OCPAC – Legislators Cripple Business
John Michener
1. Is Your Legislator Conservative? Part 3
2. Program July 20: Candidate Interviews
3. Help the Teegarden Campaign for Senate
4. Reclaiming America Conference
1. Is Your Legislator Conservative? Part 3: Regulation. The best way to tell whether a legislator’s policy corresponds to his espoused principles is to look at the Oklahoma Conservative Index. This is a comprehensive scorecard which rates our legislators’ implementation of the principles of good government. It is created by The Oklahoma Constitution newspaper in conjunction with OCPAC. You can reference the latest scores for your senators here and your representatives here. Part three of our series looking at Conservative Index issues will examine improper business regulations.
You were not born with a Social Security number tattooed on your left foot. You did not exit the birth canal with a Federal Tax ID barcode on your right foot. The state may act like it owns you, but you were born free. As owner of your body, you have the unalienable right to work, to create goods, and to hire yourself out as labor. If you want to dig a ditch for someone, go right ahead. Work. Provide for yourself and make a living.
The state, on the other hand, has a
different view of things. Too many of
our legislators view people as natural resources, property of the state to be directed
and controlled by the state. They
believe you may not dig a ditch for anyone without permission. You must be authorized to perform that work
by obtaining a state license. Many
collectivist states issue “work permits,” which more aptly describes what a
license really is: permission to work.
Year after year the Legislature adds new licensing requirements. This year they decided that massage therapists must be licensed. This will be a tremendous burden to thousands of professionals across the state. Many who practice massage only part time for extra income will have to give it up altogether or practice illegally. On the other hand, when wives complain of tight shoulders and tired feet, husbands can now get out of massage duty with the simple retort, “I’m not licensed!”
The most ridiculous example of state licensing to date was the one used on this year’s Conservative Index. We thought it must surely have been a joke, but it was not. The legislature passed a measure requiring a license for music therapists! God forbid anyone sooth our anxiety about our liberal Legislature by playing music. It might be illegal.
The Music Therapy Practice Act, by Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing) and Sen. Stephanie Bice (R-OKC), passed the House 54-42, passed the Senate 38-7, and was signed into law by Gov. Fallin. A vote against the bill demonstrates conservative principle and policy.
2. Program July 20: Candidate Interview. This Wednesday at noon at Mama Roja we will interview Bruce Lee Smith and Elle Collins, candidates for House District 87 (Warr Acres and OKC).
3. Help the Teegarden Campaign for Senate. OCPAC has endorsed Amanda Teegarden in Senate District 39 (Tulsa). She is currently in a Republican primary runoff race. If you live in the OKC metro area and would like to help Amanda…
YOU’RE INVITED
Meet-and-Greet Amanda Teegarden
Hosted by Terry Pierce, former Rep. Charles Key, and Kaye Beach
July 26, 2016 – 6:30 PM
4 Oakwood Drive, Forest Park, OK 73121
RSVP to in...@amandateegarden.com
4. Reclaiming America for Christ. Mark your calendars for this Christian worldview conference on July 22-23 at Edmond’s First Baptist Church. The conference will begin Friday at 6:30 PM and conclude Saturday at 1:00 PM. It will cover topics such as the Christian’s role in politics, Christian apologetics, and evidences of creation. Go to www.reclaimamericaforchrist.org or click on this flyer for conference details and speakers.
Additional Notes
· Join our Facebook group.
· Become an OCPAC member with this form.
· We currently meet on Wednesdays at noon at Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen.
· The views expressed in this email are the personal opinion of John Michener and do not necessarily reflect the views of OCPAC, its leadership team, or its members.