I’m glad that her two children can and do provide for her, but a raise in her monthly Social Security stipend would not have changed her situation.

STEM tide

One has to wonder what alternative universe Gov. Mary Fallin lives in these days when she makes a speech like she did at the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) conference in Oklahoma City several weeks ago.

In her speech, she emphasized that we, as a state, must do a better job of stressing science and math education in our public schools, especially to young girls.

Of course, this is very true, and her words — on the surface — need to be commended.

However, considering the record cuts in public education she has presided over in her five years at the governor’s office (almost 30 percent, the highest in the country), as well as the real danger she has put our state in with massive deficits (due in large part to yearly tax cuts for the wealthy), she must realize her words are not only hollow but downright mystifying to anyone who takes the time to think clearly about the issue of promoting and funding public education for the public good.

— Jay Hanas Edmond

Football rebellion

I wonder what would happen in Alabama if the football team would strike until the state reopened the drivers license agencies in areas where black voters might be likely to register, especially since that is a requirement to vote in that state? Missouri University could just be the beginning to set things up to be fair again.

— Elda Davis Bethany

Social insecurity

I’m sorry that during the lifetime of Judy Eichstedt (Commentary, Letters, “Open letter,” Nov. 4, Oklahoma Gazette), she didn’t get herself in some kind of financial shape so that she didn’t have to depend on her two children for housing.

I’m glad that her two children can and do provide for her, but a raise in her monthly Social Security stipend would not have changed her situation.

A couple of years ago, the raise was something less than $20 a year. After President Lyndon B. Johnson stole all the money from the fund and left us with IOUs and Obama has saddled us with debt greater than all other presidents combined, I’m just happy as a clam that the checks keep coming.

— Thomas L. Furlong Oklahoma City

Regressive progressives?

If liberals wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter movement, then why do they then support Planned Parenthood? Planned Parenthood was formed primarily to reduce the number of black births by women, with disregard for blacks.

I believe that Planned Parenthood performs a disproportionate number of abortions on blacks. This is contradictory to Black Lives Matter.

Just what is the logic behind the liberals’ (“progressives,” aka “regressives”) support of Planned Parenthood?

— Mickey McVay Edmond

Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to [email protected] or sent online at okgazette.com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

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