradition.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Henry, President of

Oklahoma City University, who warmly recalled the great

similarities of the faiths represented. Final remarks were

offered as a prayer before the meal by the Imam of the Is-

lamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City Imad Enchassi.

Then, bottles of water were handed out to everyone

(fasting includes no water!). The meal and evening were a

model of interfaith support and solidarity. The friendship

and peace at the Capitol that night were palpable. ///// The State Capitol Rotunda was the site of the Interfaith IFTAR Dinner.

, OPS, Sept-Oct 2012

CO

MM

EN

TA

RY

Oklahoma Peace Strategy News is produced by The Peace House in Oklahoma City. It has been published since 1983. It is writ-ten, compiled, typeset, com-posed, labeled, and mailed by volunteers. Letters to the Editor and articles submitted for publication are welcome. They must be signed with a phone number and ad-dress for the author; however, requests for anonymous publica-tion will be considered. OPS News reserves the right to edit for space and to refuse publica-tion of statements that are libel-ous or unsubstantiated. Send to: The Peace House 2912 N. Robinson Okla. City, OK 73103

Or to [email protected] Phone: 405-524-5577

Peace Education Institute 11404 N. Midwest Blvd.

Jones, OK 73049 405-204-6479

Thinking about the November Elections,

it is clear to me that We The People

must stand in the gap to oppose Amer-

ica’s drift toward becoming a nation and

government of, for, and by the rich.

From now till the elections, I implore

every person passionate about justice

and peace to be busy encouraging a

huge voter turn-out in November for candidates who will

legislate for the common good and general interest of all

people and earth’s challenged environment.

I would love it if 10 million Americans would pen a

brief expression of their hopes and the crucial signifi-

cance of voting in November, and send their note to eve-

ryone in their address book. This is mine. I would love it

if thousands would be in telephone touch with friends and

family, extending the same message. Just imagine more

people voting in 2012 than in 2008. We can do it.

Massive financial support for the politics of the 1%

must be countered with People Power, doing all we can to

encourage an outpouring of voting by The Reasonable

Majority. Each of us can take our own personal action.

You know the stakes, as I do:

It is shocking that candidates on the national scene

proudly profess commitment to more tax cuts for the rich,

shifting tax burdens to the middle class and poor, and cut-

ting whatever social programs ease the lives of America’s

most vulnerable. They would repeal the Affordable

Health Care Act, removing health insurance from some

30 million qualifying people. They would privatize

Medicare with vouchers. They would shift resources out

of public schools with vouchers. They oppose govern-

ment regulation of industry, banking, and finance as “job

killers”. They propose cutting the Environmental Protec-

tion Agency and opposing legislation to protect the air,

the oceans, the land. They would pass a human life

amendment to the Constitution restricting women’s repro-

ductive choices, and have curtailed reproductive freedoms

in every state they could. And, once again, we are hear-

ing war talk accusing a foreign nation – Iran – of being a

threat and source of weapons of mass destruction, remi-

niscent of the language that prepared America for war on

Iraq.

To block this agenda, and to support a different vision

of our future, we must encourage everyone to register and

vote. The economy, the middle class, the environment,

the Supreme Court all stand threatened unless We The

People win some elections. The November elections will

define the direction of the United States either as a nation

of, for, and by the 99%, or of, for, and by the 1%. Let’s

all Get Out The Vote as our best hope in this election

season. Keep Hope Alive. ///////

A CHAIN LETTER TO AMERICA

by Nathaniel Batchelder

Save the Date

2012 PEACE FESTIVAL

Sunday, November 11

11 am to 5 pm Civic Center Hall of Mirrors

Downtown Okla. City

Colorful Holiday Shopping

Opportunities Benefit

non-profits working for the

Betterment of the human condition.


Please Help The Peace House

Oklahoma City’s Peace House depends upon your contributions — all

sizes — to survive. Please use the “coupon” at right to return a donation

supporting peace activism in Oklahoma City. Send us your suggestions,

and the names and addresses of friends you’d like to receive our newspa-

pers and mailings, which we send free to everyone.

The Peace House collaborates with many groups and individuals to

bring about public events, peace walks, demonstrations, speakers, editori-

als, educational events, peace camps … and a host of activities relating to

human rights, economic justice and environmental sustainability. If you

know us, you know it’s true.

The Peace House website — www.peacehouseok.org — is updated

frequently and regularly to share announcements, alerts, photos, and es-

says about peace as well as events and links to other organizations with

whom we are aligned.

Thanks to all who help! Thanks to all who will help us now!

Tear and remove

Support The Peace House, OKC

Your contributions to Peace House support our pub-

lications, programs, rallies, marches, and ongoing

efforts for human rights, economic justice, environ-

mental sustainability, nonviolence, and peace. As we

are a political nonprofit, donations to Peace House

are not tax-deductible.

Send to:

PEACE HOUSE

2912 N. Robinson

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

On the evening of Aug. 1, the day of

the Mike Huckabee/Sally Kern

Chick-fil-A love fest, a young man

walked into my office and sank into a

chair. He rubbed his eyes and said he’d never felt as persecuted as a

gay man as he did that day.

While I hadn’t had time to consider it earlier in the day, I suddenly

realized I felt the same way. In the days following, I heard from dozens

of other LGBT Oklahomans who had similar feelings.

I shared this with a straight friend who simply couldn’t understand

these feelings. “Why?” she asked. “This is just about free speech. It’s

nothing personal.”

She was wrong. On both counts. This was never about Chick-fil-A

CEO Dan Cathy’s freedom of speech being stifled by the gay commu-

nity. And it was incredibly personal.

When a corporation spends in excess of $5 million to support or-

ganizations whose sole purpose is pinned on preventing equality for me

and the people I care about, it is personal.

When state Rep. Sally Kern calls for all Oklahomans to eat fast

food in a show of support for “traditional family values,” it denigrates

my family and it is personal.

When U.S. Rep. James Lankford gloats childishly on his Facebook

page about eating bigotry-infused chicken sandwiches, he is clearly not

representing me or the other 365,000 gay Oklahomans and it is per-

sonal.

When people who pride themselves on having gay friends enjoy

deep-fried foods more than they value equal rights for those same

friends, it is personal.

When parents who are cordial to same-gender partners at the

Thanksgiving table stand in the hot Oklahoma sun to indirectly fund

hate, it is personal.

To try to pass this off as an issue of free speech and deny that it is

personal is akin to smacking someone in the head, kicking them in the

gut, and declaring it freedom of expression and nothing personal.

The effect of this whole episode has been felt deeply and personally

by LGBT Oklahomans. We have spent so much energy celebrating our

little victories that we had been lulled into a false sense of acceptance.

Now we find that not only are we largely not accepted, we are, in many

circles, not even tolerated.

It will be a long time before we fully realize the impact on young

people just coming to terms with their own sexual orientation and on

older LGBT people who had mistakenly allowed themselves to believe

that we had finally turned a corner.

How many parents will now force their kids into already-

discredited “ex-gay” therapy and how many seniors will feel forced

back into the closet? All because of the bigotry built on the foundation

of a chicken sandwich.

While this event may fade quickly in the minds of many people, it

will serve as a lasting reminder of how very far LGBT Oklahomans

have yet to go in our quest for equality.

And, I can only hope, as the fuel to fortify us on that journey.

Hamilton is executive director of Cimarron Alliance, a Central

Oklahoma LGBT advocacy and education organization.

Don’t Say Chick-fil-A Wasn’t Personal

by Scott Hamilton. Reprinted from the Oklahoma Gazette, August 15, 2012


Tear and remove

Support The Peace Education Institute

The Peace Education Institute is committed to edu-

cational and practical opportunities for people to

explore nonviolent living options. We need your

support.

Send your contributions to:

The Peace Education Institute

11404 N. Midwest Blvd.

Jones, OK 73049

Contributions to “PEI” ARE tax-deductible.

