Letter to the Editor: We're not OK
BY Hazel Williams, Pryor
Friday, December 07, 2012
12/07/12 at 2:10 AM
In past years, hearing the phrase, "Oklahoma, OK" tended to warm my heart. Shades of the movie and stage play "Oklahoma!" Of late, when I hear the phrase, I feel somewhat angry. We should be OK. We do have excellent natural resources. We are not OK.
Our governor is vehemently against Obamacare. Does she not know that our infant mortality rate is the 11th highest in the nation? Would that not relate to inadequate health care? Our governor is proud of our low unemployment rate. Does she not realize that 185,000 people employed in Oklahoma are eligible for food stamps due to their low wages? There are 600,000 thousand in Oklahoma who are eligible for food stamps. I believe that includes children. While our unemployment rate is low, does she realize that nationwide we are ranked 41st as to median income?
While I was checking statistics, I also checked to see our rating as to educational level. We are ranked 42nd as to the number of people 25 and older who have a bachelor's degree.
Also, due to my concern for mothers and children, I called the governor's office recently. Obviously, I did not speak with the governor; however, an individual in the governor's office did use the term "no work, no eat" in discussing benefits for mothers and children.
Come on, folks. Isn't it time we demanded improvements? Perhaps a march on the state Capitol might be a good way to start.
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