Oklahoma did not vote for change. Indeed, no other state gave a wider endorsement for more of the same than Oklahoma. Our entire D.C. delegation is Republican, including the fake Democrat, Dan Boren. In light of this, and President-Elect Obama's recent announcement of the largest public works project since the creation of the interstate system, will the desires of Oklahoman voters be respected?
In this last election, Oklahomans gave a full-throated endorsement of the conservative agenda--lower taxes, smaller Government and the avoidance of foreign entanglements (well, one out of three is acceptable, if you are a Republican). Should the wishes of Oklahomans come into play when the new President sends money to the states for infrastructure? There's more...
Further, will the Oklahoma delegation raise up to protest and refuse to accept deficit spending of taxpayer dollars? Will we see Senator Inhofe striding down some lonely road, protecting Oklahomans from fuzzy headed liberals? Will his Senatorial mini-me, "Dr. No" Coburn insist on placing a hold on the bridges to everywhere?
Oklahoma did not get caught up in the sub-prime frenzy and, due to being an energy- producing state, our economy is not doing bad. We have nearly $600 million extra in our "rainy day fund." We also have plenty of roads that suck hard. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation does not have a map of load zoned roads (read: suck) online (imagine that!) I have seen a hard copy and it looks like a mildly bloodshot eyeball--red meaning sucks.
Oklahoma already receives more federal funds than it contributes and coupled with a budget surplus and the rejection of progressive ideals at the polls, I see little reason to give what is not wanted or needed.
So the question is this: Should a President Obama respect the wishes of Oklahoman voters, and do elections have consequences? I do not see not including Oklahoma in President-elect Obama's stimulus package as punishment, but as a sign of respecting the voters wishes. Perhaps our Democratic Governor, the wildly popular Brad Henry, feels differently about this, but the Oklahoma delegation need empty pockets and a bellyful of apologies.