Peace Challenge Camp, 2012 The 7th Peace Challenge Camp for 5th & 6th graders was held July 16-

20 at St. Francis of the Woods Retreat Center. Adult staff, teens, and

children totaled 25. The curriculum theme was “The Beauty of Diver-

sity” to follow the theme of the Respect Diversity Foundation’s 2013 art

& poetry contest. The art work of the 2012 Peace Challenge Camp will

be displayed there, along with many others. See the Respect Diversity

Foundation’s ad on page 6.

Whispers of

the Soul …….

A Women’s Spirit Retreat

Saturday, October 6, 2012

9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Enjoy a day of nurture and healing with a great group

of women! At MettaWing

9932 E. Wilshire

Spencer, OK

For the full flier and more details, visit www.PeaceEducationInstitute.org. Contact Rose Anne at [email protected] or call

828.765.6128 or 828.467.5731

FULL & NEW MOON CEREMONIES

The New Moon begins each lunar cycle. It’s a perfect time to set intentions for

the coming month, for yourself, our community and our world. Setting your

intentions has a great effect on what you do. It helps you remember who you

are and what you are about.

New Moon Ceremonies take place at MettaWing.

Saturday, Sept. 16, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 15, 8:00 p.m.

Monday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.

The Full Moon signifies the completion of the lunar cycle. You can mark that

event by letting go of those things that you no long wish to carry forward into

your future. As life changes, “letting go” is an important tool to staying in the

here and now.

Full Moon Drumming Circles

Friday, September 29, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, October 27, 8:45 p.m.

Friday, December 1, 9:00 p.m.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Friday, December 21, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

Details at www.PeaceEducationInstitute.org


Contact Elected Officials:

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

202-456-1111 (comments) 202-456-1414 (switchboard) FAX: 202-456-2461

Congressional Switchboard

(202) 224-3121

(202) 225-3121

Mail: US Senate

US Senate


Mail: (Name of Rep.) US House of Representatives


Senator Tom Coburn (OK) DC Tel: (202) 224-5754

DC Fax: (202) 224-6008

OKC Ofc: (405) 231-4941

Tulsa Ofc: (918) 581-7651

Senator Jim Inhofe (OK) DC Tel: (202) 224-4721

DC Fax: (202) 228-0380

OKC Ofc: (405) 608-4381

Tulsa Ofc: (918) 748-5111

U.S. Representatives (OK) Dist 1: John Sullivan (Tul) DC Tel: (202) 225-2211

DC Fax: (202) 225-9187

Tulsa ofc: (918) 749-0014

Dist 2: Dan Boren (Musk) DC Tel: (202) 225-2701

DC Fax: (202) 225-3038

Muskogee: (918) 687-2533

Dist 3: Frank Lucas (W. OKC) DC Tel: (202) 225-5565

DC Fax: (202) 225-8698

OKC Ofc: (405) 373-1958

Dist 4: Tom Cole (Nrm & S.) DC Tel: (202) 225-6165

DC Fax: (202) 225-3512

Norman Ofc: (405) 329-6500

Dist 5: James Lankford (OKC) DC Tel: (202) 225-2132

DC Fax: (202) 226-1463

OKC Ofc: (405) 234-9900

Contact one or more of them

today!

Don't “Iraq” Iran: Tell Congress and the President: Don't Choose

War. Ten years ago, we were told that war with Iraq was imperative to protect the United

States from weapons of mass destruction. Our country supported devastating sanctions against

Iraq before we invaded that country, leading to a war that cost hundreds of billions of dollars,

the death of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and 4,000 US soldiers.

The pretext for war with Iran is again “weapons of mass destruction”. But U.S. and Israeli intelli-

gence officials agree that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, and the former Chief of Internal Security

for Israel warns: “Attacking Iran will encourage them to develop a bomb.”

Choosing to go to war racks up human and financial costs in the trillions and requires decades to repair

physical, psychological and political damage.

Contact Congress Members and the White House to demand non-military solutions to resolving issues with

Iran.

Climate Change / Global Warming: Urge your Rep. to support

H.Res. 672. Step One: Acknowledge the Crisis is Real. Congress has failed to address

one of the most serious problems facing the world: the profound changes to the Earth's climate

caused by human activities. Virtually all climatologists align with the science indicating that

the primary cause of global warming is the release of heat-trapping gases from human activi-

ties. Some members of Congress and candidates openly question whether climate change is even a threat, de-

spite the overwhelming consensus in the scientific community about the dangers that it poses.

Rep. Jim Moran (VA) has introduced legislation, H.Res. 672, acknowledging the basic premise that human

activity contributes to climate change, that its impacts will be harmful if those activities are unabated, and asks

Representatives to commit to discussing and considering solutions. We believe that this resolution will put

Congress on record vis a vis the reality of climate change and help make it an election year issue.

Contact your Rep and urge them to cosponsor H. Res. 672.

Stop the Pebble Mine. The proposed pebble mine (for gold, copper and molybdenum)

may be the greatest corporate assault on Americas natural heritage that no one's ever heard of.

The Natural Resources Defense Council calls it the worst project they've ever seen. It would

disrupt Alaska’s largest salmon spawning grounds and spew some 10 billion tons of mining

waste, laced with toxic chemicals, that must be held back forever by massive earthen dams up

to 50 stories tall-all in an active earthquake zone. Pebble Mine is an environmental disaster waiting to happen.

For more information and to sign the petition, please visit: www.stoppebble.org

A public FORUM in OKC on State Question 759 will alert women

and minorities about the consequences of passing a measure that will appear on all state ballots in the Novem-

ber elections. Organizers say that, if passed, SQ 759’s impact will be negative for women and minorities.

The Forum is scheduled for 6 pm to 7 pm, on Thursday, September 20, with Q & A to follow, at the

OKC Campus of Langston University, 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd. Doors open at 5:30.

“Oklahoma’s affirmative action policies encourage but do not mandate fair treatment of women and minori-

ties by state agencies,” said Garland Pruitt, President of the Oklahoma City Branch of the NAACP. Tamya

Cox, former Legislative Counsel for the ACLU of Oklahoma, urges Oklahomans to vote “No” on S.Q. 759.

MC for the evening will be Dr. Robyn Meyers of Mayflower Congregational UCC. Speakers include Dr. Martha

Skeeters, Associate Professor in the Women’s & Gender Studies Program at O.U.; Marilyn Luper Hildreth, lifetime civil

rights advocate and Oklahoma City “sit inner”; Bob Anderson, retired Equal Opportunity Officer for the Dept. of Envi-

ronmental Quality; Ruben Aragon, Executive Director of the Latino Community Development Agency; David Wilson,

Conference Superintendent of the OK Indian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church; and Lawrence

Ware, Professor and Lecturer, Oklahoma State University.


REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.

Recycling is one of the important things we can do to preserve our

planet. Each day, more than 100 million Americans participate in recycling

used and old materials in their household and offices.

Enlightened people know that recycling conserves resources, reduces

pollution, saves energy, and extends landfill life. Perhaps we can all en-

courage our neighbors to participate in municipal recycling programs. As

Sierra Club reminds us, “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.”

The National Recycling Coalition has put together a list the top ten

most important items to recycle.

#1: Aluminum. Aluminum cans are 100 percent recyclable and can

also be recycled over and over again. Even better, recycling aluminum

saves 95% of the energy required to make brand new aluminum products.

#2: PET Plastic Bottles. Americans will buy about 25 billion single-

serving bottles of water this year, according to the Container Recycling

Institute. Worse, nearly 80% of those bottles go to a landfill. Let’s put a

stop to that. Making plastic out of recycled resources uses about two-thirds

less energy than making new plastic. Better yet, don’t use plastic “throw-

always”. Tap water is reliable and personal water bottles are everywhere.

#3: Newspaper. According to the Environmental Protection Agency,

paper makes up about one-third of the the municipal waste stream in the

U.S. That’s a lot of paper, and since we know that recycling all that paper

conserves resources, saves energy, and doesn’t clog up the landfills, there’s

every reason to do it.

