Posted on 05/15/2003 7:15:55 AM PDT by PhiKapMom
Red River Rebelry
2003-05-15
The Oklahoman
NOT FOR the first time were some out-of-state renegades holed up in Oklahoma. Not for the last time will politicians be found in a distant motel with bedfellows other than their spouses. When more than 50 Democrats from the Texas House of Representatives went missing on Monday, no Amber Alert was needed to find them. Most of them turned up at an Ardmore Holiday Inn. State troopers and Texas Rangers had mounted a massive manhunt. When last seen in Austin, the rebels were miffed at the Republican leadership.
Oklahoma House Democrats, who've never endured the ignominy of minority status, got a lesson in coping with their possible future role: Head for the border! (Checkout time is 11 a.m.) Oklahoma House Republicans learned what it's like to be in the majority and face a restless minority. If they ever ascend to the majority, at least they'll know where to look for the loyal opposition.
The Texans decided to quit the arena rather than continue sparring with the new Republican majority. Without the dissidents, a quorum couldn't be had. Gov. Rick Perry called it a "prank." The Dems simply saddled their quarter horses and rode north.
Where better to ride than Oklahoma, with its rich tradition of hospitality toward the unwanted, especially outlaws? From fiction, Tom Chaney and Lucky Ned Pepper in "True Grit." From reality, Belle Starr, the Brothers James and Dalton and the Younger Gang, "all of whom considered the territory a good hideout," according to an Oklahoma history textbook.
Heck, we once had a pro football squad named the "Oklahoma Outlaws." Not for nothing did we name a state park "Robbers Cave." And don't forget the scene in "Bonnie and Clyde" where the Missouri cops refuse to follow Mr. Barrow and Ms. Parker into our environs. Don't want to die in Oklahoma, they said.
Texas Rangers are perhaps more daring, willing as they were to ford the Red River in search of AWOL lawmakers. No outlaws these guys, the legislators were obviously just on a secret holiday in the shadow of the Arbuckles.
For years we've admired the progressive policies of Texas that helped that state grow while ours stood still. And here these solid citizens were huddled in the bosom of southern Oklahoma, contributing to our economy! Had we known they were coming we'd a baked a cake. Words on the icing: "Welcome. Bring Your Whole Families Next Time."
Now this is a real editorial page! I have been chuckling ever since I opened my The Oklahoman this morning and turned to the editorial page!
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