S.O.S. in Oklahoma

'Stop Over Spending' is a tremendous idea, and Oklahomans are petitioning to get this initiative on the ballot.

The Stop Over Spending (SOS) initiative places a cap on how much politicians can increase government spending. From year to year, the increases cannot be greater than inflation plus population growth. No cuts in spending are mandated, but the increases are capped. That is, unless the people of Oklahoma vote to let their state government spend more money, which they can do. The SOS Amendment thus puts government on a citizen-controlled diet.

State Senator Randy Brogdon of Owasso calls the measure "a true friend of taxpayers, a fuel for the economy and the enemy of the bureaucrats and big spenders." He points out that state government spending is growing four times faster this year than the income of the average Oklahoma household.

Wow. Keeping spending apace with growth and inflation. Draconian.

An article by Townhall contributor Paul Jacob explains how this effort which is actually quite popular with citizens is being undemocratically targeted by its opponents in the Oklahoma Education Association:

The message from Brenda Snider, the union's "membership accounts consultant," reads:

While you are shopping, going to the post office or sitting at a football game please be on the lookout for the petitioners. If you see a petitioner while shopping this weekend contact the malls at the numbers listed below and tell them that you are being bothered by their petitioning. Print a copy of the message and take it with you this weekend.

This is what happens when zealots confront the reality that their agenda is wildly unpopular. Having no hope of success in a representative government, they must try to subvert the system itself.

I raise my coffee cup to the good people of Oklahoma, and wish them success in reclaiming ownership of their government and their wallets.
Wish my state had the same spirit.

posted by Laura. at 01:22 PM

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