#4: Corrugated Cardboard. Old corrugated cardboard (OCC) repre-

sents a significant percentage of the commercial solid waste stream. In

1996, the U.S. generated 29 million tons of OCC, or 13.8% of our munici-

pal waste stream. Approximately 90% of that comes from the commercial

or non-residential sector, the places where we work. So next time UPS de-

livers a big box to your office, be sure to break it down and recycle it.

(OKC’s “blue boxes” do not take cardboard. Industries do recycle card-

board. Individuals must be creative.)

#5: Steel cans. Like aluminum, steel products can be recycled over

again without compromising the quality of the steel. We’re talking about

steel cans, but maybe you have some steel auto parts or appliances ready

for recycling too? More than 80 million tons of steel are recycled each year

in North America, and recycling steel saves the equivalent energy to power

18 million households a year. Learn more about steel recycling by visiting

the Steel Recycling Institute website.

#6: HDPE plastic bottles (HDPE stands for high-density polyethyl-

ene, a common and more dense plastic, which is used for detergents,

bleach, shampoo, milk jugs.) HDPE plastics are identified by the logo on

the bottom of the container. (Three arrows in the shape of a triangle.)

Check the number inside that logo: numbers 1 and 2 are recyclable almost

everywhere, but 3 through 7 are only recyclable in limited areas. Don’t

forget to rinse your HDPE containers; remaining dirt or food particles can

contaminate the recycling process.

#7: Glass containers. Recycling glass saves 50% of the energy to pro-

duce virgin glass, and recycling just one glass container saves enough en-

ergy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours. Recycled glass generates 20%

less air pollution and 50% less water pollution, and one ton of glass made

from 50% recycled materials saves 250 pounds of mining waste. Wow!

The Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest is a statewide project of the

Respect Diversity Foundation. Students from across Oklahoma study the

value of diversity in their lives and create works of art. These works will

be displayed in the spring of 2013. Visit www.respectdiversity.org for

more information and to sign up for this free event. Everyone is welcome.

Top 10 Most Important Items To Recycle

by Judy Molland

LEAPS & BOUNDS

Friday, November 16

Church of the Open Arms

3131 N. Penn, Oklahoma City

The Affording Hope Project presents Leaps and Bounds, a one woman

show which explores the intersection of faith, ecology, and the global

economy. Developed and performed by Tevyn East, The Affording Hope

Project accesses the transformative power of art to inspire faith communi-

ties to be a prophetic witness to alternative economic systems of

sufficiency and solidarity.

#8: Magazines and #9: Mixed paper. Recycling paper saves 60%

of the energy used to produce virgin paper, and also generates 95% less

air pollution. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons

of water.

#10: Computers. Computers can be recycled in a couple of ways, de-

pending on the state of the machine. Giving old, working computers to

friends and family members or donating them to nonprofit organizations

not only keeps the computer entirely out of the waste stream, but presents

computer access to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

Remember, if you Reduce and Reuse, you will have less to Recycle!


The world of human trafficking is a world unknown to most people.

Living in Oklahoma, it’s very easy to overlook problems that don’t affect

us personally. It’s also hard to care about problems that we don’t see on

the news or hear about all the time. Unfortunately for the victims of sex

trafficking, that is exactly the problem. Most people just aren’t aware.

Oklahoma may seem like a place where this wouldn’t happen, but un-

fortunately, the incidence of trafficking here is very high. In 2003, Okla-

homa was listed as one of the states with the highest number of trafficking

survivors receiving federal aid. In 2009, the FBI brought down the largest

sex trafficking ring in the Southwest, which included Oklahoma.

Human trafficking can mean many different things. By definition it is

a “modern form of slavery where people profit from the control and exploi-

tation of others.” In terms of sex trafficking, the average age of entry into

the sex industry is 12-14 years old. In 2010 it was reported that there were

over 100 child sex trafficking cases in Oklahoma but that the state lacked

the financial means to deal with them all. People are not willing to pay for

things that they know nothing about, and until we can open our eyes to the

things going on in our own state, those cases may remain unsolved.

In 2009, the State Department named the US as the number one desti-

nation for child sex trafficking in the world. How does Oklahoma fit into

this? In 2010, the top cities for child sex trafficking were Houston, Las

Vegas, and Atlanta, in first second and third place respectively. Looking at

a map of the US, Oklahoma falls on a very important intersection of traf-

ficking lines. I-35, I-40 and I-44 are the routes in and out of this state to

the south, east and west. Highways have always been vital in the transpor-

tation of goods, and in this instance, the goods are human beings.

There are several organizations committed to fighting trafficking

in the United States. Oklahoma-based groups that you can look into for

answers to questions, to voice concerns, or to make donations include

OATH. OATH, or Oklahomans Against Human Trafficking, was founded

in 2008 by a concerned group of individuals wishing to spread awareness.

Since then, OATH has grown into a statewide community of people de-

voted to ending human trafficking. In April of this year, the first Okla-

homa Proclamation dedicated to protecting human rights and fighting hu-

man trafficking was signed by Governor Fallin.

Another group is No Boundaries, a ministry group based in Edmond.

No Boundaries has been featured on the news as members interact with

prostitutes in Oklahoma, praying with them and letting them know that

there are other options available for their lives. For more information

about these groups, go to www.OathCoalition.com and www.nbint.org.

In October, two students at UCO will be showcasing a performance

piece entitled VOICED: The Real Story of Prostituted Women, a harsh

look at the realities and struggles victims of sex trafficking must face. The

play provides a chance to view a world that has been hidden from them,

even though it’s happening right on our own streets. Throughout the play,

victims finally have a chance to speak on their own behalf, instead of the

media’s sometimes one dimensional portrayals of them. The audience will

be challenged to see the victims as people, and not as a news headline.

Claudia Fain, a Musical Theater Major at the University of Central

Oklahoma decided to make a statement that she hopes will impact the

Oklahoma community. When asked about her reason for creating the piece

she said, "When I found out

about the horrifying truth of sex

trafficking in Oklahoma, I HAD

to do something about it. There

was no question; I became ob-

sessed with wanting to make a

difference. I hope this reaches a

wide range of of people, and

makes them want to help and

stop this nightmare."

Claudia reached out to her

friend Summer Nolan, a Theater

Performance Major at UCO to

help bring the play to life. Summer was more than willing to help. “It’s an

opportunity to use the art I love to give back to the Oklahoma community,

and to raise awareness about a subject that’s so important. Claudia and I

wanted to be able to give a voice to prostituted women who aren’t able to

share their stories themselves. That’s what VOICED is about.” Premiering

October 19th for two nights only, VOICED will be a powerful event that is

sure to open the eyes of those who watch it. A teaser is provided below.

Come out to witness this performance which will be the first of its kind on

this subject matter for Oklahoma. Come out and support this step forward

in the fight against human trafficking.

VOICED: The Real Story of Prostituted Women,

by Claudia Fain and Summer Nolan

October 19-20, Pegasus Theatre,

UCO Liberal Arts Bldg., Free, 7:30 pm

VOICED is a student-written and directed show in-tended to raise awareness about prostituted women in the United States and Oklahoma specifically. Telling the graphic story of violence and danger involved in the sex trade it is a truly heart-wrenching story, but with these

haunting truths comes a ray of hope.

VOICED hopes to educate its audience and provide them with the opportunity to solve the problems of forced prostitution within the Oklahoma community, as well as

internationally.

Together we can end this form of modern slavery. Do-nations will be accepted on behalf of OATH and No

Boundaries. Intended for mature audiences.

Human Trafficking: A Voice for the Voiceless

by Nicholas Toscani


The History of Conscientious Objection in America

by Moses Mast

The refusal to fight

in war as an act of con-

science has a long and

varied history in our

country. The first known

individuals on this conti-

nent who were what

could be called

“conscientious objec-

tors” were from certain

Native American tribes.

The Cheyenne are a peo-

ple who have a long tra-

dition of designating

certain of their chiefs to

be “peace chiefs,” a tra-

dition that continues to

this day. These chiefs

are practitioners and

teachers of peace and

are not to engage in

violence of any kind.

