On the Horizon: How big is too big?

The role of government is a hotly debated issue these days. On Wednesday night, I heard candidate after candidate in the Republican presidential debates talk about getting big government out of our lives.

I wonder though while many Americans may agree on the surface, would they still feel the same if government services stopped or were even reduced. Are fewer teachers the answer? No Social Security? A smaller military?

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Senator Tom Coburn, Oklahoma’s version of “Mr. Chips Goes to Washington.” An idealist for sure, and as far as I can tell, unwavering in his own disdain for the largess of the federal government. First elected to the House in the 90’s, he has preached a pretty simple message. Pay as you go and don’t borrow from future generations to fund today’s programs.

As I see it, our budget problems are pretty simple to identify, if hard to fix. For decades the expansion of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid was financed by shrinking defense spending. After 9/11 and two wars, defense spending has exploded, while entitlement programs’ costs also continue to rise with our aging population and uncontrolled health care costs. Add in the Bush tax cut earlier this decade and an unfunded drug entitlement for seniors, and our budget deficit has exploded.

That’s my diagnosis, and here is Dr. Coburn’s cure, and true to his medical background, he promises that ‘this may hurt a little.’

Take a look at our conversation. I am curious what you think.
Rob McClendon

 

On the Horizon: How big is too big? from Alisa Hines on Vimeo.

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Helping Young People Understand the Myths, Risks and Realities of Relationships

As director of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative, I sometimes fancy myself a caped crusader saving families one marriage at a time. In reality, I’m no superhero with all the answers. In fact, when I look back at my approach to relationships during the first 2/3 of my life, I laugh about how me ending up as a relationship “expert” is a bit like the kid who continually got C’s in high school math class ending up a college Algebra professor. While a C isn’t bad, the grade clearly leaves room for improvement. Somehow I managed to figure it all out, however, and I am thankful for the luxury of making a living by talking about marriage and relationships all day. I manage the numerous moving parts of a highly complex statewide initiative providing services and supports to couples and individuals, in various life stages and circumstances, in an effort to positively impact outcomes for children. I am proud to know many, many heroes out in the field who dedicate their time to imparting research-based and practical information to those who are struggling to make their relationships work and who often have little hope for the future.

In my opinion, one of the most interesting aspects of the array of services we offer is our work with young people, both high school and college students, who are formulating their ideas about relationships. I love this work for two reasons: 1) I can vividly remember my own struggles with relationships and wish I’d had the tools to better evaluate my choices and emotions, and 2) I believe in the efficacy of intervening early and hopefully helping young people avoid some potentially devastating mistakes.

The benefits of educating young people are balanced by an equal number of challenges. At age 34 (I know, I know, I don’t look a day older than 33), I can remember what I went through at age 16, 18, and 20, but I certainly don’t have the same mindset as I did at those points in my life. Educators must keep in mind research which says the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and problem-solving, doesn’t fully develop until well into the 20’s. Our experiences, and the fact that we can look back on what we learned from those experiences, influences our judgments about what young people should and shouldn’t do. However, young people don’t yet have that perspective to aid them in making decisions. This makes connecting with them on issues such as relationships, drinking, drug use, etc., a daunting task.   Continue reading Helping Young People Understand the Myths, Risks and Realities of Relationships

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The 2011 Imaginary Family Project – Week 36

#36 of 52 : WAYNE
The Imaginary Family Project - Week 36

External Photo Clues:
None

Imagine:
The phone rang. Rang again. I looked at Billy, waiting for him to make a move. Nothing. I reached across the length of both our desks, “Mid West City PD.”

“PREVERT! Get this prevert outta here!” a woman screamed furiously on the other end. Continue reading The 2011 Imaginary Family Project – Week 36

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People to People in China: “Ornate”

His straw hat, translucent aging skin, suspenders and slow, jerky pace told the story of a full life already lived.  His eyes blinked frequently as if he were deep in thought, or perhaps his nervous system was firing in unique ways.  His cane was curvy, asymmetrical, and the yellow-tinged wood was accented with walnut-colored blotches.  He later told me that he had been walking along a river one day, noticed the “stick,” picked it up and after returning home had tinkered with stain and varnish until it looked right.

As he approached the large glass turnabout entrance to the hotel, his slow pace came to a halt.  Jim, a psychiatrist, priest and therapist from New York City, who lived only one block from Central Park, took in the grand glass and gilded entrance.

“Dan!” his rough, aged voice beckoned his slightly younger brother who was trailing behind, “Would you look at this lobby!?”

Later that evening at dinner in the restaurant, I sat by Jim and Dan. I smiled as Jim said, “Dan!” leaning back in his chair, his eyes taking in the architectural grandeur of the restaurant ceiling, “Would you look at that ceiling?”

Dan looked.  I looked.  We both responded with impressed comments.  And…the comments or thoughts haven’t yet halted.

The lobby is exquisite. The door handles are like stacks of frosted glass balls.  The hotel is accented with lighted, frosted columns, gilded art, winding staircases, fresh flowers, grand meeting rooms…but “Ornate” certainly isn’t limited to our hotel. Continue reading People to People in China: “Ornate”

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On the Horizon: CSI Science Class

When I was in high school, science class was always fun. We would spend our time looking through microscopes and growing mold on bread. And let’s not forget the cool frog and cow heart dissections. Those were definitely fun memories. However, the things I learned in my science classes do not hold a candle to the students we introduce you to in this week’s video blog.

The students in the Biotech program at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center are learning in-depth science techniques that will catapult them into the field of bioscience. From DNA testing to growing cultures, these up and coming scientists are on their way to becoming the best in the industry.

~Andy Barth

 

On the Horizon: CSI Science Class from Alisa Hines on Vimeo.

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Showcasing Red Dirt culture ~ authored and managed by contributors with connections to the great state of Oklahoma.