2-THE PERKINS |OURNAIL t Thursdayr May I t 2003
0 i i anyone toshareitforthatmatter, to each his own. HoweverIam Vo firmation.
voting with my pocketbook in hand, I am exercising censorship in ter con
pnon my household by not listening to Tim Robbins on my TV or radio.
What public figures need to be reminded ofi and ofien l might add, is notices going out m mai
,#, , , ,, that many Americans such as myself do not want to hear their whining
We welcome letters to the editor. All letters must be signed with
a telephone number for verification of the writer (your telephone
number won't be published). Please keep them as brief as possible.
Letters may be edited for spelling, grammar, or length. The editor
reserves the right to reject any letter that is considered libelous
Or in bad taste. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of
the publishers.
Celebrities should accept results of actions
Actor/Activist Tim Robbins is complaining how unfairly he has
been treated recently, his appearance was cancelled at the Baseball
Hall of Fame. He feels this is due to the fact that he does not support
a war in Iraq.
Celebrities put themselves on the spot when they exercise their
right to freedom of speech, because they appear to believe that what-
ever they say is gospel to the ears of all Americans.
What is wrong with a negative reaction to a statement that celeb-
rities might make, especially when they take an unpopular stand
against the war in Iraq?
Absolutely nothing.
First let's take a look at a few factors that make Mr, Robbins a
complete and utter fool. Our nation has many newspapers, thousands
that print just what they want to print. If a particular paper wants to
print an article about Jane Doe's dog biting a policeman, they have
that right as long as they do not slander the persons involved.
Anyone who lives in this nation is at liberty to complain to anyone
who will listen about what they feel is wrong with it. That wasn't
happening in lraq with Saddam Hussein, in fact they had one televi-
sion station run by Saddam's son, one newspaper run by his other
son and this may come as a shocking surprise but Saddam decided
what could be aired on TV and printed in the paper. Is there anyone
telling The Perkins Journal what to print and not?
He (Robbins) should be happy that the free press has given so
much free circulation to his remarks, and free of charge I might add.
That does not appear to be censorship to me. I choose not to buy
Dixie Chicks' CD's because its my fundamental right not to support
anyone who I feel is trying manipulate thousands of people to think
the way they do.
The First Amendment provides that Congress shall make NO LAW
abridging the right to freedom of speech; that simply means that you
can speak in private or in public without fear of recrimination.
Why is it that public figures feel that they are above the people
who help support them? Should they not be held accountable for
their rash remarks made in public?
The fact is Robbins and the Chicks are entertainers, and public
opinion is the difference between Rodeo Drive restaurants and
McDonalds. I believe with the other 76% of Americans that we did
do the right thing in Iraq,
I am not infringing on anyone's freedom of speech:, nor am I &t,g
THE
PERKINS JOURNAL
(USPS #42.8040)
The Perkins Journal is published every Thursday at 135 S. Main
and entered as periodical postage paid at Perkins, OK 74059-0040
by Pomegranate, Inc, P.O. Box 40, Perkins, OK 74059-0040.
Printed by the Stillwater NewsPress.
Phone 4051547.2411
Fax 4051547-5640
e-mail: theperkinsjournal@ theperkinsjournal.com
website: www.theperkinsjournal.com
Cindy and Keith Sheets.Publishers
Rick Lomenick-Assistant Editor
Sherry Clemens - Production Manager
The publishers are solely responsible for content and any errors will be
promptly corrected when brought to the attention of the publishers.
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P.O. Box 40
Perkins, OK 74059.0040
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and moaning about how their rights have been stepped on, clearly
they have not. We've heard what happened to Iraqis that spoke out
against Saddam Hussein; Robbins and others who want to badmouth
this nation should be grateful they live where they can say something
stupid and still go home to their loved ones at night.
As Forrest Gump's mother once said, "Stupid is as stupid does."
Thanks,
Shawn Crain
Appreciating the Arts
With April designated as Arts Awareness Month in Oklahoma, it
seems an appropriate time to reflect upon the wonderful contribu-
tions that Oklahomans have made to American culture. Our state's
arts communities boast an incredible vibrancy, but they need your
support and appreciation.
Thankfully, Oklahoma's powerful legacy in the arts shows no
sign of waning. That was made apparent last week, when I had the
opportunity to visit this year's Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts,
one of the finest events of its kind in the nation.
Although it is impossible to pay tribute to all past and present
Oklahoma artists who have so enriched our culture, I would like to
highlight a few of the greats who have called our state home.
The list of outstanding painters and sculptors from our state includes
Wilson Hurley, Allan Houser, Doc Tate Nevaquaya, Jerome Tiger,
Charles Banks Wilson, Mike Larsen, Enoch Kelly Haney, Jean Rich-
ardson and Paul Moore.
Oklahomans Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Choteau,
Rosella Hightower and Moscelyne Larkin are among the finest Ameri-
can ballerinas of all time.
We are a musically diverse people, as evidenced by such luminaries
as Woody Guthrie, Garth Brooks, Charlie Christian, Jimmy Webb,
Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Hoyt Axton, Patti Page, Leona Mitchell,
Vince Gill and Leon Russell.
In literature, Oklahoma is represented by such greats as Ralph Elli-
son, Angle Debo, Tony Hillerman, S.E. Hinton, Billie Letts, William
Bernhardt and Rilla Askew.