During the early

colonial period, some

of our ancestors -- led

by conscience -- could not participate in war and came to America in

order to avoid being drafted into the military. In the early wars in Amer-

ica, one could pay a fee instead of serving in the military. There was

also a time when one could hire another person to serve in your place.

These practices meant that the sons of the well-off did not usually fight,

while the poor were disproportionately affected, a precursor to today’s

“economic draft” where the same situation exists.

During World War I, our government made no provision for consci-

entious objectors. Regardless of their faith or position about war, they

were ordered to appear at their assigned base for service. The military

believed that with firm -- and many times harsh -- treatment, resisters

would consent to serve. It is likely some did give in to the pressure, but

many did not, and these young men were incarcerated and treated very

brutally, some so badly that they suffered serious trauma or died from

their wounds.

After this experience, Quakers and Mennonites, the historic peace

churches whose members were pacifists, negotiated with the govern-

ment for an alternative service, and it was at this time that the term

“conscientious objectors“ was coined.

In World War II, our government formed what they called civilian

public service. Conscientious objectors could serve in projects that were

considered for the public good, sometimes in very risky professions like

“smoke jumpers” who, when a forest fire was detected, would parachute

into the area and extinguish the

fire before it spread.

Others worked in national

parks. Others worked in build-

ing dams for flood control and

water conservation. Conscien-

tious objectors worked without

pay, with family or churches

contributing toward their living

expenses.

In the later years of this pe-

riod, conscientious objectors

were assigned to work in mental

hospitals. Mental hospitals were

seriously under-staffed and the

treatment of patients was appall-

ing. The young men that worked

there were disturbed by what

they saw and after the war be-

came involved in building new

facilities to care for mental pa-

tients and advocated for better

understanding and treatment of

the patients there.

After the war, the civilian public service work camps were discontin-

ued, and the Selective Service department designated alternative work

places for COs, such as public hospitals, that were providing for the com-

mon good. There, one could work just like any other employee, receiving a

paycheck and benefits. Churches also established community services like

day-care centers in neglected areas, home repair for the elderly, etc. In

these places one would serve as a volunteer. Many of our young men

chose to work in these places as volunteers instead of at paid jobs.

It is interesting that after the draft was discontinued, many of our

young men wanted to do “alternative service” as those before them had

and so volunteered at the same kind of work, even though it was no

longer necessary for CO status. Also of note is that many girls who were

never required to serve in the military also wanted to do public service

and volunteered to work in these areas of human need.

////////

Speakers are available from the Oklahoma Center

for Conscience and Peace Research (see box)

Education/Outreach on Conscience and Military

Legal Services for Conscientious Objectors

Counter recruitment/peace education tools

War Resisters League affiliate

504 NE 15th St., OKC 73104 Phone 405.598.7362

centerforconscience.org

Vision and Action for Ending War

Moses Mast is on the Steering Committee of

the Oklahoma City Center for Conscience &

Peace Research. Pictured with his wife, Sadie,

who is also an intrepid worker in the Conscience

Objector movement.

Democracy done digitally NN EWEW MM EDIAEDIA

Web Sites - design, hosting, administration

Print and digital publication production

Publicity and online marketing

Specializing in nonprofit/grassroots groups

Rena Guay NewMediaActive.com

PROUD

TO BE

UNION


Gentler World; Women's Voices, Women's Values, Women's Vote is

an opportunity for Oklahoma citizens to come together in celebration of

the pioneering suffragettes whose dedication to the cause of women's

voting rights serves as an inspired example for all American women to-

day.

On the foundations which these courageous women laid, women in

the United States have empowered, educated and moved themselves into

strategic positions of leadership in business and politics. This elevation

and equalization of women's strengths is a necessary step in the natural

evolution of a healthier society.

On the eve of one of the most crucial presidential elections in our na-

tion's history, women's votes are needed more than ever. Somehow as a

nation we find ourselves teetering on the brink of a backwards slide in

progress, particularly in the area of women’s rights and empowerment.

How did we get to the point as a civilized nation that we are even dis-

cussing the revocation of a women's right to sovereignty over her own

reproductive functions? There seems to be an ever widening chasm be-

tween those who wish to foster a collective de-evolvement of society's

progress, and those who are choosing to champion a gentler and more co-

operative vision of our country.

Particularly in the Red states, including Oklahoma, there is a wide-

spread trend towards clinging to a patriarchal system of governance, in

which competitive, ego driven personalities are elected to key positions of

leadership, and somehow are being allowed to insert their "religious" be-

liefs into their political positions.

Studies have shown that men are biologically engineered to think and

lead in terms of competition rather than cooperation. The male neurobiol-

ogy may pre-condition men to use dominant and aggressive leadership

styles that do not enhance or support harmonious group efforts.

Conversely, women are naturally inclined to lead others toward mutu-

ality of goals, creating a sense of community, empowering subordinates

and listening effectively. Due to many factors, including cultural and re-

ligious conditioning and lower ego needs, many women remain quite un-

aware of the inner resources and gifts which they can uniquely offer to

leadership positions in society.

Key to the strength of a woman's character is her ability to empathize.

Empathy, the ability to relate to the emotional journey of another, is a

hallmark of a mature human being. We need more maturity, more empa-

thy, more listening, if we are to turn the corner as a society toward a hap-

pier, more cooperative existence.

Join us at the Gentler World Rally as we celebrate the strengths and

courage of women, those who have come before and those who lead us in

these difficult times.

In the words of his Holiness the Dalai Lama "The world will be

saved by the Western woman".

Women, stand up and make your voice heard for a Gentler World.

Eileen Hetherington, Project Coordinator, Gentler World

Gentler World Organizers

Eileen Hetherington organized the Million Mom March Rally at Lake

Hefner in Oklahoma City in 2000 with participation by the Peace House.

In coordination with MMM groups from Tulsa, she worked to lobby for

improved gun safety measures at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Her desire

to return to activism was re-ignited in January of 2012, when her beloved

daughter-in-law was killed by her husband in an act of gun violence in

the family home. Eileen is a Holistic Health Educator and Master Herb-

alist. In 2010, she founded Every Path, a networking and socializing sup-

port group for alternative health care practitioners. She has lectured at

OCU and other venues on the topic of Alternative Therapies in the Treat-

ment of Depression, and many other wellness topics.

Jesslynn Stull is the owner of Quantum Wellness, Inc. She is a licensed

medical massage therapist and is deeply invested in the health of Okla-

homa citizens, particularly women who are seeking answers as to alter-

native health options for preventive care. She currently serves on the or-

ganizational board of the Children's Miracle Network Hospital at

OUMED, and the Asian Chamber of Commerce for Oklahoma. In her

capacity as board member for these two organizations Jesslynn helps to

organize fundraisers, national telethons, newsletter columns and social

media promotions. As a local business owner for over thirteen years, she

has hosted client appreciation golf tournaments and organized the cater-

ing of banquets. She is a member of the Banyan Networking Group,

through which she coordinates speed networking luncheons and operat-

ing the referral program.

Belinda Ruffel has served on the Board of Lyric Theatre for ten years.

She is an active member of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition In addition,

she serves as a board member at Unity Spiritual Life Center in Oklahoma

City. In the early 1990's, she organized several education seminars for

spiritual and alternative health leaders such as Ram Dass, Deepak Cho-

pra and Dr. Andrew Weil on Martha's Vineyard. ////////

“A Gentler World” Rally

Women's Voices, Women's Values, Women's Vote

Monday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m., OKC Farmers’ Public Market, 311 S. Klein. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.


Women in the Boardroom

are Good for Business

by Samantha F. Ravich

According to recent research, companies with women on their boards

perform better in volatile markets than those with all-male boards. Saman-

tha F. Ravich, co-chair of the National Commission for the Review of

R&D Programs in the Intelligence Community, explains why tech compa-

nies should take notice.

A new study reported by the Credit Suisse Research Institute analyzed

2,360 companies and found that firms with at least one woman on the board outperformed stocks with no women on the board by 26 per-cent. In the aftermath of the market crash of 2008, companies with women on their boards did even better comparatively. According to

the study, these companies delivered, “higher average ROEs through the

cycle, exhibit[ed] less volatility in earnings and typically [had] lower gear-

ing ratios [measurement of financial leverage].”

