(OKLAHOMA CITY) Poor Oklahoma state Senator Steve Russell. He persists in trying to pass legislation (SB1965) that would require Oklahoma law enforcement authorities to refuse co-operation with Federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation of violent crimes under the recently passed Matthew Shepard/ James Byrd Hate Crimes law.
Sen Russell claims that following the letter and spirit of this law will interfere with religious freedom of speech that preaches against gay civil rights. Russell thinks he can exercise his First Amendment right of religion and ignore our GLBT right to the Fourteenth Amendment regarding equal access and protection of the laws. ( http://tinyurl.com/agj7x )
Even though he lives in the state made famous by humorist Will Rogers who never met a man he didn't like, Sen Russell never met a gay man or woman he could like.
Someone in the Oklahoma Legislature should substitute language ASAP into SB1965 that would require Sen. Steven Russell, R-Oklahoma City, to enroll in the same civics classes required of immigrants who wish to become United States citizens.
This would enable Sen. Russell to review his seemingly deficient English reading comprehension and retention skills that have apparently deteriorated due to lack of use.
Also included in his reparative therapy would be a review of the US Constitution and the accompanying Bill of Rights--documents that seem to have slipped beyond the memory function of Sen. Russell's cognition.
You can read the operative language that has apparently deranged Sen. Russell's mind at this link: http://tinyurl.com/ye97qff
Please join me in contacting your state senators and representatives to encourage them to pass with a unanimous vote this substitute language in SB 1965, which would be in the humanitarian interest of all Oklahomans, including Sen. Russell and any family members he might have.
I'm sure readers will wish Sen. Russell success as he begins his recovery program to reenter society as a fully integrated citizen, without malice in his heart and with justice in his eyes.
Further details about Sen Russell's pathetic plight can be found in this Tulsa World story by following this link: http://tinyurl.com/yfc9fel