Among our state's treasures is poet and novelist N. Scott Momoday,
who honored Oklahomans at my inauguration with a special poem
entitled "Oklahoma 2003." His words depicted a bright future for
our beloved state:
Now we come in our turn
To stand on this ground between our forebears and our children
To build understanding on what has been
To build greatness on what will be.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office
of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the
"Contact the Governor" section of my website at www.governor.st
ate.ok.us.
It seems that we have a mystery to unravel.
Last week we printed a photo of the old bank building, which
had an elephant standing next to it.
I'm not naming names, but there's a disagreement on whether
the elephant in the photo was genuine or not.
What I'd like to know is if you might remember the elephant in
question and can clear the matter up? Please let us know.
CS
Went to t-ball practice last night and I see that things are still the
same - it is an amusing game.
It is so funny to watch those little kids out there playing the field.
Some were busily blowing dandelion seeds off the stem, one was
lying down on his tummy, one was sitting on a base, one did a
cartwheel.
Makes you realize what is really important.
CS
A pat on the back to the Perkins Masonic Lodge for kicking off
an effort to get those fields lit. They are gathering donations for
new lighting. What a great idea guys!
CS
Recently noticed flyers up around town advertising Horsethief
Canyon.
I'm so glad to see it reopen. You seldom see a news report about
Perkins that doesn't mention the place. It's great that this site is
available to the public again.
CS
Don't forget to get your pre-publication order in tbr David Sasser's
new history book, "Perkins - Many People - One Community."
If it is like the two earlier books, it will be a great volume which
will become a family heirloom.
David does a great job of compiling and documenting the history
of this area. Don't miss out!
'IOHES ff0ADS
Some registered voters in
Payne County will be receiving
postcards from the Oklahoma
State Election Board request-
ing them to confirm their voter
registration information.
"Federal and state law require
us to confirm voter's addresses
periodically," Payne County
Election Board Secretary Glenna
Craig said today.
Voters who fall into one of four
categories will receive a notice.
The categories are:
• Voters who did not vote during
the last 24 months,
• A voter who has the same last
name, first initial and birth date
as another voter in the state.
• A first-class mailing was sent
to a voter since January 1, 2001,
and was returned by the post
office as undeliverable.
° Voters who surrendered
Oklahoma drivers license to
another state.
Craig said it is very
that these notices are not diste
garded if the voter wishes toc
tinue to be registered to vote.
The voter should
the card and return mail it
the postage paid address
on the back of the card. If
voter does not want to
registered, the card should I
discarded. The voter's re
tion will be canceled
the 2004 General Election.
For any questions, or
tional information, about
notices please call the
County Election Board at
747-8350.
1
A weekly column by Rick I,omenick
Journal Assistant Editor
It has been said here many times of the kind of students we
in our school system. Another great example was Friday wheat
fourth and fifth grade Music Makers made their second appearanCe
as many years at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. The,
a lasting impression on many of those who heard them.
To be considered a part of the Festival of the Arts
schedule, an act must audition either live or by
quite an honor since last year was the first time the choral group
performed there. But a second time is a testimonial to the
instruction they receive.
Although I may seem a bit biased, our kids performed
before hundreds of people near the famed International Food
In fact, when asked by a complete stranger in the
of the kids, he was surprised when I told him.
Another impressive thing was how well-behaved the kids
especially when the act before them was performing. They sat
ing attentively and cheered when the junior high group from
finished a number. Many even congratulated the Moore kids pria |
taking the Caf Stage themselves, al dessk
Even during the morning session of ice skating, the kids did gOt[ St'Ap
even though many experiences for bumps and bruises on the ice. ! D"
a Friday.. t
It was a great way to spend
* * * * * q ill e r,,
Another good way to spend last weekend was to attend tla¢[
Wood Bat Classic held at the baseball field. This year, the wealP'[
cooperated and it was a great toumament.
In talking to head coach Bobby Buck about the event, he too
pleased with the overall outcome. Of course.
if his Demons won the tournament.
He was quick to thank those who helped make this a success. [ d
assisting with sponsorship were Whistle Stops,
Realty, Prairie's Edge Restaurant, TCIM Services in Stillwatel
Electric in Stillwater, Dr. Darrell Sadler, and P-T boys'
coach Jason Reece.
And, of course, thanks to the many fans for attending.
Education
Results
by Sandy G armtt
State Supe rin nde nt
Saluting mothers and teachers - many are both!
Whom do you admire?
If you thought of your mother or a favorite teacher, you are not J
Parents and teachers are consistently among the top role models#
in surveys of adults and children. .
May brings in special days to recognize or remember the
made by mothers and teachers (both male and female) who to
lives of Oklahomans of all ages everyday, yot N, ,
Everyone knows that Mother's Day is May 11, but
know that Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 4-10,
Teacher Day on May 6. !1
Just as a mother serves as a crucial guide through a child
years, teachers impact children's lives every school day and s]
parents as children's first teachers. -
As a mother and former first grade teacher, I unders
importance of these roles. One of the most powerful ways
learn is through imitation"
imitate parents and othel
givers, teachers and schOO
Webster? p!ctionary d,
teacher' as 'one whoSe v -
pation is to instruct.' The dlv u,
"d'. teacher has always been
00ways00ev00ue00mo0000'00
I would like to thank all
if'U- because I know they spe; ,I
E1"C14 ON less hours inside and oU ".tsi
classroom m01ding and ilv
Oklahoma s future one '
mind at a time. mY
And even though
•. ag0,,
passea many years ,
influence on my life ¢o
-just like the impresslO
made today by motherS i
the state.
Have you hugged
models lately? If
your mother and past
teachers know how
positively
can just say,