As Yilmaz Arguden explains in his Harvard Business Review blog

post, there are a number of explanations for these statistics: women help

ensure better corporate governance; women expand the knowledge base of

the market; and, opening the pool of board candidates to include women

ensures a wider pool of applicants from which to select the best. There is

probably truth to all of these reasons, but one need look no farther than

Solomon and Markowitz — diversification minimizes risk.

When all the opinions given around a boardroom are highly correlated,

potential risks and opportunities might be missed. It is no longer controver-

sial (if it really ever was) to suggest that women and men often see the

world differently — or at least they focus on and prioritize different as-

pects of the same event. Consequently, whether it is how to differentiate

one’s product in an oversaturated technology market, how best to allocate a

limited pool of research and development funds for potential future product

lines, or how to create a public engagement strategy around a particular

corporate action, adding the views of women to the board can produce a

larger possible solution set.

Just as no rational investor would purposely include the stock of a

failed company in their portfolio simply to diversify their holdings, board

selections must be made on merit. Unfortunately, the corporate pipeline

has not typically been filled with women. In the technology world, the

shortage is even more acute. According to a survey by the tech recruitment

group Harvey Nash, only 9 percent of chief information officers in the U.S.

are women. This is bad enough, but it’s even worse when one considers

that this number has gone down from 11 percent in 2011 and 12 percent in

2010. Perhaps that is one reason why more than 50 percent of IT compa-

nies do not have any women on their boards (see Credit Suisse Research

Institute report cited above), making technology companies among the

worst in board diversification.

Tech companies consider themselves ground breaking, innovative and

disruptive. Good attributes to be sure, but most board members and all

stock holders want those characteristics to yield higher sales, higher return

on invested capital and higher return on equity.

Technology companies would be wise to apply their nontraditional

mindsets to looking for potential female board members. They should look

beyond the traditional venues, such as colleagues of existing board mem-

bers, other similar boards and the traditional executive search firms. Do the

extra legwork — reach out to non-traditional networks, including the

growing number of professional associations for women who work in sci-

ence, technology, engineering and mathematics, and get in contact with

corporate directors associations for women. Firms should also consider of-

ten overlooked but potentially valuable disciplines that have a higher per-

centage of women, including business and strategy (to understand chal-

lenges from evolving markets) and behavioral sciences (to understand hu-

man behavior).

After all, what successful company willfully overlooks the opportu-

nity to outperform its competitors by 26 percent?

Samantha F. Ravich served as deputy national security advisor to former Vice President

Dick Cheney. She currently is the co-chair of the National Commission for the Review of

R&D Programs in the Intelligence Community and a senior advisor to The Chertoff

Group. The opinions expressed here are entirely her own.

How Gay Men Could

Donate Blood Safely

by Michael Hernandez

According to the American Red Cross (ARC), "Summer is one of the

most difficult times to recruit enough blood donors to meet the need.” A

solution is presented in a current petition, found at <tinyurl.com/6uofzju>

which proposes that men who have slept with men (MSM) are an untapped

source of willing blood donors.

In 1983 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented

its policy to ban MSM from giving blood. Many countries have enacted

policies more progressive than the FDA’s including Argentina, Australia,

Japan, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. (Cont’d, Page 14)

Americans Must Vote in November, 2012 Vote in Record Numbers.

Do what you can. The next President may appoint one, two,

or three Supreme Court Justices.

WE THE PEOPLE must protect:

The EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

The Clean Air Act

Women’s reproductive freedoms and choices

Worker’s rights to collective bargaining /unions

Personal sovereignty against government abuses

VOTER REGISTRATION can be done at any tag agency or County Election Board. -Help others get registered — Deadline October 12th - If you moved, you must re-register - If you haven't voted in a while, you may need to re-register. - To vote, you will need to have your Voter Registration Card or a photo I.D.


Meet The Candidates & Vote Smart — by Darla Shelden

Oklahoma Congressional House Candidates District 1 (Tulsa and surrounds: 3 choices.) District 1 - John Olson (D)

http://OlsonForOklahoma.com/home/

Healthcare: Affordable and accessible health care for all Americans

is a fundamental right. Although the current health care system is far

from perfect, we should undertake a bipartisan effort to reach the goal

of affordable health care. Elimination of waste and redundancies in cost are necessary to

make affordable care a reality.

Energy: Energy exploration and production in Oklahoma is essential to our economic

health. Natural gas is an important transition fuel as we move toward clean energy. En-

ergy independence is important for both economic vitality and national security. A critical

component to energy independence is the development of solar, wind, hydro and geother-

mal energies. Our use of oil is having a significant impact on the environment. Environ-

mental health and conservation is directly linked to our own health. It is our moral respon-

sibility to leave our children and grandchildren a clean and habitable world. Climate

change is not a myth nor is human contribution to that change. Common-sense initiatives

that reduce pollution should be pursued to improve the health of our land, water, air and

atmosphere. To further that effort, major pollutants must be monitored and regulated for

our health and safety.

Economy: The future of our economy requires that we do not overburden the nation with

debt. Economic heath requires fiscal discipline. I will push to balance the budget using an

approach that rebuilds a strong middle class. We must eliminate wasteful spending where

we find it. We should increase investments in the higher education and training in the high

-tech manufacturing industry. We must create economic incentives for companies to rein-

vest more than a trillion dollars of corporate money in the US manufacturing industry. We

must also push for significant tax reform in this country. We cannot balance the books of

this country on the backs of the middle class alone. We must simplify the tax code and

eliminate loopholes that allow giant corporations to pay a smaller share of the tax burden

than the average college student.

District 1 - Jim Bridenstine (R)

http://jimbridenstine.com/

Healthcare: I would vote to repeal and replace ObamaCare with a

more competitive and cost reducing system.

Energy: Energy reform should reduce our dependence on foreign oil

while increasing access to various forms of clean energy. To quickly

reduce our dependence on foreign oil, Congress should lift restrictions on clean drilling in

our own territory. Natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal energy are viable al-

ternatives to crude oil, and the free market has the capacity to advance these technologies.

Cap and Trade legislation will tax fossil fuels, raise energy prices, and force consumers

into alternative fuels prematurely. Controlling markets in this fashion is not an appropriate

role of government and cripples the economy. While the environment should be protected

and global warming studied, global warming should not drive national energy policy with-

out clearer evidence.

Economy: Free markets, economic mobility, and equal opportunity are the drivers of

innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital formation. Every piece of legislation should

consider the impact on these drivers. Our national debt is at a record high of $14.6 trillion

and Congress continues to spend out-of-control. American Treasury Securities have lost

their AAA rating, which would normally place upward pressure on interest rates and exac-

erbate our national deficit. Instead, the Federal Reserve continues to print money and

purchase Treasury Securities to artificially bring their value up and corresponding interest

rates down. This increase weakens the value of the U.S. Dollar, making the United States

an unattractive place to invest money, start a business or grow a corporation. Joblessness

is the result. This cycle will only stop when the U.S Congress stops spending.

Education: I support local control of the educational process.

District 1- Craig Allen (I)

http://www.craigallenforcongress.com/

Allen’s Agenda: Moratorium on foreign aid, expose and eliminate

Fraud and waste of all tax dollars, health care reform, bring all troops

home from all foreign soil, stop the ongoing deterioration of the

working class and others. See website.

District 2 (Muskogee and NE OK. 3 choices) District 2 - Rob Wallace (D)

http://www.robwallace2012.com/

Jobs: Government doesn't create jobs, but it has a strong role to play in

Helping businesses create jobs. That starts by leveling the playing field

for small businesses so that our economic and tax system stops favoring

Wall Street over Main Street. Instead of bailing out banks and big

insurance companies that caused our economic stress, we need to help the people who

create 90% of the new jobs in this country - small businesses.

Economy: Our long-term economic stability depends on having a stable infrastructure -

with good roads and bridges, a sound electric grid, and 21st Century schools. By investing

in infrastructure we can also create good American jobs right now.

Education: I believe that Oklahoma workers can beat out any competition if given a fair

chance to succeed. To do that, we need to make sure that we are making smart invest-

ments in our workforce, to train and retrain Oklahoma workers for the jobs of the future.

District 2 - Markwayne Mullin – (R) http://www.mullinforcongress.com/

Energy

Domestic energy production is a matter of national security, and our state

plays a key role in establishing energy independence.

Healthcare

ObamaCare must be repealed. Ensuring access to quality, affordable

health care is one of America’s greatest challenges today. The free market will meet the

challenge if the government will get out of the way. We must cautiously seek comprehen-

sive reform that protects the solvency of Medicare and Medicaid.

Education

Parents should have final decision-making authority in the education of their children.

They know better than Washington, D.C., bureaucrats how to best educate their children.

Immigration

We must protect America’s borders to stop illegal immigration. Amnesty proposals should

be rejected. Penalties should be strengthened against illegal immigration and law enforce-

ment given the resources for enforcement

District 2 - Michael G. Fulks (I)

http://vote4ok.com/

Housing: As I write today (Nov 2011) the bottom of the falling prices has

not been found. Until loan originators can confidently assess the current

value of property loans will be hard to get and the market will continue to

stagnate. The only thing that will help is for more people to have sustainable jobs that pay

well enough for them to invest in homes. As demand increases, we will see a return to

stability – but not until then.

Financial Reforms: Why was Glass-Steagall repealed? It protected us from wild financial

gambles and prevented what happened in 2008. The Republicans and Democrats worked

together to create the very problems we now face. They were warned at the time that

banks would become “too big to fail” and result in a bailout.

Corporate Attack on our Rights: We are under a concerted attack designed to reduce us

to voiceless, powerless drones. The Republican Party is pushing to remove all rights to

organize our labor, to be heard in peaceful protest, and to raise our children in our choice

of faith. Our own Governor took away the right to collectively bargain if you happen to

work for a city. Democrats collude with these actions by ignoring them and following

their own agenda.

District 3 (Western Oklahoma. Two choices) District 3 - Timothy Ray Murray (D)

https://timmurrayforcongress.org/

Education: I believe Public and Higher Education must have the

resources for Our Students, the current shifting the burden to States

and Individuals will not work for our Nation’s future.

Jobs: I will lead in creating incentives for Businesses to improve solid new Job Growth

in All Tiers of the Job Market, not just the Service Job Market. I will put forth legislation

that will give Businesses incentives to create and fill new jobs that require (Cont’d pg.14)


VICTORY! NRC Supports NIRS (Nuclear Information and Resource

Service) — Denies License for Calvert Cliffs-3 Reactor

August 30, 2012. NIRS Headquarters: Great news! The NRC Atomic

Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) hearing the Calvert Cliffs-3 licensing

proceeding agreed with NIRS and DENIED a construction/operating li-

cense for that reactor. This is the culmination of a five-year battle that

started in 2007 when Calvert Cliffs-3 became the first new reactor applica-

tion in some 30 years--the flagship of the "nuclear renaissance."

Since then, NIRS has fought this project--which is on our doorstep--at

every possible venue. We intervened before the Maryland Public Service

Commission--twice. We helped form a grassroots alliance to oppose the

reactor--the Chesapeake Safe Energy Coalition, which lives on through

Baltimore's Crabshell Alliance. And with our partners at Public Citizen,

Beyond Nuclear, and Southern Maryland CARES, we intervened in the

NRC licensing process.

NIRS was the lead intervener in this case; the contention--that the Cal-

vert Cliffs-3 project violates the Atomic Energy Act's prohibition against

"foreign ownership, control or domination" of a U.S. reactor was written

by NIRS and litigated by NIRS. And we did it pro se--we couldn't afford a

lawyer so we did it ourselves. Hundreds and hundreds of hours of legal

work and research and writing briefs and appearances before the Board.

And, we won! We beat one of the nation's biggest nuclear law firms,

Winston and Strawn. We beat Electricite de France (EDF), Areva, and the

French government--the real power behind the Calvert Cliffs-3 project. We

beat the entire Maryland political establishment, which in 2007 was lined

up solidly behind this project (though many have been backing off their

support in recent times).

The ASLB not only denied the license application, it said that EDF is

not even eligible to apply for a license.

You can find much more information on this on the front page of our

website, including the ASLB decisions, our press statement, a timeline and

more.

We want to thank attorney Diane Curran for her invaluable advice, our

fellow interveners for their support and encouragement, and everyone who

has supported NIRS in any and every way. We raised no money whatso-

ever for the legal portion of this case. A lot of organizations would have

dropped the case for that reason alone. But we were confident we could

win--no way were we going to stop. We used your money--the money you

donate online or by mail--to pay our costs. So this is your victory too. We

couldn't have done it without your support.

We hope this encourages you to dig deep and give more now. This is

what we can accomplish. This is what your donations pay for: Victory.

With your support, we CAN build a nuclear-free, carbon-free future.

Thank you so much for all you do,

Michael Mariotte, Executive Director, Nuclear Information and Re-

source Service www.nirs.org [email protected]

TURTLE ROCK FARM

RETREAT CENTER

A Center for Sustainability, Spirituality, and Healing

www.TurtleRockFarmRetreat.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Visit our website for details.

September 22 - Fourth Annual Prairie Dinner Concert October 6 - Earth Plunge for Families

October 13 - What is the New Cosmology and Who Cares?

with Elizabeth Box Price

October 20 - The World in a Moment: Haiku Retreat

October 27 - Animals and Sustainability Retreat

November 17 - Simpler Living

Panoply Hippy

Store 2412 N Shartel OKC

Home of Oklahoma

Ghost Tours call 405.521.1010

CRIScontactresearch.com Hours are Mon thru Sat

2 PM to 6:00 PM

Peace House t-shirts, buttons and

bumper stickers. Retro Clothing .

Essential Oils . Hand Crafted Jewelry.

Pendulums and Stones. Peace House

butto0n & bumper stickers. Hard to

find Books on Spirituality . Para-

Normal . Metaphysical and many

more interesting subjects . Quality

Incense including Nag Champa Band T

-Shirts

Misc Hemp products. Sage sticks and

Herbs . Really Cool Purses ! Hand

made Soaps and Lotions . Tie-Dyed

novelty items . Bandanas .

Silk Scarves . Oils

Eclectic Art . Candles . Unusual Post

Cards . Kung Fu Shoes .

Many More Unusual Items

WE’RE STILL OPEN!! Monday thru Saturday

2 pm to 7 pm


DO YOU WANT TO DO

YOUR PART TO

IMPROVE THE WORLD?

You can start by joining

OKC Amnesty International

Local Group #238

Anne Frank said, “How wonderful it is that no

one needs to wait a single moment before start-

ing to improve the world.”

We meet at the Church of the Open Arms,

3131 N. Penn on the 1st Monday of the month at

6:30 PM, in the basement. Call John at

720-6467 for more information.

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DETAILS, CONTACT THE

OKLAHOMA

CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES, 405-525-2928.

How Gay Men Could Donate Blood -from page 10

Their blood-donor policies require a one-year deferral from the last

MSM encounter.

Recently, the HIV Medicine Association in 2004, the American

Red Cross, the America's Blood Centers, and the American Association

of Blood Banks in 2006 have called for the FDA to lift the all-out ban

on MSM donors and enact a one-year deferral instead. All of these or-

ganizations have lobbied the U.S. FDA to change its policy, but the

FDA refuses to budge. The FDA policy denies some 139,000 potential

blood donors, if the one-year deferral policy were in place.

The FDA’s concern over HIV is a valid one that any reasonable

person would share. However, its reaction to the concern is not reason-

able. Blanket bans may have been appropriate when there was a lack of

understanding and an absence of empirical data for screening the MSM

population. Today, our understanding of HIV has come immeasurably

far beyond that ignorance and fear.

The petition asks the FDA to change its current policy from an out-

right ban to a one-year deferral since the last MSM encounter. This is

actually four times the amount of time necessary to provide very accu-

rate HIV screening.

Medical science has advanced far enough that the FDA should be

capable of comprehending and reacting appropriately to advances in

medical science. Sign the petition at < tinyurl.com/6uofzju >.


TELEPHONE (405) 605-6547 FACSIMILE (405) 605-6577

[email protected]

DAN MURDOCK ATTORNEY AT LAW

Resides & Resides, PLLC

615 North Broadway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

73102

www.resideslaw.com

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful

committed people can change the world - in-

deed it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead -

District 3 - Timothy Ray Murray (D) (Cont’d from pg. 11)

skilled education, degreed education or equivalent experience. This will boost the job sec-

tor and lead to more sustainable thriving economy in our recovery and our future.

Healthcare: We must hold insurance companies more responsible for the explanation of

coverage and benefits. While insurance companies are making record hundreds of billions

profit, much denial of benefits that are covered services is occurring, which leaves the

patient to dispute the company’s explanation. That dispute is too often very time consum-

ing and doesn’t always end in success for the patient.

District 3 - Frank Lucas (R)

https://www.frankdlucas.com/

Jobs: I want American families to keep more of their hard-earned

paychecks, and the federal government to rein in its out-of-control

spending.

Energy: I support an “all of the above” energy agenda that can create new American

jobs, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and promote efficient usage of energy here

at home.

Healthcare: We need real health care reform in this country that lowers costs, maintains

options, reduces the uninsured population, and expand access.

Economy: Our national debt level is unacceptable. Wasteful government spending

abounds. I am working every day for real deficit reduction, a common-sense tax system,

and a balanced budget that will eliminate misuse of the taxpayers’ money.

Taxes

I will continue to fight for reform of our tax code. And I want it done without raising taxes

on our country’s workers.

District 4 (Norman and SW OK. 3 choices) District 4 - Donna Bebo (D)

http://www.beboforcongress.com/

Jobs/Economy: We have given the “job creators” ample time and

money to stimulate our economy and get Americans back to work. The

simple truth is corporations will only create jobs when it helps their bottom line, and

“trickle-down economics” simply does not work. Giving them no-strings-attached tax

breaks does nothing but line the pockets of the wealthy. I support extending the Bush-era

tax cuts for working Americans. But it is time for the free money train to come to an end

for those who have failed to deliver on their promises of job growth and economic recov-

ery. Tax incentives should only be given

to companies that create and keep jobs right here, in the United States. Rebuilding our

economy must begin with a solid foundation rather than a top-down approach.

Energy: Oklahoma has great potential to be a national leader in alternative energy

sources. Our state has sunshine, wind, and natural gas in abundance. Investing in the

environment can also mean investing in our state. I support green energy initiatives that

will add jobs and money to Oklahoma’s economy. We must look for ways to reduce our

dependency on foreign oil without causing harm to our lakes, woodlands, and the health

of our citizens.

Education: As we work on balancing the budget, we must be very mindful to protect our

public schools. We must also continue to invest in higher education. In order to compete

in a global economy, an educated workforce is vital.

District 4 - Tom Cole (R)

http://tomcoleforcongress.com/

Jobs/Economy: I am committed to advancing policies that will

allow the private sector to flourish. I believe the best way for the

government to create jobs is to get out of the way and let American

ingenuity and entrepreneurship thrive.

Energy: I support developing all of our nation's energy resources and

becoming energy independent while reducing dependence on foreign

oil. I support the Keystone XL Pipeline and increased production of oil and natural gas.

Healthcare: Our country's health care system needs reform. As your Representative I

will fight for patient centered improvements that reduce cost, allow flexibility, and protect

America's most vulnerable citizens.

Social Security: Millions of America’s seniors depend on Social Security and many

more retire each day. I will continue to work tirelessly to keep the system solvent for

those that depend on it now and for future generations to come. Budget: Every year, I have voted for the lowest proposed budget and will continue to

fight to get government spending under control. Not only does increased spending in-

crease our debt and burden our economy, but far too often it is used to grow government.

District 4 - RJ Harris (I)

http://www.rjharris2012.com/

Economy: End all foreign aid, eliminate deficit spending, Do not

raise the debt limit or taxes, lower taxes, end the unconstitutional

War on Drugs, audit and end the Federal Reserve, restore a constitu-

tional gold and silver currency, eliminate all unconstitutional federal

welfare (except for Medicare and Social Security since those are

debts we are now forced to pay until we can gradually phase them

out), eliminate all unconstitutional (Cont’d, pg 16)


Kay Adair

Lee Agnew & Lonnie Corder Agnew

Kay Ahaus

Bob Aldridge

Dorothy Alexander

David Alexander

Valerie J. Allen

Kathryn & Andy Anderson

Kay Anderson

Kelly Armstrong

Mona Baird

Lois Barber

Paul Barby

Carol Barry

Pamela Barrymore

Fannie Bates

Cara & Ronald Beer

Lee Eddy & Bill Bennett

Nan Binder-Smith

Robert & Sharon Bish

Melanie Bittman

Teresa Black

Patricia Black

Linda Blackerby

Fred & Sue Blackmon

Shirley & Jon Blaschke

David Blatt

Barbara L Bonner

Linda Bowlby

Tom And Pat Brewer

Terry & Kay Britton

Ron Burkard

Rev Jack And Susan Burton

Phyllis Byerly

Nancy Cain

Pat Califana

Sherry Bacus

Scott & Jerry Carroll

Richard Cates & Jeanene Davidson

D. L. Cetrangolo

Jack Clifford

Annette Clifton

Orra Compton

Margaret Cox

Billy Coyle

David & Betty Craighead

Della G. Craighead

Lois & Ray Crooks

Kathy Cullinan

Bob Curtis

Marilyn & Lawrence Curtis

Lynda Deibel

Marge & Bob Delaney

R.L. Doyle

Sally Duran

Ozie, Kay And Anthony Edwards

Robert & Harriette Elliott

Susan Elliott

Hawthorne Farr

Jalal Farzaneh

Ken Feiger

Thurma Fiegel

Christy A Finsel

Margaret Flansburg

John S. And Gail P. Fletcher

Dorothy Foster

Mary Francis

Tom Fredgren & Ellen Frank

Naomi French

Gus W Friedrich

Mike Fuller

Tom Gallagher

Gail Garloch

Jane & Bill Garthoeffner

Barbara Geary

Veva Gibbard Rivermont

Susan A Gonzalez

Dixie Mosier Greene

Marjorie Greer

John & Francis

Griffin David Grow

Denise Hall

Dennie Hall

Arlene Halley

Kay Ham

Jim Hankins

Frances Harbert

Diane Hardersen

Mary Harris

C.M. & Phyllis Harvey, M.D.

Brad Hawkins

Don Helberg

William R. Henry

Lois & R.E. Hilbert

Jim & Carolyn Holloran

Jill Holmes

Jean Hubinger

Terry And Rebecca James

Barbara Hagen & Bruce Johnson

Davis D And Carole J Joyce

Bruce W. Keck

Edwin Kessler

Martha & Bill King

Beryl & Esther Kingsbury

Mary Jo Kinzie

Wilma J & Perry Klaassen

Joan & Michael Korenblit

Bernadette & Michael Krawczyk

Shirley Cleary,

Mike & Coleen Kunkel

Linda & Tim Larason

Mrs. Harriet Larsen

Jim Lazalier

Connie Leahy

Bob Lemon

Robyn Lemon Sellers

Roger Lienke

Tupper Lienke

John R Long

Annye Love

Janis Love

Gene M Kasmar & Kerry Lund

Gayla Machell

Phyllis McKenzie & Peter Maher

Ruth Males

Joyce & David Markes

Dolores D. Martin

Moses & Sadie Mast

Jim Maxey,D.D.S.

James Mcusic

Gordon & Judy Melson

Mary Menges Myers

Dorothy Messenger

Mr. & Mrs. T.H Milby

David Miller & Barbara Neas

Mary Moloney, SP

Bill & Helen Moorer

Lynn Moroney

Fran Morris

Anne Murray

Kent & Sheila Myers

Chris Nanny

Michael Nelson

Clayton & Sandra Ness

Peter J. Neufeld

Pam & Herb Neumann

Aldean Newcomb

Rita Newton

Donna O'Keefe

Carol Palmer

Laura Elia Woods Schaller

& Allen Parleir

Douglas Parr

Tony Pezeshkian

Peter Pierce

Mary & Max Pliska-Kintner

Ruth Podolin

In Memory of Bill Byerly

Lois Pokorny

Ben & Laura Pollard

Lydia Polley

Dennis & Carol Preston

Ghislaine Rabin

Lorrie Sylvester & Paul Reynolds

Judith Appleton & Stan Reynolds

C.J. Roberts

Robert S Ryan

Jeff Salamat

Susan & Abraham Sasso

Virginia Savage

Tom Schott

Floydette Seal

Gail Seto

Fr. Clark Shackleford

Paula Sharp

Sondra Shehab

Susie Shields

& Mark Derichsweiler

Frank Silovsky

Susan Singh

Martha Skeeters

Randy Smith

Jerry Sommerseth

Cliff Sousa

Constance St Hilaire

Jane St. Amant, OSB

David Stamps

Margaret Steichen

Jerry Stein Carol

Stone Sharon & Jim Tappan

Sabra Tate

Lester Taylor

Lois Taylor

Leslie Teets Moses

Linda & Tom Temple

Jenny Thompson

Terry Thompson

Hank & Sheila Tiarks

Sammy Towner

Rev Dale & Sherron Tremper

Jon Trzcinski

Becky & Will Uraneck

Saundra Vallejo-Delgado

Harley & Anne Venters

John & Rosie Walters

Susan & Jim Warram

Brent & Gina Wendling

Lyntha & Charles Wesner

Shawn Wicker

H. Harbour & Mickey Winn III

Ernest Wirsich

Kay Woody

Thanks to You All! We are inspired and nourished.

Donors for the Peace House received from January, 2012 through August 31, 2012.


“My attorney suggested that we try to work things out in mediation to avoid a litigation disaster”

Since 1988, Jim Stovall, founder and Director of the Mediation Institute, has worked with individuals,

families, and organizations to resolve difficult and complicated disputes that often threaten valuable rela-

tionships. Jim works to assist those in conflict to retain control over the decision-making process and pre-

vent a matter from turning into a lengthy court battle or a painful grudge match.

Divorce and Custody Matters

Family & Interpersonal Disputes

Elder Care, Estate and Inheritance Issues

Training and Consultation

Call 405-607-8914 for more information and a free initial consultation.

The Mediation Institute, 133308 N. MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73142

federal agencies consolidating those that remain for greater efficiency and end all foreign

interventionism.

Ease our debt and burden our economy, but far too often it is used to grow government.

Education: I will vote for the elimination of the Federal Department of Education and

to send all of its funding back to the states. Complete privatization, universal public edu-

cation, vouchers, charter schools and other education initiatives are issues for the state

legislatures NOT the Congress.

Environment: I will work to divest all federal lands back to the States or Native Nations

to whom they rightfully belong. This action will eliminate the need for the DoIe and the

EPA at the federal level. If these functions of government are truly needed then the States

and Native American Tribes can create and manage them since the States and Tribes ARE

sovereign in their own territories

Healthcare: I will vote to repeal ObamaCare since it is blatantly unconstitutional and I

will vote against any future attempt to federalize health care away from the states or the

people. I will vote for legislation, under the commerce clause, which prevents health in-

surance providers from discriminatory coverage practices based upon age or pre-existing

conditions.

Taxes: I will work to repeal the hated national income tax, along with all other federal

taxes which are based upon the notion that the federal government owns our labor and

wealth thereby making us its servants and vote to replace them with only a corporate

profit tax capped at 10% unless in time of declared war or national emergency. With one

of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world, and with no personal income taxes, compa-

nies would flock back to our nation bringing investment, jobs, wealth creation and pros-

perity with them.

District 5 (Okla.City and surrounds. 3 choices) District 5 - Tom Guild – (D)

http://www.guildforcongress.com/

Jobs: We need to create an economic climate that encourages

companies to keep their operations in this country. This both protects

and creates good paying American jobs, strengthens Americans’

personal finances and enhances our national economy. In the short term, we need to

stimulate employment by both small and large business; for instance, recovery can be

helped along by projects that repair our infrastructure. In the long term, laws like the

“America Competes Act,” help us to continue to be a competitive part of the worldwide

economy.

Energy: “Since its early years, Oklahoma has been an energy exporting state. Today we

have significant reserves of natural gas, and continue to produce and export oil as

well. We are also blessed with opportunities to create energy. Both wind and the sun are

significant sources of alternative energy. As a member of Congress, I will support legisla-

tion that keeps Oklahoma doing what it does best – export energy.”

Healthcare{ “Providing health care to American families is a moral issue. Democrats

have just extended health coverage by passing health care reform that extends protection

to 32 million additional Americans. It makes denial of coverage on the basis of preexist-

ing conditions a thing of the past, prohibits sex discrimination that charges women more

for their health care premiums and forbids insurers from placing lifetime dollar limits on

policies,” said Guild.

Environment: “We face difficult challenges in dealing with the environment and climate

change. In Congress I look forward to supporting reasonable and effective regulations

that protect the environment. At the same time, we must work tirelessly to ensure that we

have clean air and clean water. As we protect our environment, we must be sure that we

implement prudent policies that foster good paying jobs and help maintain a vibrant and

healthy U.S. economy.“

District 5 - James Lankford (R)

http://lankford.house.gov/

Budget: Lankford supports the FY12 budget proposal, “Path to

Prosperity” released by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), which plans to reduce

spending by returning government agency budgets to pre-2008 levels,

reforming agricultural subsidies, shrinking the federal workforce, and

targeting inefficiencies at the Pentagon. It overhauls the tax code by consolidating tax

brackets, lowering tax rates, and clearing deductions and loopholes that allow some corpo-

rations to pay no income tax. This proposal contends to cut $6.2 trillion over the next ten

years relative to current amounts.

Jobs/Economy: Lankford supports the House Republican Plan for America’s Job Crea-

tors. This includes: Empowering small business owners and reducing regulations; fix the

Tax Code to help job creators; Increase competitiveness for American manufacturers;

encourage entrepreneurship and growth; maximize domestic energy production to create a

21st century energy policy; and pay down America’s unsustainable debt burden.

Energy: “America has enough energy to meet the needs of our country, but our current

energy and environmental policy discourages domestic drilling and encourages the impor-

tation of energy from other countries. In the near future alternative sources can provide no

more than 7% of our energy needs. We must allow more drilling, refining, and distribu-

tion of American oil and natural gas.”

Healthcare: Lankford supports the repeal of President Obama’s health care plan. As a

cosponsor of H. Res. 9, he seeks to replace the national health care law with a more

‘patient-oriented’ approach that he believes will lower costs and still seeks to provide ac-

cess to care.

Environment: Lankford stated, “States can cooperate to ensure that all of us can main-

tain clean air and water, but the EPA must stay within its statutory authority and allow

states to do what is best for their citizens and their neighbors.”

District 5 - Robert T. Murphy (I)

http://murphy444.org/

Reproductive Rights: Oklahoma Law should recognize that all women

have an inalienable right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy

to term.

War on drugs: Oklahoma Law should recognize that adults have an

inalienable right to decide for themselves what they will use as

medicine, and the role of the State in this matter should be isolated to setting standards of

quality and purity and prosecuting fraud. For this reason, Robert Murphy is calling for the

immediate pardon and release of any and all prisoners doing time for the cultivation, sale,

or possession of any drug. ///// That’s all, folks! /////

oklahoma peace strategy news september-october 2012

Documents

peace house

peace festival

okc page

robinson oklahoma city

oklahoma state capitol

interfaith iftar dinner

date page

alerts announcements